ACH: Empty Cradles (2): My Babies

Writers: Estelle, Lexy, Nici
Date Posted: 13th April 2005

Characters: Alajeran, Dabryn, Lindria, Anaia
Description: Alajeran summons Dabryn to start the search for the missing babies, while Lindria looks after Anaia.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 4, day 28 of Turn 3

Guardsmen appeared at the door way and Alajeran wasted no time in giving instructions to them. "I want guards to look in every inch of the Hold...at the same time, I want guards sent to check out the nearest paths leading _out_ of the Hold proper. The woods, the fields, the mountains...and I want it done immediately. We are looking for someone with two small babies. We don't know what they look like but I trust you to investigate anyone seen with children, am I understood?" His voice was calm, but filled with authority and suddenly, to more than a few of the men, they could understand suddenly why the shy young man had been picked to lead the Hold one day.

"Yes, milord." The senior guard there gave swift orders to the other men and, though curious about what had occurred, they dispersed at once. "Shall I inform Captain Dabryn?"

"I think he'd be a tad upset with you if you didn't guardsman," Alajeran ran a rough hand over his face and his voice lowered slightly so he wouldn't further upset Anaia. "I'm hoping we're being overcautious and there is a simple explanation. But at this point, I'd rather look a fool, than risk the safety of two children."

The guard bowed and hastened away in search of Dabryn, closely followed by Lindria on her way to investigate the fosterlings' quarters. The captain arrived within minutes, though he'd been on the point of retiring to bed. All his drowsiness had vanished at once when he'd heard Alajeran's strange orders.

"Milord, I've roused all the guards and most of the holders - the Hold is being searched from top to bottom as we speak. Trackers will soon be examining the roads, and search parties will follow shortly after. I'm confident we will find the children soon." Amethyst Cliff had fortunately been recruiting more guardsmen than was usual, thanks to the reported bandit attacks and the villainy of the former Lady Holder. "Do you want a message sent to Lord Alalir?"

"Yes, I think we should." Alajeran suddenly realized he'd been ordering his father's guard about and tried not to blush in embarrassment. "He'll be angry if he's not made aware of what's happened."

"We should send for Vivvi, at least," Lindria said grimly, returning empty-handed. "The fosterlings were all abed - there were no babies there. I made them all search their presses and under their beds, just to be certain. Vivvi will have the lists to make sure that no other children are missing."

"Agreed...a note to her as well, Dabryn. And we should let Cyrek know what's happened, although I'm sure by now one of the guards has told him." He looked at Lindria. "Lady Anaia might need your mother to sit with her, love..." He couldn't even _imagine_ what she must be feeling right then.

Anaia whimpered slightly from her place on the couch she'd sat on. Her breathing was ragged as she though of her babies out there on their own. The thought of who had taken them didn't matter. The fact that they were gone did. She slowly pushed herself to her feet. "I need to go help look for them. They'll need me as soon as they are found..."

Alajeran looked absolutely helpless for a moment. Calrian, sensing upset in the air, began to wail and he was torn between trying to calm the child in his arms or going to Anaia. It would probably be both at this point. He turned to Dabryn. "Lady Enriline...as quickly as you can get word to her, please..."

"Yes, milord." Dabryn bowed and hastily left, wondering with dread how he was going to tell Lord Alalir that he had failed him once _again_.

"Ana..." Lindria took her sister's arm and gently pushed her back down onto the couch. "The guards are searching for them. The best that you can do is to rest here - they will need you when they're found and it will be no good if you are searching at the other side of the Hold, or worn out." She glanced anxiously at Calrian. It was horrible to think that a thief of babies might have been in the same room as her son. The image of a child left out in the snow sprang unwanted into her mind, and she thought with a shudder of Jerandra. What if she was responsible for the kidnapping?

"They have my babies. Lindria..they took my babies!" Her voice was almost hysterical as she gripped her sisters arms, tears falling down her face. Even when Cazriel had taken over Emerald Falls, she'd known Faraline was safe. It was what had helped her make it through. Now, she had neither Faraline or Alalia and she felt as if her life was crumbling around her!

"Alajeran, send someone for Targe," Lindria said urgently, clasping Anaia to her as best she could and trying unsuccessfully to soothe her.

"I'll go myself..." Alajeran said hastily. Away from the upset, he was hoping Calrian would calm down. He was hesitant to give him to _anyone_ save Lindria at that moment and he felt helpless when faced with hysteria. His mother had never favored...emotion.

"Alajeran has gone for help, Anaia." Lindria glanced anxiously at the door, hoping the healer would arrive soon. It frightened her to see her sister so distraught! "We're going to find them soon - if anyone's taken them, we will _not_ let them get away."

Last updated on the July 10th 2006

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ACH: Empty Cradles (2): My Babies