The Forgotten Queen

by Matt Glicksman

  "Think nothing of it," the demon lord said.

  "So, what happened? Where is she now?"

  Erynion knew little about Alejjir's past, in particular, his relationship with Agalia. For now, he decided it would be best to omit the details of her demise. "We did not share the same purpose, and so we parted ways. Tell me. Why are you two camped near the site of my twisted gate?"

  "It's just a theory I came up with to find the Foxhole," Alejjir said. "Your tree was destroyed by the priests, and the area was sanctified, but they can only cleanse so much of the roots. They're still down there. I was thinking they might spread out and naturally seek the closest pocket of dark energy. So, I've been letting the roots point me in certain directions, but there's dozens of them, and I'm not great at sensing energy, so it's pretty hit or miss. Mostly miss."

  "Wait a minute." Erynion recalled a snippet of the battle in Royal Oak. The ground had been blessed with holy energy, and he had countered the spell with one of his own. "Verago passed on all of his spells to me. If I negate the sacred ground, I could rebuild the twisted gate. I could create the Foxhole."

  "Sounds plausible to me," the Marksman said.

  Flinch pointed behind Erynion. "You might want to run that by our furry friends, or did you forget you're supposed to be meditating?"

  "What…what the depths is that?" Eleza's voice quivered.

  The demon lord turned to discover Ojjuk and Eyzora approaching the camp. "That would be the Denhauli."

  "The De—De—the wolves are real? They're huge."

  "Stay calm, you have nothing to be afraid of," Erynion said reassuringly.

  "Ah, Erynion, here you are," Eyzora said as she came alongside him.

  "Are you serious?!" Eleza exclaimed. "Are you in my head right now?"

  "Who's your friend?" the red wolf asked.

  "This is Eleza. She was the overseer in Nolka until the priests ran her out of town. She's been hiding out here in the woods with Alejjir."

  Eyzora lowered her head in the Marksman's direction. "Good to see you again, Alejjir. We were pleased to hear you didn't ally with the Seductress. Are you planning to join us?"

  "Didn't really have any plans, but if you're asking me to join, I suppose I could."

  The red wolf stared at the demon lord. "We were worried when we returned to the oasis and you were gone. What brought you here? Did you sense them?"

  "No, I remembered having a vision near the twisted gate and thought I'd be more successful meditating there."

  "Your gate was destroyed," Ojjuk said. "You should listen to our instructions and stop wasting time."

  "We found two more allies. I'd hardly call that wasting time."

  Ojjuk sneered while Eyzora responded. "Of course not. It's just learning how to create demons is critical to your success in building an army on the Surface. Dulo is already willing to become an iymed, so he'll be an excellent starting point."

  Eleza held up her hand. "I'm sorry. Did you just say Dulo?"

  "That's right."

  "As in…" Her lip quivered. "Dulo, the beggar from Nolka? He's dead?"

  "Yes." Erynion tilted his head. "You knew him?"

  Eleza rested her hands on her knees and stifled her tears. "Oh no. I wasn't there to protect him. This is all my fault."

  The spirit of Ozlican stepped out from behind the black wolf. "Eleza, please don't cry."

  The overseer sniffled. "Those pigs will pay. May the Devil curse those who killed you."

  "Actually, I killed myself."

  "But why?"

  The wanderer glided over the ground to be in front of her. "It was the only way to escape the beatings. But it's a good thing. Really, it is. I was useless to the Brotherhood as a deranged beggar. Now that I'm free, I can become the demon I always wished to be."

  Eleza produced the smallest smile. "I suppose you're right. Oh, Oz, I'm sorry I left you behind."

  "Oz?" Flinch asked. "Who's Oz?"

  Eleza immediately covered her mouth. "I've said too much."

  "You know Dulo's true identity," Erynion said, "which means you knew him before he was moved to Nolka."

  The overseer nodded. "I was the one who moved him. Look, I'm sorry. I swear I'll never reveal his identity to anyone."

  "It's all right," the wanderer reassured her. "Just call me Dulo from now on. I'm sure we can trust the present company."

  "Hmm," Erynion said. "Dulo told me what happened during the Assault, but his memories are fuzzy after his hit to the head. Maybe you can fill in the gaps."

  "I can certainly try," Eleza said. "What do you want to know?"

  "Well, for starters, what happened after the Assault?"

  "Uh…Dulo…and I were part of the same Brotherhood cell. I was there with him and his father at the western gate when all the demons started to retreat. I ran like most of the other Brothers, but Dulo and his father faced them head-on. I hid, like a coward, and watched his father die."

  "Better to hide than suffer my fate," the wanderer said.

  "After Dulo was injured, the paladins and watchers left to chase after the other Brothers. When the coast was clear, I ventured out and dragged him to safety. Because of Shinigami's betrayal, I had to assume all of our safe houses were compromised, and so I took him to my parents' home in the northern part of the city. They weren't pleased."

  "They weren't members of the Brotherhood?" Erynion asked.

  "No, and they didn't know we were…until that day. You see, Dulo wasn't just a fellow Brother. We were engaged to be married, and my parents loved him as much as they loved me. Since Dulo's injury was so severe, my parents found it difficult to turn us out."

  "That was very kind of them," the wanderer said.

  "For about a week," Eleza shot back.

  "Ah."

  "Dulo was finally eating on his own and walking about; although, with some difficulty. One night, my father came to me and offered to get us out of the city, under the condition I never return to Light's Haven. So, I agreed. I decided I would take Dulo as far away from the capital as possible. Nesinu seemed perfect. We hid under a pile of hay to be delivered to the local farms, and once we were a few miles from the city gate, I said goodbye to my father forever.

  "Dulo and I stayed off the main roads, and on our second night, we camped not far from Nolka. I awoke in the darkness to watchers raiding our camp. I suppose someone tipped them off, because they said they were looking for Dulo, but he was nowhere to be found. I remember being so terrified, but when they discovered he wasn't there, the watchers apologized and left. I couldn't sleep after that, so I went to Nolka, hoping he hadn't been captured. And if he hadn't, I needed to figure out how I was going to find him. And wouldn't you know, in the middle of the city, there he was, splashing in the fountain." Eleza chuckled. "He hadn't spoken a single word since the injury. He'd never smiled. But the joy on his face when he was in that fountain? It warmed my heart."

  "How did he get past the watchers at the gates?" Erynion asked.

  "Luckily, one of the watchers on guard was in the Brotherhood and recognized him. At first, the watchers kept a close eye on Dulo, but eventually, they realized how harmless he was and mostly left him alone. He clearly wasn't right in the head. And that's pretty much it. I joined the Brotherhood in Nolka, and over the last sixteen years, I've tried to keep him out of trouble."

  Erynion furrowed his brow. "You're telling me you just let him be a beggar that whole time?"

  "Of course not. I loved him with all my soul. I tried to provide for him, I did, but he kept wandering off. He'd leave the city for days at a time. The first few incidents, I searched for him night and day with no luck, but in the end, he always wound up back home. So I let him wander. I didn't see the harm. But then, one time, he didn't come home. I waited for weeks. And then one day, one of the Brothers informed me that Dulo was living on the street in the corner of the city."

  Eleza stepped in front of the wanderer and reached for his face, but her hand passed through his translucent
form. "When I looked into your eyes, they were empty. You didn't remember who I was. I tried to convince you to come home, but the more I insisted, the more upset you became. You'd made a home for yourself without me."

  Dulo frowned. "I'm sorry, Eleza."

  "You don't have to apologize. All that matters now is that we're together again. After all this time, I finally have you back."

  Chapter 22

  Mashira stormed past the royal watcher and into the small area adjacent to the throne room. Her fists trembled as she glared at the king's back. The door clicked shut, and they were alone.

  "Your Highness," the Prima said through her teeth.

  With his hands resting on the sill, Batar continued to quietly gaze out the window.

  The feeling of being ignored enraged her further. "Batar!"

  The king dragged his hands from the sill and lowered his head. He slowly turned with slumped shoulders. When he looked up, his eyes were bloodshot and his face was wet from recent tears.

  "Batar?" she said softly.

  "I can't do anything right," he said. "All these lies. It's too much."

  Though Mashira was still annoyed with him, she maintained a gentle tone. "So, you knew? That Altheus is Erynion?"

  Batar tightly closed his eyes and dropped his head. "Yes. I'm so sorry."

  "When did you know? Before or after Royal Oak?"

  "After. When you came to me the first time, I really didn't remember the name 'Erynion.' It'd been so long. But then, after Royal Oak, in your letter, you mentioned Sereyna and Sir Bix, and it all came back to me. When you said Sir Bix was still alive, I knew for sure it was Altheus. After all, there were only four of us who played that game."

  "So, that day at Devil's Breach, did Verago kill Altheus?"

  "No," he said with a whimper. "The last time I saw my brother, he was alive, being pulled to the Depths."

  "Then why did you lie?"

  Batar raised his chin and locked eyes with her. "What was I supposed to do? My father was devastated. I'd seen that look on his face before. Sereyna died in those same gardens. When the Seductress killed her, the only thing that seemed to provide him with any consolation was the fact that children always transcend. So, at Devil's Breach, that was all I could think of. After all, it was my fault my brother was gone. Verago was coming for me. I couldn't…I couldn't look my father in the face and tell him his favorite son had been taken from him. And so, I lied and said Altheus was in a better place."

  "But why did you lie to me?" Mashira asked. "I was the one who helped you to begin with."

  "You were standing right next to him. And later, I wanted to tell you the truth, I really did. I was going to wait until after the memorial service, but—I don't know. I just kept putting it off, and it got harder and harder to bring it up. Eventually, it didn't seem to matter anymore. What was the harm in people thinking he'd transcended?"

  "The harm? Knowing Erynion's true identity gives us an incredible advantage over him. We knew he was heading to Nolka. If we had known he was Altheus a few days ago, we could've set a trap and possibly ended this nightmare. But now, it's too late for that."

  Batar sighed. "I'm sorry. How did you figure it out?"

  "I had my suspicions. You were acting strangely in our last meeting, but it was the Death Gods who confirmed it."

  "They helped you?"

  "I explained our plan to them and how we could only pursue it if we knew for sure Erynion is Altheus. Mortis was still reluctant, but Shinigami clearly saw the benefit of sharing."

  "So what's the plan?"

  The Prima bit her lip. "That's confidential."

  "What? What do you mean? I'm the king."

  "Yes, you are."

  "Then I order you to tell me what the plan is."

  "No. I'm afraid you can't be trusted."

  Batar scoffed. "Because I lied once three years ago?"

  "And every single day since then. You could've told me in our last meeting. It was just you, me, and Sir Mekken." Mashira quickly surveyed the room. "Where is Sir Mekken? Is he not supposed to be with you at all times?"

  "I dismissed him. I wanted to be alone. My father…my father isn't doing well."

  "I'm sorry to hear that."

  "The healers come every day, but he continues to get weaker. He can't even get out of bed. His mind is slipping. He keeps asking for Altheus and Sereyna. I have to lie. My poor mother can't stand to see him like this."

  "They don't know what's wrong with him?"

  "Not really. They've checked his whole body. They've looked into his mind. It's been the same story for the last two years. They keep saying it's something deeper. Something they're not able to heal. But now, they're saying if something isn't done soon, he won't last much longer. But no one seems to know what that something is."

  Batar hunched his shoulders and cried softly into his hands. The case of King Cato was indeed strange. After Altheus had supposedly died, the king's demeanor had changed drastically. Once a kind and patient ruler, Cato began to lash out at the guild leaders and buy into the conspiracy theories surrounding Verago and Candelux. After a year, the queen was able to convince Cato to abdicate the crown due to his apparent illness. However, no healers could ever determine the source of it.

  Archdon Maxiteer, the Primus before Ayristark and then one of Ayristark's advisors, traveled from North Refuge to examine the king. But even Maxiteer, well known for his healing abilities, concluded the problem was something deeper. His recommendation was to seek help outside the kingdom. This meant either the Death Gods or the Para Paya. Back then, both suggestions were cast aside, but perhaps with relationships being reforged, these options were actually possible.

  "Batar," Mashira said.

  The king cleared his throat and faced her.

  "I will see what I can find out about getting your father some help."

  "Hasn't Candelux already tried?"

  "Yes. But I wasn't referring to Candelux. We have ambassadors on the Frozen Coast right now, and I can speak with the Death Gods. Maybe they can help."

  "Thank you. What are you going to do about Altheus?" Batar asked.

  "We have to stop him. You know there's no other choice."

  "I agree. I think I know how to do it too."

  Mashira narrowed her eyes. "You do?"

  "All of this is because Verago wanted me at Devil's Breach. Well, if it stops Erynion"—the king lifted the chain around his neck and removed the Talisman—"Verago can have me."

  "No!" The Prima dashed forward, snatched the artifact from the king, and lowered it back on his shoulders. "Don't ever take it off. I don't know what happens if Verago gets you, but it can't be good. He's put too much effort into all of this. He can't have you."

  "Why? What makes me so special?"

  This was the question Mashira always came back to. And aside from Verago, who else knew the answer? Shinigami? Probably. The Para Paya? Possibly. The lack of knowledge pestered her.

  Mashira stepped back from Batar. "I don't have all the answers, but I'm working on it."

  ✽✽✽

  The sound of the door handle forced him to open his eyes.

  "How are we feeling today? Hungry?" Don Layola dropped a plate on the table. It appeared to be meat with some mashed potatoes. "Jugjug says this piece is the best cut he could find. Of course it's from a rat, so you have to take that into consideration."

  Throughout the night, Aksil had been subjected to more physical torture at the hands of a giant man who was also the local butcher. Jugjug always brought his cleaver, burying it in the table as a form of intimidation. He often bragged how easily he could dismember Aksil with a single swing. The night had not gone well, and though the thief was having some trouble breathing, likely due to cracked ribs, he managed to chuckle softly.

  Layola rolled her eyes. "What is it now?"

  "Jugjug," Aksil said softly. "A grown man, who weighs as much as the cows he slaughters, is happy to be called Jugjug. Seriously? Sounds more like a b
aby's first word."

  "Did you say that to him?"

  "Ha! Ow! My side. No, I was afraid he'd actually use his cleaver."

  Layola smirked as she pulled up a chair and sat in it. "You're probably right. He's been dying to do some real damage to you. And his cell leader was thinking about granting him permission, but I've been able to dissuade them so far."

  "Are you expecting me to thank you?"

  "Oh, I'm not delusional. But maybe some cooperation would be in order."

  "I feel like I've been very cooperative," the thief said. "It's just you don't believe me."

  "Look, Aksil. You're running out of time. Tell me what your connection is with Don Millan."

  "Or what? More hugs?"

  Layola delved into her pocket and pulled out a small black orb, the size of a marble. Resting it in the palm of her hand, she hovered it in front of Aksil's face. "I'm sure you know about seeds."

  "Dark spells. Yeah."

  "This one is new. Not many people have heard about it yet, but in a few weeks, it'll be the talk of the entire kingdom. We call it deathroot." Layola pivoted her hand so the seed rolled around in her palm. "Have you heard of it?"

  The thief feigned ignorance and shook his head. "What's it do?"

  "A lot. Short answer, though. It makes you obedient and honest. Very honest."

  "If that's true, why all the torture? Why didn't you give it to me the first night?"

  Layola returned the seed to her pocket. "It's a time-consuming process, and we have a limited supply, for now. You're not someone we wanted to waste it on, but if you keep withholding information, you're going to leave us no choice."

  "How does it work?"

  "Maybe when you have me tied to a chair, I'll tell you. Or maybe I'll be like you, and I won't. But you can believe me when I say, either way, you're going to tell us the truth. Only you're not going to like what deathroot does to you."

  Aksil took a deep breath. "Seems like you're not leaving me with much of a choice."

  "So, what's it going to be?"

  The thief closed his eyes and thought through his situation. Chances were likely that Layola was not bluffing about deathroot and its abilities. It made sense that Greggor used it on Millan. There would be considerable value to getting such a high-profile priest under the control of the Brotherhood. As for the possibility of rescue, Aksil had no guarantee the Death Gods would find him in time, assuming they figured out he was in Memorial City. The thief moved forward with what he deemed his only option. He cast his eyes on the floor and spoke in a defeated tone. "All right. You win. What do you want to know?"