The Gathering (10 page)

Alia raised her hand and he stopped mid-statement.

"Now, Justin, I believe we’re aware of the rules in Lia Fail and at the Gathering itself.
 
No talk of conversion.
 
Besides, a Catholic priest baptized all the children when they were born, at Paul's request.
 
And by being baptized, they were also taught what it means to be Catholic."

Alia put her hand down and as she did, she felt another hand grasp it and pull it forward.
 
Stephan Merganser had raised her hand to kiss it.
 
Alia used all her strength to avoid a grimace.

“You look lovely, Alia.”

Alia looked at this man and recalled that although he wasn't unattractive, there was nothing appealing about him whatsoever.
 
She forced a smile and tightly replied.

“Thank you, Stephan.”

She pulled her hand back.
 
Alia had long been aware of Stephan's desire to "rescue" her and her children from a life of heathenism, much to her chagrin.
 
She then directed her gaze to Elian and Albion, to whom she smiled and gently nodded.
 
She noticed that Albion slightly smiled back.

“You know, Alia,” started Stephan, “I was thinking that you and I might spend some time together this evening.
 
It would give us a chance to catch up.”

Alia again forced a smile.

"Oh, I'm sure we'll see each other tonight, Stephan, but I’ll be unable to grant individual audiences for several days.
 
My apologies."

Stephan twitched slightly at being dismissed, but managed to keep his composure and nodded.

With that she smiled to everyone and turned to her children, who were watching her with great amusement.
 
She gave them a stern look and indicated that they should go about their business.
 
She motioned to Myron, who stepped up and bowed.

"Commander Chambers will show you to your quarters.
 
You, as well as all of our visiting dignitaries, will be staying in the Keystone House.
 
I'm sure you'll want to get cleaned up and rested after that long journey."

Myron motioned for the families to follow him with a look of mock respect.
 
The Crystals moved off the platform and turned to look at Alia, who was watching them walk away.

"See you later, Justin, Tawny…Stephan."

Stephan looked back at Alia with a slight grin.
 
Sean now stood to Alia's left and had his hands behind his back.
 
Alia gritted her teeth in her frozen smile as she waved at all.
 

"Assholes."

Sean took a deep breath and coughed.
 
Alia turned to see him fighting off the laughter.

"Sorry,” he said.
 
“I just wanted to let you know that St. Paul's is about fifteen minutes away and right behind them is Bethel Israel."

"Thank the gods!
 
People I actually like."

"It's only a few days."

Alia smiled and took his arm.

"Ten to be exact.
 
You know, I couldn't do it without you."

Sean smiled.

"I think you could."

Alia looked at him, but before another word was spoken, there was a tug on her skirt.
 
Alia turned to see Amanda with her arms crossed, staring up at her.

"What is it, Sweetie?"

Amanda looked her mother and let out a deep breath.

"Peter Roberts was making faces at Lisa and Brandon and that was rude.
 
I don't like him."

Brandon and Lisa walked back up the steps to the top of the platform and Alia smiled as they stood behind their little sister.
 
Alia got down and looked at Amanda.

"Well, Little Miss, it was rude, but we are a family of great power and thus great responsibility and because of this we have to be nice to lots of people we don't necessarily like."

Amanda looked at her mother and tilted her head.

"Even you?"

"Even me.
 
Especially me.
 
To rule a kingdom, to rule a people is to lead a people.
 
One must set an example."

"Like a parent?"
 
Asked Lisa.

"Yeah, sort of."

The twins had always been a thoughtful pair.
 
Born during the spring equinox, Alia had always thought they had been given a gift of patience, but she knew that everyone had their breaking point.

"I think I understand, Mommy," said Lisa.
 
"We'll try to help Amanda understand."

"Yeah…" answered Brandon.
 
"Even though I'd like to punch Peter Roberts flush in the mouth."

Alia was taken aback and looked at her son open-mouthed, while Sean started to cough, again to cover up the laughter.

"Brandon."

Brandon looked at his mother and sisters staring at him in awe and turned bright red.

"Sorry."

Alia stood up and took his face in her hand.

"No, Baby, it's ok.
 
I'm just proud of you all for behaving so beautifully with such…difficult people."

All three children smiled and looked at Sean.
 
He moved forward, took his satchel and drew from it three coins and laid one in each of their hands.

"Alright you lot, I think there are some cakes or ice creams with your names on them.
 
Off you go... your mom has some business to attend to."

The children grinned and forgot about the visitors as they hugged Sean and ran down the step off the platform and into the crowd towards the booths.

Alia stood and stared after her smallest children, and then turned to Sean with a desperate look he had seen before.

"Brandon wants to punch someone.
 
I never thought I’d hear that.
 
I feel…"

He placed a finger to her lips to silence her and leaned into her ear so only she could hear.

"You're a great mother, Alia.
 
Never doubt that.
 
None of us do."

He pulled back and winked at her.
 
She smiled and for a brief moment wished that they were alone, completely alone.
 

"Excuse me, Your Majesty," started a voice from behind her that made her cringe.
 
She turned and was almost face to face with a handsome boy of eighteen.

"Yes, Elian?" Alia responded.

"I just wanted to say hello to you and to Captain Lantry, of course, without the others, before I helped my father and brother unpack."

Alia forced a smile.

"Well, it's wonderful to see you, Elian, and thank you for taking the time to greet me personally."

Elian swaggered and smiled believing this display was making a grand impression.

"I also wanted to ask your permission to spend time with your lovely daughter this evening at the first dance."

Alia cocked her head and looked at the cocky young man.

"Well, Elian, I believe that is entirely up to her."
 

She stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder.

"Good luck."

Then Alia and Sean, with raised eyebrows, walked to the steps and off the platform.
 
They turned to look at the boy, very smug and proud of himself for talking to the queen of Lia Fail.
 
He waved to Alia and Sean; they smiled and turned back around.

"He’s just like his father," she said.

Alia turned and looked at Sean, who was trying not to grin.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“No, tell me.”

“Well, you could just let Stephan take you out so he…”

“Shut your mouth!”

Alia looked at him with utter distaste.

“I don’t even want to joke about that…that…uuggghh.
 
I don’t have the words for that man.”

“Ok.”

Alia stopped and forced Sean to stop also just a few feet in front of her.
 
She could see his shoulders shake.
 
She had an idea and cocked her head to one side.

“Hmm, you know what?
 
Maybe you’re right.”

Sean turned around and looked at her with an eyebrow up, no longer smiling.

“I’m sorry?” he asked.

“You know, Stephan’s not a bad looking guy.
 
Yeah, maybe I should give him a…”

Sean turned and started walking to the gate.
 
Alia started behind him.

“Where are you going?”

“St. Paul’s.”

She rushed after him and grabbed his arm and pulled him to stop.
 
Sean looked around, but refused to look at her.
 
Alia began to laugh.

“Sean Lantry, are you jealous?

Sean looked at her.

“Wha, why…jealous?
 
Please.
 
You don’t really think he’s good looking, do you?”

Alia smiled and folded her arms in front of her.

"I believe I told you what I think of all of them before they walked through our gates."

"Yeah.”
 
Sean smiled.
 
“Yeah, you did."

Alia stood there for a minute smiling, until Sean offered his arm.
 
She took it and they made their way to the southern gate, anxious for the arrival of their friends, unaware that Stephan Merganser had watched the whole scene from a distance.

13

The Pasadena wagons moved steadily through the mountains towards Lia Fail.
 
Sam was astride his horse, keeping her next to the lead wagon.
 
His mother had insisted that he wear a hat to protect him from the noonday sun and he was now grateful for the suggestion.
 
His long red hair fell in his face and he kept the hat low over his eyes.

"Can you even see where you're going?"