The Forgotten Queen

by Matt Glicksman

  As Warbison groaned, adrenaline coursed through Eriph's body at the realization of what was about to happen. They were minutes away from storming a Brotherhood hideout, full of enemies, without any way of knowing whether their compatriots were even alive. Their goal would be to sow chaos inside the shop until the watchers arrived. At that point, Eriph would give Warbison the signal to escape out the back, leaving the Brothers exposed to the watchers. He silently prayed this final part played out as planned, and that his new shape-shifter friend would get away unscathed.

  The sudden silence brought Eriph out of his trance. Glancing over his shoulder, he spotted a massive black bull with broad, imposing horns. "Whoa. I immediately feel sorry for those Brothers."

  Warbison snorted and strolled toward the entrance to the alley.

  Eriph skipped forward to catch up. It was anyone's guess how much time they had before the watchers appeared. His fingers wrapped around the cornerstone as air rushed into his nostrils.

  "Let's go get our friends back."

  ✽✽✽

  "What you're suggesting has never been done before," Ezmirelda said.

  "Are you saying it's impossible?" Altheus studied her face. Even though she was supposed to be the human side of the Seductress, there was no telling if she was capable of deception.

  "No. I don't believe anything is impossible, but it's a very real unknown. Ever since Verago split our spirit, I've been trapped here, forced to witness every horrible thing Agalia has done. And not once has she pierced someone's neck and later let them go. Everyone dies."

  "But that's because she's never had a reason to spare anyone. If she wanted to, how would she do it?"

  Ezmirelda shrugged. "I'm not sure if she can."

  "Why not?"

  "The tail does considerable damage. Its purpose is to isolate the brain from the body, so her thoughts can take over. If the tail's removed, the victim's spine is still broken."

  "But a healer could fix it, right?"

  "Theoretically, but it couldn't be just anyone. When I was alive, most healers practiced some form of accelerated mending, but that can only be used on injuries the body would be able to naturally recover from."

  Altheus recalled the lesson the Denhauli had taught Erynion. "You're saying the injury to the spine is too severe for the body to heal on its own, no matter how much time you give it."

  "Exactly. You need a miracle healer, someone highly skilled with an in-depth understanding of anatomy. But, there's another possible complication as well."

  "What's that?"

  "We don't know how much damage your daughter's mind will sustain when she's sent back."

  "Meaning?"

  "If this were you or me, I wouldn't even bring it up, but for anyone else, the mind is a fragile thing, especially a child's. There's no telling what might happen when she's put back into her body. It's possible she'll be fine once she's physically healed, but she also may never wake up without some spiritual guidance."

  Altheus rubbed his forehead. "Maybe I could guide her."

  "Maybe. I know you've broken into a mind, but have you ever healed one before?"

  "No, but Verago must have given me the knowledge. He's the one who taught me about the vertices."

  Ezmirelda's eyebrows shot up. "Vertices? Wow, I haven't heard them called that in a long time."

  "What do you call them?"

  "Aspects. Same way as the Para Paya."

  "The Para Paya know about this?" Altheus asked. "Verago said knowledge of the vertices had been lost to history."

  "In the kingdom, yes. But on the Frozen Coast, it's been passed down through the generations in a practice known as Dyato'aw."

  "So, you think the Para Paya could help her spiritually if I can't?"

  "You'd have to find a master sen'dya. They're the experts of Dyato'aw." The queen clicked her tongue. "It's a shame really. I don't know of any that are miracle healers; otherwise, I would suggest you take her there first."

  "It doesn't matter anyway. The Coast is too far away. This healer has to be nearby if we're going to save Sereyna before Agalia figures out what I'm doing, comes back here, and removes the tail. That in itself seems hopeless. But now, add on the fact that even if Sereyna is saved, her mind may be lost within her head. The chances of her dying keep growing. I mean, she would die, right?"

  "Not right away, but I suppose, eventually. If she's unconscious, she won't be able to eat or, more importantly, drink. So, if her mind is lost, she would need guidance before succumbing to dehydration. Two or three days?"

  "Two or three days." The prince growled. "At least that might be manageable. From the time Sereyna's spine starts healing, there's probably only a few minutes, if not seconds, before Agalia figures out what's going on. I can't imagine the healing procedure going that quickly either. I've risked a lot by being here, and I don't want it to be for nothing. Depths, I just want her to live. She deserves to live."

  Ezmirelda scowled. "I understand. And, I want all this to end just as badly as you do. It's hard enough witnessing all the murders Agalia's committed. But when she does it to children, it's unbearable."

  "So, where does that leave us? Is there some way we can stop Agalia from pulling out her tail?"

  Ezmirelda's eyes lit up. "Of course. Make sure she's not connected to it."

  "As in?"

  "As in, physically separate her from her tail. Cut it. Rip it. Bite it. Anything. Just sever the connection."

  "That won't kill Sereyna?"

  "I don't think so. Not if you leave the needle in her neck. You would still have to find a miracle healer, but this would buy you some time."

  "What do you mean you don't think so?"

  "Everything we're discussing is just a theory. There's no guarantee any of this will work."

  "Fair enough, but in theory, you don't think she would die?"

  "No, not right away. You see, the tail damages the spine, but it also leaves part of it intact. Think about it. If Agalia took over every part of the brain, she'd have to waste energy reminding the victim's body to breathe, and maintain its balance, and all those little things we take for granted that our brain does on its own. So, her tail only takes over the parts associated with voluntary function. That means if the tail is cut, your daughter retains control of her vital organs. Her heart will beat. Her lungs will breathe. But, she'll be unconscious."

  "So, we're back to two or three days." Altheus wasn't a fan of the odds. He wasn't even sure where he was going to find this crucial miracle healer. But, this course of action seemed like the best opportunity he was going to get. When he jumped back to his own body, he'd have to move quickly as Agalia would undoubtedly become aware of his presence. Once the tail was broken, he could rest easy, if only for a few moments. "You know, if I do this, the Denhauli will probably shred your body into a thousand pieces."

  "I figured something like that might happen. But, if you're able to prevent it, I would recommend you do so. Agalia needs to be stopped. I thought you succeeded when you killed her last time, but she was too cunning. She sneaked out of the twisted gate in Royal Oak before Verago could find her."

  "How did she do that? I thought all demons become wanderers when they die."

  "For most, that's true. Demons bleed energy as they return to the Depths. Most lose it all by the time they get there, but greater iymed have so much power that they don't. They're left with just enough energy to re-create their bodies, but they only have the strength of a fray."

  "So, what do you suggest?"

  "Before you kill her, I mean, kill us, drain her power," Ezmirelda instructed.

  "I've learned how to create demons, but I haven't done it yet. I'm not sure if I can steal energy from one, especially Agalia. Her proficiency is exceptional, much better than mine."

  "That's why you're lucky you're not stealing her energy."

  Altheus had difficulty following her train of thought. "What?"

  "Before you killed Agalia near Royal Oak, she told you
a story about Maligus and his brother, Rojjiro. Do you remember it?"

  "Sure. They were kindred demons. When Rojjiro died, Maligus absorbed his energy, but he couldn't handle it. Agalia put a barrier around it to keep him sane."

  "A couple of days ago, with some help from a master sen'dya named Lunargrace, Maligus gave his excess energy to Agalia. And then, Sonojj tried to purge next to her, but in his agony, he lost control. Not so different from what happened to you the first night you met Agalia. She was able to channel your unfocused energy. She did the same with Sonojj and absorbed his power."

  "How does this help me?"

  "When energy is transferred between spirits, it takes time for it to realign to its new host," Ezmirelda explained. "For small amounts, it might only take a day or two, but Agalia absorbed enough energy to become a greater iymed again. It would take weeks, maybe months for that energy to align and be fully hers. If she stayed on the Coast, Lunargrace probably would've helped her, but she was in a hurry to come find you. You know Sonojj and Maligus. You've met them."

  "Briefly."

  "But you know enough about them to find their energy. Pull it from this body."

  "And, put it where? I can't take it. I can't release it. The Corruption will kill Sereyna. I can't give it to Dulo. I haven't prepared his spirit yet." Altheus threw his hands up. "And, how long is this going take? I'd have to do this after breaking the tail, which means every second I spend looking for this energy and draining it from Agalia is a second that Sereyna loses. No, I understand your concern. I wish it was possible, but it's not. There's just not enough time."

  The queen clasped her hands behind her back. "What if there's another way?

  Erynion was skeptical. "What other way?"

  "A way you could have all the time you need. All the time your daughter needs."

  "What are you talking about?"

  Ezmirelda tapped her fingertips together. "I hadn't really considered it before, but it would solve everything. If we're successful, not only would you have time to save your daughter, but we could also save every soul that's trapped in here. And, we could render Agalia powerless."

  "This sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?"

  "The catch is that you'd have to trust me."

  Altheus's first instinct was to trust her. She was the human side of the Seductress. For all intents and purposes, she should be the exact opposite of Agalia. Not to mention, Ezmirelda had been helpful with trying to save his daughter. But, on the other hand, he knew nothing about her, particularly her motives. "I'm listening."

  "There would be some risk involved, but well worth the reward."

  "You're stalling. Out with it already."

  Ezmirelda pursed her lips. "You help me take control from Agalia."

  "Is that possible?"

  "Aren't you living proof? Isn't that why you're over here and not your demon side?"

  "Because he agreed to give me control. Agalia would never willingly give you anything."

  "Then we make her give it unwillingly."

  "And how exactly do you see that happening? Agalia is a master of the mindscape. She's had you trapped in this palace for centuries. I've only had a few weeks to explore what I know. How do we beat her?"

  Ezmirelda strolled toward one of the windows. "Agalia didn't trap me here. Verago did. A lot of people forget, but she and I were one spirit for many years before Verago came along. I know what she knows, but I'm powerless behind this barrier. You want to know the funny part?"

  "What's that?"

  "Verago always assumes it's the demon side that's loyal to him, and so he locks away the human side. But, Agalia was never loyal to him."

  "And you are?"

  The queen smirked as she looked out the window. "No, but I'm not deceptive and self-serving like she is."

  "Either way, you still didn't answer my question. How do we beat her?"

  "This palace separates me from what little energy is mine. If you break the barrier, she'll come running. We catch her by surprise and force her to relinquish control of the body to me."

  "Simple as that?" Altheus asked.

  "I wouldn't say it's simple. Our victory isn't guaranteed."

  "And if we lose?"

  "It's up to her. She'll have all the power. But, I imagine I'll come back here to my prison and you'll join the population of Alova."

  "And Sereyna?"

  Ezmirelda stared silently at the prince. "If we lose, a lot of people will die. Not just your daughter."

  "This is starting to sound a little too risky."

  "I won't lie. The odds are likely against us. But you wouldn't be here if you weren't willing to take chances."

  She had a point. He had gone this far to save his daughter, but he was having doubts about the plan to break the Seductress's tail, particularly the time constraint. Sereyna might die anyway. "You think we have a real chance at beating her?"

  "Yes, I do."

  "And you have a plan?"

  Ezmirelda grinned. "You think I spent an eternity in here doing nothing? You better believe I have a plan."

  Chapter 39

  Dolore stood guard by the door with her arms crossed. Her intermittent conversations with the shop owner, Hable, were less than productive, but that was her expectation. She needed to wait until the reinforcements arrived. Sitting on the table with the empty water pitcher, Ivochna was carving something into the wood. Aksilacarn, back in his chair, rubbed his thighs. The atmosphere was calm. Dolore knew the only thing keeping the Brothers from storming the basement was their one hostage. Deimor Outpost was a tragedy, but the silver lining was no one from the kingdom doubted the authenticity of a violent threat from the Death Gods.

  Dolore's ears perked up at the sound of something faint, but unmistakable.

  "You hear that?" Hable called from upstairs. "Seven strikes. I hope you already had dinner because you're going to be down there for a while."

  Dolore leaned over so her head was in the doorway. "Your friend down here tells me there's a butcher next door. Maybe he can send some food over."

  "Sorry, the butcher's busy at the moment. He's, um, he's making a house call."

  "Oh, that's too bad. When do you suppose he'll be back?"

  "When the meddling Death Gods in my basement surrender. Or die, whichever."

  Dolore rolled her eyes. "Don't worry about us down here. We got water. We got food, if necessary. I've never had fox before."

  There was a long pause. "You wouldn't dare."

  Aksilacarn chuckled. "Did you just imply you would eat this guy?"

  Dolore moved away from the door and lowered her voice. "Everyone thinks we're monsters, so why not play into it?"

  "Heh, hurray for cannibalism?"

  "We need them to think we're hopelessly trapped and outnumbered. Their guard will be down, and it'll make our plan C that much more surprising. How are your legs feeling?"

  "Still pretty numb. I don't foresee walking out of here on my own strength."

  Dolore crouched. "When the time comes, Iva and I will go help our friends until the watchers arrive. So, the safest spot for you will be here. I'll stay close to the stairs so no Brothers make it down, but just in case, I'm going to leave you my dagger."

  Aksil took the knife from her. "Are you sure? Won't you need it?"

  "I'll manage." Dolore walked to Ivochna and discovered an image of a flower etched into the table. "Won't be long now. You ready?"

  The assassin nodded.

  "Remember, the goal here is to incapacitate. If the temptation is too great, keep your dagger sheathed. The less blood you draw, the better it is for us when the watchers show up."

  "What if someone's life is at stake?" Iva asked.

  "Then, by all means, stab away. But"—Dolore held up her index finger—"try to wound and not kill."

  The assassin grunted as she hopped off the table. "Sure."

  "Hey, Death God!" Hable shouted.

  Dolore sashayed to the doorway. There was n
o rush. She furtively peered into the stairwell to make sure it was still clear. It was unlikely they would be able to sneak down without Iva noticing, but it was always good practice to be cautious.

  "Death God! You still there or did you already die on me? Would certainly make my life easier."

  "Well, I wouldn't want to do that now, would I, Hable?"

  "Oh, we're using names now? It's Lord Hable, actually. I would say I'm surprised Aksil didn't specify that detail, but I'm not in the least." There was a loud sniffle. "So, do I get your name?"

  "Only if someone up there recognizes my voice," Dolore shot back.

  "Fair enough. I only thought it would be nice to call you something other than Death God. If you don't plan on surrendering, we're going to be here for a while. And once you're captured, who knows how long you'll be staying with us. Might be nice to get the formalities out of the way now."

  "Such a gentleman. I'll tell you what. If you come down here by yourself, I promise to be nice. We can chat face-to-face."

  Hable's laughter was faint. "I'll be down there soon enough, but it won't be by myself. I do look forward to our conversation moving to a more intimate setting. All this shouting is so common, wouldn't you say?"

  Dolore silently watched as Iva loosened up, swinging her arms across her chest before rocking her head side to side.

  "Death God," Hable said in a singsongy voice.

  Dolore smirked as a tingle gripped her spine. The fate of everyone in this basement was about to be determined, and her only regret was not seeing Hable's face when the giant bull tore through his shop. "I'm here, my lord, but are you sure you'd want to mingle with common folk?"

  "Amusing, but you're not a commoner."

  "And how could you possibly know that?"

  "Because I know who you are, Founder Dolore. Former Anoctis spy…former watcher captain…now a Death God. Viscountess of Thoris lineage until marrying Drevarius, a marquess from Royal Oak."

  Dolore was stunned. At this moment, it didn't matter, but the question plagued her. Who had betrayed her? Eriph? Rithwic?