The Channel (The Gifted Book 2)

by C. L. McCourt

  The larger woman's eyes slowly lifted from the ground to meet Rhea's. Her face remained unreadable. "No."

  "No? No what?"

  "No, we weren't told you'd killed the ones that came before."

  The smaller woman, whose hair looked like someone had used a hunting knife to cut it inches from her scalp, appeared surprised that her comrade had spoken.

  "What were you told?" Rhea asked.

  The larger woman in the muddy cloak looked at her comrade before answering. "You were a murderer of children and that you needed to be stopped."

  Rhea wanted to laugh at the absurdity of what she was told, but she held the captive's eyes, searching for any sign that she couldn't believe her. The woman's belief in what she had done seemed to fade, her eyes showed a hint of doubt.

  "And what do you think now?" Rhea asked.

  The larger woman shook her head. "I don't know."

  The smaller woman pulled her eyes from her comrade and met Rhea's.

  Rhea looked at her, taking in her disheveled appearance. "Would you like to share something?"

  She was nervous, as she glanced between Rhea and her comrade. "I ... we ... he told us ..." She didn't continue.

  Rhea gently coaxed her. "Go ahead. You can say it."

  She took a quick breath. "He told us you came from another world. We had heard about the attacks on travelers. He said that it was you and that you killed a family with three children." Her voice held the hint of a cry, but she controlled her emotions.

  Rhea turned to Randell, and he knew what she was silently asking. He gave a confirmation nod.

  "Who told you these lies about me?"

  "We don't know his name," the larger woman quickly answered.

  Rhea couldn't help wonder if they could be that stupid. "Let me get this straight. Some man, who you don't know, told you that I killed a family, that I'm from another world, and it's up to you to stop me. And just like that, you believe him?"

  Neither woman responded.

  Rhea was having trouble keeping a level tone to her voice. She wanted to grab the two women and shake them until their common sense returned. She took a deep breath. "Did he pay you?"

  "Just traveling expenses," said the smaller woman.

  Rhea couldn't believe what she was hearing, she was lost in her thoughts as to what to ask next when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

  It was the commander. "Are you done?"

  Rhea stood and turned away from the women, almost feeling sorry for them. "For now. What are you going to do to them?"

  "We'll put them in the cells at the next station. They'll stand trial."

  Rhea looked at the two women on their knees. "I want to be there."

  Commander Nauylor nodded.

  By the time they reached the next guard station, the light was starting to fade; it had been a long day. The sleeping arrangements were the same as the previous night. After they ate, Rhea took a bath and went to bed, sleeping soundly through the night.

  37

  Queen

  They had made good time so far on their journey east to the palace city of Sentran. They anticipated reaching the palace sometime after midday. Randell was Rhea's riding partner for the first half of the ride. They chatted about their lives leading up to this point.

  Of all her new friends, Randell was the one with whom she felt the most connection. Daen was her protector and adviser. With Randell, she felt they had a lot in common, that he was someone she wouldn't mind having as a brother.

  They both had connections to Luxatra. Rhea had Lanne, and Randell had Daen, but that wasn't all. They were both experiencing Luxatra for the first time, and for that reason, she felt if anyone could understand how she was feeling at times, it was Randell.

  After lunch, the commander dropped back to ride with Rhea and Randell. "We should talk about what will be expected of you when we arrive."

  "I'm listening," said Rhea.

  "I suspect we'll be escorted to the queen upon arrival. When we are brought before her, you will be expected to drop to one knee and lower your head until she says you can rise. I don't recommend speaking unless she asks you a question, and keep your answers to the point, and honest. She's known for respecting honesty even if it's something she doesn't want to hear."

  "How will you introduce us?" Randell asked.

  "By your full name and family affiliation. For Daen and Taulin, I'll include their titles."

  "I assume I'll be asked to show my mark," said Rhea. "Will she ask me to present it in front of everyone or will I have a private meeting with her?"

  "I assume she'll ask to see it when you're introduced. Don't approach her unless she permits it."

  "How much did you tell her about my gifts?"

  "Not much," said Naylor, "as I didn't want the details in writing. Besides, when I wrote the note, I hadn't seen much."

  Rhea looked at the commander. "Will she ask for a demonstration?"

  He shrugged. "I don't know."

  They rode quietly for a short time before another question came to Rhea. "Does she know Taulin is coming?"

  "No. I didn't know at the time, and I didn't want people knowing he was here before the queen could have her say with him."

  Rhea felt a sudden wave of panic rush through her. "Will she take him into custody?"

  The commander glanced at her but didn't answer.

  "Commander?" Randell forced the question.

  "I don't know."

  Again, they fell silent. The anticipation of how the queen would react to them was beginning to press on Rhea's mind. The pressure increased a moment later as the palace city came into view.

  ~~~

  The gate in the outer wall surrounding the city opened to a line of six guards on horseback. Rhea wondered if this was normal procedure or if they were perceived as a threat.

  The six guards split and fell back forming two rows between which the commander led his group. As the commander reached the end of the rows, the guards turned and followed, effectively blocking them on either side. Danbr and Haurld brought up the rear. They were boxed in.

  As they followed the road to the palace, Rhea called to the veil to show itself. Nothing happened, but she didn't let her guard drop. She stayed open to the veil, on a constant vigilance, looking for any sign of an opening or a hidden spy. The moon was still dark in the other world, she assumed, but she didn't want to take any chances.

  They passed by rows of homes pressed close together before reaching the business district where shops and other types of businesses were in abundance. The people of the city scattered as the group passed by, their eyes wide with curiosity.

  About fifteen minutes later, they reached another wall, whose gates opened as they approached. Behind the enclosure, they could see white polished stone forming the walls of the palace and the stairs leading to its entrance.

  Stone pillars and high arches graced either side of the two-story carved wood doors that barred entrance without permission. A large dome sat centered on the roof, its ribs sparkling in the light. The palace architecture looked like it could have been built by the Greeks in the other world. It made Rhea wonder if that wasn't a real possibility.

  Servants were lined up at the base of the steps to care for their horses.

  "His name is Sedare," said Rhea as she passed the reins to the woman before her. "I'll know if he isn't treated well." She gave the woman a friendly but serious look, wanting her to know Sedare was special. She didn't wait for a response from the servant before grabbing her gear from Sedare's back.

  They followed the commander, still banked on either side by the guards from the gate.

  The main entrance led into a grand foyer with crystal chandeliers and ornate wall sconces. At the far end of the foyer was another set of doors. As they were escorted into a large square room, the underside of the dome became visible. To Rhea's left was a dais where the queen sat upon her throne.

  T
hey formed a single line, each facing the Her Majesty, except for Bandon who stood behind Taulin. They followed the commander's lead and went to one knee. The room was silent while they waited to be recognized.

  The queen's voice was neutral, not revealing any emotion she might have. "You may rise. Commander, whom have you brought before me?"

  "Queen Jauline, may I present Prince Taulin of Laundan?"

  The prince bowed at the waist.

  "So trusting are you to present yourself to me after what Laundan warriors have done to the citizens of Sentran and Taulomi. What do you have to say for yourself?"

  "I am here to explain that the attacks are not from Laundan warriors. The men wearing the Laundan crest and attacking the realms are impostors."

  She studied him for a moment and seemed to ease, but not enough to reveal what she'd seen. "So you say. We will see. Continue, Commander."

  "May I present Terrwyn Canton Gaulette Baurden, daughter of Commander Gaibel Gaulette of Taulomi and Prince Kalaub?"

  The queen stood and slowly descended the dais stairs. Rhea didn't know if she was to look directly at the queen or straight ahead like a soldier at attention. When the queen stopped directly in front of her, she couldn't help but meet her eye to eye.

  "So this is the Sentran princess I've heard about. I find it interesting that I don't know a member of my own family." She paused, not speaking, but taking in every aspect of Rhea's face, hair and body. The queen stepped back."Show me."

  Rhea assumed she meant the mark, so she slowly opened her coat and shirt until the queen could see it. Rhea stayed like that while the queen examined the mark.

  "You may close your shirt."

  As the queen looked into Rhea's eye, Rhea could see her energy grow bright. Most of the auras she'd seen so far were subtle, like those of her parents in the other world. The queen's aura was a deep red with silver flecks.

  "Who are you?" Queen Jauline asked.

  What was she asking? The commander had given her name already. The way the queen looked at her reminded Rhea of how Randell studied her that first day in the coffee shop, looking to see if she was being honest. Rhea knew she had to tell the truth, but which one? "I was born Terrwyn Gaulette Baurden."

  The corners of the queen's mouth twitched as if she wanted to smile, but she held a straight face. "Clever. You tell the truth, but there is more than one answer to my question. Are you known by another name?"

  "Yes. Rhea Canton."

  "You are most unique." The queen continued to take her in, looking at her, around her, and into her.

  Rhea could see the queen was reading her aura, looking at all her colors. Now what?

  "The commander tells me you are quite gifted. I will want to know more about your gifts." She stepped in front of Daen. "Continue, Commander."

  "May I present Guardian Daen Mallaur?"

  Queen Jauline tipped her head slightly to the right as her brows creased. "We've met. Haven't we?"

  Daen bowed his head. "Yes, Your Majesty."

  "Ah, yes. I remember." She studied him before continuing. "I heard rumor that you were killed. I will want to know how it is you stand before me now." She stepped in front of Randell. "Commander, continue."

  "May I present Randell Young, descendant of Raisal Gaulette of the Taulomi realm?"

  The queen raised a brow. "What an interesting introduction." She looked him over almost as intensely as she had Rhea. "You are ... not from here. Where are you from?"

  "I believe you know it as the world of shadows."

  Her eyes opened a little wider, but she maintained her composure, studying him for another moment. "So, you believe in fairy tales. We will see." She returned to her throne where a page handed her a message. "Show them in."

  While they waited, the queen spoke quietly to one of her maids, and the maid left in a hurry. A few minutes passed before the doors opened to reveal Gaibel, Lanne, and an older gentleman being escorted by two guards. They stepped in front of the commander's group and went to one knee.

  "You may rise."

  Gaibel stood at attention, waiting to be addressed.

  The queen made Gaibel wait to be heard. She knew why Gaibel was there, and she hadn't made up her mind how she felt about it. When she finally spoke, she kept her voice casual, as if nothing was wrong. "Commander, it's been a long time. I've just met your daughter." She scanned the other two people. "Who is this with you?"

  "May I present Lanne Gaulette, my cousin?"

  "You don't normally travel with civilians. What purpose does she serve?"

  "She was instrumental in raising Terrwyn. I brought her to answer any questions you may have regarding Terrwyn's upbringing."

  The queen nodded. "Continue."

  "May I present Brother Mitchel of Sentran?"

  "Why did you bring a man of the cloth to meet me?"

  "Brother Mitchel married Kalaub Baurden and me almost eighteen years ago. He is my witness."

  The queen's expression didn't change, but her energy did. At the mention of Gaibel's marriage to Kalaub, her colors flared. She locked onto to Gaibel for a moment, and Rhea began to worry.

  The queen didn't speak before she reined in her emotions. "I will see you and Brother Mitchell in my chambers. In the meantime, Commander Nauylor, please see our guests to their rooms so that they may prepare for dinner. Kendaul will show you the way."

  ~~~

  Rhea couldn't help but worry about Gaibel as they left the throne room. The queen didn't seem pleased that Gaibel claimed to be Kalaub's wife, and Gaibel was right to believe Kalaub hadn't told his family.

  The page led the group up a set of stairs to a long hall of doors. Kendaul explained he was taking them to the guest quarters. Their first stop was Rhea's room.

  When she entered, she almost lost her breath. The room was magnificent. There was a large four-poster bed against one wall and a fireplace opposite it. Two overstuffed chairs separated the bed from the fireplace. There was a full-length, freestanding mirror in the corner, and a dresser shared the wall with a door that led to a bathroom, she hoped.

  A dress had been laid out on the satin bed cover, and a maid waited to assist her. When Rhea inquired about cleaning up, the maid showed her the bathroom behind the door she'd noticed. The hot water had already been drawn for a bath. A shower would be better, but Rhea decided to keep her thoughts to herself.

  Rhea carried her saddlebag to the bathroom, but the maid didn't get the clue. She was hovering, making Rhea uncomfortable. "What's your name?"

  "Maudry."

  "Maudry, if you will excuse me, I'd like to take my bath now."

  Maudry bowed slightly. "Yes Ma'am. I am here to help."

  Rhea tried not to react to what was obviously a custom of this world, but she didn't want help. "I appreciate that, but I can manage on my own. I will, however, accept your assistance in getting into that dress on my bed."

  Maudry bowed her head. "Yes, ma'am." She stepped from the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

  It didn't take Rhea long to get cleaned up. She found a robe hanging on a hook behind the bathroom door, luckily, as she hadn't brought a change of clothes in with her. Living in a dorm and sharing a communal bath teaches you that modesty can be a hindrance at times, but Rhea didn't believe this was one of those times. She collected her things and joined Maudry in the bedroom.

  Maudry took Rhea's dirty clothes and handed them to another maid standing by the door.

  "Wait. Are you taking those to be cleaned?"

  "Yes, ma'am."

  "Can you take some other items as well?" Rhea handed her the extra Luxatran shirt, leaving her other-world clothes tucked safely away. She had rinsed her undergarments and hung them to dry in the bathroom, not wanting them to draw unwanted attention and questions.

  "Yes, ma'am."

  Rhea stood in front of the dress lying on her bed. Although the fabric was exotic, it didn't look like much. "What do I put on firs
t?"

  Maudry looked at her like she must be a little touched in the head.

  "Where I was raised, we didn't wear clothes like this."

  Maudry's expression changed, as if she pitied Rhea.

  38

  Proof

  There was a knock on Rhea's door shortly after Maudry helped her style her hair and don her gown. Rhea had been concerned that the gown was the type that required a corset and various other undergarments to make the dress full. Instead, it was quite simple, maybe too much so, as it was rather form fitting and scooped low on her chest, revealing her royal mark.

  When Rhea looked in the mirror, she didn't recognize herself; she had never worn anything like it. As she stepped into the hall, she saw that she was the last from her group to be collected for dinner.

  Taulin extended his arm. "May I have the honor?"

  Rhea's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly remembered a man as good looking as Taulin was probably used to sweet-talking the women he wanted ... for the moment. Not wanting to be rude, she accepted. She wouldn't say her days in Luxatra had been anywhere close to normal, but now it was starting to feel like something from a fairy tale.

  "You look ravishing," Taulin whispered.

  Rhea tried to maintain her cool. Was he just being nice? Was Daen right? "Thank you, Taulin. You look very handsome." And he did. She'd noticed his good looks the first time she saw him in the tavern, but now, standing in front of her all dressed up, he was something to admire. He made her nervous.

  Randell walked next to Gaibel, directly behind Rhea and Taulin. Daen and Lanne were further back in the hall, lost in their own world. They refrained from a public display of affection, but it was apparent they had missed each other and weren't going to be separated easily this evening.

  They arrived at a dining room, small in comparison to the foyer and throne room.

  "This is the dining room the family uses every day," Taulin explained. "The one for entertaining is much larger. I've never been allowed in here."