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“Thank you, once again.” King Francisco held out his hand to Quairken.
“Of course, your majesty.” Quairken nodded.
The queen’s eyes were puffy with a slight discoloration. She sniffled. “I pray that time moves quickly.”
Alzerion quietly strolled to the other side of the queen.
“Be good, little one.” Alzerion rubbed her chin.
Aironell grabbed his finger and giggled. “Alz-on.”
He felt exhaustion wash over him as he held out his hands. The queen placed Aironell in his arms. He gazed upon her and a crushing force pierced him. He forced a smile as he held her up over his head. She giggled as he soared her through the air. Finally, he brought her in and hugged her. Alzerion handed her back to the queen.
She hugged and kissed Aironell. Tears flowed down her face as she made her way to Isabella. “Don’t be scared, darling. Youwillsee us again.” She placed Aironell in Isabella’s arms.
King Francisco wrapped an arm around his wife. He pulled her in, close. The king looked to Alzerion, handed him an envelope, and nodded.
Alzerion, clutching the envelope, handed it to Quairken. “This should cover any expenses.” Then he waved his hand and their bags appeared. Each one full for the journey. Alzerion honed in on Quairken, “Take care of her. We are all counting on you.”
Quairken nodded, “Yes, sir.” He bent his head toward Alzerion. “Watch out for the king and queen, eh?”
“Will do.” Alzerion and Quairken gripped each other by the forearm.
He craned his neck to look at the king and queen. The queen’s face was buried into the king’s chest. Sobbing was all he could hear. Alzerion let go of Quairken and stepped back. He watched as they gathered their belongings. Then Quairken nodded. Isabella held Aironell close. Alzerion lip trembled as he raised his hands. He made an arch up and around them. There was a silvery light that shone through, like a swirling storm of silver and white. Quairken and Isabella stepped forward and were gone.
* * *
Alzerion sat on his bed. He felt drained physically and emotionally all the time. He clutched his hair against his left temple. Months passed. Alzerion was grateful to be done with his schooling. Instead there was, Ulbrick,ugh, he groaned. Alzerion flung himself back. Head hitting the fluffy pillow. He found he was stretched thin, even with no school or the princess to watch over.Aironell. That piercing feeling against his skin. Down to his bones. Just about four years. So much time. Army trainings. Meetings with Ulbrick and Warren. He sat up and glanced out his window. He didn’t need to look out to see the consequences. He could feel it. It rippled through him like the weight of rocks crushing down on him. Bachusa was hurting. Aironell’s return would set things right.Maybe a visit. He was overdue. Two years since he last checked in on them. He took a breath as he made up his mind.
THE COVER-UP
I
sabella stood against the doorjamb watching Airon. She was dancing as she watched the television.Sweet little princess, she thought. She saw Quairken wrinkle his nose as he walked past, her gaze momentarily followed him. Watching as his rock-brown khakied bottom went into the kitchen. Isabella strolled to Airon and handed her a bowl.
“Thank you, mommy.” Her voice was so sweet. Her face lit up as she grabbed the cracker shaped like a tiny bear Isabella blew her a kiss and followed after Quairken.
Isabella strolled the short distance from the living room to the kitchen. Instantly distracted by the scent wafting off Daniel’s pale blue shirt.Earthy tones mixed with mint.Mm.She loved how the clothes here were much more flattering. There he stood by the little white kitchen table. A talk was coming. She could sense it.
“Isabella, I’m concerned.” His voice was low. He moved closer to her.
She rolled up her blue plaid sleeves as she sat on a stool at the kitchen island.
“Qu, I mean Daniel.” Such a hard habit to break, even after nearly four years. “Daniel, why haven’t they contacted us?”
“Right?” He tapped his fingers on the wood of the kitchen island. “We have had no news for almost two years.”
“Exactly,” replied Isabella. “It doesn’t seem like them not to wonder about their daughter. It has been a little over four years. Should we be fearful that Bachusa has been taken over by the growing evil?”
“Honey, we shouldn’t worry, not yet. Odds are they will send Alzerion, and it’s not likely that all three of them would have been killed.” He paused rubbing a hand against his chin. “Alzerion, well, he’s a fighter and quite good at persuasion.”
“What does that have to do with anything?” she raised an eyebrow. “Who cares if he’s a good talker?” She slid her hands against her black jeans.
“It’s obvious,” he said. “They would never do something drastic without talking with him. It’s likely that things are just getting worse and their attentions are needed elsewhere.”
“I hope you’re right about this, Daniel.” Isabella got up and faced the big window. Her hands clasped behind her back, she stared. Then she paced back and sat in a stool next to her husband. They were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell.
“Were you expecting company?” Isabella glanced at Daniel, searching for an answer.
