The Warlord

Chapter 37: Calliope

I stand in front of my palace, flanked on both sides by royal guards. My blue gown flutters behind me as I stand straight and tall, hands clasped in front of me. He should arrive any minute now, either on his fearsome gray steed or in a navy carriage. Bastian of the White Peaks. My second most prized fighter, battling Heaven's forces in the northern borders of Serestine, where winters are cold enough to kill. It is a very risky gamble to have him seek out an entrance to Hell, but he stands a better chance than anyone I have available. I know withdrawing him from the front lines is not the wisest choice, but if he is able to accomplish his mission, I will be one step closer to taking down Heaven.

My guards stand up straighter and thump their spears on the ground as the sound of hoofbeats grows louder and louder. So he chose his steed, Ragnarok. Just as I thought, the fiery gray stallion thunders up, flicking his almost silvery tail and giving an indignant snort. Seated atop, his eyes as blue and cold as the wintery skies he fought under, is Bastian. He leaps off of his mount with ease and walks towards me. As my guards rush to secure the horse, he kneels at my feet, his shoulder-length hair dripping downwards. The sight reminds me of my estranged warlord, but I shove the thought away. Only when she crawls back on her knees, begging for forgiveness, will she receive my sanctuary again.

"Rise, Bastian." I turn and walk towards the palace as he gets to his feet and trails after me.

"What have you called me here for, my queen?" He catches up to my side, keeping up with my pace.

"Has news of our warlord reached you yet?" I veer off of the path to the entrance of the palace, making a beeline for the gate to the royal garden.

Even though I stare straight ahead, Bastian's glower still reaches me. It is to be expected, of course. After all, my warlord has had a rocky history with him. They were always competing within the academy for the top spot, and it was a hard blow to Bastian when she finally bested him; an orphaned girl beating out a noble. "No, my queen. What has happened?"

"She disobeyed my orders and has left Serestine."

"Terrible," he says with sympathy, though I am sure he is positively glowing. By law, he is now my new warlord. But I will not accept it just yet; he is a power-hungry and violent soul.

A few moments of silence pass as we walk through the gates, held open by one of the servants. Bushes flank our sides, creating a secluded pathway like a maze. It eventually opens up into a garden full of vibrant blossoms and tall, green grass. I duck under a swaying willow and make towards the small bridge that crosses the pond further up ahead. As I do so, I tell Bastian what has happened in Serestine; my plan to win the war, the failed portal, the appearance of the witch and Morella, and finally, the clue I found about the forgotten prisoner. It is a risk to reveal so much about Heaven's collaboration, and I hear his breath hitch when I tell of the queen and the witch, but I must take this chance. Bastian is still brutally loyal to the throne, despite his greedy nature.

Bastian strokes his beard thoughtfully, his brow furrowed in concentration. He is a great negotiator and tactician, despite opting to pursue the mantle of warrior. "And you wish for me to find an entrance to Hell?" He asks after a while. There is no disbelief in his tone, no cowardice. I am sure that he has faced his fair share of impossible deeds out in the north.

"Yes."

"With all due respect my queen, is there a location that can be of some use? The entrance could possibly be on another continent."

"I have read the tomes from the archives. Many of the writings point to Briar Forest."

"Briar...!" A sharp gasp comes from Bastian.

"I know I am asking for something dangerous, but all you need to do is find the entrance. Then report back to me, and I shall decide on what to do next. Engage in combat if you must, but try to leave the supposed creatures of the forest alone. Serestine does not need more enemies at this point."

I receive a grim nod, and a flash of doubt, but it quickly disappears. Bastian and his chosen squadron will be strong enough to brave the forest, and as soon as they find the entrance, they can rush back to the safety of Serestine. "Take whatever you need, but leave within next week."

"And what of the warlord, my queen?" 

Of course he would ask that. Though I have not deemed her to be a fugitive, it has been implied that she has deserted Serestine. For a moment, my emotions war within me, fighting tooth and nail to bring me over to their side. I take a deep breath, "If you can, capture her and bring her back here. But the mission is still the first priority. If she resists, leave her be. If she runs, do not pursue."

I can see the bitter disappointment on his face before he dips his head, his reddish blond hair shadowing his features. When I turn away to stare out at the pond, he takes his leave, marching back down the bridge and into the palace to prepare himself for the mission. Soon. Soon I will have some answers. Soon, Heaven will fall.