The Forgotten Queen

by Matt Glicksman

  "I have to say, though, I was really fascinated by the Dyato'aw demonstration. Their movements were so fluid. I've never seen anything like it. Did you learn all that?"

  "Yes, I was nearly a sen'dya, but then I left the Coast."

  "What's a sen'dya?"

  "It's not exactly the same, but I guess you could think of it like a don in Candelux. You're not a student, or in your case a squire. But you're also not a master, like an archdon."

  "I see. And what do you gain by learning it?"

  "Dyato'aw is about aligning the aspects of the body so you can be in touch with the energy within you and around you. There's a fair amount of meditation and philosophy involved in the training, but the most basic is the Principle of Tao, which talks about bringing your mind, heart, and soul into harmony with one another."

  Millan furrowed his brow. "What does that mean exactly?"

  "It's difficult to explain with words. It's something you need to experience to really understand it."

  "You've experienced it?"

  "To some degree. As with anything, there are always different levels. The ultimate goal is perfect harmony in order to achieve some sort of enlightenment. But, even with a little harmony, I can attest to the effectiveness of Dyato'aw. It allowed me to become the youngest bloodseeker to claim the Champion of the Light title."

  "Wow, that's incredible. Do you think you could teach me?"

  "I might. But be warned, the first few lessons can be pretty boring."

  "Not a problem," Millan said, jumping at the chance. "I'll be a model student."

  As the Nesinu priest and his bodyguard turned a corner, their tents came into view. They were definitely smaller than the room in the Zazima inn, but still large enough to occupy comfortably. The sun was nearly gone, and there was a chill in the air. Despite the warmth beneath his heavy coat, Millan was eager to get inside.

  "So, I get to sleep alone tonight?" Millan asked.

  Sundancer's eyebrow shot up. "Why? Are you scared?"

  The Nesinu priest fumbled through his words. "What? Me? Scared? Pfft, no. I, uh, I was just checking."

  "Things are different out here. All that separates us will be a couple pieces of fabric. I'll be able to hear if anything happens."

  Millan reached for his tent flap when he spotted Archdon Navi Laila emerge from across the way. "Navi, you made it!"

  "Eyo, Millan."

  "When did you get in?"

  Navi placed her hands on her hips. "Oh, about 'alf an 'our ago."

  "Are you hungry?"

  "No, no, the Para Paya were very generous. I 'ad my fill of fish."

  "Is everything all right with Don Layola?" Sundancer asked.

  Navi bit her lip. "Per'aps we should 'ave this discussion inside my tent."

  The ambassador invited the pair inside. Millan couldn't help but notice her tent extended farther back than his, but he chose not to mention it. The three sat in a circle on the ground.

  "I 'aven't spoken to Kainol yet, so you must keep this to yourselves. Understand?"

  Millan and Sundancer nodded in unison.

  "All the areas around Zazima were thoroughly searched. There was no sign of 'er. But, there's something odd. The lead watcher on night shift spotted Don Layola near my carriage last night after everyone 'ad turned in."

  "Why would she be out?" Sundancer asked.

  "I 'onestly don't know. But that's not the strangest part. Apparently, not long after seeing 'er, 'e also saw a man patrolling the same area. Seemed like 'e was looking for something, or maybe someone. The lead didn't recognize 'im as being from Zazima, so 'e assumed 'e was part of our caravan and left it at that. Come morning, this mystery man was nowhere to be found."

  Millan glanced at Sundancer, but she ignored him.

  The bloodseeker kept her eyes on Navi Laila. "So, both Don Layola and this man are missing, and you think the disappearances are related?"

  "It's seems likely, but 'ard to say for sure when we don't even know the identity of this man."

  "How did the lead describe him?"

  "Plain clothes. Red 'air with a red bandana across 'is fore'ead. Some of the watchers said they vaguely remember someone with that description 'anging around the bonfire last night, but I didn't see 'im. Does it sound familiar to either of you?"

  So, Aksilacarn was missing after all. But Millan shrugged and shook his head, trying not to oversell the performance.

  "I'm afraid not," Sundancer said. "And there's nothing else? No other leads? Nothing she said to you?"

  Navi frowned. "I 'ave been trying all day to remember even the smallest detail, but nothing comes to mind. My 'ead was thumping like a drum earlier."

  "Well, I hope she's safe." The bloodseeker turned to Millan. "We should let the ambassador get her rest."

  "Oh, I'm all right now. I'm curious 'ow the first meeting went today. Did I miss anything important?"

  "Not really," Millan said. "We met with three of the elders, Northpaw, Camellia, and Lunargrace. Archdon Kainol briefly talked about how Candelux wants to reunite the Para Paya with the kingdom, but he refrained from going into any detail. He said he wanted you to be there."

  "Planting the first seed." Navi displayed a crooked smile. "I 'ope we don't 'ave to stay 'ere for too long. The weather doesn't agree with me. I'd much rather we 'eaded straight for Alovajj."

  "Well, I wouldn't get ready to leave so soon. I don't know much about negotiating, but it didn't seem like there was any interest at all from the Para Paya to rejoin the kingdom."

  Navi lowered her voice. "Then I suppose it's a good thing we don't really want to 'ave them back."

  Millan straightened up. "What do you mean by that?"

  "Look, we're all on the same side 'ere, correct? You're an ambassador. We can all trust one another?"

  "Of course."

  "Our mission is not to reintegrate the Para Paya into the kingdom. Our mission is one of information. We 'ave reason to believe some of the knowledge the Death Gods are with'olding from us may in fact be 'ere on the Coast."

  Millan leaned in. "What knowledge?"

  "Well, if I knew that for sure, we wouldn't be 'ere. But, it's related to a group of people most 'ave never 'eard of because they 'ave been erased from our 'istory books."

  "The Senarod," Sundancer said.

  Navi shot her a look. "You know them?"

  "Only stories about who they were, nothing like what you'd be looking for."

  Afraid of being left behind, Millan hopped in. "Who are the Senarod?"

  "The Sen predate the kingdom," Navi explained. "They were nomads, belonged to no clan. They taught the war-mages 'ow to summon fire and ice. They taught the pan-mages 'ow to shift and 'eal. They taught the whisperers 'ow to let a wanderer transcend."

  "How have I never heard of them? And how do you know about them?"

  "The Sen went the way of the Royal Throne 'undreds of years ago, and you won't find any reference to them in any books in the kingdom. You 'ave King Vask to thank for that. I first 'eard about them during a trip to Alovajj."

  "And so aside from teaching mages how to use their energy, what are we hoping to uncover?"

  Navi winked. "That's the big question."

  "And why do we think the Para Paya have the answer?"

  Sundancer jumped in. "Because, according to our oral traditions, the Para Paya are the descendants of the Sen."

  Millan's jaw dropped. "What?"

  "She's right," Navi said. "We believe that whatever 'appened in the kingdom centuries ago to get the Sen erased from the 'istory books would also be the reason they were exiled to the Coast. Well, they weren't officially exiled, like when the Prima sent the Death Gods to Alovajj. The Sen came to the Frozen Coast on their own accord."

  "I can't believe there's an entire group of people I've never heard of before. What else do you know?" Millan looked at Navi, and then they both stared at Sundancer.

  The bloodseeker waved them off. "I have nothing for you. Most of what I've heard regar
ding the Sen are just children's stories about heroes and mythical beasts. Sorry."

  Millan scratched his head. "That still doesn't explain why we're asking the Para Paya to rejoin the kingdom. Why don't we just ask the elders about the Sen?"

  Navi smiled. "First rule of negotiating: you never show your 'and."

  Chapter 20

  "Mm, this is great. What do you call it again?" Eriph shoveled another spoonful into his gaping jaws.

  "Quinoa," Blackleaf answered. "I’m glad you like it. I’ve been perfecting my recipe."

  "Well, I’d say you’ve succeeded."

  "That's very kind of you."

  The flap of the tent pulled back, and Warbison popped his head inside. "Eriph, if you've concluded your meal, your presence is required."

  "Of course, I'll be right there." Eriph took a few more bites before resting the spoon on the wooden table. He hopped up and handed the bowl to Blackleaf. "I don't suppose you're willing to share your secret."

  The host tittered. "I'm afraid not."

  The priest departed the main tent and circled around back to where a smaller tent stood with Warbison on guard. Eriph nodded as he passed him, then entered to find Dolore and Ivochna waiting inside.

  "You summoned me?" Eriph asked.

  "Yes," Dolore said. "We got word from Don Pike. He's going to meet you in Battle Square at ten strikes this morning. Now, he's only expecting you, but Iva will be nearby in the crowd."

  "You think I'll be in danger? In the middle of Battle Square? In broad daylight?"

  "If there's one thing you're going to learn about me, it's that I try to keep risk to the absolute minimum. Our methods of communication aren't foolproof. We can't risk Candelux or the Brotherhood finding out about this."

  Eriph rubbed his neck. "You remember the other night when I suggested to you and Shinigami that we offer Candelux information in exchange for small favors? Why can't we ask them for help?"

  "Candelux is full of leaks whether they realize it or not. The moment they find out what we're doing here, the Brotherhood might move Aksil and hide him away in some other city."

  "So, we know he's in Memorial City?"

  Dolore partially scowled. "Not definitively, but my source in the Brotherhood confirmed this morning that two members from Light's Haven are staying in the southeast part of the city. One is Don Layola, who was accompanying Ambassador Navi Laila and was specifically mentioned in Aksil's last report. And the second is a gentleman named Greggor."

  "Who's Greggor?" Eriph asked.

  "Aksil's father."

  "Wow. So, what do you need me to find out from Pike?"

  Dolore grasped her wrist behind her back. "General information about the Brotherhood. You said you gave him our list. It'll be helpful to know what he's done with it these past few weeks. Have they captured any Brothers? Maybe he knows where they would hide someone."

  "No problem."

  "One other thing. If the Brotherhood catches wind that we're on their tail, they may scatter. It's then possible Don Layola would reach out to the rectory, pretend like she'd been captured or some such ruse. We'll need Pike to let us know if this happens."

  "Understood."

  "Once you're inside the gate, Iva will show you where to stash your robes. Remember, you need to keep a low profile."

  "I suppose that means no shield," Eriph said.

  "You suppose correctly. Good luck. If you leave now, you should make it to Battle Square with some time to spare."

  Eriph strolled out of the tent and waited for Ivochna to come alongside him. The pair silently meandered through the Azapaar and headed for Memorial City's west gate. Eriph had spent much of the previous morning explaining Don Pike's habits and interests to her, but this was the first time they were alone and could speak casually.

  The priest tried to pick a harmless topic. "Great weather around here, wouldn't you say?"

  Ivochna's grunt was barely audible.

  "So, Iva, uh, is it all right if I call you Iva?"

  "Sure."

  "How long have you been a Death God?"

  The scout froze and furtively looked around.

  "What's the matter?" Eriph whispered.

  "You talk too loudly. Imagine someone from Candelux and the Brotherhood are always following us and think before you speak next time."

  As Iva continued walking, Eriph skipped forward to catch up. "Loud and clear. So, how long since you joined?"

  "Why?"

  "Curiosity. I'm new. We share a common…person. Why shouldn't we get to know each other?"

  "It's best if you stay focused. Don't forget why we're here."

  "Oh, I'm well aware." Eriph let out a fake laugh and whispered, "And it occurs to me that two Para Paya walking in silence with indifferent expressions might appear to be strangers, which is more suspicious than two friends talking and having a good time."

  There was silence for a minute as they neared the gate. The watchers seemed to be eyeing people as they came through. Though the Para Paya were widely known to be pacifists, the ones in the Azapaar had a slightly different reputation, particularly the ones claiming to be fortune-tellers.

  Eriph was startled when Iva finally spoke.

  "Three years."

  The priest smirked. "See, that wasn't so bad. Where did you move from?"

  Iva made eye contact and mustered a smile of her own. "Oh, around. Let's just say these robes aren't exactly foreign to me."

  "Really? I never would've guessed by your name."

  Her tone carried a hint of annoyance. "Of course not. I changed it. Pretty common practice."

  Eriph decided to shift topics. "So, do you know why our common person chose you?"

  "Yes."

  "And?"

  The pair entered the city uninterrupted and put the western gate behind them. The streets were lively and reminded Eriph of his old home in the capital.

  "And?" he repeated.

  "And what? It's none of your business."

  "Sorry, I didn't mean to offend. It's just—well, I don't know why he picked me."

  "So?"

  Eriph scratched his head. "So? You're telling me that wouldn't bother you?"

  "Why would it?"

  "Well, that's easy for you to say. You know why he picked you."

  Iva shot him a sideways glance. "You're aware how difficult it is to gain a position such as ours? Weeks. Months. Maybe never."

  "Sure, I've heard the stories."

  "You were picked on day one. Take pride and stop worrying."

  "So, he never said anything to you about why?"

  "You see the apple stand coming up on our right?" Iva asked.

  "Sure." Eriph wondered what this had to do with his question.

  "When we reach it, I'm going to stop and buy an apple. You continue on and make the first possible right. It'll take you down a narrow alley. Halfway down, you'll find a small alcove. Place your robe there, and then continue to the other side of the alley and head to the square. I'll be right behind you in case anything happens. When you're done with your meeting, retrace your steps, fetch your robe, and head back to the Azapaar. We'll meet up there."

  Before Eriph could say anything further, the apple stand was upon them and Ivochna broke away just as she had described. The priest growled as he continued in silence. Why did Mortis pick him so quickly? Iva was right to some degree, but the question nagged at him. Eriph spotted the space between the buildings and followed Iva's instructions. The walls of the alley were barely far enough apart to accommodate two people walking side by side. When he reached the middle, Eriph checked both directions to make sure he wasn't being watched before shimmying out of his robe. Then he was off to Battle Square.

  As he arrived at the meeting location, Eriph’s eyes were immediately drawn to the massive arced wall. This memorial stood in honor of those who gave their lives on the Plains of Deimor centuries earlier. The names of the deceased had been etched into the stone so no one would forget the sacrifices they ha
d made to keep the demons at bay. The city, once named for Deimor, would eventually be renamed for the monument that stood at its center.

  Eriph cautiously weaved his way through the crowd and stood in front of the wall of names. A few minutes later, the watchtower rang out ten strikes. The priest scanned the crowd before turning back to casually inspect the memorial. So many names. With nothing else to do while he waited, Eriph quietly read them to himself. After every column within his eyesight, he casually searched for Pike. He must have gone through a few hundred names before he heard a familiar voice.

  "Don't turn around," Iva said. "Your friend's pretty late. Would you consider that normal?"

  Eriph gazed at the wall. "Not really, no."

  "He's a close friend of yours, right?"

  "One of my best. We grew up together."

  "I don't like it. I recommend leaving."

  "I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation. Give him a few more minutes."

  There was a long pause. "Fine, I'm going to sweep through the square and see if anyone's watching you. If Pike isn't here by the time I get back, we're leaving."

  "That's fair. I appreciate the leeway. Like I said, I'm sure everything's fine, and he's been delayed by something completely harmless. I mean, have you been on time to every meeting in your life?" Eriph gazed up into the sky and sighed. "And of course, you're not here anymore."

  "Who's not here anymore?"

  The voice forced Eriph to spin around. "Pike! You rascal. You're late!"

  Eriph's friend was slightly smaller than him with very short charcoal hair. The man in the brown robe bowed. "My apologies, Your Grace, I was unexpectedly detained. Can you ever forgive me?"

  "Ha ha, you're hilarious. Stop bowing."

  Pike grinned. "So, who's not here anymore?"

  Eriph raised an eyebrow. "What now?"

  "When I walked up, you said something along the lines of 'you're not here anymore.' Who were you talking about?"

  "Oh." Eriph looked over his shoulder. "Well, all these brave souls who died to keep the city safe. By the way, have you read some of these names? Galastraloff? Porridge? Some poor fool's parents called him Porridge."