Jazmee27 
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===
3
1, Order
The 8-year-old hugged his knees and stared at the far corner of his cold cell. Despite his attempts to think of something else, his thoughts kept returning to the building in which he was held captive. ‘It’s the palace where father grew up; the same one he and his family fled from when the army invaded eight years ago.’ He closed his eyes, the mind-numbing cold of his surroundings slowly leaching any life he’d regained in the upper halls away from him.”Juli shouldn’t have bothered,” he mumbled as his hands fell limply to either side and his heartbeat slowed dangerously.
And then, he felt strong arms lifting him from the cold stone, depositing him sometime later on an equally hard, but much warmer, surface. Groggily, Alonso opened one eye—and found himself in another windowless room, this one lined with an assortment of weapons and tools. ‘No,’ he thought, unreasoning panic assaulting his senses.
Presently, the boy felt a presence at his back, and struggled to face it. “I’m to keep you company until father has a free moment,” a mocking voice said.
Suddenly, from the other side of the door came the sound of hurried footfalls, and the older boy cursed vehemently. Then before the prisoner knew what was happening, his throat was being squeezed ruthlessly by two ironlike hands.
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Reply #1841. Oct 16 11, 11:40 AM
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Jazmee27
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===
2, Lecture
The 8-year-old struggled vainly against the fingers locked around his gullet. ‘Too… strong,’ his mind screamed as the Universe began to fade. ‘Must—‘ Abruptly, his struggle ceased, though a small part of his mind still resisted the pull of death.
Then, of a sudden, he was taking in great gulps of air, and tears of gratitude were flowing down his cheeks. For a few moments, he lay where he was, panting and wondering dazedly what had just happened. Then, with an effort, he was sitting up in order to see his surroundings. And the sight that met his eyes nearly took his breath away again.
Julian lay sprawled on the tile, bleeding profusely from a deep wound in his thigh. His sister stood above him, her expression murderous. “Fool,” she snarled, “do you know anything?
“That uncle will kill you for this,” the older boy muttered thickly.
“Is that right,” she asked sweetly, one hand resting lightly on her brother’s throat suggestively, her amber eyes holding those of her sibling. “I don’t think you’ll be telling him anything. Know why?” She leaned forward, putting all her weight behind the downward thrust. Her brother coughed, his eyes wide with fear. “I don’t really want to hurt you, Julian, not if I don’t have to. Just remember that.” And so saying, she released him and stepped back, her expression fierce. “If you tell uncle what *I did, then you have to admit why *you were here… which, I need not point out, was hardly because you’re such an obedient little boy! Keeping him *company isn’t the same as choking the living daylights out of him If anyone’s to do that, it will be uncle—and we both know he won’t be choosing *that cowardly route!”
“But he’s not—“ Julian began, crying out as his sister kicked him full in the jaw.
“First off, you speak for uncle now, and know his mind? Who are *you to decide what fate’s in store for the prisoner?” This time her foot connected with his cheek, and blood spurted every which way as shrieks of anguish were ripped from his throat and agonized sobs shook his wiry frame.
“Second,” she continued, ignoring his piteous howling, “you and I were having another mock battle.” Then she bent to peer full into her sibling’s eyes. “One word of the truth, and I promise you a few broken bones will be the least of your concerns.”
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Reply #1842. Oct 16 11, 11:41 AM
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Jazmee27
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===
3, Wrath
“Don’t you lie to me,” Chendori roared, his face livid with rage. He paused, then added, “If neither of you dunderheads will tell me truthfully what happebned here, I’ll ask our captive over there, who has no reason to dissemble—and, in fact, has everything to gain by being straightforward.”
“He better not,” Julian snarled, blood still trickling from his injured thigh.
“You prevent him from speaking,” his sister hissed, “and I’ll see *you silenced!”
“More threats, Juliana,” he sneered.
“You know anything about me, you know better,” she responded, staring full into his dark eyes. Then again, maybe you dojn’t have the whole story.”
“What’s that supposed to mean,” he demanded.
“I can’t tell you, for if I do you’re a dead man.”
Their uncle’s voice interrupted their hushed conversation. “So what’ll it be, people—will one of you explain, or should I look elsewhere for what I need to know?”
“We were having a training session, like we told you,” Juliana put in.
Chendori kept his expression unreadable so that only his voice betrayed his mounting fury. “And I’ve already established I don’t buy that story!”
The 13-year-old averted her gaze, but he strode in front of her and caught her chin in his hand and tilted it upward. “Care to try again?” She gulped, but defiantly shook her head. “Have it your way,” and he struck her senseless with the other hand.
Sweat broke out on Julian’s forehead as his uncle turned a murderous gaze upon him. “Now, will you tell me?” Mutely, he followed his sister’s example, and again Chendori struck with an alarming swiftness that stunned his nephew.
Turning to the remaining youngster, Chendori asked, “what transpired here, Orelio?”
The 8-year-old grimaced at the sound of his birth name voiced by this man, but his voice was even as he told the corrupt leader everything. “And that’s all I know,” he concluded, closing his eyes tiredly.
“Thank you,” Chendori replied softly.
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Reply #1843. Oct 16 11, 11:41 AM
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Jazmee27
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LMN's replaying "The Perfect Husband," which I missed as the night it was on I was watching "Aladdin"
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Reply #1844. Oct 16 11, 11:43 AM
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| lesley153
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I've just been reading about "The Perfect Husband" and the Petersons. What a sad, messy story. Aladdin was probably a lot more fun.
Reply #1845. Oct 16 11, 12:18 PM
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Jazmee27
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True, but I seem to be drawn toward these lifetime movies (or the Investigation channel)
Mom's taking a walk with Edward; she's coming over within the hour to help with the wash
Heads up about future stories: When I'm watching TV, sometimes the thought enters my head that "I'm taking notes"
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Reply #1846. Oct 16 11, 12:30 PM
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Jazmee27
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Dinner was chicken pot pie and corn
Laundry and cleaning done
Mom and I watched the Oprah Winfrey Network while waiting for the wash
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Reply #1847. Oct 16 11, 5:08 PM
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Jazmee27
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Reply #1848. Oct 16 11, 5:53 PM
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Jazmee27
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Village Streets, part 4:
===
1, Be Careful
Sevahriano sighed sadly, prompting Devlyn to look over at him. “Still can’t get through?”
“It’s as if the wires between here and Qirynse have been cut or something.”
“I suppose the only way anyone’s getting a message through is to take it there.”
“Looks that way… but I almost hesitate to leave—“
“Listen, Sev, if communications are blocked, that can only mean someone doesn’t want Ontario finding out until it’s too late, which means you’ve got to go now. I promise, while you’re gone, we’ll do everything we can.”
“Which isn’t much,” the exiled ruler grumbled.
“We’re watching Kora very closely—and we’re looking into Qatavoreya Univahris’ involvement.”
“What about Cehrvanakavreyda?”
“?It’s pretty much a given they’re behind the raid, if nothing else.”
“But where’s the connection? I don’t know anyone—“ Suddenly, the older man’s eyes widened and he reached out for something to steady him. “Chendorri,” he croaked.
“This is a complex situation, and getting more so as we investigate,” the younger man said softly, “but we’ll figure it out, and find Alonso.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Sevahriano muttered.
The 22-year-old grabbed his arm, his expression incredulous. “You mustn’t say such things,” he exclaimed.
“Forgive me, Devlyn, it’s just the stress of the moment. Now if you excuse me, I’m off to inform my son—“ His voice trailed away as he stared straight ahead, seemingly unable to move.
“If you’d like someone to go with—“ Devlyn began.
“No, that’s OK.” He started walking toward a hidden door, then stopped and turned back. “I’d say, until we know exactly who’s behind all of this, we keep it between us. If everything works out, we’ll see each other again in a few hours.”
“Be careful. If Qatavoreya is at all involved, you’ll be in more danger once you reach Qirynse.”
“I’ll be careful.”
“May The Protector guide your steps.”
“Same to you.”
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Reply #1849. Oct 16 11, 6:10 PM
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Jazmee27
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===
2, Argument
The 8-year-old stared at his father in disbelief. “And this all happened when,” he blurted accusingly.
“The raid was early yesterday morning,” Sevahriano admitted with a pained grimace.
“And you’re just getting around totelling me now?”
“I tried to send you a message—“
“When yo u couldn’t get through,” Ontario said scornfully, “something should have told you to come to me then—not wait an entire day! Who knows what tortures Ori’s undergoing…” He broke off, his eyes misting.
“I’m here now,” the boy’s father snapped.
“Why don’t you just turn and go,” the child yelled. “Just go back where you came from, ‘cause I can’t help you!”
“Now, hold on,” cut in a woman’s voice. Father and son whirled, coming face-to-face with the livid countanence of a middle-aged woman who stood with her hands on her hips. “Qodi,” she said, addressing the boy by his Qiryntian name, “this isn’t about you or your father—it’s about your twin, who desperately needs your help! Whatever fear or pride gets into you when in Sevahriano’s presense, lose it; just ask yourself, ‘if our situations were reversed and I was the one in trouble, what would Ori do?’ And before you say something dumb like he has a better relationship with your father than you do, I urge you to think again. And consider, as well, the reason the two of you live in separate kingdoms. Now, until you sort through your thoughts, why don’t you go to your room; your father and I will wait here until you are in a better frame of mind.”
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Reply #1850. Oct 16 11, 6:11 PM
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Jazmee27
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===
5
1, Offer
Chendori winced as his eyes once again took in the black marks his nephew had left on Alonso’s throat. “I really am sorry,” he murmured, then perked up as an idea occurred to him. “What would you say to a tour of the palace,” he asked, his dark eyes gleaming with excitement.
“Not interested,” the prisoner muttered.
“Oh, come on,” the ruler dcoaxed then, when the boy said nothing, tapped his palms together menacingly. “I wasn’t sure if I should share this with you or not,” he said in a controlled voice, “but I’m also in training.” He paused, gazing intently at the 8-year-old, whose face had paled slightly. “Good,” he muttered to himself, “he understands.”
Alonso regained his composure and spoke as calmly as he could given his nerves. “I gladly accept your offer.”
Chendori grinned, then smacked the prisoner lightly on the back. “That’s a good boy!”
Gritting his teeth against the pulsing agony that shot through his spine, for the monarch’s hand had caused the pain to flare up again, the 8-year-old followed his captor out the door.
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Reply #1851. Oct 16 11, 7:39 PM
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Jazmee27
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===
2
2, Bedchamber
“This one,” Chendorri said, opening an oak-paneled door, “used to belong, if memory serves, to your father.” At these words, Alonso’s face paled and his steps faltered. “You needn’t look so,” the older man said, placing a comforting arm around the child while trying not to smile. With a fear he couldn’t quite express, the 8-year-old pulled back, every muscle quivering in terror. “What,” the monarch demanded.
‘Not that I’d tell you,’ the boy thought acidly, ‘but I’ve heard too many stories about this room to ever set toe near it.’
“You know,” Chendori said conversationally, “that to refuse is to insult my hospitality. Do that, and two things will occur rather quickly: First, it’s back to the deepest dungeon for you; and second, punishment will be swift and severe.”
Alonso gulped, then stared his torturer in the eye and muttered faintly, “In that case, I’d be honored.. “I don’t know what got into me earlier.”
“I’ll let it slide just this once, but do be more careful from now on.”
“Don’t worry,” the 8-year-old said, feeling slightly sick.
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Reply #1852. Oct 16 11, 7:39 PM
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Jazmee27
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===
3, Summons
The next morning, Alonso was roused by a loud rap at the door. ‘Who could that be,’ he wondered as he rushed over to the door and flung it open. Immediately, his eyes filled with a terror he couldn’t quite put into words. “Juli,” he gasped, “what you doing here?”
“Uncle wants to see you,” she replied robotically, unable to meet his gaze.
In one swift move he was out in the hall and leaning casually against the doorframe. “Why,” he demanded harshly.
“I don’t know,” she replied, still avoiding his eyes.
Before she could react he wasin front of her, pinning the young woman against the wall, his blue eyes blazing furiously. “Don’t give me that,” he hissed through gritted teeth.
“It’s true,” she protested, then winced as he grasped her arm with one clawlike hand. “OK, OK—he’s decided you’ve had enough time to recover from the near strangulation you suffered at my brother’s hand.” He let his hand drop, eyes questioning. “That I don’t know; truly I don’t…” She began to tremble violently, until he put up a hand and nodded to show hebelieved her. “He’s waiting for you in one of the two council halls.”
“Lead on, then.”
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Reply #1853. Oct 16 11, 7:40 PM
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Jazmee27
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===
4, Persuasion
“Ori,” Chendori exclaimed, “so glad you could make it!”
Stiffly, Alonso entered the room and sat in the designated chair. “Wouldn’t have missed it,” he muttered.
After a moment’s silence, Chendori offered his guest his choice of the breakfast dishes. When the boy declined, saying he wasn’t hungry, the ruler replied sternly that he should at least eat something, as he’d gone the past two days without much in the way of sustanence. And that was when Julian suggested he try one of the large cranberry muffins: “They’re quite yummy.” And something in the older boy’s tone—or his expression—made Alonso compelled to take a few bites, and privately he had to agree they were quite good. But after about ten bites, the boy’s limbs began to feel heavy and, before he realized what was happening, he fell to the floor with a resounding *thud.
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Reply #1854. Oct 16 11, 7:40 PM
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Jazmee27
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===
5, Potion
Chendori smiled across the table at his nephew. “Thank you for that.”
“Any time?”
“How long until the Potion takes effect?”
“Between three and five seconds.”
“And he’ll sleep for how long?”
“Fifteen, maybe twenty hours.”
“Perfect.”
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Reply #1855. Oct 16 11, 7:41 PM
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Jazmee27
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===
6, Oblivion
Juliana carried the inert figure in her arms until they reached the room her uncle had indicated after the boy had passed out. After bolting the door behind her, she laid him on a fleece blanket and turned on the light so she could better see what she was doing.
Alonso moaned and made a feeble attempt to sit up, but fell back with a sharp intake of breath. “What happened,” he croaked.
“Julian laced half the muffins with a powerful sleeping draught which impacts everone differently. In some, it causes mild paralysis; in others, complete organ failure.” The 13-year-old held up a small vial. “This minimizes any symptoms, but I’m afraid doesn’t cure them.”
How’d he make me eat?”
“The name of the Power’s Persuasion. It’s not exactly Hypnotism, Mesmerism or Manipulation of the Wills, though it can combine aspects of one or more.”
Alonso grimaced. “You must go,” he murmured, “they’ll be looking for you shortly.”
“I suspect that’s true.” She sighed, then added, “rest here. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
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Reply #1856. Oct 16 11, 7:41 PM
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Jazmee27
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===
7, Vetasra
Chendori pushed the door open with one hand and extended the other toward the motionless figure on the blanket. “Vetasra,” he commanded, and a jet of brilliant green light hit the child’s chest. Alonso’s form jolted violently, and his blue eyes glazed with pain as he struggled for breath.
The monarch slid into the room, moving to stand over his prisoner with a satisfied smile on his lips. “Just so you know, Orelio,” he whispered, tracing the boy’s jawline with one finger, “the spell ‘vetasra’ means that, no matter how great your suffering, you shall not die.” Another spasm rocked the 8-year-old’s body, and Chendori laughed mirthlessly at the cries of anguish that rent the air.
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Reply #1857. Oct 16 11, 7:42 PM
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Jazmee27
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Time to watch "Bruce Almighty"
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Reply #1858. Oct 16 11, 7:43 PM
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Jazmee27
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'Morning'
I call Ethan the town crier of birds because of what he does with the bells in his cage. So cute :)
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Reply #1859. Oct 17 11, 5:19 AM
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MarchHare007
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Morning Jaz. Hope you slept well.
What does Ethan do with his bells? :)
Reply #1860. Oct 17 11, 5:43 AM
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