Queen by R. J. Larson

Author:R. J. Larson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Esther, Prophets, Biblical Prophets, Prophet Daniel
Publisher: Gram-Co-Ink
Published: 2014-11-12T00:00:00+00:00

STEALTHILY WORKING to loosen the cords binding her wrists and ankles, Serena lay in the shadowed curve of the women’s tent near the drowsing Miyna. Despite her leggings and soft leather boots, her ankles were chafing from the cords’ pressure. Her feet prickled numb-cold, and she longed to sit up and ease her bruised shoulders. At least they hadn’t bound her wrists behind her back, but no doubt they’d notice if she tugged the cords with her teeth.

Perhaps if she pretended to scratch her face, and then rested awhile with the cords near her face—no one would notice if she cautiously loosened a few knots later tonight.

She flexed her fingers beneath her chin and then eyed Cziybor’s two wives who’d remained within the tent to guard her. The thin one and the tall one. How silent they were. With the exception of Cziybor’s gleeful cruelties, no laughter warmed this tent. Indeed, the only brightness here shone in the low central hearth and Miyna’s small crimson tunic.

No doubt being Cziybor’s wife would oppress any woman and rob her of joy. Serena tilted her head, listening as Cziybor’s other two wives worked outside the tent, preparing food for their illustrious expected company—was his name Siyrsun? Cziybor was certainly striving to play the benevolent host. A false benevolence, considering his plans to delude Siyrsun and to kill her lord-father.

Father... Serena nearly wept to think of the dangers he and Clan Darom would soon face. She must find some way to warn Father of Cziybor’s plans. But if she could escape, would she and Miyna survive the journey to reunite with their family?

They needed a horse. And the chance to safely flee—with enough of a start to evade Cziybor’s pursuit. Most likely, being unfamiliar with Agocii lands, she’d be caught. Cziybor would hunt her down and kill her or punish her somehow.

A beating or perhaps a maiming. Serena shuddered.

Would her family still be at the Kehb’el Cave site? Perhaps she could—

Cziybor’s booming laughter reached Serena from outside the tent, scattering her thoughts like autumn leaves in a gale and waking Miyna from a sound sleep. How wicked that the Agocii chieftain could laugh after massacring an encampment of peaceable Eosyths—most of whom were women and children. When Cziybor laughed again, Miyna scooted over to Serena, dragging a coverlet with her. Glancing up at Serena, Miyna struck a small fist on her knee. Serena whispered, “I understand. Stay with me.”

Miyna leaned against her, drawing her coverlet up to her chin, and then tucking her small thumb in her mouth—something she hadn’t done in months. Serena curved her body protectively around Miyna’s as much as possible and listened to a tumult within the adjoining main tent.

Men’s voices, the metallic clatter of weaponry, several deep coughs, throat-clearings, and distinct hackings of spittle. Obviously listening as well, Cziybor’s thinnest wife huffed beneath her breath, “Did you hear that? They’ll ruin the floor-coverings!”

Her resentful, swollen-eyed gaze upon Miyna, Tall Wife said, “Let him buy us new ones.”

Serena closed her eyes, listening to the men.

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