Chapter two.

"Who's there?" Asked Stellovet. "Show yourself."

"If you wish." Said the voice. A huge rat stepped into the light.

Stellovet clapped a hand over her mouth to keep from screaming. She had never seen a live rat this close before and she thought she might faint. When she trusted herself not to scream, she took her hand away. "Y-you're a gnawer." She choked out.

The rat examined its claws. "And you are a mistress of the obvious. Now if you don't mind my asking, who are you, and who is it that you do not have?"

Trying to regain her composure, Stellovet said haughtily: "I am Stellovet, and unless you can help me, it is no concern of yours who I do not have."

The rat laughed. "A bit feisty, are we? That's good, but unfortunately it's empty. Run along now, little girl."

Stellovet felt her blood boil. "You dare laugh at me? The future ruler of Regalia? I swear, when I'm Queen—"

The rat stared at her. "What did you say?"

Cursing her big mouth, Stellovet sheepishly said: "Nothing. I didn't say anything."

"No, you said when you are Queen. Having some treasonous thoughts, are we?"

"N-no. No treason here." Stellovet had started to tremble.

The rat smirked. "Don't worry; I'm not going to turn you in. I'd like to see the Queen overthrown. I've even got some ideas of how to do it, but let's hear yours first."

Stellovet hesitated.

"Go on." The rat said. "I haven't got all night."

"Well… I've been making plans for years, but none of them seem just right. Most are just wishful plotting. But this time I think I have actually got a plan that might work, if I could get the proper elements. But I just don't see how I can…" Stellovet trailed off.

"How you can what?" asked the rat.

Abandoning all secrecy, Stellovet replied: "How I can gain control over the warrior."

"What?" the rat was shocked. "The Warrior? From the overland?"

Stellovet nodded. "If I have him, then I can use him as leverage against my cousin."

The rat was skeptical. "What makes you think she will even care?"

"I have my ways. Believe me, she will care." She smiled, but then her face fell. "Oh, but what's the use? I have no way to get him here, and without him, the plan is useless." She buried her face in her hands.

"Well, I wouldn't call it useless. In fact it's quite good. And cheer up. The Warrior may not be as hard to gain control of then you think."

Stellovet looked up. "What do you mean?"

The rat smiled. "I've met the warrior, I know his scent. Supposedly he lives at the top of portal two. It would not be too hard to pop up there one night and kidnap him."

Stellovet's eyes widened. "You're right! That would work. We could store him in the dungeon for a few months; keeping him on minimal rations until he's weak. Then we show him to Luxa, say we will kill him unless she gives up the throne to me, and… and… what comes after that?"

"Well, we will have to dispose of them somehow of course. Also that one girl, the crazy one?"

"Nerissa?"

"Yes, her. Isn't she next in line for the throne?"

"Oh, Nerissa won't be a problem. She is going to the Fount with my family in a few weeks. I have some people who are loyal to me there. I'll arrange with one of them to have Nerissa have a little accident. That will take care of her."

"Good." said the rat. "And when shall we kidnap the Warrior?"

"As soon as possible."

"How about two nights from now?"

Stellovet considered that. "Yes, that will work. I shall enlist the help of Chase. His flier Calypso is big enough to carry you, and we could use his muscle."

"Can you trust him?"

"Chase? Yes. At least, he won't tell anyone our plans if we swear him to secrecy."

"All this is right fine and dandy, but what's in it for me?"

Stellovet was startled. "I-um… I will need an advisor. And someone to be in charge of the gnawers."

"Now you're talking." Said the rat. "I'm in."

"Good." Said Stellovet. "Finally, one of my plans will at last be able to go through!"

The rat rolled his eyes.

Stellovet yawned. "Well, I'd better get back to bed. Shall we meet tomorrow night… what is your name again?"

"Gushgore." said the rat. "Tomorrow night will be fine. Same place?"

"Agreed." Stellovet turned away and as she walked down the hall, there was a new spring in her step.

Gushgore melted once again into the shadows.