Seven Sorcerers(41)
I addressed him by name, in my own language, yet by my conscious magic he understood my words. “Captain Aoliooyulp, you look well. Take us to the Queen if it pleases you.” He knew that my request was in truth a polite demand. Aoliooyulp had known my anger before and had no wish to draw it upon himself again. I was not always so level-headed in matters of the heart, or so cautious about releasing my rage upon those about me. One of my many faults. Indreyah had discovered most of them during my time in her watery kingdom.
So we enter the coral palace under heavy escort and are brought before the throne of sculpted sapphire. Indreyah the Mer-Queen leans back against the great oyster shell that rises from her high seat. The lambent jewels of a hundred lost kingdoms encrust the dais below her webbed feet. Strands of dark hair float about her silvery head, evoking an image of black flames. The topaz orbs of her eyes flash directly at me, as if she does not see my three companions at all. I do not wait for her to condemn me with words or compel me to leave. Before she can do either, I sink to both knees and spread my arms wide within the tiny sphere of air.
“Great Queen of the Sea,” I begin, “my old and dear friend, most beautiful of all creatures beneath the waves, ruler of the coral kingdom and keeper of the Great Pearl. My heart rejoices to see you again.”
Indreyah does not reply to my obvious fawning. I must play the fool here to disarm her; better to draw her amusement than her scorn. It is a fine dance that requires a perfect balance of charm and flattery.
The Mer-Queen’s eyes settle upon the ladies behind me. “Sharadza of Udurum, Daughter of the Great and Honorable Vod.” She smiles, baring teeth bright as pearls and sharp as fangs. “You are most welcome here.”
Sharadza performs her royal curtsey and offers a smile that is worth far more than my own words. “It has been too long, Majesty,” Sharadza says. “Since last we spoke, I have gained and lost a Queenhood. I am no longer of Udurum, though my heart still dwells there. Allow me to present Alua, Queen of Udurum, wife of my brother Vireon, King of Giants. Perhaps you have known Alua by another name long ago, for she is of your kind. And this is—”
“Vaazhia,” says the Mer-Queen. Recognition glimmers in her yellow orbs. “My cousin.”
The lizardess bows and her forked tongue darts in and out.
“I did not know you still lingered among us,” says Indreyah. “Yet I am glad to see you.”
“Empires may rise and fall,” Vaazhia says, “but the Old Breed are forever. Your realm is one of beauty and splendor.”
Indreyah turns her gaze upon me again. I remain kneeling before her dais, knowing that to do less would be unwise. “Iardu, what scheme of yours brings these great ladies together?”
I smile at the subtle nature of her insult. “No scheme but urgent need, Queen of Coral. Zyung has finally reached across the great water. He would conquer the Five Cities and all their peoples. I would not trouble you if the circumstances were not so dire. I come on behalf of Sharadza and her kingdom, as well as the kingdoms of Uurz, Yaskatha, Mumbaza, and even dark Khyrei, to ask for your support in the greatest struggle of this age.”
The Mer-Queen’s bubbling laughter fills her throne room. Her soldiers and courtesans join in her mirth, unsure of the reason for it.
I look at Sharadza, who understands what I need her to do.
“Majesty,” Sharadza says, “Iardu speaks truly.” She describes the Hordes of Zyung, the legions of Manslayers, the vast armada of airborne dreadnoughts. She elicits the threat of Zyung as eloquently as I could have done myself, perhaps even better. The Mer-Queen listens attentively and says nothing to interrupt her. Sharadza finishes her well-spoken plea and the Sea-Folk watch her as if they too understand. Perhaps some of them have studied the dry tongues.
“I have no wish to battle with this God-King of the Dry Lands,” says Indreyah at last. “I remember the power of Zyung from the time before Man walked the continents. Let him rule the world above the waves if that is what he wishes. He is no threat to me. If what you say is true, he will bring peace and order to the kingdoms of the Five Cities. If he wishes to parley with the underwater realm, I will speak with him as an equal. Yet I do not think he cares for my deep kingdom. I will not condemn my people to fight a war that does not serve their interests. I am afraid that you have wasted your time in coming here, though you are always welcome, Daughter of Vod.”
“Indreyah…” My tone is pleading. “You are far more than the Queen of the Sea-Folk. You are of the Old Breed! Do not forget what this means…”