[xtremelady]

Sharisze found it impossible to concentrate the following day. She was supervising the redistribution of furniture in the west wing, in readiness for her chosen team to move into it and so that work on the peace treaty could begin. Already Kallie had cast several questioning glances at her due to her dithering over simple decisions.

In truth her mind remained firmly absorbed with Andraous and the possible things he had learned from spying on Crimin lords. Every few moments Sharisze’s eyes involuntary scanned the room, watching and waiting for the spectre to appear.

“Sharisze!” Kallie said sharply.

Sharisze turned to stare vacantly at her secretary.

“Where have you been all morning – not here that’s for certain!” Kallie criticised, sending her an accusing stare.

Sharisze’s eyes moved to the statue in Kallie’s hands. It was the tall copper eagle she had admired earlier that day. “Just find a place for it in my office,” she directed.

Kallie rolled her eyes, “I knew you would want this statue. Sharisze, the reason I needed your attention was to remind you it is time for you to leave for your meeting with Lady Farthal.”

Sharisze blinked. “Oh - it’s that time already?”

“The driver just left a message saying he is waiting for you on the third floor,” Kallie informed

“Are there any questions before I leave?” Sharisze asked, glancing around the chaotic jumble of furniture and boxes still to be sorted and dedicated to a particular location.

Kallie waved a hand in easy dismissal. “I think I can manage.”

Sharisze nodded, ignoring Kallie’s sarcasm, and turned to make her way to the third floor.

This floor was entirely dedicated to the hover buggies bringing in goods and consumables to the offices, and for those who used them for personal transport. Why Lady Farthal had decided to send her own driver and buggy when there were twenty available for use by the staff seemed a little strange.

One glance around the busy docking area and various vehicles stationed across the huge open floor was all it took for Sharisze to instantly know which one was Farthal’s. Besides having a huge golden sphinx running along it side, which was the Farthal family crest, the gleaming black buggy with its elegant individual lines stood like a beacon against the ordinary, plain service ones.

Summoning her resolve, Sharisze lengthened her stride, moving purposely towards the stunning craft. The driver, who was waiting patiently at the rear, inclined her head respectfully, a formal greeting she herself rarely imposed on her own staff. Sharisze did not have to pause in her stride as the door opened smoothly, timed to perfection, so that she could instantly enter the spacious transporter. As the door slid shut behind her, she glanced around the splendid interior appreciatively before seating herself on the deep red velvet, sofa type chair which ran across the length of each side.

Even as she did so, she felt the hover-buggy hum into life. The smooth, almost inaudible vibration brought a smile of pleasure to her lips. Since she had never experienced a ride in such a lavish vehicle before, Sharisze was determined to savour the short journey to Celesy Hall.

As she glanced around the carriage, her eyes glimpsed a control panel of six buttons on the the left side of her seat. Curious, Sharisze pushed the first. A small scene materialised above her head, moving down to eye level, before flickering into life. The sharp, clear image of the driver brought instant understanding of the use of the device. It was a com unit designed to allow direct communication with the driver. She pressed the button again and the screen turned off, before smoothly disappearing back behind the panel above her head.

Grinning, she tried the others, finding to her amazement that each brought out a different device; a table rose from the floor, a beverage machine from the far side, whilst others controlled the windows and temperature.

She had never really considered the perks the high senate enjoyed, and this taste gave her some indication of those she could expect to have within the position. This thought brought feelings of unaccountable satisfaction, and with a smile, she turned to peer out the black tinted window, assuming they should be close to the hall now.

Sharisze frowned; considering the immense speed at which they were traveling left her disoriented. The hover-buggy cut so smoothly through the air that Sharisze only now perceived the speed at which the craft was moving. Adjusting her vision to compensate for the fast moving scenery, which was almost a blur, she was greatly surprised to realise the city now lay quite a distance behind them.

‘Where was this meeting being held, and why would Lady Farthal choose a place other than Celesy hall?’ she wondered. Being transported outside the city just made no sense. The realization that something was amiss assailed her senses with acute foreboding, and she twisted her body to better look downward, trying to get an idea of her present geographical position. The rough terrain with little other than small clusters of trees and bushes brought no tangible clues as to where she was being taken.

To complicate matters, Sharisze swore she could see a shoreline in the distance and a deep blue expanse of water beyond. A few minutes later and her inkling proved correct. By the time she digested this, they were already crossing over the ocean. Her face scrunched with intense concentration as she visualised the nearest shore in relation to the city and then the lands that lay beyond it.

Her eyes widened and a sudden misgiving sent a deep penetrating chill up her spine. ‘No!’ She had to be wrong! However, the niggling suspicion, now planted firmly in her mind, would not go away. Taking a deep breath, Sharisze turned to the control panel, bringing down the com so she could communicate with the driver.

“What is our destination?” Sharisze asked her tensely, hating the catch in her voice.

“Devil's Slumber Isle, Miss Langton. We should arrive shortly,” the driver informed politely.

“Thank you.” Sharisze replied quietly, her fingers shaking uncontrollably as she pressed the control to send the com back to its resting place.

Devil's Slumber Isle, the heavily guarded island where the dark lords were kept in their cryogenic state. Surely if the higher senate knew or suspected her interaction with Andraous, something would have been said or done sooner? They would have found the perfect legitimate reason for refusing her application.

Still, the fact lady Farthal had chosen this high security temple, where none but the high senate could set foot reeked of an intentional purpose. ‘Coincidence, nothing more’ Sharize repeated again and again, hoping with every fibre of her being that this was true.

Even as the transporter slowed and descended to the ground outside the beautiful, ancient temple, Sharisze could summon no appreciation for the breathtaking building. When the door slid open, she did not rise immediately from her seat; instead, she took several deep breaths in an attempt to still her trembling hands and inner misgivings. Her shattered composure could not, however, be completely regained, and with a sigh she squared her shoulders before stepping outside onto the dusty tiled pavement.

Two identical buggies were parked next to the one in which she had just arrived, indicating others, too, were waiting within, but in what capacity Sharisze could only surmise. Straightening her robes, she wished she had chosen to wear the more formal velvet blue, rather than the green cotton which had now become slightly crumpled in travel. ‘But then I didn't expect to be brought all the way out here for my meeting with Lady Farthal!’ Sharisze reminded herself, her eyes resting on the tall, white steeples connected by intricately woven arches which rose up to form a high dome within the centre of the four points.

The sheer magnificence defied description and took Sharisze's breath away. For a few seconds, overwhelming awe chased away her anxiety and apprehensions. Sharisze felt her usual innate self-confidence and resolve resurface.

If the higher senate did glean she had nightly mind sex with a dark lord, ‘Then so damn what?’ she thought with vehemence. She had weathered the Norton scandal, and would weather this potential one as well. Nothing Lady Farthal could say would prevent her from gaining the high senate. Not when Sharisze could prove in the pool of truth she had not compromised her duty to the people or in any way threatened security by her actions. The gossip and scandal could be overcome and would be quickly forgotten if she were to succeed in her current assignment. And if she failed, then high senate would be likely denied her regardless of whether her secret was known or not.

The fact Lady Farthal had still requested this meeting indicated this new challenge they had tasked her with wasn’t one at which they expected her to fail. This had been set in motion as a mechanism to stall her only.

Her head held high and eyes gleaming with determination, Sharisze ascended the steps and passing the guards without sparing them a glance, and entered the temple through the arched doors.

If the outside was beautiful, the inside could only be described as exquisite. Light from the arched panels in the ceiling danced against the smoothly polished white marble, which reflected it beautifully. The effect created a chasm of swirling beams. It was as if she had entered a magical place, which bathed one's soul in pure bliss and cast aside all negativity.

Sharisze had to give the ancients who had designed and built the temple great respect. The feelings elicited by the astoundingly simple way of capturing and propelling natural sunlight were pure genius. Most temples contained lavish gold statues and beautifully gilded art work. This one had none of these, not even the dullest rug.

There was nothing to distract from the sensations created, or from drawing the eye from the elegant large archways which stood central on the wall opposite and leading into an exact replica of the first room. Looking through this first archway, Sharisze could see almost to the end of the building. There were seven arches leading to a central room, and seven beyond that one, making 13 rooms in all; the seventh one, the main room, and the one where the dark lords were contained in their coffin-like tombs destined for eternal slumber.

The outline of three women could just about be made out in what Sharisze took to be the central room. What sounded like angry words echoed through the dome, but she couldn’t catch exactly what was being said or discussed.

As one of the women disengaged from the others and made her way towards the front doors, Sharisze began to move forward. She frowned when she realised the woman was Cathy Saunders. Cathy sent her a sly glance as she passed, her eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction. Sharisze ignored the look she received and purposely quickened her stride.

As she got closer to main room, she realised it was her fried Lanna who stood pleading with her mother.

“Why won’t you trust my instincts on this matter?” Lanna demanded loudly

“Lanna, we have been over this. One day, I do not doubt you will be considered creditor's most senior seer; perhaps you might even rival Linka, but for now you have no say in high senate affairs!” came Lady Farthal’s retort.

Sharisze stopped just short of entering the seventh room, unwilling to intrude on the argument between mother and daughter. Lanna’s back was turned to her, but she did not need to see her face to know her friend was deeply upset about something.

“She is destined to do great things, mother, and if you prevent her from doing them ...creditor will be cast into a time of oppression and darkness,” Lanna warned.

“You are not yet of sufficient level to make such a prophesy, nor can I allow an apprentice to sway a high senate decision, daughter or no.”

“Just because I have not reached the rank of a master seer does not diminish my ability; my gift is still my gift, and will be, regardless of a mere title!”

Sharisze heard Lady Farthal emit a loud sigh, before saying, “Be that as it may, without the title, you have no say in this matter.”

“No?” taunted Lanna. “Come take my hand and if will show you my vision of the horrors which await, and know you can prevent it.”

“Even if I did see, Lanna, such would not sway me from what I must do.”

“You are being impossible, mother; you would rather see creditor destroyed then bend you precious rules!”

“Lanna, if Sharisze is all you say, this will be but a small hurdle, nothing more, and she will be more then capable of achieving those things you believe she will.” Lady Farthal now sought to pacify her daughter.

Sharisze had already guessed they were discussing her. Her heart went out to Lanna for seeking to defend her from whatever Lady Farthal would now seek to use against her. Lanna, since the time they were at school together, had said she would do great things, and fulfil her ambition of becoming a creditor legend. Not once, however, did Sharisze consider the words and belief stemmed from her friend’s visions. Despite the now obviously grave situation, Sharisze could find comfort in this knowledge.

“You really should have trusted and heeded me, mother,” Lanna finally said, before turning and walking away from her mother.

As Lanna walked quickly towards her, Sharisze could see tears trickling down her face. Up until that moment, she had little realised just how upset her friend was, and instantly embraced her in a comforting hug. Above Lanna’s head she met Lady Farthal’s impassive stare head on. Yet the lady wasn’t as unmoved as she would portray, Sharisze recognised. The lines of strain around her eyes and mouth indicated that her daughter’s heated words had not left her unmoved. Despite this, the glittering determination foretold her that regardless of Lanna’s impassioned pleas, Lady Farthal still intended to follow through with her intentions.

“I am so sorry, Sharisze.” Lanna said, pulling away from her.

Sharisze gave her a sad smile, “Whatever this is about, I know you are not the one to blame.”

“I feel I have failed you, Sharisze. If I had just studied harder, I would be a master seer now and could have stopped this.” Lanna’s tone was apologetic.

“Don’t beat yourself up. I don’t intend to get this close to my dreams, only to fail at the last hurdle. Whatever your mother throws at me, I am sure I can weather it,” she sought to relieve Lanna’s mind.

“I really hope so. Sharisze, create a mind link; there is something I would have you know privately.”

Sharisze nodded and did as her friend asked. Unlike herself, Lanna did not have the ability to create effective mind communication.

'Whatever mother reveals to you today, however it might look as if this is the end of your dreams, do not despair, Sharisze, and whatever you do – don’t resign! Creditor needs you, and Norton and I have a plan,' Lanna directed through the mind link.

Sharisze smiled inwardly. 'What scheme are you two hatching?'

'Something I hoped I would not have to resort to,' Lanna communicated, wistfully. 'No matter how bleak things seem, keep faith for I have set in motion something which will eliminate all obstacles from your path.'

'It’s not like you to be so cryptic Lanna,' Sharisze grumbled. 'I have to admit I am slightly confused by all of this.'

'This is all I am able to say. My own career would be destroyed were my involvement to be known and so we can never discuss this again. There is a possibility you will be implicated and be required to clear yourself through the pool of truth.'

'That sounds damned ominous; what the heck are you up to?' Sharisze demanded, little liking the sound of this revelation.

'I have explained all I am able,' Lanna confided before breaking the connection and walking away.

Perplexed, Sharisze watched her leave, before turning back towards the central room where Lady Farthal was waiting for her.

[RENA HANDS]

Possibly should the ‘West Wing’ be capitalized?

Should it not be…

he had learned from spying on the Crimins’ Lords. ?

Missed a period after…

Kallie informed(.)

Possibly…which was the Farthal family’s crest, the (‘) should be there somewhere.

I am not certain but should not the Eagle and Sphinx be capitalized?

Other words for ‘buggy,’ are carriage, stagecoach, coach or cart.

I think ‘High Senate’ should be capitalized. Not just in this chapter, but in the previous also. Just reflecting on a possible thought.

Instead of saying…and with a smile, what about…

and with a grin or proud grin/smirk

…to show how much she ‘truly appreciated’ the High Senate and its ‘perks.’

‘Hall’ or ‘Celesy Hall’ should be capitalized…

close to the Hall now

a place other than Celesy Hall

You are switching from ‘realise’ to ‘realization,’ you must decide which form to use.

Now you must capitalize ‘Dark Lords’…

where the Dark Lords were kept in their cryogenic state.

I would just say…[quote]Surely if the High Senate knew or suspected her interaction with Andraous,[quote]

Capitalize ‘Lady Farthal’…

Still, the Lady Farthal had chosen this high security temple, where none but the High Senate could…

I think you should just state ‘High Senate’ rather than ‘Higher Senate,’ it just seems off. And capitalize Dark Lord.

There seems to be a need for a comma here…

The fact Lady Farthal had still requested this meeting, indicated this new challenge they had… ?

Should it be ‘passed’…

Sharisze ascended the steps and ‘passed’ the guards without sparing them a glance, and entered the temple through the arched doors. ?

Possibly ‘casted’…

which bathed one’s soul in pure bliss and ‘casted’ aside all negativity. ?

Capitalize ‘Ancients’…

Sharisze had to give the ‘Ancients’ who had…

Rather saying ‘temple’ so often, why not shrine, sanctuary, asylum or haven?

Possibly intricate/elaborate…

or from drawing the eye from the intricate/elaborate large archways… ?

Doesn’t 7+7=14?

There were seven arches…and seven beyond that one, making 13(14) rooms in all ?

What about saying…

As she approached deeper into the Main Room, or As she slipped further into the Main Room, ?

(*Is this the name of the ‘room’ just Main?)

A missed period after…

Lanna demanded loudly(.)

Capitalize…

I do not doubt you will be considered (Creditor’s) most (Senior Seer)…High Senate affairs! ?

Capitalize…

Creditor will be cast(ed) into a time of oppression and darkness ?

I think…

to sway a High Senate’s decision, ?

I think…

the rank of Master Seer… ?

Are you missing a word or two here…

Come(,) take my hand and if (your) will show you my vision…?

(*There just seems to be something missing.)

…you would rather see (Creditor) destroyed than bend (your) precious rules! ?

Is it ‘fulfil’ or ‘fulfill?’…

of becoming a Creditor legend.

Yet the Lady wasn’t as unmoved as she would portray,

What about saying ‘unaffected’ rather than ‘unmoved’ twice in the same paragraph? Sentence?

I would be a Master Seer now and could have stopped this. ?

Why not try and state the ‘mind link’ as whispers inside Sharisze’s mind? Where you are describing the first few words of their ‘link’ state how the words were first gruff but then cleared by a deeper concentration of thought into homing her friend’s precise warnings/thoughts. ?

Very, very wicked these High Senators.