The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Dracia limped as she walked towards the stables. Even though her leg was sore, it was feeling much better, and she was able to walk without a cane now. It was a good thing, because soon they would need to move into Lanoxan. More news had come of small villages being taken by Navalian forces, some lower lords losing their lands and others being killed. Dracia could not take much more news of losing her people without taking some kind of action. Within the next two weeks they would need to move out no matter how much her leg might still ache at times.

She wasn’t up to riding, not yet. She had asked Roderick to take a morning ride with her in a few days as she felt her leg would be ready by then. Today she just wanted to take a few moments to see Aarit before she joined Lexine and Galen in the library. Leal had gone to speak with Ethen, and Dracia had just left Maia after spending some time with her.

Dracia walked into the stables, smiling at an attendant who was walking out. She went to the stall that held Aarit and whistled for him. Her horse whinnied and stuck his large, black head out towards her so she could pat his nose.

“There is my fine fellow,” said Dracia happily. “I have missed you, my friend.”

Aarit shook his head slightly in excitement as Dracia laughed. She had seen him a few times since breaking her leg, and she knew Roderick was making sure that he got plenty of exercise. Still, she missed riding Aarit as she was used to doing it daily. He was a horse, but he was important to her. She was very found of him.

“Have they been taking good care of you?” asked Dracia softly. “It seems they have, and I know Roderick has been taking you out to run. Soon, you and I will see how fast we can go in between the trees of the forest. I shall leave Leal behind so he cannot stop us.”

Aarit tossed his head as if in agreement, and Dracia smiled. “Leal is very good, you know. You do have to like him for me, because as much as I care for you, I think I might love him a bit more.”

Aarit tossed his head again as Dracia pulled out a small apple from her pocket. “Here you silly beast. Have a treat, and remember who is the master here.”

“He is a fine horse, your majesty,” said Lady Selene as she walked towards Dracia.

Dracia stroked, Aarit’s nose as she smiled at Lady Selene. “He is a very fine horse, my lady. I do not know a better one. I suppose you heard me taking to him.”

“I did, but it is no matter. I speak with my Ruby as well. I may be silly, but I think she might understand what I am saying to her,” said Lady Selene.

“I don’t think it is silly. I am certain dear Aarit understand me. Don’t you, sweet boy,” said Dracia. “We don’t always agree though.”

Lady Selene gave a small laugh. “Typical headstrong male, I suppose.”

Dracia smiled. “Are you going for a ride by yourself?”

“No, I just came here to see Ruby and be alone for a while,” said Lady Selene. “You think it would be easier to find a quiet moment in such a large palace, but there is always someone about.”

“I am sorry I have interrupted your solitude. I will be gone in a moment,” said Dracia.

“I don’t mind you being here. I barely see you, especially with you always so preoccupied with your king.”

“Leal does demand a lot of my attention, but I do not mind it. I don’t like being away from him long either,” said Dracia as she gave Aarit one last pat.

“You are both lucky to have found each other,” said Lady Selene. “I believe you are very well suited for one another.”

“We are,” said Dracia happily. “I have known him almost my whole life, and I have never met another who makes me feel as he does.”

“Very lucky, indeed,” said Lady Selene with a sigh.

“How are things going with Roderick? I hope you don’t mind me being so bold,” said Dracia as she turned to looked at Lady Selene.

“You should know by now I don’t mind boldness, your majesty,” said Lady Selene. “I suppose you could say things are much the same. He is kind to me. We have good conversations, but he has not given me any indication he wants things to go further.”

“Have you encouraged him? Have you let him know you are interested in a more intimate relationship?” asked Dracia.

“I have flirted with him shamelessly, you must have seen it,” said Lady Selene as Dracia nodded. “But I am not sure what to do beyond it. I have never had to work hard for a man to want to pay more attention to me. I know that sounds very boastful.”

“I am sure it is the truth. I can look at you, and see that many men would be very eager if you gave them the smallest sign you were interested,” said Dracia.

“I suppose you know what it is like. You must have had many men interested in you,” said Lady Selene.

“I have had my fair share of attention, though I have gotten good at scaring men off who I don’t wish to be around,” said Dracia with a laugh.

“Roderick did say that. He said you could be quite intimidating when you want to be. I can see that it is very true.”

“I have done what I have to do to gain respect as the High Captain of the Sentinel. It has not been easy,” said Dracia.

“I imagine not, though I have heard some of the soldiers talk after the battle. They said they have never seen some of the things you did during the fight. Your skills must speak for themselves,” said Lady Selene.

“You would think so, but some men always like to dismiss women when they can. I have been underestimated many times,” said Dracia as she shook her head.

“To the detriment of those who underestimated you, I am sure,” said Lady Selene. “I do not underestimate you. I think you might be able to do anything you wish.”

“I have limits the same as any man or woman,” said Dracia. “I have many faults as well.”

“I have a hard time believing it listening to Roderick talk about you,” said Lady Selene. “He does rather worship you.”

Dracia sighed. “I hope you don’t think it is more than it really is, my lady. Roderick and I have been friends for many years. It is nothing more.”

“But it is,” said Lady Selene. “Even your husband has told me you are in love with him.”

“Leal said that?” asked Dracia with a gasp. “You must have misunderstood him.”

“No, he said those words,” said Lady Selene with a smile. “But he did explain it wasn’t in a way that would be a threat to him or anyone who might be interested in winning Roderick’s heart. The king told me that love comes in many different forms, and while you love Roderick completely it is very different than the love you feel for your husband.”

Dracia smiled, thinking how wonderful her husband really was. “He is right. I do love Roderick. There isn’t much I wouldn’t do for him, but it is not the way I love Leal.”

Lady Selene nodded. “I do not see you as a threat to my interest in Roderick, your majesty, not anymore. I will admit I felt some jealousy towards you at first, but now I see how it truly is. Roderick will always be dedicated to you, and you to him, but there is still room in his life for another, if he will allow it.”

“You are right,” said Dracia. “I wish he would allow it. I wish he would admit how he felt for you, and get this right. I do want him to be happy, you as well.”

“I believe you,” said Lady Selene. “And I am honored you think I am worthy of your friend.”

Dracia nodded as the second bell of the afternoon rang from the palace. “I must be going, but I have enjoyed speaking with you, my lady.”

Lady Selene nodded. “I always look forward to speaking with you, your majesty. Our conversations are always interesting.”

“I agree,” said Dracia. “Before I go, can I give you some advice? You do not have to take it.”

“I will gladly listen to anything you have to say.”

“Roderick is not put off by strong women. I believe he rather likes them. If you were to make the first move towards a deeper relationship with him, I do not believe he would be opposed,” said Dracia. “I believe you are a strong, bold woman, Lady Selene. If you really want him, I say go get him.”

Lady Selene laughed. “I rather like your line of thinking, your majesty.”

“I believe we could be great friends, Lady Selene. It pleases me to think you could be a bigger part of my life someday,” said Dracia. “I would very much like it if you would call me Dracia in more intimate settings.

“I would like that as well as long as you call me Selene,” said Lady Selene with a small bow.

“Done,” said Dracia. “Good day, Selene. I wish you must luck in your endeavors.”

Dracia turned and walked from the stables, hoping the woman would take her advice to heart. She walked into the palace and to the library to find Lexine sitting by herself at the large table in the middle.

“Where is Galen?” asked Dracia as she sat down next to Lexine.

Lexine shrugged. “I am not sure,” she said quietly. “I have not seen him today.”

“Are you two still not speaking to one another?” asked Dracia. “I thought you would have made amends by now.”

“We speak, but it is usually very formal and short,” said Lexine. “I did apologize to him, but it hasn’t seemed to do any good.”

“Perhaps, it will just take time. I am sure all will be right soon,” said Dracia.

“What if I have ruined things between us forever, Dracia?” said Lexine with tears in her eyes. “I love him so much, and I miss him. I don’t want to be without him.”

“Oh, Lex, I am sure it will all be alright. Galen is a good man, and I know he loves you. It will all work out,” said Dracia as she put her arm around Lexine’s shoulder.

Lexine shook her head. “You don’t know that. I wish I had never said those stupid words. I don’t know what possessed me to do it. I don’t believe Galen is below me in anyway. I really don’t. He is everything I have ever wanted.”

Dracia gave Lexine a sad smile and a small hug. “Give it some time, Lex. He will come out of whatever this mood is, and all will be well. Do you want me to speak with him?”

Lexine wiped her eyes and shook her head. “No, please don’t. I want him to figure out what he wants on his own.”

“Very well, I will leave Galen alone, but if your brother sees you crying, you know he will intervene. I believe he has already spoken to Galen once,” said Dracia.

“Leal should know it was all my fault. Galen did nothing wrong. I was just upset thinking of you being in danger. I said some awful things to you as well,” said Lexine.

“Which you have apologized for, and I have accepted. I know you only said those things because you care about me, and you are somewhat right in a way. I do need to see to all my duties as queen and that includes furthering the Cassendar line.”

“But only when you are ready,” said Lexine. “You will be a wonderful mother, someday. I really believe you will.”

“I hope you are right. I am not sure I have had a good example,” said Dracia.

“No, but you will not be like Lady Owena. I am sure you will expect much of your child, but you will also be kind and loving. I hope you aren’t holding back because of any fears of the type of parent you will be.”

Dracia smiled. She hadn’t really given it much thought. She always thought she would want to have a child or multiple children with Leal, but when it came down to it, she wasn’t sure what type of mother she would be. She would like to be a good parent. She was sure Leal would be an excellent father.

Before Dracia could respond, the door opened, and Galen walked in carrying a stack of books. He came to the table and sat across from Dracia.

“Good afternoon, Galen,” said Dracia.

“Good afternoon, High Captain, your highness,” said Galen as he nodded at Lexine.

Lexine sighed, and Dracia thought she might cry. “Hello, Galen.”

“I am sorry I was late. I was with my brother getting some messages ready to send out with a few Elites.”

“It is fine, but let’s get started,” said Dracia. “I believe there is a book you have been wanting me to take a look at?”

“Yes, it is right here. I meant to give it to you last week, but things happened,” said Galen, his words trailing off at the end.

Galen opened the book to a certain page and handed it to Dracia. “Have you ever seen a picture like this? This book is on the gods of the kingdoms, and I have never seen anything like this in any other thing I have read about any of the gods.”

Dracia looked at the picture of three women. She had not seen anything like it, but for some reason it looked very familiar to her. She stared at the three women as she brushed the picture with her fingertips. She felt a small bolt of something tingle her fingers and shoot up into her hand.

“There is some writing on the next page,” said Galen as he reached over and turned the page. “I thought you might see what you could make of it.”

Dracia nodded and lightly put her fingers over the strange words. She felt herself be pulled into the words as the world around her disappeared. She was standing on top of a large hill. The grass was green and the sky very blue. It was warm, but a cool breeze blew around her. It was a perfect day. They kind of day she liked to lie in the hills back home with Leal when she was younger, and watch the sky as they talked about nothing in particular.

“We should not be bowing down to his wishes, sister,” said a woman in a light voice that almost sounded like a song. Dracia turned to see a blonde woman with bright blue eyes staring up at her.

“She is right, dear one,” said another voice, this one deeper, but still musical. “We have the power to do as we wish. You cannot think his plan a good one.”

Dracia looked and saw another blonde woman who was identical to the one on her other side except she had astonishingly green eyes. “I see no problem with his plan,” Dracia heard herself say. “It is time the created ones take responsibility for themselves.”

“You are blinded by your fondness of the leader,” said the woman with blue eyes. “I have seen how you look at him.”

“I have heard how you talk to him,” said the woman with green eyes. “He will only disappoint you. He will only hold you back.”

“Hold me back from what?” Dracia asked. “From becoming blind to anything but my own desires like the two of you? I do not wish to become like either of you.”

“You don’t mean it, sister,” said the woman with blue eyes. “Sophie, you cannot mean it.”

“I do. We have to listen to our fellow creators, especially Barin. We have sworn to follow his ways.”

“We choose not to do so. We will make our own way and our own land, and you will come with us sister,” said the woman with blue eyes.

“I will not,” said Dracia. “I cannot. I will not go against Barin or any of our fellow creators.”

“You cannot exist without us,” said the woman with blue eyes. “You will perish.”

“It is you who cannot exist without me, actually,” said Dracia. “You know it is true. I have other plans for us, anyway.”

“What plans?” asked the woman with green eyes.

“You will see, sister,” said Dracia as she looked out over the hills to see a man on a horse staring at her. He had sandy blonde hair and hazel eyes. Dracia felt herself smile as the man smiled at her.

“You will ruin Resquarian with your actions,” said the woman with blue eyes.

“No, I will save it,” said Dracia.

She felt something grab her arm, and she was pushed to the side. Dracia shook her head and looked around. She was back in the library with Galen and Lexine looking at her in worry.

“Dracia, are you alright?” asked Lexine as she reached over and touched Dracia’s hand.

“I am fine,” said Dracia shaking her head again. “I really am.”

“We said your name many times, Captain. I had to pull very hard to get you to take your hand off the page. It was as if you were stuck to it.”

Dracia nodded. “It was all very odd.” She closed her eyes and tried to remember what she just saw, but it was slipping away from her. “There were three woman. It was the three woman from the picture. I don’t know why, but I felt like I was the one in the middle. They were arguing about something, but I can’t remember what.”

Dracia closed her eyes and took a breath. She remembered one word that kept resonating through her mind. “Resquarian,” she whispered.

“Resquarian?” asked Galen as Dracia opened her eyes. “What does that word mean?”

“I don’t know,” said Dracia. She tried to think what it could possibly mean. She felt like she had heard it before, but as she searched her brain for the word it was as if there was a hole where it should be. “Perhaps I should try again with the book.”

“No,” said Lexine with passion as she grabbed the book that was sitting by Dracia. “I don’t think that is even remotely a good idea. We could barely get you to snap out of whatever trance you were in, and you look so tired now. I think we need to leave this alone, at least for today.”

Dracia went to argue when Galen put his hand on her arm. “The princess is right, High Captain. I think you need to go rest for a bit. You do look tired.”

Dracia didn’t want to stop. She wanted that book back so she could see more of the story that was quickly fading from her mind. She felt like she needed to know, but she could tell Galen and Lexine were both concerned about her. She also thought perhaps she could use this to her advantage for the sake of their good.

“I will go rest if you think it is best, but I need you both to do something for me and the kingdom. You should both stay here in the library and look for any books on the word I spoke. What was it, Galen?”

“Resquarian,” said Galen giving her a curious look.

“Yes, that is it,” said Dracia. “You should both spend the rest of the afternoon in here looking for any information you can find on Resquarian. I think it is important.”

Lexine raised her eyebrow at Dracia. “Do you really think it is, Dracia.”

Dracia nodded, not feeling like she weas lying. She did mostly just want Galen and Lexine to have an opportunity to work things out, but she also felt like finding information on Resquarian could be useful.

“I really do, Lexine. I don’t know why, but the word is very familiar to me. Perhaps, I have read it somewhere. I would feel better if you and Galen could find something on it.”

“Then we shall do as you ask,” said Galen. “We could hardly say no.”

“You are the queen,” said Lexine with a small smile. “I will be happy to serve as you wish.”

“Good,” said Dracia as she stood up. “Do not worry about being late to supper. If you find you need to stay in here for your research or anything else, I can see that food is bright to you.”

“You are very kind, your majesty,” said Lexine as she slightly rolled her eyes.

“I am only doing what is best for the kingdom and for both of you,” said Dracia. “I look forward to hearing of any information you find or anything else you achieve tonight.”

Dracia turned and walked from the room, finding that she was quite exhausted. She got to her room and walked immediately to her bed. She was barely able to lie down before she fell into a deep sleep.

“Dear woman, I see you saw some of the truth today,” said Lady Belleth with a smile.

“I don’t know what you mean,” said Dracia in confusion.

“I believe you do, if you will let yourself understand,” said Lady Belleth. “We need each other. I was foolish to not see it before.”

“She is right, dear one,” said another woman that appeared. Dracia felt her eyes grow large as a woman, who looked almost exactly like Lady Belleth, smiled at Dracia.

“My sister, Julian. You have meet her, though you don’t know it,” said Belleth with a laugh. “We need you, Dracia, and you need us. We can make things the way they should be.”

“I want nothing to do with either of you,” said Dracia feeling the evil radiating off of the two woman. “You want to destroy my kingdom.”

“We want to make the land it was meant to be, dear one,” said Julian.

“Come to us, Dracia, and we can return it to the way it should be. We can have Resquarian once again,” said Lady Belleth.

Dracia felt pulled towards the two woman. She did not want to go to them, but she felt like she had no choice. They both held their hands out to her. Dracia tried to resist, but she moved to take a step forward when she felt someone grab her arm. She looked back, and she bolted awake her in her bed, finding herself in Leal’s arms.

“Dearest, what is the matter?” asked Leal as Dracia put her arms around him, holding him tight.

She shook her head as she laid her head against his chest. She knew she had dreamed something, but it had already faded from her mind. All she knew was whatever her dream had been about, it had terrified her.

“I think I had a bad dream,” said Dracia quietly against Leal.

“It is alright, my love. You are here with me. You are safe,” said Leal.

Dracia took a deep breath. She did feel safe in his arms. She never wanted to leave them.

“Would you like to stay in our rooms for supper?” he asked quietly.

“Yes, please,” said Dracia pitifully. “I just want to be here with you, tonight. Promise me you won’t leave me.”

“No, I won’t leave you, tonight, or any other time if you don’t wish it,” said Leal as he kissed her forehead.

“Just be with me tonight,” said Dracia as she leaned against him.

She knew it was silly. She knew it was just some stupid dream, but all she wanted to do was spend the rest of the evening in Leal’s arms.