The Twelve Dancing Princesses

by K. M. Shea

  Emerys shook his head as he slipped from Fluffy’s back. “No—I mean, yes. Thanks. But that’s not why I’m here.”

  Angelique frowned. “Did something go poorly?” She blinked when she set eyes on Quinn as she slid off Fluffy. “…Are you well, Quinn?”

  “It’s the goblins,” Emerys said. “We’re not prepared for them at all. We didn’t expect Quinn to break the curse, but she did. The Farset army isn’t in position to help us, and the wall that protected us is gone with the curse!”

  “But your magic is back?” Angelique asked.

  “And terribly weakened.” Emerys shook his head. “It took multiple elves to do a temporary heal on Quinn.”

  Angelique bit her lip. “Very well. Pegasus and I will fight with your people. You’ve sent messages to King Dirth? If we can hold out long enough—”

  “Angelique,” Emerys said. “We need you to use your core magic.”

  “No,” Angelique said with no hesitation. “That’s not an option.” She turned her back to them.

  “We will die if you don’t.” Emerys took several steps closer to her.

  “You’re facing goblins, Your Majesty. They may have numbers, but they are stupid creatures,” Angelique said bitterly.

  “That doesn’t matter. My generals—all my warriors are gone! The Farset army is hours away from arriving. The elves will be slaughtered if you don’t act,” Emerys said. “You are our only hope.”

  “Only hope?” Angelique whirled around, her blue-green eyes spitting sparks. “Do you know how many times I have been told that over the past five years?! I have worked myself to exhaustion—until I can’t even breathe. I have given everything when all I want is to find Evariste. But instead, I sacrifice my life and blood to help every blasted country on this awful continent!” Angelique narrowed her eyes and clenched her hands into shaking fists. “I give and give and give. And yet you want more? It’s not enough. It’s never enough. Now you need me to use my core magic as well? You want me to sacrifice my very self!”

  Quinn bit her lip in concern. I knew the Lady Enchantress was tired when I met her…but she may have been pushed beyond her limits…

  “Your magic is a part of you,” Emerys said, his voice quiet but strong.

  “My magic would have me turn into a being of blood and slaughter,” Angelique hissed. “Every time I use it, I can feel a piece of my soul flake off, and I am that much closer to losing myself altogether and becoming a mindless murderer.”

  Emerys shook his head. “It’s not like that!”

  “Oh, really?” She laughed harshly. “Please remind me what it is you are asking me to do again? That’s right—destroy a goblin army!”

  “You are the only one who can help us,” Emerys said.

  “Yes, just as I was the only one who could help Sole stop Carabosso when King Giuseppe himself wouldn’t save his people. Just as I was the only one who could destroy the wyvern in Kozlovka, and just as I was the only one who could aid nearly every cursed royal family. I am exhausted, Emerys. I have given until I have nothing left, and yet it is always I who must make the sacrifice, do more, roll up my sleeves and face one more rogue mage or curse!” Angelique shook her head like a wild horse. “It is time for someone else to take the burden. I cannot.”

  “There is no one else! The Veneno Conclave cannot—or will not—aid any of the countries. Yes, you have faced horrible injustices and difficulties—and not through any fault of your own but rather through the failing of the Veneno Conclave! But you have the power to save us. Will you abandon us when we need you?” Emerys asked.

  Angelique rubbed her eyes and sorrowfully shook her head in the silence.

  Emerys paused, then added, “Do you think Evariste would approve of this? Of refusing to help us?”

  Even as he said the words, Quinn knew it was the wrong thing to say.

  Angelique’s back went ramrod straight, and she glared at Emerys with such fierceness it froze Quinn as she leaned against Fluffy. “Evariste isn’t here,” she growled. “And though everyone is oh-so-eager to receive help from me, no one has helped me search for him.”

  Emerys held his hands up. “Angelique, we were trapped in our own woods. When this is over, we will gladly—”

  “No, no, no,” Angelique laughed harshly. “Let’s not bother to pretend you will actually help me if we all do indeed survive. The moment this is over, you are going to set out, intent on rescuing your precious generals and warriors.” She again turned her back to them. “No, instead it will again be up to me to comb the continent. Zancara, Verglas, Kozlovka, Arcainia, Farset, Sole, Erlauf, Ringsted, Torrens, Loire, and Baris. I’ve been everywhere, and yet I can’t uncover even a hint of where he is being held!”

  Quinn counted off the countries Angelique had listed on her fingers. “What of Mullberg?”

  Angelique scoffed. “What of it?”

  Emerys swatted his hand at Quinn, trying to get her to stay quiet, but Quinn shook her head. This is important to Angelique. If we want her help, we need to listen. I don’t think it’s that she doesn’t want to help, but rather that she is tired of carrying the burden alone.

  “Have you searched Mullberg?” Quinn asked.

  “No. I haven’t bothered.” Angelique shifted slightly so she could stare at the royal stables. “The Veneno Conclave is located in Mullberg. No rogue mage with two intelligent thoughts in his mind would hold Master Evariste captive there. The Conclave would sense it.”

  “Are you certain?” Quinn asked hesitantly. “The Conclave has maintained the position that it is unable to aid any countries. I would think that would include Mullberg, or there would be an outcry.”

  Angelique blinked rapidly.

  “Also,” Quinn paused, uncertain if she should continue or not. “Based on the way the Conclave has failed to stop the Chosen and the rogue magic users that you have faced off with, can you confidently say they would really go so far as to search Mullberg for him?”

  Wrinkles of worry spread across the enchantress’ forehead as she furrowed her brow in thought.

  Quinn delicately stepped around Emerys and stood in front of Angelique. “You are right, Angelique. You have carried many burdens that should not be yours to bear alone. You protected and guarded those in need. You have stood up for us when no other magic user has. When this is over—no matter what magic you use or do not use—I will help you search for Lord Enchanter Evariste.”

  “You will?” Angelique asked in a small voice that only confirmed Quinn’s thoughts.

  She’s afraid. All she wants is for someone to stand with her.

  “I will,” Quinn said firmly. “I’m afraid I’m only a soldier, but I will use everything at my disposal to help you.”

  “But can you leave Farset?” Angelique asked. “King Dirth…”

  “Then I will leave the army,” Quinn said, startling Angelique. When the enchantress met her gaze, she smiled. “You have borne much, Angelique, but it seems to me you see very little of worth in yourself. Even now what you want most is to find Lord Enchanter Evariste—whom you do believe is worthy. I will help you not because your master deserves to be found or because of all the things you have done for the continent, but because you give beyond your capacity out of your desire to spare others.”

  Angelique’s eyes were glassy with unshed tears. “How can you say that when I refuse to use my core magic?” She asked.

  “We all have limits,” Quinn said. “We all have fears. Besides, it is high time that someone step in to ease your pain.” She held out her hand in an invitation to the enchantress.

  Angelique looked from Quinn’s hand to the blood stains on her shirt, and her face crumpled. Crystalline tears fell from her eyes, and she sniffed. “You remind me of him—Evariste, I mean.” She shook her head. “He is—like you—a true hero. Giving endlessly and offering love to those that don’t deserve it.”

  Angelique held her hand, palm up, and her odd steed approached her and pressed his muzzle into her hand.
“I will face the goblins. But I cannot promise to use my core magic.”

  She didn’t say she wouldn’t…but no matter what she does, at least she is going to stand with us. Quinn and Emerys nodded.

  Her starry mount lowered himself to the ground, scattering snowflakes back into the air. Angelique sprang on to his back, not even holding his neck as it boosted itself back into a standing position.

  “I’m sorry, Angelique,” Emerys said. “I wouldn’t ask this of you if there was another way.”

  Angelique leaned into her horse as snowflakes dusted her eyelashes. “Where are we going?”

  “The elves are gathering at Jasper Circle,” Quinn said as Emerys boosted her onto Fluffy’s back.

  “Then let’s meet them there.” Angelique heeled her mount, and it took off like a shooting star—visible only by the blue streak of its mane and tail.

  “Thank you for speaking to her,” Emerys said as he turned Fluffy in a tight circle. “With luck, she still may be willing to use her core magic once she sees what we’re up against.”

  “I suspect so,” Quinn agreed. “Regardless, she needs to be seen as an individual—not a walking spell caster.”

  Emerys briefly pressed his lips to her temple. Before Quinn could react, Fluffy bolted after Angelique, speeding through the forest with his unusual, prancing gait.

  Chapter 15

  Great Power

  Again, the ride was so fast it made Quinn’s eyes tear up. Her fingers grew cold, and her teeth chattered as they raced to join the other elves.

  When they reached the border, Fluffy and Pegasus angled their course so they galloped parallel to it. Peering into the human forest, Quinn could see pinpricks of light through the trees. What is that? It’s too early for the sun to rise…. A moment passed, and she realized—with mounting horror—that the bits of light were flaming torches. There were so many, they seemed to number the stars, and they marched closer.

  It’s real. In the back of my tired mind, I had hoped they wouldn’t notice—or at least hoped they would wait until morning—but they’re marching on the elves now!

  Quinn automatically brushed her hand against her belt to check her weapons, wincing when she realized she had misplaced most of them fighting Roy and the others.

  Fluffy had to veer away from the border as the goblins breached it. Quinn ducked low as a squad of the creatures shot off a round of crude arrows that thankfully went wide. Even above the wind that filled her ears, Quinn could hear—and feel—the throbbing beat of goblin drums and their frenzied battle cries.

  Fluffy shot up a worn path, slowing to a prancing trot when they reached Emerys’ selected spot, Jasper Circle.

  Jasper Circle was a grove of white trees, but they grew in arches over a path that led up a slight incline to four statues—which were each at least ten feet tall—of four different people. None of them were elves, surprisingly. Two were human men, and the other two were women.

  Some of the elves were already there—assembling their forces and organizing themselves into lines and squads.

  Angelique had already dismounted her strange horse at the base of one of the statues. She reached out to touch the statue—that of a woman in a thick dress with a fur collar that had snowflakes etched into its surface.

  “That’s the Snow Queen,” Emerys called to her as he slipped off Fluffy. “The first enchantress of the continent.”

  Angelique yanked her hand back. “I know,” she said flatly.

  “Never mind that!” Quinn snapped. “Incoming! They’re right behind us!” Her vision wavered for a moment when she slid off Fluffy and landed stiffly.

  “To your posts!” Emerys shouted as he peeled off his fancy robe—revealing the same midnight-and-pale-blue outfit he had worn the day before—and accepted a sword an elf presented to him. He then strode up and down the lines, murmuring to some of the elves, smacking others on their shoulders.

  Quinn meekly followed behind him—guessing that if she at all caught his attention, he would banish her from the fight. It would be the wisest move. I don’t think I could pull a bowstring back without opening my shoulder wound again…but I can’t leave him! Watching Emerys out of the corner of her eye, Quinn approached a shorter elf who had a sword unsheathed and a bow strapped to her back. We’re a similar enough height that I could likely use her bow…

  “Could I use your bow—and belt quiver?” Quinn asked.

  The elf blinked, momentarily breaking her serious and stony expression, then offered Quinn a smile. “It would be my honor.”

  Quinn took the weapons gratefully, feeling much better as she strapped the quiver to her belt and shouldered the borrowed bow.

  The throbbing beat of the drums drew closer, and soon Quinn could see the pinpricks of torches and hear the goblins’ cackles and shouts. As she looked left and right, she could see the line of goblins extended beyond her eyesight. There’re so many…I don’t think our Farset forces estimated this many! Dread hit her like a wall, and Quinn knew there was no way for them to survive this.

  Angelique joined Quinn, her eyes narrowed as she stared at the incoming army. “This is impossible.” She impatiently brushed snow from her hair. “How could the Chosen control this many goblins? Who has this kind of power?”

  “I don’t know,” Emerys said grimly. “But it seems they’ve been planning this for a long time.”

  “We fight as one!” Alastryn yelled as she stood at the head of a line of archers.

  Emerys grabbed Quinn by the arm. “Get back on Fluffy.”

  Quinn shook her head. “I’m not leaving you.”

  “If you leave now, you might be able to get word to King Dirth of their numbers in time to help us,” Emerys said.

  “I’m not an idiot, Emerys! I know you don’t believe that,” Quinn hissed.

  Emerys slid his hand down her arm so he held her wrist and gently squeezed. “I can’t lose you, Quinn. You’ve already fought for me—for my people. Please.”

  “No,” Quinn said.

  “Leave it, Your Majesty,” Alastryn snapped. “Archers—nock your bows!”

  Emerys growled. “If you get yourself killed, I won’t forgive you,” he warned.

  “Same to you.” Quinn rolled her shoulders back as she turned to face the incoming army.

  Fear made her head pound, but Quinn pushed it off and swallowed as she drew an arrow from her quiver.

  The first line of goblins broke through the trees, entering Jasper Circle.

  Quinn fitted the arrow to her bow and pulled the bowstring back—hissing when she felt the scab on her shoulder pull tight.

  Angelique sighed deeply—a noise of exhaustion and endless weariness. “Every time,” she whispered.

  “Pardon?” Quinn grunted.

  “Every time I reach the end of my strength, I realize I don’t have a choice.” Angelique’s hair seemed to flicker gold in the red torchlight. “I can’t let innocents die and walk away, even if I pay the price with my soul.” She offered Quinn a tight smile. “Thank you for your kindness, Quinn. I do hope this doesn’t change what you think of me, but if it does…I will understand.”

  Angelique stepped away from the line of archers Quinn had joined, walking with the confident, prowling strides of a forest cat. The snow started to fall thicker—in fat dazzling flakes that reflected the light of the torches and the moon.

  Concerned, Quinn edged her way up the line of archers.

  “Angelique?” Emerys called as Quinn joined him on the sidelines. He placed a hand on her shoulder, frowning when she winced. He pulled his hand away and showed that it was spotted with her blood.

  I must have opened it again when I nocked that arrow…

  Angelique swatted her hand at them. “You’re getting your wish, Your Majesty. Tell your people to stand down.”

  The enchantress stood alone between the goblins and the elves. Her face was smooth and expressionless as she raised her hand to her heart, then tossed it into the air as if she were casting off
a cloak.

  As Quinn watched, Angelique’s features morphed. Her facial features grew more angular—though just as beautiful—she grew a little taller, but most shocking were her eyes. They were silver—not the pleasant warm glow of the moon but the cold, deadly silver of a sword in the middle of a swing.

  The goblins rushed towards her, wildly swinging their weapons and howling, spurred on by their lust for blood.

  Green-skinned forest goblins armed with bows and swords shrieked as they pulled arrows from their quivers. Mountain goblins—the tallest of goblins—led the charge with long, loping strides. They deftly twirled their spears, their eyes glowing in the dim moonlight as they hunched over themselves like some kind of wild animal pack. Cave goblins—the most mindless—poured from the forest like ants, covering the forest floor in a blanket of bodies.

  One of the forest goblins shot off an arrow, and it fell a foot short of Angelique.

  Angelique remained planted where she stood, unblinking and unafraid.

  With so many goblins fouling up the forest, their scent—a gag-inducing combination of rot and bile—filled the area with such concentration, it made Quinn’s eyes sting.

  They swarmed forward, their numbers far greater than anything King Dirth or the generals had estimated. Their screams were so loud, Quinn could barely think.

  Several more forest goblins shot off arrows. Most felt short, but one went whistling past Angelique, barely missing her face.

  The first line of mountain goblins was nearly upon the enchantress. Soon, they would be able to run her straight through.

  Angelique was a lonely figure—her dress glowing green in the darkness as the goblins and their grotesque shadows oppressively drew around her.

  Quinn’s heart leaped to her throat as she watched. They’re going to slaughter her! “Emerys,” she whispered.