by R. E. Steele
Nikolos had the motivation to do it too. Roxanna was a strong enough incentive on her own. She was very much worthy of becoming a Kalarian Empress, and she was an heiress to boot. Nikolos also had Vasilis to deal with, and though he probably had some suspicions who Vasilis was before, he knew exactly who he was now, and wasn’t about to let Vasilis get away again. Vasilis, despite his inability to do much to free Achlys, would be viewed as a significant threat by Nikolos. It didn’t help either, that Vasilis had humiliated Nikolos by taking the fort Nikolos was staying in.
No, Nikolos was going to throw everything he prudently could at this. Pride, safety, and securing his vision of the future, were all at stake here. Vasilis rather doubted that even the thickest forests of Achlys and Oreias, could protect him and the gang for long. It was this last point that made Vasilis wince. They would have to keep moving, and considering how badly such a series of moves went last time, he knew this action wouldn’t be well received. But to leave Achlys entirely? Venturing into neighboring Oreias for a day or two was one thing. Oreias had long been a close ally, and the Achlysians often received help from the Oreiasans. Many Achlysians had fled to Oreias after the initial conquest, and more had tricked in over time. He knew some of those people had left even Oreias for more distant shores. The Kalarians were the dominate power on the planet, and the best way to get away from them was to go to another. Vasilis was beginning to think he and his gang would have to do the same.
He didn’t want to do it. It would mean abandoning the Achlysian people entirely. Vasilis had refused to leave before, despite being advised otherwise, because he didn’t want to desert them, even if he hadn’t been the best at protecting them. But if it meant keeping those closest to him safe, he would do it. He knew he had to. He wouldn’t let any of them spend the rest of their days in a jail cell, or worse, on his account. They wouldn’t like it, but for their own good, he felt the time had come to leave. They couldn’t stay on the same planet if they wished to survive.
But that left Roxanna. Naturally, Vasilis intended for her to come with them. If Oreias was to be freed by someone from King Elias’s bloodline, it was imperative all three sisters flee too. But would she come? It wouldn’t be easy to convince her. Her pride would revolt from the idea immediately, and Vasilis knew from experience she could be quite stubborn on matters that were important to her. When it came to her kingdom, she would be nearly immovable. But Vasilis had a few ways to convince her to come. He just hoped she would listen.
Chapter 45
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
~ Romans 5:3
Roxanna knew Vasilis was cooking up a plan she wouldn’t like. It was obvious to her, since he was silent and thoughtful, not his usual cheerful, charming self. The fact he hadn’t shared his plans with her was a bad sign. The fact he hadn’t shared them with the Lystra Gang was even worse. Even Theodoros had no idea what he intended, which was the worst omen of all. It must be something even Vasilis wasn’t completely comfortable with, which was saying a lot.
Roxanna told herself that she would ignore him, and try to be patient with whatever God had in store for her. But that proved to be a resolution too difficult for her to stick with. She went over the possibilities in her head again. How she could separate herself from Vasilis, and get her kingdom back? Strike out on her own? This was probably the worst time to try that. Try to reach out to a foreign prince who could offer aid? She was cut off from the coast, the only guaranteed way to be able to do that. Roxanna didn’t trust correspondence, and she preferred to argue her case in person, rather than leave it in the hands of others, even those she trusted most. As the Oreiasan Queen, there were some duties that were simply too delicate for her to leave to someone else. Terms must be agreed to and treaties signed. Words could be twisted in ways that would leave her and her kingdom in just as bad a position as they were now, if not worse. By being there in person, she could get a read on what her hosts were like, and what their intentions were. She wouldn’t ally herself with someone whom she felt would cheat her, or take advantage of her precarious situation.
That left finding an ally closer to home, specifically the lost Crown Prince of Achlys. But that was proving to be a useless search. She hadn’t learned anything new, despite her best efforts to catch Vasilis, Theodoros, and the others in a slipup. While she didn’t doubt their word that the prince still lived, he seemed as useless as Vasilis. Worse, Vasilis at least tried to help the Achlysians. The prince, as far as she could tell, was content to hide like a coward.
It suddenly struck Roxanna how much this word came up in her thoughts about Vasilis. What was it about the Achlysian men that made them all seem like weaklings? But no, even in her current irritable mood, she knew this was too harsh of an assessment. Theodoros at least, despite the fact she wished he would refrain from courting her sister, was not a coward. The other men of the Lystra Gang weren’t either. Roxanna knew Theodoros would free Achlys if he could, but he was loyal to his brother, and she saw that he indeed lacked the tactical genius that was required to succeed in such an operation. Had she been in possession of her own kingdom, they might have stood a chance. But without Vasilis, Roxanna didn’t think they could pull it off. So, Roxanna knew she was right back where she started, the same place she had been since Oreias had been lost. There was no way she was getting back her kingdom without getting away from Vasilis, and that wasn’t happening anytime soon.
She continued to avoid him over the next several days, as they continued to move from camp to camp. It was easy enough to do. He seemed to be avoiding her as well, and they had no reason to be in close contact when they were both old pros at changing camps. They had done it so often now, they seemed to do it almost by reflex rather than focused effort. But she wished he would break his silence and get the worst over with. His reserve only irked her, and assured her in the belief that he was thinking of doing something none of them wanted. She hated suspense, and perhaps he would make his people mad enough, that they would side with her rather than him. It did once occur to her that she could try to get them to rebel against him, but surprisingly, she didn’t have the heart. As much as she despised Vasilis for his weakness, she didn’t wish him dead, and it seemed likely he would die if left alone. Nikolos appeared to have reasons for wanting him deceased, and Theodoros assured her that Vasilis wasn’t overreacting. Besides, it was better to let the members of the Lystra Gang make that decision themselves, with no influence from her, so she could lead them with a clean conscience.
More than once, Roxanna wished she had the old noblewoman to talk to. Even if she was unclear in her advice, she at least offered a solution. Vasilis’s answer just seemed to be to run. But he could only run so far. Several times over their journey, they came close to imperial patrols. It was clear there were more of them now, and Roxanna didn’t doubt more would continue to pour in.
So once again, Roxanna realized that her fate rested in the hands of Vasilis the Cowardly. He was still indecisive. She considered asking him outright what he intended to do. But that would be useless. He wouldn’t answer her, and he didn’t seem to even know for himself what he wanted to do. All Roxanna could do was wait, though it was not an easy. Between all the moving, and the anger she felt toward him, she was beginning to grow weary. She began nodding off during the journeys, which was not good. She needed to be alert, not drowsy. She tried her best to let go of her worries, and submit her fate to God. But it was a bitter pill to swallow, and one she ultimately did not succeed in.
Chapter 46
But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
~ Proverbs 1:33
Vasilis knew he needed to announce what his decision was. Everyone was watching him, and he saw Roxanna was growing restless. If he didn’t act soon, she would, and it wouldn’t be pretty either. If he wished to spare everyone the risk of being captured by imperial forces, he had to speak now.
>
That evening, when they had finished setting up camp, he called a meeting. With greater nerves than usual, he began to speak.
“As many of you have guessed, I’ve been trying to figure out a plan for what to do, now that Nikolos knows who we are,” he began.
A quiet murmur rippled through the crowd. Roxanna kept her steely eyes fixed on him, and didn’t say a word.
“After much consideration, I have come to the conclusion that our time in Achlys is over,” he said.
He was met with stunned silence. No one said a word in protest because they couldn’t. Even Roxanna looked shocked.
“Since Nikolos knows who we are, and it’s only a matter of time before he finds us,” Vasilis continued. “For the sake of your safety, and the hope of future generations, we must leave. We will make our way toward the coast, and once there, spend what remaining time we have, obtaining spaceships. We can then leave for friendlier ports.”
Ah, there was the fire that Vasilis expected from Roxanna. Her eyes were shooting flames at him. If looks could kill, hers would. It was a wonder she was able to contain herself, she looked so angry. Contain herself she did, but Vasilis didn’t doubt that he would hear of her displeasure. This wasn’t something she was going to let go of easily.
“You are dismissed,” he said.
The crowd dispersed in a quiet murmur. It was late, so Vasilis couldn’t really expect them to put much effort toward this plan. But what little could be done now, was being done slowly and reluctantly. It was an evil omen. Vasilis knew that the loyalty of his people was being tested like it had never been before. He hoped and prayed they would go along with him. He went to the big meeting tent, to give Theodoros and the others a chance to talk to him. But Theodoros wouldn’t even look at him when he entered. He had nothing to say. Normally, Theodoros would be asking for specifics, and then seeing to the details that Vasilis had neglected. But not this time.
“It’s not good when even you are having doubts, Theodoros,” said Vasilis.
“This is a drastic step Vasilis,” said Theodoros. “It’s not a something you, or I, or anyone else should take lightly.”
Roxanna arrived shortly afterward. Her steps were quiet, as usual, so her exact time of arrival took Vasilis by surprise.
“You can’t be serious in saying that you intend to take your gang and leave Achlys,” she stated.
He looked at her. Her choice of words was odd. Even she had to know he wouldn’t joke about such things. But he could see her disbelief. She must think it better that he was joking rather than in earnest truth.
“I am serious,” he said.
She was silenced, stunned.
“You must know I have no intention of going with you,” she said. “I will strike out on my own if I must, but I will not abandon Oreias, my kingdom. I thought you would do the same for Achlys.”
“I tried, but circumstances are such that staying is now impossible,” he said. “As for your not coming, while you may think that now, I do not believe you will hold to that resolution for long.”
“What do you mean?” she asked with a suspicious look.
“Did it occur to you that by coming with me, you can present your case to the monarchs of other planets?” he asked.
“Yes, but that would require us to fly to another country that was rich enough to be able to help, and require that we make ourselves known,” she said. “You have no intention of telling anyone who you are, do you?”
He didn’t. He thought it best to remain anonymous in such circumstances. Foreign monarchs didn’t tend to take well to the presence of their overthrown counterparts, for obvious reasons. At the very least, such people had a tendency to be very draining on one’s purse. At worst, the guests could become dangerously ambitious, and tried to take the host’s kingdom for themselves. Nor did Vasilis much like the idea of Nikolos knowing where he was. It wouldn’t be the first time a Kalarian Emperor had bribed an otherwise neutral power into handing over his enemy. Even if that didn’t work, Nikolos could send his spies to do the business of kidnapping or killing. No, Vasilis intended to earn his living as a hired sword to whichever kingdom he landed in, but he had no intention of making his bloodline obvious. Roxanna had the advantage over him here. As an unwedded queen, the temptation to help her was stronger. Though he doubted Roxanna would ever agree to a marriage of obligation, a foreign host would be more willing to take the risk because she was a woman.
“Are you willing to put your servants in danger? Your sisters?” he asked. “Think about it. We have had a hard-enough time keeping out of reach of imperial forces now. How well will you be able to do it with just your attendants?”
He had her there, and she knew it. If there was one thing that competed with her sense of duty as the Oreiasan Queen, it was her love for her sisters. Would she be willing to sacrifice their safety in an attempt to regain her throne, when she knew she wasn’t likely to succeed? No, she wouldn’t do it. Ambition she had. Pride she had, but she loved her sisters more.
So, without another word of protest, not even a peep of a syllable, she left, probably to think over what she had best do. But he knew what she would do. For once, he had the lovely but frustrating woman exactly where he wanted her to be.
Chapter 47
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
~ James 1:3
Roxanna lay awake long into the night. What should she do? As much as she hated to admit it, Vasilis was right. She wouldn’t sacrifice her sisters for the sake of regaining her throne, not if she had a choice in the matter. She tried to think of a way out, a way to get her sisters to safety without forfeiting her kingdom, their kingdom, for their wellbeing was just as wrapped up in their homeland as hers. But there seemed no way out of it. The Oreiasan troops were still too far away, and the Kalarians too close. She prayed for wisdom, guidance from God, but she fell asleep with no answers.
She was awakened before dawn by Celena, who, sweet girl she was, had been up since who knew when, tending to the sick. It took no more than a second for Roxanna’s mind to return to the problem of how to keep her sisters safe, without giving up her throne.
This line of thought continued as they packed up and set out for the day. The morning dawned wet and chilly, the gray clouds not helping her mood. But she was determined not to give up. There had to be a way to get what she wanted, what they needed. There just had to be.
But no stroke of genius befriended her. By the time they reached the new camp at dusk, she was beginning to despair. But the first sight that greeted her upon descending from the transport, was Theodoros talking to Estella, and drawing her away. This only served to make Roxanna irritable. She liked Theodoros. Indeed, she could say she grown rather fond of him during the trying times they had spent together. But she still didn’t approve of his courting her sister.
Her temper was put to an even greater test once all had settled down. She had begun to wonder what he and her sister were up to, when they appeared. Theodoros held Estella’s hand with a broad smile, and Estella blushing modestly.
At that moment, Roxanna wanted nothing more than to run away and leave her problems behind. She knew what was coming. Long had she been able to discovers people’s intentions without them needing to say a word. She didn’t need her intuition to see what was coming either. Even Celena looked as if she could guess what was about to be said. But Roxanna knew she needed to do what must be done. She braced herself for the conflict she knew was to come.
“Roxanna, I wish to ask for your sister’s hand in marriage,” said Theodoros. “In light of the fact that you are the Queen of Oreias, I’m seeking your permission. She has consented.”
Roxanna braced herself. She knew she looked sterner than she meant, but that was because she was steeling herself for what she knew she must say.
“No,” said Roxanna simply.
Theodoros looked disappointed, but not necessarily surprised. Estella seemed more hurt by this, but she didn’t
say anything. It was Vasilis who was the most upset by her answer. He had been nearby when Theodoros came with his question.
“What?” exclaimed Vasilis. “What possible objection can you have toward my brother? Is this some kind of arrogance, some stupid pride that prevents you from giving your consent?”
Roxanna was shocked by this attack. Never had she known Vasilis to get so fired up about anything. Apparently, he was capable of serious feeling about certain matters, his brother’s happiness being one of them.
“No,” she said sternly. “It is not because of arrogance that I refuse my consent.”
“Then why?” demanded Vasilis.
“You are in no position to demand anything of me, Vasilis,” said Roxanna. “You forget I am Queen of Oreias, and have a right to say whether I approve of my sister’s marriage or not.”
Roxanna then rose and disappeared into her tent. Once there, she was torn between anger and grief. Under other circumstances, had Theodoros been what he ought, she would have given her consent gladly. But ironically enough, for Vasilis apparently caring so much about his brother, he was the reason why she refused to let Estella marry Theodoros. Vasilis was preventing his brother from regaining what ought to have been his.
How dare Vasilis question her reasons anyway! Did he really think so low of her that she would refuse a marriage between a man and a woman, who so clearly loved each other, on the stupid excuse of offended pride? It showed how little Vasilis thought of her, which despite her insistence that she didn’t care about his good opinion, still hurt. But no, she wouldn’t relent. She knew her reasons for her refusal were sound, even if Vasilis wouldn’t credit her with them. Indeed, Theodoros, who had more reason to be offended than Vasilis, seemed to have taken her answer rather well. But it was an uncomfortable evening anyway.
The next morning, Theodoros politely requested a private audience with Roxanna. She braced herself, for she could well guess what he wished to speak of. Vasilis had been glaring daggers at her all morning, and Estella had difficulty speaking to her. But at least Estella trusted her enough to assume her reasons were sound. Vasilis had no such grace.