The High King: A Tale of Alus (30 page)

As he boarded the tseulty flagship, Gerid found himself facing the second admiral of the day. Admiral Koort of the Third Fleet was a weathered man sprouting a pair of long mustaches beneath his prominent nose. The man was still flanked by four of his officers even after he and Gerid had retired to the man's comfortable cabin. The giant had brought only himself since he could fight off anything the tseulty admiral could bring now should the admiral prove untrustworthy.

Gerid also knew that a signal from him could be given, if need be, but such a battle would have to result in the deaths of every tseultian for fear of such an act bringing war between the two countries. The commander knew that his cannons and significant manpower could do just that if things got out of hand. He hoped that would not happen.

He could see the distrust in the eyes of the men around him. Their bodies were taut with their wariness in their blue and silver traced uniforms, but Gerid sat calmly and comfortably in his soft leather chair. Sipping a cup of tea provided him, the commander simply let things progress naturally. When the subject of spoils came up, there was the dispute that he knew was inevitable after such a battle. The admiral felt that he had earned all the spoils including the malas.

"Commander Aramathea," he began politely enough, "we thank you for your assistance against the Klosten armada."

"I assure you, admiral, that it was my pleasure. In fact, since my fleet has business at your capitol, perhaps, considering your losses, you would allow us to escort you to a safe port?"

The older man's face brightened for the first time since Gerid had come aboard. "That is exceedingly generous of you, commander. It will indeed be a bit of a struggle to bring home all these ships. If you would allow a few of your men to help out with the sailing, it would be appreciated."

Gerid asked politely even as he waited to see the extent of the man's greed that would manifest itself. Unfortunately, Gerid wasn't surprised by the answer.

"Well, let's see," Koort began counting on his fingers. "We lost a klereon so that leaves our original fleet with only four vessels: two klereons, a scereon and a carveon. Now we have the captured klereons and scereons and, of course, the malas..."

Gerid smiled and forced himself to contain his laughter at the admiral's ludicrous belief that everything should naturally belong to him. He would not let the anger, which would have been easy enough to let engulf him at the effrontery, overtake him. Calmly, the commander interrupted and awaited their reactions to his beliefs, "Your fleet captured a klereon and, with my ships' help, a scereon. I give you the scereon as a gift since your men fought well, except for the captain of the carveon which we watched turn tail."

"You give us these?" the admiral replied grumpily. "But we fought them first."
"... and would have lost, if not for my arrival, admiral. I had thought about waiting to see who would have won, but considered it my duty to help the allies of my king." He let the impact of his words rest on each one of the men and continued, "I would have thought that having lost only a single ship and maybe half your men was the option that you would prefer. Was I wrong to save you from defeat, admiral? I sincerely hope not. I would rather have you as an ally than an enemy.
"I think that my offer is quite fair. I do not ask to split any treasures you may have found aboard and you may have half their men to sell at the markets. With that kind of money, perhaps you can buy yourself a larger ship at port. What do you say to my offer?"
One of the officers started to snarl and reach for his sword. The admiral pointed at the man angrily. "Restrain him, captains," he ordered the others. Chidingly the admiral added to the confined man, "Now you show your backbone, Chalmer. The commander was right about your cowardly captaincy of the Gorloi, so settle down. You have already jeopardized your career, so don't push me any further." The admiral turned back to Gerid calmly and nodded, "I accept your proposal, sir. It is quite fair, but you couldn't blame an old sea dog like myself for trying, eh?" he laughed cheerily. Reaching out a hand, Gerid returned a quick handshake settling the matter.
"Quite all right, admiral. I have my men working on the damage to the ships that we have taken. If you want, I believe that we can even salvage the burned klereon enough to make it worthwhile towing. If you still want our escort to the nearest port, my help is still extended to you."
Gerid stood and Koort mirrored his action. "Extended and taken, commander. With your help, maybe our fleets can be underway before dark."
Setting down his cup on the desk, Gerid shook the man's hand once again and took his leave. He was pleased with the amicable division of the Klosten fleet, so it was with a light heart that he parted from the Admiral Teraid.

The soft rays of an early morning sun awoke Alyanna and for once she felt refreshed. Merrick had left to tend his army days ago with the coming of spring to the north. The gargoyles were almost all gone along with all the soldiers except for the thousand man garrison of Hala. The woman looked out her window overlooking the southern parts of the city, but looking beyond it she could see the beginnings of farmlands in the still hazy light.

It wasn't these things that had made her feel so good this morning, but rather a decision she had made during the night. The decision leaned towards mischief. Mischief aimed directly at the destruction of Merrick's reputation. Alyanna knew that there were risks and limits that would bring destruction upon her person and her family if she pushed too far past them. Her father’s disappearance was a clear sign of Merrick’s capabilities, even if no one could prove he had anything to do with it.

The woman smiled, the first such expression in months that she meant. Hugging the silky material of her nightgown close to her body for one last bit of warmth, Alyanna then slipped the cloth from her body. Moving to her makeup stand, the woman worked to make her face as attractive as she ever had before.

The queen looked at her upper body in the reflective surface of the mirror and contemplated her decision once again. Going through with her idea meant humiliation for herself that the young woman was unsure that she was willing to go through even to spite Merrick. A thick, golden necklace studded with emeralds was draped around her slender neck and fastened. A pair of earrings of the same stone was placed on her ear lobes. Her hair was brushed out and glistening with the light on her blonde tresses.

The woman went to her wardrobe next. This was her last chance to waver on what seemed a ridiculous protest to a man who was no longer there, but at war. She removed a slender golden belt from a rack. It had an emerald upon the small clasp. Alyanna nearly laughed. No one would remember if her jewelry matched on this day actually, she thought.

A soft knock on the door signaled the morning's return of her maids. Three women of noble birth or marriage strode into the room. The first gasped at the sight of the queen and stated the obvious, "My queen, you're not dressed yet."

Alyanna shrugged and moved past the bed and nearer the window. Her maid, the Lady Belit, moved as if to block her from the light. The queen ignored her and stepped closer to the window. Trying not to show her nervousness, she answered, "One day Merrick and I had an argument about my needs. I told him that I needed nothing from him." The woman couldn't help but take a deep breath to steady her resolve. "I have decided to prove that I have not lied. I will wear no clothes today."

The women were shocked. Lady Ploreath looked near to fainting from the very thought. Lady Olna was the eldest and strongest of the three. She had been handpicked by Merrick himself to deal with his willful wife and the matron did not intend to prove herself incapable. She quickly said, "My queen that would be improper. You can't have the common folk seeing you so. Come away from the window and we'll find a proper dress for you. Please, come on."

Alyanna stepped to the window and let the morning light catch on her bosom. She knew that, if anyone should look up now, her breasts would be in full view. The thought made her shiver disgustedly at herself, but it was time to push the limits some more. "No, Olna, I wish to do this for Merrick today."

"What!" the lady exclaimed and tried to recover her composure. "How would this be for the High King, my queen?"

Alyanna smiled to herself a moment before turning to face the women calmly, "He married me to show me off to his kingdom. It is time to display to the kingdom the trophy that he owns."

"My queen, don't be silly," Lady Belit chided, but stopped as Alyanna glared at the woman.
"It wouldn't be right," Ploreath tried. Again Alyanna pretended to be angry, though the queen wished that she could be swayed.
Finally, Lady Olna gave another attempt, "How would it look for a queen to walk amongst her people naked when others are dressed?"
Alyanna pretended to consider her words. They were the ones she had hoped to hear actually. "You are right," she nodded. "It would be improper for the queen to be the only one walking the castle bare. I think that you ladies should join me as I tend to my duties." Alyanna snaked her fingers into the fold of Ploreath's gown and began to tug it free.
"My queen, no!" the maid squealed and retreated from the woman she now considered mad.
Alyanna turned angry again, "You dare question me, your queen? You said it yourself, Olna. If I walk amongst the people this way, then surely my maids must not be considered greater than I?"
The queen started for Belit snapping her fingers and pointing to the floor where the gown should fall. The older woman retreated from her as well. "Lady Olna?" she asked fearfully.
Olna took Alyanna's wrist firmly and ordered, "Enough of these games, girl. Get dressed and stop picking on these women who are here to help you."
Alyanna turned on her with all the regal fury she could muster, "Who are you to order me? Am I not the queen? I do not remember you wearing Merrick's ring or being called to his bed. You do not sit beside him as his wife. You dare order me, Olna? Perhaps I should order in the guards and have you killed? Then we shall see who is queen!"
The older women’s face drained of color at the threat and she turned on her heel in a fright. The three women all turned and ran like frighten hens before the impassioned queen. No one wanted such a fate and they all knew that the guards would obey such an order despite the queen's fragile power. They were only women, even if their husbands were lords, in Merrick's empire they would be replaceable and so the guards would follow the woman who was queen.
The door crashed against the wall as the women fled the room. Alyanna stepped to the door half chasing them for fun. The first guard’s eyes went wide with surprise a moment before he could recover. Taking a deep breath, Alyanna stepped past him closing the door behind her. The man looked ready to say that she shouldn't be outside of her room, but the naked beauty cut him off first. "Where is Vizier Krulir, Aban?"
"I..." he began in confusion.
The other guard, Laith, stated solemnly, "Most likely in his quarters yet, my queen. Should I send him a message?"
The woman turned to him and leaned her chin onto a supportive hand as if in thought. He was getting a full view of her entire body and not bothering to bat an eye. Alyanna was a little let down. Most men couldn't even keep from ogling her fully dressed. She dismissed the thought and stuck to her plan. "No, I think that I shall go to him myself."
As the woman stepped in the direction of the vizier's rooms, Aban cleared his throat and asked, "Shouldn't you dress first, my queen?"
She turned to look at him and stated, "No. It's my castle, so I will dress how I feel."
"Then we should go with you, my queen," Laith stated. "We are your guards."
Alyanna nodded and strode forward as casually as she could pretend. Inside, the queen trembled like a little girl and felt as if hundreds of eyes were trained upon her naked form. Strangely, it felt little worse than when Merrick paraded her before his lords and officers fully dressed. She took another deep breath and tried to settle down.

Krulir sat at his desk to one side of his entry room. The spacious chamber was one of only five like it available in the entire castle. The vizier had been glad to get the room when he had attained his position. The room had become both a place to welcome visitors as well as a place to work on that which remained from the day.

The desk was built to suit his needs and was unique to Krulir alone. With several rows of pigeon holes for scrolls and important documents above and a large table top for his writing and spreading out of papers, it was only the half of its abilities. Drawers with false bottoms or backs were filled with odds and ends while the most important of Krulir's papers were hidden from all but his knowledge. Even his most trusted servants like Alia and Okostre, had never caught him hiding his most important documents. The vizier was cautious to make sure of that, since there were secrets that could end his career and more than likely his life as well. Krulir had survived a long time living like this. The potential power hidden in the words therein could probably even drive Merrick from the throne should the need arise. All he had to do was bide his time and watch everyone around him. Staying cautiously away from the controversial had given him a long and rewarding life. He just wanted things to continue on as planned.

The knock on his door early that morning had the potential to end his plans of a quiet life. Serra went to the door at Alia's order. Krulir was too enrapt to answer his own calls and too proud to bother. A loud gasp from the servant girl served to disrupt his usual pattern of waiting for an introduction.

Serra's voice stammered out worriedly, "Y-y-yes, my queen?"
The vizier slid his wooden chair back with a sigh. Standing, Krulir turned to see what annoyances could have brought the young queen to visit him. Seeing Serra fall back from the entering guard, he knew the man to be the queen's man, Laith.
The rudeness of the man's barging in was about to be expressed when the glorious form of the bejeweled queen entered immediately behind him. His own gasp of shock echoed the servant girl's as he could not believe that the queen would walk the castle all but nude. The gold and emerald adornments of her jewelry couldn't even begin to mask her nudity. In fact, the placement of the belt and necklace, the arm and wrist bracelets of gold, seemed to actually enhance the point.
Krulir's mouth went dry. Though quite out of place and improper, he doubted that any man could look upon such beauty unmoved. Quickly closing his still opened mouth, the vizier awaited the reason for the queen's dramatic actions.
"My queen?" his voice rasped in question.
Alyanna seemed not to notice him as she glanced around at the well adorned walls of the vizier's entry room. The brilliant colors of landscapes, the bloody horrors of battle and the beauty of ancient ladies and lords poked their influence at any who saw them and cared the least for art or beauty. The queen's eyes wandered back to the girl who had opened the door for them and became curious. At what, the vizier could only guess.
Finally, the queen spoke, "I have to speak with you about certain needs, Krulir." The noticeable dropping of his title was not lost on the vizier and he was forced to wonder at the woman's audacity once again.
"Would they concern your wardrobe, my queen?" he asked with only the barest piece of sarcasm actually in his voice.
Shaking her head, the woman responded answering only his words, "Not exactly, Krulir." Alyanna focused her dark purple eyes on the older man finally and stated, "I seem to have lost the use of my maids. I don't think that the ladies Belit, Ploreath or even Olna will be of use to me further. I will need to find proper women to act as my new maids. Perhaps we could use women of less noble status. The other three just couldn't take proper direction. A queen who isn't obeyed by her own servitors would appear unfit."
Krulir couldn't believe her words. As she had hoped, the vizier looked at her with wary eyes. He feared the woman's sanity had finally broken before Merrick's abusive attentions. That the marriage had been loveless, or more to the truth, venomous, was no hidden fact. Even as Alyanna awed him with her beauty, the man was forced to worry what would happen when word of the woman's actions began to spread throughout the castle and surrounding lands.
He confronted the woman gently trying not to unseat her mind further. "Are you asking me to gather a new set of maidens from the noblewomen as is the norm or would you rather that I find servant girls to help you, my queen? You do need someone to help you during your day, do you not?"
Alyanna smiled gloriously at the vizier. "I think that I shall pick them out, Krulir. In fact, I think that I would like to take this young girl off your hands. What is her name?"
The old vizier gritted his teeth wondering where this could possibly be going. The loss of his new girl did little to comfort him either, but he capitulated easily, "Serra, my queen."
"Serra," she nodded. Alyanna turned to the girl, "How would you like to serve me, girl?"
Serra looked nervously to the vizier. She feared him still. Both Krulir and Alyanna could see this. They could see that the girl wondered if such a change to serve with a mad woman could prove any less horrifying than service to the old man. Krulir nodded his reluctant permission to the girl. Serra answered tentatively with a curtsy and a bowed head, "That would be fine, if you wish it, my queen."
"Good, then you will come with me shortly." The queen turned to Krulir and added, "I will not sit in on the day’s activities in the hall today, Krulir. You may act as judge over the people's problems as you often do for Merrick. I, meanwhile, must find suitable replacements for my maids." She started to turn for the door. Serra moved slowly into step behind her. Alyanna stopped and looked at the girl and shook her head. "Leave those clothes here, Serra. They belong to the vizier. With me, you will not need such a get up."
Nervously, the girl slipped free of the skirt and blouse as ordered. She shook slightly before the stares of the guards. Serra was a shy girl despite the tutelage of Krulir and his women. Such nakedness did little to make her feel any safer in this nightmare of a castle that the girl had been drawn into so many years ago.
"Good day, Krulir. It is time for me to walk the castle to look for my maids," Alyanna added with a sparkle of laughter.
Preceded by Laith, the two women left Krulir to his thoughts. His thoughts were not joyous ones. The old man had seen too many things in his life and become too good a judge of people to not see the signs of trouble and this was beyond obvious. Krulir knew now that the queen was up to something. He didn't know what, but the vizier could see that this was part of some plan of the woman's. The man also knew that he would have to watch her closely for his king. It would be he who would have to contain any plots hatched by Alyanna.
Krulir considered writing to Merrick of his wife's change, but decided to wait and see where the woman's plans were leading first. To tell him that she was plotting without proof, could just serve to annoy the easily antagonized High King.
He nodded. Yes, the vizier would wait and see as he always did. A smile tugged at the sides of his mouth. It had been a long time since anyone had sought to disturb the flow of the castle. New energy flowed into him as he considered the freshness of a challenge, even if Krulir believed her to be the smallest of all possible opposition.
Krulir went to the desk and pulled forth a piece of paper to scribble some notes. The queen sought to toy with him, he chuckled. The man would squash her mercilessly.
Alyanna ordered Laith to lead their small band back to her quarters. `To refresh herself' had been her reason. It was more than that. When they reached her door, the guard checked the interior for possible hazards. The woman was a queen, after all, even if she was a token one. Her death could be a blow for any side wishing to use her.
When it was declared clear, the two women were left to themselves. Alyanna sank onto the bed and began to shake violently. Tears sprang forth to stream from her eyes and down her cheeks. Serra stood mystified by the woman's actions. The girl felt ready to do the very same, but she could not allow herself before the queen.
Alyanna noticed the girl again after several moments and motioned her forward. The younger girl feared that the queen may have nearly as disgusting ideas about her as had the vizier, but the queen merely patted the bed beside her absently. When the girl sat, Alyanna suddenly stood up shaking herself violently and using both arms to cover her breasts. The woman strode to her closet and pulled out a satiny robe and threw it to the shocked maiden. Grabbing a thicker, cotton shift and pulling it onto her still shaking frame, the queen let out quiet cries of frustration.
Serra sat still, holding the satiny robe in her nerveless hands. The girl was quite sure that the queen had indeed gone insane. She watched as Alyanna finally managed to pull herself together. With a deep sigh, the woman turned with a saddened expression to look at the girl.
Shaking her head unhappily, Alyanna gestured to the robe saying, "Go ahead, Serra, put it on. I have to admit to you something that you may not tell anyone else. Will you keep my secret?"
Serra nodded her head in answer, while pulling the soft covering around her. She shivered with the feel of it, nearly purring in contentment. The feel of it nearly made her forget her frightening situation. Like most young people, she was able to dismiss bad things quickly from her mind. Serra noticed the queen smiling gently at her and, despite the gentle eyes and smile, the girl shivered and worried again.
The queen moved quietly towards the window. The sun lit the beautiful woman with its radiance though it seemed to come from the woman herself. Her arms were still clutched around her shoulders and Serra could see that the woman still shivered though the room was just barely cool now.
"I'm a fraud, Serra."
Simple words, but they confused the girl as to their meaning. The queen had to look to the confusion in those eyes to see that she should go on. "You see, this whole act with the vizier is really just a ploy. I don't like parading myself through the castle naked anymore than you do, I would guess. You may be a slave, but I think that you still have a sense of self respect that says it isn't right or proper as my maids said."
Serra simply sat watching and listening. She wondered how much the queen planned to tell her and then she wondered why such an important woman would confide in a mere slave girl.
Alyanna seemed to gather at least part of the girl's thoughts as she continued, "You are still certain that you won't tell anyone else what I say to you now?" At the girl's nod, she asked, "You know that Merrick and I have no love for each other, don't you? Yes, it's true. I know that there are rumors of both love and hate, and trust me when I tell you that I do hate the so-called High King, Serra."
The girl drew in a breath of surprise at the candid words. Without intention, she asked, "Why do you tell me these things, my lady?" Realizing her boldness, Serra clapped her hands over her mouth.
Alyanna laughed a truly wonderful laugh. Serra couldn't help smiling as well. After a moment her face sobered slightly and she answered, "Let me ask you something, Serra? Why do you think that I would tell you this?"
Unsure that she wanted to answer, the girl did none-the-less, "Because there is no one else?"
"Exactly, Serra, and that is why I drove away my maidens earlier. I don't trust them and there is good enough reason for me not to trust anyone in this castle, but in you I see a kindred spirit not yet broken by this place. You have no love for the vizier, I'd hazard. Am I right?"
Again the girl hesitated, but answered truthfully, "I do not necessarily hate him, my queen, but I do not like him much either."
The woman nodded, "But you could never have told anyone that before and more likely saying as much would only cause you pain. Well, Serra, I want you to know that I won't cause you any pain, if I can spare you. I need help. Help that I can trust. Can I trust you, Serra?"
The girl nodded. She couldn't believe that the queen was asking so much of her, a simple servant.
"Even if it means walking the castle naked or even into the city that way?"
Eyes wide, Serra still nodded, "If that is what you wish, my queen, who am I to dispute you?"
"No, no!" Alyanna retorted frustrated. "Don't do this because I am queen, Serra! I need a friend more than I need a servant. Can you be my friend, someone who will help me and support me, because I would hazard a guess that this will not be easy?"
Serra sat a moment. "What are you planning to do, my queen?"
"Just call me, Alyanna, when we are alone, Serra." The woman looked up to the ceiling a moment considering, "I haven't devised much of a plan actually. I plan to try and cause some trouble for my, oh so dear husband," she finished with great sarcasm. "I haven't figured out just how and I have to be careful not to push him or Krulir too far. My mother and brother could still suffer greatly if I do. But if things go well, maybe one day I'll be able to do more to help them.
"First things first," she added holding herself by the shoulders once again, "we need to find a few more girls that we can trust." Looking at Serra with dismay, she asked, "Are you ready to go back out there?"
The girl understood the queen's meaning and stood up leaving the robe on the bed behind her. "It's for a good cause, my queen. Perhaps you will remember me when you have freed yourself and your kingdom?"
Alyanna slipped the shift off of her shoulders and smiled, "Of course, Serra, we will be like sisters you and I." Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Alyanna paused thinking, "Maybe we can take a moment more to clean ourselves up." The beautiful queen looked at the girl standing bare in the middle of the room and motioned her forward. Sitting the girl down, she asked, "Have you ever worn makeup, Serra?"