Chapter 20
While continuing to subdue the powerful general, Alex watched as every person inside the arena began going down on one knee and bowing their heads. So this was truly the queen of Alluan. It seems like everyone showed the upmost respect for the woman. From the look on everyone’s expressions they all loved her with adoration and fierce loyalty. Some people were whispering her name while others remained absolutely still. He knew immediately that this woman was the real deal and not some imposter or stand-in. She was the leader of the resistance and queen of Alluan. The best hope to defeat the king.
The queen began walking through the first field with an elegant sway in her gait. She moved in a way that showed her royal authority. Her dress moved with each step she made while her long hair billowed out behind her. She was an impressive woman, but behind her emotionless mask was a smoldering anger.
As she walked toward the fighters her guards moved into a new position. See didn’t seem disturbed by their suddenness because they were doing their duty and protecting such a vital person. Three guards moved directly in front of her and Alex knew that those three men were close range warriors. Then three more guards blocked either side of her and there were five in the back and they carried multiple forms of ranged weapons. Every item has been brandished, showing that it would be foolish to approach her unannounced, unless you wished for death for it would be assured without difference.
Everything was silent except for the approaching party’s steps.
The entourage stopped twenty paces away from where Alex still held the general’s arms and he was forcibly pinned to the ground by his weight.
“If you wouldn’t mind, please release my general.” He couldn’t see her behind the guards, but her tone was both tranquil and compassionate.
He released his hold of the general’s wrist and stood up. Alex’s foot wanted to plant itself in his ribs several times, but his temper was reigned in.
Both Lily and Maiot were standing right where he’d left them. Their items hung at their sides, while both looking astonished over the events. Over a ways, Marlin’s pole was retracted and Gyro’s sphere returned to its original oval shape. Shade and Quinn were standing off to the side, looking incredulously at new the scene, but Shade was releasing a primal growl that seemed to be too low for the others to hear. Then Alex’s full attention was zeroed in on Lily’s right arm. Her blood was streaming down her limb and dripping off her knuckles.
Alex stared walking over to her and the queen spoke. “Excuse me, but where are you going? Aren’t you going to bow or show me respect?”
He stopped to see Queen Allahandra standing between her two front guards, looking squarely at him with tranquil dark brown eyes. “Don’t take this the wrong way, your highness, but there is something more important than exchanging meaningless pleasantries.” Alex returned to walking towards Lily because she was wounded and needed help.
Everyone gasped at his words, but no one made a move against him.
His warrior goddess was injured and Alex couldn’t think of anything but her safety at the moment. Lily’s amethyst eyes locked onto his and she was bewildered as he inched in her direction. Once they were within a conversational range he said “Let me see to your wound.” When Lily didn’t move he did.
He reached forward and grabbed the crescent sword from her hand. Alex easily removed the painted cloth and tossed the fabric to the ground. He then slid the tip of her sword into the white sheathe on her left hip. After her item was safely out of the way he walked around to her back and examined the laceration.
The slice was deeper than originally noticed at a glance. The cut was actually as deep as one’s entire thumbnail and had sliced into the muscle, but the length was still from shoulder to elbow. Blood continued to trickle out of the wound and Alex knew that the wound would undoubtedly need stitches, but she might bleed to death if it wasn’t compressed quickly.
While making sure that the wound was clean of debris Alex’s throat tickled as he spoke without looking. “Shade, get over here!” The surrounding silence made it so he didn’t need to yell.
When Shade began walking, the queen’s personal guard reacted by moving three of the back ranged guards to the queen’s side. They didn’t initiate a fight, but they didn’t relax. Many wary eyes watched as Alex’s foster brother approached.
Once he made it he spoke calmly. “What can I do, Alex?”
“I need these.” His hands grabbed for the white cloth that covered his sabers.
While removing the long strip of unpainted cloth Shade began talking. “I’m sorry that I couldn’t help. I didn’t know she was in danger until you knocked Rakkian to the ground. He was in my blind spot because Captain Maiot and Lily blocked my view of his approach.” His golden eyes shifted to the general and a faint growl escape his teeth, but this time everyone heard the threat laced in the sound.
There wasn’t anything Shade hated more than someone making a surprise attack. It wasn’t honorable. It wasn’t difficult to realize that Shade wanted more than a simple punishment. He wanted personal retribution for harming his dear friend. He wouldn’t be as polite as Alex was to the general, given the chance.
Once he was finished unwrapping the cloth from both sabers Alex said “Thank you. Go over and get Marlin, bring him over here.” He nodded his bulky head in conformation and trotted over to Marlin. Walking by, Alex laughed silently as Shade growled at the general, hoping for him to flee so Shade could give chase. Rakkian was too frightened to move. General Rakkian was now in a sitting position while holding his limp shoulder.
“Lily,” She turned to look at him with uncommon confusion. “I’ll wrap this up, but you will need stitches. Bear with the pain for a moment.”
“It’s not that bad.” he touched the edge of her wound, testing her words, and she sucked in a breath through gritted teeth. “I stand corrected. It did sting.”
Her jaw clenched as the cloth was tightly wound around her arm. Her eyes were squeezed shut as he made sure to keep the slice as connected as they would go. By the time the ends were tied together, Marlin and Shade met up with them.
“How bad is it, Lily?” Marlin asked.
“It does let you know you’re still alive. The throbbing pain that is.” She retorted. Alex then quickly said “Alright, we need to find a healer or someone with skills to suture a deep wound. Maybe Niranene might give us a hand.” Marlin grinned at the possibility of the suggestion. He’d use any excuse to see her again.
He opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off. “Perhaps I may be of service. I am a level five healer after all.”
The voice came from an unexpected source.
All turned to Queen Allahandra as she stood between two of her guards. She was holding up her case while wearing a smile. Her guards were looking at her as if she had lost her mind. Even the general looked astounded at her sudden offer.
Alex stepped around Lily, protectively, and blocked her from view. His voice had turned even as he leveled his eyes with the queen’s. “If it is within your range to heal her I’d gladly accept, but” he glanced between her and the general. “I must know that you will not harm her.”
“You have my word as the queen of Alluan.” It wasn’t hard to understand her desire to help when she just put her reputation at stake for them. She wouldn’t tarnish her good name or else what would everyone have to believe in. She was everyone’s hope and her standing could ill afford the tarnishing title of a liar.
As he nodded and as she took a first step, one of her guards grabbed her arm and brought her to a stop. “Forgive me your majesty, but they could kill you.”
She looked at her held arm calmly and the man released his grip, realizing the mistake he made. Once she was released she began laughing. Her company’s confusion was more of an understatement than that of her guests. She turned and smiled at Alex before looking at her guards. Her tone had become almost exuberant, her unseen anger subsided for the moment.
“What each of you need to
understand is that there is nothing that could stop him if he wanted my head.” Her guard’s eyes widened as they all glanced at Alex and then back to her. “What any of you haven’t realized is that he is someone to treat with respect because he could easily kill each and every one of you before you could even blink…”
“Your Majesty…” General Rakkian slowly managed to stand up as he clutched his limp arm. “You cannot honestly believe he is capable of such a feat? He doesn’t even have an item. He told me so himself. He’s no threat. Why should you worry your personal guard’s.”
Her eyes darkened as she shifted her gaze to hm. Her voice turned icy. “You are here by ordered to be silent and not move. I witnessed your unspeakable actions and you will be held accountable for them.” His dark eyes became white all around. “As to your statement about him not having an item, he doesn’t need one. Apparently he hasn’t been trained, but he is still more dangerous than the Shadow Fang behind me. His clan is recognized by their ability to speak with fiends.”
“What do you mean by my clan?” Alex asked in interruption of the queen.
She didn’t seem to be bothered with the question, but she looked confused as her vision turned in his direction. “Don’t you know what you are?” Alex shook his head while getting excited. She knows what I am? Maybe there is another person like me around here. He hoped beyond all reason that there was and they would know what I’ve been through my whole life. She brought him back to his senses by stating “It looks like we have much to discuss, Alex.”
“Wait… You know my name?” She smiled, but there was something that needed to be accomplished first. “Later, right. Please help her.”
Queen Allahandra smiled as she walked away from her protesting entourage. Her guards feared for her safety, as they should. Knowing what it was like being worried about someone important to you, was a feeling Alex knew all too well. A beautiful reminder stood behind him. “If you are worried about the queen’s safety come over here to do your job.” He turned around to smile at Lily, she smiled weakly back, but there was something else in her look. Was it appreciation? Alex picked up his staff from the ground and held it tightly, incase it was another trap.
None of the fourteen guards hesitated for a moment as they approached the pack vehemently. Alex stood beside Mark and Shade as they stood four paces behind Lily. Then the fourteen spread into a circle with seven guards looking in their enclosure and the other’s watched the outside. Queen Allahandra moved around to study Alex’s wrapping. She then stood straight and laid a hand on her patient’s shoulder. “Lily of the Blood Moon, this will sting, but I need to take off these dressings. After that you will be good as new.”
Lily looked over and down and her voice was soft. “I’m sorry you have to do this for someone like me. It is an honor I won’t soon forget.” Lily shook her head. “I cannot believe my former enemy is going to help.”
“Don’t think too much on it. And you are not the first Kings Guard that has joined us.” Alex stiffened and so did Lily. Queen Allahandra didn’t miss the reaction. As she slowly unwrapped the tourniquet she continued jabbering. “A woman in my precarious position must be quite knowledgeable if she is to keep her head out of reach of her enemy’s reach. I know about many things and I stay up with current events. When I first heard your name spoken during a report I received two days ago, I had my aids compile a document of your whole life. It was truly remarkable, but I’m glad that you have changed sides before we met in battle. It is a pleasure to finally meet you though.”
Queen Allahandra dropped the bloodied cloth into the sand and went down to her case. When she opened it, inside resided two scalpels, four syringes that have been filled with some kind of clear liquid, and an ornate knife, but the knife wasn’t an item. The queen grabbed one of the syringes from the case and stood up.
She brandished the needle in front of Lily. “This specific needle and solution is a special healing item. It reacts like a sticky resin once it has contact with the air. It will bond the flesh together. It will increase your healing rate and also destroy any foreign particles that could cause an infection. It burns, but you will be fully healed by morning.”
“If you know I was a Kings Guard then you know we have been taught to endure pain. I can handle it.” Lily stated proudly.
“Alright, here it goes.”
The queen put the needle inside the reopened wound and started squeezing the liquid inside the fleshy opening. She squeezed it all out in one fluid motion, down the bleeding arm. The queen quickly placed the empty syringe back into the case and stood back up. Their new queen began pushing the separated pieces of skin together, with the palm of her hands. Lily’s jaw set and her eyes squeezed shut. She didn’t make a single sound from the pain she felt. It didn’t take long for her wound to hold together by itself. The clear solution held Lily’s wound completely closed and it was all over. There weren’t even any blood droplets pouring out of a small hole that the queen might have missed.
“You are good to go.” The queen said while closing her case.
Lily looked at the work and around the drying blood. “That is amazing your majesty. I’m in your debt.”
Lily, we are all in her debt; Alex thought to himself.
“Quit thinking like that.” The queen scolded playfully. “I did it because I wanted to.”
Queen Allahandra then turned to look at Alex with something akin to hope. She smiled politely as she lifted her case. “Before we leave together I have one other matter that needs attending.” She suddenly smiled darkly and it sent a mild chill down his spine. Alex then saw that she held one of her two scalpels in her free hand. She was up to something.
The queen turned around and walked around Lily and her guards moved with her as she walked away from them. While they moved away Alex and the others walked up to Lily to see what happened.
He began inspecting the queen’s work and it was truly remarkable. Her arm was still slick with blood, but it wasn’t pouring from the wound any longer. Then a closer look revealed more. There was a thin clear film sticking out of the closed wound, but it already looked less irritated than it had a minute ago.
When his grey eyes connected with Lily’s she asked “How does it look?”
“It will make a fine scar to drive the men wild.”
She let out a musical laugh. “So you are going to pull that out on me now?” Lily shook her head. “I told you the same thing after I patched up your arm.”
Lily smiled in remembrance.
The Pack began watching the scene together as the queen walked with her entourage towards the general. He hadn’t moved because of the order she made. Gyro and Maiot had moved closer to his side, they were loyal lieutenants. Maiot had removed the cloth from his claws and had them crossed over his front, clutching his hands together. All three of the men bowed deeply as the queen made her approach.
The entourage stopped as the queen spoke. “Captain Maiot and Gyro, you are dismissed for the day. I can tell you knew not of your superior’s grudge. You may both have the rest of the day to yourselves.”
Once she finished talking, the two men clasped a fist to their hearts and walked away. She didn’t give them a choice, but they knew how much trouble their commanding officer was in, even if Marlin and the others didn’t have a clue. They picked up the pace when they saw she was watching them. Once they were far enough away she returned a dangerous look at her top general.
Queen Allahandra’s voice had become distant and cold. “Remove your hand from your arm.” He did so reluctantly.
Unexpectedly she jammed her scalpel into his left arm. It went through his tunic like it wasn’t even there. General Rakkian’s jaw clenched, but didn’t scream. Then all watched as she held the item that was pierced into his arm because something was happening. His shoulder began moving of its own accord and it was amazing to watch as his shoulder popped back in place. Once it was in its proper location she took the bladed item out of his arm.
A
s she slid her item in her case again the general tested his shoulder. It was still sore by the look he had. His voice became weak. “Thank you, your majesty.”
The queen’s voice remained the same. “What you have done will require a punishment. Remove your items until a judgment has been decided.” She looked to a man on her left. “Confiscate his items, all of them.”
Alex watched as General Rakkian slowly removed his spiked gauntlets and his leg protectors. When he handed them over, the man the queen spoke to walked back to grab the battleaxe that still laid in the sand. Then the man returned to his original position while carrying the items.
“Rakkian, you will follow us to my caravan. If you do anything else I will have you bound, gagged and detained. Do you understand?”
He bowed and said “Ya, your majesty.”
She then turned around and her voice turned pleasant. “Alex, will you and your companions please accompany me to my palace?”
Each of them politely bowed, knowing they had just as much choice to disobey as Gyro and Maiot had. Shade bowed his head between his paws, even if he didn’t understand what was being said.
“Good people!” The queen began speaking aloud to the audience. “I am sorry for ruining your morning event, but it must be canceled for certain unforeseen circumstances. I beg your forgiveness and hope you do not think ill of me. I have immediate matters that must be dealt with personally. I wish that you all have a pleasant day, despite my intrusion of this event. Once we depart you may do as you normally would.”
Everyone bowed for her gracious words.
She began walking towards the exit and all followed behind her. While they walked in the back Alex had to explain what the queen said, to Shade. He listened intently when mentioning that there might be others out there like his big brother, who wasn’t born with an item.
He smiled and asked “Why did she take his items in front of everyone? Isn’t that a little demeaning to a person of his standing?”
Alex walked between Lily and Shade to tell him “That was the whole point. She just showed that everyone is equal and will get the same treatment for their actions. Even a general will take the same consequences as surely if he were a subordinate. She cannot afford to coddle anyone; if anything, she proved he is no higher than a foot-solider. Attempted murder is a serious crime. I wonder why he would want Lily dead though. It doesn’t seem logical to me.”
“He definitely has a hidden agenda.” Shade said in grim agreement.
While they walked some of the guards turned to look at the tall boy because of how primal he spoke. Alex also checked on Lily to make sure she was alright. All she said was that the wound burned, but it was bearable. Marlin stood to her side so the general wouldn’t try anything. The other guards kept an eye on him as well. General Rakkian walked casually, but didn’t portray a proud persona at the moment. He was in a severe amount of trouble for his actions.
The crowd started speaking again, just as they entered the short tunnel. There were going to be varying stories by the end of the day.
The Pack was stunned once they saw what stood before them. In the courtyard waited a large carriage. The carriage was drawn by six white horses, all strapped together on the fore. There were fourteen other horses tied to the sides and back of the carriage. The coach was made of wood that was covered in pure white paint and every seamless line was brandished in gold embroidery. The coach used six wheels to accommodate for the large size. The shape was like a rounded bubble and there was a door on the side of the coach and three steps to get you inside. There was one man sitting on a bench and he was the driver.
As the group approached the queen’s ride, she began speaking. “I will need someone to go over to the barracks to retrieve their things. Bring them directly to the council chambers because they will be staying as my newest honored guests.”
“I shall do it, your majesty.” She smiled at the man who volunteered and he quickly left the group to retrieve his bay. He briskly mounted the steed and trotted off down a side road.
She began speaking again. “We have much to discuss today, Alex. Once we have some privacy I will leave it up to you how to proceed with things. Until then keep your questions to yourself because there might be someone who’s ears might not be for Freelan, but for the king.”
“Are you saying that there are spies?” he asked calmly.
She turned around as they made it up to the large carriage. “That I do not doubt. We can never be completely confident that everyone is who they say they are. You know I’ve taken heavy precautions, but like everything in the world, nothing is completely foolproof. My suggestion to you will be to keep your guard up at all times.”
“Aye, your majesty.”
She shook her head and smiled. “Please just call me Allahandra, ya.”
General Rakkian interjected. “Your Majesty, he is but a commoner. How can you ask him for such a thing? It isn’t right or proper.”
She glared at him and he backed up a half a step. “If you are lucky I will tell you in private. Until then obey your orders, Rakkian or be gagged.”
She took a step up into the carriage. “You may all ride with me.”
“I’ll walk.” She stopped with a hand at the door handle. “Shade will not be able to fit inside so I’ll travel with him and I need to clear my head.”
“I understand. And tell Shade to forgive my ignorance. I haven’t taken his size into account.”
When Alex translated to Shade he told her it wasn’t a problem, he wished to walk as well.
After the queen entered the carriage, one guard entered in after her. General Rakkian walked silently in. Lily and Marlin glanced at Alex and he nodded for them to proceed. They also entered and sat down I the luxurious ride. Alex shut the door behind them and dropped the short distance to the ground.
By the time he turned around the guards were already mounted and took their riding positions. There was one free horse and Alex introduced himself to her and she allowed him to jump on. He did so after sliding the staff into his left hand. Shade introduced himself and walked to her side. She didn’t spook, but she didn’t look away from him the whole time.
The driver of the carriage snapped the reigns and the six horses began moving forward. Alex was told to ride by the door because of the other man that left to retrieve their belongings. Shade walked easily by the bay and was a giant compared to the mare. The mounts began turning down a road, making their presence known with their hooves clopping the stone floor. People moved away and bowed as the procession passed. Some balked as they saw Shade walking with them, but he was still angry at what had happened so he didn’t flaunt himself like he’s been doing these past two days. The coach then turned onto the main road and continued trotting to the center of the city. As they moved deeper into the royal city the buildings steadily grew grander.
There wasn’t a direct way to the castle, but the layout wasn’t too difficult to understand. It made sense that if the main wall was somehow breached, the enemy wouldn’t have a clear path to the queen’s castle.
They walked for over an hour and the largest building was the grandest of the city and was the most impressive Alex has ever seen with his own two eyes. Nineteen stories were counted because of the windows. The roof held a stone railing and there were posted guards looking over the city, searching for any signs of danger. As the coach advanced, the guards on the roof pointed to their approach. The castle was made like a cube, with flying buttresses surrounding and supporting key points of the large structure. In the highest corners of the castle were several green flags with a yellowish/golden outlining. It was made in a long triangle shape. The castle was made of gray stone and had some moss, but the building was in excellent condition and its age eluded Alex to its initial crafting.
Shade exclaimed with a wide-eyed grin “Now that is a den.”
Before they could make it into the grounds they had to pass another stone wall, but this one was only half the size of the outer wal
l, fifty to sixty feet high. There were guards patrolling the top of this wall as well. They all stopped to see them coming. Others shouted their arrival.
The solid metal gate lifted as they approached the wall and they made it under that gate to see the castle grounds.
Inside the gate laid an enormous courtyard made of perfectly cut stone, pressed evenly beneath their feet, paws and hooves. It was made into a large semicircle. Around the edges of the courtyard were rows of beautiful flowers that made everything smell pleasant. Behind the flowers wound a path that led to even more flowers. Apparently the queen loved flowers and it did make the palace more pleasant to look upon. At the end of the courtyard was a large stone staircase and on the entry stood three women waiting patiently. Upon a closer look it was an older woman and two adolescent girls.
Once the coach and guards passed under the gate, it descended loudly into a secure position. The driver made the carriage turn to the left and round to the right. They came to a stop when the carriage was in front of the stairs.
Alex dismounted and stated “We’re here!”
The door opened and Marlin walked out first, followed by Lily, General Rakkian, The man with his items and then eventually Allahandra graced them all with her presence. His companions walked over to Alex and Marlin spoke about how lush and soft the ride was. While they spoke all of the guards moved away to tie their horses to a post, except for the one who held Rakkian’s items.
“My Lady,” they all turned to the woman of a light ebony complexion and two girls of cream color as they traversed down the steps. They stopped when they could speak casually. The young girls were quiet as they glanced at Shade, but the woman in her early fifties was more concerned about something else. “Where did you go? I’ve just learned of your absence and I was worried.”
Allahandra smiled. “There was something I needed to see to, personally. As you can see my personal guard volunteered to come with me. Oh there is someone I must introduce you to.” Her voice became excited.
Allahandra grasped the woman’s hand and brought her over to The Pack, as she had been informed to call their group. The coach along with the other guards began moving away. Once the queen stopped several paces away, along with the other three ladies, she raised the palm of her hand in an introductory gesture.
“Mistress Marge, I would like to introduce my newest guests, Marlin,” She moved her hand to identify each of them. “Lily, Shade and Alex. They will be staying with us for awhile.” The queen turned to them now. “Everyone, this is the head mistress of my castle and the city. She knows just about everything there is to know. If you need something she will be familiar with how to find it. I hope everyone will become friends.”
Alex walked closer and the head mistress studied the tall child oddly. His tone was genuinely excited as he extended his hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you Mistress Marge. We didn’t mean to intrude on your day.”
Her motherly smile made him feel welcomed. “Think nothing of it. Allahandra keeps me busy so I cannot complain.” She grasped his arm. “It is a pleasure to hear that the rumors are true after all. So you can speak to your fien…Shade. I will have the three guest rooms prepared. I’m guessing Shade will be staying with you?” he nodded and they released their grasp.
She turned to her left and raised an eyebrow. “I haven’t seen you in trouble in ages, Little Rakkian. What did you do this time?”
Allahandra’s tone became disgusted before he had a chance to speak. “He tried to murder a new member of our family, while their back was turned.” The mistresses eyes widened and she gasped. “Because of the severity of the act we will proceed with our law. I doubt we can settle this with a common arbiter so I will take their place and find a common footing.”
So she will listen to both sides to find a reasonable solution to his crime?
Mistress Marge sighed. “I understand.” She looked at all of them and said “I know you will go to the private meeting chamber and I will cancel all your day’s duty because there looks to be much needing to be discussed. So I’ll bring each of you a meal. All of you look famished. I’ll even bring something special for Shade. Excuse me.”
She bowed and scurried up the stairs, two attendants in tow.
Queen Allahandra regained their attention. “Amazing. She usually scolds me when I do something rash, like leave the castle on such short notice. She is like a mother to me… She must really like you, Alex, ya.” She began grinning.
“Your highness is there somewhere we may wash up?” Lily asked evenly.
“I was just about to suggest the exact same thing. It looks like everyone needs a bath though… follow me if you will.” She then turned and walked up the stairs after her mistress.
After walking the stairs they traveled through the front entryway. Two solid wooden gates were flared outward. They were the thickest they’ve ever come across. They walked through it and down a short hall. The main floor was ahead and it was lit by sunlight that has been reflected by mirrors. It was an ingenious concept that Alex has only read about. Plus it was remarkably cool inside the building. The air smelled fragrant with a hint of cooked food and spice, which made everyone’s stomach growl.
“This is the main audience hall.” Queen Allahandra began giving a personal tour. “We eat and socialize here and I also see petitioners and nobles during brief my periods of free time. Below this floor is also where our meals are made and our clothes get cleaned.”
The first room was lined with wooden tables and chairs, but the room was empty except for those who were still cleaning. Besides the buttresses outside the first room, they had several stone pillars supporting the upper floors. In the back of the room was a raised stone stage with stairs that led up to it. In the center of the stage sat an enormous chair that was lavish. It was Allahandra’s throne, one of them at least. Off to either side of the hall were spiral staircases made of stone.
It took a few minutes to reach the staircase and another few moments to walk up to the second level, but they kept going higher.
Allahandra began explaining her castle. “Levels two through twelve are reserved for soldiers whom guard the city. By my last count we have just over two thousand soldiers living inside this building. Each and every one of them are fierce warriors and specialists in their own field. Most of the other members live in the city with their families. Level’s thirteen and fourteen houses my commanding officers and generals. Level fifteen is where everyone bathes. Level sixteen through eighteen are my private collection of books and documents. Everyone who lives here is welcome to visit the library, but you are not allowed to take them from those levels without my written permission. Three times a week we have many children come to my personal libraries to learn how to read, write and learn. Many I hope will become scholars. I call it a school. Level nineteen is my personal restricted floor and you will not be allowed to that level without authorization from me alone. If you are found and resist capture you will be killed.”
“What kinds of permission must be given?” Marlin asked.
The queen’s dark brown eyes glanced and she smiled at him. “I will tell my men and they will allow you, plus for the library, I will give you a special letter that you must deliver to my document caretakers, if you wish to take a book from the archives.”
On the way up Alex explained everything to Shade and he became thrilled because he wanted to read some more. It has been quite a time since either of them have been able to read in luxury, without the threat of being killed or discovered. Allahandra wasn’t too surprised Shade could read for some reason so he left his many numbered questions inside his mind until later.
Eventually the group reached the fifteenth floor when Allahandra said “Lily, come with me. There is something you need to see.” Lily glanced at Alex only once, afraid to be separated in a castle that you once called an enemy. “You will like it I can promise that to you. And do not worry, I won’t have anything happen while you are away from your companions.” She ex
tended her hand. Lily casually took the offering and Allahandra said to the men “I will see you shortly.”
Before the women left she ordered her only remaining guard to allow Rakkian to bathe, but to keep an eye on him. He nodded in recognition to her order and they walked.
The hall the men turned on to resembled the hallway in the barracks. The only difference was that there were only two doors. Marlin was told which one the men’s room was. They took the door to the left with the blue paint. The white door was for women.
Inside the room was also lit from mirrors and at the other end of the room stood another door which was where the other stairwell sat beyond. Off on one wall were many buckets. There was a cake of soap plus a sponge inside each bucket. Alex grabbed two while the others grabbed one to bathe, except for the guard standing watch. In the middle of the room lay a large pool of water. There were twenty large booths to the left where one could wash in private and there were small drains under the stalls. To the right held the privies, but the room didn’t smell as bad as one originally thought.
Alex walked up to the deep and fresh water and drew the liquid into each pail, after removing the contents. Alex told Shade he couldn’t jump in and he was honestly disappointed. He waited while his brother entered a stall and quickly washed. He also cleaned the red paint easily off the ends of the staff. Alex used the remaining water to wash the soap off his body and down the drain.
He stepped out of the stall and drew more water. Shade stood up and allowed his elder brother to bathe him quickly. It took three-and-twenty pails of water to completely wash the suds from his fur. He soaked everyone when he shook the water droplets from his coat. By the time they finished all were ready.
They left the room soon after and Alex led everyone up the stairs.
Alex stopped cold once he reached the nineteenth floor of the castle. There were two swords aimed in his direction and an arrow leveled at his head. The two swordsmen stood on the ledge which the stairs ended on. The archer stood further down the hall. Where the stairs ended, it made a straight hall and it turned to the left at the end. None could get passed without a fight.
These three soldiers were larger than Alex expected. He was larger than the average man, but these men made him feel utterly insignificant. They were muscle-bound giants. Their arms could easily break him in half and their legs were solid tree trunks. The eyes that showed what a person was, told him that they wouldn’t hesitate to stop him from taking another step forward.
“Who are you?” The archer asked evenly, bow still drawn to his cheek.
“Queen Allahandra said for us to follow once we were finished bathing. My name is Alex.” He and the others didn’t dare move under their watch.
The swords drew back and the archer removed the tension from the string. The archer said “You are permitted on this level unless we are told otherwise. The password is Morningstar.”
He gestured them forward and they didn’t hesitate.
Down the hall they traveled and turned down the left hallway. This hallway had sunlight coming in from the windows that lined the far back wall. There were four more guards lined up to either side of this wall. In the center of the hall was a wooden ladder that went through the roof. Alex could tell that that was how the guards could patrol atop the roof of the castle.
One guard stepped in the center and evenly asked “Password?”
“Morningstar!” Alex said and the warrior returned to standing silently against the wall. It let him know that if someone were to somehow pass the first guards without the password then these men would cut any down if they didn’t know it. Allahandra didn’t take chances.
The five men all walked naturally down the hall and then Alex saw a large door to his left. It was directly across from the wooden ladder. Two guards stood to either side of the doors. They passed them and the guards didn’t even flinch while maintaining their statuesque stance, but their eyes were alert.
Alex walked up to the two wooden doors and knocked. Behind the door they heard “Enter!” It was Allahandra’s commanding voice. He grabbed the handles and opened both doors, per her allowance.
The room was painted a light green and there were reinforced windows that lined the ceiling, which gave the room light. The walls held paintings of the past kings and queens; which were all remarkably detailed and lifelike. The room itself was a quarter the size of the main hall, but this room wasn’t as tall. Off to either side of the back of the room were two doorways that led somewhere else. Off to the left wall stood a large closed cabinet that had almost reached the ceiling and was over fifteen feet wide. The floor was made of a polished white stone that was recognized to be marble. Alex’s bare and chilled feet confirmed it. In the center of the room was an enormous circular table; with many chairs surrounding it. In the center of the table was an identical map of the lands, like the one from his old book. Only the map on the table has been engraved into the wooden table.
The queen sat in the furthest spot at the table which also happened to be another throne. Behind the throne rested a painting of her parents. They looked so happy together. Her father was as dark as Takka, but her mother was as fair as Lily. It made sense now.
Allahandra looked different, sitting in her throne, and he realized that she had removed her gold tiara. She still wore the same green dress as she sat erect in the throne chair. She spoke casually, but the sound was slightly echoed in the enclosed room. “Please come in. You may all sit close to me. And your companion will be out shortly.”
They walked in and the marble was cooler that the normal stone. Shade and Marlin followed as he walked to the right, of circular the table. Once Rakkian and the other man entered, the doors closed behind. This room wasn’t flamboyant, but it wasn’t passionless either.
Shade trotted around Alex and made the queen smile when he picked up a chair with his teeth and moved it out of the way. He walked up and sat on his haunches. He wanted to sit beside the queen herself. She didn’t protest, in fact she found it remarkably entertaining.
Alex pulled the next chair back and sat down. Marlin sat one seat over to his left so Lily could sit between them. Rakkian sat uncomfortably to the right of the queen, but was three chairs to her right. Plus he remained silent, per her standing order.
“Please leave his items here in front of me. You may then do what you normally would.” The queen said to the guard and he sat the items on the desk before her. Before he left through the doors, he bowed.
“So what is the law, for what he did?” Alex asked Allahandra once it was awkwardly silent.
She smiled as she leaned forward. Allahandra had to look around Shade. “In our laws when one party commits a heinous crime, like attempted murder, only the victim, the family or the capturer may pass judgment, with the arbiter’s consent to fairness that is. To make a fair judgment one must have a third party person present; that is impartial to the crime. There are few exceptions to overrule an arbiter, but they are only if an agreement cannot be solved by the present law. As it is, attempted murder is in the law and the victim or the family members of the deceased can ask for an execution. If the person was only protecting themselves and killed their attacker, they will not be held accountable so long as it was truly and justifiably self-defense.”
Then there was a knock coming from the door behind them. “Come in and join us Lily!” Allahandra announced.
From behind, the door squeaked on the hinges as it opened. Alex turned in his chair to see Lily walking towards them. She was freshly washed and so was the clothes that seemed to be ringed out by hand. Her arm wasn’t covered in blood and he was grateful that she looked healthier. Her sheathed swords continued to move with each sway of her hips. Her steps made soft clicking sounds while making her approach. She then looked cautiously between each of them.
She pulled the seat back and sat between Marlin and Alex. She was quiet once she pulled her seat forward. Glancing at her wound from Rakkian, the back of her arm looked better already.
“Now that we are all here we may get started.” Allahandra began speaking casually. “First off I wanted to thank each of you for joining me. This is my private audience chamber as well as my war room. When something happens, each of these chairs will be filled with my generals, commanders and my aids. But for now, it shall be our private meeting. How would you like to proceed, Alex?”
He glanced between Allahandra and Rakkian. “I would like to know why you showed up in person today, Allahandra.”
She smiled because he said her name rather than from the question. “Actually I would have been there sooner if I hadn’t put the pieces together so slowly. I received a report from my men saying that there was a man who could communicate with a fiend, but I was unable to meet you last night as I wished. I would have undoubtedly met you either today or by tomorrow at the latest. Then there was another report brought to my attention that explained about your other companions, Lily and Marlin. When I had everything compiled of you and your friends, I realized too late with the correlation between Rakkian and Lily. Once I found the link and heard that my general called for a practice session, I realized then the true significance of his motives. I called for an escort immediately and made it just in time before everything began spiraling beyond my control. By the time my carrier brought me, you pinned my general to the ground. The rest you already know.”
While he pondered what she said, Alex glanced at Lily. Her beautiful features were looking at the general in a confused way. “What is the matter, Lily?” Queen Allahandra asked.
“Your Majesty…”
“Allahandra,” The queen corrected.
“Allahandra,” Lily said in modification. “what is the connection between me and the general? I cannot remember if we have ever met, let alone why he would try to do as he did.”
“Tell them your story Rakkian.” The queen said compassionately and as an order. The once proud and calculating general looked forlorn as he glanced between all eyes in the room. He sighed and put his face in his large hands. His shoulders were hunched and looked withdrawn. All his pride melted away at recalling some terrible memory from his past. It was horrific to him.
Shade nudged Alex with his nose. “Tell me what he says word for word. I also want to know what has made him so pitiful to look at.”
“Alright,” The general finally looked up from his hands and his eyes were beginning to swim when he met Alex’s stare. “I might sound weird to all of you, but I’m going to translate everything we say to Shade. He is as much apart of this meeting as we are.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Allahandra said in allowance. “Proceed, general.”
When Rakkian began speaking Alex began translating to Shade in a quieter voice. The general’s tone became sad and distant.
“This all started eight years ago. I was eight-and-twenty years and I once had a loving wife and a beautiful daughter. My daughter was nine years old and was the beacon of my life. I joined Freelan when I was but fifteen and that was where I met my wife two years later. Once my family had started we moved into this city. I had a great life and a great family to come home to.
“One day, my wife gained news that her mother had become deathly ill. I was granted permission from Commander Gambit to escort my wife and daughter to my in-laws. It was a three weeks journey from here, riding horseback.” His face became even more pained, if that could be possible. “Along the way, we were ambushed after we set up camp for the night. I didn’t even know what happened until I regained consciousness. I awoke, securely bound to a tree and stripped of my items. I searched for my family and saw my wife’s lifeless body only a foot away from me. Her throat had been slashed and I can still see her lifeless eyes looking back at me, screaming for help that I couldn’t come to her rescue. I screamed for her, but it had been finished for too long.
“Then I spotted my little girl…” The general’s voice cracked and a stream of tears trickled down his cheeks. He didn’t want to continue, but had to. “She was close to the fire, but wasn’t alone. I screamed and watched helplessly as she was being raped and tortured before my very eyes. She tried screaming for me to save her, but every time she did, he would strike her face. My screams and demands only made the bastard rape her that much harder. Then I saw you!” He pointed directly at Lily.
Her eyes were wide with conformation, she finally understood his motivations. Then she balled up her fist and quickly hid it under the table. She was visibly shaking, but it wasn’t in panic, it was from rage. Alex placed a hand in her arm and her eyes cut into him dangerously until they softened from his serene expression. Whatever she was remembering both was and wasn’t specific to this exact event.
The general continued, despite the fact Alex was trying to help comfort Lily. “I will never forget that night, never. You were just a year older than my daughter, but I remember your white hair and purple eyes along with a dead expression on your face. When you showed up in the middle of my daughter’s rape you said ‘Master Peile, we have other obligations that you need to accomplish.’ He then retorted with ‘I’m almost done here, Lily, I’ll meet you with the horses when I’m done.’ Then you left without another word or look.
“Once he was finished with my daughter he snapped her frail and bleeding neck. He smiled and thanked me for the best night he’s had in months. He left me there tied up to wallow in my misery. Everything my life stood for was meaningless now. I so wanted to kill him for what he did. And when I find Peile I’ll be sure to kill him.”
“Right after I get a hold of him!” Everyone was stunned by the acid coating Lily’s voice. Things went from his sadness to her unbridled anger almost instantly. The muscles in her arms were flexing and straining and her jaw was clenched shut. Her eyes were looking deadly at the table’s surface. Her fair and creamy complexion had now turned bright red. She began breathing heavily while trying to calm herself.
Once she had she locked her eyes into the general’s again she said “Do you honestly believe your daughter was the only one my master raped?” Rakkian’s expression widened in surprise of her slicing words. “Let me give you a lesson on what it is to be a true Kings Guard. When we are removed from our parent’s homes and taken to be raised in Ravan’s Royal City, we are trained by instructors until we turned to the age of eight. At that age we are given to a specific master, to further our training. I was chosen to be tutored under Master Peile. He is the top general of King Runkamon and they are the best of friends. I was excited to go into the next step of my training until the very first night I was assigned with Master Peile. He raped me too. And he did so every time his whim wanted. I was as helpless as your daughter when it came to his desires. He didn’t like mature and older women because they weren’t fresh enough for him. His only perverted taste was for girls under the age of fifteen. And I learned the hard way not to fight because it only seemed to excite him that much more. When my item’s restraints were freed in my sixteenth year I was finally free of him. I was then able to do as I…”
Someone had raped the woman Alex cared so deeply for and got away with it? How could a grown man do those things to a child? How could he still be alive after someone told the tale of his raping of young girls? Alex wondered in unchecked anger.
Suddenly his heart began thundering in his chest from hearing this. His body was feeling hot and he clenched his jaw tightly. Alex began shaking with even more rage than Lily. It was the same sensation again, but there wasn’t anyone to take it out on. Why didn’t it coarse through me hours ago when I needed it most? Alex asked himself. Why did it react now? The feeling is unreliable. The strength came out of nowhere and it needed to be released. He had to find something quick or else he’d go insane from the rage and sudden surge of strength. Alex zeroed in on the table before him for some reason. Maybe it would help calm his rage?
His assessment wasn’t too far off.
He grabbed the table itself and began squeezing the wood as if it were little more than wet clay. It crackled
and snapped under the superior strength of his hands. The sound of the crunching and splintering wood echoed off the walls with a sickening, grinding reverberation. He just held on to the table so he could relieve the thundering tension his body was under.
All turned to see where the sound originated and went still at seeing what he was doing to solid wood with only bare hands.
“Alex! Alex! Alex, calm down! You need to relax!” Allahandra shouted, but he couldn’t acknowledge her at the moment.
Then there was an explosion as the four guards from outside burst into the room, weapons drawn when they heard her yell. “All of you outside! Now!” She ordered to the four dangerous looking guards back to their posts. They looked worried, but did their duty in obeying.
He slowly released his grip on the table and the crushed woodchips fell into his lap and floor. Hands clasped together, he forced to calm himself down. Then his power crashed harder than ever as he began shaking even more and it was impossible to stop the rolling tremors. Someone was out there who could do such a despicable thing to Lily… His body wanted to fight this Peile even more. Ripping him in half with his bare hands would be the least of his worries
“Do any of you know how to temper him? If you do, make it quick.” Allahandra said quickly.
There was a sudden pressure on his shoulder, followed by a sound of air suddenly being sucked through clenched teeth. “I can’t,” Lily announced as a sensation barely registered on his shoulder again. A hissing sound happened when there was pressure. “He’s too hot to touch! It’s like his skin is on fire! What’s going on? Should I go get water?”
“Just give me a minute.” Alex said through gritted teeth. He then hugged his ribs to restrain himself before he destroyed anything else or harmed her. The violent, full body, spasms had returned with renewed vigor.
Everyone sat in silence, and a few minutes later everything began to ease, slowly. Alex was breathing heavily, but he managed to look over at everyone. “Pardon my actions. I don’t know why it overcame me just then.”
“Do not worry about it, Alex. Just relax and take things easy. We have as much time as you need to take. Relax and cool down.” Allahandra then looked over to the general. “Now do you understand what I meant about not upsetting him? Imagine if he had his hands around your neck right then.”
Rakkian’s eyes were wide with acknowledgement.
The story needed to continue for a judgment to be reached so he said “Well this general now has three people out for his head, but that doesn’t answer why you went after Lily. From your story she didn’t do anything. So why?”
Rakkian looked away in shame. “I thought if he killed my little girl I should do the same to his apprentice.”
It was silent for several minutes. Alex’s body relaxed and his temper cooled. Lily was looking between her first friend and the woodchips in his lap, rubbing her pained hand. He saw this and asked himself in horror and revulsion; Did I burn her? How? What just happened? Marlin and Shade were pondering something while the queen and general just sat in quiet.
“So you have heard the honest story, Alex. What will be his consequence?” Allahandra asked and then slid Rakkian’s five items across the table. They stopped in a loose pile in front of Alex.
He studied the shiny metallic items. “I will not be the judge. He wasn’t after me nor is it my right to decide.” He swept the items to the left. “It is your call, Lily. Your choice will decide his fate.”
Her amethyst eyes studied his restrained grey, the items before her and the general who sat across the table. It wasn’t difficult to understand why she silently deliberated over the issues. A smile faintly touched her lips when she found a conclusion. Her eyes landed on the general. “General Rakkian, if I was in your position I might have done the same thing. There will be no punishment. How about we call a truce? If I find my former master I’ll let you have the first go. Does that sound fair?”
Alex smiled faintly and she glanced at him and smiled herself. He was proud of her decision. She didn’t think of revenge, only forgiveness would save them both, but she also gave him a bonus. She gave Rakkian closure and a chance to exact his justified revenge. His heart swelled knowing she was growing as a person instead of a mindless warrior. She was becoming a woman he was thrilled to know. She was Alex’s first and dearest friend.
The general sat thunderstruck at his sentence. His jaw was hanging by its hinges and his broad shoulders were still slumped in denial. He was not prepared for such a result. In the depths of his dark eyes, he was prepared for the ultimate punishment, but what he received was nothing. It was faint, but he said “If that is your verdict I’ll gladly accept that punishment… Thank you.”
Lily grinned and used her unharmed left arm to thrust his items across the table. It made all kinds of metallic clattering as it skidded to his side of the table. He stopped them with both hands, but left them on the table. He still looked too shocked for words and for honest realization.
Queen Allahandra smiled proudly as she clasped her hand together atop the table. The sound almost made all in attendance jump in surprise. Alex’s senses were all still on edge and his hopes rekindled in this group. Her tone hinted on enthusiasm as she said “That was a kind and wise verdict, Lily. I still needed my best general around here. He has a long record of saving our hides. Now that this matter is officially settled it is time for the next one.” She then glanced playfully at Alex. “Now it is your turn to ask the question I’ve seen you chewing on since my arrival.”
Alex grinned. “You said you know about what I am or who my clan is… Can you please tell me what I am?”
She sparkled her white teeth and tucked a few strands of hair behind an ear.
“Alex, you are what is known as a Furion.”
Untamed Gift (Book One of the Items Trilogy) Page 20
