The Crumbling Brick - Book 1 of the Land of Neo Trilogy
Page 6
affect what is to come. I have heard of your presence in the castle and am certain that your face will be woven into my next tapestry."
Ella looked at Philos in surprise. She was still getting used to this world where everyone spoke with such confidence. She couldn't help but put her arms around Philos and kiss her cheek. She turned to go, certain that she would have many more discussions with her.
TEN
THE COUNCIL
When the Princess left Ward at the stable, it was with courage that she faced the Council meeting. It would have been pleasant to simply stay with Ward, but she knew her duty and was faithful to it.
As she entered the Chamber room, she noticed Mitto, her counselor, had gathered together a wide range of wise ones. She was particularly thankful today that she had these individuals to advise her.
"Fine citizens of Neo," began Onyma, after being properly announced. "I have gathered you together to gain wisdom on several matters of great importance. They concern a young girl by the name of Ella who claims to have come to us from another world. She has been under the instruction of Sequor, which gives me great confidence in her words. As you know, Sequor is a true follower of Kosmeo. I have known him for a long time and believe him to be one of my best subjects.
“He is convinced that Ella has been sent by Kosmeo to help avert a great danger coming to Neo. On her journey to the castle, she heard reports of some foreigners, which are called Obs. These Obs have been terrorizing some of our citizens. My question to you is what should I do with this information?”
As is generally the case in meetings, the one who speaks first sets the tone of discussion that is to follow. Paschein, who knew this, was careful to be the first to express his views.
"Your Royal Highness,” he addressed her, bowing lowly. "I am Paschein, your loyal servant. I have listened to your report with great interest. As for this girl, Ella, we know nothing about her. For all we know, she could be telling us that she was with Sequor in order to trick us into her confidence. It is possible that she herself is bringing trouble upon us. Therefore, I propose that we send out a team to investigate the story of these Obs to see if her report has any basis in fact.”
“That seems to me good counsel, Paschein. In fact, I would like to head this team personally," Princess Onyma added with a look of satisfaction.
"My dear Princess," Paschein interjected, "I am sure we are all in agreement that your duty lies here in the castle. In fact, tomorrow the great Prince Malus comes to seek your hand. I hear he is a talented man and a powerful ruler. You must be here to greet him. After all, he may be our future king. To put your mind at ease, I will personally bring a group together and investigate this matter myself."
Everyone in the council heartily agreed with Paschein, especially adamant that the Princess should not go.
"Very well," agreed the Princess with a sigh. "I will remain here. Paschein, I entrust this mission to you. My only desire is that you take Ward, the unicorn, with you on your investigation.”
“But Princess,” objected Paschein, "Didn't he arrive with the girl from another world?"
"Yes, he did, which will make him an excellent guide."
"But can he be trusted?" sputtered Paschein.
Mitto now spoke in aid of the Princess. “I believe the Princess is correct on this matter. Unicorns are known for their gentle nature. You have nothing to fear from him."
Paschein knew he had a great deal to fear from him. Gentle creature or not, he wouldn't want the great beast against him. However, Paschein saw that he could not convince the Princess otherwise.
“Very well, Princess Onyma," Paschein said, bowing graciously once more. "Anything to serve you well."
Onyma looked Paschein in the eye once more before dismissing the Council. Something in his gaze made her shudder, but she shook this off as a minor thing. The matter was to be taken care of and she would be here to meet her suitor tomorrow.
As soon as Paschein was alone he rubbed his hands together in pleasure. I'll find some way to get rid of that unicorn. My plan is working perfectly. He turned to gather together those of his choice for the search party.
ELEVEN
MALUS
Paschein left before dawn with his troupe of handpicked scalawags. Ward was delighted to be free once more and about a worthwhile task. He had no idea of the evil with which he was keeping company, thinking this group represented the interests of the Princess.
Meanwhile, at the castle everyone was busily preparing for the arrival of Prince Malus. Little was known about him in Neo other than that he was a powerful ruler. Onyma's maids-in-waiting all giggled merrily as they prepared her to meet him. The royal gardener put final touches on the flowers and trees in the courtyard. The cooks busily prepared their finest delicacies. All was ablaze with life and activity.
Everyone, except Philos. No one noticed today that she had come to a difficult place in her weaving. It was true what she told Ella, that she could only weave the past, but for some reason she felt a great dread about what to weave next. For the first time in many years her fingers were still, perplexed at what this could mean.
Ella had risen early to bid farewell to Ward. She was sad to see him go but was quickly taken up with all the preparations going on around her.
After wandering the grounds, observing all the activity for a while, she decided to call upon Philos in hopes that seeing her new friend would take some of the hurt from watching her old friend leave. It surprised her to hear the shuttle quiet when she entered the tapestry room.
"Why are you not working today, Philos?" she asked in concern.
"There is nothing for me to do today. My Great Master is quiet within me. I have no vision and without a vision, I have nothing to weave."
"What does this mean, Philos?"
"I don't know. Perhaps it has something to do with your coming, Ella. Maybe you will solve this mystery."
Ella's heart began to thump as if a rabbit had taken up residence there. In this great day of rejoicing, the last thing that entered her mind was that any trouble could be brewing. She couldn’t imagine what it might be, but determined to be aware of all that was going on around her.
Ella sat with Philos in silence for a long time. Both were listening to their inner hearts for a message from Kosmeo. After several hours, neither knew why, but they parted with peace that all would be clear soon enough.
No sooner had Ella left the tapestry room than she heard the trumpets announce the presence of someone important. She hurried through the castle to the courtyard, peeking around the crowd to catch a glimpse of the one arriving.
She couldn't believe her eyes. The one being honored was a man riding upon a dragon. Dark and handsome, every feature perfect, he was dressed in the finest silk of bright colors. The dragon, usually feared by everyone, was harnessed and in complete submission to his master who rode him with all the pride of one who controls another.
He rode with skill and looked about him quickly, smiling and nodding his head to all those who greeted him. It was truly a most impressive sight.
When he reached the castle doors, he bounded off his dragon that he turned over to a groom. The poor groom looked terrified but dutifully led the dragon out of the crowd. As Prince Malus turned to enter the hall, his eye caught Ella's. He stared at her for some time. When he looked away, Ella realized that she had been trembling violently under his gaze. Something deep within her gave way to a more powerful fear than she had ever known. She desired to run to the Princess, at once warning her to beware, but coming to her senses a moment later, she realized she could not do this. The Princess did not fully trust her yet and what would she tell her anyway? No, she must wait for a better opportunity.
Ella was alone in her fear. Everyone else was completely taken with Prince Malus. The maids-in-waiting giggled even louder and whispered among themselves when they saw how handsome he was. Princess Onyma even flushed a deep red when he entered the great hall to approach her. Her lips curved upward in d
elight as he bowed before her throne.
"Princess Onyma," Malus said in a rich voice as he sank on one knee, "you are even more beautiful than all the reports I have heard of you. Never have I seen one more lovely than you. I can see that we will have a delightful visit."
"Thank you, Prince Malus," returned Onyma with her sweetest smile.
Ella noticed a greedy look as Malus returned a smile to Onyma, but the Princess obviously had not seen it as Ella did.
"We have prepared a very good visit indeed for you, dear Prince. It will begin with dinner and a ball tonight in your honor," the Princess offered feeling a bit silly at the flutter in her voice.
"Ah, that sounds enchanting. But what I would like most is to take you for a walk around the grounds this afternoon so that we can truly get to know each other. Does that sound favorable to you?"
"Very favorable. I shall meet you in the garden after you are settled in."
Malus turned with a bow, leaving the great hall. Ella's heart sank within her as she saw the light in Princess Onyma’s eyes. Maybe she was wrong about Malus, but she couldn't shake the feeling that gripped her.
TWELVE
WORDS OF FLATTERY
As the castle rejoiced at the coming of Prince Malus, Paschein and his band made their way down the mountain. When they reached the cave of the Chipmunks, Ward insisted upon stopping to greet Teneo. Paschein threatened to leave him behind if he didn't keep up with the rest of them,