Acclayne Book 1: The Game Begins

When I finally woke up it was bright outside. The fact that I'd been out of it for almost three days was something I would find out later.

“You know, if you're going to pass out every time you beat the crap outta somebody, it's going to seriously hinder your reputation as a bad-ass.”

I blinked away the post-sleep haze and was able to focus on Kaylaer who was sat beside me; on what felt like a rather luxurious bed. Me? A 'bad-ass'? I wanted to laugh but all that came out was a small snort as the pain in my throat caught me by surprise. What the-? Memories came back to me all in a messed-up rush. The memory of Fofana's dismembered body sitting upright on the throne was not one that I was going to forget easily, and not one that I really wanted to recall when I felt so hungry. Hmm. Maybe I was a bit of a bad-ass after all. Memories of Juney tried to push their way in but I bottled them back down into my subconscious – I'd deal with them some other time.

“So-” I croaked; my throat dry, “what did I miss?” I hauled myself up slowly into a sitting position.

“We found King Humphrey - the real King now, not an imposter. Turns out Fofana had him locked up down the hall from you, but not before he'd killed the Queen-”

“-And her baby.” I finished. I felt tremendously sad as I remembered what I had seen - what I had been shown.

“Er, yeah. Actually. Anyway; he's been in talks with Stella and Alistair and they're in the process of recalling his army. Stella reckons she has a plan for strengthening the relationship between the two kingdoms. Something to do with trade and whatever. I zoned out... but you know she's not as dumb as she looks that one...”

“You're so helpful.”

“I preferred you when you were unconscious.”

“So not when I was totally kicking ass? What about then?” I smirked.

“Yeah... that was pretty cool. I have to give you that one.”

I looked around for the first time. I had been put to bed in a very large, plush bedroom. The floor to ceiling windows let the bright light stream in and across the bed and my legs were lovely and warm where the sun hit the blankets. It was only the two of us in the room. I wanted desperately to ask about Alistair; I could still feel his arms wrapped around me as I fell. Instead I asked?:

“So... where is everyone?”

“You didn't expect us all to be keeping a bedside vigil did you?” she laughed.

“Well, you're here.” I had her and she knew it.

“Someone had to make sure you didn't swallow your tongue. Seems like something you'd do.” Touché. “Methyn is talking with Headmaster Cartaisey.”

“He's here?” I asked, puzzled.

“No, Don't be stupid. Are you sure you didn't hit your head when you fell? They're chatting via mirror.”

“Of course they are, how silly of me.” In the state that I was in a resolved to just go along with it; no questions.

“Methyn thinks he can send you back.” There was an awkward silence where neither of us said anything. I'd given up expecting to go back; I mean, who knows how long I'd even been gone? Kaylaer looked about as excited by the idea as I felt. “Though I did hear him say that he didn't know what time line you'd be going back to. Personally, I don't think I'd risk it.” She said solemnly.

I put my hand on her little arm - “I don't think I'll be risking it either.” I smiled. She gave me a sweet smile back.

“Well good, cos to be honest, Malcolm would be gutted. I don't mind either way but I don't think I could deal with the moping.”

“Yeah, I see your point.” I withdrew my hand. Kaylaer and I may never be 'B.F.F.s' but at least we didn't hate each other, and that was good enough for me. She left me alone shortly after that; to give me some time to rest properly. As I lay on my side I noticed Twin-Blade propped up against a chair. It was in one piece again. I had no idea what I had done to it but it seemed to have righted itself without any assistance. It was as if the thing had a mind of it's own, and I had to admit for all it's weirdness; I was glad to have it back.

I slept on and off for the rest of the day, drifting in and out of consciousness as different people came and went, but it wasn't until evening time that I came around properly.

“So you are with us again are you?”

I'd recognise that deep, swoon-inducing voice anywhere. Alistair had finally come to see me. As I sat up I subtly tried to fix my hair. To my horror it felt remarkably like a birds nest.

“Just about I'd say.” I smiled at him. He was sat across the room, leaning forward with his elbows resting casually across his knees. I studied his face and noticed that he had opted to wear a patch over his ruined eye. There was something oddly sexy about it – if not a little piratey. Trust him to be able to carry it off. I resolved to ask him about his eye one day... but not right now.

“So.” He said as he leant back in the chair.

“So.”

“I hear you are staying?” It was a question rather than a statement.

“I guess I am.” I smiled and gave a small shrug, which hurt.

“Stella is going to clear my name.” He said and sighed.

“I thought you'd be happier about that.”

“I am – happy, that is. Although I must say I was rather enjoying the nomadic lifestyle.”

“I was thinking about giving that a go myself.”

“Really?” He leant forward again and I could feel myself leaning too, drawn to him even from across the room.

“Yeah, I want to learn a bit more about my mother, see some sights. It'll be just like my Gap-year.”

“Gap? I am afraid I do not-”

“Doesn't matter,” I laughed, “a bit of sight seeing, on my own terms, would be just the ticket.”

“Hmm.” Go on, ask if you can come, go on...

“Maybe someone should accompany you-” I beamed in spite of myself.

“Well, if you're offering I suppose I could use the company.”

“I better had; I do not think Acclayne would be safe otherwise.” Not what I'd been hoping for... but I'd take it.