Queen Kohra

The caravan travelled out of the capital through the forest and headed towards the mountains. They avoided going through the cities because it would cause a panic if they found the Queen travelling out of the Kingdom.

Kohra sealed her magix to prevent the spread of damage on her body and ensure the growth of her baby but it had a rebound on her body, knocking her out for the few days they travelled.

Lesker spent most of his time looking after her and the rest, enjoying the scenery. They had a basic routine and he could barely research with the constant travelling.

He stared at Kohra's pale face and wished she could enjoy the scenery with him.

"Your highness" the leader of the caravan called out to him.

"Yes?"

"We have reached the border of Ataliya. We would stop at one of the border towns to restock and hopefully find a healer for the Queen. I doubt anyone could recognize us here"

"Alright" Lesker replied tiredly.

"Your highness, if I may?"

"What is it?"

"You've barely slept in the past few days and you barely ate. Please take the time to rest. If you also fall sick, who would take care of her majesty?"

"You're right. I'll rest. Please look after us"

By the time Lesker awoke from his nap, it was already night time. All the caravan members had set up camp and prepared dinner. They were either resting, eating or standing guard.

He climbed out of the carriage he was and stretched. He excused himself for a bath in the nearby river and refused the offer to be followed.

After hanging his clothes on a branch, he slowly entered the river and washed himself. He allowed the water to ease his tensed muscles and allowed himself to relax.

"You're an enigma" he heard a voice whisper. He looked around and saw a congregation of blue dots of light on a part of the river not too far from him. They formed the outline of a woman in an ethereal form.

Lesker came out of the water and grabbed his sword, still naked.

"Who or what are you and what do you want from me?"

"Aw, you've seen statues and pictures of me almost everywhere and you still can't recognize me. I'm hurt"

Recognition flared in his eyes and he held his sword tighter.

"If it isn't Muni, the goddess of war"

"You got it right" she said with a smile. Lesker just ignored her and started putting on his clothes.

"For someone who studies the gods, I thought you'd be excited to meet one"

"I study them doesn't mean I like them. I'd rather not be a naked corpse. I'm afraid even my ancestors would curse me from their graves"

"You certainly are interesting. You study the gods to find a cure for your lack of your magix. Tell me Lesker, have you heard about the ritual of the unliving?" She asked with a smirk.

Meanwhile at the camp, Kohra suddenly woke up and came out of the carriage.

"Your majesty, you're awake. You shouldn't be moving so suddenly" a maid said as soon as she saw her.

"Where is Lesker?"

"He went to take a bath in the river not far from here"

"Alone?"

"Yes your majesty. Is anything the problem?"

"Crap!"

Kohra ran in the direction of the river, her magix unfurling. The men running behind her were all blowm away when she increased her speed and arrived at the river in a short second.

"Aw, you're already here. I thought I was going to get away with this" Muni said with a mock frown. Floating just beside her was an unconcious Lesker.

"What do you want with him? What do you want?"

"The same thing you want. I want to fight you but I must give you enough motivation. So, I'm taking him with me"

"What makes you think I'll care if you take him away? I still plan to fight you either way"

"You brought him all the way here, I think you care enough"

"No. I brought him along for two reason. One, if he's with me then you wouldn't attack the palace. Second, he's been marked by Burmi. I hardly think you'll want second hand goods" Kohra concluded with a smirk.

"Wow, I must commend your intelligence. You are truly befitting of the title of the greatest Queen Ataliya has seen in years. However, your knowledge is vastly lacking. Do you know the criteria Burmi has for taking the boys in?

They must have a divine spark. He takes their divine spark, plays with them and leaves them to die as an ornament in his temple. It's just surprising to see he was married off to you. Now, who do you think is getting the better end of this deal?"

Kohra could only grit her teeth.

"I'll release him to you only if you win our fight. Till then..."

Muni disappeared the same way she came. Kohra's magix went back to its sealed state.

"How much longer till we get to the northern mountains?" She asked the leader of the caravan who finally caught up to her.

"We would be there in a week your majesty"

"Good, wake me when we get there" Kohra said and collapsed again.