Queen took a deep breath, seeking consolation from Tchanta, but none came. Of course.
"About four years ago, my fiance, Journey, and I went looking for my step-great-grand-aunt's priceless necklace. We were having no luck, but soon came across a large group of people, about forty of them. The leader, who they called Itch, invited us to join them, as they were headed in the same direction. We did, of course, but I didn't have a good feeling about it. We were with them for about a year without any attacks, but then, Itch and his cronies summoned a Harlyn. It is doubtful that any of you have seen one if these before, and you should be grateful."
Queen shuddered at the memory. The small, yet intimidating creature had been flesh-colored, with stains on its fur the color of blood. It had slightly resembled a rabbit, but had bones sticking out at odd angles, ears different lengths, bright blue dribbling saliva, and sharp, sleek teeth.
"It ignored me and went straight to Journey. He was the best swordsman that I have ever met, and was able to fend off the creature while I pleaded with Itch to call it off. He informed me that he knew what we were looking for, and was hoping to gain the powers and riches that it would bring. He had used us to locate the necklace, and now that we were out of ideas where it could be, we were useless, so we needed to be disposed of.
"Journey gave a shout, and I turned just in time to see the Harlyn knock his sword out of his hand before-"
Q's voice broke as sobs threatened to surface.
"Before leaping towards him, grabbing his throat by its jaws, and tearing out his esophagus, leaving him to die.
"My anger reached a new high, and I began attacking Itch and his men. I soon lost my awareness of my actions, and when I finally came to, I had killed all the men in the group, sparing the women and children. I left, and have been on my own since then.
"Earlier, I said that the death of my group wasn't my fault, and that's not completely true. But if they hadn't lied to gain our trust, just to kill us, we would most likely still be a team."
Well done, my Queen. Tchanta was back. Her timing was impeccable. You have faced your past.
Q held a hand up to her odd hat, allowing a small, mouse-like creature to crawl down from the hat to her shoulder.
Thank you, my friend.
Queen looked down at the medical treasure she held in her hands, Tchanta peering down from her shoulder.
"Thank you. I will use it wisely."