Dragon's Archon - Ch. 12 - The Queen's Gambit - Alpha (Patreon)

I lunged inside and searched the room. There were no bags. No note had been left. I leaned down and smelled the bedding. Their scents were gone, replaced by a soapy fragrance.

Did they think I left them? I wondered. Did they leave the city? Where would they have gone? How would I find them?

As a dozen questions raced through my mind, I backpedaled out of the door. I raced down the stairs before marching over to the bar.

When my shadow crossed Kissa, she turned to me and gave a toothy grin. “Hey big ‘un. Good to see you’re back.”

“Kissa, have you seen Yda and Cartha?” I asked.

“Who?”

“The two women I originally arrived with.”

“Ah… the sweetheart and her gloomy shadow.”

“Yup, those two,” I said with a short laugh.

Kissa’s face soured. “You mean you didn’t hear?”

A feeling of dread washed over me. “Hear what?”

She waved me down and mumbled under the crowd as I leaned over the bar. “The two girls waited for you for a few days. After you’d left, that cutie pie meandered down here every few hours asking if I’d seen you. Yesterday, they eventually packed up and left. Me being the goblin of gab that I am, I asked them where they were headed off to. They said they were headed to Ikkala’s Temple to pay tribute. They were gone most of the day. Later on, there was a crowd gathered outside. When I went to see what the commotion was, I saw those two girls of yours surrounded by the Queen’s guard. The buff one was on the ground in chains, cursing at the guards. They marched them off shortly thereafter.”

I lurched up wide-eyed. “Where would they have taken them?”

“It was the Queen’s guard, so I assume they would have been taken to the palace.”

“Which way is it?”

Kissa raised her finger and pointed. “Just head down the principal thoroughfare there. It’s behind the interior walls. You can’t miss it.”

“Thanks,” I said before darting for the door.

“Be careful, big ‘un!” Kissa shouted from behind.

Ophelia stood waiting by the exit. I grabbed her arm and pulled her with me out into the middle of the road.

“Ow,” she groaned. “What’s wrong?”

“The Queen’s guard has taken Yda and Cartha,” I said frantically. “Do you have any idea why?”

“N-no. But the queen wouldn’t do something so drastic unless it was for a specific reason.”

“Do you think she would want to kill Yda?”

“Not without a severe reason. Especially if the queen knows what she is.”

“Yda and Cartha were on the run from Archon Emperor Dupont’s inquisitors when I arrived on Talis. Could the queen have something similar?”

“The queen doesn’t follow one specific deity. She pays patronage to all. Whereas Dupont is an Anstartus zealot.”

“I remember the inquisitors declared themselves as members of the Sect of Order.”

“Yes, Anstartus is the Dragon God of Order.”

“What about Ikkala? I thought the queen worshiped him?”

“While the Sect of the Horde maintains its largest temple here, the queen does not play favorites. If she did in fact arrest your companions, it must be for some ulterior motive. Perhaps she did it to get your attention?”

“There are a lot better ways to get my attention,” I growled. “A simple invitation would have been sufficient.”

“Normally, that would have been true. But let’s not rush to judgment. Are you certain they were arrested?”

“Kissa, the owner, said she saw Cartha on the ground in chains.”

“And she is Yda’s bodyguard?”

“Correct.”

“Then perhaps it was a misunderstanding? If Yda and Cartha were already pursued by other kingdom’s forces, perhaps Cartha acted in defense when she saw the guards approach, believing her to be acting in the best interest of Yda?”

I paused and mulled it over for a bit. “Yeah… I could see that happening. But we won’t know until we find out for ourselves.”

“Is that what you want to do?”

“What other choice do I have? The queen has my head priestess. Heluna would probably renounce me if she were to get killed and didn’t protect her.”

“Can you not commune with her?”

I shook my head. “No, not until I claim enough followers or souls for her.”

“Then we should storm the palace and reclaim Yda by force,” Malice said.

“Silence, fiend!” Ophelia said, failing to whisper. “Are you insane? You speak of treason. If someone were to hear you, we would be on the executioner's block before sundown.”

“She’s right,” I said. “Malice, try to keep those thoughts between us.”

“My apologies, master. I only wish for others to see your true potential like I do.”

“Enough of this discussion. There’s no point in waiting around. Let’s head to the queen’s palace.”

“I can show you the way.”

I nodded and followed Ophelia. We returned to the principal thoroughfare and headed toward the center of the city. Thirty-foot walls surrounded the queen’s palace. A stone carving in the queen’s image decorated the walls that were open behind a closed metal gate. A group of guards stood at attention until we approached. One split from the group to meet us.

“Halt!” the guard said, holding up his hand. “Lady Yarrow and guest. What business do you have to approach Queen Sekhet’s palace? We were not told to expect your arrival.”

When Ophelia glanced up, I nodded, signaling that it was okay to answer for me. “I come with the Archon of Rebirth. It is our understanding that his head priestess, Yda, and her bodyguard, Cartha, were detained by the queen’s guard yesterday. We wish to meet with Queen Sekhet to understand their detainment.”

At the declaration that I was the Archon, each of the guards glanced at my direction.

“Ah, yes. We were told that the Archon may arrive. You and his Holiness are to head straight to the throne room. I’ll send a runner ahead to inform the queen of your arrival.”

As the guard turned, he shouted orders to his men, and the metal gate screeched as it ascended. I followed Ophelia onto the palace grounds. It was rectangular, with separate buildings connected with large vine-covered walkways, saving walkers from the directness of the sun. It sat on top of an oasis. Flowing waterways ladened with decorated blue tile surrounded lush plants and green flora. It was an exemplary display of wealth in such desolate surroundings.

The interior halls of the main building were massive, creating an echo chamber for our footsteps as we walked through. Tiled mosaics displayed ancient battles and historical rulers that stood over the people. The queen’s staff roamed and cared for every inch. Not one dared look away from their duties as we walked past.

Once we got further in, I reached my hand across Ophelia’s chest and slowed down our walk. “Before we head into the throne room, I need you to give me a quick summary of the queen and how to address her.”

Without hesitation, Ophelia nodded and spoke. “Queen Sekhet is revered as a fair and firm queen. She’s well respected by her peers and loved by the people. She is known as being shrewd and cunning when it comes to political theater and trade. Personality wise, she’s typically rather charming and cordial but is always looking two steps ahead. There are also moments where she can be rather blunt. When she’s upset or unhappy, she can be ruthless and unforgiving. She’s someone who expects respect but will give it in return unless you’ve fallen out of favor with her.”

Ophelia took a moment to think before she continued. “Physically, she’s imposing. I believe she’s the largest royal member out of any of the kingdoms. She’s a naga. Over fifty feet in length. And hails from the Gorgoros royal bloodline, so she is of the subspecies that has snakes for hair.”

“She doesn’t turn you into stone when you look her in the eyes, does she?” I asked, half-joking.

Ophelia furrowed her brow and shook her head. “No. I’m not aware of her being magically gifted.”

“How should I greet her?”

“Her title would be her majesty or Queen Sekhet. As far as the approach, since we are her guests, a brief bow should suffice. She will likely offer her hand, in which case you should kiss it. A good sign is if she reciprocates it by kissing your cheek.”

“That’s good to know.”

“From that point forward, I’d advise you to be respectful. Choose your lies carefully. The queen has a keen eye for fallacies. Also, do not assume nefarious intent until we have an understanding of the full story of what happened. There is likely a reason she has brought Yda here. Most likely to bring you here. Since you are a new Archon, she is going to be judging you from the moment we walk in.”

“Should I have Malice change my outfit, then?”

Ophelia tapped her lip as she looked me up and down. “No. I don’t think so. I think the queen will find it charming that an Archon is not afraid to share the look of an adventurer. There are others I would advise the opposite.”

“Anything else?”

“Tell Malice to keep her mouth shut.”

“Do not speak—”

“Both of you need to be quiet,” I said firmly. “Now is not the time for your bickering.”

“As you wish, master.”

“Apologies, your Holiness.”

“Now, is there anything else I should be concerned with?”

Ophelia gave me one more look over before extending her hand. “Give me the walking stick.”

When I handed it to her, Ophelia waved her hands and said an incantation that created a floating portal of darkness near her body. She stuck the walking stick inside. Once it was fully inside, she wiped the portal away with her hand.

“That may give the wrong impression,” Ophelia said, wiping her hands together.

“Thanks. If that’s everything, let's head in.”

Ophelia led us deeper into the building until we turned into a grand hall. Four guards waited for us at the entrance and marched with us as we entered. Rows of soldiers flanked us along the exterior walls.

Lit torches lined the walls, casting everything in an orange hue. A lush red carpet led to a raised platform in the center of the room where the queen lay curled. While Ophelia had told me the queen was fifty feet long, she didn’t quite explain how big she actually was.

Her body was as wide as mine, making her even more imposing than I’d imagined. The scales along her body were tan, with dark brown spots peppering her length. Her dress was a little more than a few strands of cloth that covered her breasts and sat low where a human’s groin would be.

She wore an elaborate golden headdress that made her seem even taller than she was.The snakes she had for hair matched her color and slithered independently of each other. A half dozen of her staff stood over her body, massaging her while she sipped on a golden goblet.

When she saw us with her sand-colored eyes, she clapped her hands and her staff descended from the platform. They passed us on their way out, not looking up once. A separate woman stood at the bottom of a platform. Her dress was more regal, presenting her as a person of higher status.

Once we stopped and bowed, she announced our arrival. “My queen. I present to you Ophelia Yarrow and the Archon of Rebirth.”

“Ophelia!” Queen Sekhet said with wide arms. “It’s always great to have you at my court, and I see you’ve brought a friend.”

“It’s a pleasure to be here, Your Majesty,” Ophelia said. After exchanging greetings, Ophelia smiled and nodded towards me. “This is Devon Blackthorn, Archon of the goddess, Heluna, Archon of Rebirth.”

The queen slithered in front of me. Her raised body caused me to have to lean back as she positioned herself above me. She cocked a brow but maintained a cordial grin. “Blackthorn? Is this the man that has inhabited your mind for so long, Ophelia?”

The sorceress hesitated before letting out a short laugh. “The very same, Your Majesty.”

The queen lowered herself and extended her hand. While I kissed it, she continued. “The legend of the Blackthorn is a being of great destruction and strife. Tell me, Your Holiness. Should I fear you?”

I bowed again before looking up and smiling. “I come to your court in peace, Your Majesty. The only people who should fear me are my enemies.”

“And who are your enemies?”

“Those who threaten to oppose me or my goddess and those who threaten who I hold dearest.”

After a few more seconds, the queen nodded in understanding. She leaned back and snapped her fingers. “Please retrieve High Priestess Yda and her guard.”

Ophelia shot me a worried look as the queen turned around and slithered up her platform. I tried to reassure with a nod, but the frown didn’t leave her face.

“I hope you believe me when I say I had no ill intent in bringing your high priestess and her protection here. I only did so in an effort to have a meeting with you. As you can imagine, the world has been abuzz with the announcement of a new goddess. It was only a matter of time before she announced her high priestess and Archon. When I heard from Triace that the high priestess visited his temple to offer tribute, I sent my men to extend an invitation.”

“May I ask who Triace is, Your Majesty?”

“He’s Ikkala’s Archon. Have you two not met?”

“That’s my fault, Your Majesty,” Ophelia said. “I pulled His Holiness away when my visions foretold his arrival. Upon meeting, I thought it important to bring him to the Chalice.”

“Understandable,” Queen Sekhet said. “I’m sure everyone would like an introduction. How did they welcome you, your Holiness?”

“With skepticism and caution, Your Majesty,” I said.

“The Chalice has shared his arrival with their members,” Ophelia said. “However, they have chosen not to acknowledge His Holiness’s appointment as the validity of my prophecy of his arrival.”

“And how does that make you feel, Ophelia? I know we’ve shared many nights speaking of your visions.”

The sorceress struggled to maintain her smile. “I do not care what the Chalice believes, Your Majesty. I am but an outcast to them.”

“So they chose ignorance… interesting,” Queen Sekhet said.

As the queen thought for a moment, Yda’s excited voice shouted throughout the hall. “Devon!”

When I turned, Yda and Cartha were being led by several guards. Yda was wearing a new dress that was little more than two pieces of white, shining fabric to cover her just enough so as not to be exposing herself. When I locked eyes with her, she sprinted over, impressing me with the garb’s ability to stay secured around her thick portions. As I kneeled down, she jumped into my arms. I squeezed her tight as her tears flowed.

“You came back,” Yda cried.

“Of course I did. I told you I would.”

“I… I thought you abandoned us.”

“Shh,” I whispered, while rubbing her back. “I would never abandon you.”

This is your Head Priestess, Malice groaned. Pathetic.

Malice…, I groaned internally. Now is not the time.

Yda pulled back as she struggled to control her breaths. “I thought I did something wrong. That I failed you.”

I kissed the top of her head and wiped her tears away. “That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Are both of you okay?”

Yda sniffled and nodded. “Queen Sekhet has been a most generous and accommodating host.”

When I looked up at Cartha, she nodded as well. “I heard you two were arrested?”

Both women turned to the queen, but she flicked her hand at them. “Tell your Archon what happened. I’m sure he’d rather hear your interpretation than mine.”

Cartha sighed. “It was my fault. I took the guard’s approach as a threat. We’d just come back from the Sect of the Horde’s temple and a group of them shouted at us. We were exposed and couldn’t chance it, so we ran. They eventually caught up to us and cornered us, so I defended Yda.”

“I think I understand,” I said, standing. I turned to the queen and bowed deeply. “Queen Sekhet, I humbly apologize for the situation. I take full responsibility for Cartha’s actions. Please understand before my appointment, Yda and Cartha were both hunted by the Archon Emperor Dupont’s inquisitors. It’s where we came from before traveling to Nubia.”

“Rise, Your Holiness,” Queen Sekhet said. “The only damage done are bruised egos of my own guards being bested by your bodyguard. If my men had better conveyed their intent on their approach, we could have avoided this. Let’s consider this a misunderstanding on both sides and put this behind us.”

“Thank you for your kindness and understanding, Your Majesty.”

“You’re welcome, Your Holiness. Please allow me to show you a proper royal welcome for you and your company.” When the queen looked at the helper that stood nearby, the mousekin woman clapped her hands.

Soldiers brought in a long wood table and benches. The queen’s helpers set the table with gold plates and cutlery. After the table was set, her servants placed platters of food and bottles of beverages all along the table.

Even though I neither hungered nor thirsted, I found the smells delicious. There were heavy smells of cooked meats slathered in what I presumed was various herbs and spices. Steam rose from bundles of freshly baked bread. A waft of cinnamon, honey, and alcohol hit my nose as a bottle was uncorked. I felt excited to try a bit of everything.

“Please have a seat and enjoy yourselves,” Queen Sekhet said, extending her hand to the table.

Ophelia and I took the seats closest to the queen. Yda sat next to me and Cartha on her side. The queen slithered to the end while her servants made her plate. A servant stood next to us waiting patiently for our orders. I waited and watched as everyone else to ensure I wasn’t breaking any customs.

“Is something wrong, Your Holiness?” Queen Sekhet asked. “Is the food or drink not to your liking?”

“No, not at all, Your Majesty,” I said with a smile. “It’s just that there are so many options. I’m having a hard time choosing.”

“Oh, there’s no need to. Please fill your belly to your heart’s content. There is plenty more should you desire it.”

I nodded and turned to the mousekin man standing next to me and pointed at each of the trays that looked appetizing to me. It was then that I noticed that all the servants I’d passed and seen were mousekin. I couldn’t help but wonder if they were slaves, or chosen for a specific purpose, just like they were the favored snack of snakes back home. The thought alone sent a shiver down my back at the possibility of being served an intelligent species like some sort of cannibalism.

Malice? I asked in my mind.

Yes, Master? My hidden companion replied.

Do you know what kind of meat this is? It’s not the same people that are serving us, is it?

Malice’s laughter rang through my head. What a funny joke, Master.

It’s not a joke. I’m serious.

Oh… no. At least I don’t believe so. It’s probably a harvested sow or trison meat.

Is there a distinction between a mousekin and a mouse?

Of course. A mousekin is an intelligent humanoid that shares features of a mouse. Hence the designation of mousekin. A mouse is a rodent. An animal.

Thank you for clarifying.

Only monsters or deranged beasts are known to eat others.

Like the weres Ophelia was talking about before.

Correct.

I paused. But when I saw your class, it listed you as a monster too.

Elementals are different. We exist by feeding off the environment around us or through siphoning magic.

So not all monsters, then

Yes. I apologize for the confusion.

It’s fine. I just wanted to better understand.

The meats were familiar with a different aftertaste. They tasted like baked pork and grilled beef. The paired beverage reflected its scent. It wasn’t overly alcoholic, and I found it soothing on my throat. The first few minutes we ate in silence until the queen spoke up.

“So tell me, Your Holiness,” Queen Sekhet said. “Is this your first time in Nubia?”

“It is, Your Majesty,” I said, tapping my lips with the provided handkerchief.

“And how do you like it?”

“I’ve enjoyed my time thus far. I spent some time at the bazaar where I was able to make a few purchases from the Djinn. We also stayed at the Desert Pearl and found the accommodations and staff welcoming. Although, I’ve found myself second guessing my clothing choices during the day.”

“Ah, yes, the heat can be overbearing at times. But I hope the city’s amenities, attractions, and culture more than make up for it.”

“They have indeed. I’ve enjoyed walking the city streets at night. They have provided a lovely ambience.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Do you plan on staying long? Perhaps to make Nubia a permanent residence for your new sect?”

I could see what the queen was doing. She was gathering information to make an assessment, and to get the upper hand in a deal should one be made. I knew I needed to be careful to appease her questions while not tipping my hand completely in the event it could prove costly down the road.

“Currently, I’m uncertain. We came to Nubia as a haven from Dupont’s inquisitors, as I spoke of earlier. We’re in the infancy of our sect, and have been on the run since its inception, so we haven’t had a moment to sit down and make any long-term plans.”

“I’m sure you must have some idea?” Queen Sekhet pressed. “Five years from now, where would you like to see it be?”

I took a sip of my drink and smiled. “As with any Archon, I would love to see my sect grow. So, we’d obviously be looking to spread our goddess's message throughout Talis. I would also like to see us established somewhere permanent and build a temple.”

“As expected from an Archon,” Queen Sekhet laughed. “Should you wish to have Yda or any other members spread your goddess’s word, please note it will require a permit from our city clerk. When you’re ready to locate somewhere permanent, come see me. We could discuss what Nubia can offer you.”

“I appreciate that, Your Majesty,” I said with a slight nod. “I will certainly keep that in mind.”

The queen smiled before raising her glass. “Let us toast to your sect’s good fortune.”

After we cheered, we all lifted our glasses. As I drank, I felt the queen’s piercing gaze on me. When I looked up, her eyes stared at me above the edge of her goblet. I couldn’t quite place what it was.

Intrigue? I wondered. Attraction?

When she put down her glass, her smile revealed her excessively long fangs. “Your, Holiness, would you mind answering a… personal question?”

“Uh—of course, Your Majesty.”

“Your name carries many assumptions, and your goddess adds even more. So, if I may, I’d like to know what kind of Archon you are.”

My lips twisted as I thought for a moment. I had a troubling suspicion that how I answered could completely warp the queen’s perception of me. She’d seemed cordial up to this point, and I thought having an ally like her could be useful.

With my mindset, I looked up at her with as strong a conviction as I could muster and said, “I’m strong willed, but considerate. I believe in a firm hand, but compassion—”

“No, no, Your Holiness,” Queen Sekhet said, waving her hand. “I do not wish to know what kind of man you are. I wish to know what kind of Archon you are.”

I frowned and shook my head. “I don’t understand how one differs from the other, Your Majesty.”

“Let me clarify. Triace is a wonderful man, and a perfect Archon for Ikkala. The boons that she has blessed him with give him an excellent mind, able to calculate the treasury of every kingdom on Talis down to the copper. However, he spends his time locked away in his temple, surrounded by mountains of parchment. What I want to know is whether Heluna blessed you with powers that suit the name Blackthorn or not?”

In that split second, I decided I would not shy away from my name with her. “Yes, she has.”

“And what have you done with this power so far?”

“So far, I’ve defended Yda and Cartha from Dupont’s inquisitors, and visited Nubia.”

“Dupont’s inquisitors… Did you kill them?”

I nodded firmly. “Without hesitation.”

Queen Sekhet nodded slowly. She took another sip of her drink. Her vertically slit eyes not once looking away from me. When she set her goblet down, she slithered to my side and extended her hand. “Your Holiness, would you mind accompanying me? I’d like to speak privately.”

I glanced at Ophelia, who smiled and nodded. Leaning next to Yda, I whispered. “I’ll be back. Don’t go anywhere.”

She squeezed my pinky finger, holding on to it until she couldn’t. I stood and extended my arm to the queen. She lowered herself below me to grab it.

It proved she was posturing earlier to make herself taller. I assumed to see how I would react. We exited the hall from where I’d entered earlier and continued into the palace.

“It’s a good thing you chose to visit Nubia after you left Dupont’s territory,” Queen Sekhet said.

“Why’s that?” I asked.

“I have no love for Dupont. He's a bigot tyrant who’s only gotten where he is thanks to his power. If you’d gone anywhere else, they’d likely arrested you, imprisoned you, or worse, given there’s not a lot of love for Heluna among the other gods and goddesses.”

“When we were deciding where to go, this seemed like the only viable option. I thank you for being so welcoming.”

Queen Sekhet nodded, and we continued on. We ascended stairs and walked our wave through corridors. Throughout the tour, the queen pointed out several pieces of artwork that were her favorites. We concluded the tour on a shaded balcony that overlooked the entire city. A resting pad and lounge chair sat waiting for us, along with several servants holding giant fans. We were served chilled beverages that tasted like spiced coffee, an enjoyable conclusion to a wonderful meal.

After taking our seats, the queen said, “This is one of my favorite places in the palace.”

“I can see why,” I said, pointing forward. “It’s got a beautiful view.”

“I come up here daily. It’s a great place for contemplation.”

“I bet it’s even better at night.”

“Do you enjoy looking at the sky, Your Holiness?”

“I do. Coming here, I found myself wanting to spend hours just gazing up.”

“The Elder’s creations are quite something. Even as a queen, gazing up at the expanse above makes me feel so insignificant. Like no matter what I do, it pales in comparison.”

“That’s one way to look at it. Another could be that we are rewarded with the time we are given, and for those who spend it well are rewarded by living forever in the memories of those they leave behind and those who remember them.”

The queen leaned back with batted eyes. “I like that.”

We clinked glasses and shared smiles. While it was nice to share her company, I knew there was a reason she brought me here. I shifted in my chair and turned towards her.

“I don’t mean to be rude, Your Majesty, especially given all the kindness you’ve shown me thus far. But I believe there to be a reason you brought me here. And it isn’t to discuss the stars.”

The queen licked the drink off her lips and set her cup down. “To business then?”

“Please.”

“How familiar are you with the Free Cities of Marta?”

I cocked my brow. “Not overtly, but it’s my understanding it’s ruled by a bunch of cutthroats and pirates who’ve sort of started their own kingdom.”

“Calling it a kingdom gives them undeserved authority,” Queen Sekhet scoffed. “It’s nothing more than a bunch of thugs and ruffians trying to play as rulers.”

“For it to get as large as I’ve heard, they must have been working on it for a while.”

“True. We’ve been monitoring it since my scouts first saw that someone was inhabiting the Isles of Marta. Initially, we thought nothing of it. The reason generations have left those islands alone is because they are filled with deadly vegetation and wild beasts. So we expected it to be gone not for too long.”

“But that didn’t happen.”

“Yes and no. Many have come and perished. Because of the difficulties. The expansion has taken them almost a decade to get where they are. I’ll say one thing. I respect their grit.”

“So, what seems to be the problem?”

“The problem is twofold. Our city runs on trade and tourism. Our location makes it so that anything coming through the south of Talis comes through us. We are open to all walks of life, so long as you can pay the tithe. However, we are not a coastal city. Liberty Bay is. Because of Dupont’s bigotedness, Bismarck's expansion, and the giant wasteland that is the Corrupted Plains, travelers are finding it harder to get to Nubia.”

“My understanding is your kingdom expands all across the desert. What about building your own docks?”

“We are in the process of building a settlement on the coast with its own docks. However, by the time we finish, it’s my belief that the effort will be all for naught. They are further north than we are. My fear is that many people traveling from the north by boat would rather take the shorter journey.”

“Makes sense. I always hated long drives or flights.”

“You can fly?” Queen Sekhet asked, wide eyed. “Is that one of Heluna’s gifts?”

“No—I… apologies. That was a poor choice of words. You were saying the problem was twofold?”

“Yes. The other is a more delicate matter. In my effort to get ahead of the problem, I sent an envoy several weeks ago hoping to establish some sort of agreement with the leaders of Liberty Bay. However, instead of a cordial response, I received a ransom letter asking for one thousand gold per head.”

I sat up. “That’s… a dangerous move on their part.”

“But that’s not all… the envoy was composed of one ambassador and ten guards. The ambassador is my daughter.”

I nearly jumped out of my seat. “They have your daughter?”

“Yes. But they don’t know who she truly is. I’ve kept Khepri secluded her entire childhood. After losing my husband, I became obsessed with her protection. To the point of bordering on madness. Over time, she grew resentful. I did the best that I could, but realized when she became a woman, I could no longer control her. She was already sneaking out of the palace almost daily. As an extension of good will, I gave her a position on my court. She always wanted to travel, so against my better judgment, I allowed her to become my ambassador. I figured it would be good for her to meet with other kingdoms so that when she takes my place she would have a foundation of experience.”

“Let me guess. This was her first mission?”

Sorrow filled Queen Sekhet’s eyes as she slowly nodded.

I reached out my hand and set it on the queen’s scales. “I’m sorry. This must be very hard for you.”

I could see she wanted to break, but like the powerful queen she was, she suppressed any emotion. “Thank you, Your Holiness.”

“What do you want done?” I asked.

“Your major priority is to rescue my daughter. Anyone else is not important. They already failed me to protect her.”

“And the others?”

“I want you to become the Blackthorn. Burn Liberty Bay to the ground. Make sure those that captured my daughter suffer.”

Listen to the queen, master, Malice whispered into my mind. She grants you the opportunity to see your true self. Destruction of this city will spread your name far and wide. Fear is a powerful tool.

I ignored Malice’s musings, as there was a more important question. “And the offer?”

“What offer could a mother place on their child’s life? Don’t worry, Your Holiness. If you bring my daughter safely to me, I will be in your debt.”

“I have to ask, Your Majesty, why me?”

“There are only a few individuals that I believe could pull this off. If I were to send my soldiers, she would be dead before they got off the boat. This needs an outsider. Someone with the power to pull this off. That’s why I asked you so many questions today.”

“You were seeing if I was capable.”

“I was. I’m not ashamed to admit it. You seemed perfectly suited. No one knows who you are nor the power you wield. I believe you to be my best shot to see my daughter again.”

“But you just met me. How do you know you could trust me with this?”

“I’ve always been good at reading people, Your Holiness. I believe you are true to who you present yourself to be. And whether it’s by divine intervention, you remind me of my husband. And I’m taking that as a sign.”

I leaned back. “Your husband was human.”

Queen Sekhet beamed. “He was, and I think you two would have gotten along well.”

I stood from my seat and stared out at the city in front of me. The queen demanded a tall order. I had no idea if the daughter was alive or dead. If I came back with a corpse, she would resent me forever. However, the blank check she offered was an enticing proposal. Using Nubia as a foundation for our expansion would help kick-start our growth. I just needed to see how far the queen would go.

I turned around with a furrowed brow. “I am sympathetic to your plight, Queen Sekhet. However, I do not believe you fully understand what you ask. Once you enter this agreement with me, Devon Blackthorn, there will be no way to rescind it. My cost will be great, and I will expect you to honor your word.”

For the first time, I saw the queen waver. Her eyes darted and flashed with fear. She knew I meant it. After taking one a drink, she leaned up at eye level and said, “I will.”

I grinned wildly. “Then we have a deal.”