Fanfic:Tamora's Three Arches

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Tamora's Three Arches
Author(s)
  • Lou
Character(s)
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It is bright, so bright. The light was hurting her eyes. Trying to shade them was impossible, as she could not see where the light was coming from. It was just surrounding her.

“So, my love, what did you think of the dinner?” Aran asked, his strong hand encircling hers. They were allowed to hold hands, but not much else, and their chaperones were both keeping an eye on them. Mistress Vern, Tamora’s governess and Master Sharp, Aran’s man servant, were following them at their usual distance. Tamora smiled down at her hand in his, and then smiled back up at the man next to her. His dark green eyes were sparkling as he looked down at her. It warmed her heart. It made her sad, so sad. Why am I so sad, she thought to herself, unsure on why she had this sudden urge to cry?

“Was the food that bad, my love? I thought the silver pike salad was pretty good!” Aran tried to make light of the look on her face, until he saw her eyes begin to get glisten. Suddenly, he took her in his arms, and whispered close to her ear. “Tamora, my heart, what is the matter?” concern filled his voice. As she pulled away from him slightly, much to the relief of Master Sharp and Mistress Vern, she suddenly could not remember. Wiping her eyes, and feeling very silly, she pulled back from Aran’s embrace.

“My heart, it is nothing. Just a wave swelled in my heart when I thought of you!” she smiled up at him, then began walking again, pulling him along gently. It had been a magical night, a lovely dinner in the finest of Inns. There had been a Gleeman there, and he had told the tale of the Great Hunt for the Horn, one of Tamora’s favourites. The Gleeman, who called himself Navrim Holden, was brilliant, even if he was from Tear. The telling had gone on later than she had thought, and though she was safe with Aran, she wanted to get home. There was a chill in the air this night, an ill chill. Why did I think of that? she thought again. The street was empty, no one else walking around.

A sudden noise made Tamora turn around just in time to see Master Sharp fall to the ground, the tip of a crossbow bolt protruding from his chest. As she watched, unable to move, Mistress Vern, who stood shocked, and who was about to scream suddenly jerked, and fell forward, blood dripping down from her mouth. Tamora covered her mouth as she saw a small man over the body of her governess, pulling a silver and pearl dagger from her back. A sudden wave of confusion hit Tamora hard. That’s my dagger, how has he got my dagger, she thought, her head hurting. But it couldn’t be my dagger, not if it’s his!

She suddenly felt Aran grab her wrist and the jerk of it made her back to her senses. After looking around them, she could see that they were surrounded by at least seven men, dressed as dock workers. But they did not look like Mayene dock workers; in fact they did not even look like they were from Mayene.

“Come with us Children, and no one…else…has to get hurt!” Tear, Tamora thought, they are from Tear! Fear had gripped her heart as she pulled out the gold hilted dagger that had belonged to her Father. Aran had pulled out the curved blade that had been a gift from his father on his achieving manhood. He glanced at Tamora, his deep green eyes so intense and serious. He was prepared to fight, as was she. They knew what the Tear Pirates wanted, and they would not get their families secrets from them.

No! RUN! Don’t Fight!! These words screamed out in her head. Like she knew what was going to happen. She wanted to fight, better to die than be taken captive to these Taren scum, but a small voice in her kept repeating that they should be running not fighting. She watched as the men around them began to move in slowly. There was no more time. Aran won’t die this time, she thought, and the thought was like a punch to the gut. He was not dead, but standing next to her, dagger drawn, ready to fight! And die! Her free hand went to the left side of her neck, to cover…..what? There was nothing there!

Grabbing Aran’s arm, she pulled while shouting “Run!” And she began to move quickly through the gap between the Pirates. One of the men, a man with a nasty scar running down through his right eye, tried to grab her as she went past, but seemed to miss my millimetres. Her long hair flowing out around her, Tamora ran, dagger in hand, panic beginning to choke her. Chancing a quick glance behind her to make sure Aran was with her made her stop in her tracks. He was not with her. He was on his knees, in front of one of the men.

“It’s not your pretty we want, wench! It’s YOU we want.” His voice had a nasty sneer to it, and Tamora could only hope that she never fell into his hands. Again, she found herself raising her hand to her neck to touch something that was not there. The Pirate, who pulled out a dagger, and place it to Aram’s throat, sneered at her.

“Tam, go, run!” Aran’s voice sounded cold, and fearful. He wanted her to go, to save herself. But she did not think she could. She watched as the Pirate punched Aran in the face, knocking him down to the floor, and then pulled him back to his knees by this hair. Aran let out a grunt of pain, but stayed on his knees, his eyes pleading her to run.

She looked around frantically, looking for someone for help. But there was no one. Except there was something, a strange light, from the end of the street, it had just seemed to appear. There seemed to be some silver arches up there, glowing almost. Tamora just stood confused. What was that? Where had they come from? Shaking her head, she turned back to look at Aran, and the seven Pirates from Tear.

The way back comes but once!

But something else caught her attention. A woman, with red gold hair in ringlets, and plumpness to her face and figure was standing across the street watching her. She was wearing a figure hugging outfit, domani by the looks of it. She had a strange look on her face, one that Tamora could not read. She was about to shout at her to get help, when another grunt of pain made her turn to look back at Aran.

Be Steadfast!

The lead Pirate was practically pulling out Aran’s hair, holding him up, dagger still too his throat. “Come now Lady Wench, let’s not make this worse for your pretty!” He voice showed he was losing his temper. Tamora was about to move forward, to save Aran’s life, but her feet would not move.

The way comes but once! Be Steadfast!

The small voice was growing in her head, telling her to go towards the strange silver Arch at the end of the street. Aran is already dead! The voice whispered it to her. The thought made her sick again, and tears began to flow down her face. No, he’s there, I can see him!

“Out of time, Lady Wench!” And as Aran looked her in the eyes, the pirate slid the silver and pearl dagger across Aran’s throat. He held him up, so Tamora had to watch Aran’s life blood fall from his throat. She vaguely heard the Pirate order the others to grab her, and drag her back. And the small voice, the one that had filled her with doubt and fear all night suddenly screamed inside her head!

RUN TO THE ARCHES NOW!

She looked back to where the plump woman in the domani dress was standing, and the street was empty. Looking back to where Aran now lay in a pool of his own blood, Tamora finally made her feet work. She began to run. Toward the strange Silver arch that was beginning to get weaker and paler in appearance. She ran harder, and faster, scared and crying, she ran, ran towards the Arches before they vanished, before they went. She ran harder, to out run the pain, and hurt. She closed her eyes, and ran blindly….

Tamora el'Galina steps into the second arch...

My eyes…..it’s so bright….where’s the light coming from? Why can I not see? The light, it hurts…..

It took Tamora a moment to realise that she was shielding her eyes, …the light…, before she realised she was standing in the street in the bright sunshine. Its warm, it feels so good, she though as she turned her attention back to the street. It was busy. Carts and carriages were moving up and down, displaying many different degrees of wealth. It was good to be home, in Mayene’s Capital, her home. The sights, the sounds, the smells, it made her smile brightly. She had missed her life.

I’m so glad I have returned, she thought excitedly. But then confusion started to seep in. Where am I returning from? Frowning, she searched her memories, but then a sudden thought overwhelmed her, it does not matter, I am home!

Suddenly, her wrist was pulled back, and she turned to see a horse standing behind her, impatiently pulling its head down, which in turn pulled at the leather strap that was tied to her wrist. Ayende was standing there looking at her. Oh, my dear companion! Tamora felt her heart swell. It felt as it had been forever since she had seen her horse. She remembered when her Mother had given her to her as a twelfth birthday gift. I thought I was so clever giving you an Old tongue name, thinking no one would know that you were called freedom! Sudden pang crept into her heart, as she was sure that Ayende was dead, as she had a flash of memory in her head of how Ayende had broken her leg, and her Mothers stable master had had to put her down. But she’s here now….. Her thoughts were not making sense today. I guess I am more travel weary than I thought; I cannot wait to get home. And with her thoughts becoming more positive, she began to walk towards her Mothers Town House.

After ten or so minutes later, Tamora was walking down the main street, walking past all her fancy neighbours’ houses. They were large and flashy, and it made her smile. Nothing changes, she thought, as she neared her Mother’s house. She hoped her Mother was there, as she did not fancy travelling to their Country manor. No more travelling, just home and rest now!

It was then that Tamora could see that something was wrong. Pulling Ayende quickly behind her, she hustled towards her Mother’s house. It was the same house that had all the windows boarded up and found the stone work blackened and sooty. What….my home….Mother! Feeling panic rising, Tamora dropped the reins and ran up the steps and began to pound on the large double front doors. “Hello…..Mother…..Hello…..anyone?” Tamora could hear shouting, and it took her a moment to realise that it was coming from her mouth. She could feel pain building in her hands as she hit and pounded on the large doors. There was no answer.

A sudden hand on her shoulder caused her to turn with a start. Who the hell? Tamora saw she was looking at the breast plate of a member of the City Guard. He was a tall fellow, with reddish brown hair, and green eyes. His helm was tucked under one arm, and the other was out stretched, the arm that had touched her shoulder. He looked concerned. “Excuse me miss, are you alright?” Tamora stared at his hand as if it were a viper, and inched back. “No, I am not alright! Where is my Mother?!” Tamora knew her voice was getting louder and higher in pitch.

The red haired man before her looked down at her confused, and then back at the house behind her. As she watched, he could see understanding dawn in his eyes. He knows what happened! He knows where she is! Tamora could feel her anger rise as the Guard stood there looking down at her. Tamora began to clench and unclench her firsts which were down at her sides. She was about to lose her temper. Finally, the Guard spoke.

“Lady….er….Mistress el’Galina was removed from this house. The debtors had the Guard remove her for not paying her bills!” His voice was so bland that Tamora did not first believe her ears. He’s lying! She knew it. Her Mother was a good business woman, and the family had money to spare. This could not be right! The guard looked down at her, and shook his head. “This happened about a week ago. Then some kids set fire to the house afterwards.” His voice was still bland, still giving nothing away. Suddenly, something snapped in Tamora’s head. It’s happened! It’s really happened!

Grabbing hold of the Guards arms, Tamora held him hard. “Where is she? Tell me! What did you do to her?” She knew she was on the point of being hysterical, and deep in her head, she seemed fine with that! The Guard’s face darkened and he roughly pulled himself from her grip. His eyes had become stormy green seas. His voice cold and hard, he finally answered her. “She was taken to the Debtors Prison.” And with that, he turned and walked down the steps towards the street below. Watching him go, Tamora noticed that she had drawn in quite a crowd. She scanned the crowd for a familiar face.

One popped out. There was a plump woman, wearing a silver domani style dress, standing across the street watching her. Her hair was dressed in red gold ringlets that fell about her shoulders, embedded with dark jewels. She was staring at Tamora with a strange look upon her face, a mixture of curiousness and disgust. Tamora did not like the look in that woman’s eyes. Do I know her…..she is so familiar…. A passing carriage blocked her view of the woman for a moment, and when she could see the place where she had stood, and it was empty.

My mother, I have to get to my mother, to help her. She knew where the Debtors prison was located, and as she started down the stairs she knew she was going there.

Suddenly, something off to her left caught her eye, a shimmering light. Turning to look, she could see a shining Arch, sitting in the middle of the street. Everyone around it paid it no attention at all. It’s beautiful. But whys it there!

The way back will come but once!

Shaking her head, she reached the bottom step to the street, and looked at the way she had to go. It was the opposite direction to the shining silvery arch. I have to get going, I have to save her. But despite how much she wanted to run down the street to find her Mother, she could not make her feet move.

Be Steadfast!

She turned and stared at the Arch before her, the one everyone seemed to be ignoring. She had a feeling she was supposed to do something, but she was not sure if she was right. Her head hurt, and she felt confused and dizzy.

The Way Back Will Come But Once! Be Steadfast!!

Suddenly, she found herself running, full pelt towards the Archway. Inside she was screaming for her Mother. I have to help her, I have to get her out of Prison. I can’t leave her! But no matter what she felt in her heart, her legs were not listening. With tears streaming down her face, she found herself heading straight towards the light. Closing her eyes, Tamora ran blindly…

Tamora el'Galina steps into the final arch...

The light, it hurts, whys it so bright……it hurts, where is it coming from….why does it hurt….make it stop….please….it’s so bright….

Rubbing her eyes, Tamora looked out across the bright open field. It was then that Tamora realised that she was sitting up a tree. Laughing, she looked down, and smiled, feeling the warm breeze running through her hair. I know this tree, it’s on my Mothers…er…no…my Country Estate. My Estate, my business! A moment of confusion hit Tamora hard, in the chest. No, not mine, my Mothers! Shaking her head, fighting the strange feelings running around her head, Tamora had to grab herself from falling from the tree.

My Estate, my life!

Movement in the distance caught Tamora’s eye. She turned her head, and looked towards the east. And there, coming towards her were a horse, and two smaller ponies. They were going at a steady rate, not fast, but at more than a trot. Tamora stared out at who the riders were, but at this distance, she could not see. I don’t have to see, it’s my family! The thought shocked her. Her family, her beautiful family! That cannot be. Shaking her head, everything fell into place. Its Aran, my beautiful husband, and….and….my children! Tamora suddenly recognised who were on the ponies. It was Lucan, their eldest who was seven summers old, and who already wanted to be a man like his father. On the slightly smaller pony was Khayina, who was five summers old, and who already wanted to b wearing ball gowns like the other Ladies. And Tamora knew that Aran would be holding Sophina in his lap. She was two, and so wanted to be like her big sister. Tamora suddenly remembered a moment, a few weeks ago, when she had heard Khayina yelling, and when she found her, she was angry because Sophina had pulled out her favourite dress, and was wearing it, though it was miles too big for her. When Tamora had knelt before her youngest to ask why she had done this, all Sophina could say was “I’m like Khayina!” The fresh memory made her laugh out loud; as she continued to watch her family get closer.

No, this is not right. I cannot be married to Aran! Aran….is…..

Frowning, Tamora climbed down the tree, and began to walk through the long grass towards her family as they came closer and closer. She had a sudden urge to hold them and touch them to kiss Aran, and smell her children’s skin. It felt like she had not touched them in forever.

You have never touched them!

Frowning, Tamora pushed that thought to the back of her mind. She had no idea what was wrong with her today. She knew she had not slept well the night before, and at the third hour past midnight, she had wrapped her silken shawl….a white shawl, with a green fringe…..no, it was the purple shawl from Arad Domain, and gone into her office. She had spent her time looking over her business accounts. Since she had taken the business from her Mother, things had gone from good to great. There were turning out more fish oil than ever before. I’m…no…we, we are privileged!

As she got closer, she held out her arms and waited for her children to come. Both Lucan and Khayina dismounted from their ponies and can running at her. She knew Aran would be there shortly with Sophina. Both her two eldest collided with her at the same time, and the three of them fell into a heap in the grass giggling and laughing. This is where I belong!

No, it’s not, this is not real! The way back will come but once!

“Calm of my Heart, are you not missing someone?” Aran’s voice held a hint of laughter as he held Sophina out above and over her, and Tamora let her into the muddle of arms and legs and laughter. As she continued to tickle and laugh with her children, Aran stood over them, smiling and shaking his head. He often claimed she had the same mental age of the children.

This is not REAL! Be steadfast!

The voice in her head made her jump this time. It was her own voice, and yet it did not seem to be part of her. What was going on? Letting go of the children, she began to climb to her feet. She felt a little dizzy, needed a little air. The children seemed oblivious to this as they continued to wrestle and laugh. But the look on Aran’s face told her she did not look right.

“Tam, are you alright? What’s wrong?” His voice held an edge of worry, and he placed a hand on her upper arm. Tamora was about to answer when something over Aran’s shoulder caught her attention. There was a woman standing by the tree where she had been sitting just before. She was just standing there, one hand rest on the tree trunk. Her red gold curls up, and falling around her face and shoulders. She was wearing a grey silk dress that barely contained her curvy, plump form.

Tamora was about to ask Aran who the woman was when something caught her attention from the left hand side. It was shimmering, and glinting in the sun. Yet it looked like it had no reason to be in the middle of a field. It was an arch. It was almost glowing in the sunlight. It is beautiful. But why is it here?

Run to the arch! The way back comes but once! Be steadfast!

A sudden terrible realization came onto Tamora so hard that it made her breath catch. She knew. She knew that this was all wrong. She knew why she was here. And she knew what she had to do now. Looking back to the tree, the woman was gone. As Tamora knew she would be.

“Husband, would you please take the children back to the House?” Tamora fought to keep her voice light and the tears from her eyes. Aran looked at her quizzically, but nodded none the less. “I shall be along shortly, I shall catch you up!” Tamora hoped the children would go quietly. She did not think she could take it more if they did not. Her heart was braking so badly that she was surprised there was no could hear it.

Taking a few steps back she watched as Aran gathered up the children, and got them all back mounted on their horses. Khayina waved and called out “Will you be long Mama?” Tamora, a smile still fixed firmly on her face, just shook her head, and gave a little wave as they began their decent down the hill towards her Estate house.

Tamora felt the warm tears begin to fall over her smooth cheeks, as she watched them go. It took everything she had not to run and chance after them. But she knew what she had to do. She had to go towards the arch. Finally letting out a wracking sob, she began to move towards the Arch. It started as a slow walk, that built up into a dead run. She tried to out run the hurt, the pain, and the fact she was leaving everything she had ever wanted.

As the silver arch grew closer and closer, the light of it seemed to intensify. Closing her eyes, as she ran, Tamora wondered when the pain would stop. She wanted it to stop, needed it to stop. My family….my children…..