31 – The Queen's Pawn

"You are daring to attend an audience with the Queen carrying these?" Don said, incredulous. He held up the blades his friend was insisting he wore within the lining of the brocade jacket.

Sauren finished fastening his shirt cuffs then glanced at the secreted blades before he gave Don his full attention. "Yes," he replied assuredly with a smirk. He pointed to the multi-dagger, light-weight scabbard in which all five blades; a ballock, two baselords, a stiletto and a rondel with its customised pommel, were all easily hidden side by side. The deceptively light weaponry was then placed under a section of the jacket's lining and easily accessed should the need arise. "See? They are all adequately concealed."

"You have a death wish, you know that?" The scowl on Don's face clearly indicated his disapproval. "Do you honestly think you won't be searched before you are even allowed within sight of her?"

"You have very little faith in me, Stanton."

"Oh, don't start your surname shit with me," his friend grumbled.

Sauren laughed, his mirth joined by that of Reed who sat, leg draped over the arm of the fireside chair, munching on a turkey leg.

"I say we go with you," Don grunted.

"No, you cannot. I am to go alone."

"We shall escort you part of the way then," Reed stated tossing the poultry bone in the fire. The scraps of meat still attached hissed as the flames consumed them. "Then we'll veer off and go to Odette's. Don't know about you Don, but I am in need of a festive fuck."

A very brief smirk tweaked the corners of Don's mouth, but Sauren's safety was still his predominant concern. "I think we should stay close..."

Sauren slapped a friendly hand on his shoulder. "Listen, I will be fine. What's the worst she could possibly do?"

Reed tossed a date into his mouth and then guffawed. "Chop your cock off for dipping it in her sacred pool I would imagine." He turned to face his two friends. Don's face was ashen with a contradictory coating of perspiration causing his brow to glisten. Sauren, though his mouth was pulled taut and thin appeared to be holding back the need to blurt out an exclamation.

"What? You'd rather it was your head?" Reed asked.

Sauren blinked. Then with a shrug, he answered. "Yes. Of course!"

Don's face was still stony, panic rising behind his eyes. It just set the other two off in hysterics. "Oh please, lighten up my friend," Sauren chuckled as he looked at Don.

Funny though he found Reed's joke to be, Sauren could not shake off a sense of foreboding. He was still worried about the delectable Leola and Maya. Logic hinted at the unlikelihood of his own person being at risk; his father, after all, was held in high regard by the King and although Queen Lianne had inferred she was the puppeteer, somehow he doubted that rang completely true. She may, however, be devious, with her own aspirations and schemes going on in the background.

These thoughts he kept to himself so as not to worry his best friend unnecessarily. Sometimes, Sauren still saw Don as the shoulder-yolk defender of his younger days. Reed, on the other hand, seemed more relaxed, one to take things in his stride. He had come far in Sauren's opinion and in the process had earned both his trust and friendship.

Don sighed heavily, his trepidation still at the fore. Nonetheless, he knew Sauren would not allow either of them to accompany him. It was he after all, in whom the Queen had expressed an interest, not Don and not Reed.

Sauren shrugged the jacket on, taking time to check the secreted scabbard remained undetectable as he moved. Happy that it was, he turned to his two friends. "Will I do?" He stood, arms extended.

Reed looked up from the armchair and smiled. "Oh, I think you will meet with Royal Approval, yes. But, erm ... what's with the doo?" He pointed to the three plaits weaved into the left side of Sauren's hair.

The half-elf grinned, his fingers tracing down the locks. "Ah, this was something Heidy wanted to do."

"Heidy? You told her you were meeting with the Queen of Lordaeron?" Don asked totally missing the point.

"What? That little housemaid?" Reed had cottoned on. He sat up straight and looked at Sauren. "Are you banging her?"

Turning from them and looking back into the mirror, Sauren laughed lightly. "No. I did not tell her I was meeting the Queen, Don. And yes, that little housemaid, Reed."

"And?" His feasting friend, inquisitive, rose from the chair and climbed the steps to the bedchamber, stopping just short of Sauren who still primped and preened in front of the dresser. The two boys' eyes met in the mirror.

"Yes," Sauren confirmed, fixing his cuffs.

Reed cussed, punching a fist in the air. "Damn! You'll have them queuing at the door soon!"

Don was inwardly disgruntled he had missed the significance of Heidy's hairdressing skills. "Hmm, and he might even fuck royalty today," he commented, his voice not conveying any mirth whatsoever.

Sauren spun round. "Why, Don, do I detect more disapproval or perhaps... envy?"

Don rolled his eyes. "No thanks! I wouldn't trust that woman with my cock. There is something I ... I just can't quite warm to her."

Sauren studied him for a moment or two, weighing up his words. A loyal friend since they were small boys, Don's advice and observations over time had been welcomed indeed, sometimes even sought after. If anything, he managed to keep Sauren's feet planted firmly on the ground. He nodded. "I do not disagree with you," he said.

Don's eyes lifted and he stared at his friend.

"There is something certainly which I too sense. Be rest assured though my friends, I do not intend to fuck her, but I am curious as to what she wants me for. In order to do that I must play the part of the Queen's Pawn."

He turned back to the dresser. He pulled out a belt onto which he attached a single scabbard with a small dagger and a pouch laden with coins.

"More weaponry? And what's the pouch for?" Reed asked.

"The dagger is a decoy thus ensuring my collection is not discovered," the half-elf explained patting the section of the jacket where the secreted blades nestled. "The pouch is a tradition for me."

"What tradition?"

Sauren glanced at Don, who knew only too well what it was, then he answered. "It is alms for the poor. My father does it, although on a grander scale and I have followed suit. One day, when this is all mine, I will do more, but for now, I have only coin to give and some supplies."

Reed stood, speechless, trying desperately not to look so surprised in fear he offended Sauren. But, it seemed his expression did not go unnoticed. "I know what you're thinking," Sauren smiled although it bore the complexity of the man himself. "How can someone like me, who is capable of such base behaviour and brutality possibly care for those less fortunate?"

His friend's voice evaded him, his mouth simply flapping like that of a fish on land.

Sauren placed a friendly hand on his shoulder. "I sometimes wonder such things myself." He laughed lightly before explaining further. "Having grown up amid equal shares of kindness and bigotry, I guess I have learned that I cannot judge all as either one or the other. Whoever does me or mine wrong, they deserve my wrath and it be will be visited upon them, as well you know, but those who have hit hard times for reasons outwith their control - they do not deserve to suffer more."

Obviously still taken aback Reed stared at him; his expression led to Sauren asking a question. "You do not approve?" His tone was subtly contentious.

"Actually, I think it is admirable," Reed answered after a moment. "I just did not expect it, that is all. I wish to do the same."

The half-elf stepped back and gestured to the dresser. "Good, for I have more coin here for you to..."

"No!" Reed replied, shaking his head. "I will use my own. I can earn more as the year goes on but I will not simply take that which is yours and then try to make out it was my own effort for charity."

It was Sauren's turn to be surprised. Although the young rogue had indeed made earnings from his few months efforts at the guild, his monies were considerably less than that of the affluent son of the Guild Master. Sauren's offer had not been intended to humiliate his friend or emphasise his lesser means, it had been merely made so he could join in the small but significant effort of making the festive season a little brighter for those who had nothing.

Reed turned and left to go to his dorm to collect some of his savings, stating he would meet them in the courtyard in a few minutes.

"I think he has even exceeded your expectations," Don voiced once they were alone.

"Yes, he has, Don." Sauren looked at his best friend. "I am most fortunate to have both of you at my side."

Don smiled then his voice adopted a serious tone. "Regarding the list - I know now is not the time for such business, but when do we score off number three?"

Sauren finished securing his belt before answering. "Not for a while certainly. I have to see what Her Majesty requires of me first, not to mention I have a wedding to consider in Spring."

"Ah yes!" Don laughed. "What happened to the man who said he had no intention of being tied down to one woman and wanted to sample the fruits of the orchard?"

Sauren flexed his eyebrows and sighed heavily, puffing out his cheeks. "Yes, well... I was put on the spot, wasn't I? Still, I will not be married for three to four months yet so I intend to enjoy those fruits for the duration of my freedom."

"I don't think that's quite what is meant to happen during a courtship, Sauren."

They made their way to the door. "I know. But, it is better I get it out of my system before I make my vows, do you not agree?"

Don shrugged. "I suppose there is that side of it, yes."

"Good, then let us go. I will join you at Odette's."

"But..."

"Later. And most definitely after I have met with the Queen."

Don laughed as they descended the stairs.

All three young men were dressed very smartly, as they usually were when going out, but this day awarded them more admiring looks than normal and not all due to their attire.

It was still relatively early and this gave Sauren time to do what he habitually did on an annual basis. He took his friends to parts of the city where he knew many unfortunate souls hid from plain view. Some were huddled in dank, cold alleys, or grouped in deserted buildings of which there were a fair few in the northeast part of the city. This was an area plagued with rot of one kind or another and seemed to be a magnet for those who found themselves on the wrong side of society for whatever reason.

Thankfully, one or two establishments nearby offered proper shelter and hot meals to some of the unfortunate street dwellers but rooms were limited and they were only available at a cost; this was where Sauren's coins came into play.

Some faces had been there for a number of years and the young half-elf recognised a handful of familiar ones as he moved through the Beggars Quarters as it was commonly known. They nodded greeting, some even managed to smile.

He had requested service of two of the guild's mages to portal blankets, food and some clothing for those who would not be able to take refuge in the paid accommodation.

As expected he found Cyrus with some other priests among the hapless bodies. They readily helped the young men distribute the goods portalled through.

"You are a bit of an enigma, young Sauren," Cyrus commented while passing blankets over to his fellow helpers and those who came near for the hand-outs.

"Am I?" Sauren asked with a grin.

"Yes, normally you come incognito. I am surprised to see you so well attired for this task."

Sauren laughed lightly. "It is merely because we have appointments directly after this, ones which we cannot arrive at in casual wear."

"Ah, I see. Well, that aside your aid in these matters is greatly appreciated as is your father's help too."

"Yes. I believe he is now headed north to offer aid to the elves, who also have unfortunate stories. They too were affected quite dramatically when the orcs and their foul pestilence ran riot through the lands."

"I have no doubt. It was a dreadful time which is hopefully behind us now."

They all continued to work handing over items to help the poor. They knew it would be an endless task; many of these people had survived this way for years, but the recent events in the land's history had meant more had joined the ranks of the unfortunate.

People in dirty, worn clothing shuffled closer. Most concealed their faces with scarves or hoods, their haunted, hollowed eyes mostly hidden from view. Scabby finger-less mitts worn by some, inadequately covered cold, filthy hands, some of which no doubt had raked through rubbish and piles of rubble hoping to find something better to wear or even something resembling food. The smell of soiled clothing mixed with a damp, mustiness from being worn for days, sometimes weeks at a time lingered around where the helpers were stationed.

Sauren was handing out coins to some of the outstretched hands, while the others continued to give out the blankets and food to those who clearly were remaining in the Quarters. Most nodded or mumbled incoherent thank yous, or just grunted and moved away, their shame at being so downtrodden crippling their ability to look others in the eye.

But one truly surprised Sauren. A woman, stooped, dressed in black, her face hidden by a heavy shawl, kept her head bowed as she accepted the coins from him. "Thank you, young master. May all good fortune shine upon you."

She turned to move away. "Wait," he called. The figure halted, her head still bowed but looking askance at him. Quickly, he picked up a cup and filled it with the hot soup bubbling in a large pot which the mages had portalled. He handed her the mug. "This will give you some sustenance and warmth until you secure accommodation," he said.

She fiddled with the sides of her skirt, searching for a pocket in which to put the coins he had given her. Her hand then shook as she accepted the cup. He heard her sniff. Whether it was due to the cold or her being a little overcome he knew not, but with a breathy thank you this time, she turned and moved away into the back of the building. He stared after her.

"She keeps very much to herself, does that one," Cyrus said as he moved beside Sauren. "She comes by very rarely, but I think with the weather changing and her getting older, she needs this more."

Sauren nodded finally pulling his eyes away from where the woman had shuffled into the shadows. "None of them has ever said as much as she did, that's why I was intrigued."

"Hmm, I have come across her over the years usually holed up behind an inn, or another establishment, taking shelter in their rubbish, off-cuts and abandoned goods. Always polite though very secretive. They are all tragic though, Sauren, and each and every one has a story that could break even the hardest of hearts."

The half-elf nodded. Then with a large sigh, he announced it was time for him and his friends to depart. Cyrus thanked them again for their thoughtfulness and bade them farewell.

The Queen had not given him much direction pertaining to a time he should arrive, nor indeed by which entrance and so he assumed to enter the Keep's grounds via the same route he had been led the day Leola and her cohorts entertained him and his friends. The fact that guards were waiting for him on the other side of the doorway strongly suggested the Queen had known exactly where and when to find him. This in itself, raised the question - how?

Just as Don suspected, they searched him for weapons. The dagger on his belt was spied straight away and cunningly he raised his jacket so they could see there were no more placed around his waist. They patted him around his middle and down his legs. Satisfied, they told him to stay close and then proceeded to march him into the chamber where the entrance to the catacombs was concealed.

With one guard ahead and the other at the rear, he was escorted down the long, spiral stairway and into the caverns. It was better lit than the first and indeed the second time he'd ventured into the bowels of the Keep. As they approached the chamber which housed the pool, he picked up the sound of whimpering and stifled sobs. This did not herald good news; concerns for his lovers magnified with each step. He had to think and think fast.

The narrow passage opened up into the location where the Queen awaited his arrival. As he neared the pool he was ordered to halt. The guards continued around the perimeter and came to a stop beside their monarch. There on an elaborate large chair, not quite of throne dimensions but nonetheless reflective of the noble posterior which graced it, sat Queen Lianne.

On either side of her, on their knees, was Leola and Maya, their hands tied behind their backs and mouths gagged. It took all Sauren had not to show the shock and dread he felt on seeing his beautiful playmates so shamefully bound.

He bowed before the Queen. "Your Majesty," he greeted, just managing to thwart the tremor in his voice.

"Ah, young master Sauren. I am delighted to see you keep your promises."

Keeping his voice steady he replied. "Promise or not, Your Majesty, it would be deigned impolite to have declined your invitation."

She smiled, slow. "Impolite, eh?" A laugh more mocking than mirthful left her lips.

Trying not to look at the two women on their knees, Sauren still caught their flinches as the menace in the Queen's laughter echoed softly around the cavern.

"And would you say you were polite when you frolicked in my pool with these whores?"

His muscles tensed as the guards unsheathed their swords and took up position behind the two helpless women. He chanced a glance at Leola, her tearful eyes watching him closely. His mind raced to come up with a fitting answer. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, I apologise profusely for ... contaminating your pool."

With a wave of her hand, the guards raised their swords. "Shall I show you what contamination of my pool truly looks like, young master Sauren?" She looked at the guards. The women sobbed behind the cloth gags.

"Your Majesty!" Sauren said, a little more forcefully than he would have liked. "Surely you would not harm your devoted servants."

"Devoted?" Queen Lianne guffawed. "They defied me." Her eyes were dark, dangerous.

Sauren swallowed. He had no choice but to take the path he had chosen and just hope it would lead to a victory. "Yes, but perhaps it was just as well that they did."

The Queen's eyes widened in surprise and she pushed herself up from the chair. Slowly, she started to circle the rim of the pool towards the half-elf, her robe whispering over the smooth stone as she walked. "And just how do you come to that conclusion?" she asked.

Sauren's jaw flexed and he clasped his hands behind him, his fingers subtly searching for the blades hidden in his jacket. He found little comfort at the touch of the cool steel. "If they had not brought me down here when they did, then I would not have been able to ensure the defence of the keep during the siege."

She scoffed. "You are very self-opinionated aren't you? Anyway, I heard your studies told you about the catacombs."

"To a degree, yes, but every castle, keep and fortress has its own specific design. I am not privy to the blueprints of this keep, Your Majesty." He paused, allowing his words to infiltrate her mind. "Had Leola and Maya not brought me here, I doubt very strongly that defeat of the orcs would have occurred. They would have broken through with little resistance and it would have resulted in your body lying face down in that pool."

The Queen stopped a few feet from him and considered his rationale. "The King had already deployed soldiers down here though, Sauren. We had men in place."

"Yes, but almost all were killed, Your Majesty, as you well know. Without the help of the Crimson Blade and our mage allies, you would surely be dead and quite possibly the king too. Leola and Maya's insubordination inadvertently has kept you alive. Surely, your royal acumen knows this to be true."

She looked across at the two concubines, her eyes dark and searching. Finally, after a few minutes, she nodded to the guards and they re-sheathed their swords. "Release them," she ordered waving a dismissive hand at the two women.

Sobs of relief echoed around the chamber and the women muttered their gratitude to the Queen swearing their undying fealty to her royal person. They avoided Sauren's eyes and scuttled away through another exit.

Inwardly, he sighed with relief that they were free although he was not entirely confident he could trust the Queen not to harm them still. He was not done yet, however; that card, he would play a little later. Now, he at least had the measure of Her Majesty. If indeed she was driven to want to take someone's life for something as trivial as bathing in a source of underground water she claimed as hers, then she was capable of other unhinged acts. She could potentially be a more dangerous ally than she would be an enemy.

"Now that little ... incident has been explained away, let us get down to business," she said.

Sauren looked about himself, wondering if she intended to continue their meeting in the cavern. That question was answered when one of the guards pulled another chair out from behind an opening. From the same direction, a young servant girl appeared with a tray, its contents being wine, 2 goblets, some cheese and fruit. This was placed on a low table between the throne-like chair and the more modest one placed for himself.

Queen Lianne ushered him around the pool. He waited until she sat down before he took his seat. The young girl poured the wine, under the scrutiny of the Queen's intense stare. The girl's hands trembled ever so slightly, but she did not spill a drop.

Sauren quietly observed, very aware that the lighting and jade luminescence of the chamber added menace of the Queen's poise. He assumed that was partly why she had chosen this location to hold their meeting. The young girl then curtsied and left with the guards following behind as the Queen dismissed them also.

A few moments passed. She seemed to be waiting for Sauren to do something. Her gaze lowered to her goblet and then back to his eyes. He smiled knowingly and lifted the goblet to his mouth. This was a test of his loyalty more than a suspicion that her wine was lethal. He let the liquid coat his lips and swallowed for all he had not taken a drink. He would drink from his own, confident that she would not want his corpse on her hands.

She waited a few minutes, watching him closely. Then she laughed. "I do like you, Sauren," she said, almost in a purr. "I like that you defended Leola and Maya and there is truth in your delivery. You have quite simply proven that your loyalty is genuine to both those you care for and..." She took a sip of wine. "Those whom you serve." She maintained eye-contact.

"You made good a promise to me, Your Majesty, I, therefore, return the compliment."

Again she laughed, but the sound was lighter, more carefree now. "Are you telling me that because your carnality was tended to under my instruction, that is what warrants me your loyalty?"

Sauren grinned. "I am just a horny young man, Your Majesty, what more can I say?" He took a draught of his wine, his eyes sparkling with mischief over the rim of his goblet.

The Queen laughed again and pushed over the platter with cheese and fruit. He picked at some of the offerings and sat back leisurely in the chair. "So, what is it you require of me?" he ventured.

She picked up a few thin slices of apple and popped one in her mouth. "Just how much do you know about magic?"

The question surprised Sauren. Of all the things he expected the Queen to need him for, his knowledge of magic was not one of them. He considered his answer carefully. "Only that as a guild, the Crimson Blade works closely with magi. The ones who are part of our army, as it were, are exemplary magic-wielders. Agents of such power can be a considerable boon to the ranks. A rogue mage, however, could I dare say, tip the scales as indeed did the Guardian Medivh."

Her lips curved. "I knew you were learned."

"I am limited in the ways of sorcerers, Your Majesty."

"But you have struck up a friendship with one I believe. One who has quite an impressive reputation and yet it goes unrewarded."

Sauren shifted in his seat and took another sip of wine. He paused a moment, savouring the flavour before its potency waned in light of the Queen's questioning. "You speak of Dar'khan Drathir, I take it?"

"Indeed I do. I watched him during the grand opening of The Crimson Blade and even had the opportunity to speak with him a little."

"Then you will no doubt know as much about him as I do."

She laughed. "By your tone, I see you are not enamoured by him."

"Not particularly, no. He is arrogant."

"As are you."

The half-elf stiffened slightly.

"Oh, come now, Sauren," she chuckled. "Arrogance is not necessarily a bad thing, especially when it is founded through belief in one's own superlative abilities."

"I am aware of my own strengths certainly..."

"And I of your weaknesses," she said, her eyes flitting to the exit where the concubines had vanished earlier. She had just placed her bargaining chip on the table. He focused on keeping his feelings buried.

"So, what is it you want me to do?" His voice was measured.

"Simply what you are doing already. Engage in friendship with this intriguing magus, but take note of anything he discusses."

"Pertaining to what exactly?"

"Connections, people of influence." She stared at him. Daring him to ask more. He did not.

"As you wish, Your Majesty. Is that all?" He set his goblet down.

"For now, yes. We shall start with small steps, I think."

Sauren grunted then stood before her. He bowed. "Then with your permission, I will take my leave."

She smiled up at him and raised her hand. He kissed the large jewelled ring which adorned her middle finger. "We shall work well together, Sauren, I am sure."

He nodded, then stepped back and turned to leave the same way he came. After a few paces, he stopped and turned to face her again. He raised a finger to his bottom lip, pensive. "There is one more thing, Your Majesty, if you would kindly indulge me?"

She lifted her goblet, ready to sip. "Yes?"

"Leola and Maya truly do have your best interests at heart and more importantly, your safety..."

"Oh, please, Sauren, the subject is tired," she smirked and took a drink.

He quickly continued. "Your guards, on the other hand, I would say are a different matter."

Her eyes flashed in his direction. "What are you inferring?"

He slowly walked towards her, hands behind his back. "They failed you, Your Majesty. In fact, they have put your life in danger."

She guffawed, yet there was a slight unease in her posture.

The half-elf continued leaning towards her. "You and I both know that I will not harm you, but nonetheless, I could have been a potential threat. You see..." He produced the slender rondel in one hand and the stiletto blade in the other. "They did not carry out their duty of ensuring I was unarmed before they brought me in front of you." He let the glint of steel reflect in her eyes as the light from the sconces bounced off the blades. Her breath caught in her throat. Then her eyes darkened as she faced the exit the guards had left by with the servant girl.

Sauren stood straight and re-sheathed the daggers in their secreted scabbard. "With all due respect, I suggest you choose your protection with more care, Your Majesty. I bid you good day." With a low, courteous bow, he turned and left, a smug smirk toying at the corners of his mouth.