Lady Dragon, Tela Du

by Kendra E. Ardnek

  Ashna glanced towards her father. His gift was forgetting, and quite potent, too, for not only could he forget things at will, but he could make other people forget as well. She shook her head. “Oh, I’m sure that won’t be necessary. I won’t mention it again. Do – do you think it would be all right if I went to see Queen Nia? If she’s to die soon…”

  “Just because she’s to die next doesn’t necessarily mean that she’s going to die right away,” said Mother, with a shake of her head. “But I suppose your visit might do her some good. The two of you are such good friends. Run along with you.”

  Ashna needed no further encouragement. She scampered out of the door and down the halls of Loray. The Bookholder suite wasn’t far from the rooms where the eight royals slept, and soon she was knocking on the door belonging to Queen Nia.

  Queen Nia’s personal maid answered the door, an elderly woman who had also served as the girl’s nurse when she was a child. She clucked her tongue as she looked Ashna up and down. “I suppose you’ve come to see how the dear girl’s doing?”

  “How is she doing?” asked Ashna.

  A small smile pulled at the corner of the woman’s mouth. “Well, her fever just broke, and she’s awake and coherent, so that’s a turn for the better – still, I won’t say she’s out of death’s grip just yet. Come on in, child. Seeing you might do her good – but be careful not to excite her. I must go to inform the other kings and queens of her improvement.” With that, the woman bustled past, leaving Ashna alone with the queen.

  She approached Nia’s bedside, trying to quiet her hammering heart. The young queen was deathly pale, her face thin, her dark hair limp. But as Ashna neared, her eyes lit up, and she held out a hand. “Ashna, just who I was hoping to see.”

  Ashna bit the inside of her cheek as she took the offered hand, trying not to recoil at the clammy, paper-thin skin. She sat down in the chair at Nia’s bedside. “It’s good to see you awake.”

  Nia smiled. “Even better to see me alive, yes? Ah, but how long will that last?” Her voice was the barest whisper.

  “You’re going to get better,” Ashna insisted, even though her eyes – and Laura’s words – told her otherwise.

  “No,” Nia shook her head ever-so-slightly. “I’m dying. All of us are, and we know it – we’ve felt it ever since the Dragon – ah, but you didn’t see that murderous glint in her eye as she released her magic. Our lives are rapidly draining away.”

  “But what about Rizkaland – if all of you die, who shall rule?”

  “Amber. Ah, don’t stare, my friend. It will be only for a season before the Tela Du comes. I told them to surrender, told them that we had no hope to stand against such a clear prophecy, but I’m a mere thirteen. Who am I to understand the greater workings of the prophecies?”

  “But…” Ashna took a deep breath to steady her nerves. “Why would you just hand the country over to someone who is so evil?”

  “But is it right to fight against a future so clearly set before us?” Nia shook her head again. “I fear there is no right path for us at this time. But the others made their choice, and all of Rizkaland must suffer through it. Now, Ashna, don’t cry for me, don’t cry for any of us, cry for Rizkaland itself.”

  “But…”

  “We’re going to a better place,” said Nia. “To Alphego’s Land. Rizkaland will be left to the devices of Amber. We won’t be there to stand between you and her.”

  The door opened at that moment, and King Matthew rushed in. Ashna stood so that he could have her seat. He sat down at Nia’s bedside and took her hand.

  A small smile lit her face. “I was hoping I’d see you.”

  “You’re doing better?”

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” said Nia. “But none of us have long to live. We won’t be parted long.”

  “But…”

  “Shush,” said Nia. “My only regret is that we weren’t old enough for our true Tying. Well, that and the fact that we’re leaving Rizkaland to Amber’s mercy. What little she has.”

  “Nia…”

  She shook her head one more time, and her eyes slid closed. Her chest rose once, twice, and then not again.

  “Nia!” King Matthew started up, put an ear against her chest, then felt for her pulse. “Nia!” He drew back. “She’s gone.” He looked up at Ashna, eyes wide and haunted. “She’s gone!”

  Ashna opened her mouth to say something, anything, but the words caught in her throat, and she couldn’t force them out. Unable to offer comfort, she glanced away from the despairing young king towards the still form on the bed.

  Nia was so pale, like a waxen statue – so unlike how Ashna remembered her in health. She put out a hesitant hand to touch Nia’s cheek and held her breath as she activated her gift. Normal color washed into Nia’s skin, starting from where Ashna’s fingers touched her. She did what she could to hide the sunken cheeks as well. After holding it for the twenty seconds that would allow her to make the color permanent, she withdrew her hand and looked back up at King Matthew.

  “Thank you,” he said, quietly.

  She nodded, sharply and, still unable to form words, fled the room to cry in the privacy of her own bedroom.

  Chapter 7

  “So, another queen has fallen,” muttered Amber, sliding the dragon scale back into her pocket. “That makes three of them. I’m nearly halfway through with those annoying royals. How delightful.” She glanced up and saw a young man standing at the other end of the hall, so she softened her smile. “Oh, I’m not happy she died. I hate death as much as any person. But still, since it had to happen, I’m glad it’s over sooner rather than later.”

  The young man – an elf, by the point of his ears – slowly nodded. “You aren’t heartless?”

  “Oh, no, of course not,” Amber stood, shaking her head. “If I had no heart I’d be dead; it’s as simple as that. Now, what doings have you to do about these halls, or are you just gawking at me?”

  “Oh, not at all, ma’am. I was just passing through the halls with these letters from the people to take to your office, and was wondering if you’d like them personally, since you’re here.”

  “Put them in my office. As much as my heart pleads for me to read them now, I’m afraid they must wait until later.”

  “Very well, then.” The elf placed a fist over his heart, bowed slightly, and turned to go.

  “Wait a moment,” said Amber, just as he reached the door.

  He paused and turned back. “Yes, ma’am?”

  “What is your name, again?”

  “Marno, ma’am.”

  “I see.” Amber stood and walked towards him. “You intrigue me, Marno. Tell me, why did you choose to work with me?”

  “Love.”

  Amber raised an eyebrow and tilted her chin. “Oh, I’m flattered,” she said, allowing the slightest smile. “But perhaps you’ve seen my husband lurking around these halls? He doesn’t like people much, granted…”

  “I was referring to a girl back home,” Marno hastily explained. “Her rank is well above mine, and I’m sure her father…”

  “Would never approve of the match?” Amber shook her head and clucked her tongue. “Ah, ‘tis the age-old problem throughout time – in any world you visit, let me assure you. Humans must rank themselves, and the poor lovers can never hope to reach across the social gaps that they create.”

  “Indeed,” said Marno.

  “So you’ve come to me, hoping that if you work hard and please me, you can gain the rank necessary to gain her father’s approval?” Amber asked.

  He nodded slowly.

  “Ah, don’t be ashamed to admit it,” said Amber, shaking her head. “In fact, I quite approve of your plan, and I’m quite confident that, should you work hard, you can quickly rise in rank. Although,” she tilted her head to the side, “you are an elf.”

  “I am.”

  “Which means she is as well, and from what I know of your culture, you don’t have many ranks. Who is she?”<
br />
  “The … Bookdaughter.”

  “Oh, I see,” Amber nodded slowly. “Which means her father is the Bookholder. That may cause some problems – Bookholders and Bookdaughters have notoriously low opinions of me. Tell me, have you any reason to believe that she returns your affections?”

  “I’m not certain,” said Marno. “She and my sister are good friends, but she’s still too young for me to speak of the matter. She’s still two years from her Tying.”

  Amber nodded as he spoke, and then gave a moment to thought. “Very well. It’s something we can probably work around – if you’re willing to take the risk?”

  “Risks are a necessary part of love,” said Marno.

  “Indeed,” said Amber. “Very well then, if you consider the risk worth taking, I have a proposition for you. You see, to prove that I mourn as greatly as anyone in Rizkaland, I intend to attend Ellen’s funeral, and I’m afraid that they don’t trust me there, due to the … unfortunate events of my last visit.”

  “So, you’d like my help to enter Loray?”

  “Indeed,” said Amber. “However, I’m afraid I must warn you. Should your heart fail you, or should you decide to betray me to the Rizkans, should you be a spy for their cause, it will not end well for you.” She put on her best sympathetic smile, and, laying a hand against her chest, shook her head. “I bear you no ill-will, let me assure you, but my position in Rizkaland is precarious, and I must watch my back.”

  “Noted,” said Marno.

  “Very well then, since you are willing to take the risk, take those to my office and return quickly.”

  Marno nodded and made his exit.

  “Amber, what are you planning?”

  Amber turned to see Laura standing in the hall behind her. She sighed. The girl did far too much lurking these days for Amber’s tastes, and she honestly missed the long years she spent on her island where Laura couldn’t bother her.

  “You know the future; can’t you guess?” Amber asked, folding her arms over her chest.

  “I know what will happen,” Laura admitted, matching the position. “I just don’t know if the events will match your current plans.”

  Amber turned away. “I shall placate the people’s fears, and any hate that has come upon me for the queens’ and king’s deaths, and then there’s Marno and his little love…”

  “Playing the matchmaker, eh? Is there still a glimmer of light in your soul? Alas, but you could have chosen a pair with a happier fate.”

  “Is his love doomed?” Amber asked, choosing not to comment on Laura’s words about her soul.

  “Alas – but at least he won’t feel the pain for a couple years yet,” Laura glanced away and shook her head. “He’ll turn out all right in the end. Don’t feel guilty for encouraging him. Although, a word between you and me, it’s not the Bookholder the boy needs to worry about, but his wife.”

  “Has she set her heart on some other young elf for her daughter?”

  “Not yet, but she’s a woman of ideas.” Laura shook her head, a smile on her face such as Amber hadn’t seen in a long time. “Ah, Austila, you know how she is…”

  “No,” said Amber, slowly. “I don’t. Should I?”

  Laura’s smile faded, and Amber could see a distinct flash of panic shoot through her eyes before she answered. “No. I’m sorry. I forgot who you were for a moment there.”

  “You forgot…” Amber tightened her jaw and turned away. “I have better things to do right now. Pester me later.”

  

  The funeral was the next day.

  Amber gave Rizkaland an appropriately bleak day for the funeral of their queen. Thick clouds, cold, no actual rain though drizzles from time to time. The people would say that even the skies mourned the loss of the queen.

  She chose one of her simpler dresses, a pure black – as it wouldn’t look out of place in this crowd. Marno would do as she asked; she knew the glint in his eye when she asked it of him. Even if he was against her, he saw that he had no choice. The fact that she assured him that she had no intentions beyond speaking to the people would soothe his conscience. Though it chafed her to rely on some man, an elf at that, and though this venture was something she knew full well she could handle on her own, she would flatter him and let him think himself necessary.

  Slowly, she made her way through the crowd, letting them push and shove as they would. She was patient. She could wait until the right moment. Honestly, she was surprised at how many people were here, but then, people could never resist a chance to gawk at fallen royalty. Besides, feelings always changed after the finality of death.

  Having lived thousands of years, Amber had attended thousands of funerals, and there was little about this one that Amber felt was truly unique. A sense of despair, talk of the former queen, her life and influence, glowing words while everyone avoided saying what they honestly felt. There weren’t many tears, not among the common people, though Amber noticed that the remaining kings and queens were not dry-eyed. A loss to their power, so, of course, they would be upset.

  She caught sight of Marno, speaking with the young Bookdaughter, who stood at her father’s side. She was a cute thing, as far as elves went – small and slight, with dark hair that fell in thick waves around her shoulders and blue eyes that glittered with tears. Amber was taken aback for a moment since Marno had described her hair as pale gold. However, she also recalled that he’d mentioned that her gift was color changing, so perhaps she had colored her hair to match the mood of the day.

  Amber stood watching the threesome, patiently observing. It was clear that the young Bookdaughter had stolen Marno’s heart, for his eye scarcely strayed from her. Amber wasn’t sure that the Bookholder noticed, and the girl herself certainly didn’t. She stood, practically leaning into her father, who had his arm around her, her eyes downcast whenever possible. But she was a young thing, and Amber was, admittedly, no expert when it came to the courtship of elves.

  At length, Marno finally noticed that Amber was watching them and motioned her over. Amber obligingly picked her way through the crowd to join the threesome.

  “This is the girl I spoke of…” Marno began.

  “Amber,” said the Bookholder, the look in his eye clear – he knew who she was.

  Amber’s heart clenched as she pondered her plan. She hadn’t reckoned on being recognized just yet. But this was the Bookholder, after all. It was hard to deceive Bookholders.

  “Indeed,” she said. “But I’m now at a disadvantage. You know who I am, but I don’t know who you are.”

  The Bookdaughter straightened, glanced between Amber and her father, and gave an indignant exclamation of, “He’s the Bookholder!”

  “Ah,” said Amber, stretching the word as far as it would go. “I suppose you read of my coming in the Book, then?”

  “And was given further warning by the Doorkeeper, yes,” said the Bookholder.

  “Ah, Laura,” said Amber, refraining from grinding her teeth. “She’s a dear, loves meddling during times like this.”

  “Indeed,” said the Bookholder. “She also warned me of your intentions this day. Amber, you will have your chance to address the people and tickle their ears, I will be sure of it, but do no more, because, I warn you, I can take measures.”

  “You would deny me my fifty years?” asked Amber.

  “I cannot do that,” said the Bookholder, giving the barest shake of his head. “But I can undo the work you’ve done these last few months and make the people forget every pretty word you’ve whispered.”

  Amber stared at the elf for several moments, in hopes of making him uncomfortable. His daughter cowered, but there was no bluff in him. “Your gift?” she asked at length.

  “Indeed,” said he. “I trust, however, that I shall have no need of using it.”

  “You shan’t,” said she. “I came only to speak to the people, to console them for their loss.”

  “I’m no fool, Amber,” the Bookholder continued. “But I
will allow you to speak after the kings and queens and I have said our words.”

  “Very well.” Amber knew when to take an exit, so she melted back into the crowd.

  Not all of the remaining royals had a speech to make, thankfully, so Amber didn’t have long to endure. The Bookholder had a good deal to say, reminding the people of the power of Alphego and his faithfulness in dark times. Good words, to be sure, the sort of words always spoken at funerals.

  Then he looked straight at Amber and nodded. “We have someone else who would like to speak this day. Weigh her words carefully, do not simply swallow them.”

  Amber refrained from rolling her eyes as she stepped up to the platform. It was the nature of Bookholders to be dramatic, especially when dealing with her. She took a moment to survey the crowd once more, reveling in the suspense. All those people, many who had no idea who she was. Well, they’d soon find out. She smiled in response to the glares of the remaining kings and queens, as they knew who she was and her role in the affair, yet were powerless to prevent her speech since the Bookholder had permitted it.

  “This has been a severe blow to Rizkaland,” she said at length, and then she paused, letting the words sit heavily on the air. She met the eye of the eldest king yet living and gave her head the barest shake. “Two queens and a king have perished without an heir. The heir that might have been – his life was snuffed out before it even began. Who knew the Chosen of Alphego, with their power and gifts, could be so human? They’re gone now, their lines are broken, and I – I’m ashamed to say – am the one to blame.”

  Gasps rippled through the crowd. Amber waited for them to quiet.

  “It was an act of rashness, one I regretted almost as soon as it was over.” That wasn’t untrue. Looking Granite in the eye after deliberately doing what he’d asked her to avoid was never something she enjoyed. “But it was not something I could undo. And yet, as I recall those words they spoke, their callous tone as they refused to heed the words of Alphego and the needs of their people…”