phisoa told me to post this... heres 2 u, phisoa...
Chapter 1
Rain was streaming down the heaving sides of her mount. The nineteen-year-old girl, named Sanji, twisted in the saddle, violet eyes scanning the horizon. But nothing could be seen through the pouring rain. She turned back around, wrapping the reins around her copper-skinned hands and making sure the object was still secured in her tunic.
As the girl pulled the folds of her cloak closer around her body, the stallion beneath her stumbled, almost throwing her from the saddle. But Sanji righted herself and kicked her horse sharply in the sides. The beast whickered, and with a snort, pushed on, mane and tail streaming in the wind. Then, an arrow whistled past her and buried its head in the ground in front of her. They were close behind her.
Sanji grimaced and reached behind her, hand grasping for one of the arrows in her quiver. When she had an arrow in hand, she grabbed her bow, strung it, and notched an arrow. Then, she spun in her saddle, pulled the string back to her ear, and released it. When a cry of pain shattered the peacefulness of night, she knew she had hit her mark.
As the girl slung the bow over her shoulder, her horse stumbled again and began to slow. She cursed under her breath as she heard angry voices begin to draw near.
With a clatter of hooves, a man dressed all in black drew close and sliced her neatly on her thigh with the dagger clasped tightly in his hand.
Sanji gasped with pain and, after kneeing her horse again, flicked her wrist towards the soldier, releasing three small, glinting throwing knives from their sheaths. They buried themselves in his neck and he slipped from his saddle with a moan.
The girl, ignoring the dead man’s horse galloping beside her, kicked her mount, urging him up a steep, rugged trail through the woods. He snorted and bounded forward, flailing hooves engulfing the path.
For a fleet moment, the teenager thought she had lost her pursuers, but, as she heard the snorts of approaching horses, that hope was shattered. As she drew her dagger, preparing to fight, out of the corner of eye, she saw two soldiers dressed in black steering their horses so they could flank her.
Sanji cursed, and once the men, each holding a flashing blade, drew next to her, she yanked the reins hard, forcing the whinnying stallion to rear and wheel. By doing so, the beast crashed into one of the men’s mounts, causing the man to fall forward and impale himself on his own blade. With a soft moan, the soldier slipped from the saddle and into the leafy depths of the forest.
The other soldier’s face, though it was not very visible through the sheets of rain, showed no emotion on seeing his comrade fall, but, instead, swept his blade in a silver arch and sliced her squarely on the shoulder. Sanji gave a cry of pain and almost dropped her dagger, but she gritted her teeth and held on, blood dripping down her arm.
The man, surprised that she still held her weapon, aimed another blow at her, but the teenager grabbed his wrist in a vice-like grip. She twisted his arm and pushed, making the man’s face, shock mingled with dismay, the last thing she saw before she threw him out of the saddle.
The girl shuddered as she wrapped her hands tightly around her reins; that man’s face would haunt her memories forever. Though the image was fresh in her mind, she pursed her lips and her entire face hardened; that man was about to kill her. Why should she feel sorry?
But there was no time to think. Other men were fast approaching and she was nowhere near the castle. It was time to call her Companion, to see if he was still with her.
The teenage warrior released her reins and began to steer the white stallion with her knees. She then raised her hands to her lips and let out a long, mournful howl.
For a few seconds, nothing was to be heard besides the pouring rain and the clattering of hooves. But soon, an answering howl echoed through the forest, announcing the arrival of Tssar.
Out of the darkness appeared a large, bristling alpha-male wolf whose lips were pulled back in a savage snarl. His white teeth glistened against the blackness of his coat and his golden eyes blazed with a threatening gleam. The wolf dashed away from Sanji and in the direction of her pursuers. A few moments later, the girl heard cries of pain from both horse and human, and she shivered at the eeriness of it. Then, the black creature caught up to her exhausted mount, muzzle shining red in the moonlight; the rain had stopped.
Sanji hardly had to pull back the reins to stop, the horse was so tired. The girl jumped down, making sure the sweat-slick horse got a good pat on the neck. Then, she knelt next to Tssar and murmured her thanks. The he-wolf licked her affectionately on the cheek before laying down to clean the blood off his leg.
You’ll have to bandage those wounds, youngling, he told her, pink tongue rasping against his fur.
Sanji glanced at her two deep cuts. I will, won’t I? She gave a sigh, tore off two strips from her tunic, and began to wrap them around her blood-oozing wounds. When she was done, she looked up, noticing her horse was trying to lick the moisture off a tree. She turned to her wolf, a question in mind.
Yes, there is water just over there. I shall lead you to it. The black wolf got up and trotted off, forcing Sanji to limp quickly after him. When she finally caught up to him, he was lapping out of a glassy pond surrounded by tall, dark trees.
Her white stallion immediately bowed his head and began drinking, neck rippling with each swallow. Sanji smiled weakly, scooped some water up in her hands, and poured it into her mouth. She gave a sigh of relief and repeated the process until her horse and Companion were ready to go.
The white stallion, named Willow, trotted over to her, waiting for the girl to mount. But Sanji was distracted; the object had fallen out of her tunic and she was now looking at it with calculative eyes.
The object was a golden ball with a raised ring around the middle. On the ring, there were words written in an ancient language, and there were intricate patterns and designs all over the surface of the ball. The ball was heavy, so Sanji assumed it was solid.
The teenager longed to know what it was, but she shook her head, walked over to her horse, and pulled herself into the saddle. Her horse gave a faint whicker and began walking without Sanji giving him any direction. With a sigh, she leaned on her horse’s neck, exhaustion finally overtaking her.
As the horse walked, her mind drifted back to the period in which she had been locked in a dungeon for days. The dampness, the rats, the moaning of other prisoners; the horrors of if all reverberated in her mind. But the thing that troubled her most was the absence of her Companion throughout it all. She turned to Tssar.
Tssar, where were you when I was in the dungeons? I called and called for you, but there was no answer. I thought you were dead.
He sighed and looked up at her. Little one, I’m sorry I did not answer your calls. I knew you were calling me, but I was too weak to respond.
Too weak? How come?
Tssar sighed again and jumped over a fallen tree. You know the night you were escaping, how you were forced to fight all those men?
Sanji nodded. But what has that got to do with anything?
Youngling, I had tried to help you, but I had wandered into the path of a stray arrow. It hit me in the back of the neck. Thankfully, I was able to pull it out in the woods, but it soon got infected and I was overcome by fever.
The girl looked at her wolf with pity. Was it horrible?
Oh, yes. It hurt like mad. And throughout, I was made to live with the fact that you were calling for me, and I could do nothing. Finally, I pulled through the sickness and hid out near the castle. When that strange lady brought you out, I followed at a distance, ready to help you when necessary.
I thought you were dead, she repeated, tears filling her eyes.
The wolf said nothing at this, but kept walking. The girl stared at him for a long time until, finally, weariness overcame her and she fell asleep.
Chapter 2
By the time she awoke, the sun had risen and they were within sight of the castle. Sanji raised her fingers to her lips and let out a piercing whistle. An answering whistle echoed over the hills as the girl urged her horse into a fast canter. When she passed through the gates, a soldier was awaiting her, eagle Companion perching on his shoulder.
“Princess, the queen awaits,” he told her with a bow. “Shall I take your horse?”
Princess Sanji dismounted and handed the weary stallion’s reins to the soldier. “Yes, guardsman, and please make sure he is given a warm bran mash. He has worked hard.”
“Yes, princess, and shall I send a healer to tend to your wounds?” he asked, taking the horse’s reins.
She nodded curtly, and he left with a bow, white stallion trailing after him. The princess began limping off to her quarters, violet eyes hard. Tssar, knowing her, said nothing, but padded behind her, tail lowered with weariness. When the pair reached their quarters, Sanji slipped the golden ball from her tunic and hid it in her desk.
When she turned, a hot, steaming bath and two maids, each holding a golden lemur, were waiting. The maids dropped the lemurs, who, in turn, ran to Tssar and led him to his bath. Then, the maids led her to her bath and helped her to pull off her clothes. But, as they pulled the cloth down off her shoulders, they came across a sword and crown tattooed onto her shoulder; the symbol for being part of the Queen’s Own.
Sanji immediately turned her back on them, pulled the rest of her clothes off, and submerged herself in the water as the healer arrived. The healer hissed in sympathy, laid her hands on princess’ body, and the wounds disappeared. The woman left, leaving the maids to help the princess to bathe and get into a long violet gown with a silver over-robe. Once they finished, they called for the ladies-in-waiting who led her to the vanity desk.
As the women scurried around her, Sanji stared at herself in the mirror. The teenager was beautiful, in her own defiant way. She had rich, shiny black curls that fell to a slim waist and a nice figure. She had piercing, violet eyes set off by a pair of regal, arched eyebrows and a set of lips that were quicker to smile than to frown. She had a small, pert nose, a pointed chin, and the smooth copper skin that her people were known for.
Sanji said nothing as the ladies-in-waiting twisted her hair up into an elaborate bun and put jewelry on all over her body. They chattered and gossiped foolishly about all the men at court and who was courting who while their hands were a flurry of color. Finally, Sanji became fed up and shooed them away with a thank you and a flap of the hand.
Then, she got up, violet skirts rustling, grabbed the ball, and headed out the door, muttering darkly to herself. Tssar glanced at her, tongue lolling with amusement.
Get over it, youngling. She’s family, he said, twitching his ears.
I don’t care. I’m nineteen, yet she thinks she can control me. She lifted her skirts to go down the stairs. I’m not her puppet.
The black wolf narrowed his eyes. No, but you don’t let her use you. He paused and swished his tail irritably, as if to get rid of a pesky fly. You did go against her wishes and become one of the Queen’s Own.
Yes, I guess you’re right, the princess admitted as she approached the doors where her mother awaited. Standing at the ready, wooden staff in hand, was a herald, dressed in silver, an ermine Companion around his neck. The man bowed and opened the doors, beginning to shout out her name.
“Princess Sanjiline Gortesky la Fortunata and her Companion Tssar, your royal majesty.” The man bowed again and shut the door, leaving Sanji alone with her mother.
As she stepped forward with a rustle of skirts, a tall, pale, imperious woman with a white cat Companion sat calmly on the dais, a large, innate, golden crown resting on her head. The woman, who looked to be in her forties, was wearing a golden gown with a silver over-robe encrusted with jewels. Every finger held one or more jeweled rings and her feet were enclosed in gold, silken slippers. Draped on her wrists, ankles, and neck were chains, diamonds, and stones. She had blond hair streaked with gray and her stormy blue-gray eyes were cold and imposing. Her lips were thin, her chin pointed, her nose long and hooked, her skin pale. One gem-encrusted hand stroked her Companion. The other held the golden scepter, the symbol of her office. The queen of Emeden was truly a sight to behold.
“So, you have returned to me, Sanjiline. I almost thought you wouldn’t.” The queen raised a pale, delicate hand. “Have you brought the object? Or,” she continued softly, her face hardening, “have you failed me?” Her pale blue eyes gazed at her, and Sanji could hear the deadly question echoing in her ears.
“My queen, I would never fail you.” She curtsied and produced the object. “I have faithfully brought it to you, majesty.” Her mother’s Companion, named Luna, leapt from the throne, trotted down the dais, and took the object from the princess’ outstretched hand. Tssar silently raised his lip at Luna, who, in return, flicked him in the nose with her tail. With her head raised proudly, she scampered back to the queen who retrieved the ball from Luna’s mouth.
“Thank you, Luna.” Queen Imajane gazed at the ball, her cold eyes filled with anxiety and caution. Then she raised her head to meet her daughter’s eyes. “Sanjiline, this object contains the information about the country of Archine; the plans of Archine’s government. With it, we will practically know the future of Emeden.” The queen stroked the raised ring going around of the middle of the ball, and with a pop, a scroll fell into her lap.
Sanji stood still, one hand resting on Tssar’s head, as her mother silently read the scroll. All of a sudden, the woman gasped and slumped in her seat, her skin white. The girl raced to her mother, but her face showed no emotion as to what happened. She gently shook the queen’s too-thin shoulders, murmuring quietly to the woman.
Finally, the queen stirred and began to speak, one hand over her heart. “Sanjiline, I have...” Imajane faltered, her lips moving noiselessly. She swallowed hard and continued, wringing her hands. “Daughter,” she whispered hoarsely, “your father has been executed. He was captured in a skirmish.” The queen halted, anguish filling her eyes. “They also-” she choked on the words. “They also killed your older brother, Kostos, and are planning to attack our country with full force since both the king and the heir are dead.” She moaned and fell forward, shoulders shaking and face in her hands.
Sanji stood in shock, unaware of Tssar’s worried whining. Then, she bowed her head in acknowledgement, tears streaming down her face. Why, Goddess, did you take them so soon? Sanji thought to herself, fists clenched. Why?
Chapter 3
Sanji was sitting in her room, her little sister Dunai sobbing into her lap. The little girl was eight and her personality was similar to that of a doe. She had the golden locks of their mother, but had none of the imposing features. The girl had a small, freckled nose, dreamy violet eyes, full, pink lips, and paler skin than her sister. She was small and thin, resembling a waif, and was also gentle and loving.
She looked up, lips trembling and eyes red. “Why did they have to kill Father and Kostos?” Her head fell again, and this time her shoulders began to shake violently.
“I know not, dearest,” she replied, stroking the little girl’s golden head. But Sanji realized she was lying through her teeth. The truth was, she knew exactly why Archine was doing what it was.
Her country, Emeden, was full of valuable resources that Archine just did not have. The enemy country was large, meaning that they had a lot of people. Because of the large population, they were running low on resources, and the peaceful country of Emeden was an easy target.
Dunai’s companion, a cream-colored terrier named Shunda, whined from where she lay by Tssar’s side. She jumped up, hurriedly trotted over to Dunai, and licked the girl’s hand with a small, pink tongue.
The little girl looked up, a trembling smile on her face. She reached out and gently grabbed her Companion, brought her to her chest, and held her close.
Tssar looked up, worry in his eyes. Do you need reassurance, youngling?
Sanji stretched over her hand and stroked the wolf’s ears. Are you sure you’d want to give up your dignity for me?
He snorted. If it would make you feel better, then yes.
Come on, then, I need you.
The black alpha immediately got up, padded over to the teenager, and settled down on her lap, paws resting on her arm. They sat like that for a while, Sanji’s tears rolling down her cheeks and soaking into his fur.
Then, Dunai looked up, her violet eyes hopeful. “Sanji, can we go riding?”
Sanji looked at her little sister, looking so angelic in her white silk dress. “Are you sure you want to go? You look kind of tired.”
The small girl fondled Shunda’s ears. “Yes. It might help me to clear my mind.”
The older princess nodded. “Fine, but you must change into your riding clothes. Morgana and Morgra would throw a fit if they found out you rode in your new dress.”
Morgana and Morgra were their older sisters, twins, who were perfect princesses in every way. They resembled their mother entirely; blond hair, pale skin, blue eyes, and they were sticklers for neatness and propriety. To Sanji and the rest of her siblings, they were entire outcasts.
Dunai bobbed her head. “Okay. Should I invite Kennan?” she asked, referring to Sanji’s twin.
Sanji nodded, excited to see her twin brother again. Dunai jumped from the bed and rushed from the room, excited to ride. Her older sister, on the other hand, lay on the bed for a little while longer, still entirely exhausted from the night’s events. But she had agreed to go, and it would break Dunai’s heart if she didn’t show up.
So she made herself get off the enticing bed, pull on her riding clothes, and walk out the door, leaving a snoozing Tssar behind.
She raced down to the barn, beating her little sister, but there, standing by the stall containing a buckskin stallion, was her identical twin.
“Hello, Sanji,” the black-haired teenager called, spreading out his arms to hug her. “How are you?”
She buried her face in his tunic, happy to see him. “As good as possible when you just figured out your father and brother are dead.”
She heard him sigh. “Yes. I suppose you’re right.” He cradled his sister in his arms and she looked up into his brown, handsome face.
He, too, had purple eyes and black hair, but his face had sharper features than his sister and his arms radiated with strength.
“Where’s Dali?” she asked, referring to his white wolf Companion; since they were twins, they had the same kind of Companion.
Kennan patted her cheek. “Don’t worry. She’s just sleeping on my bed. I assume Tssar is doing the same?”
“Hey, Sanji, good to see you again!”
The princess looked up to see Dunai pulling on the arm of Kennan’s friend, Rosko. Rosko was the same age as Kennan, and the two were mistaken for twins, except for the fact that Rosko had green, dancing eyes. His skin was brown, his hair black and messy, his arms and chest muscular. He, too, engulfed the princess in a smothering hug.
“Nice to see you, too, Rosko. It’s been a while.” Sanji pushed him away, laughing, and put an arm around Dunai’s shoulder. The little girl squirmed and shrugged out of the hold, anxious to ride.
“Let’s go! Belle’s waiting!” She pointed to a chestnut mare whose head was looking out the door.
Sanji smiled and walked over to her horse, the white stallion. He was a large and proud white stallion named Willow. He was muscular and strong, yet agile. He was fast and could jump, making him a perfect horse, except that he was white; he would be a beacon in a battlefield.
She patted him on the nose and he nuzzled her in the shoulder. Her grin widened and she walked to the tack room, Dunai trailing behind her. She found her saddle and bridle and was leaving the room when she collided with Rosko. He raised an eyebrow good-naturedly as she blushed and rushed to Willow’s stall. Sanji hurriedly tacked up her horse, pulling the cinch on the saddle tight and slipping the headstall over the stallion’s ears. Then, she pulled on her deer-skin riding gloves and led Willow out of the stable. By the time she had mounted up, the others were just finishing tacking up their horses. They led them out, and when Rosko laid eyes on her, he gave a low whistle.
“What?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
He shook his head as he mounted his red warhorse named Gasken. “You tacked up and mounted faster than anyone I’ve ever seen before.”
She bowed her head, eyes hardening. “Having to run for your life time and time again would surely drill that into your mind.”
Kennan glared at his friend then rode over to her and hugged her around the shoulders.
Rosko looked uncomfortable. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
Sanji said nothing, but kneed her horse into a canter as horrific images flooded her mind. Willow immediately complied and raced on down the road and through the gates, the others on his tail.
By the time Sanji pulled up on the reins, she was far ahead of everyone else and was deep into the woods. With a sob, she dismounted and sat down on a rock, images from her past flashing before her eyes.
She saw her red-haired friend named Robin telling her she had to go; Archine soldiers were after her. She saw herself mounting Soren and pulling Robin on after her, but then noticing that the girl was dead, riddled with arrows. She observed herself fighting soldier after soldier and killing soldier after soldier.
Sanji fell over, trembling, and Willow whickered uncertainly, tentatively nuzzling her shoulder. The last thing Sanji remembered was Tssar howling her name, then everything went black.
Chapter 4
When Sanji awoke, she was lying on the ground, Willow standing over protectively. She struggled to get up, grabbing a hold of the white stallion’s reins. With stiff legs, she mounted and leaned on the familiar warmth of the horse’s neck.
“Let’s go home, boy,” she whispered into his ear. The horse whinnied softly and began walking towards the direction of home. They rode for awhile, not stopping for anything, and when Sanji approached the palace gates, she saw Rosko and Kennan pacing worriedly in front of the gates.
Sanji, what happened? Tssar asked as he raced through the gates towards her. The boys waiting at the gates saw her Companion and ran after him, tunics whipping in the wind.
I’m tired. Tell them to go away, she muttered. When the teenage boys reached her, she straightened her back and kept Willow at a walk, pretending not to notice them.
“Sanji, what happened? You just disappeared.” Kennan rested a hand on her leg. “Please tell me,” he added in a whisper.
She shook her head, tears burning in her eyes, and Rosko grabbed her stallion’s reins.
“Sanji, we were worried sick about you. You have been gone for hours and Tssar wouldn’t tell us anything,” he hissed. “We thought you were dead.”
She glared at him. “Go away, Rosko.”
Rosko was about to say something when Kennan shook his head. “Rosko, I’ll talk to you later.” Even though he was upset, the boy knew a dismissal when he heard it. He bowed and ran ahead, his feet lifting up clouds of dust.
“Let’s go to your rooms, sister. We need to talk.” He grabbed Willow’s reins, led him through the gates, and handed him off to an awaiting groom. He pulled his sister out of the saddle, lifted her into his arms, and headed towards her quarters, Tssar trotting after him. He opened the doors to her rooms, shooed the ladies-in-waiting away, and set her on the bed. The boy sat next to her, putting an arm around her shoulders and letting her lean against him. Tssar hopped up beside Sanji and rested his head on her lap.
“Tell me what happened there, in Archine.”
Sanji looked up into her brother’s serious violet eyes. “I was a spy during my stay in Archine. I lived with a girl named Robin who also worked as a spy, but for the country of Swen. We helped each other gather information, and it was she who helped me retrieve that golden ball. I was beginning to pack in my quarters, preparing to leave, when she raced in, blood dripping from her arm. She was screaming, saying that they knew who we were and that we had to go.
“I slipped the ball into my tunic, grabbed her hand, and hurriedly tacked up Soren. I ran out of the stable with Soren and Robin. As we mounted, I heard Robin moan, and when I turned around, she was dead.” Sanji stopped, choking back tears. “I had no choice but to leave her. So I pushed her from the saddle and galloped towards the gates. But I was met with about thirty soldiers. I remember fighting for a long time, screaming for Tssar. Eventually, I was captured and dragged down to a prison.
“For some reason, they never searched me, otherwise they would have found the ball. But they never healed my wounds, so in the darkness, they festered and stung. It was agony.” She paused, searching her mind. Then, she continued in a whisper. “I also had no idea where Tssar was. I called and called, and he never answered. I thought he was dead.
“But one day, a strange woman came down to my cell, unlocked the door, and told me to follow her. I obediently followed, knowing if I resisted, she could hurt me. The woman led me down a hallway, always checking for people, and up a few flight of stairs until we were outside. Then, she told me to run to the stable, saddle my horse, and leave.
“I didn’t understand. I wondered if it was a trick, so I didn’t move. I guess she thought that I was in too much pain to go anywhere, so she healed the worst of my cuts with the magic that most people had there. After that, she left without ever turning back. So I ran to the stable, saddled Soren, and escaped. But not before a guard recognized me and sent an entire company after me.
“I rode for a long time, killing as many soldiers as I could. Then, Soren began to tire and the men were beginning to catch up. After three soldiers had caught up, and I had killed them, I called one last time for Tssar. This time he answered. He came to me and killed the rest of the soldiers. Then, I washed my new wounds, got water, and began the trek home.”
Her brother sat there, staring into space, his mind trying to make sense of all that happened to her. Then he shook his head and squeezed her shoulders. “Everything is okay now, though. So don’t worry,” he murmured gently.
She pulled away, vigorously shaking her head. “No, it’s not. Father and Kostos are dead.”
He stiffened and sighed. “You’re right, again.” He fell backwards on her bed. The two were silent until Kennan said, “And Rosko says he’s sorry for what he said. It came out before he thought about it.”
She nodded stiffly, fondling Tssar’s ears. “Tell him that I’ll be fine.” She got up and walked over to the window. “You’ll need to go now. I must change into my nightgown. I am tired.” With that, she shooed her twin out of the room, dressed herself for bed, pulled back the covers, and flopped on the bed. She was asleep within minutes.
Chapter 5
The next morning, having slept late, she called for her ladies-in-waiting, and asked them to dress her in her black mourning gown. One brown-haired teenager, named Thayel, flinched and looked up, surprise written on her face.
“Majesty, why your mourning gown?” she asked, eyes wide.
Sanji met her friend’s large, brown eyes with her piercing, violet ones. “King Hersken and Prince Kostos have been executed by the government of Archine.” A lady-in-waiting squeaked and almost tripped over the gown she was pulling out of the wardrobe.
“Prince Kostos, dead?” the woman asked, catching herself on the third lady-in-waiting. Sanji nodded, knowing that the young woman, Kostos’ betrothed, would be heartbroken. The teenager, named Kenalyn, was the daughter of the King’s Advisor, the highest position of a noble. The two had been born within a month of each other, and Sanji’s parents had decided the match would be perfect.
Thayel rushed over to help Desandra, the third lady-in-waiting, in comforting the crying, golden-haired girl.
“Kenalyn,” Sanji said softly. All three ladies-in-waiting looked up at the princess’ voice.
“Kenalyn,” she repeated gently, “you may go to your quarters and rest. I’m sure Desandra and Thayel will manage.” Just to make sure, she glanced at the other two who nodded.
Kenalyn curtsied. “My thanks to you, Princess Sanjiline, you are a kind soul.” She curtsied again and left, white satin dress whisking around her ankles.
Sanji turned to the other young women, an eyebrow raised. When they didn’t move, the princess called quietly, shaking them out of their reverie. “I still need my mourning gown, ladies.” The women gasped, quickly mumbled their apologies, and rushed to dress the princess.
Unlike her sisters, meaning Morgra and Morgana, Sanji was never cruel with her maids for she knew that were here to please and serve her, not to intentionally make her angry. She also knew that no matter how irritable they could sometimes make her, she knew they were humans, not draft animals.
“Milady?” Thayel whispered, shaking Sanji’s shoulder. “Sir Rosko is here to see you. Shall I show him in?”
The princess looked at the girl and at Desandra who was closing her door. “Fix my hair and then show him in, please. Desandra, tell him to wait.” With that, the violet-eyed spy strode over to her vanity desk, sat down, and waited for Thayel to attend her. The lady-in-waiting brushed her hair into an elaborate, braided bun and tied it with a black velvet tie. Then, she curled the small strands left by her temple into tiny, tight ringlets that framed her face. Finally, she stepped back with a satisfied sniff.
“There, milady, finished. Shall I tell Desandra to lead him in?”
“Yes, please, Thayel, and then leave, both of you.”
The girl nodded, gestured to the other girl who led Rosko in, and then both disappeared in a flurry of white satin.
The teenage boy walked in, his black snake Companion named Salassar curled around his arm. He bowed and then stood stiffly, Salassar flicking his forked tongue at her.
“Good evening, Rosko. I did not expect you.” Tssar jumped from the bed and walked to Sanji’s side, a silent protector.
The boy raised an eyebrow. “Is it such a ‘good evening’, as you said?” He rubbed his Companion’s head with a finger, then sighed. “Princess, may I sit?”
Tssar growled and his hackles rose, but the princess just nodded and sat at her desk. He mumbled his thanks and sat down on her bed.
“Princess, I’m sorry I reminded you that... I reminded you of where you’ve...” He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’m just really sorry.” He sighed and got up. “Well, that’s all I have to say. I suppose you’ll be wanting me to go now.”
The girl shook her head with a smile. “No, Rosko. It’s quite alright. You did not mean it, and I know that.” She bowed her head. “And I guess I overreacted.”
“Oh, no, of course not.” He sat back down, his green eyes solemn. “What you’ve been through... under your circumstances... The things you have had to do are horrifying, and getting upset because you were reminded of them is completely understandable. You’d have to be really strong to be able to face society again.”
Sanji nodded, fondling Tssar’s ears, and surprised herself by feeling tears roll down her cheeks. She wiped them off furiously with one hand, but not before Rosko noticed. He sighed and shook his head.
“If the missions bother you so much, why don’t you just quit?”
“Because,” she hissed, “that would give my mother much satisfaction.”
“Why?”
“She didn’t want me to become one of the Queen’s Own in the first place; she wanted me to be just like my sisters Morgana and Morgra. And she also thought that girls had no right to be spies, and expected me to come crying to her after my first mission.” She stopped, fists clenched. “So each time I come back, she’s surprised that I even made it back in the first place, and that I’m sane and whole.”
He crossed his arms, Salassar slithering to his shoulders. “That seems just like the queen, but I can’t say you don’t deserve it.”
“What do you mean?” she asked flatly, violet eyes narrowing.
He began to look uncomfortable. “Well... you know... she’s not from here... her country, it’s sort of...” Rosko sighed. “Sanji, the country where she came from expects female nobles to act dovelike for the men in the family; they’re expected to be well behaved and stay inside and sew and such.”
“So? Why does that mean I deserve her verbal abuse?”
“You’re acting in a way that infuriates someone of a higher rank, so you’re bound to receive criticism,” he replied, a little exasperated.
Tssar raised his lip menacingly, but did not move from the princess’ side. Human, you are right, but only in a few aspects.
Rosko started and gazed wide-eyed at Tssar. “Sanji,” he began in a soft voice, “Tssar’s talking to me. Companions never talk with anyone besides their Chosen.”
Well, human, you are wrong. He smirked. Just because someone else’s Companion hasn’t talked to you doesn’t mean they never do.
The boy nodded as Salassar hissed, tongue flicking in the wolf’s direction.
Tssar growled. I care not for what you have to say, Salassar. I’m only speaking to your Chosen to reprimand the ignorant human. He turned to Rosko. As I said, you are right in some aspects, but you are also wrong.
The queen is infuriated by her daughter’s actions, yes, but that does not grant her the right to believe that Sanji is not worthy of the same love and care she gives the other girls in the family. Am I right, boy?
Rosko stood still, staring at the wolf, his lips moving, but no sound was coming out. Finally, he uttered a word. “Yes.”
Sanji, who had been standing next to Tssar for the entire episode, sat down with a groan. “Why must you fight? It does not matter to me what her reasons are for she’ll continue doing it anyways.” She pressed her fingers to her temples; she had a headache. “You’re both right, okay? So get on with it.” Then, crossed her ankles and flitted her eyes to Rosko. “Now, Rosko, let us put this behind us, all right?”
He nodded in agreement and turned on his heel, striding towards the door. His hand was on the handle when he was struck with an idea.
“Sanji,” he began, “you, of course, know of the ball that shall be taking place tonight, right before our soldiers are leaving to the border?”
She looked up, eyes twinkling. “Yes? What about it?”
“Well... I was... well, wondering if you could...” Rosko’s voice trailed off, his cheeks growing slightly pink.
“If I could, what?” The girl’s eyes gleamed mischievously.
“Go to the ball with me.”
She said nothing and gazed at him, enjoying making him squirm with embarrassment. Finally, with a nod, she said, “Of course. I would love to go to the ball with you, Rosko.”
With a grin, Rosko walked over to her, and she sat with her hand outstretched. He gently grasped the hand and kissed the finger tips, and with a slight wave, was gone.
Once the boy had left, Sanji gave a sigh of relief and stood, smoothing her hair. Tssar stood also, muttering darkly to himself, but before they could reach the door, there came a knock.
“It is us, Morgana and Morgra,” an imperious voice called, a hand already turning the handle. “We request your presence.”
Sanji could have smacked herself; because she had forgotten to give formal greetings to her older sisters, they would waste time by lecturing her in the art of propriety and manners.
“Come in, if you wish,” she replied through gritted teeth.
The door opened before Sanji had a chance to finish her sentence and in walked the twins.
Morgana and Morgra were exact replicas of their mother. The women’s hair was pulled into tight buns, and their stormy blue eyes stared out frostily. Their skin was white, their nose slightly hooked, and their lips pale and thin. The two young women were dressed in long, flowing black gowns and black veils that hung over their faces. Each of them had white, dove Companions named Sanya and Sonya.
They curtsied, spreading their black skirts out.
“Greeting, sister, it has been a while,” Morgra said icily.
“Yet you forget to come see us.” Morgana added coldly, eyes narrowing.
“My sincerest apologies, sisters, I had to see the queen and then received the dreadful news about the recent deaths.” She halted, clenching her fists. “And I’m afraid Dunai needed me more than you did, seeing as she is much younger.” Beside her, Tssar growled softly and raised his hackles.
I do not like your sisters. They are too much like your mother.
Hush, Tssar, Sanji chided gently before turning her attention back to the twins.
“Is that so, Sanjiline?” Morgra replied, a hint of cold amusement in her voice.
“But you would think, as a possible heir, that you should begin practicing necessary formalities instead of going romping with your siblings and another boy?” Morgana asked, lips curling into a sneer. Sanji said nothing, and the twins exchanged triumphant smirks.
“Have you nothing in response, little sister? Here I was thinking that spies were clever and quick-witted, ready to come up with a lie in an instant.” Morgana laughed, eyes gleaming maliciously.
Morgra gave an un-ladylike snort. “I guess you were wrong.”
Sanji glanced at her sisters, a half-smile on her lips. “Sisters, come now, do you actually believe that I would waste precious brain cells coming up with a response for you?” At her sisters’ surprised faces, it was she who smirked. “I guess so. Now, if you don’t mind, I must go. You may stay here, if you wish. Your ladyships would probably find a little trinket to amuse themselves with.” With that, she swept out the door, Tssar trotting at her heels.
The girl walked down the hall, looking for Thayel and the other ladies. Finally, she heard some high-pitched giggling coming from a few rooms down, and when she knocked on the door, Thayel opened it, her bobcat Companion standing beside her. Sitting on her bed in the background was Desandra, her small sparrow Companion perching on her shoulder. And, sitting next to her, was Kenalyn, eyes red from crying and chipmunk Companion chattering quietly at her feet.
“Greetings, majesty,” she said, surprise flitting across her face. “What brings you to the lowly quarters of your ladies?”
Sanji raised a black eyebrow. “Are you not Thayel, Kenalyn, and Desandra, three of my favorite friends? If not, I’ll go, and I won’t tell you who’s taking me to the ball.”
The three ladies-in-waiting squealed and Thayel led the princess to her bed.
“Tell us everything!” Desandra ordered, black eyes sparkling. Sanji laughed and spilled her tale to her friends. Once all that had transpired had been told, Thayel jumped up excitedly. Her brown eyes sparkled and her lips, painted red, were raised in a smile. She threw her long brown hair over her shoulders and turned to face Sanji.
“We must choose what you are to wear,” she ordered firmly, her voice taking on a brisk tone.
Brown-skinned Desandra stood as well, pushing a strand of black hair behind her ear. “Yes, we must.” The two ladies did not move for a while, mentally going through the princess’ closet. Finally, they both let out small exclamations of satisfaction.
Desandra grabbed the princess’ hand as Thayel led the way out the room, golden-haired Kenalyn trailing behind. “You must where that new violet gown of yours,” the black-haired lady said promptly.
“But shouldn’t I continue to wear a mourning gown? Two of my family are dead, you know,” Sanji asked, confused.
Desandra turned to face the princess. “True, some of your family died, but only the queen has to continue her mourning, without stopping for anything, for three weeks. You, princess, do not have to wear black at gatherings. You only have to wear black for everyday wear for three weeks. So, no, you do not have to wear black tonight.”
Sanji still looked a little puzzled. “So the gown you’re talking about is the one I wore to meet the queen, right?”
Thayel chuckled as she opened the door to Sanji’s quarters and strode over to the closet. “No, silly, not that one, but the one that the tailor from Trester made.” Desandra dropped the princess’ hand and followed Thayel and Kenalyn into the small room. A few minutes later, the women came back out, carrying an extravagant violet dress. Sanji gasped.
The gown was a rich, beautiful violet silk with a voluminous skirt. The neck was low enough to be suggesting, but not enough to be revealing, and the sleeves, though very small, fell on the arms. On the sleeves were long, silver bows with a center of pearl. The waist of the dress was encrusted with tear-drop shaped pearls and had a corset made of ivory. The skirt had silver designs, with pearls, and on the side of the skirt, there was a small, silver wolf, representing her Companion.
The ladies looked at their mistress, eyes expectant.
“So what do you think?” Kenalyn asked.
Sanji put her hand over her heart. “It’s nice,” she said faintly.
The other young women laughed, beckoned to the princess, and led her to her bathing room. There they undressed her, flinching slightly at the sight of her tattoo, helped her into the steaming water, and began washing her long, rich black locks. After an hour of bathing, the princess stood, resembling a prune, and wrapped herself in the towel offered by the ladies.
As Thayel was drying Sanji’s hair, Kenalyn and Desandra were debating upon how to do her hair.
“A bun, encrusted with pearls, would go with the dress,” Kenalyn stated, stroking her Companion, named Dita, with a gentle finger.
“Yes, but is that classy enough for this sort of ball?” Desandra fiddled with her sleeve.
“Why don’t we braid her hair in small braids, and then pull them back into a bun?” Thayel asked as she rubbed down the princess’ hair.
“That takes too long. We haven’t much time.” Kenalyn looked up and Dita climbed onto her shoulder.
Desandra yawned, causing her Companion to fly off her shoulder with a flutter of wings. “We could do an extravagant braid and then, once it’s done, pin it back to where it starts.”
Kenalyn nodded, but Thayel looked unsure. “Her bangs would be too short to fit, though.”
Desandra sighed, somewhat exasperated. “That’s why they’ll be curled into ringlets.”
“I guess that’ll work,” Thayel said, hesitantly, taking the towel off Sanji’s head and giving it to her bobcat Companion.
“Good.” Kenalyn got up, grabbed Sanji’s arm, and led her to the vanity desk. The other ladies followed, whispering with each other.
Sanji, who knew absolutely nothing about hairstyles, had no idea of what they were doing; all she knew that whatever they were doing hurt. A lot. Her hair was pulled and twisted, yanked and coiled, sending needles of pain throughout her scalp.
Finally, the women pulled away, and Sanji was met with a sight to be seen. Her face was framed by long, black, tightly curled ringlets that fell to her collarbone. When she turned her head, she saw a loop of hair, braided, falling to her neck, and encrusted with pearls. On top of her head sat a silver tiara with diamonds and pearls embedded in the metal.
She turned to face her ladies who stood expectantly. “It’s wonderful,” she said breathlessly, “but won’t you need to take the tiara off to but my dress on?”
The ladies blushed.
“Oh, forgot about that.” Thayel reached out and slipped the crown into her hand. “Sorry, majesty.”
Sanji said nothing. The women quickly brought the dress over and slipped over her head, careful not to wrinkle the fabric or pull any threads loose. Once the gown was over her head and had settled on her body, the ladies-in-waiting tightened the corset, tied the strings on the front of her dress, straightened the skirt, and put on her tiara.
Once that was done, Desandra steered the princess back to the vanity desk saying briskly, “Now for your makeup, princess.”
The ladies painted her lips with a light pink, dusted her cheeks, and lined her eyes with silver paint. Then they draped her neck in pearls and chains, and put on her white, silk gloves with designs made of diamonds. Finally, the women stepped back to look upon their finished product.
“Very good, your majesty,” Thayel praised, circling Sanji like a hawk. “Every man at court will have their eyes on you.”
Sanji rolled her eyes as the other ladies giggled, plainly pleased with themselves.
“Now, princess, we shall brush Tssar and then you should head towards the staircase. Rosko will be awaiting you along with the rest of your family and their escorts,” Kenalyn added briskly as the ladies hurried towards the wolf Companion, brushes in hand. Tssar whined and turned his eyes to Sanji, hopeful.
Save me?
No way, you pussycat, be brave. Sanji heard him darkly mutter something in her mind, but he grudgingly allowed them to groom him. Once they had finished, he streaked towards the door, ready to leave.
“Goodbye, ladies. Try to enjoy yourselves while I’m gone.” The princess waved and left, following her Companion down the corridor.
Chapter 6
The hallways were dim, lit only by a few torches, making Sanji shiver; the prison she had been kept in looked just like this. But she shook off the feeling of dread and hurried on, looking forward to her night with Rosko.
After many minutes walking towards the grand staircase, the corridor opened up into a large chamber where a small group of people were waiting. Rosko and Kennan were standing closest to her, along with the woman her brother was escorting. Standing near the staircase with two bored-looking men were her sisters, Morgra and Morgana. And, finally, standing in-between the two small groups were the rest of her siblings, not including Dunai; two brothers, both older, named Marcus and Josar, and three sisters, one younger, two older, named Lalia, Pedni, and Zenya. All parties, of course, standing with their escorts or the ones they were escorting.
Sanji immediately walked up to Rosko who, upon seeing her, bowed deeply. The princess hid a smile behind her fan and turned her attention to her woman standing next to Kennan. She raised an eyebrow at her brother and he chuckled.
“This, my dear sister, is my friend. She goes by the name of Yalina.”
Yalina stepped forward and curtsied, eyes lowered respectfully. “My greetings to you, princess.”
“And to you, Yalina, for I expect you to keep my dear twin in line tonight,” she replied shrewdly, eyes fastened on the young woman’s face.
The lady had long, brown curls that tumbled down her shoulders and a beautiful red rose had been stuck behind her ear. She had large, brown eyes that sparkled mischievously and had been lined with black paint. She was dressed in a long, flowing pink gown that had a deep neckline. A white ermine Companion had wrapped around herself around her Chosen’s neck. Though she was rather plump, overall, Yalina was a very pretty woman.
Yalina laughed delightedly, turning to Kennan. “My, my, Kennan, you were right when you said your sister was protective of you. She seems unwilling to let you out of her sight!”
Kennan smiled sheepishly. “Well, you know me. Always getting into scrapes,” he said with a shrug and glanced over at his sister. “You look very pretty tonight, sister. If I wasn’t already escorting Lady Yalina, I’d—” He stopped as Sanji glared coldly at him, and he looked away with a chuckle.
Sanji sniffed and turned to Rosko, looking fine in his black velvet tunic. “You look nice.”
Rosko bowed deeply. “Thank you, princess.” Sanji hid a smile behind her fan for the second time; it was hard to keep a solemn face when in the company of Rosko.
“When do we enter?” Sanji asked, stroking Tssar’s head and raising an eyebrow.
Kennan shrugged as he Yalina placed her palm on his arm. “I have no idea. I thought I’d just enter once Morgra and Morgana left; they are so perfect when it comes to these things.”
“Yes, but it seems they’ve got the ugliest gentlemen at court,” snickered Yalina, gesturing in the direction of the two prim princesses.
“I quite agree,” Sanji said, smirking at her sisters’ bored expressions. The men they were with, though rich and influential, being sons of dukes, they were not very smart, nor handsome, in the slightest.
Rosko said nothing, but, instead, cocked his head and gazed at the twin sisters’ escorts. Finally, he gave a crooked smile. “They look as though they are in the company of short, leafless trees.” The friends laughed out loud, receiving reproving glares from Morgra and Morgana.
“Is mother coming?” Kennan asked. “I didn’t know if she would, seeing as her favorite son is dead.”
Sanji’s expression became solemn. “I don’t know. If it had just been Father who was killed, she’d come, but seeing as Kostos was killed, I’m doubtful she’ll show.”
Yalina stared. “You mean she did not care for her husband at all?”
The princess shook her head. “No. My mother viewed Father as an object keeping her from the throne. Their relationship was one expected of mere acquaintances.”
“That’s horrible,” Yalina gasped, pink lips parted in a look of shock. “What went wrong?”
Rosko, who had said nothing throughout the conversation, finally spoke up, stroking his Companion on the head. “My father told me what happened a while ago, and he said that neither of them really wanted to marry. In fact, if it weren’t for the treaty being proposed between Emeden and Queen Imajane’s country, they wouldn’t have been married.
“The two had met at the ball welcoming the princess and her advisors from the country of Swansey. They had nothing in common, and, in fact, had argued bitterly throughout the night. From that point on, they only acknowledged each other by the restraints of propriety.” Rosko looked at the ground, still stroking his Companion. He continued in a softer voice. “When the news came of the two having to marry, Princess Imajane and King Hersken accepted, but still disliked each other.
“Thankfully, by the time the wedding came around, the pair had learned to tolerate each other. For the few months after the wedding, the king tried his best to keep her happy, but his consort was never content and had constant affairs with others at court. Finally, King Hersken approached her saying that if she did not begin to behave herself, he would have her thrown into the dungeons.
“She argued saying that that would be breaking the treaty, though she knew that Emeden, though small, still outnumbered Swansey. But, after a year of bitter arguments, something came over Imajane and she became loyal to King Hersken. Soon after, Kostos was born, and for years after, other heirs were born, but the relationship still had the air of being forced.”
For a while, no one said anything and stared at the floor. Finally, a herald dressed in white appeared, halting the buzz of conversation echoing around them.
“Will the eldest child of the royal family step forward,” he called. When Morgra and Morgana approached him, escorts tailing behind, the herald pointed them to the stairs. As they began descending the staircase, he shouted out their names. “Princesses Morgra and Morgana with their escorts Sir Quency and Sir Noblen.”
And so it proceeded until, finally, Kennan and Sanji were called. They began to descend the staircase, the ladies hands resting on the escorts’ arms, and the herald announced their presence. “Prince Kennan escorting the Lady Yalina and Princess Sanji with her escort Sir Rosko.”
When they had come down the staircase, they were met with a sight. People, mostly soldiers, were standing in their best livery and looking at the royal family coming towards them. The large room had been decorated with Emeden’s colors, silver and blue, and the country’s flag, a silver bear on a blue background, was hung on each wall. Servers, with large, silver platters carrying food and drink, wove in-between nobles and soldiers, delivering delicacies to everyone.
Yalina gave a soft gasp and put a hand to her heart. “It’s beautiful,” she breathed, her large brown eyes roving the room.
“Yes, it is, isn’t it?” Sanji replied out of the corner of her mouth as they reached the dais where her older siblings sat. They took their seats, Kennan and Sanji in the middle, and waited for the rest of the royal family to arrive.
Once all of the royal children had sat down, everything went absolutely quiet. The herald descended the staircase, accepted a long horn from the outstretched hand of a page, and stood facing the royal dais.
“Citizens of Emeden, your majesty Queen Imajane Gortesky fa Forencay.” The herald then played a long series of loud notes, and there, appearing at the top of the staircase, was the queen.
She was dressed all in black and looked more imposing than ever. Her practically white skin clashed with the long, flowing, black gown and the black veil that hung from her pale hair. She wore no jewelry or makeup, except for three black teardrops painted onto her cheeks and a black, metal ring around her head. The only colorful thing on her body was a bright red ribbon, representing blood, wrapped around her right arm and the white cat Companion lying in the crook of her arm.
When she reached the bottom of the staircase, everyone in the room either bowed or curtsied, and the queen forced a smile. “Greetings, my people, it has been a while since our last ball.” She stopped and looked around the room. “As you know, this ball is being held to say farewell to all of the brave soldiers heading out to the border to defend their country. They will be staying there until either the enemy surrenders or if we have to surrender.”
Dark muttering echoed throughout the room in response to this statement. Queen Imajane looked abashed. “My people, do not get me wrong! I, of course, do not believe that we’ll lose. In fact, I’m quite certain we’ll be sending the Archine soldiers running for the hills, tails tucked between their legs!” She raised a pale hand and a hush fell over the room. “But to do that, all of us must be willing to fight to the death.” With that, the queen strode towards the dais where her children sat.
She quickly took her seat on the golden throne in the middle of her children. She folded her hands in her lap and looked down the line of princes and princesses. Then, she gazed down at her people. “Let the ball begin!”
The soldiers and nobles immediately dispersed to the walls as the princes and princesses led their partner down to the middle of the room and prepared to dance.
As Sanji put her hands on Rosko’s shoulders, she stared into his sparkling green eyes. He smiled and put one hand on her waist and the other on her shoulder.
“You worried?” he whispered into her ear.
She blushed and shook her head, looking down at her feet. Then, the music started and she was twirling around the floor.
“So, you look tired,” he stated, gazing into her eyes.
She smiled ruefully. “I did just come home yesterday after spending six months in an enemy country and having to run for my life over treacherous landscape. I think that may explain some things.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Indeed.” They were silent until the music stopped and Rosko led her to the wall. He flagged down a server and handed her a drink. She took a sip and looked at Rosko over the rim of her glass.
“You look weary too.”
He sighed and looked away, staring unseeingly at the twirling skirts of the women on the dance floor. “My father, as you know, is getting rather old, and ill. It seems he wants me to take on the responsibility of being the Duke of Msnihime after he has gone.” He sighed again. “But I don’t want it. I don’t want to feel that I’ve got to stick in one place for the rest of my life. I want to travel far and wide, but I can’t do that if I’m a duke.”
Sanji gazed at him and set down her glass on the windowsill. “No, I suppose you cannot. Have you considered talking to him about your desires?”
“No. I figured it would break his heart.”
“I bet if you explained things carefully, he would be okay with it and just go with one of your other brothers.”
“The problem is which one? Most of my brothers are huge money spenders that do not care at all about the peasants.”
She pondered that question. “What about Ponjo? He’s responsible enough.”
“I guess he’s a possibility, but I’m afraid Father’s heart is set on me.”
Sanji was about to reply when a voice called her name.
“Princess Sanji! It’s been too long!”
Sanji turned around. It was one of her friends; Zana, daughter of the Earl of Ynikiniv.
“Zana! Hello! It’s nice to see you again. Rosko, this is Lady Zana, daughter of my uncle. Zana, this is Sir Rosko, son of the Duke of Msnihime.”
Zana said nothing, but her blue eyes hardened.
“Greetings, Lady Zana. I believe both of us agree it has not been long enough,” he said icily.
She nodded curtly and turned to Sanji. “I’m sorry, I’ll talk to you later. We have much to catch up on.” And, with that, she turned on her heel and stormed away, orange skirts swishing around her ankles. Sanji saw her friend join up with her older brother, Prince Josar, and quickly lead him onto the dance floor. Soon, all that could be seen of her was a twirling orange dress and brown hair.
“What was that about?” she asked suspiciously without looking at him. She heard him sigh.
“Sanji, Zana Relevan is related to me. We, meaning our families, have hated each other since my great-great-great-grandfather, Duke Elshun, became the Duke of Msnihime.” He stopped, shaking his head ruefully. “The duke before Elshun had left no heirs, so the king was left to choose the next duke. He chose Elshun instead of Elshun’s brother, Tevelus, who became an earl. Their descendants have hated each other ever since.”
Sanji nodded in understanding; a feud between family could last forever, especially if they were over titles. “So that’s why she hates you?”
“Yes,” he replied, glancing over at her with narrowed eyes. “Are you her friend?”
She stepped back, as if struck, and ran into the windowsill. “What does that mean?” she asked hotly.
“I mean, I don’t know if my family would be happy if I was around someone who was a friend of a Relevan.”
Tssar growled softly at her feet; he had come over after staying on the dais while they were dancing. Salassar hissed in reply, forked tongue flicking in the wolf’s direction.
Meanwhile, Sanji looked up at her escort with shock written all over her face. “What do you mean?”
“You clearly know what I mean. Either be friends with her and not me, or the opposite. You decide,” he said, eyebrows knit in frustration.
She shook her head in dismay. “Rosko, I thought I knew you.”
“But you do!” he spluttered, moving towards her.
She stepped away, eyes blazing coldly. “No, Rosko, I didn’t. I never suspected that you could be so shallow.”
His eyes hardened. “I should have known a friend of a Delevan would say that. You are unworthy of the respect I give and I should not have wasted my time taking you here tonight.”
She gasped and Tssar snarled loudly, fur bristling. “How could you say that?”
He gave a mocking smile. “You are just like them; clueless of the hate stored within me and expecting me to worship your presence.”
Sanji raised her head, violet eyes gazing cruelly at him. “You have gone too far. I have never expected you to worship my presence, and if I was clueless of your ‘stored hate’, then it was because you never trusted me enough to tell me before.” She turned to leave, but he grabbed her shoulder.
His fingers tightened as he spun her around. “Do not blame this on me, you worthless girl. I-“ Rosko stopped, pure fury filling his eyes. “I am glad your father is dead. It will make you realize how it feels to have a parent torn from you so young.”
Sanji stared at him as Tssar snarled menacingly and took a step towards the boy and his poisonous Companion. “How dare you say that?” she hissed, eyes filling with tears. “How could you be glad that I am filled with pain?” Then, without looking back, she stormed out of the ballroom.
Chapter 7
Sanji sat on her bed, tears rolling down her cheeks. Meanwhile, Tssar lay next to her, golden eyes soft and affectionate.
Little one, do not cry. He was cruel, yes, but he was also following what his family has felt for generations. You cannot blame him entirely for how he acted.
Sanji clenched her fists. But you snarled at him. I thought you were on my side.
He laid back his ears and licked her arm. I growled at him because his comments after he told you the story were unnecessary and malicious.
Yes, she replied, stroking his ears. Why couldn’t he have accepted that we were good friends long before he knew I was acquainted with Zana?
He sighed ruefully. Youngling, as I said before, his family has been fighting each other for generations. Members of his family have been killed, including his mother.
Sanji gasped. That’s how Duchess Balon died?
Yes. She was killed by a Relevan while out riding her horse. They found her body on their doorstep the next morning with a note of explanation around her throat and her Companion pawing at the body.
So that’s what he meant when he said the thing about having a parent torn away from him.
Yes.
She narrowed her eyes. But how do you know all this about his mother’s death?
Sanji, Companions can communicate without seeing each other. Her Companion contacted me before she went mad.
Why did she go mad?
Tssar looked away, eyes gazing unseeingly into the distance. Usually, neither the Companion nor the Chosen last long after the other dies; they typically go mad.
Her eyes widened. That’s horrible!
Yes, it is.
Sanji bowed her head and fondled his ears. So, where is she now?
Something in Tssar’s eyes dimmed. She’s dead.
Her head snapped up. Why? Aren’t Companions immortal unless killed?
Tssar nodded sadly. Precisely.
But-
She told me to tell the Duchess’ family to kill her. She did not want to live after her Chosen was dead.
So, what did you do?
I told them, and they killed her, but she felt nothing. She died in honor. His eyes grew dimmer. She was a magnificent creature and I was proud to call her my friend.
Sanji said nothing. Instead, she got up and walked over to the window, gazing out at the majestic mountains that ran along the border. She heard a voice calling her name, but still did not turn from the window. Someone pounded on the door, but she did not open it.
Finally, the door blew open and Rosko stepped in, breathing heavily.
“Where have you been?” he murmured, eyes filled with anxiety. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”
Then, he was pushed away by a copper hand and Kennan rushed in, his white wolf Companion standing majestically at his side. “What did you say to her?” he asked, eyes narrowed angrily.
Still, Sanji did not turn from the window. “I would like to be left alone,” she stated, tears stinging her eyes. She heard someone protest, but soon, the door clicked closed, and she felt it safe to turn around. But there, sitting on her bed, was Rosko.
“I need to explain why I said what I said,” he declared.
Sanji turned back around. “No, do not waste your time explaining things to the unworthy friend of a Delevan.”
“Sanji,” he began, voice sounding a bit irritated, “I need to talk to you.”
“No,” she repeated frostily. “And if you do not leave this room, I shall set Tssar against you.” She turned to face him, a cruel half-smile on her face. “And you know what Companions can do when they’re angry.”
His face conveyed his shock. “Sanji,” he breathed, voice shaking. Then, he pivoted on his foot and walked to the door. Right when he was about to slam it shut, Sanji heard his voice one more time.
“Sanji.” Then, the door closed and Rosko was no more.
Chapter 8
The next day, after being shaken awake by her ladies, Sanji was dressed in her black mourning gown and was heading downstairs to meet with her mother; the queen had something urgent to say.
She walked into a small room, and there, sitting in a black chair by a fireplace, was the queen. Sanji immediately curtsied and took her seat, eyebrows raised.
Her mother gazed back at her, pale eyes stony. “Sanjiline, I have another mission for you.”
Sanji said nothing but pursed her lips into a thin, white line. Her mother noticed and a shadow of a triumphant smile danced across her lips.
“Or, shall I give it to someone who is more able than you, my dear daughter?”
The princess narrowed her eyes. “No, majesty, I’d be more than willing to take this mission. What is it that you want me to do?”
The queen looked at her daughter, eyes calculative. Then, she gave a quiet sniff and stood, staring into the fire. “Sanjiline, I wish for you to travel to where Archine has camped its soldiers. There, you shall rise in the ranks and gather information.” Queen Imajane halted and turned her stormy eyes away from the fire. “And, as you are rising, kill anyone who gets in your way.”
Sanji stood quickly. “I will do as you ask, my queen.”
“Yes, you will, but,” the queen’s eyes ran up her daughter’s body, taking in her appearance, “we shall have change your looks slightly; just enough so they won’t recognize you.”
Sanji curtsied and was about to leave when she felt a claw-like hand on her shoulder.
“You are leaving early tomorrow morning. You shall tell your ladies to cut your hair, pierce your ears a few more times, and to get a mage to change your eye color.” She nodded curtly. “That should do it. Now go and prepare.” The queen waved her daughter off and Sanji stumbled out the door, dismay filling her mind.
Tssar, what will I do?
Her Companion whimpered softly. Little one, you’ll be fine. Just trust your instincts and listen to me now and again.
Sanji chuckled and headed off to her quarters. When she opened the door, Thayel, Desandra, and Kenalyn were waiting on her bed, talking with each other. They looked up as she entered, leapt off the bed, and curtsied hurriedly before her.
“Ladies,” she began, eyes dull, “I need you to cut my hair short and to pierce my ears several more times. Then, once you have finished with that, get a mage to change my eye-color. All that is necessary for tomorrow.” With that, she strode over to her vanity desk and sat down as the ladies began to swarm around her.
A few minutes later, the ladies pulled away, and there, staring back at her in the mirror was the new Sanji. Her hair had been cut to her chin and multiple earrings dangled from her ears. She looked different, yes, but she doubted it would be enough to throw off the guards.
“Princess, the mage is coming and she asks what color you wish your eyes to be,” Thayel called as she began stuffing Sanji’s discarded locks into a bag.
“Tell her I want them to be the easiest color to have. I couldn’t care less what my eyes looked like,” she sniffed, rubbing her Companion’s ears.
An hour passed, and the mage had come and left, leaving Sanji with eyes roughly the same color as ice. She hurriedly stood, stretched, and pulled out a bag from under her bed. Then, she started piling in a few sets of clothes fit for traveling, a sheathed dagger, a small ivory comb, and a few leather ties for her hair.
After packing, she lugged the bag to her door and headed out, having to meet with a groom about her horse. But before she could make it down the stairs, a servant stopped her in the corridor.
“Princess Sanjiline, Sir Rosko has asked to see you. He is in the observatory on the north tower.” With that, the servant rushed away.
Sanji moaned and slumped against the stone wall. She had no wish whatsoever to see Rosko at the moment. In fact, she had hoped to leave without seeing him.
Tssar licked her hand soothingly. You do not have to go, youngling, though I’d advise you to.
Sanji narrowed her eyes. I thought you were on my side.
Well, yes, but he is the son of a powerful duke, and it would not be smart to offend them.
She moaned and continued on her way down to the stables. She hurriedly met with the groom and clarified on how her horse was doing and how she should pace him. Afterwards, she talked to her ladies-in-waiting about what story they should tell about the princess’ whereabouts. When that was finished, it was time to say goodbye to her friends at court.
First, she knocked on the door of her friend Zana. The door opened, and a short, plump woman stood there, eyebrows raised quizzically.
“How may I be of service to you?” she asked hotly, barricading the door.
Sanji gave a half smile. “I am Princess Sanji here to talk to Lady Zana. Is she here?”
The woman, after giving a look of total dismay, bowed over and over again, ignoring Sanji’s requests for her to stop. Then, a soft voice called from inside the room.
“Mildred, you may go now and take a break. I must talk to my friend in private.” The old woman quickly left, bowing as she walked, and Sanji walked in, closing the door behind her.
“Hey.” Sanji sat down next to her friend on the bed.
“Hey,” she replied, blue eyes solemn, but they brightened as they lighted on her friend’s new appearance. “What have they done to you?”
“My mother ordered it.” Sanji did not continue, not wanting to tell Zana she was leaving after just getting back.
Silence smothered them like a heavy blanket. The two stood, without moving, just gazing into each other’s eyes.
“How’d the rest of your night go with...” Zana halted, wringing her hands, “with Sir Rosko?”
“Not so good,” Sanji said with a sigh. “I left a few moments after I saw you.”
“Oh.” The girl played with her brown curls. “I’m sorry.” Then, she stood and walked to the window. There she reached out an arm, covered with leather, and within a matter of seconds, a barn owl Companion landed on the outstretched limb. The owl then raised a leg where a pouch was attached. Zana opened the pouch and took out a tightly rolled scroll.
“Aren’t owls supposed to be asleep during the day?” Sanji asked, falling back on the bed.
Zana’s lips twitched. “Yes, but she was delivering an important message to my father, weren’t you, Noora?”
The owl nodded, nibbled on her Chosen’s ear, and flew into a dark room to the left of the window. Zana turned her gaze back out the window, placing her palms on the sill. “Sanji, I heard about your argument, and it’s my fault. I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault,” she replied flatly. “He did not have to respond as he did.”
“True.” The girl was silent for a while, grinding her teeth. Then, she spun around to stare at her friend. “Sanji, it pains me to say this, but I could have been more polite to him yesterday, and I’m sorry I wasn’t. I’m afraid I ruined things for you.”
Sanji said nothing as her friend bowed her head and faced the window again.
Youngling, you must tell her you’re going. If you leave tomorrow without telling her, she may not forgive you.
Sanji stood, walked over to Zana, and put an arm around the girl’s shoulder. “Zana, I must tell you something.”
“What is it?”
She gulped. “I’m leaving tomorrow morning. I probably won’t see you for a long time. Or, if I fail...” Sanji didn’t finish her sentence.
Zana just gaped, pink lips trembling. “Is that why they cut your hair and changed your eyes like that?”
“Yes. They also pierced my ears several times; my mother wants me to look like some tough mercenary, not a pampered princess.”
“Why are you going again? You just got back!”
“My mother has decreed it, and whatever the queen says goes,” Sanji replied heavily, pulling away from Zana and heading towards the door. “I’m sorry I must leave so soon after seeing you, but I must prepare.” Her hand was on the handle when something hit her from behind.
“I’ll miss you, Sanji,” Zana whispered into her ear, hugging the princess fiercely. “Don’t get yourself killed. I need you.” With that, she pushed her friend out the door and closed it.
Sanji could hear her friend sobbing from within her quarters. Immediately, her heart sunk and her now-green eyes filled with tears. She shook her head angrily and strode on, preparing herself for the rest of the goodbyes to her friends at court.
A few hours, Sanji returned to her quarters, emotionally drained, and sat at her desk. She laid her cheek against the cool, hard wood, and closed her eyes, enjoying the simple pleasure. But her reverie was interrupted by a knock on her door. With a groan, the princess stood and walked over to admit the guest. When she opened it, there stood her brother, eyes widened in shock upon seeing her appearance.
“What did they do to you, sister?” he asked, worried. “And why?”
She sighed. “I’m leaving tomorrow; another mission for the queen.”
He sighed, violet eyes still taking in her appearance. “You’re hair is short, you have about seven more holes in your ears, and your eyes have been changed from violet to pale blue. I know you have a mission, but why the disguise?”
“I’m wandering straight back into the hands of the enemy. I have had my looks changed because I am a runaway and they’ll likely have signs for my capture up all around.”
“What about your horse, Willow? There aren’t many people who go around riding white horses.”
“The mages are currently working on changing his coat so he’ll have grey fur.”
“And Tssar? No one has a wolf sidekick.”
Tssar growled. Tell him I’m not a sidekick.
She chuckled. You talk to him yourself if you’re so inclined.
Then, Sanji looked up, gazing out her window. “The mages will also be changing his coat to grey. Brother, everything is in order to ensure my safety. I’ll be fine.”
Kennan bowed his head. “When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow morning. I’ll say goodbye to you then, okay?”
Her twin turned around so she wouldn’t see the tears leaking out of his eyes. “Fine,” he replied, voice cracking slightly. And, without looking back, he left, slamming the door behind him.
Chapter 9
Kennan walked down the hallway, Dali at his heels. He sharply turned a corner and ran into a servant carrying a pile of blankets. He murmured his apologies and rushed on, determined to speak to his mother. He spun around another corner, ran up a flight of stairs to his mother’s quarters, and knocked on the door.
“Who is it?” a light, piping voice called.
“Prince Kennan. Let me in,” he ordered sharply.
The door immediately opened and a small, meek maid stood there, brown curls falling down her shoulders. “Her royal highness says she will see you, though she is not pleased about.”
“I couldn’t care less,” he muttered darkly as he shoved her aside and stormed inside. “Mother!” he cried, eyes cold. “I have an important matter to discuss with you.”
“What is it, my son,” an icy voice asked, turning Kennan’s gaze to a desk. “Why must you speak to me?”
“Why are you sending Sanji away again?” he asked frostily, eyes narrowed. “She just got back.”
“My son, please, calm down. She does not need to go.”
“Really?” he said doubtfully.
“Yes, she may stay if she chooses to leave the Queen’s Own.”
He stiffened, eyes flashing, as Dali snarled by his side. Luna hissed back from her place on the queen’s lap.
“Mother, you know she will never do that,” he stated coldly, restraining his Companion with a gentle hand on the head.
Queen Imajane raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Are you sure? You seem pretty convinced she’s beginning to tire. Maybe you should uphold your duty as her brother and keep her from going?”
Dali’s hackles raised, and she raised a lip in silent growl. Don’t let her manipulate you like this. You are doing the right thing, confronting your mother, but you shouldn’t keep your sister from going.
At his Companion’s words, the prince raised his head defiantly. “I shall not tell her to stay; she would believe I think her weak. No, I shall tell her to continue her work as one of the best spies you have.” With that, he spun on his heel and stormed out of the room, Luna spitting at his back.
Meanwhile, Sanji was taking her time in getting to the north tower. After seeing that the mages were done changing Tssar’s coat color, she had led them to her horse. After an hour or so, they had changed Willow’s coat as well, and had left. Now, she was going to meet with Rosko, four hours after the message had been recieved.
When she finally arrived, Rosko was standing with his back to her, gazing unseeingly at the landscape.
“You sent for me,” she said coldly. The teenager spun around and met her icy gaze, widened eyes taking in her new appearance.
“What have they done to you?” he asked softly, stepping towards her. “You look like a total stranger.”
“That is the point,” she replied, sidestepping him and walking over to the window.
“What do you mean by that?”
“I am leaving tomorrow. Early.”
“Why?” He leaned his long body against a wall. “Why are they sending you away again?”
“My mother has another thing for me to complete. Now, if you don’t mind, I must go. I need to speak with the groom about the care of my horse.” The princess turned to go when a hand grasped her shoulder and spun her around.
“Listen here, girl. You are taking this way too far,” he snarled, green eyes blazing.
Tssar rumbled menacingly beside her and raised his hackles, golden eyes narrowed into hostile slits. Don’t let him intimidate you, youngling. It’s all a show.
Then why are you growling?
It’s my way of telling him I don’t like the game he’s playing.
Sanji struggled out of the boy’s grasp. “How am I taking this too far? You said you were glad my father was dead,” she said, voice deadly calm.
Rosko stepped back. “I said things I did not mean to say. I was angry because you wouldn’t understand how the Relevans have completely ruined my life.” He stopped and turned his face away. “They killed my mother,” he whispered.
Sanji fought the urge to comfort him. “No matter how sad your tale may be, it is not Zana’s fault. She did not choose to be born into that family. It just happened. You cannot blame her for her family’s past actions.”
Rosko did not reply immediately, but appeared to be turning that over in his mind. Finally, he looked up. “You are right, but you are wrong. Though she cannot be blamed for the past actions of her family, she still continues the tradition of hatred. You saw how she reacted when she saw me. Did she seem happy?”
This time, it was Sanji who did not reply. She thought about what he had said, and saw he was right. But still, Zana had been taken by surprise, and who could blame her for acting as she did? Since she was a toddler, she had probably heard stories about the horrible doings of Rosko’s family, the Konjine.
“No, she did not. But, would you hate someone that you had been taught since birth to do so?”
“That is not the point. She didn’t have to act as she did!”
“No, she didn’t, but arguably, you acted the same way she did,” she replied tightly, patience drawing thinner by the second.
“I, however,” he hissed, stroking his Companion, “had a reason to react so. They killed my mother.”
Sanji groaned. “It is no use. Your arguments just go around in circles. Besides, I have better things to do than argue with you, Sir Rosko.” Then, she pivoted on her heel and strode out of the room, nose held proudly in the air. She heard Rosko call her a series of names and a clatter of metal. But still, she would not turn back, and the darkness of the corridors soon swallowed her.
Chapter 10
Then next morning, Sanji was shaken awake by Thayel before the sun had even showed its face. The ladies helped her to bathe and get dress in the black garbs of a spy. Then, they pulled her hair back and pinned it, for the last time.
After they were done, Sanji bade farewell to the tearful women, telling them she would be back before they knew it. Then, she headed downstairs, wiping the tears from her eyes.
When she walked into the courtyard, a groom awaited her, the reins of her stallion in hand. Standing beside the stallion was Dunai, Kennan, and Zana.
She quickly hugged Zana, telling her to try and have fun while she was gone. Her friend said nothing, but kissed the princess on the cheek and stepped back, tears streaming freely from her eyes.
When she reached Dunai, Sanji’s heart wrenched at her little sister’s look of utter dismay.
“Why do you have to go, Sanji? I’ll miss you,” the little girl sobbed as she buried her face in her sister’s shoulder.
“Mother has sent me to do an important job,” she replied gently squeezing her sister. “Now be strong for Kennan; he’ll need it.” The little girl giggled quietly and stepped back, sucking vigorously on her thumb.
Now for the hardest goodbye of all. She towards her twin and he engulfed her in a smothering hug. “Sister, you mustn’t do this. Mother’s trying to get you killed,” he murmured into her ear.
“I know, which is why I’m going to come back alive,” she whispered soothingly, giving her twin a hard squeeze. “Look after Dunai for me."
She stepped back and walked over to her horse, strapping her bags onto the saddle. When she was ready to mount, a hand tapped her shoulder and she turned. The groom was holding something in his outstretched hand.
“Princess, this is a map that shows the way to the army. That trail is marked in red. The ones in blue are detours in case the main trail is blocked. Good luck.”
Sanji nodded and mounted up, tucking the map into her tunic. Tssar stood beside Willow, tail lashing back in forth. Sanji gave one last farewell, wheeled her horse, and kicked him sharply in the sides. The horse trotted through the gates, Tssar right behind, and Sanji raised a hand to the loved ones she was leaving behind. Then, the gate closed, and they were gone.
Sanji rode steadily, stopping now and again to let Willow drink or Tssar rest. At night, she took her bow and arrow to go hunting, and usually came back with a nice, plump rabbit to share with Tssar. She would rise early the next morning, hunt again, and keep the remnants in her saddlebag for lunch in the saddle.
She met very few people on her trip; she rode on less traveled paths to draw less attention to herself. But when she saw someone, she nodded politely and grinning slightly at the traveler’s shocked look when he saw Tssar.
And so it passed for two weeks; rising early, riding until dusk, hunting, and then setting up camp. Though it was a rather dreary routine, Sanji reveled in it knowing that pretty soon she would have to be on edge continuously.
The night before she would reach Archine’s camp, Sanji went to bed early, wanting to be ready for her first day of role-play. She was to become Ookami, a hard, well-trained mercenary from the country of Bazen with a bloody past.
That night, the crickets chirped and the stars shined through the gaps in the trees. She rolled out her bed-pad and laid it next to the fire. With a content sigh, she snuggled inside of it as Tssar made himself comfortable on her stomach. Sanji fell asleep within minutes.
She slept fitfully, dreaming of being captured and being forced to spill the secrets of Emeden. She dreamed of Zana and Tssar being struck down in front of her. She dreamed she was falling into a dark abyss, screaming. Her last dream, however, was unlike the others.
Sanji stood in a copse of trees. The stars above shined brightly and a slight breeze blew her hair from her shoulders. All of a sudden, several stars from above began moving and morphed into the shapes of two, shining wolves. They leapt delicately from the sky and landed in front of her.
“We are Dziban,” they said in unison. “We have come to warn you.”
Sanji said nothing. She just gazed warily into their empty, glittering eyes.
“No need to be afraid. We just need to talk with you,” they said.
“Do you always talk together like that?” The question came out of her mouth before she realized it. But instead of offending them, the two just nodded, glistening tails swishing.
“We are the child of the wolf God and Goddess named Adar and Mihri. Come.” Dziban flicked their tail, walked out of the copse and onto a riverbank. Then, they walked up the river until they reached a large, mirror-like pool. Dziban turned to Sanji. “Look into the pool.”
Sanji immediately obeyed and gazed into the pool. Then, right before her eyes, the pool lit and began showing scenes. First, it showed Queen Imajane slumped in her throne, a black arrow stuck in her throat. Then, it showed the Queen’s Advisor handing the crown to Morgra before a crowd of applauding nobles. Then, the picture changed to show Morgra sitting on the throne, laughing as a young woman was dragged away in chains.
Sanji gasped, but already the picture was changing. This time, it showed Morgra watching worriedly from a window as Emeden’s army clashed with the soldiers of Archine inside the walls of the capital. Then, again, the picture shifted to show Morgra and Sanji’s other siblings being led away in chains by Archine soldiers, and then the pool went back to normal.
Sanji looked up, trembling. “Emeden lost,” she croaked, tears leaking out of her eyes.
Dziban shook their head. “No, not yet. But if you do not act, Emeden will fall.”
“But how?” she cried, aghast. “I’m nineteen! I can’t halt a war!”
“You can, if you go about it the right way.”
“Don’t talk to me in riddles,” she snapped.
Dziban stared calmly at her, clearly at ease. “You must figure out who is responsible for smuggling the soldiers into the city. But first, you must sent word that the queen is in danger of being assassinated, and quickly. You do not know when she was killed when you saw her in the pool.” They stopped, glittering eyes staring up into the sky. “We must go. Good luck, for now, Sanjiline. We will visit you again soon.” With that, they jumped into the sky and Sanji felt herself falling.
With a yelp, she sat up, pushing Tssar from her stomach. He growled irritably and shook himself, glaring at her with his blazing golden eyes.
What now? he grumbled.
Have you heard of Dziban?
He glanced at her with calculative eyes. Yes, but how would you know about them. They, and their siblings and parents, are only known to wolves.
They visited me in my dream. Then, she told him all of what had occurred in her dream. Throughout, he sat stock-still, head cocked and nose twitching. When she was done, Tssar shook his head and stood with a yawn.
Youngling, never ignore a dream where a god of any shape or form appears in it. He stopped and gazed into the sky. I’ll send word to Dali. She’ll tell Kennan who will tell the queen, if she is not already dead. He turned away and disappeared into the woods, tail held high.
Sanji sighed and began to pack up camp. She was just untying Willow when Tssar trotted back into camp, tongue lolling happily.
Phase one is complete. The queen is still alive and is miffed that she had to rely on you to save her life.
Typical, she muttered darkly.
Tssar nodded and continued. Kennan and Dunai send their love and hope you are well. That is all. We must start on.
