Kaija: Queen of Stone

11.5

I knew Hona was as unsettled with the situation with Jonga as I was. Not even minutes of being named queen and I was already facing the burdens. Perhaps Baria's last words had merit after all.

One who slays me will inherit the burdens of the divine.

I was beginning to see what she meant before I pressed the knife to her throat. There certainly were burdens for those who inherited the divine and queen's title.

I thrust open the doors to the throne room. Staring at the empty throne, I imagined Baria on it from the first time I saw her. Strong, powerful, like a blizzard storm. Her honey hair straightened, falling to her sides. Her eyes piercing and mocking, yet lifeless.

I climbed the dais, sitting hard on the stone throne. I wished she had picked something a little more comfortable. Cold stone touched my back. No wonder she wore furs, it was frigid. Gooseflesh pricked my skin. I had no idea how Baria could sit in such a thing for so long either. Hona walked in from the entry.

All the questions came rushing back.

"Do you think he will return?" I questioned, my heart racing.

"I honestly do not know," he responded, standing in front of the dais. "Jonga has always been one to stay true to his word, but..."

"But?"

"I've never seen him like this."

From Hona's uncertainty and my own, I worried the villager who claimed death was marching was telling the truth.

I scuffed. "What are we to do?" I asked, my voice straining. "I hardly know who he speaks of and what it is!"

"The Rabaka," Hona said, using the name Jonga had when he was torturing me. His face blanched and I watched as he swallowed a lump in his throat.

"What is it?" I was afraid of the answer.

Hona sighed, and shook his head. "I don't know how to explain it to you."

"You must try," I encouraged. "I have to know what we are up against. The people of Udan's lives are at stake. There must be a resolve to the issue."

"I'm not sure if there is one."

"Hona," I whispered, desperate for an answer, "please tell me what you can. There isn't time to waste."

"You will not like what I tell you," he said, deflecting his answer. "The information I hold is unwelcomed. As Udanians we don't prefer to speak of it."

"I need to know," I ordered. "I must protect Udan like Baria protected it. It is my role here as queen."

"Perhaps it's not for you to deal with."

Not for me to deal with. Even though the crown was passed to me.

"I refuse to stand by idly and not act! I am not like Baria. I will not live in ignorance."

"I know."

I sighed. "I am a part of Udan. I should know of the dangers that hide."

"You're right." His voice came out a whisper.

I couldn't help smiling. He removed his black blouse and pointed to the tattoo on his chest. My body ignited as I stared at it. In the river, I saw it before. It was a wolf howling at a blackened moon from the looks of it. The same brand Qia wore on her hand. I swallowed hard, trying not to stare long.

"I am sure you have wondered about this."

"I have," I answered. "Qia mentioned it was a brand Baria gave."