Fatima smoothed out the simple tunic she wore over tight leggings. Her feet were adorned in old, laced, knee high boots and her hair was released from the intricate bun to a simple braid over her left shoulder. It was a look she had seen herself in hundreds of times but now seemed foreign due to her living with her mother for so long. It was comfortable. She had forgotten how free and light clothing could be. Lifting her pack over her shoulders she exited her rooms to find Beneth and Jassen waiting for her.
She could tell from their stern expressions that they did not think this was a good idea. In fact, she was beginning to wonder if perhaps Jassen regretted bringing up the tangled web. Perhaps she should forget the whole thing and stick it out with her people. No. She would not be stopped. The tiny woman inclined her head to both men.
“Shall we be off gentlemen?” Fatima did not wait for a response. Instead, she walked down and out of the house to where the trio could catch the Winds.
--
The place she stopped was within Chaillot. A few miles off would be a small town, but Fatima did not stop here for the town. She was looking for the man who stayed beside the road. Sometimes he wandered off, but mostly he liked to just watch the people pass. She walked away from where the town would be, keeping her eyes keen to spot any sign of him.
It did not take long before she came over a small hill to see the scrawny man in tattered clothes leaning against a thick tree. Fatima happily approached him and plopped down next to the decrepit being. He was obviously starved with balding hair and missing teeth. He smiled dreamily at the Queen. “Oh, look who has paid me a visit. My little duckling,” he said in a sing song voice.
Fatima laughed lightly as she removed bread and water from her pack and handed them to the man.
“I am so happy to see you are still here, Rhyne.” The man plucked at the bread and put some in his mouth before tossing some into the road. Anyone looking could tell this man had long ago become a part of the twisted kingdom.
“I’m afraid I cannot stay long and am not here for fun.” Fatima’s tone relayed her true sadness at this.
“I thought as much. You’re not a little duck anymore, are you? A swan queen.” He raised a filthy hand and patted her cheek.
“Rhyne… do you know where I might find someone who can read the tangled web?” She leaned close and spoke in a whisper. The man chuckled in reply.
“Have you searched Arachna?”
“You know I can’t.”“Well, well…. How about Askavi?” He tossed more bread at something invisible before sipping at the water.
“Askavi? With the Eyriens?” She was startled.
“I don’t know that they’ll talk to me.” She rubbed a hand over a tired brow as she thought on this. Either she would do anything for her people or she would be a disappointment.
“Alright. I’ll go.” She kissed the man’s cheek.
“I do hope you will come to visit me sometime, Rhyne.”“I always do,” he replied with a smile that hinted that he was beginning to walk further into the Twisted Kindgom after his brief brush with reality. She wondered if she would ever see him again.
------
They landed at the pad and Fatima took a moment to gather herself. Not only was she exhausted but she felt she was intruding. A nervousness rolled in her stomach as cold rain pelted the trio. She wrapped her cloak about herself and lifted the hood to cover her head. It was getting late in the day and as much as she loathed to admit it she needed a rest.
She leaned heavily on Beneth as they made their way to the nearest tavern. The inside was warm and welcoming, and she allowed the warlord prince to find her a seat near the fire. She had no idea what she was doing. It wasn’t as if she could just start asking people about the Black Widow. That was a good way to get dead. She leaned back in her chair as a mug of something cold and frothy as pushed into her hands. She accepted the drink from Jassen and sipped the hoppy beer with delight. It was delicious and warmed her cheeks.
Fatima figured she would likely have to do as she had done in the old times. Listen. Bide her time. And wait for the right information to reach her. She was in Askavi. This was just the beginning of their trail. She hoped the search would not take long. For the first time in her life she was desperately missing her land.
Member
rush99999