The Hollow Queen by Elizabeth Haydon

Without possession of my true name, my entire identity is contained in ‘Rhapsody,’ which is the Namer part of me, the one sworn to truth in speech. So while I believe you will make it to Sorbold, just as I believe it will be a fine day, I can’t be sure, and so I say ‘attempt.’ I know, however, that in spite of evidence to the contrary this morning, the sun will eventually rise, and your passage will be riskier, so if you want me to return your mount to the way station for you, I will be happy to do so. I know you like to check on each of your Wings personally after riding them, but I suspect you know that the border guards who tend to that livery have it well in hand.”
    â€œI do. Thank you.”
    The woman who was at once the Lirin queen, the Lady of the Cymrians, and his second-oldest living friend smiled a little more broadly at him.
    â€œIt’s strange; I can remember virtually every detail about you, or at least what I’ve known and experienced with you—Grunthor too. But I only remember Ashe, who I have been told is my husband, from the time when we met him in Bethe Corbair on our initial journey to the Bolglands, and the journey he and I made to find Elynsynos. And I can barely recall the fact that we have a child at all—some days I am shocked to be reminded of it. But I met you as Rhapsody, and as a result, all those memories are intact. It’s amazing what memories are tied to different parts of one’s nomenclature.”
    Achmed swallowed his initial comment and smiled in return.
    â€œWell, I’m glad you remember what is important, at least,” he said lightly. “Thank you for the unnecessary escort. I should be off. Did you bring the floating lanterns?”
    â€œOf course,” Rhapsody said. “They’re in the left saddlebag, if you don’t mind getting them yourself.”
    â€œNot at all.” The Bolg king slashed the rope on the saddlebag and affixed it to his pack.
    â€œWould you mind telling me why you wanted objects the Lirin use in religious celebrations over the sea, and that for humans are mere toys? Floating lanterns. It seems a strange thing to bring into Sorbold. Are you planning to use them to signal for help?”
    â€œPerhaps.”
    â€œI don’t think I will see them from here—or from Roland.”
    â€œOh well. Another idea into the Great Latrine of Life.” He glanced around the glen. “I should be off.”
    â€œTravel well,” she replied as he turned to the Mondrian and slashed the bindings of the rest of his gear. “The liverymen should be here momentarily in response to the call; do you want me to delay them so they do not see you?”
    â€œThey won’t see me,” the Bolg king said as he shouldered his packs. “I perceive no breakage of branches or changes in the wind—I have more than enough time to be clear of this glen before they arrive.”
    â€œGood.” Rhapsody patted his arm. Then, as her smile faded, she let the hand of her good arm encircle his elbow, pulled him closer to her, and pressed a soft kiss onto his cheek, letting it linger there for a moment. “Be careful. I know it’s not a necessary warning, but take it as a sign of friendship.”
    Achmed exhaled. “Given that you are about to go back into Bethany soon, and into the heat of the war, I would offer the same advice. In your case, I think it’s a similar sign and a necessary warning.”
    â€œWhy? Do you think me suddenly foolish just because I got injured in battle?”
    â€œYou’ve always been foolish; there is nothing sudden about it. And no, not because you were injured. You are not yourself, Rhapsody. And while I have to admit I find this aspect of you oftentimes preferable to the woman I met in Easton long ago, I grudgingly admit that when your instincts were your own, misguided as they often were, you knew yourself enough to keep yourself