[2018] Reign of Queens

by Melissa Wright

  We didn’t go far before she stopped and jerked me into a squat beside her. There was movement a brief distance ahead, a rabbit weaving from the cover of one rock to the next. As I watched, a stick shot from the ground and speared the animal through the chest, killing it instantly. I gasped. Ruby giggled at me. She grabbed her quarry and we rushed back to the house.

  We went to the main room and she started a fire as she easily skinned and gutted the animal. The entrails went into an urn beside the fire and I wondered what she used them for before remembering all the containers on her bedroom shelf with a shudder. She stretched the pelt to dry while the meat cooked. She poured us wine and handed me half of her plunder. “It’s not much, but game close to the village is sparse. Over-hunted. When we get to the peak, we can trade. It is the strangest thing; they herd the animals to town and then corral them to eat at their leisure.” She shook her head at the absurdity. “But you haven’t eaten until you’ve tasted a fattened beast.”

  “The peak?”

  Concerned, she asked, “You don’t know where we’re going?”

  I drew a breath, uncertain how to answer. I would have been sure not to trust her, but she was traveling with us. It was probably best not to tell her, of all people, that I had no clue where I was or where I was going. I needed to stay on this path, now more than ever. Chevelle’s words rolled through my mind. He thought I wouldn’t give up because I’d seen the map.

  Something about that nagged at me, but Ruby waited while I searched for a response. Chevelle opened the door and I knew I was saved from at least that much.

  When he saw me, he was struck still. I had forgotten Ruby’s “treatments” until she squealed in delight at his response. He composed his face again, but she’d already marked him. “Oh, you like it. She’s fabulous, isn’t she?” She was so proud of herself, but I could tell Chevelle was embarrassed he’d been caught off guard. It might have pleased me too, except that I couldn’t tell if it was less how I had changed and more the resemblance to my mother.

  Ruby offered Chevelle a drink and he sat in a chair beside mine. She prattled as she enjoyed the wine, and I tried to focus on her stories instead of the occasional glances he threw my way. And then he grabbed my arm. I flinched, afraid at the quickness and strength of the move, but he only trailed an index finger gently down my arm, over the design, to stop in the center of my palm.

  My arm relaxed into his grip. “You like it? Ruby did it. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

  His finger stayed on my palm as he looked up at me. His eyes lingered on my mouth for a moment and then met mine, piercing. “A hawk?” It seemed like an accusation, but I had no idea why. I sat, blank-faced, staring back at him, and he turned to Ruby to give her the strangest look. “A hawk?”

  She appeared abashed for a moment and then simply shrugged, smiling. “Seemed to fit.” That answered his accusation and he released my hand, easing back into his chair.

  “Well, now that you’re back…” She hopped off her own chair and bounded toward the door. “I can’t wait to visit with our new guests.” She frowned a little. “Too bad they can’t stay inside with us. Frey can have my room, I’ll be out all night, and you can take the spare.” She took one last look at me before she rushed out, apparently satisfied with her project.

  And I was alone with Chevelle again. My pulse quickened and I had to remind myself he hated me. He was my watcher. He was fulfilling a duty.

  Then I realized what Ruby had said and I wondered if my brain would ever be quick enough to keep up. “Guests?”

  He hesitated before answering. “We will be traveling with some friends.”

  He was so vague. A formless irritation started to crawl its way to the surface, but I had to remember I had no right to ask. These were my captors. My fingernails cut into the palm of my hand where the map had been. We’d be traveling to the peak, they’d said. I couldn’t guess what waited there, but that didn’t stop the hope that it was something of my mother, my family. But even if it wasn’t, I’d be that much farther away from the village and council.

  The second bit of Ruby’s parting comment registered, so I excused myself to her room with a yawn and a short good night. I closed the door behind me, and though tired, knew I wouldn’t sleep with him in the next room. I walked to the back window and stared out into the night.

  Moonlight glinted off Ruby’s figure in the distance, heading away from the village. I didn’t think. I just pulled a cloak from the pile on her bed and was out the hidden door behind the wardrobe.

  I ran in a crouch, praying no one spotted me as I gained on her. I only once glanced at the house in the fear I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. If I wanted to catch Ruby, I wouldn’t be able to mark my path. Her cloaked form leapt over a tall rock and disappeared. I hurried forward, sure I was about to lose both her and the route. When I topped the rock, I froze, taking a heartbeat too long to drop to my stomach. Just over that ridge stood a group of elves, though after my pulse settled, I didn’t think they’d seen me before I’d fallen back.

  I wasn’t quite close enough to hear, but didn’t see a better vantage point. I squinted, examining the figures. Ruby’s red curls gave her away. She had tossed back the hood of her cloak and was laughing with a large elf. Steed, I was almost sure because of his stance. I scanned the darkness and found two other figures. One was about the size of Steed; the other was thinner and appeared fidgety, even in the darkness. They approached Ruby and Steed and out of the shadows I could see their dark hair. The thinner one’s hair was long, his bangs falling over sharp features.

  I studied their gestures in the moonlight, occasionally catching a few words. It seemed they were planning, but I couldn’t be sure. There was movement again in the shadows as more figures approached. I inched forward, anticipating when they would come into view. One of the forms was a mass, low to the ground. I squinted to see better and—

  I almost screamed as a hand wrapped around my biceps with fierce strength, jerking me to my feet. I tried to see my attacker, to think of the magic to protect myself.

  “What are you doing?” It would have been a yell it if wasn’t hissed. The tone was harsh and I recognized it at once.

  “Oh,” I managed. Part of me was saying calm down, but the other was screaming I was still in danger. “Chevelle… I…” I didn’t have an answer. What was I doing?

  He released his grip just a fraction. “I went to your room and you were gone.” He shook his head. “I thought I had to come out here to get a search party.”

  “I, uh… you were in my room?”

  He straightened, his expression making it clear he hadn’t expected that response.

  I pressed, taking the chance. “Why?” I heard movement behind me and the fear returned tenfold.

  Chevelle didn’t tense; he only let out an exasperated breath. “It’s fine,” he said. He released me and I turned to see who he’d addressed. Four figures stood in a line, almost a formation, and they relaxed at his words.

  My arm tingled as the blood returned to the limb, freed of his harsh grip. Yes, he hates me. I flexed my fist.

  “Ah, she escaped,” Ruby purred. “And you didn’t trust me with her.”

  The formation broke as Steed came to stand beside me, the corner of his mouth tipping into a grin. I stared at the group. I had no idea who they were, but from the way they spoke it was apparently no secret I was Chevelle’s prisoner. Or his property.

  “Frey,” Chevelle said, “this is Anvil.” He nodded toward a giant of a man who bowed his head respectfully. “And Grey.” The wiry man bent and straightened, his movements too quick.

  I drew in a startled breath as two more figures came into view. A pair of slender elves stepped in sync as they stopped just outside the group. They were tall and lean, dressed in robes the color of ash that only accentuated their shocking silver hair. I was convinced the moonlight must have been exaggerating it. And then I jumped again as, on either side of them, two beasts walked forward to s
tand just in front of the twinned elves.

  Steed brushed an arm against mine, mumbling under his breath, “Yeah, they’re not from around here.”

  I felt myself leaning on Chevelle for support. “Rhys and Rider Strong,” he said from behind me. They nodded and I was surprised the small gesture also seemed in step. A strange whine emanated from one of the dogs as they shifted to sit on their haunches. By their size, I might have guessed they were wolves, but I’d never known a wolf to be tamed. Their fur matched the robes of their masters, down to the black trim. I couldn’t be certain in the light, but I thought there was even some silver showing. Surely they would be less frightening in the light of day.

  Ruby broke the tense atmosphere with a curtsey. “And Ruby Summit.” I attempted a smile for her, not missing the silent exchange between Steed and Chevelle. They were trying to decide what to do with me.

  “Since you’re apparently not ready to retire for the evening, I suppose we will resume your training,” Chevelle said. I sighed.

  “Ooh, let me!” Ruby shouted. Chevelle gave her a doubtful look and then glanced at me, apparently deciding I deserved it. He nodded once and walked toward the rock ledge. Ruby bounced from foot to foot, celebrating her victory.

  As Chevelle moved past Anvil and Grey, they turned to follow him. The silver-haired elves and their dogs were nowhere in sight. My gaze caught Steed, who was watching me. I always forgot how strikingly handsome he was until I looked right at him. He wore a thin, loose shirt now, rolled at the sleeves and covered by a leather vest. It matched the long cuffs on his forearms, the same dark, worn leather of his saddles. He stepped closer, taking my chin in his hand to examine my face in the moonlight. He purred something toward Ruby about her decorations and gave me a wink as he walked off in the direction Chevelle had gone.

  We were alone then, Ruby and I, and I was sure this was going to hurt more than my other training. She untied her cloak and tossed it to land with a muffled sound on the rocks. She was smiling a touch as she reached a hand across her waist, closing her fist around a black hoop I’d not seen before. She drew it out and around as a long black trail curved in its wake and came to rest at her side.

  My mouth went dry. A whip. Oh yes, this would hurt. I loosed my cloak and pitched it aside, lowering myself in a defensive stance, hands out and ready.

  Crack!

  Okay, not ready. “Ow! Mother Earth!” I yelled. Blood trickled from the strike point.

  Ruby giggled. “Okay, we start slower.” She considered for a moment. “Maybe we work on your attacks instead of defense.”

  I relaxed my stance. “Um, I don’t really have any attacks.”

  “Well, then, I suppose we had better focus on getting you some. How to begin?” She was talking to herself now. My mind started to wander as I listened for sounds from the men below. What are they doing there? “I’m afraid we will have to use your anger,” she said, a smile creeping into the corner of her lips. “It seemed to work with your lunch.” I remembered the meat I had burnt and flushed. “Yes, this will do,” she hummed with a sly grin.

  “Let me see… yes, I’ve got it.” She began stepping a slow circle around me, talking as she moved, suddenly cat-like. “The dreams you had after the fairy dust, do you remember them?” Oh. “I have a few questions, you see. You had plenty to say about someone as you slept. You mentioned how his mouth tasted… muscles under his shirt. And, well, I was curious just who you meant.” No. “It couldn’t have been Chevelle; you should have seen his face. He was livid.” No. “Steed was certainly enjoying it, but, my dear, he won’t spill the secret to me. Whose strong back were you wrapped around, whose dark eyes—”

  I was mortified. There was nowhere to go, it was too much, and it turned to fury as she continued. I snapped. The flames that had been coursing through me burst in my hands.

  She laughed and tossed her head. “Oh you should have heard it. You gave us such interesting details!” The image of Chevelle hearing my dreams, the sound of their laughter when I woke…

  I knew what she wanted and I gave it to her. Fire shot from my hands toward her, hotter than any I’d ever produced. The warmth hit my face and Ruby’s heeled boots sloshed as snow melted beneath her feet.

  She batted away the flames and smiled. “Come now, you’ll have to do better than that.” She kept circling. “Let me try harder.” She flicked her wrist, and the end of her whip caught my ankle so fast I hadn’t even realized it was moving. She jerked and my leg came out from under me, my hip slamming flat on the ground. It hurt. The pain stole the heat from my anger, and I struggled to stand.

  Crack! The whip struck at my head, forcing me back down. She circled me, cracking the whip every time I attempted to right myself. I couldn’t get a foothold.

  “Come now, Freya, you must defend yourself. Fight me. Stop me.” Snap! Snap! Snap! She was faster now, cracking the whip above me and at each side, moving again and again, closer and closer. I had to think of something but my mind could only concentrate on the snap of her whip. Her boots splashed in the melted snow again, and I sent the icy water racing up under the material of her skirt to her bare legs. Shock crossed her face and I hoped it would buy the time I needed.

  What now? The cold water had thrown her for no more than a fraction of a second, but it was enough time to right myself and execute one quick attack. I volleyed a nearby rock, which struck her in the back of the head and threw her balance off for another instant. I knew I was larger than her so I gritted my teeth and lunged, grabbing her as I tried to figure my next move.

  She raised her face and, when her eyes met mine, they narrowed. Part of me was aware I should have been scared, but I was enjoying myself. Whatever pain I might receive didn’t factor; I had wanted to hurt this wicked little redhead since the first time I’d seen her, since her hand reached out seductively toward Chevelle and collected my ruby. My palms lit where they wrapped around her arms. I would finally burn her.

  She cocked one eyebrow at me. “Half fire fairy, silly.” And I flew through the air to land with a heavy thump a few yards away.

  “Well, it was a little unconventional, but at least you’re thinking on your feet,” she mused, straightening the material of her skirt. And then she giggled as she realized I was, in fact, not on my feet.

  My body ached as I stood and my best skill was useless. I desperately wanted to ask her to show me the way, but my ego stubbornly refused. Not her.

  She must have picked up my mood. “You see, most of us choose one particular favorite. We focus on that and practice constantly. That way it becomes easier, uses less energy, you know.” I didn’t know. “Maybe we should see what your strong suit is,” she said and motioned me to follow her as she walked to the rock ridge and jumped over, hurrying down to the men.

  “Sorry to interrupt, gentlemen,” she announced. “I was wondering if you’d mind a little demonstration?” They broke their circle to give her their attention. “Frey here hasn’t found her rhythm yet,” she explained. They seemed to understand and she bounded back over to me and drew me to sit beside her on a large rock facing the men before cueing them to begin.

  The largest stepped forward, boasting deep brown hair and eyes. He wore plain clothing but his broad shoulders and massive size made him seem regal. “They name me Anvil but I am Reed, of Keithar Peak.” His voice was thick, though it was impossible to tell whether it was an accent or he had difficulty speaking. He was huge, frighteningly so, but something about him drew me in. I wanted to be his friend for no reason I could rationalize. He walked to me and reached out his hand in greeting. As I took it in mine, a tingle ran up my arm, the fine hairs standing on end.

  Anvil smiled. “Apologies. I will try to avoid touching you.”

  “It’s fine, really,” I said, though I didn’t understand. It was like a static charge. Meanwhile, I had decided the thickness was a drawl. “I don’t know your accent. Where is it from?”

  “North Camber,” he replied. A snicker slipped from Ste
ed and Anvil glanced at him before amending, “Well, that is where they cut out part of my tongue.” I recoiled, wrenching my hand from his. The tingle remained. He didn’t seem offended; he simply took a few steps backward to start his demonstration. I brought my arm back to my side and it brushed Ruby, shocking her just enough to make both of us flinch. She only smiled as she returned her attention to the start of the show.

  The other men drew back, some sitting, some standing, but all giving him their full attention and space as he raised his hands and braced himself, taking one full deep breath before shifting forward, ever so slightly. A thunderous crack and excruciating light flew from both of his outstretched hands, slammed into a tall pine, and snapped the top third of the tree off. Several limbs splintered and popped as it crashed its way down.

  I stared in open-mouthed astonishment. Sweat glistened on the large man’s forehead and his breath was a little labored, but still, he stood. Understanding came slowly. He had shot lightning from his hands. The others nodded appreciatively, but I was having second thoughts about friendship with this man. Though not being his friend was probably more dangerous.

  I was shaking my head in disbelief as he turned back to me and bowed.

  He stepped back, taking a seat as the wiry man stepped inside the circle then. He nodded to me. Grey. He was thoughtful for a moment, deciding the best way to display his skill, before finally approaching to offer his hand. I reached forward, placing my palm against his, and then he was gone. His entire body had vanished. I half expected to feel his touch—perhaps he’d merely camouflaged himself—but my hand was empty. I looked around, baffled. The makeshift audience wore easy, amused smiles. They watched me, not the vacant space from which Grey had evidently disappeared. And then I noticed someone beside me who hadn’t been there before… it was him.

  “How…” But he was gone again. I’d been staring right at him and had no idea where he’d gone.