QueensQuest by Suz deMello Page A

the clan is more important. And they expect me to marry for
political advantage.”
    I stroked the sigil worked in silver over the left breast of
his gray leather tunic. “The oak and the mountain—they are clan symbols?”
    “Symbols rather of Darksider nobility. FireMountain is one
of the oldest Darksider clans. Tradition says that after the Progenitors left,
maybe a century passed before disputes rose between the descendants of the
Terrans who survived the rigors of Janus, so different from their homeworld. My
ancestors chose a freer life on the near reaches of Janus’ darkside, and were
later joined by other renegades and malcontents.” He poked me in the side. “You
softer folk remained to enjoy the comforts of the Shadowlands.”
    “Why the firemountain as your symbol?”
    “Life on Darkside is hard.” His tone was somber. “The
volcanoes give us life and warmth. Using their heat, we melt ice for water. We
also mine jewels and minerals so we can trade for food. We could not survive
without the firemountains, and our ancestors first settled near one. Thus our
symbol.”
    “What of your clan’s keep?”
    “Its walls enclose a spring of water heated by a volcano,
which is the reason the location was picked. It is simple, a turret where we
live and stables for animals. The retaining wall encloses livestock and some
meager crops.”
    “Where does the King, your father, live?”
    “Currently he abides at the Darksider capital.”
    “Forde Castle, near the EastMarch.”
    “Yes, and that is situated on the river that forms the main
trade route between your land and mine.”
    “So the King of Darkness always controls the route and the
ford crossing it.”
    “Exactly.” He leaned back on his elbows. “If we are not
going to make love, how about breakfast?”
    I tugged at the bellpull, and Maia entered. She stiffened
when she saw Storne. Then her gaze went to the ventilation shaft.
    “Yes,” he said to her. “It is a weakness in this castle’s
defenses.”
    “A hot infusion and pastries, please, Maia.” I slid out of
bed and reached for my robe. I could not help noticing that Storne’s stare was
planted on my bush. I wrapped the robe around my body and tied its sash
securely. ’Twas of warm, soft wool combined with WestMarch silk in a pale but
cheerful yellow. My parents had given it to me, and I loved it.
    I shoved my feet into matching slippers and led Storne to a
round glass table near a window overlooking the palace gardens. Only one of our
moons had risen, and its soft, silvery glow edged the lawns and leaves.
    While we ate, we continued to talk. I told Storne that
Kaldir wanted to negotiate new trade agreements, figuring that I was not
breaching a confidence. The DesertDwellers’ intentions could not be kept
secret, or they would never be fulfilled. For his part, Storne asked me,
“What’s the real reason you’re going to Lightside?”
    I stared at him but said, “As I indicated last night, I
still consider Kaldir an aspirant for my hand. I wish to see his lands before
making a commitment.”
    He propped an elbow on the table and searched my face. “You
Shadowlanders are always in the midst of an intrigue.”
    I pressed my lips together.
    “I could help you. Did you think of that?”
    I remembered something that Geoman had said. Storne is a
master of warfare. If the Children of Light conceal any military secrets, he
will worry them forth. And ensuring Storne as a secret ally might keep him
from covertly aligning with Kaldir. “We suspect that the Lightsiders have
technology that they aren’t sharing. We are concerned that the technology could
endanger us if used improperly.”
    “Weapons.”
    “Perhaps. We don’t know. But the situation is perfect for
exploring their citadels.” I shrugged. “Kaldir was not in a position to deny me
this request.”
    “How did you persuade him to allow me to accompany you?”
    “Persuade him? Ha. He wanted you to come.”
    “Why? If he truly wants