[Swan 01] • Children of Swan ·The Land of Taron, Vol 1 · (A Space Fantasy Adventure)

Lady Cici bites hard on the Lleca leaf. The tip of her tongue is numb from the spicy sensation, but it does nothing to alleviate her sense of dread — soon, she is to be engaged.

On a raised stage with dark flags fluttering on its poles, he looks dejected, perhaps frightened, with a thick black chain tight around his neck.

She trembles as she sees him. Ms Upright lets a mysterious smile cross her face.

Why upset, my young lady? If getting engaged to the highly eligible Prince Marcus doesn’t cheer you up, then here is another way to look at it. Among the four slaves bound to that stage, Jack is the only one who can still wiggle his tongue between his teeth.

———

The glass door in front of him slides open. All at once Peter feels it — the tightness of the air, the surreal feeling of tension and queasiness that rises in his throat for no obvious reason.

The table is spinning like a ceiling fan on a summer day, rhythmic and unfaltering. Brianna, the captive on the table, is spinning with it.

The wheel, the wheel. They have to use the wheel. If they cannot cajole her, then she must be forced. Prince Mapolos has to be cured. Brianna’s healing power is the only way to guarantee success.

———

At once he sees her, lying on a bed up against the wall, bound with fetters. He walks to her, his heart pounding as he gazes down at her.

For a moment, he thought he had her — the spark of recognition and joy in her half-opened eyes.

I am Marcus, Zelda. Stay with me. Tell me, by blinking if you can. Did we have three children? Were their names Jack, Brianna and Bo?