The Queen's Garden Mage

I burst into my room filled with excitement shirt soaked with sweat and feeling slightly drained but not overly so. Renka lay still fast asleep though Adri was nowhere in sight, Leaf trailed behind me practically vibrating with exhilaration even if he wasn’t positively sure what had transpired. “Renka,” I nudged the Marr gently. “Renka wake up…” I shook her a little more firmly.

“One more slither of the sun’s span…” She groaned trying to bury her head beneath the bed covers. I shook her some more until she flicked an ear in my direction. “What?” She mumbled grumpily.

“I did it.” I breathed climbing onto the bed.

I waited for her to uncover her head and take in my disheveled state. “What did you do?” Renka asked softly gazing up at me curiously.

“I went down to the dungeon…”

“Alone,” The Marr protested.

“That’s beside the point now,” I waved it away and hoped she’d forget the recklessness of my actions. The frustrated glint in her eyes told me otherwise. “I talked to the Princess, the Queen’s third child about the Void inside her. I already had an idea about it being similar to a weed but she helped me solidify it. I concluded that the Void is just the spirit of the vipers’ wrath that spans its borders which means I could speak to it…and so I let her touch me.”

Renka sat up, “You could have been…”

“Infected,” I finished for her watching her nostrils flare, sure that she was angry now. “Yes I know but I wasn’t.” Between her and Adri I felt as if I couldn’t do anything. “I convinced it to change Renka. I made it something beautiful, something bright, soft, and fading…” I sighed. “Fading in those who feel intruded upon and lingering in those who need it most. It’s encouragement and confidence and all that’s good. I got it to stop spreading I just have to make a place for it, where it can grow here in Angileri. Where all the green is…”

“I now understand what the Princess was talking about when she called you a reckless idiot. Admittedly I got a bit of that with the jumping from trees and off of bridges and risking your life. You could have been infected…” She raised her hand. “You weren’t I got that and I’m happy that you figured this all out, but you literally died yesterday or nearly two sun spans ago now.”

“Yes, but I didn’t…” Renka shook her head.

“If that’s your only argument it’s not good enough.” I sighed softly leaning back against the headboard.

“I can’t change who I am…”

“No but you can take someone with you, there is nothing wrong with someone having your back. I don’t care what you do, all this time I’ve been following you around have I said anything? No, because I was with you. Just next time wake me up, or the Princess.” She laid back down. “How are you feeling after that? Tired at all?”

“A bit…and I knew I could handle myself.” She snapped her teeth at me, like that first time in Lialey’s Inn. “I realize that it’s different now, that my position as Head Gardener calls for less recklessness, as well I have people that care for me and do not wish to see me hurt or dead. I understand that I do…but…”

“Your heart is just too big sometimes and you can’t help yourself.” Renka finished for me smiling softly, gently nudging her brow lightly against mine. She tugged playfully at my collar pressing a tender kiss to my lips. I felt my heart skip a beat, as she moved her mouth against mine. For a moment I sat motionless eyes fluttering closed as I hesitantly kissed her back. She tasted of apples, far better than any I’d ever eaten, which is saying something considering I could create a perfect fruit. Renka bit my lip gently near feather light, and yet it left a noticeable sting. I hissed softly remembering the power in those teeth and noting the control it must have taken not to break skin or even bite right through my lip. “Next time I won’t be so gentle.” She warned softly before snuggling back among the bed covers. “As well I’d lose those clothes and pretend you just went to the bathroom if you don’t want the Princess to know right this moment…you’re more likely to actually get sleep if she doesn’t.”

“What about the kiss?” I questioned brow furrowed as I stripped out of my clothes rubbing myself down before climbing back into bed, Leaf took them from me and tucked them in the closet sensing the need for secrecy.

Renka chuckled closing her eyes, “You should have stayed awake a little longer Head Gardener.”

“Renka…Renka…” I whispered nudging her softly but I received no answer.

I gave up when Adri walked back into the room carrying a tray on which sat a pitcher of water and several beautifully designed wooden cups. “It took me forever to find the kitchens,” She set the tray on the nightstand beside where she’d lain previously. “Cook would be so jealous if she were here…”

“Is she alive?” I asked as she trailed off lost in thought.

“I’m not sure, a lot of people fled, some did not, many were infected and more than I would have liked killed. The city…” Adri took a sip of water from her cup. I glanced down to see Renka’s eyes wide open, ears quivering slightly as she listened. Leaf stood guard in the corner out of sight and out of mind. “It took generations to rebuild after the war with the dragons…and he destroyed it all in just about three seven days.” The Princess took a deep breath, a single tear streaming down her cheek, eyes dark with pain. “I have never hated someone more than I hate that man.”

I wrapped my arms around her from behind pulling her back against me, “We’ll defeat him Adri…”

“We’ll defeat him, but even then we’ve already lost so much.” I pressed a tender kiss to her cheek while Renka soothingly rubbed her thigh.

“I was saying just over two sun spans ago I think it was, why not just live here…” Renka supplied tentatively. “Then it was just a thought, an idea, a dream. But perhaps it can become a reality. What would it take if we’ve already lost everything?”

We sat in silence for a while, allowing Adri to process her words, in the end without the presence of the Queen it was her call. The Princess sighed softly, “Let’s just sleep and figure it all out after. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. Hopefully an end…one way or another.”

I shifted Adri to the middle so that Renka and I could cuddle her from both sides… “There are rooms enough to house a thousand servants and at least a hundred royals. Why are we all sharing my room?” I asked curiously after a moment of thought.

Adri chuckled slightly, while Renka snorted reaching over to gently close my eyes. “Go to sleep Head Gardener. War is tiring and you need your rest.” I grumbled softly but soon found myself drifting into slumber with Adri’s scent filling my nose and Renka’s taste lingering on my lips. It was one of the best sleeps I’ve ever had.

War…I stood in the corner of Mariel’s cell donned in armor made of finely carved wood, supple leather softening the side that lay snug against my body, thinking about war while I waited for her to wake up. “How long have you been standing there?” She husked pushing into a sitting position.

I blinked coming back to myself tracing my fingers lightly over my helmet, a large leaf curled at the brow making it more ornate, though I knew it was very effective protection. It would also hide me in the forest, just as the thin layer of moss would help shield my armor. “How are you feeling?” I asked softly avoiding her question. I could see the Void shinning softly within her, near about gone now.

“Like myself.” Mariel rubbed her hand gently over her chest. “Is that what you wanted to hear?” She replied after a brief moment of silence.

I tossed her the coiled vine whip I’d never gotten rid of, “Would you like to stay here until it’s all over? Or do you want to help guard this place?”

The Princess vanished in a small cloud of shimmering shadows, “Do you really need to ask?” I turned to find her standing outside her cell beside Leaf, whip slung over her shoulder. “Where do I get myself armor like that?” She questioned as I stepped out of the cell and closed the door behind me.

“Become a Gardener and I’ll think about telling you.” She snorted at my reply before trailing behind me up the stairs.

Leaf poked at her curiously trying to see if his hand would go through her I think. I could easily sense his curiosity. Mariel gazed down at him inquisitively, he’d finally stopped sprouting leaves and flowers but the overall effect of being covered in so much green is that he appeared harmless. The green that rode him remained silent…because it was all a part of him, it made sense. One voice for one being. “What is that?” The Princess asked leaning close as I lead her back to my rooms, I could see her eyes tracking every corridor, while she gazed at the murals on the walls with muted fascination. Not as obvious as Renka had been.

“It was a chair…” I glanced behind us as we passed through the corridor smelling of apples. Leaf stopped beneath the branch still sprouting from the wall, using a small bit of magic I caused an apple to grow. He raised his small hands and caught it easily before holding it to his visor. Mariel and I watched mesmerized as he ate. “Now his name is Leaf, a little green knight.”

We waited for him to catch up before proceeding on our way, “What does he do?” Mariel lightly traced a flower blooming on his head pulling her hand away quickly when he glanced up.

I traced my fingers through my hair still not quite used to its short length, “I’m sure he fights considering his little wooden sword, but otherwise he just follows me around exploring new things. I’ll be leaving him with you.” The Princess bowed her head in a nod brow furrowed slightly.

“Can he die…” I gazed down at him curiously, staring at his plate armor that had once been the seat of a chair now covered in braided vines.

“I don’t know.” I answered honestly. “Treat him as if he can. Like a mythical being you’ve never seen before.” I offered not wanting him to be sacrificed lightly. He was innocent, a child really and it would sadden me to see him destroyed unnecessarily.

“I’ll defend him the best I can with just a whip…” She murmured wryly.

“I don’t even think you know how to use that thing,” I countered raising my brow as I took it back. “It was a test; I can defend against a whip made from plants. I didn’t want to chance you attacking me with a sword.” I pushed open the door to my room, now empty save for the spirit sitting on the windowsill. Someone had made the bed, Renka or Adri…perhaps both. The tray holding the pitcher of water and wooden cups was gone. I moved towards a section of the wall made of bamboo panels instead of smooth seamless wood and tucked my fingers into a little groove using it to slide open the closet.

“I thought that was a design…” Mariel glanced at the other parts of the wall with bamboo panels. “What are those two?” She pointed to the one opposite the closet on the other side of the room perpendicular to the long window, and then the one adjacent to the door.

“The one across the room is the bathroom, with a pool large enough for four to bath in comfortably, a toilet with constant running water and a basin to wash your hands. There are drying cloths for your body and hands as well as cloths and soap to wash your body. Most of the soaps are herbal in nature and therefore very relaxing. Just about every room in this wing has the same thing. The pools of water are all connected…don’t ask me how. They run from a hot spring so they’re always pretty hot even during the winter.” I explained as I pulled out clothes that would fit her, glad that my brother had just about brought my whole wardrobe.

“The other is decoration so that all the walls save for the one with the window, match.” I kneeled down and opened a bamboo panel inside the closet to reveal a space hiding two swords and another dagger. One sword was black similar to the color of the blade I carried on my hip but longer, a scimitar if I was guessing correctly by the shape. The other was pale and of a similar size and shape to the first.

“You have swords and daggers hidden in the floors?” Mariel questioned brows raised as I handed her a pile of clothing, the paler of the two swords and the dagger after sheathing them properly. The other sword I buckled to my hip beside my dagger of vipers’ wrath.

“Those were there long before I discovered this room…but I figured it’s better to use them than to let them go to waste sitting in this closet.” I tipped my head towards the bathroom as I closed the door. “Bathe, get clean. I’ll send a guide to help you find the others. They’ll lead you to the Ancients guarding the entrance. Every one there is at your disposal, from the royal guards and recruits, few though they are, to the soldiers lent to us by the King of Dangilere. As I said, you have Leaf and Eden will be staying here to help with your brother of course.” I moved towards the window, turning in place, helmet tucked beneath my arm. “There are also centaurs…” I offered not wanting her to be shocked when she met her guide. “Good fortune Princess.” I hesitated for a moment before adding. “Keep our people safe.”

“I’ll do as you ask…” Mariel bowed slightly, blue eyes sparking with fire. I pulled on my helmet. It fit snuggly covering my head fully, curving around my ears and over my brow so that I could still see and hear, before coming down on either side to protect the sides of my face without hindering my peripheral vision. Like my armor, soft leather lined the inside adding an extra layer of protection and comfort. I leaned my hands on the windowsill, breathing deeply as I gazed out at a world of green all of it whispering to me of wonder and life. “Gardener.”

I glanced over my shoulder to see Mariel standing close beside me, Leaf stood close at hand holding her clothes and her weapons. She placed her hand gently on my shoulder and looked me in the eyes, expression softening. “Bring that man to his knees…and ensure our Queen makes it home.”

I grasped her arm in a warrior clasp, bowing over our joined arms. “I’ll do as you ask to the best of my ability.” I promised. She tipped her head in respect before releasing my arm and disappearing in a cloud of shadowy darkness her clothing and her sword gone from Leaf’s arms. He turned to me for guidance and I pointed towards the bathroom. “She’s in there…protect her. She’s more important than I am.” I smiled softly as Leaf ran towards the door, warmed by the fact that in his eyes no one was more important than I.

For a moment I just stood observing it all, the sun shining down on the ancients filling this place, the birds flying through the sky and diving playfully through the trees. I could see one of the empty plots that perhaps would be a garden in time. Several people and centaurs strode across bridges made of trees and vines. It wasn’t full by a long shot…we were missing more than half of the population of Anear. I could not say for sure if most had escaped, I knew not all had. I thanked the Goddess for my connection to Rhea, allowing me to hear her, to feel her in my mind. She was alive, healthy and whole. She and her mother had been among those able to escape before the Void truly spread and for that I was grateful. I breathed deeply enjoying all the fresh scents of the green that reached my nose. War…I leapt out the window catching a vine as I fell and swinging onto the massive bridge below. Fawlin raised her brow as I landed beside her but chose not to comment. It was not kind…

I stumbled as someone smacked me soundly on the back of the head, instantly pulled from my thoughts. I whirled around to find Fletcher standing behind me. She shrugged, “I was instructed by the Princess and our cousin of the Horse People that if you did anything reckless without someone about, to smack you soundly upside the head.”

“I was perfectly safe,” I argued without real heat lips twitching slightly as Fletcher gazed up at the distance from my window, which you could hardly see from this angle, to where we stood now.

She began trotting forward with Fawlin and I trailing behind, I jogged to keep up taking her offered hand before jumping as she pulled landing with a thump on her back. “Your idea of safe and mine differ greatly.” She countered as I wrapped my arms around her waist clad in leather armor and firmly clenched my thighs about her girth as she moved from a trot to a gallop, Fawlin pulling up beside us easily keeping pace.

I snorted softly but otherwise gave no comment, “Did you grab what you needed?” Fawlin questioned referring to my need to go back while everyone moved forward and set up without us.

I glanced over my shoulder no longer able to see the palace hidden in plain sight among the green. “Yeah…I found it exactly where I knew it would be.”

“Where’s your little green knight?” Fletcher asked once she realized he’d not come with us.

“I left him behind, though I’m sure he’ll catch up.” Fletcher and Fawlin bowed their heads in understanding before falling silent. As we grew closer to the entrance of this place the atmosphere grew more tense with anticipation of what was to come. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as the centaurs rode on. War…I thought briefly. We were going to wage a small war…

I left the Queen’s third child in charge of her brother, the few innocents that had escaped with us like Tailaan and Dahni, half the soldiers, the royal guards, the centaurs, the recruits and most of the Healers. My brother and Emery led the rest of the soldiers and the remainder of the healers through the city in search of small bands of the soldiers Prince Eris infected or managed to convince to commit treason. Renka, Libeth, Adri, Taeli and I traveled through the forest. The goal was to sneak in through the Pleasure Garden, while Reason lead the soldiers straight to the front of the palace, creating commotion and therefore a distraction. Hopefully giving us enough time to find her Majesty who with good fortune, was still alive and then apprehend Prince Eris. It was a simple plan, we prayed to the Goddess that it would work.

“Am I the only one that just realized that we have three very important people key to our nations continuation heading directly into the heart of something that will likely end badly?” Libeth questioned as we passed the tomb of trees I’d created a few seven days prior. It felt like a small eternity ago now.

Renka snorted, “A future Queen, a Princess from a foreign land and a Head Gardener who could probably level the city if she wished. No I’m sure we’re all very aware of what we’re walking into.” She glanced at Libeth with glowing eyes. “We’re all grown women here, we’ve made our choices. Now we just have to live with them…” She glanced over her shoulder at the chamber of death, eyes grave. “Or die by them…” The Marr finished softly before turning away.

“No one’s dying if I can help it.” Adri countered trying to recognize where we were in relations to the palace with no avail. I didn’t hold it against her. It took sun cycles for me to figure it out.

“So long as no one dies we should be fine, considering we have two of the strongest Healers in Angileri among us.” I offered softly tracing my fingers lightly over the bark of a newly dead tree brow furrowed. I pulled away when I heard the hint of seductive murmuring slowly fading into something encouraging…it would disappear in time and this tree would become something new. I gazed into the forest along the path that would lead us to the palace, my heart heavy in my chest as I listened closing my eyes and trying to see through the trees up ahead of us. It felt as if I were trying to gaze through sand, impossible.

I clenched my fist as I opened my eyes silent tears streaming down my face. Renka placed her hand on my shoulder as Adri stepped up beside me. “What’s wrong?” They asked simultaneously concern in their voices, one light and sweet, the other lower, a bit deeper with the pain of living but no less lovely.

“The forest…past this point, is all weeds…The trees still stand, but they’re just pretty shells holding the Void.” I moved forward whipping my face as I looked for the spirits I’d once known and saw none, just the fading darkness, and growing light of the Void. One day…it would be something new, something beautiful but the spirits that I had known and loved were gone for good. It hurt to know that I would likely never see them again.

“Are we in danger?” Taeli questioned hesitating in moving any further beyond where we stood.

“No…the Void is changing, willing to plant roots and stand still. This is a good a place as any for it to flourish. I just wish…” I gazed around me for a brief moment before moving forward allowing Renka’s hand to drop from my shoulder. “I just wish I could have said goodbye.”

I stopped after a few steps head cocked slightly as I listened to the green, a shrill cry filled the air alerting us to the fact that my brother and his soldiers had reached the palace. “We have to hurry…” I held Adri back before she could run off.

“I have to do something first…it’s important to me.” I finished softly when they all turned to me.

Adri and Renka shared a look, “You go on ahead,” Renka offered. “Your mother’s in there and I know you’re aching to save her. I’ll go with the Head Gardener. We’ll meet you.”

“Promise?” Adri questioned conflict sparking in her eyes as she gazed at us, wanting to stay but in her heart needing to go.

“Promise.” We spoke together before urging her on.

Libeth slapped me lightly on the back, “Resist the urge to die.”

“I’ll do my best.” I replied wryly.

“That’s all I ask.” She raced after the Princess not wishing to lose her. Taeli pressed a kissed to my cheek and stroked her fingers through my hair before she too was gone.

“Just tell me what we’re about to do won’t make us break our promise.” Renka said turning to me once they’d disappeared from view.

“What we’re about to do won’t make us break our promise.” I said what she wished me to say as I started jogging towards the Queen’s forth Garden, Katerina Lake.

“I feel like you’re just repeating what I said.” Renka countered catching up to me.

“I said exactly what you asked me to say,” I heard the snapping of her teeth close to my ear and chuckled softly.

What are we doing?” We broke through the trees and found ourselves on a familiar sandy beach. Renka stopped me at the edge of the water, once a beautiful healthy blue, now a murky brackish green, waiting for an answer.

I pointed to the large dying, near dead mass of petals still floating in the center of the lake. “That’s the only thing that survived.” I gazed at her. “I don’t need to go any further to know that all the Gardens I’ve once tended are long dead. He poisoned them…he poisoned the land knowing how long it would take to heal. Even if we defeat him…even if he dies. He’ll never be forgotten, he ensured it.” I moved towards the water only to be stopped again.

“There’s something in the lake…” Renka murmured softly stepping out into shallow water. “A serpent I think.” She gazed back at me, “I had thought it probably wasn’t there before.” I stepped into the water with her glancing down as if I could see to the very depths of the lake. “I didn’t much know this Prince Eris before coming here…but I can honestly say I’m really starting to hate him now.”

“I’ve disliked him since I met him and hated him since he attacked the Heir…now. Now I feel a simmering rage for all the things he’s taken from me.” I gazed at the distance between the shore and the dying Alia rose we needed to reach. “Can you tell how large it is by sound alone?”

Renka crouched down ear flicked toward the water. She sat there listening for a long time, brow furrowed in concertation. “Large enough to swallow us whole. I lost it…I think it’s at the bottom.” She stood, “I think I could reach the flower and retrieve what you want…but I won’t make it back before it reaches the surface. As soon as I enter the water and start swimming, it’ll be coming for me.” I watched her nostrils flare in frustration. “How badly do you need what lies inside of there?” She turned to face me observing my face beneath my helmet. She wore the same armor the centaurs wore made mostly of leather. It was enchanted so that it would change when she transformed.

“It is the only thing that remains of all the Gardens I’ve tended for the whole of my life. The only green thing left uninfected and free of poison. Anear is uninhabitable…part of our forest dead. Our palace no doubt destroyed. If we leave here, and I’m sure we must. I want something good to remember.” Renka bowed her head in understanding before stripping out of her armor.

“Just don’t let me break our promise?” She tossed aside her shirt and pulled off her boots, slinging her braid over her shoulder.

I unwound the whip I’d gotten back from Mariel and moved to the lip of the cliff hidden beneath the water. “I won’t.” I promised speaking softly as if the serpent hiding in the depths of the lake could hear me. Renka pressed a quick tender kiss to my lips before diving into the water swimming for all she was worth towards the center of the lake.

I watched with my heart in my throat as Renka swam, pumping her arms and kicking her legs as quickly and efficiently as she could. I thought for sure she was safe, but just as she reached the dead plants blocking the dying rose the serpent broke the surface and my heart stopped. It looked like a dragon without wings, two large iridescent eyes glowed ominously tracking across the surface of the water with the precision of a predator. I snapped my whip drawing its attention. “Hey ugly?!”

I flicked the whip again as Renka pulled herself from the water reaching her hand into the heart of the large Alia rose. The serpent roared, I snapped my whip as it charged catching it around its thick neck. I pulled it taunt, the whip glowing with the strength of my magic. With a grunt of effort, I stepped backward pulling seeds from my pouch as I did so. Sweat beaded on my brow as vines grew quickly in my palm, falling past the edge of my hand into the water. I murmured a furious request as I slipped towards the lip of the cliff water splashing as I struggled to remain in control of a beast at least ten times my size. Once I was sure that the vines had done as I asked, I wrapped the vines around the whip and let go. I knew that the vines had burrowed into the cliff beneath the water with sharp tips, they would continue digging into earth made soft by the water until they couldn’t burrow anymore. I poured my magic into the vines, into the whip now twinned with them, healing the plants as they tore. Trying to keep them together long enough for Renka to make it back to shore. All the while the serpent thrashed and roared trying to escape straining towards Renka as she dove back into the water.

I watched her progress, feeling time slow as, despite my magic, the vines broke with one great surge of strength from the serpent. Horror filled me as the serpent’s maw stretched wide enough for a grown man to stand tall and it raised itself from the water before crashing down where Renka had been. The water lapped against my legs in wave. “Renka…” I pulled off my helmet and tossed it aside, quickly stripping out of my armor preparing to dive in after her despite the fact that the serpent had probably reached the depths of the lake. A deepness I would likely never reached before the need for air became too great, tears burned in my eyes as I tossed aside my breast plate.

Just as I prepared to do the impossible the water began to bubble, frothing red with blood. I sunk to my knees at the edge of the cliff bloody water staining my clothes. I flinched as a hand shot out of the water grasping the leather collar circling my neck. I pulled back out of self-preservation. Renka crawled from the water hand still wrapped around my collar before flopping down beside me bloody water streaming from her face. “Gods…” She gasped letting the shallow water pass over her. “I thought I was going to die.”

I gazed at the water where the serpent lay dead floating upon its surface. “Why aren’t you?” I asked curiously standing quickly, tucking my arms beneath her before pulling her completely from the water growing more bloody by the second. She lay on the sand breathing deeply fist clutched to her chest.

“I panicked…in its throat I think and transformed. The world exploded and I was free. I swam blind hoping that I was heading up, not down and just when I felt as if my lungs would burst I saw my collar as familiar to me as my own name.” I brushed her hair back from her face leaning down to place a kiss on her brow. “You’re so lucky I love you…I’d not have risked my life for seeds if it were anyone else.”

I chuckled softly as she opened her fist revealing the seeds that had once lain at the heart of the Alia rose. I took them gently and tucked them safely into my pouch. “You love me?” I questioned after I was sure they weren’t in danger of falling out.

“Maybe just a tad…” Renka murmured closing her eyes as I stroked her brow.

I smiled softly pressing another kiss to her brow, “We have to move now. We have a promise to keep remember?

Renka moaned softly before pushing herself into a sitting position and reaching for her armor. I did the same, feeling grateful that Renka wasn’t normal by any means. If she was she’d be dead. I watched her as she shook as much sand from her clothing as she could, grumbling softly. My armor wrapped around me snuggly in an embrace. I pulled my helmet on my head after slicking my hair back. “Are we riding or running?” Renka asked once she’d finished.

“It’s up to you…” Renka raced forward before I could finish my sentence and I raced after her jumping as she transformed. I landed on her back clutching at her mane chuckling softly as she tossed her head. I’d know the choice she’d make as soon as she asked, as fascinated as she was by my magic. She grew a bit sick by the world moving by us in shimmering waves. I didn’t hold it against her, there were very few who could stand it for long. Rosen and Libeth chief among them.