The Cyber Chronicles - Book I: Queen of Arlin Read Free

disapproval of
her solo, nocturnal jaunt clearly written on his scarred
visage.
    Falcon
thundered across the drawbridge at an eager canter, defying her
control. Once off the drawbridge, she let him have his head, his
muscles surging beneath her as the cold wind tore her hair from its
fastenings. She revelled in the freedom of the wild gallop, wishing
that she never had to return to her father's castle and the
incessant, losing war with its inevitable tragic conclusion.
Slowing Falcon to a bouncing canter, she turned him towards the
wood. The stallion fought her with good natured spirit, both of
them knowing that he could defy her if he chose. The trees loomed
ahead, and Tassin prayed that Manutim would be waiting. As they
entered the forest, she slowed the mettlesome charger to a walk,
only the crunch of leaves under his hooves breaking the breathless
hush.
    The largest of
the three moons had risen when she reached the glade with its ring
of stones, flooding it with silver light. She reined Falcon in and
stroked his thick, arched neck as he shifted beneath her, alert to
every whisper of sound. An owl's hoot startled her as the winged
shape flitted between the trees in search of prey. Her eyes darted
amongst the ominous shadows that seemed to move and creep in the
moonlight.
    Tassin slumped
with relief when a white-robed figure emerged from the trees and
walked into the centre of the ring of stones. Manutim's hooded robe
covered all but his pale hands, and the hood's deep shadows hid his
face. She guided Falcon over to him, and he stroked the warhorse's
velvet muzzle while she dismounted. Although she had never seen his
face, she had trusted him since her father introduced them eight
years ago, and he had not betrayed her. The villagers spoke of
strange lights in the sky when he visited, but she had never
questioned him about it. Manutim's demeanour did not encourage idle
questions, but he had offered a wealth of advice and taught her a
great deal about life and politics.
    "Well met, My
Queen," he greeted her in his soft, strangely accented voice. "How
goes your war?"
    "Badly,
Manutim. I rejoice to see you again. Have you been well?"
    His head
dipped. Manutim never bowed to her, but he always appeared
respectful. "I am well, Majesty. I hope you are also in good
health."
    She sighed a
cloud of steam. "I despair. I am losing this war, and that I will
not accept. Before any of those three foul kings lay claim to me
and lock me in his castle, I shall kill myself. I fear that time
approaches."
    "I did advise
you against this many years ago, did I not? Do you remember my
telling you not to start a war that you could not win? Truly you
have disappointed your teacher, little one."
    "What would you
have me do? Wed that rapist monster, or one of the doddering
fools?"
    "Indeed, your
options are not the best. You could abdicate in favour of your
cousin and put an end to their plotting, but I know that you would
not consider such a move, although to die with your soldiers seems
rather extreme. It is not too late to reconsider."
    She shook her
head. "I shall not be defeated except by death. That at least is
honourable."
    "Ah, and teach
the kings a lesson, no doubt. Such pride is foolish, but you are
too young to know the folly of your words. You will not realise how
final death is until you stare into its face and feel the cold
touch of fear."
    "Your words are
cruel. Have you no other solution to offer? Pervor said that you
would help me."
    "Do not
despair, My Queen. I have the answer to your troubles."
    Her eyes
brightened. "You are indeed a great wizard. What have you
found?"
    "I originally
purchased it for your father, may his soul rest in peace. He asked
for my help to deal with the Death Zone, and the weapon I have
brought was for this purpose. But it will serve you just as well in
your need, after which you may send it into the Death Zone to
complete that mission." He paused, considering her. "It resides
even now in your dungeons,