The High Queen

By Breann Thorne Stanzell

Ternaro is governed by queens who use their Magix only to do good. This is the highest law of the land: Magix must always help more than they hurt. Princess Anna-Sophia is the daughter of one of the highest queens. However, this has made her family, especially the girls, the target of the fallen prince, Mortrano. After Mortrano kills Sophie's sister, Nee-cole, she is forced to leave her family and all she knows to go into hiding. For fourteen years, Sophie must hide from those who wish to stop her from ever becoming High Queen. She is forced to hide her identity and abilities with Magix. Will she live long enough to be crowned a queen? Are her Magix strong enough to defeat Mortrano and Malum Noctis? Most importantly, can she accomplish this while still following the most sacred law of all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781681972961

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The High Queen

Breann Thorne Stanzell

ISBN 978-1-68197-295-4 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68197-296-1 (digital)

Copyright © 2016 by Breann Thorne Stanzell

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

296 Chestnut Street

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Epilogue

About the Author

Prologue

T

he queens have always run Ternaro.

The kings have always protected it. This is how our world worked. They ran the world in peace and harmony, using their Magix only for good. This was the highest law of the land: Magix must be used for greater benefit than harm. As all people were equal in the eyes of the Holy Father, so were the people of Ternaro. The queens were ruled by the High Queen. Her exact duties were unknown, but she governed the three divisions for the greater good of all. Below her was the Circle. Every Choosing, twelve were added to their ranks. The Circle was in charge of the Magix and the well-being of our cities. Then there was the Higher Council. Their job was to run the school and the University of Talent. The Lower Council ran the medical systems. No one division was of less importance than the other.

All royalty were blessed with Magix. While most of the civilians were also blessed, many were not. However, these people were blessed with a different form of power. They had a Talent. Some were able to cook a banquet for thousands without any effort. Some could design and make the most beautiful clothing. Others could work the electrical system with the greatest of ease. There were more Talents than could be counted. Once again, either with Talent or Magix, no civilian was seen as lower than the other. No royalty were supposed to be better than any civilian.

Everyone blessed with Magix went to school at eighteen. Princes, princesses, and civilians alike studied the gift together. When Ab-Il thirtieth came, a traen would come to every prefecture and pick up the novices. The next day, a traen would come to pick up the eighteen-year-old preliminaries to go to the University of Talent. There they would study for four years until going on to the placements. The civilians all went to learn their chosen occupations. They could finish in as much or as little time as they chose. They could also wait up to two years before beginning their placements.

The royalty placements worked a little differently. The princes would go to learn defense (or civil enforcement strategies) in the forests behind the Mountain. They were the protectors of our lands. Those who did not follow our laws were dealt with by the princes and kings. The animals that lived around us were also protected. This important job could only be undertaken by those who understood the laws of kindness and equality. The princesses would go to the Placement Village where they would begin to learn about their roles. Every five years, there was the Choosing. There, the princesses would be crowned queens and divided into their divisions. Their learning would continue until it was finished, but they would become active members of their divisions. Very rarely, the Choosing would be different. A new High Queen would be crowned. Only the current High Queen would know when this was to occur. On that year, thirteen queens were placed as Circle members. Three months afterward, the Ceremony of Crowns would occur, therefore choosing the High Queen. There was only ever one acting High Queen at a time. Another could still be alive, but her whereabouts and activities were unknown.

Chapter 1

M

y mother was one of the Circle members, but she was meant to have been a High Queen.

Everyone knew this. During the Ceremony of Crowns, a prince by the name of Mortrano somehow intervened. It is unknown how he managed to affect the deep Magix, but Corya became High Queen instead. Corya was a kind and gentlewoman, however, and my mother never felt any resentment toward her. My mother married Liam, a poor butcher’s son, and presided over her home prefecture of Eyre-Lind. Their life was a happy one, and three children soon followed. Nee-cole, my older sister, was beautiful. She was tall and thin with hair the color of autumn leaves. Seamus, five years her junior, was a strong lad with the kindest eyes. Five years after, I followed. I was small with a tangle of dark brown hair and an inquisitive nature. My siblings and I loved one another, and my early childhood was a thing of faery tales. Unfortunately, nothing so perfect can last. It was in my sixth year that everything changed.

Nee-cole was only sixteen, but was deemed ready to begin the school. She was very advanced in Magix, and many thought she could be the next High Queen. What I remember most about her was her kindness. The night before she was to leave, I remember her scooping me up and saying quietly, Anna-Sophia, I will not always be here to protect ye. You must always remember to use the Magix only for good. No matter how bad a person may seem, you must never use it to hurt them. Judgment is not for us to do. That is for God alone. I will always love ye and always be proud of ye, lassie. Even if you can’t see me, I will always be here. She placed her hand over my heart. Never forget that, lassie.

At the time, I remember being very confused. School was a good thing. I would see her again before she went to the Placement Village. I paid it no mind and went to find Seamus to ask him to play with me. I would regret not asking Nee-cole more for the rest of my life.

The traen comes at exactly high moon, so I would be asleep when my big sister left. My mother held a lovely dinner for her, and we all celebrated her next chapter in life. I was sad to see the evening end. Mummy, I whined, I want to see the traen at high moon too. Oh, please let me go. I’ll be very good, I promise. Nee-cole is me sister. Please!

No, lassie. The answer came not from my mother but from Nee-cole. Sophie, I love ye more than words. But heed me, little sister. Ye must stay home. High moon is a dangerous time, not meant for a lass of only six years.

She’s right, my little bird. You may write letters to your sister. You will get to see the traen one day. But you are safer within the mansion walls.

I stomped to my room to pout. I was too young to understand the danger of the world. Seamus walked in and put his arm around me. C’mon, Soph. Don’t get your curls in a bunch. Mummy and Da won’t let me go either. We will stay here and tell stories until they return. It will be just me and you.

I smiled and looked up at my older brother. He always knew exactly what to say to make you feel better. He may have been destined for swordsmanship, firearms, and defensive spells, but he was also an uncommonly kind. I always felt safe and happy when he was around. Just then, Nee-cole walked in to say her good-byes.

Seamus. Anna-Sophia. I love you both very much. Our hearts will be forever linked. Do not despair my leaving. Your time to leave the mansion walls will come one day. Please heed Mummy in whatever she says. Her and Da will never lead you astray. Good-bye, my birds. She wrapped her arms around us and was gone. That was the last time I ever saw my sister alive.

Seamus kept his promise, and we told stories for hours. He told of the Festival of Lights and the Banquet of Prosperity. I told a story about a little bird who longed to fly around the world. It was one of the happiest nights of my life. I wanted it to never end. Eventually, my little eyes just couldn’t stay open, and Seamus carried me to my bed. I lay down and slept soundly. If only I had known what was to come.

Shortly before high moon, I was jolted awake by a commotion outside our walls. I had heard noises from the prefecture before, but never like this. There were loud bangs and screaming. I was terrified. Although I had never been outside our walls, I had always imagined the world to be a fun and peaceful place. Wasn’t the strongest law to only do good? I could not imagine what could be causing the disruption.

I ran to Seamus’s room. When I walked to his room, he wore a look on his face I had never seen before. It was a look of utter panic. Seamus was never scared. He was the one who always calmed my fears. I climbed onto his bed, and he wrapped his arms around me.

Seamus, what’s happening out there? This isn’t peaceful. Mummy said we must always be peaceful. Seamus, I don’t understand. My six-year-old eyes peered up at the brother who had always answered my questions before.

I don’t know, Sophie. I’ve learned about Eyre-Lind in me studies. This is supposed to be a happy time. Celebrations. This is bad, Soph. Real bad. I want Mummy and Da to come home. Seamus began to sniffle. I began to cry. We sat there huddled for what seemed like forever.

Suddenly, the door to Seamus’s room burst open. Deidre, our housekeeper, came in crying. Oh, me blessed children. It’s your sister. She’s dead! He killed her. He killed her. Oh, me sweet Nee-cole. How could God let such a wonderful flower fall? Deidre began to pick up toys around the room as she sobbed.

What do you mean she’s dead? Did something happen on the traen? asked Seamus. His voice was shaking in disbelief.

No, laddie. Waitin’ for the traen. What an evil to befall our house. Who would kill such a beautiful creature? So young and kind. She pulled out a black clothing from Seamus’s closet and set them on the couch.

How many novices were killed? I’ve never heard about any novices killed afore. Seamus sounded almost angry. He enjoyed reading and loved to debate anything that went against what he had learned.

Laddie, it was just your sister. Her alone. No one else was injured. It was only against Nee-cole. Only Nee-cole. Deidre burst into tears and walked out.

Seamus looked dumbstruck. Tears were flowing down my face, and my breath was coming in strange gulps. I could only think Deidre must be wrong. There was no way anyone would kill my sister. She was kind and pure and possessed great talent in the Magix. She was a daughter of the Circle Queen Celeste of Eyre-Lind and the great warrior, King Liam. No one would kill my sister. I had to find Mummy and Da. They would tell me it was just a mistake. They had to.

I went running down the hall, yelling for my parents. I ran until I got to Nee-cole’s room. There was a large crowd around the entrance, and I pushed through to get inside. Jorge, a man from Spen who worked in our home, put an arm out and stopped me. "No, mi chiquita. You may not go in there. Es a sight not for you to see."

I want me mummy. I gasped through my sobs.

His face softened. I know, dear one. I know. I will go and get her. But you must wait here. He looked at me sternly and then walked into the room. I could hear weeping from the room. It sounded like me da. Da never cried.

Jorge walked out again. He had a very sad expression on his face. He looked to me and walked down the hall. I watched him walk away confused. He told me he would get me mummy. Why had he not followed his word? I needed her to tell me this was all a dream and to go back to bed. I needed her to tuck me in with some warm milk and sing the lullaby about the free bird. I needed to hear her say, Hush now, me little bird. The light will come back in the mornin’. You are safe in your bed. Sleep now, me little lass. Be at peace. Why did he not bring her?

I stood there for what seemed an eternity when she finally appeared. Mummy! Why did you not come to me? Deidre told the most awful tale. It was a lie. Lying is not okay. Mummy, please tell her Nee-cole is on the traen for school.

She knelt down and pulled me into her arms. Now came the calming words I needed to hear, I remember thinking. But they did not come. Instead came the words I did not want to hear. Little Bird, something very bad happened tonight. There are some very bad people in this world. Ternaro does not just have people who love peace and harmony. There are those who only know jealousy and hate. Those people have taken your sister from us.

I began to cry again. Mummy, no. It’s not true. It can’t be true. Nee-cole was good and kind. No one could hurt her. She is good.

Just then, Seamus appeared around the corner. Mummy, can I see her? His voice was so small and scared. It was not the voice of an eleven-year-old boy.

No, me little bird. ’Tis not a sight for young uns to see. When we have her laid out and draped for the Ceremony of Spirit, you may say your good-byes. Now take your sister to your room. You must get some sleep, me loves. Huddle close. Love will keep the demons of the mind at bay. With that, she turned around and walked back into Nee-cole’s room, shutting the door behind her.

I looked into the kind eyes I knew my brother to have and asked with the innocence only a child can have, Seamus, why would someone hurt Nee-cole? She was me big sister. She kissed my scrapes and combed my hair. She was not for them to take.

Anna-Sophia, I wish I could tell you. Really, I do. But I will never understand why they would take her. His eyes no longer held the kindness but sorrow.

We spent the night curled together in Seamus’s bed. We slept little and wept freely. When Deidre came with a breakfast tray, we hardly touched a bite. It seemed the only thing we had room for was the hole Nee-cole’s absence had left. Neither of us spoke, but we knew each other’s thoughts. Seamus combed my hair. I rubbed his neck the way Nee-cole used to. We sat at his window and looked out at the garden. All the staffs were clothed in black. It seemed our whole household was in mourning. Deidre brought all our meals to us that day. She didn’t speak a word. No one chastised us for not touching our food. No one urged us to get dressed or to go and bathe. No one even came to comfort our aching hearts. Late that night, Mummy finally came in.

Dear ones, your sister’s Ceremony of Spirit will take place at dawn tomorrow. Deidre will come to get you ready, Anna-Sophia. Frank will come for you, Seamus. Please mind them. She bent down and hugged and kissed us both. I love you both very much. I am sorry you had to feel this pain.

Mummy, asked Seamus, where is Da? I haven’t seen him since you left for the traen.

She gave a sad smile. Your da needs some time. Those who have committed this crime have shattered his heart. When you see him tomorrow, be sure to hug him and tell him you love him. He needs that. He has suffered much.

After Mummy left, we sat in silence for a while more. I thought back to the night before. The weeping I had heard, could it have really been Da? He was so strong. He protected Ternaro. He was a man that loved to make people laugh. His laughter could brighten the whole mansion. Was it possible to shatter his heart? There was just so much I could not comprehend. This was not how my world was supposed to work.

Seamus? I asked tentatively, Could someone really shatter Da’s heart?

It is just an expression, lass. It means he is so sad. He feels like his heart is breaking out of his chest. It is a pain of sadness.

I think I heard Da cryin’ last night. While I was waitin’ for Mummy.

I heard him too. I never thought I could hear that from Da.

Seamus, will God still be able to accept Nee-cole’s spirit if someone killed her? The cleric John said that for God to accept our spirit at our Ceremony of Spirit, we must live and die with peace and harmony in our hearts. She did not die in peace. Will he not let her in? It’s not her fault. She was a good girl. She never did anything wrong. God has to let her in. He has to! I had started to cry again.

Hush now, lassie. God will still take her spirit with him. Those who killed her chose the cruel actions, not Nee-cole. He will not punish her for the acts of others. Stop your cryin’. Our sister will be at peace.

The kindness in Seamus’s eyes had come back. I snuggled into him and fell asleep. For the moment, I felt safe. My big brother would watch over me. He would keep me safe. I imagine he felt the same, for his slow breathing of slumber soon followed. Our minds were finally given a brief respite from the chaos around us.

Early the next morn, Deidre came for me. Time to wake, lass. We must get ye bathed and ready for the Ceremony of Spirit for Nee-cole. We must send her to God. She put her hand gently on my back and led me down the hall to my room.

After I had bathed, she combed my hair and plaited it down my back. She put in blue