Glad that you all appreciated the way Liz, erm, 'foot'led the situation she found herself in. So, do you still think that Denda is this mysterious second that you all thought I was hinting at?
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to leave me feedback. I eagerly log on each day, hoping to see that little message from the auto rply robot. (Keep up the good work, robot!)
kissme4ever123 - Okay, you want Liz to meet Zan again? You wish is my command!
woodwinds - It sure looks like at least the bad parts of Liz's frem is true, if not the good.
AJK001 - But you don;t think Denda will give up that easy, do you?
roswck - I think Liz might just give Zan one more chance, don't you?
smokie - You know, maybe, just maybe, Denda spoke the truth!
Ah, speculation. Perhaps Rath and Zan 'womanize' only woman who are not as confident and indipendant as Liz and Maria.
roswellluver - I know something he will be holding!
frenchkiss70 - I agree. Let's hope tht Liz can encourage him in his studies.
aurorasky - I guess Liz is thinking how it's payback time!
NorafanofMaxandLiz - I think you might find Zan's next lesson interesting
BrinatheDreama - Yup. YOu seemed to have grasped the finer points
(Bone - "Max" will make an appearance very soon. See if you spot him. )BehrObsession - Poor old Zan. No one wants him, only what he represents. Even Liz.
Small wonder he is like he is.BelevnDreamsToo - Who do you THINK Vilondra would meet and discuss the murder os Zan? Do you really think *MAX* would be involved in murder?
Roswelllostcause - Hmmmm.... Prophetic words if ever I read them!
Scottie - No, just hoping to 'mellow' her. Okay, the time honored seduction technique of getting her sloshed! LOL She did actually 'sip' some early on.
LTL - Yeah, it's difficult for me to post so early on a Friday these days. Real life and a daughter who is now officially a teenager! (Do you girls get lessons for those hormonal mood swings? LOL) I would have to say, that it seems we are more likely to have M&M action than we are M&L.
Okay - Ods Bodkins, Forsooth, and Tally Ho! Methinks tis time for Liz to take some direct action against yon varlets, what?
Crazy
Patsy Cline
Crazy, I'm crazy for feeling so lonely.
I'm crazy, crazy for feeling so blue.
I knew you'd love me as long as you wanted,
And then someday you'd leave me for somebody new.
Worry, why do I let myself worry?
Wond'ring, what in the world did I do?
Oh, crazy for thinking that my love could hold you,
I'm crazy for trying,
And crazy for crying,
And I'm crazy for loving you.
Oh, crazy for thinking that my love could hold you.
I'm crazy for trying,
And crazy for crying,
And I'm crazy for loving you.
Part 11
"Thanks for your help, Rath," Maria nodded after he had escorted she and Liz through the castle to her room.
Rath's eyes darted left and right, nodded, turned away and left.
"You two seem to be getting all cozy," Liz smirked.
"With him?" Maria's mouth fell open. "Please! He helped me to look for you, is all. Okay, enough about me. Come on, chica, spill."
Maria had been dying to cross examine Liz ever since they had found her emerging from the Inn called 'The Crown' with a self satisfied smirk on her lips. The guards posted at the door wanted to prevent Liz from leaving, but Rath said something to them, and they backed off. They looked like they didn't want to let Liz leave, but whatever Rath said frightened them enough to stand down. Maria wondered what Liz would have done, had the guards let her pass, and she had not turned up to collect her. Liz would not have made it to the castle without attracting unwanted attention from any number of young men, given the dress that she was almost wearing. Now, in the safety of their apartment, Maria wanted to know the meaning of Liz's smile.
"Tell me you didn't, Liz," Maria looked full of concern.
"I didn't," Liz grinned.
"So what's with the smirk," her face filled with relief.
"Do you remember what your mom taught us that time? What to do to guys who wouldn't take no for an answer?"
"Uh huh," Maria's eyes narrowed.
"Well, Denda wouldn't take no for an answer."
"So you... No! Tell me you didn't! Not the prince. You did!"
"I did," Liz repressed her laugh. "I kicked him so hard, he passed out."
"You go, girl," Maria smirked. "I just hope Denda doesn't have you arrested for assaulting his royal personage."
"I can't see him admitting what I did to him," Liz shook her head. "I can't believe how arrogant he was."
"Did he try to seduce you?"
"Yeah. But I just kept on talking about Zan. It seems that Zan annoys him as much as me."
"So you weren't tempted?"
"No," Liz shook her head, a look of shock on her face. "Of course I wasn't."
"'Cause he wasn't Max?"
"Got it," Liz touched Maria's arm. "So, tell me about your evening."
"Not much to tell," Maria shrugged. "I went for a walk, bumped into Rath, found out that it wasn't Zan who sent you that dress, charged to your rescue... Oh, wait! I heard some people talking."
"And this is interesting, because...?"
"There were three of them," Maria ignored her. "I don't know who the two guys were, but the chick sounded a lot like Vilondra. Liz, they were talking about killing Zan."
"Kivar and Nikolas," Liz murmured. "Sounds like that part of my dream is true, too."
Maria frowned. She thought about her next words with care.
"And... Ava? Is there an Ava on the scene too?"
"Yeah," Liz nodded with a pained look.
* * *
The new day dawned bright and clear. Liz awoke to the sound of Adaile scurrying about in the other room. She climbed from her bed and went into the bathroom, where she found her bath already drawn for her. When she emerged, ready to face the day, Liz found that Adaile had tidied up her room, hung away her dress from the previous evening and had laid out fresh clothing for her to wear. She found Maria sitting on the sofa when she went through to the main room.
"Morning, Ma..."
She was interrupted by knocking at the main door.
Adaile scurried into the room from Maria's bedroom. Maria and Liz looked from the door to Adaile.
"She makes me feel a little... I don't know," Maria whispered as she waved her hands. "I can't say that I like being waited on."
"I know what you mean," Liz agreed.
"You may leave us, Adaile," they heard Syrus's voice from the door that Adaile opened.
"My ladies," Adaile curtsied and excused herself.
They both waved her off as Syrus entered the room and closed the door behind her. He crossed to a chair to sit down.
"So," he seemed agitated beneath the calm exterior he was presenting. "How was your evening, ladies?"
Maria and Liz exchanged looks.
"Magical," Liz turned back to Syrus with a dreamy look on her face.
"Mine was okay," Maria shrugged.
"So..." he was barely holding it together, "what did you, uh, get up to?"
"Well, I was treated to a moonlight tour of the city," Maria smiled. "Course, the company wasn't up to much, but hey, beggars can't be choosers."
"And..." there was a catch to his voice. "And you, Lady Elizabeth?"
"I was invited to dinner," she smiled with a far away look. "It was so romantic. And the dress he sent me. Wow. What a guy."
"Oh, yeah," Maria nodded. "She was like, totally hot. How he kept his hands to himself as long as he did... And just what time did you get home this morning, Liz?"
"And, uh," Syrus looked uncomfortable. "That is... I... Who was it that you dined with?"
"Prince Denda," Liz sighed like a lovesick bimbo, clutching her hands to her breast.
"And you, uh... enjoyed his company?"
"He was so manly," her eyes glazed. "Any girl would near faint at the thought of being his Queen."
"Did you... uh..." Syrus's voice squeaked. "I mean..."
"Relax, Syrus," Liz rolled her eyes, her manner returning to normal. "Nothing happened."
"I don't know what you are talking about," Syrus seemed relieved.
"Cut the crap," Maria spat. "You heard that Liz was summoned to dinner with Denda and you just had to find out if she gave up her cherry to him. Well, she didn't." Maria wrapped her arms around her friend. "Liz is made of tougher stuff than that."
"But... you did stay with him. I was... afraid that he... and you, might... fall in... love."
"Why can't anyone understand?" Liz screeched in frustration. "I'm in love with Max, which is the only reason I'm stuck in this... this place putting up with, with, with people like you and Zan and Denda and the pervert who calls himself a king. All I want is Max, and if you don't start helping me find him, then I'm going to get mad. Very mad."
"And you don't want to see that," Maria smirked.
"If it helps," Liz seemed calmer. "I find Denda even more creepy than I find Zan. But least Zan's open with his leering."
Syrus seemed speechless.
"Oh, and while were in such an open mood," Liz continued. "Denda told me all about Kivar, Nikolas and... Ava."
"Oh," Syrus croaked.
"Yeah. Oh," Maria placed her hands on her hips.
"Is that all you have to say?" Liz demanded.
"I deliberately kept that information back from your dream," he nodded. "But not without reason. You remember how you admitted how... distraught you had become? Well, in your shell-shocked condition, I felt that news such as this might have pushed you over the edge. That was why I did not warn you about those three."
"You could have advised her about them in your dream," Maria peered through narrowed eyes.
"It would have made the dream seem more implausible," Syrus shrugged. "It might have affected her desire to piece together the clues that I would have left her."
"Clues she didn't need in the end," Maria reminded him.
"Does Zan love Ava?" Liz demanded. Her face twisted in pain. "You don't know how hard it was for me to have to endure the possibility that Max would one day remember his love for Tess and..."
"No," Syrus shook his head. "He may behave as though he does, but I honestly believe that he pretends for his mother's sake. She thinks that their union would be..."
"Advantageous."
Maria looked at Syrus and shook her head. She looked at Liz, hoping she too caught the way he did not look at her when he answered.
"Yes," he nodded. "And that is another reason why you are here. If Zan married Ava, it would be Kivar who rules. Through Ava. He would make Denda look like a kitten. And even if Zan's mother should somehow gain control, that too would be a disaster. In fact, with your permission, Lady Elizabeth, I would like to draw up a document that would prevent Zan from handing power to a third party, should he ascend the throne. If you could persuade him to sign it, it would negate the threat of any one ruling through Zan."
"Talking of Denda," Liz interrupted. "Syrus, there's something you should know. Denda plans to challenge Zan to a duel. At the next ball."
"But that's next week," Syrus gasped.
"No," Liz shook her head. "He said something about a full moon. There was one last night, so I make it that we have twenty eight days to bring Max out of Zan."
"Twenty two," Syrus corrected her. "Our years are shorter than yours. Each of our years has only two hundred and ninety six days. But what you say makes sense. Denda turns eighteen next month. He cannot rule without a Regent until then, and I doubt he would wish to risk a regent taking power away from him."
"But what about the King?" Liz asked. "Azande? Surely Denda can't rule until he's dead, too."
"Who knows what other plans Denda has laid."
"Wait, wait, wait," Maria pursed her lips. "Why can't Zan just refuse to fight him."
Liz turned to face Syrus.
"All members of the monarchy are bound by a set of rules and laws. They must each and everyone of them obey them all."
"But can't the king just, I don't know, cancel them?" Maria frowned.
"No," Syrus shook his head. "That's not possible. These rules were laid down centuries ago. As long as we have a monarchy, they are bound by them. It's something they have to swear to; that they will obey the laws, that they will maintain the monarchy, and that they will continue to rule if they ascend the throne. If Denda issues a challenge to Zan, to become heir to the throne, Zan has to accept the challenge, or..."
"Or?"
"Or he has to take his own life."
"Couldn't he just... run away?"
"He is bound by the laws," Syrus shook his head. "But they are the same laws that would give the document I will draw, teeth."
"Let's say that I turn Zan into Max and he becomes King. He has to maintain the same laws that his father upholds?"
"That's right," Syrus nodded.
"Max would hate that," Liz shook her head.
"But he needn't be so tyrannical about it."
"I wouldn't like to make Max do something he wouldn't want to do," Liz frowned at the ground. "Can he just refuse to take the throne?"
"No. Not if he is the legitimate heir, which he would be."
"As much as I hate doing this to Max, I agree that someone like him would make everyone's lives a lot easier."
"You are an incredibly astute creature," Syrus nodded. "You would make an awesome Queen."
"Denda certainly thinks so," she nodded. "Zan is three years older than him, you said?" Liz looked at Syrus.
"Yes," he narrowed his eyes. He wondered why she had so suddenly changed the topic of conversation.
"And Denda will be eighteen?"
"Correct," he continued to stare, trying to fathom her thoughts.
Liz started to smile.
"In earth years, Max is only seventeen."
Maria started counting on her fingers.
"And that makes Denda only fourteen? Eeeeew, Liz!"
"So now what, Syrus?" Liz collapsed back into the sofa. "I have twenty two days to find Max. Where do I start?"
"Well," he smiled. "It seems that Azande is furious with Zan over his reaction when he first met you. When he was told what had happened to his son, Azande had imagined you to be a tall, fiercesome warrior princess, bristling with muscles and weaponry. He was most disappointed when he saw you."
"I bet," Liz remembered the looks he gave her. "Sorry, but I'm no Xena."
"Who?" Syrus frowned.
"Never mind," she rolled her eyes.
"Zan has been ordered to step up his training and his studies. It is a direct order from the King and one which not even Zan can ignore without the risk of being accused of treason."
"And this helps her, how?" Maria asked.
"Zan has a fencing lesson in one hour from now. I suspect that while he will attend, as ordered, he will not take all that active a part. He will not put much effort into it. I wonder what might happen if you were to just... turn up and.... encourage him."
"Syrus," Liz was deep in thought. "I need you to rustle me something up. Something more... suitable to wear."
"What do you have in mind?" Syrus looked at her with suspicion.
* * *
Wearing a hooded cloak, Liz followed the map that Syrus had prepared for her. She soon found the gymnasium where Zan was scheduled to have his fencing lesson. A tall, lean figure was striding toward her, looking more than a little annoyed.
"Is this where Zan's having his lesson?" she asked the man.
"No," he stopped and looked at her. "This is where Zan is having his morning nap. He never takes part in his lessons."
"Oh," Liz frowned. "I thought the King ordered him to attend."
"He's in attendance," the man waved his arms in exasperation.
"Is his instructor there yet?"
"'I am his instructor," he groaned. "The King commands me to try to make sure that he can at least give a good account of himself should Denda ever challenge him, but I am a mere mortal. I turned up as commanded, but I have no command to stay. I will not waste my time."
"But he needs to be taught."
"I agree with you, my lady," he indicated the door with a grilled window on it. "But from whom will he learn?"
Liz peered through the window and saw a figure lying on the middle of the floor with his hands folded behind his head.
"Give me the swords," Liz commanded, holding out her hand.
"We don't use real swords, my lady," the instructor shook his head. "We use wooden staves. You'll find them just inside the door."
"You want to know who he's going to learn from?" There was a dangerous look in Liz's eye. The instructor nodded. "From his worst nightmare. Liz with PMS."
"PMS?"
"Post Max Stress!" She turned toward the door.
* * *
Pausing at the door, Liz placed her hand upon it, took a deep breath and pushed her way into the gymnasium. Zan remained motionless on his back. Disappointment flooded Liz's very being. Max would have known the moment she entered the room and acknowledged her in some way. Shaking her dark thought away, she turned around, searching the walls. She saw the weapon rack, holding wooden swords. She picked up two of them, testing them for weight and balance and crossed the large room to stand at the feet of the sleeping prince.
"Get up," she commanded.
There was no reaction from Zan.
"Get up!" she repeated, kicking his feet.
Zan's eyes flickered open. He looked up at her and rolled his eyes. He closed them again, rolled over onto his side so that his back was to her, folding himself into the fetal position. Liz gripped her wooden sword in her small fist.
"I said," she lifted her hand back, "Get up!"
Liz swung her arm bringing the sword hard against Zan's posterior. Howling in pain, Zan leapt to his feet, rubbing his hand against his backside.
"What did you do that for?" he demanded while glaring at her.
"'Cause I felt like it," Liz snapped, standing with her hands on her hips, leaning a little forward.
"Stupid woman," he spat. "I'll make you pay for that."
"You don't have it in you," Liz sneered as she tossed him the other sword.
"You're hardly dressed for this," he commented.
Liz unfastened her cloak, which fell to the floor to reveal her white all in one.
Zan's eyes widened in appreciation. He broke into a dirty smile.
"I'm going to enjoy removing that from you," he leered.
"You and whose army?" In spite of her bravado, Liz could not help feeling apprehensive. After all, Zan, like Max, was taller that she was, and he looked more powerful, too.
"I don't need an army," he scowled.
Grasping his sword, he swung at Liz's hips, trying to take advantage of his longer reach and smack it against her backside. Surprised by his sudden movement, Liz squeaked and threw out her arm to try and block his attack. She was surprised when she heard the sound of wood against wood and felt the force of his swing against her own.
"Come on, Zan," she laughed with relief. "Is that the best you can do?"
Zan growled and swung at her again. Liz stepped out of his way, rather than try to meet parry this blow. Unbalanced, Zan continued to spin around. Presented with his back, Liz brought her sword firmly across his buttocks again, eliciting another howl of pain. So it continued. Every clumsy attack that Zan attempted, Liz parried it, or avoided it with ease. Whenever she tried her own attack, she found that she could easily throw a feint, which he bought, allowing her to strike him in some unprotected part of his body. It seemed that the more she struck him, the less coherent, in words as well as deed, he became. At first she found it all amusing, that she, a small girl such as she was, could run rings around someone like Zan. But then she remembered that Denda, a man trained by the best swordsman, would be facing Zan with a real sword. Zan would be cut to ribbons, a fate that made tears well up in her eyes. If only he would learn during his lessons!
Then she became angry. She grew angry at his pathetic nature, at his lack of ambition, of his total disregard for her as an individual, at the fact that he was not Max. At everything. He really was useless, a fact that angered her still more. She was no longer fencing with him. She was beating him. Blow after blow landed on Zan's body, his legs, his arms and his head. She started to rage, calling him unintelligible names as her eyes were blurred with tears. Her anger turned to fury. She blamed him for everything.
For not being who he was supposed to be.
For ruining her relationship with Kyle.
For ruining her life with his stupid dream.
For damaging her friendship with Alex.
For bringing her here.
For making her do this.
For ruining her Prom.
For taking that stupid step back.
For giving her a police record.
For caring more about his son than her.
For giving her alien powers.
But most of all, for sleeping with Tess.
It all came out. And each accusation was delivered with a couple of solid blows to an exposed limb. Zan had long since dropped his sword and collapsed into a ball, trying to protect himself from her onslaught. His gesture was so weak, so submissive that a red mist filmed her eyes. She doubled her attacks, almost in a berserk frenzy. It was only when she finally heard his cries of pain as he begged for her to stop, pleading for mercy, that she stopped dead. Her mouth dropped open and her hand flew to cover it as the horror of what she had done sickened her. She dropped her wooden sword to the floor and fled from the gym, sobbing hysterically. She was gone before the sword had finished bouncing.
* * *
