Crusade across worlds, p.15
Crusade Across Worlds, page 15
“I am sure they made such a performance to illustrate their power,” Sampson explains, “and ambition. To attack a feast at the FH where the queen and her daughters were in attendance…” he shakes his head. “Perio was going for major recruitment. Displaying his strength and power… wanting to turn that five thousand into ten.”
“And they have escaped?” Ehan asks.
“There are some in custody but the majority escaped while pursing the humans to the shore. Once the Nerwos showed up, they decided to abort completely.”
“Obviously Perio and Varielle made it out,” Norhra scowls.
“Unfortunately.”
“And,” Ghion starts again, “forgive me, but are the Muskos not the same as those who joined the Vermix during the battle three months ago?”
Sampson nods.
“That’s something I don’t understand.” Pratt scratches her head. “The Muskos hate outsiders, so why are they joining up with the Vermix? And the Vermix attacked here! I don’t get why they’re helping each other?”
“They’re using each other,” Sampson explains. “The Vermix need anything that can slow down the Arizals, anything that can tear us apart. Assaulting the royal kingdom weeks before it’s rumored that we’ll be moving the Gifts would definitely throw us off. It could even lose us the aide of the Mybyncians altogether. And the Muskos are after the same thing Reuzkimpart is—power. They want to reshape their World and what better way to do that than during a World war?”
“They might even go a step further,” Clarence says. “Might be after the Gifts themselves.”
“I had not considered this,” Blovid looks between everyone and pauses on Ariana. “Do you know… does your sister know where the Shadow Bag is located?”
She shakes her head. “I do not think so. Our mother… she is very cryptic with the information. I, myself, only have ideas.”
“But do you think that’s another motivation?” Reid asks. “Would Perio and Varielle seek the Shadow Bag?”
“It would give them what they think they needed to win,” Sampson nods. “But it wouldn’t. According to the Way, all three Gifts would need to be utilized to achieve what they wanted, otherwise the one Gift used would only give a partial answer.”
“What do you mean?” Pratt asks.
“If Varielle gets ahold of the Shadow Bag, whatever it gives her will only satisfy her most basic and shallow want. That’s why you need the other Gifts. The Glass Chamber allows you to see what you need, which prompts the question for the Floating Ruby. Only then will the Shadow Bag deliver what is necessary. If one goes straight for Mybyncia’s Gift, there is no point. It will not bring about the thing that will solve the dilemma. The Gifts,” Sampson recaps, “work together as a unit, as the Three Worlds are meant to. That is what the non-Arizals do not understand. Perio and Varielle can go after the Shadow Bag, but it will do little good without the others.”
“But they’ll still go after it,” Clarence nods.
“Oh I believe so,” Sampson turns to Ariana, “which is something Mybyncia will need to prepare for.”
Glancing quickly at Chancellor Keller, the Princess nods at the Fychu, then looks around the table. “Thank you all for being here with us tonight. I plan on speaking to my mother in the morning about all we have discussed.”
“You will not attend to her tonight?” Keller frowns. “She has lost one daughter to another. Surely she may wish to spend time with her last.”
“She wishes to mourn for Sansa and Varielle only. My presence, as I have already discovered, will not comfort her.” Ariana stands and the chancellor follows. “Let us meet again in a few days, at which point we will further discuss detailed plans to invade Dellapalania,” she scans the room, a solemn stare in her orange eyes. “Good night,” she leaves the Dining Hall with Salva, Maris and a slew of guards. Chancellor Keller offers one departing nod to us before disappearing with the rest.
“Thank you again,” Sampson glances between the Zingfinolds and Nerwos, “for being with us here tonight. We intend to stay for the next few days to help restore the FH and assist Pryncbia with whatever is needed. Either myself or one of the others,” he gestures to the five Dofinikes, “will notify you when discussions on the Dellapalanian invasion will occur. I hope you will all be present for that meeting as well.”
Sampson stands and everyone follows his lead, shuffling to his or her feet as movement fills the Dining Hall. Departing conversations stir, the Rogues pairing off as Clarence and the other Dofinikes speak quietly with the Nerwolix leaders. They’re heading for the exit when Vix gestures Pratt and me to follow, Mae still in her arms.
“Come, we must return to our wing.”
“We’re staying for a few days now?” Pratt asks.
“Looks like it,” I wrap an arm around her shoulder. “We’ll know more in the morning.”
Once we reach the East Wing, we settle into the bed. After a little while, I’m finally able to empty my head long enough to succumb to the deep slumber that is pulling at me…
“You must wake!” Vix shakes my shoulder. “Wake now. Fallon! Girls, wake!”
“What?” I rub my eyes, fighting off the heavy coma which continually coaxes me back. I’m too tired to get up. After today’s events—or it could be yesterday’s—all I want to do is sleep. Sleep and rest this aching body. But if Vix is worried, then it must be important. I slap my tongue to the roof of my mouth and concentrate on her anxious face. “What is it?”
“What’s going on?” Pratt yawns next to me.
“The queen,” Vix says. “The queen is dead.”
Chapter Nine: The New Queen
I’m awake now.
The slumber has washed off, sliding into the distance to make room for a reality that doesn’t seem real. But Vix is standing over me, dressed in her black gear, the helmet lodged between her arm and hip. She’s ready to leave.
“Maris informed me that Queen Ravan has been found in her room, a knife wound to her heart.”
“She killed herself?” Pratt gasps.
“What is it?” Mae stirs. “What’s happening?”
“They do not believe it was suicide,” Vix rejects the suggestion. “They believe she was murdered. I am told Princess Ariana still went to her last night and when the princess left, she did not fear for her mother’s mental condition.”
“The queen was killed?” Mae pales, sitting up.
“Sampson wants everyone in the Dining Hall. Now. The safety of the FH has been compromised,” Vix motions to our discarded pile of gear. “Please don your suits in case we must travel to the surface.”
Pratt and I immediately dress in the protective black material while Vix helps Mae into hers. I’m reaching for my helmet when a thought occurs.
“With Queen Ravan and Sansa killed, and Varielle an established traitor—”
“Ariana is now queen.”
“Whoa,” Pratt whispers.
“Come,” Vix scoops Mae into her arms and ushers us out. “We must make for the Dining Hall at once.”
The room is already filled when we enter—Walker and the Rogues occupying the left portion of the room while the six Dofinikes keep to the right, both sides quietly conversing as a palpable tension hangs in the air. Sampson notices our arrival and heads over.
He looks at Vix. “You have informed them.”
“Is the queen really dead?” Pratt winces.
“I’m afraid so,” Clarence takes his place next to the Fychu. He unfolds his arms, gesturing to Mae. “I can take her.”
“No, it’s fine. I can sit.”
Vix sets Mae in one of the chairs and turns to Sampson. “Where is Ariana?”
“Queen Ariana,” Chancellor Keller moves into the Dining Hall, a solemn, sickened expression coloring his features, “is currently with Maris, Salva and her guards in the queen’s quarters.”
“Is Ariana okay?” Mae falters. “Queen Ariana?”
“She is as well as can be expected.”
“Do we know what happened?” I ask.
“All we know is that Queen Ravan was found with a blade in her heart only a short time ago.”
“Who found her?” Reid asks.
“Queen Ariana.”
To find your mother murdered… and so soon after learning your sister was killed—I can’t imagine what Ariana must be going through. Or maybe I can. I walked in to find Granny Ruth the same way—dead on the floor, blood surrounding her. My heart had stopped. My entire world ceased to exist. There was nothing like it, nothing like finding someone you love in such a condition.
“And you are certain it was murder?” I ask. “The queen was distraught—how do you know she didn’t decide to—?”
“Take her own life?” Chancellor Keller poses. “No. Queen Ravan would never be that selfish. She served her people first and foremost.”
“How is it possible that someone could get into her room?” Blovid frowns. “Was it not highly guarded, especially after yesterday’s events?”
“Yes. Which leads us to question the loyalty of everyone still here,” the chancellor’s expression darkens. “We believe there may be Musko sympathizers hiding among us.”
“Oh God,” Mae covers her mouth.
“What do we do?” Tucker asks.
“Right now we must be strong for the Mybyncian nation. In the past twenty-four hours they have lost their future and present Queen in an assault on the international Foreign Headquarters. They need to be reminded that we are still here, a strong and unified force. We will not bend to terrorism; we will not give into these threats. Ariana, though still young, is ready to assume her role as the next leader of this nation. And we must prepare and support her in this.”
“How?” Pratt asks.
“Her coronation will take place later today. After that, she will visit the other three metropolises.”
“When?”
“Over the next week.”
“And you’ll go with her?” I ask.
Chancellor Keller nods. “In my absence I will leave the Fychu in charge. Under him, Maris, although she will retain her duties as the Head of the Northern Guards.”
“What are you going to do about the murderer?” Tucker crosses his arms. “What’s the plan for that?”
“I have my guards questioning everyone who was here last night. They are also sweeping her room and talking to one another to find out who was near enough to get to her. If they had access to Queen Ravan’s room, the assailant must have a high security rank.”
“Do you have any idea who it could’ve been?” I ask. “Any possible leads?”
“At this point…” he shakes his head, “…it could be anyone.”
A long silence stretches before Tucker steps forward. “Can I see her? Ariana?”
Chancellor Keller stiffens. “I do not believe Queen Ariana will have time to meet with anyone at the present moment; I am sorry. She is undergoing much grieving and stress. After her coronation later, you may be able to briefly speak with her but going forward…I am afraid to advise you that her time will be limited.”
Tucker’s expression drops.
“I must excuse myself,” the chancellor offers a slight bow before leaving the Dining Hall.
Once he’s gone, we all turn to Sampson who runs both hands through his whitish hair in exasperation. “I was hoping not to stay here for a week, but seeing as it is at the chancellor’s request…”
“It’s not like staying on Nerwolix would derail the invasion on Dellapalania,” Clarence offers. “Besides, the Mybyncians need our help again. I’m pretty sure Hozfin is back on his feet after the invasion three months ago.”
“It would give us time to find the traitor,” Blovid adds. “If there is an enemy hiding among us—”
“But how would we locate them?” Qippert asks.“There is no way to tell.”
“I doubt that we would have any success in identifying the queen’s killer unless he or she strikes again,” Sampson says.
“Strikes again?” Pratt wedges herself into the conversation.
“Ariana is still very much in danger. Whoever wanted Queen Ravan removed will also want the same for Ariana. He or she could be working under direct orders from Varielle herself.”
“And what about Perio?” I glance around the others. “He doesn’t want her dead, does he?”
“I don’t think so, no. But it’s really Varielle who has been running the show.”
“What do you mean?”
“It seems…” Sampson starts, “…that she was the one who procured the Nhazual for Perio. She was unaffected as you recall.”
“How do you know this?”
“Ariana told us. Excuse me, Queen Ariana,” Clarence corrects himself. “When she was held hostage for those few days, Perio told her.”
“And what exactly does Perio think will happen with Varielle?” Mae asks. “If he’s still in love with Ariana, is he planning on marrying Varielle to become the king?”
“I think the two have very different plans for what comes next,” Clarence crosses his arms. “I believe Perio will still want to make Ariana his wife and convince her over time that he’s doing what he thinks is best. Is that—would you agree with that?” He turns to Blovid and Qippert.
Both nod, but the Arizal Leader offers a bit of a shrug. “During my time here, I could not see Perio giving her up. Ever. That may have changed, but it would take a lot to have changed it,” he looks at Qippert.
“I agree. Perio will always want Ariana for his wife. It is my belief that he will do everything in his power to make that happen. Varielle…she is most likely supporting him in the idea that Ariana will come around, but in reality, she plans on using her death as a way to get close to him and console him.”
“You’re right then,” I turn to Clarence. “Whoever killed the queen is working for Varielle and not the Muskos. It must be someone close to her.”
“Maybe she had a personal guard or something?” Pratt suggests.
“Possibly. Maybe we can talk to Keller about it after Ariana’s coronation later, which,” Clarence looks around, “is an important moment in Mybyncia’s history. We must remember that Ariana is no longer just a princess. She is a queen now, so the same rules do not apply.”
“Rules?” Tucker raises a brow.
Sampson nods. “She will be burdened with the responsibility of ruling this World. Whereas she had several freedoms before, she must put her people and their wellbeing before herself and her individual happiness. I’m sorry,” he pats Tucker’s shoulder, “but things will not be as they were.”
A lump rolls down the Rogue Leader’s throat. “But she’s the queen. She can choose to do what she wants.”
“Rulers are slaves to the service of their people. Ariana’s obligations have changed, young Rogue.”
“You don’t know that for sure.”
Sampson’s face falls slightly. “You are correct. This is something you will need to discuss with her.”
Tucker looks at Reid, hoping for some counter argument, but there isn’t one. Reid squeezes the Rogue Leader’s shoulder, but Tucker doesn’t notice. He crosses his arms and stares ahead.
“All right,” Sampson rubs his hands together, “we’ll have to be on our best behavior. As Clarence said, this is a major milestone in Mybyncia’s history. Everyone expected Sansa as the next ruling body, but not for quite some time. And here is Ariana, the youngest of Queen Ravan’s daughters, assuming authority amidst a domestic and foreign threat. There will be a lot of doubt and fear in this splintered nation.”
“What can we do?” Mae asks.
“Just support her,” Clarence says. “And pray to the Way this all works out.”
***
The ceremony has just concluded.
It was a little over an hour, composed of Chancellor Keller asking Ariana to accept the responsibilities that every queen must, to serve her people and do everything in her power to put them, and the nation, first. She agreed without hesitation, her voice strong and powerful as she took the oaths her mother did—the oaths her sister would have taken in a few years. The ceremony was held in the Queen’s Hall in the main part of the palace, but unlike the FH, which caters to air-breathers, we had to don our protective gear for the event as it was completely submerged.
Since the Queen’s Hall is three times the size of the Great Hall, it was hard to see what was happening. Mybyncians occupied the closest space around the center ceremony, leaving us, the foreigners, to the back of the room to hear what was happening. Now that Ariana is officially the queen, the Mybyncians have started easing back, forming a center passage to make way for her departure to the Queen’s Quarters, where she will retire for the remainder of the day.
Sampson turns to us as the crowd parts. “I suppose that is it. We are officially in the new era of Queen Ariana’s rule.”
“So what happens now?” Jace swims backward, bumping into Werzo.
“Now we retire to the FH. Ariana has left me in charge while she and Chancellor Keller travel to the three other metropolises. We may be able to wish her a quick congratulations before she leaves. Remember,” he looks around, “everyone on their best behavior.”
The guards approach in two lines, eyeing us as they move through our group and out of the Queen’s Hall. Nearly thirty guards pass before Chancellor Keller appears, and behind him, a stunningly beautiful Ariana. She’s dressed in a rose gown dotted with iridescent shells and her lavender hair is pinned back with pearls, the ends swaying in the water. With her focus down, she nearly misses us until she looks up and her bright, orange eyes find Tucker. The corner of her mouth lifts, but drops just as quickly.
“Our sincerest congratulations,” Sampson bows as the chancellor and queen come to a halt, “to you on this day of your celebrated coronation. May you reign as righteously as your mother.”
Ariana inhales the water with a nod. “Thank you, Fychu.”
“Chancellor Keller said you wish to leave me in charge of Pryncbia during your travels to the three other Waters?”
“That is correct. I expect to be gone no longer than a week, but as Chancellor Keller will accompany me, I would prefer the city left in the hands of someone I trust; someone I find…capable. You would do me a great honor to reign over Pryncbia in my absence.”
