The Evil Queen

Confession

Bergamot studied Dax as they sat and ate in silence. They had killed, skinned and cooked a young deer. Filling their bellies they had all become enthralled in their own worlds. Even the harpy was quiet aside from the occasional grunt or snort. Dax's eyes rolled up to see Bergamot's unwavering stare. "What?" Without any hesitation Bergamot began, "How long have you been in love with Theoda?" The breath caught in his chest. "I don't know what you are implying Bergamot." A sense of defeat enveloped Bergamot, "No use hiding it boy, I just wonder if she feels the same way. I would be an old fool to think that she would always feel the same way about me. I'm but a blink of an eye in her life."

Algar studied his brother, waiting for his answer. "Since I first laid eyes upon her in her chambers the night I stole her." Algar widened his eyes in shock. Bergamot stiffened, "Where?" Dax puffed out as if a caterpillar trying to ward off an attack, "I stole her Bergamot, I'm the one you have been looking for. And I cannot hide that I love her. Kill me if you must, but I beseech you. Please let me find her first." Algar could not tell if it was tears or just the gloss of exhaustion and pure hate in Bergamot's eyes. He readied himself for an attack, waiting for Bergamot to make the first move. "Stand down son." Bergamot never took his eyes off Dax, though clearly talking to Algar. "I have spent so many years with her, I loved her at first. But as we grew my love turned into obsession. First for her, then for power. She was a queen but I made her a prisoner. When I first began this search I was determined to find her, kill you and finish my conquest. I never once thought of her, years ago I would have died at the thought of the man I have become. It has been so long since I was in her presence, with in her power. I feel serene. She needs you now, someone not possessed by her power. I will help you find her, then I will leave." He pulled the last of the meat off the bone and tossed it to the harpy.

"Rest up boys, we will leave at first dawn." Algar leaned against the tree absorbing the heat of the flame. He was having a difficult time believing that Bergamot was going to help find Theo, forgive all sins and leave. Something in what he said, and the way he said it made Algar think he was wrong. He seemed so defeated. And his daft brother admitting openly to taking the elf, he could not believe that either. He muttered to himself and quickly realized that everyone else even the harpy was asleep.

"Wake up boys." Bergamot was pulling gear onto the horses, making sure not to look either of the other men in the face. "Where are we headed?" Bergamot turned, studied both the brothers for a moment before replying, "Wishmont." "Do you think that's wise?" Algar asked as he pulled the blankets he had been sleeping under up. "Un-doubtfully no." Dax's face was awash, "Well let's go." As Dax plowed forward Bergamot caught him, "You do realize we are headed for death?" Dax shrugged, Bergamot jerked him back, "I'm serious. Some of us if not all, will not make it out. And death may not come." His gaze slowly looked passed Bergamot to his brother. Algar nodded in a silent agreement. "Well then boys, lets ride to our deaths..."