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Yet another day has come and gone... 19 year old King Vasili Llama thought with a heavy sigh, raking his dominate hand through his snowy white hair. He tried not to think of the past but it screamed to be remembered, especially this time of year. It depressed him... and he hated feeling depressed. Ledia would notice and she would try to cheer him up. He gave a rueful smile and sighed again. He would have to fake a smile before she came to the kitchen. He eyed the room having always found owning such a large kitchen was ridiculous. He didn't know how many generations but it was built 100 years before his time. The castle housed many. Those who were related to the Llama’s and those who worked for the Llama’s; who got to stay there with their family. The stone castle was old, but well made.

Here in the kitchen, the cooks have all gone to bed by now, so this was one of the few places that could be quiet during this time of day. He saw movement by the door and smiled. His best friend and body guard Floyd Mckinnis was standing ready for anything. Floyd was the leader of their army, the Llama army. His red copper hair peeking out of the soldier’s helm and some specks hiding his brown eyes he was a friendly; yet intimidating man. Vasili really didn't know much about wars or fighting so he gave Floyd full control once he was made king. It was a proper choice, though some of the Elders grumbled. Vasili was only 14 when he became King, not the youngest to take the throne... but he wasn't ready. Though he was told no one is ever fully ready. At this time of day Floyd was supposed to resting so he would be training the troops in the morning. There was a new recruitment test all this week, but Vasili had a close call with an assassination attempt earlier in the week, so Floyd was not planning on letting his friend out of his sight any time soon; not even in the early morning.

Vasili heard footsteps echoing in the castle. Two people, happy footsteps and ones of a soldier. Floyds younger cousin Genis, and Ledia... He found himself smiling again. Vasili was 9 when he met his future wife; she was 8 at the time. Both knowing they were to wed one another, they tried to make friends. At that young age Vasili had felt girls were annoying, and Ledia was obsessively clingy. As time went on Vasili found he came to love her. He now knew he could not think of a life without her. She was indeed his other half, and Vasili was forever grateful for the gods of fate showing them to one another. "Vasili? Are you here?" Her soft voice carried itself to him. "I am here love." He replied and she peeked in the room. Her cute blueish grey curls bouncing as her head moved and her blue eyes filled with joy. He gave a grin back at her and stood. Genis stood beside Floyd by the doorway, even though they were only cousins, it was sometimes hard to tell the two apart. Genis had darker eyes and was a few years younger, but at first glance one could easily get mistaken. Genis was 16, while Floyd was nearly 20. "You were not in the bedroom, I was worried. I heard the troops talk about Mortis planning something..." Ledia said and tackled him giving him a hug hiding her tears. He couldn't help but smile. Tapping her head up with two fingers he looked into her beautiful blue eyes. "Worry not my love, I am not so easily killed and besides did you forget Floyd and Genis are here to protect us both." He said kissing her forehead where his fingers once were. Ledia smiled and sighed happily, she just needed the reassurance. She trusted both Floyd and Genis but Vasili was her life. She kissed him back and gave him another hug she noticed the sadness in his cold blue eyes, usually there would be a twinkle of amusement or joy, but something was troubling him. Was he already attacked?? She wondered as she took a seat. "I know that look... let me reassure you I am fine." He said with a smile. It still didn't reach his eyes. Instead of showing her worry Ledia stood and gave a grin sitting on his lap. "And what look are you referring to?" She asked with her grin widening. Vasili chuckled, "That one." He said bluntly. She gave a small shrug and said "I have every right to worry about the one I love." He averted his gaze and sighed; soon she would start pouting and would make me promise things. He thought and glanced at Floyd. His old friend had a knowing smirk. Oh he is going to regret that! Vasili thought clenching his fist. "There is nothing to worry about though. I am fine. Unc... Mortis hasn't started anything... and even if he did we have defeated him before and we will again." He said aloud. Ledia noticed the slip, though Mortis had tried to kill Vasili numerous times he still thought of that man as his Uncle. That is why he is being moody; it is that uncle's birthday tomorrow. "Just because he became twisted over the years doesn't mean you can't celebrate how he once was." She said taking his hand with her right and resting the other on his cheek. He visibly mourned. He had his suspicions it was Mortis who caused his father’s death, but the day he was attacked by Mortis a piece of him died, left just as the rest of his family did. Quick and painfully.

Vasili heard a noise and refrained from jumping, first he would be teased for being jumpy, second Ledia would be thrown to the ground. It was most likely the wind anyway scraping against the stone walls. Glancing at Floyd and Genis both were at high alert and uneasy. "Come love, it is getting late and we have to greet the new potential soldiers tomorrow." He said gently standing taking her in his arms. Ledia grinned and said "You always hate those formal events, do you just wish to end this conversation or are you perhaps suggesting something more fun?" She asked with a twinkle in her eyes. He chuckled and kissed her nose. "I will let you be the one to decide that." He said and with their guards following they headed to the royal chambers.

Chapter two

Two hours had passed since meeting Lary. Yes Lary the llama. Vasili again was in the kitchen looking out the window. It was his favorite place to relax and to clear his thoughts. Although Floyd was Vasili's personal guard, Floyd had other responsibilities. Today Vasili had Floyd working at the academy. Floyd knew Vasili would be agitated seeing the Mystic being in the army, but Floyd saw potential. The problem was, would Vasili accept the new recruit? A Mystic was one who was able to use magic. Oftentimes, they were humanoid animals, or humans of royal lineage. And most came from the western lands.

Vasili was not anti Mystic nor did he dislike magic, both he and Ledia had strong magic within. Vasili was simply was always expecting an attack and Mortis was staying in the western lands. Ledia walked in the kitchen knowing she would find Vasili here. Only she and Floyd knew the reason Vasili came here to think. When he was a child, Vasili and his father would come here and have their father/son talks with a midnight snack. It was one of Vasili's happier childhood memories.

Ledia sighed softly and took a seat across from him. It's been a whole hour and he has not moved from that position. She thought. "I do not see Lary as a problem. With him we would actually have a llama army not just by name!” She said trying to make a joke. She sighed and replied softly, "Is it because he was from the Western lands? It was where I was born you know… it is where your ancestors came from. It is how you can conjure the elements my love." She paused and still did not gain any acknowledgment Vasili was listening. Hello? Ledia thought and waved a hand before Vasili's face. He blinked and turned.

"Ledia? What are you doing here?" He asked startled. Ledia sighed and rested her head on the table a moment. "Were you here all this time?" Vasili asked with a frown. He had registered the sun had shifted a bit since the time he first sat down, but he would have noticed her when she came in the room… right? He gave an embarrassed smile and remembered when lost in his thoughts he was easily was lost to the real world. "Lucky for you Genis and I took a walk and I have just returned." Ledia said sitting up again. "I came because Bob was looking for you." She added. Bob was Vasili's royal advisor.

Bob had worked for Vasili's father 5 years before Vasili was even born. Being an old man in his 60's Vasili often teased Bob, but the young king was truly fond of his father's friend. "Ah…" Vasili said and sighed. "What is troubling you?" Ledia asked raising an eyebrow. It troubled her to see Vasili so upset. Vasili frowned glancing out the window again. Father once said this was the best view of the castle, now being taller, I can see what he meant. Vasili thought. It showed the entire Llama kingdom, the small villages below, those who relied on the Llama protection and guidance. He came to this window not only because of a childhood memory, but it reminded him of what he needed to do. What kind of man he needed to be.

"It's nothing…" Vasili muttered in answer to Ledia’s question. In truth, he was still worried about an attack from Mortis. It was just three days ago when Vasili was saved yet again thanks to Floyd. "Something happened, didn't it?" Ledia asked catching a slight flicker of fear in Vasili's eyes. He glanced away a moment then sighed. "Nothing worth mentioning my love." He replied casually and he reached over taking her hands with his own; kissing the top of the right one. Ledia felt a slight tremor and again caught the lie in her husband's eyes. "Vasili…” She said in a scolding tone. "It's already been a few days since the last attack, surely Un… Mortis is up to something. This is not like him being so… quiet." Vasili said. "Days?? I only know of the one from a few weeks ago." Ledia said surprised. Vasili swore to himself and glanced at Ledia seeing her eyes full of fear. "Nothing worth mentioning." He replied again, this time with a small shrug.

Three days ago

Vasili felt free when he was racing with Blade. Blade was a black and brown speckled horse, only a few years in age. The horse suddenly reared, nearly knocking Vasili off. "Woa Blade, woa." Vasili said trying to calm the horse petting the mane as he spoke softly. He glanced around the woods, suddenly feeling not so safe, and very much alone. A flicker of movement caught his eyes causing him to duck narrowly missing an arrow in the shoulder. He turned seeing the arrow shake from the force of the blow, now embedded in the tree next to him. Not entirely in the mood to pluck an arrow from his flesh, Vasili urged the horse to leave this path. Instead Blade whinnied and backed away. It was then when Vasili noticed the giant shadow.

Correction, Giant's shadow. Holy… Vasili thought before Blade reared again knocking Vasili to the ground. How did the Giant make it past the barrier? Vasili thought dazed as he rolled to his side avoiding the hooves of his horse. The Llama land was protected by an ancient barrier; protecting the lands. Made by Vasili’s ancestors. The Giant walked forward, shaking the ground. Now being on the ground, Vasili knew why Blade was skittish. Another arrow hit the ground, not even a foot from where Vasili lay and the Giant stepped into the light. Vasili looked away from the Giant feeling nauseous seeing the pustule covered body; he also muttered a remark about pants being needed.

"Throw down your weapon human, and put your hands where I can see them." Said a voice from the woods. Sounded like it came from the direction of the archer. Vasili thought as he stood slowly raising his hands showing he had no weapons. Floyd was never going to let me live this down. He thought sighing. A young wolf form Mystic walked out of the woods holding the bow aimed to release another arrow. "Drop all your valuables and I'll let you live." The Mystic said. Vasili scoffed flashing a smirk he started to concentrate on his magic powers. His mother was from the western lands, not just his ancestors. It was what the Llama family line did, to preserve the Llama lands, every child must know magic. "What's so funny?" The Mystic asked angrily raising the bow ready to fire. "I don't really need any weapons to take you out." Vasili said as his right hand grew hot. An orb of light formed, and before the archer could react Vasili threw the orb knocking the archer back into a tree. A burst of light blinded everyone a moment as the spell hit. The tree cracked and the archer slid to the ground limp. If he did survive the attack, he would never use a bow again, that's for sure. Vasili thought seeing the broken left arm lying limp at the mystic's side.

There was the sound of another horse coming near and Floyd arrived. He had an arrow in his arm, and dirt on his face. He sighed as he got off his horse Knight and glanced at the downed archer. "I see you couldn't just wait for me, could you." He asked raising an eyebrow. "Not my fault you’re slow." Vasili teased glancing at the arrow in Floyd's arm. Looks like they tried to separate us… He thought and before he could react Floyd was tackling him to the ground, both barely avoided the rock the Giant threw. "Oh ya… naked dude…" Vasili muttered. Floyd glanced back and grimaced looking back at Vasili. "You certainty attract all kinds." Floyd said, wincing as he sat up. "Funny…" Vasili said holding his hand up as Floyd stood. Helping his friend up Floyd broke the arrow in his arm in half tossing the feathered end aside. "So… have any plans?" Vasili asked. "Um… win." Floyd said as he unsheathed his sword. "Fun, fun." Vasili said conjuring another spell.

"Vasili?" Ledia asked waiving her hand again before his eyes.

Present time.

Blinking Vasili stood. He barely heard what she had said, but he knew it was out of concern. "As you can see, I am perfectly fine." He replied offering her his hand. True it was a close call… Vasili thought grateful Floyd had been there. He had relied on the barrier too much. The barrier was maintained by Vasili, or someone with strong magic ability. He was showed the room when he was a young boy, and he had showed the room to Ledia in case of an emergency, but it was usually Vasili who recharged the crystal.

Vasili’s ancestors had carved a spell into the room, protecting the entire Llama lands from their enemies, the barrier needed to be recharged monthly. Well it was the crystal that actually needed to be recharged. The ancient crystal was the power behind the spell, and once monthly Vasili would enter that room then Floyd carried him out once the procedure was done. The crystal drained the user of all magic completely. Anyone with little talent or anyone weak would have their life in danger from this procedure. The spell was up, the crystal was charged, meaning someone in this land was a traitor, and someone let that Giant with the Mystic into the Llama lands. Maybe that's why I am thinking such gloomy thoughts lately. Vasili thought and scolded himself to concentrate on the task at hand.

"I am sorry if I worried you my love." He replied as Ledia stood accepting his hand. He gently pulled her into his arms and relaxed, for the first time in days. Ledia leaned against him and sighed. "Just make sure you always come home to me. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you." She said softly. The crack in her voice was like a knife in Vasili's heart. "Let's go take Knight and Daisy for a walk." He suggested, knowing Ledia loved to go horseback riding. He also made note of Knight, not Blade, since Blade needed to heal a broken rib. That Giant was harder to defeat than he had anticipated. Ledia looked excited a moment, then hesitated. "You know how annoying Bob gets when we ditch him." She said. "And I also know Floyd gets irate when I ditch my guard." Vasili said nodding to the door where only Genis stood. Vasili had lost his guard not even a half hour after leaving Floyd that morning. "You rebel you." Ledia teased with a wide grin. Vasili shrugged as they left the room. "So… meetings with Bob? Or a race around the lake?" He asked. "Do you even have to ask?" Ledia asked.

An hour later Genis urged his horse to follow the young king and queen racing with the horses Knight, and Daisy. "This is so not a good idea." He muttered with a sigh.

Chapter Three
Ledia paced just outside the healing room. Tears streamed down her face as she prayed he lived. I should have listened… She thought and bit her bottom lip as she paced. Never should have gotten off my horse. She thought and she placed her head in her hands. Please don't let him die… She thought and her thoughts kept going back to not even 20 minutes ago when things went to hell.

<19minutes and 21 seconds ago>

"Vasili!" Ledia shouted and she got off her horse running to her fallen beloved. "Look out!" Genis said lunging for Ledia knocking her down as the dragon's claw ripped through his back tossing him into a nearby tree. Ledia screamed as blood splashed her face. A shadow loomed over her and suddenly Vasili was by her side casting a barrier spell. He winced and fell to his right knee as the dragon slammed into the barrier. "You're hurt!" Ledia said worried seeing blood on the back of Vasili's shirt. Just moments before the dragon had tried to grab Vasili, but he had squirmed out of its grip. The dragon's claws must have stabbed him. Ledia thought and fresh tears blurred her vision. Vasili gave a grin as he glanced her way. "Nothing more than a scratch my love. Do not fret." He said and there was a clank of armor as soldiers ran over. They had seen the dragon in the air from the academy. The soldiers stepped between the two and the dragon ready to protect their King and Queen with their lives. "Save Genis!" Ledia said and she was guided back to her horse by Vasili and two soldiers. "Get them out of here!" Floyd yelled as his team circled the dragon. A soldier gathered Genis carefully and carried him over to his horse. He gave a command and three horses, each with precious cargo, they raced towards the Llama castle.

Ledia turned to see Genis's lifeless body and she started to cry. "He will be alright my Queen." The soldier behind her said. They quickly took Genis to the healers but Vasili refused to be seen by a healer.



Ledia sighed and wiped away the tears from her face. She was worried about Genis, but she also wanted to check on Vasili. She knew Vasili blamed himself… Heck I blame myself… She thought and she shook her head. She wondered where Vasili was.

Vasili yelled as he shoved everything off the table before him. He could not find the spell book needed to fix this mess. "Damnit!" He said and he fell to his knees resting his forehead on the table before him. The barrier was failing. Somehow Mortis knew how to let in enemies. The book he sought had everything about the barrier. How it was made, the added spells, how to banish… Everything. It was here when he last charged the crystal. About two weeks ago. Vasili thought and he slowly stood. His legs shook and he cast another healing spell to his back. Healing without looking was hard to do, but the puncture wounds were small, so he could not figure out why this was effecting him so much. He managed to stand and he glanced over at the crystal standing tall in the far end of the room.

Eight feet in height and four feet around the crystal was a beautiful shade of white. It seemed calming… if one did not feel the starving pull devouring magic from anyone who dared to come into the room. The Llama line had carved enchantments on the doors of the room preventing the crystal from killing anyone in the castle by draining the magic and life force from those with low magic ability. Vasili charged the crystal once monthly. His magic was low still so he carefully timed his visits. He should have another twenty minutes before he felt any effects. Yet the crystal seemed especially starved for magic this day. He remembered seeing his father go to the crystal chamber once a week, keeping the crystal fully charged. Vasili had long since realized his own inability would cause troubles down the road. Was the barrier's failure his fault? He sighed and started searching for the spell book again. He was dizzy, so he would have to cut the time in half.

Floyd saw Ledia pacing as he entered the castle. He knew he should check on Genis but instead Floyd went towards the crystal chamber knowing he would find his friend there. Vasili was a fool sometimes. He had passed out replenishing the crystal a few times, yet he refused help. Floyd sighed and glanced once back at the healer's room before he headed down the hallway leading downstairs. Down in the deepest part of the castle Floyd opened the chamber door and heard a crash. Vasili cleared another table in frustration and he was using the table to hold himself up. "Vasili my friend… this crystal is killing you." Floyd said and he wrapped Vasili's arm around his shoulder helping him stand. "I need to fix the barrier… so this never happens again." Vasili said stubbornly, his speech slurred a bit. "After you recover. Come... Ledia is worried about you." Floyd said and he guided Vasili out of the room.

The chamber door closed behind them with a clang and Vasili sighed. "I am not fit to be King… I will never be as wise as my father." He muttered softly. Floyd rolled his eyes and he shouldered more of Vasili's weight. That damn crystal really took a lot from Vasili this time. Vasili could barely stand. Floyd noticed. "You are not supposed to be your father. You're a kind King, and everyone loves you. Wisdom comes with age and I say you're doing a damn good job Vasili." Floyd said. Vasili glanced at his childhood friend and slowly smiled. "Thank you." He said. He then looked away asking, "What of the dragon? I do not want it wreaking havoc on the villages." Floyd grinned proudly. "It was defeated my Lord. You really think I would come back here if such a threat to the Llama lands still lived?" He said. Vasili shook his head and muttered sleepily, "Floyd… Mckinnis; the dragon… slayer. You're never… gonna let that drop… are you?" and he closed his eyes. "Vasili?" Floyd asked concerned and Vasili went limp in his arms. Floyd quickly checked Vasili's pulse at the neck and he found Vasili was burning up and his pulse was irregular. Floyd lifted Vasili and he hurried towards the healers. This had the markings of poison.

Ledia was allowed to see Genis and she sat by his bed being told that they did all they could. Recovery will be up to Genis. Ledia took Genis's hand and sensed something wrong so she sent her own healing energy. Ledia was not like normal healers. She could not heal wounds, but she would alleviate ailments and pain. She was a very powerful mage in her own right but not many knew of her abilities. "Thank you for saving me…" Ledia whispered to Genis and she lowered her head.

The door to the healing room suddenly crashed open and Floyd hurried in demanding for healers. Ledia looked up and saw Vasili being placed onto a healers table. "What happened??" She asked seeing Vasili was panting and shaking with pain. Floyd went over to Ledia and explained what happened. The healers went to work and each shared a look. "This is a poison like I have never seen. I feel the weavings of a spell." the head healer said worried. "That sounds like a curse." Ledia said walking over. The healers turned looking grim. If it was a curse, that was forgotten magic and the young King would be doomed. Ledia blushed and she said, "I know some things about curses… I will try to heal him." The healers paused then parted to let her near. Ledia placed a hand on Vasili's forehead and immediately felt the dark presence. It was similar to what she had felt in Genis, but more intense. "Roll him to his side." Ledia ordered and the healers obeyed without question. Ledia was right. This was a curse. A strong poison had been enchanted with a strong spell. She needed the original poison to know what to look for. "I need the dragon's talon that injected the poison. It would be black, tainted from the poison." Ledia said and Floyd saluted. "I will get to it myself my Queen." He said and he ran off. Ledia muttered a chant and she glanced at the healers. "Heal the purged areas. It will buy some time." She told them and they nodded realizing her plan.

Floyd took out his sword and he hacked at the dragon's claw being careful not to touch the tainted claw. Ledia was right. The claw was black and indeed tainted. The scales surrounding it were rotting. Floyd sighed and had a moment of pity for such a majestic creature. Floyd managed to hack free the talon and he took off his shirt wrapping the poisonous claw in it. He glanced at the soldier he had left to guard the dragon's corpse. "Spread word to have the men who fought the dragon to see a healer. Poison was used." He said. The soldier saluted and began to write the message as Floyd got on his horse.

He raced off back to the castle seeing a messenger bird fly off towards the academy. Once back at the castle Floyd hurried to the healer's room. Vasili now had no shirt and black slime was oozing from the small puncture wounds on his back. "Floyd, bring the talon here." Ledia said separating from the group. He followed and saw Ledia had set up some supplied. Someone had gotten her healing crystals from her room, and a few potions she made when she was bored. The potions were in bowl like containers, and each were a different color. Ledia scraped the poison from the dragon's claw and he mixed three potions together. Dipping two different crystals into the potion, Ledia sighed. "This is going to hurt, so hold him still and keep his back tilted. Ready?" she asked and the healers nodded. Ledia placed the corner of the pillow under Vasili's head into his mouth. I am sorry love. She thought and she placed the dark crystal on Vasili's forehead then moved the other hovering it over where she was healing.

Vasili gritted his teeth as black slime dripped from the side of his mouth. He gagged and coughed twisting with agony. Ledia held back tears and she bit her bottom lip searching for where the curse hid its self. Found it! Ledia thought excited and she placed both crystals over the curse that attached itself to his throat having traveled from the injection site. Closing her eyes Ledia started to chant a spell of the ancients and it attacked the curse. Vasili yelled and drooled more black ooze as he thrashed. "Hold him!" Ledia commanded and she kept chanting. A bright blue light engulfed the room, and then dissolved. Ledia fell back wearily. Floyd hurried over and caught her giving her a happy hug. "You did it!" He said. Ledia gave a tiny smile and nodded. "I've never stopped a curse before." She admitted and Floyd laughed still happy Vasili had been saved. "You did well my friend." He said. Ledia stood and smiled. "I would not let my Vasili die." She said and she went back to healing the poison from Vasili.

Floyd glanced at Ledia who now slept in one of the healing tables. "We were lucky Ledia knew about curses…" The healing leader said as his team still worked on Vasili's damaged body. "We were lucky she was here. We need to be prepared in case this may happen again." Floyd said and he heard someone clear their throat. "You are quite right Mckinnis. We also must keep a closer eye on our impulsive King. It may be best to keep him confined to the castle, at least for the time being… until this latest assassin is caught." Elder Davel Adams said. Floyd scowled knowing Vasili's reaction to that remark. True Vasili was King, but the 12 elders could override the king on something if they all voted on it. "This has the stench of Mortis all over it." Floyd said crossing his arms. "Ah, but while chasing Mortis we would be blind to another enemy." Davel said calmly and Floyd sighed. Davel had a good point.

"Vasili would not stay in the castle… you know this." Floyd said and Davel nodded. "True. Our young King would be out visiting the people and getting into trouble before we know it… unless we perform a containment spell." He said. Floyd's eyes widened and he stepped between Davel and Vasili. "We are meeting tonight on this. I personally do not think we should go this far. I love that free spirit our King has… others though believe he is still too young to rule so for his own good the suggestion of a containment spell… confining Vasili to the castle has been brought forth." Davel said ignoring Floyd's protective movement. "Convenient timing…" Floyd said slitting his eyes. He glanced at Vasili and knew what he must do. "I will go in his stead." He said sighing. Davel smiled softly and nodded. "I had hoped that you would say that. Your opinions are well respected so I hope they see the wisdom of your words. We meet at seven, but I would be there early if I were you. Ward is very vocal about this being done and he may change the time." He replied and he placed a hand on Floyd's shoulder before he left. Floyd lowered his head and sighed. He hated politics… and he hated dressing in his ceremonial uniform. What a mess Vasili. He thought.