The Shadow Queen (18 page)

“Ciarda must be destroyed, and one of your sons must triumph over the other,” Kaliq replied. “Whichever of them takes up the throne of the Dark Lands will be kept too busy consolidating his power to cause trouble in Hetar. I think you must decide which of your sons is the lesser of two evils. Then we will aid him to gain the ascendancy, my love.”

“This is a terrible choice you give me, Kaliq,” Lara said, low.

“Do you think you can recognize the one you created from the first?” he asked her. “Perhaps he will be the least dangerous.”

“I have not seen them since several weeks after their birth,” Lara replied. “Can you find them for me, Kaliq? Can I see and study them?”

He nodded. “It can be done, my love.”

“Then do it,” Lara told him. “Do it before this situation breaks my cold faerie heart. I have not thought of Kolbein and Kolgrim in years. I never wanted to think of them, or their wicked, black-hearted father. Now they are men, almost grown, and I must choose which one will live to reign over the Dark Lands, and which of them will die so the other may rule in relative peace. No mother should be forced to this kind of a decision, Kaliq. But I am faerie, and I know what will happen if I allow that drop of mortal blood in me to overrule my common sense. Find me a way to observe Kol’s twin heirs, and I will pick so that our worlds may be safe.” His arm about her was comforting, and seemed to imbue her with an iron strength.

“They are both well hidden,” Kaliq said. “It will take time to ferret them out, my love. Keep to your summer schedule—go to the New Outlands to visit the clan families. Now more than ever it is important that Terah have their loyalty. Take Taj with you so he may make friends among those his own age.”

“He already has many friends there, but renewing those friendships now that he is the Dominus is wise. First, however, he must go to the Temple of the Great Creator where the High Priest will see that he is anointed formally. After that we will travel to the New Outlands. I will be there when you need me, my lord Kaliq.”

They both arose, and he smiled into her eyes again. “Continue to be brave, my love,” he said to her, and then he stepped back into the shadows of the room and was gone.

A faint smile touched Lara’s lips as she breathed in the sandalwood scent that clung to his cape. She was still not happy with Zagiri’s marriage. But she had no time for Zagiri now. There was much to do, and much at stake in the weeks to come.

CHAPTER SEVEN

L
ARA
ALWAYS
ENJOYED
visiting the clan families of the New Outlands. Each summer she would decamp from her castle and spend several weeks with them. One summer many years past, Kol, the Twilight Lord, had kidnapped Lara, stealing her memories from her so that she believed she was his wife. He believed she was the female who would give him the single son that was born to his kind. What Kol had not known was that the Shadow Princes had planned the entire episode, and when Lara was pregnant they had regained her memories for her. Then they had explained why she had been chosen to give Kol his son. Her magic would change the child in her womb into two sons. And after their birth Lara would be brought back to Terah.

As it was forbidden to kill any son born to a Twilight Lord, the birth of twins did precisely what the Shadow Princes had intended. It caused chaos and a civil war in the Dark Lands that raged to this day. The Twilight Lord was imprisoned. His sons were hidden away, and factions favoring each of the boys grew up around them. But Kol had had his revenge upon Lara, assaulting her upon the Dream Plain when she was carrying Magnus Hauk’s only son, and implanting a daughter who was born with Taj, and believed to be Magnus Hauk’s child. Lara’s husband had never known, for his mother-in-law had claimed Marzina’s exotic coloring was that of a Nix ancestor.

It had been difficult at first for Lara to love this youngest child of hers, but Marzina had proven so genuinely sweet natured and dear that her mother could not resist her. She was also, next to her elder brother, Dillon, the most magical of Lara’s children. It was a bond that drew them closer as the years passed by. Now Lara prepared to send her beloved daughter to her mother in the Forest Faerie Kingdom of Hetar. After what had happened to Zagiri she feared she could not protect Marzina properly as she needed to concentrate upon teaching her youngest son to rule his domain of Terah. Her destiny, Lara realized, was once again leading her forward whether she would go or not.

And, too, Lara’s mother, Ilona, Queen of the Forest Faeries, longed to take charge of her favorite granddaughter in order to teach her faerie magic. Appearing in her daughter’s apartments in her usual puff of smoke, she embraced Lara. “I am so glad you have decided to send Marzina to me sooner,” she said in her musical voice.

“Kaliq has convinced me it is important she leave Terah now rather than a few months from now,” Lara replied. “I hate it when he gets all mysterious.”

Ilona laughed. “He knows much of what is to come, but is forbidden from disclosing it lest he change the history of our worlds. Are you off to the clan families?”

Lara nodded. “I left Anoush several weeks ago, but did not remain. Now I would spend some time making certain that the clan families do not forget the debt they owe to Terah, and to me. Liam and his generation are growing older. Those following them must be made to remember. It doesn’t matter that a mountain range separates us. If we leave the clan families to themselves they will become a law unto themselves, and forget their loyalty to Terah. It is the way of mortals to eventually forget their past.”

“You are wise, daughter,” Ilona said. “And Anoush has definitely decided to remain with her father’s people?”

“Aye. They accept her
Sight
now, and revere her healing skills. Some young man will eventually seek her love, and take her for his wife. Anoush prefers being Fiacre, and there is little of me in her, which is perhaps for the better, Mother.”

“Aye, I believe you are right,” Ilona agreed. “Well, daughter, it would appear you have but one duty now. That is to Taj, and to Terah. Anoush and Zagiri have both made their choice of how they would live their lives. Dillon rules Belmair. Now Marzina, the most talented of your three daughters, will come with me so she may fully embrace her faerie heritage. I will take good care of her as I would have of you had I had that opportunity, Lara. She will be safe in the Forest Kingdom. Our people will guard her with their own lives.”

“What of my brother, Cirillo?” Lara asked her mother.

“Impetuous boy,” Ilona said in an annoyed tone. “He spends more time with his lover on Belmair than in the kingdom he will inherit one day.” She shook her head. “A female dragon! Where did I err in raising him? I blame his father, of course. Thanos is the one who is so enamored with the natural world. It is all his fault!”

Now Lara laughed. “Oddly I think Nidhug the perfect mate for Cirillo. Oh, he will please you one day, and sire an heir on some sweet faerie lass, but Nidhug is the female he will love above all others, Mother. Be glad he will do his duty by your kingdom. Besides, it will be centuries before you fade away.”

“Indeed it will,” Ilona agreed. “Now where is my darling Marzina?”

“Here, Grandmother!” Marzina said, appearing suddenly.

“How long have you been eavesdropping on us?” Lara asked her daughter. “You know I have asked you not to do that.” She turned to Ilona, who was beaming with pride at her granddaughter’s aptitude. “Marzina lacks discipline, Mother, and even you will agree that good magic requires strict discipline.”

“Aye, it does,” Ilona agreed, “but do not scold the child, Lara. She is just eager.”

Lara sighed. “You spoil her, Mother. Try not to make her too impossible. Remember that she is a princess of Terah as well as faerie born.” Lara reached out and took Marzina’s face between her two hands. “I love you, little one. I will miss you. Were times not so dire I should keep you with me, Marzina. Remember you are my daughter, and the sister of Terah’s Dominus. Obey your grandmother without question. If you prove worthy she will teach you the magic you need to know. Do not be impatient or imperious with others as you sometimes are.” Lara kissed her daughter on both of her rosy cheeks. “There is change coming, Marzina, and it brings great danger with it. Do not leave the Forest Kingdom unless you are with your grandmother, your uncle Cirillo or Prince Kaliq. Do you understand me, my daughter?”

“I understand, Mother, and I thank you for this wonderful opportunity,” Marzina said earnestly. “I will not fail you, or my brother.”

“He may need you and your magic one day,” Lara told her youngest born. “Remember that you have an obligation to Terah, the land of your birth. Study hard with your grandmother.” She smoothed a lock of Marzina’s dark hair from her face and sighed. “Go now before I allow my love for you to overrule my common sense,” Lara said, and she struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to well up in her green eyes.

Ilona came forward, kissed Lara upon the cheek and then, putting an arm about her granddaughter, disappeared with them both in a poof of lavender smoke.
Goodbye,
darling girl,
Lara heard her mother call in the silent language of the magic world. A single tear ran down Lara’s cheek. She brushed it away impatiently. Marzina was not a mortal child. She was magic, and it was time she learned how to control her magic and use it for good.

The day after her youngest child had departed Lara took her son with her upon Dasras, and they left for the Temple of the Great Creator where Taj would be officially anointed as Dominus of Terah. Dasras descended several miles from the temple, and galloped the rest of the distance as was his custom. They were greeted at the gates by the High Priest Arik, who was Taj’s great-uncle.

“Welcome, my lord Dominus, my lady Domina,” he said, coming forward smiling. He looked at Lara. “You are well, my daughter?”

She nodded. “I miss him, but aye, I am well. Painful as it is even I know that it is as it should be at this point in time, my lord Arik.”

“The guest house is ready for you,” Arik replied. “Tomorrow at the exact moment of sunrise we will annoint young Taj. Will you stay with us for a few days?”

“Nay, it is our time for the New Outlands, and they are expecting us,” Lara told him. “Changes are coming, my lord, and we need to be ready for them.”

“Is Terah safe?” he asked anxiously.

“To my knowledge for now, aye,” Lara responded. “But you must know that my daughter Zagiri was lured away to Hetar. She has of her own free will married the Lord High Ruler. They believe it will force us to aid them in any time of trouble.”

“Will it?” Arik queried her.

“I want to say nay, but the truth is I do not know now. I suppose it will depend upon the situation. I am not happy that Zagiri has put Terah in this position, my lord.”

“Nay, you would not be. You refused such a match, did you not?” he said.

Lara nodded. “I did. There is more to this tale than I would tell you, my lord Arik. I know you will trust me to do what is best for Terah, and for my son Taj.”

“I will, Domina. My nephew trusted you, and Magnus was no fool despite his deep love for you,” the High Priest said. “Now I would take my great-nephew from you. He must be bathed, purified and spend the night in prayer and contemplative thought before he is anointed at dawn. Can you find your own way now, Domina? You will find an old friend awaiting you. You and she will be the only females allowed to witness the anointing.” He bowed respectfully to Lara.

“Kemina!” Lara exclaimed. “How wonderful! Aye, I can find my way to the guest house, my lord Arik. I remember it well.” She turned to Taj. “Make your father proud, my son,” she told him, and she kissed him upon his forehead. “Now go with the High Priest while I attend to Dasras, and then find Kemina.”

The young Dominus returned his mother’s kiss, touching her cheek with his cool lips. Then with a small nod of compliance he went off with Arik.

“He wears the mantle of his office well for one so young,” Dasras noted.

“I know,” Lara replied to the great stallion. “Magnus would be pleased to see it.” She took his bridle and led him toward the stables.

“This place makes you sad,” Dasras said softly.

“Magnus brought me here so I might lift the curse of Usi from the priests. I had not been in Terah long. The old High Priest Aslak was both horrified and scandalized by me,” Lara recalled. “When he died in the night I wasn’t so certain the shock of hearing my voice hadn’t killed him. Fortunately Magnus’s uncle had already been chosen his successor. I performed my magic, and the rest you know. Still it has been several years since I last came to the Temple of the Great Creator. And I never come without remembering that first time,” she finished. “Ah, here we are at the stables.”

“Greetings, Domina,” the young priest tending the stables said. “Greetings, Lord Dasras. Your stall awaits you. I have brought a bucket of fresh water from our spring, there is fresh hay and your oats are newly poured. Is there anything else I may do for you?” the priest asked anxiously. He had never before served this magical beast although he had heard of him from others who had.

“My shoulders ache,” Dasras said. “A light massage would be appreciated.”

“Before or after you have eaten?” the priest inquired.

Dasras considered carefully. “After, I think,” he said.

“I will see you on the morrow. Rest well,” Lara told the great beast. Then she hurried off through the temple compound, crossing over the square stones that formed a bridge over the pond leading to the guest house. Stepping up onto the porch of the building, she smiled into the welcoming face of Kemina, High Priestess of the Daughters of the Great Creator, who awaited her in the open door. “Kemina!”

“Domina, it is good to see you again,” Kemina said, embracing the younger woman. “You look well, I am happy to see.”

The two women entered the dwelling. Kemina had brought two young novices with her to serve them. The young women moved silently about, instinctively anticipating the needs of their mistress and her companion. They were in awe of this service, for while they had heard of the faerie woman who had been Magnus Hauk’s wife, they were simple girls from ordinary families who would have never hoped to see let alone meet Lara.

The widowed Domina and the High Priestess spent a pleasant afternoon and evening recalling old times shared. The two novices brought them a simple supper of capon, salad, warm bread, sweet butter and fresh fruit. They drank Frine, and toasted the memory of Magnus Hauk, and then they toasted Taj.

“Tell me of your daughters,” Kemina finally asked.

Lara told her of Anoush’s desire to return to her father’s people, of Zagiri’s runaway marriage and of Marzina being put for safety’s sake with her faerie grandmother. “Something is brewing. I sense it like one senses an impending storm, Kemina. I don’t know yet what will happen, but my entire energies must focus on Terah, and Taj.”

“The rumors,” Kemina said. “They are barely dared to be whispered, and are faint. Are they true?”

“What rumors?” Lara replied.

“That Magnus Hauk left you as regent for his son,” Kemina murmured softly.

Lara nodded. She would not lie to Kemina. “He did, but such a thing must never become public knowledge, or even be admitted. I asked Corrado, Armen and Tostig to become the Dominus’s Council to defuse any rumors. They have accepted that I am in charge until Taj is skilled enough to take control for himself. Terahn customs must not be broached for the sake of peace. There are always those who would cause trouble. Corrado and Persis were there when Magnus died as were Sirvat and Taj.”

“Persis?”
Kemina laughed. “Poor lady. How difficult hearing her son hand you the power must have been for her. She is so traditional in her manner.”

“It was difficult, but her loyalty to both Magnus and to custom has required her compliance,” Lara said. “And giving Taj a public council of male family members has helped her to overcome any qualms she may have struggled with, Kemina.”

“You walk a fine line,” the High Priestess said with a sympathetic smile.

“I do,” Lara admitted, returning the smile. “But if it were not meant to be then it should not be.”

“Nay, it would not,” Kemina agreed.

The two women talked until moonrise, and then they retired to their beds. In the hour before the dawn they were awakened by the two novices so they might bathe prior to attending the anointing. Together they walked to the Temple of the Great Creator. Above them the sky was light, neither gray nor white. It would shortly turn to blue with the coming of the dawn. Both women were dressed in the simple white robes that had been supplied them by the priesthood. The necklines were round and high. The sleeves were long and flowing. The waistlines were beneath their breasts, and the fabric falling from that point was narrow and pleated. Sheer white gauze veils covered their heads, and they were barefoot.