The Ruling Queen

by R. E. Steele

  “Plenty, if given the opportunity,” said Theodoros. “I wish we had more men. It would be wise to actually see the defeated off.”

  Vasilis sighed, but decided to humor his brother. He sent a few men to keep an eye on the retreating Kalarians. But these men soon came back running. Their faces said they had bad news even before they spoke.

  “The Kalarians are heading toward the camp!” they yelled.

  “Which camp?” asked Vasilis. “The old one or the new one?”

  “The old one!” yelled first.

  “They joined with another force and are heading that way!” said the other.

  Vasilis felt his face drain. He didn’t know if he had been tricked or not, but this was not what he had wanted!

  Chapter 19

  To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;

  ~ Daniel 9:9

  Roxanna reflected with great complacency upon Vasilis’s actions. He was at last trying to take back his homeland. If he succeeded, which Roxanna had very little doubt of, what was to come next? Would Achlys at last be liberated from the Kalarian Empire’s clutches? Would Vasilis then help Roxanna free Oreias? She believed so. Why would he stop once he had succeeded?

  It had to grate on him, at least a little, that his home was occupied by Emperor Nikolos, a young man the same age as himself. Most people didn’t like it when something was taken from them by force, especially men. While Vasilis acted nonchalant, she did sometimes wonder if it was a front to hide deeper feelings he wished to conceal from others. She supposed she could see the benefits of his choice. It was better to pretend to be happy, when nothing could be done. It might lead one to getting over their disappointment faster. But rare was the occasion when Roxanna felt that absolutely nothing could be done. That was a big difference between her and Vasilis.

  But at least his efforts put her in a good mood. She went skipping through the camp, humming a happy little tune, when suddenly, she stopped. She thought she sensed someone watching her from the surrounding woods. She couldn’t see anyone, but she knew her importance well enough to act on the feeling, even if it did prove false. It was better to be cautious, especially when she was in a camp and not a castle.

  She went toward the center of the camp and spoke to the guards. At times like these, they too, took such suspicions seriously. With half their numbers gone, and off to fight their enemy no less, they were more alert, and less risk adverse than usual. It was a good thing, for the camp was at its most vulnerable.

  They sent two of their number to investigate, though they took a circuitous route, so as not to be detected should anyone be there. But before they quite reached the spot, a trumpet sounded, loud and clear. The tune was not one common among Achlysians or Oreiasans. This trumpet was blown by someone from the Kalarian Empire.

  Imperial soldiers came pouring into the camp, their horses charging forward with seemingly little regard for life or property. That was enough for Roxanna. She dashed away to find her sisters. As she did, she saw one of the enemies cut open the corral, to let the horses and other livestock free. This caused even more chaos, for not only did it prevent those within the camp from fleeing easily, the frightened animals kicked up dust and knocked over everything in reach.

  Roxanna’s own steed was well trained, so it would come to her when she called. That at least, relieved her somewhat, but she still had to find her sisters. Thankfully, she soon spotted Estella, who appeared to have been looking for her.

  “Any sign of Celena?” Roxanna asked as they continued dashing through the camp, trying to avoid a collision.

  “No, I suspect she is hiding somewhere,” said Estella. “You know how she is when she is terrified.”

  Roxanna nodded. “She never did like loud noises and chaos. The question is, where would she go to get away from something like this? She is smart enough to know hiding in one of the tents won’t help, and I can’t see her staying out in the open unless she couldn’t help it.”

  “What is in the camp that is big enough to hide someone of her size?” asked Estella.

  “The rock table!” they both exclaimed.

  Upon arriving at the new site, a large stone had been found in the middle of intended camp. Roxanna felt the stone would make a good table, on which they could conduct meetings and eat meals. As a result, she had arranged for the stone to be placed on several carefully carved pedestals made of the same kind of rock. The workmen had done their job well, for the huge slab had remained in its place, despite all the chaos. While it sat rather low, and would make poor cover for someone like Roxanna, who was taller than average. It did provide a good place for someone as petite as Celena to hide under.

  Roxanna and Estella ran toward the center of the camp. Sure enough, they caught a glimpse of Celena’s dress as she crawled around beneath the slab, trying to avoid being seen. She did however see her sisters, and began edging toward them. But her progress didn’t go unnoticed. One solider, dressed in gold armor, saw her as soon as she emerged from beneath the table. Roxanna gulped as she realized who it was. Only Nikolos would be able to afford armor of that kind, and be arrogant enough to wear it. He turned his steed just as Celena began to break into a run. She too saw what was coming.

  But Celena wasn’t a fast runner. Even Roxanna, who was rather athletic, knew she couldn’t have outrun Nikolos’s warhorse. The breed, unique to the Kalarians, was not only large and powerful, but also quite fast. Roxanna had to think of something now, if she wished to keep her sister out of Nikolos’s clutches.

  She noticed a rock nearby, not particularly large, but big enough that it would make a good distraction if it hit someone in the right place. Estella, who was closer to it, saw it too, and tossed it to Roxanna. Roxanna took aim and threw it as hard as she could at Nikolos. The rock made contact with his helmet with a loud clang. Nikolos reeled in his saddle, but to Roxanna’s surprise and vexation, he kept his seat.

  Still, he was stopped long enough for Celena to reach them. But then came a new problem. The girls had nowhere to flee, and Roxanna doubted Nikolos was hurt enough that he couldn’t capture at least one of them. She would be his obvious target, but any of them would do, and delicate Celena would make a tempting mark should he think her sisters too much trouble.

  But Roxanna wasn’t about to go down without a fight. She had taken to wearing a small sword at her waist even since fleeing her castle. It was specially designed for her by her father, in imitation of his own, but better fitted for someone of Roxanna’s size and strength. While by no means as big as the great sword she saw hanging from Nikolos’s side, it would have to do.

  She heard Estella draw her throwing knives, the weapon the second Oreiasan princess had chosen to specialize in. Estella liked the fact that she could use the knives to cut paper for her records, as well as use them for defense. Poor Celena, who had never warmed up to the idea of using weapons, only had a concealed dagger.

  Nikolos, who had by now righted himself, stared at them for a moment. Roxanna then thought she heard a chuckle. He swung down from his horse, as if not concerned in the least with their arms. To be fair, Roxanna doubted they looked anything but desperate. His armor was such that it would be impossible to injure him unless one managed to poke him through the joints. Estella, as precise as she was, would probably be incapable of it. Celena was so terrified Roxanna doubted she would be able to wield her dagger to much effect. Roxanna had been able to take advantage of such chinks before, but she questioned her ability against someone who was obviously among the best. However, she was willing to try, both out of necessity, and because Nikolos’s arrogance was infuriating.

  “Do you really think your toys will be able to stop me?” he asked mockingly.

  Roxanna narrowed her eyes and raised her weapon, so it sat even with his sardonic face.

  “Perhaps, perhaps not, but I’m not going down without a fight!” she stated.

  “As it should be,” he said. “No Empress of Kal
are should be said to have surrendered.”

  Roxanna braced herself as Nikolos stalked toward her. But just before she was within reach of his blade, a silver blur appeared between them. It was Vasilis. He beat Nikolos back with such energy, it was astounding to see. Roxanna didn’t know anyone could move as fast in armor as he was. Nikolos also seemed astonished, for he was put on the defensive, and actually driven back. The rest of the raiders returned too, and beat back the invaders. The enemy was pushed back a few feet from the tents, before Theodoros activated some kind of trap. A large pit opened around the camp, and was set ablaze. The pit had been lined with tar. Roxanna saw Nikolos and Vasilis glaring each other through the flames. Nikolos was the first to walk away, but Roxanna didn’t doubt he would be back.

  Chapter 20

  Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

  ~ Psalm 62:8

  Vasilis breathed a shaky sigh of relief, and uttered a pray of thanks, as soon as Nikolos and his forces left. That had been close! Too close! Nikolos had nearly captured the entire camp, and Roxanna and her sisters with it. Roxanna had been prepared to fight Nikolos. Vasilis didn’t doubt she would have crossed blades with Nikolos too, if necessary. But Roxanna couldn’t have held out for long.

  Vasilis was able to best Nikolos, for they were equals as swordsmen. But that was because of Vasilis’s speed and unpredictability. Nikolos tended to go on the defense when up against something that he was unused to. But given enough time, Nikolos would come back. He was strong, stronger than Vasilis in fact, and calculating. Roxanna didn’t have the physical might to combat such an opponent, nor the experience to make up for it. Estella and Celena could have done very little to distract Nikolos. The day had been a near disaster, something Vasilis intended to never repeat again.

  Once he had caught his breath, Vasilis ordered the camp be packed up and moved. No one questioned this order. Even Roxanna had nothing to say, but instead, began helping her attendants. She understood the need for haste. Nikolos now knew where they were, and he only had to wait until the pitch fires died off, to renew the attack. He would probably bring more soldiers this time too, something the Lystra Gang would have no hope of combating.

  Theodoros and some of the others threw dirt on a small section of fiery tar, so everyone could evacuate. This hole in their defenses was carefully guarded, since they didn’t know if Nikolos’s forces were waiting for them or not. The scouts, who were keeping watch from the trees, only noticed a few enemy soldiers. But Nikolos and the bulk of his forces had apparently left. As Vasilis suspected, he had gone to gather more troops, so as the eliminate any chances of the gang escaping his clutches again.

  The ride to the new location was a silent one. Vasilis usually ordered talking be kept to a minimum on these journeys, in order to remain concealed. But after such near disaster, everyone was understandably wary of drawing attention. There was also the matter that they all had a lot to think about. Such a close call put almost everyone in a ruminating mood.

  They reached a new campsite by evening. After being forced to wonder around in the forest for several terrifying weeks early in his career, Vasilis had taken the precaution to scout out several locations to flee to, if the need arose. He and Theodoros had also taken the trouble to set up the tar pits around the sites, so they would be ready if the gang ever needed them. That way, the new camp would be secure almost immediately, which was important. Vasilis never ordered the breakup of one unless there was reason to believe they were in danger, and as such, there was a good chance that they would be followed.

  The Lystra Gang continued to remain quiet throughout the night. They were still terrified after the near disaster they had experience earlier. Of course, it was best to keep on the quiet side when Nikolos was surely looking for them, or would be soon at any rate. But there was usually at least some noise in the camp. Tonight, not even fires crackled, for the light would give away their location.

  Roxanna and her sisters were nowhere to be seen. Roxanna was usually out at a time like this, checking to be sure that everything was set up to her satisfaction. But tonight, she apparently decided to stay in her tent, and keep her sisters with her. She had been willing to fight Nikolos to defend them, which proved just how dear they were to her. Despite her aloofness, and obsessiveness over unimportant details, it was clear Roxanna was willing to do almost anything for those she loved. Yet, it was clear she was afraid.

  She would never come to love Vasilis. He knew that now. Just like all the other times, his attempt to go on the offensive had cost him nearly everything. Somehow, Nikolos was always able to find some detail that Vasilis had overlooked, and exploit it. It would be impossible to try to free Achlys or Oreias now. Vasilis couldn’t do it, and Nikolos wouldn’t give up on hunting them. The gang would be hounded even more, now that Nikolos knew Roxanna and her sisters were being sheltered by them. They would all have to keep a low profile, and probably keep moving until the heat died down, which likely wouldn’t be for several months. It was a wearying prospect, and it made Vasilis want to go to bed and sleep for days.

  “Maybe you should go to bed,” said Theodoros, as if reading his thoughts.

  Theodoros had joined Vasilis during the silent night, as they drank their evening ration of zomos. Neither had said much at first.

  “I can’t yet,” said Vasilis. “I need to make sure the camp is secure before I do. Who knows what could pop up so early in the evening? I doubt Nikolos has lost our trail completely.”

  “Indeed,” agreed Theodoros. “But we would all be easier if we were in a more defensible position. If we had one of our castles back, then you could sleep more soundly tonight.”

  Vasilis frowned. He didn’t like to be reminded of what they had once had, and therefore, had lost.

  “Not likely,” he said. “Nikolos has overcome those defenses before. He can do it again.”

  “Still, it’s something to consider,” said Theodoros. “When we make another attempt to attack Nikolos, we should try for something we can defend later, not just a simple camp that can easily change hands.

  “There won’t be another attempt!” growled Vasilis. “We can’t keep taking these risks! I shouldn’t have tried this time!”

  Theodoros was silent, but it was obvious he didn’t agree. Vasilis got up and took a walk around the camp. to get away from his brother’s condemnation. Despite Theodoros’s opposing opinion, Vasilis intended never to attempt such a foolish and dangerous mission again. If one a member of the gang died, or Roxanna was captured, he couldn’t live with himself.

  Chapter 21

  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

  ~ 1Peter 5:8

  Vasilis continued to have the Lystra Gang change camps over the next several weeks. Every few days, sometimes every day, he would have them pull up the stakes of their tents, put out their fires, pack their belongings, and go deeper into the woods. At first, Roxanna felt no need to complain. While it was tiring to have to be on the move so often, she at least understood the reason. Vasilis was trying to put as much distance between them and Nikolos as he could, and throw Nikolos off his trail. Without a position that could be easily defended, the only option Vasilis had was to keep moving. Soon, Roxanna thought, they would reach some rocky outcrop that would provide such shelter.

  But she was wrong. They did reach a shallow cave, but they only stayed there for a day. They then moved in and out of several other places, that could also have been easily defended. But Vasilis refused to let them stay. He was more interested in making sure they had no chance of running into the Kalarians at all, than risk taking another stand against them.

  Roxanna supposed he had a point. It was clear such a close brush with disaster had affected him greatly. But to continue running, and from places that were obviously safer to be in than on the road, struck her as weakness.

  This put Ro
xanna in a foul mood with him. It was hard enough to see all her efforts to set up the camps, being torn apart so often. After a few more days, it became obvious she wasn’t the only one getting sick of this unsettled state. It started with tired sighs whenever Vasilis ordered his gang to move again, which later turned into outright glares of resentment. Even Theodoros seemed to have had it with his brother, for the two had hardly spoken to each other since that first evening.

  It crossed Roxanna’s mind that once they finally settled down, it might be a good time to leave the gang and see if she could find her army, but when she mentioned this idea to Bedros, he cautioned her against it.

  “I know Vasilis is overacting, but we have no idea where we will end up by the time he settles back down again. I would advise remaining with him, until we know for certain where the Kalarian forces are, and their strength. Once we know that, we can form a plan. But it won’t do to underestimate the Kalarians again,” he said.

  Roxanna blushed with shame. Yes, it would be wise to make sure they knew what they were up against, before leaving the protection of the Lystra Gang again. Although Bedros at least acknowledged that Vasilis was acting like a coward, it was grating to know that Vasilis’s timidity was also the thing that was preventing her from leaving him. While Roxanna did suspect Vasilis was crafty enough to try to keep her with him, she didn’t think that was his motive here. It was fear, pure and simple.

  So, by the time the gang had reached another new camp, after changing locations fifteen times, she wasn’t the only one who was angry with him. Only the most necessary facilities were set up. There was even a reluctance to light anything but a single cooking fire, despite the chill. Then to top it all off, the gray clouds, which had hung over them for days, finally began to drizzle. It wasn’t even a respectable rain. Just an annoying trickle that was just enough to dampen their clothes, without providing much for the water barrels. Someone still had to go to a nearby creek.