Chasing Scarlet

Chasing Scarlet: Chapter Ten

I walked through the torch lit hallways, a black train following me, a servant hiding in the shadows, ready for an order at any moment. Without touching the doors, I threw them open with my new found magic and sat heavily in a cushioned throne.

"Welcome the General, Genor. Throw open the doors for anyone to come and speak with me. Fetch also a mug of warm tea." The green demon licked his eyes, bowed, and disappeared in a cloud of green mist.

I sat straight, fixed my crown and dress. My fingers drummed on the arm rest, waiting on Shamba. Of course he was busy, but he said he would be here.

"My queen." A large nightcat prowled into the room, a faint silver glow about him, red eyes bright. "You wished to see me."

"Yes. How are the preparations going so far? Tell me they are going well. I cannot bear bad news."

"Of course, Queen Scarlet. The preparations are moving smoothly. There are a few problems that I must speak with you about, however." I couldn't help the groan that escaped from my lips. "Captain Marshall's ten years are up in a few days."

"Shamba! You haven't brought this up to me sooner? What's he in charge of? Find a new captain! He needs to spend his last few days preparing! General Shamba, I thought you would keep better track of everyone's years in the army." I glared at him.

"Yes, I am sorry. With all the other preparations, it got away from me. It won't happen again. Captain Marshall is in charge of weapon maintenance. Who should I appoint as new captain? When should I send Marshall here to prepare?"

I rubbed my temple. "A few days? Exactly?" Shamba nodded. "Bring him here immediately. I myself will prepare him. Now, is there any other problems that need my immediate attention?"

"Yes," Shamba said slowly. "Some of the captains are worried. We only know parts of your plan. Wouldn't it be best if everyone important knew?"

"No, Shamba. We've been over this. What if Candace has minions? They could easily relay the information back to her. Then what? Our plan wouldn't work."

"Surely you have a back up plan? What if the first plan doesn't work?"

I slammed my fists on the arm rests. "You doubt your queen?! Leave my presence. My plan will prevail, General Shamba." I waved my hand and Shamba turned, flicked his tail and left. "Genor! Next visitor!"

A normal looking man stepped into my throne room, bowed at the steps, tightly clutching his helmet. "Stand. Name, and business, sir."

"I am Captain Marshall. General Shamba said you wished to see me?"

"Yes." I stood, walked down the steps and took his hand. I smiled as I told him, "Your ten years are up in a few days. I myself will prepare you."

"Oh, Mother Mary! I'm finally going!" He smiled brightly. "I am excited. My wife is there."

"Yes. It is exciting." I looped my arm through his. "You may leave your helmet here." I walked out the throne room, my black train turned silver, my crown sparkled and I smiled. I led him down corridors, and finally we arrived at big black doors, held shut by an iron bar.

I lifted my hand, whispered a spell, and the bar lifted with my hand. I stepped forward, and pulled on the iron rings. "Come." I pulled the man after me. In the huge room, in the middle, sat a lonely basin with blue glowing water. There were steps leading up to a second story, where one could rest and prepare. The bottom of the floor was just for the one moment when your time was up.

"Welcome." I raised my hand to his head, and dropped it to my side. White robes dressed him and he was barefoot. "You must prepare by relaxing and reading the scrolls that you have forgotten by living here. Remember, God loves you, and is excited to see you. Good bye, Marshall. You will be missed."