The Emerald Dagger

by Barbara Hodges

  *****

  Peter stood in the courtyard staring up at the dragons. The giant beasts soared over Cinnard, flapped their wings to rise higher, and then glided by again. What do they do? Wait for a command from my bitch wife? The pain of the thought brought acid into his throat. He swallowed and took a deep breath. Anger surged and he used it to force the nausea away. He closed his eyes and sought the Power. How close would the dragons need to be before he could strike? How many of the three could he harm before they struck him down? He glanced toward the curtain wall of Cinnard. Tessa's troops lined its top and more waited in front of the closed portcullis

  Among the guards, etain'daman also waited, the female called Hades at their front. The guards kept a space between themselves and the fairies, careful to avoid their rapier-sharp wingtips.

  "What do you think?" Rourk said.

  "I don't know. I do agree behind these walls is our best chance."

  "The dragons?" Rourk looked skyward. The three glided by once more.

  Peter shook his head. "I can't hope to destroy them all, but I will try to damage them enough to bring them to the ground. Then it is up to the troops."

  "For them to land or fall inside the wall will do much damage."

  "It is why I am going out beyond the walls," Peter said. "They will wait until Tessa sounds the charge."

  "You are going out by yourself? With no one to guard your back?"

  Peter nodded. "It is best this way."

  Rourk shook his head. "I think not."

  "You will not." Peter reached and clasped Rourk's upper arm. "I give the care of my children to you and Kelsey."

  "No," Rourk said, "you will raise them yourself."

  Peter smiled. "Of course I will, but if I do not come back—"

  "I will not hear it," Rourk broke in. "There is their mother."

  Peter turned and glared at the sky. "Don't mention her name to me. I will send her and Dirkk to hell before I go. This I swear. The last of my power will be saved for the two of them." He turned and looked at the keep. "Where is Kelsey?"

  "I am sure the Queen's-Commander is with Tessa."

  "Perhaps we should watch her, too," Peter said.

  He saw Rourk stiffen. "Kelsey is loyal to Tessa and Raya."

  "I thought the same of Regan." He watched Angus hurry from the keep's door and toward them.

  The dwarf stopped in front of Peter. He bent over and drew deep breaths into his lungs before gasping out. "There is news."

  "What?" Rourk said.

  The dwarf looked into Peter's face. "It is as I thought. Regan has not turned against us."

  "What do you mean?" Peter said.

  "It is all a plan to get the emerald dagger from Dirkk. Kelsey has told me everything."

  Peter snorted and shook his head. "She lies to protect her sister."

  Angus glared at Peter. "She does not. I knew all was not right. They planned it together." Angus told them of the sisters' plan.

  "Regan just happened to take Daniel with her," Peter said. His cheeks flushed with renewed anger.

  "Did you see her with Daniel at the bridge?" Angus demanded.

  Peter frowned. "She was alone."

  Angus pointed skyward. "Why haven't the dragons attacked?"

  Peter did not answer.

  "They are here to force us to listen. Regan does not come to wage war, but to show us war has ended.”

  "How do we know she does not lie?" Rourk said. "Patrick said nothing of Dirkk's death, just of Thomas'."

  Angus glanced at Rourk. "Perhaps he did not see it. He did say he fled into the trees."

  Atop the wall, horns blasted. A guard ran to Peter and stopped before him. "The enemy has been sighted, and the queen asks that you join her at the wall."

  *****

  Queen Tessa, her face pale but determined, looked down at the army spread below and then at the circling dragons overhead.

  "My queen," Peter said, stopping before her. "Things may not be as they seem."

  "What do you say," she asked, not taking her gaze from the army.

  "Tell her," Peter said to Angus.

  Halfway through the dwarf's words, the queen turned to face them. She looked into Peter's face. "Do you believe this?"

  Peter turned and sought Regan and Daniel among the army of etain'daman and fenris'ena spread below them. "Where is Kelsey?"

  "I asked if you believed Angus' words," Tessa snapped. She raised her hand and the guards along the wall lifted their bows and readied arrows. A dragon's roar filled the air and they all looked skyward.

  "They respond to your threat," Angus said.

  "Look, there below, at the portcullis. It's Kelsey." Rourk turned to rush away.

  "No," Angus said and grabbed Rourk's arm. "Watch first."

  The portcullis rose just enough for Kelsey to slip under and then closed again.

  Rourk leaned over the wall. "What is she doing?"

  "Joining her sister," Tessa said. She started to drop her hand, but Peter grabbed it. The guards around Tessa turned their bows on him.

  Peter stared into Tessa's face, leaving the decision to her.

  "Desist." She turned to a guardsman who held a bugle. "Relay the command to wait."

  The notes rang across Cinnard.

  "We will see but, if one thing smells wrong, I will order the attack."

  Overhead, the dragons again rose to gliding height.

  "There she is," Rourk said.

  Peter came to stand beside him. "Who? Regan?" But it was Kelsey's back he saw as she walked through the midst of the fenris'ena and etain'daman that parted before her.

  From the ridge above, Regan watched Kelsey stride toward her. She stopped and Regan strained to see why.

  "Kelsey, what's going on?"

  "A couple of your wolves have stepped in front of me. They look like they're planning to have me for dinner. Do something, and make it quick."

  Regan touched the fenris'ena's minds. Their thoughts were chaotic and tinged with hunger.

  "We kill."

  "No," Regan sent. "Let her pass."

  A chorus of howls rang out. The fenris'enas closest to her turned and stared, anger glistened in the silver depths of their eyes.

  "You sure you have them under control?" Kelsey asked.

  "Yes. Just keep walking. Daniel and I are on the ridge just above the valley."

  "Thea," Zara's mind said to hers. "There are fairie demons below us. Do you wish us to kill?"

  "No," Regan said. "The fairies are friends. It was Dirkk who commanded them to kill."

  "We know, but Llyr still wishes to kill, perhaps just one or two. My son is bored."

  "Control him, Zara. It is almost over."

  "Regan." Kelsey's voice came low and strained. "There's one in front of me getting ready to spring. Do something, damn it."

  "Momma." Daniel tugged at her hand.

  Regan jerked her hand from his. "Not now, Daniel." She touched the emerald dagger and the green ribbons of power flared. "Stop."

  "Well, thank you," Kelsey sent sharply.

  "Sorry. I was talking to Zara. Kelsey, could you walk a little faster? There's a lot going on right now."

  "Why do you wait?" Daraodh whispered to her. "Attack and all Daradawn will be yours."

  "Daradawn has a queen."

  "A queen who doubts your honor. Who is to say she will not do so again? How does one make peace with an adversary who cannot be trusted?"

  Regan shook her head. "She is not an adversary."

  "She wars against us. Do her troops stand down?"

  She hesitated. With the Power and Daraodh she could rule Daradawn, and there would never again be a threat like Dirkk. She could let Tessa command a smaller part. "No," Regan said, and released the dagger. The Power pulsed, but this time did not surge to subdue the dagger. Why? Did the Power feel what she truly wanted was to rule?

  "No." she said again. "Tessa is Daradawn's queen." The Power answered to her will and spread across the green twin
ing ribbons, confining them once again.

  "Momma, there's Aunt Kelsey."

  Her sister sprinted toward them. Daniel darted from Regan's side and ran to meet her. Kelsey picked him up and swung him in a large circle.

  "Well?" Regan said. "Are they ready to listen?"

  "Angus will make them."

  "You don't know for sure?" Regan said.

  Kelsey reached inside her shirt and pulled out a white silk scarf. "We go to them waving this."

  Regan frowned. "You want me to surrender to them?" She felt the Power and the dagger stir inside her stomach.

  "No one is surrendering. It's just to talk it all out."

  Regan did not say anything and Kelsey held the scarf toward her. "Take it."

  "Why didn't you give it to Tessa? How do I know they won't kill me if I go out into the clear."

  "Regan—"

  "I've got the upper hand," Regan said, a hint of stubbornness in her voice. "They can't win."

  "Don't be stupid."

  The roar of three dragons drowned out Kelsey's words.

  "Don't do it, Regan," Kelsey pleaded. "You'll win, but how many will have to die? This isn't some game of chicken between you and Tessa. Now think. Peter, Angus and Rourk are down there."

  Regan took a deep breath and the roaring stilled. She grabbed the scarf from Kelsey. "Okay, we do it your way. But the dragons watch. If one thing looks wrong, I'll have them attack." She looked around for a stick and tied the scarf around it. She took Daniel by the hand and, holding the stick high, walked toward the keep.

  *****

  At the roar of the dragons, all eyes in the keep jerked skyward.

  "They attack," Tessa said, turning to glare at Angus. "We will not fall without a fight." She raised her hand.

  "No, wait," Rourk said. "I see something. Look, beyond the wolves."

  Peter leaned out over the wall. "It's Kelsey and Regan. Daniel is with them. Regan carries a flag of truce."

  Tessa lowered her hand. "Stand down," she said to the bugler.

  He sounded her command. The bows along the curtain wall lowered.

  "Raise the portcullis, but only far enough to allow the three entrance."

  The gate creaked upward. "If any beasts try to enter, kill them," Tessa said.

  The queen stepped back from the wall and smoothed her gown and hair. She pointed at Rourk and Angus. "Bring her to the meeting room." Her gaze speared Peter. "You will stay with me." He frowned, but nodded.

  *****

  At the portcullis Regan watched Kelsey and Rourk exchange a long look. Her own eyes searched the crowd. "Where's Peter?"

  "Tessa has commanded him to be at her side," Rourk said.

  "It was not his choice," Angus said, taking the stick and scarf from her.

  "It's always his choice," Regan said.

  "That's a nice bauble you're wearing," Angus said, pointing to the emerald dagger.

  "My choice," Regan snapped. "Now take me to your queen."

  The dwarf cocked an eyebrow. "My queen?" he repeated. "Wouldn't you like to freshen up some? Maybe dunk your head in some cold water?"

  In spite of herself, Regan smiled. She took a deep breath before saying. "Point taken and understood. I am fine. Now, please take me to Tessa and my husband."

  Regan saw Hades standing to the side. She turned to the etain'daman. "Prince Talix is outside. He is also one of you now. Please go to him. The two of you should talk."

  Hades nodded and turned away.

  "Wait," Regan said. "What is your name? I mean your real name?"

  The etain'daman faced Regan. She straightened her shoulders. "My name is Brandaliegh. My friends call me Brand. You may do so."

  Regan nodded. "Then, Brand, Talix is outside the gate." She pointed to a guard. "Let her out." The guard looked at Rourk and let Brand pass when he nodded. Regan heard the portcullis drop back into place and for a moment felt the panicked urge to flee. Taking a deep breath, she followed Angus toward the keep.

  Regan stopped outside the dining room door. "Wait." She smoothed her tunic and trousers and brushed a wisp of hair away from her forehead. "Okay."

  Angus opened the door. Across the room, Tessa sat upon a simple chair, but her stilted posture made it seem like an ornate throne. Peter stood behind her. Her husband's gaze caught hers and for a moment they looked into each other's eyes. Neither of them smiled.

  "Regan Canterville, you may come..."

  Regan walked toward them before Tessa could finish her command. Behind the queen, she saw a small smile curve Peter's lips. Tessa's eyes narrowed, but she simply waited as Regan approached.

  In front of Tessa, Regan hesitated. In times past, they would have embraced and start chatting at once, but now? She stared into the queen's face. Regan didn't know what hers showed the queen, but in Tessa's eyes she saw hurt and uncertainty.

  "I would never betray you," Regan said, feeling her eyes fill with tears.

  She watched Tessa's own brown eyes sheen. Then, Queen Tessa Angelique De' Amberville stood and opened her arms. Regan stepped forward and the two women embraced.

  "I know," Tessa whispered into Regan's ear with a tear-choked voice. "In my heart I always knew."

  Regan looked over Tessa's shoulder and into Peter's face. Her smile faded and she looked away.

  "What have you brought me?" Tessa said. "And what is this?" She pointed to the sheathed dagger in Regan's waistband.

  "One moment," Regan said. She closed her eyes and sought Zara.

  "All is right. Thea thanks you, and asks for you to return to your home in peace."

  Zara's answer was long in coming and Regan felt unease build within her. She inched her hand toward the dagger. Would it be needed to control the dragons? Could even the combined power of emerald and blue do so?

  "Since Thea asks." Zara emphasized 'asks.' "We are happy to oblige your request."

  "Thank you, Zara, Lilith and Llyr. I am honored to call you friends."

  The dragons' roars of response vibrated the keep's walls.

  "What is happening?" Tessa said, a thread of fear breaking through her voice.

  "They are leaving." Regan opened her eyes.

  "Please add my thanks," Tessa said.

  Regan did so, and the dragons roared again. Angus walked to a window and looked out. "They are going."

  They heard cheers from outside.

  "Now tell me of Dirkk and the emerald dagger," Tessa said.

  Regan told her story and, when she had finished, the queen nodded. "You control these fenris'ena with the dagger?"

  "Yes. What do you wish me to do with them?"

  "We should destroy them," Angus said.

  Regan felt instant denial, but forced herself to remain quiet.

  Tessa frowned. "It is not their fault they have become as they are."

  "They are a danger to us," Angus insisted.

  Tessa looked at Regan. "If they were to roam free, what would happen?"

  "No," Angus said. "They have tasted human flesh. What will stop them from doing so again?"

  "I can stop them," Regan said.

  The dwarf turned on her. "You cannot be with them at all times."

  "They must obey my commands. I will tell them they cannot eat humans."

  "And where are they to roam?" Angus demanded. "What will they feed upon?"

  "Enough," Tessa said. "To the southeast there is a wilderness valley. They can go there. The game is plentiful." She turned to Regan. "Can you take away their urge to breed?"

  Regan hesitated. Could she? Then she nodded.

  "Then they will go there."

  "But, my queen..." Angus said.

  "It is my wish. Daradawn is at peace, but the fenris'ena are too good a weapon to just destroy."

  "And the etain'daman?" Peter at last spoke.

  "I will answer the question, if you don't mind." The voice came from the doorway. Talix and Brand stood there. It was the former fairie prince who spoke.

  "Enter," Tessa said.
<
br />   The two knelt before her.

  "We will take my people to Enid-Etain," Talix said.

  "And if you are not welcomed?" Tessa said.

  Talix smiled. "We will be. I have vowed so. If we cannot live among the other fairies, then Enid-Etain is large enough for us to live without contact with them. Either way, we are going home."

  "Rise," Tessa said. She took the hand of each. "I am proud to have you as citizens of Daradawn."

  She motioned to Angus. "Come, I would greet my new subjects." She hooked her arm through the dwarf's and, flanked by the etain'daman, they walked toward the door. Peter and Regan started to follow, but Tessa pointed at each of them and shook her head. "No, you two are to remain here. Talk. I command it."

  Regan watched in silence as the queen departed. She turned and walked to the window.

  Stilted silence filled the room.

  "Where is Daniel?" Peter at last said.

  Regan answered without turning around. "He is with Kelsey."

  "How did our son come to be with you?"

  Regan heard the accusation in his voice and turned to face him. "Patrick and Thomas kidnapped him. Did you think I had something to do with it?"

  Peter's face flushed. "You did say you would take my children to Dirkk."

  Regan took a deep breath. "Yes, I did. Do you see why I had to say it?"

  "I understand, but why could you not tell me? I am your husband." Pain accented each word Peter spoke.

  "Could you have lied to Tessa if you had known? Kelsey told me of your pain and anger. Could you have faked it, knowing it was only a plan to destroy Dirkk?"

  Peter rubbed the back of his neck. "I do not know. Regan, do you love me?"

  She felt tears fill her eyes and she turned away. Damn. She hated weepy women. "Why didn't you come to me?"

  "What?"

  "In the stable. Why didn't you come? Why was it just Kelsey?"

  "My queen commanded that I remain at her side."

  Regan whirled to face him. "So you stayed? Will she always be first? Are we always to be second?"

  He reached out to her, but she stepped back. Peter dropped his hands. "I cannot promise you will always be first with me. The times will dictate my actions."

  Regan wiped at the tears on her cheeks.

  "I love you, Regan. You, the children, and Daradawn are my life. Is it not enough?"