Page 16 of Diamond Queen
“My loyal subjects,” Helix bellowed, “The time is near to take back what is rightfully mine. For centuries women have ruled your land, and it is time for an uprising. It is time for the strongest to take the crown. I am that person – the rightful heir to all six kingdoms. You stand before me as faithful servants who have agreed to help me take the crowns by force if necessary.”
The men erupted into cheers. Chanting Helix’s name as he stood before them and promised them a new kingdom.
“When will we cut them down, My Grace?”
“Soon… we must prepare for anything. The Queens will surely use their magic to try and stop me. That is why this plan must not fail. Getting them together is imperative for the potion to work. Once I douse them with this,” he held up the vial, “their powers will be no more – making the crowns ripe for the taking.”
“But what of their guards? There will be many if all the kingdoms are waiting.” A young man questioned, his fear palpable in the room.
“That is where you will help me. You will do whatever it takes. We will not be going into this unarmed. Use whatever force necessary to get me close to the Queens.”
A man came rushing into the room, “Sir,” he pushed through the men gathered around Helix. “This was given to one of the men while in town. A letter from the Emerald Kingdom.”
“Where is this man? How did they know he was one of mine?”
“I do not know. He has been dealt with – but I thought you’d want to see it.”
Helix snatched the envelope from him and tore open the paper. Pulling the parchment out, he immediately recognized the Emerald Kingdom’s seal. It was really from the Emerald Queen.
“Leave me,” Helix waved his hand, “Except you.” He pointed to the man who’d retrieved the letter. “You are now my general.”
The man nodded and stood in front of Helix as he read over the letter.
Brother,
This has gone on long enough. Please put this foolish plan to rest and let us join as a family. You share my blood. I will be waiting for you alone in two days where the forest meets the fields on the edge of the Ruby Kingdom. We can figure out how to move on from there.
Emersyn
“Does she think I am stupid?” Helix threw the letter at his newly appointed general. “Alone? The Emerald Queen would never put herself at risk like that.”
“Doesn’t this make our plan a bit easier?”
Helix stared at his general, “What do you mean?”
“If you agree to go… maybe confess your regret to her in a response… you will have an opportunity to attack. As you said, she is not dumb enough to go alone. The others would certainly be there. I stake my life on it. Knowing where they will all be, makes our attack easier to plan.”
“There is some truth in that, but do not for a minute think they haven’t planned the same thing.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less. However, having all of them in the same spot at once makes things much easier. They will be planning for us to attack, but if you go into it as though you are genuinely sorry… they will likely let their guard down long enough for our men to attack.”
Helix clapped the man on his shoulder, “I knew making you my general was wise. Get me some paper. I have a letter to write.”
Chapter 23
Drake stood hidden at the edge of the woods, watching as his wife, the Emerald Queen, waited in the field. His heart beat a mile a minute, knowing this plan was risky. The others were hidden along the edge of the grass, waiting for the moment to strike. He knew the letter Helix had sent back was a ruse – a meaningless collection of words to lure them out. But the six Kingdoms were ready. Each kingdom sent twenty men to protect the Queens, who, against counsel, were hiding among the men as well.
Intel showed Helix had roughly one hundred men of his own. Men, Drake was certain, who were hiding in the forest as well. They were ready. If this had been happening before the six Kingdoms were created, weaponry would be more modern. With the fall of the first Elemental, things had reverted to a simpler time. Sure, they had some technology and cars, but other things had been lost. Weapons were blamed for the overthrowing of the Queen back then and had been destroyed.
Now, Drake palmed the sword that hung at his side. With the Queen's magic, violence would be the last resort. At least, he hoped it would be.
Emersyn scanned the tree line. She knew the others were there, waiting, but she couldn’t contain her anxiety. The field was exploding in flowers from the magic bursting from her pores. Closing her eyes, she took several deep breaths, willing the power to still within her. A rustling sound drew her from her meditative state. Opening her eyes, she saw the shadow of a man emerge from the trees.
“Emersyn… the Emerald Queen.” He stopped a few feet from her, “we meet at last.”
“Helix…” Emersyn tilted her head in a simple greeting. “I was surprised you agreed to meet with me.”
“The surprise was all mine – seeing as I’ve committed many crimes against the kingdoms. But… alas, I was intrigued by your words. And curious to know how you possibly think we can move on as a family.”
