The Queen of Antar MA/AU (Z/A, P/L, Z/L) The End 02/26/08

[DMartinez]

The Queen of Antar

Gains a daughter

Present Day

The crowds are anything but manageable. Citizens from across the lands have gathered for my wedding. After tomorrow, I will be married and sent off to my surrogate mother's lands for my honeymoon. The world seems to race by me while I gather the strength to become a man and refuse the right to be a child again. My duties for today are to greet the lord and ladies of the land with the gifts they bear. Hours of greeting cart after cart, lord after lady paying lip service.

When I finally make my escape, it is to the stable. Tucking myself into a stall with a quietly feeding steed, I take the first deep breath in hours. It is too soon when I hear the shuffle of feet and the murmur of voices. The tongue is mixed, muddled Y'Antari and something else that I recognize as Tirera. I'm curious but I don't want to make them scatter.

"Security is tight inside, brother."

"Can I get in to see?"

"Possibly."

"How many of us inside?"

"None. That bitch of a queen kept Tirera outside. She knew us but she didn't know us."

"What in the Inferno is that supposed to mean?"

"She knew the sight of us but she didn't know what we are."

"How do you know?"

"Her beloved King had himself a Tirera mistress almost their entire marriage. We know that… Y'Antari have all but forgotten us. It doesn't matter to them the way it matters to us."

"He had a mistress?"

"Y'Slida."

"She's no Y'Slida." The words are out of my mouth before I realize I had thought them. "Never was."

When I look up, two men stand over me. I know I have never seen one of them. The other I don't remember seeing but I must have if he works in the palace stables. The stranger of the two leans into the other. "Desta idai?"

"Kneel!" cries the stableman. Both men fall on their knees. It gives me the opportunity to see their faces. Dark hair, lightened by the sun. Weatherworn faces, lined by elements and age. I recognize something about the stranger but I don't know what it is. Flashes of far-gone memories rise to my mind. Dust and dry wind. Heat and a glaring sun. Maybe it was just a borrowed memory from stories that I'd been told and turned in my head over and over again.

"What is your name, traveler?" I ask without rising. I only shift forward to get a better look. Others have gathered, they kneel as they see me.

"Jeffrey Parker." He answers, his face lifts to mine.

"Jaif Paka." His companion blurts out. "That is his name."

"I believe he knows his own name." I set him a level stare and he bows his head once more. I look to Jeffrey. I stare at him. I motion for him to stand. I kneel before him. "I understand that you and I met once. It is an honor to meet you again, Magistrate Parker."

"An honor. My honor." He stammers and kneels again just as he's risen.

"Walk with me, Magistrate Parker. I will give you the tour, personally. I don't believe we've had a representative from the Far Reaches in quite some time. I'd like my father to know that we're receiving Pilgrims from as far out as…"

"Parkston, my Prince." He stumbles but catches up as I lead the way out of the stable.

"Was the journey a fair one?"

"As fair as they get out of Parkston." His Y'Antari is stilted and heavily accented the way Liz's is most days. "Seen better days but the aqueducts have made life much easier."

"Twenty or so years?"

"About that." He walks with a slight limp. I cannot tell if it is infirmary or age. "Just in the last ten or so… the fields are green again."

"That is good to hear." I lead him through the palace to the nursery. His eyes are wild and take everything in with just the barest of glances. When I open the door, he freezes because he hears what I hear.

"Then… that's when your father stood before all of Y'Antari and proclaimed that all privateers turn themselves in. The war they waged was not sanctioned by his law. They were arguing amongst themselves, taking goods that were meant for those who were in need. He demanded that they cease all activity and stand before him in the court."

"What happened then?" Regei. So inquisitive.

"Well, they ignored him at first. The first to knowingly violate King's law was terminated."

"Did he do it himself?"

"He did. He was not proud of it. Taking a life is nothing to be proud of. Destroying the peace for greed's sake is doing no one any favor. An example had to be made. One more example was made, then all privateers stood before God and King and punishments were doled out."

"Did he kill them too?"

"No. Enough blood had been shed. Our King is merciful. There were punishments and incarcerations and most were made to work for free for those they had done wrong."

"He made a wise decision. Sometimes… a leader needs a heavy hand to keep the peace. Sacrifices must be made for the whole of a world." Jeffrey speaks up from the door.

Liz's head snaps around. She rises, Vlastina in her arms. She nearly trips over the children at her feet. I push him forward and pull the door shut behind us. "I found him in the stable, plotting a way in. I figured this would be more direct."

"Elizabeth."

"Gida." She whispers and throws an arm around him, nearly crushing my littlest sister in the process.

They hug and all the younger children watch in awe and confusion. Our mother and grandfather begin speaking in rushed Tirera. None of us has a chance of understanding them but for the smiles and tears on their faces. Grandfather says something that makes Liz laugh out loud. She looks to me. "He says that he never dreamed a child of his would be so rich as to become so fat as I am."

"Every pound earned." I say to her and do the honor of introducing my grandfather to each of his younger grandchildren in turn. "The others are tending to their duties just now. You will meet them later."

"Dost wella?" Jeff asks her.

"Nine." She says as she motions with her hand as well.

"Nein?" He awes. "Dost ilka?"

"Yes." She laughs and kisses his face. "Ilka nein Y'Antare."

"Y'Antaru, sige nista, anh?" He sighs heavily and cups her face.

"Yes, Gida. Alnoie. Alnoie."

"Y'Antaru… amea?"

She smiles gently at him. "Alnoie. Ni sigies gonoei soi amea."

"Good." He looks to me. "Avery… called after a good man who would shine his pride from the ground to know a Prince be called after him."

"Father, your Y'Antari is very good." Liz whispers to him.

"I begin to learn after you go. I learn more when the water came. Good practice to talk to Y'Antari when they come to build. Show how to work land better. They learn from Tirera much."

Danei enters the room and gazes about slowly before shutting the door behind her. "Avery, they want you to greet Lady Nikas's generals."

"They will have to wait. We are having a family reunion in here."

"Gida, dosi Danei." Liz pulls Danei close. "Nebea urio… David."

"Nebea urio David, sabini." He nods and takes Danei's face in his hands. He turns her face to the light. I watch her eyes' color flash in the light. "Pierce."

"Mother?" Danei whispers.

"Danei, this is my father. Your grandfather." Liz tells her gently. "I just explained who your father is. He was checking to see if you inherited his eyes."

"David?" Danei asks softly. "I have his eyes."

"Of course." Liz strokes her hair. "Alnia Tirera, Danei."

"Yes." Grandfather agrees with whatever Liz has said.

Present Day. Court.

The room is empty and shall be so until morning when the doors open to admit the first guests and witnesses. I show my grandfather how the ceremony will proceed and where to stand to get the best view.

"My eldest grandson." Jeff grips both my shoulders. "A man to be married. I shall have great-grandchildren before long."

"So soon for that." I laugh. I cannot imagine having children so quickly but it may happen.

"Perhaps but at my age the years just fly by."

"I suppose so."

"Just last month, I put my only daughter on a carriage for the palace and a better life. Just a week ago I buried her husband when she brought his ashes home and showed me her first child. Just yesterday I realized that my child had children and they were growing up. I punished myself your whole life and here you all are. Happy and thriving and rulers of our world… just like a dream my grandfather had and his before him and all the way back to Cherin herself."

"Are we all descendants of Cherin?"

"We all would like to think so. If not from her, then some of her best friends." He looks around the room. "Prophecies and legacies."

"Like magic." I muse.

"Magics are beyond my mind. No need for magic when Hope is enough."

"I haven't told my bride about my biology, yet. I should tell her soon but I put it off. I know she will not hate me. Her father raised her better than that."

"Oh?"

"He is not Tirera but he grew up in the Far Reaches, or very near to them."

"He must have lived in a mid-province. Not many Y'Antare choose to live so close to us."

"So, I hear."

"When did you first know about my side of your family tree?"

"After Ava died. My investigations forced them to tell me the whole truth." I pause. "To tell us all the whole truth. It is not yet over."

"And what is that?"

"The complications to my life. Just months ago, it was simple enough. Do as I was told, learn to be a king but now… I feel split in two. Walking dual paths for each of my people."

"It may well be the case. You never lived as we lived but I believe my daughter has taught you enough of her life and her ways that you can show them all how it can be done." His eyes meet mine in glittering wetness. "My wife died, too young. She should have lived to see this day but perhaps if she had lived, I would never have sent my daughter away and there would be no need to stand here." He looked around. "I always told myself that whatever life she was living was far better than any I could give her. She is still my child. Still so full of love and light. Still bright and… still Tirera. I feared she would lose that here."

"Bawo has always allowed Liz her ways. I believe Father made it so."

"Your father dictates law to a Bawo?"

"Just to the one… and even that one bites the hand she raised."

Present Day. Bawo's chambers.

Ashi and I sit in silence with a full person's body space between us. We are to be married in just one hour and this is not the way I envisioned telling this story but Bawo has made me wait. She walks in finally and holds her head high. "Children, this is unorthodox as weddings go but it is necessary for the survival of our people that this is done properly."

"I don't understand, Bawo Lodona." Ashi shakes her head.

"You have become a very important young woman." Bawo begins. "You will not become queen… but you have been selected to marry the next monarch's advisor. The secrets of our land are about to be revealed to you and I trust that you are the right choice."

"What are you talking about?"

"If we do not want Avery to die tonight, you will listen to my instructions very carefully and we will not have to worry about his health ever again."

Present Day. Court.

I am a married man. Ashi has not taken her eyes off me since we finished our dance. I don't know yet if she's forgiven me for not telling her sooner. I don't know if we're even going to consummate this marriage due to my withholding the truth. Of course, no one else is wise to my thoughts or concerns. We have been schooled well in concealing our emotions in front of the court.

I am to retreat to my suite with my bride when I notice the upheaval in the back of the hall. Shouting and scuffles that do not quite reach the dais. Father leaps from his throne and into the crowds that part for him. I follow with my bride in tow. Lady Nikas stands tall with her son at her side. Their guards have beaten a man and have taken him into custody. "What is this?"

"A traitor in our midst, your highness." Lady Nikas practically purrs.

"What crime has this man committed?" Father demands.

"Look at him." She snaps her fingers and a guard lifts the prisoner's head. I pale when I see his face. "Walked right into the palace as if he belonged here."

"Lady Nikas, you tread on thin ice. Choose your words carefully." The words come out of my mouth before I realized that I had opened it. "What crime did this man commit to deserve this treatment?"

"Can you not see what he is? Barging in on a sacred event with no thought to who rules this land." She spits on him and the crowds quiet.

Then Danei appears. Her eyes shine for a moment before she steps in front of us. "Lady Nikas, unhand him."

"What?"

"Unhand him. This man was invited to the ceremony. You are in multiple violations of our King's Law." She steps in front of us all and speaks clearly enough for all to hear. "Unjust imprisonment of an Ambassador. Unlawful treatment of a citizen. Insubordination in the face of higher authority. Disruption of holy events. Shall I go on?"

For the first time in my life, Lady Nikas looks scared. "This man is no citizen."

"The law states that all men on Antar are citizens under King Zan."

"Lord Zan." Lady Nikas attempts to appeal to my father but he is like a rock; unmovable.

"Princess Danei speaks nothing but truth. Guards. Take Lady Nikas and her men into custody." Father tilts his head towards her as he turns away. "Take Magistrate Parker to the infirmary for healing attention. Lady Nikas will pay restitution for damages inflicted by splitting her lands amongst Parkston's nobles."

"Lord Zan!"

"Lady Nikas will be stripped of her title. Young Niko." Father cut his eyes at the man who once thought he had a shot at becoming one of the royal family. "Oversee the division fairly and earn yourself a reprieve." He turns to face me before raising his voice. "Where is the music? This is a celebration."
Ashi takes my hand and we begin the march out of the hall but my eyes are caught on the quartet standing still as everyone else returns to celebrate. Grandmother, Bawo, Mother and Danei. Four women who do not speak, who do not stare but who stand still, while others go about their lives without the knowledge of what was truly done this day in our Lord's court.

TBC

[DMartinez]

The Queen of Antar

Finds Cherin's Hope

Present Day. The Royal Chambers.

My return to the palace with my bride has left me in a surreal frame of mind. On our honeymoon, the announcement was made. Some say that it was done without my knowledge but I knew and I might have always known it would be this way. Danei will rule this world after our father has set himself aside but it will not happen for years yet. Danei will need to be married. Danei will need to learn her place on a battle field.

I see my grandfather in the garden with my mother. I hear them speak but I do not interrupt.

"My angel." Jeff kisses the top of his daughter's head. "I believe Cherin's star brought your mother to me from the stars. I believe that every mistake I've made by you has been made for a reason. Divine plots to right the universe after man has so arrogantly upended it time and again."

A good man who is still good even though he was unjustly beaten at his grandson's wedding after a reunion with his daughter. I leave them to their reunion and find my beloved sister in the library with the book. She's reading it confidently to herself. Her eyes are much older than when I left. She smiles at me when she realizes that I am there. Her posture is different. Like Grandmother's.

"There is so much more history in this book. It's been 12 generations since anyone wrote in it. The words were lost to them." She talks to me as if we never stopped having the conversation about the book. "The dialect had already changed by that point. Words were beginning to shift into our current tongue."

"It probably happened without anyone noticing." I tell her.

She looks at me, her eyes cool. "I am to marry a commoner in three years."

"Danei."

"So that this man will not attempt to take my throne. So that I will always rule and that this humble, simple man will know his place in my regime."

"Danei."

"But don't worry. I shall marry for love, like Father." She closes the book and sets it aside. "I will be married six months after I ascend the throne so that there will be no mistake about who is ruler of our lands."

"Promise me that when you are ruler of our lands that you will still smile."

Her mouth twists as she tries not to laugh. My little drama queen. She hasn't changed a bit. She's just trying on new masks. Possibly new imitations of Bawo with a bit of Grandmother thrown in for flair. She giggles then looks at me slyly. "Is she pregnant yet?"

"Like I would tell you."

"Wait two years. I beg you. Let Vlastina feel like the aunt she will be."

"If only I can guarantee that Mother and Father will let each other alone so that Vlastina can be the youngest royal child and my children will be forever younger than all my brothers and sisters." Father joins us. I speak little of my honeymoon. We chat about events that I missed. Then we sit in silence and I have to open my mouth to speak. "Will our people ever know the truth?"

"Not for some time, Avery." Father sighs heavily. "There are still many bridges to rebuild after all the damage caused by this rivalry. A world split in two and it will take generations yet to conquer the old hatreds."

The three of us sit to discuss what Danei has learned through the book. She has been helped by Grandfather, who joins us with Mother in the midst of it. He picks up the book and silences Danei. "This is the Book of Cherin. Lost to us for generations. Written by her hand, by her children's hand. Woven with all the hopes and dreams of our people. And some of them have come true. There is no such thing as fate. No such thing as prophecy. There is only the will of man. To hear a dream and have the strength to see that the dream becomes a reality. The hope of all Cherin's children is peace. She left a world destroyed by its own greed and hate. She dreamed for more than that in the world she made her new home. Her regrets were few and her dreams fewer still. This world is her legacy. You have the blood of Tirera and the blood of Y'Antari. It is your duty to make the world a reflection of yourselves."
THe END