The Queen's Curse (6 page)

‘You sound like Jaromir!’ She gave out a quick laugh.
‘Do not worry; my best bodyguard will accompany me to protect me; because a country without its queen – we do not want to do that to the people do we?’ she laughed cynically.

‘Besides, even if I wanted to go alone, I am not allowed to according to the Law Book. There are rules for me as well. When this sorcerer cursed the
book he cursed the king and his future offspring.’

A little disappointed Tirsa stared at her boots.

Artride glimpsed at the door. She knew no one could hear voices when inside the bedroom, however she kept her voice down and said, ‘I do not really trust any of my guards. They are all here for themselves and their selfish pride. I know they will risk their lives for me, but well … it will be a long journey and to be around the head of my guards and the others every hour of the day … it will drive me insane before we’ve even reached Dochas!’

Tirsa found herself sniggering and immediately suppressed it; for how could she laugh while her brother was in danger?

‘I would rather have a bodyguard with a clear head; someone to trust; who is strong and brave enough to face the perils as we journey; someone who wants Ceartas free just as much as I do; not for honour, himself, or me, but for the benefit of the common good; the country, the people and their freedom …’ Tirsa’s eyes widened while the queen spoke. ‘Someone like …’ and she stared longingly at the other woman, but then blinked her eyes and caressed the side of the wooden chair with her delicate hands as though the furniture was an animal. For a moment she looked mournful and vulnerable; not like the self-assured queen Tirsa had thought all along she was.

‘Someone like me?’ she carefully tried.

‘No, Commander, I mean yes but –’ Her eyes sparkled again. ‘I cannot possible ask –’

‘I have no choice, Your Highness; I have to, for the sake of my brother
, and I would be most honoured to help you try to get rid of that damn curse.’ She clutched her head firmly, which had started to throb heavily. For a terrifying moment she thought it was the book taking revenge for offending it. However, Artride knew better.

‘Sit down and let me help you.’ Tirsa felt her warm hands at her head and the pain reducing again.

‘You know magic as well?’

‘Some; only healing.’

‘That is still more than most of us.’

‘Anyone can do this with training. Not enough to heal the wound completely though. You have to sleep and let your body do the rest.’

Sleep, in a time like this?

‘My Lady, I am perfect for the job.’

She bit her lower lip again; it seemed like a habit to Tirsa, who found it appealing.

‘Tirsa, it is yours.’
The queen smiled wearily at her.

‘Good. I reckon I won’t get punished now?’ and suddenly her face flushed while she thought about the Law
Book and what she had just heard. ‘Hmm …what about my punishment; what does the book say about these breaches?’

‘A
commander is never punished severely. I do not know why; perhaps the king had loyal commanders and he never thought about them breaking any law.’ And she gave Tirsa a half smile with one raised eyebrow in conspiracy. ‘It is a crime of course for any member of the army to knock down colleagues, lie about having an audience, break into the castle and enter my room, my bedroom even, without permission.’ Tirsa turned crimson at that and tried to avoid the queen’s eyes.

‘That is four crimes in one
; however, I have looked it up and it is stated that the only punishment is up to the king or queen. It surprised me. I get to decide for once,’ she said when she saw the relieved face of the commander.

Artride got up, walked to the desk while Tirsa watched her curiously with an increased heartbeat.
What will my punishment be?

Suddenly she was handing her a piece of paper and a pen.

‘Write a letter to your brother. Remember not to say a word about the true goal of your mission and about the book of course; just that you will try to help him.’

‘That’s my punishment?’

Artride giggled. ‘No, silly, excuse me – commander – you are going with me;
that’s
your punishment. I just want you to comfort him.’

Tirsa nodded gratefully, pulled her chair towards the desk, and started writing.

After a few minutes, she looked up at the queen who was staring out of the window.

‘How long will we be gone? If we leave tomorrow it will be
a day’s ride to the border, but we have to search for this sorceress in an unfamiliar country. And we have to be back within three weeks; not an easy task.’

The
queen answered without looking at her, ‘If all goes as planned it will take about two weeks I think, perhaps slightly longer; we will have to do everything possible to make it in time.’

‘But there is no plan, is there? We don’t know anything about where this sorceress lives or how long it will take us really.’

‘True, the only plan is to leave tomorrow and hopefully arrive at the border the day after, and then the search begins …’

‘No curse, no hanging.’ Tirsa managed to say, but not without a lump in her throat.

‘Do not mention his punishment. He still does not know what will happen. I would like to keep it that way.’

‘He doesn’t know?’ and Tirsa nodded grimly. ‘Well, the better for him. Can I not see him?’

‘I am sorry, that is not allowed unless you want to feel yourself burn inside which I would strongly suggest against for your brother’s sake too; it is awful to watch. That is why I want you to write the letter. I will give it personally if you trust me.’

Tirsa stood and folded the letter neatly, handing it over to the
queen.

‘I do.’

‘I promise I will destroy it after he has read it. No one may even suspect our mission.’

‘No one, not even your guards? Are you that afraid of the curse? Will it also kill the person who tries to break it?’

‘No, I would be dead by now. It has to be a secret mission to be on the safe side,’ she said thoughtfully.

Although it made sense to Tirsa she did have the feeling that Artride had not told her the whole story yet. Why should she trust
her
more than her own guard? She had not exactly lived up to earn that trust yet, but she gathered the queen need not to fear because of Tirsa’s own personal quest.
Besides
…
maybe she had not chosen her guard herself.

‘Alright,’ she said while standing up. ‘I’m going to prepare myself for the journey, and I have to name a replacing
commander for the time being. If you will excuse me, Your Highness.’

‘Of course,
Commander. I trust that together we will make an excellent team. Please have your horse packed and meet me at the square at first light tomorrow morning.’

Tirsa nodded and walked towards the door, but before she reached it she turned and asked, ‘What will you tell the Ceartasians about your absence?’

Artride raised her shoulders nonchalantly, ‘I shall make up a plausible story. I am good at that, you know. I have learned to lie quite a lot in the last year.’ She smiled in conspiracy at her. Tirsa smiled back at her and bowed. ‘It was an honour meeting you, your Highness, truly, and thank you ... for this,’ and she pointed at her head.

‘That’s alright. Just remember to get enough rest.’ Tirsa pressed her lips tight in answer.

‘If you have any questions please, do not hesitate to ask. From now on, you will have my permission to enter the castle freely. You are my personal bodyguard. The others will know and believe it is your punishment for breaking in; though they might think it odd, ignore them.’
Questions? I have dozens!
Reluctantly she responded, ‘Thank you, my Lady.’

‘Oh
Commander?’

She turned around and stared at the
queen questionably.

‘Next time
… just
knock
on my door, will you?’

Tirsa flushed a little. Artride returned her shy smile warmly.

‘Goodbye, Commander.’

She opened the door for her and let her out. Jaromir immediately faced the two of them. He was a big muscled bald man. ‘Your Highness?’ At least now Tirsa saw the face belonging to the voice. It was an icy serious face with no expression other than mistrust. His head was shiny like a wet egg.

‘Guide Commander Lathabris to the outside doors with respect please.’

‘Yes, Your Highness
,’ he replied courteously. The two of them walked through the corridor while Artride followed them with her gaze.

Inside her room, she picked her coat from the hook on the wall and put it on, placing the letter in its inner pocket and open
ing the door again. Another guard clicked his boots and lowered his eyes with respect. She turned to him saying, ‘If anyone needs me, I will be in the dungeons.’

CHAPTER
3

Many ways north and many south,

Many east and many west,

And all ways leading to the centre,

But only one to reach the heart.

Celtic proverb

The chiming of Tarac’s bell woke everyone in the castle and the city that morning.

It only rang when something significant was happening or about to happen. In either case, everyone had to gather on the large courtyard of Satrea.

The monotonous low sound was heard in the entire valley and at least a mile beyond when the wind was right. It also woke Elimar
, not that he had slept much that night.

He got up from his hard wooden bed and hurried over to the iron bars
, firmly attached to the only window of his little dark prison cell. He was lucky for it was the only cell with a window; even if he had to stand on his toes to grab at the bars, pulling himself up to be able to get a glimpse of the outside world. The only thing he could actually see was at street level and the many passing feet, mainly from soldiers. He felt a cold gust of wind blowing along his young face as he said his prayer hopefully, ‘I am counting on you Sis,’ before he had to let go and let himself drop to the floor.

~ ~ ~

In Satrea, a messenger was reading aloud to the curious inhabitants a speech Queen Artride had written the night before: ‘Today,’ the stocky man on the horse started in a low, loud voice, ‘our Queen Artride of Ceartas; daughter of the late King Macdin of Ceartas, will travel abroad in order to find herself a suitable husband.’ The opening sentence was a little muffled by the astonished outburst of the people. He waited until the crowd had calmed down a little. Slightly louder he continued, ‘She will be accompanied on this journey by the Commander of the Seventh Company, Tirsa Lathabris, who will act as the queen’s bodyguard. The castle and city will be well protected by the army in her absence, should any disturbance occur. The Head of Guard Jaromir Satrea will be your supervising supplant in the meantime to ensure that the Law is obeyed and the army will conform to him. The queen hopes to be back before the next moon. She would like to ask for your understanding and kind support.’

He folded the parchment and said, ‘Queen Artride will leave in half an hour. If you want to bless her leaving
, please come to the castle square. She bids you all farewell.’

The people were noisy and talked loudly in excitement with one another
, some already heading towards Tarac in the shimmering morning glow.

Most did not know whether to be pleased or worried; for change could make it even worse. What if she found a cruel unfair husband? At least now they always knew what to expect; for Artride was known for following the
Law Book literally and strictly, fierce but fair. But people were glad she was making as much effort as this, for she had never seemed to do so before. People liked weddings, especially Royal weddings and it would give them something to talk about and to look forward to. The queen had previously rejected many offers from wealthy men, even Royal princes and kings from neighbouring countries. Perhaps, they wondered, she wanted a simple man; not wealthy, but more down to earth?

All the people could do was guess. This news was more than they could hope for. It offered them some more insight into the world of their mysterious
queen. Naturally, she wanted to choose herself; that made sense.

The massive oak gate opened for Satrea’s people
, and in a short time the large round courtyard had filled with a noisy crowd waiting in anticipation for the queen to appear.

In the quiet stables off the courtyard, Tirsa was packing her stocky amber mare for the journey. She had filled the saddlebags with all the things that would be useful and had balanced the weight evenly; all her weapons including her single-handed sword, her longbow and arrows. She had also packed dried and fresh food, a first aid kit and a leather water pouch. Behind her saddle, she had a rolled up woollen blanket.

She was wearing her complete costume now; the heavy mail skirt, which protected her torso and abdomen, the colourful green overcoat and a chain mail coif; she was wearing down now, showing her single blonde ponytail which she wore high on the back of her head. She also had an iron helmet stored away in her bags but within easy reach; however, she would only use it if absolutely necessary as she didn’t really like it. It was heavy and uncomfortable and hindered her senses. The outfit which was unisex, did not hide her feminine features though, and her strong long legs covered in midnight blue, and knee high black boots.

‘Are you ready, Fiosa?’ she asked her horse friend whilst stroking her nose. The mount simply stared at her with nervous eyes, ears pinned backwards, listening. ‘I told you; we are not going to battle, so don’t fret.’

Together they had witnessed a fair amount of violence; and normally when they went for a pleasure ride, Tirsa wouldn’t pack her so heavily, so the horse wasn’t nervous without reason.

She led her outside towards the inner square, but before she reached it she saw a young woman walking over to her. It was a servant, she noticed, looking at
the formal apron the kitchen staff wore.

‘Commander Lathabris?’

‘Yes?’

The young woman quickly pushed a large
-sized paper wrapped package in her hands; it felt warm.

‘What’s this?’

‘Extra food; you never know when you might need it. Make sure the queen gets it, she doesn’t eat that much lately.’

Small wonder.
Tirsa peeked at the package. ‘That is very thoughtful of you. From whom should I say it is?’ However, when she glanced up the girl was already walking away rather quickly.

‘At least tell me your name!’ The girl halted and turned around, her two loose brown braids swung around her shoulders. ‘Oh, she knows. Just take good care!’ she shouted and disappeared around the corner.

She wondered why, if she seemed to know the queen personally, had she not given it to her herself or made sure it was packed in her saddle pack? No matter; Tirsa would hand it over to her all the same. Absent-mindedly she stuffed it away in her saddlebag.

At the inner square, a large crowd had gathered; soldiers, guards, cooks, maids and other servants. These were all the people who lived in Tarac
, and within its gates.

When they noticed her
, the crowd began to clap their hands for her. Tirsa flushed a little, even if it wasn’t the first time this had happened; she would never get used to the admiration, fame brought. She also felt ill at ease in crowds.

Tirsa also recognised some of the men and women; especially the soldiers from her own
company, who were all there. She also spotted some soldiers from other companies who happened to be there.

Yesterday she had named her
under-commander as replacing commander during her absence; a good friend and soldier with more years experience than her. He had always envied her and everyone knew that had she not received her medal and title two years ago, he would have been commander of their company by now. However, he never resented her for that openly. She nodded at him when she noticed him among the crowd.

The majority were looking at her with respect
; however, some did so with envy. They had all heard who she was: in the last five years that she served the Ceartas army she had made a name for herself rapidly; even though it happened unintentionally. Even so, she had raised admiration among the soldiers, especially the younger ones, and for the girls she had become a role model.

Most soldiers saw joining the army as following a child’s dream for the excitement and adventure. Only a few saw it as their duty to actually protect their country. Tirsa didn’t do it for any of that; she had not even been born in Ceartas. Her reasons were personal and idealistic. When she was on a mission or fought in a battle; she did it with her whole heart and always for the benefit of the
common good.

Only a few knew her true reasons, but her natural charismatic beauty, her courage and perseverance touched all. She never acted as if she was any different; she knew she
had earned her title, but she treated everyone in the army with the same kind of respect. One of her nicknames was “The Snake” because of her lack of words and fast, skilful, sudden attacks on her opponents, her bright green eyes, which could glow in the dark some said, and slim lithe body. But she was also called “The Flower of Knights” or even “Golden Angel” because of her soft spot for animals and people; even the roughest, toughest of soldiers she could soften with her compassion and almost innocent, sometimes naïve, ways.

As Tirsa got nearer the crowd shifted
its attention away from her, for it was not only her they waited for. She overheard some discussions between a small chubby woman and the other maids and servants. It was funny how people of the same rank gathered together in little groups and hardly mixed at all. The soldiers grouped together, the guards and the maids and servants, like it was an unwritten rule. Birds of a feather flocking together, she smiled faintly.

‘It’s about time she ma
de an effort to find herself a husband,’ the chubby woman stated. It was only after a moment Tirsa realised who they were talking about.

Is that what she told her people? What a lie indeed!

‘Yeah, about time I should say, she will be what, twenty-nine this year?’

‘Maybe he can tame her a little, if she can find one suitable enough to her liking that is.’

‘Ssst, it is hard enough already to find a suitable candidate being a queen and all.’

‘Pff, I say she is just too picky to find anyone good enough for her bizarre wishes!’

Suddenly she felt someone tapping on her shoulder. She turned around to look in the grey eyes of an older female soldier. ‘Shades!’ They fell in each other’s arms. This woman had taught her the ground principles of being a knight.

‘What a surprise! How did you know?’

‘Tirsa, I am so glad to see you, dear.’ The older woman had a good look at her, still holding her by the shoulders, which made her feel a little uncomfortable.

‘We are stationed here for a couple of days to await further orders from our commander.’

Tirsa nodded. They had not seen each other in months, but she knew she was still in the second
company as their physical and mental trainer; a company caretaker. Most recruits started in that same company, like she had herself.

‘How are you, Shades?’ she asked sincerely.

The woman smiled a broad smile, showing more wrinkles around her eyes than Tirsa remembered. ‘Fine, just fine, and you?’

‘All right I guess.’ She had no time to explain everything to her
, which according to Artride should be safe, for she was also a knight. But she knew she was not allowed to tell. The queen had been very clear about that. Therefore she also didn’t tell about her brother being imprisoned, and it was obvious Shades didn’t know yet. Tirsa, herself, had seen his name on a list among other breakers of the law, which was not a very long list; so she immediately had recognised his name that unforgettable yesterday morning.

‘Did you lose some weight,
commander?’ Shades promptly asked, a little sternly.

More than just weight I am afraid
…
‘I suppose.’ She answered plainly.

‘You ought to take care of yourself; you have an important mission ahead so I’ve heard. My, my.’ Her tone of voice was a bit disdainful.

‘I’m a big girl,’ she retorted sharply.

‘I know darling, but something isn’t right. Artride looking for a husband? Do you know something about the true mission?’ she whispered.

‘What are you suggesting? You don’t believe it?’

Shades kept her voice low while she led Tirsa away from all those bustling people. ‘It just doesn’t make any sense to me. I’ve been in this army quite some years now and I have learned that she and her father have always been a bit different in their ways; even a little unconventional at times; but leaving with only one guard? Is she out of her mind with all the objections
against her ruling going around? A perfect opportunity to have her murdered, even if she has you for a guard, I say.’

Tirsa drew a sharp breath and explained, ‘She just doesn’t want a parade. It happened before; remember the story of King Macdin leaving with only one guard at his side when he visited Vortiar for the duration of two days? Nothing happened to him.’

‘I know, but he was undercover in an away mission. This is not safe, I am telling you; for both of you actually. Other countries will know about her leaving in a matter of hours, and could very well try to ambush and kill her in order to conquer the country – and you might have an enemy or two yourself, remember? Now why doesn’t she bring along more men for both your safety?’

‘I trust she has thought all about that, Shades. Perhaps she will go undercover as well after we have left this crowd. At least nobody knows where we are heading. I don’t think she worries about herself
, or someone taking the castle and the country.’ She found herself thinking about the Law Book.
It will not let anyone conquer Ceartas. I bet if she is killed, the rules in the book will name some relative as a new king or queen. It is just for show anyway.
However, she reminded herself to ask the queen about it; for it was indeed a little strange also for the people of Ceartas, even if the country was well protected.