The Mirror Sliver Read online

  Coming into the hall, she paused briefly at the picture of her father. He had been a commanding figure and well-liked by all. Taller than most, his voice carried over the crowd and drew the respect that was due any monarch. It was his legacy she tried to fulfill. It wasn’t easy. She missed him greatly. Having to stand alone against the Senate was not a comfortable task. It didn’t help that she was the last of the family lineage without an heir. It made her a target for those who wanted to claim the throne.

  When the guards opened the large wooden doors for her, she heard the voice of a Senator addressing the room. It was Senator Bready. Adalay grimaced. Bready was a short, fat man with a reddening appearance to his cheeks and unfortunately, her last ally in the world of politics. She watched as he climbed the steps to the podium in the center of the room. Would he change his stance against her rule? She hoped not.

  “Fellow Senators, may I have quiet please!” he called. His thick lips cracked with dryness. “Quiet now.”

  Adalay shook her head slightly at the sight of the pudgy man. Chin raised, she set herself steady and stood silent, waiting for the contest of words that was about to begin. Senator Bready glanced over his shoulder at her and nodded in a strange way. He grinned in an absurd fashion and the motion made Adalay aware that behind his smile something sinister was brewing.

  Blinking, she took her eyes away from his grotesque face. The man had asked for her hand in marriage on numerous occasions. She only tolerated his ever-growing insistence in being included in the affairs of the monarchy because he seemed to be genuinely concerned about her and the people. She sighed quickly. Was she wrong about his motives? She looked down at the bottom of her gown in thought.

  Earlier, in the moments before dawn, a messenger knocked on the door to her outer rooms and awakened Carmen, her lady in waiting. He delivered a small note that informed her that Urcias had completed the recruitment of about fifty men from the inner circle of the elite guard. They all stood firm in their sworn allegiance to the Dwinannia Clan of Nuada Findi. Her father’s clan. Under the cover of darkness, they were heading by horseback to the harbor city on the east coast and would set sail in two to three days. The captain finished his report by stating that he hoped to meet with Keltrain within two weeks’ time at Lismort, an ancient port on the western part of Black Isle. He requested Adalay buy him time with the Senate today. They must gain a good lead, should the Senators decide to send their own army after them.

  Adalay was suddenly brought back to the present by Senator Bready’s loud voice. She closed her mind to the thought of what the outcome might be from this senatorial meeting. Help me, Father, she pleaded silently.

  “Gentlemen? Please. Can we have order?” Senator Bready cried. He held up his hands up for the third time.

  Swallowing hard, Adalay calmed herself and waited as the room hushed. If Urcias needed time, then she would do her best to give him that. Her heart froze for a moment as she thought of him at Black Isle. It had been years since she had fallen in love with the captain. After her husband’s sudden death, she felt alone. Urcias became her rock shortly thereafter, his gentle spirit and calm demeanor helping her untangle herself from her sadness. Yet because of the class separation, neither one could act upon their feelings. She knew he was in love with her, though he never said anything. The feelings had grown stronger over the years. She would give up everything for him, even her crown if he asked her to.

  Clearing his throat, Senator Bready began his speech. “Now, it was brought to the attention of this governing body that Captain Urcias came yesterday evening with news of an attack at our outpost in the Great Pine Forest. It has also come to our attention that at his request, permission was given by Queen Adalay to take a small regiment to wage war against Crag Cairn.

  “Seeing that no formal sanctions have been authorized by this Senate, the Queen is now being charged with treason, as set forth by this Senate in the laws of Nuada Findi Alliance of Clans. Do I understand your assertions?” The Senator’s question was made to no one in particular, but done in the formality of procedure. However, a lot of grumbling erupted from the Senate floor.

  Bready paced the platform area in puffed authority. His hands behind his back, he tried to maintain an appearance of firmness and seriousness that Adalay saw through. He gazed down upon the men sitting around him, cleared his throat, and waited.

  A Senator from one of the outer tribes stood up. “Senator Bready, as voted previously, we claim the right to the Queen’s crown. We also demand she give up her position to this Senate.”

  “What say you, Queen Adalay, to these charges?” Bready asked in mock concern as he turned to view Adalay in her chair.

  Adalay made her way up the steps to the platform and stood next to Senator Bready. She frowned as the pungent smell of his sweat penetrated her nose, but politely curtsied. “Senator Bready, thank you,” she said. Maintaining her dignity at this point was paramount to her success.

  Leaning far too close for her comfort, the Senator whispered in her ear, “Well my dear, after the death of your husband, you need someone to look after you, now don’t you.” He seemed to purr and it frightened her. “I hope after today, you will keep in mind that your well-being is always foremost in my thoughts.”

  Backing away, Senator Bready stood a few feet behind her in a protective stance. Adalay, feeling the heaviness of his presence, couldn’t help but think that he had nothing good in mind for her. Turning to the Senate floor, she stared at the faces before her. Angry and hungry for her demise, they peered back with smirks and arched eyebrows. She studied them all. They waited like impish, small dragons who wanted to devour some prey. Adalay grew angry. They were all callous and unfeeling. None held any regard for the Royal House lineage. They had been planning all along for her to be removed from the throne, ever since the death of her husband. And now, she had willingly played into their game by giving her captain the authority to go to Black Isle.

  Little did they know that Crag Cairn’s darkness was seeping into Green Isle. She understood this most of all. Yesterday, when she made the decision to take the first step in freeing this world of Uthal and his foul magic, she felt that in some way she also made the decision to give up her right as queen. Father, forgive me for what is about to happen. The Senate wanted nothing to do with any foreign policy outside of the realm and if they had their way, Nuada Findi would become an ally to Black Isle just to keep their isolation and their false sense of safety.

  She also understood that their passive responses would evidently send the city into chaos. How could she acknowledge to herself that the destruction of her home was inevitable? She vowed that she would fight for what was right, until she couldn’t fight anymore. It was no consolation, but they didn’t seem to grasp that, without her, their inability to handle this matter would only allow Uthal to advance to their doorstep. She also sensed that rather than oppose his dark agenda, they would tolerate it, giving the warlock the key to the city. Then all would become visible to the people and the Nuada Findi clans would understand how these Senators opened the door to their undoing. She narrowed her eyes. Yes, it was inevitable.

  “Gentleman. I stand before you humbled. Yet, with all due respect, I must be assertive,” she began. “Your charges of treason are unfounded. I’m Queen by rightful birth and heir to the throne. I’ve the right to ultimate decisions concerning the well-being of our people and our city.” She paused for a moment, allowing the anger within her to subside slightly.

  “War is on the horizon. Whether you want to acknowledge it or not. The Black Warlock and those with him at Crag Cairn have already infected Green Isle like a disease. The attack on our outpost proves that this illness is fast spreading. I gave orders to Captain Urcias to protect us. There wasn’t time to assemble and debate concerning this problem. I had to act quickly.”

  “There’s plenty of time to discuss this matter.” Adalay looked at the back of the room as a long-legged man rose slowly from his seat. His eyes squinte
d in disgust as they fixed on hers. “The people of Nuada Findi have suffered enough from war. And to be thrown in it again is an insult.”

  “Senator Thorn. If I recall, the clan wars were started by your ancestors. You dare to stand here and accuse me of insulting our people, when it’s because of your clan that many were brutally murdered or unjustly imprisoned?”

  The Senator moved from his position and walked toward Queen Adalay. His thin body remained rigid. “I joined this Senate in hopes of uniting us. And to forever erase the memories of our past brutality, as you so reminded me. To go to war over a skirmish that may have been provoked by your beloved captain is hardly anything I deem an emergency. A fact clearly visible for all to see.” He gestured with his hand to the crowd of men.

  “This war is a way for you to overcome the policies we’ve set in motion since your husband’s death and can only be construed as the first step in taking away the power of this Senate.” He remained quiet for a moment. “You’re demanded to give up your crown. Or you have another option. Chose a husband from the Senate, so that wisdom may prevail and we can send an army to retrieve Captain Urcias before he provokes those on Black Isle into any further conflict with our people.”

  Adalay snorted angrily. “How dare you insinuate that I’m power hungry. And…just who would you plan for me to marry? It seems obvious that this Senate has already settled upon a verdict before I even had a chance to defend myself.”

  “A most practical solution. Senator Bready. He has always been at your side. Your marriage would be favorable with the people, and most particularly, this Senate. He’s an excellent choice. As consul of the governing body since the King’s death, he would help you rule with the wisdom you seem to lack.”

  Adalay whipped her head around and glared at the man behind her. Senator Bready bowed slightly. The smile on his face was wicked. She should have known he would figure out a way to take her throne. Turning back to Senator Thorn, she hesitated, allowing the anger welling in her heart to take over.

  When she said nothing, he asked curtly, “So we can safely assume you’ll accept the offer, Queen Adalay?” Senator Thorn’s lips spread into a tight thin line as he glanced quickly to Senator Bready and nodded.

  Without another word, Adalay pulled up the front part of her gown and ran down the steps of the platform. When she passed the threshold of the meeting room, she pivoted to look at Senator Bready one last time. Her hatred for the man flooded her soul. Taking the crown from her head, she flung it. A metallic ring echoed eerily in the quiet, as the golden circle landed at the Senator’s feet.

  “I’d rather die,” she cried, “before I’d marry you.” She turned and ran toward her private chambers. Making her way down the long hall of Royal House, she vowed that with her departure, the last connection of legitimate rule over the Nuada Findi Royal House would go, too.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  “Sir. The ship is delayed. They say it won’t be here for another three days.” The lieutenant anxiously leaned over the horn of his saddle.

  Urcias surveyed the harbor and the vessels moored along the wooded piers. His eyes stung from the crisp wind blowing in from the ocean. The salt smell of the water filled his nose as he gazed thoughtfully at the ships. Adalay’s face remained constant in his thoughts as he and his regiment journeyed through the night. He knew her confrontation with the Senate this morning would be no easy task and in his heart, he longed to be there with her as she stood in her defiance.

  “We’ll need to be cautious. Make sure none wear their colors and have them go into town in small groups. I don’t want to draw any unnecessary attention from the local townspeople, since we’ll have to stay a few days longer than planned. We won’t know if Queen Adalay will be able to sway the Senate in joining her. They may send their army after us. Either way, with their permission or not, we are going to Black Isle.”

  “Yes, sir.” Turning his horse, the lieutenant made his way back up the hill, disappearing over the top.

  Rufus was a good man. The captain watched the rider and his horse vanish from view. They had served together in the last campaign against the House of Murias Donn. A heroic man, Rufus took many hits from the Shadow People before he fell from his wounds. Urcias managed to drag him from the battlefield just before their retreat, saving his life. Since then, Rufus had stood by his side faithfully and without question.

  Urcias knew he could trust Rufus, even with the knowledge of where they were headed. He also knew he could trust him to select those still loyal to the Dwinannia Royal House and Queen Adalay. Lifting his head, he allowed the ocean breeze to batter him. He remembered what Keltrain the Wizard said about the four young ones. Could they be those of the ancient prophecy? It seemed to him to be a muddled bunch. The girl and three boys were not much of anything. Weak and incapable of confronting a dark warlock by themselves. That’s probably why he felt obligated to help. He could sense their uncertainty in this world of magic. The warrior in him was incapable of allowing four young people to take on the black forces of Crag Cairn alone.

  Pulling on the reins of his horse, he urged his steed in the direction Rufus had taken. Urcias thought again of Adalay. He hoped she would prevail against the bureaucratic stalling of the Senate body. Not only for the sake of their people, but also for Green Isle itself.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Determined and angry, Adalay gathered her crossbow and dagger from the cupboard shelf and threw them on the bed. Thrusting her gown from her body, she watched it fall, gathering into a silken mass of blue material on the stone floor of her room. As she stood shaking in the chill blowing in through the balcony door, she felt oddly light. Like a weight had been pulled from her shoulders along with the dress. It was an unfamiliar feeling and it scared her.

  “What are ya gonna do, my Queen?” Carmen asked. The lady-in-waiting stood in the doorframe, holding men’s clothing in her arms.

  “I’ll ride to the harbor and catch up with Captain Urcias. I’d rather fight for our city than sit, rotting in a tower, married to that disgusting Senator Bready.”

  “My lady? Marryin’ Senator Bready isn’t a bad decision. It’s better than givin’ up yer crown. Please don’t leave. Reconsider his offer.”

  Adalay grabbed the clothes from Carmen. Her face contorted in anger. “In whose opinion? Have you no standard of respect? The whole lot of them planned this. In their eyes, I’m just a trophy. Something to stand quietly and look pretty. A thing that’s unable to think or act. Just because I’m a woman. I’ve more sense in my little finger than any of them.”

  Her temper flared hot as she quickly donned the garb of a soldier. Seeing the terrified look in her companion’s stare, she softened, touching the young woman’s arm lightly. “I’m sorry, Carmen. I didn’t mean to frighten you. Marrying Senator Bready isn’t the answer. It would make me feel as if I’d given in to them. And to Uthal, by allowing the wicked and evil to enter by the front gate. Pack and return to your home. It’s no longer safe for you here at Royal House. Tell others. The city isn’t safe anymore. They need to get out.”

  Carmen nodded her understanding. Fear reflected in her eyes. “Here. I retrieved the book ya asked for and the amulet from the desk,” she whispered.

  Adalay took both. She hid the crystal beneath her tunic and the book in a leather pouch tied around her waist. Twisting her hair into a long braid, she twirled it up and into the hat that came with the clothes.

  “Farewell,” she said. She hugged Carmen tightly. “Remember. Don’t stay here. Return to the mountains. All right?” Slipping out the door, she didn’t look back.

  Passing the darkened interior of the outer hall, she heard Senator Bready’s voice echoing loudly from the direction of the main doors. He was shouting at the men on guard, demanding entrance. Adalay could hear him curse in irritation when none of them complied. She pushed at a small indentation on one of the walls and moved through a secret passage. Closing the panel behind her, she heard metal clashing. Its echo followed her
as she quickly made her way down the hidden steps toward the bottom of the castle.

  Senator Bready couldn’t legally claim the title of King without a marriage to royal blood. And she was determined not to give him the pleasure of success. Leaving Nuada Findi was her only choice. She would ride out to the harbor and join Urcias in disguise. She had to escape the hell that had taken over her home and fighting beside the man she loved would make her feel as if she was helping.

  Coming out a small enclosure sheltered within the garden, Adalay found her black mare tied to a willow tree. She climbed up and wrapped her leather jacket tighter against the cold night air. Urging the mare through the cover of the trees, she found a narrow path that led to the main road outside the city gates.

  Within minutes, she emerged from the fruit groves on the outskirts of the town. Looking back, she took one last glimpse at the city and the lighted towers. Goodbye, Father. She turned her horse eastward. Tomorrow she would join the Elite Guard and hide within their ranks as they traveled to Black Isle and Crag Cairn. She let a single tear fall. The droplet found its way down the bridge of her nose. “No tears,” she admonished herself as she swiped at the salty water with the back of her hand.

  Urging her mare forward, she headed at full gallop into the night with only the twin moons above as company. It was with the slight whisper of the summer’s warm wind that she said goodbye in her heart to her grand city and her birthright. She vowed inwardly that she would only return when she could find a rightful king to rein by her side, and Green Isle was free from the evil threat of the Black Warlock.