The Underworld Queen - Chapter 2

Boron felt the coins in his pocket as he walked through the city streets, careful not to jingle them too much. The urchins and pickpockets would target him in an instant if they heard the music of the coin and they could probably take them directly from his fingers if he was distracted well enough.
Three left. Just enough to purchase a snack for the walk home and have one left over for his savings jar. He paused in front of his favorite shop and eyed the wares through the gemstone window. The ruby glinted in the light and gave everything inside a red tint. Directly in the middle, perched on a pedestal, stood a book. Boron had eyed the book for years and had his heart set on purchasing it soon. It was made from real paper. He had only ever seen one other like it, as a child, visiting the Mayors house. The trees that grew in the caverns Below were extremely rare and were usually harvested for their fruit rather than made into paper. It had a genuine leather cover, made from the skin of a goat. He wasn't even sure what sort of story or history was printed inside, but he didn't care. One day, he would own it and spend hours going over its text.
Boron sighed and turned away from the shop. He meandered down the street slowly, trying to take his time. It was a cool evening, as most were. The glow worms were still active for a couple more hours and lit the city well, casting their light down from the series of stalactites where they lived. He paused in his step and looked around gently before moving on again,even more slowly than before. He had grown up in these streets, knew them and their workings like the back of his hand. Something was off. There were more Sniffers out than normal. Usually the special Delvers roamed one at a time, making rounds like the police of old. But today they moved in pairs, alert, sniffing along the way. They were looking for someone.
He stopped at a sweet shop and perused the shelves carefully, before finally giving in to his habits and grabbing two pieces of wormwood and paying for them. He entered the street again and turned toward home as he opened the first one. The chocolate melted in his mouth and the bits of glowworm inside turned the candy into a crunchy goodness that gave off a soft minty taste. He chewed slowly to savor it but his attention was once more drawn to the Sniffers that roamed. They were frantic, warey. Their bright eyes shone in the waning light and their noses were never still. Every now and again one would perk up and close their eyes, sniffing furiously in the still air before grunting in frustration and moving off.
Boron finally reached his little home, carved into the stone wall inbetween two taller buildings. He reached for the door and paused. His welcome mat sat just askew. He was always very careful to keep it just so. There was a chance someone walking past had disturbed it but this part of the street saw very few passersby and he doubted that was the case. He bent down and adjusted the mat, before taking a deep breath and walking inside.
“Boron”.
He yelped in response, the soft voice from behind the door startling him. He spun and the door slammed shut. His candy went flying as he made fists, ready to defend himself. It took a moment to finally recognise his friend and sigh in relief.
“Craksia, are you mad, scaring me like that? What if I had hit you?”
“You would never.”
Boron straightened to his full 4'3” hight.
“I've hit people before.”
“Jumping on Hilde in school doesn't count.”
“She made fun of my shoes.”
“She should have, they were hideous.”
Boron grunted in anger at her and spun on his heels, bending to pick up his food and walk back toward the kitchen.
“What are you doing in my house, hiding behind the door? You can always come by work, walk home with me.”
He reached to grab a glass and fill it with water and turned to ask if she wanted some as well. He finally loked her over completely.
“What happened to you?”
Craksia was covered from head to toe in a sickly green grime, which smelt horrid. Her shoes were missing and she stood oddly in the middle of the room, not resting but standing at attention, as if she was about to run at any moment. He forgot his question and simply poured them both some water. She took it greedily and asked for another. As she gulped down the second glass, it dawned on him.
“They're looking for you.”
She paused, slowly lowering the glass.
“The Sniffers. You're who they're looking for.”
She set the glass down and nodded, gesturing to her dirty clothes.
“The glowworms are the only thing they can't smell through.”
“What did you do?”
She seemed hesitant to tell him.
“Something bad.”
He rolled his eyes.
“I gathered that. What was it?”
“Boron I came to you for help, there's no need to be sarcastic.”
“I'm not trying to be. You broke into my home, pursued by Sniffers. I am entitled to know what specifically it is you've done and what you want from me. Now talk.”
Craksia sighed.
“I stole the Queen's Necklace.”
Boron stared at her, trying to decide whether or not he was imagining this entire thing. That was...impossible.
“The Queen's Necklace.”
Craksia nodded.
“The one she wears around her neck at all times.”
Another nod.
“The magical amulet she claims can give her the ability to teleport anywhere she wishes and treasures above anything else?”
“I know it sounds crazy.”
“It sounds insane.”
“It works.”
That stopped Boron cold. The fact that the Queen had a necklace that she wore at all times was common knowledge. She was constantly bragging about it and talking about how she was able to travel anywhere Below simply by thinking about being there. But no one had ever seen her do it. Most of the people believed it was simple drivel that she had decided to believe herself, but of course it couldn't work, that's crazy. But Craksia was no liar.
“What does that mean? Is that how you got in my house, you teleported?”
“No, I used your extra key.”
“I don't have an extra key.”
“It's under the second flower pot out front.”
Boron had nothing to say to that.
“You're talking crazy Craksia! What is this, some big joke? Where did you get that, it looks fake. Those stones on the side aren't real. Fine, it's funny. Is that what you wanted me to say?”
“Fralson is dead.”
Boron stared at her.
“That's not funny.”
Craksia's voice cracked.
“I'm not trying to be funny Boron!”
She burst into tears, collapsing. She didn't even aim for a chair, simply sat in the middle of the floor, tucked her head inbetween her legs and sobbed. Boron had no idea what to do now. Craksia would never joke about something like this and those were real tears. He crouched down next to her, unsure how to proceed. He put a hand on her shoulder.
“I'm so sorry.”
She looked up at him, a small smile on her face.
“He looked after me and my brother after Father died. Mother obviously couldn't take care of us, the way she was. I loved him very much.”
She tried to catch her breath, the tears still flowing. Boron patted her shoulder gently.
“Craksia, I understand you must be devestated. But there's something still you're not telling me. And I'm scared of what it might be.”
She sighed heavily, dabbing at her cheeks.
“It's probably best if I just show you. I don't think you'll believe me if I don't.”
Boron nodded.
“O.K. Show me.”
She stood, wiping the last tears from her face. She put out her hand. Boron hesitated, then took hold of it.
“Don't be scared.”
He gasped as the room dissappeared like smoke. Then nothing but black.
Boron instantly found himself standing in a dark cave. The disorientation of the travel made him heave and he vomited in the dirt. He felt a hand on his back.
“You'll be fine. Sorry I couldn't warn you.”
He wiped his mouth and turned to Craksia, eyes wide.
“The necklace. It works?!”
She nodded.
“How?”
She pointed to the small gems set in the sides.
“My father had one and Fralson had another. Without them the nekclace is useless, another piece of pretty jewelry. The Keys are what cause the teleportation.”
Boron shook his head in disbelief.
“I'm not sure I believe it.”
“We're well outside the city now and it only took us a moment to get here. If you don't believe that, then you'll never understand what I'm about to show you.”
“There's more?”
Craksia nodded and motioned for him to follow her farther into the cave. It grew almost pitch black before they turned a corner and a small fire sat in an alcove, warming and lighting the area.
“You built a fire, very impressive.”
Craksia ignored him and merely pointed to the side.
There, lying up against the rock wall, was a small boy, curled up asleep. Boron stepped closer for a better look.
It was a human.

The Underworld Queen - Chapter 1

Craksia’s feet bled as she ran through the city, past all the houses and shops, through the outskirts and into the tunnels, finally reaching Beyond. She ran directly into the darkness, her mind only thinking of the many feet that ran behind her, relentlessly pursuing. Being caught at this point meant punishment, perhaps even death. And their feet wouldn’t bleed.

Her short legs churned hard as she surged forward, her bright eyes seeing everything in the near blackness. Everything around her seemed to glow as she raced through the caves and tunnels, taking her turns and shortcuts without even thinking. She had grown up in these corridors and felt more at home here than she ever had at the Queens court in the city. Her large ears picked up sounds that most couldn’t, her nose sniffing continuously to direct her even closer to her destination. As she ran her thoughts flooded her head, her fear and elation becoming one new emotion she had never felt before. What had she done? It was the end of her career for sure. And if the Delvers ever caught her it would definitely be the end of her life. And her families. And most of her friends.

She tried not to think on it as she ran, listening intently behind her for the tell-tale stamp and ring of the metal boots on stone. She felt confident she was far enough ahead of them and knew these caves better than they to be safe but the Sniffers would be out in droves and they could pick up her scent a mile through the thickest of stone walls. So she kept on running, her only hope to beat them there.

Finally, she came upon the house. It was nothing to look at from the outside. Sitting in the middle of the giant cavern it looked small, barely reaching two stories. The stone around it had been plowed and cut out, leaving large swaths where wet dirt and moss had been thrown. The lichen and mushrooms that grew everywhere cast their ghostly light up and around and the glow worms wriggled everywhere. Craksia felt the squelch of many of them on the path as her bare feet stamped a rhythm straight up to the door of the house. The lamp out front was lit and uncovered, inviting any visitors in. She barreled her way inside, shutting the door behind her with a bang.

“Fralson?! Are you here?”

The house was deadly silent. The entry hall was lined with tubs filled to the brim with dirt, the glow worms that lived and bred in them squirming all about. If she listened carefully she could hear them digging their holes but she had not the time for such things. She moved through the house quickly, calling the mans name over and over as she searched.

“Fralson, if you’re here answer me! We don’t have time for this!”

“Craksia, is that you?”

The gaunt man emerged from a side room and she almost ran into him. She pulled up short and breathed heavily. Fralson smiled at her, his head cocked to the side in a curious look. He held a bundle of stoneweed in each hand, the moisture dripping onto the floor.

“Hells bells girl, you look to be in a right mess. What’s going on? Where are your shoes?”

“Must have lost them in the chase. Doesn’t matter. They’ll be here any moment. You have to help me.”

“Help? From who? What’s going on?”

“I need your Key.”

Fralsons smile disappeared faster than a young suiters courage whose intended’s father has just shown up. He breathed heavily, slowly setting the stoneweed down on a table nearby, not giving a thought to the precious wood.

“Tell me.”

“I haven’t time.”

“You make the time.”

Craksia could tell by his tone that he wasn’t going to budge on this. She sighed and paused, finally reaching into her pocket and producing a small amulet. Fralsons eyes went wide and he marveled at the piece. The gold and silver plated amulet shone brightly in the dim lit house. Eight gemstones sat around the center, each a different color. They were attached by lines of light, binding each to the other in a strange magic, forming a star of sorts. They sat hovered in midair, set into the amulet yet not a part of it. Fralsons hand raised slowly of its own accord and stretched out to touch the piece. Craksia pulled back before he could make the mistake.

“Don’t touch it.”

He nodded but the gleam in his eyes said he would ignore all reason if he could have the chance to hold it. His eyes never left the priceless jewelry.

“How did you come by this?”

“How do you think? Is the Queen going to be angry?”

“Murderous.”

His senses kicked back into gear and his eyes snapped to meet hers.

“She’s going to send everything she has after you, her entire army. The Delvers, Kickers, Sniffers, Breakers.”

Craksia nodded.

“I think I saw a few Maulers as well.”

Fralson backed away from her quickly, shaking his head and shoving her back toward the doorway.

“No. I cannot be a part of this. You have to leave, now.”

“Fralson, I need your Key. It’s the only way.”

He shook his head vehemently.

“They will rip this house down to the foundation just because you came here. If they even suspected I helped you in this...”

“But you must!”

“I must do no such thing! Now leave! I am not beholden to you!”

He shoved her out the doorway and went to slam the door behind her.

“And what of your promise?!”

That stopped him. The door sat open a crack as he trembled in the doorway, his hand set against the wood. His voice came in a soft squeak.

“That was so many years ago. He told you of that?”

Craksia nodded.

“My father promised me when this day came that you would uphold your end of the bargain, that you would help when destiny called your name. I am calling to you now, uncle, that you would remember the old days. The way things used to be. We can regain that time. But I need your help.”

He sighed on the other side of the door, refusing to open it again.

“This will not come without costs. You must think of what you are giving up. What you are asking me to sacrifice.”

“Think of what will be lost if we do nothing.”

Fralson closed his eyes and a few tears fell into his face. Finally, he slowly drew the door back open.

“You ask much of me, dear niece. I hope you have thought this through.”

He looked again to the necklace she held in her hand.

“Though it seems you already have.”

He reached with his right hand to his left and grasped a ring, whose gemstone matched one of the ones in the necklace. He gently pulled it free and spat in his hand, polishing it of the dirt and grime. He stared at it wistfully for a moment, before finally handing it to Craksia. She bowed her head in thanks and set it on one of her own fingers, next to its brother. She slung the necklace over her head and the medallion hung in between her breasts. She looked up into Fralsons eyes.

“Thank you. The fate of the land is one step closer to freedom.”

He nodded sadly. He took one last breath and steeled himself, raising his eyes to look out across his property.

“You must go. I can feel their footsteps even now. They will be here soon.”

Craksia stepped forward and put her arms around the frail man, hugging him tightly. He stood still for a moment before finally returning the embrace.

“Leave now. I can assure your escape for the moment but not for long. Hide quickly and surely. Perhaps they will not find you for many days.”

“I won’t be found. They can’t follow where I’m going.”

His eyes grew wide and his face was full of fear.

“You’re going to the Surface?!”

“It’s the only way uncle. Did you think I stole the necklace out of spite alone?”

He shook his head and went to shut the door again.

“Your journey is even more dangerous than I imagined. Go, now, before it’s too late. You’ve already killed me with your presence.”

“A sin I will pay for in the next life.”

The door shut with a bang and a finality that sent tremors all throughout her body but she hadn’t a moment to lose. Craksia ran out into the yard and stood in the middle of the gardens, taking hold of the necklace with both hands. The rings on her hand glowed fiercely as she channeled the magic that rose up from the ground. At the last instant, before she disappeared fully, she saw the Queens solders race into the gardens from all side, trampling with their metal boots without a thought. It grieved her so to leave him to his fate but Fralson knew this day would come. He would leave honorably.

Craksia vanished in a cloud of smoke that spun up into the air and twisted like a cyclone before dissipating into nothing.

———————————————————

The room was dark as Craksia stole across the soft surface, her bare feet making not a sound. The blood had dried and she ignored the trails of flecks as they peppered the floor. The strange room was full of all sorts of alien items, toys and books, machines and inventions that made no sense to her. But her mission lay before her, lying in the bed, breathing steadily in the deep slumber. The boy had no idea she was there. The sky outside was dark, yet even in the pitch of night the light streaming in from the moon and stars was as lamplight to her, streaming across the room brightly. She squinted as she made her way ever closer, hand going to her chest to grab the necklace.

She held it out slowly as the gems activated and began to glow, casting even more light around the room. She began to chant softly in the language of the Elders, the words her father taught her from birth etched into her memory. She drew from her incantation, giving it life and power as the light grew steadily stronger. There was a cry from the other room. She was not alone.

The boys eyes opened sleepily as the light grew bright as day and her voice rose to the climax of the chant. His face wakened suddenly, sitting up in shock and fear. She finished her words and silently apologized to him in her heart as the light wrapped around the both of them and they disappeared in the blink of an eye, stealing the Prince from his bed.