“What a relief to be rid of that,” muttered Prince Jeremiah. “From what Rosalind told me, it must have been a dreadful predicament, locked up in the dark vault, not thinking you’d survive the day.”
“Certainly a bleak moment,” Christopher said, “but we had the best people on our side, and that’s all that really mattered. Belthasar never had a chance.”
“Anyway, we’ll never have to worry about that nightmare vault again,” Molly said. “It’s gone, just like Belthasar. And the world is better for it.”
Prince Jeremiah turned to look outside again, resting his forehead on the carriage window as the late morning landscape swept by. He ignored the rest of the conversation as he juggled a hundred details in his head at once–planning, preparing. Plotting.
“I still haven’t mentioned the best change of all in the castle,” Princess Rosalind continued. “No trolls and goblins!”
“I don’t miss them for a second, roaming about and making life miserable,” Molly said. “King Alexander’s castle must be a lovely place to visit now.”
“Though I fear it won’t be his castle for long,” she said in a melancholy voice. “King Alexander is very ill. The years exiled in the wild have taken a toll on him. When he passes on, Jeremiah will ascend to the throne after he is presented King Alexander’s sword and crown in the coronation ceremony.”
“That means you’ll be a queen some day when you are married,” Molly said.
“I wish that day was far in the future,” she said. “For King Alexander’s sake.”
“Where will you be married?” Molly asked.
“In Endora. However, we will incorporate customs from both kingdoms into the wedding ceremony. That is why I’m making a brief visit to Solárin today. I want to go into the villages and examine some of the local food and flowers that we might use for the wedding. Would you like to help me, Molly?”
“I’d love it!” she said. “That’ll give me some ideas for when I get married.”
“Who’d want to marry you?” Christopher exclaimed with a boisterous cackle.
Molly grimaced at Princess Rosalind. “See, what did I tell you about teenage boys?”
“You’ll probably have a dozen handsome men waiting to court you when you’re older, Molly. Then Christopher will have to take back his words,” she said.
“Hey, who’s going to be your maid of honor?” Molly asked.
Princess Rosalind looked perplexed. “What is a maid of honor?”
“When a woman marries, she has a close friend stand with her at the ceremony. Plus she helps the bride out in the days before the wedding, too,” Molly said. “She can also use extra friends or relatives as bridesmaids. The groom has a best man.”
Rosalind shrugged. “We don’t have that custom, but it is quite intriguing. Should you be here when I get married, Molly, I would love for you to be my maid of honor. That would be an honor indeed.”
Molly glowed. “I accept.”
Princess Rosalind then nudged Prince Jeremiah, who understood her intent. He sat up and took a deep breath.
“Then I think it only appropriate, Christopher, that you should be my–best man?” he said halfheartedly.
“Sure,” Christopher replied. “No problem.”
“And to save you from the monotony of discussing flower arrangements and food preparations with Rosalind and your sister,” he continued, “you may accompany me if you’d like, as I too have some business to attend to in one of the villages.”
“I’ll take you up on that offer,” Christopher said. “No offense, Princess Rosalind.”
“None taken. You men can spend your time discussing horses or politics, but Molly and I shall be quite content choosing flower garland arrangements and sampling dinner appetizers.”
“Sounds like a day at the beach!” Molly agreed.
They stopped a few times during the day to eat a brief meal and to rest and water the horses, but most of the time was spent driving. During the trip, Christopher and Molly were surprised to see that various buildings had sprung up along the road between the two kingdoms.
“When were all of these built?” Christopher asked.
“Shortly after the road was constructed, King Rupert and King Alexander decided it would be a good idea to have messenger posts between the two kingdoms,” Rosalind said. “Right now there are a dozen posts, though more will be built in the future. Several soldiers from Endora and Solárin man each one.”
Molly crinkled her brow. “What are they for?”
“It is basically a messenger service for the two Kings should they need to communicate quickly,” she said. “If King Rupert wanted to contact King Alexander for some reason, he could send his message or other important papers with a courier who would swiftly ride to the first post. Another would take over when he arrived and travel to the next post on a fresh horse, and so on until the message arrived. In a matter of hours, the two Kings can communicate with each other.”
Christopher was tempted to joke about just using a telephone instead, but thought it might come off as being ill mannered. So he simply bit his tongue and smiled.
“The posts are also stocked with carrier pigeons to send brief and urgent messages if needed. In each castle now there is an upper chamber that houses a brood of pigeons,” she continued. “My, but the cooing in there could lull you to sleep.”
“Or drive you insane,” Jeremiah coolly added.
“I suppose,” she quietly replied, staring at her hands resting on her lap.
Molly sensed how upset Princess Rosalind appeared to be with her fiancé, but she felt it would be inappropriate to say anything. Prince Jeremiah’s remarks and behavior lately had been cold and sarcastic, if not downright rude, but Molly couldn’t understand why. He seemed so pleasant when she first met him at the party, and Princess Rosalind couldn’t say enough nice things about him then. But all that had changed within the setting and rising of the sun.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see an inn or two popping up on the plains in time,” Christopher said, trying to lessen the mounting tension. “With all the travel between Endora and Solárin, people will want a place to eat and sleep along the way instead of making one long trip each time.”
“And a place to shop!” Molly added.
“I’m sure some enterprising individuals have that very same idea, Christopher. Our kingdoms are on the verge of growing and modernizing,” Princess Rosalind said, “and many foreword looking people will want to be in the thick of things as they happen. In fact, Jeremiah has told me about many of his dreams to transform Solárin into a place where people couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”
“Now don’t bore these youngsters with my half-ripened ideas,” he said.
“Tell us a few of your plans,” Christopher urged him, hoping to thaw the mysterious rift between him and Princess Rosalind.
“Oh, I have plans all right, but another time perhaps,” he said. “Another time.” Then the prince continued to look out the window as the carriage rattled on its way along the dusty narrow road.
They arrived in the tiny village of Windmere a few miles from King Alexander’s castle as the sun dipped behind a pillow of red and purple clouds. As many of the shops would be closing soon, Rosalind decided to attend to her wedding plans first thing tomorrow morning.
“After such a long ride, I don’t think any of us are in the mood to wander through the village. A proper meal back at the castle is what everyone needs right now.”
“I am kind of hungry again,” Molly admitted.
“I’m very hungry,” Christopher added without the least bit of shyness.
They stopped only long enough to water the horses and allow everyone to walk about for a few minutes to stretch. The sweet scent of bayla blossom and fresh pine saturated the cool twilight air. Everyone remained in the village common as the horses drank from a series of public troughs. Jeremiah spoke a few words to some of his advisors who had ridden in the other carriages and then w
alked over to Princess Rosalind.
“As long as we’re here, there’s someone I need to speak to in town,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”
“About what?” Rosalind asked.
“Nothing important. Just about a minor matter back at the castle that needs attending to. I want to handle it personally,” he said. “I’ll only be a moment.”
“Okay,” she replied as Jeremiah walked away in the deepening shadows.
“Where’s he going?” Molly asked a moment later as she approached the princess. She had been sitting with Christopher under an oak tree a short distance away.
“He has some business to look after,” she replied, her voice sounding sad and far away. “He’ll be right back.”
“Prince Jeremiah seems–” Molly looked up at Rosalind as if seeking permission to continue speaking.
“Seems what, Molly? You can tell me.”
“Well, Princess Rosalind, since last night at the party he seems kind of–distant.”
“Just distant?”
“Maybe a little snippy, too.”
Rosalind nodded and tried to smile. “Maybe a lot snippy. I can’t explain it either. This behavior is so unlike Jeremiah.” She sighed and gently rubbed a hand over Molly’s shoulder. “But don’t look too worried. Jeremiah has a lot on his mind lately. His father is ill, and though he doesn’t like to think about it, he will be king one of these days soon. That is a lot for anyone to bear. And we have our wedding besides. So I hope he’s only having a bad day.”
“Looks like a really bad day,” Molly admitted, happy to see Rosalind smile again.
Christopher, in the meantime, had remained seated under the oak tree and watched as Jeremiah walked away from Princess Rosalind. After Molly had left his side to go to her, Christopher decided to wander about until the others were ready to depart. He ambled in the direction that Jeremiah went, weaving through a few of the villagers that passed by on foot and horseback. When he saw Prince Jeremiah turn and look around before slipping inside a blacksmith’s shop, Christopher felt uneasy and quickly stepped back and hid along side a poulterer’s store. A series of unplucked chickens hung upside down outside the front doorway. A few white feathers strewn on the dusty ground swirled about in a mild evening breeze.
Christopher prepared to approach the blacksmith shop, curiosity getting the best of him. But a moment later Prince Jeremiah emerged from the building and returned to the carriages in the village square. Christopher stood with his back to the poulterer’s store, concealed in the shadows until the prince passed by before hurrying to the common so Jeremiah wouldn’t know he had been away.
Ordinarily Christopher wouldn’t find it suspicious if someone made a brief visit to a place of business, or feel the need to keep himself hidden from view like a thief in the night. But after witnessing Prince Jeremiah’s unsettling behavior at the party and during the carriage ride from Endora, Christopher felt a gnawing apprehension grip him like an icy frost. He was now more curious than ever about this man who would soon be a king.
CHAPTER FIVE
Unmasked
They arrived at the castle as night wrapped the landscape in a cloak of black shadows and silence. A web of stars stretched over the surrounding trees and beyond the horizon, reflecting like thousands of watching eyes in the cold waters of the moat. A line of torch lights along the drawbridge guided the carriages safely inside. The clip clop of horse hooves echoed off the cobblestone courtyard whose walls were affixed with blazing torches to keep the night at bay. An aide to King Alexander rushed over to Prince Jeremiah as he disembarked.
“Sir, your father has taken a turn for the worse,” the man said with a tremor in his voice. He stood as tall as Jeremiah and wore a short brown beard streaked with gray. “He is very ill this night. I wanted to inform you as soon as you arrived.”
“Thank you, Mr. Tupper,” Jeremiah said flatly. “Lead me to him at once.”
The aide nodded and scurried off. Prince Jeremiah swiftly followed.
Christopher and Molly stepped out of the carriage after Princess Rosalind. Molly stood next to her, tugging at her sleeve. “Doesn’t sound like very good news, does it.”
“No,” the princess softly replied. “Not good at all, yet not wholly unexpected.” She glanced at Molly and Christopher and tried to smile. “But I made a promise to King Alexander and I intend to keep it. He wanted to meet you both, and so he shall. Hurry! Come with me.”
She took each by the hand and led them across the courtyard while the other travelers continued to disembark, their voices thin and distant in the cool night air. Rosalind and the children stepped through the nearest doorway and disappeared inside the castle.
King Alexander lay on a large wooden bed in an upper chamber, his head propped up on two feather pillows and several blankets draped over his frail body. A blazing fire warmed the room, and wooden bowls of steaming water containing a mixture of fresh herbs were scattered about the chamber. The air danced with a fragrant mix of mint and other pungent spices that Christopher and Molly could not identify. The scent both invigorated and soothed them at the same time.
They stood at the foot of the bed with Princess Rosalind and watched as King Alexander whispered a few words to his son. Prince Jeremiah sat on a small chair near the head of the bed as his father held his hand. Though certain he was only imagining it, Christopher believed that the King wasn’t completely sure whose hand he was holding, as if a complete stranger was sitting next to him. King Alexander’s crown rested on a night table nearby, a ring of shining silver encrusted with a blue sapphire in the center and two green emeralds, one on either side. His silver sword, whose handle was embedded with the same alignment of jewels and its blade adorned with intricate etchings, rested on the mattress at the foot of the bed. Prince Jeremiah softly said a few words to his father and then stood up, signaling to Christopher and Molly to come forward.
“He wants to speak to you,” the prince said coolly. “Quickly. Over here where he can better see you.”
Princess Rosalind led the children to where Jeremiah had been sitting. He stepped aside and retreated into the corner shadows. Christopher and Molly cautiously approached the King. Though his body was weak and his breathing sometimes labored, a burst of life still lingered in his large green eyes. He extended a hand and Christopher and Molly held it together. King Alexander smiled when he felt the warmth of their touch.
“Thank you,” he whispered hoarsely, raising his head. “I was told of your courage and what you had done for my kingdom. You were instrumental in saving it from Belthasar.”
“You’re welcome,” Christopher said, “though we had much help in that task.”
“Lots of help,” Molly agreed.
“Maybe so, but you two were the ones who stood up to Malaban in the end, and that act of bravery made Belthasar’s defeat possible. When I go to my final rest soon, my heart will be light and my mind at ease knowing the citizens of Solárin are free from that monster.” The King rested his head on the pillow again.
“We’re glad we could help, sir. It was quite an adventure that we’ll never forget,” Christopher said. “I only wish you were feeling better so you could again enjoy your kingdom in good health.”
“Do not be sad. You gave me a few fine years to experience the beauty and majesty of Solárin. For that I am ever thankful.” He breathed deeply. The perfumed air made his eyelids heavy and his mind conjure up long forgotten memories. “Forgive me, but I am quite tired now and you must be too after your long journey.” He glanced at Princess Rosalind. “Please make sure they are well fed tonight. That is the least I can do, though I will forever be in their debt.”
“They shall dine on the finest fare in you storerooms,” Rosalind replied. “Now you must rest, your highness. Jeremiah and I will look in on you later.”
“Thank you,” he said, closing his eyes. A slight smile spread across his face.
“Goodnight,” Molly whispered as she and Christopher left his b
edside.
Princess Rosalind silently led them out of the chamber as Prince Jeremiah followed, closing the door behind them.
“What kind and generous words your father spoke to the children,” she said to him as they walked down the torch-lit corridor. “I think it did his spirit good to finally meet them.”
“Yes, the saviors of Solárin,” Prince Jeremiah bitterly muttered out of earshot of Christopher, Molly and Rosalind. “My father and I owe so much for their courage. However shall I repay them?” he whispered as they headed down a wide stone staircase to one of the private castle dining rooms.
Prince Jeremiah ordered a large meal prepared for all the travelers, so in the meantime, Christopher and Molly asked for permission to explore parts of the castle.
“We pretty much know our way around the place,” Molly said. “So no need to worry about us getting lost.”
“I have no fear of that,” Princess Rosalind said. “Run along, but return in one hour. Dinner will be served then. I don’t want to tell your mother that you were not properly fed while in my care.”
“A deal!” Christopher exclaimed, and an instant later he and Molly sped off like mice.
They wandered through the corridors, discussing their incredible adventure of four years ago as if it had only occurred last week. Both decided right off the bat to take a look at the old vault room, the place where all hope had once seemed lost. Just as Princess Rosalind said, the room had been turned into a storage area. Sacks of grain and flour were piled up inside the former vault, its huge metal door now gone. The outer section below the staircase was jammed full with barrels and crates of apples, potatoes, dried beef and venison on a newly paved brick floor.
They also visited the great meeting hall, only this time there wasn’t a troll or goblin in sight. The room stood as quiet as a lazy summer afternoon. As Christopher and Molly gazed at the spacious surroundings and the balcony above, they could almost hear the raucous hoots and hollers and pounding of fists as a legion of angry trolls and goblins demanded fair treatment from Belthasar.
The Endora Trilogy (The Complete Series) Page 22