by R. C. Rutter
The second voice said “We have no other choice. It must be so.”
“No. Absolutely not!” repeated the first. “There is another way.”
“You buffoon! Are you mad?” The second voice was getting agitated. “Malcolm would rather talk to the plants. Can you hear him now? ‘Hello Mr. Tree, how are you today?’ Absurd! Jason is dead. Seth is delirious. It must be so.”
“You do make a point” said the first voice. Gweneviere now recognized the voice as that of Uncle Theo. This was a strange conversation indeed. She was trying to guess the identity of the second voice when her foot slipped. She moved to brace herself and the floor squeaked. The voices downstairs immediately stopped. A few seconds later the front door opened and closed then she heard footsteps on the stairs. She ran back to bed and pulled the covers over her head. Uncle Theo opened the bedroom door which shone the hallway light on her bed. “You don’t have to pretend, I know you are awake. What did you hear?”
“Not much” said Gweneviere as she pulled the covers away from her face. Her blue eyes sparkled. “Just that Jason is dead, Malcolm is nuts, and Seth is mentally gone. What more is there?”
Uncle Theo walked over to the window and looked out, his cologne filling the room and his jewelry flashing in the moonlight. It was several minutes before he spoke.
“Dear child” he began. “Life always gives us choices. Some we like and the rest we don’t. What makes you an honorable person is what you do with choices that you don’t like. Some choose to run away, run and hide. Some confront them directly like Jason. He paid the ultimate price for being so headstrong. Some stand there confused like Seth and the question is answered for them.” He sighed. “Alas, no use reiterating what we already know.”
Uncle Theo paused, looking at Gweneviere, and thinking of her innocence. “I made a promise since before you were born that I would always protect you and I have. I knew the boys could look after themselves. You, however, have always been headstrong and fearless. Many of the people in this town are in debt to me. I knew I could not be here all the time and as a way of repaying the debts, I did not ask for money, I have more than enough. Instead, I asked them to protect something so much more valuable to me, and that is you. To keep an eye out on you and keep me apprised of your life. They have done this very well. What I did not anticipate was the demon attack. That has changed everything.”
Uncle Theo walked over to the chair beside the bed and sat. She sat up and looked intently at him with those blue eyes. He always had a great story to tell.
Uncle Theo continued. “We have been at war with the kingdom for ten years now ever since the Royal Army changed leadership. It did not start that way. We, the people, were the kingdom. Slowly newcomers took over key positions. We thought they were friends at first. Now we know how extensive their plan was. Their last big task is to kill the King. So far, they have not had the strength to overpower and kill him. But, his power is waning. The prophecy is that the kingdom will be restored when King William’s daughter returns with the locket.” Uncle Theo pulled a locket out of his pocket. Gweneviere’s eyes lit up. She was entranced by this story. This was his best by far.
“Let me see it!” cried Gweneviere as she snatched it. It was gold in color, the King’s Seal in the middle, and surrounded by red and blue jewels. “Where did you get it? It is beautiful. Can I have it? This is your best story yet, Uncle.”
Uncle Theo gazed at Gweneviere, looked down at the floor, and said very quietly “Dear child, this is not a story. The locket is real. I must ask something of you. You must take this locket and deliver it to King William by way of his daughter. You are headstrong for sure, but you are also brave and insightful and trustworthy. I have discussed this with many others and it is for you to take this journey.”
Gweneviere was stunned. “I can’t, I am not the daughter of King William. Take it back. I don’t like this story.” Gweneviere tossed the locket at Uncle Theo. He caught it and placed it on the table.
Uncle Theo sighed and said “You have been chosen. You will meet the daughter on your journey. You can then give the locket to her and your part is done. Your brothers were supposed to protect you but obviously that is not going to happen now. I have others who will help.”
Gweneviere was stunned. She sat on the bed with her mouth open. She thought about her life in the village. Nothing had prepared her for this. She had no training. She was no soldier. Just how was she supposed to recognize the daughter of the King? This was all too much.
She could not put into words what she was feeling. She absolutely trusted her uncle but this change was totally unexpected. She sat there with her mouth open trying to think of something to say. Uncle Theo kissed her on the forehead and told her to go to sleep. They would discuss it in the morning.
Gweneviere fell back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. This was all too much. She wanted to go back a few days, back to her brothers being alive and well, back to her friends, back to her joyful life. Oh no, this will not do at all. She made up her mind she would not go. To meet with some spoiled brat of a King. Oh no, that would not do at all. She was NOT going. No way.
Her bed shook gently but she was not alarmed. She soon felt small feet walking on her legs and heard the soft purring. She welcomed the comfort and unconditional love. “Here kitty, snuggle with me.” She scratched him behind the ears and the purring grew louder. Gazing softly at the kitten, she felt her body relax and thought, for a second, that the kitten had actually winked at her.
* * *
Seth was sitting in a chair lifting buckets of sand with his arms when Uncle Theo walked in. “Hey Unc. Just trying to keep in shape. What do you know? Am I getting released from prison today?”
“Yes. You will soon be on your way to your mother’s farm for a period of rest and relaxation. No more soldiering for you for a while.”
“Good” replied Seth. “As long as the plant doctor is not around, I can handle it.”
“Oh, he won’t be around. I can promise you that. Malcolm has a special task that he will accomplish for me. He might be gone for some time. Are you sure you won’t miss him?”
“Nah, little sis and I will have the place to ourselves. We’re good.”
“Oh, about that” grimaced Uncle Theo. “Gweneviere won’t be here. She is going with Malcolm.”
Seth dropped the buckets which spilled on the floor and was now on his feet jumping up and down on the bed. “What? Are you nuts? What kind of idiot would send my little sister traveling with Malcolm? He can’t protect her. Heck, he can’t even protect himself. What will he do, talk to trees? Gee, Mr. Tree, kill my enemies with your branches. NUTS I tell you. NUTS!”
Uncle Theo just looked at him. “Are you done yet? I have no choice but to send Malcolm. Jason is gone; you are recovering from your injuries. Might I remind you that we still do not know the extent of your injuries? Malcolm is the only one left.”
“No” said Seth defiantly. “I will go. Malcolm will stay. I know he is the eldest now but he is not a fighter. It is my duty to protect Gweneviere. Why is she going anyway? She does not know how to fight. She can’t cook. She can’t sew. Tell me again, why is she going?”
“She must deliver a package for me. It must be delivered by a young girl. Any male would be killed immediately and a female is not considered a threat. Gweneviere must go, there is no other choice, same as Malcolm, same as you NOT going” Uncle Theo finished talking and just looked at Seth. “Any questions???” Uncle Theo thought to himself ‘Well, it wasn’t quite the truth but it wasn’t a direct lie either.’
Seth stopped jumping and stood still. He was not sure what to think. He was determined that he would be going. Now he just needed to figure out how.
Uncle Theo had not moved yet. Seth looked at him and calmly said “Okay.” Uncle Theo took a moment to try to read his mind. Seth was intelligent and perceptive; there was no doubt about that. Plus he had graduated from the village school which was a first for the family. Uncle Theo kn
ew he was taking this all too calmly; this was not like him at all. He would have to watch him very carefully. Seth is a danger to himself and probably others, he could not go on the journey.
* * *
“Horses are saddled” Malcolm yelled from across the field. Gweneviere was inside the farmhouse packing. It would be daylight in about an hour and they needed to get started. Malcolm walked horses over to the thatched-roof house and tied them up outside. Breakfast was calling; it would be their last home cooked meal for some time. They had just begun to eat when there was a knock on the door. Malcolm opened the door to find Uncle Theo dangling in the air. As tall as he was, his feet were moving back and forth as he tried to find footing. Behind Uncle Theo was Thorgon who was holding him up by the collar.
“Theo say me go if you okay” said Thorgon.
Malcolm just looked at him “What? Huh? I am okay and NO, you can’t go.”
Upon hearing this, Thorgon started shaking Uncle Theo like a rag doll. “ME GO! ME GO NOW!” Uncle Theo was now turning red.
“Okay, okay, I got it. You can go but you will have to find your own horse and your own food. And no onions!” Malcolm finished speaking and looked at Thorgon.
Thorgon let Uncle Theo down and reached in his bag for an onion promptly taking a large bite. The onion juice was dripping down his chin. “Me go, onion go.” He belched.
Malcolm waved his hand in front of his nose then shrugged his shoulders and said “Fine. Now if you don’t mind, I will finish my breakfast.” Malcolm sat down and Gweneviere started laughing.
“You should have seen the look on your face when you opened the door and Uncle Theo was hanging there. I thought you were going to have a fit.” She laughed until Malcolm threw a biscuit at her. She promptly replied with gravy. “Mess with me, why don’t you! Girls are tough too! Tree talker”
“What did you say?” Malcolm demanded.
“Tree talker, tree talker, tree talker, everyone thinks you are nuts!” Gweneviere yelled back.
“Stop, no fight, fight later, fight bad people” said the booming voice from the door. Thorgon could not fit through the door so he was still outside. It was hard to ignore his voice.
Malcolm and Gweneviere sat down and began eating. Malcolm looked at Gweneviere and she had a celery stalk in one hand and was using her other hand to ‘talk’ to the stalk. Malcolm thought to himself, this is going to be a long journey. He hoped that Gweneviere would meet the King’s Daughter soon so they could be done and back home. Today by lunchtime would be a good time to meet.
* * *
Chapter 4
Seth packed all of his belongings. He figured they had his sword downstairs so he quietly went down hoping he would not be seen or heard. They most likely would put the sword out of sight in the back room. Slowly he made his way and there it was, leaning against the back wall. He quickly snatched it and tied it to his waist. No time to lose. Back upstairs he went. He ran into his room, grabbed his belongings, and threw them out the window.
“Hey, what did you do that for?” cried Edward. He was lying on the ground covered with Seth’s things. Seth jumped from the window and landed beside Edward. “I am escaping. No time to talk.”
Edward looked at him ““Well, I should be thankful you at least did not throw out your sword.
“Where are you going?” said the voice from behind Edward. It was Arthur. Wherever Edward was, Arthur was not far behind.
“I can’t tell you. I just have to go.” With that said, Seth ran off. This was too much mystery for Edward and Arthur who soon followed.
* * *
Malcolm, Gweneviere, and Thorgon made it all the way to the river crossing. The boatman was returning from carrying passengers to the other shore so they dropped their belongings on the ground and released the horses to graze.
“Hey, wait up” said the faint voice from the distance. A figure was running towards them. It looked like he or she was being chased by two others. It was hard to tell from this distance.
As the runners got closer, Malcolm took out his spyglass “You are not going to believe this but it is Seth, and it looks like Edward and Arthur too. How long before the boatman gets here? We might be able to lose them.”
“Why” inquired Gweneviere. “Seth can go with us. He can fight. We can send Edward and Arthur away. They will just get in the way.”
“No” stated Malcolm matter-of-factly. “Just the three of us need to go.” By this time Seth had reached them. Malcolm was about to speak when Seth drew his sword and held it to Malcolm’s throat and said “I am going, there is no discussion. Period.”
Malcolm looked to Thorgon who simply shrugged his shoulders. It was not part of the plan but Malcolm felt he had no choice. He was no match for Seth and without Thorgon’s help; Seth would not be persuaded to leave. Now, however there is the matter of Edward and Arthur.
This time, Thorgon spoke “You you, no go us. Go home. NOW!” His voice was loud and rippled across the water. Edward looked over at Arthur who was already running away. Edward turned and ran as well.
Seth looked around “Well, that settles that and I have a plan.” The rest of his words were lost as wolves began howling from across the water, lots of them. Hard to tell how many but it definitely cast a fowl mood on the group. Wolves were seldom seen nor heard around the area.
Thorgon looked at all of them. “Wolves bad. We go. Me kill wolves.”
They grabbed the horses and walked onto the boat to cross the river. The wolves continued to howl. It was getting Thorgon agitated. He stood up and bellowed back. The howling went silent for a few minutes then started again. This could not be good.
They made it to shore and started up the embankment. Thorgon led the way. The howls abruptly stopped. “See? The howling stopped, this is good” said Gweneviere.
Maybe Thorgon did really scare the wolves away. At the top of the bank, they turned right. Gweneviere was thinking that anytime would be a good time to meet the King’s Daughter as it was told to her that she would. They could then all go back home and be done. It was getting just a little bit scary.
There was a clearing just ahead. Thorgon was first to the clearing and immediately stopped. He looked back with surprise on his face. The rest of the group caught up to him and gazed. In the middle of the clearing sat a girl. She was wearing what looked to be a dress. Her long dark hair was pulled back to expose her face. Even from this distance it was easy to tell she was quite beautiful. They were stunned. Not only because of her beauty, but she was also surrounded by twelve wolves. Each of them was facing her and no one looked happy. Thorgon began to think of ways to rescue the girl.
“Is she the King’s Daughter?” asked Gweneviere quietly. No one knew.
The girl spoke
“Lupus, lupus, what have you done?
From what far fields have you run?
How many moons of the setting sun?
Are you one for all and all for one?”
As soon as she said ‘one’ the wolves started howling again. The girl stood up and pulled out one of her swords. From the way she flicked the sword, it was obvious she was very familiar with holding it. She held it parallel to the ground, pointing it at the first wolf. She then turned a full circle, pointing the sword at each wolf. Only when she turned all the way around did they see the jewels blazing in the sunlight. She was wearing a necklace with a locket, earrings, and there was a flash of silver from underneath her long sleeves.
Gweneviere exclaimed “We found her, the King’s Daughter. Quick, let’s give her the locket so we can go home.”
“Quiet” whispered Seth. “Just because she has jewels does not mean that she is the daughter. What daughter of a King would travel with wolves?”
The girl in the middle of the wolves spoke out loud
“Vanish you weary fools of the night,
save your energy for the fight,
these four here are of no mind,
they are not even of your kind,
be
gone I say,
let the villains lie where they may.”
Her blue eyes flashed as she looked at the four of them. She pulled something out of her sleeve and threw it on the ground. It exploded, causing smoke to cover the clearing. The smoke made their throats burn and their eyes tear. When they were able to open their eyes, the group had vanished, girl and all.
Seth looked around at the group. “Good luck finding her now.”
Malcolm walked into the clearing. There was no trace left.
Seth shouted “Hey, what are you doing?”
Malcolm said “Shhhh” and walked over to the trees. He approached the first tree and placed his hands on the tree, and then he leaned forward and put his ear to the tree. He stood silent for several minutes.
“Aw crimey, now he’s really lost it” was all Seth could manage to say.