The Forgotten Queen

by Matt Glicksman

  "So, no killing, huh?" Aksil was intrigued by the apparent necessity of the order. "Iva isn't a scout, is she?"

  "No, she's an assassin."

  "Why not just let her kill him? Hable's…Hable's a bad guy."

  Dolore glared at the thief. "Because murder is not acceptable except in self-defense."

  "Then why bring her?"

  "Not that I have to justify my decisions to you, but her skills go beyond simply slicing someone's throat."

  "Not interested?" the upstairs voice shouted. "That's too bad. There's no way else out for you. I hope you like your new accommodations because my Brothers are—"

  "Come on, get up." Dolore tugged on Aksil's arm. "On three. One, two, three."

  They both groaned as they stood up. Aksil felt most of his weight resting on Dolore. The pair carefully shuffled their feet toward the exit. They were about halfway when a loud thud echoed from the floor above. The thief wanted to ask what the noise was, but he was too tired from his walking effort. Luckily, it appeared Dolore was able to read his mind.

  "That's a good sound," she said.

  As they neared the threshold, Iva returned. "Back, back, back."

  "What? What's going on?" the founder asked.

  Iva swooped under Aksil's arm. "Two coming in the back door and more on the way."

  "Depths. All right, let's sit him back down."

  The two women dragged the thief back to his chair and helped him reclaim his seat.

  Aksil struggled to catch his breath. "I guess…plan B…is out."

  "Certainly seems that way." Dolore moaned. "Sit tight."

  In the quiet of the basement, the thief assessed the situation. If both women left without him immediately, they had a good chance to escape before more Brothers showed up. His spirit sank as he knew there was only one solution. "You two should go. Now."

  "What's he talking about?" Iva asked Dolore.

  "He wants us to leave him behind."

  Aksil licked his lips. "Seriously. I appreciate the effort. But I'll be fine. Just give me that pitcher of water and…get out while you still can."

  Silence lingered as the two women stood over Aksil. He could only assume they were deciding whether to abandon him.

  "For someone who's out of breath, he certainly likes to talk a lot," Iva said.

  "Mm-hmm." Dolore went to the table and poured another cup of water. After handing it to the thief, she put her hands on her hips. "Listen. I already told you, we're not leaving you."

  The cool liquid slid down Aksil's throat, and he sighed. "So then what? You're just going to let yourselves be captured?"

  "That sounds like an awful idea. No, we have a fall back, but there's nothing we can do on our end except wait. We have a hostage, so we should be able to keep them from storming the basement before then."

  "You mean"—a faint smile appeared on Aksil's face—"plan C?"

  "Sure. Plan C."

  Aksil leaned his head back and rested his eyes. "I wonder what the C stands for?"

  "Ordinarily, nothing," Dolore said. "But I suppose in this case, it might stand for cow."

  ✽✽✽

  Altheus opened his eyes to the void. Though he had successfully transitioned from his own mind into Agalia's, he remained cautious. This was only the first step in a plan to save his daughter and defeat the Seductress, and any slip up would definitely end in disaster. Convinced Agalia had not detected his trespass, Altheus began to concentrate. Uncovering the Seductress's human side would be simply a matter of locating someone else in her mind. In the distance, a light flickered like a lone star in the night sky. His heart joyfully skipped a beat.

  The prince closed his eyes and desired to reach the light's location. Perhaps, this would be easier than he had anticipated. He imagined arriving where the Seductress was keeping her human side and after a quick conversation, she would tell him how to save Sereyna. The warmth on his skin told Altheus he had entered an outdoor staging area. How nice of the Seductress to keep her human side in the sun. When he opened his eyes, his jaw dropped. He was surrounded by buildings in some sort of city. In the center of the square was a tall alabaster statue of Agalia hoisting her glaive with hooked end high in the air. Atop her stone head was a crown Altheus had never seen before. But it wasn't the statue or the structures that bothered him so much as the hundreds of people walking around him.

  "Welcome!" A woman in a brown robe with a black scarf approached him.

  "Uh, h-hi," Altheus stammered.

  The woman gave him a friendly smile. "You're confused. You're wondering where you are."

  "Is it that obvious?"

  "Don't worry. I was once in your place. My name is Yatiga, what's yours?"

  Altheus turned his ear to her. "I'm sorry. You said Yatiga?"

  "That's right."

  "The same, uh, Yatiga from"—Altheus swallowed the lump in his throat—"from Nolka?"

  "Yes? Do I know you?"

  "No, I don't believe so. I recently met with Archdon Feranis, and he mentioned your name."

  "Feranis? Really? How is he?"

  "He seemed to be doing well. He misses you dearly. And he's keeping Nolka safe."

  "Wait a minute." Yatiga narrowed her eyes. "I recognize you."

  Altheus folded his arms. "You do?"

  "Yeah. I should have known immediately from your clothes. You're that prince who died. King Batar's brother. Ugh, stupid memory." Yatiga tapped her forehead. "Prince Altheus! Right?"

  The prince forced a smile. "That's me."

  "But how are you here? You died three years before I did. And they said you transcended."

  Altheus considered telling her the truth, but he decided it would be counterproductive if she knew his other half was the demon lord and had contributed to her death. "I didn't die. It's a bit of a long story, and I'm really very short on time."

  "Short on time? Is that a joke?"

  "Not at all. So, if you can help me out, I'd be eternally grateful."

  "Well, that's what I'm here for. Every time the Seductress pierces a new victim—that would be you—then the previous victim—that would be me—greets them and guides them around the city. After which, you take on the role of guide for the next victim. Only adults, though. There was a little girl who came in not long ago, but you can't expect a child to be a proper guide."

  "Wait. The girl. About seven years old? Wearing a dress?"

  "You know her?"

  "She's my daughter, Sereyna. Where is she?"

  Yatiga shrugged. "I'm not sure. She's running around the city somewhere. Shouldn't be too hard to find. It's not that big of a place."

  "Speaking of which, where is this? I've been to every major city in the kingdom, and none of them look like this."

  "This is the ancient city of Alova, before the demons destroyed it."

  Altheus could hardly believe his ears. He knew the Seductress predated Verago, but he had no idea she was a native of Alova.

  "And all these people? They're her…" The prince's voice trailed off. He knew the answer but was captivated by the number of souls he was witnessing.

  "Victims. Yup. You see, when the Seductress pierces your neck, she moves your mind into hers and places it in this city, which is a glorified prison. When she takes the needle out and you die, your mind is trapped here forever."

  "So, you don't transcend?"

  Yatiga's friendly smile disappeared. "No one seems to know for sure what's happened to our souls. Some people think they transcend without us. Some people think they're captured by Verago. But, there's only one person in here who knows the truth."

  "The Seductress's human side."

  "That's right. How did you know that?"

  "What do you mean?" Altheus asked.

  "Most people don't know that demons are splintered souls. I didn't find out until I got here. Where did you learn it?"

  "It's part of that long story I mentioned earlier. Do you know where to find her human side?"

  "Maybe." The p
riest pointed down the road to the distant castle. "The ones who've been here the longest say she's in Moultia Palace, but no one's ever seen or heard from her."

  "No one's gone to talk to her?"

  Yatiga snickered. "Sure. As if the Seductress wants us talking to her human side. No, there's a barrier at the palace gate. No one's been able to get past it."

  "Then how would they know she's in the palace?"

  "Well, common sense, I suppose. It's the only part of the city that's separated from the rest of us. But, you're right, it's still a guess."

  Altheus stared down the street and concentrated. A faint glimmer sparkled inside the palace. "That's where I need to go."

  "Well, follow me then. I am your guide after all." As she led the way, Yatiga explained the layout of the city and identified places where the trapped minds would eat, sleep, and congregate.

  "You need to eat and sleep?" the prince asked.

  "Of course not. None of this is real. But it gives us a sense of normalcy, as if our lives are still ongoing. There are some who refuse to accept their fate. They get pretty restless and tend to keep to themselves over in the asylum. That's back in the other direction from where we're headed."

  "An asylum? Are they dangerous?" Altheus asked.

  "No, not to us. They're just a reminder of the reality of our situation so we try to ignore them, and they leave us alone."

  "I can't believe it. You've accepted your fate so quickly?"

  "So quickly? How do you mean?"

  "You've only been dead a few weeks."

  As they reached the palace gates, Yatiga faced him. "Really? It feels much longer than that."

  "How long does it feel like?"

  "Hard to say since the sun is always up, but I'd guess months. Maybe a year?"

  Altheus nodded. "The Seductress is a master of the mind. I suppose it makes sense that time would move faster in here."

  "So, this is Moultia Palace. Ooh. Aah. So pretty. After the tour, you're welcome to come back and admire it all you like. Moving on."

  As Yatiga stepped away, Altheus approached the closed gate. He lifted his hand and gingerly moved it toward the gold bars separating him from his objective.

  "What are you doing?" Yatiga asked.

  "I have to get in there."

  "I see. Well, you're more than welcome to try all you like, but let me finish up so I can be on my way."

  The prince sensed the power of the barrier. It wasn't particularly strong, but then again, it wouldn't need to be. The trapped minds had been separated from their souls, meaning none of them would have any energy to break through.

  Altheus turned to his guide. "I'm sorry, but this is where we part ways."

  Yatiga laughed nervously. "What?"

  "I wish I had time to explain it all to you, but—"

  "But it's a long story. Yeah, you mentioned it." Yatiga rubbed her lower lip. "The Seductress doesn't have you on her tail, does she?"

  Altheus shook his head. "She has my daughter. That's why I invaded her mind. I suspect there's a way I can save her."

  "What about the rest of us? Can you help us escape this place too?"

  "Maybe. I hadn't really considered it since I had no idea you were all stuck here. But I'll know more once I speak with Seductress's human side."

  Yatiga smirked. "And, I'll try to not get my hopes up. So, how are you getting into the palace?"

  "On a wish. I'll see you when I come back out."

  "Be sure that you do. May the angels watch over you."

  Altheus focused on the light inside the palace. So far, there was no indication the Seductress knew of his trek into her mind. Hopefully, sneaking into the palace wouldn't cause any significant disruption. And hopefully, Erynion could keep Agalia distracted enough so as not to sense Altheus's interaction with her human side. Air rushed into his lungs as he calmed his nerves. He was risking his freedom and his daughter's life on hope.

  Altheus allowed his eyelids to float down, and when his eyes opened, he was inside a magnificent throne room surrounded by smooth alabaster columns. A deep-purple carpet lay atop the checkered marble tiles and directed him to an empty throne.

  Strolling down the carpet, Altheus spun around, seeking the lonely mind he believed to be trapped within. "Hello?"

  A shadowed figure emerged from behind one of the columns. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

  "My name is Prince Altheus."

  The woman stepped into the light, revealing her light-aquamarine gown with mesh sleeves. Her silver hair was pulled back behind her ears and adorned with small braids. "You're Erynion's human side."

  "That's right."

  She hastily approached him. "You escaped your prison? How?"

  "The agony broke me free, but my demon side and I have come to a mutual understanding. It's what allows me to be here while Agalia tries to force him into submission."

  "You must not allow that to happen. I'm truly sorry for what's happened to your daughter, but if you let Agalia cast the Curse of Allegiance on you, the kingdom is ruined."

  "That's actually why I'm here," Altheus said. "I need your help. And, well, seeing as how you know who I am, maybe you should tell me who you are."

  The woman straightened up. "I am Queen Ezmirelda. The first and last queen of Alova."

  Chapter 38

  Eriph strolled through the square down the street from the tailor shop. A handful of vendors remained, but other than that, the area was mostly void of people. Eriph checked the time on the city's watchtower and felt a sinking feeling in his chest. Things were looking grim for Dolore and Ivochna. The pair had crept into the second-story window of the tailor shop more than fifteen minutes ago. Eriph hastened his step and turned down an alley close to where his comrades were trapped by the Brotherhood. Reaching the alcove halfway down the alley, he found Millan pacing while Warbison and Sundancer leaned against the wall.

  The Nesinu priest halted. "Well?"

  Eriph shook his head. "Nothing, and seven strikes is just around the corner. We need to start preparing."

  "For what?"

  "For the subsequent phase," Warbison said. "We engage the watchers."

  "Depths." Millan kicked a tiny rock. "This is all my fault. I didn't distract Hable for long enough. He figured me out somehow."

  Eriph placed his hand on the priest's shoulder. "Hey. It's not your fault."

  "Eriph's correct," Warbison added. "Though the diversion did not provide sufficient time for extraction, no single person is culpable. Dolore is the most cautious and calculating individual I've ever encountered, but no strategy is without risk. Unforeseen circumstances are inevitable."

  Millan sighed. "It just seems like there was a better way to rescue Aksil."

  "Such an observation is expected in hindsight, but an operation employing stealth was the best course of action considering the current state of relations between Alovajj and the kingdom."

  "But that's changing. I know what happened with Archdon Kyara was a setback, but the Prima is sorting it out. There was a meeting today."

  "And that's a great first step," Eriph said. "But, unfortunately, we can't wait any longer. Dolore asked you to wait here with us in case we needed to put this backup plan into effect. Are you willing to help us one more time?"

  "Of course. What do you need?"

  "At seven strikes, head back to the Prancing Goat. There's a watcher station off the same square."

  "There is?"

  Sundancer strolled next to Millan. "I know it. Continue."

  "You're going to report a wild bull near the tailor shop. We're estimating as many as a dozen Brothers inside, so get as many watchers to come as you can."

  "How do I do that?" asked the Nesinu priest.

  "Hmm. You could…tell them—"

  Before he could finish, Sundancer spoke up. "I'll take care of it. Paladins don't hold any official authority over watchers, but they certainly wouldn't dismiss a recommendation from a Champion of the Light."


  "Good. Excellent. We'll need all we can get."

  Millan scratched his head. "Why is this plan so complicated? Why the bull? Why can't we just tell them Hable's a Brother who's holding three people as prisoners?"

  "It's the way Dolore wants it," Eriph said. "There needs to be a degree of separation between you and us. As far as anyone else is concerned, you have no knowledge of where Aksil is being held or who Hable is."

  "But why?"

  "We have no desire to jeopardize your role as ambassador," Warbison explained. "You're meant to be an advocate for Candelux, not an accomplice for the Death Gods. Make no mistake, we are eternally grateful for your cooperation, but it would be imprudent of us if your assistance resulted in any negative consequence."

  "In other words," Eriph added, "we want your help to appear indirect. Your bull sighting will lead the watchers to Hable. One big coincidence. Got it?"

  Millan nodded but twitched when the tower bells began to clang.

  Eriph took a deep breath. "There it is."

  "Then let's not waste time. Let's go." Sundancer pushed off the wall but paused in front of Warbison. "Be safe, brother."

  "Always."

  The bloodseeker escorted the Nesinu priest down the alley. Eriph kept a close eye on them until they disappeared around the corner. "How long you think it'll take them?"

  "Based on the proximity of the station, no greater than ten minutes, probably less." Warbison arched his back and cracked his knuckles. "Any queries before I shift?"

  "No, why? Can't talk as a bull?"

  "Bull tongues are not designed for orating."

  Eriph had little experience with shape-shifters. "What about bull ears? Will you understand me?"

  "Indubitably. It's simply my outer form that changes, not my mind. Any pressing questions? Time is scarce."

  "Right. Right. One more question. Can I watch?"

  Warbison began unbuttoning his shirt. "Suit yourself."

  When the pan-mage reached for his pants, Eriph whirled around. "Never mind. I'll just face the wall and pretend that you're not undressing behind me."