Something Found - Book 2

Chapter 34: The Queen of Light

   The day of Alexander's passing wasn't mourned by the kingdom as it should have per tradition. Instead, the city was preparing for war, as news broke that scouts from Ati Harei and Halliwell had been spotted near Berthold, in both the northern and southern territories. Those actions alone, were enough to warrant alert, as both kingdoms had not gained permission for entrance. 

   Alanis sat with her council in a daze as they discussed plans to confront the armies. She was briefed on war preparation, then informed Lord Harrison and his men, had left earlier in the day, to deter the trespassing scouts.

   Her already heavy heart began to fill with worry when she realized Wesley was with them. With Alexander's passing, he was next in line to act as Reoki'mani, without him, there would be no releasing Letando's ultimate power.

   She prayed, wherever he was he was safe and right of mind. Things had been so hectic that she was unable to check in on him. In fact, the last time she saw him was in the hall after his visit with Alexander.

—————

          Later, in the early evening, Alanis watched the sky from the balcony of her bedchamber. Off in the distance, past the faraway mountains to the west, the burning, red sun sank. Above her, the heavens were afire with pinks and reds and purple hues, all beautiful and fitting for the king's send off.

Behind Alanis, a handmaiden was fastening a cloak to her newly fitted silver armor. After the young woman was finished dressing her, she left, leaving Alanis alone to follow through on her duty.

   Was this your plan all along, Letando, she thought as the night sky took over, recalling Moras' warning. When she first met the water goddess in the sacred lake, she was told her path would be paved in great sorrow.

   It certainly felt like they knew.

   Unfortunately, her actions to come wouldn't make her feel any better, but she would perform them nonetheless as it was her duty.

   Her plated boots echoed throughout the empty halls of the dungeon. Usually, she would have sought companionship, but under the circumstances, she was pleased she was alone. It fact, it was by her order the area be cleared.

   At her side, sheathed, was her kingdom's sword, Lahre Sari. The blade was heavy, but not so heavy she couldn't use it. Thankfully, her days of training in the north had readied her arm for this day.

   Alanis stepped through the steel door into the room. Her gaze landed on the dark-bleeder that sat on a bed, to the one who had taken Charon's face long ago.

   Her insides tightened as she looked the woman over, noticing how she sat in comfort while the whole kingdom was coming undone by her actions.

   The sight alone fueled her rage.

   How is this fair, she thought, finding it near impossible to keep her hand away for the hilt of her blade.

   The woman stood and lifted her gaze, her green eyes met Alanis'. As their eyes met, she could feel darkness, and other dark desires hidden within them. If only the gods had given her this foresight sooner, then perhaps this could have all been avoided.

"Have you come to bring me to my brother?" the woman interrupted her thoughts.

No... I've come to kill you, to send you to hell.