Page 62

'Supporters of the way things have been for too long,' said Fyia. 'Iwillbring about changes within my kingdoms, and there will continue to be those who do not like it.'

A sharp rap sounded from the door, and a guard entered, carrying a wax-sealed letter. 'This just arrived from the city, General.' The guard bowed low to Fyia, then held out the parchment to Sensis.

'News from a checkpoint,' said Sensis, ripping open the message.

The blood drained from Fyia's face as she waited for Sensis to read the words, dread shredding her guts.

'An envoy from the Emperor is approaching Selise in an airship,' said Sensis. 'They're demanding an audience with the Queen.'

Fyia exhaled the breath she'd been holding. 'No,' she said. 'Edu, we will leave immediately.' Fyia paused, her thoughts spiraling as she considered their predicament. 'I will bond some eagles for your use. Starfall, please return the woman we took hostage from the Emperor's airship. Tell them it's a sign of our good faith … that we have no interest in war …'

'And that you have no interest in marrying the Emperor?' said Starfall, a wicked look on her face.

'Yes,' said Fyia, 'that too, but find a way to soften the blow …'

'Pretty words aren't my strongest suit …'

'I'm sure you'll manage. And Essa,' said Fyia, halting on her way to the door, 'don't think I've forgotten about your report. I will expect it upon my return.'

'Of course, Your Majesty,' said Essa, with a dip of her head, 'I will continue my research.'

Chapter Ten

FYIA NEEDED SPEED ONher journey north, and stealth, so they took the airship, much to Essa's chagrin.

The journey was strained, even though it lasted only two days. They'd brought horses, and the quarters were close, with Fyia's full bodyguard on board. Fyia's stallion did not like flying. He stamped and snorted and bit out at anyone—horse or human—who got too close, and the guards grumbled that they had not joined Fyia's guard to become stable hands.

Opie landed the far side of the Fae'ch mountains, where they unloaded, continuing on horseback. Opie had warned against taking their only airship further into unknown territory. It was, after all, the only model they had to copy, and risking it would be foolish.

It was with a heavy heart that Fyia waved Opie goodbye. Even though his true motives and desires were uncertain, she liked the pilot and enjoyed his company. He was deferential, but not scared or sycophantic, his mind and wit sharp, his dry remarks often making her laugh.

Fyia turned away from the departing airship and breathed in the frigid northern air. She pulled her furs closer as she urged her horse along the narrow track north.

They knew not where the Black Hoods lived, nor did they understand the rules of this foreign land, but they headed for the temple, where Fyia hoped she would finally set eyes on a dragon egg.

Fyia surveyed the frozen land as they travelled, moving at a steady pace that afforded time to take in the snow-covered trees, white rabbits, and bold chipmunks. There was little else to distract, aside from a clearing every now and again. The path they travelled was well worn, tufts of grass poking through the blanket of snow.

'They must know of our presence by now,' said Edu, spurring his mount up beside Fyia's.

'And yet they let us continue,' said Fyia.

'If I were them, I would lay a trap, and have us walk straight into it.'

'It would be the wise thing to do,' agreed Fyia. 'Get us to do the hard work for them, while they sit back and watch … but what choice do we have?'

A bird called in the distance, and Fyia and Edu shared a dark look. 'Apparently we're getting close,' said Edu.

'Tell the guards not to fight,' said Fyia. 'We must demonstrate our peaceful intentions, even if they attack us.'

'It is already done,' said Edu, although he looked uncomfortable. It was no small thing, asking her guards to stand down in the face of an attack on their Queen.

Fyia had made her wolves trail them for the same reason. It was a shame, as her wolves could have provided valuable information about the whereabouts of the northern people. The terrifying, fear-inducing Black Hoods, who might kill their party without even stepping from the trees. Fyia pushed the thought away. They wouldn't.

The Black Hoods she'd met inside the Fae'ch mountain had seemed reasonable, not to mention curious … surely they would be intrigued to know why the Queen of the Five Kingdoms had ventured into their lands, uninvited and unannounced.

Although, of course, they already knew. Fyia hadn't been shy about declaring her intention to find the dragons. If they didn't want her to do that … well … then there could be trouble.

If the Black Hoods locked her up, half of her own people would probably rejoice. Sensis would come looking, to be sure, but invading the north to retrieve her would be a fool's game … her army wouldn't stand a chance. The Black Hoods would probably attempt to ransom Fyia, but would her kingdoms pay?