Princess of Death (Three Provinces Book 1) (9 page)

A brand, no wonder it had hurt so badly.

“Hold the mirrors, I want to see it.”

Nam
arranged the mirrors to reflect off of each other so I could see and what I saw in my snow white skin was a perfect brand of a Damask Moth, three inches wide, one and a half inches high. The white of my skin made the black lines of the brand into the perfect pattern.

“Wait, there’s something familiar about that…”
Nam seemed to be thinking really hard, “isn’t that the symbol of Zalm?”

“Yes.” It was at this point I showed him my other arm with the tattoo and the ring and told him what had happened, from the undine attacking me and the Goddesses calling upon me. When I was done
Nam’s mouth was hanging open.

“Wow, Eshie this is serious. Who knew the excitement we’d be having when we left home yesterday.” He seemed more excited than freaked out and I was happy about it.

“I need to get dressed. I still want to reach Damu before the moon sets again.” I dressed hurriedly; riding clothes again, soft leathers in black and dark orange. Brushing my hair I pulled it into a severe bun since I didn’t have time to dry it.

My Adureed butted my good shoulder with its head before allowing me to mount it, showing affection in its own way I guessed. I think even this dark creature knew I had been through a lot in a short amount of time. I found myself missing my comfortable bed, maid and the warmth the castle had given.

Now that I knew someone was trying to kill me, I could better prepare for it. As we galloped I began to spell weave, setting up barriers around my person to alert danger of the magical and physical kind. Anyone attempting to harm me would set off an internal alarm. Closing my eyes I allowed my dark magic to pound through my veins, pulse over my skin, flooding every ounce of me as I began to set the equivalent of magical booby traps.

“Eshie, what are you doing? I can feel and smell your magic from here!”
Nam called from next to me, the wind had ripped his hair from the pony tail and it flew around him, like wisps of smoke.

“I need more protection Namtar, you should do the same. I do not want anyone thinking you are an easy target,” I yelled back. I watched as he understood my words and took a deep breath, I felt his own magic trickle over him.  It throbbed an oozing green and sickly yellow. His magic always smelled like illness and antiseptic. Focusing back on myself, I wondered if
Nam could see my magic like a color, too. I shook my head so I could work with what I had and make sure anyone who tried to harm me paid for it.

The spell weaving I was doing was tiring and a long process. By the time I was done, hours had passed and we had reached the gates of Damu. Damu was a bustling city with a population of fifteen thousand, the biggest city in Adura.

A large stone wall surrounded it and the people who came to visit had to pass through the guard station. The citizens all lived over the businesses, in tall buildings that towered like trees. Damu was all industry; no agriculture, no arts, no culture, everything practical, and everything to serve a purpose. Whether it was construction, healthcare, science, manufacturing etc… They imported groceries from the village up the road which was a farming community only.

I had never liked Damu; too harsh, cold and strict. I enjoyed colors and a less rigid lifestyle. Not that the populace of Damu were unhappy. If you lived in Damu it was because that was what you enjoyed. There were five cities and five villages in Adura, each had a different feel to it; it wasn’t hard to find a place to belong.

As we slowly rode through the guard station I heard my name being shouted by hundreds as people filed into the streets to see us. I had not known I had family in Damu, so I was curious. Over the centuries my family had what they call “mistakes”, and what my siblings and I called life.  People married or had affairs with those that lived in Adura and Nannaru, or they even went back to the old world.  My parents did not talk about these “mistakes” but I knew that because they were still considered royal, my family in Damu would probably be well off. Damu was the richest of the cities, there was literally poverty.

As we made our way through town I found myself anxious. Family that would be Aduran was like a dream come true.

Chapter 9

As I looked around at all the marble, metal and stone buildings I felt a little out of place. I was grateful the royal estate I would soon inhabit was surrounded by the lush greenery that I loved about Adura. We made our way to what was basically the town square. As the Adureed stopped and I hopped off, I heard my name being called from across the square. A woman ran up to me. She was shorter and thinner than I was, with skin pearlescent and hair black as the sky, in a tight braid. She was wearing skirts of deep maroon and a corset in black. I could tell by the quality of her jewels and boots she was wealthy.

“Princess Ereshkigal,” she dropped into a deep curtsey.

“Please don’t” I touched her shoulder and she rose, gracefully. In her features I could see my family line; her eyes were purple and they focused on me.

“Your majesty is most gracious.”

“Please call me Ereshkigal, and you are?” I asked.
Nam had dismounted and came to stand next to me.

“Oh, forgive my rudeness! I was just so excited that you are here at last.” She smiled, showing white, perfect teeth, “I am your mother’s half sister Nanna.”

“I am sorry, she has never spoken of you, but I am happy to be here.” I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but the only siblings my mother mentioned were an Aunt and Uncle who had left for the old world.

“This doesn’t surprise me. Your mother is my youngest sister; I had left the castle for Damu before she was born. Her mother hated me as I was a symbol of my father being unfaithful.” Nanna laughed, the laugh lines making her look older than I had originally thought. She made a hand gesture and several people came to lead the Adureeds away.

“My staff will take your things to the house; I assume we can allow the steeds to graze outside the city until they are needed again?” she questioned. “I have not had the chance to use their services since I was a teenager, and they just dropped me off.”

“That would be perfect. I must admit I would like to stay in a bed for a few days.” I heard
Nam snort behind me and felt shame paint my cheeks, “I am so forgetful, this is Namtar, my companion and best friend. I expect him to be treated like a member of the family.”

Nanna gazed at
Nam over my shoulder and gifted him with another smile, “of course niece. We are all so excited to have you here.” Linking my arm with hers I felt motherly compassion radiating from her and it brought tears to my eyes. This is what my mother should have been like, I thought

“I thought we could walk back to the house, it is such a nice evening, that way we could catch up a little bit. I have heard you are rather enamored of the Alu prince.” We began to walk,
Nam behind us, listening.

“Yes, Nergal.”  I confided.

“That is excellent, we could not be happier.”

“Who is we, exactly?” I asked. She gave me an odd look, and then rolled her eyes.

“Of course, Ningal would not have mentioned any of us.  My twin brother lives in Ursu, with his wife and family.  You have cousins living in Salmu, Masku and Pordu.” she said, listing all the major Adura cities.

“Wow, like a lot of them?”

She chuckled, “not a ton, but enough that the people are behind you, niece. I think there are 15, counting myself and my husband. Since you were born we have been hoping and praying that you would decide to lead us in a revolt against the crown.” We had passed several buildings; most of the businesses were closed due to the moon setting soon. There were, however, still people peering out of upstairs windows at us, probably knowing me by my hair.

“Should we be talking about this out here, where everyone can hear us?” I mean, I knew Adurans had no great love for my parents, but surely the disloyalty hadn’t gotten that bad.

Nanna came to a halt, her eyes searching mine, “Is it possible you really have been kept in the dark?”  This pissed me off a bit, uh, duh, of course. Why would I friggin’ ask if I already knew the answer?

“Most of Adura has been straining against rulers from Biri for years, Ereshkigal, there has been friction for a long time. It has only been the thought of you that has kept most people from staging a coup.”

“Is having an Aduran born leader really that important? Why not strive for a democracy? I have heard a few countries in the Old World use that and it really works.” What? I liked school and I did really well in my government and history classes. Ishtar is the girly girl, not me.

“That idea has been thrown around, but it would be too many cooks in the kitchen and at this point in time, we need one good leader to lead us, to get us out from under the Biri umbrella.” She was so passionate. I had never really felt that greatly about anything, maybe it was time I started.

“I would like to meet the mayor here as soon as possible then,” I decided instantly. I knew each village/town had a mayor and its own mini government. Just as each group of natural residents had their own leader, like the Alu and the Death Nymphs. If I wanted them to respect me and allow me to be their Queen, meeting those who already lead seemed like the logical place to start.

“You already have,” my Aunt said with a wink.

“You?” Uh….surprise didn’t even cover it.

“Of course. Our family has ruling in our veins. I married the wealthiest Kassaptu I could find and have been the mayor of Damu for a decade; they keep re-electing me.” Her laughter was infectious.

“Well, that’s convenient.” Nam commented

She looked back at him, “nothing convenient about it. My husband and I are excellent at politics. Now enough of this kind of talk,” Throwing her arm around my shoulder, we strolled along the street, with my aunt pointing out places of interest.

“Do you have kids?” I asked, thinking it would be nice to meet people my age in Adura.  As soon as the words left my lips I wished I hadn’t asked; my aunt’s eyes took on a forlorn look.

“Our son passed away ten years ago
. I haven’t been able to carry to term
since, and we have given up. My brother was only able to spawn one, but he has many grandchildren.”

“Oh, I am
sorry. Is there anything to be done?”

“No, my magic is moon based and Zaltu, my husband, his magic works with strife and discord. Our midwife says the magic does not mix.” She looked so sad, I changed the subject. It was horrible; I had heard of people divorcing because their magic could not create viable children. It was just the way Kassaptu magic worked.

“Do… I… have many followers?” It was a weird question for me to ask.

“Yes, more than half the Kassaptu population in Adura is behind you becoming the one true queen here. And all of the natural residents are as well.  We have only been waiting for you to come, for you to agree and then present you to the people.” We had reached the front of a large bank, with marble columns and a shiny onyx door.

“We live just above, my husband runs the most successful bank in Adura, we are in quite a position to help you, niece.” She led me down a small, well lit ally to a staircase that led to another ornate onyx door two floors up.

“What did you mean, present Eshie to the people?”
Nam asked, from behind us.

“Well, while the people are for the change they need to see that Ereshkigal is here, is real. Most have heard of the Adura princess, but none have really seen her,” my aunt explained. She placed her hand against the door, whispered a Word, and it swung open into a large foyer.

“Welcome to our home.” Nanna put her arms out wide, showing off her house. I could tell she was waiting for a response.

There was a kitchen with a dining room, a grand living room and a bathroom from what I could see. The living area had floor to ceiling windows and what looked like a patio, with an amazing view.

“It is beautiful” I told her.

“Thank you. The bedrooms are back through the hallways. There are two on this floor, three on the next, each with its own bathroom, but I will show you them later. Zaltu should be up any moment.” As she ended her sentence the front door opened again and I turned around watching as a large man came through.

He was in black from head to toe with pallid skin. He wasn’t very handsome, but he looked kind. His eyes were a dark green, almost black and his hair dark brown. He looked older than my aunt as well. While my aunt still had a younger air, Zaltu seemed middle aged, which of course he was, but our kind aged well over hundreds of years.

“You’re here!” he exclaimed. He put his things on the table and came over to us quickly. He bowed and I heard Nanna clear her throat. He straightened right away, giving her a perplexed look.

“I do not require family to bow, please, I am informal,” I explained.

“It is my pleasure Ereshkigal, to have you in our home.”

“Thank you. This is Nam, my companion,” I figured my aunt would explain his role when we were gone.

“Yes, of course. Why don’t we all sit down?” He motioned us to sit and we all went into the living room,
Nam and I choosing the settee across from the couch, so I could watch them as they spoke.

“Your brother has been in much contact with us. We were very happy to hear you were coming, it was barely enough time to set up everything, but we managed.” Zaltu seemed flustered.

“Prepare for what?” I felt a little lost.

“Oh, the more prominent Kassaptu are coming here tomorrow. We are having a party in your honor. That way they can meet you.” Excitement laced Nanna’s voice. I swallowed, a party? Just for me? I was nervous, I had never had one before. As silence filled the room I heard Zalm’s voice in my head, her presence was cold and familiar.

They are followers of the old way, daughter.
Glancing around the room I saw symbols of the old ways hidden in the décor.

You must tell them, show them… They are still uncertain.
Then she was gone.

Clearing my throat I stood up, they seemed shocked and began to rise, I halted them with a hand gesture I had seen my mother make many times.

“I have some things to show you.” With that said, I showed them my gifts from the goddesses. My aunt clasped her hands to her chest, tears streaming down her face.

“It is a sign; you have been touched by the Great Three. You were meant to come here, meant to rule Adura,” she whispered, reaching forward, she grabbed my hands.

“Please let go Aunt Nanna,” I begged, I was uncomfortable with her subservient attitude.

“Many of our friends follow the old ways, and most that do not at least would recognize their marks. This is will secure your right like nothing else.”  Zaltu’s words held awe and wonder in every syllable.

Nanna stood up and embraced me. I wrapped my arms around her small frame and affection surged through me. It had been years since anyone but Nam or Ishtar had hugged me. Even Mylitta hadn’t, not really, and while Nergal had touched me, this was a familial embrace.

“When is this party scheduled?”
Nam asked, coming to stand next to me. Nanna let me go and took a step back.

“Tomorrow night.”

“Then Eshie needs to sleep,” he stated.

“Of course, you both must be exhausted! Your things should already be unpacked. I had hoped you would stay here for a few days before moving on,” Nanna looked so hopeful.

“Yes, at least three or four days. I figured it will take us another five days after to reach the Aduran Estate.” I responded.

“Perhaps six if you need to stop more frequently.” Zaltu agreed.

“You are not going straight to Bet Pagri?” Nanna asked.

“No, I had thought to, it’s true we’ll ride by it, but I need to get the Estate settled before I do anything else, especially after talking to you.” Standing, I bid them goodnight.

Nanna led us to our rooms. Mine was simple, yet beautiful with a small wardrobe, a large bed covered with red satin sheets and a thick black quilt. I hurried to the window and opened it, letting in moonlight and cooling air. I was surprised at the giant mirror hanging on the wall and walked over to it.

I saw my reflection and reached out to press a hand against the glass. Murmuring a Word the glass went fuzzy and a harsh voice asked, “To whom would you like to speak?”

“Princess Ishtar.”

There was a humming sound and the mirror asked again, “Whom shall I say summons her?”

“Her sister.”

Again the annoying humming sounds. I hated communication by mirror, but we were too far away for mind to mind speak and Puabi was in Bet Pagri and couldn’t deliver a message.

“Your call has been refused.” The mirror’s tone did not change, it wasn’t alive. Angry I took a step back. Ishtar must still be pissed at me, little brat. I hadn’t gone away to spite her, or hurt her. It was something I had to do. Furious I stalked back to the window and took a deep breath.

As I stood there my eyes caught a shape in the distance flying towards me, as I realized what it was I backed up and Puabi soared through the open window. She dropped a letter on my bed and then made herself comfortable hanging from a light fixture on the ceiling.

Home is b-o-r-i-n-g, BORING!
Her delicate voice sounded in my mind.

“Really, you were there less than two days,” I chuckled.