Return of Queen Isolade

By Susan Arnold

Queen Isolade and her young daughter disappeared without a trace, leaving behind her tyrannical husband to rule her country. Seventeen years later, a young swordsman, Cassius, begins on a path to rescue his childhood friend before he is executed by the king. Along the way, Cassius discovers those around him are not what they seem. Cassius must decide if he will give up everything he has ever wanted to not only save his friend, but to also return the rightful queen to her throne.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Arnold
• Release date: Oct 24, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370016600

Book preview

The Return of Queen Isolade'

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2016 Susan Arnold

Chapter 1

Standing at the window of the east tower of Castle Cowelwall, Queen Isolade twisted a green jeweled ring around her middle finger as she looked down at the line of Elves, shackled with their arms bound. She pressed her temple against the edge of the cold stone that framed the window. They were being lead to the prison entrance. She counted under her breath for each Elf passed under her. One hundred and forty-seven. She could feel a knot begin to grow inside of her stomach as she thought of one hundred and forty-seven souls being dragged from their daily life, and in to the horrors of the castle dungeon. Their only crime was being alive and for Isolade it was disgraceful her name was being used to unfairly treat these peaceful beings.

She turned from the window and closed her eyes as cold current of air howled through the castle, sending shivers down her spine. She crossed her arms rubbing them for warmth. At the far end of the room, a large fire place with a crackling fire stood bidding her to come near. She moved closer to the fire tapping each book on the large oak shelves with her finger as she passed. The heat of the fire greeted her as she approached. Holding out her hands she let the warmth wash over them. Letting out a long sigh, she looked above the mantel, a large portrait of the king hung ominously. The chill returned and she took steps closer to the fire until the heat began to scorch her dress and she could feel a burning pain on her legs. Not wanting to explain how her skirt was burnt, she stepped back. To her right were rows of bronze busts of all the kings that had ever ruled. Her eyes stopped on the face of her father. His kind eyes stared back at her, and she wished so badly that he was still alive. She returned to her perch at the window. The land before her was gray and colorless, like the sky above it.

Isolade heard the heavy door to the royal library creek open. The rhythmic click of boots on the stone floor announced her husband, King Gavin, had entered the room. He strode with long strides to the window and placed large strong hands around her shoulders. King Gavin bent down pressing his hot cheek against hers as he looked over the queen's shoulder and out the window.

Ha! Look at all those treacherous criminals, he bellowed.

Criminals? How can you say that? They are my friends, and some of them are Renik's family, whispered Isolde as she shook her shoulders loose from his grasp and moved back to the fireplace.

I forget that your family once ruled along side these terrible creatures, but if we do not teach them to remain in their place, they will be the end of us, replied Gavin as he slung himself down in to his plush chair with the red velvet cushions and picked up the book he had been reading.

Isolade moved closer to him and knelt down placing a hand on his knee. She studied him closely. His complexion was fair, and there were deep lines around his eyes. Gavin's brow was always furled, and his bright blue eyes made the circles under his eyes appear darker. The skin around his mouth was smooth, Isolade guessed that was because he never smiled. His dark, caramel colored hair was long and shaggy. He brushed it from his eyes as he read. Isolade searched his face looking for any sign of gentleness or warmth. She shivered upon realizing she could find no kindness in him.

Gavin, these are my friends, my people, how can you treat them as if they don't matter?

The King turned a darkened face toward Isolade and grabbed her by the wrist. She winced in pain and felt her body grow cold and unable to move. Terror began to creep in to her stomach as Gavin brought his angry face to hers. She felt his hot wet breath against her ear. She closed her eyes unsure what to expect next.

His words were a growling whisper, Remember your place. They are alive only because of you, don't push me. If you do not remain loyal, they do not remain living. He pushed her by the wrist away from him knocking her off balance. She fell back to the floor. Without a gaze in her direction, he returned to his book.

Isolade rubbed at the red finger prints that were left on her wrist from Gavin's grasp. She slowly rose, and smoothed out her skirt and took her place at the window and watched as the last of the Elves disappeared behind a gate. She felt the sting of tears in her eyes as the last Elf, a small child of six or seven was pushed violently forward out of her sight disappearing behind the wall. She closed her eyes and warm tears began to tumble from the rim of her large brown eyes and float gently down her cheeks. Slowly she rolled up a sleeve and looked down at the large green bruise on her forearm. How could she possibly help any of her subjects if she couldn't keep herself safe?

The chair creaked as Gavin rose and walked quietly over to her. She quickly rolled down the sleeve down and wiped the tears from her pale and colorless face. Gavin turned her toward him and drew her in. I'm sorry, Isolade. I wish you better understood how to rule a country. If you did, then you would better understand why you should leave all of this to me.

He took her by the shoulders and drew her back, away from him. She kept her gaze on his boots. He gently lifted her chin until she was looking him in the eyes. Don't question me. I am the King, and I am the one who rules this country.

Isolade shifted her gaze to the floor and nodded in submission. The King once again pulled her close and gently rubbed her back as he continued to make promises Isolade knew he would never keep. She closed her eyes and thought of happier times.

Queen Isolade's family had ruled the Kingdom of Ralingroth along side the Elvish King Beinion. The agreement between royal families had resulted in thousands of years of peace. Ralingroth had been a vast kingdom of rolling farmland. Its produce had sustained the humans, elves, and witches of the kingdom, and the excess was sold to the Kingdom of Danhoover to the South and Elsendore to the north. There were small towns throughout the kingdom, and the largest city of Cowelwall, was the royal city which housed both royal families. Education had been a major focus in the royal city, and subjects of the kingdom had advanced medicine, education and the peaceful use of magic. All had been peaceful until the King Gavin of Ravenwood set to the east fixed his eyes on Cowelwall Castle and riches of Ralingroth. King Gavin had waged a bloody and terrifying battle which had cost the Ralingroth people many of its subjects. Once he had taken control of the castle, he had threatened to kill the entire Elf population, until Isolade had agreed to marry him, in exchange he would let the kingdom return to its peaceful life. Gavin had agreed, and to ensure he would keep his word, the elfish sorceress Ada had cursed him. If an Elf were to die at his hands, he too would experience a most terrifying death. The curse had not gone over well with Gavin, and he had banished Isolade's three sisters from the kingdom. Her father had been killed, and King Beinion and his family had disappeared with no trace of them to be found. Prince Renik, the son of Beinion, was rumored to have escaped from the castle and had crossed in to the peaceful kingdom of Danhoover. After the disappearance of King Beinion, many Elves had crossed in to Danhoover, or concealed their identities, which until recently had pacified the king.

Isolade knew that she could not stand by and watch as more Elves and the people who supported them were tortured and jailed. She just didn't know how to stand up to Gavin.

She heard the door open and the Paige announced the presence of Lord Shellsilver, the general and war adviser to the King. Gavin released Isolade from the embrace and she quickly stepped back and behind the King, and returned her gaze to the floor.

As Lord Shellsilver stepped through the doorway his commanding presence filled the room. He was a tall and broad shouldered man. His weather beaten and scarred face, the prize of the many battles he led, lit up as he smiled at his king. With a flourish, he removed his black wool tricorn hat and made a deep bow. His crisp white silk shirt made a swishing sound as he moved. The gold buttons on his deep purple waist coat glowed in the firelight, and Isolade saw the reflection of his face in his polished black shoes. The long silver braid of his hair slid over his shoulder, and dangled in front of him.

He said in a raspy voice, I apologize for the interruption, Your Majesty, but you asked for your most loyal and trusted guard, and I have brought him to you.

Gavin took two steps forward and motioned for Lord Shellsilver to rise. With a flourish he rose from his bended waist. He readjusted his sidearm, and his purple sash, which denoted his high rank in the army, and made a large sweeping motion in the direction of a young man standing behind him. The young man continued to stand with his head bowed.

Yes, Lord Shellsilver, and who is this young man? Look at me, Sir, responded Gavin.

The young man raised his head and looked the king straightforwardly in the eyes. His brown hair was cut short, and his eyes were a piercing blue. He wore the uniform of the prison guard. His breeches were tucked in to long shining black boots. His purple waist coat was held shut with two rows of glistening gold buttons, and the black sash around his waist was knotted perfectly. He did not carry a side arm, as the guards at the door would have confiscated it.

King Gavin liked the look of the young man, and nodded his approval as he circled the man to size him up. He stopped once again in front of him and asked, what is your name, Sir, and how long have you served me?

The young man stood up as straight as he could and in a loud clear voice responded, My name, Your Lordship, is Edmund St. Charles of Ravenwood, and I have been loyal to my king all of my living days.

Isolade felt a jolt run through her body and she quickly looked up to meet the eyes of Edmund. She held his gaze for a moment and then returned her gaze to the floor. She felt her heart begin to beat faster, and her hands began to shake.

St. Charles, bellowed the king, do you know why you are here?

No, Sire. responded the young man.

Isolade, come here, commanded Gavin as he held out his hand to her. She hesitantly took his hand and he led her to Edmund.

St. Charles, you will be the personal guard of the Queen, said the King. I am trusting you with the most important possession in my life. Lord Shellsilver has assured me that you are the most trustworthy guard in the Kingdom of Ravenwood.

Edmund was shocked as he looked at Isolade. Her once sparkling brown eyes were dull and scared. Her cheeks were colorless and sunken. Her athletic body was now replaced by a skeleton. The years she had endured with Gavin had taken its toll. Edmund felt sick to his stomach as he imagined all the pain and suffering she had experienced. He shook the thoughts from his mind and he once again bowed his head to the King, I will guard her with my life, Sire.

The King slapped the young man on his back, and responded, see that you do. If anything should happen to her, it will cost you your life. Gavin motioned to Lord Shellsilver who followed the King out of the room.

As the door slammed shut behind them, Isolade's entire body began to tremble. Edmund gently took her by the arm and led her to a chair. He guided her slowly down to the seat as her legs gave way. She continued to shake, and could not find any words. He knelt down on one knee and grasped both of her shaking hands in his. He waited patiently until she looked up and met his gaze. Tears once again began to build up in her eyes.

Isolade leaned forward until her forehead rested against his. She began to sob dry heaving sobs that shook her tiny frame. Tears fell from her eyes like giant rain drops and they splashed against Edmund's hands.

A maid entered from the adjoining room. When she saw Edmund she curtsied and said, I beg your pardon, Sir, but I heard the Queen crying.

I think she may be ill. Would you please build up the fire, and bring her a shawl, responded Edmund.

The maid hurried to the fire and added some more logs, and then disappeared out the door. She soon returned with a soft blue shawl which she handed to Edmund. He took the shawl with one hand and carefully placed it over Isolade's shoulders.

Thank you. Would you please bring the Queen some tea? he asked.

The maid curtsied and disappeared once again.

Edmund slowly reached up and smoothed Isolade's hair. Her sobbing had begun to ease and she used the shawl to wipe her face. She took a few deep breaths and then reached out and placed a hand on his cheek. Her eyes were red and swollen, but he could now see some of the sparkle that had been there years before.

He reached up and removed her hand from his face. As he did, he noticed the purplish marks peeking out from her sleeve. He forced himself to look back in to her eyes, and he held her hands in his.

I thought you were dead. Isolade said in a shaky and breathless whisper.

I was almost dead. Some of the elves helped me to cross into Danhoover. Once I was there, King Asher took me in and saw to my full recovery.

Isolade's eyes lit up, my sister, did you see my sister? Her twin sister, Ivory, had married King Asher just before the war had begun. Isolade had not seen Ivory in four years.

Edmund smiled and nodded, She is well. King Asher is a kind and gentle man. She is very happy.

She sat back and let out a long sigh. She once again hung her head, and her chestnut curls bounced down around her face. I'm so revealed. I've worried about her ever since the war.

Isolade, I need you to listen very carefully. He reached out and touched her cheek. She responded with a jolt and a look of fear in her eyes. He repeated himself gently, and she reached her hand up and pressed his hand closer to her cheek.

He began once again, Isolade, I am here to take you to Danhoover. King Asher has promised you refuge, if you want it.

Isolade let her hand fall to her lap, Edmund, no! It would start a war.

Gavin is preparing for war already. It might make the war happen faster, but we need you if we ever hope to defeat him.

Isolade stared at him. Her mind wandered back to their childhood. She remembered all the silly games they had played, and how she had told her sisters repeatedly that she would one day marry Edmund. She let her mind settle on their last day together before he left to meet King Gavin's men on the battle field. They had spent the day racing their chestnut Baroque horses through the honey colored fall fields. They had ridden to the shore of Lake Krea to watch the a pink sun set over the glass reflection of Lake Krea. He had held her close and promised to return for her. The next day he left for the boarder of Ravenwood. Each day she had watched the horizon waiting for any news. Nothing. Then the horizon darkened with suffocating crimson dust of Gavin's army. The flags of Ravenwood had swirled in the wind like angry clouds in a storm. She watched as the black and purple banners descended on the castle. All but a few guards had been sent to the front lines. Their wasn't even a battle for the castle. King Benion had opened the gates and welcomed Gavin in to the castle in hopes of peacefully resolving the war. She had sought out any news of him, until one soldier told her that Edmund had died. Her thoughts snapped back to the present.

Alright, I will leave with you, but we cannot leave without Mary. replied Isolade.

Mary must come with us. Ada believes she is the one that will ultimately defeat Gavin, agreed Edmund.

You've spoken to Ada? Does that mean you know where Renik is? asked Isolade leaping to her feet.

Edmund rose to stand before her, Yes. They are both near by and they will wait however long it takes to get you and Mary safely away from here.

Isolade collapsed back in to the chair. I don't think we would make it. Gavin is a very powerful man. He would kill all of us to stop us from leaving.

Edmund knelt back down and took her hand. He slowly pulled her sleeve up to her elbow revealing large bruises that ranged in color from red, to purple, to yellow. He felt a catch in his throat. "Isolade, if you stay, there is a