Haven: Chronicles of Warshard (23 page)

“Haven!”

The young queen looked up. The voice of Corrin echoed off the walls and her little friend
stiffened.

“It’s okay,” Haven whispered, rubbing her shoulder. “It’s just my friends looking for
me.”

The young girl looked up at her and her eyes widened. “The immortal queen,” she whispered, the same awed look the other man had given her reflected on this girl’s face. “You saved
me.”

“The immortal queen?” Haven asked. “Is that what they call
me?”

“That’s what everyone in Seaburn calls you.” she said, “And it’s true. There’s no cut on your
face.”

Haven felt her cheek. “I heal
quickly.”

“Haven?” Her guard girls and the rest of her party tore down the long hallway, stopping quickly at the scene before
them.

“What happened?” Lareina gasped, coming to her friend while Blythe and Malka secured the
hallway.

Corrin, Nina and Drakkone piled in after them. Both Seaburn residents froze at the sight before
them.

Haven looked them right in the eye. “You should have told me,” she
said.

Nina shook her head. “Haven, you don’t
understand.”

“That man was going to rape her.” Haven narrowed her eyes, holding onto the girl tightly. “Is that how Seaburn does things? Is that how it has evolved? You call the southerners savage, but there is no act more savage than
rape.”

Drakkone stood stalk still while Nina’s face softened and she tried taking a step closer. “Lady Haven, please
listen.”

“We cannot accept the help of such a foul country,” Haven snapped. She didn’t want to hear any excuses or lies. She wouldn’t allow this to go on, and she certainly wouldn’t use these people in their war. “You dress this place up like it’s a beautiful modern paradise, but it’s only to hide the dark belly of the beast. I’m taking these people out of here, and I dare someone to try and stop
me.”

Haven rose to her feet, the young girl coming with
her.

“We can’t let you do that,” Drakkone
said.

“Haven, please let us speak,” Nina tried again, shooting her father a
look.

The people of Warshard seemed shocked into silence, staring at one another in horror, but they moved to rally behind Queen Haven, ready to come to her
aid.

“What will you tell me Nina?” Haven snapped. “Nothing you can say will change what’s happening down
here.”

“This is not how it is supposed to happen,” Drakkone sighed. Haven’s gaze shot to the tall, broad man. “This isn’t how the people down here are supposed to be treated, but it has been happening for so long that the men think it’s normal
now.”

“This is in no way
normal
.”

“I know,” Drakkone met her eyes. “But we’re working to change that, and we have been for a long time. It used to be worse, Lady Queen. Trust
me.”

“I’ve been working with the council on this from the beginning, Haven,” Nina added. “We’re working on a treaty with the southern lands. We will stop taking their people and doing this to them, I
promise.”

“I can’t just go on your promises.” Water slowly filled her eyes. Though Haven stood with her arms around the young warrior, she couldn’t be sure who was holding up
whom.

“
Please
Haven,” Nina stepped up to her and touched her elbow gently. They both stood completely still. Haven could feel Nina flood her conscience. She could see her own thoughts and memories, but Nina’s were present as well, filling her with assurance. She showed her images of treaties in the works, young soldiers brought to the council, and the other many steps already taken. Haven stepped away in a haze. Corrin held her up this
time.

“Are you alright?” he
asked.

“Yes,” Haven breathed, blinking away the images. “You will fix
this?”

“I promise I will,” Nina
said.

“I’m still taking these people from
here.”

Nina nodded. “I knew you wouldn’t leave without them,” she smiled and motioned a Seaburn guard forward. “Get the keys and release everyone. We’re taking them upstairs.” The man didn’t protest, only slipped off to do his
duty.

“Thank you,” the young girl whispered beside
her.

Nina smiled again, that dazzling look that seemed to capture people in the depths of her ocean blue eyes. “My mother was like you once. She needed my father to save her. It’s about time we did the same for the rest of
you.”

CHAPTER 25

“W
hat is the meaning of
this?”

The deep voice of Vas boomed through the lobby of the academy. It reverberated off the three-story-high columns, and echoed deep within the
academy.

Once the group of southerners had been gathered, Haven and the others ushered them through the halls into the main corridor. They were all quite skittish, gazing around as if the council might jump out at any moment and drag them kicking and screaming back to their cages. The group did their best to soothe them until they reached the main hallways. If possible, they were more scared here than in their cells. Haven finally understood why when they reached the
lobby.

Word must have reached the council quickly, as Vas and a group of soldiers blocked the main doors. While the group of foreigners stopped in their tracks, Haven quickly advanced on Vas. Blood pounding hard in her veins, adrenaline rushed through her like waves. Her anger flared to life inside her chest, its flames licking at the mental wounds that might never heal. Vas was just like Kadia in a way. He took these people from their families, captured them and tortured them into submission. Anyone like Kadia deserved to die. Her sword was out of its sheath before she could think beyond her fury – the tip held to the councilman’s
throat.

“What is the meaning of
this
?” she hissed his question back. “What is the meaning of barbarically
dragging
these people from their homes, only to torture and rape them into submission – all for the sake of your army?” Haven nearly screamed the words, her knuckles white on the hilt of her sword. Her whole body shook with anger – the anger that only came when her thoughts turned to
Kadia.

Suddenly, swords were drawn left and right, among both her friends and the Seaburn guards. Many points were directed at her, while fewer pointed away. Haven did not flinch, only held the wide-eyed gaze of Vas. They could stick her with their swords all they wanted and she would survive. Haven had never acted so recklessly since the day she rushed into the burning Salander capital. It was a relief to feel in control of her recklessness, to know that even if she was acting rashly,
she
was the one acting, and no one could stop
her.

“It is a traditional practice,” his voice hissed out almost a whine. She could plainly see from the widening of his eyes how utterly and completely terrified he was of her. Sweat beaded on his forehead, his hands shook, and lips trembled. He had been such a poised man, and here he was literally quaking in her
presence.

“An ancient one, you mean,” Haven said, “a cruel, ancient practice.” She narrowed her eyes. “I’m taking these people from this place. They will come with me, go home, or stay here, but they will do it of their own free will.” Vas began to shake his head. Haven pressed her blade in harder. The cold burn of metal pressed into her own neck. She barely took notice. All of her focus remained on the dark-skinned man before her. “It wasn’t a request. Tell your guards to back away now or I will kill
you.”

Vas turned his gaze outward, panic rising. “Y-You
can’t--”

“I can do anything. You call me the immortal queen, isn’t that right?” Haven paused for a single moment, knowing her question didn’t need an answer. “I could show you just how accurate a title that is. It would only take a moment. I can push this sword through your throat, and your guard will push his through mine. The only difference is I will wake and you will not.” Her words must have driven home, because it only took a moment for Vas to cry out his
command.

“Step back,” Vas whimpered. “Drop your swords! Do as she says!” his voice rose. It took a moment, but his men did as he asked. “You just want to take this group with you? That’s
all?”

Haven paused, lowering her sword slightly. “I want you to free anyone who wants to leave, whether they be part of your military or
not.”

“That could completely ruin our plans to save
your
kingdoms!” Vas
gasped.

“You will do as I ask. If they wish to follow you of their own volition, then let them. But anyone who wants to leave will be granted total and utter freedom as of this moment.” Haven raised her sword again. “Or I
will
kill you. It’s your choice.” She could hear herself being unreasonable, being cruel, just as this man had been to these people. But Haven couldn’t stop. She had to protect them. She would guard them from a fate like her own. She could not allow anyone to be treated less than human
ever
again. It might have seemed too harsh to threaten Vas’s life, and she could feel the weight of her decision. She knew herself that she would do it, no matter the mental toll it would eventually
take.

Vas gazed back and forth at the guards, who now seemed to be paying much less attention to their council member and more attention to what the young queen said. They mumbled back and forth to each other in a foreign tongue, their muscles un-tensing and battle stances dropping. Haven watched as Vas made up his mind. “They can go free. But whatever happens next will be your fault, Immortal
Queen.”

Haven sheathed her sword and stepped back. She would accept responsibility for whatever future would come for them. She could never have lived with herself knowing these people suffered so they could garner an army. She turned to the people who surrounded her. At least twenty men and women had been freed from their cages in the chambers below, but many more stood behind her now. Seaburn guards flowed from every direction, poking their heads in from hallways, and peering over the balconies above. Her words had gathered a much larger crowd than expected. It was Haven’s turn to gulp. So many expectant eyes rested on her, as if she were more than just a girl trying to save the lives of people wronged one too many
times.

“You are free,” she began, unable to hide her relief or the smile that broke across her face. Her anger rushed from her body in one breath, leaving her limbs tingling with something akin to anticipation. “You can go wherever and be whatever you want. It is your choice. Stay if you will, return home if you want, or come across the sea to Warshard. You will be as welcome there as you will be here – and you
will
be
free.”

For a moment only silence greeted her. Many sets of stunned eyes stared back. It was the young girl Haven had saved in the dungeon who broke the
silence.

“I, Aura of the Southern Delica tribe, pledge myself to you, Immortal Queen.” The young girl dropped to one knee, head
down.

Haven just blinked in surprise at Aura, whose mangled black hair fell to the floor around her bent head. She had never seen someone pledge themselves to anyone, and she certainly hadn’t expected it of such a young
woman.

“Are you sure?” Haven hesitated. She wouldn’t want anyone to be forced into her service, whether it was because they felt some debt was owed or not. “You are free. You owe me nothing,
Aura.”

“I’m sure,” Aura paused. Her accent was thick, but when she spoke again, Haven knew it took her a moment to find the words of the six kingdoms. “My Lady
Queen.”

Haven stepped forward, unable to hide her smile. Before she could speak again, several men and women behind her dropped to one knee, echoing Aura’s statement. Soon the entire group she’d saved from the dungeons was bowing before her. She was lost in a whirlwind of names and tribes she could neither recognize nor remember. Haven found herself locking eyes with her guards, then Nina, Drakkone, and finally Corrin. They all smiled at her, pride radiating from their
eyes.

She turned back to her new subjects. “Rise,” she said, clearing her throat of the lump that had settled there. Haven looked at each them, taking in their foreign faces one by one as they stood with her. “I am honored to have
you.”

—

In the days that followed the savage proclamation to Warshard’s cause, much changed in Seaburn. Many of the so-called savages returned to the southern lands to aid their own people, while just as many stayed to fight for the six kingdoms. At first Haven had feared no one would remain to help save her home, but as the days passed and their journey grew near, more men and women came to her, pledging their allegiance to the six kingdoms and the Immortal Queen. Haven was grateful to each of them, overwhelmed by it all, and unable to express how truly in awe these gestures made her – not just for their aid, but for the happiness their freedom brought them. She would treasure every smile and every face for the rest of her
days.

The evening before their departure, Haven wandered the lit gardens facing the sea beyond the city. Corrin stayed near, watching her from his bench as she moved calmly through the flowers, her fingers brushing their silky petals. She walked barefoot, her dress dragging in the dirt, toes squishing through the soil and sheath occasionally snagging on thick stems. It had been a long time since she felt so at ease. In a way, setting the others free had returned her to life. The touch of others didn’t make her flinch like it once did. The proximity of men in general didn’t seem to bother her anymore. Whatever Nina had done to her mind truly worked. She one day hoped her scarred memory would only be a thread in her mind, one she could release if need be, but would never touch for fear the entire garment might
unravel.

Haven came to a stop at the edge of the gardens, where the ground fell away to the city. The surrounding rocks appeared smooth, worn by water, but she couldn’t imagine the tide having ever been so high. Her eyes left the ground and found the horizon. The moon set the sea aglow. Stars danced across the skyline and Haven wished she could fly up and join them. She imagined what a sight Seaburn would be from high in the sky. The already beautiful city would be unreal from such heights. Every light in the city would be lit, as the night was still young. From so high, would the stars be envious of the city’s bountiful beauty, or would they be content in their own vast
empire?

“What are you
thinking?”

Haven turned as Corrin lay his hand on her back. He smiled the handsome sweet smile she’d come to know. “I was thinking about what it’d be like to be a star,” she confessed, returning her gaze to the black sky
above.

Corrin chuckled. “Not about the upcoming battles, or your new army who’ve pledged their allegiance to you?” He grinned and followed her gaze. “The Immortal Queen thinks about being a star. Now that’s a new one, Lady
Queen.”

Haven couldn’t help laughing with him. It did seem silly when he put it like that. “That’s the first time you’ve called me
that.”

“What? Lady
Queen?”

“No,” she gave him a
look.

Corrin grinned back at her, this time revealing a perfect set of teeth. He knew all too well what she meant. “The Immortal Queen? Isn’t that your new title?” he raised an eyebrow. “You don’t like
it?”

Haven thought about it. At first it felt like a daunting title; something she couldn’t live up to. Then it felt like a title for a bad queen, like Kadia. The Queen of Dagan had been called many things throughout time. The Insane Queen, the Evil Queen. Was the Immortal Queen just the same? Was it a title she’d been given out of fear or
hatred?

She decided it felt nothing like the titles given to Kadia. The Immortal Queen was a title she would embrace. It was strong, like her. It had taken her a long time to accept it, but she was strong. Haven had stood up for herself, her people, and in the end what she believed in. Only good had come of her title, and so Haven would be whatever Queen her people needed. If they needed their Immortal Queen, that’s who she would
be.

“I do now,” Haven
smiled.

“Haven, may I ask you
something?”

She turned her gaze to her fellow royal. “Of
course.”

“What will you do when this is all over?” He stopped for a moment. “The war, I mean. What will you do once it’s over and we’re left to pick up the pieces of our
kingdoms?”

Haven paused. She hadn’t thought much about it yet. She had to assume she would go back to being a regular queen. She’d go about doing what her people needed, forging a new kingdom with the help of her new friends. But really, what else was there? She’d go on being what she was, a queen. Haven felt suddenly confused by his question and answered as simply as she could, “I’ll return to my people. Be queen, I suppose. I’ll do my best to restore my kingdom and help the others as well, of
course.”

His face fell and he nodded. Corrin seemed somehow disappointed in her answer, but Haven wasn’t quite sure why. Dropping his hand from her back, the young king gave her some
space.

“Did I say something wrong?” she
asked.

“No, no of course not.” The young king avoided her gaze, and suddenly she
understood.

“Do you mean what will
we
do?” Haven put emphasis on
we
. She feared what he might want or expect from her. Flashes of Emeril pinning her to a tree leaped to her conscious mind and she had to fight to keep still. She worried if she rejected another, he would be unable to control himself. But Corrin wasn’t a boy, he was a man, a king – and a good one at that. She tried to stay sure in her belief Corrin wouldn’t hurt her if her fears were
realized.

Corrin finally met her gaze with big, hopeful eyes. “Yes,” he smiled, taking her hand and bringing her back to the path. They sat together on a stone bench, hidden from any wandering eyes in a ring of ferns. “Haven I have something quite serious to ask you, and I need you to know that I don’t want to pressure you in any way,
but...”