DWP FanFic - Queen's Witch - Chapter 2
For notes and disclaimers, see Chapter 1
Chapter 2 - Paying a Debt
Pickwick sighed when the familiar forest came into sight. “Finally. I’ll be glad to set these old bones down in my favorite chair tonight.” They had traveled with only brief stops for almost a week.
“And in which pub would that be, Pick?” Andy smiled and nudged her horse into a canter.
“None of that, Witch. I’ll have little time for the pub until I tell my Queen about the goings on of the humans. She likes to keep up on their foolishness.”
Andy nodded but didn’t comment that Pickwick’s people had their own brand of foolishness. Her mood had improved during the journey to the fairy kingdom. Her problem with the Black Knight was resolved. Benedict and Lorin would unite their kingdoms and bring peace to their part of the country. She was ready to move on and provide help where she could.
The track through the forest became wider and finally broke into a large sunlit clearing. The rich green grasses were mixed with colorful wild flowers. The warm spring air was filled with bird song and the buzzing of bees. Pickwick and Andy dismounted at the edge of the clearing and led their horses forward. About halfway across the meadow, they stopped. Pickwick started chanting in the old tongue while Andy started her own incantation. As their words wove together, the air of the forest meadow shimmered. A portal winked open and Pickwick and Andy stepped though with their horses. As soon as the animals cleared the edge of the opening, the portal closed. The clearing was once again empty of all but birds, flowers, and bees.
Pickwick glanced over at Andy. “Calming spell?”
Andy laughed. “Yeah. You get dragged around by a spooked horse enough times, you finally remember.” Coming through the portal was jarring to horses not used to the sudden change in location. Andy had forgotten that lesson more times than she cared to admit.
Pickwick joined in the laughter as he and Andy led their horses down a cobblestone lane. The royal village was bustling with fairies. Shops were open and doing robust business. Villagers of all shapes and sizes were buying, selling, talking to neighbors, sweeping the walks in front of shops, or simply strolling along the lane. The village was home to many different fairy races. Andy noticed many winged fairies and more than a few like Pickwick with no wings. Most were short but a few here and there were close to her size like Pickwick. Andy knew from her visits over the years that all lived peacefully together. She smiled at those who caught her eye as they made their way towards the castle.
***
Pickwick nervously brushed his dark green coat and used his fingers in an attempt to bring some order to his wild red hair. Andy twitched her robes and smiled at Pickwick. “Will you settle down? The Queen is not going to notice your hair or your coat.”
“I’ve been gone for months, witch,” he growled. “I don’t want her to think I don’t care about my appearance in court.”
“Pick, she’ll be happy to see you. Trust me.” Andy paused and thought. “Hey, how did you get the sword if you weren’t here?”
“Met the courier halfway,” Pickwick explained.
Just then the huge door opened and the guard motioned them to enter. “Ambrose, you got a promotion.” Andy grinned at the young winged fairy.
“Lady, it is good to see you again.” Ambrose bowed and gently fanned his bronze colored wings. He then stood proudly in his new black and gold Queen’s Guard uniform.
“Witch, Ambrose, not a lady,” Andy tiredly explained.
“Sorry, Lady. The Queen gave you the title after your last visit. You are now Lady Andrea of the Fair Tree Court.” Ambrose bowed as he remembered the ceremony.
“Damn it. If Horace ever hears about this, he’ll laugh himself sick,” she muttered in disgust.
“Lady?” Ambrose asked, confused that he had missed something.
“Nothing, Ambrose. Just talking to myself.” Andy shook her head. ‘I am so going to get her,’ she thought.
“Old people do that you know, Ambrose.” Pickwick smirked as he waited to be announced.
Andy bumped Pickwick with her hip and quickly schooled her expression. She watched the Queen wrap up her conversation with another winged fairy. Today’s court session must have been informal since Lily was wearing her white gold crown. The light coming though the high windows made it glow against her long black hair.
Andy thought her friend was a beautiful woman. Only an inch or so shorter than Andy, the Queen was a dark fairy with skin the color of warm elven caramel. Like most dark fairies, Lily’s wings were an iridescent bronze. Andy always thought they looked like a cross between butterfly and dragonfly wings. The shape of the wings was reminiscent of a butterfly but they had the delicate gossamer appearance of a dragonfly’s wings. Since Lily was sitting they were folded down and flat to her back. Only the edges peaked out past her arms.
Ambrose waited for the signal from the court secretary and then stepped forward. “My Queen, the Lady Andrea and Lord Pickwick request entrance to your court.”
“Please allow them entrance, Sir Ambrose.” Queen Lillian rose from her throne and watched her friend and lover approach.
“Lord Pickwick, welcome back. We have missed you these past months. I trust all was accomplished?” Lily unfurled her wings and fluttered them gently.
“My Queen, thank you, it is good to be back. I carried out all of your orders successfully.” Pickwick bowed and stepped forward. “The sword is returned,” he said as he placed the long box at the Queen’s feet.
Queen Lillian motioned for one of the men at arms to take the box. “Please see that this is returned to the treasury.” The guard bowed and hurried away with the box. “Lady Andrea, it has been too long. I trust you are well.”
Andy bowed. “Your Highness, thank you for the use of the sword. I look forward to serving you.”
“Of course you do.” The Queen grinned and nodded to the court secretary.
The secretary drew himself up and announced, “My Lords and Ladies, court is adjourned for the day. Thank you.” Everyone bowed and moved towards the doors.
“Shall we?” The Queen gestured to an opening behind the throne. Andy and Pickwick followed Queen Lillian down a hallway to a private study. “Make yourself comfortable,” the Queen said as she tugged the bell pull. When the serving woman arrived, the Queen requested refreshments for her guests.
Andy gave the Queen and Pickwick a little privacy and prowled around the edge of the room examining various trinkets and books on the shelves. She thought her friends were cute with their heads together, whispering. The odd looking couple had been together for thousands of years and Andy figured they must be doing something right. Deep down she envied their deep and abiding love.
When the tea arrived Andy, Lily, and Pickwick sat in the overstuffed chairs near the fireplace. The Queen poured and the three drank their tea in a comfortable silence. When he finished, Pickwick excused himself and left the two alone.
“Well that was discrete,” Andy teased. “I thought he couldn’t wait to see you?”
“He’ll see me tonight,” Lily smiled. “I told him I needed to talk to you privately.”
“That sounds ominous.” Andy reached for the pot and poured more tea. “Need a refill, Lily?”
“Yes, thanks.” Lily leaned back in her chair and stared into the fire.
“So why did you send Pickwick away? I’m guessing it has something to do with my year of service. What is it?” Andy sat back and stretched her feet out on the footstool. “And what is the deal with the title? You know I don’t like that ‘Lady’ thing. I’m a witch, plain and simple. Titles just get in the way.”
“Sorry, Andy. I had to after that last incident,” Lilly said as she shrugged. “A lot of people were quite unhappy that you left so quickly. You can’t just save someone’s life and then run away. The people wanted a party. You running off cheated them out of a good time. I came up with some excuse about you needing to save someone else’s hide and declared a holiday to celebrate your investiture.”
“Great, remind me never to save your life again,” Andy groused.
“Curmudgeon.”
“Prima Donna.”
“Stick in the mud.”
“High maintenance.”
“Of course, I’m high maintenance, baby. I’m the Queen.” Lily laughed and toasted Andy with her teacup.
“You know I love ya, right?” Andy smiled and returned the toast.
“I know. Just remember that when I tell you what you have to do for the next year.” Lily placed her cup on the table.
Andy nodded and finished her tea. “That bad?” Andy set her cup down and watched Lily.
“Well, I don’t think so but you might.” Lily’s expression became serious and she looked Andy in the eye. “I need you to go to Eliasa.”
Stunned silence was Andy’s first response. When Lily’s words sank in, Andy jumped up. “What? What part of never going back there again do you not remember?” Andy stomped away from the fire and started pacing about the room. “I told you! I told you, I could not go back there.”
Lily stood and moved towards her friend. As Andy paced by, Lily grabbed her arm and pulled her back towards the chairs. “Andy, sit down. I can’t explain anything if you go rushing around the room.”
Andy and Lily moved back to their seats. “Damn it, Lil. What is so important that you have to send me there?” Andy flopped back into her chair.
Lily poured them more tea and gracefully took her seat. “Eliasa is being threatened by Nashtania.”
“Nashtania never threatened any kingdoms before. What changed?” Although the two countries weren’t bosom buddies, the last information Andy received was that relations were cordial.
“King Irving of Ravitz has taken over Nashtania and has delusions of grandeur.” Lily could see Andy’s knuckles turn white as she gripped the chair arms. She expected Andy to launch herself into a pacing frenzy at any moment. “Andy it’s time to let it go. It’s time to forgive and move on.”
“Damn it, Lil.” Andy slowly released her grip on the chair and sagged back. “Damn it,” she whispered as she covered her eyes with one hand.
“I know, Andy. But they need you. Get some rest tonight. We’ll talk tomorrow. Pickwick can let us know what he found out during his travels.” Lily had no doubt that Andy would be making the trip.
“Does he know where you’re sending me?” Andy said in a resigned tone.
“No, I just asked him to gather information. Go on. I’ll have food sent to your rooms.” Concerned, Lily watched her friend wind down.
“My usual rooms?” Andy stood and moved slowly towards the door.
“Of course. You relax tonight. I’ll have supper sent to your room. We’ll talk tomorrow.” Lily hoped Andy would be in a better frame of mind after a good night’s sleep.
***
The next morning Andy, Queen Lillian, and Pickwick huddled around a map of the western continent. Andy traced the border of Nashtania and Eliasa with her finger. “What is Ravitz thinking?” She looked at Pickwick. “You said he formed alliances with two other kingdoms?”
Pickwick nodded and pointed to Condenet and Warneria. “So far the alliances haven’t produced any heirs. Rumor is he’s turned his attention to Eliasa.”
Andy shook her head. “That doesn’t make any sense. Queen Miranda is past child bearing.”
Queen Lily’s expression hardened. “He’s not interested in Miranda. He has offered an alliance with one of the princesses.”
“That bastard.” Andy growled as she stalked to the window. “Caroline and Cassidy can’t be more than 12 years old. What in the Goddess’ name is he thinking?”
Pickwick pointed at the map, “He’s thinking that access to the river port of Clarke will give him a way to the Southern Sea trade routes.”
Andy turned from the window and looked at her friends. “Why hasn’t he considered a business alliance? Queen Miranda is known for her fair terms.”
“I’m not sure what is going on in that pea brain of his. I know that Miranda turned him down and had his emissary physically thrown across the border.” Lily reached for her cup and watched Andy pace in front of the window.
“Okay, so she turned him down. I’m guessing he didn’t take it well.” Andy continued her slow pacing as she thought.
Pickwick reached for a stack of papers sitting next to the map. “Nope, not at all. For some reason, Queen Jacqueline has given him free rein in running the government. He’s taken to hiring mercenaries to increase the Nashtania guard and he’s started moving men towards the border.” Pickwick flipped through the papers until he came to one particular report. “During this time, he’s also done his best to intimidate and threaten the populace. In order to quell any dissent, he’s made magic illegal. Anybody that disagrees with him is judged a witch or warlock and executed. He’s already convinced Condenet and Warneria to enact the same kinds of laws. Of course, his mercenary army was instrumental in the convincing.”
Andy stopped pacing, stunned by the news. “Pick, that’s insane. Magic is everywhere. A lot of people have a little magical talent and most of that is totally harmless and inconsequential.”
“You, Lily, and I know that. More than likely King Irving knows it too, but he doesn’t care.” Pickwick went back to looking through the reports.
“This explains why whenever someone feels slighted or wronged, a charge of magic is leveled. People get arrested and everyone shuts up and tries not to make waves.” Lily pointed at the map. “Can you imagine what that kind of reign would do to Eliasa?”
Andy stared at the map stricken. “The royal family has magic. They have had since the beginning of the line.” She looked at Lily. “What do you want me to do? Do you want me to take out King Irving?”
Lily smiled and squeezed Andy’s arm. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We need more information. You have to go to Eliasa and talk to the Queen. She’s had her own agents and spies watching and gathering information.”
Andy’s shoulders slumped and she dropped into a chair. “Lily, can’t I go to Nashtania and check out the situation.” She stared into the dark fireplace and chewed on her lip.
“I’m sorry Andy, you have to go to Eliasa and talk to Miranda. We don’t know what she’s learned. Her information is more current and may be more in depth.” Lily put her hand on her friend’s shoulder.
Setting down the reports, Pickwick moved away from the map table and walked to the fireplace. “Come on, Andy, grow a pair. It’s not like you to hold a grudge. Get over it.”
Andy sat up straight and glared at Pickwick. “Is that what you think this is? I’m holding a grudge. I’m throwing a tantrum? Is that it? You’re an idiot.” Andy jumped up and headed to the door. “Lily, I’ll talk to you later.” Andy slammed the door behind her.
Lily turned and stared at Pickwick.
“What?” Pickwick shrugged and raised his hands. “She has to get over it. It was a long time ago. Just because . . .”
Lily raised her hand to silence her lover. “Andy was right. You are an idiot.” Lily stormed out of the study.
“What?” Pickwick asked the empty room.
***
Andy reached over and picked up a rock from the little pile at her side and tossed it into the slow moving water. It had been several hours since she stormed out of Lily’s study. Most of that time had been spent sitting on the creek bank leaning against an old oak tree. Andy’s emotions had finally settled down and she no longer felt sick to her stomach. Lily was asking a lot of her. ‘Which means I really do need to go,’ she thought.
Andy pitched another rock into the creek when she heard a loud curse several yards behind her in the thick brush. Evidently Pickwick was not aware of the game trail about twenty feet to the left that offered easy access to the creek. Another curse and an odd thud brought a half smile to Andy’s face.
After a couple more curses, Pickwick broke through the heavy underbrush and found his friend sitting with her back against a tree throwing pebbles into the creek. He carefully picked his way closer, moving slowly as if approaching a wounded animal and settled down against a neighboring tree. “I’m sorry, Andy.” Pickwick brushed ineffectually at his mud stained knees.
Andy just nodded and continued to stare at the moving water. She was tired and didn’t want to fight with Pickwick.
Pickwick leaned back against the tree and carefully considered his words as he flicked a twig off of his coat. “I don’t know the whole story.”
“Yeah,” she sighed. “Only Lily knew what really happened.”
Pickwick gazed sadly at his friend. “She’s still the only one. After she yelled at me, she said I had no idea what happened back then. She said I better find you and apologize or else.” Pickwick ran his hand through his hair leaving several orange red locks sticking up.
“Or else what?” Andy smiled sadly at her friend.
“Damned if I know.” Pickwick helped himself to one of Andy’s pebbles and tossed it into the water. “Don’t want to find out either.”
“Good thinking.” Andy picked up a rock and rolled it around in her hand. “Lily says I need to let go and forgive.” Pitching the rock as far as she could Andy murmured, “I don’t know if I can.”
“Andy,” Pickwick paused to gather his thoughts. “The good and bad that we go through happen for a reason. The Goddess forges us into the people she needs us to be. Eliasa needs help and you’re their best chance at coming through this safely.” Pickwick felt bad for putting this pressure on Andy. He didn’t know what Andy’s issues were, but she had to move past them somehow.
“It sucks, Pick.” Andy picked up the little pile of rocks and flung all of them into the water.
“I know,” he agreed.
Andy stood up and leaned over to offer her friend a hand. “Come on, I’m hungry.”
“Lily’s probably ready to send the guard out to look for us.” Pickwick followed Andy back to the castle.
Chapter 3 - Meeting the Queen
Chapter 2 - Paying a Debt
Pickwick sighed when the familiar forest came into sight. “Finally. I’ll be glad to set these old bones down in my favorite chair tonight.” They had traveled with only brief stops for almost a week.
“And in which pub would that be, Pick?” Andy smiled and nudged her horse into a canter.
“None of that, Witch. I’ll have little time for the pub until I tell my Queen about the goings on of the humans. She likes to keep up on their foolishness.”
Andy nodded but didn’t comment that Pickwick’s people had their own brand of foolishness. Her mood had improved during the journey to the fairy kingdom. Her problem with the Black Knight was resolved. Benedict and Lorin would unite their kingdoms and bring peace to their part of the country. She was ready to move on and provide help where she could.
The track through the forest became wider and finally broke into a large sunlit clearing. The rich green grasses were mixed with colorful wild flowers. The warm spring air was filled with bird song and the buzzing of bees. Pickwick and Andy dismounted at the edge of the clearing and led their horses forward. About halfway across the meadow, they stopped. Pickwick started chanting in the old tongue while Andy started her own incantation. As their words wove together, the air of the forest meadow shimmered. A portal winked open and Pickwick and Andy stepped though with their horses. As soon as the animals cleared the edge of the opening, the portal closed. The clearing was once again empty of all but birds, flowers, and bees.
Pickwick glanced over at Andy. “Calming spell?”
Andy laughed. “Yeah. You get dragged around by a spooked horse enough times, you finally remember.” Coming through the portal was jarring to horses not used to the sudden change in location. Andy had forgotten that lesson more times than she cared to admit.
Pickwick joined in the laughter as he and Andy led their horses down a cobblestone lane. The royal village was bustling with fairies. Shops were open and doing robust business. Villagers of all shapes and sizes were buying, selling, talking to neighbors, sweeping the walks in front of shops, or simply strolling along the lane. The village was home to many different fairy races. Andy noticed many winged fairies and more than a few like Pickwick with no wings. Most were short but a few here and there were close to her size like Pickwick. Andy knew from her visits over the years that all lived peacefully together. She smiled at those who caught her eye as they made their way towards the castle.
***
Pickwick nervously brushed his dark green coat and used his fingers in an attempt to bring some order to his wild red hair. Andy twitched her robes and smiled at Pickwick. “Will you settle down? The Queen is not going to notice your hair or your coat.”
“I’ve been gone for months, witch,” he growled. “I don’t want her to think I don’t care about my appearance in court.”
“Pick, she’ll be happy to see you. Trust me.” Andy paused and thought. “Hey, how did you get the sword if you weren’t here?”
“Met the courier halfway,” Pickwick explained.
Just then the huge door opened and the guard motioned them to enter. “Ambrose, you got a promotion.” Andy grinned at the young winged fairy.
“Lady, it is good to see you again.” Ambrose bowed and gently fanned his bronze colored wings. He then stood proudly in his new black and gold Queen’s Guard uniform.
“Witch, Ambrose, not a lady,” Andy tiredly explained.
“Sorry, Lady. The Queen gave you the title after your last visit. You are now Lady Andrea of the Fair Tree Court.” Ambrose bowed as he remembered the ceremony.
“Damn it. If Horace ever hears about this, he’ll laugh himself sick,” she muttered in disgust.
“Lady?” Ambrose asked, confused that he had missed something.
“Nothing, Ambrose. Just talking to myself.” Andy shook her head. ‘I am so going to get her,’ she thought.
“Old people do that you know, Ambrose.” Pickwick smirked as he waited to be announced.
Andy bumped Pickwick with her hip and quickly schooled her expression. She watched the Queen wrap up her conversation with another winged fairy. Today’s court session must have been informal since Lily was wearing her white gold crown. The light coming though the high windows made it glow against her long black hair.
Andy thought her friend was a beautiful woman. Only an inch or so shorter than Andy, the Queen was a dark fairy with skin the color of warm elven caramel. Like most dark fairies, Lily’s wings were an iridescent bronze. Andy always thought they looked like a cross between butterfly and dragonfly wings. The shape of the wings was reminiscent of a butterfly but they had the delicate gossamer appearance of a dragonfly’s wings. Since Lily was sitting they were folded down and flat to her back. Only the edges peaked out past her arms.
Ambrose waited for the signal from the court secretary and then stepped forward. “My Queen, the Lady Andrea and Lord Pickwick request entrance to your court.”
“Please allow them entrance, Sir Ambrose.” Queen Lillian rose from her throne and watched her friend and lover approach.
“Lord Pickwick, welcome back. We have missed you these past months. I trust all was accomplished?” Lily unfurled her wings and fluttered them gently.
“My Queen, thank you, it is good to be back. I carried out all of your orders successfully.” Pickwick bowed and stepped forward. “The sword is returned,” he said as he placed the long box at the Queen’s feet.
Queen Lillian motioned for one of the men at arms to take the box. “Please see that this is returned to the treasury.” The guard bowed and hurried away with the box. “Lady Andrea, it has been too long. I trust you are well.”
Andy bowed. “Your Highness, thank you for the use of the sword. I look forward to serving you.”
“Of course you do.” The Queen grinned and nodded to the court secretary.
The secretary drew himself up and announced, “My Lords and Ladies, court is adjourned for the day. Thank you.” Everyone bowed and moved towards the doors.
“Shall we?” The Queen gestured to an opening behind the throne. Andy and Pickwick followed Queen Lillian down a hallway to a private study. “Make yourself comfortable,” the Queen said as she tugged the bell pull. When the serving woman arrived, the Queen requested refreshments for her guests.
Andy gave the Queen and Pickwick a little privacy and prowled around the edge of the room examining various trinkets and books on the shelves. She thought her friends were cute with their heads together, whispering. The odd looking couple had been together for thousands of years and Andy figured they must be doing something right. Deep down she envied their deep and abiding love.
When the tea arrived Andy, Lily, and Pickwick sat in the overstuffed chairs near the fireplace. The Queen poured and the three drank their tea in a comfortable silence. When he finished, Pickwick excused himself and left the two alone.
“Well that was discrete,” Andy teased. “I thought he couldn’t wait to see you?”
“He’ll see me tonight,” Lily smiled. “I told him I needed to talk to you privately.”
“That sounds ominous.” Andy reached for the pot and poured more tea. “Need a refill, Lily?”
“Yes, thanks.” Lily leaned back in her chair and stared into the fire.
“So why did you send Pickwick away? I’m guessing it has something to do with my year of service. What is it?” Andy sat back and stretched her feet out on the footstool. “And what is the deal with the title? You know I don’t like that ‘Lady’ thing. I’m a witch, plain and simple. Titles just get in the way.”
“Sorry, Andy. I had to after that last incident,” Lilly said as she shrugged. “A lot of people were quite unhappy that you left so quickly. You can’t just save someone’s life and then run away. The people wanted a party. You running off cheated them out of a good time. I came up with some excuse about you needing to save someone else’s hide and declared a holiday to celebrate your investiture.”
“Great, remind me never to save your life again,” Andy groused.
“Curmudgeon.”
“Prima Donna.”
“Stick in the mud.”
“High maintenance.”
“Of course, I’m high maintenance, baby. I’m the Queen.” Lily laughed and toasted Andy with her teacup.
“You know I love ya, right?” Andy smiled and returned the toast.
“I know. Just remember that when I tell you what you have to do for the next year.” Lily placed her cup on the table.
Andy nodded and finished her tea. “That bad?” Andy set her cup down and watched Lily.
“Well, I don’t think so but you might.” Lily’s expression became serious and she looked Andy in the eye. “I need you to go to Eliasa.”
Stunned silence was Andy’s first response. When Lily’s words sank in, Andy jumped up. “What? What part of never going back there again do you not remember?” Andy stomped away from the fire and started pacing about the room. “I told you! I told you, I could not go back there.”
Lily stood and moved towards her friend. As Andy paced by, Lily grabbed her arm and pulled her back towards the chairs. “Andy, sit down. I can’t explain anything if you go rushing around the room.”
Andy and Lily moved back to their seats. “Damn it, Lil. What is so important that you have to send me there?” Andy flopped back into her chair.
Lily poured them more tea and gracefully took her seat. “Eliasa is being threatened by Nashtania.”
“Nashtania never threatened any kingdoms before. What changed?” Although the two countries weren’t bosom buddies, the last information Andy received was that relations were cordial.
“King Irving of Ravitz has taken over Nashtania and has delusions of grandeur.” Lily could see Andy’s knuckles turn white as she gripped the chair arms. She expected Andy to launch herself into a pacing frenzy at any moment. “Andy it’s time to let it go. It’s time to forgive and move on.”
“Damn it, Lil.” Andy slowly released her grip on the chair and sagged back. “Damn it,” she whispered as she covered her eyes with one hand.
“I know, Andy. But they need you. Get some rest tonight. We’ll talk tomorrow. Pickwick can let us know what he found out during his travels.” Lily had no doubt that Andy would be making the trip.
“Does he know where you’re sending me?” Andy said in a resigned tone.
“No, I just asked him to gather information. Go on. I’ll have food sent to your rooms.” Concerned, Lily watched her friend wind down.
“My usual rooms?” Andy stood and moved slowly towards the door.
“Of course. You relax tonight. I’ll have supper sent to your room. We’ll talk tomorrow.” Lily hoped Andy would be in a better frame of mind after a good night’s sleep.
***
The next morning Andy, Queen Lillian, and Pickwick huddled around a map of the western continent. Andy traced the border of Nashtania and Eliasa with her finger. “What is Ravitz thinking?” She looked at Pickwick. “You said he formed alliances with two other kingdoms?”
Pickwick nodded and pointed to Condenet and Warneria. “So far the alliances haven’t produced any heirs. Rumor is he’s turned his attention to Eliasa.”
Andy shook her head. “That doesn’t make any sense. Queen Miranda is past child bearing.”
Queen Lily’s expression hardened. “He’s not interested in Miranda. He has offered an alliance with one of the princesses.”
“That bastard.” Andy growled as she stalked to the window. “Caroline and Cassidy can’t be more than 12 years old. What in the Goddess’ name is he thinking?”
Pickwick pointed at the map, “He’s thinking that access to the river port of Clarke will give him a way to the Southern Sea trade routes.”
Andy turned from the window and looked at her friends. “Why hasn’t he considered a business alliance? Queen Miranda is known for her fair terms.”
“I’m not sure what is going on in that pea brain of his. I know that Miranda turned him down and had his emissary physically thrown across the border.” Lily reached for her cup and watched Andy pace in front of the window.
“Okay, so she turned him down. I’m guessing he didn’t take it well.” Andy continued her slow pacing as she thought.
Pickwick reached for a stack of papers sitting next to the map. “Nope, not at all. For some reason, Queen Jacqueline has given him free rein in running the government. He’s taken to hiring mercenaries to increase the Nashtania guard and he’s started moving men towards the border.” Pickwick flipped through the papers until he came to one particular report. “During this time, he’s also done his best to intimidate and threaten the populace. In order to quell any dissent, he’s made magic illegal. Anybody that disagrees with him is judged a witch or warlock and executed. He’s already convinced Condenet and Warneria to enact the same kinds of laws. Of course, his mercenary army was instrumental in the convincing.”
Andy stopped pacing, stunned by the news. “Pick, that’s insane. Magic is everywhere. A lot of people have a little magical talent and most of that is totally harmless and inconsequential.”
“You, Lily, and I know that. More than likely King Irving knows it too, but he doesn’t care.” Pickwick went back to looking through the reports.
“This explains why whenever someone feels slighted or wronged, a charge of magic is leveled. People get arrested and everyone shuts up and tries not to make waves.” Lily pointed at the map. “Can you imagine what that kind of reign would do to Eliasa?”
Andy stared at the map stricken. “The royal family has magic. They have had since the beginning of the line.” She looked at Lily. “What do you want me to do? Do you want me to take out King Irving?”
Lily smiled and squeezed Andy’s arm. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We need more information. You have to go to Eliasa and talk to the Queen. She’s had her own agents and spies watching and gathering information.”
Andy’s shoulders slumped and she dropped into a chair. “Lily, can’t I go to Nashtania and check out the situation.” She stared into the dark fireplace and chewed on her lip.
“I’m sorry Andy, you have to go to Eliasa and talk to Miranda. We don’t know what she’s learned. Her information is more current and may be more in depth.” Lily put her hand on her friend’s shoulder.
Setting down the reports, Pickwick moved away from the map table and walked to the fireplace. “Come on, Andy, grow a pair. It’s not like you to hold a grudge. Get over it.”
Andy sat up straight and glared at Pickwick. “Is that what you think this is? I’m holding a grudge. I’m throwing a tantrum? Is that it? You’re an idiot.” Andy jumped up and headed to the door. “Lily, I’ll talk to you later.” Andy slammed the door behind her.
Lily turned and stared at Pickwick.
“What?” Pickwick shrugged and raised his hands. “She has to get over it. It was a long time ago. Just because . . .”
Lily raised her hand to silence her lover. “Andy was right. You are an idiot.” Lily stormed out of the study.
“What?” Pickwick asked the empty room.
***
Andy reached over and picked up a rock from the little pile at her side and tossed it into the slow moving water. It had been several hours since she stormed out of Lily’s study. Most of that time had been spent sitting on the creek bank leaning against an old oak tree. Andy’s emotions had finally settled down and she no longer felt sick to her stomach. Lily was asking a lot of her. ‘Which means I really do need to go,’ she thought.
Andy pitched another rock into the creek when she heard a loud curse several yards behind her in the thick brush. Evidently Pickwick was not aware of the game trail about twenty feet to the left that offered easy access to the creek. Another curse and an odd thud brought a half smile to Andy’s face.
After a couple more curses, Pickwick broke through the heavy underbrush and found his friend sitting with her back against a tree throwing pebbles into the creek. He carefully picked his way closer, moving slowly as if approaching a wounded animal and settled down against a neighboring tree. “I’m sorry, Andy.” Pickwick brushed ineffectually at his mud stained knees.
Andy just nodded and continued to stare at the moving water. She was tired and didn’t want to fight with Pickwick.
Pickwick leaned back against the tree and carefully considered his words as he flicked a twig off of his coat. “I don’t know the whole story.”
“Yeah,” she sighed. “Only Lily knew what really happened.”
Pickwick gazed sadly at his friend. “She’s still the only one. After she yelled at me, she said I had no idea what happened back then. She said I better find you and apologize or else.” Pickwick ran his hand through his hair leaving several orange red locks sticking up.
“Or else what?” Andy smiled sadly at her friend.
“Damned if I know.” Pickwick helped himself to one of Andy’s pebbles and tossed it into the water. “Don’t want to find out either.”
“Good thinking.” Andy picked up a rock and rolled it around in her hand. “Lily says I need to let go and forgive.” Pitching the rock as far as she could Andy murmured, “I don’t know if I can.”
“Andy,” Pickwick paused to gather his thoughts. “The good and bad that we go through happen for a reason. The Goddess forges us into the people she needs us to be. Eliasa needs help and you’re their best chance at coming through this safely.” Pickwick felt bad for putting this pressure on Andy. He didn’t know what Andy’s issues were, but she had to move past them somehow.
“It sucks, Pick.” Andy picked up the little pile of rocks and flung all of them into the water.
“I know,” he agreed.
Andy stood up and leaned over to offer her friend a hand. “Come on, I’m hungry.”
“Lily’s probably ready to send the guard out to look for us.” Pickwick followed Andy back to the castle.
Chapter 3 - Meeting the Queen