by Moira Murphy
“Tessa, I…” he started.
“I know.”
“But, I just… I’m so sorry.”
“I know,” she repeated.
The music sped up, and again there was a partner switch. The king, Tuck, and Mooney moved further away. Tessa and Niko were at the front of the room. Niko danced with another faceless female, his thoughts elsewhere. The switching was becoming more rapid with the music. Tessa and her partner were right in front of the stage. The group was evenly dispersed around the room. It made them all uneasy. Another girl landed in Niko’s hands, she smiled. He smiled. It was cordial. The musicians were playing so fast, sweat dripped down their necks.
Another switch.
Niko could no longer see any of his friends. He was alone.
Another switch.
And then there she was in his arms, touching his hands, smiling. Cami.
Chapter 22
“Hey bro.”
“Cami.” He breathed out. She looked the same as the last time he saw her. Her hair was an unusual shade of green, but it was definitely her; same eyes, same nose, same smile.
“Don’t freak out.” She looked from side to side. “Don’t draw attention.” The music continued, quick and staccato. It matched Niko’s heart rate.
“Niko?” Cami tried to catch his attention. She was wearing a plum purple dress that was way too large—clearly borrowed. The music stopped abruptly. Niko was breathing hard, and not from the dancing. Another song began, the crowd became one again.
“Okay, come on.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him out onto the patio. They leaned over the balcony, over the dry town. It was dark now and the stars were dim.
“Cami—where have you been?” he asked angrily.
“I’ve missed you.” She cocked her head to the side.
“Cami—we—we thought you were dead. How could you not come back?”
“I wanted to come back! I tried. I tried everything. He had Lavocs everywhere.” She apologized. “M—my mom, how is she?” Her eyes filled.
“She’s… well, she’s devastated. She thinks you’re dead. We all did.”
“I’m so sorry, Niko. I’ve tried every way to get back. I’ve had people helping…” she looked around the patio. “But, after what he’s done to this place—to the people, I’m glad I stayed.”
“Why did you come tonight?” Niko turned her back toward the patio in an effort to conceal her. “That is exactly what he wants.”
“Well, when I heard you were all here… no one could have stopped me.” She grinned as something else entered her mind.
“What?” He tried not to smile.
“I can’t believe you’re here.” She giggled. “I thought you guys would think the book was a joke.”
“We did.” He smirked. “I fell in the water.”
“That’s how you ended up here? You fell?” She chuckled. “What are the odds?”
“Nill.”
“Is Sully here? Did he jump?” she asked.
“Yeah. We’re all here. He’s with Bindy and Palmer.”
“Woah.” She huffed. “I’m assuming you were given a crash course into the cause then, huh?”
“Yeah, we had all planned on staying to help. That was until Crawford found us and brought us here.”
“Ughh…Crawford.” She squinted.
“Yeah… he’s unpleasant.”
“You could say that.” Cami laughed. They had missed one another immensely. “Well, let’s get the hell out of here, huh?” She punched him in the shoulder.
“Cami, we have to talk. There’s things I have to tell you…” Niko held her in place.
“Now? Can’t it wait?” she asked him, irritated.
“It’s… uhh… big news.” He offered. Cami looked over her shoulder. Civilians were beginning to congregate on the patio, and she was worried she would be recognized.
“I really don’t think now is the time, Nik.” She nodded toward the crowd, and quickly turned her back to the crowd.
“Alright.” He surrendered. “Do you have a plan?”
“Nope.” She shrugged. “Do you?”
“Nope.”
***
“And we’re sure we can’t tell Tuck and Tess?” Niko tightened his coat.
“We’re sure.” Cami replied, as she pulled the dark green wig from her scalp. “If anyone sees you three talking to someone… all Lavoc eyes will be on you.” Her dark curly hair tumbled onto her shoulders. “It’s just you and me.”
“And we’re sure that they’ll follow?”
“No.” She blinked. “But, we have to try.”
Niko rolled his eyes and took a deep breath. “Okay… make it good,” he encouraged her.
“Here we go.” She ran her hand through her hair. She looked into his face and lifted one side of her mouth. He grabbed her hand; gently squeezing it. Cami gave herself an internal pep talk before she stepped out from behind a large velvet curtain.
At first, no one noticed her standing slightly off center on the stage. But, slowly one by one, people in the crowd began to notice her. They turned and looked up at the girl that had caused the deaths of so many people. They blamed her. The hated her. But a few among the scowling faces looked at her with fear and concern. To these few she was their savior. She brought them all the water she could find. She risked her life to save them, to bring a rebellion against the tyrant Nathayre. The ballroom became quiet and still as everyone began to notice the disheveled woman on stage. The Lavocs, too, had noticed and had began to close in on stage, highly alert to her every move. Cami had her eyes on the King, he had yet to turn around. She wanted to make eye contact with him before she spoke. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Niko making his way toward the king; his back against the wall. She prayed he could have the courage to finish it.
Finally, Nathayre noticed the quiet of the room. He looked to his left and then his right. He saw his guests were all looking toward the stage. He followed their gaze and saw his lost Queen. Cami smiled at the look his face; he was shocked that she’d have the audacity to come to the ball itself. She winked.
“People of Wiklow!” she said, her voice thunderous. All eyes were on her. “As you all know we have been in a great crisis for months. We have now reached the most critical time. Now. Tonight. Tonight is the night you choose to save Wiklow or to allow it to fall! This man…”
She pointed directly to Nathayre. “This King has desecrated our home. He has murdered our parents, our children, our friends. Why?”
She paused and searched the faces of the audience. Lavocs walked towards the stage. “Many of you may think that I could have done more. For that—I apologize. But, I am here now. I’m here to fight—to overthrow this monster that has destroyed us.”
She took steps down from the platform and entered the audience. She heard something in the center of the crowd, she turned to see Tucker and a Nathayre-loyal Lavoc in a scuffle. The crowd spread out, allowing to them to fight, while other Lavocs continued toward Cami. Tucker knocked the Lavoc to the floor, where he lay, unconscious. Cami continued as she saw Tuck engage in another fight with another Lavoc.
“This man is so sickened by you as a people that he has let half of you die, so that the heir would not be one of you. Why are we letting this happen? He’s one man.”
Niko inched toward the King.
“He’s a single person. There are thousands of us. It would take one person to stand up and fight with me.” She targeted the eyes and paused at every person she passed. “Lavocs, you have defended the throne for centuries. You have done well. But, now—now is the time for you to do your job even better.”
Tucker continued to fight each Lavoc as they approached her.
“He has twisted all that you represent into darkness and evil. He is a parasite destroying from within, and you are the catalyst!”
The remaining Lavocs slowed their pace toward her.
“People of Wiklow, the struggle ahead is for the future of Wiklow. If
it were possible for us to avoid chaos and war, and just merely live under the oppression—life would not be worth living.” She continued through the crowd. “We need to adopt the courage to face the problem that has been plaguing Wiklow. We must come together! We must fight for our lives; for our right to breathe!”
She came to the King.
“Lavocs, Renegades, Humans, People of Wiklow! Come together! Fight the noose Nathayre has tied around our throats!”
Chapter 23
The room was silent. Cami was face to face with the king. He stared into her unyielding eyes. Slowly, timidly, he smiled.
“My love! You’ve come back! How happy I am to see you!” He laughed uncomfortably. “We must get you food and rest! Would one of my Lavocs be so kind as to help Camila to her room?” He placed a hand on her shoulder and looked for a sign that the Lavocs were still loyal to him. Yet, none of the Lavocs moved.
“I don’t need to go to a room!” Cami turned to the people. “He’s a fake! He’s a liar! He is lying to all of us! He’s stolen so many lives of Wiklow. Do not believe his deceitful smile!”
The King remained smiling. “Mooney! Valen! Can someone please help the Queen to a relaxing bath or comfortable bed? Crawford!” He held his hands open. No one aided him. “Dear, let me help you.” He attempted to push her toward the exit. She resisted. Tucker tried to fight through the crowd, toward Cami.
“He took your water, he let you die!”
“Now. Now.” The King became visibly agitated. “The water was taken because of you. The water disappeared when you did.” He shook his head, patronizing her. “And now, that you’ve returned—well, I’m sure the water will be returned.”
“HA!” Cami laughed. She turned away from him, toward the crowd. “You think that’s where this will end?” She turned about the crowd. “He threw a temper tantrum when he didn’t get his way, like a child! He let more than half of you die because he was unhappy.”
“Not because I was unhappy, you—“
Cami interrupted him, “What do you think is going to happen when—when another problem arises?”
“Valen! Crawford!” The King shouted.
“When he wants more tax money from you? When he disagrees with your leaders? What then?” she yelled.
“Get her out of here, now! Crawford!”
“Do you think he’ll allow any of you to ever disagree with him? To stand up for yourselves?” The crowd took a step back from her and the king. “No! He’ll never let you in the throne again; he is praying for your death!”
“Crawford!”
“He is hoping for your extinction!”
Suddenly, from the crowd, a man with blood colored hair emerged.
“I am here, King.” Crawford breathed heavily from fighting through the people.
“At last, Crawford! Please, take Camila to her room and get her cleaned up.” The king sighed.
“Yes, sir.” Crawford grabbed her upper arm. She tried to fight him off, but being twice her size, it was futile.
“Fight him!” she screamed “Don’t let him reign!” She was pulled a few feet before Crawford was violently yanked away from her arm. Mooney stood towering over Crawford, still holding onto his arm.
“Stop,” he said firmly.
“Mooney, what are you doing?” Nathayre’s face flushed with anger.
“She’s right. We can’t let this go on!” He turned to the Lavocs. “Lavocs, although I am not your leader, please think of yourselves. Think for yourselves!”
Crawford looked at him; shocked.
“Yes, we are protectors of the throne, but more than that, we are protectors of Wiklow. Protect Wiklow!” He pleaded. The king was utterly horrified, everything he ever wanted was crumbling before him; his throne, his family, his heir. All were disappearing.
“Crawford, do something!” he wailed.
The Lavocs hadn’t quite been convinced yet. They had been trained all of their lives to protect the throne; no matter what, no matter the circumstance. Crawford withdrew his sword and directed it toward Mooney, who also withdrew his. Neither started a duel. They had fought side by side for years and now they were against each other. Fighting one another went against their instinct and nature. Crawford made the first move, flailing his sword toward Mooney.
Their swords collided with a thunderous crack. It vibrated through Mooney’s fingers. He was impressed with Crawford’s strength. He never seemed the type to be physically powerful, but his eyes were cocky, as if he had already won. The people formed a circle around them. Crawford spun Mooney’s sword in a circle, releasing their embrace.
“Crawford, you’re the leader of this group. You know this is wrong.” Mooney made a last ditch effort to change his mind. “Lead us. Lead us in the right direction.”
“You are going against everything we stand for! You vowed to protect the throne!” Crawford hurled the sword toward Mooney, who quickly blocked it.
“What about Wiklow? What about protecting Wiklow?”
“Wiklow needs a leader!” Crawford lunged again.
“Not this one!” Mooney directed Crawford’s sword backward. “Crawford, listen to reason!” Crawford stopped for a moment,
“Another leader?” He had never thought of that.
“Another leader.” Mooney confirmed. “Someone worthy to lead us. Someone good and kind.” Crawford’s sword lowered a few inches. “Someone like our previous queens, who—who—“ Mooney sputtered.
He tasted blood.
The tip of a silver sword poked out through the buttons on the front of his white coat. It felt like ice. Ice that melted from his chest down into his stomach. Ice that turned warm by the time it reached his feet. Nathayre held the hilt of the sword that had been lunged through Mooney’s back. Mooney dropped to his knees and coughed. Blood dripped from his chin. Nathayre released the sword and let it fall with Mooney’s body.
“That is enough!” Nathayre shouted.
He looked to Crawford, whose mouth was gaping, staring at Mooney on the marble floor. “That’s enough,” he said quieter.
The people were stunned, scared, confused. The king had finally outwardly shown who he really was and what he could do. A cry came from within the crowd. A cry for Mooney. Bindy pushed through and came from behind Crawford. She fell to her knees and slid to Mooney’s side.
“Mooney? Oh, no. Mooney.” She pet his head, sobbing over him; everyone watched. Niko and Tuck emerged from the crowd, behind Crawford, followed by Tess. They were as shocked as the rest to see Mooney dead at the feet of the king. Bindy looked up to the king, her face covered in tears.
“What did you do?” she cried. Her tone quickly became filled with fury. “What did you do?!” she stood up and lunged at him. He struck her with the back of his hand, it radiated across her cheek. She fell to the ground.
“Stupid girl.” He picked her up by her shoulders. Lavocs guarded the others from jumping to her aid. “Don’t you see?” He seethed, inches from her face. “Don’t you see that none of you are capable of running this place?”
Bindy sucked in enough air to give wind to the wad of spit she launched onto Nathayre’s cheek. He violently threw her to the ground; she crumpled.
“Disgusting creature!” He wiped his face with a white cloth. “I’ll take care of you like I took care of that insipid blue haired bitch!” His words came out so fast, he didn’t have time to think before they left his lips.
Bindy turned over and gawked at Nathayre, “What did you say?”
The King realized his mistake at the same time as the rest of the room.
“Are you….” Bindy was at a loss for words. The Lavocs guarding the others dropped their arms. The entire room was dead silent. No one moved, no one breathed. Nathayre’s wild eyes searched about the room.
“I…I...didn’t mean…” He stammered, turning in circles. Niko, Tuck, and Tess were baffled by the sudden silence that encompassed the entire ballroom. They stood still, waiting for one of the Wiklowians to make the
first move.
“You killed the Queen?” Crawford blatantly asked.
“N-now I didn’t say that.” Nathayre put his hands in front of his body. Crawford turned and slithered into the crowd. He didn’t know where he stood any more, but he didn’t want to be a part of this.
Tuck allowed him to pass; there was another time for him. Tuck slid the sword out of Crawford’s hand. The crowd began to disperse, the tension too thick, too unsafe. Within a few seconds, two thirds of them were gone. The king was alone. He no longer had anyone on his side. Those that remained were willing to fight for Wiklow. Their faces were determined and strong; ready to defend what needed defending.
Tuck stepped in front of Tess, Bindy, Niko, and Cami. He held the sword out in front of his body. Nathayre knew he had nowhere to go, no one to defend him. While some Lavocs remained, their loyalty was no longer with him. The king turned and looked for some aid from any of his subjects. He acquired none. He took a step back and spun around.
“There’s nowhere to go.” Tuck informed him.
Cami stepped up to his side, as did Niko. The king searched for an idea of defense. His footsteps were the only thing heard in the grand ballroom. In a panic, he ran toward the stage, and the door that led outside. He was stopped by a Lavoc. He tried for the patio, and again another Lavoc stepped up. He resembled an ant being herded by children on a brick patio. He was stuck, no escape. He ripped a sword from a nearby Lavoc’s belt.
To his left stood a little boy, about six years old. Nathayre seized the opportunity; fiercely grabbing him by the arm and putting him into a headlock. The little boy with grey hair cried as Nathayre held a blade to his throat. His mother with matching gray hair moved toward him but stopped when the king gave her a demanding look. She quietly whimpered, and held her hands gripped at her chest. Nathayre crept toward the patio overlooking the water.
