A Tapestry Massacre- Chapter Three

         He was absorbing my appearance just as I was his. This man was close to my age, maybe even younger, with unruly brown hair that fell in his dark eyes, and a smirk that gave him added charm from the small scar running through the corner of his upper lip. He wore a green hooded tunic with brown pants and a thick leather belt; in the belt were knives of all shapes and sizes. All of them wore weapons of some sort, were much larger in height and bulk-and scarier too. I was glad they seemed to follow his lead. Some had their heads shaved, others wore bandannas, but all of the them were scarred and caked with dirt. Their handsome leader didn’t appear to fit in with the group.
         “Be quiet, idiots.” He scowled at them, and then smiled apologetically at me.          Shrugging his shoulders, he said, “Sorry, miss. I never taught them any manners, ya see? But let me introduce us-I’m Robin, and this is my merry band of-”
         “Mutts,” I blurted out the word the maid had used, and then immediately wished I could suck it back in. My cheeks burned.
         Robin’s grin only widened as the others’ amusement turned to sneers. “That’s not what I was going to say…but I like it better,” he turned back to them. “Right, mutts?”
         I thought I heard one of them growl. Robin rubbed his chin thoughtfully, a funny gesture for someone so young, and I could see his mind at work behind his eyes. His men stood with dull faces, waiting for instruction. One picked at his crusty brown nails while another darted his eyes back and forth between me and Robin with a creepy excitement. I rubbed the bruises on my arms nervously and winced as I hit a deep cut.
         “You must be a new addition to the family,” was all Robin said. I nodded, not quite trusting myself to speak again. He waited for me to say more, but continued on when I didn’t. “What’s your name?”
         “Elleos.” I blushed when I heard the odd name come out of my mouth; It felt so foreign.
         “If it’s okay with you, I’m just gonna call you Elle.” He winked at me.
         “T-that’s fine.” A giggle slipped out of me to my own surprise. I didn’t giggle like a little girl. Robin’s wink had caught me off guard…and so had the hiccup in my stomach. Devastated, I tried to change the subject quickly. “How did you meet our lord?”
         “Well now, you see,” he frowned, hanging his head to look up at me through his stray locks of hair, “it was a tragedy. My parents and I were traveling when some bandits attacked us.” Some of his men started snorting like he’d said something ridiculous, then went straight faced when he turned to glare at them. Robin’s pack of mutts weren’t nice at all, and I understood the servant girl for being wary of them.
         He cleared his throat. “Like I was saying, bandits attacked us and they murdered my parents. They took everything we had and left me all by myself on the roadside, next to their bodies. I think I was…” he glanced back at his men, “How old was I?” Most of the guys squinted and drew their brows like they were trying hard to remember.
         A big burly one shrugged, “Ten? Cause that’s when-”
         “Shut up! You guys wouldn’t know anyway.” Robin cut him off, shaking his head. The man looked away sheepishly. I hid a smile; it was funny seeing such a scary guy so embarrassed. I had a notion they were more stupid than they were mean.
         Robin continued as if there was no interruption. “Anyway, that’s when the master came along and said I could come with him. Course, that’s the short story.” I was convinced now that Robin must wear an eternal smirk on his face. It never wavered even as he spoke of his violent past.
         I admired Robin’s ability to control his emotions. What had it been like to watch his parents killed, and to fear that he was next? And after that, he was all alone beside their lifeless bodies. Under all that handsome charm, he was just like me-lost without hope and then rescued by our master. I was happy to have met him; Robin made me feel more at home. That emotion alone made my eyes water and I lowered my face, willing them to dry quickly before he noticed. After I’d sucked up my tears of relief, I lifted my head again.
         Robin stood there quietly with his eyebrows raised, while his mutts shuffled restlessly next to him. Then, suddenly, he flashed me that smile full of charm, and my stomach squirmed like it was trying desperately to get away from me. He saw me redden and his smile grew wider.
         “Didya know, Elle, that your feelings show up on your face as clear as the morning light? Anyone smart enough can see what you’re thinking.” My hands flew up to my face automatically. Was I that easy to read? Robin must already know the effect his smile had on me. I made a conscious effort to remove the emotion from my face and Robin winked at me again. However, this time it made me mad, and I was surprised at how quickly and fiercely my temper flared. I didn’t like him having that advantage over me; it felt like he’d violated my privacy somehow. His eyes widened, as he obviously saw the hot flame erupt in mine, and his smile faltered a split second, then reappeared again, like he hadn’t noticed my anger.
         “When I first came here, I got lost plenty before I learned to find my way around. I’d be happy to show you where everything is if, but first I have to meet with the Shadow King. Wouldya like to come with me?” Robin held out his hand, and just like that, I forgot I was angry with him.
         “Who’s the Shadow King?” He took my response as a positive answer and, without waiting for my hand, wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me forward. I glanced at the onyx wolf as we passed it.
         “Creepy thing, isn’t it?” One of the men remarked and another grunted in agreement. They overwhelmingly stunk of dirt and horse sweat. I tried taking shallower breaths but it didn’t help much.
         “You really haven’t heard of him?” Robin glanced sideways at me. I shook my head. “Where the hell have you been?”
         “I can’t remember,” I muttered.
         Robin didn’t say anything for a moment, and then lowered his lips next to my ear. “Sorry, Elle. If you ever need anything, then ask me. I’ll be here for you.” He squeezed my waist tighter and the heat of his hand on my hip made my heart beat wildly. I regretted my thin dress very much now. A few of the mutts snickered, whispering to themselves, and I made it a point to ignore them from then on. “So let’s test out what you know right now, something easy. Where do we live?”
         That question was easy. “Sangritara, the Bloodland, and it’s made up of five great kingdoms-the Crescent, Jade, Lotus, Coral, and-“
         “No, there is only one kingdom-the Sol Kingdom.” Robin interrupted me with an incredulous expression. “Those kingdoms existed a long time ago, before any of our fathers were born, but now they’re just ruins.”
         I was confused now. “What do you mean?”
         “All the other kingdoms were destroyed. Everyone knows this.”
         “How? By who?”
         Robin shook his head. “Everyone knows that too. The Shadow King and his army wiped them out, and he’s planning to hit the last kingdom soon.”
         “How do you know what this…Shadow King, is planning to do?” My head was starting to ache.
         This new question got the biggest laugh out off Robin so far. “Because he’s our master, after all!”
         “Our master?” Maybe I’d heard him wrong.
         Robin spoke slowly, so that I couldn’t misunderstand him.
“The Shadow King is the man who saved you. Well, he isn’t really a man, I guess.”
         “W-why?”
         “He’s the most powerful person I’ve ever seen, could rule the world if he wanted, but he’s satisfied as long as the royal families and their courts are gone-then he leaves what’s left to fend for themselves. I don’t understand him…” Robin had the most serious expression I’d seen on him. His eyes had a hard glint in them that made me hold my breath. I suddenly felt very fragile locked inside his strong hold.
         “Our master might’ve been human once, but not anymore. He doesn’t age and he can do things that just aren’t possible. I’d give anything to have his power.” The wild expression he wore made me tense up and he loosened his arm on my waist, smiling again. The sparkle in his eyes didn’t affect me this time; I was too enthralled by what he’d just said about the Shadow King. He wasn’t an angel, but he wasn’t human either.
         He continued to lead me to our master, and I let him. I couldn’t think enough to guide my own steps anyway. I didn’t know what to think.
         My savior was our world’s enemy?
         “Alright-here’s the King’s chamber.” Robin let go of me as we stood before a great white door with a large silver handle and silver hinges. I mentally cursed myself. Again, I hadn’t been paying attention to the direction we’d been going, and had no idea where we were now. It was a relief that Robin had promised to show me around later. I’d probably get lost for days in this huge place on my own.
         As Robin reached for the door, I hurried to smooth my hair and gown as best I could. This was the first time he’d see me underneath all the ash and blood, and I hoped he would be pleased. Robin noticed what I was doing and paused before opening the door.
         “Don’t worry, Elle. You’re beautiful.” He looked me up and down, then let out a low whistle as he opened the door.
         The master was going to see me with bright strawberries for cheeks. I was already getting tired of Robin making me blush.
         Behind an ornately carved oak desk, my lord, the Shadow King, reclined in a throne fit for royalty. He had his boots propped up on the desktop and was sunk down in the emerald cushioning of his seat with a hefty book that looked a hundred years old. The title was barely legible, but that didn’t matter; it was written in a language I couldn’t understand. Rays of light shone down through the tall window and fell against his face, making his ivory skin almost shimmer. His white-blonde hair was tied back, revealing his entire smooth profile. The master’s features were serene, yet serious. I watched his crystal green eyes move back and forth as he continued reading; he didn’t acknowledge our presence, or even give a sign that he’d noticed us enter at all.
         One thought was dominating my mind, and that was how much more of an angel he resembled in the bright daylight. My heart dropped at the idea that he could be anything less; it just couldn’t be true. But, he’d said it himself-he wasn’t an angel. I watched his eyes sparkle as the sun glinted off them, trying to picture him as an inhuman warrior, a deathlord.
         Why conquer kingdoms, if not to rule over them? Why cause so much disaster for nothing? His actions betrayed his peaceful face, and I felt an overwhelming desire to know the truth that was hidden inside the Shadow King. Who was this man who’d saved my life, but ruined so many others?
         “Well, what news do you have, Robin?” His buttery voice cut through the silence and startled me. He was still as a statue and looked as if he hadn’t even spoken.
         “The Sol King has paid for the best mercenaries, beast hunters, and assassins his treasure would pay for. He’s even hired the weak ones, too. The king’s hiding behind his throne hoping this small army will kill us before we reach him.” Robin snorted contempt.
         “They won’t make it far enough to set eyes my towers.” He turned to a small door behind him. “Desdarai, come out here and join us. We have battle plans to discuss.” A moment later, a tall, slender woman came through the door…practically naked.
         I was perfectly modest in comparison to her nightgown. Tiny straps held up her dangerously low red silk shift, with black lace trimming that didn’t quite make it mid-thigh. Her hips moved fluidly as she made her way forward, and as my eyes traveled upward, I realized that she wasn’t from this land. Her oval face was exotic, with slanted onyx eyes framed by thick lashes, a tiny nose, and jet-black hair that flowed all the way down her back like a fine veil. Her focus settled on me with an icy stare as she moved to stand next to the Shadow King.
         “What is this?” Desdarai asked with one thin eyebrow raised; She was referring to me. Her voice was as cold as her eyes and I wondered if her olive skin was just as chilly. The first words she’d spoken were meant to offend me; I knew I’d never like her.
         “This is Elle, our newest addition,” Robin spoke up for me. I darted a look at my lord to see his reaction to Robin’s modification to the name he’d given me. At first, his face lit up with amusement and he lowered his book, then something dark seemed to pass over him.
         “That name…” My master shook his head, squinting as if an intense headache had hit him. He turned to look at me for the first time and I pretended to be enthralled by the bookshelves scaling the wall to my right. I still felt his yellow-green sight on me, though. My skin tingled and I held my breath. “Since when did it become normal for women to walk around in their bed clothes?”
         Robin chuckled. “I don’t mind.”
         “Of course not. Now back to the point.”  They began talking about their plans for the Hunters, but I didn’t hear a word of it from then on.
         Desdarai moved as I turned to face them, and sat in the master’s lap. He stroked her hair absently as he spoke. His book sat forgotten on the edge of the desk. Her slip rose so high that the lace barely touched her thigh. Desdarai looked directly at me with her cold-blooded snake eyes and nuzzled his neck with her cheeks, then with her lips. As she made her way up his neck, she whispered something into his ear that made him pause and clear his throat. He continued speaking, slightly flushed, with a smile tugging at his lips. Not once did she look away from me, though. The corner of her mouth rose in a mean smirk. Her message was clear, and I suddenly felt very sick to my stomach. The room didn’t have enough air in it and was increasingly hot; I had to leave immediately.
         “Excuse me,” I squeaked and ran out.
         I kept running until I was able to breathe again, and the air burned in my lungs. I stopped against a wall with an enormous tapestry covering it. I was lost again, but I didn’t care. I felt better just to be far away from that half-naked woman. What’s worse was the way he held her in his arms, and I knew it wasn’t the same as when he’d carried me yesterday evening. Hot tears filled my eyes and I ground them away angrily. Desdarai did all that just for me, as if she sensed how I felt about him, and she’d gotten the reaction she’d tried for.
         I knew my place, and it wasn’t in his arms.
         That knowledge sunk in like a stone in my stomach. I looked around, at the moment, not really caring if I was ever found.
         I studied the great tapestry spread across the stone above me. I could see only a mass of cream and crimson threads overlapping and running through each other, with some black and gray splotched a little to the right of the center. Over that were more gray and dull blue threads meshed together forming the top of the piece; the very bottom was black. Unable find any recognizable pattern in the blend of colors, I backed away, leaning against the opposite wall for a greater perspective. Though I saw the entire tapestry at once, my brain took time configuring the pieces together.
It didn’t want to believe what I was seeing. I wanted to back away further, but I was already pressed against the wall.
         The tapestry was a mass of bloody bodies, all the cream and crimson, piled together so that it was a huge mountain of torn flesh. The black and gray splotch was the shadow of a man-no, more like a beast in the shape of a man, standing atop the mound as if he’d scaled a great height and was gazing over his victory. The sky above was gray and forlorn. This masterpiece was anything but; it was a monstrosity of art. Terror and death hung heavily in the corridor and I wished somebody would find me quickly, even Desdarai.
         Peering down both ends of the hallway, I listened for anyone’s approach, hoping someone was coming for me. After a minute, I gave up and sat down on the floor, watching the red carpet come alive. I let myself melt into the floral design and dance with the graceful black roses woven there, forcing myself to ignore the horror hanging above me.
         “Whatchya doing?” A man whispered in my ear.
         I yelped, jumping up and turning to run, thinking I heard the shadow creature speak to me. I was caught from behind before I could get away, and a familiar boyish laugh stopped me from struggling.
         I turned from Robin’s grasp roughly, upset that he’d startled me. He held his hands up in apology, wiping the smirk off his face.
         “Whoa, I’m sorry, Elle. I wasn’t trying to scare ya.”
         “That’s okay. I’m not scared.” For some reason I didn’t believe what he said. He snuck up on me purposely. He noticed my wet eyes and I blinked hard to clear them, getting even more irritated.
         “What’s wrong? Did that wench back there upset you?” He jerked his thumb behind us, and my eyes narrowed at the memory of that woman sitting in my lord’s lap. What were they doing at this very moment?
         Of course, Robin read my face as easily as before.
         “Yeah, I’d forget about Desdarai and just stay out of her way. She’s not just the Shadow King’s mistress-she’s the leader of his army, and she doesn’t like other women around him. Especially pretty ones. You know the jealous sort. But,” he touched my collarbone with his fingertip, “she’ll cut your heart out and eat it.” His finger started to slide lower towards my heart and I backed away from him. He shrugged his shoulders, “Just stay away from her. People have the bad luck to disappear in here.” Robin implied murder with a shocking sort of humor.
         He rubbed his cheek as he studied me, probably figuring out what else I was thinking. Like how I wished I were in Desdarai’s place, or that I knew what it was like to be kissed by the Shadow King. My face heated up and I turned away from Robin.
         “Hey, I know the master’s pretty and all,” he pronounced pretty like it was an insult, “but he’s not the only good-looking guy in the castle.” He tossed a stray lock of hair from in front of his eye and flashed me his bright smile. He was right-our master wasn’t the only appealing man here.
         However, the Shadow King and Robin were attractive in very opposite ways. The lord had a statuesque, ethereal look about him, and an intelligent depth. Robin was dark, with rough tanned skin-probably from working outside-and his muscles stuck out clearly underneath his shirt. Robin stood as if no one in the world could take him down, and I’m sure he believed it. After all, those giant ruffians followed every word he said for a reason. But it was his confidence and rugged charm that made him magnetic.
         And something else I couldn’t put a word on. It can only be described as the feeling you get when you’re standing on the edge of a cliff, and something in the back of your mind is telling you, “Back away.” I felt it standing next to him, and the rush was exciting. The closer he came to me, the more chills went up my back.
         He moved towards me now, stopping an inch away, and I hoped my shivers weren’t visible.
         “Remember I promised to help you find your way around? I always keep my word,” he smirked, and the scarred corner of his mouth rose up further than the other, “although you made it harder on me, running away like that.” I just nodded blankly. I didn’t think very well with him so close, either.  He put his arms around my shoulders, but before he could guide me anywhere, we were stopped.
         A hand came out of the shadowy patch of the hall, grabbing hold of the arm Robin had on my shoulder. The Shadow King stepped around us into the light of the hanging oil lamp, removing Robin’s arm from my shoulder at the same time, and flinging it away with a bit more force than was necessary.
         “What are you doing, Robin?” His face was emotionless as he spoke. He stood so still that the light might as well have been shining upon a statue. I felt Robin tense next to me.
         “I promised Elle I’d show her around a little. Hey, I’m only trying to be hospitable.” His voice sounded as easygoing as any other time.
         “Don’t speak of things you’ll never understand, Robin.” His soft voice had a bite to it that made me wince, and Robin’s cheerful expression turned foul. The Shadow King went on as if he hadn’t noticed. “Take your ogres tomorrow and find out more about this army of Hunters-where they are, where they’re going, and who is with them. Feel free to have some fun while you’re gone. Meaning, get whatever is in your system out, and then you may return. Whatever you do-don’t get caught. I don’t want you attracting anymore attention than you already have.”
         Robin’s countenance lit up with an odd energy, and his lips curved in a smile different from his usual. Suddenly, I wasn’t comfortable next to him.
         “Sure, my lord.” He dove down the hall and, before turning the corner, skidded to a stop. Robin raised his hand to wave goodbye, and the master casually side-stepped in front of me, blocking our view of each other. When Robin was gone, he turned his full attention on me, and there I was, completely alone with him; already, my pulse began to race.
         I bit my lip as he openly stared at me.