The Last Warrior Queen

Chapter 38

“I…I’m sorry” I blurted out.

Gala tilted her head and asked “For what?”

“I…When I first came here…You seemed very close to Halvor. And there was a lot of talk of a consort, and with the challenge and everything. Well, I just assumed that you were Halvor’s consort.” I looked down, embarrassed to admit it.

Gala chuckled “well you wouldn’t be the first to think that. I am closer with Halvor than I ever was with any of his forefathers.” She paused for a moment. “I will admit that I’ve been reluctant to give up my close relationship with Halvor. I probably mothered him more than anyone besides my own son. I didn’t really think about how an outsider would see me. To everyone here I’ve been around for centuries and no one questions my presence.”

I nodded and reached into the chest, pulling out a pair of soft leather leggings. They were also cream like the cloak and I was astonished that they didn’t look dirty at all. Next was a green tunic made of silk. I held it up and noted that it was cut in the shape of a woman and probably made for Vanna. I pulled out a pair of brown leather boots that looked like they would reach my knees, and again I was astonished that they didn’t even look worn. Finally there was a brown leather vest, again cut in the shape of a woman.

“I believe my son imbued these garments with magic so that they will never dirty or become worn.” I nodded as I ran my hands over the clothing.

“I always felt guilty taking them myself, and thought that maybe I should give them to my son so that they could be passed down through the generations. However, I think that Vanna not only had the gift of war, but also the gift of sight like me. I never understood the words she spoke to me until now. She said that I must keep her battle clothes safe and give them to the one who can reclaim the throne.”

I looked up at Gala and asked “Do you think she meant me?”

Gala nodded. “As she lay dying she kept going on and on about how a girl with eyes the color of the Oran crest would save us. Everyone just thought it was the ramblings of a dying old woman, especially since the entire Oran royal family had deep blue eyes. And then when they were all killed I thought Vanna must have been having hallucinations. But here you are before me with your beautiful green eyes.”

I smiled at Gala and impulsively hugged her. She returned the hug and to my surprise she felt like home. Like a missing piece of myself that I had lost when my mother died. “Hmm, do you feel that? The familial bond. You definitely are my blood” Gala said as we pulled apart. I nodded and grabbed the clothes saying “I should probably hurry and get changed.”

Gala nodded and helped me into everything. The leggings fit like a glove, but were surprisingly easy to move in. The tunic was the perfect length and felt so soft against my skin. The vest felt like it was made for me and the boots were just my size. I marveled at how well it all fit me. Gala pulled out a mirror from behind a stack of books and I examined my reflection. I laughed when I noticed my hair had half fallen out. I unpinned the bottom, leaving just the top half braided and pinned up.

“You’re hair is quite beautiful. You should wear it that way into battle, so the enemy knows that a woman is coming to kill them” Gala said with a wink. I laughed as she draped the cloak over my shoulders and fastened it to my vest.

“My hair is the only thing I ever really liked about myself. I always liked it better down personally.”

“Sylvia you are very beautiful, inside and out. Halvor and this kingdom are lucky to have you.”

I nodded and said “Well we should go back to the arena. I’m sure Halvor has had plenty of time to find some more warriors for me to fight.”

Gala and I returned to the arena. As I strode over towards Halvor my cloak billowed in the wind behind me. I felt more powerful in these clothes and was glad that Gala had saved them for me. Perhaps her son had imbued them with more than just simple magic to keep the garments clean and unworn.

There were more warriors in the arena now and they all hastily bowed as they saw me approach. As I reached Halvor I unfastened my cloak and handed it to Gala.

“I see you found more warriors for me to fight.” Halvor nodded and asked “Where did you get those clothes? Did you bring them with you from the south?”

I shook my head “No, Gala gave them to me. She received them from the original Warrior Queen of Oran a long time ago and kept them.” Halvor nodded and said “You look like a warrior queen now too.”