Kaija: Queen of Stone

6.5

We approached the wall. There were more soldiers on it than partoling the kingdom. They hurried, marching in a frenzy like a herd of animals. The sound of footfall masked the constant chatter between them. A pungent smell hung around the soldiers, stinking like the onion in the kitchen or urine. As we walked down the wall toward the barrement, I looked down toward the trees, surprised to see how we were high above them. Each time we passed by a soldier, they glared in my direction and went about their business. I suspected they weren't fond of Kaijans either.

"Why is there so much security at the wall?"

Baria huffed. "I don't need to answer that."

"You say I am a scout but I am trying to understand your way of life," I commented. "I am a stranger to your ways and your land. Since I'm stuck here, I have the right to know. "

"Baria!" a man's voice called.

I looked at the man who attended my trial. Rooke enclosed Baria in an embrace and she placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Splendid to see you," she said with a slight smile. "I am glad you called on me." Her entire demeanor changed when Rooke appeared.

He nodded, not giving her a smile in return. "I wish it was on better terms, my queen, but nevertheless I am thrilled to see you."

"Why do you say that?"

He cleared his throat. "I am afraid we have lost sight of the Guardian."

Baria blanched and I thought she was going to faint. "Excuse me?"

I didn't know what the Guardian was but from Baria's reaction, it had to be important.

"It hasn't been near the wall, the river, or even on this side of the forest," he explained. "It could have returned to the Sacred Woods but I am uncertain."

"I see," she said, a lump visible in her throat. She looked as if she was struck by death.

"I am sorry."

She nodded. "What can we do?" Her voice was panicked.

"We can search," he said with a sigh. "I can send my men over the river to look inside the Sacred Woods."

"If the Guardian isn't around that may be dangerous," she declared.

"It's a risk we will have to take."

He led her away from me but I could still hear them. "You won't last long unless we find him."

"It'll be all right."

There was a pause before he continued, "I suggest moving up the wedding," he said. "Tomorrow would be best. If the Guardian isn't present someone could invade our land."

"I will see what I can do." I saw the defeat in Baria's face.

"I am going to look around the river on our side," she declared. "Please would you take the girl back to the castle?"

Rooke looked me over. "Sure."

We walked down the steps and stood on the pathway as Baria walked out of the gate and disappeared through the trees. The last thing I saw was the blur of her white gown.

I walked beside Rooke toward the castle. Our footfall fell in unison. I wasn't sure if he was against being here with me or not. Most were. I was the enemy of Udan according to Baria and Jonga.

"How are you liking it here?" he asked, suddenly, looking in my direction. He did not hold malice in his stare, he stared at me like I was a person instead of a monster. It was a strange thing to see.

"It's sad," I answered, looking ahead to the castle. "I can feel how heavy the air is and how miserable the people are."

He nodded, looking fondly off into the distance. "It wasn't always like this," he declared. "At one time, Udan was full of life."

I couldn't imagine it being that way. "Was it?"

"Baria was an active queen back then when she received the crown," he said with a sigh. "She wanted to make everyone happy and she desired to use her power for good. Unfortunately, power does many things to do the mind and makes others lust after it."

"Power?"

"Baria is immortal," he explained. "And her blood has healing properties."

I remembered what they spoke about a moment ago. "Because of the Guardian?"

He raised a brow. "You catch on fast," He laughed. "Yes."

"What is the Guardian exactly?"

"It is divine," he answered. "It's been our protector for years. I don't believe Udan has seen any trouble since it came to her. I don't know why Baria still upholds the army."

An army to shield herself.

"Perhaps, she is afraid."

We neared the castle doors, stopping on the landing. Rooke turned to me. "People are afraid of many things, no matter what they tell you. There is always fear in the hearts of men."

"You aren't afraid of me," I said. "You are speaking to me like I am not your enemy."

He shrugged. "Believe it or not, I am not from Udan myself," he explained. "I know what it feels like to be an outsider. When I first came to this place, I looked like I was a monster too."

I smiled, growing weary of the conversation. I was glad someone was speaking to me like I was human, but I wished not to talk further, especially if it was about Baria. "Thank you for your kindness. It's nice to hear that." I latched my hand to the door.

Before I could enter, he looked at me. "Mara."

I blinked, stunned to hear someone say my name other than Qia or Tiroa.
His face was shadowed in dread. "Be careful. Baria isn't the same woman as before. She is a jealous queen. I saw the way Hona looked at you and heard what he said that day..."

"Why are you saying this?"

A lump grew in his throat and he swallowed it. "Because Hona stood up for others and ruined their lives."

"How did he ruin their lives?" I questioned, remembering Qia mentioned Hona saved her life and made her a servant.

He did not answer my question. "Stay away from him." He backed up. "You keep your head that way."