Saving Maltira

Chapter four

The long corridor that led to the different rooms in the palace was a welcome sight to Layla. After being away from her home for a week all she wanted to do was sleep in the comfort of her bed.

Layla took a deep breath and braced herself as she opened the door to her chambers. Still she almost fell back as her baby brother lunged himself at her in welcome. With the wind knocked out of her, Layla still managed a squeaky, "I miss you too Po."

"Father asked me . . . no. . Commanded me to tell you to see him ASAP."

Layla rolled her eyes, "I didn't bring home a suitor."

Pokio chuckled. "I'd like to see his face when you tell him that. . ."

"But. . "

"But I don't think that's why he wants to see you."

Layla set him down on her bed and sat down beside him.

"Something is going on Lay, something very serious. I think it's something we haven't experienced in a long time. If ever."

"What do you know about it?

"Nobody tells me anything. But, two nights ago, something happened on my canvass."

Layla knew of Pokio's gift. Sometimes he painted a warning or a prophecy involuntarily. He hadn't learnt to use his gift at will though so no one knew when a painting of his would turn out to be something more than just a painting.

Pokio returned with a folded canvass that he had to drag behind him.

Layla opened it and gasped. Staring at her from the canvass was Hilda and around her neck hung a key.

"You know her?"

"Yes, I met her at the festival and. . ". Layla told her wise little brother everything that had happened during the festival and how they left on good terms.

"Hmm. I know I drew the picture but I can't interpret it. If anything is obvious it's that this Halfling is important and she plays a key role in whatever is happening or whatever is going to happen." He placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed lightly. "For now, go see father and hear what he has to say to you".

Jace was waiting for her in the hallway. He nodded to her in greeting and indicated that she follows him. They got to the throne room and Jace ushered her in. As Layla entered the room the hair on her nape stood in anticipation.

The entire cabinet sat around the room but what was particularly peculiar was her mother. She sat at her husband's right hand but she wasn't decked in jewels and a fancy dress. She wore her armor. Layla had never seen Queen Lycoia in armor. Her hair was pulled up in a serious bun and face was scrubbed free of makeup. For the first time in her life the similarities between her and the woman who bore her stood out. Layla knew that she had taken her warrior blood from her mother.

"Laylaquadr, first daughter of the great King Acha III and warrior princess of Aquaira."

Layla bowed low and stood before her father. Her arms folded behind her back. "Yes, Father."

"Your dedication to your training and your love for your people has made you the perfect candidate for the assignment that will be given to you today. That is, if you accept."

"I accept Father."

"I knew you would." Pride shone in her father's eyes as he looked at his baby girl who had grown into this strong woman. "Jace will brief you on your assignment and your 7-day preparations are to commence immediately. You may leave. "

"Long live the king!. Layla lifted her eyes and caught a mournful look in her mother's eyes that disappeared almost immediately.

Jace pulled her into his arms the moment they entered his quarters. Layla allowed she be comforted for a moment. She still didn't know what the assignment was about but she was sure it would change her life forever. Jace released her and sat at a table. She looked around his quarters. She hadn't been here for a long time.

"Sit." Jace pulled a chair for her. "The relic of Aquaira has been stolen."

Layla's head snapped up, "When?!

"During the week of the festival. We have no information about who stole it but we might know why. The relics of Nacar, Bebeth, Coloe and Qeen have also been stolen. That gives a pattern. The relics give the nations their independence. If one individual gets his hand on all the relics. He would have control of all mer-kind."

Layla got chilly. This was bigger than anything she had ever imagined. "The other two nations still have theirs?

"Yes, but not for long. The security of Aquaira is the tightest of all eight nations. This thief could infiltrate it. There's no place he can't infiltrate. "

"Are we sure it's someone of mer-kind?

"We have no idea."

Layla stood and paced the length of the room. "So we have no starting point."

"We do. You need to learn to be a spy. "

Layla spun around. "I'm not a spy. I'm a warrior. "

"A warrior has to be anything he needs to be to protect his city. We have no idea who is taking these relics. You might have to search other kingdoms apart from mer-kingdom."

Layla drew in a shaky breath.

"Are you up for this?"

"I'm sure I want to do it. I need to brush up my skills and I'll be ready.

"Mother?” Layla blinked as she walked into the hall that had been cleared for her practice. "What are you doing here?

Queen Lycoia wasn't dressed as a queen at all. She wore matching cotton pants and tunic. And she held a sword.

"Mother?"

"I'm not your mother, I'm your adversary. Draw your sword or die where you stand. "

Layla looked around the hall confused. The tip of her ears picked up the movement and she drew her sword and blocked a blow a split second on time.

"Never ever hesitate. A friend could turn foe in a second. Once you leave this place, whoever you meet out there is a potential enemy."

They sparred for 3 hours at a stretch and neither won.

"You have to be better than me Lay."

"I have never met anyone like you, Mother."

"You will meet someone better than me where you're going.

"You need to be better. We'll go again tomorrow. For now I need to teach you some secrets about your body."

She watched her mother untie her long blonde hair that hung all the way to her waist.

"Have you ever wondered why mermaids never cut their hair?

"Not really.

"Your hair is a weapon.

Layla watched in fascination as her mother's hair wound itself around a sculpture and pulled. The sculpture spun around fast and flew across the hall.

"Wow.

Over the next several days Layla learnt to dance, to make her skin glow to provide illumination and how to use her feminity.

"The entire Aquaira will be with you Layla, we are trusting that you will use good judgement in whatever you're doing. Always remember, failure is not an option."

The Layla that stood before the cabinet was a very different woman from the one that stood before them 7 days ago. This one was a lethal weapon.

Layla bowed low and turned abruptly on her heel and walked out. Along the corridor her brothers stood to see her off. Little Pokio smiled at her encouragingly. Layla smiled back as she walked past him.