by Diane Rapp
*****
Krystal worked in her garden. She loved the sun’s heat on her back and damp soil clinging to her fingers. Squeals of laughter erupted. She tilted back on her heels, wiped dirty fingers on her apron, and watched bobbing heads weave through the garden pathways. She grinned. The sounds filled her with pleasure. She inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of sweet blossoms and freshly turned earth.
After so many years inside the metal cocoon of a spaceship, she couldn’t get enough time in the open air. Gravel crunched on a nearby path to break her reverie. Seeing Chella she sighed, knowing her friend came to fetch her.
“Sorry but you’re going to be late again.” Chella shrugged.
“Tell them you couldn’t find me!” Krystal’s petulance shocked Chella. Her wide-eyed expression chastened Krystal.
“I’m sorry I can’t lie.”
“I know.” Krystal struggled to her feet. “I’ll be along as soon as I snare the girls.”
Chella turned to leave as a small girl with golden hair darted into the pathway followed by her sisters. “Found them.” Chella laughed as three girls played tag around her skirts.
Krystal grabbed a chubby hand and smiled into a giggling face framed by blond hair. Chella caught a brunette while Krystal captured the redhead. The girls squealed and wriggled to free themselves—just another game.
Chella laughed. “I’m glad there are only three. We’d need another pair of arms to contain more.”
“Girls, settle down! We must go to tea.” Krystal’s tone sounded firm, and the girls frowned. “Don’t pout. It’s only once a week, and you’ll all get a story from Aunt Maggie tonight.”
“Is Uncle Trenton back?” The girls asked in unison.
Krystal nodded. “They’re both coming to dinner.” The girls walked briskly, eager to finish the abhorrent tea party and prepare for an evening of fun.
Krystal deliberately saved the news to encourage good behavior. Donovan didn’t approve of bribery, but it took extra incentive to endure those old crones. The Ladies’ tea happened weekly. The women would frown and gossip about Krystal’s unseemly conduct. She could hear their scratchy voices listing her faults. Her skin was tanned, her hair was wild, her children acted unruly, and she spent time gardening like an ordinary peasant.
Faults indeed! Krystal abhorred their ideas of “ladylike” behavior. She was the queen. Why didn’t they conform to her idea of proper behavior? She suddenly felt guilty. Power corrupted and she was ready to force others to copy her behavior because she was queen. She must consider the rights of everyone, even meddling old crones.
Donovan struggled daily with the Council of Lords. Certainly she could tolerate one afternoon each week with their Ladies. It was her duty. She entered the hall with three primly dressed daughters and flashed an infectious smile at the women.
Conversations stopped as the little girls curtsied and Krystal noticed expressions turned from frowns to smiles of approval. Some conformity might win friends.
*****
Maggie anticipated their visit to the castle. She was always sewing gifts for the girls, but she spent the last few days baking tempting treats for the adults. Almost six months had passed since their last visit.
“The girls won’t remember me,” Maggie said.
Trenton grinned at Maggie’s anxiety. “Who could forget the woman who pampers and spoils them with gifts? I’m surprised Donovan allows us to visit.”
Maggie pelted him with a blow and he grinned.
“I don’t spoil anyone—except for you. I give those girls love and attention, and no one gets enough love. Look who’s talking! How about the time you sneaked off to the woods with the girls to go fishing and everyone panicked because you forgot to ask permission?”
“Those girls never have any real fun, cooped up in a stuffy castle. They need to learn about the wild and the skills I teach are useful!”
“I won’t deny your pleasure, so don’t deny mine.”
“Okay.” Trenton rubbed his smooth chin thoughtfully. “Do you suppose they’d allow one of the girls to visit this summer?”
Maggie grinned. “Do you mean it? Can we invite one or two of them to the cavern?”
Maggie’s smile thrilled Trenton, even after all these years. “Sure, I could use help with the trap line.”
“I’m sure five-year-old girls would be lots of help, but three extra pairs of hands wouldn’t hamper you too much.” Maggie teased.
“Three? I said one and now we’ve got three coming.”
“I knew you’d see it that way! I sent a messenger bird to Krystal asking about a visit. I hope she’ll consent.”
“You’re serious about this?” Trenton examined Maggie’s expression with concern. “How can we cope with three rowdy girls?”
“What happened to needing help on the trap line?”
“They’ll scare off all the game.”
“Trenton!”
“I’ll agree to one.” Maggie looked downtrodden, and he couldn’t stand to make her sad. “Three would wreck the cave and how could we manage to keep them out of trouble?” He had the nagging feeling he’d already lost the argument.
That evening Trenton’s resolve weakened when the three pixies climbed onto his lap, begging for a story. How could he separate them? Perhaps three girls would not be too bad.
Trenton spun incredible mountain yarns until Bryant interrupted.
“May I have a word with you in private, Donovan?”
“Duty calls.” Donovan excused himself and joined Bryant in the corridor.
The girls rubbed their eyes in an effort to stay awake for more stories, but Maggie frowned. “Sorry girls, Uncle Trenton can barely keep from yawning. It must be bedtime in the castle.” He tickled them off his knee.
Krystal seemed grateful. “Belva, see the children to bed.” The portly nurse ushered the girls to bed. “She’s so good with them,” Krystal said. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll retire.”
“Oh, don’t hesitate on our account,” Maggie said. “Get a good night’s sleep. I’ll have a wonderful breakfast prepared in the morning if your cooks will let me in the kitchen.”
“They’ve been warned. You have free reign.”
“Good night, dear.” Maggie clasped Krystal’s fingers in a friendly gesture and watched with troubled eyes as Krystal drifted out of the room.
Maggie sat down near Chella, who was basking in the heat of the evening hearth. “What’s happening? Donovan doesn’t usually leave guests. Is it something serious?”
Chella looked worried. “He’s got trouble on the northeast border. Donovan sent a regiment to calm fears of the locals.”
Trenton stiffened. “Why didn’t he send for me? I could gather intelligence.”
“He avoids imposing on you, but it might be necessary. I think he’s really worried.”
Trenton huffed. “I can’t leave him alone for a few months without trouble starting. It’s time for a walk.” Trenton headed toward the door but met Donovan returning. “I wanted to wait until everyone had gone to bed to give you my report, but obviously things are escalating. We need to talk.”
Donovan glanced toward the door and nodded. Let’s sit in the alcove where our conversation won’t disturb…I don’t want to worry Krystal.”
“Well she’s worried already.” Trenton sat on a bench and told Donovan about the desert rider who was spreading stories to incite the commoners. “If he is openly spreading stories, something serious is happening, and it has to do with Jarrack.”
Donovan rubbed his hand through his short hair. He looked tense, ready to jump at the slightest noise. “Reports have Jarrack massing a strong force along the border, ready to attack. To make it worse, a handful of Lords have united their armies with his.”
“Shouldn’t we attack, make them think twice about messing with you?”
“If I want to establish self-government, I can’t wipe out dissenters just because they don’t agree with me. It would defeat my own phil
osophy to attack them unprovoked.”
“The Lords are revolting not the people.”
“They’re part of the people, and their followers trust them. I’d rather reason with the Lords, hear their complaints, and work out a compromise. It’s called politics. If I go in with a show of force, I’m admitting I was wrong about self-government.”
“What will you do?”
“I’ve called an emergency session of all council members at the border. I must give it a chance to work,” Donovan said.
Trenton looked doubtful. “You’re vulnerable so far from your stronghold.”
“It’s a gesture of good faith to show I’m willing to negotiate. I’ll take a detachment of men to secure my back. I want you to stay here and protect Krystal. She won’t like staying behind.”
“You’re damned right!” Krystal stood in the doorway, her face flushed with anger. “Am I a delicate showpiece, content to be kept safely out of danger?”
“I can’t worry about your safety! I have too much tearing me apart to worry over protecting you and the girls.” His face was filled with strain and worry.
Krystal sighed and broke contact with his gaze. “I’ll stay behind but I won’t be happy for one moment.”
“Trenton?”
“I won’t be happy either, but I’ll be the damnedest castle watchdog you ever had.”
“Thanks, both of you. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation. We leave in half an hour.”
Krystal looked pained.
“I’ll be back quickly, dearest. I feel better knowing you’ll be safe. They’ve got their men sitting on their hands at the border, and I plan to keep it that way.”
“Tell Maggie I’m sorry to cut the visit short. I promise I’ll be a better host after we’ve sorted out this mess.”
“Don’t take too long. I don’t want Maggie getting accustomed to luxurious living.” Trenton clasped Donovan’s hand in a friendly handshake.
“You’re in command. Bryant, Mandrake, and Marasuta are all going with me. I’m leaving Alex, since he’s no good with military maneuvers. Come and meet the detachment of men who will be under your command. Don’t let them shirk their duty.”
*****
For ten days Krystal received messages about Donovan’s lack of progress. Trenton paced the corridors like a caged animal, drilling his small company of men. Maggie soothed ragged nerves by feeding everyone well and often.
On the tenth day, Krystal worked in the garden while the girls played. A shadow blocked the warmth of the sun, and she glanced up expecting one of the servants. Instead she found herself gazing into Kriegen’s golden eyes.
Krystal sat back on her heels and welcomed the wolf. We haven’t seen you in ages! Welcome friend. She formed the mental greeting.
We keep you in sight but do not enjoy entering caves of humans. Kriegen replied.
Should I offer you refreshment like a good hostess? What is proper wolf etiquette?
Fill your mind with friendly thoughts. We come to warn you of danger. You must leave this cave at once.
Krystal stood, hastily dusting herself. What kind of danger?
The human with black eyes and evil thoughts is coming with many soldiers holding sticks and flames. He plans to capture you and your cubs as hostages.
Jarrack!
His name sounds vile in your mind. He is the one. Kriegen scratched his ear with his hind paw, seeming satisfied. We must lead you away from the thundering hooves.
We will follow you.
There is little time. You can see the distant haze caused by their running horses?
Worried, Krystal searched the horizon and nodded. I’ll gather my family and friends. We will meet you at the cave by the river.
We will wait where the stone pathways ends.
We will meet you there.
Use caution and speed. He glided swiftly across the garden.
“Maggie!” Krystal’s voice sounded shrill with anxiety as she entered the kitchen.
“What it is?” Maggie ran to Krystal with concern.
“Gather the girls and meet me in the nursery. We must leave the castle immediately!”
Without hesitation Maggie called the girls in a forceful voice.
Still dressed in old work clothes, Krystal sent a servant to fetch Trenton and went into the well-stocked storerooms. She tossed food and supplies into a second sack when Trenton ran into the storeroom. “What is it?” he asked.
“Kriegen warned me that Jarrack is riding to attack the castle with a large force of men. He plans to capture us, use us as hostages against Donovan. Can you hold him off with such a small band of men while we make good an escape?”
Trenton’s eyes sparkled with challenge. “I’ll do whatever it takes. Take Maggie, Chella, and Alex with you and the girls. They won’t take this castle as easily as they think.”
“There’s an underground tunnel leading outside from the secret laboratory. You can use it as an escape route if all else fails.”
“No!” He looked insulted. “I won’t leave my post! Seal the laboratory as you leave, so Jarrack can’t make use of the equipment inside, and then make your way to our mountain cave. Maggie knows its secrets and can keep you all safe. No one has ever managed to keep me prisoner. I’ll get there somehow.”
Krystal kissed him gently on the cheek. “God protect you.”
Trenton grinned. “Chella claims He protects the brave and the foolish. I’m not sure at this moment which category will gain me the most credit, but I’m covered.”
Krystal smiled through her tears. “We’ll see you at your cave.”
Chella waited with Maggie, Belva, and the girls in the nursery. Her eyes were glassy. Krystal recognized the signs of a trance. Sometime she resented Chella’s visions, which were unclear and confusing glimpses of the future.
“Prepare yourself for…”
“Chella, I don’t want to hear it right now. We’re all leaving. Now!”
The girls stood quietly dressed in simple peasant clothes, holding hands. Krystal appreciated the disguise and gathered warm blankets and jackets. They entered the king’s private chamber. Krystal stood before a painting of an old king, who stared down at the quivering girls with a stern expression. She stared into her amulet and whispered, “Open upon the order of the king.”
The painting dissolved in a shimmering curtain of light. Krystal smiled. “Don’t worry. It’s just a force field, when we pass it the entrance will appear to be an ordinary painting again. The girls gripped Belva’s hand and followed their mother into the secret chamber.
They found Dr. Alexander. He sat reading a book surrounded by glass beakers filled with bubbling liquid, and frightening silver contraptions with tubes flowing in every direction.
Krystal tapped the doctor’s shoulder and said, “Jarrack’s storming the castle, and Trenton won’t be able to hold him off for long. We must escape or risk capture. You’re coming with us.”
Alex sputtered, “I can’t leave my laboratory, my work, my patients…”
“We’ll seal the outside tunnel to the lab, and Jarrack can’t break through the force field from the king’s chamber. Your patients are leaving the castle already, and everything else will stay safe until you return.” Krystal understood Alex’s reluctance to leave. He started to gather papers, gazing in alarm at laboratory where the last of his work existed.
“Listen, old man, you’re coming with us.” Maggie grabbed his arm and urged him to leave.
“I must turn off the burners. There’s danger things could get out of hand,” he said, quickly twisting knobs that extinguished tiny flames under the beakers. He shoved papers into a briefcase with trembling hands and joined the small troop as they opened the door to a dark tunnel.
They entered the dank tunnel and swung the heavy door closed with an ominous clang. Eerie cobwebs hung from the ceiling and tiny creatures skittered away from their light. Krystal’s heart pounded as she clutched a little hand and whispered, “This is a
n adventure, just like the stories Trenton tells. Lauryn will play the part of Donovan, Tessa will be Trenton, and Felesia can be Bryant. We’re all brave soldiers, stalking the enemy through a dense forest, so we must keep quiet.”
Krystal watched three small heads nod as they straightened their backs and formed a line behind Belva. Small feet padded in a marching rhythm behind their leader and Krystal mentally thanked Trenton for those stories of bravery as she swallowed her own fear.
The group marched through twisting corridors, descending into the unknown. Krystal had been in this tunnel once with Donovan, and it seemed so safe walking behind his broad shoulders and steady light. Now the corridor felt narrow, damp, and cold. She shuddered as something scampered across her foot but forced herself to remain calm.
Time dragged and Krystal wondered if she’d led them astray. Had she missed a turn? Would the tunnel end in an unknown dungeon leaving them trapped? The smell of fresh air beckoned as they entered a large cave. Daylight streamed through an open gate at the far end of the cave and the brightness made them blink. Krystal blew out the lantern and noticed Kriegen sitting at the cave entrance.
The girls had heard stories about Kriegen, but faced with his imposing size and the glint of his sharp white teeth, they promptly hid behind Maggie’s skirts.
“It’s all right girls, Kriegen will lead us to safety,” Krystal said.
We must wait until the cover of darkness to travel. Rest here. Kriegen’s words formed in their minds. The girls often spoke without words to each other and their parents, but they peered curiously at Kriegen while he spoke.
The cubs can hear us speak, that is good.
The girls giggled. “He thinks we’re cubs. Doesn’t he know we’re girls?” Tessa asked.
Cubs, girls, you are all young creatures. His mental voice added. We must pass through dangerous territory. Your feet must walk as silently as feathers landing on a carpet of grass. Can you walk without sound?
Of course! We sneak past nurse when she’s sleeping all the time. Krystal glanced at Belva and smiled. Luckily the nurse could not hear mindspeech.