h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Kala? *Looks at the dragon.* How?

She risked her life to save me, she stood in the way of my father giving me a chance to run

Just like she did back in the cave...

*Lumien looks up at the clouds.*

We should get some shelter soon. Oane isn't far, and we can stay in the barracks. They have room in the stable for Kala, I'm sure.

Yes, that is a good idea

*she gets to her feet and holds out her hand for Lumien*

*the winds pick up until it is almost a gale, the water is grey and choppy as large raindrops start to fall....a high pitched laugh can be heard over the wind*

*Lumien stands.*

That laugh...

Run!

*Syian and Kala also recognise the laugh in the same split-seocnd, they all begin to run....she looks over her shoulder and curses. Kazinishi is still sat on the ground, she skids to a halt*

Is there anything wrong with him?

I've seen him do this a few times- he's meditating, and he just shuts out the world!

I'll get him- get going!

*She picks up Kazinishi, and heads for cover in the bushes as the gale builds.*

*starts to follow Lumien into the bushes but once again stops short as she remembers Kala, she looks back and sees her friend on her hind legs about to do battle for her again....anger at herself for running wells inside her and she runs back*

*the laughing grows louder and suddenly he is there, he sneers in the direction of the bushes*

Little mage, you run and hide....you leave your friends to fight and DIE!

*on the last word he savagely runs forward and thrusts his blade deep into Syian's heart, she looks stunned for a moment as wave upon wave of crimson blood spills out onto the ground, Kala roars as Syian collapses to the floor*

Syian</>

*Quickly, Lumien hides Kazinishi in the brush. This was what she wanted, after all, to be in no pain after so much hurt. Tears flow down Lumien's face. Nick would pay by her hand.*

*Lumien leaps silently into the treetops, moving without a sound.*

And you *From Nick's right* fear to face me *from his left* in my own element!

*There is a rustle in the bushes directly to Nick's left, but he can't see that it is not Lumien.*

*he smiles slightly and picks up Syian's body, hugging her close to him and smirking*

*Kala is still roaring and now rushes Nick but he is too quick and she also gets the sword in her, this time through the ribs...she falls, wounded and unable to fight*

Come out little mage, hiding is what kills your friends

*From directly behind him.*

Who's hiding?

*Nick is hit from behind by a large tree branch that Lumien is wielding as a club.*

*he stumbles but recovers quickly and whirls around to face Lumien using Syian's body as a shield*

*Lumien halts the club just before it hits Syian, and sidesteps.*

Haven't you caused her enough pain?

She will feel no more, go ahead...hit her little mage

*For a moment, Lumien believes she can see a sign of life from Syian. Perhaps the blade didn't strike her heart, her friend might still be saved...*

*Lumien casts the branch aside and prepares a binding spell she had never used before for Nick.*

*the blood has already started to congeal but Syian's clothing is soaked with it*

*Nick throws Syian at Lumien to distract her*

*The spell forgotten, Lumien catches her motionless friend. Lifeless, but... Lumien puts two fingers on Syian's neck- a pulse, and not her own! Syian was alive! She grins at Nick, and disappears back into the bushes.*

*Nick curses for a moment and then calls two sly looking orcs*

Nick: Prega, Santh...watch them

*with that Nick leaves*

*Kala moans in pain*

*A little further in the brush, Lumien lays Syian next to Kazinishi.*

Syian, I don't know if you can hear me... I know you're in there somewhere. I don't know what he did to you, but this is magic! We just have to wait for it to wear off, however long that takes. I'm going back to take care of Kala- we're all going to get out of this, OK?

*Lumien leaves a note for Kazinishi explaining what happens, then whistles for her oldest friend. Chandra perches on a nearby branch.*

Chandra, I'm going to help the dragon- keep watch on all of us!

*As Chandra takes off, Lumien runs for Kala.*

*Kala snorts smoke as Lumien approaches, a warning she might attack*