“Not like them? Hardly that… in fact, I daresay you’ve piqued my interest,” Rose replied, grinning as she sat back slightly. “Before, I just found you slightly attractive. Now, though… I see why Isalla likes you. I certainly think you’re worth getting to know at this point.”
Kanae blinked, looking slightly taken aback. She opened her mouth, then shut it, taking a moment to gather herself before replying dryly. “Thank you. Now, I might suggest getting your rest. I need far less sleep than either of you, and I have some problems to consider.”
“As you like,” Rose replied, a bit disappointed by the cool response, and she walked over to the blankets next to Isalla. She considered her old lover for a moment, then smiled, noting her shallow breathing.
Once she’d slipped into the blankets next to Isalla, Rose considered before rolling over to embrace her friend. Then she whispered softly, “You did decide to choose someone interesting, didn’t you?”
Isalla shifted slightly, and her eyes cracked open, a sheepish look on her face. She licked her lips, then replied, her voice barely audible. “Um… I’m sorry…”
“Sorry about what? I don’t blame you, not after I pushed you away. I really regret doing that,” Rose replied, keeping her voice low enough that Kanae shouldn’t hear. She hated what she’d done to Isalla.
“Okay,” Isalla replied, blushing.
“So… what were you thinking? Are you planning to leave her?” Rose asked, smiling as Isalla’s blush deepened.
“I’m… not sure. I didn’t think much beyond your rescue,” Isalla admitted, looking down. “I like her, but… but you’re here now. You were always my anchor, Rose… even if you’re different now, you’re still similar enough for me to recognize. I don’t know what to do.”
“Well, we’ll have to work things out, then,” Rose said, and smiled as she added, her tone turning teasing, “Though I have to admit… I do think she’s kind of cute, myself.”
“You what?” Isalla gasped, her eyes widening. “I thought you were joking, to tease her!”
“No, I wasn’t. We’ll see how things go, but… I suppose I should tell you that I’ve found myself far less concerned about only sharing a bed with one person of late,” Rose said, a smile playing over her lips. “I hope that doesn’t make you unhappy.”
Isalla didn’t reply, instead blushing and hiding her head beneath the blankets. Rose laughed softly, then settled in to rest. As she did so, she considered what Kanae had said earlier. At last she decided that Kanae might have had a point about taking some time to see the world and clear her head.
She could always go back to Queen Estalia later.
Chapter 41
Queen Estalia sat back in her throne, frowning as she considered the guards kneeling before her. Saying that she wasn’t upset would be lying, but at the same time, saying she was upset would be overstating her feelings. She was more irritated that they’d managed to lose Rose, but even that irritation was minor compared to her surprise.
“I don’t blame you for not recognizing the danger, as I don’t believe I’ve heard of such a hazard before either. From what you said, even my personal guard might have succumbed to it, which is a troubling thought,” Estalia said at last and saw them relax slightly. She continued, her tone gentle, almost measured. “Neither could you have known that the attackers would have a way to teleport to another node. Most curious that they didn’t harm any of you… you said the demoness who spoke to you was accompanied by a human woman, didn’t you?”
“To be more accurate, she looked human, Your Majesty. All of us believed she smelled like she was native to the hells, or all but Ethan,” Ataron said, his head still lowered.
“Well, of course he wouldn’t. He doesn’t have the keen sense of smell that you do,” Estalia said, smiling at Ethan to lessen any blow to his pride. “What did this human look like?”
They looked at one another, and after a moment, Zeera spoke. “She was tall for a human, though not as tall as some, with fair skin and a thinner, more delicate bone structure. She had blonde hair, blue eyes, and wore simple silk clothing and a pack, as well as having a sword and shield at her side. She moved like a warrior, and approached Lady Rose as if she knew her.”
“Indeed? But that would mean—” Estalia paused, then smiled as she murmured. “Isalla found Rose, rather than me finding her? And even managed to garner help to recover her? How startling.”
She fell silent for a long moment, considering her options, then looked up and asked, “This other demoness who spoke to you… what did she look and act like? You said she used magic as though she was skilled, but not much more.”
“Well, she was surprisingly polite. If it weren’t for what she did, and the lack of an accent, I’d say she was nobility of some type. Her diction was excellent,” Ithik said, frowning. “I didn’t get a good look at her, unfortunately.”
“I did,” Ethan said, straightening. “I think she was a half-blood, if I’m being honest. She had pale skin, with just a hint of purple to it, short purple horns, and purple-black hair. Her armor looked like dull black scales, likely from a dragon or made of finely crafted steel, and it was well-used but in good repair. Purple eyes and dark purple lips, and her armor covered a tail that—”
Ethan fell silent suddenly, and Estalia realized she was smiling broadly as all of the guards stared at her. She laughed and shook her head, speaking warmly as delight surged through her. “Oh, my apologies, Ethan, but I know precisely who that is. Or if it isn’t her, there’s a doppelganger of her that I wasn’t aware of. Veldoran!”
They all blinked at her exclamation, and a moment later a door opened in the side of her throne room, revealing her handsome, fit archmagus. He was a blood demon, with their typical scarlet skin, but with dark hair and bright amber eyes, and his trousers and shirt fit him well. She admired him as he spoke.
“You called for me, Your Majesty?” Veldoran asked, bowing his head respectfully, a smile playing across his lips.
“I did. Please bring a scrying orb. I need you to look in on my wayward daughter again.” Estalia said, and her smile widened still more at the shock on the faces of the guards. Veldoran barely reacted, raising an eyebrow slightly, but nodded, disappearing into his room to find an orb.
“Your… daughter, Your Majesty?” Dathael asked, her voice filled with a hint of trepidation.
“Yes, that’s right. Assuming it’s her, of course, but that matches her description,” Estalia said, sitting back and smiling. At their looks of worry, she laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, don’t worry about what might have happened. She’s powerful enough that you would have had a hard time doing much damage, and she wouldn’t have wanted to hurt you. She’s been hiding from me for the better part of a millennium, after all.”
They didn’t seem reassured, but Veldoran reappeared at that moment, holding a large scrying orb and its stand. He walked forward and set it up, explaining, “I must remind you, your daughter creates such potent wards that I’m not guaranteed to garner much detail, Your Majesty.”
“I remember, Veldoran. She’s practiced immensely to try to keep anyone from finding her, and if it weren’t for your skill, I’d still be ignorant of her survival,” Estalia said, nodding and sitting forward eagerly, curious if her daughter had actually been involved.
“My thanks, Your Majesty,” Veldoran said, smiling in pleasure at her compliment.
The archmage ran his hands over the orb and took a deep breath, then began his incantation. Veldoran truly was powerful, the most powerful diviner that Estalia had been able to employ in her court to date. Lines of mana extended from his fingers to create sigils in the air around the orb, and in only a handful of seconds a smoky mist appeared in the orb. Estalia watched it closely, her breath catching. Fortunately, her daughter’s wards didn’t look like they were quite as strong as they usually were, and the mists cleared as Veldoran completed his spell.
Within the orb, a scene appeared of a location on a trail somewh
ere. Within was Rose, still wearing the cloak Anna had given her, along with the other two individuals that the guards had described. Estalia smiled warmly at the sight of Kitania, leaning forward as she asked, “Veldoran? Can you tell approximately where they are?”
“It’s difficult, but I believe near the border of Hellmount, and somewhat to its southeast.” Veldoran said, frowning slightly.
“I see. That would line up with the node closest to where she’s been hiding… you may release the spell. Thank you very much,” Estalia said, looking at Veldoran happily. She turned her attention to the guards and gave them a gentler smile as she added, watching the scene vanish. “Also, you’re dismissed. I hold you blameless for this matter. In fact, I’m rather pleased.”
“Ah, thank you, Your Majesty,” Ithik said, looking taken aback as he stood.
“You are most welcome. Now, Veldoran? Would you mind letting the royal guard know that I’m taking a trip, and I’d like a full escort and a half?” Estalia asked, turning to him and smiling sunnily. The guards quickly left, though she knew they’d heard enough to be curious.
“Of course, Your Majesty. Will you need me as well?” Veldoran asked, his eyebrows rising.
“Yes, I believe I will,” Estalia said, glancing back at the empty orb again. “I need to teleport if I’m to visit my daughter before she goes racing off to find a new hole.”
“As you say, Your Majesty,” Veldoran said, bowing deeply. “I’ll have the teleportation chamber primed as well.”
“Thank you,” Estalia said, and sat back in her throne again, humming happily to herself.
She so looked forward to seeing Kitania again… or whatever name she was going by this century.
Chapter 42
Seidrel frowned as he looked at the orders he’d received. They were terse and practically dripped with the disappointment of his superiors. Even though he hadn’t been in command when First Sword Roselynn had been captured, Seidrel had been second-in-command, and for a short time he’d been worried that he’d be demoted to an even more remote, worthless post. Losing Ember and its wielder hadn’t done anything good for his reputation.
The orders he’d received worried him still more, though, as the group of angels who’d volunteered to rescue Roselynn were an odd group who were quite insular. More importantly, Seidrel had never heard of any of them, which made him question their chances of succeeding. That was why he’d asked his superiors whether he might send a couple of the more skilled members of the garrison with them. The response had been brusque in its denial, which made Seidrel even more concerned. Still, there was nothing he could do about it, so he set the orders aside with a sigh.
Thinking for a moment more, Seidrel finally reached out and rang the bell on his desk. A few moments later, his current assistant opened the door, her dark hair done up in braids. Alanah tilted her head as she asked, “Yes, First Sword?”
“When were our guests going to set out?” Seidrel asked calmly, resisting the urge to drum his fingers on the desk.
“According to the quartermaster, the day after tomorrow,” Alanah replied quickly. “They believe they’ve learned First Sword Roselynn’s approximate location and intend to move as quickly as possible.”
“I see. Well, instruct the quartermaster to give them all the support he can. We’ve been ordered to do so, and to ensure that Firewatch is here when they return,” Seidrel explained, glancing down at the orders again. “Alas, my request that volunteers from our garrison be allowed to accompany them was denied.”
“As you say, First Sword. I believe some of the soldiers will be unhappy, but they’ll obey,” Alanah said, bowing her head. “Will there be anything else?”
“No, that will be all. Thank you, Alanah,” Seidrel replied calmly.
“You’re welcome, sir,” Alanah said, then she withdrew. Staring after her, Seidrel sighed. Alanah had been rather distant ever since Roselynn was captured, which made him even more uncomfortable. He probably should replace her with someone else.
Once the door had closed behind her, Seidrel waited a moment before standing up and moving to the window. He’d moved to a larger office for his new position, one with a much better view of the surrounding countryside, yet despite the view, Seidrel couldn’t help his depression. Nothing had been going right since Roselynn had vanished, and all the things he’d thought would improve the outpost hadn’t produced the results he wanted yet.
Looking at the cleared ground around the walls, Seidrel murmured, “Well, here’s to hoping they manage to rescue you, First Sword. I supposed there’s some truth to the phrase ‘be careful what you wish for’.”
Kanae cut down her fifth fanged howler, dodging the claws of a sixth as the small, monkey-like creature lunged at her while shrieking. The problem with the monsters was that they came in massive swarms, and she hadn’t heard that a pack of them had moved into the area before.
A gout of flame ripped across the trail, causing screams as a cluster of the scaled creatures were scorched, and Kanae pursed her lips as she followed the line back to Rose. The choker Kanae had given her hid the angel wings by melding them into her body until they were needed, but Kanae was impressed by the beautiful woman’s skill and poise. Rose was quick and precise with her sword, and she had a surprising amount of strength, as well as the fire magic she could unleash with a swing of her sword.
Isalla was lacking by comparison, but saying that the younger angel wasn’t skilled would be a disservice to her. Isalla was solidly competent, using her shield to block attacks and bat away her attackers while she cut them down one at a time, guarding Rose’s back stubbornly. Between the two of them, they were an excellent team, and Kanae felt somewhat reassured when she saw them fight. Even if it was a little depressing to see Isalla almost glued to Rose’s side.
Turning her attention to her own assailants, Kanae continued dodging any attacks that looked like they might pierce her armor while not bothering with the ones that weren’t a threat, and her sword kept flashing out to kill a fanged howler with each strike. More flashes of fire ripped across the clearing as they fought, but Kanae ignored them, sure that Rose wouldn’t hit her by mistake.
It took several minutes before the waves of attackers began to ebb, the bodies of the fallen howlers starting to make it difficult to dodge as easily as before. Kanae’s armor managed to block the handful of heavier attacks, if only just, until the last of the creatures fell.
“What… were those?” Isalla gasped out, her breathing coming hard, and Kanae looked over to see the angel was bleeding from several fang and claw marks along her arms, legs, and even a cut on her cheek. Rose hadn’t been hit as much, but she had a couple of injuries as well.
“Those were fanged howlers. They’re a particularly aggressive species native to the hells, and as you can see, they travel in packs and rarely retreat unless a creature is particularly large,” Kanae explained, cleaning off her sword as she grimaced. “They often strip all sources of food from an area before moving on, so they’re rather hated. We probably wiped out the entire infestation in the area, but I’d far rather we hadn’t run into them just now.”
“I’ll agree with that. Those were exceedingly unpleasant,” Rose agreed, wrinkling her nose as she added, “I must admit that this makes me miss my armor.”
“Agreed. If the armor the one assassin had would’ve fit…” Isalla said, her tone longing.
“Well, we’re almost back to the house, and we’ll be able to get your armor there. If you go back to the mortal world, you might even be able to wear it,” Kanae said, sheathing her sword as she ignored the unhappiness lurking in the back of her mind. She really didn’t need a relationship, not now. “Now, let’s attend to your injuries, shall we? I know that angels are resistant to diseases, but I’d rather not take chances.”
“Very well,” Rose said, a smile playing across her lips, and she hesitated, then nodded down the path. “Over there, perhaps? It doesn’t have any bodies to get in our way.”
Kanae nodded in approval and followed the two over to the log Rose had pointed out. While they settled down, she unslung her pack and pulled out her kit of healer’s tools. None of the injuries the two had looked like they’d need stitches, fortunately, but they still needed treatment. Kanae hated how bad infections could be. She’d lost a few patients over the years to infections, mostly when she was still learning.
As she began working, Isalla spoke quietly. “We’ll be at the house later today, then? I think that you said we’d arrive today.”
“That’s right. I’m going to try to keep your presence from the locals… after you were attacked, I really don’t want to risk more assassins coming after you. Even worse would be if the authorities caught wind of your presence,” Kanae said, mixing a salve quickly, grateful to have something to focus on. Some of the ingredients tended to separate if given too much time. “You’ll have to figure out what you want to do quickly, though. I’m still trying to decide what I want to do, considering things.”
“Of course. If what Rose suspects is true…” Isalla let her voice trail off, and Kanae didn’t reply, though a thrill of mingled anticipation and terror ran through her.
Rose had guessed perfectly, and that made Kanae more than a little concerned. She’d thought that her mother believed her dead for a long time, but if Estalia knew she was alive, the question was what she was doing. Kanae had thought she’d be dragged in again as soon as her mother knew she still lived, which made her situation still more precarious. Estalia almost never did things for only one purpose, after all. The problem was trying to guess what she’d do next, especially if Estalia knew that Kanae had kidnapped Rose. Or rescued her, depending on the point of view.
“I believe that I’m going to be leaving within a few days, just to be safe. A week at the outside,” Kanae said at last, spreading salve on several of Isalla’s nicks. At least her hands were still steady, and she continued quietly. “I’ll probably go south, as far from Estalia as I can. Chances are that I’m not going to get far, though.”
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