The Eternal Queen by M. J. Padgett

Author:M. J. Padgett [M. J. Padgett]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: MJ PADGETT BOOKS LLC
Published: 2022-12-03T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Three

3731, The Year of Reckoning

Outside the Miner’s Village

Smolzark Territory, Goranin

Eiagan Allurigard

“Lucifer? You said he died, that he was consumed by Nessa’s fire,” Eiagan said, stroking the horse’s neck. Everything about him fell into place then—the way he guarded her door when she was injured, that he only trusted her, the long stares that reached Eiagan’s soul. This horse knew her, always had, and once again he stared into the depths of her soul, soothing it, and wrapping it in a sort of understanding that only a loyal horse might.

“He did. I saw it with my—” Emora cut herself short and glanced toward Eiagan with wide eyes. “Do you think it was a ruse?”

Emora’s wide eyes meant only one thing, held only one real question. Could Astrid be alive?

Eiagan pursed her lips and fought to control the elation and hope that surged through her body. Hope was one thing, but to wish for something such as that was insanity. “I cannot say. I pray it is so, but we should not assume without further evidence. Our course should remain the same.”

Lucifer neighed his content and nuzzled Eiagan and Emora.

“What shall we do now?” Porvarth asked, eyeing Lucifer as if he were not wholly sure of what his eyes saw, despite having seen much grander, much more confusing things.

“We continue with the plan, only now we have a truly brave horse to aid us,” Emora said. “You ride him, Eiagan.”

Emora kissed Lucifer’s neck and patted him, then returned to her horse with Ari. Adrenaline surged through Eiagan’s body now, a certain excitement she had not felt in some time. To have even Lucifer back was a blessing, and one she would not take for granted. He nudged her, and so she took that as permission to do as Emora suggested—no saddle, no blanket, nothing between them to diminish the connection between horse and rider. Lucifer did not need a bridle or reins to guide him. He read Eiagan as if his soul was connected to hers.

“What a connection you have with him,” Gael said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Lucifer is more than a horse,” Emora said. “He is very nearly human, if you ask me.”

The caravan moved several marticks before anyone spoke again, leaving Eiagan with her musings. To hope that Astrid might also be alive was foolish, but had they not died on the same day? Did Nessa steal Astrid to inhabit as she had Emora?

Eiagan’s thoughts were interrupted when Gael cleared his throat.

“Shall I tell you more or are you sufficiently annoyed so that your ears are closed?” he asked.

“Keep your tales for now. When we make camp, you shall share them.”

Gael honored her command and continued toward Vidkun. They would travel a long way before stopping again, or so Eiagan hoped, but there were so many dangers between them and the castle, anything might happen. She longed for a time her kingdom might come together, to be more than it had been over the thousands of years Allurigards held the throne.

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