The Last Clairel
an excerpt

They left the bedchamber area, leaving the handmaiden Nu to watch over the sleeping Empress for the time being, and went into the sitting area of the Empress’ chambers. The light was brighter in the sitting area due to a much larger fire going, with several large candles lit, as well. The Twins both neared the fireplace and stood in front it with their arms crossed, both thinking. Silence stretched between them as they stared at the flickering flames.

Zhane broke the silence with a barely audible voice, “She needs healing before the trip.”

Hayden answered equally as soft, “We could use our abilities to force her into it.”

“She might get hurt more.”

“How much time is there?”

Zhane answered with a mental whisper, *Not enough.*

*Perhaps we should go in with…* Hayden stopped, rethinking his suggestion, then continuing, *Perhaps we should allow her to go in without the healing.*

Zhane looked at his brother without moving. *But our orders…*

*Our orders are to protect her, not heal her. Brother, perhaps we should lead her, as we have been, and allow her to heal on her own.*

Zhane fell silent.

Hayden moved his eyes to glance at him, then look to the ceiling. *Either way, no one on the Council told us about all this when they asked us to volunteer.*

A small smile touched Zhane’s lips. *No one even told us there would be a her.*

Hayden looked at his brother. *I think they knew nothing. They sent us because they suspected that we were their only hope.*

“Do you miss them?” Zhane asked quietly. “Mother. Crissa. The others?”

Hayden sighed softly. “It’s impossible to miss. We will never return.”

“Hayden… Will we be the last? Will we be alone forever?”

Hayden turned to face his brother. *Ageless in this world, and by all means, alone. Caught in a battle that doesn’t concern us. An interesting way to spend forever, isn’t it?*

*Indeed.*