Haven: Chronicles of Warshard (5 page)

“Good evening, Toma, Emeril,” she said, attaching the sheath to her belt. Blythe insisted that if she were to sneak from the castle at night, she should be in trousers. Dresses were inappropriate for riding, and would only hinder her if it ever did come to a fight. Haven had to agree, happy to wear something much less formal and much more comfortable. “Shall we be
off?”

“Yes, My
Lady.”

Toma led them as he did last time, through halls and secret passages until they were outside the castle walls. With their horses tethered nearby, it wasn’t long before Haven mounted her trusted steed and raced across the dark
terrain.

The journey seemed much quicker this time. With the wind whipping through her hair and the cold pressing against her body, she was wide-awake. Nerves crept into her stomach, fearful of what Corrin might ask of her. She had to trust herself and her adviser. They had decided that evening where they would stand if Corrin should ask them for soldiers. Haven would stand her ground, no matter how much it bothered her to hold
back.

Climbing the mountainside, they soon found themselves in the presence of Nikolai, who greeted them each in turn, helping them dismount their horses before tying them with the
others.

“Well met, Nikolai,” Haven
said.

“Well met, Lady Queen,” he responded. “You are the last to arrive. We must go
inside.”

“Of
course.”

Nikolai led them through the dark tunnels and into the meeting place. Torchlight cast the large room in a warm glow. The center table was yet again surrounded by Kings. Guards stood watch at the walls, and the table held its usual map and figurines, though their placement had
changed.

“Lady Queen,” Evander greeted
warmly.

“Lord King,” Haven bowed
slightly.

“It is good to see you well,” he said. “Well met, Lord
Prince.”

“Well met, Lord King,” Emeril
bowed.

“We should begin
immediately.”

They all
agreed.

Gathering around the table, the Queen, Kings and Prince took their seats. Toma stood at her shoulder, a comforting presence against the turmoil that swirled inside her. Haven was surprised to see Corrin here. Even if the meeting had to do with him, she wouldn’t have wanted to leave her people in a time like this. It suddenly occurred to her that she had no idea where he had gone into hiding. It had to be in another kingdom. From the look on his face, things were not going
well.

“King Corrin, why don’t you begin?” Evander urged him
gently.

“Yes, of course,” the king sighed, turning from his daze to look upon the other Royals. A stark contrast from the first time Haven had met the young King, his eyes were sullen, and his mouth set in a deep frown. No glint of the obnoxious king she knew remained. “As you all know by now, Dessa has fallen. Kadia has taken most of Wakefin.” They all nodded and Haven, who sat beside him, patted his arm for reassurance. “Evander has been kind enough to shelter me while we come up with a plan for retaliation.” He looked at each of them in turn. Haven could see the question in his eyes. Corrin was going to ask more of them than she had originally expected. “It is my desire to take the war to Queen Kadia. We need to attack Dagan’s
capital.”

Haven couldn’t help the gasp that escaped her and, apparently, neither could the other
Kings.

“Attack Cidra?” Alton nearly growled. “Are you mad,
boy?”

Corrin stared levelly back at Alton. “I believe it to be the best course of action. Instead of combating one small problem at a time, we can take the fight right to the
source.”

“I wouldn’t call retaking Dessa a small problem, Corrin,” Evander said, shock clear in his
voice.

“In comparison to ending this war, it is small.” Corrin looked around the table. “I wouldn’t say this if I didn’t believe it to be the best course of action. I have thought this through for some time, and I can’t see an end to this unless we fight that evil witch
ourselves.”

Haven stared at Corrin with wide eyes. She’d only known him for a brief time, but she didn’t believe him of such passion. He clearly cared for his people and thought this was the best way. It was unfortunate that she didn’t
agree.

“I won’t risk my soldiers for your gain, Corrin!” Alton
shouted.

“Then who
will
?”

A hush fell over the Royals before the arguing started. Haven and Emeril sat in stunned silence while Alton, Corrin, and Evander debated. While Corrin had some good points about ending the war, it was true that if they stood up and lost, they could put everyone at risk. Alton made his case, unwilling to bring Kadia’s wrath upon Eris next. Corrin argued that he would be next if they didn’t fight back. Alton wouldn’t hear of it and soon Evander called a halt to the entire
thing.

“Corrin, you cannot expect us to risk our kingdoms for yours. I’m sorry, but I will not attack Cidra under these circumstances,” Evander said, sitting back calmly in his chair and crossing his
arms.

“Under
what
circumstances then?” Corrin hissed. “Will you wait until Calisa is under attack? Until Eris is taken? Until they’ve set fire to Salander?
What
will it take
Evander?”

Alton scoffed. “The ambitions of young kings. You should respect your elders,
boy!”

Corrin turned his glare on the blond man. “Seeing as kings and princes are dropping left and right, maybe more stock should be taken of the opinions of
young
kings
.”

His words sent a knife through Haven’s heart. She stared at Corrin in horror, fists clenching. His kingdom may be close to ruin, but it was
her
family that was dead. It was her mother who died at her feet, and her brothers who
died
for this
war.

“That is enough,” Evander snapped, pounding his fist on the table. The sound brought everything to a standstill. Evander positioned himself between Alton and Corrin before things came to blows, but Corrin just stared at him with angry
eyes.

Evander met his gaze with the most serious expression she’d ever seen from the gentle man. Haven concentrated on the exchange, using the kings as a distraction to tame the angry beast
inside.

Taking a breath, Evander motioned for Corrin to take a seat. After several long moments he obliged. It seemed the storm had passed, at least for the moment. “I’m sorry Corrin. Truly I am,” he said, continuing quickly before any protests could be made. “As a sign of good will toward you and your people, I will offer you my soldiers.
Not
to attack Cidra, but to retake Dessa.” He paused. Corrin did not object. “We will retake Wakefin, and then decide on the next course of
action.”

Corrin sat silently. Haven could see the defeat in his eyes, but he had to see this was better than nothing. It was certainly the more reasonable of options. “Alright. I accept your offer. Thank you,
Evander.”

“It is nothing,” Evander
nodded.

“Will anyone else offer their aid in these matters?” the young king asked, turning his hopeful gaze on Haven and Emeril. They had both remained completely silent until this moment. For good
reason.

Emeril was the first to speak. “I’m sorry, Corrin, but I cannot offer soldiers to this cause,” he paused, glancing away, “not without my father’s permission at least.” Corrin nodded solemnly. “I would, however, like to offer my assistance with your people. I know Rythern has reached its capacity and Calisa can’t be faring much better.” Evander nodded in
agreement.

“I thank you,” Corrin said, fist to his
chest.

“I cannot offer my soldiers, Corrin. I’m sorry.” Haven couldn’t bear to see anyone else die, especially her own
people.

Corrin nodded. “I understand, Lady
Queen.”

A short pause fell in which the Royals relaxed. All fight seemed to have left the young King
Corrin.

“I will offer my resources as I cannot expend my soldiers,” Alton said, his voice gruff. From the look on his face, Haven had a feeling he regretted his earlier outburst and wished to make up for his
rudeness.

“Thank you, Alton,” Corrin nodded to the older
king.

After a consensus was reached there wasn’t much else to speak of. The Royals slowly dispersed, leaving Haven alone with Toma, Emeril, and Nikolai. They were ushered out by the large Calisan man, who helped them along their way. The trio was nearly down the mountain when Toma spoke
up.

“You did well, Lady Queen,” he
said.

Haven smiled and looked back at her adviser. “Thank you, Toma. I did as we discussed. I fear for Wakefin and the other kingdoms, but we don’t have the resources in our present state to handle an attack,” she
said.

“Certainly,” Toma
agreed.

“I was surprised to hear of Corrin’s plans for Cidra,” Emeril
spoke.

They reached the forest floor and continued at a leisurely pace, staying close as they wove through the trees and found the
path.

“I was, as well,” Toma said. “He always seemed like a confident boy, but I didn’t know he was
suicidal.”

Haven looked at Toma, surprised by his brash words. He’d never been one to speak out of turn and this seemed a bit sudden for him. She had to agree with her adviser all the same. Corrin’s plan did seem like suicide if he were to try it himself. She hoped he had only come up with this scheme in case another kingdom was willing to join forces. Even so, with Wakefin’s depleted army they would hardly stand a chance against whatever Queen Kadia held in
store.

“I don’t believe he is suicidal,” she said. For a moment she wondered why she was standing up for him. They weren’t friends and she could hardly begin to understand him as a person. But somehow, she felt someone had to. “I think he’s just like the rest of us. He wants to protect his people. The way he’s going about it is just rash and slightly
insane.”

Both men paused and
nodded.

“Maybe not insane, but he’s certainly not thinking straight,” Emeril
agreed.

“I can’t imagine what the loss of so many soldiers would be like,” Haven admitted, gazing into the darkness before them. The sky clouded over and she feared rain would find them before they reached home. Pausing, she tried to imagine what it was like to be Corrin right now. The thought sent fear through her entire body. One day would her kingdom be like Wakefin? Would war come to her doorstep? Would Queen Kadia bring her dark soldiers through the other kingdoms and ravage her own? She shivered in the cold night air. “If I were him it would break my
heart.”

CHAPTER 5

“W
ord has arrived, Lady Queen.” Toma handed her a letter. The red Calisan seal was
unbroken.

“Thank you, Toma,” Haven said, graciously accepting
it.

The young queen sat in her study with her many advisers. Several days after the secret meeting, it was back to paperwork for her. The hospitals seemed to need less and less of her help, which she appreciated, but secretly wished to do again. Unfortunately, there was no injury she could feign that would take her there. Breaking the seal, Haven opened the note and read on. The letter was very brief, but it held only good news. Such good news filled her with
hope.

“Dessa has been retaken,” Haven exhaled
loudly.

Several sets of eyes rose from their work, smiles evident on their
faces.

“That is wonderful news, Lady Queen,” Toma exclaimed, standing from his desk. “Does Evander mention the
casualties?”

Haven nodded. “Next to
none.”

“Brilliant! I’m sure a great celebration will be held in Wakefin
tonight.”

“I’m sure it will,” Haven
smiled.

It had been so long since she’d heard good news in this war. Person after person had been taken from her, so having such low casualties seemed like a great blessing. It seemed almost difficult to believe, so much so that Haven found herself in deep internal conflict over what to do next. With Wakefin back in the hands of Corrin, it meant perhaps, Corrin’s great scheme against Dagan’s capital was warranted. She could hardly imagine sending in her own soldiers, but this could be the push for Eris or Calisa to lend their aid. Perhaps this war would be over sooner than she had hoped. If only things had gone quite so well when her family was still
alive.

Rereading the message, Haven thought harder about Evander’s words. There were reported to be only about a dozen casualties, even though hundreds of soldiers had invaded Dessa to retake it. Surely, there should have been more deaths. Worry creased her brow. The more she thought of it, the less sense it made. If Kadia wanted to take Dessa so badly, surely she would have guarded it better than this. From the sounds of things, there may have only been fifty to a hundred men guarding the capital city. Though this was good news, Haven found it difficult to accept. In the past, her worrisome nature had always bothered her, but trusting her instincts had always been advantageous. The bad feeling that rose inside her hadn’t yet left. She had no way to explain this to Toma, but suddenly she wished for the company of her guard
friends.

“What is it, My Queen?” Toma asked. “You look
troubled.”

“It is nothing, Toma,” she said
quickly.

“You don’t seem quite as pleased by this news as a moment
ago.”

Haven said nothing, only stared at the letter. She knew what she had to do. Turning to Malka, who guarded the door today, she locked eyes. The girls had known each other for so long it was obvious when something was amiss. With this simple look, Malka understood and nodded. Haven needed out of this room
now
.

“I’m going to take a walk, Toma,” Haven said, rising from her
seat.

Her advisers rose out of respect, but she quickly motioned them back to
work.

“Can I help, Lady Queen?” Always the empathetic one, Toma sensed her unease. He would be good to speak with in most cases, but in this she feared he would find her paranoid. She needed reassurance from her friends before she brought such matters to her most trusted
adviser.

“Don’t worry, Toma. It is nothing,” she said, smiling to reassure him. “I will speak with you
later.”

Toma nodded and Haven took her leave. Malka led the way and soon, they were moving in silence down the hallway. It took a moment for Haven to realize she didn’t know where she was going or where to find her other guard girls. She stopped and turned to
Malka.

“Malka, where do you suppose Blythe and Lareina are right now?” Haven
asked.

The spiky haired brunette took a moment to think about it. “Blythe is most likely organizing the guard in the rear courtyard,” she began, “while Lareina is likely in the infirmary or aiding those in the
ballroom.”

Haven nodded. “We will fetch Lareina first
then.”

Sometime later, Haven gathered with her three guards in the gardens behind the castle. She assumed they were far enough from prying eyes and attentive ears, but just to be safe, Haven sat them near a fountain. It wouldn’t drown out their voices if someone was nearby, but they would go unnoticed if someone approached. Seating her ladies on a set of delicately carved stone benches, she folded her hands in her lap. She met the three girls with a concerned gaze. Brown, blue, and green eyes stared back at her, all equally
curious.

“My apologies for the intrusion into your day,” Haven
said.

Lareina laughed and Blythe
scoffed.

“My Queen, you never need to apologize to us,” Malka
said.

“And none of you need ever speak to me so formally,” Haven smiled
back.

They all agreed that seemed fair, and settled
down.

“Dessa has been retaken,” Haven began, before launching into a brief story of her thoughts and findings before explaining her suspicions at the lack of casualties and fear of what could be next. She included her encounter with the Royals several days past, detailing Corrin’s plan to attack Cidra, and their lack of willingness to comply. The three girls took this with a grain of salt, listening intently. “I fear for my people,” she continued, “but most of all I’m afraid that if I cannot protect myself, how can I protect anyone else? My curse saves me, but it helps no one
else.”

Blythe and Malka exchanged a
look.

“You mean your grace, Haven,” Lareina soothed, taking her hand. Haven shook her
head.

“It is your grace, My Lady, and it does help your people,” Blythe interjected. “
You
help your people. Your grace keeps you alive so you may live another day, and keep helping
them.”

Haven had never thought about it this way. She’d always thought of it as a curse until her coronation, when the first inklings of hope sprang inside her. As a queen who couldn’t die, she would live a long time and help her people for many decades. If she were a good queen, this would be a gift to Rythern. If she weren’t, surely it was a curse. She had to hope the curse she saw truly was the grace these girls
accepted.

“Grace or not, if you want to protect yourself, we can help,” Malka
said.

Blythe shot her a look. Clearly these two had shared this conversation
before.

“Malka,” she
warned.

“She is queen, she should know how to use a sword,” Malka snapped. Haven had never seen such a look of shock on Blythe’s face. She couldn’t hide her amused smile at seeing the two. She’d always suspected they were more than friends and, witnessing their lovers quarrel, it became much more
obvious.

“I agree with Malka,” Lareina
said.

“I do too,” Haven surprised herself by saying. Each of them looked to their queen. “If I’m to save even one life...” she began but stopped. “If this war comes to my capital I need to be able to protect those I love. I will not have any of your deaths on my hands.” She had never been so glad that her sister was at their vacation home in the mountains, where she would be safe from all of this nonsense. Her guards and her adviser, on the other hand, were not. “If I know how to fight, I can fight alongside you, my warriors,” Haven continued, warmth filling her. She hadn’t realized how much she meant her words until now. “Teach me. Train me. Make me strong. I will fight with you if Kadia comes to our door. You need not protect me.” Haven raised a hand to their objections. “A queen who cannot die does not need protection. Though I cannot expect you three not to fight, you should not expect me not to join
you.”

Lareina, Malka, and Blythe sat in stunned silence. Smiles pulled at their lips. It had been a long time since they saw this side of their queen. As a girl, Haven had readily given up on everything she was not good at. Swordplay had been one of them. After her grievous failures she had sworn never to pick up a sword again, yet here she was pledging to her guards that she would be a
survivor.

“Of course we will train you after a speech like that,” Lareina sighed, hugging her friend and
queen.

“I suppose there’s no stopping it now,” Blythe agreed, a smile as wide as the sun lighting her
features.

“Once you learn how to use a sword I can even teach you the art of the bow,” Malka
grinned.

Haven couldn’t help but laugh. “Let’s take this one step at a time,
ladies.”

The very next day, Haven met her guard girls in one of the inner courtyards. Wooden and metal swords alike decorated the walls, shields in line beside them, sporting a range of shapes and colors. Haven couldn’t help but notice that Malka slipped a bow and quiver full of arrows amongst them. Taking it all in, Haven was nervous, but excited. Hair tied back, trousers on, she was
ready.

“You look more like a warrior already!” Lareina called to her queen as she
entered.

Blythe was already present, having set up the place, and Malka balanced on her heels nearby. Now that they had all arrived it was time to get down to
business.

“Take stance,” Blythe
instructed.

Wooden sword in one hand, shield in the other, Haven dropped back into what she could remember of a defensive stance. “How is
this?”

“Not bad, but you’re still too offensive in your footing.” She approached Haven and switched the positions of her sword and shield, nudging her feet further apart. “Better.” Lareina took up her sword and shield, standing opposite Haven, mirroring her position
exactly.

“Now strike like this,” Lareina said, demonstrating a simple
maneuver.

Haven gave it a try. She was clumsy and didn’t have the natural movement these girls had, but she was determined. “Tell me what I’m doing wrong,” she said, looking at
Blythe.

“Watch Lareina,” Blythe said, and Lareina demonstrated again. “Mimic her movements.” She paused. “And hold your blade like this.” She fixed Haven’s hold. “Try it again. You needn’t to hold the sword as if your life depends on it. Use it as an extension of yourself. If you don’t, you’ll keep fumbling like
that.”

Haven sighed and watched Lareina demonstrate several times, attempting to mimic her
movements.

“You’re getting there. Try
this.”

They continued, move after move, offensive, defensive, Lareina attacking first, Haven attacking first. They were at it for hours before Blythe called it quits. It was getting late and Haven was already incredibly sore. She hadn’t used her muscles in such a way since she was a girl. Though her guards seemed as determined as she, Haven was weary and happy for the day to
end.

“You’ll need to improve your strength before we let you try a real sword,” Blythe commented as they sat in a ring, Haven catching her breath. Haven knew this would happen and simply nodded. Haven was not a strong girl and never had been. She’d need to develop a lot of muscle to swing a real sword with any
accuracy.

“You should start lifting weights when you have the time, My Lady,” Blythe
suggested.

They all
agreed.

The following days, the four girls began to gather a crowd. The lessons were in a public courtyard so many passers-by stopped to see what the queen was up to. Haven improved as the days went on, even if it was a painfully slow process. She went to bed sore every night, did her paperwork quickly in the morning, and then adjourned to her courtyard for her lessons. Many came to know this as her afternoon ritual, sometimes gathering before she had even arrived. She often was embarrassed by her failures, but tried to remind herself that this was for them. It was for the people watching, as well as the girls teaching
her.

Almost a week later, Haven was stuck. Her failure to achieve a seemingly simple move aggravated her endlessly. She watched Lareina, Malka, and Blythe perform the move dozens of times. She tried her best to mimic their movements, but she could never quite get
it.

“Enough,” she called, several hours into
practice.

Haven collapsed near a pile of wooden swords, head in her hands. If she couldn’t get this simple move, how could she ever protect anyone, let alone
herself?

“My Lady, are you alright?” Lareina asked, coming swiftly to her
side.

Blythe hurried after her, and Malka went to disperse the crowd. Malka had always been good like that. She knew things even Haven herself didn’t know she needed. She couldn’t have her subjects seeing her so wrapped in defeat. It was
humiliating.

“I’m fine, just tired,” Haven sighed, burying her face from her friends. Tears welled in her eyes, but she refused to look so weak in front of
everyone.

“What is wrong?” Blythe knelt beside
her.

“I can’t even achieve these simple moves,” she mumbled into her hands. “How can I protect
anyone?”

“You will improve, Haven,” Lareina whispered, putting her arm around the queen’s
shoulders.

“I will
not
. I’ve had enough of this failure, Lareina,” Haven snapped, looking sharply at her friend. Lareina did not recoil from her gaze, only squeezed her shoulder harder. “I can’t do this anymore. I will never
improve.”