Empress of the Underworld Page 2

  The two sat talking, and finally Sarah asked, “Do you ever miss things back in Oldworld?”

  “Sure I do. But we can’t go back, so we’ll have to make the best of things here.”

  Sarah stared at him, thinking how Josh had matured so much. “Well, you’re right. We’ve talked about that too many times, I guess. But about Abbey—she’s just not … not mentally ready for these hardships. She’s too soft and genteel.”

  “Well, she’s had a year to get toughened up. I don’t know what else to do for her.” Suddenly he looked up. “Look, there comes Zohar. He’s kind of a mean-looking character, isn’t he?”

  “Yes, but I’m sort of glad for that. It feels good to have a strong man like him around. Hello, Zohar,” she said when he got closer. “Did you come to help us with our sewing?”

  Zohar had little sense of humor. “No,” he said. He stood over them and was indeed formidable-looking. He was dressed in a ragged bearskin, tied with a wide leather belt around his middle. Inside the belt was tucked a wicked looking battle-ax with a razor edge. He stared at them for a moment, then said, “We go.”

  Sarah and Josh looked at each other. “Go? Go where?”

  “Goél sends message. We go there.” He pointed toward the north. “We go soon. Tomorrow.”

  “What did the message say?”

  “It say, ‘Some of the House of Goél need help.’ We go help.”

  “We’re not in very good shape to help anybody,” Josh said. “We’re not even able to help ourselves much. Did Goél say that everybody was to go? What about your women and children and the wounded?”

  “They stay. Strong men go.” He put his hard, dark eyes on them and nodded firmly. “Goél say all Seven Sleepers go to help those in the House. We leave early.”

  As he walked away, Josh said, “You know, every time he walks I expect to feel the earth shake.”

  “Abigail’s not going to like this. I don’t like it much myself.”

  “Neither do I. But if Goél ordered it, then we’ve got to go. I’ll tell you what—I’ll let you break the news to Abbey, and I’ll tell the rest of them.”

  Sarah found Abigail in the loft trying to brush her hair.

  As soon as she spoke of their new mission, Abbey’s eyes flashed. “I’m not going!” she said. “And that’s final.”

  “But you’ve got to go, Abbey. We all do.”

  “No, we don’t. Anybody with half sense knows we wouldn’t be of help to anyone. Why, we’re half-starved—we don’t have decent shoes—and look at this awful thing I’m wearing.” She held out her knee-length tunic. It had been well made and still had a little color left in it, but many washings and mendings had rendered it decidedly sad-looking. “I wouldn’t be seen dead in this thing!”

  “It won’t matter. We’re all in the same shape.” Sarah began to grow irritable. Abbey was a sweet girl, but her moods got on Sarah’s nerves. For some reason she thinks she’s better than the rest of us, she thought. “You’ll have to go, Abbey.”

  “I’m not going. You can tell Josh and that awful Zohar that I’ll wait till they get back.”

  Sarah stared at the petulant girl, then shrugged and climbed back down the ladder. She went to find Josh and report Abbey’s response.

  “Why, she’s got to go!” Josh snapped. “That’s all there is to it.”

  “I think the only way she’ll go is if you tie her and have Volka carry her. She won’t go under her own power.”

  “Well, we’ll just have to convince her.” Josh’s face was grim, and he went off to have a confrontation with Abbey.

  When he came back, he was scowling. It appeared he had had no more success than Sarah. “We’ve got to leave in the morning. Try to talk to her again, Sarah.”

  But nothing availed, and the next day when the Sleepers prepared to march out with Mat, Tam, Volka, and the Nuworld warriors, there were only six of them.

  “It seems a little bit funny with only six of us,” Reb said doubtfully.

  “Are you sure you tried everything, Josh?” Dave asked. “I don’t like to see us split up like this.”

  “I don’t like it either, but that’s the way it is.”

  At that moment Zohar called out, “We go.”

  And the Sleepers trooped off. They all felt disturbed at leaving Abbey behind.

  Abbey was watching from the loft window, and as the troop disappeared down the trail, she had a sudden impulse. She turned and started toward the door, thinking, I’ve got to go with them. I can’t stay here by myself. But then, stubbornly, she stopped and shook her head. “No,” she said aloud. “I’m not going. You have to draw the line somewhere.”

  She dressed and climbed down the ladder carefully. A few people were up and stirring, and Zohar’s wife offered her some breakfast. It was a thin gruel and some sort of leftover meat.

  Abbey shook her head. “No, thanks.”

  She stepped out into the open air and for a time wandered around the camp. More than once as she walked she had the impulse to run and join her friends. It’s not too late, she thought, and she struggled between two desires.

  But finally she said, “I’ll rest up and maybe find myself something nicer to wear and maybe find some good soap. I’ll be ready to go on the next mission.”

  She felt better after convincing herself of this and walked toward the stream that wound its way through the forest a quarter mile from the house. The brook was clear and bubbled merrily over the rocks. From time to time, she picked up a stone and threw it in. And more than one frog leaped off the banks with a croak of alarm.

  She wandered farther than she’d planned and was about to turn back. But first she knelt at the water and washed her face, enjoying the coolness of it. “I wish I had some soap,” she said aloud. “I’d give anything for a hot bath and to wash my hair.”

  “You should have it, my lady.”

  Abbey leaped up, startled by the voice. She turned to see a tall young man wearing a sky blue suit of some shiny material.

  He pulled a hat with an eagle’s feather in it off his head. His hair was long and black and fell over his shoulders. He smiled at her, his teeth very white.

  “Who are you?” she demanded.

  “My name is Lothar. I have come a long way.”

  “What do you want?” Abbey was more impressed with his looks than she cared to admit. He is handsome! she thought. And look at that diamond on his right hand. I’ve never seen such a large one.

  The man called Lothar put on his hat, looked around, and then glanced back at Abbey. “I seek a group called the Seven Sleepers. Do you know of them?”

  Abbey was startled but said, “Yes, I know of them. Why do you seek them?”

  “That,” Lothar said politely, “I can only reveal to the Sleepers themselves. Can you direct me to where they are?”

  Abbey hesitated. She had grown cautious in Nuworld, as had all the Sleepers. Strangers were not to be trusted until proven. But surely this one was safe. She took a deep breath and made her decision.

  “I am one of the Sleepers,” she said. “I am Abbey.”

  The dark eyes of Lothar fixed on her, and he smiled again. “Well, I am fortunate. Can you take me to your friends?”

  “They’re gone on a mission.”

  Disappointment swept over Lothar’s face. “That I regret,” he said. “Will they return soon?”

  “They shouldn’t be gone too long.”

  He stood and thought, as if he had forgotten her. “Well, that presents a problem.”

  As he pondered, Abbey studied his fine garments and noted that he was not only splendid-looking but was also strong and athletic. Finally she said, “Perhaps if you’ll tell me what you want, I can help.”

  “Maybe so. In any case, I have no choice.” He hesitated only a moment more, then said, “I come from the Empress of the Underworld. You have heard of the Kingdom of the Underworld?”

  “Why, no, I don’t think I have.”

  Amazement flashed across L
othar’s handsome features. “I’m shocked to hear it. Your education’s been neglected!”

  “Is it far from here?”

  “A two-day ride. Are you sure you have not heard of our Empress and her wondrous kingdom?”

  “No, never.”

  “That will make things even more difficult. I have a message here for you.” He pulled a parchment from the inner pocket of his tunic. “Are you the leader of the Sleepers?”

  “No, Josh Adams is our leader.”

  “Ah, but he is not here. Still, you may read the message and give it to him.”

  Abbey took the letter and opened it. It said, in beautiful script:

  To: The Seven Sleepers

  We have heard of your courage and willingness to serve those who are fighting against the Dark Lord. I, the Empress of the Underworld, beg you to come and help us. We are in great danger. We send the heir to our throne, Prince Lothar, with this message. He will accompany you back should you choose to come.

  Empress Fareena

  Ruler of the Mighty Kingdom of the Underworld

  Abbey looked up at the tall young man. “We have gone on missions like this before. But, of course, what the Empress asks is impossible just now. When the others come back, we may be able to do something.”

  “Could not you come and explain that to our queen?”

  “Oh, no. I couldn’t do that.”

  “Why not? It would be very simple for you to leave a letter for this … Josh.”

  But Abbey could only shake her head. “No, it must not be.”

  “That is a regret to me.”

  “Can’t you wait one night? Perhaps they’ll make a quick journey.”

  Lothar seemed to think about her request and nodded. “I could do that.” He looked at her oddly then. “You would like my country, the Underworld.”

  Abbey wrinkled her nose slightly. “It sounds awful—like living in a hole in the ground.”

  Lothar laughed aloud. He was very good-looking when he laughed. “You would not say so if you were to come with me.” He held up his hand with the huge diamond and asked, “Do you see this beautiful stone?”

  “Yes. I’ve never seen one that large.”

  “Large? Why, I’ve often been criticized for wearing such a small stone. In our throne room the walls are lined with stones like this. Also red and green and purple stones, more beautiful than anything you’ve seen.”

  “Oh, it sounds beautiful! Not at all like a hole in the ground.”

  “A hole in the ground? No, indeed.” He began to describe the underworld kingdom, mentioning that they had learned to spin beautiful silk and satin cloth.

  And the thought of the women’s gowns in yellow, red, pink, and gold made Abbey’s eyes glow.

  “We’ve learned to make good food too. Let me offer you some of this.” He opened the bag that was slung over his shoulder. “Come and sit. While you eat, I will tell you more about my world.”

  Abbey sat down and began to sample the food. It was delicious! Better than anything she’d ever had. She said so.

  “Why, this is just trail food. At one of our banquets you would taste something really good. Here—drink some of this.”

  Abbey took the small silver flask that he offered, tasted the drink, and said, “Oh, it’s delicious. What is it?”

  “Just something we make for the royal table. I’m glad you like it.”

  The food made Abbey’s eyes brighter. She drew her knees up and said, “Tell me more about your country, Prince Lothar.”

  “Oh, you must not call me that. Lothar is fine. And perhaps I may call you Abbey?”

  “Oh, yes, please do.”

  She sat and listened, while the prince leaned back and talked. His country sounded like a fairy-tale land the way he spoke of it.

  Then his face grew dark. “But we’re in danger. Terrible danger.”

  “Danger of what?” Abbey asked.

  “We may lose our kingdom to the Underlings.”

  “The Underlings? Who are they?”

  “They are a terrible race who inhabit part of our kingdom. They’re cruel and fierce.” His voice shook with anger. “And they would kill us all if they could.”

  “How awful!”

  “Yes, it is. They’ve already killed my father.”

  “Oh, Lothar. I’m sorry.”

  He shrugged and said, “They’ve tried to kill me many times. So far I’ve evaded them, but they grow stronger. Even while I’m away, I’m afraid they will strike at the queen. Then they will take the throne, and we will all be killed. Those beasts would rule our beautiful kingdom.”

  “Tell me about the empress.”

  “Ah, you would love her. She is beautiful and has many powers. Yet she is only one, and she has asked that you come. She has never asked for help before, so I fear the situation is perilous.”

  He talked for a long time, finally saying, “Will you not come with me, Abbey?” His voice was gentle, and he took her hand. “It would be a wonderful sight for you, and you would be a jewel in my kingdom with proper clothes and your hair done as only my people know how to do it. Besides, you would be doing a great service for the House of Goél.”

  Abbey hesitated, then shook her head. “I can’t decide now.”

  “Very well.” He released her hand and got to his feet. “I can wait until morning, then I must return.”

  “I will find you a place to stay tonight. But it won’t be what you’re used to,” she warned.

  “No, I will remain in the forest. I would rather not be seen by anyone tonight. I will wait here, right at this spot. At dawn tomorrow, if you’re not here, I will have to leave without you.” He shook his head. “What a shame if you do not get to see the land of diamonds and rubies!”

  As Abbey walked back to the old house, she longed to visit the beautiful kingdom that Lothar had described.

  That night she slept poorly. She knew that she would have to make a decision—and somehow she knew she would have to at least see a country where diamonds lined the walls!

  3

  Another Visitor

  Abbey was awakened very early. A yellow beam of sunlight came in through the window and fell full on her upturned face. She gave a start and a sharp cry. Her eyes flew open, and she sat up, calling in alarm, “Who is it?”

  Then after looking around rather wildly, she laughed. “I’m as nervous as I’ve ever been in my life.”

  She threw back the blanket, rose, and dressed. Going down the ladder, she saw women busy cooking some sort of grain for breakfast.

  It was flat and tasteless, and she could not eat it. Remembering the delicious food that Lothar had produced, she thought, What a shame to have to eat this stuff when they’re eating so well in the Underworld!

  Outside, the sun was shining brightly, and she walked down the trail to where the small stream gurgled over rounded stones and into a quiet pool. Quickly she washed her face in the cool water and took out a brush and tried to do something with her hair. It’s so dirty, she thought again. I wish I had some good shampoo or soap.

  The only soap she had been able to find had been coarse gray lumps that had burned her hands. It was so strong that she was afraid it would make her hair fall out.

  After she had done the best she could with her hair, she leaned over and looked at her reflection in the water. The pool was still, and she studied her face carefully. She had a heart-shaped face, lips gently rounded, and very large blue eyes.

  “I wish I had some lotion,” she said aloud. She touched her face, thinking, I’m going to have rhinoceros hide if I don’t do something.

  Finally Abbey rose and made her way slowly along the creek. She still did not see Lothar. Perhaps he had gone for a walk. Several birds sang in the trees, strange-looking birds of a bright orange color that she didn’t recognize. They had beautiful voices, though. They harmonized almost as if they were members of a choir.

  Abbey stopped and looked up, listening with admiration. She loved music and was
herself a fine singer. She had even played the piano at one time. But there were no pianos that she could find in Nuworld.

  All of a sudden she gave a start, for someone stepped out of the undergrowth and was walking toward her along the trail that led beside the bank.

  He was a rough-looking young man, not much older than herself, shabbily dressed and very dirty. His hair hung down around his shoulders. It would’ve been probably auburn if it had been clean. He was pale, and his eyes were staring at her.

  “Who are you? What do you want?” Abigail called out with alarm.

  “I’m looking for the Seven Sleepers.”

  It occurred to Abbey that perhaps this was a friend of Lothar’s, yet they hardly looked to be of the same class. This young man was perhaps as tall as Lothar, but he was clothed in rags. As he came closer, she saw that he was even dirtier than she had thought. Dirt was caked in his hair, around his fingernails—his hands, she could see, were worn with hard work. And his gray tunic was stiff with grime. He was barefoot, and his feet were bruised and caked with mud. And then she saw that he had very intense gray eyes.

  “I’ve come a long way,” he said. “My name is Beren.” He looked hungry and nervous.

  Even as he spoke, something made a sound in the woods, and he turned quickly, pulling a knife from his belt and holding it out in a guarding position.

  Abbey wished she had not come so far from the house. A few men were there, but even if she cried out they would not be able to reach her in time. She decided to act with as much assurance as she could.

  “My name is Abigail,” she said. “What do you seek of the Sleepers?”

  “I come from a far country,” he said wearily. He slipped the knife back into his belt, turned, and held out his hands. “Can you direct me to the Sleepers? I must find them.”

  Abigail hesitated. What if he’s one of the enemy—an Underling? He looks like a thug. I’d better not tell him I’m a Sleeper.

  “They’ve gone on a mission,” she said. “I think they won’t be back.”

  The young man named Beren seemed to sag. He shut his mouth in a thin line and shook his head. “I must find them. Where have they gone?”