Queen’s Man: of Glaalet Kind

By AnnaMarieAlt

Calamitous menace looms over Queen Rejeena and her queen’s man, Aarvan. Will Queen Tabarana, their corrupt and conflict-proven mortal enemy, be chosen great queen of Kriiscon? This danger forces Rejeena to place her name in contention for the position. Can she defeat Tabarana? Rejeena’s public stance granting men, now slaves, certain rights gravely undermines her possibilities. Radical, traditional queens, with choices to cast, view her changes as traitorous.

Complicating this hazard, a coalition of mainland leaders demands the new great queen join them to discuss male slavery on the island; the men’s obvious goal is to end it. How can Kriiscon retain her female-dominated culture and still satisfy these leaders whose aggregate military forces can crush them?

During the required travel, Rejeena’s guards must maintain diligent vigil against Ishtabarra. The queen’s greedy outlaw cousin skulks always in the background, seeking opportunity to slay Rejeena and claim her queenship.

Eclipsing all else, the queen’s traveling contingent accidentally invades a hundreds-strong enclave of glaalets. Aggressive and territorial, the legendary gigantic monsters threaten to slaughter the entire party. Can Rejeena’s queenly influence and Aarvan’s fighting ability combine to avert disaster, or will their lives end and all their efforts to save their beloved Kriiscon come to naught on a treacherous snowy mountaintop?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796018783

AnnaMarieAlt

AnnaMarieAlt enjoys a passion for writing romantic fantasy fiction, building otherworldly realms. Her two careers, the military followed by civil service, exposed her to varied cultures, races, religions, and beliefs stateside and abroad—England, Continental Europe, the Far East, the South, North, Southeast, Hawaii and Kentucky, where she now resides. This exposure granted her a rounded view of the world and a host of invaluable knowledge that she now brings to her fantasy creations. These experiences, earning a college degree, while surviving and supporting the Women’s Liberation Movement launched her understanding of herself as a woman and a writer. She writes to convey her myriad experiences, because she cannot not write—to share the legacy of a lifetime and accept that we are all human. AnnaMarie has written the Queen’s Man series, an adventurous, romantic fantasy, about the island of Kriiscon, where women rule and men are slaves. The series encompasses the struggle between a domineering but curse-haunted queen and a mysterious, audacious Mainland man, the twisted struggle between women and men for supremacy, culminating in the battle of star-crossed empires. Her words expose the ugly underbelly of the human race and illumine the power of virtue, while following the grinding agony of a culture in the throes of change. Life’s ambition: Fully grown, AnnaMarie wants to be just like Granny Clampett.

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Copyright © 2019 by AnnaMarieAlt.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-7960-1879-0

                eBook            978-1-7960-1878-3

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 04/03/2019

Xlibris

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The Queen’s Man Series:

A twisted, epic tale of the struggle between woman and man for supremacy.

1. Queen’s Man: Into The Inferno (Available Now)

2. Queen’s Man: Beyond The Corridor (Available Now)

3. Queen’s Man: Conflict (Available Now)

4. Queen’s Man: Enter The Caana (Available Now)

5. Queen’s Man: Treachery (Available Now)

6. Queen’s Man: Decision (Available Now)

7. Queen’s Man: Paaerta Hunt (Available Now)

8. Queen’s Man: Discovery (Available Now)

9. Queen’s Man: Of Glaalet Kind (Available Now)

10. Queen’s Man: Karma (Coming Soon).

Twelve Books In All

Website: www.annamariealt.com

Women rule on the island of Kriiscon and hold all men as slaves. On the opposite shore, men rule the Mainland and treat women as mere chattel.

A decade-long curse denies haughty Queen Rejeena of Kriiscon the greatest gift from their goddess, the gift of daughters. Coupled with the threat of assassination from her outlaw cousin, Rejeena’s very existence and happiness hang steeped in jeopardy.

The queen’s life changes forever when a Mainland man, Aarvan, plagued with no memory, awakens on Kriiscon. Rejeena claims him as her queen’s man. The island’s way of life infuriates and repels Aarvan, yet a potent, exotic attraction binds Queen Rejeena and him together. Even as conflicts rage, both their own and those of outside forces, their passion deepens.

The island is plagued with conflict—assassination efforts; posses of men battling for independence; more powerful, lustful queens; developing disloyalty within the queen’s guard ranks. Aarvan and Rejeena must battle all foes, who seek to separate and destroy them—emanating from both the Mainland, with vast numbers and superior weapons, and Kriiscon itself.

Ultimately, queen and queen’s man must confront each other, seek to overcome cruelty, intolerance and injustice as they build a bridge to harmony and love—a long journey fraught with adventure, intrigue and mortal danger. All the while, standing together, they must strive to gratify the Mainland, unite the raging forces upon the island, and control the destiny of Kriiscon.

Is such a harmony of feats even possible?

A hazy

film hung in the air, punctuated by a steady, irritating sprinkle, accompanied by the peculiar odor of dampness too long applied. The setting sun, obscured by smoky fog, sent anemic tendrils of pink peeking around dismal, gray clouds.

Queens Rejeena and Rhotha, with their traveling convoy, arrived in a large open valley, framed by rolling hillocks. Five days had passed since they rerouted to Tabarana’s Towne from Conniina’s Towne, their original travel intent. The great queen danced upon the four winds, and a new one must be chosen. Eight queens, all of equal status, wants and needs vying with one another, without a ruling, equalizing force, seemed a frightening prospect. All queens of the island of Kriiscon must gather to accomplish the chore of replacing Annannear.

Captain Locin dismounted and held open the door of the coach. My Queen, O Queen, we needs camp here for the night. Tomorrow, by early afternoon we should arrive in Tabarana’s Towne. She chuckled at the wry, disgusted lift of lip from Aarvan, Rejeena’s queen’s man.

Tabarana’s Towne, Rejeena grumbled, would that I had never heard of the place. She frowned and climbed from the coach.

We have, though, Rejeena dear, Rhotha said, so we must face our trials and tribulations. She followed Rejeena onto the wet ground, then bent her back forward, pushing at her spine. Oh, had LaSheena been fair, men would have to share the burden of carrying offspring to fruition. She poked Randall, her queen’s man, sharply on the arm with the heel of her hand. Men know but pleasure. We women must suffer the pangs of completion and agony of birthing.

Rejeena rotated her back and hips. Yes, traveling can be galling when one hangs heavy with child, and you are further along than I.

Rhotha pointed across the valley behind them. Is that not Conniina’s travel coach with our rear guard?

Indeed it is. The coach trappings and guard uniform insignia are her deep red. A smile replaced Rejeena’s frown. She clapped her hands once. It appears LaSheena will favor us with the opportunity after all to converse with Conniina before we arrive for council. This is excellent, Rhotha.

While the guards and servants set camp, the queens and their men waited for Queen Conniina’s arrival. Land Leader Tameera and her favored holdee Dick exited their carriage and joined the queens.

Dick’s large hand fell onto Aarvan’s shoulder. Wisht you was ridin’ with us, boy. Borin’ with just my mistress and a coupla her advisors.

This whole trip has been a bore. Wet, rainy, mud everywhere. Aarvan glanced at his boots. Can’t keep your feet clean or dry. I’ve the same desire to arrive in Tabarana’s Towne as I do to visit Nether, but at least we can get out of the muck.

Dick chuckled. Depends, I reckon, on what you wanta call muck. His voice dropped to a whisper. You seem allus to be mired in muck ’round that garfaalit queen.

Aarvan scowled. Garfaalit queen, indeed, the … detestable harridan. Wish that woman would keep her scheming eyes and hands off me.

Ain’t likely gonna happen.

Their conversation ended as Conniina’s coach stopped nearby. The queen stepped out, followed by a man wearing double buttons and an armskin.

Conniina, in her early twenties, stood taller than Rhotha but shorter than Rejeena. Her large belly declared her completed, advanced in that condition beyond both the other queens. Her light brown eyes, framed by short, curly brown hair, swept the group. Her gaze paused when she met Aarvan’s. Then she smiled and hurried forward to exchange hugs with Rejeena and Rhotha.

I am so glad to meet with women who will smile, Conniina said. I suspect there will be few happy faces when we reach Tabarana’s Towne. She motioned at Rejeena’s and Rhotha’s large bellies. It would appear lineage will soon bloom again for all of us.

You assess well, Conniina. Rhotha snickered. Both the atmosphere of Tabarana’s Towne and our lineage condition. She gestured. I believe you have formerly met my queen’s man Randall, as well as Land Leader Tameera and Richard.

They bowed and greeted.

Conniina, I do not believe you know my queen’s man Aarvan. Rejeena smiled, with expansive wave of hand and gleaming eyes.

Conniina chortled as Aarvan bowed and kissed her hand. I do now, Rejeena. Her scrutiny raked him. I have heard much of him, though. He does not disappoint. She pulled her queen’s man forward. Some of you already have met my queen’s man Kerrigan. Those who do not know, Kerry can neither speak nor hear. If he seems rude, he simply does not hear you.

A classically handsome man, with dark brown hair and hazel eyes, Kerrigan’s features were even and balanced. Muscular and bulkier than Aarvan’s sleek frame, though not as large as Randall, the deaf-mute’s build would please the eye of any woman. He wore a vest and an armskin in deep cerise, Conniina’s color. Bowing, nodding around the group, he met no one’s eyes, and his gaze dropped to the level of their feet.

Aarvan walked closer and thrust out his hand to Kerrigan. The other queen’s man gripped it, his handshake firmer and warmer than his wavering gaze. Aarvan made a saluting motion with his hand.

Kerrigan reared back slightly, his eyes widened and a grin split his face. He returned the gesture.

Aarvan made another movement with hand and arm. Kerrigan did also. Then they gesticulated back and forth.

Aarvan, whatever are you doing? Rejeena asked.

I’m conversing with Kerrigan, My Queen. Aarvan turned his head to smile at her. It’s called sign language, a system of communication for deaf persons. I … well, it just popped into my head, as other bits of memory have done.

Your queen has never heard of such. She stepped forward to stand beside him. Say something.

Aarvan made some gestures and Kerrigan motioned in return. I asked him how the trip went, Aarvan explained. He said it was wet and rainy, but—Aarvan flicked a quick grin at Conniina—time spent with his queen is always pleasant.

Conniina stared at Aarvan. You speak with my queen’s man through these hand gestures?

Yes, O Queen, he said. The method was developed on the Mainland so deaf persons can talk. Of course, you have to know what gestures to make. Fortunately, since there are several versions, Kerrigan and I seem to know the same one.

That seems most amazing, Conniina said. To this point, Kerry could only speak through scribing upon barks.

Locin joined them. My Queen, O Queens, the big tent is set, if you would care to escape this drizzle.

Indeed, we would, Rhotha said. Come. She encompassed their small group with her wave of hand, including Conniina and Kerrigan.

Aah, Rejeena sighed as they entered the tent. Thick, oiled deerskin flooring covered the mud. A large brazier pulsed heat, beating back the chill. Lanterns, fastened to the tent poles, glowed along the walls. Sitting mats and light wooden chairs grouped in a semi-circle near the brazier. Filling the air, a light, flowery aroma greeted the nostrils.

Aarvan paused by Locin, who stood inside the entrance. Very nice, Shiira Guardscaptain. He grinned. Homey, dry and even smells good. You put this together fast. How efficient.

She poked on the shoulder with an index finger. I simply directed that such be done. With a glance to be sure the queen could not hear, she added, "This journey stands my opportunity to outshine former Captain Shabet’s best efforts. And that is Shiira Queen’s Guardscaptain to you."

Too many words, he said. You’ll have to settle for the old title.

So will you, Arrogant Pup. My queen wishes to inveigle cooperation from Queen Conniina. A special effort seemed judicious.

You’re wily, too, he said.

She smirked. Do not forget either the efficiency or the wiles.

He chuckled and strode away to join Rejeena.

The queens and their small group of seegarpt and queens’ men settled around the brazier. Servants appeared with coffee and hot shaarberry wine.

Aarvan pulled off his boots. Please excuse my feet, he said, but I think they’re beginning to rot.

A wise precaution for all. Rejeena removed hers.

Three servants arrived, carrying armloads of boots and towels. We have brought dry boots, My Queen, one said. Captain Locin felt you would need them.

How thoughtful, Conniina gushed. They are my own. She raptly regarded her replacements.

Yes, O Queen, the servant said. Captain Locin had us gather them from your women. She handed boots to all, each from their own stores. Everyone changed from wet boots to dry ones, toweling their feet during the exchange.

Much better. Aarvan looked toward the tent flap and gave a clenched hand signal to Locin, who peered in.

She returned the gesture and vanished.

Following dinner, settled with relaxing drinks, Rejeena and Rhotha raised their main concern.

Conniina, have you heard of the new laws that I enacted, which I term Holdee Reform? Rejeena asked.

Conniina grinned. I have heard obliquely through rumor, and, if one sets credence by such drivel, apparently you heave from beneath Kriiscon her very supports.

Rejeena lifted a bark and thrust it toward her.

Kerrigan rose from his seat, took it and handed it to his queen.

I stand momentously disappointed, Rejeena, Conniina said after reading the bark and a few moments of contemplation. From the furor over these laws, I thought to visualize some gargantuan warp of mores, laws, traditions, good sense and sobriety. What I see before my eyes are five changes, which probably should have been enacted a long time ago over the breadth of the island. She cocked an eyebrow. Are you quite certain this is your entire venture?

Quite certain. You do not then find these laws offensive and destructive to all that is Kriisconian?

No, I do not. Conniina displayed a thoughtful frown. Though I,—she gestured at the other two queens—and clearly you and Rhotha find no offense, I hold great fear that others will.

Traditionalists will assuredly find offense, Rhotha said. However, should no action be taken, new ideas not advanced, naught will ever change. I, unlike Rejeena—for a brief moment she clamped her upper teeth over her lower lip—do not relish engagement in battle, be it physical or verbal. However, these laws stand needful.

Should your Holdee Reform be accepted by all, do you intend to stop at this point? Conniina displayed a sly eye roll.

Rejeena rubbed her chin with a palm. In truth, Conniina, no. Already I visualize other changes, which we need. However, I will try to hawk these to all women first.

You have acquired an excessively attractive queen’s man, Rejeena. Conniina’s scrutiny flicked to Aarvan, who sat in his usual spot, on a mat at Rejeena’s feet. I have heard rumblings through the speculation mills suggesting he has obtained a certain power over your mind and actions. How true are these opinions?

Rejeena’s hand fell to Aarvan’s shoulder, thumb massaging along his collarbone. She smiled. Likely all of them. Aarvan has, through his words and deeds, opened the eyes of his queen to many wrongs we women perpetrate upon men. However, these decisions, laws and changes, which I feel needed, are nonetheless my creations, not Aarvan’s. She glanced at his profile, her thumb rubbing harder. Were they Aarvan’s designs, all men would be disenholded. That I do not advocate and do not envision a circumstance in which I would.

Aarvan nodded and signed to Kerrigan, whose face broke into a grin.

Rejeena tapped Aarvan on the shoulder. You may signal thus to Kerry, but you will also speak aloud so all may understand.

"I said, My Queen … ‘Women’!"

Both Randall and Dick snickered. Tameera lightly clouted Dick.

And what precisely does that mean? Rejeena asked, a glower forming.

It means whatever interpretation a listener wishes to apply. Aarvan’s lips lifted in a prickly grin.

Conniina burst out laughing. Rumor reports your queen’s man to be most brazen, Rejeena. I see that it is so.

Rejeena stared at Aarvan with narrowed eyes. My queen’s man undeniably stands most brazen. Were it not for his other abilities, he would feel the sting of locchot often. Unfortunately, I stupidly disenholded him. Now he may do as pleases him within the limits of law.

Aarvan smirked. I’m glad you remembered that, My Queen.

Let us return to the main discussion, women, Rhotha said, before Rejeena finds need to take a truchon to Aarvan.

Randall snickered. She tried that, too. Didn’t work.

Rhotha slapped the back of his head. Silence, my saaewa.

Conniina shifted in her chair. Rejeena, Rhotha, though I find no difficulty with your laws, the older queens most assuredly will. Frankly, I hold adversity with the idea of so directly moving against them. They hold much power. My short staff cannot begin to deliver effective resistance. It will require many seasons for me to advance in stature to oppose these women and their entrenched outlooks. She scrutinized the other two queens. You also are young queens. Do you not feel disinclined to confront these formidable women?

Yes, assuredly, Rhotha said. It is no pleasant prospect. However, change and forward progress must begin somewhere. If we do not advance these ideas, who will?

Conniina shook her head, then scrubbed at her hairline with a palm. I do not believe, women, I can join you in this venture. I would avoid the glare of LaSheena’s beacon, not irritate these powerful women at this time. Queen Taavadira in particular attempted to withhold from me my staffing, through complaint to the great queen. She declared me not suitable for queenship, and espoused my neophyte sister, Delffa, who had not yet reached the age of corporeal responsibility.

Why would she do that? Rhotha asked.

It is my belief, Conniina said, she hoped to grasp some hold over affairs in my quarter through the woman who would then be chosen to act in the capacity of queen until Delffa matured.

The youngest queen frowned a discomfited grimace. Additionally, I have experienced disapproval from all the older queens concerning my choice of queen’s man.

Your queen’s man? Rejeena studied Kerrigan. He is most striking, seems polite and deferential … as opposed to some. She glanced at Aarvan. What objection do they advocate?

Because Kerry cannot speak or hear, they consider him defective, not good queen’s man material.

Indeed? Rejeena cocked her head to one side. I already knew this, but wanted you to intone it, so my next question may render full effect. They consider you not good queen material, him defective, not fitting for queen’s man status. Do you feel accommodation by you of their stance will change their outlook?

No, Conniina admitted, but blatant opposition will certainly not do so.

In the experience of this queen, Rejeena said, accommodation of unreasonable demands and outlooks seldom harvests pleasant fruit. Once they have thrown their lure and sunk their hook, they wish only to grind it deeper into your flesh—as they might hook a fish, then jerk to assure the barb well set to preclude escape. Rejeena rose and paced the short expanse of the tent. Blatant opposition at times is the only path to gain their attention. Those deeply mired in tradition and the olden ways may never agree, so must be instead overridden.

Rejeena stopped and met the younger queen’s eyes. As Rhotha said, ideas never presented, due to unwillingness to engage in verbal jousting or stir the ire of those in power, shall never be illumined by the light and become law.

In the semi-gloom of the tent interior, Rejeena’s eyes glittered as they flicked from one of her companions to the next, with the intensity of a hawk seeking prey. We must be stalwart, make a stand for that which we believe to be righteous, draw verbal sword and smite our foes until we achieve victory. She paused, raised her shoulders to draw in a deep breath, dropped the shoulders and puffed the breath back out, long and slow.

Oh, did that sound pompous, Rejeena muttered. She again met the younger queen’s eyes. Though pompous, it is nevertheless true. Perhaps you will think on it more, Conniina. We have some time before need to declare choice.

Conniina sighed. I pledge but to think on it. However, I am not a queen who relishes confrontation and criticism from those older and purported to be wiser. I do not envision a change of outlook.

Rhotha spoke. What do you know of Queen Mateet, Conniina? Rejeena and I feel we may grant her our choices to replace Great Queen Annannear, rather than allow Tabarana to advance to that position. You may support our choice, even if you cannot directly champion our laws. Do you have any impression of Mateet’s leanings as concerns mores and traditions?

Conniina shook her head. I met Mateet briefly but once. I sensed about her a woman more attuned to patterns and behavior which serve her personally rather than the quarter, the island or women in general.

If so, her leanings could work for or against us. Rhotha flashed a crafty smile. Perhaps we may bribe her.

That is always an option. Rejeena rose and stretched her back. Travel has been arduous. Likely we all needs retire. Upon the morrow, we will arrive in Tabarana’s Towne. There will then be small time to rest, and we shall surely experience much travail guiding this island down the path of wisdom.

Alone in their tent, Aarvan asked, My Queen, since you wish to gain Queen Conniina’s support, was it wise to risk irritating her with the accommodation question?

Rejeena sniggered. She held thumb and forefinger close together. It comprised but a tiny gamble, Aarvan. I hoped to jolt Conniina’s resentment against the older queens, turn her face in our direction.

Didn’t seem to work.

Large plants sometimes sprout from the tiniest of seeds, and grow into great bounty at harvest season. We can but wait and see.

He nodded. Crafty, My Queen. He pulled the tie of her skirt, allowing it fall to the tent floor.

*     *     *

The following day remained chilly and occasional rain beat down. A clammy, raw wind sliced through clothing and slithered around door and window casings on the coaches. The young queens’ travel convoy arrived early afternoon in Tabarana’s Towne. Tired, damp and grumpy, especially Aarvan, none were in a mood to pleasantly greet Queen Tabarana.

However, there she stood, flanked by Queen Piirmaat, Queen Taavadira and another woman.

The arriving queens and their queens’ men alit from their coaches.

Who is that woman with the queens? Rejeena asked Rhotha.

I do not know, Rhotha said. Must hold importance, as she stands with them.

Tabarana advanced, displaying a convivial smile, arms flung wide. Welcome, she called, welcome, dear queens, dear friends, to my towne. Rest, a repast and quarters await you. She hugged Rejeena, Rhotha and Conniina, who returned the clasps without fervor. Granting Randall a quick nod and Kerrigan a cool stare, the long-staff queen embraced Aarvan in a possessive clinch as he rose from his bow. He did not pull away, but stiffened his body, arms at his sides. Tabarana ignored his reluctance and, in releasing him, her hand brushed his derriere.

He frowned, but didn’t speak. Maybe it wasn’t deliberate. Yeah, and maybe water runs uphill.

Following greetings among all queens and new arrivals, Tabarana introduced the unfamiliar woman who stood with the queens. "This is Restaata, Great Conjurah to Queen Dorothy. Dorothy sends her salutations, but unfortunately cannot attend the council due to illness. Dorothy grants Restaata by missive the right and duty to enter her choice as great queen.

Rejeena, Rhotha, Conniina, Tabarana continued in that cheerful voice, since Piirmaat, Taavadira and Restaata will all quarter in my home, we thought perhaps you would be more comfortable staying with my good friend and banquer, Pluura.

The banquer stepped forward to stand beside Tabarana and curtsied. You are most welcome, O Queens, to stay in my home. My house is spacious and the accommodations will please.

Thank you, Tabarana, Pluura. However, Rhotha and I decided to utilize the excellent facilities of the Hotel Spreent. Rejeena smiled and lied with aplomb. I sent women ahead to secure us quarters. We could not possibly disappoint now.

Oh, Rejeena, no, Tabarana caviled. That place is nigh unto a hovel, fit only for common allway women. Queens should not grace it with their presence. Stay with Pluura.

Thank you again, but no, Rejeena said with a slight lift of brows. The last time we stayed in this towne, not so long ago, the hotel proved more than adequate. That is settled.

And you, Conniina? Tabarana’s voice grated, less cheerful.

I had already decided to house at a hotel, Tabarana. A wrinkle plowed between Conniina’s eyebrows. My contingent and I choose not to impose upon anyone.

Rejeena interjected quickly, Perhaps, Conniina, you will consider the Hotel Spreent. Rhotha’s and my women take our belongings there now. Your coordinator may accompany them and ascertain its suitability for you.

If it pleases you and Rhotha, I am sure it would please me. Conniina waved at a woman who stood near. Please take action as needed to garner rooms, Caema.

Yes, My Queen. The indicated woman joined the other queens’ women as they hurried along the Mainway.

Rejeena’s hand settled on Aarvan’s back. What of lunch, Tabarana? We are all hungry, have spent much time in cold and damp.

Yes, of course. Tabarana’s voice had dropped in temperature. We will lunch at the superb restaurant, Saa Faarna. They await to serve us even as we speak.

Aarvan signed the ongoing conversation to Kerrigan, who responded with deft manipulations of his hands and fingers.

Tabarana frowned. What is this inanity which passes between your queens’ men?

When Conniina explained how the sign language allowed Kerrigan to converse, Tabarana’s frown deepened. She glared at Kerrigan then Aarvan. Such absurdity! Talk with hands, indeed! Whirling, she muttered, as though to herself, Truly, such as he needs inclusion? She stood with fist planted on hip, and signaled along the Mainway. At the moment, Conniina, we all wish to lunch, not be amused by this daft method of speaking—likely but some concoction to make your queen’s man appear functional. Tabarana marched away, leading the others.

Aarvan and Kerrigan shared a grin and followed their queens.

Dick sidled next to Aarvan. Didn’t know you could do that, boy. Heard of such long time ago, but never seen no one use it. Where’d you learn?

I’ve no idea, Dick. Just popped into my head when we met Kerrigan.

You allus seem to know a lot for a guy who don’t know nothin’, Dick said.

The queens chatted as they strolled toward the restaurant.

Dropping well behind the women, seeking a bit of man time, Dick and Aarvan walked side by side. Kerrigan looked around and paused to walk with them. Randall shrugged, left his queen and joined the other men. When they reached the restaurant, the queens had disappeared inside.

Aarvan glanced at the doorway, sighed and grimaced. Lined across the porch stood the other queens’ men—Lootan, Queen Piirmaat’s man; Maalicon, Queen Tabarana’s man; Daamon, who had been introduced during the greetings as Queen Taavadira’s man; and inexplicably Henry, who had been the late Great Queen Annannear’s man. Blast, Aarvan muttered.

What’s the matter? Randall asked.

Our reception committee.

Just the other queens’ men, Randall said. Already met them. Seemed civil enough.

The queens were watching, Aarvan explained. Lootan is all right. Daamon I don’t know. But Henry and Maalicon seem to consider me the personification of Goosran’s right hand demon, or whatever they grow in Nether. I’m not particularly fond of them, either.

Henry and Maalicon had positioned themselves before the door in matching poses, feet planted, heads cocked, arms crossed, blocking the entrance. Well, if it ain’t the great Aarvan, Henry sneered, queen’s man extraordinaire.

Henry, Aarvan greeted in a quiet tone. Men. He nodded to the others.

Told you to call me Great Queen’s Man, Henry snapped.

Great queen’s dead, Henry, Dick said. Whatever you think you are, you ain’t no great queen’s man no more.

Henry scowled at Dick, as though viewing a spider before stomping it. How dare you even speak to me? You’re just a damned holdee.

Dick chortled. So’re you. You ain’t even a queen’s man, just a scum-drudging holdee like the rest of us lowlifes. How’s it feel to scrape bottom?

Why you … Henry sputtered, starting forward. I ought to—

Maalicon grabbed his arm. Hold up. He pointed at Aarvan, who now stood in front of Dick, the movement so quick and smooth it had been nearly invisible. You may be able to take the big man, but not that one. You seen how he done with that gargantua—bested that damn big pig. Maalicon glared at Aarvan but spoke to Henry. When we kill him, it’ll have to be sneaky, come from behind.

Glad to know your plans, Maalicon, Aarvan said. He stood, eyes blank like an unused bark, motion contained as a tarag cat just before it springs.

Randall stepped forward beside Aarvan. Dick pushed between the two of them. Kerrigan, also, formed the line.

They’s four o’ us and four o’ you, Dick said.

Hey, count me out. Lootan backed away. I’m not in this. I was just standing here.

You spineless rabbitt! Maalicon snapped. You’re a loose man, like some of us. You going to lily-liver out?

I’m no loose man, Lootan said. I’m more what the women call an outtowne taat. And this is not my fight. I’ve no difficulty with these men.

Outtowne taat, my arse, Henry growled. Ain’t no such, anyway. Outtowne dogshit is what you are. Get out of here, you coward.

Lootan pushed between Henry and the door and entered the restaurant. Daamon took a step away from the others, but didn’t speak.

Now you only got three, Dick said. His large hand fell onto Aarvan’s shoulder. With the queen’s man, we likely got ’bout ten, mebbe more.

Yeah, you’re nuisances. Get out of the way, Randall said.

Queens’ Men, get in here, a guard called out the door. The queens are looking for you.

Maalicon sneered at Aarvan. Later, you dogshit.

You, you scurvy holdee, we got business later, too. Henry eyed Dick.

Aarvan walked forward. Gentlemen, I’m tired of you. Move, please.

The three men stepped aside as Aarvan, eyes straight ahead, strode between them. His friends followed. Walking across the room to join the queens, Aarvan said, I didn’t realize Lootan considers himself an outtowne taat. Didn’t know loose men could be such.

Yeah, if they don’t join a group, Randall said, just want to dodge the women, don’t want to fight. Stay by themselves in the outtowne.

Lonely, Aarvan said.

Randall shrugged. Some like it that way, and some form small groups.

Aarvan grunted. Met one before,—he paused and gulped as he thought of the old man who had helped him and died for his efforts—but he was Mainlander. Never heard of a loose man being an outtowne taat before.

Ain’t no wonder that, Dick said. Don’t cause no fuss nohow. Jest live their lives, tryin’ to stay out o’ trouble.

Aarvan joined Rejeena. She asked, What caused that ruckus at the door? We queens stand eager to order.

A little man business. He slid into his chair, and noted the seating placed four persons between Queen Tabarana and him. The bitch can’t get her hands on me. Thank LaSheena.

A stone fireplace dominated one end of the room, the crackling flames leaping high, sending spears of warmth circling and coddling the diners. You have chosen a most gratifying place to relax and seek comforts after our arduous travel, Tabarana. Rhotha waved around the extensive but cozy dining room. Flanking the fireplace, shelves holding pots and pans and decorative dishes lent a homey aura. Encased by thick drapes, one long window allowed light, emphasizing the contrast of snug interior with cold rain spattering the panes. Varied but related coastal paintings of tranquil ocean in soft shades of blue and green, viewed through growths of seagrass or across white sandy beaches, hung about the walls. The servesses pussy-footed efficiently and attentively around the table, taking orders in hushed tones and delivering drinks.

Tabarana smiled. It is a favorite of mine. Wonderful atmosphere, delicious food and solicitous service—as is proper for queens.

The older, longer-staffed queens grouped together with their queens’ men. Each queen seated by rank, longer staffs closer to the table head, with her queen’s man to her left. Tabarana sat alone at the end of the table, Maalicon around the corner. Henry grabbed and filled the chair to the left of Queen Conniina, which should have been Kerrigan’s spot.

Conniina, Tabarana said, I have granted Henry permission to continue in his present status until a new great queen is chosen. As such, I have assigned him that chair. With a sneer, she pointed to the far end of the table. Your queen’s man may seat there with the lesser strata, since he displays an obvious flaw and cannot join the conversation.

Conniina’s head snapped up and her eyes narrowed. My queen’s man will seat with me as is traditional, Queen Tabarana. Your long-staff status does not concede to you the right to determine different arrangements. She gestured to a servant. Place a chair here beside me. With a scowl and a shooing wave of her hand, she motioned Henry to move down the table.

Henry moved.

Queen Taavadira banged the end of her staff on the floor. Really, Conniina, it is vexing that you insist upon granting this man high stature. Now you would quibble of seating arrangements with the reigning long-staff queen of the island, thus showing disrespect?

"I do not see your queen’s man sitting at the end of the table," Conniina said.

My queen’s man does not suffer flaws.

No, only his queen, Conniina muttered so low only Rhotha and Randall heard. The young queen raised her voice. Women, I understand you hold long staffs and mine is but short. However, I do not appreciate your continued demeaning referrals to my queen’s man—she glared at Taavadira—"thus showing us disrespect. He will be seated beside me as all others sit."

For a short-staff, Taavadira said, you grow quite quarrelsome, Conniina. You stand well aware of the mores and traditions of this island, as you are aware that you have granted a flawed man status. Demeaning referrals will ever be his lot in life—and you as well for your stance in this matter.

Conniina’s face reddened and her mouth opened.

Before she could speak, Great Conjurah Restaata raised a restraining hand. "As representative for choice of my queen,