Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #15 June 2015 | Page 5

shortest route to our largest bay and mainland towns.
There is no other destination they could be headed.”
Sweat beaded on Wernher’s forehead.

Reizend to face her. “What is wrong with you? I’m
well aware of your cowardice, but the rest of the Kingdom is not!”

“Your Majesty, I would have to agree with Huntsman
Wernher; Rosenrot is not going to spare us.” Captain
Vertrouwen placed a steadying hand on the huntsman’s shoulder.

“The Red Queen is death! There is no time for false
bravery!” Darting his eyes around the room, Reizend
started to move about and collect items.

As the captain’s words sunk in, the king’s shoulders
slumped and the colour left his face. “How much time
do we have?”
Wernher cleared his throat. “Maybe two months,
three if we are lucky. The elves won’t interfere with
their progression, even if they are cutting some of the
forest down. They fear that the Red Queen will just set
the forest ablaze instead and crush her way through
them.” He continued to twist his cap.
“Return to the mainland and keep a watch on their
progression. Inform us immediately if they start to
move faster or turn back.” Vertrouwen turned Wernher
away from the Royals and walked with him to the
door.
“Aye, Sir. I will.” Sliding his cap back on his head he
ran from the throne room.
Queen Ella rose from her throne when the ornate
doors shut again. “Gather the soldiers and ready the
ships. Our people are masters of the sea; we’ll meet
Rosenrot there.” She looked back at Reizend for support, but he remained slumped in his throne, staring at
the cobblestone floor.
Nudging his leg, the king slowly turned to look at her.
“There’s no use,” he said with trembling lips. “She’s
too strong now. Her army is loaded with monsters.
They’ll tear our people apart and then us!” Reizend’s
voice rose; his breath came in short bursts.
Queen Ella grabbed his arm and pulled him from his
throne. “Please excuse us, Captain,” she said, gritting
her teeth while dragging the king from the chamber.
Queen Ella slammed the door behind them, then spun

“What are you doing?”
“I’m leaving; we should leave, together! We can sell
this stuff and get a nice little cottage and the Red
Queen will just ignore us then. Come on.” Reizend
grabbed Ella’s hand and tried to pull her with him.
Yanking her hand free, she stared at him with wide
eyes. “What about our people? They depend on us to
protect them!”
“Forget them! Most of ‘em will get away and I’m sure
those that don’t will be fine. Now, come on!” Reizend
tried again to grab for her arm again.
“No! I can’t leave them, they will not be fine!”

“Then stay here and die with them.” Turning his back,
Reizend left the room in a near run.

Queen Ella slumped back against a chair and placed a
hand upon her chest. She found it hard to breathe and
felt the world spin beneath her. Stumbling to a window, she pushed it open and deeply sucked in the fresh
air.

She remained leaning there until commotion below
drew her attention. In the courtyard, she could see
Reizend, followed by a large number of his guard,
riding out of the stables and to the main gate. He rode
through the open portcullis and across the bridge,
heading for the port town some distance away. King
Reizend never once looked back.

A knock at the door made Ella jump. “Come in,” she
said over her shoulder as she continued to watch the
king ride away.

“Your Majesty, the king has left us,” Captain Vertrou-

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