Dreamer

Chapter 1- Beneath

She awoke to the cold bite of steel against her flesh, two glowing green eyes staring at her. Her first thought was a predator had made its way into Panrrela’s tree, the gleaming orbs reminding her of a cat, reflecting in the dark. But she quickly realized no cat would be holding the sharp edge of a blade to her throat, or hissing the words being spoken.

Scream, Dreamer, and it’s the last sound you will ever make, a male voice whispered, and Asenya felt the sting as the blade scratched her flesh, as if affirming the man’s words.

Quiet noises were coming from the front of the tree, and Asenya realized that there was more than one of them. She heard the heavy breathing of the sisters as they slept at the farthest edge of the tree, followed by the soft snoring of Panrrela. For a moment, she thought of ignoring the deadly words, but the thought of the tree splattered bloody and the dead forms of Dreamers, stopped her rebellion.

She made no sound as the figure pulled on her arm and dragged her to her feet. Her dress tangled on objects that littered the floor, what they were she had no idea; the only light in the tree was the gleaming eyes of her kidnappers.

The air outside was hot and humid, and Asenya sensed that it would soon rain. She realized it would wash away any trace of their path, and thought sadly of her sister. Zanas would be left alone above, with no idea of where she had gone. They had lost too much already, and now they would be losing even more.

Stars twinkled from above as she was dragged through the forest, the strong arm attached to her wrist never ceasing its hurtful grip. Asenya tripped as she came across a thorny branch that she was unable see in the dark, and she heard the rip of her dress. Before she could fall to her knees, she was jerked back to her feet by the arm that now held her even tighter. She had no doubt that when she was finally released, she would find bruises on her arm.

We need to move faster, the bright star is almost directly overhead, a female voice whispered ahead of them.

This Dreamer is clumsy, and too slow, the male answered.

Then carry her! the girl said angrily.

A sigh echoed the dark space in front of Asenya, and then her body was pulled roughly over the male’s shoulder. Her stomach began to flip as she was bounced around by the fast pace of the man’s running. She only caught glimpses of the ground beneath her, as small rays of the bright star penetrated the thick canopy of branches overhead.

The movement of the boy who carried Asenya started to slow, the heavy breaths escaping his lips growing quieter. She felt a shift of her weight on his body, and then he was placing her on the ground. She barely made out the dark shadow of a small cave, when his grip was once again tight on her wrist and pulling her into the abyss.

The tight tunnel echoed with the soft sound of their movements, as they descended deep into the earth. Asenya heard a click, and a door was opened in front of them, a lighted corridor appearing. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust from the extreme dark, to the flickering light of the torches that hung along the walls. She was finally able to get a good look at her capturers.

There were two males and a female that surrounded her. The male that had carried her in the forest was extremely tall, his muscular frame shadowing her. The second male stood to her right, a stark opposite of the tall man, seeming more like a boy. When she caught his eyes, she recognized a slight panic reflected there, and inwardly she smiled. The girl was just as deadly looking as the tall male, her narrowed eyes passing over Asenya only briefly before dismissing her. They all shared one thing in common, a trail of softly glowing tattoos that lined one side of their face.

Come on let’s get this finished, the girl hissed.

You will walk unaided, Dreamer, or I’ll re-draw my blade. You really don’t want me to do that, the male warned and Asenya felt her annoyance rise.

What a reassuring thing to say, Asenya said with a mocking tone, and he gave her a dirty look.

They picked up their pace once more, the slim boy and the girl walking in front of Asenya, the bigger man stalking behind her. They were in a large hallway that was eerily quiet. Asenya could pick up lingering echoes of the people that walked the halls, realizing that it was usually full, and she guessed the inhabitants were deep asleep.

Winding their way through the long hallway, they came to a giant stairwell. Asenya thought for a moment that she was lapsing into a vision. The ceiling of the cavern glittered like a night sky crowded with stars. She was not allowed more than a passing glance as the trio led her to the bottom of the steps, and she once again found herself in a tunnel.

When they finally emerged into a small cave, her kidnappers paused.

We are supposed to take this tunnel… the girl insisted, and the muscular boy shook his head.

You’re mistaken, they told us to take this one, he said, pointing to another tunnel.

Asenya tuned out their quiet bickering and turned towards the youngest of the three, who stared back at her with wide eyes. Asenya let her eyes soften, expressing fear, shining with tears.

Where are you taking me? she asked in a meek whisper, and she watched as he darted a look at his companions, who still argued.

I’m not supposed to speak to you, he answered softly.

Please don’t let them hurt me, she begged, her eyes staring intensely into his, waiting to see what she was looking for. And then, she recognized it. He let his guard down, feeling sorry for her.

Asenya sprang forward like a pouncing cat, pulling the blade he carried in his pants with one swift jerk. Surprise registered in his eyes as she brought the blade to his throat. Seconds later, she felt the steel grip of his companion on her wrist as he twisted the blade out of her hands.

Jesster! What are you doing? We told you she was dangerous, the girl cried angrily behind them.

Asenya rubbed her wrist where the boy had twisted it, trying to alleviate the pain. She could sense the harsh boy glaring at her and she met his eyes with an amused smile.

Try something like that again Dreamer and I’ll cut you… he spat.

So you keep saying, she said with a roll of her eyes. Let’s get something clear, Lurch. It’s obvious you have taken me for a reason, and I doubt you would have gone to all the trouble just to start skewering me now. Save your empty threats for your girlfriend over there, she finished with a motion towards the girl.

She could sense his anger boiling over and he gripped the blade tighter in his hands, taking a small step towards her.

Asshton! Don’t you dare, you know what the Dreamers said, the girl said, rushing forward and placing herself between Asshton and the Asenya. We are supposed to bring her to them unharmed.

Asenya grinned in triumph. Finally, a straight answer. So you’re taking me to the Dreamers of below? Now why would you be doing that?

Asshton gave a growl in anger, and Asenya grinned wider, giving him a small wink. He roughly pushed her towards the tunnel they had finally agreed upon, and Asenya walked forward without complaint.

But not before she glanced at Jesster, her eyes menacing, the evil smile still plastered on her face. She made it clear to him that if she had been allowed to; she would have used his weakness against him.

*

Their journey progressed farther into the interior. At one point Asenya almost began to feel claustrophobic, the walls pressing in, scratching her arms as she squeezed through. Finally, they emerged into the most beautiful cavern Asenya had ever seen. She let them lead her forward as she stared at the vibrant blue celling of the cave.

Something slithered in her mind, almost like a question, but a question not asked in words. Asenya concentrated, her brow wrinkling, trying to decipher the meaning. Unconsciously she felt her mouth open and then a high-pitched call rang from her lips, echoing the chamber.

She heard a gasp from the girl, and Asenya tore her eyes from the ceiling to look at her. The three of them had been trying to open a huge door, but now they stood still, watching her with wonder. Asenya was confused for a moment and then she heard her high-pitched scream echoed from the ceiling. She looked up in time to see winged creatures begin to detach, soaring like spears.

The call of the creatures was deafening, and the crawling in her head increased, beating at her with fervent anticipation. They were excited to see her. Their chatter increased and she felt the understanding of their sounds almost at the tip of her mind, the word almost becoming clear.

The screech of the door being yanked open startled her, and Asenya made no move to fight when she was shoved through the door and into the dark tunnel behind it. Her heart pounded in her chest, as she stood, perplexed. They struggled with the door, as it groaned in protest. It was almost closed, just as Asenya finally understood what the creatures were crying.

Asssssssssenyaaaaaa.

Chapter 2 – Blue Dreamer

The brightness of the Dreamer hall was the first thing Asenya registered. Her head was beginning to pound, repeatedly going from extreme dark to extreme light wearing on her. The second thing she registered was the hall was full of people, as hushed whispers erupted from every corner.

After the extreme white of the Dreamer hall, Asenya’s eyes were drawn to the vibrant red that swarmed the room. All around her were elaborately painted faces and intricately designed hair. The black of her dress stood out among them as she walked up the narrow path they created. Her steps took her towards an ancient man who sat on an enormous ornamental chair.

Clan Leader Malachi, our mission was a success, we bring you the Dreamer from above, Asshton said, his rough arm still directing Asenya forward. Once again, the hall erupted in whispers, this time a fury of questions circling the room.

Thank you, Pursuers. Your help in this matter was of the greatest importance. I will make sure that I mention this the next time I speak with Anessa, the old man finished with an arrogant wave of his hand, as if dismissing the Pursuers.

Asenya was left standing alone as the three left, Jesster turning one last time and meeting her eyes, before he disappeared down the black tunnel. The old man cleared his throat and Asenya turned back, facing him.

What is your name, girl? he demanded.

Asenya frowned, folding her arms across her chest. Why have you brought me here, old man? she demanded in return, sounds of shock echoing through the chamber.

How dare you speak to me, the High Lord of the Dreamers, in such a manner! he screamed at her, the high-pitched tone of his voice like fingernails on chalkboard.

Sure, I get it. You’re outraged, blah blah blah. You still haven’t answered my question. What right do you have to steal me and drag me down here? she demanded.

I need explain myself to no one, you impudent girl, as you will soon learn! He was shaking now with anger. Two young women that stood by his side rushed forward, fawning over him, as if they could cease his anger with their touch. Lord Falon, take this girl to the box. She needs to learn who is in charge here.

Movement from within the crowd drew Asenya’s attention and she turned to see a tall black haired Dreamer walk towards her. He wore a red robe like many others in the crowd. However, unlike the rest, his face was free of the sparkling makeup. Two other larger men walked by his side, and Asenya guessed that they were the muscle. When he was within an arm’s length of her, he spoke quietly.

I suggest you come willingly, or you will only find yourself in more trouble, Lord Falon said.

Thinking through her options, Asenya came to the conclusion that resisting would do her no good, and she shrugged her shoulders at him. An amused smile spread across his lips and he turned and walked away, Asenya walking behind him.

The dark tunnel that they entered behind the throne was immediately brightened by a sparkling ball of blue energy. The only surprise Asenya felt was in not being surprised, it was only one more bizarre thing in an increasingly bizarre day.

The box, consisted of a dark room, reminding Asenya of a prison cell. It even had a small bed in the corner, an uncomfortable looking thing that she did not look forward to sleeping in.

You should realize the clan leader holds your fate in his hands, may I recommend you keep some of your thoughts to yourself? he asked.

Then tell me why I was brought here, she fired back quickly. This brought a sigh to his lips and he gave her a strained look.

The elders had a vision of your arrival above. Your talents would have been wasted there, you belong to us, and so you were brought below, he said with a bored shrug.

And what about my sister? Do you think she will just let me go? Are her feelings worth anything in this?

Lord Falon frowned, a wave of his hand flying through the air. Don’t worry about her, she is fated to come beneath, but she has her own path to follow.

Her heart ached for a moment as she worried about Zanas, and the Dreamer seemed to sense this. Whatever path she chooses will be her heart’s desire, I promise you that.

There was a soft feeling in his words, a tenderness that was unwarranted and then quickly dismissed with his next words. But you are ours through and through.

I belong to no one, Asenya replied angrily. And what did you mean by my arrival? Do you know how we came to be here?

Perhaps…he said cryptically before turning and walking out the door, closing it behind him, the light of his globe disappearing.

Asenya rushed forward in the dark, feeling for the handle, and found the door as she suspected, locked. Sighing to herself, she made her way over to the bed, and sat down. Stretching herself out, she completed the only activity she felt would help at the moment, she went to sleep.

*

Asenya awoke to the sound of her stomach growling, and the aching nauseous feeling that came with a starving body. She had no idea how long she had been asleep; the long journey below had exhausted her, combined with the fact that she had been kidnapped in the middle of the night. She guessed by the growling of her stomach that she had missed more than one meal.

Turning to a sitting position was painful on a sore back, the bed was no better than sleeping on the floor. She