Between Two Queens

By Nancy Beth Lawter

In this sequel to The Amulet, Jessica and Joshua must create a new talisman called the Crystal Ark. Yet they struggle to understand the Ark’s purpose and how to even begin to create it. The dethroned Queen Maura and her ruthless Champion, Steevon, have discovered a dark power that threatens the lives and freedom of the new King and Queen.

Piece by piece, Maura’s treacherous plan for revenge begins to fall into place. When destruction and terror are delivered to the surrounding cities, seemingly with the Guardian’s blessing, Jessica and her Protector, Joshua, are forced to defend her honor and her life. With strange dreams plaguing the Guardian, her inability to create the Ark, and the loss of all her allies combine against the young monarch in an effort to destroy her.

It would seem the fates that once favored the new King and Queen have now turned against them when Jessica is forced to endure the last and most terrible betrayal that leaves her bereft even of the Amulet’s power. It is then Jessica is forced to discover what she is truly made of.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nancy Beth Lawter
• Release date: Nov 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370487370

Nancy Beth Lawter

Nancy Beth Lawter resides in Southern Missouri with her husband and her four youngest children and a plethora of farm animals. She is currently working on a series of children’s books that are a set of lighthearted memories for children and adults to enjoy called, When I Was Little. Look for the second book in the Magic of Scerone Trilogy, Between Two Queens

Book preview

Chapter One

From the top ramparts of the pearl white castle one could see the mountains that loomed immense and multicolored in the distance. They rose up beyond the massive forests that covered this part of the world.

Steevon could not see the palace from where he stood on the large tree covered mountain, but he knew it was there, steady and immovable. The large man, former Champion of the former Queen, stepped over the protruding knob of a rock on the path before him. It was not yet winter, and for that Steevon was grateful. But it would be cold soon. And long before that happened, he planned to be set up in Tomak’s cabin with the woman he loved.

Maura trudged along behind Steevon. She clung to him, her smaller, delicate hand dwarfed by her companion’s enormous one. Each time he glanced back at her he was struck again by how small and vulnerable she looked. Two weeks ago, he would have laughed at that thought, but today—.

Had it really only been two weeks since they had been forcibly removed from the castle, sent to live in the wilderness, left to survive like animals?

Steevon felt Maura’s hand as it slipped from his and realized that she had tripped over something in the undergrowth. He spun around and caught her with his now free hand, pulling her roughly upright.

Maura shoved his hand away and stared at him reproachfully. How dare you manhandle me in such a way, she spat at him.

Beloved, Steevon said from between clenched teeth, his voice an effort of patience, you would have fallen if I had not caught you.

Do you think me so clumsy as to not have been able to catch myself? She asked, pulling free of his hold. You oaf, she muttered as she turned away.

Steevon stood facing her back and found himself wishing, and not for the first time since they had been banished to this wilderness, that he could pummel this soft, bitter creature before him.

I did what I thought was necessary, my Queen, he said in the calmest voice he could manage.

What was necessary? Maura asked, turning suddenly to face him. You have dragged me all over this detestable mountain, forcing me to follow you mile after horrid mile. For what, Steevon, she raised her hands and shrugged her shoulders. For what great purpose?

Steevon did not answer, could not answer, for Maura continued on without a pause.

Where exactly are we rushing off to? Do you truly have a destination in mind, or is this simply some way to keep my mind and body busy until I die of exhaustion and hunger?

Before Steevon could answer she slumped down to the ground, smashing the red silk gown she wore into the forest floor. Maura glanced down at her dress and moaned softly as she took in its state of disrepair. She began brushing at a particularly large stain that was obviously permanent.

The sight of her sitting in the dirt in her rumpled, stained clothing tore at her lover’s heart.

Maura, Steevon began, but she cut him off as if she had not even heard him.

We have no home to return to, her voice was filled with sorrow and despair as she continued, no friends within walking distance unless you want to try to cross the Great and Terrible on foot without food or water, she said looking up at him. No, I thought not. A small mirthless laugh escaped her lips. Not even you would be stupid enough to try to walk across the desert.

Steevon could hear the anger returning to her voice now. But of all that I have been forced to endure, the worst, she paused as she raised her eyes to meet his, is the loss of my magic. The words were intended to hurt her Champion, and they were right on target.

Steevon flinched as if she had struck him. He dropped his eyes to the ground at his feet. The only person he was more disappointed in than Maura was himself. He chanced a glance back at her and found her staring at her spoiled dress once more. How could this be the same woman who, only two weeks ago, could have held the world at bay with a mere flick of her wrist?

The large man shook his head, trying to banish the thoughts that had plagued him for many days now. No, he would not allow himself to think badly of her, no matter what. She was still his Queen despite the fact that she had not said a pleasant word in the last two weeks, and despite the fact that she had in the that amount of time, not missed one single solitary chance to wound him with her verbal barbs, and despite the fact that she would no longer share his bed or his love—she was still his Queen—still his beloved. He took a deep breath before speaking, marshaling his emotions.

What do you wish of me, my Queen?

Wish of you? Maura whispered. Wish of you? She laughed, her voice growing louder. Her eyes brimmed suddenly with tears, not tears of pain, but tears of anger, tears of frustration. She brushed at her eyes roughly with the back of one hand. I wish you would give me back my throne. I wish you would give me back my palace. And while you’re at it, she paused, watching him as she pushed one long strand of tangled, dark hair away from her face, I wish you would give me back my magic.

Steevon swallowed hard, fighting down his dark emotions, they had been his constant companions since being forcibly removed from the castle. The large man dropped down onto one knee before his Queen. He closed his eyes in regret and self-hatred. I cannot return those things to you today, my Queen, he whispered. Steevon opened his eyes as he lifted one of her small, dirty hands in his own, cradling it gently, lovingly. But I will take care of you while we are not in the castle; I will serve you as if you still sat upon the throne, and I will promise you, my beloved, that I will give you back your magic. He bent low and kissed her fingers once, before rising to catch her gaze again. And then we will dethrone the usurper, and her pretend King. He took one large breath and blew it out slowly, as he closed his eyes in anticipation. Oh how sweet will be our revenge.

Maura smiled a wicked smile filled with pleasure of evil deeds. The usurper will pay for her crimes. She will pay and pay and pay and then—she will continue to pay. The smile that graced her smudged face was so much like the old Maura that Steevon couldn’t help but smile in return. The usurper! she whispered, as the smile slipped from her lips, pretending such mercy by not killing us. No, they didn’t kill us; instead they stripped us of what was rightfully ours and banished us from our home. She pulled her hand free of Steevon’s. They knew very well they were condemning us to a long, lingering death.

This burst of anger towards another being was refreshing, even revitalizing. Steevon laughed softly, pulling Maura’s attention back to him, That very act of mercy will prove to be their undoing, beloved, Steevon purred to his Queen. We shall have our revenge, and the taste of it will be, a long sigh escaped his lips with the last word, then taking a deep breath in he spoke, delicious.

Maura smiled back at him, her white teeth looking even whiter in her smudged face. When, my love, when?

Steevon hesitated and Maura recognized his hesitancy for what it was, uncertainty. She shoved at him as she moved to stand, but Steevon caught her shoulders and forced her back to a sitting position.

Patience, beloved, he ran one finger down her dirty cheek. First things first, we must be practical right now. We need to find a way to survive out here in this wilderness until we can find our magic and return you to the palace. He paused, looking at her carefully to measure her reaction. Don’t worry, Maura. I do have a plan that will ensure a comfortable, perhaps even enjoyable life until you are returned to your rightful place on the throne.

Does this plan include starvation? she asked acidly, rubbing one of her hands across her growling belly.

Steevon glanced at her stomach, realizing in that same moment that he was famished as well. Stay here, he said quietly. I’ll return as quickly as I can and I will bring food with me.

It was a simple task to find berries and roots and to catch a small animal to share between them. It was only after he had killed the creature that he realized he had no way to cook it. Without his magic, he hadn’t the slightest idea how to start a fire.

He tossed the animal back into the forest, leaving it there for scavengers to find. All the same, there was a certain amount of satisfaction that came just from knowing that he could catch and kill food with his bare hands if he wanted or needed to.

Steevon handed Maura half the berries and roots. She looked at them as if he were asking her to eat stones. He had been planning on boasting to his Queen about his kill, but the look on her face banished all thoughts of returning to her as the conquering hero.

I thought you said you were bringing food, Maura eyed the small cache in her lap suspiciously. These haven’t even been washed, she hissed in disgust. Then she noticed for the first time the dark brown dirt that seemed to cling to Steevon’s hands in patches.

Steevon followed Maura’s gaze, noticing his hands for the first time as well. He brushed self-consciously at the grime on them, but in the end, he gave it up as an impossible task.

This is food, he grumbled, feeling slighted. He shrugged his large shoulders. Suit yourself, he growled feeling suddenly ashamed of his physical appearance and angry at himself for feeling that way. He held out one large, grimy hand as he spoke, Give them back to me, I’ll eat it. I’m not afraid of a little clean dirt.

Maura didn’t return the food, nor did she take her eyes from his. Then what shall I eat?

Steevon’s stony glare was all the answer she needed.

Maura stuck her nose in the air as she turned from him in her imperious mood. No, I will eat these, though they are dirty, she spoke, placing special emphasis on the words and making sure to stare at Steevon’s hand as she spoke. They are, after all, all that I have, all I am likely to have for quite some time.

Steevon sensed the thinly veiled meaning behind her words. Turning away from her, he stuffed the first grit covered root into his mouth. After a few bites, he nonchalantly tried to brush some of the dirt off of his hands, by rubbing them on his pants. This proved to be an effort of futility as his pants were far dirtier than his hands had been. Consequently, when he was done his hands were worse off than before. He swore silently, forcing himself to turn his attention away from the grime and back to his food. They had occasionally been able to locate the river Eternal as it meandered through the forest. Steevon swore an oath that they would find it today and when they did, they would bathe in it.

When they had finished their meager lunch Steevon stood and helped Maura to her feet and once again they continued their trek. Despite the fact that Maura had insisted she didn’t need Steevon’s aid, she clung to his hand as she trudged along beside and sometimes behind him.

Maura tripped and slid over the rocks and roots and foliage about her, and spent most of the time muttering just under her breath about the living conditions she was forced to endure. She took special pains to speak just a bit louder when she was complaining about the disappointment one of her most trusted allies had proved to be. Steevon gritted his teeth and tried for the most part to ignore her. Off in the distance, he could hear the barking of a dog. He turned to head in a different direction. Dogs were definitely something he wanted to avoid if at all possible.

The afternoon wore on, the heat and grime remained their only companions. When they heard the river in the distance Maura ran ahead, eager to bathe.

She began to tug on the laces at the front of her gown, slipping the soiled dress off one shoulder before suddenly remembering her Champion. Turning quickly, she caught him smiling at her. Turn around! She insisted her lips set in defiance.

Maura, Steevon began, that is hardly necessary.

Turn around! she spoke a second time, yanking her sleeve back up to cover her white shoulder.

Steevon wanted to scream at her. He wanted to rip the dress off her and tell her he would do whatever most pleased him. But instead he turned and stalked away.

Don’t go far, Maura commanded.

Steevon stopped in his tracks swearing silently. Turn around, don’t go far, his voice was a perfect imitation of Maura’s. Someday I will make the rules, and she will serve me, he hissed in anger.

Maura gasped as she stepped down into the freezing water. Shivering and groaning in the cold she splashed and rubbed at her body, rinsing all the grime away in record time. She was still gasping when she staggered from the water to pull on her still soiled gown. She had thought to bathe in the gown, thereby cleaning it as well. But just now, as she tried to quiet her shaking, she was grateful she had not.

You’re next, Maura called, moving quickly away from the river and still rubbing at the chills that dashed up her arms and over her shoulders.

You don’t have to turn away, Steevon spoke as he began to disrobe, but Maura continued to ignore him. He grunted after her before stepping down into the clear water. He had laughed at the sounds that had escaped Maura’s lips while she bathed, but when he stepped down into the freezing liquid it didn’t seem quite so funny. He gasped and began to frantically scrub at his limbs and torso. How had he ever thought this would be a good idea. He dashed from the water, scrambling so quickly into his clothes that he tore one of the seams out of his shirt. He looked at the rip and grunted in disgust.

Is that as clean as you could manage to get? Maura asked staring at him.

It’s as clean as I’m going to get, Steevon growled as he turned and stalked away, still tugging the shirt down around his wet abdomen.

As night settled its blanket of darkness about the shoulders of the mountains, Steevon found a small glade to shelter him and his Queen. Maura moved away from him, curling into a ball amid the soft grass for warmth. Steevon sat up long into the night staring at the dark mound across the glade. How he longed to hold her, to whisper his fears to her, to have her confide in him and comfort him in turn. Instead, she could only find it in her cold heart to torture and punish him. Once he had loved that cold heart, found it amusing when its frozen cruelty was directed at others. Now it was anything but amusing.

By afternoon of the next day Steevon was not any nearer to finding what he sought. Maura had refused to eat breakfast, a small selection of berries, and was even now staring at the roots and berries he held out to her for lunch as if she would rather die than eat them.

I want food, Maura spoke the words slowly, angrily, as she stared at the limited assortment in Steevon’s hand. She was tired of roots and berries; she was tired of sleeping in the cold and traipsing about the mountain as if they had real business instead of some demented quest that existed only in her Champion’s mind.

Steevon shrugged and tossed her half of the food on the ground at her feet. Maura wanted to cry out and gather the food into her hands, but her pride refused to give in to the grumbling of her stomach. Steevon stuffed his half of the food into his mouth and turned and stomped off across the mountain.

What am I supposed to eat? Maura called to his retreating back. She hurried to catch up to her Champion, her words coming out in a near shriek. Steevon, what am I supposed to eat?

Listen! Steevon growled as he whirled around, pointing one large finger into her face. He had spoken louder than he had intended. He closed his eyes, dropping his hand back to his side. When he was certain he was in control he spoke again, this time in a quieter, but no less firm voice.

First of all, if you do not like the food I find, you will have to find your own. Secondly, what we are attempting requires stealth. Do know what that means? He asked, deliberately speaking down to her.

Maura’s dark glare grew darker still. I know what stealth means, and probably a great many more words that you have never heard of!

Good! He spoke, ignoring the jibe, choosing instead to enjoy the indignation his insult had awakened in her. If you know what stealth is, please use some. He smiled cruelly down at her before finishing. And, Maura, instead of complaining every minute of every day, why don’t you try to make yourself useful? Why not help me find what I seek?

Maura brushed her dark hair from her eyes for what seemed the hundredth time that day. And what exactly is it we are looking for?

I am trying to locate a cabin. A cabin with people inside—

Wouldn’t an abandoned cabin more suit our needs? Maura interrupted, assuming he had made a miscalculation.

I am not looking for shelter, Maura. I already know where we can find that. I am looking for help. With that strange declaration, he turned on his ever so pleased heels to leave her staring at him in confusion.

Who would help us? She asked, remembering their life in the palace. They had not had any willing servants or cohorts. Her only ally lay across the world’s largest desert, and he would be far more likely to try to prosper from her predicament than to help her. She thought for a moment; every servant in her castle had been serving out of fear, not duty or desire. She groaned quietly. Really—was it asking so much to demand that the people of the land support their Queen? Since they had not chosen to do it willingly, she had been forced to gather a few servants. After all, she had a castle to run. That required labor, voluntary or otherwise.

Maura had to run to catch up to Steevon’s long strides. She was so busy trying to catch him that she didn’t realize he had stopped until it was too late. She collided with his broad back, gasping loudly before falling backwards.

Steevon sighed deeply and closed his eyes. He called upon his inner strength to remain patient with this woman. Please, watch where you are going.

Maura stood, dusting off her bottom before moving over to stand beside her Champion. From this vantage point, she could see a large cabin that stood about a hundred feet before them in a spacious clearing. Steevon pulled her to the side behind the low hanging limbs of a weeping oak tree. Together, they crouched covertly as they watched the log home.

It didn’t take long before Maura began to wonder exactly what it was they were looking for. When she began to ask, Steevon silenced her with a look. A large man exited the front door of the cabin. Steevon could see him clearly. He was very nearly as tall as Steevon and easily twice as wide. He stopped suddenly, his head turned slowly first one direction then the other before he looked directly at the tree Steevon and Maura crouched beneath.

A force flowed over them, cold fingers stretching about them, probing them, searching for something familiar, something that would explain the presence of these new comers. Maura caught her breath.

Steevon felt those probing fingers as well. He grabbed his Queen by the wrist and pulled her urgently back in the direction they had come from. The sensation faded and Maura felt the air return to her lungs with a rush.

What was that?

His magic, Steevon hissed with a shudder. He knew we were there, sensed us with his power. The Champion stomped ahead of her so angry at his carelessness that he could hardly think of anything else.

Maura felt a shiver run the length of her spine. So, that was what magic felt like to someone who didn’t bear it. How could she not have recognized its wondrous touch? But then, she told herself, I was never intended to feel magic from that perspective.

The pain and anger in her heart made her want to hurt someone. Looking down at her stained and ruined dress, her filthy hands and tattered shoes she longed to cry in frustration and rage. How could she continue on like this?

Maura slumped down in the middle of the path. She sat staring at her hands, hands that had once glowed blue with the terrible power of the dark magic. Why had she been born with magic if not for the purpose of wielding it her entire life? How could she exist without it? It was every bit as much a part of her as her legs and feet, as vital to her survival as her heart and lungs. For the first time in Maura’s life, she knew what it was to be helpless, powerless and defenseless. She didn’t care for it; not in the least. In fact, she could say without any reservation at all, that she hated it.

Steevon stopped suddenly, he stamped one large booted foot. Stupid! he snarled at himself. How could I have been so stupid? He spun around then to face his Queen and found her seated on the ground. Steevon mistook the look on her face for despair as he hurried back and knelt before her. I’m sorry, beloved, he swallowed hard. I nearly failed you once more. I will not let that happen again.

Maura looked at him, she was confused at his words for a moment, but then she pulled herself back to the present, free of her own raging emotions. Realizing suddenly what he was saying, she nodded her head in agreement. Yes. Yes, this is your fault. If you would have simply done as you were commanded to, she shook her head in disgust. All I asked you to do was bring me back the Amulet; the talisman that was my birthright. Her voice was low and accusing.

Steevon was watching her now, his own anger growing. He wanted to scream at her to stop, not to rehash the past. But instead, he knelt stock still before the small woman and listened to her rehearse, yet again, his crimes.

Instead, you return home to Scerone with the Amulet, yes, but also with a Guardian and Protector. And if that was not failure enough, you allowed yourself to be defeated by a mere child in the Ring of Challenge, her voice was growing louder with each accusation.

Steevon remained still, his mouth clenched in anger. He was not sure how much longer he could stand the bitter, resentful hatred of the woman he had once loved with all of his being.

And then, Maura pressed on, not realizing how near she was coming to the edge of Steevon’s patience, then you stood by while that child sucked all my magic—my birthright—from my very soul.

Enough Maura, Steevon exploded, grabbing the woman before him by both shoulders and lifting her towards him, shaking her once. Enough.

His fingers dug into the soft flesh of her arms and she cried out in pain. Steevon took several cleansing breaths trying to calm his anger, afraid even now, more for this woman than for himself. He still clutched her arms, but his voice was a bit quieter, more in control. The past is the past, leave it there. I cannot change what has already happened, but I promise you, I will restore you to your former glory.

You keep saying that, Maura hissed, But you can’t even find me a house.

I’m not looking for a house, Maura, he cried, louder again. He released and shoved her back away from him, clenching his large hands into fists. I am looking for a slave, a servant, someone to help us both to survive this winter. Neither of us knows how to live without magic, Maura. We must find someone who does.

Then I will forgive you—yet again. But you are running out of chances, Maura’s voice was as cold as her eyes.

Steevon growled, jumping to his feet and whirling away from his Queen. He thundered off over the mountain. For the moment, he did not care that she would have to run to keep up with his long strides; in fact, in this moment, he did not even care if she followed. Never would he have imagined that he could feel so much distaste for this woman. Once, he had worshipped her, but no more.

Maura jumped to her feet and raced after her Champion; she would follow him. What other choice did she have? She trailed along behind him for quite some time without complaining, even though she was positive they had trudged over every inch of this mountain and spied on every single cabin ever built on its vast expanse. She was also certain that they had looked at more than one cabin twice and in some cases several times.

When she questioned Steevon about being lost, he denied it adamantly, refusing to admit to her that there was even the faintest chance that he had wandered in circles. But to himself, he could be more honest. Finding his way without his magic was proving more difficult than he had anticipated.

So, what?

So, what if he had gotten them lost a few times? So, what if he had not been able to find what he was looking for yet? So, what? It’s not like they had any pressing engagements they had to hurry off to.

As Maura followed Steevon away from yet another cabin, she sighed heavily, Let me guess, that was not the right cabin either. What was wrong with that one?

Steevon continued to stomp on ahead of her like a large thundercloud, pretending to be oblivious to her complaining.

Let’s see, perhaps one of the reasons you have given me previously will apply to this cabin as well. Now, what were some of those other excuses? The children were too young, the adults were too old, there were no girls in this family and no teenagers in that one. These people had magic, they must be avoided at all cost, and this family had dogs. Does this last cabin fall into any of those categories?

Steevon continued on ahead of her. He did not answer her; she wasn’t really looking for an answer, at least not to that question. What she really wanted to know was why they were still wandering about this mountain with no shelter and no prospects of ever getting their magic and previous positions back. It was a good question, but he was not in the mood to answer either query right now, especially for her.

The small wisp of smoke that rose curling over the tops of the trees in the distance attracted his attention. He moved towards it, trying to increase his speed, to put just enough space between himself and Maura that he could no longer hear her.

Maura hurried, running in short spurts to catch up with Steevon. She knew what game he was playing, and she had no intention of allowing him to win.

Steevon stepped suddenly out onto the edge of a small bowl shaped valley. In the center of it stood a cottage. He walked along the edge, circling first one way and then the other as he scrutinized the cabin below. There was a large poorly built doghouse with the name Tuffy painted in blue letters above the door. A long heavy chain was tethered to the ground just outside the entrance of the doghouse, but there was no animal on the other end. A short distance from the dog house there was a large mound of dirt with a crude cross perched at its head. That mound, the simple cross, and the doghouse told Steevon two things; one, that the beloved pet was dead; and two, the people inside this house had no magic. Steevon led Maura back around to the front of the home. He could see movement through the small front windows, but he would not know without further observation whether this was the family he had been searching for.

Maura sighed heavily. So, what is wrong with this one? she asked with a large measure of sarcasm in her voice.

Steevon looked back at her; he shook his head slowly, It’s getting late. We won’t know anything about this family until tomorrow, so get comfortable. He pointed towards a stand of trees. We’ll be spending the night here. With that, he walked over and lay down beneath the large overhanging branches of a nearby tree.

Instead of joining him, Maura stepped out of the trees and walked to the rim of the valley. She stood with her hands on her hips, watching the cabin below.

Steevon swore as he leapt to his feet. He lunged forward and grabbed Maura by the wrist, yanking her back down on to the ground next to him.

Maura cried out as her behind landed with a solid thud, raising a small cloud of dust. She looked at him suddenly, anger in her eye that demanded an explanation.

It is important we stay hidden, my Queen, he spoke through gritted teeth. We don’t want anyone to know we’re here. He motioned down the hill before them. This may be the cabin we have been searching for these last several weeks, and we wouldn’t want to alert them to our presence now, would we? His smile was mirthless as he continued, If that happens, we might have to continue our search. Who knows how much longer we could be wandering around these mountains. Steevon sank back down onto the tuft of grass that grew around the tree. Make yourself comfortable, he growled at her.

Maura grumbled under her breath and crawled to a tree a short distance from her Champion. She rubbed the red marks on her arm where Steevon’s fingers had dug into her sensitive skin. After a moment, she stroked the fine silk cloth of her red gown. How long could the material stand up to this kind of abuse? It had been sewn with a small amount of magic, which was the reason it had endured the last several weeks of sleeping outside in the dirt and rocks. It had resisted the grasping of small twigs as she walked through the dense forest.

She made a show of trying to get comfortable, knowing that even if he didn’t acknowledge her, he was aware of her discomfort. Tell the truth, Steevon. You are capable of truth, are you not? She asked without looking over at him. Is this meandering all over the mountain some new form of entertainment you have invented? Do you find some fiendish delight in watching the fallen Queen fall even further?

Much to Steevon’s credit, he ignored her efforts to anger him, not even attempting to answer her question.

Maura adjusted her position noisily once more and tried again. I suppose the usurper is sleeping in my bed tonight, she spoke loudly enough for Steevon to hear, while carefully acting as though she didn’t care if he heard or not, sleeping with him. She put special emphasis on the final word.

And here we are, she waved her hands before her. Sleeping in the great outdoors! Aren’t we lucky?

Steevon took one large breath and then slowly turned so he could see her clearly. In a soft voice that carried more malice than a shout, he spoke, I have told you repeatedly that we need to be quiet, and yet you continue to speak as if there was no one else in the entire world but you and me.

Maura stared back at him with a casual indifference.

Moving much faster than she would have thought possible, he suddenly sprang to his knees and crossed the short distance between them, capturing her by both wrists. He yanked her over to him so his face was only inches away from hers. She gasped as his face took on a look of anger he had never directed at her before.

In case you hadn’t noticed, your majesty, you no longer make the rules. We have no allies and no place to live. Neither of us knows how to get along in this world without our magic. If we want to make some semblance of a comfortable life, we are going to have to enlist the services of someone who has lived their whole life without magic and knows how to do it. So, he released her wrists, allowing her to slip back down next to the tree as he gestured in the direction of the cabin, here we sit, watching the cabin in an effort to find a suitable candidate.

Without a second look, he turned and moved even farther away from her than he had been before and squatted back down in the cover of the tree to wait out the night.

Maura rubbed her wrists gingerly. There was a feeling of excitement in the pit of her stomach. Now that was the man who used to thrill her. She rather wished he would abuse someone else; she always had loved to watch him work. She stood up slowly, Steevon glanced over at her and she caught his eyes with her own. She held his gaze. Something in her look, something in the way she made her body move as she glided towards him, held him captive. He knew not to trust this one. She was as slippery as a snake and as treacherous as—well, as only Maura could be.

Can I sit beside you?

He hesitated a moment, wondering what she had in mind, and then nodded without speaking.

What kind of person exactly are we looking for? she asked after sitting for a moment or two in silence beside the giant.

Preferably a teenage girl, he whispered back.

A girl? Maura asked, raising her eyebrows. Wouldn’t a boy serve your purpose just as well?

Steevon watched her for a moment before a slow smile spread across his face. He didn’t answer her; he didn’t have to. Instead, he continued on with what he had been about to say. The girl must be old enough to know how to survive out here, and young enough that we can still control her. And, he hesitated here, as he watched her closely, most importantly, she must not have magic. He saw the expression of pain flit across Maura’s face and was instantly sorry he had brought it up; but it was necessary.

He reached out and gently took one of her small hands. One day, Maura, we will have revenge on the man who stole our magic. We will take his magic in payment, bleeding it out of him, slowly—oh so slowly. We will make him scream in agony; he will beg for mercy and we will show him the sort of mercy Queen Maura offers her prisoners. But until that day— he let the sentence hang in the air between them

Maura turned her face away from her Champion. She closed her eyes, there was a prickling sensation behind her eyelids. She squeezed her eyes shut on the tears that threatened to fall, not tears of pain, but tears of anger, tears of helplessness. Someday, someone would pay for her humiliation and pain.

Maura waited until the wave of emotion had passed, then she turned back to Steevon. The laces on his shirt hung loose, revealing a muscular chest covered in dark black hair. She laid one small hand inside of his shirt. When she looked back up, his eyes were resting on her face. Then leaning forward, she let her lips brush his softly once, then twice. She leaned back then, looking into the eyes of the man she had once promised to share her life with. Let him remember the prize he was striving for.

She moved as if to leave and he caught her, pulling her into a fierce embrace. She pressed her hands against his shoulders, pushing him away. Then she crawled a short distance away from him before curling up alone on the ground.

Steevon watched her, his chest still tingling with the sensation of her touch. He glanced over in the direction of the cabin, and then quietly moved over beside Maura. He lay down beside her, pulling her to him. He lifted her hair from off her neck and let his lips caress her. Maura allowed his touch for only a moment before pulling away.

Over there, she breathed, pointing away from her. You sleep over there.

Steevon felt the disappointment bitter and stinging in his gut. Why, Maura? he growled. What is the point of this game that you play?

Over. There, she repeated slowly without answering his question.

Steevon growled and swore quietly as he rose and moved away from her. He moved to the far side of his selected tree, one that would prevent him from having to look at the woman.

The mountain air was cold and Maura wished for the thousandth time that she had a blanket, she wished she had a pillow, she wished—oh how she wished—that she were asleep in her own bed. If she slept beside Steevon, he would provide warmth, but she would not allow him the pleasure that would bring. Instead, she lay shivering long after it was dark, until her weariness overpowered the cold.

As the sun crept up over the peaks of the mountain, Steevon woke to witness the first signs of movement in the valley below. He had moved to the rim and lay with his body pressed flat on the ground, watching and taking careful note of the people who left and entered the cabin. He had been there for over an hour before Maura joined him.

What are we watching for? she asked in a whisper.

We need to see how many people are in the family and if they have a teenage girl. He turned then so he could see her flawless features. If this is the family we have been looking for, he raised his eyebrows as he nodded slowly, we will have our slave tonight, beloved.

Maura smiled suddenly. It was one of her most brilliant smiles. That would be wonderful, my Champion.

Steevon nodded his head before turning back. Yes, he thought to himself that would be wonderful.

When night descended on yet another day, it found Maura and Steevon huddled within the protection of the branches of a low hanging tree.

The family they had watched for most of that day was busy inside now, preparing dinner and settling down for the evening.

Steevon thought about the people he had seen during the day, people coming and going, running errands or working or playing outside of the small cabin. There were three boys of varying ages and a father and mother. But the one that interested him the most was the girl, a teenage daughter; she looked to be about fifteen, perhaps sixteen. He imagined that she was the sort of female that daydreamed about the day she would leave home and start a life of her own. She didn’t know it, but that day was closer than she had ever imagined.

Chapter Two

A cruel smile played across Steevon’s face, and he licked his chapped lips as he allowed himself the luxury of playing through his mind the events he had been carefully planning for most of the day. He would dispatch the parents, then the boys. Finally, he would abduct the girl and burn the house down around the bodies of the parents and their sons. When they were found, everyone would think they had been killed in the fire. He would take special pains to make it look that way by laying some of the bodies in the hall as if they were trying to escape. Some people might question the absence of the girl; others would say things like, Maybe they only had the three boys. Life up in the mountains was a solitary one; they didn't make many close friends. With any luck, they wouldn't even notice a body missing. He felt a rush of adrenaline and found himself anxious for the moment when he could begin.

"I must be patient," he reminded himself. He had spent over three weeks watching different families, hiding behind shrubbery, sleeping in the dirt, and stumbling through the forests with Maura in tow searching for new cabins and new candidates.

This was the one! He must be careful not to let this chance slip through his fingers. He leaned back against the rough bark of the tree that provided his cover. The course bark cut through his thin shirt, biting at his skin. The pain in his back was a reminder of what he was there to do. 

Here they would wait until the family had settled down for the night. When they were certain everyone in the house was asleep, he would make his move. 

The twin moons of Scerone were more than halfway across the dark sky before Steevon shifted his position. Carefully, he moved each muscle, stretching and flexing them, making sure they were ready to obey his every command. Tonight, he would use stealth and raw strength to complete his objective. He looked behind him long enough to see Maura asleep on the ground, curled into a small ball for warmth. He thought about letting her sleep, but he knew she would prefer to accompany him on his dark errand. He shook her with one large hand though it was hardly necessary; she woke almost before he touched her.

She sat up silently beside him. Maura smoothed her long dark hair away from her face. In the moonlight, he could see her black eyes filled with anticipation. He leaned forward, grabbing her by the shoulders, and pulled her to him. He kissed her fiercely on the mouth, holding her against him for a moment longer than necessary before releasing her. Smiling at the surprise on her face, he whispered, That was for luck. Then standing, he gave her a smile that spoke nothing of humor and disappeared down the mountain slope. 

Maura stood and followed behind her champion as quietly as possible. Steevon stood at the cabin door, waiting for her as she approached in the soft moonlight. There were no lights or sound within the cabin. 

Steevon walked immediately around the rear of the small home. He would use the back door to enter. He knew these people—perhaps not these exact individuals, but people near enough like them to know they would leave the back door open. They made the mistake of believing they were safe out here so far away from civilization. What they failed to take into account was that while the remote location might offer some protection, it also left them without any witnesses or assistance in times of danger. This was definitely a case of the latter. After a few years of this remote lifestyle, the average person became careless, lackadaisical. Steevon was counting on that. 

He easily lifted the latch and slowly opened the door. There was a slight noise as it swept back on its hinges, but nothing that would stir the sleepers inside. He stepped through the doorway into a spacious kitchen. Oh, what he wouldn’t give right now for his magic. If he had his magic he could send it ahead of him, it would have told him who was in each room, and the state of their sleep. Instead, he would have to go from room to room, checking the occupants before he could make his first move. He glanced behind him at Maura and had to smile at the wicked look of joy on her face. Steevon walked stealthily about the house with Maura only a foot behind him. He went first from one room then to the next, checking to see where each family member slept and making sure that they were, in fact, asleep. 

When he knew what he needed to know to succeed, he returned to the parent’s room, papa first, he thought. It only took a few moments, once he had begun, to do away with each member of the family. It proved very…therapeutic, releasing an enormous amount of built up tension. He let Maura help where he thought she could. She lacked the physical strength to break a neck, but she could hold a pillow over someone's face if he held them still. They were finished far too quickly. 

Finally, he went to the bed of the sleeping girl. He watched her for a moment. She lay on her side, her hair fanned out about her neck and face. She was unaware of the danger that stood only a foot from her. He was reminded of the last time he stood in a young girl’s room to abduct her; he had watched that girl sleep as well. She had been young and beautiful, and her long blond hair had made him think of golden flowers. He banished thoughts of the young Guardian; he would allow himself to fantasize about her another time. 

He reached out, taking the young girl by the shoulders. He shook her softly until she opened her eyes. There was a look of confusion on her young face; it was immediately replaced with fear and suspicion. He lifted one large finger to his lips as he shushed her. She glanced hurriedly around the room; there was a woman standing in the doorway, but the look on the woman's face told her instantly that there would be no assistance from that corner. Steevon smiled at the young girl, a smile that chilled the child to the bone. Grabbing her suddenly by her arm, he yanked her out of her bed and towards the door. She struggled, calling out for help. Her small strength was nothing compared to his. He dragged her through the house without stopping, though the girl did manage to latch onto her parent’s door frame just long enough to see her parent’s bodies, one on the floor by the door, the other half way off the bed. She began to cry, yanking futilely at the hand that held her. 

Maura walked along behind the couple, aching to take part in the actual abduction. 

When they reached the kitchen, Steevon thrust the girl into Maura's arms. Hold onto her while I collect a few things.

He went back into the parent’s room and gathered a few dresses for Maura. They were plain, shapeless things and would be too large for her, but her gown was at the end of its usefulness. There was nothing in the man’s clothing that would fit him comfortably, but with some alterations the drab clothes could be made to work. He threw a few of the more promising shirts and pants over his shoulder. Next, he pulled the pillowcases off of two pillows and then tossed the pillows carelessly onto the floor. It wouldn’t matter where they lay, there would be nothing left of them after the fire. He quickly stuffed the clothing into one of the bags then returned to the kitchen with the spoils of his conquest. 

When he reentered the kitchen, he was amused to find Maura kneeling on the girl's back with one hand pressing her face into the cabin floor. He could hear the girl sobbing, but to her credit she wasn’t pleading for mercy. 

Maura looked up and smiled at him, her eyes were filled with a wild glee that stirred a longing within him. 

Steevon went through the cupboards looking for foodstuff he thought they may have some use for. Then he searched through the cupboards nearest the kitchen stove, looking for the tinder box. He could remember his own father had used the contents of such a box to start fires, just as he knew people without magic commonly did. Much to Steevon’s eternal shame, his father had not carried the dark blue magic that had once terrorized Scerone. No, Steevon had inherited his power from his mother. He was just beginning to worry that perhaps this family had no such box, when he finally found it on the top shelf farthest from the stove.

He went through the house one more time making sure there was nothing more he could find a use for. Then he dropped the pillow cases beside Maura and went back down the hallway into the girl’s bedroom. He pulled the tinder box from his pocket and attempted to light the fire. Again, and again he tried; the more he tried the angrier he became. He growled out loud; soon he was swearing as well. How could anyone be expected to function without the smallest bit of magic to do such mundane things? 

Finally, he was able to get a small flame going. It licked lazily on the sheets of the girl's bed, but despite his best efforts the fire died away. He swore loudly, kicked at the bed and then ripped the bedding off the mattress. With an effort, he reined in his anger. Closing his eyes, he took a large breath. Blowing it out slowly, he willed himself to be calm. He had started a fire already once tonight; he could do it again. Steevon was very aware of the passage of every precious second. He had to get the fire started so it would be a roaring inferno before anyone in the vicinity was awake enough to see the blaze. He took one more large cleansing breath and tried again. This time he carefully blew on the flame as he remembered seeing his father do when he was still just a young child. 

This time the flames grew hungry feeding rapidly on the sheets until in a few moments the flames had taken on a life of their own. He walked to the kitchen and motioned with his head towards the door. Maura leapt up, pulling the young girl with her. Steevon lifted the heavy pillowcases and followed his Queen from the now burning cabin. He stopped long enough to unhook the dog chain from the vacant dog house and slung it around his neck before they walked up the same hill he had only a short while ago descended. They climbed the hill and stopped, turning to stand beside the same trees they had hid behind during the previous day. They watched the fire gather in violence and fury, tearing through the house as if it wished to destroy all evidence of the travesty that had taken place there. 

Steevon had dropped the bags and was now holding the girl. He had his arms crossed about her lean waist with her back to him. He held one of her slender wrists in each hand. From here she had a spectacular view of the destruction of her home and life. Any dreams she had for her future were gone as completely as the home in which she had spent her entire life. She closed her eyes, slumping forward in her captor’s arms, too sick with grief even to struggle. Tears coursed down her cheeks and fell onto her nightdress. 

Steevon held her thus for a long while, until her sobbing slowed and finally stopped; then he knew it was time to move on. He yanked savagely on one wrist, spinning her around so he could look into her eyes. What he saw there was a fire that had nothing to do with the blaze that burned in the valley below them. 

What is your name?

She stood, her lips clamped in a thin line of defiance.

You have nothing to gain by opposing me, he spoke almost with tenderness, but his prisoner knew it was feigned. There is no going back now, there is only going forward, and your ‘forward’ is with us. He smiled his cruel smile, but still the young girl stared at him in silence. Steevon felt a stirring within him; he was beginning to realize that this was going to be more fun than he had imagined. He looked over at Maura and saw the same look of expectation on her face. She turned and flashed him one of her brilliant smiles. In that moment, despite the fact that he no longer commanded his own magic, he felt a strange sense of exhilaration and expectations for the future. 

If you won’t tell me your name, then I shall have to give you a new name, one that seems fitting, he said with a shrug of his immense shoulders. 

Maura laughed. It must be something that describes her, my love, such as Dirt or Worm or perhaps Ashes. 

Steevon was enjoying this game but with the approach of day he knew he must cut their fun short. I prefer Worm, beloved, and you?

I rather favor the last, my love, but after looking at her closely, I suppose Worm is much more fitting.

Steevon looked down at his captive; his face lost all pretense of kindness or concern. Your new name is Worm. You will answer to it and come when you are called. And if you are not very, very good, I will smash you under my boot just as I would the creature for which you are named. He watched the anger dance in Worm’s brown eyes. Do you understand me, Worm? 

The girl just stared back as if her eyes could burn a hole through him. She wanted to scratch out those dark eyes and tear out his heart. She wanted to force him to watch as his life was ripped from him piece by piece. She knew she could not do these things, not now, perhaps not ever, but she could cause them aggravation; she could try to fight them in small ways, or large ways. Perhaps he would become so infuriated with her that he would kill her. That would be preferable to what she realized must be waiting for her. And so, she stood toe to toe with the giant and refused to give in to his request. 

Steevon liked the fire he saw in her eyes; it would mean many hours of entertainment for him as he broke her spirit. And make no mistake, break her he would. He laughed out loud at the thought of future pleasures. 

As for me, you may call me master, and this, he said extending one hand towards Maura, is your new Queen. You will address her as Queen, highness or my lady.  He grabbed a handful of hair, winding it around his fingers. Say it, Worm, call me master and her highness. 

Worm remained silent; her lips pinched together, her eyes still fierce. 

Steevon was pleased, You will obey me. You will obey us. Later, when I have more time, I will teach you proper respect, he spoke quietly, leaning in so close that Worm could feel his breath on her face. Oh, and one more thing before I forget. The destruction of your family and home, the taking of you for our personal slave, all of it was decreed by the new Guardian. She said to tell you it was her gift to you and to us. You have only her to thank for your new life, he lied. Then, pulling her even nearer, he hissed, Hail the new Guardian and Queen, may she rule forever.  

He lifted the chain from about his neck, pulling it slowly across in front of Worm’s face, the links slipping through his fingers. Then in one quick movement he swung it around, dropping it about her waist. He snapped the latch on, pinching it tight against her skin. Grabbing the waiting pillowcases, he shoved them into Worm’s arms. 

Your first chore is to carry these. I’m rather tired. I’ve had a busy night, he sneered at her before turning and pushing her ahead of them. He held the chain in one hand as they trudged along behind her.    

They were headed in a new direction, and Maura knew they were headed ‘home.’ It was a home she had never seen, though Steevon had seen it often enough. He had made it a priority to keep its former occupant under observation from time to time. 

Worm walked ahead of her captors. She pulled one heavy pillowcase up and hugged it to her chest. She could still smell jasmine, the herb her mother had used in her bath water. New tears spilled down her cheek; she stumbled over a root before rubbing the tears from her eyes with the edge of the pillowcase. 

Reanna, she whispered to the cold night air. That is my name, but you shall never speak it with your foul mouth. I would rather be called anything than to hear the name my dear parents so lovingly chose for me escape your vile lips. She held the pillowcase up to her tear dampened face as long as her arm could manage the weight. Reanna, she whispered over and over again to herself.

Reanna watched without seeing as the grass and trees passed beside her. She was too exhausted, mentally and physically, to care where they took her. There was a part of her brain that was screaming at her to try to escape. What would be the point? She had no place to go if she should escape. Her whole life and everyone she loved lay behind her in a pile of ashes.

Although, she thought suddenly, there is one place I should like to go, one person I should like to see—I would like to go the castle to meet the new Guardian. I would like to see her just once. To see the woman that bore their world’s most precious talisman, the woman that was foretold by prophecy. What was it everyone was saying about her? Her mother had told her the story so many times. When the new Guardian is found who fulfills the prophecy, she shall right all wrongs.

It didn’t seem to Reanna that the new Guardian had made a very good start.

Worm stumbled over a large rock protruding from the path and was rewarded by being yanked back to her feet by the chain about her waist. The large metal rings pinched into her sensitive skin. She bit back a cry.    

Pay attention to where you’re walking, Worm, or you shall have no food in the morning, Maura snapped.  

Reanna could have almost laughed. Did they think she cared about food or anything else now? At least she had found a way to frustrate them. If she made them mad enough perhaps they would kill her. She took every