Rissa Returns Part 2

Rissa felt the cool water all around her. "Syrona! Sourlont!" She called out. She swam putting more distance between her and Xeo. Finally the twins came, circling her.

"Is that you Rissa?" They asked.

"Who else.." Rissa said. "Take me to the castle." She figured she'd visit her uncle before trying to see her father.

They both looked at her, seeing she was not in a joking mood they grabbed ahold and tugged her along with them.

"We thought you were gone forever! Where is Sonnis?"

Rissa didn't have the heart or energy to explain. The twins went silent.

They brought Rissa to the palace. She was extremely surprised to find it quite populated.

"Rissa!" She heard a voice cry. She turned and saw her mother.

"Mother? What are you doing here!" She was very very confused now.

Airabella looked perplexed and then seemed to remember where Rissa had been all this time.

So Airabella told her the tale. In turn Rissa told her of what had happened to herself.

Airabella gasped in horror, and demanded that Rissa tell the tale to Dauntice and Farren immediately.

Dauntice and Farren shared the same horror. But also anger, Dauntice clenched his fists and cursed Onicent.

It was clear to Rissa that Dauntice would cause harm if allowed to, she consoled him, though it was contrary to her personality to settle.

"We will need everyone," she told him. She explained that the Ender Dragon was targeting their shrines, which alarmed everyone, but Serse especially. She left out the fact that Enisia would be being stalked by the wither. She did not wish to further upset her mother.

Airabella demanded at once to go and inform Onicent of the happenings. Feia wanted to join them as well. Though Rissa agreed that it was nessicary, she was concerned for Xeo would be tracking her, she insisted that both stay behind, Feia agreed but Airabella would not relent.

In fact she had been too long at the palace. So, she agreed to accompany her mother, knowing Xeo would likely catch up to them.

She armed herself before they set off. All was going well till they were nearly at the castle.

"Is that you Rissa?" A voice called from over the trees.

Xeo came in wither form, when he saw Airabella he tensed in delight.

Rissa drew her sword and prepared to fight him. He laughed an eery cackle. Then he flung a small skull toward her, it hit her and her entire body filled with pain.

"It wouldn't kill you," Xeo assured her, "I'll be back for you in awhile."

Rissa could not stop him from taking Airabella with him.

Her body was weak as she lay upon the ground, the poison was coursing through her. She dragged herself by her finger tips forward. Finally she could drag herself no longer, instead she pressed her face close to the ground and whispered, "Onicent, my father..." She could add no more to the statement.

She expected to be stuck there forever, or until Xeo came back for her. Then suddenly she felt hands on her, she knew it had to be her end. Instead she was picked up into arms that were strong, she could see just a bit of green skin as she was gently carried.

She hadn't thought her father to care, but she'd called for him and he had come.