Lasgol was surprised to be mentioned, and also that the Queen had noticed that Ona was with him. He had the feeling that she saw further than she seemed to. She was very beautiful, even when her expression was one of animosity, as was the case at the moment. He could understand her reasons, even the thinking behind them, because he himself knew the rulers of Norghana, and they were exactly as she had described them. He also knew that kings like those of Zangria or the Nocean Empire were scarcely better.
Arrain nodded. “Our Queen watches over the wellbeing of her people,” he said, and the other Shamans nodded too, amid murmurs of conviction.
“You taught me that yourself when you came to these lands many years ago. When you were young and your face showed no marks of the passage of time. When you taught me your language, when you told me about Tremia, her realms and her peoples. I learnt much with you and from your books, and I have learnt a great deal more in all these years before your return, since many are the ships which have reached my coasts.”
“It was an honor and a pleasure to instruct the Turquoise Queen,” Eicewald said, nodding.
“I learnt much with you and from you, Eicewald. Not only how the world of those realms which are called civilized operates” – there was clear disdain in her voice – “but something beloved and valuable as far as I am concerned: magic, power.”
“That is something we both love and study,” Eicewald agreed.
“Very true. My people and my magic are the most important things to me, as you know well, since we spent so much time together once upon a time.”
“Much time, and precious it was,” the Mage added.
“Yes, it was indeed precious. And because of that, I rewarded you with a unique gift, something I have never granted anybody else: the possibility of leaving my realm, of returning to your own and continuing with your arcane studies.”
“And I will always be grateful to your Majesty for that honor.”
“And yet you have come back, when I expressly forbade you to do so. Know further, that I am neither a patient woman nor one who forgives mistakes. To have returned after all these years, it seems to me, has been a very unfortunate mistake on your part, and one, I’m afraid, which will have disastrous consequences for you and your friends.”
Hearing this, Lasgol swallowed. They were in serious trouble. And imprisoned as they were, there was nothing any of them could do about it.
Chapter 27
“Before your Majesty passes judgment,” Eicewald pleaded, “if you would allow me to explain the situation and the reason for my return …”
Uragh stared hard at him, seeming to debate with herself as she did so.
“Very well, then. For the friendship which once united us, I shall let you explain yourself. But be brief, and let there be no half-truths. My patience is short.”
“I will be brief, your Majesty. Thank you.”
Eicewald explained about the Frozen Specter, about the desperate situation the realm of Norghana found itself in and the reason why they were there. When he had finished, he lowered his eyes as though aware that what he had just told the Queen was not worthy of her ears.
Uragh raised her chin, and her eyes flashed blue. “The affairs of foreign realms are no concern of mine, nor am I in the least interested in them. I am not concerned with whether the Peoples of the Frozen Continent conquer Norghana. Have the Norghanians ever helped me? Are they better than the Peoples of the Frozen Continent? I doubt it. Why did you think I was going to help you? Why would I lend you one of my most precious possessions, the Star of Sea and Life?”
“We’d brought gold and weapons with us … but the storm which stranded us took them with it.”
“That is extremely inconvenient. I won’t say that they wouldn’t be welcome, because my people are not rich, nor do they possess weapons, but we do have many enemies.”
“Perhaps your Majesty, with your great power, may be able to locate the gold and weapons. They can’t be too far from where we were wrecked.”
“Perhaps … but the sea is far greater than my power. Even so, I would not help your realm. Not for gold and weapons.” She shook her head determinedly, as if such a thing were beneath her, beneath her honor.
Eicewald fell silent. He had no further case to make.
Uragh stared into his eyes. “Anything else you would like to add, Mage?”
Eicewald, who looked defeated, said nothing for a moment.
“Perhaps for an old friend?” he asked at last.
“To save your life from a Norghanian King?”
Eicewald nodded heavily.
“Do you then value our friendship and the respect I have for you so highly?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“I showed you my generosity once already by letting you leave. I owe you nothing.”
“That is correct, your majesty … but my realm and my life are at stake. I had no other way out.”
“You have always been honest. That does you credit. I will give you that. Unfortunately, you put too high a value on your life, or on the love I have for you, or had.”
“I will accept your Majesty’s wishes,” Eicewald said, sounding defeated. He had not managed to persuade the Turquoise Queen, and his fate was now sealed.
Astrid looked intensely at Lasgol. The Queen was going to sentence them
