Black Scarlet

by R A Oakes

  She became increasingly concerned as Lord Pensgraft showed no signs of calming down. He was breathing deeply and adrenaline was coursing through his bloodstream. His muscles were bulging, and, for Chen, who was still sitting on his lap, it was like being on a bed of rocks.

  “Now’s not the time to be going out of control, big guy. It’s too soon.”

  “What?” Lord Pensgraft asked. The giant warrior hadn’t heard a word she’d said. His eyes were glazing over, and battle lust was starting to take hold of him. He looked right at her, but didn’t see her.

  Wanting to keep to their original plan, Chen knew she had to act and act quickly. Her goal had been to provoke others into making mistakes, while she, Lord Pensgraft and her warrior women stayed detached and made dispassionate observations.

  Determined to get the situation under control, Black Scarlet stood up and took off her scarlet cape and blouse. After that, she leapt back onto her husband’s lap kneeling on his muscular thighs. Then, facing the giant warrior, she ripped open his shirt and clawed his chest using the fingernails on both hands. He blinked.

  She next hauled off and slapped him as hard as she could. He turned his head and looked at her. She hit him again. He smiled.

  Chen’s warrior women scattered in all directions slamming side and front doors behind them and standing guard in the hallways. All Chen’s warrior women knew what was happening. Their master was engaging in foreplay.

  To those outside the great hall, it sounded like a panther and a lion were engaged in a wild mating ritual. A screaming growl, like a snarling female panther, filled the air followed by an enormous roar with tables being tossed aside and overturned. Gwendylln, Chen’s second-in-command, smiled at Malavika and said, “I’m happy she’s getting a chance to relax.”

  “You call that relaxing? But anyway, was it wise to leave them without guards?” Malavika, Chen’s third-in- command, asked. “Is that safe?”

  “With the secret passageways being guarded, and us covering the surrounding hallways and entrances, we can afford to give them some privacy,” Gwendylln said.

  “But Chen doesn’t care about modesty.”

  “That’s what she used to say, but I think she’s changing. I believe Chen wants time for just Lord Pensgraft and herself, and she’s taking her marriage seriously.”

  “No,” Malavika said in surprise.

  “Yes,” Gwendylln insisted.

  “Wow, will wonders never cease? But why does she put up with him? No one’s as smart as she is, and you know being close to anyone is an effort for her.”

  “Chen told me that she doesn’t want to end up being alone.”

  “Wow,” Malavika said.

  “It gets better, or worse, depending on your point of view,” Gwendylln said.

  “Does it have to do with Dylancia?”

  “Yes, she said that if anyone took her kids from her, she’d go insane.”

  “Kids, as in more than one?”

  “She wants to get pregnant again as soon as possible,” Gwendylln said loudly enough for all to hear. “She wants a family.”

  Gathering around Gwendylln, some female warriors were smiling, but others were deeply concerned. “She just had a baby three months ago. Shouldn’t she wait a while before having another?” Palatina, one of the warrior women, asked.

  “Once Chen gets it in her mind to do something, have you ever known her to wait?” Gwendylln asked. “She lives in the present more than anyone I’ve ever known. All that’s relevant to Chen is what’s happening right now.”

  “And she wants another baby?” Caritha, a close friend of Gwendylln, asked.

  “Yes, she wants a large family and wants to get pregnant

  again.”

  “In the middle of this political circus we’ve just walked into?” Palatina asked.

  “No time like the present,” Gwendylln repeated. “As you know, our master doesn’t wait for circumstances to be convenient. She chooses what she wants and looks to remold the environment to her desires.”

  “Some would call that impulsive behavior,” Palatina said.

  “What it is, is your master’s will.”

  “I wasn’t questioning her right to choose what she wants and when she wants it. I was just seeking clarification,” Palatina said a bit defensively.

  “I know,” Gwendylln said patting the woman on the shoulder.

  Back in the great hall, Lord Pensgraft took his wife into his arms and held her close to his chest. When Aerylln’s mother had died, the giant thought his life was over. But here, in his warm embrace, he held the woman who was building a new life for them both.

  “They’ll try to kidnap Genevieve and hold her hostage,” Chen said. She was now relaxed and had begun thinking about the politically unstable nature of the castle.

  “Who will?”

  “At this point, almost anyone. I’ve never seen a castle divided into so many warring factions. Lord Stallington wasn’t forthcoming with us back at Crystal Castle. I would’ve never brought Dylancia with us if I’d known things were this bad up here,” Chen said.

  “We could leave at first light tomorrow,” Lord Pensgraft suggested.

  “And what? Run?” Chen asked with a grave look on her face. “The only way we’ll be safe from an invasion by this region is if Skybrook Castle, Crystal Castle and The Rock are welded together in an alliance somehow.”

  “Then Lord Stallington had better stay alive until we get this all sorted out,” the distraught husband said.

  “Don’t count on it, too many people would benefit from his death. And they’ll try to make Rathlor ruler of Skybrook Castle before we can dismantle the opposition to Genevieve.”

  “What have we walked into here?” Lord Pensgraft asked his politically insightful wife.

  “An entire region on the verge of collapsing, and it’s more than likely going to fall right on top of us.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “It’d be just my luck. That’s how things happen with me.”

  Out in the hallway, the warrior women heard a stupendous roar, like a battle cry. Next, they heard Lord Pensgraft shout, “I’ve had enough of this political insanity!

  Even Gwendylln flinched from the incredible force of his anger but quickly recovered and just in time. In the next instant, Lord Pensgraft ripped open the main entrance doors standing there with just his pants on, his chest bulging and looking like an enraged lion ready to spring at the least provocation. Seeing Gwendylln, he said, “I want Aerylln here with Baelfire, Zorya and Marcheto! And get Corson, Balder, Andrina and Genevieve. And I mean now!”

  Turning away abruptly, he headed back to his wife who was lying on the floor behind an overturned table. Most of Chen’s body was shielded from view, but her face and shoulders were visible. The black leather panther, without her outfit at the moment, was lying contentedly on the floor as her husband dared the world to come near his domain. Though easily as self- reliant and dangerous as Lord Pensgraft, Chen was enjoying her husband’s deep concern for her and their family.

  Looking over his shoulder and seeing Gwendylln through the open doorway, the giant warrior shouted, “I want you to get them personally! Not one of your lieutenants, you personally! Now!”

  “Yes, my lord!” Gwendylln said taking off down the corridor with five other women hurrying after her.

  Out in the hallway, Chen’s remaining warrior women were watching Lord Pensgraft and their master when one warrior said, “They look like a pair of wild, predatory beasts.”

  “Yes, aren’t they wonderful,” another replied in admiration.

  Not long afterwards, Gwendylln returned and everyone gathered in the great hall sitting around a large table. Getting right to the point, Chen said, “The political ceiling over our heads is developing more cracks and could fall upon us at any time. Andrina, please summarize the situation for us.”

  All turned to Andrina, Chen’s “mother,” a legendary battle tactician who’d made a name for herself 25
years ago during the civil war.

  “Several rival factions exist within the castle’s power hierarchy. They’re made up of cabinet ministers and military leaders who believe they’ll gain substantially by supporting Rathlor, Genevieve’s older brother. They plan on installing him as a ceremonial figurehead with no actual power. I’ve also learned that Firecrest Castle’s Lord Ridgewood has spies here at Skybrook Castle. Regarding Genevieve, there are many in the cabinet and the military who are impressed by her skill as a negotiator and a diplomat, but they doubt her skill as a leader.”

  At that moment, an older, portly gentleman with large jowls and a rounded face entered the room wearing the robes of a cabinet minister. Approaching Genevieve, he said, “I just got back from a diplomatic mission, and it’s all over the castle that Rathlor’s out as heir apparent. From what I hear, if your father has his way, you’ll be the new lord of Skybrook Castle.”

  Looking up at Minister Rowkar, Genevieve was relieved to see him. Being her friend and confidant, he was well aware of her uncertain feelings regarding the new role her father was thrusting upon her.

  But fed up with cabinet ministers, Chen snarled, “Yes, she’s Lord Stallington’s heir, and anyone who values his life will stay out of her way.”

  “Really?” Rowkar asked.

  “Really,” Chen said in a threatening tone.

  “How interesting.”

  In no mood for back talk, Chen leapt over the table, pulled a knife from her boot and held it to his throat. “Does this make it more interesting?”

  “Be quiet, you hired thug,” Rowkar replied calmly and without flinching. Hearing that, Lord Pensgraft’s eyes opened a little wider in surprise. The man in front of him appeared more intellectual than confrontational by nature.

  “Genevieve and I have total intellectual openness,” Minister Rowkar said proudly. “I’m allowed to express my opinion on anything, even if just once.”

  “If you want to live long enough to have further talks with her, you’ll do as I say.”

  “Things were already chaotic before you showed up,” Minister Rowkar said. “You add more drama to the situation, but you can hardly make it more precarious than it already was. With all your promotions and demotions, all you’re doing is changing the cast of characters.”

  “Maybe you’d like to be written out of the play?” Chen whispered dangerously.

  “Genevieve, with the trust we have in each other, I deserve better treatment than this. A knife being held to my throat by some ragamuffin is inappropriate.”

  Finally, an acceptance of Genevieve and Minister Rowkar’s friendship penetrated Chen’s hair-trigger anger. Genevieve would later tell her, “We’re like two canyons open to each other.”

  Black Scarlet sensed a depth to Rowkar that she hadn’t experienced with other men, yet she tested him further saying, “I’m taking over Skybrook Castle, and this woman and her father are my prisoners. Declare loyalty to me or die!”

  “Just say the word, Genevieve, and I’ll give my life for you,” Minister Rowkar said.

  “Chen, no,” Genevieve pleaded. “He means no harm.”

  Impressed by Minister Rowkar’s steady nerves, Black Scarlet moved her knife away from his neck putting it back in its sheath. The minister remained silent and motionless, yet Chen felt an intuitive energy radiating from him and thought, He’s probing the great hall and sensing the mood of those around him.

  Increasingly impressed and having nothing to lose, Chen tossed out their problem to Minister Rowkar saying, “Lord Stallington’s cabinet and military are split into rival factions. On top of that, Lord Ridgewood has infiltrated Skybrook Castle with spies. What do you suggest?”

  It was more of a rhetorical question, and the black leather panther didn’t actually expect an answer, but she got a response and a good one.

  “I’ll quietly betray both Genevieve and her father, all the while appearing to remain their faithful friend and advisor. I’d be valuable to the opposition, given the high regard the court has for me,” Minister Rowkar said.

  “Why would anyone believe you’d switch sides?” Chen asked.

  “Oh, I find all of this politics dreadfully boring. I long for just a quiet place to meditate and to write. And Genevieve, she doesn’t really want to be Lady Skybrook. I would be doing her a service if I could help take this burden from her.”

  “You devious, old coot,” Chen smiled.

  “Yes,” Minister Rowkar quietly agreed.

  “What will your first act of betrayal be?”

  “Oh, I think I’ll drop by and see General Zarkahn,” Minister Rowkar said turning away and heading toward the great hall’s entrance.

  After watching him leave, Chen looked around at the others and said, “Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.”

  But her positive outlook quickly evaporated when Palatina appeared with alarming news regarding Chen’s dark sword shouting, “Crystal has gotten free!”

  Unsheathing Baelfire, Aerylln held the sword over her head, and bright shafts of purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and red light shot out in all directions. At the same time, Zorya’s eyes and necklace began glowing with thin shafts of brilliant prism light fanning outward. The multicolored light faded as the magic sword and horse reduced the intensity while maintaining a state of readiness, but the shafts of light remained visible and continued flickering through the air. Taking a deep breath, Aerylln lowered her magic sword.

  “Let’s go see my half-sister,” Baelfire said calmly but firmly.

  Aerylln, Baelfire and Zorya headed out into the front hallway, followed closely by Chen, Lord Pensgraft, Marcheto, Andrina, Corson and Balder. Running next to Chen, Palatina began explaining what had happened and said, “I was carrying Crystal up to the top floor of the tower like you told me.”

  “Yes, I wanted her kept as far away from everyone as possible,” Chen said.

  “Well, I’d made it to the top of the steps without any trouble. Even encased in rock, your sword wasn’t that heavy,” Palatina said.

  “So, what happened?” Chen asked carefully, not wanting to sound like she was accusing Palatina of any wrongdoing. The black leather panther knew how treacherous Crystal could be.

  “As I was walking past an upper-story window, I lost my balance, stumbled against the ledge and Crystal fell out.”

  “I’m glad you weren’t hurt. It’s a long way down to the courtyard floor,” Chen said.

  “Thank you, and as for Crystal, she literally fell like a stone.”

  Once they all reached the courtyard, Aerylln leapt onto Zorya racing for the dark sword and discovered Crystal lying on the ground surrounded by fragments of rock. When Aerylln began to dismount, Zorya said, “It might be best if you stay with me.”

  However, Baelfire slid out of Aerylln’s grasp and hovered near her half-sister.

  “My but you’re looking well,” Crystal said. “Of course it’s a wonder I can see after being packed inside lava rock for so long. But it gave me time to think about my life, and I now realize how badly I’ve behaved in the past.”

  “Out of the 500 years we’ve been alive, I’d say about 350 of them involved a lot of bad judgment on your part,” Baelfire said.

  “That many? I had no idea!” Crystal said pretending to be shocked.

  “It seems longer than that to me. I’m the one who’s had to keep an eye on you for all those years,” Baelfire said.

  “You’ve been like a mother to me,” Crystal said sweetly.

  “What do you want?” Baelfire asked.

  “Why nothing at all, just a chance to make a fresh start. You know, wipe the slate clean. Turn over a new leaf. That sort of thing.”

  “Well, you almost took Palatina out the window with you,” Chen gasped trying to catch her breath, she and the others having just arrived at the scene. Scowling, the black leather panther looked at the dark sword who was sprawled out dramatically among the stone rubble.

  “Oh, did I? I’m so sorry,” Crysta
l said in a deeply apologetic tone of voice. “I was only thinking of you.”

  “Me?” Chen asked.

  “Yes, that horrible Lord Stallington might as well have thrown you out a window and let you crash onto the courtyard floor like I did,” Crystal said sympathetically.

  “Why would you say that?”

  “Oh, I’ve heard things. You had me locked in that closet outside the great hall entrance for the last few days. And although I may have been blind, I wasn’t deaf. It’s amazing what people will say when they think there’s no one around.”

  “What have you heard?” Chen asked.

  “Enough to know you’ll be needing my help.” Then, the dark sword played her best card saying, “As a mother, you’ve an obligation to think about Dylancia and not just about past grievances. If you and Baelfire allow me to remain free, I can help protect your child.”

  “Really, like how you protected me last year by changing me into a black-crystal, fire-breathing, 15-foot-tall warrior woman wearing a scarlet cape and blouse?” Chen said referring to Crystal’s temporarily turning her into the actual humanoid version of Black Scarlet.

  “Oh my, I thought you’d like the scarlet cape, blouse and saddle blanket. And you’ve always looked so good in black. I’d think being Black Scarlet would appeal to your sense of drama and style,” Crystal said. “I was only trying to help.”

  “You almost put me into an early grave.”

  “So what? You take unnecessary risks all the time.”

  “Not since I’ve become a mother.”

  “Hmm, I suppose now that you’re expecting once more, you don’t want to be jostled about. Not in your delicate condition.”

  “I’m not pregnant.”

  “Oh, I don’t know, you might be. I’m aware you want to become pregnant again.”

  “Baelfire?” Chen asked.

  “You came close to getting pregnant this morning but, no, not yet.”

  In a huff, Crystal complained saying, “Why do you always double-check what I say with my half-sister?”