The World of Rhune

Sunste could hardy believe that a whole division plus Phantus could not stop a single princess. A single princess! He had yelled at the head of the division quite thouroghly. And the Phantu trainers had been even more at fault. The creatures hadnt even attacked Karillian, they had obeyed her instead. Sunste felt like punching somthing as he paced in his rooms. He should have known, he should have reasoned with her father, and made Zayde go with Aei. That boy probably led Kari onto the path to run away. "Uh...why?" Sunste asked no one. He sat down onto a chair, and stared out a window at the blazing plains of Caryi. Such an ugly country, compared to his home islands, full of tropical creatures, plants, and land. Sunste started pacing again when Aei came in. She was dressed in her native land's style, from country 4.(havent named that one yet..) But she was traditionally from Sunste's country, just not on the islands. It was weird, though. Becuase he had been commanded by his elder cousin to be married to Karillian, or atleast propose the thought to her parents. Not that he objected. His cousin was ruler of 4...and he had given the islands to him. Plus, Karillian wasnt ugly. She was actually somewhat interesting, with her stubborness and thinking she had exactly the same rights as a male. Sunste grinned, and Aei shot him a confused look. "Nothing," he dissmised her. "Nothing, ofcourse. Because you always smile at nothing." Aei replied smartly, and walked onto the balcony. "What are we going to do?" Aei asked as she stared at the guards who patrolled the palace. "It would be horrible to tell your cousin we failed. He'd punish us both." Aei let an emphazis fall on both, making Sunste close his eyes. "We have no choice. Only my cousin would be able to track down that girl. I know she's off this island. If she rode a Cavali Voltani, like she was, but had no further training with the pegasi, then the horses would go their own way. Aei? You do know where they've landed, dont you?" Sunste looked up at the girl. She was about eleven years younger than himself. He did the math, since Karillian was the same age. He was going to marry a girl eleven years younger than himself. Sunste thought that concept through, and didnt even notice Aei leave, called by the lunch bell. It would be odd for him, being twenty-eight, and her seventeen. But he would get over that. It would please his cousin, and his cousin's word was law. And, on the bright side, he would have a young wife. Not an old one like him, but when he grew old, she would still be considered young. Sunste continued mulling the topic over in his head. Then another thought popped into his head. You have to find her to get her that line was an old proverb that went between young men in his country. And it completly fit into his life right then. The proverb was right. Sunste quickly upped himself and packed for an overseas trip. He knew where she was. Nine. There was no other country west of Caryi than nine. And she hadnt rode to the east. His spies had told him that part. Sunste quickly took his ink, quill, and paper out, writing two notes.

Aei,

I have to find Karillian. You know why. But its just bigger than that...and I half to go now. Keep the royal family entertained. Make up an excuse for me, such as searching for her in the mountains or somthing. As long as her parents dont come looking, and Aei. I'll find Zayde too.

,Sunste

Sunste left this letter in Aei's room and then scratched another, longer one.

My dearest cousin,

I know not why you wanted me to wed Karillian Zeba Dilliuh, but now that I look at it in perspective. I wish it to happen more so than before. The only problem is that the girl is bullheaded and has run away with her twin brother, Aei's to be. But I am heading out now to find that girl. I will bring her instantly to you, bound in chains and drugged if it must be. I know where she has fled, to the country of Andato. I forget at the moment if we are on good terms with them or not. But I wish for you to atleast send our ammbassador to them with the message of her fleeing, it would help. For that country could send the news on too. I shall write to you soon. I am going by water craft.

Your faithful cousin,

Sunste

Sunste quickly sealed his letter, and exited the castle into the stables. He took his bright black Arabian-draft mix and asked for a travel package from one of the tenders. He brushed his horse and walked to the Phantu pen. He looked at all the predators and chose a pure black one with evil yellowish green eyes. "Perfect, your new name is Diablo. Let you serve your purpose," He knew he was allowed to take one of the phantus, and turned to an awaiting travel package, with meat for the Phantu. Sunste nodded his thanks and attached the package to his saddle. He slipped into the saddle easily and snapped for the phantu to follow. He set out at a fast gallop, and was blinking as sand flew into his face. He neared his boat and whipped his horse to move faster. He soon reached the port and had his ship stocked, and his crew awoken to sail that very hour. He boarded his horse and Diablo and went to the captian's quarters. He dumped his things on his bed and took a long swig of sweet Caryi water. He stepped outside to some of his crew boarding, eyes dark from sleep. "Come on, dogs! Dont tell me you've become land lubbers right before yur going home!" Sunste called to his crew. This made some of them smile, and blink the sleep from their eyes. The prospect of going home. Sunste knew better though. He would need a diffrent crew, one from his cousin rather than his home islands. Sunste returned to his cabin, and laid down on his bunk. He was dead tired. He hadnt slept all last night and his noon ride had been tiresome. "I'm coming for ya, Karillian." He muttered to himself as he fell asleep to the gentle rocking of his ship.