Haven: Chronicles of Warshard (8 page)

“That is plenty, Lady Queen.” Evander smiled. “My advisers have been working on a similar
plan.”

“As have mine,” Emeril
said.

“Then we are all like-minded,” Haven said. She had been hoping for more from Evander. He was an intelligent man and she hoped he had some way of getting through this. If all they could think of were the same things, she hoped to come up with more before the cold set
in.

With nothing more to discuss, the group broke up and vanished into the darkness of night. Haven had hoped for better news, for something in this meeting, but it all seemed pointless in the end. They had gone round in circles over what she knew very well herself, and with Kadia deep in Eris territory that had to mean Salander was
next.

Heading out with her adviser, Haven and Toma rode in silence through the trees. They had just reached the river bend when a shout from behind drew their attention. Bringing Wren to a stop, she turned to find Emeril trotting up after
them.

“Haven, may I have a moment of your time?” he asked, anxiously glancing at the surrounding shadows. Haven did the same, Nikolai’s missing head still heavy on her
thoughts.

“Of course, Emeril,” Haven nodded, sending Toma on ahead while she dismounted Wren and tied him to a tree. They walked in silence for several minutes, finding a small stream and a fallen tree nearby. Haven sat, observing the way the moon reflected in the
water.

“I fear my father will die
soon.”

Haven looked quickly to her
friend.

“Don’t say such things,” she
urged.

“He will, if his condition does not improve.” Emeril paused. “He was once such a powerful man. I’ve looked up to him since I was small. I hoped that one day I would be like him, become a great king,” he sighed. “But not like this. It is far too soon. I’m not ready to rule, to govern a kingdom, and be in charge of so many
people.”

Haven smiled sadly. She knew exactly what he was feeling. Her parents and brothers had died not long ago, leaving her in charge of a kingdom she barely knew. She was a queen at nineteen and felt hardly capable of doing anything right. But she continued on, she worked hard, and she did what she thought was best. She could only hope to be half the queen her mother was. If she could be anything like her father, one day she would have the love of her
people.

“Emeril, you will be a great king.” Haven patted his knee gently. “Do you think I knew what I was doing when I became queen?” Emeril smiled and she laughed. “No, I didn’t. I knew nothing of being a queen because I never thought I’d be one. But you, Emeril, you’ve always known. You’ve been governing your people for months, and I don’t see anyone complaining. You are your father’s
son.”

“Thank you,
Haven.”

“You don’t need to thank me.” She smiled. “Thank your father for raising such a wonderful heir. And if the worst comes to pass, I’m sure you have many
advisers.”

They both
laughed.

“You are a marvel, Haven,” he sighed. “If only I had taken my father more seriously when he wished that I marry you.” Heat rose to her cheeks and she stared at Emeril in shock. Hearing her laughter cease, Emeril looked at her. He grinned, showing his teeth. “You didn’t know our parents wanted to arrange our
marriage?”

She shook her head. “No one told me such a
thing!”

“You never wondered why we had so many play dates as children? It’s not a quick journey from Salander to Rythern you know.” Emeril’s grin continued to grow, as did her
shock.

“I had never thought anything of it.” But now that she did, she felt foolish. Haven had never met any of the other royal children unless it was at a gathering. She’d never played with them, spent time in their castles, traveled for days to their capital city. She’d only ever spent half of her childhood with Prince Emeril, certain that they were simply meant to be friends. “I’m a fool. An utter
fool.”

“I wouldn’t say that, My Lady,” Emeril laughed. “But your observation skills leave a little to be
desired.”

Haven swatted him before she realized what she was doing. It was something she had done as a child, but it would be inappropriate at her age. Emeril caught her hand and held it, still grinning from ear to ear. “I’ll have you know, my observation skills are brilliant,” she huffed. It had been a long time since she felt so light, so free. It was nice to feel at home with someone, and she had never thought Emeril would be that
person.

“If that is so, what was King Evander
wearing?”

Haven blanked, blinking at the young
prince.

“Calisan colors I’m
sure.”

“Are you certain?” Emeril gave her a doubtful
look.

Haven sighed.
“No.”

Emeril grinned. “He was wearing Calisan colors, but I knew you wouldn’t be
sure.”

Haven hit him again. Inappropriate or not, she couldn’t help it. It felt like they were young again, sitting outside under the moon, sharing a teasing conversation. “Emeril, you are a fiend.” She found herself grinning
too.

“You’ve always known that, Lady
Haven.”

Haven sighed as their laughter came to an end. Relaxing against the tree trunk behind her, she peered at her companion. “So why did you not want to marry me?” She couldn’t restrain her curiosity a moment longer. They had always been friends, and would have made a good match if she weren’t queen. Long ago he would never have known she would one day take the throne. There had to be another
reason.

Emeril froze in place. The joy of their earlier conversation fled him like the tide, washing it all
away.

“I’m sorry if I have misspoken, Emeril,” Haven hurried to correct her fault. She wanted her happy, smiling friend back. “Please forgive me, I did not mean to offend or upset
you.”

Emeril shook his head, avoiding her eyes. “It’s not your fault, Haven,” he said. “It has been some time since I’ve spoken of
her.”

Understanding dawned on Haven. There was a
her
involved, thus there was a woman who had broken his heart. Haven took his hand and smiled at him. “Will it make you feel better to talk about it?” she asked. Emeril just stared at their hands for a moment, her olive skin against his lightly tanned hand. “I’ve never loved someone as more than a friend, but if she makes your face fall like that, something bad must have
happened.”

Emeril nodded, squeezing her hand. “Yes,” he paused. “I was with her for a long time. She was
so
beautiful. Everyone wanted her. The way she moved, her hair, those green eyes. She was absolutely hypnotic.” Haven was surprised to find a pang of jealousy flash through her chest. She had never known of this woman in the many years she’d been Emeril’s friend. It wasn’t her jealousy of his feelings for her, which so clearly remained. She was envious because she could only hope someone would feel like that about her. But even if they did, she wasn’t sure she could ever be with them, for if she was, he may expect children of her. That was something she could not
give.

“Keep going,” Haven urged, trying to calm her own
thoughts.

“She was exotic, from overseas she told me. She was so caring in the beginning, so attentive,” he sighed. “I loved her for years, but I’m not sure if she returned my feelings for even a moment. I gave her everything she wanted, jewels, money, dresses. None of it satisfied her. As time passed I wondered how much I really knew about this strange, beautiful woman. But when I went to ask, she always turned me away. She became distant, and once I caught her with another man.” Emeril paused, tightening his hold on her once more. “She denied her involvement with him, but I know now that she lied. She fled Salander soon after, and I never saw her again.” Emeril hung his
head.

Haven didn’t know what to say at first. She had never been in a relationship, had never loved a man, and had never even thought of what it would be like to feel this hurt. She could only imagine the pain he was in. “I don’t know much about this woman, but it seems to me she is not worthy of you,” Haven began. “If she could be with you and even think of betraying you, I’m glad she’s
gone.”

Emeril smiled. Haven wondered what he was thinking, if she was out of place with her feelings or not. “You’re probably right. Nakta isn’t worth the sorrow I feel anymore.” He sat up straight. Though she knew the smile was fake, Haven tried to reassure him with her
own.

“And she never
was.”

Emeril nodded. Peering at the water again, Haven’s eyes fell on the moon. She suddenly wondered what time it could possibly be. Standing, she released his hand. “How long have we been here?” she gasped. “I must go find Toma. Surely he is
worried.”

“I’m sure he hasn’t gone
far.”

“I must go.” Haven turned to her friend. “If you need anything, send
word.”

“Same to you, Lady Queen.” Before she knew what he was doing or could stop him, Emeril enfolded her in a hug. Shocked, Haven froze. “I’m glad you are all right.” When I came up the mountain I feared something had happened to
you.”

Heat flooded her cheeks. “I’m
fine.”

“That’s good.” Nodding, Emeril said, “Goodnight, Haven,” as he released her. Haven nodded, stepping away in the direction of her
horse.

“Goodnight, Emeril,” she let her feet carry her quickly into the forest, thoughts of marriage and the future swirling through her
head.

The very next day, Haven called a meeting of her own. Gathered before her in her study were her advisers and three friends. She needed to explain the events of the previous night and she wanted help deciding which way to go. Flee or fight. It was a tough decision, but one that had to be
made.

Haven addressed the group, “I’m glad you all could
come.”

Recounting the events of last night, Haven and Toma relayed the news of Alton’s absence, the decision to be made, and the lack of thoughts on the food problem. It didn’t take long for worry to crease every face in the room. Such looks filled her with growing concern, but when she finished she looked to them for advice,
nonetheless.

“If we fight, many people could die,” Lareina spoke up, her demeanor
solemn.

“They would,” Toma said. “But we could remove a tyrant from power and gain peace in the
kingdoms.”

“If the war goes well,” Blythe
interjected.

“If the war goes well,” Toma
agreed.

“If it doesn’t, we would use up all of our resources in this war. The people would suffer,” a young adviser spoke
quietly.

“And if we try to flee, they could suffer just as much,” another adviser
said.

“But if we are to flee to Seaburn, we could take ships, get people to safety quickly and in vast
numbers.”

“It is a long journey to the sea. We have many sick and injured to care for along the
way.”

“Better they suffer a long journey than death at Kadia’s
hands.”

“Enough,” Haven said, “I brought you here for advice, not to
argue.”

“Apologies,” they both
said.

“Now I am swaying heavily toward fleeing to Seaburn. King Evander believes it the best option, as well. I believe we’d have his vote when the council meets next,” Haven said. “It would be a hard journey, but a necessary one. If we go to war, hundreds and thousands could die. But if we use the resources we still have to flee, we may return to fight another day,” she paused, “with the Seaburn armies at our
backs.”

One of the advisers
gasped.

“The armies of Seaburn?” another asked. “I’ve heard stories of their warriors. They’re savages taken from the southern lands. How could they be better than our
soldiers?”

“They are better trained than our soldiers,” Toma said. “They are taken and sent through an academy for years before they join the military. Seaburn has the vastest army in any realm we yet know of. If they were to lend their aid, we would outnumber Kadia by the
thousands.”

“
If
they were to lend their aid,” Blythe was again the voice of
reason.

This plan relied heavily on possibilities, but what choice did they really have? Stay and fight, only to be slaughtered? Or flee while the coast is clear, and come back stronger than ever? It seemed clear to Haven that they really only had one option. Even if Seaburn wouldn’t lend them warriors, perhaps they could pay for them, or barter some sort of deal. The only thing Haven was certain of, if these were their only options, they would flee to Seaburn. She would not lead her sheep into the land of
wolves.

CHAPTER 8

“I
never knew Seaburn used savages in their armies,” Haven
said.

All eyes fell on the young queen. After the meeting, Haven returned to her chambers, adjourning to her sitting room along with her guards and most trusted adviser. Toma sat heavily on a burgundy armchair, sighing
loudly.

“They are hardly savages by the time they join the military,” he said. Haven stared at her adviser for a few moments, trying to discern what was wrong. Though Toma wasn’t usually a happy fellow, he certainly didn’t appear depressed and slumped over. Worry creased her brows until Toma noticed her gaze. Straightening up, he coughed and apologized, feigning
exhaustion.

“Tell me about this process,” Haven
urged.

Her guards exchanged looks with each other. Lareina took a seat beside her, while Malka sat at the window and Blythe stood guard at her door. None seemed keen to
answer.

“Well, My Lady,” Toma began. “From what our sources have told us, Seaburn takes people from the lands south of the republic, and puts them into an academy,” he paused, “For all of their great marvels in science, they still abduct men and women as young as fifteen and break them. After they are broken, they are trained to be superb warriors. The process takes from three to five years or more. Their armies are known far and wide, and quite feared across the sea.” Toma’s face wrinkled in disgust. “They may call those people savages, but the practices of Seaburn are what is
savage.”

“That is absolute brutality,” Haven gasped. Lareina took her hand to comfort her, but there would be no suppressing her shock. “They take them from their homes and
break
them?”

“Yes, Lady Queen,” Toma nodded, though he didn’t meet her eyes. He slumped back in his seat
again.

“How do they get away with such malpractice?” she paused. “How do they break
them?”

Toma met her gaze with wide
eyes.

“You don’t need to hear such things, Lady Queen,” Blythe stepped away from the door and crossed her
arms.

“I will hear of them this
moment.”

“Haven, really you must not insist on this,” Lareina urged, squeezing her
hand.

For once when Haven met Lareina’s eyes, she saw deep sadness and pity. Lareina knew, whatever this was, it would break her heart to hear of it. If Haven knew what atrocities these people committed, she would not want to work with them, let alone use these poor souls to fight her battles. Haven clamped her lips shut. If she listened to what these ladies had to say, she would be once again sheltering herself from the world. But if she didn’t, would what they had to say ruin her plans and possibly risk the lives of her people? Or worse, would it keep them from returning to the kingdoms, and taking back Rythern if that day should
come?

Haven swallowed the lump in her chest. “Fine.” she said at last, “Don’t tell me, but please distract me with other tales of Seaburn. I wish to hear the good they do instead of the bad. Make me believe I can ask for their aid and not hate myself for
it.”

They all breathed a collective sigh of relief. While her ladies might be relieved, Haven felt shame bubbling within her. Essentially she was choosing the lives of some over the lives of others. Even though it wasn’t her duty to care for anyone but her own people, she felt the impact of her choice in her bones. Was this the type of queen she would be? One who would save the lives of her own, just to let others bear the burden? It wasn’t right, and she knew it. But her weakness stopped her from changing her mind. She was queen of Rythern and nowhere else. She had to remember that. The nagging didn’t leave her mind, even as Lareina began recounting a lovely tale of how the republic was
formed.

“The great council came together to depose the monarchy,” Lareina said, “The king at the time was cruel, gorging himself with food and wine while his people suffered and starved. The treasuries remained full, and yet he did not share a penny. Such large sums would save the people from starvation, aid in trades, in schools. But he hoarded it for himself.” She paused. “As time went on, the people began to riot. One uprising after another turned into a full rebellion. They would have been much more successful earlier on if they had the council backing them. Unfortunately the council did not agree with their violent ways, and left the rebels to wear themselves out. The king always kept his soldiers happy and at his side for matters such as these. He wasn’t a stupid king, only a very greedy
one.

It didn’t take long before the rebels ran with tails between their legs into the southern lands or across the sea. With the rebels gone, the king grew soft and fat again, content in his position. It was, of course, the perfect time to depose him. It happened swiftly, and none but the nobles could complain. Even they hushed up once the council was ushered in, and food returned to the villages. They restructured and changed everything the monarchy had stood for. They held elections in the towns, called them representatives of the council. The king would rot in jail while his city thrived. The only practice the council kept the same was how the armies were formed,” Lareina concluded, turning her wary gaze on
Haven.

“Traditions die hard,” Malka muttered, her gaze not leaving the gardens
outside.

“Especially in Seaburn,” Lareina
agreed.

Haven took it all in before she relaxed into her seat. The deposition of a monarch didn’t seem like such a bad idea if it brought peace to a kingdom. Having a republic or democracy would keep out the majority of crazy monarchs like Kadia. Maybe, if the six kingdoms had had their kings deposed long ago, they wouldn’t be facing war at
present.

“Tell me of the path to Seaburn,” she said. She wanted away from thought of death and turmoil, of deposing kings and queens. She let her mind drift and found it became stuck in the ballroom with Mirabel. She wondered how the girl was
doing.

“There are two paths, My Lady,” Toma
said.

“I know the way across the sea. Tell me of the other,” Haven insisted. She’d grown up singing
The Path to Seaburn
, but had never fully grasped the words nor what they meant. Until now, she had thought it was all fairy tales drummed up by her mother. Maybe she was
wrong.

“The other path,” Lareina shifted uneasily as she spoke, “it isn’t a desirable
one.”

Haven met her blue eyes. Worry filled them. “I don’t wish to take this path, Lareina,” she assured her. “I just want to know of it.
The Path to Seaburn
will not leave my
mind.”

Lareina sighed in relief and smiled at her queen. “Of course, My
Lady.”

Lareina relaxed before she began telling the tale. Just as the song, Lareina began by telling how the path went through the trees. Across the lands of Salander and Eris, the path was long and dangerous. It went through forests and across rivers, ending at a strange little building on the very edge of Dagan. Though the path to Seaburn began in the six kingdoms, which each held a beauty all its own, this path was different. It was quite often described as magical in nature. Not many lived to tell of the crossing. The ones who did went on and on in their ravings. They claimed they saw great beasts and jungles in the tunnels. Cats twice the size of a person, orange and striped with huge claws and teeth. In other ravings, they mentioned rooms of glass and mirrors, reflecting and refracting light to confuse anyone who entered. It all sounded quite beautiful to Haven, but how could such places exist in tunnels under the sea? It sounded absolutely
insane.

“Perhaps the lack of air drove them mad,” Haven suggested once Lareina had
finished.

“No one knows for sure, My
Lady.”

“Hopefully we will never find out,” Blythe said, returning to her post by the
door.

Once the tales of the great republic across the sea had ceased, Haven’s thoughts returned to her song. The song quickly led her back to the ballroom and Mirabel. She had promised to visit the young girl. Maybe now was the
time.

Standing, Haven smoothed her skirts. The others stood with her out of respect. “I’m going to visit Mirabel,” she
said.

Toma nodded and took his leave. The rest of her girls fell into their usual positions, leading her out of her chambers and down the halls to the great ballroom. Upon entering the great hall, Haven was once again taken aback by how beautiful the room was. The ceiling so high, the windows so large, the colors of the room dazzled even in the faintest of lights. It brought her back to a time before war, before famine, long before she was queen. In those days, they had huge gatherings, dances, and costume parties. They all seemed overly extravagant now, but Haven still longed for their
simplicity.

Looking across the dance floor, she was brought back to reality. The room was still full of refugees. If it was possible they had fit even more into the room. She recognized a few people of Eris as they passed her or lay in their beds. Dusty brown hair and green eyes filled the room. Many of the Wakefin people had since
left.

“Lady
Queen!”

Haven turned to the high-pitched voice, a smile pulling at her lips and thoughts of the past drifting
away.

“Mira,” Haven cooed as the young girl collided with her skirts, wrapping her arms around her hips. “Have you grown? I swear you were not this tall when last we
met.”

“I grew an inch!” Mira released the queen and stepped back. Her blue eyes beamed with excitement. “You kept your
promise.”

“What kind of queen would I be if I didn’t?” Haven laughed and took the girl’s
hand.

The two walked and talked as they moved through the aisles. All eyes moved with them. Haven stopped every now and then to help out or to lend a cheerful smile. Though Mirabel had been shy when last they met, the young girl could not get enough of the queen or the people of Eris. She ran from cot to cot, telling jokes, and recounting the story of when she first met the queen. She even egged Haven on to sing more than a few times, but Haven respectfully declined. The spirits of the recently arrived people of Eris slowly rose with those of the others, and before she knew it, Haven was basking in
smiles.

Riding on the happiness of others, it was only more dismaying when a messenger came bursting through the ballroom doors. The man was young and ragged from travel. He was wild eyed and on edge, searching the crowd desperately until his eyes met
Haven’s.

“Lady Queen!” he shouted, tripping over a few of her people on his way to
her.

“Calm yourself,” she urged once he arrived before her. “What is
it?”

The messenger held a letter out to her. Haven sighed and reached for it. Her fingers stopped inches from the page. The black seal of Dagan glared back at her. Haven recoiled. “Who has sent
you?”

“This message has been passed through several messengers, My Lady Queen. It has taken several days to reach you,” he said. “I don’t know the original sender, but it has been passed on with the utmost
urgency.”

Haven stared at the letter. The messenger seemed unsure why she hadn’t already taken it, but held it out, hand shaking. “Thank you,” she finally said, holding her breath as she took the letter, “for your service,” she exhaled, “and your haste. You may leave.” The man nodded and bowed before rushing back the way he had
come.

“Are you alright, Lady Queen?” Mirabel asked, tugging on her
dress.

Haven took a deep breath, and smiled. “I am, little
Mira.”

“Are we
safe?”

Her smile vanished and she stared in shock at the child. “Of course,” she breathed. She didn’t believe her words for a moment, and it was clear neither did
Mira.

“What is going to happen to
us?”

Haven paused, still surprised and unsure of what to do or say. “I don’t know,” she confessed. “But I will protect you Mira.” she added quickly, bending down and hugging the little girl. “I will protect all of
you.”

Bursting through the ballroom doors as the messenger had, Haven walked quickly, tearing the letter open to read. Her hands shook and a sickness crawled inside her stomach. Anything from Queen Kadia couldn’t be good. Would she gloat over her victories? Threaten the fall of Rythern? Haven could only guess until her eyes fell on the words. Her guard girls followed her swiftly, eyes darting back and forth between one another, concern and distress all over their faces as Haven read the
letter.

Little
queen,

It is almost time for us to meet. For weeks I have been working my way through the kingdoms, and though the time has not yet arrived, it soon will. I can barely contain myself anymore at the thought. You’ve passed my little test wondrously, and you will be mine. My collection is so stark and barren without you. I’m sure a pretty girl like you will fit in perfectly. I do hope to see you
soon.

Now I feel it is my duty to warn you, little queen, so that you may save your young lover and his father. Salander will burn. Run while you can, or come to their aid. I will set fire to Ithrendel
City.

With deepest
affection,

Queen Kadia of
Dagan

Collapsing to her knees, Haven watched her tears stain the
page.

“Lady Queen!” Lareina gasped, kneeling beside her. “Are you feeling alright? What’s
wrong?”