The Queen's Curse (25 page)

Tirsa pulled back
reluctantly, descending her face. ‘Just cold, that’s all.’ But she wasn’t really.

‘Do you still see her?’ Tirsa tried to shift the
queen’s attention.

‘Who?’ She had forgotten for a moment what they were discussing. ‘Oh, you mean Ezra. Sometimes. I
do not need a maid anymore.’ Artride laughed lightly. She chose to be the head of the kitchen and her husband is the baker. I just love her creations. But well, although there is still some chemistry between us, and she knows about the curse of course and that brings a certain intimacy, the physical thing is over between us.’

Tirsa did not expect to hear this
, and she wondered why she was telling her these private things.

‘I was so ashamed and I began to detest myself. I had the feeling I had used her.’

‘It sounds more like you used each other.’

Artride
looked oddly at her. ‘Yes perhaps you’re right; well, we certainly had a good time.’ The queen knew she had gone a step too far and she regained her composure quickly. ‘She lives in freedom now and has two children. She even asked my permission to marry the man she loved, saying she would not if I did not agree.’

‘And did you?’

‘Of course. I wanted to see her happy. If you ever loved someone truly, whatever has happened between you, you want that person to have a good life. I do not believe that love can turn to hate. Moreover, everyone should have the right to be happy. With me she would never have had what she has now.’

‘Indeed ironic. To turn down a
queen, while so many fight and die for your hand!’

Artride laughed, showing her perfect white teeth and wav
ing her hand indifferently.

They noticed the wind had picked up.

It must have been extremely dangerous for her. What if someone found out? The law book was strict on this as well, but no specific punishment was ever set out; but marriage or living under the same roof with your same sex loved one was forbidden, otherwise banishment would follow
. She remembered how risky it had been for Mabel and her. A couple of times they were near exposure, but always managed to keep things hidden. There was gossip of course and the visible signs of affection between them, even if they avoided touch when they were among other soldiers; you had to be blind not to see it. It would have taken only one person to go to security, the protectors of the law, and they would have been banned from Ceartas, stripped of all their honour and possessions, not allowed to return ever again.

If anyone knew, no one ever did turn them in
, and since they were not living together the curse could not get to them either. Tirsa Lathabris was too much respected and high ranked. Even though besides the admirers there were a couple of ill-minded, envious people who would rather see her leave and take her position. She always appeared untouchable, and if these people would have found out it could have destroyed her career. Little did anyone know that she didn’t care less for herself, it was for Mabel she had feared exposure, for she was born and raised in Ceartas and despite its cruel law system, she had loved her country greatly. More than Artride did anyway. In most countries, romantic relationships between the same gender were accepted and tolerated in their societies, and taken as such, seriously; even marriage was heard of. The more distressing it was that Ceartas had still such a long way to go.

She pondered telling Artride about Mabel and their relationship. About her death and seeing her in the Afterworld
, and what she had told her. Before she had the chance to even consider the matter, the queen pointed and said, ‘Looks like we are leaving this paradise behind again.’

Before them the ground was covered with a thin layer of snow
, and holding each other’s gaze they feared the worse. The wind was getting stronger again and colder, but with hope in their hearts they continued in what they hoped was the right direction: west.

CHAPTER
13

Even as I breathe comes an
angel to their keep

Enya

Thin slanting rays of the spring sun glistened on the icy snow which cracked beneath their feet. Still heading west, they made their way through the roaring wind, searching for any new wards or signs of the sorceress.

But soon a pale white mist emerged out of the deep and enclosed the two women; however, it still enabled them to see enough to continue. Rocks and wet moss were another hindrance now that the snow seemed to lessen.

They had only walked a few miles through the clearing mist, before the ground seemed to open in front of them. Carved through the hills was a long wide, but mostly deep, ravine. It looked as if a giant meteor had hit the earth with such force it had left an enormous hole; and not even the sun would be able to reach the bottom it seemed. It was about five miles in length and perhaps two miles across. It was
gigantic and overhung by the steep slopes on every side. Stocky trees leaned wearily over it, mostly pines and birch. But nothing grew in the bowl, which might as well have been a bottomless abyss, for it was hard to see from the gloom in there. Darkness and cold lived there and sand and … wind. Gusts of wind blew and circled through the ravine, bringing up sand and even small rocks, spitting it all out on the almost barren slopes. Behind and around the ravine a new snow-capped mountain range begun; almost no different from the one they were about to leave behind. That was if they could cross the ravine, which seemed nearly impossible. It was clear that doing so would cost them many days. Precious days.

Artride and Tirsa exchanged a discouraged glance, with the wind tugging at their clothes and hair
, blowing the mist away. There was no downward track and the sides so steep and crumbly, it would be very treacherous. Artride flopped down on a rock out of breath, holding her head in her hands to protect her eyes.

Tirsa looked up at the sky and whispered, ‘Sempervirens
… where are you?’ and waited for an answer. The wind carried her words.

Nothing. She turned and repeated the same line over and over
, and with every time louder. Artride looked up, somewhat distressed at seeing her partner like this, like she was about to lose her mind; but she reasoned it wasn’t such a bad idea, since Roalda had mentioned it was possible the sorceress might be able to hear them when calling her name, even if it was through this roaring wind. And that was all they wanted, right now, be it good or bad. After all they came for her aid, and for that they had to have her near.

Artride got up and walked over to her; together shouting the name of the so called Queen of Dochas.

‘Sempervirens, show yourself!’

‘Sempervirens!’

Then from the ice mountains ahead of them came a stronger gust of wind whirling about, and somehow it got a firm hold on the two shouting, distressed women, suddenly lifting them up from the ground, tossing and pulling at the very heart of them.

‘A whirlwind!’ Tirsa heard Artride yelling above the raging sound of the wind
, which sounded like upset voices itself. Everything seemed smaller, which made Tirsa realize they were being lifted and carried away from the ravine. They were going round in circles, caught in the whirlwind. Trying to get hold of Artride, she looked down and saw they were leaving the mountains behind, now getting ever smaller below them, heading for the sky. They never realized mere wind could be this strong, as where they came from there were hardly ever storms.

Besides
, this had to be something other than a natural whirlwind holding them in its tight grip. Something that could think. Something or rather …
someone.

I hope it is her finally
,
Artride thought, barely able to hear her own thoughts above the raging sound, before she lost consciousness.

~ ~ ~

‘Ashmanthecartenth … moonti washa oenca saalthen,’ said a soft whispering voice.

‘Wilthnan washa minthe.’ Another voice, higher than the first
, but upset.

The old tongue!
Tirsa recognized it immediately and jammed open her eyes. Everything around her was of the purest white she had ever seen; however, it didn’t hurt her eyes. It made her think of the Other Side, but she somehow knew this wasn’t where she was right now. And she was alone.
But the voices, I heard voices!
And she got up from her stretched position. Quickly she checked her body, but it seemed alright apart from cold, damp stiffness.

‘Artride?’ she called out, worried as the sound stretched out, but then seemed to bounce and return to her. The white ground underneath her was soft, smoky, damp and
… liquid. The cloth covers on her feet were drained, so were her leggings and tunic and when she started walking this floor it was like nothing she had ever felt before. She imagined walking on air must feel like this.

‘I am right here, Tirsa, stop shouting.’ And she emerged through the liquid smoke, like an angel, looking relieved to see her. ‘Are you alright?’ She didn’t smile this time, her face troubled.

‘Nothing but a little ruffled, not to mention confused. Where are we?’

‘The last thing I saw were the mountains beneath us.’
She rubbed her forehead. ‘How long were we out, anyway?’ Artride stretched one arm, trying to grab the fine layer of mist surrounding them. It felt cool and damp, moist.

‘It looks like we’re in a cloud, but that is impossible, isn’t it?’ And Tirsa’s voice bounced back to her again, just like it would in a small solid room.

‘A cloud?’

‘Well, a magical one I suppose. I heard voices, Artride, speaking in the old tongue.’

‘The same language the Woodchildren speak?’

‘Yes, Artride. We must have encountered their relatives, the Windchildren this time. They are distant cousins.’

‘Windchildren?’

‘Greetings, Ceartasians.’ It had sounded al
l around them in youth-like voices, both male and female.

‘Carahoose meanta hinthe.’ Tirsa greeted the voice in the old tongue gingerly; turning around
, searching with her eyes for them.

Slowly a figure appeared out of the mist,
with completely colourless skin and hair, all but his crystal blue eyes that seemed to mirror the sky it self. He was tall, white as snow and young with slender, muscled limbs. His thick, fair hair stood erect and his blond brows curved. As for the clothes around his firm body: silk-like breeches and tunic hung loose and quivering around him like feathers or … clouds, for mist sprung from the unknown fabric giving him an ethereal appearance.

Artride’s mouth hung open, for she
had never had seen such a beautiful young man in her life before; even if he was as white as a dead person, he seemed somehow very much alive and his lips were rosy pink.

His sky eyes sparkled
with curiosity for Artride as well, although a wave of grief and anger painted his young face. Then he turned his attention to Tirsa, and as if he knew her he spoke in a metallic singing voice, ‘By Father Sky, why would you call out the name of that pernicious creature? It was a very foolish thing to do.’

Artride, still speechless, glanced at Tirsa who answered gravely, ‘Simple; we need her help.’

‘You do not. Believe me, you who speak the old tongue; you do not,’ he replied grimly, shaking his head while white mist rose from his hair.

‘You don’t seem to understand
–’

‘Tirsa, I do.’ He sounded calmer and looking in
to his eyes she knew he did.

‘So, you know who we are
, and I presume,
why
we are in Dochas.’

He walke
d over to her, almost without effort. ‘We know, but we cannot be troubled.’

‘Oh, I see. I remember your kind,’ Tirsa started ruefully. ‘I know you higher beings don’t care for the whereabouts of humans
, and to be frank, I am the last to blame you. But now
you
are in danger. We could have attracted her to attention to
you
, couldn’t we? And therefore
you
are frightened as you have never been before. For this is real danger and affecting you as well. We have heard about the abductions and the torment from your goddess Roalda. Now, we have no intention in wanting to bring your people any distress or expose them to any more danger, but this is a matter of freedom; which I know is very dear to you. She has something for us, our people, that can bring us justice and freedom. Could you please tell us more about her and where she lives?’

He sighed, a longer sigh than any human could have created and they both saw a pure white plume leaving his perfect shaped mouth.

‘Who are you?’ Artride finally managed to ask, like she just woke up, and Tirsa rolled her eyes. He smiled kindly at her, showing his white almost catlike teeth. ‘My name is Kasching.’

‘And where exactly are we, Kasching?’

‘Right now; high above the Icemountains. Safe and sound from the eyes and ears of the “Dominator”, as we call her.’

‘Dominator, the sorceress? And we are truly in a cloud?’

‘Yes, something like that.’ He giggled, dropping to his knees in front of them; looking suddenly weary. ‘You have no idea what you have got yourself into. The best I can do is to blow you back to where you came from.’ And he made a hand gesture and demonstrated a soft blow like a hand kiss, making the space around them move.

‘No!’ Artride reached out and kneeled in the soft material in front of him at eyelevel. He glanced questionabl
y at her, cocking his head to one side and nodded. ‘I am weary, and seeing you makes me remember things I do not wish to remember.’

‘Such as?’ she asked.

He blinked a couple of times and said, a little annoyed, ‘Your kind yes, and your ways, but most of all
her
.’

‘The
… “Dominator”?’ Tirsa asked.

‘Hmm. She came here, young and pretty, but angry and bitter; like you, so very much like you.’

‘You know her personally?’ Artride asked.

‘I know of her. But no one does know her personally, no. We are the children of the wind and we listen to the voices, some can even hear thoughts and memories. We carry those messages further. We can
go everywhere there is wild wind, the breath of Talamh.’ He looked proud when he said that, his thoughts miles away.

‘That sounds special, but please listen,’ Artride stated calmly. ‘I have heard she has a grip on your kind and that is awful, but just because we are human does not mean we are anything like her. I cannot deny the fact I’m human and a woman, but as far as I know that’s the only thing I have in common with the person you call
, the Dominator. Until today I had never ever seen a Woodchild nor a Windchild and I do not hold that against you, do I?’

He looked her straight in the eyes for a long time without blinking, before he said solemnly, ‘There are many of us
, like there are many of you, and still you don’t know us like we know you. But that is of no importance. We
are
the wind, you see, as much as you are the earth beneath your feet and the ocean. It’s inside of you. We are everything; we are air. We do not show ourselves, nor do we explain our work and lives to mortals; because you wouldn’t understand, like a fish wouldn’t understand the puzzling song of a blackbird.’

‘But I am curious,’ Artride said. ‘I want to know all about you and your kind, really.’

He smiled kindly. ‘I believe you do … really.’ He mocked her slightly and laughed, amused, showing his teeth again as he jumped up quickly, stretching himself and holding his arms up.

She glanced at Tirsa
, who raised her eyebrows, feeling a little left out.

‘I have seen a Windchild before,’ Tirsa indicated dryly. ‘And he did explain to me somewhat about your kind.’

Kasching shrugged and came closer. ‘That is because we are Messengers and like to talk. Talk, talk, talk, that’s our job – and listening of course – and that must be in perfect balance. Some humans can hear us and are chosen.’ And he put a hand over his mouth as if to stop himself while he paced around.

‘Chosen?’ Tirsa asked. ‘Well, we need all the information we can get and most of all the location of Semper
… eh the Dominator. Can you help?’

‘You say she cannot see nor hear us in here. Is that why you lifted us up?’ Artride asked gently.

‘To make you stop calling her, drawing attention to … us and our clouds.’

‘You mean there are more of you here?’ and Artride looked around, trying to find an opening to see beyond.

‘Everyone has their own cloud; their home and safe haven since the Dominator rules here; it is no longer safe to appear anywhere near the ground or even trees, for she is able to trick us and lure us away to our doom.’ He took a deep breath. It was actually easy to breathe in this cloud; humid but fresh.

‘We die within walls; for there is no wind to nurture and sustain us there. Sometimes we enter dra
ughty buildings to gain or exchange information on a short term basis, but that should stay hidden from your ears. But as long as that creature, that… woman works her impure magic we cannot go to the surface safely at all. We cannot even gently touch the leaves to hear their memories, nor stroke the grass to hear the whisper of who has travelled there. Nor ride a morning fog. There is always the fear she will take us away; it affects our work and our lives. She has grown strong and is growing stronger still. No mortal was able to get a grip on us immortals before. We feel we are no longer free like the wind.’ And an immense sadness took over his whole face. It saddened both women deeply.