03 Star of Cursrah by Forgotten Realms

Author:Forgotten Realms [Realms, Forgotten]
Format: epub
Published: 2010-04-10T14:58:11.020000+00:00

The 383rd Anniversary of the Great Arrival

"Father, Mother, I beg you to forgive me! I was wrong--strong-headed--I know that now. Please, grant me another chance." Sentenced to death, or a "fate worse than death," whatever that might be, Amenstar fell to her knees before her hard-faced parents. Clasping her hands, tears streaming down her cheeks, she beseeched them, "On the grasslands I was captured by Samir Pallaton's cavalry. I saw Oxonsis block the Agis and cut off our water, and then I knew you were right. I realized how serious this world is, and that Cursrah was indeed endangered, so I returned of my own free will to help--" No one listened. The sama nodded past Amenstar's head and ordered, "Gag her!" Cold, chemical-stained hands pinned Star's arms. Her assailants were vizars, for no one else in the kingdom could touch a royal person. Seized by her cornrowed hair so her tiara twisted, Star was held against the musty robes of two acolytes. The vizar-in-waiting--shaven, with a branded head, in robes the color of dried blood--ordered Star's mouth wedged open with a metal spatula. Jaw cracking, Star's lips and then teeth were pried open. From a jar, the vizar took a putrid-looking glop made of chopped roots, grass, and vinegar. While Star struggled against offending metal and iron hands, this disgusting poultice was jammed into her mouth. Wanting to scream, gagging and choking, Amenstar was held, helpless, while the concoction took effect. The rancid herbs burned her palette and tongue like fire ants, made her eyes and nose water, seared her throat like acid. Just as the princess thought she'd vomit or strangle, the hands pulled away. Hacking, Star spat the stinking green mess onto her parent's expensive rugs. She couldn't even spit properly, but rather she drooled. Refusing to cry, furious, Amenstar made to scream against this unheard-of abuse, yet only uttered a faint gurgle. Her tongue was numb and swollen so it crammed her mouth. Her lips felt as fat as sausages and just as insensitive. "Dumbcane, your majesty," hissed the vizar-in-waiting, clearly enjoying her revenge. "Another of the 'glops' we 'moonstruck ghouls' prepare, this from a grassy shoot found in the Land of the Lions. The dumbcane will paralyze your tongue for hours, rendering you mute." Again Amenstar tried to protest, but despite straining until tendons bulged in her throat, she only mewed like a hungry kitten. Tears of anger, sorrow, and fright coursed down the princess's face. She couldn't offer a word in her own defense, though no one would listen anyway. Events in the royal compound unfolded at every hand, as if the city faced invasion by hordes of barbarians or dragons. Star grew dizzy watching all the activity. The only calm person was the bakkal, who stood with arms folded across his breast while behind him a general held upright the silver and gold war axe. Samas gave the orders, Star's mother, the first sama, coordinating. Secretary- maids ran hither and thither. Family members were to assemble outside while many objects were packed into the cellars.

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