Pathway to Destiny
Meanwhile in the Present…
The walls of Jonothan’s castle looked as they had over a thousand cycles ago. The entire grounds were refurbished back to their original, grand state. Mindless servants worked tirelessly day and night performing every task that needed to be done. Healthy, nutritious food was served at every mealtime to keep up everyone’s strength. Even after every precaution, Jonothan still grew weary. The weather attacks were now bi-weekly, and the drain on his power was staggering.
He could feel himself loosing his grip on Zariaha. It was always hard to control a sorceress, and impossible to keep them under control forever. He always knew the day would come when his grip over her would be gone. This was the reason he treated her the way he did every day. It was the reason he never spoke to her in any manner other than friendship. He had never touched her inappropriately, never struck her out of anger, and never spoken a word out of line.
Though he had spoken to her, all this time. He had poured out his heart and soul to her, all his ramblings, his feelings. His desire to marry Jasylin, and Sertoff’s constant impediment. He kept her informed of Sertoff’s actions and movements, of her sister’s whereabouts and exploits. Harley kept him informed.
Jonothan held on to the hope that the Old Zariaha was still in there somewhere. The young, soft, timid and shy girl who had a heart to love the entire world with. He hoped he had not turned her into a bitter, angry, vengeful soul from his capture and control of her. She would remember everything she had done. He had no choice though, he had to save her from Sertoff. He had to protect her from Mark, he had to protect himself. He hoped she would stay after the spell was broken.
Jonothan glanced up at the tower Zariaha stayed in. First, He hoped she stayed to help him protect the planet, he couldn’t do it alone, he didn’t have the power. Second, without her, neither of them would be safe from Mark.