The Chronicles of Kelor: Book One; The Boy Alpha

Chapter 27

As we travelled from the human capital back to my home, I noticed that Monica wasn’t well. I had asked her about it, but she simply waved it off as nothing, but as we went on, her health deteriorated. Two days away from the castle, we made camp by an oak tree.

At noon I walked into her tent. Her breathing was heavy, and her skin was pale. The wound on her side had grown and dark veins spread from it to the rest of her body. She was slowly turning into the monsters we had fought against. I couldn’t help but question if it was all worth it or if there was something I could have done differently to make sure that Monica would remain human.

“Hey, lets go for a walk,” she said, stretching out her hand towards me.

“I don’t think you should be moving in your condition.”

“Please Leon.”

I helped her up and walked by her side to steady her. Outside her tent we sat underneath an old oak tree. She placed her head on my shoulder and lay silently. Her breath shallow. Our gaze towards a beautiful field. In a trembling voice she whispered, “I don’t want.... I don’t want to end up...like them.”

I felt a tear run down my cheek. I knew what she was asking of me, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

“I can’t. Monica, there must be another way. Something we are yet to find, that can heal you.”

“You....know....there...isn’t. Please.....Leon. I....don’t...want............to hurt.......anyone.”

I turned towards her. Tears welling up in my eyes. I couldn’t speak. What do you say to a person you love as they turn into a shrieker.

Raising a shaking hand, she placed it on my cheek. “Thank you.....I....enjoyed...being...your....escort. Tell....the....others....I...said....thanks.”

I wept as I embraced her, not wanting her to go.

After a little while her body stiffened as she drew in one last breath, and then, with an exhale that was almost inaudible, she slipped away. I held her close for a moment longer, before her body crumbled to dust.

When I arrived at home, a servant came running to me before I could enter the castle. He gave me a letter and said, “an urgent message from the Fairy Queen, Queen A’el.”

**********

Two nights had passed since Queen Ae’l had visited me and Sif. Now, in the Viking village, sitting around a table in a tent close to the sea my friends are here with me. All but one, Monica. I’m surprised that Leon is here despite what happened to her.

“We can grieve later,” he had said after telling us of the battle in the human capital. “Right now, we must focus on reclaiming Deven’s throne.”

“Of course,” said Sif. “But first we need to know how many warriors we are carrying into battle. I’d like nothing more than to repay your kindness to us, Deven. But I can’t risk all me people. Some of them will have to stay behind to protect the children and old people. My brother Ragnar, will be one of the warriors that remain behind.”

“Thank you, Sif. What about you Leon?”

“I couldn’t bring the whole vampire army with me but I did bring my own personal guards as well as a few soldiers as a gift from my father the Count. He hopes we can settle this matter quickly but if we fail, I will have to forfeit my right as heir and be a renegade among my kind. My father and I have agreed to this. We don’t need our kind fighting two wars at once. Our war with the shriekers is more than enough.”

“I understand. Your sacrifice and loyalty are greatly appreciated, my friend. Queen A’el?”

“The Elderly Council of my kind have the same thought as Leon’s father. They too have sent a small group of soldiers with me. However, they’ve advised me not to be seen challenging Valark’s rule.”

“That’s understandable, my love.”

“Yes. But I refuse. I will not standby and watch you die. I’m coming with you Deven.”

“But the Council said...”

“Forget what they said. I am Queen, aren’t I?” she asked with a beaming smile.

“Then it's settled,” I said, replying to her enthusiasm with my own. “Our numbers aren’t much but with my knowledge of the City we should be able to defeat my brother and Gunther.”

“To be honest,” A’el began, “It’s not your brother that worries me. General Gunther is the most dangerous creature we will have to face. He is experienced, strong and a good leader.”

“Indeed he is. That is why I will fight him while you and Leon confront Valark.”

“Excuse me?” said A’el. “I’m pretty certain that I said I wasn’t leaving your side. If you’re fighting Gunther, then so will I.”

“I don’t wish to put the Fairy Queen’s life in danger.”

“Look around you Deven, we’re all here because we understand the risk. We’re all in danger. Besides, I’m very confident that Leon can best Valark without my help.”

“She’s right little pup,” said Leon. “And what better way to show solidarity than the two love birds taking down the evil general?”

I let out a heavy sigh. “Fine! A’el will come with me.”

“Hold on,” said Sif. “What will I be doing?”

“You’ll be leading the army of vampires, fairies and Vikings. The rest of us will be counting on you to keep my kind distracted while we sneak into the castle and fight Valark and Gunther.”

“What if they are on the battlefield?” Sif asked.

“They won’t be. We will catch them off guard at the break of dawn.”

We spent a few moments going through the battle plan before heading back to our own tents. I called out to A’el before going to bed.

“What is it, my love?”

“What did Gunther tell you about the Queen Mother?”

“He said she was locked up in a cell.”

“Did he mention which one?”

“No, he didn’t. Don’t let it trouble you. When we win, we will have all the time in Kelor to find her. Get some rest. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.”

The next evening, we gathered our supplies and started our march for the Werewolf Capital to take back my crown and throne.