by Emma James
“I’ve never worried about Aerdan being lonely,” Zornaya said. She sighed and reached for a silver goblet filled with a delicious light brew of mead. Taking a long sip, she passed the goblet to Angelica.
“He does have many friends,” Angelica said. She wondered if Zornaya was about to say something about the nature of Aerdan’s friends – the female ones, in particular.
“I have never seen my son show so much interest in a woman before,” Zornaya said. She gave Angelica a small, ambiguous smile. “He has made a great deal of change, seemingly overnight.”
Angelica flushed. Sometimes, it was hard for her to remember that Zornaya could read minds. Zornaya had often spoken of the art of secrecy – how it was possible to conceal your thoughts, even from someone as gifted as herself. But Angelica knew that was powerful, deep magic – something she wouldn’t be learning for a very long time.
“The whole kingdom is overjoyed,” Zornaya continued. “Especially at the prospect of a marriage that doesn’t involve Glasule.”
Angelica narrowed her eyes. “Forgive me, your majesty,” she said softly. “But why is that? I am an outsider, after all.”
Zornaya sighed. “Zheka and Glasule have been neighbors for many years, many generations,” she said. “And while they too are a prosperous nation…” She trailed off, biting her lip.
Angelica’s stomach flipped nervously. She’d never seen Zornaya look anything even remotely close to unsure before.
“Do not worry, child,” Zornaya said kindly. “It is perhaps best if I don’t tell you.”
Angelica narrowed her eyes. “But now I’m curious,” she said. “Please – tell me.”
Zornaya took another sip from the goblet. This time, she kept the silver clutched in her hands.
“Many years ago, there was an alliance between Zheka and Glasule,” Zornaya said. “But you must understand – The Glasulian people are not like the Zhekan people. They do not understand subtlety. They hunger for war, for violence.”
“But the show is so popular here,” Angelica said quietly. “How can you not say the same of your own people?”
For a moment, Zornaya looked angry and Angelica wondered if she ought to have kept her mouth shut. Then, Zornaya sighed and nodded.
“You are correct, child,” she said. “But there is a difference – that is entertainment. It is a way for men to prove themselves.” Zornaya narrowed her eyes. “Are you going to tell me that in the land of New York City, men do not attempt such dangerous stunts?”
Angelica blushed. “They do,” she admitted.
Zornaya’s smile was smug. “I bet,” she said. “Because that is the nature of men. They hunger for violence, they hunger to prove themselves. That is why our way is better. Glasule is ruled by men, therefore they are always at war. They do not like peace – it feels unnatural to them.”
Angelica frowned.
“It is a fierce land, with many powerful warriors,” Zornaya said. “And yet, they have never managed to surpass the success of Zheka. Can you guess why?”
Angelica shook her head.
“It’s because they are always losing their men to foreign wars and battles,” Zornaya said knowingly. “Here, we are always at peace. Our men are grunts – they perform all domestic work. And if they happen to want to show off, for awards, well, they are welcome to do so. But we never lose lives to fighting battles on foreign soil, Angelica. You must remember that if you someday want to rule Zheka.”
Angelica bit her lip. “Aerdan has not spoken of marriage.”
“He knows,” Zornaya said. “Despite his lack of obvious caring, he knows.”
Angelica nodded slowly. “I…I do not know that I’m fit to rule,” she said quickly. She’d meant to keep her feelings bottled up, but sharing a strangely intimate conversation with Zornaya had relaxed her walls. Now that she’d begun to speak, she found that she couldn’t stop.
Angelica continued: “I haven’t been here for very long – what if the people wouldn’t like me? What if they wouldn’t consider me suitable?”
Zornaya laughed. “I will not lie – there are many girls in the village who envy you. But the primary concern is that we do not form a strong alliance with Glasule. Doing so would throw everything into jeopardy. The economy would collapse, all of the Zhekan people would worry about being sent away, possibly to die, at the hands of foreign barbarians.”
Angelica nodded. “I still don’t know how comfortable I feel,” she said. “What if I am never allowed the opportunity to return home? What of my own life? And I still haven’t figured out why I need to be here,” she added. “Please, Zornaya, tell me.”
“You do not need to know why,” Zornaya said serenely. “You must accept that this is the way of your life, that you were brought here for a reason. And if you are meant to be with my son, you must accept that he, too, is fragile. On the outside, Aerdan is a very strong man. He has a strong will. But on the inside…”
“He doesn’t want to stay here,” Angelica said impulsively. “He wants to explore.” She frowned. “I’m still not happy that he lied to me about that when we first met…but majesty, I know that’s all he’s ever wanted to do.”
“Aerdan is not yet a grown man in all the ways of the mind,” Zornaya said harshly. “That is a childish impulse – one that he must learn to control if he wants to succeed as a man. Don’t you understand that, Angelica? You must see: Aerdan’s place is here, ruling Zheka. His father won’t live forever. And may the gods help me if I have to rule without a male consort.”
Angelica fell silent.
“Come, child,” Zornaya said. “I will help you. You are still struggling with basic magic, yes?”
Angelica nodded.
Zornaya got to her feet and walked to a small shelf in the corner of the room. She took a small bundle wrapped in silk and clutched it tightly in her hands.
“This was a gift from my mother when I was a small child,” Zornaya said. “It was hers, and her mother’s before.”
Angelica watched nervously as Zornaya unwrapped the small parcel. Inside was an ancient-looking book, bound with leather. The crumbling vellum pages were stained and thin. There were illustrations on the side of each page of text, and Angelica gasped as the illustrations moved before her very eyes.
“It’s a mere illusion,” Zornaya said. But she was smiling – Angelica could tell she’d been hoping for that very reaction. “Meant to keep children’s attention on their work.” Zornaya handed the book to Angelica and Angelica held it gently with both hands.
“You may keep this,” Zornaya said. “I think it will help you.”
Angelica glanced down at the book, suddenly feeling nervous. “Majesty, why are men not allowed to practice magic? Why are they barred from using their natural, inherent ability? Don’t you think some men might become powerful wizards – wizards who could be of help?”
Zornaya waved a hand in the air dismissively. “Men do not know what they want, most of the time,” she said. “As women, it is our job to guide them.”
But Aerdan, Angelica thought sadly. Maybe he would be happier if he could practice magic – maybe that would sate his need for adventure.
“I know what you are thinking,” Zornaya said gently. She put her hand on Angelica’s shoulder and Angelica felt a pulse of warmth pass from the older woman’s body to her own. “But no, child. I do not believe that would satisfy my Aerdan. He merely needs to grow, to advance from this foolish nonsense. I do not think Aerdan will be happy until he comes into his own.”
Zornaya’s blue eyes flicked to Angelica’s and held them firmly, making Angelica feel rooted to the spot.
“And I believe you have the power to help him come into his own, child,” Zornaya added in a voice that sent chills down Angelica’s spine.
Just as Angelica was about to ask what the Queen meant, a loud horn sounded. Angelica shuddered. She still hadn’t begun to feel better about the “shows” in the kingdom…and she hated the idea that one day, likely s
oon, she’d need to attend another.
“Majesty?” Angelica glanced up in alarm and saw that Zornaya’s face was pale, drained of all blood. Her blue eyes filled with tears and she gripped the edge of the table to steady herself. Is it possible that the Queen despises the shows as much as I do, Angelica wondered. I’ve never seen her look so emotional before!
“The guards,” Zornaya hissed. “They must be warned! This is not time to waste, child!” Zornaya grabbed a purple silk cloak and threw it over her shoulders.
The horn sounded again. This time, it chilled Angelica to the bone. She suddenly knew that it wasn’t the cry of a show about to begin. It was something darker, something far more sinister. A cold wind whipped into the room from the open window and Angelica shuddered as she crossed the stone floor. Outside, the skies were dark and stormy. The sea was foaming and frothy – huge waves, the size of small buildings, were crashing ominously onto the shore. When Angelica looked to the horizon, she gasped. Several large, black ships were gliding across the stormy seas.
“Glasule,” Angelica whispered. How did I know that, she wondered, glancing down in amazement. Then panic struck. I have to get out of here, she thought in a panic. What’s going to happen to me? What’s going to happen to Aerdan?!
Fear struck Angelica’s heart and she ran out of the room, following Zornaya down the spiral staircase. The castle was already abuzz with frantic royals, and Angelica was very nearly trampled as a herd of bulky, muscular men ran through the main hall.
Suddenly, a loud sound pierced the air – it was shrill and painful, and Angelica clapped her hands over her ears and winced. Her heart leapt into her throat – Zornaya was nowhere to be found.
“Aerdan!” Angelica shrieked. “Aerdan, where are you?”
Her cries were lost in the frantic, panicked atmosphere of the grand hall. People rushed to and fro, kicking clouds of dust from the stone floor and choking Angelica’s senses. In a desperate panic, she raced to the end of the hall, then took the secret staircase up to Aerdan’s quarters. Sweat was dripping down her forehead and soaking her dress by the time she reached the landing and pushed open the heavy wooden door.
Aerdan was nowhere to be found. Brynx stood on the bed, kneading the pillow with his paws.
“Brynx!” Angelica yelped. “What is it? What’s going on?”
Brynx walked in two circles, then sat down on his haunches.
“Brynx, something really bad is happening,” Angelica said frantically. “Brynx, where’s Aerdan? We have to find him!”
“If I were you, I’d suggest hiding,” Brynx said calmly. He licked one of his paws. “They’re coming for you both.”
“What?” Angelica’s jaw dropped. “Who is they? Brynx, come on! Tell me what’s going to happen?”
Brynx shrugged and looked apathetic. “It’s not good,” he said in a silky voice. “Warships from Glasule are never a good sign, lady.”
Angelica sank down on the mattress. “We have to find Aerdan,” she said breathlessly. “We have to make sure he’s going to be okay!”
“Aerdan is capable,” Brynx said. “He can take care of himself. But you – you on the other hand…” He trailed off, yawning and exposing his bright white teeth. “You ought to be as far away from here as possible by the time those ships land.” Brynx hopped from the bed to the ledge of the window and looked out. “And that will be soon,” he said. “Take a look.”
Angelica’s palms were damp with a cold sweat and she wiped them on her gown before cautiously walking to the window. She leaned against the stone wall, cautiously holding her breath, hiding from the window as if there was a chance she could be seen from the tiny parapet. When she dared sneak a glance outside, she shrieked and covered her mouth with both hands.
Large black warships loomed on the horizon. They didn’t look like any ships Angelica had ever seen – they were as large as small castles, each precariously perched on the stormy seas. The water was churning blue and white until the belly of the ships, and the skies overhead were stormy and filled with lightning. A loud clap of thunder sounded and soon, rain began to pour from the heavens.
“It never storms here,” Brynx said calmly. “This is going to be bad, lady. Please, take my advice. Consider the many hiding places around the castle.”
Cold dread grew in Angelica’s belly.
“I can’t hide,” she said firmly. “If they’re coming for me…” She trailed off, nervously chewing on her lip until she tasted a hot spurt of blood.
“If they’re coming for you, Aerdan and the other men will defend your honor,” Brynx said. “But it will be a long battle. Many will die.”
Angelica snuck a glance out the window again and shuddered with fear. The ships were closer than ever before. Angelica could make out the silhouettes of men standing and waving swords atop the ships. The largest ship, at the forefront of the fleet, was helmed by a woman. Angelica gasped. The woman had long white hair, streaming behind her in the stormy air, and she clutched a staff that was glowing green.
“The sorceress, Namaya,” Brynx said in a low voice. “Lady, if you value your life – hide!”
Angelica swallowed. “I can’t do that,” she said firmly. I care too much about Aerdan to see him slaughtered, she thought grimly, leaving the chamber and running down the stairs. Angelica held the hem of her silk dress in both hands as she ran. I can’t let him die – I can’t let the royal Zhekan line be compromised!
In the great hall, things were more hectic than ever. Again, Angelica looked fearfully for Aerdan. But the men had all disappeared. Women were frantic with worry, clutching staves of their own, whispering magic words under their breath. Women don’t know defensive spells, Angelica realized with alarm. Where are all the men? Where did they go?
Before she had more time to wonder, a bloodcurdling scream filled Angelica’s ears. The castle’s doors burst open and a woman floated in, hovering at least a foot off the ground. Her long white hair was soaked with rainwater and her green eyes were glowing – just like her staff.
It’s the woman from the ship, Angelica realized with a pang of fear.
She wasn’t alone. The old woman was flanked by two rows of powerful men. They wore leather uniforms, but Angelica could see their clear strength and bulging, oiled muscles. Their hair was twisted into topknots and their faces bore scars and pockmarks from previous battles. Angelica shuddered – they looked at least as powerful as the men of Zheka.
“Zornaya!” The old woman screamed. “Queen Zornaya, I demand an audience!”
The people in the great hall parted like a wave and Angelica leapt to the side, trying to conceal herself among the other women as best she could. She held her breath and ducked down low, her dark hair streaming in tangles over her shoulders.
Queen Zornaya appeared at the top of the grand staircase. She was clad in bright purple silk robes – Angelica guessed she’d chosen her most regal look. Her chin was held high and her blue eyes flashed like beacons of hope. But somehow, Angelica could tell that she was afraid.
“Namaya,” Zornaya said calmly. She descended the stairs, appearing to float under her purple robes. “Why have you come?”
“Your guest,” Namaya snarled. “Hand her over.”
A ripple of chatter went through the crowd and everyone turned to face Angelica. She tried to hide and duck behind a column, but she wasn’t fast enough.
Soon, all eyes in the room were on her.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Aerdan
Aerdan stood to the side of the great hall, hidden. His heart thumped in his chest as he listened to the exchange between his mother, the Queen, and the Glasulian sorceress. Holding his breath, he snuck closer, desperate to see what was happening.
“I demand your guest,” Namaya repeated. Aerdan shuddered. He’d only heard tales of the evil sorceress Namaya – and he had to admit that somehow, she was even more terrifying in person. Unlike his mother and father, Namaya was ancient – she was almost four hundred years old. It wa
s no secret in the land that Namaya used her power to steal life from that of the Glasulian people…and there was nothing they could do to stop her, despite being a nation of powerful warriors.
Queen Zornaya chuckled. “Namaya, you are too amusing,” she said. “Please, do not waste my time.”
Aerdan snuck closer and watched as the sorceress gestured towards her companions – at least twenty of Glasule’s strongest warriors. Aerdan flexed his muscles and reached for his dagger, keeping his fingers wrapped firmly around the hilt of the blade. I’ll kill the lot of you, he thought angrily. No one threatens my family!
“I am not here in jest, Zornaya,” Namaya said. The crowd fell to a hush – it was clear that Namaya was doing everything she could to avoid paying proper respects to the queen.