The Secret Throne

  ‘And how long would it take to gather an army of such a size? Weeks? Months? Years? How long does my father have before Jothran sacrifices him?’

  ‘The King of Night now knows that it is pointless to kill your father, Princess,’ Felix said with his tail tip twitching. ‘Your father’s blood alone will not open the throne. It is you he fears now.’

  ‘I came here to get my father back,’ Taggie said. ‘After he’s safe . . . then I will listen to your arguments in favour of war.’

  ‘That is a worthy notion, Majesty,’ Wenuthi Jones said. ‘And I admire your nobility and determination. But we cannot rescue your father.’

  ‘Why not?’

  ‘Put simply . . . we don’t know where he is. The Karrak Ladies cast deceitful enchantments which prevent our strongest seers from foretelling his whereabouts.’

  At that moment the thick curtain over the shack’s entrance was pushed aside. Jemima came in, followed by Mrs Veroomes.

  ‘I know where Daddy is!’ she said.

  A DREAMING PRINCESS

  Taggie didn’t know if she should laugh or cry at Jemima’s claim. In the end she just settled for a weary, ‘Where?’

  ‘In the palace,’ Jemima said excitedly.

  ‘Nobody doubts you, Blossom Princess,’ Mr Anatole said. ‘But it is a big palace.’

  ‘I can find him,’ Jemima said. She held up the suede purse. ‘I’ve got my runes.’

  ‘Oh, Jem . . .’ Taggie began in dismay.

  ‘I can! Mrs Veroomes has shown me how to read runes. Well . . . some of them. And I promised Grandma I would practise until I understood the art. You were there.’

  Taggie gave Wenuthi Jones a pleading look.

  ‘Sweet Blossom Princess,’ the ranger chief said kindly. ‘Those with a lifetime of experience cannot see into the darkness of the palace. Even Mrs Veroomes here, whose accomplishments are legendary, could find nothing.’

  ‘Quite true,’ Mrs Veroomes said. ‘I cannot. However, I am not of the prince’s family. A family bond will always shine through the darkness; nothing is stronger than that.’

  ‘He’s in the dungeons,’ Jemima said. ‘Really he is. I saw him. He’s all dirty and tired, and sitting in this horrid stone room all by himself. But he’s alive. Isn’t that the most wonderful thing?’

  The feeling of relief somehow took all the strength out of Taggie’s limbs. But she managed to smile foolishly.

  ‘Even if you are right, Blossom Princess,’ Mr Anatole said, ‘there are many, many cells, vaults and dungeons beneath the palace. Even I am not familiar with the maze of passages down there. To search them all could take weeks. You would have minutes at most, that’s if you ever got inside. The palace is guarded by regiments of the Karrak Lords’ followers. Nothing can enter or leave unchallenged.’

  Jemima’s sandy hair flopped down over her face. She looked at Taggie with desperation in her tired eyes. ‘We have to rescue Daddy. If I’m there I can guide you to the right dungeon, I swear I can.’

  Taggie turned to Piadrow. ‘Could you fly us in?’

  ‘I could, Majesty. Skyfolk would be able to land in the castle courtyards or on the towers, and many flocks would come with you . . . but not unseen. The alarm would be given, and we would have to fight our way to the dungeons.’

  Taggie nearly said, ‘Then what do we do?’ in a whiney voice but something made her hold her tongue. Princess Elizabeth would never act all needy and desperate; she wouldn’t plead. And Mr Koimosi always told her to use her opponents’ strength against them. Not that everyone gathered in the shack were enemies – far from it – but they were opposing her. They were all soldiers and advisers with lifetimes of experience.

  Taggie gathered her thoughts and gave Wenuthi Jones a level gaze. ‘How would you suggest we get into the dungeons without raising suspicion?’

  The discussion of how to sneak into the palace went on for hours. Wenuthi Jones, Piadrow and Felix argued and planned, with Taggie and Mr Anatole making suggestions. Eventually preparations were set in motion.

  Wenuthi Jones insisted it be kept simple; that way there was less to go wrong, he explained. They would capture a party of Ethanu and wear their clothes, assuming their identity. Then they would ride right into the palace with a ranger as their ‘prisoner’ and go straight to the dungeons. Once they found Prince Dino, Piadrow and the hardiest of his flock would fly down into the courtyard and whisk them all safely away.

  ‘To get in unchallenged is one thing,’ Piadrow said solemnly. ‘To get out is another entirely.’

  Everyone was content about that part of the plan, giving it their wholehearted approval – just as they were unanimously horrified when Taggie and Jemima insisted on being part of the break-in party. But Jemima was the only one who could sight her father’s exact location, and Taggie wasn’t going to let her go alone.

  Eventually Mr Anatole saw how tired the sisters were, and everyone else was ushered out of the shack. Taggie and Jemima were shown to a curtained-off area where cots had been prepared for them. They just managed to get their boots off before collapsing on to the soft furs.

  And so for the first time in her life, Taggie Paganuzzi fell asleep in the First Realm. She was expecting all her worry and anxiety over her father and the Karrak Lords (Golzoth especially) to trouble her dreams. Instead, she witnessed the dreams of others as their nightmares poured disquiet and fears out into the merciless night. Her little heart went out to them in sympathy, and deep in sleep she told them not to worry, promising she would do what she could to ease their suffering.

  Those closest in the Farndorn rebel camp came to her first. Taggie found herself in a peaceful forest glade, with a warm sun streaming through the overhead beech leaves to dapple the grass, while flutterseeds drifted idly through the air, getting in the way of bees laden with pollen. A little boy, no more than four years old, was lying in the middle of the glade, curled up asleep, and crying.

  Taggie woke him, and he clung to her. ‘What’s the matter?’ she asked, and carefully wiped his tears away with her hand.

  ‘It’s always cold and dark now,’ he said, ‘And my dad’s away in the trees fighting the dark enemy. I’m frightened. He might not come back.’

  Taggie hugged him close. ‘Sweetheart, did you know I’m going to be the next Queen of Dreams? I’m going to sit on the shell throne, and bring the sun back. When I do, the snow will melt, and your dad will return. Then you can go home again.’

  The child gazed up at her in delight. ‘Really? You’re the Queen-to-be? I saw you arrive in the camp today, my mother said who you are, but I wasn’t sure if you really were.’

  ‘I am.’

  ‘And you care about me?’

  ‘I care about everybody.’

  He gave her an adoring gaze. Taggie stroked him gently, soothing him back to sleep. When he closed his eyes he was smiling, and breathing easily. There were no more tears.

  She got up and turned to see one of the giant men with green hair. He was kneeling down, his big head bowed, shoulders shaking.

  ‘What’s the matter?’ she asked compassionately.

  ‘My Queen, I have seen terrible things.’

  Taggie hugged him, even though he was so broad her arm barely covered half his back. ‘Why don’t you tell me about it?’ she said. ‘If I can help, I will.’

  So it went. Every sleeping child that whimpered in fright at the cruelty of their new rulers she lulled with the gentle conviction that ultimately the King of Night would not ruin their lovely realm. To every mother clutching her babe in fear of the future, she whispered reassuringly that light would soon dawn to replace darkness. Finally, to the men who raged silently at their own helplessness, she gave assurance that the time would soon come to reclaim everything that had been torn savagely from their grasp.

  Only then, only after the First Realm had witnessed their new Queen-to-be, and taken comfort from her generous compassion as was their privilege, did Taggie Paganuzzi finally sink into a tranquil slumb
er.

  She awoke feeling amazingly refreshed. That surprised her, for she remembered sharing her dream with a multitude, and expected such an effort would be exhausting. Instead it was immensely satisfying, knowing she had helped so many people face a new day with renewed optimism and courage.

  When she emerged from her cot, everyone stopped to look at her and bowed respectfully. It was hugely embarrassing.

  Jemima broke the silence. ‘I never really understood what our grandmother did before,’ she said. ‘But you were fabulous, Taggie. I wish the Outer Realm had someone like you. There wouldn’t be all those wars then.’

  ‘My Queen,’ Wenuthi Jones said in reverential greeting. ‘We have breakfast prepared for you.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  The tough ranger blushed. ‘Last night, when I dreamed of telling you about my son . . .’

  Taggie couldn’t remember any of the individual encounters, just like ordinary dreams they remained unobtainable during the day. ‘Did I help?’ she asked cautiously.

  ‘Oh yes,’ he said sincerely. ‘To me you are not a Queen-to-be. You are already our Queen of Dreams.’

  Taggie looked at the hard earth floor, too self-conscious to meet the ranger’s eyes. Yet, at the same time she felt so good for what she’d done.

  ‘Try the nutflakes,’ Jemima said. ‘They’re like the best muesli ever. And the scrambled eggs are so creamy.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Taggie said as she sat at one of the benches.

  Sophie brought a bowl over and gave her a dainty bow.

  ‘Don’t go,’ Taggie said quickly. ‘Please, sit with us.’ She desperately needed someone with a sense of humour amid so many serious adults.

  ‘Love to.’ Sophie grinned, and sat down on the bench beside Taggie. Her big wings flapped very slowly, showing off their iridescent sheen; somehow they always managed to avoid the strands of her hair that were constantly waving about as if she was in the middle of her own breeze. ‘You know Dad spent half the night organizing our folk to fly to other encampments and spread the word of your arrival. None of them needed to go as everyone knows you are here now.’

  ‘Tell him I’m sorry.’

  ‘No need. I haven’t seen him this happy for ages. Just knowing a new Queen of Dreams exists is such a blessing to this realm. Thank you for coming.’

  Taggie shrugged and tucked into her nutflakes.

  ‘There are a lot of people outside wanting to meet you,’ Sophie continued. ‘Artisans mostly. They’ve all got gifts for you.’

  Jemima perked up at that. ‘Gifts?’

  ‘They shouldn’t have,’ Taggie said round a mouthful of the cereal, and giving her sister a stern glance. ‘They have so little for themselves out here in the forest.’

  ‘Don’t be too quick to turn them down,’ Sophie said with a twinkle in her eyes. ‘Some of them could be very useful. Talveral the smith has some amazing armour for Jemima.’

  Taggie immediately thought of the Rannalal knights and shuddered. ‘I suppose I should meet some of them,’ she agreed.

  ‘But I don’t want armour!’ Jemima protested.

  ‘Talveral’s gift is the greatest you will ever be given,’ Sophie said. ‘The armour is woven from athrodene, which is the heart of an angel. This is the same armour the Irradok princess-captains wore when they sailed to battle with the Paxia during the war of the Vewass Archipelago.’ She grinned wistfully as her long red hair continued to wave gracefully around her head. ‘Now that was a time I would have liked to see.’

  ‘Where is the Vewass Archipelago?’ Taggie asked. She was beginning to feel like an oaf by not knowing the history of the Realms. When this was over she knew she’d have to lock herself away for a year just to read the history books.

  ‘In the Realm of Air,’ Sophie said longingly. ‘That’s where the angels first brought the skyfolk, it’s our natural home.’ She wrinkled her nose up, which pushed a lot of cute freckles close together. ‘One day I’ll visit.’

  ‘Don’t you like it here?’

  ‘Oh yes, the First Realm is so beautiful . . .’ She paused. ‘That is, it used to be. And it will be again now you’re here. I’ll fight with you to make it right again.’

  ‘Do you think I’m weak for wanting to avoid war?’ Taggie asked.

  Sophie leaned in closer, her hair swirling as it followed the motion like an airborne cloak. ‘I think that makes you the strongest out of everyone in the camp. But I just don’t see how you can do it without war. Sorry. But then I’ve never seen magic as strong as yours back at the frozen pool. I expect you could even blast a Karrak Lord to cinders. Hey! Do you suppose that’s the way to do it? You could duel against Jothran.’

  ‘Majesty!’ Mr Anatole said from behind them, giving Sophie a furious look. ‘That is not a course of action you should be considering.’

  Both girls gave a guilty start. Taggie hadn’t seen the old equerry come over to their table. ‘No,’ she said slowly as she thought about it. ‘No, actually it’s not.’

  ‘No?’ Sophie asked, sounding disappointed.

  ‘No. Whatever we do, however we seek to overthrow the Karrak Lords, it has to be a method that guarantees success, and I have no idea if I can defeat Jothran. All those people I dreamed for last night . . . I promised them so much. I can’t keep those promises if I’m dead.’

  A long sigh of relief escaped from Mr Anatole’s throat. ‘Majesty. I am pleased you begin to understand what your position entails. Now if you would—’

  ‘No,’ Taggie said quickly. ‘I am not reconsidering rescuing my father. And I will be leading the break-in party.’

  ‘Yes, Majesty.’

  After breakfast they went outside. The Dolvoki Rangers were getting their horses ready for the trek to Lorothain.

  ‘Over a thousand men volunteered to join us, Majesty,’ Wenuthi Jones said. ‘Everyone in this camp, in fact. They will do anything to help you.’

  ‘A thousand people?’ Taggie said, startled by the number. ‘This is supposed to be a secret mission.’

  ‘I know. That’s why it will just be a chosen few of my rangers escorting you to the outskirts of Lorothain; that way we can ride swiftly and without attracting attention. Meanwhile, the main troop of volunteers will be part of a grand procession travelling to the Estwial Sea, making it look like you’re going to visit the port cities to raise support and more troops.’

  Elsie the skymaid fluttered overhead, grinning broadly. ‘I’ve volunteered to be you,’ she said. ‘I’m going to dress up in the fanciest dress we can find, and ride on a big white horse at the front of the procession. There will be knights and squires clustering round, just like they would a real Queen.’

  Wenuthi Jones smiled stoically. ‘Hopefully, Jothran will send his forces out after them, leaving us free to carry out our mission quietly and without attention.’

  ‘I will lead some of my flock to fly above you,’ Piadrow assured her. ‘We’ll be able to spot any of the enemy’s forces approaching; that way you can take cover and avoid any conflict.’

  ‘We have been getting troubling reports all morning,’ Wenuthi Jones said. ‘It would seem your arrival in the First Realm has angered the King of Night. His patrols have turned savage, they are laying waste to towns and farms alike, buildings have been burned for no reason and many hostages taken, with children torn from their parents.’

  ‘Oh no,’ Taggie said. ‘That’s awful, and it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have dreamed last night.’ The prospect was so painful, everything she’d done in her dream had been so natural, and felt so right. She had helped people when they needed it most, when they were alone and vulnerable, which was what she truly wanted.

  ‘No, Majesty,’ Mr Anatole said swiftly in his gurgling voice. ‘The King of Night would have known you were here anyway. You are the Queen-to-be. You are the truth of this precious Realm. It is time the Karrak usurper understood that. Already he must realize his followers cannot enslave everyone: the more misery and suffering he unleashes,
the more your peoples’ resolve against him hardens.’

  ‘I suppose so,’ Taggie said, though she wasn’t convinced.

  One of the first gifts she received was a saddle for the journey. Suede riding trousers, softer than silk, were another offering. Both she and Jemima finally got rid of their gaudy Outer Realm coats, replaced by long leather coats that Taggie considered disturbingly similar to those worn by the Ethanu. But at least they wouldn’t be so visible against the grey ice and snow. And they had hoods lined by thick fluffy wool that kept the freezing air off their heads.

  Jemima swiftly changed her mind about armour when she finally saw the suit of athrodene. Felix had led her across the camp to the tall tepee which housed Talveral the smith. She didn’t quite have the confidence to simply find her way with only her seer ability guiding her. But Felix was happy enough to lead her, and unlike Taggie, he never teased her.

  ‘How come you already know your way around the camp?’ she asked him. ‘Don’t squirrels sleep?’

  He turned and regarded her with those unnervingly black eyes set deep in his white fur. ‘Just as much as you do,’ he replied. ‘But every good agent needs to be familiar with the area he’s in. I took a quick scout round last night.’

  ‘Have you been on many missions before this one?’

  ‘No. I was still in my training year when the darkness started to emerge. I did escort some of your distant cousins to the palace in the hope the shell throne would open for them. Alas it did not.’

  ‘Why not?’

  ‘Because it knew your grandmother’s direct bloodline was intact. Actually, that it did not open brought hope to those of us loyalists remaining. We set out one last time to search for your father. All of us swore we would not return unless we were triumphant. I little thought it would be me who succeeded, though this is a bitter victory.’