Page 70 of A Tale of Ice and Ash
“The dwarves’ protection still shields her from my sight, My Queen. It cannot be helped. I will only learn of her plans once your citizens do.”
“Tell me; did her words reach them?”
“Yes, My Queen.”
“Will they rise up against me?”
“I cannot yet see.”
She smashed her fists against the desk.
There was a knock at the door.
“Enter!”
Eirwen’s old maid walked in, pale and shaken. Her eyes darted around the room. The mere look of her, a remnant of that girl’s life within these walls, made Bianca want to scrub her from existence. But Cole liked her, and so she had to stay.
“Ah, you,” said Bianca. “Did you find anything?”
The maid trembled. “Your Majesty got rid of most of the Late Queen’s possessions, but…” She removed a small comb from her apron pocket. “I was able to locate this for you.”
Bianca seized the comb from her pocket. It was opalite, pretty, definitely a trinket worthy of a queen. Irresistible. Perfect.
“Very good,” she said. “You may leave.”
The maid looked only too thankful to be dismissed, scurrying away like a frightened mouse.
Bianca wheeled round to face the mirror. “A recipe for poison,” she said, “have you found one?”
“I have one that can be attached to an object, yes.”
She held up her treasure.
“Perfect.”
∞∞∞
The dwarves did not return to the homestead. They went back into the forests, found a meadow large enough for their needs, and erected several tents. Then they sent Wren back into the city with a message for its citizens, an invitation to join them and pledge their support to their newly returned princess.
For a few hours, nothing happened. Eirwen paced about the field a great deal, searching for something to do whilst the dwarves drank themselves into a stupor. What if no one came? What if guards did?
Only Onyx seemed to sense her unease, and stayed sober with her.
Before nightfall, a handful of people arrived, followed by a dozen. They bowed before Eirwen and promised her whatever aid she required. Onyx recorded their names and addresses, and said they’d be in touch. Most had to return, but a few wanted to stay.
“I do not wish to return until the city is truly ours again,” said one. He was a youngish man, almost as tall as Cole but twice as beefy. “Let me stay, Your Highness. Put me to use.”
Eirwen looked desperately at Onyx, but he looked away from her.Your call, Princess.
“Very well,” she said, “if that is what you wish. Arise, young… er…”
“Wistal, Your Highness.”
“Wistal. I am honoured to have you. Wren,” she gestured to the huntress, “can you find Wistal something to do?”
“Is he a good drinker?”
“Wren…”
