Princess of Death (Three Provinces Book 1) Read online

  “Princess Ereshkigal,” she dropped into a deep curtsey.

  “Please don’t” I touched her shoulder and she rose, gracefully. In her features I could see my family line; her eyes were purple and they focused on me.

  “Your majesty is most gracious.”

  “Please call me Ereshkigal, and you are?” I asked. Nam had dismounted and came to stand next to me.

  “Oh, forgive my rudeness! I was just so excited that you are here at last.” She smiled, showing white, perfect teeth, “I am your mother’s half sister Nanna.”

  “I am sorry, she has never spoken of you, but I am happy to be here.” I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but the only siblings my mother mentioned were an Aunt and Uncle who had left for the old world.

  “This doesn’t surprise me. Your mother is my youngest sister; I had left the castle for Damu before she was born. Her mother hated me as I was a symbol of my father being unfaithful.” Nanna laughed, the laugh lines making her look older than I had originally thought. She made a hand gesture and several people came to lead the Adureeds away.

  “My staff will take your things to the house; I assume we can allow the steeds to graze outside the city until they are needed again?” she questioned. “I have not had the chance to use their services since I was a teenager, and they just dropped me off.”

  “That would be perfect. I must admit I would like to stay in a bed for a few days.” I heard Nam snort behind me and felt shame paint my cheeks, “I am so forgetful, this is Namtar, my companion and best friend. I expect him to be treated like a member of the family.”

  Nanna gazed at Nam over my shoulder and gifted him with another smile, “of course niece. We are all so excited to have you here.” Linking my arm with hers I felt motherly compassion radiating from her and it brought tears to my eyes. This is what my mother should have been like, I thought

  “I thought we could walk back to the house, it is such a nice evening, that way we could catch up a little bit. I have heard you are rather enamored of the Alu prince.” We began to walk, Nam behind us, listening.

  “Yes, Nergal.” I confided.

  “That is excellent, we could not be happier.”

  “Who is we, exactly?” I asked. She gave me an odd look, and then rolled her eyes.

  “Of course, Ningal would not have mentioned any of us. My twin brother lives in Ursu, with his wife and family. You have cousins living in Salmu, Masku and Pordu.” she said, listing all the major Adura cities.

  “Wow, like a lot of them?”

  She chuckled, “not a ton, but enough that the people are behind you, niece. I think there are 15, counting myself and my husband. Since you were born we have been hoping and praying that you would decide to lead us in a revolt against the crown.” We had passed several buildings; most of the businesses were closed due to the moon setting soon. There were, however, still people peering out of upstairs windows at us, probably knowing me by my hair.

  “Should we be talking about this out here, where everyone can hear us?” I mean, I knew Adurans had no great love for my parents, but surely the disloyalty hadn’t gotten that bad.

  Nanna came to a halt, her eyes searching mine, “Is it possible you really have been kept in the dark?” This pissed me off a bit, uh, duh, of course. Why would I friggin’ ask if I already knew the answer?

  “Most of Adura has been straining against rulers from Biri for years, Ereshkigal, there has been friction for a long time. It has only been the thought of you that has kept most people from staging a coup.”

  “Is having an Aduran born leader really that important? Why not strive for a democracy? I have heard a few countries in the Old World use that and it really works.” What? I liked school and I did really well in my government and history classes. Ishtar is the girly girl, not me.

  “That idea has been thrown around, but it would be too many cooks in the kitchen and at this point in time, we need one good leader to lead us, to get us out from under the Biri umbrella.” She was so passionate. I had never really felt that greatly about anything, maybe it was time I started.

  “I would like to meet the mayor here as soon as possible then,” I decided instantly. I knew each village/town had a mayor and its own mini government. Just as each group of natural residents had their own leader, like the Alu and the Death Nymphs. If I wanted them to respect me and allow me to be their Queen, meeting those who already lead seemed like the logical place to start.

  “You already have,” my Aunt said with a wink.

  “You?” Uh….surprise didn’t even cover it.

  “Of course. Our family has ruling in our veins. I married the wealthiest Kassaptu I could find and have been the mayor of Damu for a decade; they keep re-electing me.” Her laughter was infectious.

  “Well, that’s convenient.” Nam commented

  She looked back at him, “nothing convenient about it. My husband and I are excellent at politics. Now enough of this kind of talk,” Throwing her arm around my shoulder, we strolled along the street, with my aunt pointing out places of interest.

  “Do you have kids?” I asked, thinking it would be nice to meet people my age in Adura. As soon as the words left my lips I wished I hadn’t asked; my aunt’s eyes took on a forlorn look.

  “Our son passed away ten years ago. I haven’t been able to carry to term since, and we have given up. My brother was only able to spawn one, but he has many grandchildren.”

  “Oh, I am sorry. Is there anything to be done?”

  “No, my magic is moon based and Zaltu, my husband, his magic works with strife and discord. Our midwife says the magic does not mix.” She looked so sad, I changed the subject. It was horrible; I had heard of people divorcing because their magic could not create viable children. It was just the way Kassaptu magic worked.

  “Do… I… have many followers?” It was a weird question for me to ask.

  “Yes, more than half the Kassaptu population in Adura is behind you becoming the one true queen here. And all of the natural residents are as well. We have only been waiting for you to come, for you to agree and then present you to the people.” We had reached the front of a large bank, with marble columns and a shiny onyx door.

  “We live just above, my husband runs the most successful bank in Adura, we are in quite a position to help you, niece.” She led me down a small, well lit ally to a staircase that led to another ornate onyx door two floors up.

  “What did you mean, present Eshie to the people?” Nam asked, from behind us.

  “Well, while the people are for the change they need to see that Ereshkigal is here, is real. Most have heard of the Adura princess, but none have really seen her,” my aunt explained. She placed her hand against the door, whispered a Word, and it swung open into a large foyer.

  “Welcome to our home.” Nanna put her arms out wide, showing off her house. I could tell she was waiting for a response.

  There was a kitchen with a dining room, a grand living room and a bathroom from what I could see. The living area had floor to ceiling windows and what looked like a patio, with an amazing view.

  “It is beautiful” I told her.

  “Thank you. The bedrooms are back through the hallways. There are two on this floor, three on the next, each with its own bathroom, but I will show you them later. Zaltu should be up any moment.” As she ended her sentence the front door opened again and I turned around watching as a large man came through.

  He was in black from head to toe with pallid skin. He wasn’t very handsome, but he looked kind. His eyes were a dark green, almost black and his hair dark brown. He looked older than my aunt as well. While my aunt still had a younger air, Zaltu seemed middle aged, which of course he was, but our kind aged well over hundreds of years.

  “You’re here!” he exclaimed. He put his things on the table and came over to us quickly. He bowed and I heard Nanna clear her throat. He straightened right away, giving her a perplexed look.

  “I do not require family to bow, pl
ease, I am informal,” I explained.

  “It is my pleasure Ereshkigal, to have you in our home.”

  “Thank you. This is Nam, my companion,” I figured my aunt would explain his role when we were gone.

  “Yes, of course. Why don’t we all sit down?” He motioned us to sit and we all went into the living room, Nam and I choosing the settee across from the couch, so I could watch them as they spoke.

  “Your brother has been in much contact with us. We were very happy to hear you were coming, it was barely enough time to set up everything, but we managed.” Zaltu seemed flustered.

  “Prepare for what?” I felt a little lost.

  “Oh, the more prominent Kassaptu are coming here tomorrow. We are having a party in your honor. That way they can meet you.” Excitement laced Nanna’s voice. I swallowed, a party? Just for me? I was nervous, I had never had one before. As silence filled the room I heard Zalm’s voice in my head, her presence was cold and familiar.

  They are followers of the old way, daughter. Glancing around the room I saw symbols of the old ways hidden in the décor.

  You must tell them, show them… They are still uncertain. Then she was gone.

  Clearing my throat I stood up, they seemed shocked and began to rise, I halted them with a hand gesture I had seen my mother make many times.

  “I have some things to show you.” With that said, I showed them my gifts from the goddesses. My aunt clasped her hands to her chest, tears streaming down her face.

  “It is a sign; you have been touched by the Great Three. You were meant to come here, meant to rule Adura,” she whispered, reaching forward, she grabbed my hands.

  “Please let go Aunt Nanna,” I begged, I was uncomfortable with her subservient attitude.

  “Many of our friends follow the old ways, and most that do not at least would recognize their marks. This is will secure your right like nothing else.” Zaltu’s words held awe and wonder in every syllable.

  Nanna stood up and embraced me. I wrapped my arms around her small frame and affection surged through me. It had been years since anyone but Nam or Ishtar had hugged me. Even Mylitta hadn’t, not really, and while Nergal had touched me, this was a familial embrace.

  “When is this party scheduled?” Nam asked, coming to stand next to me. Nanna let me go and took a step back.

  “Tomorrow night.”

  “Then Eshie needs to sleep,” he stated.

  “Of course, you both must be exhausted! Your things should already be unpacked. I had hoped you would stay here for a few days before moving on,” Nanna looked so hopeful.

  “Yes, at least three or four days. I figured it will take us another five days after to reach the Aduran Estate.” I responded.

  “Perhaps six if you need to stop more frequently.” Zaltu agreed.

  “You are not going straight to Bet Pagri?” Nanna asked.

  “No, I had thought to, it’s true we’ll ride by it, but I need to get the Estate settled before I do anything else, especially after talking to you.” Standing, I bid them goodnight.

  Nanna led us to our rooms. Mine was simple, yet beautiful with a small wardrobe, a large bed covered with red satin sheets and a thick black quilt. I hurried to the window and opened it, letting in moonlight and cooling air. I was surprised at the giant mirror hanging on the wall and walked over to it.

  I saw my reflection and reached out to press a hand against the glass. Murmuring a Word the glass went fuzzy and a harsh voice asked, “To whom would you like to speak?”

  “Princess Ishtar.”

  There was a humming sound and the mirror asked again, “Whom shall I say summons her?”

  “Her sister.”

  Again the annoying humming sounds. I hated communication by mirror, but we were too far away for mind to mind speak and Puabi was in Bet Pagri and couldn’t deliver a message.

  “Your call has been refused.” The mirror’s tone did not change, it wasn’t alive. Angry I took a step back. Ishtar must still be pissed at me, little brat. I hadn’t gone away to spite her, or hurt her. It was something I had to do. Furious I stalked back to the window and took a deep breath.

  As I stood there my eyes caught a shape in the distance flying towards me, as I realized what it was I backed up and Puabi soared through the open window. She dropped a letter on my bed and then made herself comfortable hanging from a light fixture on the ceiling.

  Home is b-o-r-i-n-g, BORING! Her delicate voice sounded in my mind.

  “Really, you were there less than two days,” I chuckled.

  Blah, my siblings are jealous of my grand adventures. When I told Nergal you were coming he was so excited he drafted a letter and told me to bring it. I was more than happy to.

  “He wrote me a letter?” I snatched up the envelope she had dropped and ripped it open.

  Read it aloud. I deserve to know what I was carrying.

  Humoring her I began to read, “Dearest Ereshkigal, when Puabi told me you were coming to Bet Pagri I was very happy. I have missed you these past days, being without you is a sad burden I have had o carry.”

  Oh, please.

  Ignoring her I went on, “I will be looking for your arrival. Please send Puabi with the day I should expect you. My mother and father are looking forward to seeing you and Ekur sends his love as well. Things at Bet Pagri are not good, and as much as I wish we could have a holiday together I am afraid I must request your aid. Together I believe we can end the dark days here and work towards your rulership of Adura.”

  Notice he doesn’t say EXACTLY what is going on?

  “Do you want me to keep reading? I do not need your commentary,” I snapped, but it was a concern, I didn’t have any idea what I was walking into at Bet Pagri, just that someone there didn’t want me to marry Nergal or be queen.

  Yes, please, I’m sorry.

  Rolling my eyes I continued, “Our prophets have seen the resurrection of the Great Three, have you any idea what event they are speaking of? My people have long hoped for a return of the old ways. I cannot wait to see you. Yours, Nergal.”

  Heart beating a little faster I went to one of my bags, grabbed parchment and a quill and began to scribble a note for Puabi to take back.

  Do you know what he is talking about, the Great Three?

  “Yes, I have been marked by them.” I showed her, she made a squeak and almost let go of her perch, I laughed for a few minutes while she regained her grip. I wrote all about the things that had happened since he left, up until I received his missive. And let him know it would probably be another two weeks before I saw him again. By the time I was finished the letter was three pages long, front and back and my hand was cramping.

  When I was done I used his envelope and gave it to Puabi, “please take this back to him as fast as you can.” I could hear her groaning in my head but I knew she was secretly excited to have a purpose, a mission, and she flew away on my request.

  There was a knock on my door and Namtar walked in, “you don’t have a lady’s maid, you want me to brush your hair?”

  “No, you don’t have to do that now that we’re outside the castle you know,” I teased.

  “I know, but I like to.” He shrugged.

  “I don’t know what to do, I feel a little lost Nam,” I said, leaning against the wardrobe.

  “Maybe you should just get a good night’s sleep?” he suggested. Seeing that this wasn’t the answer I wanted, he cleared his throat, “or you could call your brother, then go to sleep.”

  “You know me too well my friend.” Hugging him I pushed him out of the room, “get some sleep.”

  After he left I went back to the mirror and made another call to my brother, I knew Mash would not reject me.

  He came on the mirror, glowing and bright; I had to shield my eyes. The room behind him was dark. In Nannaru they pull shades over the windows during sleep time, since it is always a stage of daylight there. He was in a gold dressing gown, sitting on the edge of his bed. He looked so grown up, wearing
a crystal circlet on his head, already King in his own mind.

  Behind him I could see a slim form asleep, covered in pearl colored silk sheets, Aya, I guessed.

  “Sister, to what do I owe this call so late in the night?” It was funny hearing him say night when we both knew the sun never stopped shining there. But I guess the same could be said for me and the word, “day.”

  “I have reached Damu and met Aunt Nanna and Uncle Zaltu.”

  “Good. You made excellent time, any problems?” He asked. I then told him all which had transpired.

  “Goddess of Light, Eshie this is excellent. Well, not the someone trying to kill you part of course,” he said, leaning forward, “I do wonder why the Great Three have not contacted me, though?”

  “I think they will. The Light Goddess spoke of you favorably,” I quickly put out any jealousy he might feel, I knew my brother and envy was his biggest fault.

  “Did she?” He scratched his chin, looking pleased, I nodded promptly.

  “Our aunt is nothing like Mother.”

  “No, she isn’t, but then neither is the family here. Poor Mare, she’s just frigid inside.” He seemed to feel sorry for our mother, which is where we were different. If mother had wanted to she could have been good and kind, instead she was cold and horrid.

  “They are giving a party in my honor tomorrow night.” Just saying it made the butterflies in my stomach act up.

  “As they should. You will be their queen one day, Ereshkigal. Now I have sent you a present, which should be arriving tomorrow. It took a little while longer because I had to send it by sea.” He looked apprehensive and I could understand that.

  Salas is a large continent surrounded by water. While the water is divided (as the whole world is) into light, grey, and dark, there was something about the salt water that allowed the underwater creatures to go wherever they wanted with no ill effects. If you travelled by ship and were born in Nannaru you could deliver to Biri or Adura without ill affects either. The problem was the water of the dark bred scary creatures, creatures that could show up in the light or grey whenever they wanted. Most found it a dodgy way to travel.