The Bridge Between Worlds

Regina didn’t like these people. There were strange. Stranger than strange. Yes, of course, they did things far different than on Earth. But even the Anerathian customs were more understandable.

“Xiphis royalty never speaks to commoners,” explained Pritha; she was the youngest of the Council, twin sister of Galisa. She was bitter, arrogant, and because she was the lowest in rank, she talked down to everyone else. Including Regina.

“Your counselors speak for you. However, your presence would rarely be necessary in the court.”

Regina furrowed her brow in puzzlement. Her presence would rarely be needed? It didn’t seem right.

“Shoulders back,” Galisa scolded, snapping her back with a pointed stick.

Regina flinched, but she kept her game face. These twins got a thrill from this. Whatever it was they were doing.

“You must have the ability to look down your nose to your peers. Head up!”

She suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. They were trying to teach her to be like them. Whether this was how Xiphis royalty should act, she didn’t know. But she was learning their ways. She needed to be ready.

“That is enough.”

Galisa and Pritha formed a line as Eadward, the highest ranking Council member, entered the room. How he came to this high position seemed to be a mystery to everyone outside of the Council.

“Princess Regina,” he said, turning his beady eyes her way. “It is time to test your knowledge on the history of Xiphis. Who were the first founding families?”

Regina cleared her throat and spoke so her voice carried throughout the room.

“There were three founding families,” she explained, folding her hands at her waist. “Axewolf, Frostdust, and Heartsword.”

“Name each member in the families.”

“Janelle and Georg Axewolf migrated to the new continent with only their most precious of possessions. Janelle was with child and gave birth to their daughter, Aria, shortly after arrival. Their first son was born four years later, to which they named Georg the Second. Maro was their youngest son, born nearly a decade after his brother, Georg.

“Nisroc Frostdust and his wife, Alis, came with their two children, Hadriel and Felice. Born five years after settling in Xiphis were their twin sons, Zazriel and Gabe. Tartys and Sasha Heartsword had fled with their eldest daughter, Hanna, who hadn’t even learned to speak yet. Six years following, Sasha bore twins; Jared and Cass. Derek was born a year later.

“The children born were the first to be called Xiphisians.”

Eadward nodded, “Very good,” he said. “You have a good memory. How long was it before Xiphis became a growing country?”

“The founding families shared their findings with other refugees of the Great War of the Æmienix. Colonization was established within a decade of the first settlers.”

“Why was the Heartsword name chosen as royalty?”

“With so many people, arguments arose among the families and tribes” Regina went on, making eye contact with her mentor; eye contact was important to show she was not intimidated. “Tartys and Sasha had good judgment and the other two families held them in high respects. The original plan was to form a small government to handle heavy disputes. Nisroc Frostdust thought it was better to have a king judging the nation instead. Upon popular vote, Tartys was crowned king. He and his wife reigned over Xiphis for ninety years.”

“Derek was not next in line to the throne,” said Eadward, tilting his head to one side. “Why was he crowned king in place of his brother, Jared? Or his sister, Hanna, who was eldest of the Heartsword children?”

“When Tartys was crowned king,” she replied with a shrug, “the founding families had agreed only a male heir would ascend the throne. If the heir should be a daughter, she must not be married and her successor would be a son of Heartsword kin, of her choice. Hanna married Georg Axewolf the Second, and was thus disregarded for her children would have the Axewolf name. Jared was next in line, but he joined the Anerathians in another great war, perishing in battle. Cass had passed on during early childhood, which left only Derek as heir to the throne.”

“When was he crowned king?”

“Six months prior to his father’s death. His mother died not long after.”

“Final question,” the head council member cleared his throat, staring into Regina’s eyes. “What became of Frostdust?”

“Nisroc’s children were raised within the royal guard,” she said, moving her hands to behind her back. “However, through the years, each family member was scattered with the wind. Eventually they had been bred out of the people. All except Felice, who remained loyal to the throne all her life.”

Regina swallowed, hoping to sooth the dryness in her throat. She had spent many hours the previous night studying the Xiphis chronicles. She absorbed as much information as her brain could handle. She was glad for it.

“Excellent.”

Eadward dismissed Galisa and Pritha with the wave of his hand. The sisters exchanged a glance before exiting the room.

“Adis and Arthos have outdone themselves,” he said, adjusting the collar of the long, dark gray cloak he wore. “What have they taught you of the Council?”

She exhaled and spoke calmly. “King Derek established the Council of Five to judge matters in the event he was not present in the palace. He and his new queen, Bethany, disappeared a year after their eldest daughter was born. Which has left the Council in charge in their absence.”

“What else have you learned?”

“Pardon?”

“What else have the Dawnglade brothers said to you of the Council?”

“The Council did everything they could to search for the missing royals. When nothing more could be done, a day of memorial was appointed. The Council has been in the seat of power for a hundred years . . .”

Eadward watched her for a long pause. He seemed satisfied with Regina’s answers. Behind him, the doors to the study hall opened. In entered Adis and Arthos Dawnglade. They were second and third to Eadward in the Council.

“There is a matter which needs you attention,” said Adis, the light-haired one, folding his arms over his chest as he nodded to Eadward. “Perhaps the Lady Regina should witness how we handle things.”

Regina didn’t like how she was being addressed. It had been made clear of her position in the royal court. Yes, this group had been in power for so long, even the people forgot there was a throne. They needed correcting, and Regina had to be the one to do it.

“Princess Regina,” she said.”

The two brothers gave her the “ten heads” look.

“You have not yet earned the title,” said Arthos, tilting his head with interest.

“It is my birthright,” she went on, standing taller. “According to the annals, which your very Council has written. Such titles cannot be earned but are given at birth. I am of Heartsword blood, the granddaughter of King Derek and Queen Bethany. Forthwith, you shall address me as Princess Regina. Until I have been crowned queen, for which then you will acknowledge me as such. To address me as anything else is a disrespect. Am I made clear?”

She glanced at Eadward who was now raising his eyebrow in scrutiny. She stood her ground. Even held her head the way Pritha and Galisa had instructed. She felt no fear. The three men huddled together. A mistake on their part. They didn’t know about Regina’s hearing yet. They would probably never know.

“She’s a quick study,” whispered Adis with a grunt. “Arthos and I withheld this information from her. Per your request, Lord Eadward; to test her.”

“We do not know how she came upon this knowledge,” Adis added.

“We can let the issue pass,” Eadward replied, “For the time being. We have ruled over Xiphis many years. We know what is right. However . . .”

They all glanced at her. She pretended to be admiring the tapestry, which hung on the far wall. It was a lovely representation of the palace she was currently in. The men glanced away and Regina further trained her ear on their conversation.

“Any other information must be given slowly,” Eadward went on. “If she figures things out, let her. I understand our positions are threatened by this altercation. We must avoid further damage.”

“Of course, Lord Eadward.”

They returned to their places in Front of Regina, standing several feet away, of course.

“Our apologies, princess,” said Adis with audible disdain.

“This was a test, of course,” said Eadward, watching his comrade. “As a royal of Xiphis, you must know your place and position. Clarifying your rank was the correct action, Princess Regina.”

“Of course,” she replied, nodding with false acceptance. “I know the Masters Dawnglade wished for me to observe your judgments, but I should like to retire and have a bath drawn.”

“We shall summon your handmaids, your highness.”

Regina smiled, but her expression had another meaning. A guard was called to escort her to her chambers. The remaining members of the of the Council entered as she left. Pritha and Galisa gave her the familiar stink eye as they crossed paths. She stood taller and squared her shoulders, nodding to them as she left.

* * *

“Thank your, Freydra,” Regina smiled at the girl when she offered to brush her hair, after her bath.

She moved to her mirror and sat on the satin-cushioned chair. Perfumes, powders and different hair pieces were all laid out on the table. There three kinds of hairbrushes and two different combs.

“It is pleasure, your highness,” replied the girl as she reached for the softest of the three brushes and stood behind Regina.

“How long has this Council of Five been in position?”

“Begging your pardon highness,” Freydra stammered, looking at her in the the mirror. “The lords and ladies have been in the seats of the Council for a hundred years.”

“The same members since the Council was established?” Regina asked, puzzled. “Forgive my questions. I am curious.”

“No, your highness. You are within right to ask.”

She nodded, “I suppose I surprised they have lived so long. They hardly look forty. How is it possible? Does everyone in Xiphis live so long, and looking so young?”

“No one knows for certain,” the servant sighed as she went on brushing Regina’s hair. “Most Xiphisians will live to eighty, some a hundred, years old. But they age, as they should. However, every fifteen years or so, the Council leaves on sabbatical. They return completely rejuvenated. They had only just returned when they received word of your existence, my lady.”

When the girl trailed off, Regina knew she wanted to say something else.

“You mat speak to me in strict confidence,” she whispered, reaching behind her to touch the girl’s trembling hand. “If there is anything I should know about the Council, please say so.”

“Highness, I would never keep information from you if I thought it were important for you to know. . . .”

The maid was scared. Regina turned and held her hands.

“Only reveal information as needed,” she smiled encouragingly. “You needn’t speak of anything unless my life depended on it. Can we agree, Freydra?”

The girl nodded, “Yes, your highness. You have my word.”

“Very well.”

Regina faced the mirror once more, letting Freydra finish her hair.

* * *

When Regina wasn’t learning Xiphis etiquette or studying the history books, she wandered the palace. She had grown familiar with the layout of her new home. She enjoyed her explorations. When she was not being hovered by the Council, that is. The only time she was truly left alone wither when she was sleeping, bathing, and dressing, or having a meal. During these occasions, she was in the company of her handmaids. They rarely left her on her own either. She truly did not like the Council, but she kept her sentiments hidden. If she so much as gave them any inclination of how she felt about them, there was a possibility they might throw her out. Finding a false reason to claim her unfit to rule. They had this kind of power, she knew.

She had come up with her own hidden agenda for when she was queen. There were little things she noticed needed changing. The servants walked the halls in fear. But not of her, of the Council.

Regina was left to her own devices this morning. She found it to be the perfect opportunity to explore the hidden tunnels. She had discovered five thus far, of which three led to the lounge area of her bed chambers. She felt around every bookshelf, searching for hidden seams in the walls, and looked behind all the portrait frames. Until she came to a door hidden behind her bed. She had to kneel on her pillows to push it open.

“Nice,” she whispered, glancing over her shoulder to be sure no one would enter by surprise. She scooted through the doorway and closed it behind her. The ceiling above her was lined with skylights, letting in natural daylight to the long hallway. She didn’t need to light the torches.

It was definitely a passage between the walls. Because the deeper she went, she could hear voices on the other sides. On her left, she could hear the muffled voices of servants and other palace staff. Discussing meal preparations and other duties. On her right, as clearly as they were standing next to her, Regina could hear the voices of the Council. She paused and even held her breath for fear of being found out.

“Too quick minded,” she heard Adis say, along with the slamming of, maybe, a fist on a table’s surface.

“All too similar,” added Arthos; his was full of his usual disdain.

“Our situation grows worse by the hour.”

They spoke in fragments. Their conversation didn’t make sense. Or perhaps it did, among themselves. Regina tried listening further; however, no other sounds came through the wall. It felt strange, even for her new hearing ability. It dawned on her she was still not breathing. She inhaled and filled her lungs with air. She then continued exploring the tunnel.

She came to an open area, with already lit torches on one wall and two covered frames on the opposite. There was an old suit of armor in the center of the same wall. Regina’s curiosity piqued. She went to the first frame and drew back the curtains. The first thing she noticed was the woman’s smile. So gentle and kind. Her gray eyes matched the emotion. She had high cheekbones and plump, red lips. Her hair was like a ray if yellow sunlight. Her skin fair and flawless. Regina glanced at the portrait description and nearly cried.

“Queen Bethany,” she whispered, running her fingers over the bottom of the wooden frame. “You were more beautiful than I could have imagined. I look more like you than I look my mother.”

She turned to the next set of curtains and drew them back. A man with a sharp, intelligent, blue gaze stared back at her. His strikingly red hair poked out from beneath the golden crown on his head. His description read: King Derek of Xiphis. “Arm thyself with the weapon of love, first. And that of war, second.”

Regina smiled and said, “I would have liked to know you. I would have loved to learn under your teachings. Not the Council.”

A chill came over her as she mentioned the group. There was nothing safe or wise about them. Yes, they had governed Xiphis for a very long time, but it felt wrong. They didn’t really want her to see how they handled court matters. Even when she was up for the challenge.

Regina jumped at the sound of a slamming door. It was coming from the second tunnel, which was on the opposite wall of the way she had come, from her room. She quickly returned the curtains to the way they were and hid behind the rusty suit of armor. She stood frozen as she listened to the different sets of footsteps. Which grew louder and closer. And then she heard the whispers.

“We cannot let this girl be an obstacle to all we have established.”

“And we won’t, Sister. You know he would never let it happen.”

* * *

Several days had passed before Regina could return to the tunnel. When she did, she brought Freydra with her. She showed her the portraits of her grandparents. The servant girl gasped and cover her mouth with both hands.

“Oh, my stars,” she whispered as she moved her hands to her heart. “You highness shares likeness to the Queen Bethany.”

“Why are they here?” Regina asked, shaking her head. “I would have they should be in the throne room or the main foyer.”

“I am sure the staff would agree, your ladyship.”

“As princess, I should be allowed to see these portraits in the open. Would I be rude in asking the Council why they are hidden?”

She glanced at Freydra. The girl pinched her lips together.

“If I may,” she said, lowering her voice. “I believe you should not let on that you found them here. Ask the Council why there are no portraits of your grandparents. Then demand they be returned and placed where you wish.”

The servant’s suggestion was wise. And she was correcting in advising Regina not to let the Council know she had found the portraits in the tunnel.

“I shall take your advice. Thank you Freydra.”