Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #15 June 2015 | Page 7

“But you must, or you all will suffer the Red Queen.”
“I cannot. There will be no one to lead,” Ella said as
she stood and placed Ermine on her bed.
Ermine transformed back into the white bird then flew
to the window and perched onto the sill.
“There,” she said looking out into the courtyard.
Stepping up beside the small bird, Ella leaned out
cautiously to see Captain Vertrouwen directing the
castle guards. They moved about securing the walls
and helping the refugees to safe quarters.
“Captain Vertrouwen?”
“Yes, he is a good man, one you can trust to not take
over you kingdom.”
“I’m not worried about my rule, I’m concerned about
my people.”
“One and the same.” Ermine flew back to the bed and
shifted into a small white dog.
“Is this the only way?” asked Ella returning to her
seat.
“It is.”
Ella sat quietly for a short time before speaking again.
“Where do I need to go?” She slumped back into her
chair.
“Mainland, north. Come alone, promise?”
Ella took a deep breath and nodded. “I promise,” she
said.
“Queen Ella stands by her word. I’ll tell you more
there.” Flashing into the bird, Ermine flew out the
window. “I will find you in a few days.”
#
“I don’t agree with this, My Queen. This Ermine
could be in league with the Red Queen. It could just

be an elaborate trap,” Vertrouwen said quietly, following Ella through the bustling town toward the docks.
Wrapped in a rider’s cloak and hunter’s attire, she
blended in with the mass of people. No one recognized
her or even appeared to care.

“That crossed my mind, Captain, but we have very
little choice. If there is even the smallest chance, then I
must take it.” Ella took Captain Vertrouwen’s hand as
she stepped down into the small sail boat.

“Again, I request, let me send some of my guard with
you.”

“No, I must go alone. I promised.”

“Then a sword. Take this.” The captain made to pull
out his weapon for her. Ella placed a hand on his arm,
stopping him.

“I have the bow. A blade like that would draw just as
much unwanted attention.”

Sighing heavily, Vertrouwen gave up arguing. “At
least you are wearing the armour.”

Ella smiled at the Captain and nodded. “I will return
as soon as I can. Prepare the defences and ready all
non-war ships to the far side of the island for evacuation if you must.”

Vertrouwen nodded and helped push the small boat
away from the dock. Ella motioned to the boatmen;
they grabbed oars and paddled into the early morning
fog. After passing through the gate of the Great Isle
Wall that surrounded the capital island, they pulled up
the sail and road on in silence.
#
Several hours later, her small boat arrived at the docks
of the sole village on the northern shore. The inhabitants had already been evacuated to one of the island
forts, leaving the town eerily quiet. The boatmen
helped Ella out and handed her the few supplies she
brought.
“Are you sure of this, My Queen?” one asked her.

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