THE CROWN AND THE FLAME by ROCHELLE PIETERSE (the little red hen read aloud .txt) 📖

yeah, actually. But the important thing is that they have money. Lots of money.”

Sir Luke eyed Liath suspiciously, “How is it you learned the location of the most hidden city in the world?”

“Cleared out some bandits for them a while back” Liath replied. “Best paying job I’ve ever done. It won’t be easy getting their coin. Don’t know if Queen Skyelar here’s up for the challenge.”

“A challenge.” Skyelar smiled, “I’m always up for a challenge.”

“I have the utmost faith in you, my Queen,” Sir Luke said in bowing.

“Thank you, Sir Luke.”

“Let’s hope the people of Aurelia feel the same way,” Liath agreed.

“Lead the way to Aurelia,” Skyelar said in return to Liath.

Leaving the majority of their army in the grasslands, they marched with a force of 200 through the forest to the base of a mountain range.

Looking over his shoulder Liath smiled at Skyelar, “This is where things get interesting.”

The mercenaries get to work clearing aside a massive pile of boulders. After an hour of work, they’ve revealed an opening to a secret mountain passage.

“So this is how they stay hidden,” Skyelar questioned in awe.

“There’s a dozen traps and false trails steering travelers away from Aurelia. Believe me, finding the city by any other means isn’t easy,” Greine said.

After a long journey winding through treacherously narrow mountain passes, the group reaches a guard post at the outer edge of Aurelia.

“The city is beyond beautiful,” Skyelar remarked.

“They say Aurelia is gilded by the precious ores mined from its very foundations,” Sir Luke replied.

“Let’s hope they’re willing to part with some of it. I’ve managed to recruit an army, but that won’t do much good if I can’t feed it,” Skyelar said.

“Could be we even get money for siege weaponry,” Justin added his comment.

“Perhaps. If the legends are true, then Aurelian’s guard their wealth closely and see visitors as threats,” Sir Luke replied.

“Guess we have our work cut out for us,” Justin remarked not looking very pleased about the conversation.

Suddenly two guards approached.

“Halt, outsiders!” the first guard ordered.

“State your purpose,” the second guard enquired.

Gathering all her wits and strength Skyelar straightened herself and walked forward, “We are here because we wish to form an alliance. You must have heard that the false king Jameel Beaumont has taken the Five Kingdoms. I am the rightful Queen of Dragonstead, and I am gathering my army to march against his son, Prince Andrew.”

“Your wars don’t concern us,” the second guard replied.

“They will. You’ve only remained safe because Jameel hasn’t found you yet. Ally yourself with our cause, and we will protect you. Let us speak with your leaders. They will want to hear our offer,” Skyelar pushed on smiling hoping for some assistance.

The two guards looked at each other worriedly. “Very well,” the first guard answered.

“Much appreciated,” Skyelar said smiling as she let out an unbearable breath that was choking her.

“There’s that charm I was talking about,” Liath smiled.

The guards look down the trail at her army of two hundred, “I’m afraid we can only let a small party through. No more than five people. We can’t allow a foreign army inside our walls.”

“Understood,” Skyelar nodded her agreement. “My army will make camp far from your gates. The last thing we want to do is seem threatening…”

“Then you are welcome to come in, provided you leave your weapons with us,” the Aurelian soldier said.

Greine’s face dropped, “Hang on, we have to hand over our weapons? Since when?”

Justin added to the confusion, “You’ve got to be joking.”

The two guards exchange a brief glance before one spoke, “These are… troubled times. It is our sworn duty to ensure the security of Aurelia.”

“Surely you can understand our position,” the second guard added.

“Of course…” Skyelar confirmed as she looked pointedly at Justin, who grumbles as he hands over his sword to the guards. As the others begin to follow suit, Greine walks over to her.

“Here, let me help you with that,” Greine said. As she helps Skyelar undo her weapon belt, she spoke in a voce too low for the guards to hear, “I don’t like this. They’re acting more paranoid than usual.”

You think they’re hiding something from us?” Skyelar whispered back.

“Maybe… or maybe something happened to make them even less trusting of outsiders than they used to be. Either way, I’d feel a lot better if one of us had a weapon, just in case. You got a small blade on you? Something you can hide?” Greine asked.

“I do have a dagger. You really think I should sneak it in?”

“My gut says yes. If my gut is wrong, the Aurelian’s never need to know.”

“You’re right. If something is wrong in Aurelia, I’m not about to go in completely helpless.” Skyelar said as she bent to pick up her weapons, secretly stowing the small dagger in her boot.

“You’re a woman after my own heart,” Greine smiled as she picked her weapons up.

Skyelar, Sir Luke, Justin, Greine and Liath hand over their weapons to the guards. The five of them were led into the golden hall of Aurelia…

“You don’t think they’d notice if this golden statue went missing, do you?” Greine asked beside Skyelar. “They have so many…”

“Don’t you dare,” Sir Luke said crossly.

“Just a joke. Not like I would really steal a statue, melt it down, and then sell it to buy a triple-bladed-“Greine said but was cut short.

“Hello travelers,” a bejeweled woman adorned in gold announced as she approached Skyelar smiling. A guard at her side. “Welcome to Aurelia!”

Liath’s eyes almost most popped out as he spoke, “She’s so…shiny.”

“Might want to close your jaw there, Liath.” Greine said unimpressed.

“Hello,” Skyelar said as she extended her hand. “You must be the ruler of Aurelia.”

“That’s exactly right! I’m Annelyse Adair. What gave it away?”

“You’ve got protection. And only royalty would wear something so magnificent,” Skyelar continued.

“Aren’t you sweet?” Annelyse smiled.

“We’re here to speak with you about joining our cause. You must know that King Jameel Beaumont has taken the five kingdoms.”

“Yes of course. I’m current on all the latest gossip!”

Skyelar stood stiff head held high, “I am Skyelar Thorksson of Dragonstead, the rightful Queen.”

The whole room fell quiet. One Aurelian quard spoke, “The Skyelar Thorksson of Dragonstead? I’ve heard about you. You survived Jameel’s slaughter when he betrayed and murdered the royalty of the five kingdoms! You also escaped an assassination attempt at the Lindisfarne ruins! Is it true you now have an army of mercenaries?”

“It’s true,” Skyelar tried to answer calmly but could hardly believe how much this one man could talk without catching his breath.

“It seems you’re practically a legend already!” Annelyse said excitedly, “You at least seem to have a knack for surviving.”

“I’m going to do more than that. I’ve been training. And now I’m raising an army to take back my kingdom from Jameel’s son, Prince Andrew.” Skyelar said.

“Oooh, so thrilling,” Annelyse exclaimed, “They must sing songs about you.”

“Not yet, but we should get someone started on that…” Greine smiled and motioned to Liath.

“Annelyse, everyone knows of Aurelia’s fabled wealth. It’s only a matter of time before Andrew finds this city and plunders it. Support our cause. Help us now, and once we’ve beaten Andrew, Aurelia will be under our protection,” Skyelar tried not to sound desperate.

“You have an interesting proposal. But Aurelia has never backed an army. It doesn’t make for good gossip, it’s hardly intriguing, and wars get blood on everything.” Annelyse shook her head. “No, the nobles of Aurelia would positively revolt if I told them we’re funding an army.”

Greine came to stand next to Skyelar and whispered, “Let me talk to this lady. I can convince her that armies make for good gossip.”

Justin came to stand next to Skyelar and Greine, “Ha. What this woman needs is to understand that war isn’t just some inconvenience. Let me talk to her.”

Skyelar eyed them both for a moment, “Greine, why don’t you give it a go?”

Greine locked her eyes with Annelyse and spoke softly but intriguing, “Have you ever seen the sun rising over a battlefield before the first arrows even been shot? Or ridden a horse as fast as he can go in the pitch black night because you’re part of a surprise attack?”

Annelyse stood motionless, her excitement unconcealable, “That sounds so exciting…”

“And you think you know how to throw a party here? You should see an army of mercenaries after a battle,” Greine continued.

Annelyse glared at Greine wide-eyed, “Well. Maybe I was wrong. If the nobles could hear you talk, you just might capture their interest.”

“Yes, defeating Andrew would be an excellent story,” Skyelar chimed.

“And one I could see Aurelia being a part of. But it’s not entirely up to me. You’ve got to understand,” Annelyse explained. “I’m no warrior Queen. I don’t rule with swords and shields. I rule by keeping my nobles happy. That means getting their support for decisions like these.” Annelyse drew a breath. Suddenly excited she hooked Skyelar by the arm, “I know! Stay for the celebration. Drink with us. Let Aurelia get the measure of you.”

“Thank you.” Skyelar smiled, “That’s very kind of you.”

“My attendants will provide you with proper attire,” Annelyse said looking Skyelar up and down. “If you want to impress the Aurelian’s, you’ll hardly do it dressed like that…”

Shocked Skyelar asked, “Proper attire?”

Sir Luke cleared his throat, “Ahem. Skyelar, a word?”

Skyelar nods and lets Sir Luke pull her aside, “A rooster does all he can to not upset a henhouse.”

Annoyed Skyelar said, “Speak plainly, Sir Luke.”

“We’re guests. We should do as our host wishes,” Sir Luke said softly. “Especially when we are in desperate need of her support.”

“Very well.” Skyelar sighed but gave him a cold stare, “But no comments from you on how I look!”

“I’ll be as quiet as a temple mouse,” Sir Luke smiled.

Skyelar turned back to Annelyse and smiled, “Lady Annelyse, I look forward to changing into … proper attire.”

Smiling Annelyse led Skyelar away to be dressed while her company waited in anticipation.

After being dressed by Annelyse’s attendants, Skyelar arrived at the banquet hall. A feast of food, wine, and entertainment were lain out before her. Her company standing all open mouthed, staring at her.

She was nervous. Skyelar took a deep breath, but her heart still pounded like the hooves of a team of horses trying to outrun a stagecoach going downhill. She unclenched her hands and automatically smoothed her dress. She started towards her company of friends.

“Like the glasswork of Yondiere.” Sir Luke stammered, “You are a sight to behold, my queen.”

“You’re not one to break promises,” Skyelar said her voice soft and clear. “What happened to not saying anything?”

“Some promises are impossible to keep,” Sir Luke explained as he bowed before her.

“He’s right,” Justin exclaimed. “That’s the kind of outfit that inspires songs and poems, Skyelar.”

“Skyelar? Is that you?” Greine asked. “Didn’t recognize you without the layer of dirt.”

“Ha!” Liath shouted, “This whole time you were pretty! Er, uh…that didn’t come out right.”

Skyelar’s face relaxed into a smile that caused the men near her to forget there was anyone else in the room. “Uh, thank you.”

“Now, let’s go to this party,” Greine smiled.

“Attending a party in order to defeat Andrew is ridiculous,” Justin said. “Of you ask me.”

“Luckily, no one did,” Greine teased.

“We need as many allies as we can find right now.” Sir Luke interrupted, “This party will be an excellent opportunity for us.”

“Sir Luke is right,” Skyelar confirmed.

“Opportunity? What about fun? Come on, everyone.” Greine started, “Time to find out if those swans on the table are just for show!”

Skyelar watched as her people moved to the tables. As she joins them, she notices a man staring at her from across the room. Ignoring him, she sat down. Her attention turned back to them as Liath said, “You’re good with a sword, I’ll give you that. But anyone who grew up in a fancy castle can learn to swing steel. That said, I’ll bet my armor all those uptight nobles never let their princess drink anything real.”

“I’ve drunk plenty,” Skyelar said looking offended.

“Prove it,” Liath said