Free Between Darkness and Light Trilogy by Brianna Hawthorne Page A

eyes flick
to the remaining bust.
    The sculptress turns to her latest work,
“Who are you?”
    There is an almost imperceptible pause,
then, “I am William.” She turns to the Emperor, her gaze clearly
asking if he wishes to question it further, but he shakes his
head.
    “Re-sculpt her.”
    “I will try… but that one was special. I
bade her think of her oath taking, of the moment you touched
Croi'Solas to her brow. She radiated… something, I couldn’t really
tell what kind of power it was, but I harnessed what I could and
imbued the sculpture with it as I worked. I cannot recreate that
without her presence.”
    “Do your best.” He turns and leaves.
     
    Chapter 5
    Rescue Operations
    I awake to an urgent knocking on my door;
and hear a familiar servant’s voice outside. “Lady Shi'ahn, may I
enter?”
    “Yes, Joanna, of course.”
    “Thank you, my lady. There is an urgent
family meeting to take place in half an hour. Apparently Count
Novanus is missing! You are to meet in the family conference
room.”
    “Joanna, I’m afraid I don’t know where that
is.”
    “I will return for you in twenty-five
minutes. I’ll have the kitchens deliver a small breakfast.”
    “Thank you. I'll make a note not to panic
when they arrive.” I catch a small smile on her lips as she turns
to leave. Well, twenty-five minutes leaves time for a short bath. I
do so quickly, dress in as modest of clothes as I have available to
me, and find a rather large breakfast waiting in the entryway. I
don’t have time to eat nearly enough to fill my neglected stomach,
so much like at home; I grab a belt pouch and put some fruit, dried
fruit and biscuits into it for a snack. I only have a few moments
to finish an omelet, a few kippers and some toast before Joanna
returns.
    Far fewer people gather than had been in
attendance at dinner the other nights… and apparently very few are
expected; the only table in the room is really rather small. As we
approach it, everyone forms into rough family groupings. It’s a bit
uncomfortable, since William and I have no acknowledging parents;
but all seem to assume that we are descendants of Nebulaea, so we
sit near her daughter, Aurora. It should be noted, however, that
she does not look herself. She no longer gives off the feeling of
awe, but rather despair. Her clothes are far different from the
other night, she now wears a sturdy, serviceable gown.
    The Emperor enters and begins speaking
immediately, “Before I authorize official action, I would hear the
evidence that leads some to believe that Novanus is
endangered.”
    Aurora answers, “He had contacted me, asking
for assistance – he was under attack by forces he did not
recognize. Before I could bring him back our contact was
broken.”
    “Is there any further proof?”
    Aurora adds, “I have since tried to reach
him through every means available to me, but he responds to
nothing.”
    “That also is not decisive proof of his
disappearance, he could merely be… occupied.”
    It seems good proof to me, it’s almost as
though the Emperor… doesn’t trust Aurora? Or perhaps he dislikes
Novanus; I could understand that.
    Gwenllian clears her throat tentatively, “We
had a meeting scheduled this morning… he is never late, for
anything. I too have been unable to reach him.” The Emperor turns a
somewhat displeased gaze toward her. She withstands his scrutiny
unflinchingly.
    “I see. Alone, neither of these incidences
would merit my concern, but together, and coming as they do from
two entirely different sources, they do. Aurora, join efforts with
others of your choosing and seek your brother through your crystal;
perhaps the additional minds can break through whatever has been
blocking your attempts.” Without pause, Aurora stands.
    “Celeste, accompany me.” She pauses and
looks thoughtfully my way, “Shi'ahn, please join us.” We leave the
meeting room immediately while the Emperor continues giving out
assignments. I don’t hear