by Ramona Gray
“I – I am sorry, my Queen,” Josana said.
“Are you? It is my experience that liars such as you do not possess the ability for sympathy.”
“I do not lie, my Queen,” Josana replied. She screamed breathlessly when the queen grabbed a handful of her hair and yanked her closer. The queen produced a dagger from within her robes and held it up to the firelight. Josana watched it gleam in the light before the queen traced it across her throat.
“Do you believe me to be simple, majii?”
“N-no, my Queen.”
“Are you certain?”
Josana nodded, wincing when it made her hair pull in the queen’s tight grip.
“Then why do you continue to lie to me about your daughter’s death?”
Josana’s eyes widened and the queen smiled cruelly. “Aye, majii. I know your daughter lives. I know you and the massina faked her illness and her death when she was but a child and smuggled her out with the trader so that she could live with the clan north of ours.”
“No, my Queen,” Josana gasped. “My child died of illness. She did not - ”
“Stop lying to me!” The queen screamed. Spittle flew from her mouth to land on Josana’s face. “I know everything that happens within these walls. Everything! I know you faked her death because she is a majii. I have allowed you to keep your secrets until now but the time of your deception is done. Tell me what you and Quinn spoke of or I will have Akia leave this very instant and bring your precious daughter to me. You will watch as I cut off pieces of her one by one and feed them to the pigs. Do you understand, majii?”
“My Queen, please,” Josana whispered.
“Do you understand, majii?” The queen shrieked at her. She shook the old woman roughly by her hair before slapping her across the face. Josana fell to her knees and began to weep as the queen gave her a look of contempt.
“Tell me all your secrets, majii, or I will make your child suffer in ways you can’t even imagine. I will show you the true meaning of pain.”
“Please, my Queen,” Josana wept. “Do not harm my girl.”
“Tell me what I want to know and your daughter will remain unharmed.”
“Quinn asked me to-to check for an orb. There is an orb coming two days from now. When I told her, she asked me not to tell you.”
“Why?”
“I do not know. I swear it,” Josana cried. “She would not say.”
“Is it an orb that takes or gives?”
“Takes,” Josana whispered.
The queen stared thoughtfully at her for a moment. “Rise, majii.”
Josana climbed painfully to her feet and stared at the floor as the queen touched the top of her head. “Return to your home and speak to no one about this or I’ll kill your daughter.”
“Aye, my Queen,” Josana whispered.
She turned and hobbled out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
“My Queen?” Akia said. “Why would Quinn want to know about an orb that takes.”
The queen gave her a look of contempt. “Are you that stupid, Akia? If you are to be massina you will need to learn to hide your stupidity better.”
Akia flushed and the queen snorted loudly. “It is quite obvious. Quinn is planning on leaving and I would bet my rule as queen that she intends to take the danen with her.”
“She has gone mad,” Akia whispered.
The queen grinned bitterly. “No, she has fallen in love. Listen closely, Akia, and do exactly as I command.”
Chapter 20
“Massina, tell me what is wrong.”
“There is nothing wrong, Naveen,” Quinn replied. “I simply wished to visit with my friend.”
“I am enjoying your company but it strikes me as odd that you would spend time with me when the danen waits for you in your home,” Naveen said. “Go to him, massina. I know you want to.”
“The danen can wait a while longer,” Quinn said. She stared morosely into the fire. In just a few hours she would never see the old man again and her heart was breaking. She was very fond of Naveen, loved him in fact, and she wished she could tell him she was leaving.
You can’t, Quinn. If the queen finds out that he knew beforehand and did not tell her she will kill him.
She bit back her sigh and forced another cheerful smile at Naveen. The plan was in place for better or for worse. Silas and Kila had spoken to the others. To Silas’ surprise, only Kyle and Veronica had agreed to go with them. She wasn’t surprised. For most people, sticking with the devil they knew was better than jumping into the unknown. First thing this morning she pulled Vida aside and told him of their plan. He agreed immediately as well.
“This is the second time you’ve visited me today, massina,” Naveen pointed out gently.
Guilt rolled through her. Earlier this afternoon she visited his home with the sole intention of stealing some of the kyprus powder he had. Kyprus powder was a powerful sedative and both Kyle and Vida would need it to drug the women who claimed them this month. It was easy enough to distract Naveen while she took it from the cupboard.
She sighed and rubbed her forehead. Once the women were drugged, Vida and Kyle still needed to escape from the breeders’ quarters. The plan was a straight-forward one. Quinn would ask the women who were guarding the quarters to join her in the common room under the pretense of speaking with them about the training exercises in the morning. While they were distracted, Vida and Kyle would simply walk out of the quarters and join Silas at Quinn’s home. Once Kila and Gage brought Veronica they would leave. It was just simple enough to work.
“Massina?”
She smiled at Naveen. “I’m sorry, Naveen. I was woolgathering.”
“What does woolgathering mean?” He asked curiously.
“It means,” she waved her hand vaguely, “to be lost in thought.”
“You do seem to be distracted this evening. Go home to your danen, Quinn. I will see you in the morning,” Naveen said.
That’s where he was wrong, she thought miserably before abruptly standing. She couldn’t wallow in self-pity any longer. The decision was made and to stay just for Naveen was madness. Nor could she ask him to go. They would probably die and she wouldn’t ask him to risk his life for her. Not to mention that the women here would be without a kalan. No, it was best to keep him here where he was safe.
Naveen walked her to the door and grunted in surprise when she embraced him tightly. “I love you, Naveen. You know that, do you not?”
He laughed. “Aye, I do, massina. I love you as well.” He patted her on the back with one gnarled hand. “Go to your danen.”
She opened the door and stared silently at him, memorizing his face as he gave her a curious look. “What is it?”
“Nothing, Naveen. Take care of yourself, all right?”
“Aye, I always do,” he said in bewilderment. “Good night, Quinn.”
She blinked back the tears that were threatening. “Good bye, Naveen.”
* * *
“This feels too easy,” Silas said in a low voice.
Quinn scanned the dark courtyard. They were huddled outside her home and she searched for any sign of movement. It seemed quiet but the intermittent claps of thunder and the pouring rain made it difficult to be certain. Everything was going according to plan. Vida and Kyle escaped the breeders’ quarters without issue and Kila, Gage and Veronica had just joined them. All that was left to do was get through the gate without being seen and they would be well into the forest by the time their absence was discovered in the morning.
“Quinn? Does it feel too easy to you?” Silas asked.
She nodded and drew her sword. It didn’t matter that it felt like they were walking into a trap. They had to continue.
“We have to move,” Kila said anxiously.
“I know,” Quinn replied. “I’m heading to the gate. Follow me in five minutes.”
“I’m going with you,” Silas said.
“No, you’re not,” Quinn said. �
�I can approach the guards on my own without suspicion. If I have you with me they’ll know something isn’t right.”
“What if you can’t knock out both of them?” Silas said heatedly. “You need me with you to - ”
“I don’t,” Quinn said. She cupped Silas’ face as water streamed down their skin. “I can do this easily, danen. Trust me.”
He nodded reluctantly before pulling her against him for a brief kiss. Veronica made a loud snorting noise behind them and Kila jabbed her in the back with her fist.
“Garna! Be quiet, fool!”
“That hurt!” Veronica hissed at her.
“Keep talking and I’ll abandon you in the forest,” Kila snapped.
“Some girlfriend you have there, Gage,” Veronica muttered as she rubbed at her back. “God, I’m freezing.”
“If you don’t like the rain you can go back to your warm bed,” Kila said.
Veronica rolled her eyes as Quinn held up her hand. “All of you be quiet. Kila, bring them to the gate in five minutes, all right?”
“Aye, massina. Be careful.”
“I will.”
Quinn pulled up the hood of her cloak and walked silently across the courtyard. The castle loomed to her right, a dark shape with only a few candles glowing in the many windows. They did nothing to dispel the darkness and she skirted around the steps leading up to the castle. As soon as the guards were –
“It is miserable night for a walk, massina.”
Quinn froze at the sound of the queen’s voice. She turned to face the castle as there was a flare of light. Akia had lit the torch she carried and the flames hissed and flickered in the pouring rain. The queen was standing next to her, her head and body protected from the rain by a thick fur cloak.
“Why do you creep like a thief in the night, massina?” The queen asked.
“The danen is feeling ill,” Quinn replied. “I’m going to Naveen’s to get some medicine.”
“Without even a candle to light your way?”
“It’s raining,” Quinn said, “and this is my home. I know it well and have no need for light.”
“Indeed,” the queen said softly. “This is your home and I am your queen. Is that not right?”
“Aye,” Quinn said.
“Aye, my Queen,” the queen said with a hint of anger.
Quinn remained silent and the queen’s nostrils flared before she snorted. “You have no need to go to Naveen’s, massina. I have brought him to you.”
She clapped her hands twice and the darkness was slowly driven back as torch after torch was lit. Quinn stared at the women holding the torches and blocking her path out of the courtyard. Ten of the queen’s guard stood in a neat row. They were staring at her with a mixture of bewilderment and anxiety.
“Step forward, Naveen,” the queen demanded.
There was a loud crack of thunder as Naveen pushed past the queen’s guard. His thin hair was plastered to his head and rain dripped steadily from the end of his nose. Akia descended the steps as he walked toward Quinn.
“You need the kalan’s help, massina. Here he is,” the queen said.
Quinn squeezed the old man’s arm before turning to the queen. “I will no longer play your games, Edina.”
She spoke the queen’s given name with undisguised contempt and the women behind her gasped loudly.
The queen smiled bitterly. “After all I have done for you, massina, you seek to not only leave but take my property with you?”
“The danen does not belong to you. None of the breeders are yours,” Quinn said. “They’re human beings, not property.”
“Everything within these walls belongs to me!” The queen hissed at her. “It is a shame you have forgotten that, massina. Your punishment will be harsh.”
Silas walked out of the dark and stood beside Quinn. “It was my idea to leave. Punish me for it, not Quinn.”
“How brave you are, danen,” the queen said. “Fear not, you will be punished as well.”
She turned to Akia and said, “Do it, Akia.”
Quinn stepped in front of Silas and placed her hand on the handle of her sword. Akia laughed and Quinn cried out in horror when she pulled a dagger from her belt and plunged it into Naveen’s stomach.
Naveen’s eyes widened and he clutched weakly at the wound when Akia yanked the dagger from his flesh. She pushed him roughly toward Quinn. Quinn caught him as he fell and she sank to the ground, cradling the old man in her arms.
“Are you enjoying your punishment, massina?” The queen called mockingly.
“Massina,” Naveen whispered as Silas knelt beside them.
“You’ll be fine, Naveen,” Quinn said frantically. Blood was pouring from his stomach and she yanked off her cloak and pressed it against the wound.
“You’re going to be just fine,” she repeated. “Silas, apply pressure and don’t let up. All right?”
Silas nodded and Quinn eased out from under Naveen as Silas pressed his hands against the cloak. She kissed Naveen’s forehead. “Stay awake, my friend. I’ll need you to tell me how to sew you up when I am finished here.”
Naveen stared silently at her and she kissed his forehead again. “If you die on me, Naveen, I will never forgive you. Do you understand?”
“Aye, massina,” he whispered weakly.
She squeezed his shoulder and rose gracefully to her feet. The queen’s face was pale and Quinn followed her gaze. Kila and the others had appeared in the circle of light and the queen was staring at her daughter.
“Kila,” she said in a low voice. “What are you doing with them?”
“I’m leaving, mother,” Kila said. “I love Gage and I won’t share him.”
“You foolish girl,” the queen snapped. “You’re not in love with the breeder. Join me now and I will forget this indiscretion.”
“His name is Gage and I love him,” Kila said steadily. “We’re leaving and you cannot stop us.”
The queen studied her before staring at each of the others. Her gaze lingered on Vida and he returned her look with calm defiance. The queen laughed bitterly before pointing at Quinn. “Queen’s guard! Take the traitor and her friends below the castle. Their punishment will take place at first light.”
The queen’s guard stared uneasily at each other but didn’t move. The queen frowned at them. “What are you waiting for?”
“You’ve gone mad,” Barkha said in a low voice. “You injure our only kalan and you ask us to imprison the massina and your daughter?”
“You will do as I command!” The queen said shrilly.
A few of the women started to move forward and Barkha held up her hand. “No, sisters. The queen has been overtaken by madness. Do not do as she asks.”
The queen pinned her angry gaze on Barkha. “You will regret your disobedience when I have your hands removed.”
Barkha shook her head. “Return to the castle and rest, my Queen. We will convince the others to stay and - ”
“Akia!” The queen shouted. “Do you believe your sisters are right? Do you believe your queen to be mad?”
“No, my Queen,” Akia said. Naveen’s blood still dripped from her dagger and she wiped it away on her battle skirt before sheathing it.
“Then bring me the massina’s head and take her place by my side.”
“With pleasure, my Queen,” Akia said.
She pulled her sword free as Barkha and the others surged forward. Quinn shook her head as she drew her own sword. “Stay where you are, Barkha.”
“Yes, massina,” Barkha replied.
The two women circled each other in the pouring rain. Akia smiled at Quinn. “You grow old and tired, Quinn. Your time as massina is over. Kneel before me and I will have mercy on you and kill you quickly.”
“Drop your sword and I will simply banish you from the clan instead of taking your head,” Quinn replied.
Akia snorted laughter. “I am stronger and faster than you think. Did you really believe I would show you what I am actually capable
of?”
“Why don’t you shut your mouth for once and show me?” Quinn said scornfully.
Akia made a low snarl of anger and attacked. Quinn parried her blow easily before dancing away. Akia swung at her repeatedly, attacking with a vicious determination that drove Quinn backward. She ducked when Akia swung her sword at her head and then jabbed her own blade deep into Akia’s left thigh.
Akia screamed in pain and stumbled back. She touched her thigh and stared at the mixture of rainwater and blood dripping from her fingers before glaring at Quinn.
“Do you yield, Akia?” Quinn asked.
Akia bared her teeth at her and attacked again. Their swords clashed repeatedly, the dull clanking sounds echoing across the courtyard. Quinn moved swiftly around her, thrusting and jabbing her sword with deadly accuracy. Akia made a thin scream of pain when Quinn slashed her across the wrist. She dropped her sword and Quinn kicked it away as Akia dropped to her knees in the mud.
Quinn raised her sword and Akia shouted, “I yield, massina! I yield!”
Quinn hesitated before staring at Silas still pressing his hands against Naveen’s stomach. Her gaze returned to Akia and she smiled bitterly at the woman. “You should not have injured Naveen.”
Akia’s eyes widened and there was a collective gasp from the people surrounding them when Quinn’s sword sliced through Akia’s neck. Blood jetted out from the stump of her neck as her head tumbled across the ground. Akia’s body slumped forward into the mud. The pouring rain quickly washed away the spray of blood as Quinn lowered her sword and stared up at the queen.
The queen’s face was bloodless and she stared silently at Akia’s body before raising her gaze to the rest of the queen’s guard. “Take the massina prisoner,” she said. “She has killed one of the queen’s guard.”
The women didn’t move and the queen shrieked angrily as Quinn took a step toward her. “It’s over, Edina. I will offer you the same deal I offered Akia. Leave the clan now and I will spare your life.”
