The Forgotten Queen

by Matt Glicksman

  Millan shook his head in disbelief. "Are you telling me we know Erynion's identity and we're not spreading that information like wildfire?"

  "That's correct. For good reason, too, so you keep this to yourself, understand?"

  "No, I don't. Why would we hide this?"

  Kainol inhaled deeply through his nostrils. "All I can say is there's a plan in motion that heavily relies on Erynion believing we don't know his true identity yet. If a Brother catches wind of this, we may lose a critical advantage over the demon lord. So, I'm ordering you both to keep this to yourselves. Lady Sundancer, I hold no authority over you, and given your duty to the Prima, I'm not opposed to you hearing this. However, you must swear to me now that you will do the same, or else I will ask you to excuse yourself from my tent."

  The bloodseeker's expression was flat. "No one will hear the name from my lips, I swear to the angels."

  "Very well. Erynion is Prince Altheus."

  Millan scratched his head. "But I thought—"

  "Yes, I know. That he transcended. Everyone was told that, but it's not true. King Batar has confirmed as much."

  While the revelation sunk in Millan's head, Navi asked, "In that case, is there anything else the Prima 'as 'er 'eart set on learning from the Death Gods?"

  Kainol nodded. "She strongly believes the Death Gods know the identities of all five greaters. I would suggest starting there. Now, the reason this couldn't wait is because the Death God spy is apparently inching closer to danger, and there's little time to waste. The Death Gods want to put forth a plan to save him tomorrow night, which means you need to get to Memorial City by morning, early afternoon at the very latest."

  "Ha! We'd 'ave to backtrack toward Light's 'aven. Even if we left now, there's no way we'd get there in time. Even with the 'orses pushed to their limits."

  "That's not true," Sundancer said. "There's a road that heads south from here toward Djjatol and then crosses over into the kingdom, approaching Memorial City from the west."

  "Yes, exactly," Kainol added. "Hopefully, taking the carriage will allow you to get some sleep on the way. Lunargrace has already sent a note to the elders of Djjatol, requesting a change of horses for you. That should get you to Memorial City as planned. Any questions?"

  "Do we 'ave any other information about what's going on in Memorial City with this spy? What the plan is?" Navi asked.

  "You'll be fully briefed by Head Archdon Kyara and Founder Dolore when you arrive in Memorial City."

  "What about my horse, Orfius?" Millan asked.

  "I will make the arrangements to have your horse and Lady Sundancer's horse brought to Memorial City for you. There's not much else I can say about this, so if there are no more questions, I suggest you gather your things and prepare for the journey."

  The three stood and shuffled toward the front of the tent.

  "Uh, Don Millan," Kainol called out. "If you could stay for a moment, I'd like to speak with you in private."

  "I'll wait for you outside," Sundancer said before stepping through the slit.

  "I won't." Navi winked as she followed the bloodseeker out.

  "Please, have a seat," Kainol said.

  Millan returned to his spot. "Is something the matter, Your Grace?"

  "I don't believe so. You see, Lunargrace has been very helpful today, like with the horses waiting for you in Djjatol. He's also encouraging the other two elders to share some information that has, well, how do I put this…has been missing from our history books."

  "You're talking about the Senarod?"

  Kainol raised his eyebrow. "Ah, so you have heard of them. Interesting."

  "Just the name. I don't know anything about them."

  "Then, you are at the same level of knowledge as most of us. Our hope here on the Coast was to learn more about the Sen as the Para Paya are supposedly descendants of this lost race. I didn't reveal this to you initially because I didn't want you to be part of the negotiations. Your presence on this expedition was at the request of the Death Gods, and so I saw no reason to include you when dealing with the Para Paya."

  Millan lowered his head. "I understand, Your Grace."

  "I don't think you do. What I'm trying to say is I seem to have underestimated you."

  "You did?"

  "Yes, despite not being in any of the official discussions, you somehow managed to influence one of the elders into helping us. Luna was very open with me about a certain dinner you participated in."

  Millan straightened up. "He was?"

  "Yes, he was. Particularly about how you kept your calm while sitting across the table from the Seductress and one of her underlings. How you were a shining example of how priests should approach mending the relationship between humans and demons. How you demonstrated to him that Candelux was open-minded and willing to use the Para Paya's knowledge for a peaceful resolution."

  "He said all that? Honestly, I was just trying to keep my heart in my chest."

  Kainol smirked, the first sign of mirth Millan had witnessed from the lead ambassador. "You've surprised me, Millan, and I'm not easily surprised. And it's a shame you're so desperately needed in Memorial City to help with the Death Gods, because I'm really interested to hear about this assassination plot you apparently helped to foil."

  "Oh, that? Wait. Was it foiled?"

  "Well, according to Luna, it's still unclear what exactly happened, but the situation has been resolved. The demon in question is no longer a threat, and the Seductress has left Nua'dem."

  "In which direction?" Millan held his breath.

  "Don't worry. She went north to Blue Plaza. You won't be crossing paths with her anytime soon."

  The Nesinu priest exhaled. "Thank the angels."

  "But I am looking forward to your side of the story when we meet again." Kainol stood and helped Millan to his feet. "May the angels watch over you."

  "And you as well, Your Grace."

  Chapter 30

  Resting on a stump, Altheus fiddled with the buttons on his shirt to ensure his scars were hidden. It had been a full day since Erynion had granted him control of their shared body. The enchanted chains jingled softly as they swayed gently from a tree branch. Thankfully, he did not have to suffer the agony like Erynion. The visit with Archdon Feranis had been well worth the risk. And, with a clear mind, Altheus had learned some interesting history about the Brotherhood during the rule of King Vask and Queen Corriani, as well as the Marksman's true identity.

  The rustling of leaves captured his attention and filled him with hope. Three long years had passed since he glimpsed his beloved. If Eleza had been successful in her mission, today would end the streak. Flinch emerged first from behind the brush, and Altheus rose to his feet.

  Eleza followed next. "It's a good thing you sent the jester. I'm not sure how long it would've taken us to find you otherwise."

  Altheus smiled. "Us?"

  "I present to you, your wife." The Brother held out her hand as Nila appeared. Her clothing was made of the finest material, light blue with flecks of glittering gold. Around her neck hung a brown scarf, which didn't match her ensemble at all. For a time, the two simply stared at each other.

  Altheus stepped forward and Nila immediately retreated.

  "Please, tell her she has nothing to fear," the prince said.

  Eleza turned to Nila. "Did you understand that?"

  "Yes." Nila lifted her scarf. "After I moved to North Refuge, I figured it would be best to learn as much as possible about demons, including Kisejjad. I'm only a third-year squire, so you'll have to speak slowly."

  "I understand," Altheus said. His heart was racing. "Flinch, Eleza, you can find the others about a mile east of here. Please wait for me there."

  "Sure thing, boss." Flinch sauntered off with the Brother alongside him.

  "Eleza," Altheus called out.

  The Brother half turned.

  "Thank you."

  "You're welcome." Eleza resumed her course and soon disappeared into the for
est with the jester.

  Altheus faced Nila and admired her quietly. What she must have gone through these past few years without him. The silence lingered, and the prince took another step toward his wife.

  Nila withdrew a bit. "I'm sorry. It's just difficult. You look so…different."

  Altheus knelt. "It's me. Come closer and see. I'm still your husband."

  "I've heard stories. They say you completely destroyed Nesinu on your first night. Is that true?"

  "Unfortunately, yes. I was overcome by the agony, and my purge swallowed the entire town. But it had already been evacuated."

  "But you killed a priest there?"

  Altheus's eyes briefly fell to the leaves on the ground. "Again, I was delirious. But this is the reason I acquired the chains hanging from that tree. They've been enchanted and remove all trace of the agony for me. So that events like Nesinu and—"

  "And?" Nila asked. "Royal Oak?"

  "It was never my intention to attack that city. I had lost most of my memory and had just discovered the person I was sent to kill was my own brother. I didn't even know why. I couldn't remember. So I decided it was best to surrender myself. I was captured by the Prima and was ready to be cleansed. But then the demons attacked. It was out of my control."

  Nila approached and hovered over him. She seemed to scrutinize his face as her hand caressed the cloth covering the Devil's Eye. Her fingertips traced the scar that peeked out from behind the covering. "And who did this to you?"

  "I did it to myself. The first night."

  His wife gently pushed back the cloth to reveal the Devil's Eye. "And what do you see?"

  "I see you."

  Her attention shifted from the Devil's Eye to his human eye, and a faint smile appeared. "You are veiled behind this demon body, but I see you, too, my love." Nila bent down and kissed him. "I've missed you so much."

  Altheus rose to his feet and slid his hand around her back, pulling her closer. Her skin was pale and her eyes were a magnificent turquoise. The air rushed into his nostrils, and the scent of her hair brought him back to a simpler time. His heart throbbed. It was this love that had ultimately pushed him to agree to Verago's terms. "I can't describe how I've longed for this moment. I promised I would return to my family, and I have."

  Nila's smile faded as she gently pushed back. "Have you? You're a demon. How can you be with us? Are you still planning to kill Batar?"

  "If it comes to that, but I have another plan. One I need your help with."

  "Anything."

  "I want you to send word to Batar. See if he's willing to resolve this another way."

  "What other way is there?" his wife asked.

  "Seeing what has happened in the kingdom, he may be interested in giving himself up. Wait! I know what you're going to say, but you don't know him like I do. When the Devil arrived to claim him, Batar had to make a decision in a matter of seconds. He froze. He was panicked. You know he's not malicious. He's just a coward."

  "Altheus. He's still a coward. After all these years, he hasn't once admitted his mistake, not even to me."

  "I know. I know. He fears the shame. This is why my plan must be done in complete secrecy. If he has the opportunity to right his wrongs before anyone finds out the truth, he may accept my proposal."

  "So, you think your spineless brother who's been living the good life as king is going to give it all up just to fix his mistake? I'm sorry, but that doesn't sound like him."

  Altheus scowled. "We have to at least give him a chance. If he refuses, then I'll come up with a plan to kill him."

  "Fair enough. I suppose it's worth a try. What do you want me to say?"

  ✽✽✽

  Seated on a stool outside Blackleaf's tent, Eriph enjoyed the sun's midday radiance when he noticed a familiar face. "Hey, where have you been?"

  Warbison towered over Eriph. "Engaged in discussion with Rosethorn. Her insight has been quite invaluable."

  "Oh yeah? How so?"

  "You're familiar with her profession?"

  "Uh, sure, she's a fortune-teller, like her daughter, Ruby, right?"

  Warbison chortled. "It's not my intention to condescend, but Ruby is a charlatan. She offers vague counsel open to interpretation."

  "And her mother doesn't?"

  "Rosethorn is a master sen'dya capable of sensing someone's energy and perceiving the paths before them. If you are ever so fortunate to receive guidance from her, I would heed her words."

  "So, you're saying she can actually see the future?"

  "Possible futures and likelihoods. I'm sure you're cognizant of the fact that no future is chiseled in stone."

  "I see." Eriph was skeptical about the entire concept of fortune-telling. It seemed like a trick on the customer. To him, they were all charlatans. "So, what did Rosethorn have to say that was so important? She tell you one of your possible futures?"

  "Not mine, but another whose impending fate might capture your interest."

  Eriph slowly stood but was still a head shorter than Warbison. "I'm listening."

  "Under normal circumstances, she would not divulge the details of her readings. However, exceptions are permitted when someone's life may be in jeopardy. Someone like your compatriot, Don Pike."

  "Pike went to see her?"

  "Yes, on a couple of occasions throughout the preceding weeks. She perceived a darkness within him, which had appeared to exacerbate his condition on his subsequent visit."

  "What does that mean? A darkness? What condition?"

  "I believe what she was characterizing were the effects of deathroot on Don Pike. In her ultimate encounter, she sensed a divergence in his energy. A schism between light and dark, and the darkness was dominating."

  Eriph scratched his head. "How do you divide someone's energy? What does that even do? I mean, zaidons use dark energy, right? Is he becoming a zaidon? How does that give the Brotherhood power over him?"

  Warbison pursed his lips. "All pertinent queries, but alas, I have no answers. If you're so inclined, I could arrange a consultation for you with Rosethorn."

  "Maybe."

  "Eriph! Eriph!" a voice shouted behind him.

  The former Candelux priest spun around and spotted a carriage with a yellow four-pointed star on the door. Hanging out the window was Don Millan. As soon as the carriage halted, the door swung open. Millan scurried down the step and strolled up to Eriph and Warbison.

  Eriph beamed as he glimpsed the white scarf. "Don Millan, or should I say, Ambassador Millan, it's good to see you again."

  "Likewise. You know, I knew it was you. That robe really threw me off. You look just like a Para Paya, but that ponytail is unmistakable."

  Warbison snorted. "So much for discretion."

  Lady Sundancer emerged from the carriage. "Willow?"

  Warbison gasped. "Sunny?" A wide grin spread across his face as the bloodseeker slid her arms under his, and the two embraced.

  Millan's face dropped. "Oh, you…you…you know him?"

  When they had parted from the hug, Eriph noticed Sundancer smiling. It was the first time he had ever witnessed such happiness from her.

  "Yes," the bloodseeker said. "Willow is my older brother. Well, half brother. We had different mothers."

  "So, Lunargrace is your father as well?" Millan asked.

  Warbison patted Millan on the shoulder. "Indubitably, my good man. I am, in fact, his eldest offspring."

  A woman in a black robe with short, sandy-brown hair emerged from the carriage behind him. Eriph deeply bowed to her. "Ambassador Navi Laila."

  Navi playfully waved him off. "You of all people should know that's unnecessary around me. Light's 'aven just isn't the same without you."

  "I do miss the gang."

  "Wait," Millan said. "You two know each other?"

  "Sure. Navi was the one I spoke to in order to learn about the Death Gods in the first place," Eriph explained.

  "I never thought you 'ad the stones to go, though," Navi said. "I 'ope you
're not regretting it."

  "Not at all."

  "Glad to 'ear it. Listen, is Dolore around? I'd like to speak with 'er before we 'ead into the city and talk to Archdon Kyara."

  Eriph rotated his torso and pointed to the horses beside Blackleaf's tent. "Just go around and past these horses, and you'll find her in her tent. She's with our fourth, Ivochna."

  "Thank you." Navi left the group, and the remaining members stood in silence.

  Sundancer lightly smacked her brother's arm. "How the depths have you been? I haven't seen you in—what? Twenty years?"

  "That sounds accurate," Warbison said. "And, the course of my life has been pleasant."

  "Where did you go? We were so close growing up, and then, one day, your mother just decided to up and leave the Coast."

  "We relocated here to Memorial City. But a few years later, the Assault transpired. A close friend educated me about Sect Eighty-Eight, and we elected to journey together to Light's Haven."

  Sundancer shook her head. "Incredible. I moved to Light's Haven, too, after the Assault. I can't believe we never crossed paths."

  "The capital is quite immense. Not to mention, the Death Gods did not linger there for long."

  "True. It's really good to see you again, Willow."

  "I must inform you. Willow is a dated identity. Since my induction into the Death Gods, I have adopted the moniker of Warbison."

  "War…bison?" Millan asked. "Why bison?"

  "Why bison?!" he repeated incredulously. "Why not?"

  "What I mean is, what's a bison?"

  Sundancer raised an eyebrow. "You've never heard of the majestic bison?"

  "In all fairness," Eriph interjected, "neither have I. I didn't even realize it had a meaning."

  Warbison tried to stifle his laughter. "The Para Paya bestow upon their youth the stories of legendary beasts beyond the borders of the kingdom and the Coast. Rare and venerated creatures, like the dragon, the phoenix, and the jackalope."

  "The jackalope?"

  "Indeed. And, the bison is also one such creature."