Page 25 of An Archer's Redemption

“The Kingdom army besieged Saltstone. Your mother sent her armies to hunt the citizens of the capital who fled east with orders to slaughter every man, woman, and child. The Phoenix returned and struck down the Kingdom’s army. The Phoenix struck your mother down as well. Many died, but we estimate several thousand survived and are fleeing back toward the border. Saltstone is in ruins, but the people survived and now work to rebuild.

“I can only maintain this link a moment longer, so two important things: First, don’t blame your mother. Herconsciousness was possessed by the Spirit of Empress Irina. I don’t believe she acted of her own free will. And second, please meet Keelan in the cave. Irina’s voice is no longer a threat to him—or you. He carries vital information for both our countries and is most eager to see you again.”

My brows furrowed at the last statement, and I thought I could hear Atikus grinning through the Telepathic link as he spoke. I started to turn back to the Council, each of whom now stared with undisguised concern, but Atikus spoke again.

“Jess, it was an honor to escort you for a time. You are a strong, brilliant young woman and will make a fine Queen. Believe in yourself and trust your heart. Both the Kingdom and Melucia count on you to be wise and true. When the time is right, we should meet to discuss how we might repair the damage done between our two nations. Until then, Spirits guide you, Your Majesty.”

When Atikus’s voice stilled, I stared across the table at Mage Ernest. “Mage Atikus Dani sends his regards.”

The table erupted in a flurry of gasps and questions.

“Gentlemen, please.” I waved them to silence, then summarized what Atikus had said, leaving out the part where I was supposed to leave the capital to meet Keelan.

Spirits, how did my tale become so strange?

“Did he mention the fate of Marks, Bril, or Thorn?” Bacras asked.

I shook my head. “No. He said I’d learn more soon but sounded exhausted by the end of the message.”

“It is remarkable he was able to send a Telepathic message that far at all. He must hold a powerful Gift,” Mage Ernest said more to himself than the others around the table.

“Did you say the spirit of Empress Irina returned and inhabitedyour mother?” Minister Carver asked, incredulity punctuating his tone.

I had to gird myself before answering. “That is what he said. It fits with the ceremony my mother performed in the Children’s Temple. Queen Isabel was willing to kill her husband and both of her children. We did not understand their goal at the time, but returning the Empress makes as much sense as anything.”

An uneasy silence hung in the air for a long moment before Mage Ernest spoke.

“Majesty, we must turn our attention to the needs of your people. No doubt we lost many fathers and sons in the campaign across the border.”

The sincerity in the Mage’s voice caught me by surprise.

“Where do we even begin?” I muttered, the shell of my feigned confidence cracking before the daunting task of rebuilding a nation.

Dask leaned forward and placed a hand on mine, violating one of the most cherished courtly protocols by touching the monarch and earning more than a few glances from the others. “Jess . . . Your Majesty . . . your Council has far too many empty seats. Those sitting here cannot hope to repair the damage done without help. We need to rebuild this Council before we try to rebuild the Kingdom.”

I looked around the table as Dask’s hand retreated. The others were nodding their agreement.

“Fine. But I will not abandon General Marks or Minister Bril. They may yet live.”

“Majesty, forgive me, but General Marks and Minister Briltook partin the invasion. Is it wise to return them to the Council?” Foreign Minister Bacras asked, his eyebrows furrowed.

I was about to snap at the man and defend Uncle Ethan, but Ernest spoke first. “Minister, many followed the orders of their King and Queen. We may yet learn how they behaved honorably in the face of an impossible situation. Her Majesty is right tospare judgement until all the facts are known, especially for men who have served this Kingdom for decades.”

Bacras opened his mouth, as if to argue, but remained silent.

I leaned forward. “Minister of War and General of Armed Forces can wait for now. Thornwill notbe my High Chancellor, so that is a good place to start. What other roles need filling?”

And so we began.

Names of nobles brought nods, jeers, and jabs as the Kingdom’s inner circle began forming a new government. For a few glorious moments, I forgot my fears and threw myself into the task at hand. Hours later, I noticed Minister Bacras staring openly at me, a broad grin spread across his usually placid face.

“Zumi, you look like you ate something odd. Out with it.”

The man laughed, a rich sound that felt like a blazing hearth on a winter’s day. “I was just enjoying watching Her Majesty work. She has amazed this skeptical old man and might just renew his weary spirit.”

I blushed at the compliment, then remembered myself and offered a nod of thanks.

Hours later, I made my way through the private passages within the Palace, headed toward my chamber. The day had been challenging, frightening, exhilarating, and a dozen other emotions I would likely relive in the midst of deep sleep.

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