The Forgotten Queen: The Forgotten Queen, #1

Chapter One

A BURST OF MAGIC SHATTERED the quiet forest surrounding the city. Laena Moon stood at the outskirts of a dark and foreboding jungle; a place where most humans dared not trend. She had seen the city, and felt it was the only place where she could find help. As she approached, she could see the city was packed of people; people going in, and people going out. She cared not for their troubles or woes, she only cared to get in. She tried to pretend to be one of the natural citizens of the city, yet the guards at the gate were suspicious, and she fought the urge to vanish for the hundredth time that day. There was no escape, however. She needed food, water, and a place to rest where she wasn’t constantly running from cold, exhaustion, and fear. She had no idea where she was. She only knew that she wasn't home. 

The city positively thronged with people. There were all kinds-old, young, tall, short. Some carried weapons, most were weaponless. Some had carts, and some brought in wagons with the help of donkeys or horses. There were a handful of animals scattered about. Dogs were laying in the shade near the wall of the city, watching the people with wary, tired expressions. Everyone had a destination to go to. The only destination she had in mind was in.

She managed to make it through the city, and she was forced to keep moving with the crowd. She caught glimpses of buildings-there was a jail not to far away. An inn that looked to be on the more expensive side, but she could at least get information inside. She wormed her way over towards the inn, and finally broke free of the crowd with a breathe of relief. She glanced back at where the crowd was still meandering down the street in a steady pace, and shook her head. She was going to avoid that as long as possible. She didn't know what was so popular that there were so many people visiting today, and she didn't care to find out. 

Inside the inn, it was nice and cool, shaded and with a fire going in the kitchen as it was cooking  a roast. The smell of roast pig didn't help much to ease her stomach, and it rumbled loudly enough a few heads turned, and she looked embarrassed. She quickly moved towards the counter where a man was wiping down the dark wood with a clean towel. 

Excuse me sir, She spoke quietly, respectfully. Are you willing to trade a day's work for a meal and information? 

Depends on what kind of meal, and how much information. He responded, studying her. I can let you have a glass of water, however. Water and lemonade are free. 

Please, She begged, hopefully. He smiled, and went to go and fetch it from the kitchen, returning with both a glass of water and a glass of lemonade. 

They discussed work and how she would pay, and she agreed to do dishes for the evening, sweeping all the floors, and even fixing the fire at night for her spot next to it. He informed her if she worked hard today, he would give her all the information she wanted tomorrow. She agreed to it, and set about paying the price. 

Sweeping the floors all day proved to be easy, but there were stacks upon stacks upon stacks of dishes. She washed each dish by hand, and the job was still going past dinner. Finally, she had finished into the wee hours of the morning, and turned to the fire, fixing it and making sure it would go for a few hours. She caught a little rest, and rose early the next morning, exhausted but cheerful that she had managed to get herself a spot to sleep in without too much trouble. 

First things first, The innkeeper, who had introduced himself as Iogen, asked. Are you a royal on the run, or a slave on the run? 

She blinked. 

Neither, She answered and he frowned. 

You're either a royal or a slave. There is no in between. I am a slave. And he proved it to her by summoning a ball of flame in his palm. She stared at it, utterly captivated. 

That doesn't hurt you? She asked, staring in awe. He abruptly put the flame away. 

Do you come from a different land? He asked, eyes narrowed. We've not had those people here in many, many generations. Or perhaps you are from the Witches Territory. 

Neither. I... And she began to cry helplessly. I don't know how I got here. I don't even know where I am... She began to cry in earnest, and he sighed. While he understood her tears, he had long since forgotten how to cry. Tears were useless, and did nothing to help ease pain. It generally prolonged it.

There, there. Where are you from? He tried to comfort her. She sniffed, and looked up at him. 

I...I'm from another world... She mumbled, warily. I think some kind of magic must have brought me here. 

He stared at her in astonishment. 

But before he could say anything else, there came a shout from the doorway. 

Royals attending! 

Everyone began to react in panic, even as Iogen glanced up towards the alarmed citizens and heaved a sigh. He stood up from his stool, even as others were rushing to and fro around them. She wondered why these Royals were such a big deal, even as she watched him move from her side to tend to this new matter.

We'll talk more about this later. In the meantime, your about to learn what it means to be a slave. Stay behind me, and make no noise. Make no sound. And whatever you do, don't look a royal in the eye. He said harshly, and turned to attend to the royal that was coming into the inn. 

It seemed as though there was about to be dinner and a show. 

Chapter Two

THE ROYALS ENTERED the Inn, each looking as though they owned the place. And, she realized with a start, seeing as the room was likely full of slaves, they probably did. She did her best to remain behind Iogen, who was standing ramrod straight, and looking coolly towards the Royals that approached the counter. 

Your best wine, and that pig to be on a platter, if you please. The man at the head of the Royals group declared firmly, and Iogen nodded once. 

Milord, the water and lemonade is particularly fine-perhaps you would like some of that as well? He questioned, and the man looked at him as though surprised he would ask such a question, appeared to consider it, before shrugging. 

You may if you wish. 

As she was watching, she was surprised when Iogen turned towards her. 

Girl, you know where the kitchens are, yes? Good. Go and fetch a tray of water and lemonade. Make sure there is a bottle of chilled wines as well. Three should do for now, He said, studying the group. 

She nodded, feeling it was best not to speak, and quickly went to do as he had commanded. 

One Royal had a hold of one of the girls and was pulling her towards his lap. The girl looked utterly terrified, and she gritted her teeth and tried to do the mantra 'leave it alone, leave it alone, leave it alone'; but it didn’t appear to be working. 

So when she fetched the drinks, she made sure to serve every Royal, saving him for last...

Only to dump the drinks into his lap, and the girls by accident. 

The girl jumped off of him with a shriek as the ice cold water splashed all over her, and the royal man roared in anger. 

Brutus, sit down. One of the other royals said with a sigh. She clearly didn't mean it. And even if she did, you don't need to be tormenting the serving girls this early. She did the right thing. Girl, what's your name? He demanded, and Iogen coughed in the background. 

Make up a name, she heard clearly in her head. 

Laena, sir. She said respectfully, and doing a perfect curtsy. 

They looked puzzled. 

What the hell was that you just did? Never mind, not important. He said, even as she was blushing furiously. Iogen stepped forward. 

Lords, is she causing problems? She is very new-having only just started work yesterday. He apologized, tugging her behind him. 

Brutus snorted. 

I told you, The royal that had been commanding Brutus said mildly to him. No, there are no problems. She just dropped a tray. Carrying too much at once, I expect, but then how else is one to learn? No, I just wished to see if she was a slave. She is *far* to pretty to be a slave. 

That was exactly what I had asked her, lord. And she says that she is, though she has traveled far. She is one of the witches slaves, Lord.  Iogen explained, and the lord nodded. 

Yes, I see. She is quite...fascinating. Slave. My name is Ferrus. King Ferrus, if you are unfamiliar with our lands. How long have you been here? 

I arrived just yesterday, Lord Ferrus, I mean King Ferrus. She said, hastily correcting herself. 

Very well. As long as you cause no trouble, then you will not be troubled. King Ferrus informed her, and turned back to his people. Iogen gently tugged her into the kitchens, where the two of them together set the pig up on onto a huge tray to be carried into the room. Iogen was silent, but she could tell that he burned with curiosity, and anger towards the one called Brutus. 

They managed to fix the pig up in ten minutes, and she added an apple into the pigs mouth for effect. Iogen looked at it curiously. 

Where...never mind. He muttered, shaking his head. You are going to draw more attention to yourself doing it that way. He commented, as they carried the tray to the table. They set the tray in the middle, and the men began to grab for pieces of the fresh succulent meats. A few grabbed some of the oranges and apples and other fruits along the side to go with the meat, but otherwise those were untouched. The King began to laugh loudly at something Brutus said, even as the other knights were scarfing the food away as though they were starving. 

For a few moments, it was a seemingly normal setting-people moving about the inn, people eating at the tables and drinking, talk, and laughter. For that one second, she could pretend that she was back home, that this was all just a dream...and then the moment was shattered.

So, little Laena. King Farrus spoke. What kind of magic do you possess?