The Vordalyn 1

by Michael T Payne

  “You think we shouldn’t trust you?” Venalina asked Saida.

  “My lady, I want nothing more than for you to trust me, but I know my father’s intent when he sent us here, he is not behind any assassination attempt on you,” Saida said almost pleading, “But he is not to be trusted, I wouldn’t trust us either, my lady.” Talila was embarrassed by Saida’s confessions. Venalina said nothing for a few minutes looking both women over.

  “Do you love me Saida?” Venalina asked her. Saida almost burst into tears.

  “I do my queen,” She said falling forward on to Venalina’s knees. Venalina grabbed her shoulders lifting her up.

  “Don’t hide these things from me,” She said looking her in her eyes, “I promised to protect you and love you, never have any fear that I will not do that, no matter the reason, even Janouc.”

  “You are indeed precious to us,” Dracon added. He didn’t really feel comfortable saying it, but wanted to support Venalina’s words. Talila smiled after hearing his words, she could tell his uneasiness at trying to be soft.

  “Ok, go enjoy yourselves for some time, its early, my lord’s sour demeanor doesn’t mean you need to retire early as well, go,” Venalina said to Talila then urged Saida with a gentle push, “Go with your sisters, have some fun,” The two women left the carriage, happily returning to explore the village and its delights with their sisters, “I’ll return shortly.” Venalina said to Dracon.

  “Where are you going?” Dracon asked.

  “To deal with Janouc,” Venalina smiled.

  “Don’t eat him,” Dracon chuckled. Venalina narrowed her eyes at him.

  “I’m going to tell him our plans to leave and his new orders to stay,” Venalina said shutting the carriage door behind her. It wasn’t long before Venalina returned, accompanied by Alyndra. Dracon was just falling asleep as they entered the carriage, jostling him awake. Dracon sat up and felt embarrassed as soon as he saw Alyndra, remembering her naked and him cuddling up behind her, how close he came to taking her. Then he remembered what Venalina said about him possibly already taking her.

  “You’re awake?” Venalina asked.

  “Yes,” Dracon said, “And you, are not alone.”

  “My king,” Alyndra said smiling coyly at him. It made him smile, he could tell she knew she made him uncomfortable.

  “Alyndra, we are going to the lands of Ganlin, Lord Dracon’s kingdom,” Venalina told her, “Tell your sisters to get ready, now go, tonight we sleep alone.” Alyndra lit up and left the carriage. Venalina snapped her fingers and she was naked. She crawled over to Dracon and under the blankets with him. She began tracing her fingers on his cheek, “Sleep,” she started to say, but Dracon grabbed her hand off his face quickly.

  “Not tonight, I don’t want you to make me sleep,” He said pulling her tightly against him, “I want to lie here with you, naturally.”

  “As you wish, my love,” Venalina held him tight. They lay quietly for a while, caressing one another. Dracon considered her proposition to leave early and leave Janouc in charge of watching over the caravan until they returned to Qinkas safely.

  “We would have to go back to Qinkas to collect Satana, Danyll and Simon,” He blurted out in the dark, “And Fowlin.”

  “Of course,” Venalina answered, her head on his chest, her fingers tracing along his ribcage.

  “What about your ladies?” Dracon asked.

  “They are coming with us,” Venalina said quickly making Dracon laugh, “Don’t laugh, they have a purpose.”

  “Yes, they serve you, I know,” Dracon said.

  “They love us, we will love them,” Venalina said.

  “I don’t understand, Venalina, why are you so adamant about these women?” he asked.

  “I want them, I want you to want them,” Venalina climbed on top of Dracon, “I can give you nothing but daughters, these, my ladies, can give you sons!” she lay her head on his chest again.

  “I told you, I don’t care,” He said, “Besides, Janouc said…” He tried to remember what Janouc said about Venalina, but it only confused him.

  “Janouc means well, but I don’t think he truly knows, I think it is more hopes.” She said, “In any case, I wish to be prepared. I know the way of kings and heirs, Dracon, you have to have a son to succeed you,” Venalina kissed him.

  “So, you want me to have them now?” Dracon asked.

  “Do they not look pleasing to you?” Venalina asked.

  “They are very beautiful women, that is not a question, and I have grown fond of them all,” Dracon considered them momentarily.

  “I want you to love them,” Venalina said.

  “I love you,” Dracon said. Venalina laughed at his chivalry.

  “You will obey me on this,” She said still laughing. They fell asleep for the first time together, naturally. She did not have to make him sleep.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Queen Jenzenya requested the nobles send more soldiers to protect the palace after the skies changed repeatedly. Time returned to normal, something Qinkas had never experienced. The whole city was on high alert, the gates were sealed, patrols were doubled. People were on edge, the whole world shook, almost shaking Qinkas to rubble. Fear ruled the city. What new horror approached them. The nobles and merchants began to gossip, guessing the origin of what was happening. None of it was good and almost all of it was Queen Jenzenya’s fault for sending Dracon to the north. It was not her choice to send him to the north, but that’s not how they remembered it of course. Queen Jenzenya knew she would be blamed somehow, most people did not believe the rumors, but the merchants had the soldiers under their control, limiting her power. Her only comfort during that time, was in Satana and the men Dracon left to serve her. She kept Satana at her side constantly, a reminder to the merchant’s that Lord Dracon would return, Tasar most of all. He held the largest contingent of men in Qinkas, not loyal to the crown. Now, he was refusing to send any men to the palace, citing a need to protect the perimeter wall of the city, which Queen Jenzenya knew to be a lie. Even doubling the wall patrols would do little to shrink his troops, that he could not also serve the queen. Satana could see Queen Jenzenya’s frustration when the emissary delivered the message.

  “I can’t believe the disrespect they show,” Satana said only loud enough for the queen to hear, “It is disgusting.”

  “Yes,” Queen Jenzenya replied then sighed, “I’m afraid it will come to a head soon, delayed only by the presence of your lord in our lands.” Thikuf entered the throne room with urgency.

  “It is said Lord Dracon is at the gates, requesting to enter.” Thikuf informed them. Satana’s face lit up with a smile. She almost took off running, but held herself steady, looking at Queen Jenzenya like a child, eager to go see the travelling troupe of actors, and all the festivities that came with them.

  “Go,” She said smiling, “Go to your master, welcome him back,” Queen Jenzenya stood, “Go with her Thikuf.”

  “Your highness,” Thikuf said bowing, then chased after Satana who did not wait. They took horses from the royal stables and headed to the main gates. Satana rode her horse like it was on fire, Thikuf had a hard time keeping up with her, and he knew the city. They flew through the streets making quick work of the distance. When they arrived at the entrance to the city, the gates were just starting open, to allow the carriage in. Tasar was there to meet carriage personally. He was dressed for battle and led at least a hundred men, filling the area just inside the gates. His men kept all the civilians away, it seemed something was amiss. Satana slowed her horse to a trot, riding through Tasar’s men unstopped. They feared her and allowed her to pass unlike the civilians trying to get close enough to see who was entering the city.

  Dracon walked the horses that pulled the carriage through the city gates. The welcome, appeared to him, a little hostile, the men around him were tense. Dracon was ready for anything, sizing up the men around him, then he spotted Tasar. He thought for sure he had made a move o
n Queen Jenzenya. Dracon halted the carriage. Venalina rushed her horse over to him pushing through Tasar’s men. She jumped from her horse and ran over to Dracon, smiling ear to ear. Dracon smiled back at her.

  “My lord,” Satana bowed slightly, then popped up quickly, “You took your damn time!” She said and shoved him.

  “So, you’re saying you missed me?” Dracon chuckled. Tasar rode over, followed by a group of men.

  “Lord Dracon,” Tasar said, “Where is the rest of the caravan you were to protect?”

  “As I recall it, your men were to protect the caravan. We just happened to be going in the same direction,” Dracon smiled up at him, “Don’t worry, Tasar. Get Castien and Elyon, I have letters from Durlan for each of you. I am going to the palace, you should wait for the queen to summon you.”

  “We will escort you there,” Tasar said, he had a scowl on his face, not amused with Dracon at all. Thikuf joined Dracon and Satana.

  “Lord Dracon, welcome back,” Thikuf said, “Queen Jenzenya is looking forward to welcoming you home.” Venalina popped out of the carriage after hearing Satana’s voice. She smiled at her and went to her quickly giving her a long hug.

  “I’ve missed you!” Venalina said as they embraced each other. Satana could see Venalina had changed, she wasn’t sure exactly how, and figured it to be her natural way of changing her form, subtly, for Dracon.

  “It hasn’t been the same without you, both of you,” Satana said and gave Dracon another playful shove. Venalina’s ladies spilled out of the carriage, staying close to the door, watching the reunion. Tasar trotted over to the carriage.

  “Alyndra,” Tasar said smiling, “I am glad to see you returned safe,” He spoke so only the girls could hear him, “I look forward to visiting you later, once you’ve settled in.” Alyndra looked at her sisters for courage.

  “I’m sorry, Factor Wynkian, my Lord Dracon forbids it,” She smiled at him politely, “We belong to him now.” The other girls smiled at him then giggled at his expense. The expressions on their faces infuriated him.

  “Your father gave you a task, is it complete?” He said through his teeth to the girls. Venalina wandered over with Dracon.

  “Back inside girls,” Venalina ordered, they complied immediately, “Well, hello Factor,” She said up to him, still on his horse, “Nice of you to welcome us back,” He forced a smile and nodded to her, then urged his horse on ahead of them all, ordering his men to form a column on either side of the carriage. Dracon followed Venalina into the carriage while Satana and Thikuf led the horses that pulled it, to the palace.

  “He seems out of sorts,” Venalina said, “What did he want?” she asked the women. Alyndra smirked looking at Talila.

  “You know what is expected of us here,” Kaylin spoke up, “More of the same, that is what he wanted.”

  “He has always fancied Alyndra,” Talila giggled, “Untouched by a man,” Talila and the girls all giggled, “He fancied himself to be her first.”

  “He’s too late for that now,” Saida laughed. Alyndra smiled and glanced at Dracon whose face went white at what the girls were implying. He could not make eye contact with any of them after that. Dracon pretended to look out the window, even though the shades were drawn, “My father will no doubt be informed after what Alyndra told him, they had a deal for her virtue.”

  Venalina grunted in disgust, “How they treat you,” She said, “Like livestock!” Alyndra slipped from her seat to her knees before Venalina and laid her head in her lap.

  “My lady,” She said, “I cannot say the words to make you understand how much I thank all that is and ever was, for you and King Dracon,” She sat up and looked Venalina in her eyes, “to take us away from such a future. I want my life to be forever in your service.” Alyndra reached over and put her hand on Dracon’s knee, making him look at her. Dracon smiled at her shyly and nodded, then looked at the floor of the carriage.

  “Tasar will be a problem,” he said, “He is a problem I must solve before we return home.”

  “What will you do?” Venalina asked as she urged Alyndra to return to her seat, “Kill him?”

  “No, that would send the wrong message, maybe even force the other nobles to turn on Queen Jenzenya,” Dracon said looking around at all the women in carriage, “I need to talk to Satana about what has been going on while were away, before I make a decision.”

  As they made their way through the city, people came outside and followed the procession, curious to see and hear what was going on. They arrived at the palace and circled the courtyard to face the carriage door to open facing Queen Jenzenya who stood on a balcony overlooking the area. The courtyard was filled with people, all wanting to see who got out of the carriage. All the nobles were in attendance, every person of influence, even some commoners who followed the horses in. When the carriage door opened, Saida stepped out first and curtsied to the queen. She stepped to the right side of the carriage door and knelt, bowing her head. Talila stepped out and performed the same ritual, but kneeling on the left side of the carriage door, then Alyndra, then Kaylin. All followed the same ritual, two women on either side of the door, bowing to their queen, Venalina, who next stepped from the carriage, she looked up at Queen Jenzenya and bowed low to her. Queen Jenzenya watched on amused at Castien’s daughters, taking so easily to royal protocol, it made her almost wish they served her. Dracon exited last and many of the commoners and lesser class people began to cheer. Dracon looked up at Queen Jenzenya and smiled at her then bowed low, joining Venalina, who remained bowing until Dracon joined her, then followed him up as he stood again. Queen Jenzenya felt such warmth from Dracon’s smile. It made her feel like she shared knowing glances from across the room with her best friend. She felt secure, even rescued by his return. Tasar, meanwhile looked on with disgust. He was fuming. Dracon’s return without the caravan annoyed him, that he returned at all annoyed him. Hearing Alyndra deny him in favor of Dracon made Tasar lust for his blood. He was not going to give Alyndra up, he had spent so much time to secure the promise from Castien. For this foreigner to forbid her to see him was unacceptable, king or not.

  Dracon waved at the cheering people, he was a hero to them, first killing Terrax, then conquering the Priests of O’on. It made him a legend. Dracon pondered if he would return to Ganlin with such love waiting for him.

  “Today, we welcome our honored friend, King Dracon. With open arms and hearts,” Queen Jenzenya spoke to her people, “Our hearts are gladdened by your return, King Dracon, my friend!” The crowd cheered and applauded. After a few more minutes, Dracon went to meet Queen Jenzenya on the balcony. She stood near the edge so that all the people could still see her. He joined her there, where she greeted him like a long, lost sibling. “I am truly glad you have returned,” Dracon could see the relief in her eyes. It made him wonder what happened while he was gone. She looked almost desperate. They stayed on the balcony for several minutes before they were informed the nobles wished an audience.

  “Your highness, if we might have a word before the others arrive?” Dracon said with a bow.

  “Of course,” She said, then looked at Venalina, “Will you and your ladies be joining us?”

  “I will, but not my ladies,” She smiled and bowed her head slightly. Queen Jenzenya had an attendant take Castien’s daughters to another area while she led Dracon, Venalina, and Satana, to a separate meeting chamber.

  “Your highness, let me start by saying, time has returned to normal,” Dracon started, “I have no doubt you are aware, and yes, it was us.”

  “Can you tell me how it was done?” She asked.

  “As we told you before, we were aware of who did it, but not in the manner it was done,” He started, “We stumbled upon the manner during our travels to the dead city of Taranath, deep within its ruins,” Dracon paused, contemplating all that happened there, “It was horrific, what we encountered there, but we were able to overcome it, details aside.” Dracon looked up at her solemnly not wanting to talk abo
ut the people who tried to eat them, or those they lost and were eaten.

  “I see,” Queen Jenzenya could see he did not wish to go on about it and did not press him, “And the Caravan?”

  “That is a bright spot,” He said, his face lighting up and smiling, “On the shores of Cold Lake are many villages who wish to be part of your kingdom and trade with Qinkas. They also wish your sovereign protection,” Dracon still smiled at her, “The caravan stayed behind to meet with every village and city along its shores, and take an accurate accounting of what they had to offer in form of trade.”

  “That is good news,” She said fighting back the urge to say something.

  “Your highness, I can see you are troubled, I can only guess its source. As your friend, if you wish to say, or ask of me anything, I would hear it,” Dracon said trying to elicit whatever it was that bothered her. Queen Jenzenya took a deep breath and let it out.

  “I feel my reign is in jeopardy,” She said, “If not for your arrival, I feel you may have returned to a new ruler in Qinkas.” Queen Jenzenya said no more and watched Dracon as he considered her words, thoughtfully.

  “I think we both knew that was an inevitability, yes?” Dracon said.

  “I am unsure how to proceed, Lord Dracon. I do not have the men or the knowledge to fight them, I fear I may simply have to abdicate to save my own life?” Queen Jenzenya said defeated.

  “We can’t let that happen,” Venalina said to Dracon. It made him smile at her, seeing her concern for Queen Jenzenya, it was so far from where they once were. Her total fear that the woman across the table would kill her, to defending her right to rule.

  “No, we cannot.” Dracon responded.

  “My lord,” Satana said standing away from the table, she did not sit with the others, “We have a kingdom to return to, a throne to reclaim, how will you fight this fight for her?”

  “She’s right,” Queen Jenzenya said, “I can’t ask anymore of you, you have already given us a new world to live in. How we live in it can’t also fall to you?”