Winter Queen

by Erica Marie Hogan

  Noelle squealed as a surge of water chased her back onto the shore. Brae laughed softly, shaking her head as she hurried forward to snatch up the little one. Noelle trembled with giggles as Brae spun her in a circle, nuzzling her little neck before setting her back on her feet. Noelle went running again, little arms flailing over her head as she yelled and skipped. Brae tossed her hair over her shoulder, smoothing her hands down her bodice as she stopped by one of the boulders, settling herself down on it. She wished for a moment she’d brought her cloak as the sun began to set in the distance, casting shadows on the water and turning the wind cold.

  “Brae Jandry.” The whisper floated to her on the breeze, and she stood again, hugging herself to block out the cold.

  Turning, she saw them walking along the path Brae walked just moments before, the Winter Queen draped in a white cloak billowing in the breeze and Damari beside her in the Kael colors, her gloved hand gripping the hilt of her sword buckled to her belt. Brae’s heart leaped, and her necklace warmed against her chest. She frowned, rubbing the pendant as she wondered what had provoked the magic within. The closer Damari and the Winter Queen came, the hotter the golden dragon grew against her heart.

  Shaking her head, Brae glanced once more over her shoulder to see Noelle playing in the sand before she closed the distance between her and Damari. The young princess smiled stiffly, pulling Brae into a tight hug before Brae turned to curtsy to the Winter Queen. The woman tilted her head curiously, her piercing eyes staring directly into Brae’s while she stroked the top of her staff as she would a cat’s head.

  “Damari Kael is troubled,” the Winter Queen stated.

  “I am sure you already know why,” Damari said wearily. “It’s about Brecken leaving with half my brother’s army to invade Quintaria.”

  “Indeed,” the Winter Queen whispered, bowing her head. She reached for the collar of her dress and Brae frowned, noticing a thin golden chain hanging from her neck. “He is going to find Mirae Sundragon.”

  “Brecken won’t hurt her, surely!” Brae gripped Damari’s hand. “He is going to arrest her at most if he can even succeed in getting close to her. She has an army, so she’ll ... she’ll ...”

  Damari was shaking her head, her fingers flexing around Brae’s hand. “My brother has given Brecken very specific orders, Brae.”

  “What do you mean?” Brae’s nose burned as she fought back tears. “Damari, what are you saying?”

  “Brae.” The Winter Queen’s voice seemed to echo all around her. “Your sister will be fine. I am certain.”

  “My brother has given orders for her death.” Damari bowed her head to avoid looking at either of them. “None of us can be certain.”

  “The city stirs with whispers of the Sundragon returning to the throne.” The Winter Queen swirled her finger over the top of her staff and, for a moment, Brae could’ve sworn she saw white clouds form beneath the glass. “It won’t be long now, Brae Jandry.”

  “Our plan is in motion,” Damari added. “We will get you and Noelle out of the city before Brecken returns from his journey. I already have guards loyal to the Sundragon prepared to see you safely through the gates and onto the Woodland Paths in the Aulend Forest. Upon his return, if he chooses to take my offer and follow you, then the Queen will launch the storm upon Sunkai. By then, you and Noelle will be halfway to the Shadow Lands, out of danger.”

  “But you don’t have an army,” Brae argued.

  “We will.” The Winter Queen absently twisted a strand of her hair around her finger. “There are those over the sea who remember the Sundragon and will come to our aid. Tonight, I will speak to one who has offered their people to the command of the true heir to the throne of Nfaros.”

  “The Mountain People?” Brae’s eyes expanded. “They have pledged to the Sundragon?”

  “They have said they will come,” Damari hesitated. “But we must be patient, Brae, and you must not interfere. Once Brecken is gone, you and Noelle must disappear for as long as it takes for Raphaela to stop searching for you. Once we have an army, that will happen.”

  “Then I can join my sister.” Brae’s heart leaped in her chest. “Then we can be a family again, as we were always meant to be.”

  “Once it’s safe.” The Winter Queen touched Brae’s arm with frozen fingers. “Then yes, you will be reunited with your family.”

  Adlae stared out over the vast sea before her, the scent of salt and sand filling her nostrils. The necklace chafed against her skin, the tingle of magic trickling over her body. She had sent Damari home with Brae and Noelle, determined to keep her sister and niece safe on the streets. The rumor was true, the city was stirring with whispers of one of the Sundragons returning to the throne, but what troubled her heart most was the prophecy given by Navaria. That was why she’d remained.

  Krow was to bring Navaria to the shore tonight so they might discuss this vague prophecy. How could she act without more knowledge? She needed Navaria to offer another prophecy, and she needed those words now. Each day was difficult enough with the knowledge that the woman knew her true name. Worry Navaria would slip up and drop her name unintended plagued her every day, but what troubled her heart most was not knowing if Mirae’s time had come—if the prophecy spoke of her.

  Prophecies do not offer names, Adlae, you know this, Winter reminded her. All Navaria can do is give us another message.

  “But that message could tell us just what we need to know. If she is willing to See for me, then I must know. I am the Winter Queen, I have not been gifted with Sight, but I sense my sister is in danger.” Adlae touched her necklace. “Mirae is in danger, and if I can stop Brecken before it’s too late, then I will.”

  Pursing her lips, she exhaled a whoosh of air, and she felt Winter sigh, a heavy breath that troubled her heart. Winter had been quiet lately, as though she anticipated a future she did not, or could not, share with Adlae. But the silence was deafening, and Adlae didn’t think she would survive much more.

  You could ride with him, Winter suggested. That would be the easiest way to get to Mirae.

  “If I ride with him, I will fall under the suspicions of Roderick Kael. Only with great need will I leave the city. Only if I am certain it is Mirae’s life that is in imminent danger will I leave the walls and risk the king’s wrath.” Adlae shook her head, her braid swaying against her hips. “He already watches me, searching to discover my true name. He is a viper, and I am his prey, and I know he has a woman waiting to take my place. He wishes for me to bring the first snow. Once it is done, he will try to dispose of me so she may rise, a slave to his will.”

  The king believes himself so clever, he does not understand our power. But his sister does. You feel Raphaela growing stronger in the Eventide magic every day. But her heart turns to stone, and there is darkness in her soul. It will spread, and you must protect more than just your sisters, Adlae, Winter urged. Damari Kael has proven herself loyal to us, and if her treason is discovered by her sister, then Raphaela will turn against her. You must protect her also.

  “I know,” Adlae answered, turning her back to the water. “But Damari understands the risks involved. She has chosen to pledge loyalty to the Sundragon, and whoever does so must be willing to pay the consequences.”

  Yes, I suppose so. Winter’s tension vibrated through Adlae. Navaria and Krow approach. They will bring news of their army. You know the Mountain People cannot cross the sea together; it would be suspicious. Already the army of the Kael king is divided, and the ones who are loyal will flock to you.

  “I know.” Adlae nodded. “But first I must reveal myself, and I am not ready. Not yet.”

  Soon?

  “Soon.” Adlae lifted her head in time to see her veiled friend hurrying along the shore, Krow directly behind her.

  She closed the distance between them, her feet sinking deep into the cool sand, coarse grains sticking between her to
es as she met them halfway to the shore. Navaria shivered, and Krow put his arm around her, tucking her close against his side—less an act of affection than a way to keep her warm.

  “We have sent for the leader of our armies. He will bring his best men to speak with you.” Navaria broke the silence, her arms trembling where she hugged them to her ribs. “We are honored to serve you, Lady Adlae.”

  “Thank you.” Adlae’s breath was heady, her skin tingling with Winter’s agitation. “Navaria, I must make a request of you.”

  “What more do you want from her?” Krow growled. “She is weak, Winter Queen.”

  “Krow,” Navaria purred in her mesmerizing way. “Hush now, my Chalqüin. I am here to serve Her Majesty.”

  “We are here for Da—”

  “Krow!” Navaria’s head turned harshly, her veil swaying. She bit off each word, her neck tilted back sharply to look at him. “We are here to serve.”

  Adlae listened to the exchange, tilting her head curiously at the strange name Navaria had called Krow. She wasn’t as familiar with the Mountain People’s customs, but she’d learned enough to know Chalqüin was often used affectionately to a close male friend or relative. She had not taken long to realize Krow’s feelings for Navaria extended beyond that of a loyal bodyguard, but Navaria’s affections were elusive. She never truly revealed, at least not in words and not in front of anyone, whether Krow was more than just a loyal guard to her.

  “What is it you wish, Your Majesty?” Navaria sighed, the veil fluttering against her lips.

  You are certain of this? Winter’s frantic voice filled her head. You may not like what she says.

  “I have to try,” Adlae muttered. “Navaria, would you please use your Gift for me? There is something I must know.”

  “No.” Krow stepped in again. “She cannot summon the Gift at her own will, Adlae Sundragon. The Creator’s Power is what gives her this Gift.”

  “There is one way.” Adlae chewed her bottom lip. “I have heard many prophets speak of it. The method summons the Seeing for one person, one bloodline.”

  “You speak of the Images in the Blood.” Navaria nodded slowly. “You wish me to look in your blood and See.”

  “Is that not dark magic?” Krow frowned.

  Navaria hesitated. “It is not ... conventional. But neither is it forbidden.”

  “Navaria.” Krow turned her to face him, bending low. “âedurin lin Molderëin!”

  “Fer bõrin lith, Chalqüin.” Navaria’s head wobbled back and forth before she turned back to Adlae. “I will do as you wish, Adlae.”

  Adlae looked back and forth between the two of them, wondering at their exchange. She’d never heard their language before, but the cadence was beautiful, lilting off their tongues like a song. A frown creased her brow at the mention of Molderëin, which was the closest country to the Mountain Lands, but the Mountain People were not known for leaving their stone cities. Strange to hear them mention that place, as though Molderëin meant something.

  Stay on purpose, Adlae Sundragon, Winter snapped.

  “I need to know if your prophecy spoke of my sister.” Adlae pulled the hidden dagger strapped to her leg from its hiding place.

  Leaning her staff against one of the boulders, she bared her palm, holding it out to Navaria before she slowly pulled the dagger across her hand. Adlae winced as she watched her blood form a puddle in the cup of her hand, ice gathering around the wound in her skin to try to heal it. Navaria dipped her thin fingers in the thick liquid, swirling the puddle round as she bent her head close. The wind strengthened, a howl filling the night air as the first bell in the city rang. Her heart thundered with the bell, and she glanced at Krow for a moment. He looked furious, but she felt his anger was more directed at Navaria and what they’d been discussing, than at her.

  Navaria’s shoulders began to tremble, her body convulsing against the power quaking between them. Adlae’s eyes widened when Navaria lifted her head, the glow of her eyes shining through the veil. All Adlae could see was golden, glittering lights gleaming through the delicate material. Navaria whimpered, her knees shaking beneath her woolen robes when she lifted her fingers from the blood, a steady drip falling from her fingers back into the puddle in Adlae’s hand.

  “The Kliat Plains will be stained with blood,” Navaria’s voice rose above the crash of the waves, a resonating moan that filled the night. “A silver-hilted sword will rise to threaten a maiden, an eagle will pass through the Gracian Wood, and the shadow will delight in the sorrow of the people who follow the True Heart.”

  Navaria stumbled back, and Krow braced her when she tumbled toward the ground, breaking her fall. He lowered himself to his knees with her. Adlae’s breath was short, her chest heaving as she quickly ran her fingers over the gash in her hand. Ice closed around the wound in healing before the cut disappeared altogether. Bending, she knelt before Navaria, reaching for the woman’s hands.

  “Don’t touch her!” Krow slapped her hand away, and she recoiled. “You’ll kill her.”

  “Will she be all right?” Adlae rasped.

  Navaria raised a hand, cupping Krow’s cheek. “I am fine, Your Majesty. I am fine, my Chalqüin.”

  “Thank you, Navaria. Now I know what I must do.” Adlae reached for her staff, leaning heavily against the strong column to raise herself back to her feet. “My sister Mirae rides for the Kliat Plains, and Brecken Jandry pursues her. His is the silver-hilted sword, I know it. I must follow after him to save her.”

  You are the eagle, Winter confirmed her own suspicions. Brecken Jandry rides for Quintaria even now. We must travel to the Gracian Wood and take the Woodland Paths. It is the only way to save Mirae.

  “I know your intent.” Navaria’s voice drew Adlae’s eyes down. “The leader of our armies, Glaydin, will arrive in the harbor on the morrow. Wait for him, and he will travel with you to defend the Sundragon’s legacy. Krow and I also will ride with you.”

  “Navaria!” Krow hissed.

  “We have many tasks to fulfill in this place, Krow. Riding with the Winter Queen is one of them.” Navaria touched his face again. “Tonight, our task must be revealed and then we will wait, for the Winter Queen needs us. The choice has been foretold, Chalqüin. Trust me.”

  Krow nodded slowly, gripping her hand before he looked up at Adlae. “We ride with you.”

  “If this Glaydin doesn’t arrive in time, then we will ride without him,” Adlae said, moving past them. “I will give him as long as the moon remains in the sky, but then we must go. There is no time to waste.”

  Brecken sat astride Black Dawn, glaring out over the columns of men stretched all the way back to the city walls. Roderick had offered him half the army—ten thousand men—to take with him to Quintaria. But Brecken convinced him only a quarter was needed to hold the small city and overpower Mirae Sundragon’s Woodland rebels.

  Black Dawn shifted beneath him. Brecken steadied him with a low murmur and a pat on his dark neck. The stallion was restless; a long time had elapsed since they’d ridden to war. But the two of them were old friends and were quickly becoming reacquainted with the rough terrain beyond the city walls. His second, Klade, was riding up the line of men, observing as they labored up the hill after Brecken. With so many men on foot, he would need to take even longer to reach Quintaria than he’d first thought, which would frustrate Roderick and worry Brecken. He didn’t like the thought of leaving Brae in the city for so long without his protection. Even now, Raphaela could be plotting against his wife. Waiting for just one wrong move to take her into the Blood Keep for punishment.

  I should have told her to stay in the barracks. I should have told her to let Litia shop for her. Brecken winced, knowing his wife wouldn’t have obeyed even if he’d asked her.

  Wishing—not for the first time since he left—Maxx was with him to guide him through Woodlands that were less familiar to him
than they’d ever been, Brecken turned his stallion about. He pushed the animal to a canter, scaling the hill in a few long strides to reach the top, looking down at the Gracian Wood.

  They would veer north from there, following the border of the woods but not entering so his men would stay safe from the dark power brewing within the trees. He would guide them around the Aulend until they reached the Night Wood and from there, they would follow the Red Leaf Paths to Quintaria. This was the safest route, and Brecken could only hope Maxx hadn’t made a mistake taking the Gracian road. His brother’s haste had been necessary; Clea’s safety vital.

  “Brecken!” Klade appeared at his side, his feisty mount turning in a circle, fighting the reins held by his master.

  “What is it, Klade?” Brecken mumbled, stroking Black Dawn’s neck to soothe his fidgety feet at the sight of his restless companion.

  “I heard the men talking.” Klade finally settled his animal. “There is a quicker way to Quintaria.”

  Brecken straightened; his full attention now on his second. “Speak.”

  “The men have suggested when we round the Gracian, we take the paths through the Aulend Forest. They will take us to the northern side of Quintaria and from there, we will pass straight from the forest onto the Kliat Plains. This path will cut our travel time in half.”

  “The Aulend?” Brecken frowned. “I have not heard of these paths.”

  “Some say there are Woodland Paths there.” Klade shrugged a shoulder. “Frostling-touched stones, they say. But whether there are or not, haste is of the utmost importance, correct?”

  “Our king would be disappointed if you took a longer path when a shorter one was before you.” Haedron’s voice startled him, bringing him around. He scowled at the man, wanting nothing more than to put a dent in his face.

  “Our king has entrusted a piece of his army to me, and I will keep them as safe as I can on the road to Quintaria,” Brecken growled in return.