Phoenix Cracked

Impending War

No.  No... nononononononono NO!
This can't be happening.  Why?  Where?  Where could she have gone?  Is... he's... Zane.  He probably did this.  HE SET THIS UP!!
As Zane is about to leave and follow the Lord of Scaleswind, who has already started his trek back, I find myself shout, "I KNOW YOU DID THIS!!  WHERE IS NICOLE?!  WHERE IS SHE?!?"
"Now that's quite the accusation little lord," he responds in his smooth, deceiving voice.
"When we find her-"
"And what if you don't little lord?  What are you going to do then?  I know what I'll do.  I would love to see your PATHETIC LITTLE VILLAGE BURN TO THE GROUND!" he laughs as he begins to ride away on his horse.
"No.  This... it can't......  We need to find Nicole."
"Where are we going to look?"
"I don't know Laurance.  We need to find her though.  That is top priority.  Dante, can you get the town together?  We need to organize search parties asap."
"Yes Lady Aphmau."
"Brian."
"Yea Lady Aphmau?"
"I know it's already your current position but keep a close eye on the wall.  We need to watch for O'kahsis and make sure they don't play any dirty tricks."
"Yes m'lady!"
"Laurance..."
"Yea?"
"I'm so worried about Garroth."
"I am too."
"Can you check in on him?  I want to know what's wrong.  I'm just so worried..."
"I'll talk to him when I get the chance.  I'm gonna go help Dante."
"Alright."
As he runs off to help Dante, I notice Lillian walk out of the guard station.   Oh, yeah.  She's helping Garroth.  I hope he's okay.
________________
"Oh no.  I can't believe this is happening!"
"I can't either Zoey.  What am I going to do?" I begin to break down.  Tears start to roll down my face, softly landing onto the table.  I place my head on the table and begin to sob quietly.  Zoey moves to my side of the table and begins to rub my back motherly.
*knock knock knock*
"Not right now!"
"Zoey..."
"Is Lady Aphmau alright?"
"I'm fine Laurance," I sniffle, "I'll be out in a sec."
He walks in.  I hear the door click shut.
"Laurance, not now.  Can't this wait?"
"Zoey, she has a speech to give.  Nicole has-"
"I know.  Aphmau was just telling me."
I pick my head up from off the table.  It felt like picking up a giant chunk of lead.  "I'll be there soon Laurance.  Just let me get myself together."
*sighs* "Aphmau, you don't have to do this.  I can do it if you're-"
"No Laurance.  I can do it.  Just give me a minute to clean myself up."
"Alright Lady Aphmau," he says with a defeated tone before walking out the door.
"Let me help you.  I might have something to clear up your eyes.  It might not leave a good impression if you look like you just cried," she says sweetly.  My eyes must be so red.  I guess that's what happens when you bawl your eyes out.
"Alright Zoey," I say with a smile.  She smiles back before going downstairs.
Why?  Why must this happen now?
________________
The speech went... well.  I could feel the panick begin to rise when I said that war is possible.
"Hey.  You did really good."
"Thanks Laurance.  I just wish I felt as good as that speech might have been."
"...."
"...."
"...."
"So, have you had a chance to talk to Garroth yet?"
"No, not yet."
"Ok.  I think I want to try to talk to him again."
"Again?"
"The first day he called in sick, I tried to talk to him but I got no response."
"Alright.  I guess I'll let you get to that."
"Ok.... Laurance?"
"Yes m'lady?"
"Can you check on Malachi and Zoey for me?  I'm so worried.  Zoey has been beating herself up for letting it happen and I just want to make sure Malachi's ok."
"Alright," he says reassuringly before running off.
________________
"Garroth?" *knock knock knock*  "Garroth?  Are you in there?  Please answer me!  I really need to talk to you!"
"Hello Aphmau."
I jump at the voice.  I turn around, "Oh!  Hi Garroth!" I say with a smile, attempting to recover from the surprise.
"What do you wish to speak with me about?"
"I just wanted to check up on you!"
"I'm doing better.  Was that all Lord Aphmau?"
"Do you know what has happened recently?"
"Of course.  After your speech, the town has been buzzing with the news."
"Oh...  I also came to ask what happened with you?  I want to know what's wrong."
"It's nothing.  Just a bit of a cold.  You should probably leave.  I don't want you to get sick."
"Oh, okay..."
-------------------
[A/N there was an edit that messed stuff up.  fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu]