by J. D. Vaughn
“They will not,” said Twenty-two, “if they value their lives and families.”
An audible gasp now sounded from several people in the room. A small smile played across Paulin’s lips, as if he were enjoying a theater performance.
“But, cousin,” cried Xiomara, approaching the throne, “will this not feel like punishment to our people? The miners sacrificed many lives in the Battle for the Alcazar not six moons ago. And think of the Sun Guild traders who set their boats aflame on Lake Chibcha to come to the aid of the realm—”
“Enough! I have sufficiently reimbursed them for their losses,” interrupted the Queen. “As we came together to defeat Telendor’s mercenaries, so shall we come together now to turn Tequende into one of the greatest powers in the world. The alliance between Tequende and Andoria will make us the richest realm in the Nigh World. It’s a small sacrifice I demand of the guilds to bring glory to Tequende, and ensure none will ever dare again usurp the royal family.”
“Your Majesty,” Brindl said, stepping forward. “Perhaps you are unaware, but the Mother’s Wood is sacred to the loggers. They only cut down the trees that are diseased, and even then, the wood is never sold, but only used to honor Machué. Anything else would be sacrilege. I assure you, they will not cut the Mother’s Wood for commerce.” She glanced at Paulin, who looked bored by her words.
“Oh but they will,” replied the Queen. “My guards will ensure it. As for you, Lady Brindl, do not presume to advise me. Your ties to the Earth Guild cloud your judgment. If you again speak out of turn, you will be dismissed as Xiomara’s lady’s maid and returned to your pigeonkeep duties.”
Brindl nodded, though ached to speak her mind and be dismissed from this miserable company. How could Twenty-two do such a thing? The fate of thousands of people rested on the decisions of this one woman, a woman who surrounded herself with advisors who did nothing but agree with every word she said. Brindl remembered Saavedra then, the wisest man she’d ever known, who had been dismissed by this same Queen for telling her what she didn’t want to hear. How Brindl wished she could return to the mines again, back among people who were honorable and hardworking, who treated others with respect.
“Is there anyone else here who intends to defy me?” asked the Queen, her cold eyes traveling around the room.
Brindl stole a glance at the assembled party. Most everyone looked at the floor now, all but Xiomara and Jaden, neither of whom flinched from Twenty-two’s glare, though they did not speak.
“A wise choice,” continued the Queen, “for I will not be questioned. Any man or woman, of any position or guild, who refuses to carry out my orders will be immediately punished as a traitor to the realm. Do I make myself clear?”
Brindl swallowed the lump in her throat, and managed to say, “Yes, Your Majesty,” in unison with the others. She knew as well as everyone else in the room the punishment for treason.
Death.
A lady’s maid must never be seen in untoward company that would compromise her status or propriety. Indeed, a lady’s maid represents the Royal for whom she serves, so her appearance is just as important—if not more so—than the work she provides. She must never appear mussed, breathless, sweaty, or stained, even in private.
—CH. N. TASCA, Palace Etiquette
Of course you can go, Brin,” said Xiomara, motioning for Brindl to sit down. “I’d go with you myself, only I think I’ve made the Queen mad enough for today, and my absence from the palace might be seen as an act of treason.”
The Queen’s threats from earlier that day still rang in their ears, and Brindl had done little but stew over them. Then Lili had slipped her a message from Tonio, and she’d had to feign a headache so she could lie down and decide what to do.
“Meet me at the Fray tonight,” the note had read.
As if I can just come and go as I please, thought Brindl.
She’d spent the next hour formulating a dozen lies in order to excuse herself from the palace for the evening, but in the end she couldn’t bring herself to say them. Xiomara was her friend now. And she knew about the Shadow Guard…at least in theory. But Brindl had named no names to her, and she would not give away Tonio. If she couldn’t tell Xia the entire truth, she would at least tell her some of it.
“It’s just that it’s been weeks since I’ve seen Tonio—you remember me telling you about him, the cake maker’s son?” Brindl said, her words rushing out like a stream. “And Lili’s brother-in-law, Moth they call him, will be fighting tonight at the Fray, and I did promise Lili I’d go and see him sometime. I’ll come back as soon as—”
“Brin, it’s fine, you don’t need to explain. Besides, you haven’t had an evening to yourself since you saw your cousin in Soga.”
Brindl’s stomach clenched, loathing the previous deceit she’d wrapped herself in. One day, she would explain everything to Xiomara. But right now, she couldn’t.
“Go,” Xiomara said, lightly tapping Brindl on the knee. “To be honest, it may be the last pleasant evening there if my cousin insists on operating the quarry night and day from now on.”
Brindl nodded. “True.” She wondered how the quarry workers would take the news tomorrow when Jaden showed up to announce the Queen’s mandate. Not well, she thought, shuddering. She did not envy Jaden his task tomorrow.
“Take Tali with you,” Xiomara continued, “but don’t say a word to her about tomorrow’s announcement. She knows something is brewing, but Jaden wishes to keep quiet until he’s had another chance to speak with the Queen. I’m still hoping he may be able to talk her out of it. So not even a peep, Brin. You know what a hothead Tali can be when given orders she doesn’t agree with,” she added, trying to earn a smile from Brindl.
Brindl’s mind raced. She couldn’t take Tali with her. How would she talk with Tonio? “But—”
“I insist,” said Xiomara, rising from her chair. “Tali needs a good distraction as much as you do, and from the way you’ve described the Fray—grown adults beating each other to a pulp—she’ll love it. Now I’d better change for dinner, but I expect to hear all about it when you return.”
“I have to admit, these Earth Guild clothes are very comfortable,” Tali said, as they bumped down the dirt road to the quarry in the back of a hay wagon. “I could get used to this.”
Brindl grinned at her friend, who had borrowed an earth-colored tunic, matching trousers, and a pair of worn but sturdy work boots from the night cook’s daughter. Brindl had changed into some of her old clothes as well so they could blend in with the crowd. The last thing she wanted to do was draw attention to herself at the Fray by arriving in a lady’s maid gown with a Second Guard warrior at her side. And the Gods only knew how Tonio would respond if he found out that Brindl had brought a guard to their meeting. She still wasn’t sure how she’d manage to speak to him without Tali around.
“This is incredible,” Tali said, as the wagon pulled to a stop and the passengers piled out in Quarry Town.
“Yes it is,” Brindl agreed and looked around in appreciation. Once again, she felt immediately transported, far away from her real life and responsibilities. Standing among the bright, slim cottages that perched over the giant pearlstone pit, she felt like part of a whimsytale. From the gleam in Tali’s eyes, Brindl knew that she, too, was enchanted by the cheerful buildings surrounding the quarry like a tumble of children’s blocks.
A current of excitement ran through the crowd as Brindl and Tali followed the others down the ramp into the great torchlit quarry. The pearlstone walls glowed orange and red, almost as if the pit itself were on fire. Brindl scanned the crowd for Tonio, but either he wasn’t there, or he purposefully kept himself at a distance.
“How about here?” Brindl said, choosing seats close to where she and Tonio had sat at the last Fray.
“Perfect,” said Tali. “Right in front of the ring. So where is this mysterious cake-making boy anyway? And does he know you’re betrothed to the princess’s counselor? I wonder which of th
e two is more jealous?” She gave Brindl a wink and a light elbow to the ribs.
“Stop it,” said Brindl, elbowing Tali back. “I’m sure neither of them cares one way or the other. Tonio and I are just friends, and Zarif—”
At Brindl’s hesitation, Tali turned and tilted her head. “And Zarif what?”
Just then, a woman came by with a donation basket and the girls paused to throw in several coins.
“Zarif’s too preoccupied to think of me,” Brindl finally said. “Being forced to marry is the exact opposite of romantic, I’ll have you know.”
Tali grimaced. “I can’t imagine how awkward that must be for both of you. As for him being too busy to think of you, that I can imagine, only too well.”
Brindl glanced at her friend, then took her hand. “One day, perhaps, Jaden’s service to the realm will not require so much of him.”
Tali shrugged, then squeezed Brindl’s hand in return. “I’m afraid that day will be a long time coming. Meanwhile, I live vicariously through Nel’s letters. She has at least a dozen suitors in every port, poor girl. Everyone falls in love with the pretty girl who can’t hear or speak, but cooks like a goddess. She’s going to whack them all with a ladle one of these days.”
Brindl laughed. “I think our Chey was quite smitten with her, too, was he not?”
“And she with him, for he actually made an attempt to learn our sign language to communicate with her. But Nel’s busy learning our father’s trade now, and Chey is steadfast in his devotion to the Guard…and the princess.” Tali leaned closer to Brindl and lowered her voice. “Ever since Xia’s nightgown was found that night…well, he refuses to be more than a hammer’s throw away from her. Sometimes she has to order him to his quarters so that he can get some rest, otherwise he’ll spend night and day at her door.”
“I’ve noticed. Chey is loyal as a packhound, that much is sure.”
“Look, it’s starting!” Tali said, pointing to the ring.
The same announcer as last time, gray of hair but large in size, raised his arms to quiet the crowd. “Due to a quarry injury earlier today, which left Axe with a crushed hand, his match with Iron Skull has been postponed until the next Half-Moon Fray. That takes us right to the main fight of the evening, the battle for victory between two of Quarry Town’s renowned rivals and biggest bruisers: Pretty Boy versus Moth!”
The crowd roared as the two fighters entered the ring from opposite sides of the quarry. Pretty Boy took center stage immediately, throwing his arms wide and clapping them over his head. The audience began to clap with him while he strutted around the ring, showing off his handsome physique and a thick mane of hair dyed the color of mountain berries. Meanwhile, Moth stood off to the side with his arms crossed over his massive, shirtless chest, his bald head gleaming in the torchlight. He almost looks like a statue, thought Brindl, though a slight smile played on his lips as Pretty Boy danced around him. The two reminded her of a fancy bird trying to catch the attention of a bored mate.
The horn sounded and the fight began. Moth rolled his shoulders back, threw his head from side to side, then came in quick to land the first two blows to Pretty Boy’s ribs. Pretty Boy spun on his feet, recovered from the onslaught, then kicked a heel square into his opponent’s gut. The crowd gasped, but Moth didn’t flinch. Instead, he drove straight for Pretty Boy again, aiming his fists for the rib cage, attacking the same spots he’d hit before.
Pretty Boy grimaced, his playfulness for the audience now over. He circled around Moth, taunting him with words. Though Brindl couldn’t hear everything, she heard enough to know that Pretty Boy was now making rude comments about Moth’s wife. The ploy worked. Furious, Moth dropped his arms and charged like a bull. Pretty Boy, anticipating the move, dove underneath him and grabbed both ankles. Moth fell hard, but reached for Pretty Boy as he did so, forcing them both to the ground. The men began to grapple, elbows and knees flying as they tried to pin each other for the win.
“This is amazing!” Tali exclaimed, her eyes riveted to the scene in front of her. “It feels so good to see some real fighting instead of waiting around for our invisible enemy.”
“It is exciting,” Brindl admitted. “Although kind of horrifying at the same time.”
“Moth is clearly stronger but he’s slow to turn, have you noticed?”
Brindl shook her head and shrugged. “I see nothing but a pile of arms and legs.”
The figures were back on their feet now, wearing each other down with strikes, kicks, and jabs. After a few minutes, Pretty Boy, for all of his initial bravado, seemed fatigued, the methodical beating of Moth taking its toll. While Moth had also slowed, his strength appeared undiminished, his accuracy relentless.
Tali had balled her hands into fists and was now yelling as loudly as anyone in the crowd, warning Pretty Boy to keep his arms up. Pretty Boy jumped unexpectedly, cracking Moth’s knee with a sweep kick. “Gods, how I miss sparring at the Alcazar,” Tali said with a sigh.
Brindl shook her head. “You were black-and-blue for nearly a year, Tali.”
“It’s a mind game as well as a physical one. It’s exhilarating in a strange way.”
“Very strange,” agreed Brindl.
“Oh!” they both cried in unison as Moth flipped Pretty Boy to the ground like a sack of sand, then quickly pinned him with his knees.
The horn blew.
“Moth wins!” the announcer called.
The crowd went wild as Moth pumped his fists in the air. Pretty Boy limped out of the ring, lifting a feeble hand to acknowledge the audience, who cheered him off the stage despite his loss. He’d fought hard and the crowd was appreciative. Brindl laughed as Tali stuck her fingers in her mouth to let out a loud whistle. After a few minutes, Moth signaled for the crowd to quiet.
“We only had one fight tonight, but you were promised two,” he called. “Who here is brave enough to fight me now? Who here is man enough to best me?”
Before Brindl could react, Tali jumped to her feet. “I am!” she yelled, standing on her seat. “I’ll fight you!”
The crowd began to laugh then, as if Tali had told a joke. Moth shook his head. “Little girls aren’t allowed to fight in the quarry. But you are brave, I’ll grant you that.”
“Let me fight!” yelled Tali. “Or are you scared this little girl will grind you to quarry dust?”
The crowd erupted in hoots and whistles.
Machué have mercy, Brindl thought, trying to tug Tali back down to her seat. But it was no use. Tali was heated now, and wouldn’t budge.
Moth grinned, his white teeth gleaming. Brindl wondered how it was possible he still had teeth left after the fight. Some young people seated above them began to chant “Let her fight! Let her fight!” As Brindl turned to look at them, she caught a glimpse of Tonio sitting nearby, watching her and Tali with interest. He raised his eyebrows at her but did not smile.
“It seems the people would like to see what you can do,” Moth called up to Tali, his voice booming inside the pit. “What is your name, girl?”
“I am Tali,” she hollered back.
“Tali who? You’re not from Quarry Town.”
Brindl stiffened and clutched Tali’s wrist. Now what?
Tali glanced at her with a twinkle in her eye. “Princess Tali of the Royal Bone Breakers,” she yelled, as the crowd roared in approval.
Moth’s grin now took over his whole face. “Then do come down, Your Royal Highness, and welcome to Quarry Town,” he said, sweeping an arm out in front of him and bowing low.
Tali kicked off her boots and ran down to the ring. “Blow the horn!” she cried to the announcer, and they were off.
Moth, amused by Tali’s gumption, watched her skip around him for a while, his arms barely raised in defense. He has no idea what’s coming, Brindl thought, smiling to herself right as Tali dashed in with a scissor kick to his chin. Moth reeled back in surprise as the crowd hooted. Tali kept up the quick movements, spinning around the large man like a sundial. M
oth tried to grab her a few times—Brindl knew that if he managed to latch on to an ankle, elbow, anything, and throw her to the floor, the match would be over—but Tali continued to evade him easily with her small size and fast speed.
Finally, Moth connected a walloping blow to her shoulder, forcing her backward, but Tali somersaulted away from him, escaping his grasp. The crowd continued to cheer wildly, even more entranced by this fight than the last. Spurred by their enthusiasm, Tali pivoted around Moth and jumped him from behind. Wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, she clung to him like a tribella vine, choking him for all she was worth. As Moth stumbled, trying to pry Tali’s arms from around his neck, Brindl felt her heart beat double-time inside her chest. If the giant man fell to the ground now—purposefully or not—he would break Tali’s bones.
Finally, Moth stomped his foot twice, signaling defeat. Tali slid from his back and fell to her knees, weakened by the exertion. When she lifted her head, Moth glared at her from above, his face hard as pearlstone. Then his face cracked into a wide smile and in one sweeping motion he lifted Tali straight onto his shoulders.
The crowd jumped to their feet, erupting in cheers. “Honor over strength!” they chanted as Tali beamed from her high perch atop Moth.
Brindl let out a long, slow sigh and wondered if she’d been holding her breath for the entire fight. Thank the Gods Tali hadn’t suffer any serious injuries. Still, she’d have some bruises to explain tomorrow.
“So who is she really?” a voice whispered into her ear.
Brindl jumped in surprise. “Tonio!”
“She fights much too well for a kitchen maid. She’s your guard friend, isn’t she?”
Brindl shrugged, trying to seem unconcerned. “It was the only way I could leave the palace. You didn’t give me another choice.”
“Did you deliver the message to Manco?”
“Yes.”
“And his reply?”
“‘Tell them it shall be done,’ he said, though I can’t say I agree with it,” Brindl added, remembering the shredded nightgowns and muddy detour around the Paseo.