by DP Scott
Chapter Ten
Bolts of lightning flashed across the darkened sky with reverberating thunder. With each lightening strike the castle was illuminated in an eerie way. The blackness of this night was darker than any could remember and as strange as it may be, it seemed as though the eye of the storm originated within the castle walls. The storm was an unfortunate occurrence because it would be taken as a bad omen by the inhabitants, being so closely linked to the coronation.
Finishing up the documents on her desk, Saturna realized she must get ready for the evening events. She felt terribly discouraged. How had her father handled and juggled all the ups and downs of the kingdom so competently? She had been Queen for four days and found herself already totally worn out. The competitions were over and Saturna would present the winners with medals tonight. She said a silent prayer hoping things would go well and that Detis would behave. Removing a drowsy Peep from her pocket, she placed the sleepy elf on her bed and rang for Maize.
“Peep, you won’t be able to attend the ceremony with me tonight. I’m afraid it’s quite formal and your gowns aren’t ready. Will you wait here for me?” asked Saturna, not expecting an answer from the tiny creature that looked up at her with big, round, pleading eyes.
As Saturna lingered, a flash of intense white light flooded the room. The thunder had not sounded, but a startled Peep jumped up and began to punch and push the pillow. Saturna watched her create a snuggly hollow in the down. Thinking Peep was anxious about the sudden change in the weather, Saturna became concerned.
“It’s only a storm. You have no need to be afraid and you’re perfectly safe in the castle. We mustn’t believe in the superstitions of some of the inhabitants. Although it does seem a bit unusual to have such a storm at this time of year, it can happen,” said Saturna, trying to reassure herself as well as Peep.
Gently covering the pixy with a tiny blanket, Saturna sat down on the bed to await Maize and then realized she was about to have another visitor.
“My Queen, forgive me for disturbing you,” said Gondee. “Trouble continues to ferment in the kingdom and the council feels we must have an emergency meeting following the ceremony tonight. We humbly request your presence.”
“Gondee, is it possible to wait until morning? It is not yet dinner time and I’ve had enough of this day.”
“I understand Your Majesty; however important decisions must be made tonight. The troops need to be sent out at the first light tomorrow,” he replied calmly.
Saturna sighed, “It just seems my days as Queen go on and on and on...”
“The last four days have had more twists and turns than is usual for a year. The ceremony tonight will be brief. You will only present trophies to the winners of the last rounds. Oron took the liberty of asking Detis to present the rest of the medals. He hopes that will meet with your approval.”
“Yes, thank you,” said Saturna, wondering if Detis actually could be useful after all.
“Following the ceremony we will have a brief meeting of minds, which should take no longer than an hour. Will you attend?” asked Gondee.
“You give me hope and energy. It is my duty and I’ll be there.”
“Then I take my leave,” said Gondee, bowing as he exited the room.