A Path Toward Home (The Annals of Avonea)

by Lorenz, Heather

  Constance ran ahead as Drinian darted after her. The thieves did not give up and were drawing close when Constance stumbled and fell. Drinian quickly pulled her upright with his strong arm.

  “Are you alright?” Drinian asked breathlessly as they started running again.

  “Yes, but those old men can sure run fast for their age.”

  “Indeed they can.”

  “Oh, no Drinian the river is ahead. How are we going to cross, especially with those men behind us?” Constance exclaimed.

  “Do not worry, trust me!”

  The younger thief was right on Constance’s heels when he suddenly dived to the ground, grabbing her foot. Constance yanked it free, and kicking him in the dashed on ahead!

  They were nearing the river now with the thieves thirty feet behind them. Woodphere was older, but he was still ahead of Drinian and Constance.

  “Now what do we do?” Constance cried.

  “Woodphere can you decode the plaque?” Drinian asked, pointing to a gold plaque on the ground which had some form of writing on it.

  “It is Coptic writing. It says, “Only honest hearts may cross the waters,” Woodphere translated.

  “What does that mean?” Constance asked.

  “It means those thieves cannot cross and we’re safe!” Drinian exclaimed.

  “I would not count on being safe until we cross that river. Let’s not stand here, let’s get going!” Woodphere replied emphatically.

  Woodphere carefully touched his foot to the water, and watched in astonishment as it became solid as ice. Immediately he started across!

  Constance stood in shock as she watched Woodphere walk further and further across the river.

  “Constance don’t stand there, come on!” Drinian commanded, as he pulled Constance after him.

  “Drinian, I don't know if we should do this. What if something goes wrong?”

  “There's no time to think of that now!”

  Constance stepped timidly onto the solid surface, when her feet dropped through into the water!

  “Drinian, I can't walk on this!”

  “Can you swim?” Drinian exclaimed.

  “No!”

  “I'll have to carry you!” Drinian exclaimed, picking Constance up in his arms.

  “Let me try swimming. You'll hurt yourself carrying me this way.” Constance said.

  “I'm not taking that chance.”

  Constance watched as the thieves arrived at the plaque beside the river.

  “I can't read it, what does it say?” the man with the black eye asked his comrades.

  “I don't care what it says, I want that money!” the men with the missing teeth shouted, as he jumped into the water and began swimming toward them.

  “Drinian, he's swimming!” Constance exclaimed.

  She was nervously watching as the man came closer, when suddenly the man let out a terrifying scream as he plunged beneath the surface!

  “Drinian, he's being pulled under water! What should we do?”

  Drinian began sprinting toward the riverbank, as Constance breathlessly clung to him. Woodphere was waiting in safety when Drinian set Constance down on dry ground. He grabbed Woodphere's rope, and sped back to the man who was thrashing about in the water!

  “Put the rope around your waist! Drinian commanded, once he had gotten to the thief. “I'll pull you up.”

  The thieves’ eyes grew wide. “Why are you helping me? I tried to rob you!”

  “Everyone deserves a second chance!” Drinian replied, pulling with all his strength to no avail.

  Woodphere finally saw Drinian in his distress and ran to aid him in the rescue.

  “It is no use, Your Majesty! The current is much too strong!”

  “We cannot let him die, Woodphere!”

  “It is out of our hands,” Woodphere replied.

  Suddenly the thief plunged out of sight, ripping the rope from their grasp. Drinian hung his head in defeat.

  “You tried Your Majesty,” Woodphere sighed, putting his arm around Drinian shoulders.

  Drinian looked back at the thieves who stood on the riverbank with their heads down.

  “I am sorry,” Drinian called to them, before turning around and walking back to Woodphere and Constance.

  “I'm sorry Drinian, you did all you could,” Constance said sympathetically.

  “Woodphere, why couldn’t I cross the river,” Constance asked. “I have always tried to be honest.

  “I’m sure you are honest, but perhaps you could not cross because you’re not from Avonea,” Woodphere replied.

  “Maybe so,” Constance answered as they continued toward the meadow.

  ***************

  They gazed down upon the colorful meadow below, covered with thousands of wild daisies.

  “Welcome to Maraveil Meadow,” Drinian said, giving a sigh of relief.

  “It's beautiful Drinian,” Constance exclaimed in wonder.

  “Indeed,” Woodphere agreed.

  There was silence for several minutes as they drank in the glorious view. Constance looked up into Drinian's dark face and noticed a faraway look in his eyes.

  “Are you still thinking over the accident?” she asked him.

  “Yes.”

  “Drinian what happened was not your fault. You can't change what's happened.”

  “I know Constance, but you should have seen the thieves face at that moment. I didn’t know that thieves could have such sensitive hearts. They truly lost what they thought to be a good friend.”

  Constance wished Drinian would cheer up, it was heartbreaking to see him so sad. Finally an idea sprang into her mind as she gave him a tap on the shoulder. “You’re it!” Constance exclaimed, as she ran down the hill.

  Drinian looked puzzled, but his eyes brightened and with a hint of a smile he rushed after her. Constance zipped down the hill, nearly falling with Drinian closing in behind. Her eyes sparkled, and the wind blew through her hair as she ran.

  Woodphere stood at the top of the hill watching. He was shaking his head with amusement as Constance lost a shoe and kept on running. Drinian was almost within reach when he tripped on it and fell flat on his face!

  “Are you alright?” Constance asked, stifling her laughter as she finally came to a stop.

  Drinian did not reply.

  “I know what you’re doing Drinian! You’re pretending to be hurt,” Constance said, walking a little closer to him.

  “Drinian?” she whispered, as she was now so close that she could tell he was neither moving nor breathing!

  “Boo!” Drinian shouted as he jumped to his feet.

  Constance screamed as Drinian fell to the ground laughing over his sneaky trick.

  “You should have seen your face! It was priceless!” Drinian laughed.

  “That's not fair!” Constance said, as she sat up.

  “And I suppose tripping over your shoe is fair?” Drinian replied.

  “At least I didn't cheat. I didn't lose my shoe on purpose.”

  “And what I did is called cheating? I was simply trying to catch my breath and gather my strength.”

  “You are such a liar!” Constance countered.

  “I am not. Who was the one who could not cross the river?” Drinian responded, looking very smug.

  “That was because I'm not from Avonea. Woodphere said so himself,” Constance replied.

  “So he did. That game of tag was most enjoyable though. I have not played that in years.”

  “Neither have I,” Constance replied.

  “Over yonder, behind that hill you see, is Castle Melody. I should warn you that it is very small, and not at all like you’re imaging.”

  “I'm sure it will be beautiful. I still can't believe that we are here. Time has passed so quickly.”

  “Indeed it has, I wish it would slow down.”

  Constance looked about the meadow of flowers and noticed a single pink bloom that stood alone, the only one of its kind

  “What t
ype of flower is that?” Constance asked, pointing to the beautiful pink flower.

  “Oh that is a ‘lass-lady’. It’s very beautiful isn’t it?” Drinian said, plucking the flower and handing it to Constance.

  “Thank you, it's very pretty! Finally we’re actually agreeing on something. Have you noticed we hardly ever agree on anything?” Constance pointed out, as she looked at the delicate pink flower that resembled pink lace.

  “Yes I have, and that is why I find you so fascinating. Most other girls agree with my every word, which gets very annoying after a while.”

  “I can imagine.”

  “Constance, I have a present for you, a friendship gift,” Drinian said, pulling from his pocket a beautiful necklace.

  Constance eyes grew large with amazement as she studied every detail of the necklace. It was a silver heart shaped piece, with a ruby mounted in the center surrounded by sparkling diamonds.

  “Oh Drinian, it's so beautiful!” Constance exclaimed.

  “It was my mother’s. She left it to me when she died, along with a note telling me to give it to a special girl someday. I know deep down inside my heart that you should have it.”

  “Drinian, I can't accept your mother's necklace. You should save it for the woman you love,” Constance said, handing the necklace back to Drinian.

  Drinian pushed the necklace back to Constance.

  “Please keep it; for you have become one of my best friends ever.”

  “I'll treasure it always,” she said, putting it around her neck. “I only wish I could give you a gift.”

  “You truly have given me a gift by being here.”

  “I don't know about that. It seems I've been more of a pain than a gift.”

  “I wholeheartedly disagree!”

  “Your Majesty, we should be leaving if you wish to make it to the castle in good time,” Woodphere shouted from the top of the hill.

  “We’re ready to go now,” Drinian replied

  “I see you were both reliving your childhood,” Woodphere said as he started down the hill.

  “Yes, we were,” Constance replied. “You can never be too old for childhood games.”

  “Well, I'm afraid I will be soon. I do not think my people will support a game playing king,” Drinian sighed.

  “That's because you don't want them to know you’re still a child at heart.”

  “Maybe that's true,” Drinian replied.

  Constance smiled, as they continued on their way to Castle Melody.

  Castle Melody

  Soon they arrived in a quaint little village with a variety of trading shops selling baked goods, cheeses, clothing and hardware items. People were everywhere, and little girls ran in the streets selling flowers or beads.

  Constance noticed one little girl with only a thin shawl wrapped around her scrawny shoulders to keep warm. She was trying to sell red roses for a shilling, but didn't seem to have any takers. Drinian motioned for the child to come toward him.

  “I'll take one rose please,” Drinian requested, as he pulled out his bag of shillings.

  “That will be one shilling please,” she said timidly, as she handed Drinian a rose.

  “Here, keep the rest,” Drinian replied, as he gave the girl five shillings.

  “Thank you sir!” the little girl exclaimed her eyes glowing with gratitude.

  “Here Constance,” Drinian said, handing the rose to her.

  “Thank you, Drinian,” Constance replied, looking into his eyes which were so warm and caring that she couldn’t help but smile.

  “You two better get moving, we’re holding up traffic,” Woodphere whispered to both of them.

  Drinian and Constance finally noticed that they were the center of attention in the village and several people were whispering.

  “Do you think it is wise to move on?” Drinian asked.

  “I think it will be alright,” Constance replied.

  As they continued on an older man came out from the crowd and said, “Are you travelers from afar?”

  “Indeed, we have come from the western woods. I am Woodphere, His Majesty's friend and councilor.”

  “His Majesty? Whom are you speaking about?” the old man asked, his voice shaky.

  “Prince Drinian, the son of former King Simian,” Woodphere replied.

  “You know of Simian's lost son?”

  “Indeed, for this very man that is standing above my shoulder is Prince Drinian, son of King Simian.”

  The old man’s eyes grew wide with joy, and he gave a graceful bow to Drinian.

  “It is my deepest pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty!”

  “Please do not bow in my honor, sir. Bow because a lady is in your presence,” Drinian replied.

  Soon the word of Prince Drinian's arrival spread throughout the entire village. A crowd soon gathered and trailed behind the travelers with much singing and rejoicing that the lost Prince had returned home.

  Beyond the village Castle Melody appeared before them. It was built of white marble, with many windows and towers. “Welcome to my home,” Drinian said smiling, as Constance’s mouth hung open in utter disbelief.

  “I thought you said you lived in a small castle” Constance said.

  “This is a small castle,” Drinian replied as they entered the lofty entryway, Constance glanced up at the sparkling chandelier dangling from the engraved ceiling. In a moment a plump middle aged woman sauntered over to them with a bright look on her face.

  “Your Majesty, we haven’t heard anything about you for more than eight years! We thought you were dead, but I am glad we were wrong!” she said with excitement.

  “Marta, how long it has been since I've seen your pleasant face,” Woodphere said, giving the women a hug.

  “It is good to see you as well, cousin Woodphere,” Marta replied. “My, how handsome you have become Your Majesty!”

  “You do exaggerate Marta.”

  “Of course I do not. Who is this young lady?” Marta asked.

  “This is Constance ….”

  “Constance, what a beautiful name. You two make such a lovely couple. When did you get married?” Marta asked, as she gave both Drinian and Constance a hug.

  “Marta, we are not married. We’re only friends,” Drinian replied.

  Marta sighed in disappointment.

  “Woodphere and I are actually returning Constance to her world.”

  “What a disappointment to these old bones! Never the less, it was a pleasure to meet you Constance,” Marta replied.

  “It was nice meeting you too, Marta.”

  “Well, enough of this small talk! You all look in need of a hot refreshing bath.”

  “Yes, that sounds absolutely wonderful,” Constance sighed.

  “Constance, please follow me. Your Majesty and Woodphere follow Desmend to where hot baths await you as well.” Marta took Constance by the hand and led her up to a large bed chamber.

  As Constance walked into the room her breath was nearly taken away. The walls were cream colored with a white marble floor. A tall royal red canopy bed, supported by gold frames stood in the center of the room. To the side of the room sat a comfortable couch and a small set of table and chairs.

  “Does this suit you?” Marta asked, opening the curtains.

  “I've never seen a more beautiful room.”

  “This room is second best to Prince Drinian's bed chamber.”

  “It is very kind of you to put me in such a beautiful bedroom. I don’t mind staying in a smaller room though,” Constance added.

  “No you will not! This room has sat long enough without someone to enjoy it. Do you want me to prepare an entirely different room, when this is one already prepared?”

  “I guess you’re right.”

  “I will now start your bath. What would you like: Lemon juice, mineral salt, or lavender oil?”

  “Mineral salt please,” Constance answered, walking over to her enormous bed and flopping down. She imagined she was lying on a cloud,
compared to the hard ground she had been sleeping on for nearly a week.

  “Beatrice has your bath prepared now, so please go with her,” Marta instructed, coming out of the bathroom.

  ***************

  After Constance’s refreshing bath, Marta helped her pick out a dress for supper.

  “What would you like to wear?” Marta asked opening a wardrobe full of dresses.

  In the wardrobe hung dozens of dresses of every kind and every color.

  “What color do you look best in, but I am guessing blue would do you justice,” Marta said pulling out five different blue dresses.

  “Now which dress do you like best?”

  Constance looked at them all, and they were all very pretty. However, the one catching her eye was a beautiful shade of dark blue with dazzling frills, bows and buttons. Marta quickly combed her hair, curled its ends, and held it in place with a beautiful diamond headband.

  “There, you are ready to go down to supper. I will show you the way,” Marta said, as Constance looked into the mirror.

  Constance walked leisurely down the stairs, her torn and mud splattered dress a distant memory. She entered the dining room and was met by Drinian and Woodphere, who also had a fresh change of clothing.

  “I hope you’re hungry tonight,” Drinian said, pulling out a chair for Constance.

  “Thank you, I'm starved,” Constance replied, sitting down.

  Constance closed her eyes and inhaled the wonderful aroma that was drifting to them from the kitchen. Soon servants brought steaming platters of meat. Lobster, whitefish, shrimp, clams, turkey and goat were the meat choices. Next came crocks of fresh vegetable followed by swiss, cheddar, mozzarella and brie cheeses.

  “My, do you serve this much food every night?” Constance asked overwhelmed, taking a spoon full of beans from a crock.

  “We rarely have this much variety, but today is a special occasion,” Drinian replied.

  “Where are all your councilmen? Don’t they live in the castle?”

  “They live here, but they have their own eating quarters. We shall meet with them tomorrow after I make my speech to Avonea.”

  “You have to make a speech tomorrow?”

  “Indeed. Woodphere feels that it would be the right time to tell the people my plans once I become king.”