The Forgotten Queen

by Matt Glicksman

  Lunargrace took his spot at the foot of the table. "I want to thank you all for coming tonight. I hope you realize how incredible this moment is. A priest, a paladin, and two demons under one roof. Not at one another's throats. Not as prisoners. But rather, sharing a meal. Please, eat."

  Slowly and quietly, the dinner began as dishes were passed around. Millan struggled to keep his hands steady as he accepted plates from the Seductress. He had heard so many stories about her. Those who encountered her described her as charming and playful up until the moment she turned ruthless and cruel. Would it be so bad if the Seductress was killed? Should he warn her about Sonojj? Millan's head was spinning. What the depths had he gotten himself into? The food smelled so good, and yet he felt nauseated. As he handed the dish to Sundancer, her hand touched his. His eyes met hers. She gave him a kind smile, and his appetite came roaring back. Millan's pulse raced as he stared at his fork and stabbed his food. The alleged plot to murder the Seductress was completely replaced with the image of Sundancer's smile. The Nesinu priest took his first bite, and his focus returned to the dinner party when Agalia broke the silence.

  "Ambassador Millan, as a priest of Candelux, may I assume you understand Kisejjad?"

  "Yes, that's right."

  "And your wife?"

  Millan nearly choked on his food. Coughing and wheezing, the Nesinu priest clutched his chest until he had swallowed the mouthful. "Sorry. Sorry about that."

  "I'm not his wife," Sundancer answered calmly. "I'm his bodyguard."

  The Seductress tilted her head. "Oh?"

  Lunargrace spoke up. "Yes, I suppose that's my fault. I should've explained. Lady Sundancer is my eldest daughter. She grew up on the Frozen Coast, and so she also understands Kisejjad."

  "Do all Para Paya understand it?" Millan asked.

  "Of course. The ability to communicate with demons is a crucial part of our effort to make them feel most welcome here."

  Agalia reached out and squeezed Luna's hand. "Most welcome, indeed. It’s so nice to be in a place where you don’t have to worry about being hunted down."

  Sundancer snorted. "A sentiment I’m sure all your victims would’ve been happy to feel."

  The Seductress playfully scowled. "Terrible, I know. But I respect the order and peace here on the Coast. Demons and humans living in harmony. No talk of betrayal or vengeance. It’s not like the rest of the Surface, where it’s hunt or be hunted. Am I right?"

  "Hunt or be hunted? Are you telling me Princess Sereyna, the nine-year-old you murdered, was in some way hunting you?"

  "Sundancer, please," Luna intervened.

  "No, no, she’s right." Agalia sighed. "It was an awful mistake. An order from Verago. I…I should’ve defied him. I should've been stronger. I…I knew it was wrong. I wish I could take it back, but you don't know the Devil like I do. Such a brave little girl."

  Millan was captivated by the apparent sorrow in her eyes. He was unaware demons could show such emotion. "Why would Verago want you to kill Princess Sereyna?"

  "I wish I knew. It might help me get past this tragedy. He sent Draeko after the princes, too, but he was unsuccessful. Thankfully. I've been trying to figure it out. What is Verago's interest in King Cato’s children? But, I don’t know. Alas, the Devil has many secrets."

  "Centuries of rage," Luna interjected. "That's what he has, and that's what he's unleashed on the kingdom. There won't be peace between humans and demons until the kingdom adopts a policy similar to ours."

  Sundancer scoffed. "Allow demons to wander freely in the kingdom? Perhaps we should all just turn our backs and make it easier for them to stab us."

  "I'm not saying it would be easy, but look at the Coast. Have we not proven such a feat is possible?"

  "The Coast has nothing of value to the Devil. His focus is on destroying the Talisman, and when that happens, not even the Frozen Coast will be safe for humans."

  "On this, we're in agreement," the Seductress said. "Verago has kept the peace with the Para Paya because it gives his demons protection, and, no offense, he doesn't view you as a threat. But the kingdom forsook him many years ago, and he won't stop until the last building is rubble. If demons and humans are to ever live in peace, not just here, but all over the Surface, Verago must be stopped."

  "That’s quite cynical," Snowlily said in her petite voice. "Verago has honored our arrangement for hundreds of years. There's no reason to believe he'll attack us if he wins his war with the kingdom."

  "Well said, my dear," Luna said.

  "Naive," Sundancer and Agalia replied in unison.

  The Seductress giggled. "See, we're already on the same side."

  "It's a pointless discussion anyway," the bloodseeker grumbled. "We're talking about stopping Verago, who hasn't stepped foot on the Surface in over a century, save Devil's Breach. And we've completely ignored the very real, very immediate danger of the demon lord."

  "Mm, Erynion. But I've heard there hasn't been an attack in over a week. Is this true?"

  "Yes, but that doesn't mean the peace will continue."

  "But it doesn't mean it won't either," Luna pointed out.

  "So, where is he?" Agalia asked. "Just roaming the kingdom? Avoiding cities?"

  Millan swallowed his food. "Last I heard he was near Nolka, but that was a couple of days ago. Not sure where he is now."

  "Nolka? How interesting. And has Candelux figured out who he is yet?"

  "Not yet. Do you know?"

  "I do," the Seductress said. "It's the reason he killed me. I discovered his identity, and he crushed my throat."

  Millan leaned in. "Will you share it with us?"

  Lunargrace clapped his hands. "Such collaboration. I couldn't have imagined this dinner going so well."

  "Unfortunately, I have to keep this to myself," the Seductress said.

  "Pfft. I'm shocked," Sundancer retorted.

  "Tell me, what would you do with this knowledge?"

  Millan furrowed his brow. "What do you mean? We'd use it to capture and cleanse him, of course."

  Agalia pointed at the priest. "Exactly. And, that's why I can't share his identity with you. You see, I need Erynion alive."

  "Why?"

  "I need his strength. Without it, I can never defeat Verago."

  "Hey now." Luna interrupted. "Maybe we can switch to more uplifting topics. Less talk about killing. Maligus, you've been quiet this evening. What do you think of the Coast?"

  The ogre demon grunted. "Cold."

  "That's it?"

  "The sea is made completely out of ice. The sand is covered with snow. Were you expecting a ballad?"

  Millan smirked at the demon's honesty. He had felt the same way on his first day. But now, he marveled at how little he minded the weather while in the presence of Sundancer.

  Maligus growled. "What's so funny?"

  "Nothing," Millan shot back.

  The ogre shoved more food into his mouth. A decent number of morsels escaped and landed on the table.

  "Maligus, show some manners," the Seductress quietly scolded.

  "I thought demons didn’t need to eat," Millan said.

  The ogre stopped chewing and glared at the priest.

  "That's true," Agalia responded. "We don’t need food to survive. But we still have taste, and, on occasion, indulge in eating. Especially when we've been invited by such gracious hosts."

  Snowlily dabbed the corner of her mouth with her napkin. "It's our pleasure. We're happy you all accepted."

  "I'm curious," Sundancer said to the Seductress. "What exactly are your plans if you beat Verago?"

  "Are we back on this again?" Luna asked. "This is supposed to be a friendly dinner, not an interrogation."

  Agalia held up her hand. "It's quite all right. I don't mind. The truth is I hadn't given it much thought. One step at a time."

  "It seems to me you've had more than enough time to give it thought," said the bloodseeker. "Centuries even. And, I believe before Verago took control of the Am
ulet, you had your heart set on destroying the kingdom."

  The Seductress covered her mouth and giggled. "Ancient history. So much has changed. But now that you mention it, there is one thing I have in mind. I would very much like Alovajj returned to me…and the other demons. I think that would be fair."

  "A peaceful negotiation with the Death Gods," Luna jumped in. "I would be more than happy to mediate if you wish."

  "That's very generous of you. Thank you. I can just see it now. Alovajj would be an extension of the Coast. Another land of peace and…"

  Her voice trailed off as Millan stopped listening. It was in that moment, a candle was lit in his mind. He understood what Sundancer had told him before they had arrived on the Coast. The niceties, the constant talks of peace, the general feeling of happiness. It all seemed fake. It had to be fake. After all, this was the Seductress, responsible for the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, of humans. There was no way she intended to take back Alovajj peacefully. It was all lies, and Lunargrace was naive enough to listen to them. The whole dinner was a sham and would not be the first step toward anything. Millan's grip tightened around his fork.

  "Everything all right, Millan?" Luna asked.

  The Nesinu priest lowered the fork beside his empty plate. "Yes. The food was delicious."

  "Would you like some more?"

  "No, thank you. I'm sorry, but I think perhaps we should leave."

  "Leave?" Luna pressed him further. "Are you sure you're all right? Is something the matter?"

  "Father, that's not necessary," Sundancer interjected. "If he wishes to leave, we should leave."

  "Now, hold on. We're just having an open discussion. We're all friends here. It's important he speaks his mind. What do you say, Millan?"

  Millan's chest tightened, and he took shallow breaths. He needed a lie, anything to get out of the tent, but nothing came to mind. When he locked eyes with Luna, it was like the Para Paya elder was gazing into his mind, even his soul. The dinner felt like it was coming back to his throat. He did his best to suppress it, but it wouldn't stay down for long.

  "Enough," Sundancer said. "I will tell you what's on his mind. Before we came to this dinner, we uncovered an assassination plot on the Coast."

  Luna straightened up. "What?! What are you talking about?"

  "Millan and I overheard someone talking about a demon named Sonojj, who is potentially targeting"—Sundancer looked across the table—"the Seductress."

  The tent was silent. The focus had moved away from Millan, and he could feel the food settling in his stomach.

  "Who did you hear it from?" Luna asked.

  Sundancer shrugged. "Didn't catch a name, but it was a demon."

  "Let me guess. Long blond hair with black streaks? Pointy nose? Palish skin with the slightest shade of blue?"

  "You know her?"

  Lunargrace nodded. "Sonojj came to see Agalia a couple of nights ago, and I turned him away. I sensed he was hiding something, so I asked a couple of sen'dya to keep an eye on him. He's been spending most of his time with that demon."

  "Who is she?"

  "Her name is Jin. She's from Djjatol. This is all I know about her for now." The Para Paya elder rubbed his forehead. "This is serious. You should've told me right away."

  "We were going to, but I think we were both a little stunned when the other guests at your dinner turned out to be the Seductress and her friend. Regardless, you know about it now, and my concern is for Millan."

  "For Millan?"

  "If Sonojj were to succeed in his mission, there's a good possibility he'll come after Millan next. He injured Sonojj at Royal Oak and got him imprisoned. Not to mention, if he finds out Millan attempted to foil his assassination plan…well, certainly you can understand why I'd be worried."

  "What do you suggest? Accusations can't be made anonymously."

  "Then just say it was me, and only me," Sundancer requested.

  "I have a better idea," Agalia said. "Tell the elders it was I who overheard the plot. It is I who will make the formal accusation."

  "You would do that to protect Millan?" Luna said.

  "Of course. After spending such a lovely evening together, I wouldn't wish any harm to come to him."

  "I see you really have changed, haven't you? That's very thoughtful."

  "It's the least I could. My life is already in apparent danger, and I have Millan and Sundancer to thank for the warning." The Seductress grinned. "And, I want to see Sonojj’s face when he realizes it was me."

  Chapter 26

  "How are you feeling?" Eyzora asked.

  Inside his mind, Erynion gazed up to the sky over his staging ground. "Fine. Why?"

  "The sun is nearly up. You've been meditating all night. No agony?"

  "No agony. Just like last night. Feranis's chains are exactly what I needed."

  "Hopefully not for much longer. Are you able to turn Dulo yet?"

  Over the past couple of days, his mind had been acting erratically. When memories of his human life weren't getting in the way, his lessons with the Devil were plagued with random pauses that seemed to grow longer and longer. He secretly hoped it would resolve itself. "Not yet. I think I'm close, though."

  "Very well. Keep at it. It's imperative you learn this spell. Call out if you need me; otherwise, I'll leave you in peace."

  "Understood." Erynion groaned as he lowered himself to the grass. He didn't want to let Eyzora know, but the night had slipped away from him. He had made little progress compared to his previous meditations. Perhaps, he should ask for her help.

  The demon's eyes shot up at the appearance of a door. Odd. He hadn't intended to summon one. Another memory of his life bullying its way into his mind, no doubt. When the door swung open on its own, Erynion stood. On the other side of the threshold stood his human form, Prince Altheus. Something was different. The human prince stepped into the staging area and shut the door behind him.

  Erynion glared at the intruder. "You're not a memory, are you?"

  Altheus shook his head. "I'm you. And you're me. But you know that. You can feel it, can't you?"

  "Yes, I can. And you feel the same?"

  "That's right."

  Erynion circled his human side. "How is this possible? Verago locked you away."

  "It's true. And honestly, I was content in my cell. But it broke the night we came to the Surface."

  "The agony?"

  "Did quite a bit of damage on our mind, including letting me free," Altheus said.

  "If you've been free this entire time, why haven't you tried to wrest control from me?"

  "Well, for a couple of reasons. One, as I said before, I was content in my cell. I was more than happy to let you kill our brother so we could get back to our family. Less than ideal, but a viable solution."

  Erynion raised one of his eyebrows. "And the other reason?"

  "Just as you had forgotten much of your memories and training on that first night, so had I. But after that, I was able to freely roam our mind, much like you've been doing with your meditation, and learn all the secrets it held. And as I watched you traipse around the kingdom over the last couple of weeks, it's also given me time to think and develop a plan. And now that I have one, I come to you with a request."

  "Let me guess. You want control of our body."

  "Yes. But I'm not going to take it from you. You see, it occurs to me if I steal this body away, it's only a matter of time before you learn what I know and fight for it back. It would be an endless internal struggle, and ultimately, we'd both lose. That's why it's important we work together toward our common goal."

  "Killing Batar?"

  "No."

  Erynion thought for a moment. "Returning to Nila and Sereyna."

  Altheus smiled. "Exactly."

  The demon lord locked eyes with the human prince. "It was you. All this time. The interruptions to my meditations, the imposing memories, the pauses. I thought I was going crazy, but it was you."

  "That's ri
ght. I've been trying to get through ever since you started meditating, but I'm weak compared to you. You're the one who's in control of our body and all of its dark energy."

  "But the light energy from the chains weakens me," Erynion said.

  "Yes. And here we are. So, will you hear me out?"

  The demon lord sat on the ground, crossed his legs, and gestured to the grass.

  Altheus mirrored his pose. "You were right before. Our goal is to return to our family. Verago's goal is to get Batar. We get our prize when Verago gets his. And, we both agree Batar has to take responsibility for his actions."

  "Of course."

  "Killing him would undoubtedly send him to the Depths. His soul's linked to Verago. Nothing he can do about that. But that task in itself is monumental. Aside from hiding behind two sets of walls and an army, he also wears the Talisman. An impossible challenge for any demon, even the Devil. Agreed?"

  Erynion was uncomfortable admitting it, but he wanted to see where Altheus was going. "So far."

  "So, maybe there's another way. Maybe we can convince Batar to give himself up."

  "He's had the opportunity for three years and has yet to do anything. What makes you think he'd surrender now?"

  Altheus leaned back on his hands. "You know him. He's afraid. At Devil's Breach, he hesitated. He's had three years to think about that. And honestly, I don't think he realizes we're still alive. That he can give Nila her husband back, and Sereyna her father. If we can get in touch with him, come to an arrangement—an exchange—he may be willing to hand himself over."

  "And how do you propose to do that?"

  "If you agree to give me control of our body, I'll travel to North Refuge and speak with Nila. She's the only one we can trust with such a task. It'll do us some good to see her again after all this time."

  "I suppose we could send Dulo to tell her to meet us."

  "Like how you contacted Feranis? I don't think so. Dulo's not from North Refuge. He wouldn't know where to look and wouldn't be able to ask for help without causing a stir."

  "Then what do you suggest?" Erynion asked.

  "Well, it seems the angel of fortune has smiled upon us and delivered us a Brother."