A Castle of Ashes (The Fifth Kingdom Book 2)

by M. James, Lisa

  An image of the leader of Narka groveling at the woman’s feet came to his mind. Then his body lying lifeless on the floor. Matthew shook his head. “Nothing more, your Majesties. I am sorry.”

  “You have been through quite an ordeal. Word has been sent to your brother. When you feel ready we will send you on your way with an envoy. It would be wonderful news if the Princess is alive. Perhaps a woman as a ruler is not such a frightful thought.” King Joseph placed a hand upon his wife’s arm. Queen Sarai smiled at him coyly before returning her gaze to Matthew.

  “Not just any woman, a Sorceress Queen. Her powers could prove useful for the kingdoms if she is willing to cooperate with us. If you remember anything else, you will report it to us, will you not?” King Adelphi asked.

  Matthew stared at King Adelphi for a moment. Cooperate with us, he had said. “Of course, your Majesties.”

  “Good,” King Joseph said with a warm smile. “I have had a meal prepared for you. You must be famished. It has been a number of days since you’ve eaten anything of sustenance. Gather your strength.” King Joseph stepped down from his throne and embraced Matthew. “I thank the One God for your safe return.”

  Matthew bowed and was dismissed from the throne room wondering what business King Adelphi had with the North Kingdom. Upon entering the outer hallway, he heard a small gasp and looked up to see a wisp of white locks float into a nearby hall. Matthew cleared his throat loudly.

  “Princess Prisma, it is courteous for a lady to make herself known in the presence of company.” The girl shyly came into Matthew’s vision.

  Her eyes widened as she took a few steps toward him. “Is it true? You saw her?” She whispered.

  He smiled at her. “Do you often listen to your father’s affairs? I saw someone. I cannot be certain if it was the Princess.”

  “Every night since the tower came out of the water I have gone into the sea and prayed to the water god that all of the Princess’s enemies will be destroyed. I want her to feel safe to make her return.”

  Matthew grabbed the girl’s hands and gave her a stern look. He bent to face her eye level. “Princess, you know it is not proper for a lady of the North Kingdom to pray to the gods of the elements. You must cease. Promise me.” The North was not as strict with its beliefs as the West, as they did frequently wed with those who believed in the gods of the elements. Yet, Prisma was from the royal line and could not forsake her kingdoms god, the One God. Matthew doubted her father knew of her prayers.

  She closed her eyes tightly. “If the gods will not protect her then you must protect her, my lord. Even when the choice proves difficult.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Not everything you hear is trustworthy. Not all those who pledge allegiance to the Queen truly mean it in their hearts.” She opened her eyes and met his. “A time is coming where you may not mean it yourself.” With that she quickly ran away from him.

  Chapter 2

  “The Queen has returned! The Queen has returned!” Lucinda stepped out of the water onto the shores of her kingdom. A parade of children swarmed her. She knelt down beside them as they embraced her tightly. Her kingdom was before her. Lucinda worked hard that first year with her followers to restore the land where her kingdom now lay. They cleared the debris and had ceremonies for the bones of the lost, until only the ash remained. Out of the ash she made her castle, wanting to build upon the memory of the old kingdom.

  Her castle stood boldly in the center of the Green Sea. It was black in contrast to the white stone of the surrounding castles. It was adorned with shimmering emeralds reflecting the Green Sea and the eyes of a sorceress. She soon learned that the island in which her kingdom stood contained magical properties. It was hidden from the rest of the kingdoms all these years. Lucinda had the power to make it known. She started with revealing one tower reaching the sky. The Queen’s Tower. Her fortress, just as it was for the Ancient Queen. Now the entire kingdom was visible in the center of the sea. Seven years she had ruled as its Queen. How quickly time has passed? She thought as she made her way to the castle steps, trying to wash the memories of the past few days from her mind.

  “My Queen,” Zekiel bowed before her as she entered her castle doors. “We hope that your time away has been pleasant. We have missed you dearly.” The man reached out and kissed the top of her hand. He held her gaze with dark, thin eyes. Zekiel was one of the first followers who came into the waters of the Green Sea that night so many years back. He was a young man of 18 then, and was one of the first to pledge his loyalty to the resurrected kingdom. A knight of the Northern Guard before coming to her, he was well built with thick, dark hair upon his head and outlining his mouth. He quickly proved to be wise as well as strong and Lucinda selected him to be commander of her guard that first year after the castle was restored. “Where did the waters take you this time, your Grace?” He asked.

  Lucinda always found comfort in the sea. When she came into power she soon learned she could draw her strength from its energy. When she stepped into the water, the sea would guide her where she needed to be if she let it. That’s how she came to conquer many of the neighboring islands around her kingdom. The other four kingdoms surrounding the sea didn’t dare to visit many of the islands with their foreign tongues and cultures. Yet, Lucinda did not fear them anymore. If the people resisted her presence, the sea was her defender. The people would cower as the waters became turbulent when they opposed her. In fear, they would allow her to take one amongst them to train her on the island’s language and beliefs. In this way, the Narka islanders came to fear her. She never meant for them to, but they felt she had control over the waters. Little did they know that the sea was always really in control. It just had chosen to side with her.

  “To Narka, Zekiel. There was an innocent man held captive there. I had warned the islanders to leave the castaways from the water for me. What they do with their own people, it is not my wish to control, but those who come from the Green Sea are mine.”

  “You are fair and just, my Queen,” He smiled at her. “And lovely for the eyes to look upon. Tell me, where is this man? Were you able to save him?”

  The man. Lucinda revealed very little about her past life to her new people. Many only knew the prophecy that surrounded her birth. That was enough for them to pledge their allegiance to Lucinda. Geenessa was her only true confidant. Lucinda had made her second in command of her kingdom, until such a time that Lucinda chose a husband. Yet, even to Geenessa, Lucinda had not spoken about the past in years. She sent out some of her followers to see the happenings of the surrounding kingdoms in secret, but any news that came from the West or the East, she would not inquire further. Thinking about those she left behind made her uncertain if she had chosen the right path.

  On the day of her twenty-third birthday she had only meant to enter the water for some peace and guidance. She had faltered, and allowed herself to think of that night seven years ago when her journey truly began. The sea became turbulent around her and in her mind she saw the Prince, not as the boy he was when she last saw him, but a man grown. He was on a ship with his men when the sea reached for him and the waters consumed him. Then it overtook her. She did not know how many days she had stayed in the depths of the sea, but when she stepped out she appeared on Narka.

  She heard the ceremonious cries of the islanders as they were preparing to feast. As she walked through their village their voices stilled at the sight of her. Beaten and bloodied on the floor in front of the Narka leader, stripped of his armor and handled like an animal, is where she saw him. Her anger rose in her. The Narka leader was a cruel man, but she never wanted to take his life. Yet, she had to make an example of him. She had warned the people to remember it.

  Her heart softened when she saw the Prince. He had recognized her. He called her by name. Lucinda. Even in his pain, it sounded so wonderful to hear him call for her. She told him they would never hurt him again. She addressed his wounds in Narka, commanding some of the villag
e women to assist her. She restored his health, but before he was strong enough to wake she let him go.

  “Yes, I was able to save him.” She responded to Zekiel.

  “How fortunate for him to have you, my Queen. Let the tales of the Green eyed goddess spread through the kingdoms until such a time where you choose to make yourself known.” Zekiel took her by the hand and led her into her throne room. Green eyed goddess, he had said. In truth it was tales of the Green Eyed Witch that spread through the kingdoms. Lucinda had saved many travelers from the claws of savage islanders or from the depths of the Green Sea. Yet, the stories that were brought back to land were contorted to make her the enemy. She knew it, although her followers twisted the stories politely in her favor.

  A woman was sobbing on the floor of her throne room as Lucinda entered. A man was yelling at the woman sharply, but stopped and knelt when he saw Lucinda enter. “Your Grace! We thank the One God for your safe passage. Let him give you the strength for a fair ruling!”

  Zekiel led Lucinda to her chair. She looked toward the man. “What is the matter that concerns you?”

  “My Queen,” the man continued. This woman works for my family and we caught her stealing. She had taken my wife’s silk garments to trade in the market! We trusted her in our household and she has returned that trust with theft!”

  Lucinda looked at the woman sobbing on the throne room floor. “Stand up,” She commanded her. “What do you say for yourself?”

  “Your Majesty,” the woman sobbed. “This man has not paid my wages in a month’s time. He tells me every day he will pay it at day’s end. Then when l worked the day, he will tell me tomorrow I will receive it. I cannot go on any longer without pay. I thought to sell the silk garments to feed my young son. I no longer have enough to provide for him!” The woman dissolved in her tears and covered her face from Lucinda.

  “Liar!” The man shouted. “I have paid your wages! You gamble it off for drink and have nothing left for your son!”

  The woman cried in protest. Lucinda raised one hand and they quieted. She studied both of them. She stepped down from her seat and placed a hand on the man’s shoulder. His pulse quickened at her touch. “This is not the first time there has been a complaint against you. Is what this woman saying true? Are you cheating her of her wages?”

  “No, my Queen! I swear to you.”

  “I see. Zekiel, have this man thrown into the sea. If he is innocent, the sea will bring him back to our land. If he is not, let the sea swallow him whole.”

  Zekiel nodded and stepped toward the trembling man. “My Queen, this is a mistake! Have the woman thrown into the sea! Let her be the one judged!” One of her guards stepped forward to bind the man’s hands. Zekiel pushed the man face down to the floor as the guard grabbed his wrists. “No my Queen! No Please! Mercy!” Lucinda stared at him in silence as the man was dragged out of the throne room. “My Queen! Please!” He begged. “The woman speaks the truth! She speaks the truth, my Queen! I have cheated her of her wages! Have Mercy!” The man screamed.

  “Stop.” Lucinda called to the guard and to Zekiel. Zekiel threw the man forward. “The woman speaks truth, you say. So you lied to your Queen?”

  “I feared your wrath, your Highness. My business has been faltering so I have not had the wages to pay her.”

  “Then you should have released this woman of her duty and come to me for aid.”

  The man bowed low to the ground. “Forgive my poor judgment, my Queen, I beg of you.”

  “You will be forgiven after seven days in a cell with only water. You will not lie to your Queen again. Unless you desire to lose your tongue. Do you understand?”

  The man began to sob. “Yes, my Queen. You are gracious.” The guard took him away from Lucinda.

  “You are fair and just, my Queen. Thank you for your fair judgment.”

  The woman fell before Lucinda. Lucinda tried hard to look sternly at her. The woman had lost her husband a few months prior and had been struggling to cope. She was young and had grown thin. “You are never justified for stealing. You should have come to me after the first missed wage. You will spend one day in a cell for theft.” The woman nodded as large tears fell down her cheeks. “But first, bring your son to the castle. He will dine with me and spend the night in a warm bed underneath the castle walls.”

  The woman looked in disbelief. “You honor him my lady, and me.” Lucinda extended her hand out and the woman kissed it before rushing out.

  “Make sure the woman returns with her son. And ensure that she has a full meal sent to her cell.”

  Zekiel smiled at her. “Yes, my Queen.” He took her hand and placed it upon his chest as he always did before departing. The man desired her. Lucinda was not blind to it. He was smart and kind and Geenessa insisted he would make a fair match. He spent much of his time in Lucinda’s presence, reporting the happenings of her kingdom. Some days she found herself feeling attracted to him. She could imagine a life with him as her husband, and their children that would take the throne after her. She could be with him with no fear of night terrors or voices in her head, or unspeakable actions she could not control. Yet, there was something about a life with him that was undesirable to her.

  “My lady you have returned.” Geenessa interrupted her thoughts. “Tell me, where did the sea lead you this time? You were gone for several days.”

  “It doesn't matter. I am home now.” She gave Geenessa a tired smile. “Forgive me, I think I will take rest for a moment.”

  “Yes of course, my Queen.” Geenessa looked at her strangely. “My lady, your necklace. I have never seen you without it. Has it been lost?” Lucinda palmed at her neck. She didn’t know what drove her to it, but before she sent the Prince back into the waters she tied her mother’s necklace around his neck. If he would know it was hers she couldn’t be sure. Did she want him to know? That she was uncertain of as well.

  “No Geenessa. I know where it is.” Lucinda retired to her chambers. Never in her life had she imagined she would accomplish what she had in the past years. Yet sometimes what she gave up for this new life seemed too much. Would she ever see her father again? Her sisters? Her stepmother or her little brothers? Would she ever—

  She could not think of it. She climbed into her bed and forced her mind to rest.

  What have you done? You lost control and put everyone in danger! I knew the kings would never accept you. Now you have given them reason to call war upon us. You must step down Nycilla.

  This kingdom is my birthright!

  Your mother never wanted you to rule! We tried for another daughter, but she kept having sons. I had no choice after she passed but to make you queen. I only prayed you would show constraint.

  My kingdom has prospered under my rule! I have built it into the strongest kingdom and now the kings fear it! They are the ones who need to show constraint! How dare they call me the Green Eyed Witch! I am their equal! No. I am greater than them.

  If you refuse to step down, then you must give up the Prince. It will be a gesture of peace.

  How can you ask me that? I love him.

  Enough Nycilla! End this, before he is the end of you and your kingdom!

  Lucinda sat straight up in bed. The dreams had returned. The Ancient Queen’s memories had returned to her after so long.

  “My Queen,” Geenessa had appeared at the entrance of her bedchamber. “Did you have a night terror, my lady?”

  “No. It was a memory. Nycilla’s memory. I thought I was free of them, but they have returned.”

  “Something has triggered it. Or maybe someone. Tell me, where were you these past days my lady?” Geenessa came and sat by the edge of Lucinda’s bed. “Who did you see?”

  Lucinda looked at her governess, knowing she already knew. “I saw him.” Lucinda said with a heavy sigh. “I saw Matthew.”

  Chapter 3

  King Joseph insisted that Matthew rest for a few more nights in the North Kingdom, before he thought him fit to make the journ
ey back to the West.

  He rode mostly in silence with a small caravan led by guards of the North Kingdom. It was about a two week journey by road to the West Kingdom. Within six days’ time the sleet started to dissipate into rain as they rode closer to the West. The temperature was rising and colorful flowers started to pave the trail back home. Upon the thirteenth day of travel the kingdom started to come into view. Matthew could see a crowd littering the path as his caravan approached.

  “The Prince has returned! He has fought the wrath of the Green Sea and he has conquered! Hail our Commander!” The people of the West Kingdom shouted and threw flowers into his path as he closed into the kingdom.

  No, Matthew thought. I did not conquer. The Green Sea would have sent me to my death if it was not for her. They rode slower the next few days as townspeople walked into their path. When the castle was within walking distance, he stepped out of the caravan and extended a hand to his people. They cheered to him. A maiden stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.

  “It is so wonderful to see you well my handsome prince.” She fussed as she placed her lips on Matthew’s cheek.

  Matthew pushed her gently out of his path. The blue and white of the castle came into view. Suddenly, his uncle was in front of him. He embraced Matthew firmly for several minutes before clearing the way ahead of them toward the castle gates. When they reached the gates, Matthew turned back to the crowd.

  “Thank you for your kind welcome.” He shouted over the noise. “I feared I would never return home. It was your prayers and the mercy of the One God that brought me back to you.” Upon entering the castle doors, he fell to his knees in weariness.

  “Are you alright?”

  “Yes, Uncle. I just need a moment. Please inform my brother of my return.” Uncle Jonathan placed a hand on Matthew’s shoulder before departing.

  “Matthew.” Matthew looked up and faced Gwendolyn’s large, blue eyes. Her brown hair was tied up tightly in a bun behind her head, decorated with a silver ornament. She wore a blue gown that hit the floor.