CHAPTER 11

Sage finally climbed into bed feeling drained.  She talked with Saira but the girl wouldn't say anything.  Sage is convinced Vappu has something to do with Saira's behavior.  She's like a puppy who has been kicked over and over again.  Terrified the one moment and then herself the next.  She's only ten years old, for goodness sake! What problems could she have except from their father and mother's passing.

But Saira is a strong elf.  She talked to Sage about their parents.  That wasn't the problem.  Sage was sure of it.

She turned around and tried to sleep. 

Sage opened one eye and wondered if she was dreaming. 

She listened carefully.  No, there it was. 

A distant sound.  She couldn't quite make out what it was.  She sat up and listened again for a few minutes.

The sound came closer and closer.  It sounded like thousands of drums nearing the city.  Sage could hear her heart beat in her ears.

This is not good.  Not good at all.

She got up and ran to the window.  In the distance she could make out what seemed like a sea of flames.  The drums kept coming closer and beating louder.

Sage's door burst open and a frightened Saira appeared.

"Sage, whats going on?  Can you see it? Can you hear it?  What is it?" she whispered.

"Hush now Saira! I'm trying to listen."

What sounded like drums, Sage now identified as footsteps.  Thousands of marching feet.

Oh no!  Sage thought  This is it. The end.

Once again her door burst open and this time the barely clothed Rioghnan appeared.

"My Lady, I'm sorry to enter your chambers unannounced but I think we are under attack!"

"I realize that, Rioghnan.  Have you alerted the Olivier?" Sage couldn't keep her eyes off his washboard stomach.

"I have, my Lady but I've come to take you and Lady Saira with me.  You will be safe."

"I don't doubt that for a second, Rioghnan." I'm flirting with him? Are you insane?  Sage thought.

"Come, My Lady." Rioghnan urged.

"But I'm not dressed, Rioghnan"

"How could I have not noticed" he muttered under his breath. "My lady, there is no time. Just put on a coat and let us go!" he said more clearly.

Sage grabbed a coat from her chair, caught Saira by the arm and ran out the room after Rioghnan.

The army kept coming closer. 

The threat more real.

Vappu stood in her room, looking out the window towards the army.

She smiled.