The Queen’s elite guard stood on each side of the table like bookends, both monstrosities towering over seven feet tall. Both were covered from head to toe with dark red body armor like none had ever seen before. Every inch of the fabric appeared to be flexible, yet was harder than steel. The material seemed to be nothing more than shiny red plastic at a glance. Under the hoods covering their faces were dark screens similar to the facemasks worn by fencers, made of the same red fabric.
Each held an oversized sickle clearly custom-made for their size, with the handle resting on the floor in front of them. Even though they were as still as statues, both were totally aware of their surroundings—where everyone was in the room was and what they were doing. Either one could move with the speed of lightning if necessary. But for now, their mere presence was more than enough.
It was well into the evening when the guests finally began leaving the great hall. Couples approached the Queen’s table one at a time and gave a formal bow, followed by the usual comments of how enchanting the evening had been. After a suspicious glace at the two monsters, who would have made anyone uncomfortable, each couple was accompanied to the door by a serving maid. Ilirra could not say she was sorry to see them go. She had more pressing matters than playing host to the people her advisors deemed important.
When the last couples had finally been escorted out, the Queen and Azek stood as the maids converged on the table grabbing plates and silverware. When the two giants fell in behind them, Ilirra turned back and gave a quick “Dismissed!” snapping her fingers as if talking to dogs. The two beasts stopped, bowed, then turned to walk the other direction as if only one were real and the other was a reflection. Their movements were identical.
Ilirra and Azek strolled across the white tile floor. Here and there was an odd green one, the only reminder they were not walking on the back of a cloud. The floors had a permanent gleam that never wavered. They both walked with an unmistakable air of command. Ilirra marched with the confidence of leadership and rank, with her head high and level; Azek, with the deadly grace of a man whose blade had taken many lives. But to the untrained eye, they appeared the same.
“So what news did the witch give you this time?” Azek asked with a youthful arrogance that did not match his grizzled looks. Azek had only been captain of the guard for a few years, but had been a general for many and had earned his right to speak freely, even to the Queen.
“First of all, he is no witch!” she snapped at him with her eyes still straight ahead as they continued to glide along the corridors. “Need I remind you he has been right about a great many things? I trust him as much as I trust you!” Her voice softened as she lowered her head just a bit. “And I trust you a great deal.”
She had not meant to come off so harsh to the captain. Ilirra had a great deal of respect for him, but knew how he felt about unexplained phenomenon and even prophecies, and his unbending logic would get under her skin sometimes. Some truths could not be denied, even if they were difficult to explain. Why could he not see that?
“Apologies, my Queen. I meant no disrespect,” he said as his eyes remained straight ahead as they marched along. “It’s just that the man is so odd. He never leaves his chamber, and dabbles in black magics no one seems to understand but him. He claims to read the stars as well as find logic in fairy tales. I just don’t want to see you get caught up in his madness. I fear you might start to see what you want to see.” Azek swallowed hard, hoping he had not gone too far that time. But he had to admit, it felt good to get his true feelings off his chest.
The Queen stopped dead in her tracks. Azek took two more steps before doing the same, then turned to face her. Her eyes were cold iron staring right through him. With an effort, he was able to keep his gaze locked with hers. Then cold iron slowly turned to soft silk as her eyelids fluttered while she let out a long sigh. Ilirra leaned hard against one of the tapestries, with her eyes rolling with forced tolerance. She calmly said, “I don’t expect you to understand, Captain. It’s just that...I’ve seen him do things, know things no one could possibly know. And he is correct far more often than not.”
She moved in close to the captain as she put both hands on his cheeks. “I know you mean well. You are a fine captain and an even better friend.” She paused a moment to let her words sink in, “but I am asking you to trust me on this. There are events taking place right now that neither you nor I can possibly begin to fully comprehend. I need his advice, his wisdom!” She paused a few seconds before finishing, “And I need you.” The Queen held his gaze for a long moment, still touching his cheeks before finally taking a step back.