by Shea, K. M.
The king nodded. “Well said. Very well, then. Carry on, Quinn of Midnight Lake.”
“If I may, Your Majesty?” Kenneth said.
“Of course, Kenneth. Speak.” King Dirth smiled welcomingly.
“I’m afraid the split assignments are proving detrimental to the cohesiveness of Band Gallant.”
Quinn frowned slightly. Did he really think our fight was that bad? Or are they saying things when I’m not present?
“I request additional help on our assignments so the members of Band Gallant are not forced to work alone,” Kenneth finished.
“I am glad you brought up your concerns, band leader,” King Dirth said. “It means you take your position and the health of your band seriously. Fortunately, things are about to change anyway.” He glanced over at the generals. “Commanding General Rowan, brief them.”
The general bowed, then strode over to the giant Farset map painted on the wall, which looked like a troll had sneezed on it due to the sheer volume of green globs of wax stuck to its surface.
“Our forest patrols have revealed more and more goblin packs gathering. Their locations are marked here by green wax.” Commanding General Rowan pointed to a green glob. “They’ve been coming in from the south, and they are marching north. We initially thought they were migrating north, but each pack has stopped south of Navia and settled in the woods.”
Quinn stared at the map, her heart jumping in her chest. “They’re encircling Alabaster Forest.”
The general nodded. “Correct.”
“In other words, the elves are in danger, and if the goblins cannot be stopped, then Navia will be endangered as well. We can no longer afford covert methods. More drastic measures are called for,” King Dirth said.
Quinn stared at the map, speechless. I didn’t think they would move so swiftly against the elves once the Chosen realized we knew what was going on…unless this is unrelated to Farset’s involvement, and they’ve finally raised enough power to kill the elves outright?
“Tomorrow is the last day you will work as you have. As Roy of Green Scales Hills has one more night allotted to following my daughters, you will use it. Tomorrow night,” the king said, “find out any piece of information you can. Hide from my daughters if possible, but speak to the humans stranded with the elves. They may know more about the curse.”
“Revealing ourselves will take us closer to the party, which increases the chance that the curse will successfully draw us in,” Kenneth said.
King Dirth clasped his hands together and gazed at the map. “I’m aware of that, but I’m afraid it’s a gamble we must take.”
“War is upon us, soldiers,” Queen Orsina said. “It is not a smattering of goblin packs hiding in our woods but an army. We cannot give them quarter to move.”
Kenneth bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Once you have followed the princesses one last time, and after you have given your morning report to me, we will reveal to my daughters the truth of Roy of Green Scales Hills’ identity and that we are aware of the situation.” King Dirth shifted on his throne. “The following day, I want you Quinn to take Rider Bridget and a party of select officers to meet with the elves. You said no one besides King Themerysaldi can even approach the borders, yes?”
Quinn bowed. “That is correct, Your Majesty. However, as the king’s personal friend, I can take a few people into Alabaster Forest, even if they are not elf-friends.”
The king tapped his fingers on the wooden arm of his armchair. “Wonderful. If that is so, once you have followed my daughters for the last night, I want Band Gallant placed on escort duty to the officers. We will use your relationship to ferry men into the woods. It is absolutely critical that the officers start planning with King Themerysaldi on how we might best protect our shared woods.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Commanding General Rowan said.
“This means we’ll get to meet that Elf King of yours, eh, Quinn?” Leigh whispered—safely hidden by Roy’s broad shoulders.
Roy frowned, but Guy scoffed.
“The Blue Rider has been dispatched to deliver a message to Prince Lucien and Prince Severin of Loire. It contains a report of everything Band Gallant has uncovered and a request for backup,” King Dirth said. “It is time we see what good the Summit and our alliance can really do.”
“We are also trying to locate Lady Enchantress Angelique for additional help as she has played a key role in freeing various royal families from curses, but she has proven elusive thus far,” Queen Orsina said. “It is to be hoped the princes of Loire have a way to contact her.”
It is as Angelique said…everyone looks to her for help.
King Dirth glanced at a list he had written on a small slate. “I believe we have covered everything of importance. Unless I have forgotten something, generals? Riders?”
There were various bows and murmurs of, “No, Your Majesty.”
Commanding General Rowan said, “Tomorrow, Quinn is to tell King Themerysaldi of our plan and impending visit so he may prepare, as well.”
“Ahh, yes, that,” the king nodded. “It’s the last time you are to visit Alabaster Forest unaccompanied, but be on your guard against spies and goblins. If there is nothing more, we may consider this meeting over. Please remain behind for a moment, Band Gallant, so we may work out a timeline for tomorrow night’s activities.”
Quinn and her band mates bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
King Dirth waved at them and eased himself out of his chair. Queen Orsina moved much more swiftly and joined Commanding General Rowan at the Farset map in moments.
“War, huh?” Guy said.
“At least it’s against goblins,” Roy said.
“Perhaps, but we aren’t aware of their numbers…and I don’t think that’s a good thing,” Quinn said.
“Why do you say that?” Leigh asked.
Quinn nodded at her little sister, who strode in their direction. “He avoids calling out Bridget at all costs. For her to be here, things are very bad indeed.”
“It is bad,” Bridget agreed as she joined them. She nodded to everyone but did not even glance at Roy. “But Queen Orsina also remembered that we’re sisters and thought I would want to know what’s happening.”
“That was kind of her,” Quinn said.
“Band leader Kenneth, Roy of Green Scales Hills, if you would join us, we can discuss entering the princesses’ rooms,” Queen Orsina called.
Kenneth glanced at Leigh, Guy, and Quinn. “Be quiet—don’t wander off,” he warned them before moving to join the queen and the generals. Roy glanced over his shoulder at Quinn and Band Gallant but followed so closely behind Kenneth, he nearly stepped on his heels.
“Sheesh. I have no idea what could cause Kenneth to have such little confidence in us,” Leigh said.
“Might be from that time you were supposed to spy on that pair of thieves in a tavern and proceeded to get drunk with them,” Guy said. “Or maybe it’s due to that day last month you and Roy thought you should make things efficient and gathered six trolls for us to fight at once. Or perhaps—”
“Another word and I’ll have a misdemeanor of decking my own band mate to add to my list of transgressions,” Leigh warned him.
“So violent. I don’t understand how a cultured and generous man like your husband chose to settle for a wild monkey like you,” Guy said.
“Would you rather have your nose broken or a fat lip?” Leigh asked.
Quinn grinned at the exchange, but when Bridget placed a hand on her arm, she shifted all her attention to her little sister.
“How are you? I heard you were injured.” Bridget narrowed her eyes and looked Quinn up and down.
“I’m fine,” Quinn assured her. “The shoulder is still a little tender, but I’ve started using my bow again without any troubles.”
“And how are things with…him.” Bridget nodded her head in Roy’s direction with a bit of a sneer.
Her look of distaste produced anoth
er smile in Quinn. “Quite well. I haven’t seen him much thanks to my assignment.” She blinked as she considered the matter. In fact, I haven’t given him much thought at all since meeting Emerys.
“And when you do see him?” Bridget asked pointedly.
Quinn brushed off the already smooth fabric of her elven overcoat. “It’s not much of an issue. He’s aiming for Princess Alena, and I…I don’t see him the same way anymore.”
“Good!” Bridget sighed and drooped enough to take a finger’s height off her stature. “I never understood what you saw in him. Seems like this King Themerysaldi of yours is quite the elf, though.”
“He is,” Quinn admitted, smiling. “You would like him. Even though he’s the king, he talks like a soldier. He’s very blunt and funny—though the curse has certainly taken a toll on him.” She paused. “I hope we can break it. Soon. I don’t know how much longer he—or the rest of the elves—can last.”
“You are fond of him?” Bridget asked. “I thought you didn’t like elves—they always made you overly aware of yourself.”
“It’s not the same. Emerys…he’s my friend. He’s not afraid to call me out, but he accepts me.” Quinn herself was rather surprised with the revelation. He’s the Elf King—he’s not supposed to be friends with someone like me, and yet he is. I never have to fear judgement from him. I never have to put up a smile when I don’t feel it.
“I’m glad you’ve found a friend outside Gallant,” Bridget said. “It always seemed a little unhealthy to me the way your crew does everything together.”
Quinn raised an eyebrow. “We’re a band. It’s our job to do everything together. It’s why bands are so powerful—we’re family units.”
“Maybe so, but Leigh has a family outside of Gallant. There’s nothing stopping the rest of you from doing the same,” Bridget pointed out. “I’m glad this Emerys can do that for you. If he makes you cry, though, better let me know. Elf King or not, no one gets to make you cry.”
Quinn laughed. “Why would he make me cry?”
“Because you like him?” Bridget said.
Quinn frowned. “What?”
“Haven’t you realized that?” Bridget asked. “It took me two seconds when you started talking about him in the briefing to see it.”
Quinn rolled her eyes. “You’re reading into something that isn’t there.”
Bridget slowly shook her head. “Quinn…he’s the Elf King, and you call him by his nickname.”
Quinn’s frown sharpened. She can’t possibly be right, can she? I mean, I do like Emerys and our comradeship…but I can’t be that fickle, can I? Besides, I think I would know.
“It’s not a bad thing,” Bridget continued. “You obviously mean a lot to him. I mean, he gave you clothes in his colors. That’s all but declaring you part of his household.”
Quinn startled. “What are you talking about?”
“The colors worn by the king changes with every generation. King Themerysaldi’s are pale blue and dark blue.” Bridget nodded at Quinn’s elven garb.
Quinn’s mouth turned dry. Suddenly, Emerys’ shy stammering makes a lot more sense.
“Rider Bridget, will you join us for a moment?” one of the generals called.
Bridget waved to him, then reached up and briefly embraced Quinn. “Good luck with tomorrow night. I’ll see if I can get myself invited to the group going to speak to your Emerys. Goodbye!”
“Goodbye,” Quinn echoed, though internally she was still shocked. My Emerys? She really must be convinced that I like him. Do I? Her head started to ache with the thought. “Maybe Father was right. I should have become a candle maker and not a soldier,” she grumbled.
“Quinn!” Leigh tossed an arm over Quinn’s shoulders. “Guy and I have just decided we’re going out tonight to get a drink. You coming?”
Quinn pasted a smile on her face. “Of course!”
“I knew we could count on you!” Leigh squeezed her shoulder. “Hey, listen to this! Guy says…”
Quinn happily let her band mates pull her into their discussion. She’d have to sift through her feelings for Emerys eventually, but it didn’t have to be now.
Besides, once I’m no longer meeting with him, everything may change. I likely won’t get to see him as often.
The thought pained Quinn more than she expected.
* * *
The next day, when Quinn arrived at the usual spot on the border that served as her meeting place with Emerys, he hadn’t yet turned up. “Emerys?” She dismounted Din and patted her neck. “Are you hiding because you’re a fluffy pup again?”
Silence.
Quinn turned around again. “Emerys?”
“I’m here,” he said just behind her.
Quinn turned to face him and was taken aback to see Emerys standing on the border, not as an animal, but himself.
He still wore the white mask that covered his entire face—Quinn had to wonder how he ate with that thing on—but instead of loose robes, he was clothed in breeches, a midnight blue over-jacket, and a pale blue undershirt. It was much like Quinn’s gifted clothes in terms of style and color, though he wore silver armguards and pauldrons that were etched with moon and star patterns, and the fit of his clothes marked out the broadness of his shoulders.
I guess Bridget was right. Dark blue and pale blue must be his colors.
“Oh,” Quinn blinked. “You’re…you?”
Emerys tipped his head. “You mean I’m not an animal for once?”
Quinn laughed awkwardly. “Yeah. I take it that means we’re not looking for Angelique today?”
Emerys shook his head. “I thought we should review what you know about the curse and see if there is anything more I can try to explain.”
Quinn was only half listening to him as she studied his clothes, then glanced at her new bow that was hooked across Din’s rump. My bow is studded with midnight blue and pale blue gems… “Did I take your bow?” Quinn asked.
“Uhhh….?”
“The elf bow you let me take.” Quinn gestured to her beloved bow. “Is it yours?”
Emerys shifted slightly and scratched the top of his head. “It was. It is from the armor set I used in my younger years. That’s why it was set up in the hall. I’ve grown too much, so I needed a new set when I reached adulthood.”
“How old are you?” Quinn asked.
Emerys shrugged. “It’s hard to give an equivalent to human years, but I’d say I’m approximately in my mid-twenties.”
For some reason that comforts me. A lot. Bridget must be right after all. Hopefully I can retain some semblance of self-respect this time around. “I see.” Quinn patted Din’s neck again to give herself something to do.
“Are you going to stand there all day because you know I can’t reach you, or are you coming in?” Emerys asked after several long moments of silence.
Quinn grinned and tugged Din forward. “The famed elf hospitality strikes again.”
The Elf King snorted. “Short of fetching a tree branch to poke you with, what else was I supposed to say?”
“Won’t you please enter my lands?”
Emerys hooked a thumb on his sword belt. “Do you really think those words would ever willingly drop from my mouth?”
It’s different, being able to see his body language instead of animal instincts. “Alastryn would be very proud of you if they did.”
“Too bad. She’ll just have to continue in her perpetual disappointment.”
Quinn laughed as she and Din stepped through the border. She paused to raise the stirrups on their leathers so they wouldn’t bang the mare in the side as they walked. “She’ll be sad to hear so.”
“Mmhmm. How did the meeting with King Dirth and Queen Orsina go?” Emerys asked.
“It was illuminating. Tonight my band and I will again follow the princesses, but this is the last night we’re acting covertly. A goblin army has been gathering in the woods, Emerys,” Quinn said.
“A few packs?” Emerys as
ked.
Quinn shook her head as she circled her horse and adjusted the other stirrup. “No. A massive army. They’re spreading out and surrounding Alabaster Forest.”
“Then those responsible for leading them and doing…this to me must be behind this.” Emerys impatiently tugged on the cheek of his mask. “If we do break free, they’ll be positioned to sweep in once our borders fail.”
“Tomorrow my orders are to escort a number of military officers here to meet with you—and the other humans who have been pulled into the curse—and discuss our options,” Quinn continued. “I suspect King Dirth hopes you will offer the title of elf-friend to some of them so I will not be needed to provide entrance into the forest.”
Emerys rubbed his neck. “We’ll have to ask Alastryn for the protocol—elf-friend is not a title easily bestowed, but in a situation like this, I am certain we can make exceptions. You’re still coming with them, though.”
“Because I am your personal friend which means I might be able to break your curse, yes; I already thought of that,” Quinn said.
“Well, for that reason, too,” Emerys said.
Quinn finished fussing with her stirrups and joined Emerys in standing at Din’s head. “Isn’t that the most important reason for my presence?”
“It is important,” Emerys agreed. “But can’t I be glad…” he trailed off.
“Glad for what?” Quinn asked.
He didn’t say anything.
Is it tied to the curse, so he can’t speak?
“Glad to see you?” he asked in a quick rush.
Quinn blinked, then peered up at his masked face in surprise. “Sometimes you are too nice.”
Emerys snorted again. “I’m as nice as an injured bear.” He paused and slowly lifted his right hand from his sword belt. “I just…value you.”
Quinn’s breath caught in her throat as Emerys slowly raised his hand. He hesitated, then tugged gently on a loose lock of Quinn’s hair that had fallen from her braid. The heat from his fingers warmed her cheek as he brushed her ear with a fingertip.
“Quinn.” Emerys took a step closer to her, their feet nearly touching. “I—”
“YOU!” A woman wearing a tattered, mud-splattered cloak burst out of trees on the human side of the border. She pointed at Emerys with an accusing finger. “You useless dolt!”
