Death's Queen (The Complete Series)

by Janeal Falor

  “How does such a creature know to show you magical items to begin with? It’s a mystery, as much as why our moons are different colors.”

  I nod. Makes sense. Sort of. “How do I find out what the ring does?”

  “Experimenting.”

  “Do you have any ideas what it might do?” Nash asks. “Examples you could give us?”

  Venda laces her fingers together and rests them on her stomach. “There are many things magic can do. It is harder, I think, for you in Valcora to think of such things since you are not accustomed to thoughts that turn towards magic. If there is an idea, it can be done with magic, under the right circumstances.”

  Her answer leaves me more confused than ever. “Like the Mortum Tura?”

  Her eyes grow dark. “That drink is a type of magic. Yes.”

  “Do you not like it?” I ask.

  Her gaze drops. “It is not a question of whether I like it or not. In Faner, our Queen is chosen by the gods, not magic.”

  In a country where magic is more prevalent, I would expect their ruler to be picked through a similar means as ours. Back to the question at hand. “You have no way to tell what magic my ring does?”

  “No.”

  “And no examples?”

  “They are as far reaching as your imagination. If you can think it, it can be done, given the time and ingredients. Knowledge is a key factor as well. You could spell a pebble to give you confidence. A tunic to give you luck. Perhaps a chair to bring comfort to the user. Magic is as varying as the people using it.”

  “Is there a way to tell if it’s bad?”

  Puneah curls up at my feet, appearing less fearsome except for her fangs.

  “Not unless you are trained,” Venda says.

  “Can you tell if this ring is bad?” Nash asks.

  Venda takes a step closer. “If Your Majesty will permit me, I may be able to tell by holding it.”

  Since the ring doesn’t seem to do anything anyway, and I want to know if it’s evil, I take it off and drop it into her outstretched hand.

  She doesn’t put it on, but brings it closer to her face, twirling it slowly as she looks at it. After a moment, she clasps her hands around it and closes her eyes. I exchange a glance first with Nash, then with Julina. Neither seem more sure of what to do than I am.

  She remains silent for a while. I ask, “Are you detecting anything?”

  Her eyes dart open with their vividness. “It is hard to read, and I’m not skilled at such things, but I would say whatever it has, it is a good sort of magic. Of course I can’t guarantee such things, but I’m fairly confident.”

  Fairly. So comforting.

  I hold out my hand, and she drops the ring back on my palm. I put it on but hardly realize a difference. I want to know what it does. It’s the most interest I’ve had in magic since the Mortum Tura. Would the First Queen know anything about this?

  “What can you tell us about this fila?” Julina asks, probably worried about my safety.

  As Venda talks of how Puneah is much friendlier than she looks to people she likes, but is mean to those she doesn’t trust, and all sorts of other traits I don’t care about, I think about the ring on my finger.

  It’s light, barely noticeable. Almost nothing.

  But what magic does it contain? Is it helping me with something? Hurting me? Or something so mundane I don’t even notice? The latter most like. Not that it will ever matter. I just like the ring.

  Chapter 27

  The First Queen stands, arms folded, as she stares into the distant colors. Does she ever get bored here? Long for more?

  “Yes.”

  Being bored here and wanting more must be hard. “Is there any way you can do more than this life?”

  She glances at me, her gaze somber. “This is enough for me.”

  I’m about to ask more, but she says, “What did you think of the gift from Boplou and Faner?”

  “You already know.”

  She settles into a nonexistent seat. “It’s fine to be scared of things.”

  “I’m not scared. I don’t see the purpose of having a pet. It’s not something I ever needed before. Nothing’s changed about that.”

  “It’s up to you, but you may find the animal useful.”

  The fila is mystical, but not for me. “Did Queen Deedra ever meet Boplou?”

  She shakes her head.

  “What about Faner? Do you know anything about that country and its people?” I need information. She’s been around longer than anyone else; she must know something about them.

  “The truth is I know little. I came to this country with a group from far away. We found this valley protected. It was what we were looking for, but there were no other countries around Valcora when we came here.”

  I wrinkle my eyebrows. “How long ago was that?” How long has she been in this state?

  “A millennia, more or less.”

  That has to be an exaggeration. It’s so long; I can’t fathom it.

  “It has been a long time in some ways, but short in many others. It is true, though.”

  No wonder there were so many portraits in the hallway. Even then, I can’t be sure they’re all there. It may have been a tradition they started some time after the Mortum Tura was developed.

  “Well after.”

  “How many queens came before that?”

  “Too many to count. But none of this is information that will help you. What you need to focus on are things that will help you be a good queen now.”

  I’m about to contradict her but stop myself. I may think it’s good to learn from our history, but that doesn’t mean she has to agree. “When did we start getting information about other countries?”

  “Several hundred years after we settled here. We made a deal that they would stay out of our valley at first, but it turned out to be mostly unneeded since it’s so difficult to get people in and out. Every few hundred years, we make contact with someone from the outside, like you did today.”

  “That long? You’d think people would be more curious than that.”

  “That’s only official. There are probably many who have gone from our country to another and vice versa that I don’t know about. Nothing to make a splash over.”

  So people do travel back and forth between the two countries. Interesting.

  “Yes, but again, this doesn’t help you become a better queen. We need to find out how long this Venda will be helping around with the fila. While I’d like to learn what we can about the creature, I’d like to see her off before too long.”

  I shrug. “She seems all right, but I will keep a close eye on her.”

  “It would give me peace of mind.”

  I stifle my thoughts. I shouldn’t be like that to her. “Sorry. I don’t mean to be so ornery today.”

  “You’ve been busy these last few weeks. No one could blame you for being a little cross.” She gives a gentle smile. “You’re going to wake up soon. I can feel myself fading. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?”

  “What do you know about this wooden ring? Venda said it was magic—that Puneah detected it—but I don’t know what it does.”

  She purses her lips. “I’m not sure. I recognize most pieces out of the treasury, but this is one of the few that came about when I wasn’t present.”

  I glance down at the ring that followed me to this world. “It is a plain piece of jewelry.” But there’s something about it that I like.

  “So keep it.” She waves away the rest of my thoughts. “We’ll talk more later.”

  “I’ll be here.”

  “And so will I.”

  The last day before we head back to the palace—to home—is bittersweet. I’ve enjoyed my time among my fellow countrymen, but I’m anxious to get back to things. Surprisingly, I miss the usual work.

  And I miss time alone with Nash.

  I should no longer be alone with him, though, just like has been done on the tour.

  There�
��s loud cheering from outside the closed doors. It’s time to get going and face the crowd.

  “The people are anxious to spend time with you before they see you off,” Boplou says.

  “I feel the same about them.” There’s to be a celebration. My party is here, except for about half my guards, who are preparing my way outside. Some of the guards from Wolta are stationed nearby to help offset the difference.

  Mother and Father are in the back, where Nash was speaking with them, but he’s making his way forward now. I avert my gaze. “It sounds as if it’s going to be exciting.”

  “I’m glad you think so. It should be quite the showing.”

  “Your people aren’t upset with me, for changing taxes so much?” I dare ask.

  She pauses. “Some are, but I wouldn’t worry about them. They will learn how to deal with their feelings sooner or later. Especially when they find out you are helping to fix the dam.”

  “It was the least I could do. The people pay their taxes; it’s only fair that the money goes into things they need.”

  The massive door in front of us opens, the roaring of the crowd growing louder. Suddenly I wish I was back in my room with Puneah and Venda. They are less intimidating than the mass I’m to go through.

  Nash gives me a smile as he reaches my side. I work to keep the butterflies in my stomach from showing on my face.

  A man comes forward and bows. “Your Majesty, they are ready for you.”

  “Very well.”

  I step forward, the group moving with me. We head out the door and down the steps, and the hoard cheers wildly at the sight of me. I wave and smile, accustomed to the setup the guards have: a line of them on each side of the walkway protecting me from the people.

  Or maybe the people from me.

  I continue to wave and smile, feeling awkward, though I’m getting a little more accustomed to it since I’ve been doing this more regularly.

  It grows quieter but still loud. The crowd is more subdued, their eyes heavy with sleep, like they’ve been up working all night. And still, they cheer, joining their hands and raising them in the air as a sign of enthusiasm. Some people clap. Call my name. “Queen Ryn. Queen Ryn.” It’s a little disconcerting. What am I supposed to do?

  I toss the thought aside. I shouldn’t have too much more to go, and then I’ll be finished with this parade. I think. It’s hard to know for certain. It feels as if I’ve been doing this for a while.

  Something is different, though I can’t figure what. None of my party is by me, but that’s not so unusual. The crowd isn’t cheering like they were before, but a person can only cheer for so long. No, it’s something else. Something wrong.

  It hits me.

  None of my guards are around me.

  These are all guards from Wolta.

  It shouldn’t worry me, but my gut tightens. This isn’t right.

  I put a hand on my dagger, but it’s too late. A hard object smashes into me from behind, knocking me to my knees. A black flash comes my way as someone moves to kick me. I roll away and end up on my back with a group of angry guards looking down at me. They pull out their swords as I take out my daggers.

  This is not a good position to be in.

  Where are my guards?

  There’s no more time to think.

  I’m fending off blades, trying to kick at the greatest amount of them as I can. There are too many. I’ve never faced so many opponents at one time before. I don’t know how I’ll survive this.

  I stab my dagger into the closest leg, and a man lets out a howl. But it’s not enough. A sword is coming down toward me, and I don’t have enough time to block it.

  Out of nowhere, a second sword clashes into the first, and Nash is here, standing over me, with his back to me. While everyone is distracted by him, I get to my feet and move so our backs almost touch.

  “Where are the other guards?” I yell.

  The attacker across from me smirks and comes at me. I whip my blades around so fast there’s nothing but a blur of motion before he’s on the ground.

  “They’re being held back by more attackers,” Nash hollers back.

  That’s all the chance we have to talk. Swords are flying at me in a rush. I let loose my throwing dagger and reach for another one even as I block a blade. There’s a yelp as my throw makes contact with someone, but I don’t stop to survey the damage. Too much metal is coming at me too fast.

  I move on instinct, letting my arms do the job I've been trained for my whole life. My feet don’t keep still as the uneven cobblestone beneath them tries to trip me. I push myself.

  A sword slices into my arm from the right. I kick at my attacker, aiming for where it will hurt the most. He falls to the ground. Blood drips down my arm, but the metallic smell filling the air isn’t just from me, but also from the men I’ve hit.

  There are still too many of them. We need help. No. We need a miracle.

  I pretend there’s all the help in the world. That my arm isn’t injured. That this is a test Daros sent. If I pass, I’ll be rewarded. If I fail, I’ll be sent to the room. Never mind that he doesn’t live in that house anymore. It’s a good motivation.

  I attack harder and faster than before, pushing myself beyond my limits as I gasp for air. My blades ward off attack after attack, but I’m weakening.

  Finally, the assault stops. I stand, chest heaving, blades up. Several men and women are on the ground around me, but more await. The crowd is screaming and running, but one of the guards has a woman held against him, his blade to her stomach.

  “Stop fighting now, or we’ll kill the woman,” the man yells.

  I don’t think; I react. The dagger is flying toward him before I know what’s happening. It lands in the arm holding the blade to the woman, forcing him to drop it with a cry. The woman takes off, but not away from the fight. Toward me.

  She stands in front of me, turns her back to me, and shouts, “Leave her alone.”

  “Don’t. You’ll get yourself killed.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.

  She doesn’t move.

  The people that were screaming and scattering take notice of her and stop their fleeing. I move to shove the woman behind me, without touching her.

  “Ah, ah, ah,” the man says. “You can’t protect her. You can’t even protect yourself.”

  I’ve had it with this guy. I let another dagger fly straight at his belly. I don’t watch the aftereffect, except to see his grimace. “Anyone else want to mess with me?”

  The remaining guards shift their weight. I must have taken out their leader. They don’t seem to know what to do. Then, with a burst of energy, they come at me.

  Julina joins the fray, followed by several guards. They must have fought their way to me. They aren’t as sharp as usual, but with them comes relief, despite their being tired.

  It only takes a few moments to finish off the crew of turned guards who won’t hand themselves over.

  “Are you all right, Your Majesty?” Julina asks.

  “I’m fine. Just a minor cut. Take these rogues to Boplou’s home, and I’ll interview them when I’m done here.”

  She nods.

  “You should get that cut looked at first,” Nash says.

  I whirl around to take him in. There’s not a scratch on him, though he’s breathing hard. “Thank you for coming to my aid,” I say.

  “Always.” The look in his eyes is so intense, I have to turn away before I do something stupid like kiss him.

  I turn my attention toward the girl who almost got herself killed and probably saved my life. “What is your name?”

  “Edin.”

  “Edin, thank you for saving my life. You have the crown’s highest respect.”

  Her eyes widen. “I was doing what anyone would.”

  I motion to the crowd now gathered around us. “Not anyone. As a tribute to your bravery, I’m awarding you twenty gold pieces.”

  A gasp sounds throughout the crowd.


  “Thank you, Your Majesty.” She gushes and curtsies. “I will always remember your goodness and generosity.”

  Interesting reaction from someone who watched me injure several people.

  A single person begins to clap, followed by another, and another. Soon, the remaining crowd is clapping and cheering, more loudly than ever before.

  Somehow, it feels like I've won their love and loyalty.

  Chapter 28

  Nash walks at my side toward Boplou’s home, silent.

  I ignore the murmur of voices around us. I want to know what he’s thinking—what troubles are plaguing him, or if it’s something else entirely keeping him silent.

  When we reach the building, I’m ushered inside and to the nearest room, where a healer is waiting for me. My party waits outside while he wraps up my arm.

  It hurts more now that adrenaline isn’t pumping through me but not bad enough to show. I’ve had much, much worse.

  When the healer is done with me, I insist he look at Nash and the rest of my guards. Nash, Jaku, and Julina refuse, instead following me to Boplou, who is waiting across the hall. Servants come and go from her like a hive of bees. As soon as she sees me, she puts up a hand to stop them.

  Boplou is pale. “Are you all right?”

  “Fine.” Not at all what I'm worried about right now. “Why weren't the guards better vetted?”

  “I already had the first of them interrogated. We should discuss what's happened.”

  I narrow my lips. “Very well.”

  “Come with me, Your Highness, and I will explain what I know.” She motions to a room behind her.

  This had better be good.

  Julina enters the room before me and gives me the all-clear sign. I go in, Nash and Jaku right behind me, my temperature increasing with each step.

  Boplou stands in the middle of the windowless room. It has several chairs placed in a circle, except in front of a low fireplace. No wonder it’s warm in here. “Please, be seated,” she says.

  My body is rather exhausted. I don’t hesitate before taking a seat, and the others do as well, except Julina and Jaku.