Chapter 7
"The Alvamar of the Norwestern Sanction!" echoed the Chamberlain's strident tones through the vast hall.
The Alvamar strode through the tall, gilded doors of the Receiving Hall, richly embroided blue velvet swishing about his heels. At the end of the long carpeted walk, sat the Queen in her royal robes, glowing like a rich jewel under the sparkling lights overhead. The Alvamar looked wonderingly at this place, familiar still after all this centuries. This was where his father had received foreign dignitaries. This was where he was proclaimed crown prince, knighted and given his first sword. His eyes swung to the Queen, beautiful and smiling at him in welcome. His line had died out but this new royal line long since had proved itself to be a worthy successor. As he approached the dais, he started searching the crowds subtly for a familiar face. He found it.
She was standing in the ranks of warriors close to the Queen. Rich auburn hair flowing loose for once about her shoulders, her ceremonial armor glinting in the light. She met his gaze with her own, and flashed him a conspiratorial smile. Suddenly, he was heartily wishing that he didn't have to go through this ceremony. Thoughts of flying free through the skies with a feisty woman suddenly seemed a lot more appealing. But when the queen stood up, walked towards him and took his hands in hers, he reacted smoothly and perfectly. Raising his head after kissing her hands, she surprised him by kissing him gracefully on both cheeks.
Smiling warmly at him, her voice rang out like a clarion in the silent hall.
"This is the man that gave us back our prince!"
The jubilant cheering shook the chandeliers shining overhead. The cheering died slowly away as the Queen gestured for silence.
"At this moment, the prince is recovering well and busy trying to empty his warrior's purses in a game of K'resh!" Laughter spread like music through the hall.
"And we owe it all to you," she added slowly, looking straight into the Alvamar's eyes.
"You do me great honor, Your Majesty. It was an honor to be off use to my country." The Queen nodded, her violet eyes deepening momentarily.
"Warrior Lorelei!"
Lorelei stepped forward smartly, her boots ringing on the polished floor of the chamber. The Queen glided over to her.
"You brought the Alvamar to us safely and at great peril to your life," she stated clearly. "In all ways, you acted nobly and..."
Yeah right! thought Lorelei. Kidnapping the Alvamar was a real noble gesture. She finished the thought just in time to hear the Queen's last words.
"It is our desire that you take on the position of Captain of the Prince's Guards. Will you consent?" Lorelei gasped in shock. Behind her, a murmur rank through the ranks of warriors. And quite distinctly, a triumphant "yeess!!" in tones that sounded suspiciously like her aunt's...
Lorelei finally found her voice. What a boost to her career! "Your Majesty... It would be a honor!" The Queen nodded with a smile.
"Your warriors await you above," she replied.
"Your Majesty," came a quiet voice from the Alvamar. The Queen turned to face him gracefully. "I have a request for you regarding the Warrior Lorelei." She gestured for him to continue.
"I have decided to seek out the black mage known as the Old One." Lorelei turned disbelieving eyes on him.
"Why?" asked the Queen, curiously. "Isn't he a danger to you personally?"
The Alvamar nodded. "That is precisely why I wish to seek him out. I want to end the ridiculous constraints on my freedom. I intend to find him and challenge him to a duel. It is time for this matter to be put to rest."
The silence around them exploded into a frenzy of chatter. The Queen and Lorelei exchanged stunned looks. Challenging the Old One to a duel? The craziest mage on the planet?? The Alvamar was obviously a close second in the insanity sweepstakes...
"I'll need someone to watch my back and I can think of nobody more suitable that this warrior," continued the Alvamar. He turned to face Lorelei.
"Warrior, will you join me?" he asked, his eyes clear and direct.
Every eye in the room turned towards the silent figure of the warrior maid.
The sound of whirring wings grew in the room. Suddenly, glass shattered all around them. Dagger sharp shards started dropping in deadly falls from the high windows. Thousands of birds swarmed into the room in a flurry of deadly claws and beaks. Every warrior there reacted. instantly. Alyssa leapt upon the Queen, bearing her to the floor and covering her with her own body.
"To arms!!" shouted Lorelei at the top of her lungs as she reached over her shoulder to draw her sword.
Continued in Chapter 8
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