"2565-66" - читать интересную книгу автора (Warlady 1 - 2565 Ad Book 2)2565 A.D.! A TALE OF ADVENTURE IN THE SECOND DARK AGE OF MAN By Jerome B. Bigge Book Two Chapter Twenty Three "Jon!" I breathed, seating myself across from him, my hand reaching for his across that drink stained dark oak table. Find- ing it, my eyes wet with emotion as they looked into his. The rapid rise and fall of my bosom speaking much of my own emotional state. Nothing else mattered just then! Nothing! The others there around us as unnoticed as shadows. I saw only the man that I loved. Nothing else was important just then! Nothing at all! "Lorraine, my fantastic and so unbelievable Lorraine!" he breathed, brushing aside my veil so that he could look into my face. My eyes glistening with tears as they looked into his. The memories flooding back, my thoughts chaotic. That first night on the Janis yet as clear in my memory as if it was only the night before. He had done more than just use me for our mu- tual pleasure. He had burned into my very soul a mark that could never be erased. We had briefly spoken there on the Janis when I had pulled my "bluff" against the North Wind, but then there had been far too many ears about for me to speak what my heart held for him! I hoped Sanda had enough sense to tell my men what they saw here in the tavern was to remain secret, although it wouldn't matter that much as no one but I knew Jon's true identity anyway! "Here's a beer for you," Sanda said, her eyes smiling into mine. I sipped the foamy brew with pleasure as she added, "Have a nice night." She was a woman who knew how to keep her thoughts to herself when it counted. I made a mental note to myself to see that she was properly "rewarded" when I got back home again! Considering the "plans" she had for me, I am often surprised now as I look back now just how much incredible "self control" she had! Making a revolution behind my back, making me into the new Queen of Trelandar! All while assuring me that what I heard was of no importance, just some bunch of "wild-eyed radicals" that no one would ever pay the least bit of attention to! Sanda, you are quite a woman! I'm glad you're on "my side" and not another's! "A capable, competent woman," Jon observed. "Not `bad look- ing' either." That was a pretty good description of Sanda Talen, I thought to myself with a smile, not knowing the TRUTH about Sanda and what she had in mind for all of us! What Jon knew that I didn't. OH, THE SECRETS THAT THEY KEPT FROM ME, ALL OF THEM!!! The barmaid put in an appearance then, asking if Jon wanted anything more, her eyes glowing into mine. She was a redhead, perhaps bleached, such being done here in this era just as it was done back in my own. Her blouse a low cut thing, her skirt short as a prostitute's. Jon ordered whiskey, giving me a smile as I nodded. I thought I might need something stronger than my beer! "Nice place you have here," Jon observed, the tavern itself being nothing special I thought, although I suspected that he was referring perhaps to Thistle itself and the changes that had been made since I had become "Lady" of the area. "And I under- stand that you have had a few more adventures since we last met aboard the Janis." My "meeting" with Princess Tara was well known in certain circles. I supposed there was little that he didn't know about me. That is why I didn't like being in the "public eye" so much. I had no "privacy", no life of my own now! "It's dangerous for you to be here. Even I couldn't protect you if they found out!" I hissed in low tones. The Empire usual- ly beheads spies. I had no doubt that was why he was here now! "I see you have `company'," a feminine voice said as a veiled tall attractive blonde seated herself beside my love, the golden neck chain of a wife of more than three years snug around her neck! She was of the Warrioresses and looked like a fighter! "Jon! You Never ----!" I gasped, looking at her, both angry and shocked at the same time. The emotional turmoil no doubt showing on my features as I looked at her, not believing my eyes! "She is not what she appears to be," Jon smiled as he raised her veil, the face of his lieutenant of Warrioresses Sentis Santa being revealed. "We needed a disguise and lieutenant Santa sug- gested this," he smiled. The woman nodding. She was quite at- tractive. Tall, blonde, the "typical Dularnian" as many Califor- nians think of them. Actually most Dularnians are dark haired, no taller than their southern "counterparts" here in California. "You Imperials look for single individuals, not a married couple," she smiled. Her voice was just a touch unfriendly. I recalled what Jon had told me. About what had happened on the Janis when I had pulled my "bluff" on the North Wind with the Squala. I noticed her accent, such being now quite "betraying" to my ears. Mine is somewhat the same, although different yet, there having been considerable changes in the past six centuries! "Just as long as you aren't really his wife," I smiled back, the barmaid now bringing more drinks for us, including one for his lovely golden haired companion, who did look the part of be- ing his wife. I considered it an excellent disguise for the pair of them. One does not look for a married couple, only singles, although her accent was such that no one would mistake it for anything else but being "Dularnian". On the other hand there were a number of Dularnians living in California, people who had settled here at one time or another, or who had followed Darla- nis. Darlanis having something of a following there in Dularn. "You seem to be making quite a name for yourself since we first met," Jon said to me, his lieutenant replacing her veil. She wore the black silk dress of a Warrioress. I recalled that Jon had once said that she was a "Queen of Swords" of his nation. That meant that she had fenced in competition and won the "gold"! Such yearly contests are highly regarded in both California and Dularn, and the winner, especially the woman, is highly feted and often ends up making quite a "name" for herself. It was by means of such competitions that Darlanis some twenty odd years ago be- came Queen of Sarn and afterwards later on Empress of California! "Yes, I have had a few adventures both here and on Mars," I smiled back, remembering. Looking across the table into his eyes as I held his hand in mine. I was, shall we say, ready and will- ing. I have not been successful in love back in the 20th Cen- tury, although I must admit that the 26th has been a bit nicer to me! Perhaps Jon sees things in me that those of the past didn't! "And you are now making a `name' for yourself that could just end up getting you into serious trouble with your Empress," Sentis Santa smiled from behind her veil. I supposed she knew a bit of what had been going on here in Thistle and elsewhere. Of the fact that there were many who said that "Lorraine Duval" was the woman who just could lead California out of all its troubles! I was now becoming "a legend in my own time" here in Trelandar! There were those who said that there should be an independent Trelandar and that I should be its new Queen. A second "Janet Rogers"! I had little doubt of what Darlanis would say to that!* * It should be noted here that I had no inkling of what was go- ing to happen to me. I feel the version of this story where I do not warn my readers of what is to occur (unless you "cheat" and look ahead in the book) is more interesting than one where I sit and make my own personal comments upon what happened that night! The barmaid now serving us, setting our drinks on the table. I handed her a silver Eagle, a coin much like the silver dollars of the 20th Century, there being thirty of these to a gold Crown. Told her to keep the change. I suspected that for a couple more Eagles one might also enjoy her "favors" too if one so wished it. Such "private" prostitution is rather common, if frowned upon by the "professionals" of Lara Warsan's now famous Prostitute Guild. "I do rather like the way you dress," Jon remarked, changing the subject, having perhaps seen me when I walked in with Sanda Talen. Sanda now having left with my men. My 21st Century style made me "stand out" from other women. I considered it much more attractive too. The strap-boots doing excellent things for my legs, which are on the muscular side and not really all that fem- inine in appearance. My short leather skirt and half-blouse also doing their parts to make me more attractive than otherwise. I had originally gotten the idea from Darlanis, feeling that if she could do such things, then I could too! On the other hand it did tend to make me a bit overly "conspicuous", and I often dressed in more simple and ordinary attire there on my estate when I did- n't have to be in the public eye. I no longer envied Darlanis! "You do have a rather `dominant' look about you whereas Dar- lanis just looks like some sort of a fancy `hip-swinger' in com- parison," Lieutenant Santa added with a grin beneath her veil. I gathered that she didn't like Darlanis too much despite the fact that Darlanis was thought "Dularnian". Her words reminding me of Mr. Stan Holt and the silly "crush" that he had developed on me. "We had a `run-in' with Sarnian Lady couple nights ago," Jon Richards said to me, looking into my eyes, holding my hands in a way that I am sure would have irritated his lovely golden haired companion had she actually been his wife. "No one got hurt for- tunately," he smiled. "Except perhaps for Darlanis' feelings at getting her flagship rammed there in the fog," he quickly added, very much aware of my concern had anything happened to Sharon! Lt. Santa commenting that it might look better if he wasn't quite "so friendly" with me as long as she was "posing" as his wife! "Did you know that it was Sarnian Lady?" I asked, a note in my voice that I am sure he "picked up" on. I didn't give a hoot about Darlanis' "feelings", but I was very much concerned about her putting Sharon in danger there on a ship of war that might possibly go into battle at any time! She had other ships. There was no reason why she had to use Sarnian Lady as an escort ship! "The fog was so thick we could hardly see our hands before our faces," Sentis Santa answered. "We thought it was just another Imperial escort." Jon nodded, his features concerned. I did not feel angry at him. He was, after-all, fighting for his country, his people, against an aggressive "Empire". I was more annoyed at Darlanis for having Sharon aboard than anything else! "We're tired of being allied with pirates, with the sort of scum and riffraff that Queen Tulis is issuing privateering com- missions to," Jon spoke. Telling me that Miles of the North Wind had decided to return to Dularn to let the people know the truth. "And so you've decided its time to change sides," I smiled, finishing my beer. The Empire could well use a ship like the Ja- nis. Additionally the fact that the ship had been turned over to California because of Queen Tulis' stupid actions would be a true "feather" in Darlanis' "cap"! I was sure that Darlanis would make the most of it too! The hatred between her and her mother ran deep. Too deep for the long term mental welfare of either of them, I knew, recalling my own professional training! I recalled stories I had heard both about Tulis and Darlanis. Both of them had at times shown signs of approaching mental breakdown. Tulis appeared to be effected the worst, although some of Darlanis' re- cent actions hadn't impressed me as being overly "bright" either! "No!" Jon hissed. "We will not fight for Darlanis!" I saw Sentis nod in agreement. His eyes meeting mine across the table. "We will burn the Janis and become outlaws first!" Obviously he didn't think too much of Darlanis! I wondered why? Jon was not the sort of a man to hate someone just for their own politics! "I can give you a privateering commission," I smiled back, taking a sip of my whiskey. Feeling it burn as it went down. I usually don't order anything that strong, but Jon had ordered it. I didn't have the authority to issue them against another coun- try, but I could issue him one against the pirates plaguing us! The Janis was far too slow for such work, but I did have Squala! "Against Dularn?" Sentis Santa hissed, shaking her head. "Against our own people?" I hoped she knew enough to keep her voice down as she did have a voice that carried a bit too well! I noticed a prostitute there at the bar staring at us. She was a tall wench, with reddish hair. She had been there earlier, but had left and now had returned. I wondered a bit about her. She didn't look quite "right", but there wasn't nothing unusual about her. The fact she was armed meant nothing, as they usually are. "I have no `cause' for conflict with Dularn," I answered. "Your Princess was a dear friend, although even Darlanis would be better than her mother from what I've heard of her," thinking of what Darlanis had told me about her. Sentis Santa smiling a bit. "And just who would we be fighting?" Jon asked with a smile, ignoring my comparison of Darlanis and her hate filled mother who now sat on the throne of Dularn, a true disaster for her country! I suspected that there was a reason for Queen Tulis' own actions. She was badly in need of "professional help", the sort that only a person in my own former profession or a Priestess could give. I had no doubts that her long repressed "guilt" feelings about "disowning" her own daughter had finally caught up with her! There was also considerable evidence to indicate that Darl Jord had his own "finger" in certain things too without his mother's knowledge. Princess Tara was ambitious, and Darlanis' enemy too! I did not think that Queen Tulis was completely at fault for ev- erything that had happened. No doubt she had trusted her son too much for her own good and that of her country. Such things have happened before in history. There have been other "Darl Jords"! "There are enough pirates to keep a privateer busy for a long time," I answered him in turn, sitting back, sipping at my drink. The Janis was too slow for such work, but the Squala was something else entirely. So far as I knew, there wasn't any ship faster anywhere on the western coast of North America than mine! "And you are considering using the Squala?" Sentis asked. She was a bit too "dominant" for my taste, although some men like them that way. I thought of Stan Holt and smiled to myself at the thought of what she might show him! She was more physically attractive than me, both in face and in her figure, but what men find "attractive" in women is not always visible at first glance. "If you both are willing to serve under my privateering com- mission," I smiled back. I needed his skills, her leadership. A woman who is a "Queen of Swords" gets plenty of respect from those under her. The crews of privateers are often unruly types. "And the Janis?" Jon asked with a smile. The heavy galley was unsuitable for little more than ship to ship naval battles. "I might find it useful until there is peace between Dularn and California," I answered with a smile. I knew Darlanis wanted the throne of Dularn, but she wasn't too likely to get it unless the Dularnian people decided that they wanted her instead of her mother who was becoming rapidly "unstable" now! Flying into fits of rage that now terrified everyone around her! I suspected the cause of Queen Tulis' troubles, but knew that until she was will- ing at least to "accept" Darlanis again as her "flesh and blood" there was little that anyone could do for her. Darlanis herself was none too "stable" either, I suspected, remembering too much!* * I did not at this time suspect that Queen Tulis was actually dying of a brain tumor. In writing this story I have written it as I lived it. I feel that the story is more "interesting" this way. It also does reveal that none of us suspected the "truth"! "You at least seem to believe in the same things that we do," Jon's golden haired companion smiled from beneath her veil.* * The reader should note here that they both already knew of San- da's own actions. That surprisingly enough everyone was able to keep from me the most amazing "secret" in the entire history of Trelandar! So much for my awesome "IQ" I am often credited with. Obviously Sanda proved to be the smarter woman of us two! She had a lot of "help", of course, having built up an organization over the years that still yet impresses me considerably knowing the sort of a woman that she is. I used to "underestimate" San- da. I don't any more. When she tells me something, I respect her opinions for what they are. She sure did fool Darlanis' own agents who posed as prostitutes. Of course the fact that most members of the "Free Trelandar" movement were women might have had something to do with it too. The female sex throughout his- tory has been able to "get away" with stuff that men never have. There is also Lara Warsan, who had her "role" in things here too. "It's almost like a little bit of Dularn around here," Jon smiled. Others had said the same thing to me. It wasn't that surprising that I had irritated Darlanis and those who preferred the "status quo". I believed in much the same things as Dularni- ans do, although I was aware of the flaws in their society too. I had discussed these matters with Sanda frequently, which is perhaps why she did what she did, knowing that I would be the best choice to represent the hopes and aspirations of her people! "Behind you!" Sentis breathed, her eyes glowing through her veil at something behind me! Jon's eyes widening as he looked! The sheriff of Thistle and half a dozen men at arms there behind him! The redhead there at the bar was now smiling to herself! I had no doubts about her anymore. She was one of Darlanis' women! "And what can I do for you, sheriff," I said, getting to my feet, feeling no little degree of concern myself at the sight of his armed men and the implications of his presence here! While he was under my own command, he also held his position due to the Empress of California, and I had little doubt that some of her agents might be hanging around! The redheaded prostitute smiling to herself as she regarded me obviously was one of Darlanis' own agents! There was no doubt in my mind that she was responsible for the sheriff being here. She had known who Jon Richards actu- ally was! Now the sheriff was here to arrest them both as Dular- nian spies! The odds were "bad", but not too "impossible" I thought to myself. I would have liked Sa-she-ra instead of Sen- tis Santa at my side, but I thought that if it came to that, the three of us could deal with the sheriff and his half dozen men. I saw the sheriff smile, and then suddenly he drew his sword and handed it to me hilt first, saying as he did, "Let me be the first to serve the new Queen of Trelandar, your royal highness." The man then kneeling down before me as I once had before Darla- nis! His men then lifting their swords to me in a royal salute! "A FREE TRELANDAR! We salute Queen Lorraine of Trelandar!" I heard them cry. I kissed the sheriff's sword and handed it back to him, knowing not else what to do just then. Horrified at what had happened. What it now portended for all of us here! I understood as they did not what the reaction would be! The marching Legions, the deaths by fire and sword, the fury that would glow in Darlanis' azure eyes as she fought for her Empire! "You Traitors!" the redheaded "prostitute" cried, reaching for her sword. She had "guts" if not too much "upstairs"! Sentis Santa's clenched fist crashed into her jaw, sending her reeling back against the bar, the big blonde drawing her dagger and then grabbing the woman by her hair to finish her off before she could recover from the blow! Or so it seemed to me then! I suppose I should have known better, it being a common practice to put a dagger to the throat of an enemy until they can be bound or shackled. I am, however, not truly of the 26th Century. I some- times do not understand such things as well as perhaps I should! "STOP!" I cried, leaping forward, tearing the dagger from the lieutenant's hand, Sentis Santa stepping back, a puzzled look on her veiled face as I helped the stunned woman to her feet. Her eyes, gray, glowing up into mine, everyone there just stand- ing there staring. Not knowing what to do or say! Turning, I said, "If I am your Queen, then this woman has MY protection!" It being obvious to me that the "Free Trelandar" movement had de- cided to make its move! But why had they picked ME as their rep- resentative? As the "Queen of Trelandar"? The former Queen had died at the point of Darlanis' sword nearly fifteen years ago! I knew she had left no heirs, having been childless. There had been a sister, but her present identity and whereabouts were un- known. Darlanis' agents had been hunting her, I knew. Searching for years for the woman who headed the "Free Trelandar" movement! A woman who name had been Sanda Harles, I recalled just then too. "To a Free Trelandar!" I heard cry. "Queen Lorraine!" Then came Sanda Talen and Gayle! Gayle in her new gray gown, a tiara in her golden hair as if she was a Princess! Sanda in a regal blue, dressed as a high born Lady! What was going on here? For a moment I feared that nothing was what it appeared. That some- thing had happened to my mind. That I had indeed gone totally and completely INSANE! That there was no GOLDEN CROWN there on a pillow in Sanda's hands! That Gayle did not carry the SCEPTER I saw there in her hand! THAT I WAS NOT THE "QUEEN OF TRELANDAR"! 2565 A.D.! A TALE OF ADVENTURE IN THE SECOND DARK AGE OF MAN By Jerome B. Bigge Book Two Chapter Twenty Three "Jon!" I breathed, seating myself across from him, my hand reaching for his across that drink stained dark oak table. Find- ing it, my eyes wet with emotion as they looked into his. The rapid rise and fall of my bosom speaking much of my own emotional state. Nothing else mattered just then! Nothing! The others there around us as unnoticed as shadows. I saw only the man that I loved. Nothing else was important just then! Nothing at all! "Lorraine, my fantastic and so unbelievable Lorraine!" he breathed, brushing aside my veil so that he could look into my face. My eyes glistening with tears as they looked into his. The memories flooding back, my thoughts chaotic. That first night on the Janis yet as clear in my memory as if it was only the night before. He had done more than just use me for our mu- tual pleasure. He had burned into my very soul a mark that could never be erased. We had briefly spoken there on the Janis when I had pulled my "bluff" against the North Wind, but then there had been far too many ears about for me to speak what my heart held for him! I hoped Sanda had enough sense to tell my men what they saw here in the tavern was to remain secret, although it wouldn't matter that much as no one but I knew Jon's true identity anyway! "Here's a beer for you," Sanda said, her eyes smiling into mine. I sipped the foamy brew with pleasure as she added, "Have a nice night." She was a woman who knew how to keep her thoughts to herself when it counted. I made a mental note to myself to see that she was properly "rewarded" when I got back home again! Considering the "plans" she had for me, I am often surprised now as I look back now just how much incredible "self control" she had! Making a revolution behind my back, making me into the new Queen of Trelandar! All while assuring me that what I heard was of no importance, just some bunch of "wild-eyed radicals" that no one would ever pay the least bit of attention to! Sanda, you are quite a woman! I'm glad you're on "my side" and not another's! "A capable, competent woman," Jon observed. "Not `bad look- ing' either." That was a pretty good description of Sanda Talen, I thought to myself with a smile, not knowing the TRUTH about Sanda and what she had in mind for all of us! What Jon knew that I didn't. OH, THE SECRETS THAT THEY KEPT FROM ME, ALL OF THEM!!! The barmaid put in an appearance then, asking if Jon wanted anything more, her eyes glowing into mine. She was a redhead, perhaps bleached, such being done here in this era just as it was done back in my own. Her blouse a low cut thing, her skirt short as a prostitute's. Jon ordered whiskey, giving me a smile as I nodded. I thought I might need something stronger than my beer! "Nice place you have here," Jon observed, the tavern itself being nothing special I thought, although I suspected that he was referring perhaps to Thistle itself and the changes that had been made since I had become "Lady" of the area. "And I under- stand that you have had a few more adventures since we last met aboard the Janis." My "meeting" with Princess Tara was well known in certain circles. I supposed there was little that he didn't know about me. That is why I didn't like being in the "public eye" so much. I had no "privacy", no life of my own now! "It's dangerous for you to be here. Even I couldn't protect you if they found out!" I hissed in low tones. The Empire usual- ly beheads spies. I had no doubt that was why he was here now! "I see you have `company'," a feminine voice said as a veiled tall attractive blonde seated herself beside my love, the golden neck chain of a wife of more than three years snug around her neck! She was of the Warrioresses and looked like a fighter! "Jon! You Never ----!" I gasped, looking at her, both angry and shocked at the same time. The emotional turmoil no doubt showing on my features as I looked at her, not believing my eyes! "She is not what she appears to be," Jon smiled as he raised her veil, the face of his lieutenant of Warrioresses Sentis Santa being revealed. "We needed a disguise and lieutenant Santa sug- gested this," he smiled. The woman nodding. She was quite at- tractive. Tall, blonde, the "typical Dularnian" as many Califor- nians think of them. Actually most Dularnians are dark haired, no taller than their southern "counterparts" here in California. "You Imperials look for single individuals, not a married couple," she smiled. Her voice was just a touch unfriendly. I recalled what Jon had told me. About what had happened on the Janis when I had pulled my "bluff" on the North Wind with the Squala. I noticed her accent, such being now quite "betraying" to my ears. Mine is somewhat the same, although different yet, there having been considerable changes in the past six centuries! "Just as long as you aren't really his wife," I smiled back, the barmaid now bringing more drinks for us, including one for his lovely golden haired companion, who did look the part of be- ing his wife. I considered it an excellent disguise for the pair of them. One does not look for a married couple, only singles, although her accent was such that no one would mistake it for anything else but being "Dularnian". On the other hand there were a number of Dularnians living in California, people who had settled here at one time or another, or who had followed Darla- nis. Darlanis having something of a following there in Dularn. "You seem to be making quite a name for yourself since we first met," Jon said to me, his lieutenant replacing her veil. She wore the black silk dress of a Warrioress. I recalled that Jon had once said that she was a "Queen of Swords" of his nation. That meant that she had fenced in competition and won the "gold"! Such yearly contests are highly regarded in both California and Dularn, and the winner, especially the woman, is highly feted and often ends up making quite a "name" for herself. It was by means of such competitions that Darlanis some twenty odd years ago be- came Queen of Sarn and afterwards later on Empress of California! "Yes, I have had a few adventures both here and on Mars," I smiled back, remembering. Looking across the table into his eyes as I held his hand in mine. I was, shall we say, ready and will- ing. I have not been successful in love back in the 20th Cen- tury, although I must admit that the 26th has been a bit nicer to me! Perhaps Jon sees things in me that those of the past didn't! "And you are now making a `name' for yourself that could just end up getting you into serious trouble with your Empress," Sentis Santa smiled from behind her veil. I supposed she knew a bit of what had been going on here in Thistle and elsewhere. Of the fact that there were many who said that "Lorraine Duval" was the woman who just could lead California out of all its troubles! I was now becoming "a legend in my own time" here in Trelandar! There were those who said that there should be an independent Trelandar and that I should be its new Queen. A second "Janet Rogers"! I had little doubt of what Darlanis would say to that!* * It should be noted here that I had no inkling of what was go- ing to happen to me. I feel the version of this story where I do not warn my readers of what is to occur (unless you "cheat" and look ahead in the book) is more interesting than one where I sit and make my own personal comments upon what happened that night! The barmaid now serving us, setting our drinks on the table. I handed her a silver Eagle, a coin much like the silver dollars of the 20th Century, there being thirty of these to a gold Crown. Told her to keep the change. I suspected that for a couple more Eagles one might also enjoy her "favors" too if one so wished it. Such "private" prostitution is rather common, if frowned upon by the "professionals" of Lara Warsan's now famous Prostitute Guild. "I do rather like the way you dress," Jon remarked, changing the subject, having perhaps seen me when I walked in with Sanda Talen. Sanda now having left with my men. My 21st Century style made me "stand out" from other women. I considered it much more attractive too. The strap-boots doing excellent things for my legs, which are on the muscular side and not really all that fem- inine in appearance. My short leather skirt and half-blouse also doing their parts to make me more attractive than otherwise. I had originally gotten the idea from Darlanis, feeling that if she could do such things, then I could too! On the other hand it did tend to make me a bit overly "conspicuous", and I often dressed in more simple and ordinary attire there on my estate when I did- n't have to be in the public eye. I no longer envied Darlanis! "You do have a rather `dominant' look about you whereas Dar- lanis just looks like some sort of a fancy `hip-swinger' in com- parison," Lieutenant Santa added with a grin beneath her veil. I gathered that she didn't like Darlanis too much despite the fact that Darlanis was thought "Dularnian". Her words reminding me of Mr. Stan Holt and the silly "crush" that he had developed on me. "We had a `run-in' with Sarnian Lady couple nights ago," Jon Richards said to me, looking into my eyes, holding my hands in a way that I am sure would have irritated his lovely golden haired companion had she actually been his wife. "No one got hurt for- tunately," he smiled. "Except perhaps for Darlanis' feelings at getting her flagship rammed there in the fog," he quickly added, very much aware of my concern had anything happened to Sharon! Lt. Santa commenting that it might look better if he wasn't quite "so friendly" with me as long as she was "posing" as his wife! "Did you know that it was Sarnian Lady?" I asked, a note in my voice that I am sure he "picked up" on. I didn't give a hoot about Darlanis' "feelings", but I was very much concerned about her putting Sharon in danger there on a ship of war that might possibly go into battle at any time! She had other ships. There was no reason why she had to use Sarnian Lady as an escort ship! "The fog was so thick we could hardly see our hands before our faces," Sentis Santa answered. "We thought it was just another Imperial escort." Jon nodded, his features concerned. I did not feel angry at him. He was, after-all, fighting for his country, his people, against an aggressive "Empire". I was more annoyed at Darlanis for having Sharon aboard than anything else! "We're tired of being allied with pirates, with the sort of scum and riffraff that Queen Tulis is issuing privateering com- missions to," Jon spoke. Telling me that Miles of the North Wind had decided to return to Dularn to let the people know the truth. "And so you've decided its time to change sides," I smiled, finishing my beer. The Empire could well use a ship like the Ja- nis. Additionally the fact that the ship had been turned over to California because of Queen Tulis' stupid actions would be a true "feather" in Darlanis' "cap"! I was sure that Darlanis would make the most of it too! The hatred between her and her mother ran deep. Too deep for the long term mental welfare of either of them, I knew, recalling my own professional training! I recalled stories I had heard both about Tulis and Darlanis. Both of them had at times shown signs of approaching mental breakdown. Tulis appeared to be effected the worst, although some of Darlanis' re- cent actions hadn't impressed me as being overly "bright" either! "No!" Jon hissed. "We will not fight for Darlanis!" I saw Sentis nod in agreement. His eyes meeting mine across the table. "We will burn the Janis and become outlaws first!" Obviously he didn't think too much of Darlanis! I wondered why? Jon was not the sort of a man to hate someone just for their own politics! "I can give you a privateering commission," I smiled back, taking a sip of my whiskey. Feeling it burn as it went down. I usually don't order anything that strong, but Jon had ordered it. I didn't have the authority to issue them against another coun- try, but I could issue him one against the pirates plaguing us! The Janis was far too slow for such work, but I did have Squala! "Against Dularn?" Sentis Santa hissed, shaking her head. "Against our own people?" I hoped she knew enough to keep her voice down as she did have a voice that carried a bit too well! I noticed a prostitute there at the bar staring at us. She was a tall wench, with reddish hair. She had been there earlier, but had left and now had returned. I wondered a bit about her. She didn't look quite "right", but there wasn't nothing unusual about her. The fact she was armed meant nothing, as they usually are. "I have no `cause' for conflict with Dularn," I answered. "Your Princess was a dear friend, although even Darlanis would be better than her mother from what I've heard of her," thinking of what Darlanis had told me about her. Sentis Santa smiling a bit. "And just who would we be fighting?" Jon asked with a smile, ignoring my comparison of Darlanis and her hate filled mother who now sat on the throne of Dularn, a true disaster for her country! I suspected that there was a reason for Queen Tulis' own actions. She was badly in need of "professional help", the sort that only a person in my own former profession or a Priestess could give. I had no doubts that her long repressed "guilt" feelings about "disowning" her own daughter had finally caught up with her! There was also considerable evidence to indicate that Darl Jord had his own "finger" in certain things too without his mother's knowledge. Princess Tara was ambitious, and Darlanis' enemy too! I did not think that Queen Tulis was completely at fault for ev- erything that had happened. No doubt she had trusted her son too much for her own good and that of her country. Such things have happened before in history. There have been other "Darl Jords"! "There are enough pirates to keep a privateer busy for a long time," I answered him in turn, sitting back, sipping at my drink. The Janis was too slow for such work, but the Squala was something else entirely. So far as I knew, there wasn't any ship faster anywhere on the western coast of North America than mine! "And you are considering using the Squala?" Sentis asked. She was a bit too "dominant" for my taste, although some men like them that way. I thought of Stan Holt and smiled to myself at the thought of what she might show him! She was more physically attractive than me, both in face and in her figure, but what men find "attractive" in women is not always visible at first glance. "If you both are willing to serve under my privateering com- mission," I smiled back. I needed his skills, her leadership. A woman who is a "Queen of Swords" gets plenty of respect from those under her. The crews of privateers are often unruly types. "And the Janis?" Jon asked with a smile. The heavy galley was unsuitable for little more than ship to ship naval battles. "I might find it useful until there is peace between Dularn and California," I answered with a smile. I knew Darlanis wanted the throne of Dularn, but she wasn't too likely to get it unless the Dularnian people decided that they wanted her instead of her mother who was becoming rapidly "unstable" now! Flying into fits of rage that now terrified everyone around her! I suspected the cause of Queen Tulis' troubles, but knew that until she was will- ing at least to "accept" Darlanis again as her "flesh and blood" there was little that anyone could do for her. Darlanis herself was none too "stable" either, I suspected, remembering too much!* * I did not at this time suspect that Queen Tulis was actually dying of a brain tumor. In writing this story I have written it as I lived it. I feel that the story is more "interesting" this way. It also does reveal that none of us suspected the "truth"! "You at least seem to believe in the same things that we do," Jon's golden haired companion smiled from beneath her veil.* * The reader should note here that they both already knew of San- da's own actions. That surprisingly enough everyone was able to keep from me the most amazing "secret" in the entire history of Trelandar! So much for my awesome "IQ" I am often credited with. Obviously Sanda proved to be the smarter woman of us two! She had a lot of "help", of course, having built up an organization over the years that still yet impresses me considerably knowing the sort of a woman that she is. I used to "underestimate" San- da. I don't any more. When she tells me something, I respect her opinions for what they are. She sure did fool Darlanis' own agents who posed as prostitutes. Of course the fact that most members of the "Free Trelandar" movement were women might have had something to do with it too. The female sex throughout his- tory has been able to "get away" with stuff that men never have. There is also Lara Warsan, who had her "role" in things here too. "It's almost like a little bit of Dularn around here," Jon smiled. Others had said the same thing to me. It wasn't that surprising that I had irritated Darlanis and those who preferred the "status quo". I believed in much the same things as Dularni- ans do, although I was aware of the flaws in their society too. I had discussed these matters with Sanda frequently, which is perhaps why she did what she did, knowing that I would be the best choice to represent the hopes and aspirations of her people! "Behind you!" Sentis breathed, her eyes glowing through her veil at something behind me! Jon's eyes widening as he looked! The sheriff of Thistle and half a dozen men at arms there behind him! The redhead there at the bar was now smiling to herself! I had no doubts about her anymore. She was one of Darlanis' women! "And what can I do for you, sheriff," I said, getting to my feet, feeling no little degree of concern myself at the sight of his armed men and the implications of his presence here! While he was under my own command, he also held his position due to the Empress of California, and I had little doubt that some of her agents might be hanging around! The redheaded prostitute smiling to herself as she regarded me obviously was one of Darlanis' own agents! There was no doubt in my mind that she was responsible for the sheriff being here. She had known who Jon Richards actu- ally was! Now the sheriff was here to arrest them both as Dular- nian spies! The odds were "bad", but not too "impossible" I thought to myself. I would have liked Sa-she-ra instead of Sen- tis Santa at my side, but I thought that if it came to that, the three of us could deal with the sheriff and his half dozen men. I saw the sheriff smile, and then suddenly he drew his sword and handed it to me hilt first, saying as he did, "Let me be the first to serve the new Queen of Trelandar, your royal highness." The man then kneeling down before me as I once had before Darla- nis! His men then lifting their swords to me in a royal salute! "A FREE TRELANDAR! We salute Queen Lorraine of Trelandar!" I heard them cry. I kissed the sheriff's sword and handed it back to him, knowing not else what to do just then. Horrified at what had happened. What it now portended for all of us here! I understood as they did not what the reaction would be! The marching Legions, the deaths by fire and sword, the fury that would glow in Darlanis' azure eyes as she fought for her Empire! "You Traitors!" the redheaded "prostitute" cried, reaching for her sword. She had "guts" if not too much "upstairs"! Sentis Santa's clenched fist crashed into her jaw, sending her reeling back against the bar, the big blonde drawing her dagger and then grabbing the woman by her hair to finish her off before she could recover from the blow! Or so it seemed to me then! I suppose I should have known better, it being a common practice to put a dagger to the throat of an enemy until they can be bound or shackled. I am, however, not truly of the 26th Century. I some- times do not understand such things as well as perhaps I should! "STOP!" I cried, leaping forward, tearing the dagger from the lieutenant's hand, Sentis Santa stepping back, a puzzled look on her veiled face as I helped the stunned woman to her feet. Her eyes, gray, glowing up into mine, everyone there just stand- ing there staring. Not knowing what to do or say! Turning, I said, "If I am your Queen, then this woman has MY protection!" It being obvious to me that the "Free Trelandar" movement had de- cided to make its move! But why had they picked ME as their rep- resentative? As the "Queen of Trelandar"? The former Queen had died at the point of Darlanis' sword nearly fifteen years ago! I knew she had left no heirs, having been childless. There had been a sister, but her present identity and whereabouts were un- known. Darlanis' agents had been hunting her, I knew. Searching for years for the woman who headed the "Free Trelandar" movement! A woman who name had been Sanda Harles, I recalled just then too. "To a Free Trelandar!" I heard cry. "Queen Lorraine!" Then came Sanda Talen and Gayle! Gayle in her new gray gown, a tiara in her golden hair as if she was a Princess! Sanda in a regal blue, dressed as a high born Lady! What was going on here? For a moment I feared that nothing was what it appeared. That some- thing had happened to my mind. That I had indeed gone totally and completely INSANE! That there was no GOLDEN CROWN there on a pillow in Sanda's hands! That Gayle did not carry the SCEPTER I saw there in her hand! THAT I WAS NOT THE "QUEEN OF TRELANDAR"! |
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