The Banished

Chapter 6

"My, your hunger seems to grow every time I see you," Luxa observed as she sat at the head of the table, staring at the rat who had his snout stuck in a bowl of his favorite dish.

"You'd be hungry too if you lived where we do."

"We have given you access to the river, full of fish," Luxa told him dismissively. "Or are you too old now, Ripred, to catch them yourself?"

"Watch it, girl."

"I am not a girl. I am a queen."

"No my queen," he told her stiffly. Then, looking around the room at the servant standing by, he said, "I will be needing more shrimp if I am to be kept happy. You know that the queen likes me best happy."

"Bring him what he wishes," Luxa told the servant with a nod of her head. "Less it be my head served on a plate."

"As you wish, your grace."

"Now that you have eaten half the shrimp in all of Regalia, tell me of what bothers you enough to disrupt my kingdom?" Luxa asked as she reached forwards to grab the only thing in front of her which happened to be her glass of wine. It seemed to be one of the only things that she drank anymore.

"Better question," Ripred said, glancing at Gregor. "How come I can't talk to the warrior?"

She frowned. "Who says you can't? But you will not do it on my time or when he is working."

"You sell him short. Perhaps if he was one of your advisors, I would not have come the whole way over here just to speak with you."

"You have yet to tell me exactly what it is you need to see me about."

"The attacks you have perpetrated on gnawers-"

"We have made no such attacks, whatever they are." Luxa almost seemed bored with him, distracted. "Next topic."

"No. Same topic." Ripred was no longer joking around, his attention fully on the queen. "What other humans are there, Queen Luxa, that might attack us, may I ask you?"

"I do not know," she told him, rolling her eyes. "I have many other important-"

"Where were you? Before?"

"Before what?"

"You know what. What were you doing that you could not meet with me when I first arrived?"

"I don't-"

"Where was she, Gregor?" Ripred looked to him then, but Gregor just stood in the corner silent, his hands clasped behind his back.

"Do not speak to him."

"Did you not just tell me that I could?"

Luxa was annoyed then and it was obvious. "When he is not working. Currently, he-"

"Why did you bring him with us if you did not plan for me to speak to him? You had all the guards in the world to choose from and you chose him. You only fear that at this moment he will tell me your secrets."

"It is no secret," Luxa said with an eye roll and another extended sip of wine. "I merely left the capital on business."

"Business," Ripred repeated slowly. "Such as attacking gnawers?"

"I went to see the nibblers," she told him. "Though I don't see how it is of any concern of yours."

"The nibblers," he said slowly. "And what exactly would you have to do in the nibbler territory?"

"Again, it is of no concern to you."

Gregor frowned. The day before, Luxa had acted as if it were the gnawers disturbing the nibblers. If that were true, no doubt she would have already unleashed on Ripred. She had that tendency after all. So if it wasn't the gnawers…then who?

"When I have your people attacking-"

"We did not attack anyone," Luxa said, shaking her head. "Did you keep any of the people who attacked you alive? Or did you kill them?"

"We killed them, of course! How many gnawers have you taken hostage?"

"It was only a question. I do not know who is attacking you, there for I do not care about their death. They are not from Regalia or The Fount. Or, if they are, they have no ties to either of us."

"I'm sure they don't, now that their attacks were failures."

"Meaning what? There were no casualties on your side?" Luxa shrugged. "Then what are you doing here? Or do you just create problems to cause me trouble?"

Ripred ignored her, instead posing a question of his own."Tell me then of why the Overlander cannot eat with us?"

"I do not understand your persistence on-"

"Do you not find it awkward that someone who would eat with us before is now standing guard over-"

"Fine," Luxa snapped, making face at the gnawer before looking over at her guard. "Sit if you so wish, Gregor."

He stared into her eyes, waiting for her to nod before doing so. Taking a seat across from Ripred, he said, "Thank you, my-"

"Oh, knock it off already," Ripred said. "The servant is out. We're alone. The two of you about make me vomit these days."

Luxa made a face. "He is my guard. A subject of mine."

"A subject you study closely, I am sure."

"I do not-"

"Knock it off, Ripred," Gregor said, frowning at him then. Honestly, was it that serious?

"Ah, so the warrior is not dead after all," Ripred said with a laugh. Gregor found nothing funny about it though. "Tell me then, Gregor, of your trip above."

"What is there to tell?"

Taking a serious tone for once, Ripred said, "Tell me of how your sister fare."

Gregor gave a slight nod at that, as if there was one thing that the rat always seemed concerned with, it was his family. If only slightly.

"They are well," Gregor said. "As is my mother. They all wish that I was home, but-"

"Ah, you couldn't live up there anymore," Ripred told him. "Without the queen's ass to kiss."

Luxa needed another long swig of her wine then, finishing off the glass. She would need more, as the evening had only just begun.

"I do not-"

"Do not argue facts, boy," Ripred said before looking at Luxa once again. "So you will not tell me of your trip to see the nibblers?"

"They were having trouble with their land. Honestly, there is nothing to tell." Luxa's head shot up as she noticed her servant come back into the room. "And here is the other half of the shrimp in Regalia. I do hope that you enjoy yourself, Ripred."

"What a gracious hostess you are these days. Really, this queen business is looking up for you."

That got him another look sent his way, though it was quick as Luxa turned to ask for more wine.

"And a plate for the Overlander as well," Luxa said as the waiter filled her glass to the brim once more. "If he must sit with us, he might as well have his fill as well. Though I am not sure what will be left after Ripred is done."

The rat licked his snout before glancing at Luxa. "If you ate half as much as you drink, perhaps you wouldn't be so frail. I thought I was speaking with Queen Luxa, not Queen Nerissa."

"My cousin is of ill health," Luxa told him without a smile. "Perhaps you would find it best to stay on topic before I have you-"

"I am your bond. You cannot kill me. That would mean sure death for you, no?" Ripred thought himself funny, as he always did. Still, Gregor watched in silence, waiting for the whole thing to be over. The volatile situations he got in as a solider or a guard were nothing compared to what Ripred and Luxa both wished to do to one another.

"I would never think of it," Luxa said before pausing for another sip of wine. Gregor feared he would have to carry her out of there before the night was over. "I would have my guard do it."

"What is wrong with calling him by name? As if he were just some common guard?" Ripred shook his head. "You are treated horribly here, Gregor."

"As oppose to how he would be treated by your kind?"

"The gnawers still hold the warrior in high esteem," Ripred told her with a shake of his head. "Unlike the people of Regalia, who seemed to think of him a nuisance. Perhaps when war befalls us once more, you will all wish you treated him better."

Luxa snorted. "Gregor knows the minds of the people are not focused in on war. They are tired of war currently. You think that Mareth is not a curse in their home? Perdita? The warrior? War brings death. A warrior brings death. The glee of victory fades and then you have broken home and orphanages full of crying children. And who would thank a warrior for that?"

"Humans," Ripred said with a sigh. "Possibly the worst creatures ever in existence."

"I will have you know that many feel the same about your own."

"And if they do? I do not care. But it kills you, does it not, Queen Luxa, that others do not love you? Do not worship you? The way your people do?" It was Ripred's turn to snort. "If you think that the favors turn against the warrior, what do you think they will do against a queen? What happens when your name becomes a curse, synonymous with the death and destruction of war?"

"Then I will die," she told hi without blinking an eye. "A death much happier than your own, I am sure."

"I'm sure." Ripred grinned then, showing off his cream and shrimp filled teeth. "Tell me then, Luxa, of what it will feel like when the people that previously would have cried when you were dead are the ones calling for your head?"

"No worse than when the Overlander's blade slices into your flesh, I am sure."

"You are sure of much, aren't you, Queen Luxa?"

"I am certain of everything." Another long sip of wine. "As I am now certain I will be requiring more to drink."

Her luck turned absolute as it was then that the waiter returned, bearing a plate for Gregor. He thanked the man kindly, as he had not eaten since he woke up earlier and the hours had been long and tiresome.

"More wine, your grace?" the servant asked as he went to fetch the pitcher to pour her more.

"Thank you, John," she said, nodding her head as he topped her off once yet again.

And for awhile there was a peace. Gregor and Ripred ate while Queen Luxa looked on, more bored than anything else. Finally though, she spoke, breaking the spell.

"Is that all you require, Ripred?" she asked then before taking another sip from her cup. "Or is there something else that you need? If not, I am a very important person."

"I imagine."

"Then you and the Overlander can finish eating while I-"

"Not so fast," Ripred said, looking up at her then. "My dear bond, are you going to become a poor hostess just like that? Or did your poor grandfather and Solovet teach you nothing? Rest her soul. Not to mention Judith and the fallen king. Surely they taught you much. Peace to their souls as well."

"Their souls have found peace a thousand times over by now," Luxa told him, settling back in her chair. "If you still have matters to speak on, then do so. I am not here at my leisure."

"You have not given me a definite plan as to what to do with these humans attacking us!"

"I assure you that there is nothing-"

"Honestly, Luxa." His eyes locked in on her then, seeming less beady than before. "Do you know nothing of this?"

"I have lied to you many times, Ripred, but I promise on the health of those dearest to me that I know nothing of this."

One more noisy gulp of the food before him and the giant rat stood, swinging his tail back and forth as he went.

"Where are you off to now then?" Luxa asked him wearily.

"To see to Vikus. I do not wish to see him die over something so silly."

Her eyes turned dark. "Am I that untrustworthy, gnawer?"

"Stay safe, Overlander," Ripred told Gregor then, not answering her question directly. "Those who the queen beds seem to be of ill condition tonight. Not to mention her friends. Her bond. Aurora, the unfortunate dear. And what of poor Nerissa? Or Hazard?"

"I do not bed anyone," Luxa told him, her voice taut. "I am not lying to you. I have no reason to. If I wished a war with the gnawers, I would start one."

Still, the gnawer left and Luxa did not stop him. Gregor just kept eating, knowing better than to get into an argument between the two of them. He could not imagine a pair of more sour bonds.

"Finish then, Overlander," Luxa hissed then before downing more of her drink. "Tonight the guard will be on high alert. I do not trust him."

"Aye."

Standing, she looked to her servant. "Clean this up, John. Thank you for your service."

"As you wish, my queen."

Gregor scrambled to get up and follow her, knowing she was well on her way to being drunk at that point. Whatever news she brought from the nibblers must have been poor.

"Do not rush on my account," Luxa said as he joined her in the hall. She would never admit that she had been waiting for him, but they both knew she had. "Overlander."

"I am through anyways," he told her hastily as he straightened his belt. "Then will you-"

"Do not question me, Overlander. We are not equals. Regardless of what your friend the rat tells you."

Frowning, he figured it best to remember his place. He was, after all, her guard. All it took was pissing her off just enough for her to send him away, be it to the Overland, the dungeons, or to the Uncharted Lands.

Something dawning on him in that moment, he said, "Queen Luxa, I beg your forgiveness."

"It is granted," she said absently as they headed down the hall.

"I only wish to check in on your grandfather. Vikus."

"And for what reasoning? Not you too, Overlander."

"Nothing like that. However, Ripred is going to see him. There are not any guards down that way, no?"

That gave her pause, if only for a moment. "Head that way then, Overlander. I do not believe he would harm Vikus, but I also would not have believed the two of you such good friends these days."

Finding it better than to reply to that, Gregor headed off in the opposite direction. He neither felt as if Ripred would cause Vikus any harm. It was a more personal reason he wished to see the man.

When Gregor got to Vikus' room, he found it empty and the man up, seated in his wheelchair. He smiled brightly at the sight of the young man.

"Gregor the Overlander," he greeted, holding out his hands. "Come, son. Let me look at you."

Frowning, he moved to get closer. "Is something wrong, Vikus?"

"I am feeling overwhelmed, I suppose. The sirens woke me from my nap. Knowing that you are safe gives me great comfort."

"It was only Ripred," Gregor said with a shake of his head as he stepped forwards, allowing the man to give him a slight hug. "Luxa is back from her trip as well."

"Did you not accompany her?"

"No," he said with a shake of his head as he stood straight once more. "She was very clear that I was to stay behind."

Vikus smiled at that. "She pushes away those she cares for the most. Though I believe you to be the last person I need to tell this to. It is for fear of growing too attached and then losing you that she acts so harshly at times. She has lost so much. Losing you though-"

Gregor shook his head. "I am just a guard."

"Take heart, Gregor the Overlander, for you will never be just anything."

"You are kind."

"I am truthful." The old man had a coughing fit then before shutting his eyes. "You said Ripred is here?"

"He is."

"For what matter?"

"He wanted to speak to Luxa about some…attacks that had been happening against gnawers recently."

That got him to peak an eye open. "Surely she hasn't-"

"She says she knows nothing of it and I had heard nothing of it before today."

"Then she is telling the truth," Vikus agreed with a soft sigh.

"What's wrong?"

"It is only… The time passes so quickly, you understand," Vikus sighed as he shifted in his chair. "There was a time when I would be the first one Ripred spoke to. I was the one deciding where Luxa would be going, who she would be speaking with, when she would return. And a time before that still where It was Solovet and I that Luxa would run to, cry to, right after her parents passed away. And now I have not only lost Solovet, but also the girl Luxa once was. It is just hard to accept that you are now no longer needed."

"I still need you," Gregor told him as he moved to sit in the chair in the room, facing the old man. "That is why I have come to you."

"Then tell me what it is that is bothering you. If I can help you in anyway, I assure you I will."

"Just your council that I seek, nothing more," Gregor told him, knowing the man was hard pressed to even manage to get out of bed those days.

"Then I am all ears, Overlander. Ask me your questions. Tell me your problems." Vikus smiled at him, the wrinkles in his face seeming to grow more every time. "For this will be the highlight of my day."

Gregor tried to smile back at the man, but could not. Instead, he began to speak.

"It is Nerissa that bothers me," the Overlander told him with a glance at the curtain. "Not her illness, but rather a few things that she told me before she fell into this coma."

"Another vision then?"

Gregor nodded slightly. "She thinks that she sees people coming to attack Regalia."

"People. A rebellion then?"

"No," he said with a shake of his head. "She says it's people you have, you know, banished over the years."

"Banished," Vikus said slowly, thinking. "The banished will rise against us, is her fear?"

"It's what she sees. And then Ripred says that he's been attacked by people and if it's not us, then who?"

Vikus just sat there for a moment. "Many of the banished perish quickly."

"But surely not all. Surely some of them are resourceful enough to survive. Nerissa said so herself. And if the vision is not of the future, then it must be of the past, yes?" Gregor was staring into the man's eyes. "If you believe in her."

"I do."

"You are the one that told me either she sees the future or the past. Has this happened in the past?"

"I am sure it has," Vikus said, though he shook his head. "Though I have never heard of it. I can do some research if you-"

"No need. I-"

"It will give me something to do, Gregor," Vikus told him with a shake of his head. "You do not understand what it is like to live such a quiet life after all this time."

"Just try not to stress yourself too much," he said tentatively. "Nerissa is enough on the mind currently."

"My time will come when it comes, Gregor, and not a moment sooner or later." Vikus reached forwards then, grasping the young man's hand in his own. "Nerissa is not insane. If she sees something, it is best to not count it out."

"Is there a…prophecy that predicts this? Or something?" Gregor had long given up on those, but he also didn't really believe in Nerissa's powers. He would rather be on the safe side then caught off guard later.

"I have studied many prophecies, but the banished alone does not come to mind, no," he said, shaking his head. "Nerissa knows much more than me. If she did not immediately think of one, then I do not believe there is one."

Gregor nodded slightly. "I thank you kindly, Vikus, for what you have told me."

"Always, Gregor," he said, grinning once more. "I owe much to you."

"And I to you." Vikus shook his head. "I do not know another that could put up with my granddaughter for so long."

"Well," Gregor began as he moved to stand. "When she finds one, I suppose I will be out of a job."

"If she finds one as good as you, then I will be beyond shocked, I assure you."

Nodding, Gregor turned to head out of the room, though it was then that another person entered.

"Well!" Vikus exclaimed, laughing slightly. "What a treat. Two visitors in one day. Ripred, Gregor was just telling me of your visit. I must say that I am surprised."

"I am not surprised by much," the gnawers said as he strode into the small bedroom. "The Overlander, though, surprises me more and more each time I see him."

"You have spoken your peace, Ripred," Gregor said, straightening his sword. "I choose to follow Luxa and all her decisions. If you-"

"Have you not noticed the way he has changed, Vikus? Does it not bother you? I do not much care for Luxa or Gregor, but even I find fault in this." The rat shook his head. "Shocking as it is though, Gregor, I am not here to speak of you."

"Oh?" Vikus' smile had fallen some, but he still was pretty happy about having guests and it was obvious. Gregor always meant to visit the man more, he did, as he knew Luxa did. It was just…tough. One of the things they would both regret, he was sure, when the man finally passed.

"It's a private matter," Ripred said then, his tail flicking. "Unless Queen Luxa sent you here, Overlander, to watch over me?"

"I had to speak with Vikus on a private matter as well."

"Ah, and I gave you your private time, now give me mine. Scram." Ripred only looked to Vikus. "Do not think, Gregor, that I honestly came all the way to Regalia to only speak with your bossy queen. If I want something done, I know exactly who to speak to."

"I control nothing anymore, I am afraid," Vikus told the gnawer. "Though you know this."

"You control much more than anyone I know," Ripred assured him, sounding oddly nice for once.

"Gregor, if you would leave us, I would much appreciate it," Vikus said then, nodding at the young man. "I will look into what we have spoken of, yes?"

"Of course. If you feel safe, then-"

"Scram," Ripred repeated.

Shaking his head, Gregor found it best to leave anyways. Luxa was no doubt drunk somewhere, causing problems for herself. Either that or she was waiting on him so she could tell him about her short lived trip. Not to mention, he really wanted to ask her what was up with her attitude towards him before. She seemed really rude for someone that specifically asked him to go with her on her meeting with Ripred.

The first place he searched was the royal wing, where he did not find Luxa, but rather her younger cousin.

"Hey, Hazard," he greeted as he came into the sitting room, finding the boy in there pouring over scrolls. "What are you doing?"

"I'm supposed to be studying this stuff," he told the boy without looking. "Luxa got back early and I was supposed to be doing it in her absence. I did not."

"She's only been gone a day."

"And I haven't learned a day worth of stuff."

"She puts a lot of pressure on you," Gregor told the boy. "But only because she loves you."

"You can say that as many times as you'd like, but it won't change the fact that she still puts pressure on me."

Gregor just smiled at him then. "Where is she anyways?"

"I dunno. I saw Aurora earlier though. She was real tired from flying though." Hazard grinned at Gregor then, looking up from his spot on the couch. "I could look for her with you if you-"

"That's not necessary, Hazard," he said, turning to leave the room. "You stay here and study."

"You're no fun."

He just pushed the boy's head slightly before heading off. Perhaps Luxa had gone to join the tactics meeting. If she had, he should not interrupt that. So with not much to do, he headed to the hospital to check in on Nerissa once again.

"Ah, Overlander, I have been awaiting you."

Gregor just walked into the room, smiling at the Underland doctor. She was one that he knew well, as the woman had stitched him up many times.

"Hello, Doctor Ada," he said, nodding his head at the woman. "I don't mean to interrupt anything."

"Not at all. Howard told me it was you that would be checking in on Nerissa and not the queen."

"It is," he said, nodding at her. "Queen Luxa has many things to attend to currently."

"I am sure," the doctor said. "What with the gnawer showing up at the gates today."

"Any uncertainty is scary, yes, and challenging."

The doctor smiled again, which she always did. She was quite a bit older than Gregor, perhaps even older than his mother. She was also on the tall side and had an inch on him. If she wasn't so nice and kind, she might have seemed intimidating.

"It is Nerissa that I wish to speak to you about. She does not seem…responsive."

Gregor just stared at her for a moment. "You think that her brain is dead?"

"We have no way of knowing that, no, but her constant ailments have taken much toll on her body. Right now, it would be a miracle if she woke up. And when she does, she will need much care."

Gregor glanced over at the hospital cot where Nerissa was laid out. She looked much more peaceful there than she did most other days. Was it not Luxa that said her death would only be an end to her pain?

"I shall inform the queen," Gregor said with a soft sigh. "I am sure she will be in contact with you."

"So I hope, Gregor."

"-questioning me in such a way. I could have him beheaded."

"Luxa, calm down."

"Do not tell me to calm myself, Overlander. I could have you beheaded too."

He sighed, sitting on her bed while watching her pace. "You're horrible when you drink, you know that?"

And she was. A few drinks equaled a fun Luxa. A playful Luxa. More though left her angry at everyone. Everyone.

"I am of level mind, Gregor," she hissed at him as she walked back and forth in her bedroom.

"Alright, fine, whatever. Even though all Helix asked was when you planned to share the details of your plan, he was clearly out of line. Whatever."

"Whatever. I hate when you say that word. You always do it when you aren't listening to me. Listen to me."

"I always listen to you," he told her as he pressed his palms back into the bed, leaning back slightly. "Believe me."

She huffed then. "I have not drank too much, Overlander."

"Alright. It's okay. Just…take a breath."

She stopped her pacing then, closer to the entrance to her room. Staring at the curtain, she said, "You must leave."

"If that's what you want."

"Not right now. But soon. You must leave."

"I will," he told her, shaking his head slightly. "Come sit down with me."

It took a little more prodding to get her to do so, but once she had, he immediately wrapped an arm around her shoulders, sighing slightly.

"Will you tell me then?" he asked softly. "Of your trip?"

Shifting away from him, she kicked off her sandals before moving to lie down on the bed. He stared at her a moment before standing and taking off his sword belt before getting into his side of the bed.

"I am tired, my knight."

"You can rest," he said slowly. "I would like to speak with you first. On what you found in the nibblers territory. Are they well?"

"All of them," she told him with a sigh. She was starting to calm down, thankfully. "'twas not the gnawers bothering them like I thought."

"No?"

She curled up on her side, staring at him. "No."

"Then who?"

"…The reason Ripred bothers me so is his problem is much of the same for the nibblers."

Gregor frowned. "Humans?"

"Humans."

"You played it off well," he mumbled before shaking his head. "Then you think as I? Of what Nerissa has said?"

"I think of sleep currently, Overlander."

"You articulate well when drunk."

"My head feels light."

"Then sleep," he told her, sighing as he shifted forwards to press a kiss against her head. "There is much to deal with in the morning."

"There always is," she told him with a sigh. "And I am growing tired of it."

Grinning, he moved to stroke her face, watching her as she drifted off. It was a much better ending than sometimes when Luxa drank. She had least been some what cognitive of her surroundings. Her drinking used to scare him, but recently, he had come to accept it.

"As am I, love," he told her while staring at her sleeping form. "As am I."