by Janeal Falor
The family is dressed in brown clothes, thin from so many washings or wearings. Their cheeks are gaunt and their eyes hungry, though there’s a sparkle in them that surprises me.
The man speaks before I can say anything. “Your Majesty, it is an honor to speak with you. When we heard you were changing the taxes so much, we worried, though the end result was lower taxes to our benefit. We shouldn’t have worried. Thank you for restoring our town.”
His words makes the back of my eyes burn. “I wish I could do more.” But I can. “I will make sure your new leader is a good person, and that once Fulla’s things are sold, the profits are spread evenly to all tax payers. What can’t be sold will be given away. You will have your city back.”
A shout of joy goes up around me, startling me. I keep my expression impassive but wonder about their reaction. Am I doing enough? It doesn’t feel like it, but their reaction is so strong, I can’t help wondering if it means more than I think.
The man bows to me, and the others follow suit. I tell them to rise. Having their respect does nothing for me when I shouldn’t need to make these changes in the first place.
I continue through the crowd, waving at people as I go by. They are eager, cheering and clapping, bright smiles on their faces and in their eyes. This time, there’s no group holding back. The entire town seems to be here, cheering for what I’ve done. It’s hard to fathom.
When I reach my carriage, Nash stands to one side, Inyi to another. My guards surround me, but the crowd is still within view. I turn toward them with my back to the carriage door. I raise a hand to silence them, and they all quiet down.
“My people, today is a day for celebration. We are returning what is rightfully yours and voiding the city tax.” A great roar of approval fills the air. I give them several moments to express their joy before raising my hand again. “Given that your old ruler is no longer over the city, my lady-in-waiting, Inyi, is going to stay and oversee the voting in of a new ruler.” She will make certain the city will find their way to a new leader.
“I know this is not how it’s normally done,” I continue. “Typically, I would choose someone as a replacement, but you know your needs better than I do. I want you to pick a fair and just leader. Whoever you select will be under my watch still, to put an end to the tyranny that should not exist in our country. But the choice is yours.”
The crowd grows wilder than ever, screaming for joy and clapping. All sorts of noise resounds together to create a sound of joy. Someone from the crowd calls out, “All hail Queen Ryn.”
Some pick up the saying. “Queen Ryn.”
The man says in a second time. “All hail Queen Ryn.”
More people pick it up. “Queen Ryn.”
“All hail Queen Ryn,” he says a third time.
“Queen Ryn.” The crowd screams my name.
I give them a wave and get in the carriage. It’s difficult to know what to think. What to feel. This is so different than anything I’ve ever experienced. I’m grateful they’re happy and hopeful that under Inyi’s guidance they will pick a fair ruler, but this chanting my name, praising me… it’s more than I know what to do with.
I do know one thing—it feels good to get something done.
The First Queen’s presence is near. I can feel her in my mind. I wish I could read her. Know what she’s thinking. Till now, she’s only come to me like this when I’m in danger. Why would she choose now to draw near?
I don’t know.
Chapter 26
The next stop is blessedly uneventful. We are up the mountainside a little ways where the houses are on stilts on one side to accommodate the steep slope. Stairs go up the mountainside every ten or so houses, like a mini roadway. I spend part of the night going up and down those stairs for exercise, much to Jaku’s dismay. He keeps me surrounded with guards, which means they are huffing and puffing right along with me.
The night air is crisp against my skin, kissing it with its coolness. When I spoke to the First Queen last night and asked her why she came to me, she said that she always wants to be with me to help and it's finally getting easier to do so. After a night speaking with her, I wake for a breakfast banquet with a group who are mildly receptive. Though they aren’t as warm as I hoped for, they are generous with their things, giving me gifts of cloth, homemade pots, and beads.
When I ask Nash about it, he shrugs. Surprisingly, Inkga has an explanation. “They are a deeply caring people, but they don’t show it outwardly. It is a sign of disgrace to show too much feeling, but the giving of gifts is a sign that they respect you.”
“How do you know this?”
“I’ve been here once, with Queen Deedra.” She pauses before adding, “She didn’t receive as many gifts as you. She was cold to the country, and they were cold right back. It was in the later part of her ruling, years after she raised the taxes. They didn’t appreciate it.”
Neither would I.
After another day at the village, where the people show me songs and dance, we head to our last city. The ride isn’t long—just half a day—and we reach Wolta. The city is full of people with big, eager eyes. Eager to see me, or eager to get rid of me?
My party is directed to the main building, where we are served dinner. For once, Nash is sitting by me. Seems like our hosts have kept him away from me ever since we left Indell. But not tonight.
I try not to pay much attention to him, but it’s only right that I converse with my dinner partner. Though Mother is on my other side and likes to talk a lot, I’m aware of Nash next to me and the buzz of excitement tingling through my right side, where he’s sitting.
It would be all too easy to lean over and brush against him. To take his hand under the table. To press a kiss on his forehead—no, his lips.
“Are you listening, darling?” Mother’s voice cuts through my daydreaming.
“I have a lot on my mind.” And none of it what it’s supposed to be. “What were you saying?”
“I asked if you’re going to attend the celebration tonight, or if you’re going to bed. You look tired.”
Not as tired as Nash. The dark circles under his eyes have grown worse. “I’ll attend, but anyone else should only do so if they desire.”
“I’d be happy to accompany you.” She continues chatting away, though this time turning her attention to Father, who’s sitting on her other side.
She continues chatting away, though this time turning her attention to Carver who’s sitting on her other side.
This city has been welcoming so far, but I want to know more about it. There are so many of them, I wish I had a better way to communicate with them. If Inyi was here, she might have some ideas.
Dinner finishes before I know it, without time to enjoy anything. Boplou, the leader of this city, heads toward me, a grin gracing her face. She curtsies when she gets to me, and I motion for her to rise.
“Your Majesty, we are so happy to have you in our city that we would like to present you with a gift.”
I lift an eyebrow. What could they be giving me? And why? There’s always a purpose behind everything. I can’t imagine her doing this out of the goodness of her heart. Is there something hiding behind the gesture?
She turns and points toward a nearby dark hallway. There’s a glimmer of movement toward its lower half. A glow of golden eyes, not entirely human, shines dimly. A moment later, a sleek, black-furred animal that would reach my waist saunters in front of a woman.
The animal has thick, long fangs and the build of a cat. A really, really large cat. It has two tails that sway along with the woman walking beside it. She is something of a mystery herself. She’s bald, her blue eyes standing out against skin so pale it almost shimmers. She’s lithe but strong, with muscles in her arms. Her white pants and shirt are almost the same color as she is, without the shimmer.
I’m not sure which of them poses the greater danger.
Those gathered in the room ooh and aah over them. Little bits of chatter reach me
but not clear enough to make out. The excitement I can hear, though. We've never seen anything like this before.
Boplou lifts one side of her mouth. “This is Venda. The fila is Puneah.”
“Fila?” I eye the creature with a new appreciation. “I thought they were only myth.”
“To most, they are.” Venda’s voice is melodic. “In Faner, we have a few, though their species has almost died out.”
Venda stops several feet from me, but the fila continues to approach. The sleek animal stalks forward—a huge, threatening cat. Usually, I’m only afraid of Daros, but this fila has my knees shaking almost as bad as when he was around.
Puneah stops inches from me. Its hot breath tickles my hand as it smells me.
“She’s getting to know you,” Venda says.
I almost ask if she bites, but it’s a useless question. With those fangs, of course she does.
Puneah’s tails twitch as she moves to my other hand. Her wet nose pushes right up against my hand, touching my wooden ring. Her tails suddenly stick straight out before one wraps itself around the other.
“What does that mean?” My voice doesn’t betray my fear. Good.
Venda cocks her head. “We will speak later about your new pet.”
“Wait. This fila is mine?”
Puneah nudges my hand playfully. Or maybe hungrily. It’s difficult to tell.
“She is a gift to you from the country of Faner. Your ruler of Wolta personally contacted us and asked us for such a gift,” Venda says.
Boplou is beaming.
What am I going to do with a pet? And is it a pet, or a way to kill me without raising a hand? “Thank you both for your generosity.”
Puneah continues butting up against my hand, tail still twisted up.
“If it pleases you,” Venda says, “I will accompany you back to Indell and teach you and your servants how to care for a fila.”
Another person I have to watch my back with. I put a smile on, anyway. “That would be wonderful.”
“Puneah, come.” Venda pats her leg.
The fila stops moving my hand and goes to her, tails uncurling. I don’t let the tension ease from my shoulders.
“We will await you in your rooms,” Venda says.
Now I won’t want to go to sleep from worry over them. “Very well.”
Boplou takes a step closer as woman and fila disappear into the hall. “That’s the first fila I’ve ever seen. It was magnificent,” she says.
Were we looking at the same creature? Then again, despite the dangerous gleam in Puneah’s eyes, it was an interesting creature. Myths say that they have something to do with magic.
I wonder what Puneah would make of the Mortum Tura. Not that she could tell me. “It sure was something. Thank you again for the gift.”
She blushes. “It was nothing.”
I think back on my earlier thoughts. “If you don’t mind my asking, what do the people of your city think of me as a ruler?”
Boplou pulls the chain around her neck out from under her dress and brushes her fingers across a pendant. The way she moves her fingers in small circles makes me think she’s unaware she’s doing it. She says, “The truth is the people are uncertain about you. They don’t know what to think, and we hear such differing reports.”
“Why give me such a grand gift, then?” One she must have been planning since I drank the Mortum Tura to make it happen.
She looks down at her necklace and drops it. “Let’s just say I had a good feeling about you.”
That’s all? A good feeling? “You trust that?”
She grins. “I do. I know you’ll make a fine leader.”
She has more confidence in me than I do. Maybe I can do something to earn it. “Is there something you need from me, for your people or city?”
“There is one thing.”
When she doesn’t continue, I ask, “What is it?”
She glances around the room. “The dam near our city is getting old and falling apart. I’m afraid it will collapse and all the homes below it will be caught in a flood if some work isn’t done on it soon. We’ve been trying to fix it, but have only come up with temporary solutions.”
“Why not fix it permanently?”
“We don’t have enough money.”
“That’s easy. I’ll release some from the crown. I’ve been looking for projects like this to make the country better while creating jobs. Plus, I want to help out before the dam breaks.”
“You would do that?” Her eyes sparkle with tears. Of hope?
“Of course. Why are you so surprised?”
She looks at the floor, grabbing her necklace once again. “I shouldn’t be. Not with you. It’s just that Queen Deedra never came to visit us. We’re too close to the border of Faner, and things aren’t as fancy out here. When I sent her notes of what we needed, they went unanswered.”
I feel an urge to take her hand, to let her know how serious I am, but I refrain. “Look at me.” Once she does so, I say, “I am not Queen Deedra, nor will I ever be. I promise to help you and the city. My people deserve that.” And so much more.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you.”
“You’re most welcome. If you’ll excuse me, I need to speak with my Head Advisor so I can get this in the works as soon as possible.”
“Certainly. Sleep well, Your Majesty.”
She curtsies, then flitters over to another group. I don’t have to go to Nash; he comes to me. Together, we walk toward my rooms, though I’m all too aware of the guards around us.
I quickly explain the situation with the dam. “Do you think we can handle this?”
“I’ll get on it as soon as we’re finished talking here.”
“Thank you. Let me know what you need, and I’ll see that you have it.”
He nods. “I will.”
“Did you spot what Faner and Boplou gifted me?” I ask him.
“I did. I never thought I’d live to see a fila.”
“You and me both. I thought they were legend.”
I lower my voice, though I’m certain the guards can still hear us. “How are you?”
“Excited to see a fila up close.”
I laugh. “You’re crazy for wanting to get close to that thing.”
“You did.”
Not by choice. “Didn’t you see its teeth?”
“Yes, and still, it treated you well.”
“No guarantee it’s going to stay that way,” I mutter.
He gives me a smile so big it nearly melts me on the spot. “Have I finally found something you’re afraid of?”
I scoff. “Of course not.”
“Then you won’t mind letting it smell you again?”
“I’m certain it will.” Unfortunately.
He chuckles. It’s oh-so-good to hear the sound. Maybe he’s recovering some. Finding himself again.
We reach my room, and Nash opens the door for Jaku to scout out the room. Once he’s assured of its safety, he ushers Julina in, then Nash, and finally me. The rest of my guards stay outside my room, positioned either at the window or in front of my door.
This building is smaller than Fulla’s but still with enough room to house me like others think I need. I’d be happy with a small corner somewhere, but apparently that’s not fitting my station.
Venda bows a welcome. “Puneah has been anxious to see you again.”
I eye the fila. “How do you know?”
“You will learn.” She turns her attention to the animal. “Puneah is special among the filas. My Queen personally helped pick her out for you.”
Wonderful. Now I have to worry another ruler is trying to kill me, this time by pet.
Venda continues. “She thought, given your profession before being a queen, that you would prefer a black animal instead of a white one. The better to hide her with you when you go on excursions.”
What does that mean? Does the queen of Faner expect me to still be an assassin? Maybe I’m overthinking what she
said. Maybe she wants to be on my good side so I won’t come after her. Not that we have much relations with other countries. I’ll have to ask my Head of Foreign Relations what she knows about Faner. “That was thoughtful.”
She eyes those with me. “I would like to speak with you privately, if that’s all right.”
I glance at Julina and Nash. Is there anything Venda could say that I don’t want the two of them to hear? Doubtful. “You can speak freely. Both of them will keep whatever you share confidential.”
“Are you certain?”
“I am. I trust these two with my life.”
“Very well, then.” Venda crouches down on Puneah’s level, whispers something, and when she stands, Puneah comes to me and nudges my hand again, tails twisting together. “This is what I wished to speak to you of. The twisting tails.”
“What do they mean?”
“Any guesses?”
“The only thing difference between my two hands is this one has a ring on it.”
“What do you know of this ring?”
“Not much. I found it in the treasury.” And was drawn to it. Liked it. Wanted to wear it. Nothing that should be attracting such attention.
“Filas’ tails twist together when they detect magic. The stronger the magic, the tighter their tails are twisted together.”
Magic? “Are you suggesting there’s something different about my ring?”
“Not just something. Magic. I know your country doesn’t deal in magic much, but that doesn’t mean it’s extinct.”
I rise my hand away from Puneah, and her tail untwists. I brush my fingers across the ring. “What does it do?”
“That I cannot tell you.”
That’s helpful. “Does this work with any magical item?”
“It does.”
“How do I get Puneah to stop paying attention to the object?”
“Once you acknowledge the item, she will stop. Put your arm back down and you will see.”
I do as she says. Puneah gives my hand a once over before making a circle around me. Her tail remains untwisted. “How does she know I acknowledged what she was trying to tell me?”
