Page 118 of An Archer's Redemption

Keelan reached up and gently lowered my hand with his own.

“A bow is fine.” He exchanged an amused smirk with Jess. “Gentlemen, may I preset Her Royal Majesty, Jessia Vester, Queen of the Spires.”

“Oh, stop that.” She stepped forward and waved a hand like she was swatting a fly. “It is just us here. There is no need for bowing and scraping, though I do rather enjoy it when Keelan shows deference to me,as he should.”

Keelan reddened.

Jess chuckled.

Atikus looked from Keelan to Jess, then back to Keelan. His eyes widened, and he turned and poured another glass of amber liquid. This time, he handed it to me. “Here, you’re going to need this.”

Befuddled, I took the glass, shrugged at Keelan, and downed the liquor in one shot.

Jess cleared her throat. “Declan, it is nice to meet you. Keelan can be tough to pry conversation out of, but when he opens up, it is usually with some story about you.”

“Really?” I was genuinely surprised.

Jess nodded. “Declan the Terrible, I believe was one of your first nicknames?”

“Jess . . .” Keelan tried to cut in.

“Do not interrupt a Queen in her Palace,” she snapped, then tossed him a wink.

“Great, thanks a lot.” I jabbed Keelan with an elbow.

Atikus stepped forward. “Your Majesty, it is good to see you again, too. You look much better than the road-worn girl I recall.”

She smiled. “That was . . . a very different time. I will never be able to thank you for rescuing me and helping me return home.”

No one quite knew what to say after that, so everyone stood and stared at the floor or their hands.

“So,” Jess leaped into the conversation void. “We are all glad you are here, but you still have not answered why you scared the life out of my cooks.”

I barked a laugh. “Because Atikus’s first thought would be of food if the continent were sinking into the sea.”

“Well, now that you mention it, I am a tad hungry,” the Mage said seriously.

“I think we’re more curious what drove you to visit.” Keelan chuckled and saved Jess from pressing her question a third time.

“Ah, right. I suppose lunch can wait a few moments longer,” Atikus said. “We did a scrying in search of Irina’s spirit. We know from the vision that she is here in your capital, but neither Declan nor any of our Mages recognized the building. We thought one of the Queen’s Constables or staff might be able to help. Declan and I have a plan to banish her, but we have to locate her first.”

Jess nodded. “Of course my people will help. I will summon the High Sheriff and Mage Ernest to join us for lunch. They know this city as well as anyone and will be able to coordinate assistance, should you need it.”

Atikus offered a shallow bow. “Lunch would be most welcome—oh, and the assistance, too.”

As we were finishing the last of our meal, Sheriff Cribbs, Mage Ernest, and High Chancellor Marks entered. Each paid their respects with deep bows and quick introductions.

“Gentlemen, come join us. We need your help on a critical matter,” Jess said. “Are you hungry? We were just finishing, but the staff can bring you whatever you like.”

They thanked her but declined more than water and tea as they took their seats. Marks studied me intently, his eyes returning several times to the golden tunic poking up from beneath my cloak. When his gaze traveled to my eyes, I could hardly tell curiosity from terror.

“There is aperson of interesthiding in a building here in the capital,” Jess threw pleasantries aside and aimed straight for the point. “Mage Dani and Ranger Rea need your help to identify the location they saw in a scrying. Once determined, I need you to provide them whatever assistance they may need to deal with the culprit.”

“My Constables will help any way we can, Majesty, but may we know more about this person? What they’ve done? Who they are?” Cribbs asked. “Why two Melucians appeared in our capital in pursuit of this person?”

Jess looked to Atikus and me and lifted a questioning brow.

Atikus thought a moment, then nodded. “Of course. We are looking for Irina’s spirit. She is currently inhabiting an elderly woman from the island of Rea Utu, a mystic of great value to their people. We saw her walking around a darkened shop or warehouse filled with candles. That is all the information we have.”

---