Wild Tide [Soo-ho]

chapter 2

Lana wobbled a little as she set foot on dry land for the first time in weeks, but her brother's hand steadied her.

"Thank you, Caspian." She murmured, gripping her trident tighter. Each person in the kingdom, both man and woman, fought not with a sword but with a trident. It was their symbol as a nomad sea-faring tribe, their pride and the very thing that instilled fear in their enemies' hearts. Two daggers were also strapped on everyone's hips for close combat, or in case their main weapon was lost or otherwise unusable.

Training was mandatory for everyone who was able; children as young as four or five could often be seen practicing, and at sixteen each would be presented with their own weapon. Lana had received hers two years ago in a grand ceremony befitting of a princess. It was made of the finest steel, with a vein of sapphire snaking along the handle, and despite its relative simplicity it was her most prized possession.

"Surely this isn't the King? He looks so old and weak." Lana heard Loire mutter as they took their places next to their father.

"Hush now." Lana reprimanded quickly, not having time to explain that this land had a Queen, and appraised the scene before her. The elderly man that Loire had mistaken for the King stood at the head of a delegation. He was flanked by what appeared to be soldiers, long haired and dressed in blue and white robes. All of them were exotic in their features, but undeniably handsome and presumably deadly.

The older man said something in greeting, although Lana could not understand it. Master Arno whispered the translation in King Llyr's ear, to which he boomed in his usual deep voice,

"Thank you for your hospitality. We are most eager to meet her." Master Arno once again translated, this time into the native language, and the elderly man dipped his head lightly in response. King Llyr also nodded, then turned to Kai, his first in command.

"Stay behind and organise the people. Everyone is to remain on the ships and at the ready until I return." Kai placed his fist on his heart and gave a curt nod, while Lana and her siblings fell behind their father and began their trek into the mainland. Four robed soldiers immediately surrounded them, though Lana wasn't sure whether as an escort or a threat. They seemed perfectly disciplined, not sparing her a single glance even though they must've been at least somewhat curious. She suddenly felt foolish for her blatant staring, and focused on the road ahead with a flush.

It wasn't long before they arrived at the harbour gates, and even less time before they stood in front of a grand palace. The architecture was nothing like Lana had ever seen before, with concave roofs and beautiful sculptures, and she had to remind herself to not look too awestruck in front of her hosts. They wandered through courtyards and gardens, and it was all Lana could do to not break formation and examine everything around her. Finally they were ushered into a hall, where a woman dressed in fine silks sat on a throne. The Queen Regent, Lana remembered Master Arno's lessons. The elderly man and all the soldiers instantly bowed low before her, and Lana and her siblings followed suit to show respect.

The Queen looked young to Lana, with perfect alabaster skin and slanted features, but her piercing eyes betrayed her age. She began to speak, but her words were too fast for Lana to completely understand. She could tell that they were being welcomed, and that the Queen wished to speak with her father. There were other things too, but they were beyond her, so she remained quiet and tried to focus on what she could comprehend. After the initial audience was over, Lana and her siblings gathered around their father and Master Arno.

"What's happening?" Calder asked. "What did she say?" King Llyr furrowed his thick brows.

"The Queen," he corrected, "wishes to speak with me in private. You will be shown to your quarters and assigned a... oh hells, what were they Master Arno?"