Promise and a Burden, A

A Promise and a Burden

=Chapter One=

By Rhoneg

"Sanguinia?!" Rhoneg shrieked, and then repeated for emphasis: "Sanguinia?!"

"Yes, Sanguinia" said his father. "Is this a problem?"

"Of course it's a problem, father! She's so... so..."

"So?"

"So mindnumbingly vacant! Why not send me off in the company of this gourd?!"

He grabbed a gourd from a bowl that sat on the kitchen table and hurled it against the wall in disgust. Almost immediately, a broom whisked across the room to sweep the fragments off of the floor. Rhoneg's father sighed.

"You've known her your entire life, son. Why wouldn't..."

"Not by choice, father!" Rhoneg retorted mockingly. "If you and mother hadn't been so nether-bent on that, our paths would probably never have crossed."

"But she is a priestess. Her abilities could be very helpful."

"Are you insane, father?! Do you seriously expect me to put my life in that diva's hands?"

"Son, I will hear no more of this! I owe my own life to her parents, and I will not forget that. This family fulfills its obligations. You will travel with Sanguinia and keep her safe. That is the end of this discussion."

Rhoneg smiled wickedly. "Fine. Doubtless she will cost me my own life within a matter of a few hours, so that should settle your debt quite nicely. Perhaps then this family can emerge from the senseless shadow that this burden of yours has cast upon it."

He turned and stalked out of the room, leaving his father shaking his head.

=Chapter Two=

By Sanguinia

"Tell me you aren't serious, Mother!"

"Now, Sanguinia, my dear, you know the rules. You must leave this house and find your way as a Priestess in the world. It's what we've always done."

Sanguinia lay on her bed, absently twirling her silken, blond hair. She pouted at her mother, "just one more year, Mother? I could help with your Social Club functions."

Her mother only sighed. "There's no use in pouting, dear. Your father has already made arrangements for you to have an escort."

Sanguinia perked up, and sat primly on her bed. I hope it's one of those paladin-apprentices. They're so manly.

"Yes," her mother said, sensing Sanguinia's excitement. "Your good friend Rhoneg has sworn to accompany you on your journey."

Sanguinia's eyes widened, and only her sense of decorum kept her jaw from hitting the floor. "You can't be serious," she whined. "Mother! He's awful! He's just a mage. So serious and dark! I won't be seen in public with him!"

Her mother crossed the room to stroke Sanguinia's hair, but thought better of it. She simply said, "Darling, you've been out in public with Rhoneg plenty of times. Besides, our families are bonded by a life-debt. There's no arguing this."

Tears glistened at the corners of her eyes. "I can't believe Daddy would do this to me," was all she said.

"Pack your bags, Sanguinia," her mother called as she left her daughter's bedroom. "You leave in the morning."

Sanguinia wiped a salty tear from her cheek. As she caught her reflection in her vanity mirror, she smiled at the effect sadness had on her complexion.

=Chapter Three=

By Rhoneg

Silvermoon City.

Finally, Silvermoon City.

Rhoneg looked about himself at the magnificent architecture and seethed.

I'd have been here days ago had I not had to travel with so much extra baggage.

He chuckled at the thought.

Who would have thought that baggage could walk?

The days since he had been sent on his journey had been enlightening. He had not previously appreciated the situation of his people. Though their towns were beautiful, they were everywhere under siege. Their enemies were not particularly powerful, at least in these regions. But they provided a constant annoyance and as his companion was quick to point out, had horrible skin. He felt that he could empathize with the townspeople that he had met.

''And where is she now? Here we are in the capital of our people, the seat of what power and influence we yet retain. Here is where we truly begin our journey, where we may begin to fulfill our potential - and what is her first impulse?''

His fists clenched.

Shopping!

He shook his head in bewilderment and turned to ask a passing guard for directions to the trainers.

At least I finally have a bit of solitude. Let's see what the mages of the city can teach me, and then we'll see what the taverns can provide. I have a feeling I'll be a frequent patron.