by Brad Clark
The first time she had been in the castle, it had been to scout out the location of the Ark of Life. Using her ability to cast an illusion on those who saw her, she was able to make herself appear as if she were a Karmon. It had gotten her close enough to actually touch the Ark of Life. Unfortunately, she had underestimated its power and the effect that it had on her. Rather than risk her original mission, she abandoned the idea of stealing the Ark of Life and quickly left to report to the Deceiver its location. Even though her orders had only been to scout out the location of the Ark of Life, she had the opportunity to steal it and had failed. At least, that was how the Deceiver and his chief general Roddan saw it. Because of that failure and perceived weakness, they attempted to kill her. Fortunately for her, her power of illusion was stronger than Roddan’s ability to see through it, and she was able to escape certain death. She had nowhere else to go, so she returned here to the Human’s castle.
She knew she had other options. She could have run south, away from the army, and gone into hiding. Using her ability to hide her true self, she could easily avoid detection and live the rest of her life among the Humans, or whoever ruled the world after the war was over. Yet, that wasn’t her instinctual response. She had run east, without thought, towards the castle that she had infiltrated with nefarious intentions. There was a pull from the castle that was strong and one that she could not understand. For some reason, she knew she needed to be here, and now that she was, for the first time in her life, she felt at home. The feeling scared her and left her with emotions that were nearly so overwhelming that she could barely think. If left on her own, she wouldn’t have known what to do or how to act. Fortunately, she was with the queen, who had oddly taken to her and now guided her through the corridors and stairwells of the castle.
It didn’t take them long to reach the main hall. The large, cavernous chamber was busy and loud with boisterous talk and laughter. Marila continued to find it refreshing to be around people who actually enjoyed their lives and were willing to share that joy with those around them. An appealing scent of meats and spices filled the hall. A line had formed at the back of the hall where men, women, and children of the castle were being served from a large pot filled with fresh stew. The cooks were just as friendly as everyone else, chatting with those that they served. It continued to astonish Marila that many of these, if not all of these people could soon be dead or dying. The war would be brutal and relentless. The Deceiver would not stop until the entire Human resistance was wiped out. Yet, there were no signs of despair or dread. They might all be facing a horrible demise, but you could never tell from the boisterous activity of the hall.
Elissa tried to join the end of the line, but everyone kindly stepped aside to let her to the front. Marila trailed the queen, trying to remain inconspicuous. The overwhelming rush of people around her felt oppressive.
Once Elissa stepped into the line, Marila leaned forward and asked, “You do not have your own chamber for feasting?”
“I enjoy seeing and talking to everyone,” Elissa replied. “Growing up, I spent all my time away from people and only had friends that were just like me, or tried to be just like me. They were friendly enough, but when I looked down upon the city from the top of my castle, I could see there was so much more to life and my kingdom than what was behind the castle walls. I started sneaking out into the city to meet the real people that my father ruled. It didn’t take long before I understood who they were and what they needed. They didn’t need to be ruled and served as subjects to a throne. They needed to be governed with love and kindness. I thought everyone lived like me, comfortable and well-fed, but that was not the case. Many went hungry and sick, and I started doing what I could to help them.”
“And that is why each and every one of these people will fight to the death for this kingdom,” a voice said from behind them.
They turned both turned at the low, powerful voice.
Elissa replied with tenderness, “Good evening, Sir Marik. They fight for more than just me.”
“They have fight left in them because of you,” Marik countered.
Ilasha, who was standing next to Marik, looked over Marila closely and exclaimed, “Marila? Is that you? You are so beautiful in that gown!”
Once again, Marila blushed. She was beginning to feel uncomfortable with her appearance because it was garnering too much attention. The whole purpose of her original illusion was to blend into the populace, but with Elissa’s help, she was now sticking out. Her eyes subconsciously glanced around, looking for the closest doorway. If something happened, she would need to make a quick exit.
Their turn in line came up, and they shuffled into position. Elissa took a bowl and handed it to Marila.
“The line is not a place for the queen,” Marik said softly. “At least not for every meal.”
Elissa simply smiled back, as she did not want to have this argument again. She grabbed a bowl and extended it out to Marik. He lifted a hand and shook his head.
“Are you not eating today?”
“We have already eaten, but will join you, if you permit.”
“Of course,” Elissa replied. “You and Ilasha are always welcome.”
She held the bowl for the cook to pour a ladle of stew into. Another cook handed her a large chunk of bread.
Marila, watching Elissa, followed behind. The stew was light in meat and vegetables, but it would certainly satisfy her hunger. Once through the line, their original two escorts joined them and guided them to a long table in the corner of the hall. Although she went through the food line with the rest of her people, she sat at a table set aside from everyone else. Marik had insisted that she at least eat in peace, as the first few times she ate with everyone else, she never had an opportunity to take a bite of food. After letting her food go cold too many times, she finally agreed to Marik’s insistence and gave herself some time to eat where she wouldn’t constantly be interrupted.
There was one other person at the table. His back was to them, and he wore a black cloak. The hood was pulled down, showing the dark, curly locks that Marila suddenly recognized. When Hargon turned to face them, her heart stopped for what seemed an eternity. The last time that she had seen him was in his chambers when he had tried to seduce her, and she had tried to steal the Ark of Life that hung from his neck. She even glanced around, looking for an opening to run away.
“Who’s this?” Hargon asked while standing up. His steely eyes glistened, and his bright white teeth were exposed with a smile. When Marila hesitated, he tipped his head. “Do I know you?”
Marila could not find her voice and just shrugged her shoulders.
“You do look familiar. I never forget a face.” His wide smile grew even wide. “Especially such a pretty face!”
Marila, her heart now pounding so hard that she thought everyone around her could hear it, croaked out a weak reply. “I don’t think so.”
“Well, we may not have ever met, but I know I’ve seen you around.” He waved a hand to the table. “Welcome to the royal table. It’s not much, but it’s the best table in the hall.”
Marila gave him as friendly a smile as she could and took a seat several seats down from him. She didn’t want him to continue to look at her and be reminded of when they had last met. Fortunately for her, he had drunk so much wine that his mind had been clouded. If he had been sober, maybe he would have recognized her, and her true self would have been exposed. It would not have taken them long to execute her for being a spy. She began to formulate a plan to quickly leave the hall and find a safe and quiet place to hide.
Elissa took her place directly across from Marila. Marik and Ilasha sat between Marila and Hargon. With two people between herself and Hargon, Marila let out a breath and allowed herself to relax. She was safe. For the first time since she had stepped foot in this world, she felt safe. Even though Hargon was only a few feet away, and he could expose her as she truly was, the comfort of Elissa across from her was all she needed. As she
had trudged across the mountains running from the Deceiver and Roddan, she had thought about surviving without them. She was one of them in appearance, but no longer truly one of them. Her only wish now was to become one of the Humans. It had not been too difficult to keep her illusion going. She wondered if she could make it permanent. Her stomach grumbled as her mind churned through her thoughts, and the soup grew cold in front of her. Quickly forgetting about all else, she picked up her chunk of bread and began using it to scoop the soup into her mouth.
Chapter Four
Lord Martin saw the queen enter the main hall and let out a sigh of relief. He had been standing for almost an hour in the wide central corridor that led into the hall, patiently waiting for the right time to approach her. Time was running short, and if he didn’t do something soon, then it would be too late. Any day now, the Deceiver’s army would be marching on the castle, and any chance of trying to escape would be lost. They needed to act now if they were going to survive, and this time Queen Elissa needed to listen to him.
Mealtime was the only that time he could approach her without having to go through someone else. Whether it was Conner, Marik, King Illichian, or one of her handmaidens, someone was always standing in his way, deflecting his approach, claiming she was too busy or too tired. Typically during mealtime, he was rebuffed similarly, but by her directly. Whenever he had tried to approach her and start a discussion, she would dismiss him, for she wanted her mealtimes to be as private as they could be. Yet, she always had time for someone else, whether it was doting on a young child, or chatting with an elderly lady. What made it worse, though, was that she was always so pleasant about it. She’d smile and flash her large green eyes. It churned his stomach to think that such a woman was ruling this kingdom. He had never been real fond of her father, the famous King Thorndale, but at least he was a man who could rule with steel in his hand when needed and go out onto the battlefield to defend his people.
He let out an audible snort as he watched her disappear from view. She wore a long, flowing wool robe that did its best to conceal her pregnant belly, but she was so far along that it was impossible to hide. Having the leader of this kingdom handicapped in such a way was against all moral principles he held. It took all conscious effort to not laugh in her face when she gave orders. He held his tongue only because of the two men that had escorted her into the hall. They were Karmon Knights and were as devoted to her as they were to the kingdom. The moment she had dismissed the Karmon Knights from existence, he had been relieved, for he had always been wary of their power. They outwardly served the kingdom first, and the King secondarily. They respected the power of the king but knew that his power only came from the Knights who protected the kingdom. When war came, rather than bringing them under the command of the Royal Guard, she allowed them to come back together, and now it seemed they were more powerful than ever. Sir Marik had her ear, and that was not good for the kingdom. He was a military man and not a politician, and even though it was wartime, they needed leaders who could bring them peace and not more war.
He took in a deep breath to help give himself the confidence he needed to confront her. Just as he was about to take a step forward, a large hulking man stepped in front of him. He was about to growl and curse at the man until he saw his face.
Lord Martin was no less angry, and he angrily hissed out his words between clenched teeth. “Rufus! What are you doing! Begone, for I have to meet with the queen.”
“I thought you wanted to know more information about this mysterious lady of yours.” He glanced over his shoulder. The queen was back in their view, standing in line being served her portion of today’s stew. Next to her was Marila, being handed a small wooden bowl from the queen. “It seems she and the queen have become best friends.”
Lord Martin leaned forward and snapped back in a harsh whisper, “I have been trying for days to get time with the queen. Whatever you have to say can wait.”
Rufus shrugged and backed away. “If you insist.”
Lord Martin spun on his heels, not wanting to waste another moment.
With short, quick strides, he marched into the packed hall and towards the back corner where the Queen had her personal table. She was making her way through the crowded hall, pausing to greet nearly everyone she encountered. He wanted to be in a position to pounce on her the moment she sat down, and her deliberate journey made sure he was there before she was. As he stood panting from exertion, he took a second look at what he thought was her empty table. He let out an audible grumble when he saw that Hargon, the former Taran Emperor, was sitting alone at the end of the table. He almost approached to offer a friendly greeting, but there was something about Hargon that disturbed Lord Martin. His smile was too white, and his eyes sparkled too much. Everyone liked him, and he seemed to like everyone. It made Lord Martin sick to see how he schmoozed everyone he saw and wondered why no one else could see through it. If he were to investigate his own feelings more deeply, he would have realized it was pure jealousy. Hargon was the person Lord Martin wanted to be. He was someone who could move mountains with a smile and had a natural leadership power, which allowed him to rule the greatest empire the world had ever known. More than anything, it was that jealousy that kept him from approaching the table. Instead, he turned his attention to the crowded hall, and he saw Elissa and her entourage strolling towards the table. She and the woman each carried a bowl of the stew. Sir Marik and his lady friend trailed behind. He had already committed to approaching her, so even though Sir Marik was with her, he would not let his presence deter him.
He let them take their seats before he approached.
“Your Majesty!” Lord Martin announced. “May I join you?”
For a moment, Elissa’s eyes flashed what she really thought, but before Lord Martin could recognize the true meaning of her look, her eyes softened, and a gentle smile fell upon her lips. “Of course, Lord Martin.”
“Greetings, Sir Marik,” Lord Martin said as he stepped closer to the table.
“Lord Martin,” Marik greeted with a short, firm tone. He gave Lord Martin a long look as he waited for Ilasha to take her seat before he took his.
“And to you, Hargon,” Lord Martin said, using his best politician voice that hid his true feelings.
Hargon had a large book sitting on the table in front of him. With his eyes focused on the strange lettering on the pages, he lifted his right hand to acknowledge the greeting, but otherwise ignored Lord Martin.
Lord Martin took a seat next to Marila. His massive girth caused the bench to shift slightly. Turning to Marila, he asked as pleasantly as he could, “Queen Elissa, who is this lovely lady at your table?”
“Lord Martin,” Elissa announced. “This is Marila.”
“Greetings to you, Marila,” Lord Martin said, doing his best to be friendly and appealing. “What do we owe the pleasure of your presence at the royal table?”
“She is a friend of the queen’s,” Marik replied dryly. “Why are you here?”
Lord Martin laughed. “Sir Marik! I, too, am a friend of the queen, and I thought I would simply come for a friendly conversation.”
Marik let out a sharp snort. “Lord Martin, you have been pestering the queen with your trivial requests since we got here. We are quite busy preparing for an upcoming battle and do not need to be bothered by your conversation.”
“Sir Marik,” Elissa chastised with a motherly tone. “Lord Martin is now a guest at my table.”
Marik straightened and glanced away. Like nearly everyone else, he did not like Lord Martin, and it was difficult for him to hide his feelings. It was one reason why he would never be Knight Captain like Brace Hawkden had been. Brace had not only a great warrior, but he had been a solid politician, able to carefully navigate political waters. Marik was a soldier through and through, which made him a great warrior in battle, but a lousy politician. It didn’t bother him right now, for Karmon needed warriors more than they needed politicians.
From the
far end of the table, Hargon spoke with a powerful, commanding voice. “Speak your mind, Lord Martin.” His eyes were still focused on the book in front of him, but his words were carried loud and strong across the table. “You have been trying to gain an audience with the queen for some time. So, let’s hear it. What do you have to say?”
Elissa cleared her throat. “You do all realize that I am the queen of this kingdom. I can speak for myself.”
Hargon glanced over at Elissa and lifted an eyebrow. “Of course, Your Majesty.” To Lord Martin, she said, “What say you, Lord Martin?”
Lord Martin cleared his throat. “Well, Your Majesty. As you very well know, I have been quartered in the main cavern with the rest of the populace of the kingdom.”
“We all know your disdain for living with the riffraff,” Marik said under his breath, but loud enough for everyone to hear.
Lord Martin ignored the comment and continued, “There are so many women, children, and elderly who will never be able to join in any sort of battle. We, they, are housed in what amounts to a dungeon. They see little daylight, and their living conditions are, let’s just say, less than stellar.”
Marik began to respond, but Elissa replied with a louder, stronger, voice. “Lord Martin, are you saying that my people are not being fed? Not being kept warm and safe?”
“They are being fed, and they are warm and safe. However, the conditions in which they live are not the best.”
“And just where would you have me quarter them? Every chamber in the castle is filled with Knights and those who would need to respond at a moment’s notice when the army approaches. The courtyard is open but is used for training not only our Knights but also every man and boy who chooses to lift a sword to fight for the kingdom.”
“I have not seen you out there training,” Marik said sharply to Lord Martin, interrupting the queen when she paused to take a breath.