A wicked grin appeared on his face. He and Fibble were going to need baths. He turned to find the little goblin trying to convince Lugs to lift him up. The ogre was having none of it.
Lugs said, “You need a bath, little buddy.” To which Fibble emphatically shook his head no.
Alexander said, “I agree!” and teleported them all to a spot about five feet above the lake by the keep. They all dropped like stones and hit the surface with a tremendous splash. Brick cursed as he fell, then he struck the surface and his plate armor dragged him down. Alexander quickly realized his little joke wasn’t such a good idea. Brick, Lugs, Grumpy, and Benny were all blowing bubbles and likely cursing him as they sank. He rubbed at his eyes to cleanse them a bit, then spied out each of his friends and teleported them up onto the pier. Helga, Sasha, and Jules were already swimming in that direction.
Fibble, however, was practically drowning again. He was thrashing around in the water trying to scream, swallowing water as he did so. Alexander swam to him and took hold of the goblin’s arms.
“It’s okay, Fibble! I won’t let you drown. Relax.” He spoke calmly to the little guy.
Eventually Fibble stopped thrashing and started pouting. “You make Fibble take bath! Nearly drown! Mean boss!”
Laughing, Alexander supported Fibble as he paddled them over to the pier. Lugs reached into the water and lifted his little buddy out. Then he held him securely as Sasha produced soap that smelled like raspberries and proceeded to give the goblin a good scrubbing. Fibble thrashed and wailed until Lugs dunked him back into the lake to rinse him off. He came up sputtering as Lugs set him down carefully on the pier.
Fibble wasted no time, hitting turbo speed as he fled the group. He seemed to barely touch the ground as his freshly scrubbed and scented feet carried him toward the drawbridge. The group could hear him complaining loudly as he disappeared across the bridge.
Not quite clean himself, Alexander stayed in the water and rinsed himself thoroughly. Sasha offered the soap, but he declined. Lugs decided to execute an ogre cannonball maneuver in the shallow water that resulted in a scolding from Lars as the old man emerged from his hut. “Are ya tryin to scare every fish in the lake to death, ya big behemoth! Get out of my lake!” the old man scolded.
Looking like kids caught drinking behind the gym, Alexander and Lugs walked up onto the shore and hung their heads.
Sasha laughed loud and long before yelling, “Busted!”
Alexander apologized to Lars before teleporting the group back to the courtyard. Fibble, who was just zooming through the inner gate, skidded to a halt and changed direction when he saw them. He dashed into the stables and vanished. Presumably to roll around in the dirt. Sasha sighed “Well, he was clean for a whole three minutes.”
Chapter 10
Hide and Seek
As Silverbeard was still in Broken Mountain, Alexander used officer’s chat to update his Chancellor and ask him to pass the information on to Thalgrin. Then he opened a portal to Stormforge and stepped through, Jules at his side, and Jenkins with a squad of guards surrounding them. They stopped briefly at the dragon forge so that Alexander could let the apprentice know how much Fibble appreciated his new sword. The dwarf laughed heartily when Jules told him about Fibble nearly cutting off Lugs’ ear.
As they left the compound, Jules went into stealth mode. The last time Alexander walked this path he was ambushed by drow. If they showed up again, she was going to be ready for them.
The walk was short, and they were soon through the gates and approaching the palace doors. Jules reappeared at Alexander’s side, and they were escorted into the great hall. King Charles and his son Edward were sitting at a table to one side of the hall. A large map of the kingdom was inlaid upon the tabletop.
“Alexander! Welcome. And Lady Jules, too. You look lovely.” Charles smiled warmly at her. “Please, come sit with us. Edward, bring them something to drink.” The prince rose and moved to a sideboard while the two of them took seats. He returned with two glasses of a wine so sweet it was nearly berry juice.
Jules sipped at it while Alexander spoke. “I’m sorry to interrupt, your majesty. But I’ve news that I didn’t think should wait.”
Charles’ smile faded, and he leaned forward to place both hands on the map. “This sounds ominous. What news have you brought me?”
Alexander looked at the map for a moment. It included the area that was now part of Elysia, as the table had been made long ago. He pointed to the demon caverns in the ridge beyond Dire Woods. “We went into the demon caverns today. I had a suspicion that I’ll detail in a moment. But the short version is, the army that I trapped inside the dungeon has escaped. We think through a portal. We found one of their black orbs.”
King Charles scowled at the map for a long moment. “What you’re telling me is that an army of demons and undead creatures might be roaming around our kingdoms.”
“Yes. We have no way to know where they went. Fitz may be able to tell us more about the orbs, what kind of range they have. Whether they always open a portal to the same place, or are flexible like our portals. Maybe he can even tell us where that orb sent them. At least, that is what I’m hoping. But for now, I think we have to assume they’re loose somewhere nearby.”
Charles’ gaze slid across the map. “And do we know the size of this army?”
Alexander shook his head. “When we cleared that dungeon the first time, there were more than 400 demons. You may remember Brick collected some horns…” The King chuckled at the memory. “We should assume at least a similar number returned. Along with the same number of undead. At a minimum, I would think.”
Edward injected “But it could be many more. Undead don’t need to eat or drink. They could have been packed into that dungeon like sardines.” Both kings nodded in agreement.
Alexander then reminded them. “We found one of those orbs in the dungeon near Whitehall. Another in a mine up on our plateau. Fibble said a man in black delivered it to the goblin boss as a ‘gift’ recently. Right before Whitehall was attacked. But the one in the mine had been there for centuries. Whoever is seeding these has been at it for a long time. They might be anywhere.”
King Charles thumped his hand on the table. “I like it much better when you bring me good news, Alexander. Like ‘We killed all the demons. Here’s a pile of horns and weapons.’ Any chance you’re going to do that again?”
Alexander half-smiled at the king’s joke. “I certainly hope so, majesty.”
The two kings spoke for a while longer, making plans for mutual defense in the event the army was discovered on their lands. King Charles offered to send a warning to Antalia, but Alexander said one of his guildmembers there would take care of it. He opened guild chat and asked Martin to do exactly that.
When Alexander and Jules left the palace a few minutes later, he had an idea. Taking Jules hand, he steered her toward The Prancing Stallion, which sat on the corner nearest the outer gate. Pulling her along, he stepped inside. Jenkins assigned his men to form a perimeter around the building, then followed Alexander and Jules.
Alexander was glad to see the familiar young lady was at the counter, as usual. She quickly bowed, saying “Welcome back, your majesty! How can we serve you today?”
“Please, no bowing. Shari, right?” Alexander asked, causing the girl to blush prettily.
“I am honored you remember me, majesty.”
Alexander sighed, resigning himself to the royal treatment. He said “Shari, I would like to share a quiet, romantic meal with Lady Jules. Good food, nothing too fancy. Do you think you could arrange that?”
“Oh, of course!” Shari perked up. “Mr. Hobson has a private dining room just for special guests like you! I’ll alert the chef. Would you like music? We can have musicians here in just a few minutes…” Shari led them toward the back of the inn as she spoke.
Alexander looked to Jules, who shook her head. “No, no need for music. Thank you.”
The girl opened
a set of double doors and ushered them into a luxuriously appointed room. There was a dining table large enough to seat six on one side, and a small cluster of plush leather chairs set around a fireplace on the other. The carpet was a deep green and so thick it almost engulfed Alexander’s shoes as he stepped inside. A set of French doors opened out into an enclosed garden with a shade tree, bright flowers of every color of the rainbow, and a small fountain. There was a table with two chairs to one side of the fountain, in the shade of the tree.
Jules physically leaned toward the little garden, and Alexander smiled. Turning to Shari, he said “I think we’d like to eat in the garden. It seems lovely. My compliments to Hobson.” He held up a finger for Shari to wait, and turned to Jenkins. “Bring your men inside. We’re in no immediate danger here, I think. You can all eat here in the dining room, and keep an eye on us.”
Jenkins thought it over for a moment, then accepted with a grin. “If you insist, sir.”
Alexander looked to Shari. “Please have the chef make enough for eight, then. And again, nothing fancy. A well-seasoned stew or properly cooked steaks and a nice wine would be fine.”
Shari departed, and Alexander left Jenkins to sort out his squad as he escorted his lady love out to the garden. As soon as he opened the French doors, the scent of the many flowers wafted over them. Jules clapped her hands and stepped into the garden, spinning around to take it all in. “It’s perfect! We need a place like this at the keep. A quiet place, just for us and a few friends.”
Alexander smiled, watching the elfess take in the garden. She leaned over to smell flowers, dipped a finger in the fountain water, and laughed as she startled a squirrel causing it to dash up the tree and chitter indignantly at her.
“I’m not sure we’ve space at the keep for such a thing. But when you’re able to come out of your pod, I’ll have a place just like this ready for you. We’ll have every meal there, if you like.”
Jules dashed across the distance between them and threw herself into his arms. “Thank you for this.” She whispered into his ear. Then, with a wicked grin, she asked “Do you think the chef would make us pancakes?”
“Ha! Let’s not insult them by asking. We’ll come here for breakfast sometime, and you can eat pancakes till you don’t fit through the doors.”
Jules kissed him soundly and led him to the little table. He held her chair for her, then took his own seat. The two of them held hands and talked about their future in the real world until a team of waiters appeared. The table was quickly set with a crisp white tablecloth, real silver utensils, candle sticks, and fine porcelain dishes.
As soon as the table was arranged properly, Jules and Alexander were served slices of roasted boar cooked to perfection and accompanied by small baked potatoes, all covered in a delicious smelling gravy. There were also green vegetables that Alexander didn’t recognize cooked in butter and seasoned with something he thought he did recognize from one of Lydia’s dinners. They were served both a light ale and a crisp white wine.
Shari appeared to make sure everything was to their satisfaction. “We apologize for the lack of an appetizer course. The chef was not expecting…”
Alexander held up his hand to stop her. “Shari, this is wonderful. Exactly what we wanted. I promise we’ll give you some warning next time, and the chef can go crazy. Please pass along my compliments, and thanks to you all.”
Smiling brightly and with a brief bow, Shari left them to their meal. She closed the doors as she exited the garden.
Alexander and Jules took their time enjoying the meal and each other’s company. They talked about plans both in and out of the game. Jules said she wanted to plan a grand wedding for Mattie and Taylor. Alexander supported that idea, but warned her that if she didn’t involve Rose O’Malley there might be trouble. They bet on which of Brick’s admirers would land him first—Thea or princess Kimberly.
Jules decided that the bright and cheerful Shari would be a perfect match for Jenkins, who was still feeling the loss of his squad at the bridge. She immediately began to plot ways to put them together. Alexander just rolled his eyes and nodded his head at appropriate points while he enjoyed his meal.
When she had outlined a master plan for Jenkins, she paused to feed herself. Alexander took the opportunity to surprise her. “What about Sasha? I think we should find her a man. She’s been alone for a while.”
Jules looked at him, surprised. “That’s your fault. Well, I mean... not your fault, exactly. But she decided a couple years ago to spend as much time with you as she could before you…” Jules paused for a moment. “Before you were gone. She said she’ll have plenty of time for relationships after. How do you not know this?”
Alexander was crushed. He set down his fork and rubbed his hands together. “She what? Why would she… why didn’t she…” His thoughts were a jumbled mess. “I never meant for her to put her life on hold for me!”
“Of course you didn’t. And I can see, you didn’t realize she was doing just that. Which suggests you might be a little self-centered, my love. Or just need to pay better attention. Lainey has done the same thing. They both love you. And both expected they’d only have a very few more years with you. Now there’s this possibility of a cure. Or at least that you’ll live much longer than expected. And my feeling is that they’re a little confused by it. You need to help them get their own lives back on track. It can’t be all about you forever.”
Alexander was flabbergasted. “You’ve talked about all of this with them? When? I mean, you’ve only known them a couple weeks.”
Jules just snorted and went back to eating. “This is really very good.” She said around a mouthful of roast.
Alexander took the hint and let it drop. He was actually glad for a few moments to try and sort out these new revelations in his mind. He thought back to all the times Sasha passed up invitations to parties or other events to be with him. And how much time Lainey spent at the house taking care of him and his father. That led him to another uncomfortable thought.
“What do you think about Lainey and my dad?” he asked Jules. Now it was her turn to be surprised. “Well, now! Maybe you’ve been paying more attention than I thought!” she grinned at him. “I haven’t spent much time with your dad, so I don’t have any idea how he feels. Other than he mourns the loss of your mom quite deeply. But I know Lainey would be interested, if he is.”
Alexander wasn’t sure he was ready for that. He loved Lainey, there was no doubt of that. And his mother had been gone roughly half his life. If being together would make his dad and Lainey happy, then he wouldn’t stand in their way, whether he was ready or not.
They lapsed into silence as each of them finished their delicious food. Alexander took several large gulps of the ale to calm his mind a bit. He took a few deep breaths and tried to just enjoy the moment. Jules took hold of his hand and gave it a squeeze.
“Thank you again, for this. It was very sweet of you to just put everything on hold and spend time with me. Very romantic!” She leaned across the table and puckered up, demanding a kiss.
Alexander was happy to oblige.
They got up and walked hand in hand across the garden. Jenkins and the guards all rose to their feet as the pair entered the private dining room. Alexander patted the air. “Please, sit and finish your meals. We’re in no hurry.” He led Jules over to the fireplace and the two of them sat on a loveseat and cuddled. A waiter appeared with two glasses of the same white wine they’d been served with dinner. The guards ate quietly so as not to disturb their king and future queen. Alexander and Jules didn’t speak, just enjoying each other’s company.
Before long Jenkins rose and ordered his guards out of the room. They each bowed their heads and thanked Alexander for the meal as they filed out. Jenkins was the last to leave, closing the door behind him.
“I’m tempted to just take a nap right here.” Alexander whispered to Jules, who was half asleep herself.
“Mmmhmmm” was her only respons
e. He kissed her forehead and gathered her up in his arms. Standing, he set her gently on her feet. “But we have work to do. Bad guys to find. Demons to kill.”
Jules signed and followed him out of the dining room. When they returned to the front desk, Jenkins was there speaking quietly with Shari. Jules flashed Alexander a grin and a wink.
“Told you.” She whispered.
Both young people jerked to rigid attention when they noticed their audience. “Sir!” Jenkins spit out.
Shari stammered “I- I hope everything was to your satisfaction, your Majesty?”
Alexander approached the desk and placed a pile of gold coins on top of it. The amount was probably 3 or 4 times the total bill. “More than satisfactory, Shari. Everything was excellent. And thank you for accommodating us on such short notice.” He looked to Jenkins. “Captain, take the rest of the day off. That’s an order. I believe Hobson still has a room or two reserved for us here at the Stallion?” he looked at Shari, who blushed and nodded. “Good! Your men can escort me the hundred or so steps back to Greystone Manor. We’ll be fine. You rest here. See if you can’t find a way to relax a bit.”
Without giving Jenkins a chance to respond, he turned and ushered Jules out the door. She nudged him in the ribs with an elbow as they stepped out.
“Real subtle” she chided him. He just shrugged. “When have I ever claimed to be subtle?”
Jenkins’ squad formed up around them and they all made the short walk back to the compound without incident.
Alexander offered the squad the balance of the day off as well. “You men, can remain here in Stormforge for the night, if you wish. If you head over to The Ogre, you can tell O’Malley that your drinks and rooms are on me. I’ll settle up with him later.”
The guards gladly accepted his offer and headed back out the gate. He called out to them “Meet back here after breakfast in the morning!” and they saluted in acknowledgement.
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