The Forgotten Queen

by Matt Glicksman

  "You might be surprised. In any case, you have quite a task before you. You're counting on your tracking skills and the element of surprise, but the Seductress is one of the most cunning demons to ever walk the Surface. It won't be easy."

  The blind demon snarled. "Don't you think I know that? But I also know she's going to be desperate to regain her power. She can't stand feeling helpless. And as long as Verago won't give the energy to her, she'll have to steal it from Erynion."

  "And how could she do that?"

  "Pricking his neck."

  There was a pause before Mortis spoke. "I thought—"

  "Yes, yes, I know, she's not supposed to be able to steal from other demons, but she made some sort of connection with Erynion when he wasn't in control of his power. He unconsciously gave her access."

  "It's been days since there was a purge. Erynion is likely gaining control. I wonder if she'll still be able to steal from him."

  "That I can't answer. But she's plotting, you can count on that. I must get to her before she puts her plan in motion, whatever it may be." Sonojj winced as a loud knock on the cell door echoed in his cage.

  Mortis barely raised his voice. "Enter."

  Many footsteps made it difficult to determine exactly how many people were entering the room, but Sonojj estimated about six.

  "All right, listen up," Mortis said. "No one is to speak to the prisoner. Get a stretcher board from the healers and lay him on it. Chain him down and keep it tight. He's a shifter. Then, get a rag soaked in bhudan and wrap it around his face. Make sure you cover the nose and mouth. The more layers, the better. And wrap some cloth around his ears while you're at it. You know the way out. Once you're beyond the wall, take him another mile and let him go."

  The shuffling of feet filled Sonojj's ears as Mortis's stench drew closer.

  "Well, my demon friend," Mortis said, "this is where we part ways. You'll be breathing free air in no time. I don't expect you to try anything rash, but I feel the need to be perfectly clear because I'd hate to see you fail your purpose before you've even left Alovajj. If you try to harm any of my people at any point tonight, you'll be cut down immediately."

  "You'll have no trouble for me. But, if I may ask, what is bhudan?"

  "A bitter drink with a pleasant aroma. Strong, though. You won't be able to smell much else with it covering your nose."

  "I see. One more thing, if you'll indulge me." Sonojj sniffed the air. "There's a smell on you I hadn't caught before, but it's noticeable today. It smells like death. What is it?"

  "Good luck," Mortis said, seemingly with contempt, before walking out.

  ✽✽✽

  "Welcome, Eriph. Please have a seat." Shinigami's warm welcome was accompanied by a crooked smile that slowly faded.

  Eriph lowered his shield to the ground before easing into the vacant chair. He faced the ends of a horseshoe-shaped table. Shinigami sat at the head with a relief of their coat of arms in front of him. The detail was magnificent and filled the whole of the shield-shaped emblem. Every aspect, wrought with symbolism, represented forces in balance: blood and water, life and death, light and darkness, attack and defense. And in the center of it all, the eye of observation, the only aspect that had no counter.

  Aside from Shinigami, only two other founders were present at the meeting. Drevarius, garbed in a light-blue robe, was once a high war-mage and one of the two leaders of Summa Arcana. And beside him sat his wife, Dolore, dressed in dark-toned garments with a black bandana on her head. Before becoming a Death God, she was one of Light's Haven's watcher captains. And before that, she had been a renowned member of Anoctis's legitimate business of scouting. Or as others might call it, spying.

  "You have news from Candelux?" Shinigami asked.

  "Yes." Eriph unfolded the paper in his hand. "At your request, the Prima has added Don Millan as a third ambassador, along with Archdon Kainol and Archdon Navi Laila. She's also returned Don Skully's conduit to Don Millan. At approximately noon today, the ambassador convoy left Light's Haven."

  "And when should we expect them to arrive in Alovajj?"

  Though he'd read it a few times on the way to the meeting, Eriph skimmed through the letter again. "It's not specifically stated, but I would imagine they'll stop in Memorial City for the night and be in Alovajj by late tomorrow."

  Shinigami rubbed his chin. "So, there's nothing in her letter about the ambassadors going somewhere else first?"

  "I don't see anything to that effect. Should there be?"

  "Would it surprise you to know the convoy has just reached Zazima?"

  Zazima was a small town, not much larger than Nesinu, located west of Light's Haven. Eriph flipped the paper over even though he knew the back was blank. "Zazima? You're sure?"

  Shinigami motioned to Founder Dolore.

  "We're quite sure," Dolore said. "One of our scouts reported it. Apparently, the ambassadors are heading to the Frozen Coast tomorrow."

  "The Frozen Coast? The Para Paya?" Eriph found the suggestion humorous. "But why?"

  "That's still unclear. We were hoping maybe you'd have some insight."

  "I haven't a clue. They're pacifists. What good are they going to be against stopping the demon lord?"

  "Perhaps this is more of a statement," Drevarius offered. "We've chosen to withhold information from them until they give us what we want. Even after Royal Oak, they still won't hand over the Talisman. By going to the Coast first, the Prima's essentially saying it's more fruitful to speak with a group of pacifists than to speak with us."

  "It's possible," Shinigami said. "Maybe we should ask her directly. Eriph, set up a meeting for tomorrow with the mirror."

  Eriph held up the paper. "It's funny you say that because the Prima requested one as well. In her letter, she also states they have a viable lead on Erynion's identity, and in the interest of relations between us, she would appreciate if we could confirm it."

  "If they've figured it out, then I don't see the harm. There's plenty of other information we have to leverage the Talisman."

  "Do we really believe she's going to give up the Talisman?" Dolore asked. "Batar's life hangs in the balance. Maybe it's better if it stays around his neck for now."

  "We've offered to host him. We can protect him," Shinigami said.

  "You know that. I know that. But good luck convincing Mashira that Alovajj is safer than Light's Haven."

  Eriph listened to the discussion, which only seemed to repeat what everyone already knew. With the ambassadors taking a detour, he decided it was up to him to push things forward. "Is there anything else you need?"

  Shinigami shook his head. "That'll be all, thank you. You're dismissed, and you can tell Mashira we'll see her tomorrow, nine strikes."

  Eriph sat silent for a moment. "Sorry, that's not what I meant. What I was trying to ask is if there's anything else the Death Gods need from Candelux besides the Talisman?"

  "Nothing comes to mind."

  "Maybe we should come up with a few things then. Even minor ones."

  Shinigami clasped his hands and rested them on the table. "Are you suggesting we invent needs for Candelux to fulfill?"

  "Well, just hear me out," Eriph insisted. "Asking Candelux for the Talisman is like asking for the crown. This relationship is so damaged that even if you could somehow guarantee the demise of the demon lord or Verago, I'm still not sure the Prima would be willing to hand over the Talisman. What we need to do is take smaller steps. Repair the relationship slowly. Take what happened yesterday as an example. We had information about the danger Don Millan was in. We handed it over to Candelux, and in return, they were open to our request to make Don Millan an ambassador. You said so yourself. We have plenty of information they'd be interested in. Let's feed them some morsels and ask for small things in return."

  "I understand what you're saying, but the simple truth is we don't need anything else from Candelux. The Talisman is the only thing powerful enough to stop Verago, and we need to determine how t
o create more. And as for repairing relationships, is that not the role of the ambassadors? Clearly, Mashira's in no hurry to fix what's broken."

  "I'm only asking you to consider it. A few small trades or favors early on could go a long way to speeding up the healing process and getting the Talisman in your hands that much quicker."

  "Consider your suggestion noted," Shinigami said. "We'll ask around if—"

  The door flew open. "It's done!"

  Eriph's head spun around and spotted Bix and Vry entering the room.

  "Oh, sorry. I didn't realize you still were in a meeting," Bix said, although he didn't sound all that sincere. Bix, once a Champion of the Light bloodseeker, wore a chain mail vest and carried across his back a blade that forked into two points.

  However, Eriph's focus was drawn to the shortest and most mysterious founder. Vry's face was constantly hidden behind an expressionless white mask, and his clothing was mostly black, much like Dolore's. If one believed the rumors, Vry was the most lethal assassin Anoctis had ever employed.

  "Eriph," said Shinigami.

  Eriph returned his attention to the head of the table. "Yes?"

  "Please set up the meeting with Mashira tomorrow. You're dismissed."

  "I will." Eriph picked up his shield and made his way to the door. As he passed Vry, he peered into the holes of the white mask. The priest shivered as empty eyes silently stared back at him. Eriph averted his gaze and hastened his gait to escape the room as quickly as possible. He didn't take another breath until the door shut behind him.

  Alone in the corridor, Eriph scurried to the nearest window and rested his palms on the sill. Looking out over the city, he inhaled deeply. The sun was down, and the city walls were so vibrant with light, they made the lamps in the streets seem unnecessary. Barely parting his lips, Eriph let the air seep out before whispering to himself, "What the depths was that?"

  Chapter 13

  As Millan emerged from the carriage, the last rays of daylight left a red hue in the sky. Specks of snow littered the air but magically disappeared when striking the ground. The Nesinu priest held out his hand to save a few, but they vanished without a trace. He had heard stories about the Frozen Coast and how some towns that bordered it, like Zazima, shared its frigid environment. Millan stepped to the side of the road, which sloped down to a small stream. The banks, coated with ice, gleamed with what light remained. When he stepped back to join Archdon Navi, Millan noticed everyone was already wearing fur coats with the exception of Sundancer. The warmth Millan had retained from the carriage faded away, and the cold creeped up his back.

  Archdon Navi patted him on the shoulder. "Don't run off. You 'ave to 'ave a coat. Don Layola is getting one from our belongings."

  "Thank you, I appreciate that," Millan said as his teeth chattered. When Sundancer approached them, the priest asked, "Aren't you cold?"

  "No."

  "Not even a little?"

  "No," the bloodseeker said sharply.

  "Don't worry about Lady Sundancer," Navi said. "She grew up on the Coast. They know 'ow to stay warm. Come, the mage should 'ave the fire going any moment now."

  As the three headed into the small town, Millan felt a sudden sense of comfort and familiarity. Aside from the weather, Zazima reminded him of his lost hometown. In the middle of the main thoroughfare, a war-mage conjured flames that danced in the air above the pyre. The fire broke into two balls and swirled around each other. The members of the ambassadorial caravan moved in closer to watch the display.

  "Your coat, Ambassador Millan."

  Millan glanced over his shoulder to find Don Layola holding a large coat with black fur.

  "Ah, excellent choice," Navi said. "That'll keep 'im cozy."

  After throwing the coat across Millan's shoulders, Layola stepped in front of him and slid her hands inside the coat. "Sorry, just let me adjust it for you. Our robes tend to get caught."

  Millan felt his cheeks flush as her hands wrapped around his waist. Afraid of being caught staring at her, he kept his focus on the war-mage's performance. The two fireballs moved furiously around each other as a third spurt of fire shot up between them. There was a flash and the image of a bird with outspread wings manifested over the pyre.

  "Oh, the phoenix," Navi said. "Impressive."

  "What's the phoenix?" Millan asked.

  "It's the bird of fire. Legend 'as it the first war-mage was visited by an actual phoenix, and that's 'ow the ability to summon fire was discovered."

  "But that's not true."

  "It's just a story."

  The fiery bird flapped its wings and soared around the area before diving into the pile of wood and bringing the bonfire to life. The audience applauded.

  "How's that?" Don Layola asked as she stepped back.

  Millan shifted his shoulders. "Feels great. Thank you. And thank you, Navi. I feel so much warmer."

  Archdon Kainol joined them along with another priest Millan hadn't met yet. "Ambassador Navi Laila. Ambassador Millan."

  "Ambassador Kainol," Navi said.

  Millan bowed. "Your Grace."

  "Ambassador Millan, I'd like to introduce you to Don Belquin, my second. Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to introduce him in Light's Haven due to our schedule."

  Millan nodded to the priest beside the lead ambassador. "Nice to meet you."

  "Nice to meet you, as well, Ambassador." Belquin bowed and stepped back.

  Kainol again addressed both Millan and Navi Laila. "You each have two rooms reserved at the inn, one for yourself and one for your second. You're free to go there anytime. Dinner will be ready within the hour. Afterward, try to get some rest. We'll be leaving Zazima at dawn to reach the Coast before noon. Any questions?"

  Both ambassadors shook their heads.

  Kainol motioned to the Nesinu priest. "Ambassador Millan, may I speak with you in private?"

  "Of course." Millan followed Kainol out of earshot from the group. He could feel Sundancer's gaze on his back, and it put him at ease.

  When they stopped, the lead ambassador placed his hands behind his back. "Millan, I don't want any misunderstandings here. I also don't wish to hurt your feelings, but I must be blunt. Your role as ambassador is simply to appease the request of the Death Gods. You will be included in activities, but only in a purely ceremonious role. Meeting people, shaking hands. You are under no circumstance to engage in any ambassadorial activity or negotiations unless I say so. Simply put, you're not trained for it, and I can't put our mission at risk. Is that understood?"

  Millan was stunned. It was as if he were being scolded for something he had no control over, but there was no hint of animosity in Kainol's face. He barely managed to speak. "I understand, Your Grace."

  "I'm glad to hear it." Kainol patted him on the arm before rejoining Don Belquin and walking away.

  Now that he had more than a few seconds to process the interaction, Millan frowned. His new role was just for show. There was nothing to be proud of. He was just a normal priest being dragged along. He felt unwanted.

  "You all right?" Sundancer asked, pulling him from his trance.

  Millan sighed. "Yeah."

  "Come on. Let's go to the inn."

  The pair weaved between the priests and watchers who encircled the roaring flame. Trying to keep pace with his bodyguard, Millan politely pushed his way through the crowd. Once he reached the other side, he winced as the cold air blew across his face. It was more bothersome than painful since his body was protected. Keeping the coat closed and pressed to his body, Millan did his best to stay directly behind Sundancer. He marveled at her attire. How was she able to bear the cold so well?

  When they reached the Icy Hoof, a man greeted the pair. "Welcome! Welcome! You must be Ambassador Millan."

  "That's right. How'd you know?"

  "I was told you'd be accompanied by the notorious Lady Sundancer. It's an honor to house a Champion of the Light." The man bowed to the bloodseeker, but she gave no visible response. "Pleas
e, right this way. I'll show you to your rooms."

  As they entered the small establishment, the innkeeper continued, "So, Ambassador, is this your first time in Zazima?"

  "Yes, it is."

  "How are you finding our weather?"

  "It takes some getting used to."

  The innkeeper chuckled. "Yes, most people do find it a bit of a shock the first time. You can hear about snow all you want, but you're never quite prepared for it until you're in it. Well, here we are. Your two rooms are adjacent, as requested."

  "Actually," Sundancer said, "we only require the one room."

  The innkeeper grinned. "Really? I had no idea you—"

  The bloodseeker's glare was colder than the Zazima night.

  The innkeeper's smile vanished. "Not that it's any of my business. This one here is the larger, but there's only one bed."

  "That's fine."

  "Well, if you need anything, please let me know. The room has a window that looks out onto the thoroughfare, so you can enjoy all the fire stunts from the warmth of your room."

  "Thank you," Millan said.

  When the innkeeper departed, the priest went to enter the room, but Sundancer stopped him.

  "Please, wait a moment, Ambassador," she said before slipping inside. After a few seconds, she called to him. "All right, come in."

  Millan pushed the door back and examined their quarters. It was smaller than his bedroom was in Nesinu, and the bed was only large enough for one person. "You know, you don't have to call me Ambassador. Millan is fine."

  Sundancer removed her helmet and placed it on the table. "As you wish."

  Millan hoped she would reciprocate and allow him to address her without her title, but she made no such offer. The priest eyed the mattress. "I suppose you can have the bed."

  "Don't be ridiculous."

  "Are you sure? Before last night, I was sleeping on the ground. I don't mind."

  "You're the ambassador. You get the bed."

  Millan folded his arms and looked away. "I'm not a real ambassador, though."