by Kim Stokely
With slight pressure on my arm, Braedon directed me into an empty hallway before stopping to face me. “What have you told them?”
“Nothing.” I pressed myself against the stone wall behind me, trying to put some space between us.
“Have you told anyone of our arrangement?”
“Only Rhoswen and Malina. I promise.”
I could see him trying to connect the names with faces. The corner of his mouth rose in a smile. “They know enough to speak of it to no one.”
Braedon leaned closer. If I didn’t hate him so much, I would have found him handsome. His dark hair and eyes complimented his fair skin. “You may think you’ve won something, bringing Devnet here, but know this.” His fingers caressed my cheek. “One word of our agreement before your coronation and I’ll order him taken by the Black Guards.”
I ducked away from his touch. “I swear. I won’t say anything.”
He chuckled. “Come. The Assembly is waiting to meet you.”
CHAPTER TWO
Possessed
The dark paneling and heavy furniture in the Assembly’s Chamber overwhelmed even the cavernous space. A long table dominated the center of the room. My eyes swept over the people standing in groups as Lord Braedon and I entered.
Lord Donagh, Braedon’s father, talked with the other Mystics. Braedon had inherited his father’s coal black eyes. The two could have been twins except for the gray hair peppering Donagh’s beard and dark hair, and the few wrinkles on his face. He spoke with three other men dressed as he was,wool pants tucked into high leather boots, velvet tunics embroidered with a four-cornered, silver Celtic knot. Un-derneath they wore cream linen shirts. Two Druids also stood near their group. The Celtic designs along the sleeves of their hooded robes only had three corners instead of the four of the other Mystics. I wondered what the difference meant. Both Druids seemed to be older than dirt and watched me with curious eyes.
Rougher looking men gathered at the far end of the room. Instead of velvet and linen, these men wore only fine wool in greens and browns. They carried themselves with the confidence and pride that only hard work can bring. I recognized some of the men from previous meetings in which treaties with the Commoners had been discussed. Naill and Rafer conversed with the others from their Council. I studied their tanned, care-worn faces and wondered if they had been corrupted by Braedon’s promises of wealth and power.
From the Council of the Elders I recognized Javan, Goram and Nathan from the Sanctuary. A small gasp escaped my throat when I caught sight of my grandmother. I’d only met Maris twice before, and one of those times I’d been delirious with blood loss. I recognized her by her striking long, white hair and intense blue eyes. Maris smiled at me and some of the dread I’d carried with me into the room disappeared. At least I knew another person I could trust besides Goram.
I’d taken note of all this while Braedon led me around to the head of the table. “My esteemed Assembly, for those of you who haven’t met her yet, may I introduce the Lady Alystrine, daughter of Queen Etain and the Elder, Geran.”
Braedon waited until I sat down before taking the seat beside me. The Mystics all sat in a line down the right side of the table while the Elders took the left. The Commoners split up; three on the side of the Mystics, three with the Elders. They all watched me with expectant eyes.
I found my grandmother’s face again and took courage from the pride I saw there. “Thank you all for coming. It is an honor to sit with you and finalize the plans for my coronation.” I studied them as I spoke, hoping to see one of them flinch at the thought of me being queen so I would know who not to trust. They all had poker faces that betrayed nothing.
Braedon spent a few minutes introducing each of the Assembly members. When he came to a man with a white beard that matched his white robe, I smiled. This was Goram. He’d used his ability to speak directly to my thoughts back at the Sanctuary. I made a point of trying out the Mind Speaking skills I’d been working on.
I’m glad you’re here.
The older Brethren’s face showed no expression other than polite interest in Braedon’s introduction. You have been training with someone, Your Majesty. Who?
The Portal, Quinn.
His eyes darkened for just a moment. Be careful.
Braedon went on to reintroduce Javan and Nathan to me. I barely heard what he said, my mind dwelling on Goram’s warning. My trust in Quinn ebbed and flowed depending on the day. Then again, his actions toward me seemed to do the same. One minute he was helping me, the next, he’s handing me over to the Mystics. He tried to train me to use the powers I’d developed since coming to Ayden, but then he told me to sign that horrible betrothal agreement. If only I had the ability to read minds, things would have been a lot simpler.
I forced myself to focus on Braedon’s presentation of the Commoners as I hadn’t met all of them before. They were a blend of the races of Ayden. Originally, the Commoners had travelled through passages from my world to Ayden, like the Mystics. But unlike Braedon and his people, the Commoners didn’t worship the Mystic gods. Gods of darkness and human sacrifice. Instead, they’d chosen to follow the traditions of the Elders, who believed in one creator god.
A light knock on the door interrupted the introductions. Two servants entered. The younger of the two carried a tray of goblets, the hunchbacked one had a pitcher and silver chalice. I recognized him from my days in the Sanctuary.
I smiled. “Malvin! It’s good to see you.”
He seemed surprised at my greeting, but nodded as he placed the filled chalice in front of me. “Your Majesty.”
“I never got a chance to thank you for your kindness to me.”
He bowed and shuffled back. “You are most welcome.”
“Is this the apple-berry cider?”
He nodded again. Braedon coughed loudly to get my attention.
I ignored him, keeping my focus on Malvin. “Did you make it yourself?”
The older man’s hands shook as he poured some into the Lord Regent’s cup. “Yes.”
I didn’t want to make the poor guy any more uncomfortable so I gestured for Braedon to go on. He finished the introductions then started going over the plans for the coronation. The Mystics tried to convince me to swear to their gods as part of the ceremony. My grandmother and the other Elders vehemently argued against it. All the hot air they expelled with their shouting soon negated any refreshment the cider had given me. Sweat dripped down the back of my neck. It beaded along my forehead. The longer I listened to them bicker, the more my ears rang, until I’d finally had enough.
“Look.” I’d meant to rest my hand on the table but ended up slapping the wood with more force than I’d intended. The sound echoed against the walls. I stared at the Mystics. I hated them all, but I knew I had to appear to be acting diplomatically, not emotionally. “It’s my decision whether or not to swear to your gods. I know it would mean a great deal to you if I would, but I think in this matter,” I glanced over at my grandmother. “In this matter I will honor the wishes of my family. I will only take the Elder oath.”
The Mystic Assemblymen grew quiet. Lord Donagh kept his face neutral but I could read the silent threat behind his eyes. You have won this battle, but we have already won the war.
My stomach did a weird flip flop. I leaned back in my chair. Javan brought up a motion to postpone my coronation for another month until I could learn more about Ayden’s history and the role of the Assembly. This stirred up the Mystics, who refused to consider the idea. I knew it was because they wanted me on the throne as soon as possible so I’d have to marry Braedon even sooner. I shifted in my seat as a cramp seized my side.
Are you well, Your Majesty? Goram’s voice thrust itself into my head.
I’m a little queasy. Probably just nerves.
You will make a fine queen. Have no fear. The Brethren have been praying for you.
Thanks.
I rubbed my stomach to ease the pain and watched as the Assembly conti
nued to debate whether to delay my immediate crowning. The Commoners remained silent until the vote. The six Mystics and three of the Council of the Commons voted in favor of my coronation. The six Elders and the other three Commoners voted against. Lord Donagh and the other Mystics grinned as Braedon cast the final vote to have me crowned in two days.
I spent the next hour trying not to squirm in my seat from the cramping in my gut as the Assembly discussed the minute details of the ceremony. Fortunately, by the time we broke for the afternoon, I felt a little better. I blamed it on the cheese I had for breakfast because, after all, with no refrigeration, who really knew what bacteria could be growing in that stuff?
I found Devnet and Simon still working in the library. My uncle motioned me over to the table. “There’s much we need to discuss before the coronation.”
“Can it wait for an hour? My mind’s still spinning from the meeting.”
I sensed his irritation. “Decisions need to be made.”
“I understand, but I need to clear my head. Just an hour, okay?”
He nodded and went to find Maris, I guess so the two of them could discuss strategies or something. When I got to my room, I slipped off my shoes and flopped on the bed. Rhoswen entered a few minutes later.
“My Lady! I didn’t expect you back so soon. I thought you’d be lunching downstairs.”
“I’m not very hungry today. Could you just make me some tea?”
“I didn’t bring anything to brew up with me. Let me go to the kitchen and find some herbs.” She paused in the doorway. “Perhaps you’d like a piece of toast as well?”
“Sure.” I rolled onto my side. “Thanks.”
When she returned, I sipped the tea and nibbled on the toast. “It’s a different tea than you usually make me.”
“Aye, well there’s morning teas and afternoon teas. One of the Brethren brought this to the kitchen. I thought you might enjoy a change.” She left to do whatever chores she did in the afternoon while I tried to eat my simple lunch. By the time I’d eaten half the toast my stomach cramped up again. I left the rest on the plate and laid back down. Devnet entered as I squirmed on the bed.
“Alystrine! What’s wrong?”
“My stomach,” I groaned. “It hurts.”
“Hurts?” He ran a nervous hand over my forehead. “How?”
“Sharp . . . cramping.” I rolled to my side to ease some of the pain.
Devnet paced around the bed. “What did you eat today?”
“A little toast and cheese this morning.”
“How did you feel after that?”
“Not bad,” I groaned. “It started during the meeting and got worse after I tried to eat some lunch.”
Devnet continued to pace while I writhed on the bed. The spasms in my stomach intensified. So did the nausea. That undeniable feeling swept over me. I sat up. “I’m going to be sick.”
Devnet spun to face me. “What?”
Panic set in. There wasn’t a bathroom to run to. I gestured to the bucket in the corner of the room. “Quick!”
His face turned green but he ran to fetch the bucket. He barely positioned it under my chin before my stomach heaved. I gasped and wretched for several minutes,my head pounding, forehead sweating. Little came up but bile.
I pushed the bucket into my uncle’s hands and collapsed back onto the bed. He put the pail on the floor. “I’m going to find my mother and the other Elders. Maybe there’s a healer among them.”
I wanted to tell him to find Malina, but I didn’t have the energy. I rolled onto my side, the nausea subsiding for a minute. Falling into an uneasy sleep, I dreamt my mother sat by my bed. She rubbed my back and called my name. She kept talking but her words became indistinguishable. More like a hum. Not a hum.
A buzz.
The next thing I knew, Malvin sat me up in the bed. “Come now, drink some of this tea. It will soothe your stomach.”
I blinked as I tried to wake up. “Malvin? What are you doing here?”
“I’ve come to help, Your Majesty. Drink this.”
I could still hear the buzzing. Like a fly’s wings. It circled around my head. I swiped my hand to brush it away.
“Hush, now!” Malvin scolded. “You must drink something. Come.” He held a mug to my lips.
I blinked again as I took a sip. Something hovered above the foot of my bed. An animal with bat-like wings. It had a face like a monkey but its body was more like a small dog. I screamed and kicked at it. Malvin let out a shout as well. “You must drink this!”
The creature flew up toward the ceiling, its wings beating furiously. The grin that had been on its mouth faded as its red eyes stared at me. It hissed and spat before coming lower. “You see us?”
Nodding, I crawled back against the headboard.
It swooped toward my head. “You see us, Etain’s child?”
I shrieked, batting it with my hands. “Get away!”
Malvin grabbed my arms. “There is nothing there, Your Majesty. Nothing.”
I wrenched away so I could see the demon. “What do you want?”
It hovered off to the side of the bed and let out a chattering sound. I think it was a laugh. It chattered again, its body bobbing in the air as it flew toward Malvin. “She sees us!”
The old man shuddered, as if he heard the demon. He thrust the cup of tea toward me.
I remembered him saying that he’d made the cider himself, and it was after I’d drank it that the cramps began. “What have you done?”
“You are hallucinating. There is nothing here.”
But I’d seen the guilt in his eyes. Another cramp gripped my stomach. I doubled over. “Malvin, why?”
“I swear to you. It’s all a dream.” He put the tea to my lips. “Drink this. It will make you better.”
Behind me, the creature laughed.
I grabbed the cup and threw it across the room. It clattered against the stone. Brown liquid spilled down the wall like tears.
The demon screeched, “No!”
“It’s not my fault.” Malvin placed his hands on either side of his head. “She wouldn’t take it.”
“Kill her.” The creature hovered over Malvin’s shoulder. “Kill her!”
The old man moaned as he folded himself down to the floor.
“Kill her!”
I crawled out of the other side of the bed. Where was Rhoswen? I tried to call out but could only manage a groan as my stomach cramped again. I stumbled to the door. My fingers struggled to grab hold of the handle. Malvin lunged at me, pinning me to the wall. His gnarled hands wrapped around my throat. The demon twittered happily behind him.
I couldn’t believe Malvin’s strength. I clawed at his wrists, his face, but nothing loosened his grip. My lungs burned.
Find a passage.
The voice that had spoken sounded like a gentle breeze.
Find a passage.
I didn’t have to go far. With the last of my energy, I saw the bench on the other side of the room and pushed out with my thoughts.
In an instant, I found myself on the bench by the window.
Malvin fell against the wall.
The demon let out a bloodcurdling scream before catching sight of me. “There!” It darted toward me. “She is still here.”
I dodged for the door as Malvin lurched across the room. The creature blocked my way. My knees buckled. I fell to the floor, rolling into a fetal position to protect my neck. The hunchback’s fingernails tore at my gown. He pulled on my shoulder, tearing my wound open again. I blocked out the pain and my fear and called out to the two people I knew could hear me.
Quinn! Goram! Help!
Malvin’s fingers dug into my short hair. He yanked my head back. His hands wrapped around my neck again.
Quinn! He’s killing me!
The sound of rushing wind filled my ears. Quinn appeared in front of me, his brown eyes widening as he took in the situation. Malvin shrieked as he was pulled away from me. Quinn flinched with each blow
of the old man’s fists as he tried to protect me.
“It’s that thing,” I gasped. “It’s making him do this.”
“What thing?” Quinn managed to pivot his body so he could thrust Malvin back. The hunchback fell to the floor.
The demon buzzed around Malvin’s head. “Get up! Get up! Before it’s too late!”
“Can’t you see it?” I managed to get to my knees.
“No.” Quinn helped me to my feet. His eyes scanned my face, searching for the truth. “If you can see a servant of the Fallen, you can order it to leave.”
“How?”
I barely heard his answer as the monster screeched and flew at me. I tried to move but Quinn stopped me. “Order it, in the name of Ruahk, to leave.” I cried out as the thing buzzed about my head. The Portal held me firm. “You have the power, Alystrine! Order it gone!”
The demon darted toward Malvin, its keening cry piercing my ears. Malvin struggled to get up off the floor.
Quinn shook me. “Do it now! Before it’s too late!”
“In the name of Ruahk,” I shouted. “Leave this place!”
The thing faded for a moment but then continued its assault on Malvin. The hunchback had risen onto all fours.
“It’s not working!” I doubled over as pain wracked my stomach.
“It will if you believe you have the power. Try again.”
Malvin used the couch to stand. The demon cackled, “Kill them both!”
I thought about all I had learned to do in the past few weeks. I could send my soul out from my body. I could transport myself through the air. Getting rid of this creature should be a piece of cake.
Malvin dove for Quinn, his nails slashing at the Portal’s face. Quinn took hold of the hunchback’s wrists and threw him across the room. Malvin tripped over the hearth then careened into the fireplace. His gray hair burst into flame. He let out an unearthly wail as he crawled out of the fire. Quinn ran over and threw a blanket on the fire. The demon urged the old man to get up again.
