“Don’t know how long he’s been gone,” she said. “This might not work.”
The flashback of seeing my parents dead popped into my head. Muriel had told me they were too far gone for her to bring them back. My eyes met Evan’s. He’d been dead too—just not as long as our parents. Maybe there was still hope.
The light swirled around Rolph, almost obscuring his body from view in the shimmering mist. Muriel's face was grim above him. “It doesn’t look good. If nothing else, this energy will help him move on peacefully to what lies beyond.”
I didn’t want Rolph anywhere “beyond,” I wanted him here. I reached into the gold mist and grabbed his hand. “C’mon, Rolph. Come back to us. Please.”
The mist gradually settled and appeared to soak into Rolph’s body. His skin glowed a beautiful gold hue and a peaceful expression blanketed his face. At least he looked at rest. I couldn’t hold it together anymore and sobbed into my hands. Cal stood in silence next to me. I thought of all the adventures Rolph would never have.
“I’d cry too if my hair looked that atrocious.”
Huh? I looked down. Rolph’s eyes could barely focus yet they were aimed in the general direction of my hair. His voice was little more than a whisper. I threw my arms around him. “Rolph! You’re alive!”
He coughed. “Easy, there. I’m pretty sure I’m just barely alive.”
“Sorry.” I loosened my grip but didn’t let go.
Muriel leaned down and patted his hand. “Don’t move yet. The magic needs a little more time to work on you. Just rest a bit.”
Rolph closed his eyes. “You don’t need to tell me twice.” He drifted off but the steady rise and fall of his chest was a huge relief.
Cal stared wide-eyed at Muriel. “You are the awesomest witch ever.”
Muriel chuckled. “I do my best, child.”
The trolls looked in amazement at Rolph and even the hardened Ella had gasped from her spot at Red’s side.
One of the guards cleared his throat and addressed Muriel. “I don’t understand what’s going on here. You just saved that little girl and the Queen’s attendant … but Her Highness said you were the most evil witch of all times and that you wanted to demolish her kingdom.”
Muriel put her hand on her hip and stared defiantly at the guard. “Do you have rocks for brains? It’s your so-called Queen who is evil. She’s behind all this mess—and she’s the one whose been taking and killing those village girls.”
I frowned at the guard. He seemed to be telling the truth but I knew at least some guards had to know about Her Highness because they’d been working down in the dungeon where I—and the other girls—had been kept prisoner. I told the guard as much.
“What dungeon?” he asked.
The guards exchanged confused looks, until one spoke up. “I never heard about a dungeon but I bet it’s the Throne Guard—they are the only four guards allowed in the throne room and in her personal chambers. They don’t talk much to the other guards. They went after that troll who took the Queen’s scepter.”
That made sense since I knew the door to the dungeon was behind the throne. It also explained why those four guards always seemed so much nastier than the rest. Muriel explained everything to the guards who seemed genuinely shocked. Several of them even bowed down to her.
Muriel waved them up with an impatient sweep of her hand. “Don’t wanna be Queen … don’t have the inclination nor the patience.” She pointed her bony finger at Evan. “That young man is the rightful heir to the throne.”
Evan’s eyes widened. “I don’t think—”
“Nonsense,” Muriel interjected. “It’s your right and your duty.” She nodded toward a guard. “Bring me Gertrude’s crown.”
The guard hesitated and looked at the unconscious Queen tied up on the ground.
Muriel sighed. “She ain’t gonna bite you. Get her crown.”
The guard took the crown and handed it to Muriel. She reached into her skirts and pulled out Gertrude’s scepter—the one Travis had taken when he ran into the woods.
“What happened to Travis?” Ava asked. “Is he okay?”
“Wasn’t about to let those guards hurt that troll,” Muriel said. “That’s why I left. I had to take care of some guards and then I brought Travis with me to Fibb’s place. Fibb was watching Cal for me ’til things were safe … don’t worry, the strongest thing he gave him to drink was cola. Travis is still there.”
“Yep, Fibb gave me cherry soda,” added Cal, smiling. “It was awesome.”
“C’mere, young man.” Muriel stood with Gertrude’s crown and scepter in each hand.
Evan walked with slow steps over to Muriel. “I’m really not sure I’m ready for this.”
“No one’s ever ready for something like this,” she said, shrugging. “You get used to it after the fact. Now let’s get this over with.”
“Wait!” I yelled, remembering the blackish green light of the scepter and the black tornadoes. “Aren’t her scepter and crown evil?”
“It ain’t things that are evil; it’s the person using ‘em.” Muriel placed Gertrude’s crown on Evan’s head and asked him to hold out his right hand.
Evan placed his hand palm up in front of Muriel. It was a surreal moment. Ella had propped Red up to a seated position, Ava beamed at Evan like a proud girlfriend, and the trolls and guards surveyed the scene in silent respect. Rolph would be upset that he slept through something as important as a coronation—and that he couldn’t have styled Evan properly beforehand.
“Do you solemnly swear to rule over the land of Liralelle and all of its inhabitants with justice and fairness?” Muriel asked.
“I do,” said Evan, hand still outstretched.
“And do you swear to protect and serve all those that live in this land at all costs?”
“I do,” said Evan, looking Muriel directly in the eye.
“And do you promise to use your powers only for good and that no harm will come to Liralelle on your account?
“Yes, I do.”
Muriel placed the scepter into Evan’s hand. “Then you are hereby pronounced the new ruler of Liralelle.” She turned to address the rest of us. “All hail King Evan.”
Everyone bowed down toward Evan, who looked uncomfortable with his sudden promotion. I exhaled in relief when the tip of his scepter glowed a similar gold color to Muriel’s.
Evan surveyed the assortment of people and trolls around him before focusing on the guards. “If any of you do not support me as King, please speak now. I will hold no ill will and will release you from service immediately. You will be free to pursue other interests, as long as they do not conflict with the greater good of Liralelle.”
One guard stepped forward. “Your Highness, with due respect, I never wanted to be a guard. Her Highness—er, Gertrude—forced me into it. I am but a simple man and only want to return to my family and our farm. The food we grow provides for the kingdom, and we sell it in the market at the Center Village. I’d be happy to send some of our best vegetables to you in gratitude.”
Evan nodded. “Of course, and you owe me no debt aside from your loyalty.”
Another guard piped in. “Take the vegetables, trust me. They’re delicious.”
Evan smiled. “Twist my arm. Okay, anyone else?”
The other guards remained silent. One looked around and said, “I think I speak for all that it would be an honor to serve you.” He cleared his throat. “If I may offer an opinion, I don’t think you should offer the same kindness to the Throne Guard though.”
I thought of how they had relished throwing me in the dungeon and were so cruel to Rolph. I didn’t want to imagine how bad it had been for the girls who’d suffered by their hand. “I agree,” I said. “Does anyone know where they would be right now?”
Muriel smiled. “Don’t matter where they are. They are under contract to the ruler of the land, which means King Evan here can summon them here. We have plenty of guards here to help subdue them when th
ey get here.”
A troll spoke up. “Don’t forget us. We’ll help too, but …”
“Yes?” Evan asked. “Speak your mind.”
“Well,” the troll said, “my name is Hector, and it’s just that we haven’t always had the best relations with the castle.”
“With anyone really, for that matter,” another troll added.
Hector nodded. “Right, and we’d like that to change. We’d like to be seen as equals … we don’t want to be taxed higher than the other creatures here. We want the same rights as them.”
“And we want to marry whoever we want,” another other troll added.
Evan looked thoughtful. “Those rules never made much sense to me anyway. Your request is granted.”
A chorus of whoops and hollers came from the trolls.
“So, King Evan …,” Muriel smiled when the racket died down, “… before you deal with the Throne Guard, what do you propose we do with Gertrude there?”
Evan looked down at the former Queen lying in the dirt. “Well, we shouldn’t let her dungeon go to waste, should we?”
20
We sat in the grand dining hall of the castle. It struck me that in all my years of service to the former Queen, I’d never once been invited for a meal. A parade of meats, cheeses, roasted vegetables and fruits were brought in by the castle waitstaff. Evan sat at the head of the table with Ava to his left and Muriel next to her. I sat on Evan’s right with Cal by my side. Several times during the meal, Evan reached over to squeeze Ava’s hand. I could almost see her squealing inside her head that her boyfriend was a King.
Rolph still slept soundly in his quarters. Before dinner, I’d covered him after sponging some broth into his mouth. He’d murmured something about my hair before falling back asleep. Muriel said it would take a few days for him to fully recover.
It had been an eventful few hours. Ella had brought Red home and offered to stay with her as long as necessary. I was willing to bet it might be a permanent move as the two had bonded quickly, and Ella had been looking to leave her stepmother anyway.
Beauty was found unharmed and singing to a herd of scared sheep. Evan decided to have the castle musician give Beauty formal music lessons for free to give her a sense of purpose … and improve her craft. Gertrude and her Throne Guard were safely locked away in the dungeon. Evan knew they couldn’t stay there forever, but it wasn’t safe for the citizens of Liralelle for them to be released. That was a problem for another day.
My mother had to be going crazy at home and I didn’t know how much time had passed there or if she even realized I was gone, but I had to get back there with Cal as soon as possible. I’ll admit that I also really wanted to see Jay. Strangely, thoughts of ballet were further from my mind than I’d thought they’d be. For all I knew, I’d even missed performing the lead in Sleeping Beauty. I looked around the table. My brothers and best friend were okay, and the girls of Liralelle didn’t have to fear being hunted anymore. That was way more important than a play.
Evan had insisted we dine with him before leaving. From the way Ava looked at him, she didn’t want to leave at all. With everything that was going on at home, I didn’t blame her. Several waiters brought in plates of desserts with a variety of cakes, sorbets, and chocolates.
“This is the best place in the world!” Cal yelled, causing laughter.
Evan clinked his spoon against the glass. “Attention, all. I’d like to make a few toasts. One, to Muriel for her courageous acts in helping us to defeat Gertrude.”
“Here, here” said Ava, as we all took a sip of our sparkling pear juice.
“Just doing what anyone would have in my position,” said Muriel. “But thank you.”
Evan raised his glass again. “Finally, to Bree, warrior of Liralelle …”
“Um, can I stop you for one sec?” I asked. “Can I just be Bree now? Please.”
Evan smiled. “Sure, sis, whatever you want.” He cleared his throat. “Finally, to Bree—killer ballerina extraordinaire—whose dedication and bravery has rooted out many evil witches and creatures throughout Liralelle over the years in order to bring peace and safety to our land. Today, she succeeded in bringing down the worst evil Liralelle has ever known. Cheers to Bree!”
“Yay, Bree,” Cal clapped, while Ava whistled.
Muriel laughed. “I hope you don’t normally have to use ballet for killing.”
I shook my head. “Thankfully, no. And I couldn’t have done it without help. From all of you. I’m so lucky to have family and friends like you.” Tears sprang to my eyes.
“Bet you didn’t realize you had family in such high places,” Evan teased. “Don’t go thinking you’re going to get all these special favors or anything.”
Ava laughed and playfully punched Evan’s arm. “We better all get special favors.”
I stood up. “I hate to say this, but we have to be getting back.”
Cal looked around the table. “But we can come back to visit anytime, right?”
“Only if I’m summoned.” I frowned. “I guess I’m only used to being summoned when things are going badly.”
“Well that’s going to change,” Evan announced. He over looked at Ava. “And I’m going to have to contract you to be my personal assistant or something, because I’m going to want to summon you often.”
Ava blushed a deep red color as he took her hand.
Muriel chuckled. “No need for all that. We don’t want to disrupt your lives more than they have been already.”
“No, I’m fine being disrupted as much as you want.” Ava protested.
Muriel reached into her pockets and pulled out two perfect gemstones. They looked almost like—
“Are those from your crown?” I asked.
“Yes, they are,” Muriel replied. “Don’t worry, my crown still works just fine.” She handed one gemstone to me and the other to Ava. The brilliant pink stone shimmered in my palm. “I used my scepter to put a little spell on them. If you hold the stone and wish to be in Liralelle, you will be. So, you can visit anytime. You’ll still need one of us to send you back again though.”
“Thank you,” Ava and I said in unison. I tucked the crystal into my pocket.
“Cool,” said Cal. “I’m coming every day!”
“Sorry, little guy,” Muriel said. “I don’t want you sneaking off and scaring your mom or Bree. The magic only works for Bree, but she can bring you with her.”
Cal crossed his arms and glared at me like it was my doing. “Fine, but you have to bring me here a lot. We have a brother here too, you know?”
I smiled. “I know we do. We’ll come whenever we can.”
“Can Mom come too?” Cal tugged at my shirt. “She’d like this place.”
My eyes met Muriel’s. “That is for you to decide, child,” she said.
“We’ll see,” I told Cal.
There was one person I wanted to see before we left. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
I knocked lightly on Rolph’s door. “Rolph, you awake?” I whispered as I pushed the door open a few inches.
“Come in,” he croaked.
The stable boy sat by the side of Rolph’s bed. Rolph was propped up on pillows while the young man spoon-fed broth into his mouth, then wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Give us a moment please, Henry,” Rolph said.
Henry ran his fingers over Rolph’s face and nodded at me as he exited the room.
Rolph patted the bed next to him.
“And here I thought you were all sick and miserable,” I said as I hugged him gently. “Does this mean you and Henry are giving it another go?”
Rolph’s voice was weak but clear. “I guess absence really does make the heart grow fonder. We’ll see what happens.” He reached for my hand. “And don’t think I don’t know that you’re the reason I’m alive.”
“No, I’m not,” I said. “Muriel is the reason you’re alive. She saved you.”
“If you hadn’t been the one to stop that old hag, we’d
all be dead by now. You don’t give yourself enough credit,” he said. “I’m afraid you’re here to say good-bye … and I haven’t even had time to deal with this.” His fingers swept my wild curls out of my face.
I swiped his hand away from my hair. “Sadly for you, I can come back anytime I want now to bother you.” I explained the power of Muriel’s stone.
Rolph flashed a weary smile. “That’s great news, you can come for the opening of my new boutique when I’m ready. I’m going to have a whole line of hair care products.”
I laughed and kissed his cheek. “I wouldn’t miss it. Take care of yourself, Rolph.”
Back in the dining hall, Ava, Evan and Cal were racing around playing tag and Cal’s laughter echoed across the marble.
Muriel stood off to the side with Roly and Beatrice, the two who normally presided over the formalities after I’d completed another mission for the former Queen. They looked over my way and Beatrice nodded. She shook hands with Muriel and then Beatrice and Roly exited the room. Weird.
Muriel held a bag in her hand as she approached me. She held it out to me.
“What’s this?” I asked.
“An additional payment, child. By taking down Gertrude, you ensured the safety of Liralelle for years to come.” She opened my hand and plopped the heavy bag of gold into my palm.
“But I can’t take this. Gertrude already paid me for finding you … it still hurts to think how close I came to killing you.”
Muriel’s eyes were kind. “No use wasting energy over what could have been. I’d say it all worked out pretty well in the end.”
“Plus, I didn’t kill Gertrude—she’s still alive.”
“If you call living in a dungeon alive, so be it, but you took care of her so she can’t hurt anyone else. I’d say you’ve more than done your job. Now take it, child. Ava told me about that ballet school you want to go to.”
I stared at the amount of gold in my hand. Not only would it fund Juilliard, but my mom could cut back on her work hours—heck, she wouldn’t have to work at all. I couldn’t comprehend how much this helped my family.
Killer Pointe Page 18