Mysterious Warriors: Alone (4 page)

~ Chapter 7 ~

              Black Hood looked at the men and women around her, wondering where the final bounty hunter was. She didn’t really care, but she hoped Elias didn’t reveal what he knew to those irritating Mysterious Warriors, especially the one with the pegleg.

              “Thank you for meeting with me.” Black Hood started. She paused as she realized everyone was staring at her blood-red eye. She sneered. “I expect you all to work with me. You’re the best at your work, and I would like to offer every one of you a place in my court once I become queen.”

              “How do you expect to become queen?” Felix demanded as he moved his long blonde dreadlocks behind his shoulder.

              Black Hood went to him, and she touched his long hair. “You’re new in town, aren’t you Felix?”

              “I came because I enjoy hurting people.” He explained. “I’ve heard a lot of rumors about the Mysterious Warriors, and I knew this was where I would have a challenge in fighting them.”

              “I will gladly join your pointless campaign just to get some action.” A pale man snickered.

              “You think my campaign is pointless?” Black Hood shook her head. “What’s your name?”

              “Ruben.” He stood tall. “The Colvilles have been on the throne since before the Split, and it isn’t going to change by some pirate who wants to be queen.”

              “I will be the next queen.” Black Hood assured him. She firmly placed a hand to his chest. “I have a plan, and the rest of you will want to stay and hear it.”

              “Rest of them?” Ruben’s face turned red, and he gasped as she dug her fingernails into his chest. Warm blood seeped around her hand before the man dropped. She wiped the blood free and turned to the others.

              “I don’t care about your plan to be queen.” Felix stood. “I just want to hunt Mysterious Warriors.”

              “Well I need someone to keep them busy, so I suppose you will be the perfect person for that job.”

              “Good.”

              “What about the rest of us?” Hera asked.

              “I have plenty of jobs for all of you.”

              Cabaya stood on the edge of the Lower City, looking out over the view of Mount Junipero to the vast woods in the distance. She still fumed over her encounter with Sacrifice, and she didn’t understand. Only criminals and her mother hated Cabaya. People always loved her, both as Cabaya and Tara. She didn’t understand his problem; they just met.

              “I thought I might find you here.” Sarasa joined her, rain streaking down her bright blue wings.

              “Have you met the new Mysterious Warrior?” Cabaya spat her last words. They tasted like grainy water.

              “Sacrifice.” Sarasa nodded. “He’s a friend.” Her wings swayed in the wind, and the diamond outlines caught in the moonlight.

              “He wasn’t pleasant.”

              Sarasa chuckled. “I have a feeling you’re not used to people like him. He’s been through a lot. Don’t take it personally. I’m sure he’ll warm up to you soon Cabaya. He’s a decent guy.”

              “He didn’t act like one.” Cabaya closed her eyes; the rain mixed in her eyelashes and pooled in her mask. She felt like a child, but she didn’t know how to explain her feelings to Sarasa. “It’s so strange being back here. I know I can trust you, Galdut, and Kitnan, but I don’t know who any of you are. In Whitehaven, I didn’t know everyone’s secret identities, but I knew some of them. We were friends in both of our identities. It’s hard coming back here.”

              “I don’t want you to leave, but you sound like you want to return to Whitehaven.”

              “I can’t.” Cabaya shook her head. “You don’t understand why, but I just can’t.”

              “Then stop focusing on what’s hard and painful, and focus on what’s good here. Who do you trust? Who can you turn to when you’re having a hard time?”

              Vance. Cabaya nodded. “You, Galdut, and Kitnan are all close friends, aren’t you?”

              “We are.” Sarasa paused as her wings swished in the rain. “We have a complicated past.”

              “Sure.” Cabaya let a slow breath out as she tried to keep the loneliness from creeping back inside. She felt hollow, dead, dying, and she couldn’t help but be envious of the others. She wanted to have friendship, love, joy, and everything she’d had back in Whitehaven. But her mother’s “failing health” kept her from getting everything she wanted. It was moments like these when she hated being heir.

              But there was a chance of moving on. Maybe she could trust and befriend Monika and court Stefan? She would never be happy again without giving people, including herself, a chance.

~ Chapter 8 ~

              Queen Margaret lay in bed as she groaned. She was hot and cold, her legs tangled in sheets and nightgown. She was glad her husband sat beside her, holding her clammy hand.

              “How are you feeling my love?” King Warren whispered as he placed a cool palm to her forehead.

              She tried to sound weak as she moaned. “I don’t know what I have, perhaps phenylketonuria or hemochromatosis. I don’t want to die.”

              “I’ve sent for the best doctors in Erde.” King Warren stated. “You’re going to be alright. You’re going to live my love.”

              One of the maids, the queen’s newest one, knocked quietly, her dozen bracelets jingling slightly, and stood at the open door. “I’m sorry to interrupt your majesties, but court will begin within the hour.”

              “No.” King Warren faced her. “Thank you for the reminder Patience, but I will not be at court today. Have Alice draft a royal proclamation that court will be suspended until the queen is well. I belong here.”

              Queen Margaret tried to hide her grin as she glanced at the surprised look on her newest maid.

              “Yes your majesty.” The girl curtsied and left, closing the door behind her.

              “You’re going to stay with me.” The news lifted the queen’s spirits. She suddenly felt stronger, but she wouldn’t tell her husband. She deserved to be doted on. “I love you.” She knew he enjoyed hearing those words from her, even if neither of them really believed it.

              “I love you too.” He kissed her forehead. “I won’t leave your side.”

              “Thank you my love.”

              Tara glanced at Alex as they walked down the dirt street toward Vance’s cottage.

              “I don’t need an escort.” Tara insisted. She could never tell the truth with Alex around her.

              “Your maid refuses to come with you, but I will not have you traveling outside the palace without an escort.” Alex replied for the fourth time. “I keep telling you this Princess; I won’t let Black Hood have another shot at kidnapping you. It’s my job to protect you, and I will keep doing my job.”

              Tara groaned. “I hate having a babysitter.”

              Alex gently put a hand to her shoulder and turned her to face him. “I know things have been weird between us since the night of your return, but I promise you, that was just Black Hood’s magic.”

              Tara glanced into his bright blue eyes and sighed. “I know. I’m sorry. It’s been hard coming back here.” She shouldn’t take her frustration out on him. She knew he was just doing his job.

              “I know.” Alex’s bright blue eyes burned. “You didn’t just lose your sister and niece, but your best friend remained in Whitehaven too. Pearl and Rachel are both married now, and your sister is beginning her own family. You lost a close friend, and we both lost Thomas to Whitehaven. It’s the perfect place to live, and now you’re here without any real friends.”

              “You’re my friend, aren’t you?”

              His smile made her stomach dance. “I hope so.”

              “Then be my friend.” Tara whispered. “I know you’re assigned to be my protector, but I need a friend more than I need protection.”

              “I’ll be both.”

              “I don’t know if you can.” Tara knocked on Vance’s door. To her surprise, one of her mother’s maids opened the door.

              “Princess Tara.” Patience Storm stared at her. “What are you doing here?”

              “Is Vance home?” Tara wondered if she looked as confused as Patience did.

              “Yes.” Patience moved so they could enter.

              Tara paused as she noticed Patience wearing a loose-fitting shirt and harem skirt. Patience crossed her arms; she wore about a dozen different bracelets, as she noticed the princess eying her. “Is there something wrong with my attire, Your Highness?”

              “No; I’m just surprised to see one of my mother’s maids dressed so informally.” There was definitely something strange going on here.

              “Tara?” Vance walked into his living room with a tray of cups and teapot. “I thought I recognized your voice.”

              “Hi Vance.” She paused as she looked between the others. The last time there had been four people in Vance’s cottage, it had been Rachel and Gary with her. All four of them knew their secrets, but this time neither Alex nor Patience knew Vance had trained Lunette or that Tara was Cabaya. It would seem Vance was training Patience to defend herself, the way she was dressed. But why was one of her mother’s maids learning self-defense? It wasn’t like the queen thought women should learn to protect themselves. Alice was the only one of her mother’s maids who could keep her own in a fight.

              “How long have you known Vance?” Patience asked as she poured tea for everyone.

              “Vance was one of my father’s knights since I was a child.” Tara replied. “After he retired from all his grand adventures, he protected Rachel and me. He’s practically another father to us. Vance has always supported my sister and me in whatever decisions we make, even the ones others may not agree with.”

              “Really?” Alex frowned as he twirled his teaspoon, mixing sugar into the brown liquid. “What kind of decisions?”

              Tara glanced at Vance. “Oh you know…life stuff.”

              Vance grinned. “I’m the one who convinced the king that Tara needed to learn to protect herself, being heir. I couldn’t convince Warren that Rachel needed to learn, but I always supported them in learning anything they could.”

              “Vance gave me my first bow.” Tara added. She turned to Patience. “So how do you know Vance?” She wondered if the maid would tell her the truth. She doubted it.

              Patience exchanged a glance with Vance, similar to the one he’d shared with Tara moments before. “Let’s just say he’s been helping me with some important lessons I couldn’t learn from anyone else in the palace.”

              Vance glanced between the young women, and then to Alex. “How are you enjoying life as a Royal Guard, Sir Alex?”

              “It’s definitely an interesting one, as I was assigned to the princess. I’ve gotten to see more of the world than I ever expected to.”

              “When I was an active knight, the world was much more dangerous, and I got to travel to many countries.” Vance paused. “Have you only been to Zorba’s Reach and Ada’s Circle?”

              “How was Ada’s Circle?” Patience gasped. “Did you see Lunette?”

              “Lunette?” Alex frowned. “Isn’t she a criminal?”

              “A criminal?” Patience shook her head. “You must be one of those nobles who just listen to the queen’s rants.” She paused. “Oh, I don’t mean any disrespect, Your Highness.”

              “None taken.” Tara shrugged. “I don’t agree with my mother about Mysterious Warriors either. I think they’re heroes, and I’ve been in complete support of Lunette since she first began helping Junipero.”

              Patience grinned. “I was born in Lower City, and I lived there until I got my job as your mother’s maid. Lunette saved my life. She’s truly a hero.”

              “She’s a coward.” Alex took a sip of his tea. “She was supposed to be in Zorba’s Reach, but she wasn’t. She just disappeared.”

              “Maybe she’s not a coward, but something else happened.” Vance suggested.

              “What could possibly have made her stop?” Alex demanded.

              “Maybe she fell in love.” Patience suggested as she held her teacup with both hands. “Perhaps she had to help someone in need.”

              Maybe she had a baby.

              “It doesn’t matter.” Alex shrugged.

              Tara turned her gaze on her mother’s maid again, and she couldn’t help but notice the sweat stains on Patience’s shirt, the lines of dirt streaks on her neck, and Tara brought her attention to Vance. Was he training another woman to be a Mysterious Warrior?

~ Chapter 9 ~

              Stefan walked with Tara in the gardens, and she tried to give him her full attention as he pointed out every bird he saw. He was very knowledgeable about birds, which meant he was studied. She wanted to court an intelligent man, but she wondered what he would say if she told him the truth.

              “Look at the gray jay playing with the blue jay!” Stefan pointed to two birds.

              “Yeah.” Tara felt her eyes glaze, and she blinked. She had never met anyone so passionate about the flying creature before.

              Stefan paused and looked at her. “I’m boring you, aren’t I?”

              “What?” She tried to frame innocent on her expression, but she suspected she failed.

              He chuckled and took her hand in his. “Not everyone understands my fascination. I’m actually used to it.”

              “I think it’s wonderful that you are so interested in them.” She didn’t lie. “I just have never given much thought to birds before. You know so much about their habits, feeding, coloring, feathers, everything.”

              “We don’t have to have all the same interests.” Stefan assured her. “I appreciate that you have your own hobbies.”

              She grinned. “I’m glad you like that.” She glanced toward the bright sun. “I’m very sorry Stefan, but I must return to my room. I have to get ready for a fitting, my mother’s newest creation. You’ll get to see the gown at the renewal ball at the end of the year.”

              “I look forward to it.” Stefan kissed her hand as Tara walked back to the palace.

              Tara shook her head as she moved. Stefan was kind and liked her the way she was, and she only found one part of him tedious. Perhaps he would understand her aversion and stop actively sharing ornithology with her. Tara paused as she noticed someone standing in her hallway, in front of Tara’s room.

              “May I have a word with you?” Patience walked toward the princess.

              “Come in.” Tara stated as she closed her door. “Is there something my mother needs?”

              “I’m not here about your mother.” Patience explained. “I wanted to clarify a few things about yesterday.”

              “Like why you were at Vance’s cottage?” Tara had wondered if the maid would speak to her about the encounter.

              Patience nodded. “It’s not what you’re thinking. I’m not in a sexual relationship with Sir Vance.”

              Tara felt her face flame, coughed, and shook her head. “I wasn’t thinking that at all; I promise.”

              “Good.” Patience let a slow breath out. “You’re definitely different than your mother, and I hope you’ll understand.”

              “What will I understand?”

              “I became your mother’s maid to escape my life in Lower City.” Patience looked up, and Tara noticed the fear in Patience’s dark hazel eyes. “When I was twenty, I was attacked just outside my home. There were three of them, and they were ruthless. I didn’t know how to defend myself, and they almost…” She closed her eyes. “Then she came, and I was suddenly freed. One of the men had thrown me to the ground, half naked and beaten, but I saw her. Lunette saved me, and she protected me from a horrible fate.”

              “I didn’t know.” Tara wasn’t sure what to say or do to help this woman.

              “No one does.” Patience paused. “No one but Vance.”

              “I always thought Vance’s reputation was secret.” Tara chuckled. “Obviously people know he’ll train anyone.”

              Patience nodded. “We had just finished a training lesson when you and Alex showed up yesterday. Are you going to tell your mother?”

              “Of course not.” Tara put a hand to the woman’s scarred one. “You’ve been my mother’s maid for seven years now?”

              Patience nodded as she played with some of her bracelets.

              “You’ve been training with Vance for how long?”

              “Six years.”

              “You must be good.” Tara paused. “Are you ever going to join the Mysterious Warriors?”

              Patience gasped and stood. “What? Why would I do that?” Her cheeks were a bright apple-red, and she stepped away from Tara’s couch. “I’m a proper young woman.”

              “So you just want to learn to defend yourself and not help others?” Tara frowned. “That doesn’t sound like someone Vance trained. He’s a true hero, and he trains heroes.”

              Patience whirled around. “What do you mean: he trains heroes?”

              Tara wanted to kick herself. She wasn’t about to tell Patience either her sister’s secret or her own. “I just mean that Vance wouldn’t train someone and not expect that person to use his or her skills for something other than helping those who cannot help themselves. You were attacked, and now you can use your skills to help others.”

              “This coming from the princess of the kingdom that isn’t holding court.”

              “What?” Tara frowned. “I thought that was just for a day.”

              “Your father suspended court until your mother is well again. But your mother’s illness is as real as equality is. She hates court.” Patience paused. “Forgive me, I shouldn’t be speaking as such to you.” She stood. “I should be going Princess, or I will continue to speak out of turn.”

              Tara nodded, but she knew Patience was right. Her mother would continue to do everything she could to suspend court and plan parties. Tara was the heir. While she helped the people as Cabaya, perhaps it was time Princess Tara, future queen of Zorba’s Reach, did something herself to help her people.

              Tara went to her desk and sat, pulling a piece of paper free and dipping her quill into a stopper of ink. She had to stop thinking of herself as a princess and start thinking of herself as a queen. She was a warrior queen, someone who would fight to protect her people. But what was she fighting for? Protecting Lower City from the growing number of criminals? Black Hood?

              She needed a goal to change how the people of her kingdom lived. Junipero was split, and it was high time that Upper and Lower City became one.