Alvin, Becky, and Kuro all changed their clothing as they entered the room. The black stone seemed to drink in the light from the candles and torches that dotted the massive hall. At the far end of the room, a throne carved from a massive bone sat on a raised dais. A striking woman with regal features was sitting upright, her expression one of boredom.
Lips pursed, Alvin barely managed to stop himself from whistling appreciatively. The Queen would have been hailed as the most perfect woman in the world; perfectly fit, poised, and with an air of tightly leashed sex appeal.
“Damn,” Becky whispered, staring at the Queen.
“She’s not bad, she’s just drawn that way,” Alvin muttered.
Becky glanced at him, her lips curving up. “Right?”
Alvin’s eyes flickered to the sides as they advanced on the throne. The room had six columns holding it up, each one with detailed engravings that looked like a story, but he didn’t stop to try and figure them out. Further to the sides of the room, a large number of dark skinned Elves stood, watching them as they passed.
“The entire noble court is here,” Kuro whispered in shock.
Steelheart came to a stop fifteen feet from the lowest step of the dais. Going to one knee and bowing her head, she spoke, her voice easily carrying the length of the room. “Your Majesty, I have brought the demons who came to your capital with Champion Skyfall.”
“Thank you, Captain. Please stand by,” the Queen replied, the acoustics of the hall helping carry her voice to the furthest corners.
Alvin blinked. The Queen’s voice was soft and he found himself wanting to hear it again. The Queen looked over each of them, taking her time doing so. Alvin would have sworn her lips creased up when she looked him over.
“Welcome to my home. One of my Champions tells me you are travelers from beyond the Gate. More than just that, she has told me you saved her and my army from being routed and captured by the King’s army. After you defeated them, you handed over all of the captives to Skyfall. Is this correct?”
“It is… your Majesty,” Becky said, pausing for a fraction of a second before she added the title.
“I’m also told you can shed more light on the mysterious changes that have occurred over the last week.”
“That is indeed a possibility, Majesty,” Becky nodded. “We’re also interested in establishing trade between our two worlds.”
“Would that include access to your weapons?” the Queen asked with feigned disinterest.
“Guns, cars, and more,” Alvin said.
The Queen’s eyes went to Alvin, one slender eyebrow raised. Before she spoke, a noble strode forward a few feet, her voice harsh in the quiet room, “Quiet, male! This is a room for women to speak.”
Becky’s head turned to the noble, her eyes cold. “If you speak to Hero that way again, there will be trouble.”
“What would one as blub—”
Kuro’s blades appeared from thin air, and she stood between Becky and the noble in a blink. “To insult my Matriarch is to ask for a duel. Do you wish to duel, Matriarch Thunderrise?”
The noble bristled at Kuro’s words. The sound of bows being drawn back filled the tense silence as the guards around the room all drew their strings back, their arrows aimed at Kuro.
“There is to be no bloodshed in my throne room unless I wish it to happen,” the Queen said calmly. All the Elves stepped back, bowing their heads in unison.
Kuro’s blades vanished and she turned to bow to the Queen. “I apologize for my actions, Majesty. I cannot stand by when an insult is thrown at my Matriarch.”
“Skyfall did tell me you had broken faith with Lightkiller. Yet you act as a faithful servant to your new Matriarch. Have you made reparations for breaking your vows?”
“Lightkiller was offered Ilbryen Sunlight’s swords,” Becky stated. “Champion Skyfall collected the swords and said that it was settled.”
“You gave away Ilbryen Sunlight’s swords for just this one Dancer?” The Queen asked with an amused smile.
“I think I got the better deal,” Becky shrugged.
“I see. You must highly value Kuro Lightskin.”
“She was dying when we found her and promised her soul to the one who would avenge her. Not only did I avenge her, I saved her from death. Since that moment, she pledged her very essence to me and Hero. She is ours.”
Sitting back, the Queen seemed to consider the matter. “Let it be known as thus: Kuro Lightskin, daughter of Keena Darkblade, is no longer of the Lightkiller house, but belongs to Matriarch Gothy. Let it also be known that the one known as Gothy shall be given all privileges due a Matriarch.”
Becky bowed her head to the Queen. “That is kind of you, Majesty. Mousie told me that killing Sunlight might grant me honor among you.”
“Mousie?” the Queen looked confused.
“That is what I call Kuro,” Becky said.
“Interesting,” the Queen replied. “There is a small dilemma we are currently facing that is taking most of my attention,” she went on, changing the subject. “Would you be willing to assist? With your ability to travel quickly and the weapons you possess, I’m sure it will be quite easy for you.”
“What’s the problem?” Becky asked warily.
“Several hundred miles beyond my capital lies the Death Wood. The creatures of the wood are stirring again and have begun to attack my borders. If you could help my army to the west defend my towns, I would be willing to grant you a major boon.”
The nobles in the chamber gasped and began to murmur excitedly. Becky looked at Kuro. “The Queen has only given a handful of major boons since her split with the King. You can ask for anything— short of her throne itself— and she will accommodate you,” Kuro explained.
“What are the Death Woods, and what lives inside?” Alvin asked as the voices around them grew louder.
“Woods that few have returned from, and only if they went in with an army. It’s said to be the home to the last necromancers known to exist,” Kuro explained in a hushed voice.
“Killing zombies is kind of our thing,” Becky said.
“What would we even ask for?” Alvin said.
“If it can be anything but her throne, I’m sure they have a Legendary item we can take,” Becky said. “We’ll go kill everything, then come back. The Queen will owe us, and then the rest of them might actually think twice before crossing us.”
“Point,” Alvin chuckled.
“Your Majesty,” Wintersbreath called out. “If that is an open offer, I would very much like to go.”
“Unnecessary,” Becky said, the crowd having gone silent when the Champion spoke. “We’ll agree to your terms, Queen Night.”
“I will offer my aid, then,” Wintersbreath said quickly.
“Hmm, a little help is a good idea. Wintersbreath, I place you in charge of the army. You are to assist them in any way they ask. If they succeed, then you shall be granted a lesser boon.”
Wintersbreath bowed low. “As you decree, Majesty.”
“I take it you’d like a ride?” Alvin asked the Elf.
“I’ve heard much of your vehicles. I would welcome the chance to ride in one and learn from you,” Wintersbreath replied, eyeing Alvin like a slab of beef.
“You’ll ride with me,” Becky said simply.
“Even better,” Wintersbreath smiled.
“I declare this audience at an end,” the Queen said.
Everyone in the room besides Alvin and Becky bowed to the Queen, who raised both eyebrows as they looked at her with indifference. In a clear gesture of dismissal, the Queen left the hall, moving around the throne and behind the tapestries with a grace that was smoother than Wintersbreath.
Everyone stood up and Wintersbreath glided to them with a smile on her lips. “When and where should I meet you?”
“The inn, tomorrow morning,” Becky said. “Make sure you’re ready.”
“I shall be,” Wintersbreath replied with a gleeful smile. “I will not
let Skyfall be the only one who learns from you.”
Kuro waved to Captain Steelheart. “Can you escort us out?”
“Of course,” Steelheart said. As she began to lead them from the hall, she looked at Becky. “I am curious how you managed to change outfits.”
Alvin chuckled as his suit vanished, replaced by his armor. “That’s one of the perks of the new system you live under.”
Lips thinning, the Captain narrowed her eyes at Alvin. “Is that the best you can do to explain things?”
“No.”
“If you are not being pleasant to him, he’ll just dig his heels in harder,” Becky said simply.
“Halt!” a commanding voice shouted from behind them as they exited the castle.
Turning, they saw Matriarch Thunderrise with two armed men coming their way. “Oh, looks like she wants that duel after all,” Becky chuckled. “Mousie, show her how much of an idiot she is.”
Chapter Thirty
Kuro nodded, stepping in front of Alvin and Becky. “What did you need of my Matriarch?”
“Silence, half-blood. I will speak to my peer,” the last word held dripping contempt.
Thunderrise and her two guards came to a halt a few feet short of Kuro, her glare going past Kuro to Becky. “You need to keep your pet on a tighter leash when he is before the Queen.”
Alvin laughed, “Your mouth is writing checks your body can’t cash.”
“Hero isn’t my pet. He is the one who owns me,” Becky said icily. “His words are more important than you can ever know.”
Lips curling into a disgusted sneer, Thunderrise snorted. “So you’re as broken as any of the King’s women.”
Blades appeared in Kuro’s hands. “I warned you in the throne room that if you insulted Matriarch Gothy, you would be asking for a duel. Draw your blade or name your Champion.”
Thunderrise sneered at Kuro. “You know the rules of the duels. If your Matriarch challenges me, I get to pick amongst her Champions to fight.”
“Get on with it then,” Becky snapped. “The sooner you learn to shut the fuck up, the better.”
“Him,” Thunderrise said, pointing at Alvin. “He shall fight my Champion. We can do it right here and now.”
Captain Steelheart started to object, “Matriarch Thunder—”
“This is allowed,” Wintersbreath said, appearing out of the growing crowd. “Everyone move back and let them duel.”
“I got it,” Alvin said as he rolled his neck.
Becky looked at him and smiled, giving him a kiss as she stepped behind him. “Make it bloody. Mousie, come here.”
Kuro’s blades vanished as she went to Becky, her head bowed. “I’m sorry Matriarch, I shouldn’t have—”
Becky slapped her ass firmly. “I would have if you hadn’t, so no apologies needed. Besides, these idiots need to understand that Hero is to be respected.”
Alvin watched as the crowd all backed a good thirty to fifty feet away, leaving just him and the one armored male Elf facing each other twenty feet apart. The Elf smirked at him, not seeing any armor or weapon beyond the knife at Alvin’s side.
“You all might want to move out from behind him. I’m not going to be held responsible otherwise,” Alvin said as he cracked his knuckles.
“Aren’t you going to get a weapon besides that small blade?” the Elf across from him asked with a smirk. “I’d like it to at least be entertaining for the audience.”
Alvin didn’t reply, nor did he see people moving. “Well, I tried.”
“As you don’t appear to know how the duels work, visitor,” Wintersbreath said from off to the left, “either of you can start the duel. It ends when one of you surrenders or dies. The loser must apologize to the victor, or incur the wrath of the Queen.”
Alvin smiled, his eyes staying on the Elf, who had just pulled his sword. “We can start whenever we want?”
“I’ll wait for you to draw your blade,” his opponent smirked.
“Why? I won’t be using it,” Alvin replied as his Type 56 appeared in his hands. He had it to his shoulder and was firing before anyone in the crowd knew what was happening.
The first round was on the mark and flung the swordsman’s head back. Staggering, the Elf suddenly had a shimmering blue field in front of him, and bullets were hitting it in rapid succession as Alvin flipped the Type to full auto. When it ran empty, he dropped the magazine, reseated it and continued fire. The crowd didn’t know how lucky they were that the barrier stopped the rounds instead of ricocheting them.
Blinking as he steadied himself, the swordsman snarled, blood flowing from his forehead where the first round had impacted. He rushed at Alvin, only momentarily confused when his barrier shattered. Alvin had reloaded a second time, and finally done enough damage to break it.
When the barrier went down, a few more rounds hit the swordsman in the chest while the others flew wide, striking some of the onlookers. Reloading a third time, Alvin waited for the Elf, who had staggered as more bullets struck him in the chest, to come upright again.
“See? No knife needed,” Alvin said loudly, and the next few rounds blew the man’s head apart.
Alvin reloaded his gun and let it vanish into his glove. “Anyone else want a duel?”
Silence followed for a few heartbeats, before Matriarch Thunderrise spoke up. “You would dare use your bow in a duel?”
Wintersbreath looked intrigued and stepped forward. “Use of ranged attacks in a duel is considered cowardly. I assume no one informed you?”
“Nope. Why the hell wouldn’t I use weapons common in my world? Just because you haven’t gotten past swords, isn’t my problem.”
“I demand a proper duel,” Thunderrise snarled.
“Accepted,” Becky smiled evilly at the Matriarch. “As you are requesting it, I nominate Mousie as my Champion. You can pick anyone that is beholden to you.”
Thunderrise snarled at Becky, but nodded sharply. “Kill the half-blood, Erodin.”
A few people in the crowd were being treated for the wounds they had received from Alvin’s gun as he moved over to Becky. Passing Kuro, he gave her a wink. “You got this.”
Her cheeks darkened, but she nodded. “For Matriarch Gothy, I can move mountains.”
“Hey, Wintersbreath,” Alvin called out as the two new duelists took the middle of the ring. “Is betting a thing here?”
“Duels of honor are not wagered on,” Wintersbreath replied, her lips twitching as if she was fighting to keep a smile off her face.
“Damn, there goes the easy money,” Alvin sighed.
Both blades in hand, Kuro waited for the dead Elf to be removed from the circle. As soon as the body was gone, her opponent rushed her. Kuro slipped aside, her blade parrying his away in one smooth motion. Alvin wished he had a way to play music, as Kuro seemed to sway to music that only she could hear.
Kuro backpedaled with swaying steps, letting the other Elf push the attack. Seemingly effortlessly, she parried all of his attacks and continued to lead him around the circle. A smile was on her lips as the attacker seemed to become incensed at her refusal to return his attacks.
“She’s playing with him,” Alvin said, impressed again at how expertly Kuro moved with blades in her hands. Eyes going to Wintersbreath, he found the Champion staring at Kuro’s dance with interest.
The fight quickly shifted when Kuro stopped retreating and began attacking. With both blades coming at different angles, one after the other, her opponent began to give ground. Becky giggled and watched the man become steadily more panicked as he struggled to hold off the onslaught.
Kuro directed the retreating Elf back toward their starting point, her smile polite and bored the entire way. Small cuts began to appear on the man’s face as they neared the middle of the ring. With a sudden rush, Kuro was past the other duelist. Barely a moment later, his head slowly toppled, separated entirely from his body. Kuro stood there for a long moment, watching the now headless corpse collapse before letting her bla
des vanish, the blood on them pattering to the ground as if the blades had been wiped down by the very air.
“I believe you’ve lost, Matriarch Thunderrise,” Champion Wintersbreath said into the silence.
Shaking her head in disbelief, Thunderrise turned to Becky. Hatred gleamed in her eyes as she spoke clearly, but with barely controlled anger. “I apologize for my words that gave you offense, Matriarch Gothy.”
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