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stone of the pavement was smooth and in place. Kwan saw no lesser dwellings
for servants or workers, and he guessed that Jingten might be a ceremonial
city kept apart from the disparities of the rest of the world. In all of his
fantasies about exploring the Wilderness, he had never envisioned such an
incredible place or the rys, who seemed a race taken from some forgotten myth.
The tiered Keep rose above the city, and when the tall iron bird gates swung
open on their own, Kwan knew he entered the stronghold of the magic Queen. He
could almost feel her looking at him now and he could not forget the way Onja
had invaded his mind from so far away.
When the door wardens opened the throne room, the glow of Onja s inner sanctum
reflected on the silver studs on their jackets. The light from the four large
spheres and the dazzle of the crystal encrusted walls made
Kwan squint as he left the cool shade of the corridor. The white marble floor
rose into the gleaming steps of the dais and a broad throne plated in gold
commanded the room.
Bowing deeply, Taf Ila presented the humans to his Queen, but Kwan could not
hear the rys speak. He had no perception beyond seeing Onja.
She was easily the most incredible being the Lord General had ever seen. A
simple black gown trimmed with sable fur covered the Queen. A netlike
headdress of diamonds covered her pure white hair, surrounding her blue face
in the light of a thousand rainbow facets. Kwan almost gaped at the sight of
her jewels. Her headdress alone rivaled most fortunes, making him realize that
Onja was unbelievably wealthy.
Onja allowed Kwan to study her, enjoying his awe. She had specifically worn
her most spectacular diamond ensemble to impress upon him the magnitude of her
rule.
Queen Onja is pleased that you have come.
The words roused Kwan from his viewing of the rys monarch and he looked to see
who had spoken. The language had not been Atrophaney, but was somewhat
familiar. It sounded like a dialect of the language used in the recently
conquered lands bordering the Wilderness. His eyes found the figure of a small
human girl seated two steps below the Queen. Her dark eyes regarded him
calmly.
Kwan asked the men with him if any of them had understood the girl.
One told him what the girl had said, adding that he had a fairly competent
grasp of that language.
Probably just enough to pick up a wench, Kwan thought sourly, knowing that
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this was the moment when Dreibrand Veta would have served him best.
Say that I am Lord Kwan and I have come as the Queen has asked,
Kwan instructed.
Hesitantly the soldier interpreted. The little girl translated for the
Queen, and Kwan began to wonder where the rys had obtained the human child. He
disliked communicating in a language foreign to both parties.
Onja spoke to the girl, who said, Does Lord Kwan know that he intruded lands
forbidden to all?
When Kwan heard the question, he responded, We are exploring. The
Wilderness is an empty land without marker or warning.
The Queen spoke again through the child s voice. Death is the punishment for
all who enter the Wilderness.
Kwan protested, We did not know we intruded on land claimed by another.
The soldier interpreted the response quickly this time.
Again in the rys tongue Onja spoke to the girl. She had carefully rehearsed
each question and response with Elendra and the girl s performance was
pleasing her.
Elendra said, If you believed the land did not belong to anyone, why do you
bring an army?
Kwan answered, We did not know what we would encounter on our exploration. It
is only a small force, meant for protection.
As soon as the soldier managed an interpretation of the explanation, Onja
spoke in the language used by the girl.
You would make trouble where you found none! the Queen accused, her voice
ringing with power.
It was a sly accusation and inwardly Kwan smiled. Onja had faked her ignorance
of the language and then revealed her feint, allowing him to see her devious
nature. Now he would always have to wonder how much she
knew.
We have made no trouble, Kwan said with diplomatic innocence.
Onja did not need the interpretation to catch the meaning of his words.
Relaxing into her throne, Onja judged the human to be cunning and proud but
willing to the pay the prices necessary for survival.
Elendra, Onja said sweetly. You may go now. You have served me well.
Elendra stood and bowed to her Queen. Scampering down the steps, she flashed a
curious look at Kwan. Onja watched the girl leave, letting her adoration of
the child distract her.
When her attention returned to Kwan, she stated coldly, Entering my
Wilderness results in death.
Then why have you not killed us? Kwan asked boldly. The soldier disliked
passing along the question.
Onja explained, The death sentence has been delayed because I require a
service of you. Serving me shall be the price for your lives.
The scar on Kwan s face rippled with restrained anger. Atrophane did not serve
others. Atrophane served Atrophane.
Maintaining his pride, Kwan said, Do we appear to you as mercenaries?
Onja scowled at the impudent question.
The day you learn not to be argumentative will soon come& but not today, she
thought.
I have mercenaries at my disposal. You are volunteers. I spared your lives
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