The Wolf Queen

ABARRANE PULLS TO TRY to stop Kaiser, the horse doesn’t listen again. “Why won’t the stupid thing do what I say?”

Runir shrugs, “Probably because you keep calling him stupid.”

She glares at the elf. He shrugs and pulls his hood up, covering his face.

Two guards approach, “State your business.”

“I am Lady Abarrane from Dawncliff.”

“And what brings you to Dragonspire, Lady Abarrane?”

She lies flawlessly, “The King sent soldiers last year and I wanted to thank him, personally, for the strides my city has made.”

The men exchange a look and nod. One waves to the gate keeper and the gates slowly open.

Abarrane and Runir both ride forward. She keeps her head up high. They ride over the bridge to the island where Dragonspire lies. An outer wall, put there by Svetozar, encases the island and they ride through the arch way with the crest of the Ozera family hanging above it. Everyone who lives on the island works in the castle. The first ring is houses. Neat stone cottages with tiny gardens and little fences. The inner ring is where Dragonspire itself lies. Surrounded by fields and small forests to the north and south.

As they ride closer, Runir notices a small group gathered around a raised platform. An Orc stands at the head of it. The Elf just met him, otherwise he wouldn’t recognize Lorbeck. He’s bruised and bleeding, still keeping his head up.

“Who will you serve?” the executioner asks, by the tone of his voice, it isn’t the first time.

“I already told you. My loyalty lies with William Starker. I’ll die for what is right.”

They pass through another archway, blocking the scene, but not the sounds.

Lorbeck shouts loud enough for the people to hear, “Long live Princess Channin and William Starker!”

The crowd roars in a mix of disgust and awe. Runir’s stomach drops. He doesn’t need to see to know.

The King is available for a meeting with Abarrane when they enter the castle. And they are lead straight to him. Ioanna stands on his left, her pale face splotchy with red. She has been crying.

Abarrane curtsies, “King Svetozar.”

“Lady Abarrane.” He smiles, “What brings you all the way from your hovel to the great Dragonspire?”

She hesitates, considering what they just witnessed in the courtyard, she isn’t sure her story is the best. “I wanted to give you an update and my personal gratitude on the success of Dawncliff. The Dwarfs and Vampires of Dawncliff are getting along and we are planning to build a joined school for the children.”

He tilts his head, the way Channin does when something doesn’t add up.

“You sent soldiers there over a year ago now.” Abarrane is getting nervous.

“I did. I am happy your cities are getting along and would love to come see your school. But I am very busy today.”

The Vampire takes a shaky step back.

“You see, we’ve had a bit of an insubordinate tick this week.” The king is trying to unnerve her now. “I’ve got fourteen more executions today.”

The doors fling open and two soldiers drag in a familiar face. Mack has been severely beaten, both eyes are swollen almost shut, his nose is broken and blood drips from his mouth.

One of the guards throws something towards the King, the badge identifying Mack as one of Will’s men. A silver bear stands out on a gold rounded triangle with ‘Starker’ etched into the gold. Runir doesn’t need to see it. His own is beneath the cloak he wears.

“Fifteen.” Svetozar tosses it back, it rolls along the floor in a clatter, stopping in front of Mack.

Abarrane takes her leave, Runir following her.

He stumbles into the hallway, “I’m going to be sick.” He mumbles. After a minute he grabs a nearby vase and sinks to the floor.

“Honestly, what kind of soldier are you if you can’t handle some blood, Road Snacks?” Abarrane rolls her eyes.

Runir lifts his head to glare at her, before diving back to the vase.

“Lady Abarrane?”

The Vampire turns around to come face to face with the Queen.

“Your majesty.” She quickly curtsies.

Ioanna moves past her and kneels in front of Runir. She hesitates but pushes the hood off his head.

He winces and forces a smile, “Hello, your majesty.”

She quickly looks around and grabs his arm, pulling him up with her. She leads them down the hall and next to the staircase, the Queen pushes a wooden door open and motions them inside. Closing it tightly behind her.

They are in a circular room, the walls lined to the ceiling with books. A table in the middle has a map of Laneyth laid out. A small woman with dark hair is sorting through herbs on the far side. General Isaac looks up when they enter.

“Runir?” Isaac is surprised, “What are you doing here? It’s dangerous, if they find you, they will kill you.”

“I figured that out on my own, thank you.” He tightens his grip on the vase.

“It’s the Princess.” Abarrane says, “She’s injured and we need your help, Queen Ioanna.”

Ioanna sinks into a chair, “What happened at Paedleigh?” her voice is full of sorrow.

“They were going to burn it down.” Runir says, “Will was trying to buy Lorbeck more time to get here to tell the King that the fields were burnt. When he stood in his way, Able told everyone he was an enemy of the King.”

“Will and Channin?” Isaac asks, “What happened to them?”

“Channin was hit with a pike, Will took her and found a cabin. They are holed up there, but she isn’t doing well.”

“I can’t leave Dragonspire.” Ioanna’s voice is filled with urgency, “Not now.”

“So, this was a pointless trip?” Abarrane sighs.

“I can’t. But Amaryllis can.”

The dark-haired woman looks up finally, “I’m not skilled enough to help her.” She argues, “What if something happens?”

“Just stay calm, trust your training.” Ioanna smiles, “You are much more clever than you give yourself credit, dear.”

Amaryllis agrees to go and gathers different herbs and other things she will need.

The trio sets off when the sun goes down, Isaac and Ioanna accompany them to the outer ring.

Runir stops his horse, “Isaac.”

“Yes, son?” the old general responds, looking up at the Elf.

“There’s something that’s been bothering me and I need to get it off my chest. Just in case. Mack is a mute. He can’t talk. Even if he wanted to sell us out, he can’t.”

Isaac sighs, “I’ll do what I can, but I don’t know at this point.”

Runir knows the look on Isaac’s face. It’s despair. He raised Channin and trained William and now they were both labeled traitors.

They ride out of the city and are halfway over the bridge when Runir stops. He pulls the badge from his uniform turning it around in his hand. His friends. His brothers. They were dying for a cause they had abandoned. They had tried to save themselves and it had cost them.

“Snacks?” Abarrane calls back to him, “Are you going to throw up again?”

He glares at he, still thinking about the others. “I wonder if they knew I was here. They have been seen.”

“Well if you stay right there, I’m sure you can tell them.” She nudges Kaiser with her heels and the horse starts off again.

Runir studies the badge for a moment longer and ties it to an arrow.

“What are you doing?” Abarrane asks, as Runir stands up on his horse. He sways a little, regaining his balance.

“Showing them that I was here.” He takes aim carefully. The arrow flies and drives into the Ozera crest. It’s up high enough for everyone to see and the chances of anyone getting it down are slim.

“You know.” Amaryllis studies it, “It looks better that way.”

“I agree, now let’s get out of here before anyone realizes you just defaced the King’s personal property with the symbol of the rebellion’s leader.” Abarrane mumbles.

The first light catches the arrow. The King Svetozar, Isaac and a few guards stand, looking up at it.

“An incredible shot really.” Isaac observes.

“Double security. No one comes into Dragonspire.” Svetozar storms off, “I’ll show them to taunt the King of Laneyth.” He takes a bag from the guard and slams it down on a stick.

“Let it be known, William Starker and anyone associated with him, including the Lady Channin Ozera are enemies of the throne and will be treated as such.” Svetozar unties the bag and storms back towards the castle.

Isaac stares at Lorbeck’s head for a moment and then up to the arrow, “What have you done, William?”