The Queen of Isles: The Single Combat

"Don't you think you must become more experienced before you change the effect of command from Sir Lann Grey to yourself? You should have waited, instead of making a hasty decision." advised Theodon.

Rincy glanced at Theodon from the corner of her eye.
Theodon immediately fell silent. But they continued walking down the hallway.
He handed her the file that held the qualifications of her new sword-master.

"I think you should know more about him, before your training begins." he said.
Rincy flipped the papers in the file.

Name: Edmund Calvin
Age: 44 years
Gender: Male
Skills: Sword fight, archery

Then, she stumbled across his picture, but before she could even get a glimpse of it, Theodon snatched the file from her. Rincy looked up in shock. "We have reached..." said Theodon, calm as ever.
Rincy fumed, and pushed the door open.
The training center was huge with several sections.
To the right was the camouflage section. The archery section was in the far end.
In the center of the huge hall, stood Edmund Calvin. Her new sword-master.
He was tall and fair, wore a thin stache over his brown lips. His eyes were light brown, and hair was dark. His smile was soothing. Familiar, yet unfamiliar.
Rincy walked up to him and bowed before him.
"Nay, you're the Queen" he said and bowed before her.
"But now, you are my teacher, and your position is much higher than any out here." she said confidently.
Edmund seemed impressed.
"Edmund Calvin, it's your responsibility, to teach the Queen sword-fight and other skills, that she may need for self defense"ordered Theodon.
Rincy turned to Theodon, facing her back to Edmund. " Sir, your position is much higher than any out here, which includes the Queen's hand, and the Queen herself" she said turning her head sideways, to see Edmund.

Edmund grinned, and his lips twitched, as Theodon eyed Rincy furiously.
"Well, then I shall leave. I'll be back by 1:00. Till then, you're in Edmund's hands." saying so, he left the training center.
Rincy turned back to Edmund," Apologies Sir Calvin, for Theodon's behaviour. He does respect you, as much as I do, and even more, as you are the Queen's teacher. Please guide me, and help me become strong and physically independent, so that I can prove better than what I must be." she said and bowed again.

"It will be a pleasure to teach you young girl, and I shall render all that's within my scope." he said and smiled.

"Let me have a look at your sword." he said 
Rincy unbelted the sword from her waist and handed it over to her teacher.
Edmund held the sword, and unsheathed it. The blade shined, as he swung it in the air swiftly. Rincy was in awe. Edmund was not only a good swordsman, but also very smart.
He handed it over to Rincy and said," She will protect you, as long as she remains your slave. And it is my duty to teach you how to lead this slave."

"Have you any experience in sword fight?" asked Edmund, removing his sword from his belt.
"Yes Sir, in the royal training, while I was a kid, I was taught to swing the sword, but it has been quite a while since I have done that." she confessed.

With lightning speed,Edmund drew his sword from the sheath and leapt back holding his sword upright at Rincy. "Attack young girl" he ordered.
Rincy was taken by surprise.
"Attack, even before I have learnt anything? Maybe, he's trying to test my skills" she thought, and held her sword tightly.
Within a flash second, Rincy attacked Edmund, with all her force, and he held his sword against hers, in defense.
"Edmund might be old, but he is still very strong." she thought, as she tried to attack him again. Within the bat of an eye, Edmund hurled Rincy's sword off her hands, and onto the floor at a distance. Then he held his, against her throat.
Rincy gasped for breath, as she was left defenseless, and a sword against a throat.

"This wasn't as difficult as I thought, my Queen. But now, you have to die." he said in a coarse voice.
Rincy's eyes widened with shock.
"He's here to kill me! He isn't my teacher, that's why Theodon didn't let me see the photograph!" she thought as the truth dawned upon her.

Rincy Matilda, the Queen of Isles, Ruler to the nation of Westerhall, had a sword against her throat, and nothing in hand to defend herself.

© Srinidhi Iyengar

The Queen of Isles: The Cabinet

The sky was mild blue. The nascent sun spread an orange-yellow shade across the vault of heaven. Wispy white clouds floated mid air like froth on water.

Rincy fastened her sword onto her belt.

"No more excuses, no more compromises and no more sympathies." she promised.

Within a minute of calling, Cynthia was at Rincy's door.

"Please come in Cynthia" said Rincy.

Cynthia walked in and curtsied, holding her head low.

"Of what use, may this servant be to the Queen?"she asked, still holding her head low.

Rincy walked up to her, and lifted her chin, so that their eyes met.

"Your respect must be in your heart. No need to look down. It's only the guilty who do that."

Cynthia smiled pleasantly.

"Now coming to the point. You are a faithful worker here. I need you to do me a favour."

"Just command,Your Grace", she said

"I need you to keep a close eye on Portria Jaccob. Track her phone calls, her whereabouts, everything. I need you to alert me every time she meets someone. It happens that when a tree falls in a forest, it does make a sound. I need to find her truth and this needs to be done carefully. Cause Portria isn't a vacuous woman. Can you do this?" asked Rincy.

"Yes, Your Grace." nodded Cynthia.

"Thank you. You may leave now." 

Cynthia walked out of Rincy's room and went right, to the kitchen.

Theodon stood at the left end of the hallway, grinning from ear to ear.

"Smart move." he thought.

Rincy came out, and saw Theodon.

"Schedule." she demanded.

"First, we attend the Cabinet meet, that was being postponed for a while now. We have your sword-master to  meet. And after lunch, the rest of the day is to be spent at the Royal Library." he announced.

"Very well. Let's head to the meet."

"It has been quiet unfortunate, that we've needed to keep this meeting on hold for a while. But now, there shan't be further delays." began Rincy.

"Let's begin with your introductions."

Rincy sat down at the head of the long table for seven. Surrounding her were five cabinet ministers and Theodon.

"Theodon Matilda, in-charge of Internal affairs of the cabinet, and hand to the Queen. Fours years experience, in the Council's affairs."

"Renee Duke, in-charge of Home affairs. Seven years experience in the Council's affairs and two years at the Cabinet."

"Aaidan Cruze, in-charge of Transportation and Communication. Twelve years of experience at the council, and five at the cabinet."

"Syon Leer, in-charge of Finance, seven years of experience at the Cabinet."

Rincy's eyes widened."Seven years at the cabinet? Didn't you serve the Council before?" she asked.

"It would have been an honour, Your Grace." he said and smiled.

"Something's fishy!"thought Rincy, as she made a mental note to check on Syon Leer.

"Fae Matney, Minister of Corporate Affairs, six years of experience at the Council."

Rincy smiled at her pleasantly. A feeling of warmth radiated from her. She felt familiar, yet unfamiliar.

"Lann Grey, Minister of Defence and Head Commander in Chief of the Army. Fourteen years experience at the Council, and two at the Cabinet."

Rincy glanced at everyone, once again. She tried to recall their names, but it would take time.

"It's great. You all are much more experienced and qualified than me. I hope to bring out your potentials, so as to serve the throne, and the country of Westerhall." she said, and glared at Theodon.

Theodon pulled out a file from the shelf and placed it on Rincy's desk.

Rincy opened it carefully. 

"What is this Theodon?" she asked.

"The paperwork that you'll need to sign today."

" What paperwork?" she asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

The ministers at the cabinet giggled.

Rincy glared at them, and they put on a serious facade.

"I need you to explain to me." she emphasized.

"Your Grace, we need your signature to pass on some deals, and sanction some money for various sectors. They were put on hold due to your absence." Saying so, he opened pages and handed her a pen.

" I will go through it."

" We have little time. These deals are essential, and have already been delayed. More over, they have been happening since Late Queen Raechel's reign..." began Aaidan Cruz.

" I will still go through them. I have a schedule set up for all of you. We shall meet the day after, with detailed reports from last month. I shall personally monitor each field." commanded Rincy.

Renee Duke frowned and glared at Theodon.

"Is there a problem Renee?" asked Rincy.

"Not big enough to require your attention" she taunted.

Rincy glared at her, uneasily.She dismissed the meeting, and was about to leave, when Lann Grey walked up to her.

"Your Grace, you're as old as the number of years we have served the throne. It would be pleasant, to have you sit on the throne, and watch us do the job. A newly hatched chick is better off in her nest, than trying to fly in the wild sky" he scoffed at her.

"I appreciate your concern for me, Lann Grey. But I have my own ways." she smiled sheepishly.

"Theodon, please arrange for a legal change in command from Sir Lann Grey to the Queen. Hence forth, it will be the Queen who will be the sole Head Commander in Chief to the Royal army." she declared, as Theodon watched on.

Lann Grey was out of his wits.

"This won't be a clever decision, my Queen" he snorted.

"I'll make sure it is no less than perfect" saying so, she walked out of the room.

© Srinidhi Iyengar

The Queen of Isles: Ra'eesah

There was heavy pounding at the back of her head, as she slowly opened her eyes.
The world seemed upside down.
Rincy slowly rose up and sat against the back of her bed.
Portira stood to her left, her gaze fixed on Rincy.
Theodon stood to her right, arms folded.

"What happened? And why is there so much pain in my head?" cried Rincy.
Portria sat down next to Rincy, and calmed her.
"You hit yourself little girl. You'll get better." she comforted her.
"But, that's your side of the story, Portria. I would like to know Rincy's or the true side of the story." Theodon's lips twitched, and it appeared as though he was casting swears at Portria. Portria's eyes widened, but she chose to ignore Theodon.
"I don't remember,I was speaking to Portria... and then... I asked her some questions..." began Rincy.
Portria tried to brush away the topic, but Theodon wouldn't let that happen.
"Try and think, Rin. We need to know if someone hit you. Cause that's what it appears to me."
Rincy tried to focus and remember, but it just increased the throbbing in her head. Her head ached, and her mind couldn't concentrate. Everything felt hazy. The only thing she felt was pain.
Theodon had almost given up, when Rincy recalled,"Wait a minute! Portria, you're married,right?"
This question drove the living daylights out of Portria. 
She looked from Theodon to Rincy and back to Theodon, who had an expression of defeat and victory on his face.
"Rincy Matilda, you need to rest. Else..."
"No. Tell me. If I recall correctly, you said Ceasar Flickerman, didn't you?"
Portria was baffled.
"Excuse me." saying so, Portria left Rincy's room.
Theodon sat down next to Rincy. Rincy was still confused.
"I think someone hit me from the back. It can't be Portria, cause she was in front of me, but who else could it be?" asked Rincy.
Theodon comforted Rincy and asked her to rest.

" Queen of Isles, we must make sure, this doesn't happen again. We cannot let you without guards, just like your mother did. I will arrange for the best squad of bodyguards for you right away. Also, you have to master self defense. You know how to swing your sword?"he asked.
"Umm... kind off, I had learned to, during the training. But this one's heavy."she said looking around for her sword.
"Very well. You can rest now. And once you're better, your training for sword fight begins." declared Theodon.

As he turned to leave, Rincy caught hold of his hand.
Theodon turned around to face his misty-eyed cousin.
"Thank you Theodon. Maybe, I must trust you a little more."
"Trust no one Rincy. But why thank me?", he asked jokingly.
"Cause you have been an eye opener. Portria seems to be hiding a lot from me. I can't trust her now." she said.
"I still need answers to a lot of questions." she mumbled.
"I'll give you all answers, but now you need to rest. Don't think too much, I'll do that for you." saying so, Theodon left the room.
Rincy looked around for her sword.
It was placed gracefully on the side table.
She picked it up, unsheathed it, and held it in her right hand.
"And from now, I shall guard myself. Expect no one to be truthful. Trust none but my conscience, and prove a better Queen to this nation" she vowed.


"I didn't expect you to be this careless Theodon." she reprimanded.
"I am sorry, I didn't expect this coming. It was difficult at first, to get her recall anything. But then she could tell." he apologized
"You know very well, that leaving her under your protection was a decision to honour you in itself." she added authoritatively.
"I assure you, this won't happen again. I have made some arrangement, and I'm sure they will prove sufficient to ensure her safety." said Theodon.
"I trust you, boy. Keep me updated." saying so, she hung up.

Worry lines covered her forehead, adding to those, tarnished by age.
Her eyes were vivid , iris brown.
Her nose, sharp. Ears blunt. Her long locks fell below her back as she turned to face the mirror.
The chain with the locket M rested on her neck, as new as always.
She lifted her hand and ran it across her right cheek. It marked the reason for her keeping out of sight. It couldn't be concealed in anyway. The burn marks ran from her right cheek to her right arm, and parts of her leg.

If Rincy Matilda had a lot of dark secrets to unveil, Ra'eesah was one of them.

© Srinidhi Iyengar

The Queen of Isles: Trust

Portria walked up the stairs and stood outside Rincy's room.
She took a deep breath and sighed.
"The day has come, when I'll have to tell Rincy, the truth.Should I?"
Her body shuddered at the thought of how she would be able to face Rincy.

Just as she was about to knock the door, it flung open inwards.
Rincy stood there, dressed up and ready for the day.
Her eyes widened on seeing Portria.
"I have to test Portria. It feels so bad, I can't even trust her anymore, without being sure!" she contemplated.

"Portria Jaccob, you will have to shift to Ream by tonight. Your new job awaits you there." said she.
Portria smiled unpleasantly.
"Also, I want answers before you leave."added Rincy.
"How much time do you have to spare before your day begins as Queen?" she asked, hoping against hope, that she would a get at least and hour.
"You have twenty minutes to explain to me, all that has been going around, and why you've been away last night." she said authoritatively.

"Rincy dear, the thing is, Theodon and Raymond are against the throne. For over half a decade, there had been cold war between your mother and Raymond. Raymond used to hold an essential position in the cabinet. But when he was found guilty, your mother had dismissed him from all official matters." Portria paused, to take a breath and observe Rincy's reaction.
Rincy remained as calm as never before. She didn't look away, nor shed a tear.
"How come is Rincy so calm? I just told her, an integral truth about her family!" wondered Portria.
"Ever since then, he has tried to bring down the throne. To end the rule of a Queen and bring in a new King who will have more powers and control. He has always eyed the throne. I have heard, he even went against Raechel, objecting your mother's coronation despite the fact that Raechel was on her death bed."

Rincy glared at Portria.
Portria felt like a mouse under an eagle's keen eye.

"And so, what's happening now?What you said is history. I am interested in current affairs." said Rincy,trying to read Portria's face.

"Now that your mother isn't there, Raymond and Theodon are targeting you. That's how Raymond thinks he can get Theodon into the cabinet and overthrow you." she added.
"Portria," said Rincy calmly," if they had to do that, they could have done it as soon as my mother passed away. Theodon could have been crowned King. He is anyway more skilled and knowledgeable than me. But that's something that didn't happen. Why will he try now, when it was easier before?" asked Rincy inquisitively.

Portria was dumbfounded. She hadn't expected Rincy to counter-question her this way.
Her lips twitched, and she said, what she probably shouldn't have.
" The fact that your mother is dead is in itself a sign. A Queen is heavily guarded and cannot encounter an accident like what your mother did. A Queen cannot burn alive with several guards around unless it has been planned."

Rincy was baffled by what Portria had just unveiled.
The world around her seemed to turn hazy.
Gathering some strength, she decided,"I have to be strong. This doesn't have to be true."

"My mother was burned intentionally? It wasn't an accident?" asked she, gathering the courage to digest what she just heard.
"That's my estimation. Cause your mother was suspicious of Raymond's activities, and I don't doubt her sixth sense." added Portria.
A tear glistened like pure diamond as it trickled down Rincy's cheeks.
" I hope I ain't being mislead Portria Jaccob, cause if I am, the price you'll pay will be heavy" she said with disgust.

"Last night, Theodon said that I am to be Queen. Today Portria says that he's planning against me. Also Theodon was saying something against Portria. Oh God! This is a complete mess. How am I going to handle this, when all they are targeting is my late mother?" whined Rincy to herself.
Wiping away her tear, and regaining her strong posture, Rincy asked," And what about last night? You warned me against Ceasar Flickerman, and left without an answer."
" Yes. It all has reasons. You know that Raymond and Theodon have planned to send me away from you, so that they can easily target you. And I can't leave this palace under any condition." she reasoned.
Rincy's eyes narrowed at Portria's confession. 

"So, I had to meet up with someone, so that i can cancel my trip to Ream in some way or the other. I have to be here, with you." she added, placing her palm against Rincy's tear-dried cheek.
Rincy smiled faintly.
"You don't have to worry about that Portria, I have taken care of that. I can't cancel your promotion, because it has been made in front of a huge crowd. But I can sustain you from leaving."
Portria's eyes beamed with joy.
She hugged Rincy warmly, and Rincy hugged her back.
"I am bringing Rhue Headquarters here."
Portria jerked away, surprised.
Rincy giggled, and said," For now, Theodon shall handle my matters, but you will stay close."
Portria nodded, and turned to leave.
"How old are you Portria?"asked Rincy, out of the blue.
Portria turned, a little surprised and answered," Thirty seven and a few months, but why do you ask?"
"I wondered, how come you ain't married yet!" said Rincy carelessly. 
Portria's face turned pale.
Rincy fastened her sword to her belt, and shut the door behind her.
She turned to leave, when Portria suddenly added," I am."

Rincy turned around to face a colour-drained Portria.
"Oh! I never knew! To whom?" she asked astonished.

"Cesar Flickerman" is all she heard, before a strong blow hit the back of her head.

© Srinidhi Iyengar

The Queen of Isles: M for Matilda

She sat by her window sill and fixed her gaze on the dusky moon.

"Mother, I can't escape all this now." she said.
She gripped the handle of the royal sword tightly.
"It is by your guidance, that I shall hence make decisions. You will guide me, from where ever you are." she said standing up, eyes still fixed on the gaping full moon.

"Of course she will Rin." came Theodon's voice from behind.
Rincy turned around to face Theodon. He had an old thick book in hand.
"I am in no mood for argument Coz..." said Rincy, averting her gaze.
" Nor am I. It's been a long day for you, and me." he said, as he held Rincy's hand and led her to the sofa.
They both sat down, as Thoedon placed the book on the table in front of them.

'M for Matilda' read it's title.
Rincy's memories rushed back to her grandmother's words. 
"That's what she had said, while she gave me the chain!" she exclaimed.
"I know." said Theodon calmly.
"What? How do you know? And who am I talking about?" she asked, checking if Theodon actually knew.
"Gran Raechel was a beautiful soul."
Rincy was shocked." Theodon knows! How is this possible? How can he know what Gran told me? He wasn't around?" she thought.

"I know little Rin, you have several questions, and a lot of dislike for me...", began Theodon.
"Yes.", cut Rincy sharply.
Theodon looked up from the book, and smiled softly at her, in his usual way.
"I have explanations. Some, which I can give you now, and some, that will be revealed to you by time." he said.
Rincy picked up the book, and placed on her lap.
She ran her hands over the cover. It was old and coarse, but it still preserved the essentials.
She opened the book into some middle page and stared into her own face.
And beneath her picture, it read 'Rincy Matilda, Queen of Isles'.
The next page had a picture of her sword. The Royal Sword.
Subsequent pages were empty.

Rincy was confused.
"By the look of this book, it tells me it's ancient. And the ink is unique and old too.How can a picture of me, and my sword be there?"
"Exactly, the point. You aren't made queen, because your mother's isn't anymore. You were chosen queen long back.Even before our Gran took position." he said.
Rincy was baffled.
"This ain't possible, Theodon. Don't spin tales and deceive me.", she argued.
"I have better work to do Rincy than mislead you. I am telling you the truth."
"This book is filled by a royal priest. It was one of them, who wrote down your fate. You were chosen.And that chain with the 'M' locket is give to the chosen one."
"Why me?", she asked.
"Did you notice, all subsequent pages are empty?" he asked.
Rincy nodded, and flipped the pages.
Empty.
"That's a sign. This book has been passed on from one Royal priest, to the next, in generation. But it continues to remain empty." he added.
"Why so? And what sign?" Rincy asked impatiently.
"You are the Queen who will achieve heights. You are the Queen who will make the difference. You are the Queen who will change what's wrong and mark history." he said with great strength in his voice.
"I am nineteen, Coz. What can you expect of me?"
"Lots. You have the strength to go against evil, and fight for the right.A lot still remains hidden about your capabilities." he said.
The word 'evil' hit Rincy hard. "So long, you were 'evil' to me", she thought.

"What are you trying to tell me? I don't understand Theodon." confessed Rincy.
"The Queen, is always envied by many. Many who want to take her place, many who want to live her life. There are many such, who are willing to over throw you Rincy, and I want to guard you from them, at least till you can do it yourself." he said.
"And what will you get from this? I don't think you do things without benefits!", she mocked.

" I have a promise to keep Rincy Matilda. I can't let you lose, even if I wanted to, because a man who doesn't keep his word, is a man of no honour. And I am a man of honour." he announced.

"The man in my nightmare!!! He said the same thing too! How this possible? Was it Theodon? Did he save me in the dream?" Rincy's memory flooded with broken scenes from her nightmare.

"And to whom have you made this promise, may I ask?"

"To one who I am devoted with my life and soul."

"Don't twist words, and give me direct answers."

"Time will tell you sweet Coz. But for now, you have to trust me."

"I can't." she said bluntly.

Theodon looked shocked. For the first time, Rincy noticed, that Theodon could adorn another expression, apart from being calm.

"Why? What have I done that makes you doubt me?" he asked, coming back from shock.

"Everything. You shifted Portria to Ream, and without even consulting me." she barked.

"Portria is not someone who you should like to keep. She has a striking history of..." he began.

"I care little about her past Theodon. She has served my mother for over a decade now, and she continues to remain loyal to me. She guides me, teaches me, and is like a mother figure to me. I wouldn't like to listen to much against her." 

Something made Rincy defend Portria. She may have lied to Rincy, or hidden things from her, but she still loved Portria. 

"Right. Mother figure. All I can say is, be careful and watchful Rincy. She isn't as sparkling as she appears to be." he warned.

"From tomorrow, I will assist you in all official matters. We have an agenda, and I'll give it to you." he said, turning to leave.

"Portria handles my agenda." added Rincy.

"Well, not anymore! Portria Jaccob will shift to the Headquarters of Rhue by tomorrow evening." saying so, he left the room.

"Just as you say Theodon Matilda. Portria will shift to the Headquarters of Rhue, not in Ream ,but in Lea. I will get the Headquarters shifted to our very own capital city." she grinned. 

© Srinidhi Iyengar