Disconsolate Hearts

Liras glanced at Edith, who was sleeping on a couch. Edith was strange; there was no doubt about that. He had blonde hair that was in no particular style, just strings here and there. He was certainly tall, as the Skylark were. Just by looking at him, Liras could tell that he was the master of the skies.

"Sire, the Sica shall be docking at Monta Quito in four hours," said the stout guard who had just entered the luxurious cabin. He prostrated himself and left the room quickly to assume his post as voyage recorder.

"Good, oh, and where is Doctor Arête? He is needed to tend to Sir Adrienne."

"He is on deck, sire."

"Fetch him for me will you?"

"As you wish, Prince Weatherfire," he nodded and swivel on his heel. His cloak tails swung slightly with his hips. It was unattractive to Liras, who preferred a more masculine approach to the way his servants dressed and held themselves.

Prince Liras Weatherfire, or L’Iris Wetherfere as he was known in Elysium, glanced down at the titanic skylark with ambled respect and admiration. He was sweating heavily, and had been mumbling for hours now.

Liras wiped his brow with his handkerchief, and taking a bowl and cloth, and proceeded to dab Edith’s head with cold water. He was in the first stage of deterioration. Death was only two days away, he mused. He must act quickly.

The doctor entered quietly, and sat at Edith’s side. "He is sick."

"You don’t suppose," countered Liras sarcastically. "He has been poisoned by the Ethelgrane poison."

"Yes, his pupils are dilated," said Dr. Arête, checking his eyes with a strange looking contraption. "He has forty-eight hours. No more, but possibly less." His graying hair was an odd shade, but told people of his age nevertheless. "He needs the Ethelwort flower as soon as it can be administered. I think the only known plant is on a cliff face in Versede."

"That’s not going to make it any easier," said Liras quietly. "Can I organize an airship?" His eyes veered off to the world map on the far wall.

"The Baryon should be available, sire," said a guard from inside the door. Liras considered scolding him for eavesdropping, but thought it was good that he was staying sharp.

"Land Ho," said a voice from the deck’s hind quarters.

"Send my caprus ahead with a rider and inform the airship docks that the Baryon shall be prepared for noontide," commanded Liras. Liras owned the last Caprus, which he named Zephyr. "Send Fornas, he can ride Zephyr."

"Very well, sire," said the guard at the door. It was done. The Ethelwort would be captured in eight hours and Edith would survive. Or so he thought.