The Rebel Queen

by Jenny McKane

  Mother Asta shook her head. “Not necessarily. I am not convinced that it was you, in a dark form, that you saw in the vision. I know that it troubles you, Avalon.” The old woman stood up. “I will go the temple to contemplate this. Time is of the essence, and we need to know what this means. It might reveal itself on its own, but I still must strive to understand.”

  “I will accompany you,” said Avalon, stepping forward.

  “No,” said the old woman, turning towards her. “I need to be alone, my queen.” She walked to the door, parting the curtains. Then, she turned back to Avalon. “I talked with Skyresh while you were away,” she said suddenly. “I think that you should try to mend the breach that has sprung up between the two of you. It is important, Avalon.”

  Avalon stared at the doorway, where the old Mother had exited. Skyresh was the last person that she wanted to speak to, particularly since her conversation with Minna. How was she to approach him? She didn’t want to reveal her true feelings to him. It would just make things more awkward between them. Skyresh had made his choice, and she had to respect that—despite how much pain it caused her.

  No, she would not seek him out, despite what Mother Asta said. When he wanted to tell her that he was making a formal commitment to Minna, he could do so—whenever he was ready. She wasn’t about to make it easy for him.

  She sighed. How had things become so complicated? Sometimes, she yearned for the time when they had been wandering the deserts of the Outlying Zone. At least they had all been together—and friends. Well, Skyresh and Everard had never been friends, but she had known that they both were devoted to her.

  As she had been devoted to them. So devoted, that she could not choose between them. And that had been a major cause of the tension between them all.

  The fact that she could not choose. And if she were honest with herself, she still couldn’t. Not that it mattered anymore. Skyresh was with someone else, and Everard didn’t even remember her.

  Life was funny like that. They had achieved so much, much more than she had ever imagined. The Far North was liberated. They had the necessary forces to invade the South. Agnor and the Jarle were under threat, as never before.

  She could endure the personal cost of it all.

  She had to endure it.

  ***

  Everard wove his way through the trees. He was very close to the location of the safe house, he was sure of it. But had he taken a wrong track?

  He had set out early enough, after taking a tour of the High Wall, as he had promised the guardian. The man had been very proud of how the Wall was defended, and Everard knew how important it was to keep morale high, especially in the current climate, where insurrection was around every corner.

  He had been wandering for hours now. The house was hard to locate, for obvious reasons. It wouldn’t be a safe house for very long, if it were common knowledge where it was. The previous safe house had been breached, once word had got out. The rebels had sources in the Palace—he was sure of it. How else did they get their information?

  The woods were getting darker, as the trees grew thicker. The leaves were like a canopy above him. He knew that it was a bright day, but the sunlight found it hard to penetrate in here. He shivered, despite himself. There was an eerie atmosphere of gloom in these woods. He couldn’t help thinking that there were eyes everywhere, watching him.

  The horse felt it, too. He had to keep nudging it to continue. It tossed its head frequently in resistance. It didn’t want to be walking this dark track.

  Suddenly, he heard a noise, behind him. He turned his head. This was the last thing that he needed. Were there rebels trailing him or lying in wait behind a tree?

  He withdrew his sword quickly. Better to be prepared.

  There was a sudden movement, and then a figure emerged from the thick woods on horseback.

  Everard gasped. It was a woman on a tall, black horse. She was wearing a long robe of black silk that swished around her as the horse moved slowly toward him. Everard felt rooted to the spot. He couldn’t have moved even if he had wanted to.

  The woman smiled. “Commander Varr, I presume?” she asked in a clear, high voice. She tossed back her hair, as she gazed at him. “You were wondering if you had taken the wrong track. Do not worry. The house is just through the clearing. We can travel together, if you like.”

  Everard nodded dumbly.

  He hardly knew how it was possible. The woman on the horse was identical to the woman who haunted his dreams.

  Chapter Seven

  Everard walked into the house. He would never have suspected that it would be the safe house. It had appeared before him and the woman suddenly, as they rode their horses into a clearing. It was an old wooden Stromel cottage, surrounded by a vegetable patch and herb garden. An old Stromel peasant had greeted them when they had arrived, taking their horses to a stable around the back.

  The living room was full of people, talking amongst themselves. Everard recognized a few. The commander from the east of the realm, whom he had met a few times. He was surprised again when he saw Commander Kallio, who had once held the Far North for the Jarle. He had thought that the man would have been forced to retire after the humiliating defeat of Vyheim Castle.

  He turned and watched the woman, who had come upon him so suddenly in the woods. She had not introduced herself to him yet. Somehow, she had known who he was. How?

  He studied her, surreptitiously, as she greeted others. He still couldn’t quite believe that she looked exactly like the woman who appeared in his dreams, where he was an old man, forced to live in a cave. It had to be coincidence, of course. Still, he couldn’t stop himself from shivering.

  She was high born; there was no doubt of that. He noted again the long, luxurious length of her black silk gown. Her long, brown hair fell from her head in soft waves. She was beautiful, and she knew it. He could see her toss her hair, as she smiled at the others in the room.

  She turned, suddenly, fixing him with an intense gaze. Her large brown eyes glimmered like pools as they studied him. Then she smiled slowly.

  “Let us convene in the kitchen,” said a man in a commander’s uniform, straining to be heard above the chatter. “I realize that we have all had long journeys, but Agnor wants us to get down to business immediately.”

  Everyone drifted into the kitchen, where a long table was set up. Everard took a seat, glancing at the woman as he sat down. She had taken a seat at the head of the table.

  She stood up now, looking down the length of the table at everyone seated.

  “Thank you for coming,” she said in her high, melodious voice. “As Commander Sigur has said, we have all travelled a long way to be here—at very short notice.” She smiled. “First, let me introduce myself to those who do not know me. I am Disella, the daughter of Agnor.”

  Everard drew in a sharp breath. She was Agnor’s daughter? He had never heard of her before. He had not even known that Agnor had a family at all.

  The woman’s smile widened. “I can see surprised faces,” she said, glancing around. “I have lived with my mother in a realm beyond the Outlying Zone for most of my life. This is only the second time that I have come to Agnoria.”

  Everard frowned. She was from a realm beyond the Outlying Zone? He had never heard of any such place. He shifted uneasily in his chair.

  “We all know why we are here,” Disella continued. “The rebels in the Far North are working hard to advance into the South, and from there, march into the city. We have had many defeats over the past two years. My father is not happy, obviously.”

  Her dark eyes swept over the gathering, narrowing slightly.

  “We have all heard of the self-titled Rebel Queen,” she said through thinned lips. “A former high born Jarle, who was once a Grey Guard and who turned traitor. Under her leadership, the rebels have grown in power. We no longer control the Far North, as you all know.”

  “Yes, we all know that,” said a man on her left, frowning. “The Far No
rth is beyond hope now.”

  “Is it?” said the woman, turning to stare at the man. “That is exactly the defeatist attitude that my father despises. It can be turned around, and I am here to make sure that is exactly what happens.”

  Commander Sigur stared at her. “I thought that we were here to stop the rebels from breaching the High Wall and advancing on the South.” He coughed slightly. “I do not mean to be disrespectful, Disella, but what is said is true. The defeat of the Far North is beyond us now. All we can hope is to stop the spread of the rebels.”

  Disella sighed. “We shall stop the rebels by infiltrating them in the Far North and smashing their influence there. I am here to lead a charge to do just that. My father wants the Far North back, and I am here to deliver it into his hands.”

  There was silence around the table, as the men digested this information.

  “The Rebel Queen is loved,” said Everard slowly. “The people of the Far North will not betray her.”

  Disella rested her dark gaze upon him. “Ah, Commander Varr,” she said, slowly. “I am most interested to hear your opinions about the Rebel Queen. You know her better than anyone here.”

  Everard colored. “I have no personal information on her,” he said quickly. “Everyone here is aware that I once was close to her, but I am afraid I have no memory of her or our time together. I cannot give you any personal insights into the woman’s character, unfortunately.”

  Disella continued to stare at him. Everard shifted uncomfortably underneath her gaze.

  “I think that you do,” she said slowly. “You just need a little persuasion to remember. But do not worry about that—for now. We have more pressing concerns than your dalliance with that woman.”

  Everard twisted in his chair. Dalliance? What was she talking about? And he didn’t take kindly to her focusing on his troubled past in front of all the high-ranking guardians here. It was humiliating, to say the least. He wanted to put all of that behind him and had worked very hard to do so.

  “I knew Avalon Lund,” said Commander Kallio. “Not for very long, but long enough to know that she is fierce and unwavering in her loyalty.”

  “Unwavering?” said Disella with a tinkling laugh. “I think not, Commander. She changed sides during her very first mission, which says a lot about her loyalty.”

  The commander nodded his head. “It is true that she changed sides, but once she is committed, she will fight to the death. My point is, do not underestimate her. If she has decided that she is a queen and must lead her people, she will try to stop anything in her way.”

  “I do not underestimate her,” said Disella evenly. “On the contrary, I take her very seriously. Which is why I am here...to try to fix this mess that you have all created.”

  The men around the table bristled, staring at her.

  “I am sorry,” said Disella. “I don’t want to ruffle feathers; this early in our talks. But the rebels have held the Far North for two years now, and I do not see that we have made any inroads into fixing that. Accepting that the Far North is now a lost cause is not good enough, I am afraid.”

  Commander Kallio stared at her. “If I may say, your resemblance to Avalon Lund is remarkable. When you walked in here, I almost drew my sword. I thought that you were her.”

  Everard stared at the woman, waiting for her reaction. Disella, the daughter of Agnor, looked like Avalon Lund? Once more, he strained his mind, trying to remember the Rebel Queen but nothing emerged.

  Disella didn’t look offended. On the contrary, she seemed very pleased.

  “Really?” she said, smiling smugly. “How extraordinary.”

  Everard continued staring at her. Who was this woman, who had suddenly emerged from an unknown realm, claiming to be Agnor’s daughter? And why did she seem to be in charge of this mission? He had expected that a commander of vast experience would oversee it, not a young woman who had never seen a battle.

  He could tell that the others were disarmed by her, too. They couldn’t quite work her out.

  Everard felt her eyes on him again. Why did he suddenly shiver under her scrutiny? She smiled at him, but it didn’t reach her eyes. They were as cold as ice.

  ***

  Avalon stood up, stretching. The sudden council meeting had lasted over two hours, and she was tired.

  She should be feeling pleased. A lot had been accomplished. Escolen’s spy network had done its job. They had information on where the Jarle’s current safe house was, and they also knew that Commander Everard Varr had travelled there. Apparently, one of Escolen’s spies in the south had spotted him and sent out the alert.

  Everard was close—in the Far North at least. Avalon didn’t know quite how she felt about that. Nor the fact that she would be pursuing him and the other Jarle there. They had decided to set off at first light.

  People drifted away. Mother Asta smiled wearily at her, and then she left the tent. The old woman had been unusually silent in the meeting, and Avalon was concerned. She hadn’t really spoken to Avalon since she had gone to meditate in the temple, upon the strange vision. Avalon thought of following her but then stopped. Mother Asta would speak to her when she was ready. It was simply her way.

  Skyresh and Minna were talking quietly together in a corner. Avalon tried to not let her eyes drift their way, but it was as if she was compelled.

  She took a deep breath. The tent suddenly felt oppressive. She decided that she would go outside and spend some time grooming Sidsel. That always calmed her, and besides, the horse needed to be ready for the early start tomorrow. If she were still anxious after, she would take a long walk along the banks of the fjord with Hansa.

  She walked towards the tent entrance, about to leave, when Minna called to her. She turned, reluctantly, towards them. She could see that Skyresh was not pleased that Minna had stopped her.

  Taking another deep breath, she walked over to them. Minna was smiling.

  “I was just about to tend to Sidsel,” Avalon said, plastering a smile on her face. “I would prefer to be prepared tonight, before we leave in the morning.”

  “So,” said Minna, as if Avalon hadn’t spoken at all. “Your former friend is close. It must be so hard for you, Queen.”

  Avalon’s smile froze. “We all know the situation,” she said quickly. “We have known for a long time that Everard Varr is a commander, and that there was a possibility of facing him again. I am resolved, Minna.”

  “Yes,” said Minna. “But it will be different if you actually see him, won’t it? All the old feelings might resurface and compromise our mission.”

  “I can assure you, there will be no compromise,” replied Avalon, her eyes hard. “If you haven’t forgotten, I am your queen. I would never let any personal feelings sway what I must do for my people and the realm.”

  She could sense Skyresh’s eyes upon her, and she shifted uncomfortably. Don’t look at him, she implored herself. Stare straight ahead and pretend that he isn’t there.

  Minna smiled, and then she turned to Skyresh. “I forgot to tell you,” she said slowly. “I have spoken to Avalon about our commitment ceremony, in the spring. She has given her blessing for it to go ahead if events are stable enough.”

  Avalon felt her eyes draw towards Skyresh. He had colored and appeared flustered.

  “Minna,” he hissed, turning to the woman. “This is personal business, and we haven’t discussed it at any length together. You shouldn’t have talked about it with Avalon.”

  Minna shrugged. “You are overreacting, Skyresh,” she said lightly. “I know what you are like. You would delay indefinitely, and I don’t see any reason why we should. I just took matters into my own hands—that is all.”

  “Minna,” called Brunn, from across the tent. “Are you ready?”

  Minna sighed. “Coming,” she called back. “I have to go. Brunn and I agreed to pack the supplies together tonight. See you later, my love.” She reached up and kissed Skyresh on the cheek, and then she and Brunn exited the tent.<
br />
  “I should be going, too,” said Avalon, turning away. There was little point staying here, talking to him. What else was there to say?

  “Avalon,” he said softly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want her to tell you…what she wants…”

  “Skyresh, it’s fine,” she intercepted, holding up a hand. “Your business is your own, as you said. You have my blessing to have a ceremony in the spring, not that you need it. There is nothing more to discuss, is there?”

  He gazed at her, his blue eyes seeming to pin her to the spot. “Is there really nothing more to discuss?”

  Why couldn’t she look away? Her heart started to beat painfully in her chest.

  “There is nothing more to discuss,” she said slowly. “I am happy for you both.”

  He continued gazing at her, as if he wanted to say more.

  “I need to tend my horse,” she said, dragging her gaze away from his. “We must be ready to leave at first light. Surely you have preparations to make, as well?”

  He nodded. “Of course,” he said. “I don’t want to delay you. We are so close, Avalon, so very close to achieving what we set out to do all those years ago.”

  She smiled a little sadly. “Yes, everything is progressing well, isn’t it? We have secured the Far North, and now we have knowledge of where top ranking Jarle are gathered and a chance to secure them and break up whatever they are planning.”

  “And if we can breach the High Wall,” he said softly, “then we have a chance to liberate the south. We can get rid of the Jarle once and for all.”

  She nodded, her heart still thudding. “Mother Oda would be pleased,” she said. “I am just sorry that she is not here to see it.”

  He nodded, too. “I feel her loss keenly,” he said. “As I know you do. Avalon…” he trailed off, staring at her.

  “Yes?” she said.

  “I am worried,” he said slowly. “I know that you are strong, but Minna is right. Is there any chance that it could be an issue for you, knowing Everard Varr is among the Jarle at their safe house?”