The Komodon Queen

The Komodon Queen

Shane War-rose

ISBN 978-1-0980-4065-9 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-0980-4066-6 (digital)

Copyright © 2020 by Shane War-rose

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

1 - Seth and Rebekah’s Union

2 - Ambush

3 - The King’s Citadel

4 - King Shreod

5 - A New Plan

6 - Treason

7 - The King’s Prisoner

8 - The Iguanate’s Sacrifice

9 - Everly’s Warning

10 - Revolution Casualties

11 - Krage’s Revenge

12 - Rekindling a Bond

13 - Family Visit

14 - Exposed

15 - The Komodon Queen

16 - New Reign

17 - Passing the Torch

18 - A Great Loss

19 - Plagued

20 - Sinai’s Confession

21 - Into Light

22 - Kairi’s Surprise

23 - Kairi’s Plot

Excerpts from the next novel, Time of Trial

1 - Time Served

2 - A Better Solution

3 - A Daughter’s Deceit

4 - Lord Eden’s Warning

In Memory of Samuel J. Smith and Mildred S. Smith

1

Seth and Rebekah’s Union

Azalea helps me with my chores around my house. It is a great way for us to catch up on the week I try to remove her from my life.

That was almost three months ago.

She leaves me when we get most of the house cleaned. I hum while I finish brushing dirt out the back door of my home.

Kairi. My large crimson-scaled Ahava lizard. Zenais pokes his head into our home. We can take this to Elder Cyrene now. We can have him bestow a blessing instead of your father.

I don’t want to talk about this right now. I just want to be left alone.

You’ve been saying that for the past month, honey. It’s time to focus on our future, not the past.

I shake my head and turn away from him. I don’t feel right about this. I know you’re right about our future, but I feel something wrong about it. Zenais sighs as I turn back to him. I know my father hasn’t been great, but my heart’s saying that we… Zenais moves his head closer to me and kisses me. Instead of breaking away, I lean to him. He backs up and stares right into my eyes. I blush and turn away.

I saw that little smile. He nudges me with his muzzle. Does this mean that we finally agree to enter our union?

I giggle a bit. No, I say. This means we need to find a way to get rid of that nasty breath of yours.

What nasty breath? He chuckles. Do you love to tease me?

Who said I was teasing? He glances at me with a raised eyebrow. Okay, I’m teasing you. But your breath really does stink.

I’ll be waiting for you outside the Elder’s mansion.

I’ll be there in a moment.

Actually, she’ll be helping me out for a while, Azalea says. She has to crawl inside from under Zenais’s huge head. We have a few things we are in need of discussing.

Well then, I guess we can talk about this later. He kisses me one more time. I’ll see you soon. He leaves.

I wave goodbye.

Azalea coughs to get my attention. I knew that look. What? He can kiss me if he wants to, I tell her.

She places her arm around me and leads me away. How in the world are you able to endure his foul breath?

I don’t. We both laugh.

We head into the forest for some alone time. I’m proud of you, you know, she says. I’d thought that you were going to never forgive yourself for what you did to Zenais.

I partially did. I still remember like it was yesterday. My heart still grieves.

Just keep saying that you never meant to harm him. Use it as a mantra. Zenais will tell you the same.

I know that. I just don’t know if I’ll recover from that.

I’m sure you will. You’re stronger than you think.

You’re wrong. I let depression overcome me. I nearly pushed you, Seth, and Zenais out of my life.

But you broke out of your grief on your own, with little help from us. You did what I could never have done.

You’re just saying that.

No. She stops to stare at me. It’s true. I let my anger control who I am most of the time. I just never let you see that side of me. And besides, I’m not as kind and gentle as you are.

I’m not kind. Remember what happened when I nearly killed Zenais?

You were fooled into that. And Lord Eden doesn’t blame you, nor does Zenais. He loves you too much. I hope my Ahava will treat me the same.

I blush, and Azalea teases me for that.

Zenais comes crashing through the trees, nearly landing on me and Azalea. Zenais. I shout at him. You nearly squashed me.

I’m sorry, dear. But I received word from Rebekah. She insisted that I come find you.

Is something wrong? Azalea asks.

I don’t know. She didn’t tell me. She only asked me to come bring you to her. He lies down on his belly, and we climb onto his back.

Let’s fly back, I tell him.

The village isn’t too far away.

So what? I pinch the back of his neck. We’ll get back quicker if you fly.

He turns his head to look at me. You just want me to do your bidding, huh.

No. I lie. Just thought it be faster if you flew.

I could hear his body rumble as he chuckles. He winks at me then turns away. Azalea pokes my side. You’re such a liar, she whispers to me.

Zenais overhears her and laughs. My face reddens from embarrassment. Not a word of this to Seth or Rebekah.

No promises, Zenais replies with a chuckle.

Zenais. Azalea warns him, and he quickly changes his mind.

We find Seth and Rebekah sitting outside their home. There you guys are. She gets up and makes her way to us. I have something to tell you two.

We slide down Zenais’s wing, and she pushes us into the house. What’s the big announcement, Rebekah?

Her smile stretches across her face. Me and Seth will enter our union in three days. She squeals and begins to jump. We wrap our arms around her and join the celebration.

We’re so happy for you both, I say.

I can’t wait either. Seth has agreed to the ketubah this morning. I’m so happy right now.

Is everything okay in there? Zenais and Seth call from outside.

Yes. We speak in unison.

We got some things we need to start doing, ladies. We rush out, narrowly avoiding Zenais’s muzzle. I plant a kiss on his nose before running off with Azalea and Rebekah.

****

Rebekah and Seth enter the chuppah, a large white tent, standing before Elder Cyrenes’s home. The translucent veil allowed us to see their figures. As part of ceremony, she circles Seth three times, and they present their rings. Seth removes her veil and kisses her.

A flash of light bursts out from the chuppah the moment Seth kisses Rebekah. We were about to rush in when Seth exits the tent. The crowd gasps when they notice Seth has changed into an Iguanate. I too am surprised to see him like that.

Seth. Azalea rushes toward him. "What happened to you?’

It’s part of my ketubah. I’ll become an Iguanate when I marry her.

Azalea was a bit distraught; I could see it on her. Why didn’t you tell me, Seth? We always spoke to each other about everything.

He pulls her close. I didn’t want you to try to talk me out of this. I love Rebekah, Azalea. I chose this.

She leans against him. I’m happy for you, I really am. I just wasn’t expecting you to be an Iguanate.

Thank you, my sister. He cups her cheek. And being a lizard isn’t too bad. Only downside is that I need to stay warm.

Oh, Seth. Rebekah tugs his arm. Let’s get going. I want to get home before nightfall. She winks at him.

Well then. He wraps his arm around her. Let’s not waste too much time. He turns to us. Kairi. He hugs me. If Zenais gives you trouble just stick Azalea on him. I chuckle as I try to squeeze him.

Take care of yourself.

I will. Let me know when you and Zenais agree to marry. We’ll be in attendance.

He goes to say his goodbye to Azalea one last time while I talk to Rebekah. You’re a lucky woman, Rebekah. We both hug each other.

I know. He’s such an amazing guy. I want you to know that you and Azalea are always welcome to visit us.

In Iguanate Village. I cover my mouth. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you.

It’s okay. I know it’s not the best place to visit, but Seth and me will try to change that.

I’ll pray for you.

Thank you.

Are you ready to go, my Agape? Seth asks.

I was about to remind Seth that he was supposed to call her Ahava, but I remembered that once you’ve begun your union, Ahava will be renamed Agape. I give Seth one last goodbye, and they depart. Seeing those together made me want to be with Zenais, so I go search for Zenais. And I know where he’d be. And sure enough, I found him sitting outside our home.

I step over his arms and lean against his chest. Is everything okay, Kairi? he asks me.

I don’t know, but I know that my father is keeping us from each other.

2

Ambush

That is out of the question, Elder.

Why must you disapprove this when they’ve decided to wed?

She’s my daughter, and I decide whom she shall wed, my father screams at Elder Cyrene.

Then by my authority as elder of this village, I deem you unworthy of blessing these two. The choice of this matter falls to me, and I approve this.

Over my dead body. My father was furious. He flashes me a dirty look.

My word is final, Elder Cyrene retorts. Since the Guinevere Spark has occurred, I deem they’re ready to wed.

This isn’t over. He spits at the Elder’s feet. You’ll regret this. He storms away.

This was the first time in my life that I was actually afraid of him. He usually kept to himself, and to see him so irate made me shiver.

Elder Cyrene puts a comforting hand on my shoulder. Don’t worry, Kairi. I don’t think he’ll be of any threat to you.

I believe he will, I reply.

Don’t worry, Kairi. Azalea steps from behind a curtain and into Lord Eden’s temple. He’ll have me, and Zenais, to deal with if he steps out of line.

I wasn’t worried about that. What I was concerned about was what he would do to ruin my marriage. He seemed desperate to keep me and Zenais apart.

I accompany Azalea and Zenais to Iguanate Village. When the village is in eyesight, we spot Everly dancing her way toward us on the trail way. Zenais moves me and Azalea behind him. Big mistake coming here, love.

Krage’s soldiers burst from the ground and subdue us. Zenais breaks free, and he orders his men to point their weapons at me. He doesn’t move.

Not to worry. Krage unrolls a scroll. This is just a round-up for King Shreod. He wants me to read this every time I request an offering. I don’t think it’s necessary, but he’ll have my head if I don’t. He clears his throat. Hear ye, hear ye. All subjects and citizens of Golgotha. I request the presence of two females from each village. The king will provide you the details of your departure upon your arrival. He rolls the scroll up. And since I found you two, you’ll be Komodon’s token. He approaches us, and Zenais hisses at him.

How did you find us? Azalea asks.

He points at me. Her father told me that you were visiting her cousin.

I’m going to wrangle that snake. Azalea nearly shouts.

Blind those two. Krage’s thugs place a hood over my head. And put him out of consciousness. I hear Krage say.

Kairi. I hear Zenais shout before I hear a loud thud. Krage leads us to King Shreod’s castle. No one knew where it was. Hence, the blindfolds. He preferred to keep the information a secret. I just hoped that Krage was being truthful about the king’s decree, not luring us into a trap.

****

I wake up to find everyone gone. I look for footprints, but they’ve brushed them off. I got just as angry as I was when Lord Eden wrongly cursed me. I knew who to take it out on this time.

I grab Sinai and pin him against his home. You’re going to help me get her back.

Or what? he replies. You going to kill me too?

Oh, believe me, I wish I could. But your more useful to me alive than you are dead. I suggest you refrain from tempting me.

Then let me go. I need to have some work done.

We’re not done. I apply some pressure, and he grunts in pain. I wonder what Azalea’s father will do when he hears that you sold her out to Krage.

He looks at me grimly. You wouldn’t.

Try me. I flap my wings and hoist myself up into the air with him in my claw.

Okay! Okay! I’ll tell you where King Shreod’s castle is. My brother will have my head if he finds out.

I drop him in mud, and I land a few feet away. And you’re going to bless our union as well.

He didn’t want to, but he knows I’ll reveal his secret if he refuses. Okay, fine, he says angrily. But only if you convince Kairi and Azalea to take this secret to their graves.

I place my claw over my heart. You have my word.

Good, then we’ll leave when the sun sets. Until then, leave me alone.

He spews a few curses at me, and I use my tail to trip him. I smirk as he gives me a dirty foul stare. I look up at the stars. I wish I could do that to you, you despicable deity.

I wait for Sinai by my home, and he shows up shortly after the sun sets. We’ll need to go to Iguanate Village. We’ll need Rebekah’s help, he says as he climbs onto my back.

Why?

Because we need her skills as a brewer. Shreod’s castle is heavily guarded. We’ll need something to sneak us in.

I leap into the air, and we arrive in Iguanate village in a matter of minutes. Nighttime was different here. There was more ruckus at dusk than during the day.

Zenais. I hear Seth from the distance. What are you doing here?

We need Rebekah to conjure up something to sneak into King Shreod’s palace.

He stares at us, confused. Wha…Why do you need to go to there?

I was about to answer when I hear a horn blow in the distance. I quickly grab Sinai and hide behind a line hanging a row of dirty rugs.

Hear ye. Hear ye. I hear Krage’s voice. A large mass gathers outside. By decree of King Shreod, all villages shall offer two females to accompany us to his home. Upon arrival, he shall discuss the terms of your departure.

So he was telling the truth.

No one wants to go with him, so Krage’s men randomly select two females. They manage to grab two before they can scurry away. The crowd starts to riot and are immediately quelled when Krage threatens to harm them. Thankfully, Krage, nor his men, see us. The darkness gives us enough cover for us to remain unseen. I poke my head out and whispers Seth’s name.

Right here, Seth whispers back. He is sitting down behind a crate near my hiding spot. I’ll go speak with Rebekah.

3

The King’s Citadel

We wait outside of Rebekah and Seth’s home. She manages to make something that will help us. This potion will make you shrink to the size of a mouse. This effect will only last one hour, so you’ll have to make haste. Seth escorts us out of the village. I wish I could go with you, Zenais. But Rebekah doesn’t want me to leave her. Bring them back.

I nod at him and leap into the air.

Where am I heading? I ask Sinai.

Head north. King Shreod’s castle isn’t on this island. And stay low on the water. We don’t want to be seen flying. They have many defenses that render the fortress impenetrable by most means.

I fly north, and I spot another island not too far off the coast.

Zenais, stop! Sinai yells.

I halt and turn my head to Sinai. Why?

He points down at the water, and I see a large boat gliding across the sea. Can you swim?

I believe I can, yes.

Then dive. He commands. That raft will take us in.

Why not just wreck it? I reply.

Because Kairi and Azalea may be on that vessel. We need to confirm their whereabouts first before we could rescue them.

For a weasel, he was pretty wise. We both drink the potion, and we shrink. I was able to get us onto the raft and find a suitable hiding spot. The boat docks, and we sneak off. I peek my head out to see if the coast was clear. It takes me a while to see where I should go due to the port crawling with Allidite soldiers.

Sinai taps my back. What’s the hold-up? Our hour is almost up.

I am waiting for an opportunity. There’s too many guards.

Sinai was about to say something more when I hear a ruckus. Azalea was struggling with a few Allidite soldiers, and I see this as the perfect chance to move. I leap into the water and swim across the water. I head for a secluded beach I spotted as I surveyed the area. Sinai returns to his normal height the moment we reach the shore. I, however, remains the same.

Why haven’t I turned back?

My guess is that Rebekah’s potion has a different effect on you.

Then I’m not useful like this. You’ll have to proceed on without me.

Not necessarily. He scoops me up into a wool satchel. You can still be helpful. You’ll be able to easily sneak the past guards. I can’t.

Let’s just get going. I poke my head out. The more time we waste, the more likely she’ll be in trouble.

****

We dock on a stone pier, and the Allidite soldiers force us off. Azalea, on the other hand, decides to put up a fight. She kicks an Allidite in his stomach and rams into another. I implore her to stop, but it is too late. The Allidite she kicked subdues her and secures her hands behind her back.

Don’t hurt her. Krage shouts. The king commands them to remain unharmed.

We march off the pier and head on into a dirt road. There are no villages anywhere or any signs of life. Just a forest. No wonder why Shreod decided to separate the islands, to make this place serene, peaceful. This would make a wonderful place to live. No threats to haunt you.

I was lost in my daydream when I bumped into Azalea. She turns to me. Are you okay? she asks me. I shake my head. Don’t be afraid, Kairi. I’ll keep you safe.

Stop talking you two, an Allidite says and shoves Azalea and me forward.

You’re lucky I don’t have my staff, you lazy bum. I’ll have you begging for mercy before you know it. The Allidite violently pokes Azalea with a large stick. Causing her to seethe in pain.

Krage notices this and strikes the Allidite down. I almost start to cry as I see the Allidite lie motionless on the ground. I said to not harm any of them. If any of you decide to strike them, I’ll carry out your punishment for disobeying the king.

Everyone knew that disobeying the king was an instant death sentence. Only a few have been spared when tried by him. Hence, why the inhabitants of Golgotha lived in fear of his rule. Zenais, please come get me.

We resume our pace and finally come to a halt before a large wall of vines. Hail, the king! Krage shouts, and the vines separate, revealing a large fortress. It was an impressive sight. The walls seemed to have stretched to the sky. I almost thought that Shreod have made it larger, but the citadel once belonged to Lord Eden. Only he could make this palace so breathtaking. I wish I could’ve seen it before Shreod usurped Lord Eden’s throne.

We wait for the drawbridge to lower. I look down and see Allidites swimming in the moat. They must’ve dug this after Lord Eden left the castle. It is a good defense against raids. I am too busy looking down that I lose my footing.

Don’t harm that girl! Krage shouts as I fall. Bring her to the maids chambers, at once!

The impact from the water hurt a bit, and I moan from the sting. I wipe the water from my eyes and see three Allidite soldiers surrounding me. One submerges and lifts me onto his muzzle. Don’t worry, dear,