Chapter 226: Gatekeeper

Chapter 226: Gatekeeper

We entered the dark tunnel that led into the palace, which was a sort of tiered pyramid, covered in flowers. The tunnel was dark and smelled of peat or loam or whatever you call the dark stuff they chuck around on allotments.

I lit a ball of light, keeping it fairly dim so as not to attract too much attention, and followed Biadet. She seemed to flicker in and out of shadows, although that might just have been because of the way the ball bounced around over my head.

This is exciting, said Laney. The warrior princess, the deadly midget and the Dragonslayer, entering the inner sanctum. Legends will tell of our feats.

Even in the gloom, I could see her eyes glinting.

Im not a dragonslayer. Ive never killed a dragon, and I dont intend to. Theyre just big, dumb animals. And Flossies the one who handles them. Youre encroaching on her area of expertise when you call me that, so please stop.

Laney took out her sword in a sweeping movement, the shrill scrape as it emerged from the scabbard drawing a glance from Biadet.

Very well. Then, you are to be called the Wizard Colin. She looked down the length of the blade, the hilt held up to her nose. I thought maybe she was planning on knighting me, which I would have refused (her blade on my shoulder was not an appealing thought) but after inspecting the sword, she put it away again.

Im not much of a wizard, either. I can make light and heal a bit. Its hardly stuff to sing ballads about. I could also light dragon farts, but anyone with a naked flame and a death wish could do that.

You are humble and modest, said Laney. It is good. You will make a fine consort.

Wait here, said Biadet. I need to take care of something up ahead. She stepped away from me, and was gone.

Shes showing off, again, said Laney. She wasnt always like that.

What was she like? I asked as we waited for Biadet to return.

At school, she was very quiet.

She still is, I pointed out.

No, not like now. In a nice way. She listened, was interested in what people had to say, helped people with their homework. Then she changed. Laney sighed, although it sounded like regret at losing a dogsbody.

Changed how?

She had a little boyfriend, the groundskeepers son. I dont know if he was really her boyfriend, I dont think they ever did you know dirty things. Do you know about diiiirty thiiiiings, Colin? She closed in on me as she luridly extended each word. I moved away, further along the tunnel. Whatever Biadet had gone to deal with, it had to be less horrifying than this.

I ignored the tongue sliding across her lips as she waggled her shoulder at me.

So the boyfriend changed her?

Laney stopped and snorted. The boyfriend died. Then she went away for a while and when she came back, she was like that.

Like what? said Biadet, emerging from the shadows.

I was telling my consort about our school days. What a delightful child you once were.

Biadet nodded. Yes. She turned to me, her face blank and expressionless. The Princess was always a spoiled brat, as Im sure you assumed. She hasnt changed or improved with age, but it is comforting in some ways to have a relic connecting us to our past. She is like an anchor, thick and heavy, especially around the bottom.

Are you disparaging a member of the royal line of Fengarad? said Laney, hand on sword hilt.

No. Im talking about anchors. This way.

We carried on until we came to the same room Id come to last time, when I was taken down to the cells below. There were six women in full armour and weapons drawn lying on the ground. None of them moved.

Are they dead?

No, said Biadet.

You dealt with all six of them? asked Laney, trying not to sound impressed and failing.

Seven, said Biadet as she opened the gate to the lift.

There are clearly only six here, insisted Laney, not one to allow extra credit to anyone other than herself.

Seven, said Biadet.

I counted the women again. There were definitely six, and no other room or exit that might hide a seventh. Is one of them pregnant?

Pfft. They dont look like monsters to me. She drew her sword. The guardians did not move or react in any way.

Are they rats? I asked Biadet. She didnt respond, but I got the feeling it was an affirmative silence. Why are there rats up here? I thought the Queens Guard were anti-vermin. I snapped my mouth shut and turned to the ratmen. Sorry. No offence. They remained as impassive as ever. They could easily have been statues.

Ill take the one on the left, said Laney. She giggled with excitement.

Arent you going to take care of this? I asked Biadet.

Biadet shook her head. The princess can deal with a couple of guards. Head on.

I caught an evil glimmer in Biadets eyes. This was revenge for being hit from behind. I thought it was a little too gallant of her not to take umbrage at how she had been knocked out.

You want them to kill her?

If she lets them. Thank you for healing me, by the way. I appreciate it.

Oh, so you owe me then. I can expect you to pay me back?

I already have, said Biadet. After they have taken care of her, I will bring you to the Queen.

Come, Colin, said Laney, grinning. She didnt seem to have any problem with being set up.

What exactly do you see in front of you, Laney?

The same as you. Two men of average height and no doubt average ability.

What about their tails?

She looked over her shoulder at me, her grin bouncing into a frown and back. Tails? What tails?

Laney didnt see what I and Biadet saw. Although, even if she had, I doubt shed act any differently. As bonkers as she was, you had to admire her relentless stupidity in the face of danger. Preferably from a distance.

Good luck, Princess, said Biadet, the hint of a smile on her lips.

Wont need it, midget.

Cant we just knock? I said. Maybe the Queen wants to see us.

Hyeaahhh! screamed Laney as she charged. It was going to be a massacre.

Stop! squeaked Nyx. He was standing on the other side of the lift. He hadnt been in there with us, I was fairly certain, and there were no other exits that I could see.

Laney did stop and the guardians moved for the first time. They turned to look at each other.

Where did you come from? I asked him.

Secret door. He pushed the wall behind him and it swung open.

Youve been here before?

Yes, I live here. It was my mother who sent me to join you. He was a lot less timid than usual.

Your mother The Queen is your mother? It was possible, but why send him to spy on me? So you arent a rat? Its a disguise or a geas or whatever?

He shook his very rat-like head. No disguise, and a geas doesnt work on your kind. I am as you see, Nyx Huranyx, seventh son of the seventh litter.

It didnt make any sense, and then it did. The Queen is a rat?

Come, let us greet her. You two, open up there.

The two guardians both half-turned and pushed each side of the door open.

Theyre of the first litter, Nyx whispered as he walked past me. Very strong, thick as boat planks.

Laney gave me a confused look. I gave her one back. Biadet just looked disappointed.

Come, said Nyx, waving us to follow him. I couldnt bear to see any of you hurt and I do so want you to meet mother. He walked back to take me by the elbow to help me along. And, he whispered, you may be the only one who can stop her.