I was aware that things had been coming easily to me in Arcadia, but even so mana control was proving an unexpected stumbling block. I’d taken well to combat if I said it myself, and my understanding and reproduction of incantations was better than even Shukra’s.
Things changed when it came to precise mana manipulation, however. I felt like I was back on Earth, studying for finals all over again, with no way to know if I was even getting better.
It wasn’t as though I was doing badly – through her fragmentary answers Shukra gave me the impression that anyone would struggle to control such an excess of mana. But it was still discouraging to not see any improvement.
Each time I tried to ‘grip’ my flowing magical power it slipped away, like water through my fingers. Other people might have struggled with it too, but that was small comfort when the only one with the problem was me.
With a frustrated sigh I sank down against a pillar in the library.
Perhaps I just had no talent for this.
Even if my body was impressive, that didn’t mean my mind would always be able to match up to it. Back on Earth I wound up failing math in the end, despite my best efforts.
Myr could have lied about that, but capricious and foolish as he was, I didn’t see any reason for him to pretend I’d failed my exams. It wasn’t as though I’d have been able to do anything different during my abduction just because I passed math.
Leaning back against the stone, I took a moment to take in my surroundings; to feel the polished smooth surface against my hands and feet, and admire the artfully carved shelves like organic growths.
As my eyes followed the undulating walls my gaze reached the door. A small face peered around the corner hesitantly.
My handmaiden, Agytha. Perhaps she didn’t want to disturb me while I was annoyed. I waved her in and the slim harpy came over.
“Is anything the matter, Agytha? I didn’t think you’d be here until it was time for me to leave.”
She bowed her head as she answered. “I finished my other duties so I came to attend to any other needs you might have. I apologize for intruding mistress, I should have waited outside.”
“Really? What would be the use of just standing there outside the library?” I asked gently. “If you have to wait on me why not come in? There might be a book you’d enjoy reading while I practice.”
“It would be impertinent for a low-born handmaiden to intrude upon the royal library, mistress.”
I raised an eyebrow at that. “Isn’t witch laureate Shukra also low-born?”
It was easy to tell with harpies. Noble families were physically larger than the ‘lowborn’, and those of the royal line were biggest of all. Queen Ael stood well over ten times my height, over fifty feet tall. Girls like Shukra and Agytha who were little taller than I were obvious as commoners from the moment you saw them.
“The witch laureate is a special case,” Agytha insisted. I didn’t like to push the grey-blue handmaiden too hard, so I let the matter drop.
“In that case perhaps you could bring me something to drink, if you’re going to be waiting anyway. Maybe some mead?”
She was quick to depart on the errand. If anything she seemed relieved to have something to do for me.
That left me to my fruitless practicing once more. I didn’t have anything to show for it yet, but I wasn’t going to give up. Anyone could excel when they had all the gifts and advantages needed – what was really admirable was persevering without them.
I’d only just refocused myself on my gushing mana when there was another disruption; a huge figure loomed in the doorway through which Agytha had departed.
The towering white form could only by one person in the Eyrie; Thessaly, the Priestess of Nemoi.
Flying along behind her as she walked in was the aide I’d seen with her before. The smaller girl flapped off into the maze of stone shelves and pillars. The regal scale of the priestess herself confined her to wait in the more open entrance area.
She approached me with a graceful walk and gave an exaggerated bow.
“Lady Safkhet, an unexpected delight to meet you once more. Do forgive me for so rudely intruding upon your time here, I shan’t be long.”
Her voice befitted the rest of her person, refined and ladylike in all the ways that Queen Aellope was not, but Thessaly lacked the warmth of the Stormqueen.
“Priestess Thessaly.”
I returned her bow. She had a way of making me feel uncouth and underdressed, despite the Harpies walking around in nothing but feathers.
“What, uh, brings you here today?”
“As it happens there is a historical text I wish to consult. It is a most interesting tale, the story of how the Gods laid to rest one of their own with the Golden Sepulchre, a monument to the great God Cyclops whose bones raised up these very mountains. Perhaps you would care to hear it?”
It certainly sounded like an interesting story, one I recalled Ael alluding to in the past.
“Didn’t that happen before the Daughters of Nemoi were created?”
She beamed at that, like a school-teacher pleased by an attentive student. “Indeed so my dear girl, you have learned our history well. It is as you say, a myth from before our time. Yet the mausoleum left by the Gods is thought to still exist somewhere in the catacombs under the Spine of the mountains. It stands as an eternal tribute, a tomb furnished with treasures befitting the divine Cyclops.”
“What treasures would be worthy of the Gods?” I asked, curious. “It wasn’t just gold, right?”
“It is most assuredly not. The Golden Sepulchre is said to have been wrought in pure gold merely to be worthy of holding the artifacts within; an insightful observation indeed. I regret that few among us share your keen mind.”
I couldn’t help but feel patronized by that.
“I would not dare speculate as to the divine relics that could still sleep within the Sepulchre, but we can be assured at the least that it holds a wealth of gemstones and other magical materials. The greatest prize for the devout, however, would be the religious scriptures we might unearth.”
“I can understand why you’re interested in it then. I take it no-one knows where the Sepulchre is hidden exactly?”
She gave a dainty sigh, her plumage flattening as if she were deflating.
“Alas, precious little indeed is known of the location of the mausoleum. It has long been something of a project of mine, but I fear I have made scant progress.”
“But you’ve found a book that might be able to help now?” I asked.
“Ah, well as it so happens-” she began, only to pause as a figure appeared in the doorway to one side.
It was Agytha, with a cup of hot mead in hand. She froze as the giant priestess set eyes on her, the handmaiden’s wings lowering apprehensively.
“P-Priestess, please forgive my rudeness!” she bowed practically double, taking care not to spill my drink.
Thessaly looked down on her imperiously. It was the first time I’d seen a trace of Ael in her, but unlike the Stormqueen there was no kindness tempering her gaze.
“Such uncouth conduct; A handmaiden to the Queen should know better.”
“Actually, I requested Agytha fetch me a drink,” I spoke up before she could say more, surprised by her umbrage.
She was quick to nod her head at my words.
“Of course a servant must be obedient, Lady Safkhet, but decorum is not something for our lessers to so casually disregard, do you not agree?”
“I can’t say that I do actually.”
I stared the taller harpy in the eye. Priestess or not I was starting to dislike her patronizing, arrogant behavior.
“Ah… I suppose I should not expect too much of a low-born servant. Please forgive me.”
She said the words as if they were meant to be a concession, but I could see Agytha biting her lip.
“Perhaps a handmaiden of higher birth might be better suited to serving you?”
“It was a pleasure speaking with you, Priestess Thessaly.”
As I spoke I walked over to Agytha. I took the cup from her white knuckled grip and sipped the sweet, spiced drink.
“Mmm, thank you Agytha. That’s just what I needed. Now we should be going. Sorry for taking up so much of your time, Priestess.”
“Not at all, it is of course always a pleasure to see you Lady Safkhet.”
She spoke graciously, as if the tension between us moments before was long forgotten.
“Perhaps you would care to visit us in the temple soon? It would be a privilege to show you our place of worship – and to continue our discussion from the other morning of course.”
“Perhaps,” I lied. “Thank you for telling me about the Golden Sepulchre, it was fascinating. Please take care.”
Once we were outside and well down the vast corridor, I found a quiet balcony that the harpies used to land and take off, and brought the young handmaiden out into the fresh air. Over the mountains the afternoon sun was a warm yellow, but she was pale as a sheet.
“Are you alright, Agytha?” I asked, setting my mead down and putting a hand lightly on her shoulder. “I’m sorry about… well everything she said. That was totally uncalled for.”
She shook her head, wiping away tears welling up in her eyes.
“Th-the Priestess was right to point out my mistake… I am sorry, mistress….”
“Nonsense.”
“M-mistress?”
“That’s nonsense. No-one should speak to you like that, Agytha. Not her, not me and not the Queen herself.”
“But mistress-”
“But nothing.” My voice was gentle but firm. “Being low-born isn’t a sin and it doesn’t mean you’re any worse than anyone else. I’ve seen how hard you work at your job.”
“Mistress is being kind,” she said, shaking her head.
“I’m a clumsy, foolish girl who wasn’t fit to be the Queen’s handmaiden. All the high-born servants know it; they told me I was no good….”
“Don’t be silly, Agytha.”
I squeezed her shoulder, feeling her downy grey feathers between my fingers.
“Ael cares about you a lot.”
“Then why did she give me away?!”
The outburst was totally unexpected – even to Agytha by the look of her. Finally I understood.
“You mean when she assigned you and Chione to me.”
She hung her head as a tear splashed to the stone beneath us.
I was struck then by just how young Agytha was, no older than a highschooler by my guess. In that moment she looked more like a lost child.
I put my other arm around her and pulled her towards me. She didn’t resist as I guided her head to my shoulder.
“I-I’m sorry-” she began to say, as warm tears wet my dress.
“I’m not angry Agytha. If anyone is sorry it’s me.”
I stroked her hair as I held her. One of her hands gripped my arm as if afraid I might let go.
“I didn’t realize how you felt, or how it must have looked when Ael asked you to serve me instead. And I had no idea the nobles were treating you so badly. Thessaly should be ashamed of herself!”
The harpy gasped, raising her head and looking at me aghast. “Mistress should not say such things; Priestess Thessaly is the religious head of all Harpies!”
“Religion should be about supporting and guiding people, not tearing them down and dividing them.”
“But,” she gave a hiccup, “the Priestess was right – the Queen doesn’t want me to be her handmaiden any more….”
“And what makes you think that? Did Ael tell you that?”
“Why else would she assign me to… to a….”
“To a human?” I asked with a wry smile.
“…to a stranger,” she finished meekly.
“I think she was trying to protect you. You and Chione have both been harassed like this a lot since you became her handmaidens, haven’t you?”
She nodded.
“Well Ael can’t force everyone to be nice to you when she’s not around, so instead she assigned you both to someone who wouldn’t care about the Harpy social order. Someone she trusted to take care of you both.”
I could see on her face as I spoke that the poor girl had no idea. She probably thought her queen had dispensed with her forever.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
I gave a long sigh as I looked down at the clouds far below, the sunlight lining their edges. Ael was just as clumsy at dealing with people as I was apparently. She should have just told Agytha what she was doing.
“Are you… sure mistress?”
“She asked me to take care of you both because you’re her favorites.”
Fresh tears welled up in her eyes at the words, but this time they were born of relief. I let her go so she could dry them with her feathered wingtips.
“Thank you so much, mistress, I… I thought....”
“I guess now I know why you weren’t too happy with me on the first day. Well, aside from having to run around after an ignorant human you’d never even met before,” I added with a grin.
It turned into a beaming smile as she gave laugh.
“Wow, I didn’t think you had it in you!”
“Mistress shouldn’t tease,” she said, looking up with a small smile of her own.
“I’ll try, but really you should be glad you’re dealing with me and not Ael, she’s merciless you know….”
I gave her a few minutes after that, to clean her cheeks and calm down. I admired the view across the clouds and peaks, sipping my mead. She of course refused to have any when I offered.
Having composed herself, Agytha was the picture of propriety again, but before we left the balcony I had one last thing to say.
“I know you didn’t ask for this job, Agytha. I think you’ve done excellent work and I’m grateful to you, but if you’d prefer to be serving Ael directly you can go back to her at any time.”
“Thank you mistress, but… if I may be selfish, I would like to keep serving you.”
“In that case I’d like you to do something for me.”
“Anything you desire, mistress.”
“Come to me if you’re in trouble, or if someone hassles you again. I don’t care who it is, no-one gives my handmaidens a hard time.”
“As you say mistress, I will… confide in you.”
“I’d be honored if you do. But please call me Saf, okay?”
“Yes, mistress Saf.”
~~~
Thessaly’s interruption had proved productive, if unwelcome.
Agytha was finally starting to really talk to me as we sat looking out over the mountains.
She told me about her family – three sisters and their two moms. It sounded like a lot to me, but it was her normal.
One of her parents was actually a Valkyrie it turned out. Even now she was with the wing escorting the refugee ogres from Southtown, along with her eldest daughter. She had wanted her younger children to have safer lifestyles however; hence Agytha’s role as a handmaiden. It had been seen as recognition of her mother’s accomplishments that her daughter was appointed to serve the queen herself.
The youngest sister was with a group I hadn’t previously heard of, the flight corps. It was their task to haul around the gigantic furnishings and steady stream of goods that the Eyrie and other settlements required to function.
Our heart to heart was cut short however; one of Queen Aellope’s other handmaidens appeared, sent to find me by the Queen.
Twice my size, the girl gave Agytha a cold look as she looked down on us.
I wanted to say something, but her purpose seemed urgent. She’d already tried and failed to find me at the library, so I let it go for the moment.
The handmaiden brought me to the open-air Harpy court, where the Stormqueen held her important audiences.
It was early evening when we arrived, the handmaiden setting me down to one side of the towering Aellope. Ordinarily the harpies of the Eyrie would be eating their evening meals, but all the important courtiers were present at the gathering. I was happy to find that none of them objected to my presence – they had, to varying degrees, come to know and trust me – as I had them.
Not long after my own arrival came the scouts. They had been sent south to investigate the attacks on the Southern settlements, and had returned to report. All were low-born, human-scale women – giants like Ael and Arawn would have stood out a mile away after all. Of course they were all still bigger than me.
The lead harpy was a middle-aged woman with hair cut short, befitting her martial air and athletic build. She bowed low before the Queen and court, sweeping her buttercup-yellow wings with surprising elegance.
“Report, Rana,” Arawn commanded of her subordinate.
“Yes Marshal!” she replied at once. “I led my flight to Southtown as commanded, to reconnoiter the town and surroundings.”
She hesitated for a moment before she spoke on. “The town itself appears to be uninhabited.” Murmurs broke out around the court at her words.
Ael silenced them by opening her mouth. “Can you be certain of this?”
“Aerial observation showed no sign of occupation within the town and no visible remains from the battle, your majesty. Fresh spoil heaps on the slopes outside suggest that the Ogres’ mines are still operating, but I chose not to risk landing within the walls without a larger force.”
Arawn’s brows furrowed at that, her wings fidgeting in what I’d come to read as a sign of anxiety among Harpies.
“What about the other scouts?” The princess asked.
“We regrouped before returning to the Eyrie. Most reported no activity in the destroyed settlements… but the scouts sent to Rivervale didn’t return.”
“What happened to them?!” blurted out one of Arawn’s aides. “Valkyries don’t just go missing!”
Arawn raised a hand to stop her.
“I am deeply sorry,” spoke the bowing Rana. “When they failed to return we investigated, but there was no sign outside of the valley itself. As with Southtown, I felt it was too dangerous to send further forces in without more support. I apologize for my failure.”
There was silence around the court. The other harpies looked shocked that someone – or something – had taken down their scouts.
“Your choice was admirable, Rana.”
Ael spoke with the commanding tone she used in her official role as monarch.
“It was correct to prioritize the safety the other Valkyries and the delivery of this report.”
It was charming to see Ael’s kindness in her reply, cutting off any potential criticism or punishment for Rana with her words. Ventora had been about to speak, so it was excellent timing too.
“Thank you, my Queen.” Rana bowed lower. Her neck must have been getting sore.
With that the Valkyrie’s report was concluded. The talk turned to what to actually do about her information.
“It seems we still have little knowledge of our enemy,” Ael spoke with a sigh. “Masika, have we any news of activity elsewhere in the Cyclopean Bones?”
“None of note, your highness,” spoke the grey-haired old advisor Masika, a noble-blooded harpy with feathers and scales of faded blue.
“A delivery from Grand Chasm has gone missing, but the flight corps is investigating. We have no reason to believe the enemy has advanced so far into the heart of our lands. There is also no sign of movement from our neighbors outside the mountains.”
“What do you make of this report then?” asked Ael.
“Rivervale is of little strategic worth, but it was the most active of the Ogres’ Southern mines,” Masika answered. “Taken with the news not of occupation but of fresh excavation at Southtown, we should assume the enemy seeks our resources rather than our settlements themselves.”
Arawn was next to voice her thoughts. “Agreed; if nothing else we know the enemy is present in Southtown. We should move to retake the town and rescue any surviving scouts.”
“Can we be certain that is wise?” asked Ventora. “Could this not be a trap? The Ogre-built mines of Rivervale are hostile terrain to we Daughters of Nemoi, particularly so those of high birth. Where better to bait us to battle than in the narrow tunnels of stone where our greatest Valkyries cannot enter?”
“What would you propose then?” Arawn challenged her.
“We should have the Ogres themselves retake their settlements – with our support naturally. It is home territory for their kind. They and the other displaced species must fight their own battles rather than perennially relying on our benevolence and might.”
“We have ample low born warriors of puissance, capable of fighting in tight quarters,” Ael responded with an edge of impatience. “We will not abandon our missing scouts or any other potential captives while we rally and march in ground-bound forces.”
“As you will it my Queen.” Ventora bowed graciously.
Catching a glimpse of her lowered head I was surprised - I’d expected her to be more frustrated, but if anything she seemed pleased by Ael’s decision.
“We have four wings of Valkyries ready to dispatch at once,” Masika suggested.
Arawn shook her head. “We shouldn’t be careless dealing with an enemy able to defeat our scouts, nor should we leave the Eyrie and the Queen undefended. We should send one wing in advance tonight, to secure our route and investigate any further enemy movements. With proper preparations two more wings can depart tomorrow morning.”
“Do so, Sister,” Ael said. “Retake Southtown and Rivervale. Learn the fate of our scouts and liberate any survivors.”
With that the court moved on to other matters before dissolving for the evening. Ael herself collected me and took wing, Arawn flying beside us to the dining hall for dinner. I was getting used to be carried about like a kid, but it still felt more embarrassing when it was Ael doing it.
“I’m sorry to hear about your missing scouts,” I said as we were flying.
“As was I,” Ael answered grimly.
Her strong, beautiful features were clouded with concern.
“Perhaps to you it seems unremarkable, given your natural ability, but there are few beings in the mountains capable of challenging a trained Valkyrie.”
It was my turn to feel concern at that, but Arawn smiled at our side. “Don’t worry Saf, this is what we train for.”
I was grateful for her optimism but I could tell that Arawn too was worried. On past days she had been vocal in her appreciation of freshly-hunted meat and the rare fruits that were available at the Queen’s table, but that night she seemed to hardly taste her meal.
Ael was better at hiding her concern, but I knew her best of all. I could see her anxiety.
After we’d eaten she invited me back to her chambers again. I was happy to accompany her – despite a few odd looks from her courtiers.
Back in her rooms we took the same seats as we had the day before. Ael relaxed with a huge goblet of something that smelt alcoholic – the sheer volume of the drink was enough to scent the air all around. I tried some for myself, in a more human-scale cup, finding it very sweet and spicy but quite good.
We chatted for a while about trivial things, and then about my magic and martial arts lessons, before Ael turned her captivating gaze on me with a more serious question.
“I know you aren’t ready to speak of whatever past you may recall, Saf, but still I must ask… are you aware of anything or anyone that could be related to the attacks in the South?”
“I’m sorry, I… I’m grateful for your understanding… but I honestly don’t know or remember anyone from this region other than your people and a group of humans I met before you in the forest.”
She nodded her head, laying back and taking another deep gulp.
I loved her for her immediate trust in my word, but that only made me feel guiltier. I wanted to tell her more, to tell her the whole truth, but I’d already lied to everyone. This wasn’t the time to come clean. Not while her people were in danger and her sister was preparing to leave to go to war.
When this was all over… I should tell her the truth about me once everyone was safe. Even if it changed how she felt about me. I had to stop lying to her.
“I… spoke to Chione and Agytha today,” I said by way of a subject change.
“I heard you had words with Chione,” Ael smiled wryly. “I believe half the Eyrie did.”
“Ah, well things did get heated,” I admitted. “But now we’ve had it out I think if anything we’ll get on great. She’s a very honest girl.”
“How about Agytha?”
“I guess you could say I’m still working on her. She’s finally started opening up to me.”
“Impressive,” laughed the Queen. “Agytha could stonewall an Ogre if she pleased to.”
I recalled the court meeting earlier and another question I had wanted to ask Ael.
“Speaking of Ogres, do you mind if I ask about your court?”
“Hoh hoh, I didn’t think you had an interest in politics, Saf,” Ael grinned. “But by all means go ahead.”
“Well, your court is all harpies, right?”
“Naturally. The Harpy Empire is run by Harpies.”
“But the ogres are your people too, right?”
“They are my subjects, yes.”
“So why are no ogres around when you’re talking about how to protect them from invaders?”
The Stormqueen frowned. “The Ogres are our subjects – not our equals.”
“Is that because you’re more powerful?”
“Indeed… that is the way of the world, Saf.”
“Why?”
Aellope tilted her head as she regarded me.
“You ask truly strange questions at times, Saf.”
I was grateful to see that she spoke with a smile.
“But very well, I shall indulge your curiosity.”
She took a sip of her drink before she went on.
“The strongest naturally rise to the top, to rule over the weak. The strong have the duty to use their power to protect their subjects, while those they rule over have a duty to pay tribute and homage to the rulers.”
I thought carefully about how to phrase my objection to that idea. I wasn’t entirely sure I was right to object to begin with, but her answer sat badly with me even if I couldn’t quite verbalize why.
“It makes sense that the strongest people will naturally be able to rule over others, but shouldn’t they still listen and work with the people they govern?”
“That is why I have advisors,” Ael responded. “Masika and women like her liaise with the Ogres and our other subjects. They keep me informed of their needs and concerns.”
“But… couldn’t the Ogres, uh… advocate for themselves better if they were at court too? I mean, if you were an Ogre wouldn’t you want to have a say when the Harpies were planning what to do with your home town?”
“Perhaps so,” she admitted, “but ruling is not the role of the Ogres.”
“Because they’re not the strongest?” I asked. Ael nodded, leaving me unsure what I should say to that.
Perhaps there was nothing to say and this was simply the way of this world? But still I didn’t like that idea – the idea that being born to the wrong species or failing to accumulate enough power meant that you could only be controlled by others.
The smart thing to do would have been to just accept that in this world, in this Empire, equality simply wasn’t a priority. But I cared enough about Ael and the Harpies by this point that it felt worth arguing with her.
Still, it was doubtful that appealing to fairness would win her over.
I pondered for a while as she patiently sat and drank.
A flash of insight came in the silence as several ideas clicked together.
“The reason that the strongest people should be in charge is because they can do the greatest good, right?”
“To put simply a complex concept, you could say so.”
“But what if what’s good for the strong high-born harpies isn’t what’s good for the weaker low-born harpies and Ogres?”
“A good empress considers the needs of all of her subjects and finds the best balance; even if that should mean her own people must make sacrifices for their subjects.”
It was tempting to point out that few monarchs were ever so selfless, but at least in Ael’s case I could believe that she really did strive to do what she thought was best for everyone.
“But what if the empress doesn’t understand the needs of all of her subjects clearly? She’s only one woman. She can make mistakes, just like anyone else. Why not share the burden of leadership and at the same time incorporate the voices of the people being ruled? Why does one person, from one species, have to be responsible for everything?”
It was Ael’s turn to hesitate in her answer, but I didn’t mind the wait – it showed she wasn’t just dismissing what I had to say.
When she did speak it was with a thoughtful tone.
“If the role of the empress were split between many it would sow the seeds of conflict. Each of the species within the empire would seek to expand their influence. Struggles over power are brutal and bloody.”
“But if all the power is in the hands of one person then won’t the struggle be all the worse when they pass away? Isn’t it better to share the power out and keep any one person from holding too much? Otherwise it would only take one bad, selfish empress to ruin the whole empire for Harpies and Ogres alike.”
“I cannot deny that there is merit to your idea Saf – nor can I pretend I would entirely miss the burden of leadership – but the responsibility is too great to easily delegate to others. I was educated from youth to be the most fitting ruler for the empire; there are few who could claim similar qualifications. Among the Ogres there are masterful soldiers and miners, masons and farmers, but no rulers fit to control the whole empire. The Naiads and Dryads are no more suited, nor are those Naga or beastfolk within the mountains. Who would you suggest sharing power with?”
“Well, maybe not everyone involved in leading has to be a generalist? If the Ogres have experts on mining couldn’t they help run the empire’s mining work? And couldn’t their soldiers help Arawn with military affairs? And all the peoples in the Empire must have local leaders, people who could share the responsibility when it comes to decisions about the towns and villages they’re in charge of, right?”
Ael turned her radiant grin on me as she set down her cup. “I confess that, for the many problems likely to emerge, such a scheme does have some potential. I doubt any other in my empire would propose such a radical concept.”
“Then perhaps it’s worth considering?” I asked hopefully.
“If this were the foundation of a new country perhaps, but the Harpy Empire has been stable and secure for millennia.”
“But… aren’t there things that are important aside from stability and security? Like happiness and freedom. Shouldn’t people be free to make their own choices?”
“Freedom is worth little to the dead, my dear girl. The weak need our protection. Can they truly object if the only price is obedience?”
“Couldn’t the strong protect the weak without demanding their subservience? Is it right to only help others if they give you something in return?”
My answer was something of a gamble, given my limited knowledge of the morality of Arcadia, but the Harpies didn’t seem too different to humans in that.
“Perhaps so, but can you imagine women like Ventora agreeing to such an idea? Not all Harpies are as kind as I, Saf.”
‘Or as humble’ I wanted to add – but it wasn’t the time to tease Ael. In a way she was helping me out with that admission.
“But you agree that it would be better. If you have no choice but to obey your rulers without having any say in how they govern, doesn’t that make you a slave?” I asked.
For the first time Ael looked annoyed. “I do not mistreat any of my subjects, Safkhet, be they low-born harpies, Ogres or even the beastfolk of the East, whose kin often term us monsters; I strive always to be a fair and kind ruler.”
“I’m sorry Ael, I didn’t mean it like that. I know you wouldn’t treat anyone that way. But if most of your subjects don’t have a choice, doesn’t that mean that they can’t do anything if someone less benevolent is in charge? Even though the royal family is kindhearted and conscientious now, that might not be the case down many generations. Someone more like Ventora could take the throne one day. Or someone worse.”
The Stormqueen still had a displeased look but she nodded all the same. “I admit that such a thing is possible. It is in the nature of any monarch to be troubled by the matter of their successors.”
“That’s all the more reason to change things while you’re able to.”
Ael gave a sigh.
“It’s not that simple, Saf.”
I got the sense that pushing any more would only frustrate her at that point, so I just nodded dispiritedly.
“But I will think about your idea,” she added.
“Thank you,” I beamed up at the taller woman, “for hearing me out, and not dismissing my ideas.”
“I couldn’t dismiss my favourite courtier.”
Ael smiled as she admired the flush she elicited on my delicate features.
“You are much too sweet to let down my dear. There are few people so concerned with the wellbeing of others as you are.”
“I think you’re one of them though, Ael,” I responded brightly – admiring in return her own adorable cheeks blooming with pink.
I didn’t want to let her retaliate of course; when it came down to it I struggled to win against the queen when it came to teasing. I beat a strategic retreat with my small win.
“By the way, why is it that you’re a queen and an empress at the same time?” I asked, counting on Ael’s predilection for talking about herself and her society.
“I am queen of the Harpy people,” she explained, her feathers puffing out proudly, “and empress of all the peoples of the Cyclopean Bones. The titles are a set, as they have been for thousands of years. It was the Harpies of House Zephyrus who first united the Harpies and then the mountains, to establish the Harpy Empire. We have borne the duty of the ruling line ever since.”
“I can tell how important your people are to you, Ael, you’re a great queen and empress.”
“Now you’re just trying to make me blush,” Ael giggled.
“Well it worked,” I shot back with a smug smirk.
“Hoh hoh hoh, I shall overlook this unprovoked attack on my royal dignity this once, Saf. Next time I shall leave you red to your ears.”
I raised my arms. “I offer my preemptive surrender!”
“Then I shall be taking you captive,” Ael spoke with a glint in her eye. “You shall remain here as my drinking partner, until your handmaidens arrive to rescue you.”
“In that case I think I need a refill. Tell Agytha to save herself and not come looking for me!” I laughed while Ael very carefully poured what was to her a mere drop into my cup.
We kept talking on into the night as we drank after that.
Agytha and Chione would never have actually barged into the Queen’s chambers to find me, and one of Ael’s handmaidens had let them know not to wait for me either, so there was no-one to disturb us.
I got the sense that Ael didn’t want to be alone that night.
Her sister was leaving in the morning for battle against an unknown enemy so it was no wonder.
I felt a pang of guilt at the realization that I’d been giving her a hard time about her empire’s policies when she was already worried about Arawn – and probably the other Harpies going too – but what was done was done. I couldn’t change it, so instead I would just be there for her.
If I’d gone to bed I’d just have been worrying about her anyway.
~~~
Atop one of the Thirteen Spires stood a grand hall, more splendid than the royal library or the Queen’s chambers; a temple of gorgeous masonry, where rock was carved into light whirls and strands like blowing winds.
Under a great dome there stood a central podium. Atop it posed a scale-less harpy of marble, larger than even the Stormqueen, captured mid-flight in a lovers’ dance with a vast, four-winged reptilian eagle.
Further out from the podium were lesser pedestals, bearing smaller figures of a variety of species. Some were harpies resembling Aellope, others were wholly unrelated creatures. All bore a torch in an outstretched limb, raised up in tribute to their goddess.
The golden light of the statues washed over the temple, banishing all shadows and illuminating entrancing reliefs on the walls.
“To the first flightmother and broodmother, to the Goddess and to the Great Roc we give our eternal gratitude and love. We Daughters of Nemoi praise she the Divine Sky, and request her blessing in these times of strife.”
Thessaly of Zephyrus bowed her head to the great statue of Nemoi as she gave the final prayer of the evening service to the mother goddess of the Harpies. Around her a flock of high-born adherents echoed her elegantly-spoken words.
One stepped forward, clutching a child with a pale complexion in her arms. The tiny hatchling’s breath was labored and uneven. The Priestess placed her hand upon the girl’s forehead.
“By the divine providence of the Goddess, let this one be healed,” she incanted.
The golden torchlight all around glowed brighter, then faded once more as the young harpy’s breath grew soft and light. Her mother bowed her head low and backed away once more. Another came forward for the laying of hands.
There were few sick or injured to tend to that night, so Priestess Thessaly soon dismissed her congregation in order to retire with a few attendants and a dozen devotees to the smaller rooms beneath the main temple floor. They were her personal quarters.
The priestess’ chambers were a stark contrast to the palatial home of Aellope or the gorgeous temple directly overhead. Bare rock surfaces were left rough, save for where hands and feet had worn them down over centuries. Thessaly, Ventora and the other high-born harpies were seated on simple wooden seats, not unlike those in the dining hall. The other furnishings were of the same unadorned wood and were all entirely functional.
Thessaly chanted a spell. Swirling mist formed around the chamber like a barrier, sealing it off.
“Were you able to confirm it, Priestess?” Ventora asked eagerly.
“If anything the meeting left me with further questions,” Thessaly replied. “Lady Safkhet knew nothing of the Golden Sepulchre until our encounter.”
“Could the human be acting?” asked a smaller harpy, of more moderate pedigree.
“It is possible of course, as you say, but I do not believe that to be the case. She is no schemer.”
“But then what are we to make of the Goddess’ divine message?” Ventora asked. “Is Lady Safkhet not the one who will breach the tomb and bring the end for the Empire?”
Thessaly sighed heavily, wings and shoulders drooping.
“The divine words are… difficult to comprehend, most especially for a flawed and impure servant such as I. While I was quite certain once she appeared, there is always the possibility I have failed to interpret the Goddess’ will.”
“You should not speak of yourself so, Priestess,” Ventora insisted. “You are the true leader of our people, more so than the Queen ever could be. You are our spiritual guide and divine protector.”
Thessaly allowed herself a smile. “You honor me, Lady Ventora, but even so, no priestess can perfectly hear the words of the gods.”
“Then how should we interpret the oracle you received, Priestess?” asked another.
Thessaly paused for a moment to consider before she spoke. “The Lady Safkhet was the figure I was warned of, that much is certain. Never before have I encountered a being existing wholly outside of providence. Worse yet, even the destinies of those with whom she grows entangled become dark to my eyes.”
Ventora gasped. “Then the Queen too?“
“Indeed so. The Queen, Princess Arawn, even the witch laureate and the handmaidens; I can no longer foresee their fates. I can only conclude that those involved with Lady Safkhet are not long for this world.”
In the silence that followed a tear trickled slowly down Thessaly’s face, but the refined company made no mention of it.
When someone at last spoke it was Ventora. “If the Stormqueen and the Princess are fated to fall then the plan becomes all the more vital. If they should die, leadership of the Empire can only fall to you, Priestess Thessaly. No other can lead us in these dark times.”
“If the Empire is to fall there may be none of us left to lead,” one harpy said gravely.
“Could Safkhet be connected to the enemy in the south after all?” asked another.
“Impossible,” Ventora spoke. “I have received their latest sending; they have no knowledge of a creature such as her. They too were concerned when she released her mana – the shock was detected even in their own domain.”
“Could they be lying?”
“They have no reason to deceive us – they still believe we are their allies. As proof they are holding our captured scouts in good health. They reiterated the original terms; they shall rule the depths and we the skies.” Ventora went on. “The Pharyes require the riches of the mountains, but they have no interest in anything above the ground.”
“So they say, but until the Priestess’ search for the Sepulchre, the Pharyes were thought to be extinct along with the Dweomer. Who knows how their minds work?”
Thessaly raised a hand politely to pause the debate, smiling. “On that I can offer some reassurance. When Lady Ventora and I travelled to their court, to discuss the terms of our pact, I was able to closely observe the Pharyes – and their king. It is not the destiny of the Pharyes to rule the Cyclopean Bones – above or below ground.”
“Indeed. They are small and petty creatures who rely on magical devices to live,” Ventora chimed in, “A threat to the insolent Ogres and the low-born scouts perhaps, but no danger to we nobility.”
“Then the plan-”
“Proceeds,” Ventora spoke once more. “The Pharyes’ invasion has been carefully orchestrated. Even before Lady Safkhet’s intrusion the Queen’s destiny was clear. Our actions are all to prevent greater disaster.”
Thessaly gave a sorrowful sigh. “It is as Lady Ventora says – I see only doom for our people under the line of the Stormqueens. Dear as she is to us all, Queen Aellope will lead our people to disaster. This is… a trial given to us by the Goddess, of that I am certain. We must be strong and carry out the will of Nemoi, or there will be no future for any of us.”
“But what if we have misjudged the Pharyes’ power?” asked another.
“Enough! Let there be no more questioning of the plan,” Ventora commanded.
“The Pharyes’ invasion will push the court to breaking point and we shall be the ones to rally the nobles. The Priestess and the nobility will defeat the invaders and prove to all that only we are fit to rule. The Priestess will become our uncontested leader, in secular as well as spiritual matters. The future of the Harpies will be secured no matter the cost.”