62 The Queen's Decision

When Brightise reached the throne room, the Queen was still there. One had to wonder if the woman ever slept. Then again, maybe there was a mattress hidden somewhere in the room that she used whenever she got a few minutes of quiet.

Brightise cleared her throat politely before entering the throne room. The Queen was down on her knees, polishing a piece of armor.

Did she really do that herself?

The Queen must have noticed the look of surprise on her face, because she said quietly, "I don't know why you're here this late, but if it is to ask me why I'm polishing my own armor, that's a foolish question."

The Amazon answered it anyway. "No one gets where I am without mastering such a basic skill."

"You could still have someone else do it for you," Brightise pointed out.

The Queen frowned. "I think you have misunderstood how this place works. The Amazons are not my servants. I am their leader, not their tyrant."

"But Meesa cooks for everyone, and Mother takes care of the children..."

"These are jobs that have to be done. Meesa and Mother were chosen for them, but neither of them was forced into hers. Everyone has a useful job in our community. If you stay here long enough, we will find the right one for you."

Brightise felt sweat start to form on her forehead. Now was the time to tell the Queen. She had to let her know that she was not going to stay there long enough to try training for every job in the castle.

She was not sure whether the Amazon would want to waste any time or resources on her if she knew that she was not going to be there for the long haul though.

The trouble was, for all Brightise knew, she might end up staying there in the future. Clober liked the place and the Amazons well enough, and if Brightise and Morral returned from Granza alive, it was very plausible that they would not choose to go back home.

Even if they left the Land of Fire intact, it would still not be safe for them to return to Paldagor. Paula was right. The Amazon Camp was the safest place for someone like them to be.

Thus, Brightise did not feel like she was lying when she told the Queen, "I would like to train to become a warrior. I went through a lot to bring my sister here, and I think things might have been a little easier for us if I had known how to use a weapon properly."

The Queen studied her carefully for a few moments. "Why would you need a weapon? You are an endless source of fire."

"Fire would help me beat most enemies, but it would be useless against a Fire Demon. It's basically what sustains them."

"You are afraid of Fire Demons?" the Queen asked.

"Yes. They are the reason I had to flee from my home."

Part of the reason, at least.

"Okay," the Queen announced. "That can be fixed easily. Tomorrow, you shall start training with Neleah."