Calliope [Book 2]

The last two days of their journey went on without any issues, and they soon pulled into the port of Re’iam. The ship docked and Mido and his army left the ship, thankful to be back on land. A Re’iamian soldier approached them, greeting them cheerfully and shaking Mido’s hand.

“Ah, King Mido,” he said to him. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet this last heir to Asmar’s throne.”

“I didn’t know you were aware of our arrival.”

The soldier laughed. “Were you planning on surprising us with an attack? Nothing gets passed Queen Ryenna.”

“Of course.”

“What business do you have here? Must be of importance to make the trip here.”

“Actually, I was hoping to speak with the queen.”

The soldier laughed again. “The queen doesn’t just speak with anyone, even if you are a king.”

Mido narrowed his eyes at the soldier. “That may be, but I have information I need to discuss with her.”

“Your Highness, the queen knows everything she needs to know. I think you underestimate her power.”

“I understand her power, which is why I need to speak with her.”

“I’m sorry, King Mido, but I cannot allow you to see her.”

Mido glanced to his soldiers. Maria stood with the limping Ian, her eyes worried.

“Can I at least get my men some rest?” Mido asked, turning back to the soldier.

The soldier opened his arms. “Of course, Your Grace. All our welcome in our kingdom. We will get your men fixed up in no time. Come with me.”

The soldier led Mido and his men through the city and inside a dimly lit building.

“Please make yourself at home here. Let your men rest. I will send our nurses to tend to that leg.” The soldier nodded to Ian as he left them alone.

Mido helped Maria bring Ian up the stairs, laying him on one of the beds until the nurses arrived. Mido left them to their work and stepped outside, taking in the sights of the city. It was by far the largest and grandest city he had ever set eyes on. Truly the city of a powerful queen. Now, he just needed a way to get to her.

“Have our nurses made it by?” a voice asked. Mido turned and greeted the soldier that had welcomed them.

“Yes, thank you.”

“Call me Lance,” the soldier said.

“Sure, Lance.”

“How are you liking our city?”

Mido looked around. “It’s incredible.”

Lance laughed. “You’re in Queen Ryenna’s territory. Home to the first civilizations her ancestors ever created.”

“Yes,” Mido replied. “I was unaware of her true power until just recently.”

“It seems our kingdoms across the sea have started to lose touch with their history.”

“We’ve been a bit preoccupied.”

“So I’ve heard. A witch in your midst, no?”

Mido nodded. “That’s why I have come.”

“And I thought you were interested in increasing your resources with us.”

“We are grateful for your partnership through the years, Librona and Asmar. I may have come here with pressing matters, but I wanted to ensure that Queen Ryenna was aware of my coming to the throne.”

“She is aware,” Lance said simply.

“I was hoping we could have her assistance with the witch,” Mido said carefully.

“And what assistance of her’s do you request?”

“Finding the witch.”

Lance seemed to think about this for a moment. “And what would you do with the witch once she has been found?”

Mido hesitated. “Well, I’d love to make her my queen, but for now, I just want her found and home.”

“Home?” Lance seemed surprised for the first time since they arrived. “Queen? You’re full of surprises.”

“Your queen did not see this coming?”

Lance narrowed his eyes at Mido. “Come, let’s discuss.”

Mido followed Lance through the busy streets as they spoke.

“Calliope is a good friend of Librona’s.”

“Ah, it has a name.”

“She has gone missing, and I wish to find her.”

“How has she gone missing?”

“I traveled with her for some time. As I’m sure you know, Asmar wanted her dead.”

Lance nodded and waited for Mido to continue.

“She’s no ordinary witch. Grief consumes her. Despite her efforts to protect our kingdom, she regrets the sacrifices we have made for her in order to keep her safe.” Mido hesitated. “She just disappeared. In a flash of light. I spent months looking for her. I came here hoping Queen Ryenna could offer her assistance in finding Calliope.”

“Tell ya what. I’ll deliver the message and we’ll see what she says, but I can’t make any promises.”

“I would greatly appreciate that,” Mido said, shaking his hand.

“You seem like a decent leader, King Mido. I hope you find ya girl.”

Lance turned and disappeared into the bustling crowd, toward the castle. Mido looked up and gazed upon the castle, truly large and elegant, fit for a powerful ruler. Mido headed back inside just as the nurses were leaving. They smiled and waved their goodbye as they passed. Mido trotted up the steps and found Ian back on his feet.

“There’s some magic shit in this kingdom,” Ian said, admiring his leg with amazement.

“What’s the plan?” Maria asked.

“I’m getting into that castle,” Mido said.

“The queen will see you?” Ian asked.

Mido shook his head. “Not yet. I don’t know if she will, but I’ll get in there one way or another.”

“Mido, please be careful,” Maria said. “We can’t afford any enemies right now, especially a witch queen.”

“Don’t be stupid, man,” Ian said. “Keep your wits. Be smart about this. We got this far.”

Mido nodded and sat on the edge of the bed. “That soldier will be back with her answer.”

“So,” Maria said, sitting next to him. “We wait.”

Ian sat down across from them and they waited.