Chapter 8 Ro #2
“Where the land had previously healed, and produced crop yields, it’s now tainted soil again.
The black veins almost pulse with life, as if actively leaching nutrients, or whatever it seeks for from the ground.
It’s spreading more from the Pass, reaching deeper into the kingdom, and I’m still clueless as to why. ”
The darkened bags under his eyes indicated he hadn’t slept much lately. Knowing he could now morph into a beast at will still didn’t take away the impressiveness of how fast he’d raced across the kingdom.
“There’s no getting past the spread to see the source?
” Queen Nora asked, arms folded before her.
Since I’d last seen her at the reception, she’d chopped her hair to where it sat just above her shoulders.
Another bold move to set her apart from the norm of royalty.
Loved it. She wore a sleek outfit, with leather in all the appropriate places for battle.
Not the expectation of a traveling queen, but then again, that’s why I liked Nora so much.
Down to earth, ready to work and problem solve.
Kind of made me feel guilty for stealing from her palace on her wedding day and giving those items to the poor in South Harbor, but I was sure it would get her stamp of approval, so why bother mentioning it?
“No. You’d get shriveled up once you stepped beyond the spread.
Jasper has attempted to gain aerial views, but it travels through Witches Pass, and he’s not able to make the journey in one go.
And since I haven’t been able to spare him while evacuating those in Devera, the town that’ll most likely be touched by the curse next, we don’t have that answer,” Dante replied, massaging his chin roughly, like he felt guilty for not being able to accomplish that task yet.
Radhak sighed, eyes fixed on the map before him, which gained more markings each time it opened. “Do we have any reports from Windguard’s side of the pass? To see if it’s spread that far?”
“Sources say no one travels beyond Anjorri anymore, the midline of Windguard, but we don’t know why,” Rav added. “If it was because of the curse, I’m sure we would have heard about it by now.”
“Do we know where the kidnapped magic wielders have been ending up?” Melody, Nora’s stepsister, interjected.
It wasn’t long since we’d rescued her from abduction, and clearly that event still had her shaken, judging by the worry in her voice.
The beautiful, curvy blonde had accompanied her sister, looking much more the part of royalty in her finery than the queen in leathers.
A russet red dress fell to her shins, paired with riding boots.
At least she was somewhat practical, even if it seemed she had delicate sensibilities throughout this conversation.
Rav shook his head and answered blatantly, “No, and I don’t think we’ll be getting answers soon.
Since we were successful in shunting the operation out of Highcrest, we’ve essentially cut ourselves off at the knees.
The care for magically blessed abductions in Windguard is nearly non-existent from majority of their people.
In fact, some are convinced it’s a good thing, and since we have such limited intel from within its borders, we don’t have any new leads to go on.
” I could hear the simmering undertones of his frustration.
We cared more about Windguard than their own king and people.
My father had been wise to leave that dreadful place behind.
“Unless there’s activity stirring in Highcrest again?” Rav faced Nora.
Nora dropped her folded arms to her hips.
“Luckily, no. We’ve sent out a proclamation telling people to be on the lookout.
We chose not to release that it’s only magic wielding people who are victims, but have encouraged neighbor to look out for neighbor.
It’ll cast a wider net that way. Nick doesn’t want the kingdom to feel divided.
We are all one people.” She spared her glance around the room, receiving nods.
Already a leader in her own right, standing tall and convicted in a room of experienced men. Way to go, queenie.
“So what does this mean? Where do we go from here?” I asked Radhak.
His face remained frozen, wrinkled in contemplation. “According to Dante, there’s too many citizens left to relocate them all here. We’re barely holding it together as it is.”
“Nick and I have come up with a possible solution. There’s a town near the forest along the northwest boundary line.
Half the town is essentially vacant. Buildings haven’t been tended to for some time, though.
It may not be much, but it’ll be a roof and walls.
If your people are willing to pitch in.” She focused on Dante.
“We’ll have a good number of shelters come winter. ”
Dante nodded, tension dropping from his shoulders. “If they’re permitted to use magic, it’ll go faster.”
Nora approved. “The town we’re moving them to has a mostly magical population that remains. Those who fled long ago did so because of magical beasts sleuthing the borders.”
Dante tensed. Maybe he took offense to the term ‘beast’.
She continued, “Most have probably kept their magic tight leashed, but seeing it flourish will hopefully spark a movement. All of Highcrest may not be ready for full magical integration, but it’ll be a great start.”
Ravinder chimed in, “The first convoy should remain heavily guarded. Besides unrest from Highcrest’s magic fearing people, once word spreads of a town teaming with wielders, they could be a prime target for kidnappings.”
“Another reason why we chose the north west location. No access to a port, and we have a new battalion line of defense between Highcrest and Windguard along the Splits close to the castle. But yes, I agree. We’ll keep an eye on it.”
No cracks in his stoic demeanor, yet I could tell from Ravinder’s assessing stare that he questioned if the new, young queen would be able to keep her word. He may have dipped his head in agreement, but his doubt remained, concealed to the untrained eye.
“How long will it take to get there from here?” Dante asked. “If we move those who have settled here first, this can be a stopping point for the rest who have yet to descend from Argora Vale.”
“About a week,” Nora said.
“We’ll have to prepare them for the journey with supplies, then. Do you know how many you want to send first?” Radhak asked Dante.
“Ideally, I’d like to scout it on my own, but judging by the state of things here, and with more to be arriving, I think things are too fragile to wait. Better to move the majority now, before they have a chance to settle.”
Radhak straightened. “I agree. Your Majesty, how soon can things begin?”
“Give us two days. Once I get back, I’d like to send word to the town so they can prepare and we can organize shipping more supplies.”
Radhak nodded. “If anything changes, that should give time for someone to come alert us before we begin the move.”
With a plan in motion, the meeting came to an end. I left, following Nora and her sister. “So, how’s Queendom? Kind of a short honeymoon period. It’s been, what, a week and a day since the wedding?”
Nora’s lips flattened, and she shook her head.
“Still weird to be associated with that word. Queen. Such a heavy connotation. And no, I refused a honeymoon. I’m not going to ignore the kingdom I just gained on the tail end of an almost revolution against magic wielders. There’s too much to be done.”
“She’s doing amazingly,” Melody interjected. “She’ll go down as the greatest queen to ever rule Highcrest, I’m sure of it.” She looped her arm through her sister’s and squeezed. But her adoring attention drifted fairly quickly, glancing around the field of tents.
Nora smiled, tucking her newly short hair behind her ear, not realizing her sister’s attention was no longer present. “Thank you, Mel. Honestly, the hardest part is learning how to navigate court politics.”
“Screw politics.” I waved off the idea. “I’m sure you’ll give them a run for their money.”
Nora gave me a smirk that let me know she indeed already had.
“That’s my girl.” I smiled right back. “Hey, how are things inside the castle? Weed out anymore of those traitorous bastards?”
“Actually, I was hoping to see Evenita here. Maybe she has an answer to that question.” Nora joined her sister in scouting the camp. “She’d identified all in the castle on the night of the attack, but shifts and patrols change, so getting an update would be helpful.”
Knowing we could trust—truly trust—Highcrest’s guardsmen would be beneficial.
I had a sneaking suspicion that was Rav’s concern, or at least one of them.
“I actually don’t know where she ran off to once she and Alaina arrived.
You might have to ask some of the others. I haven’t been back at camp long.”
“Hm. I’m going to try and find her before we leave.” Nora started walking, pulling Melody with her.
“Actually,” Melody stopped, unhooking her arm. “Is Tio around? I wanted to thank him for escorting us back last time and I didn’t get a chance to do it at the wedding celebrations.”
I could have sworn her cheeks tinted pink. Oh. Oh. “Y-yeah. I think he’s still in his tent, healing. I can see if he’s up for company. I’m almost positive he wouldn’t turn away a woman, no matter his condition.” A teasing smile quirked my lips.
She ignored my commentary on Tio’s reputation, instead focusing on the latter. “Healing? He’s hurt? Is he alright?”
“He’ll be right as rain soon enough. Here, follow me.”
The three of us exchanged pleasant farewells, and I led Melody to Tio’s tent, hoping to any gods up there in that great expanse that he’d be decent. Honestly, it was a gamble.