The Rumpelgeist

by Fiona McIntosh

  Lex looked down. He too seemed awkward in the face of praise and attention.

  ‘Well, it worked,’ King Lute said, trying to rally them with a bright voice. ‘Well done, Lex. It’s a blessing to see you as your true self. Be assured, we are all whole. And our children are safe.’ His gaze swept affectionately over Ellin. ‘There will be time yet to stop Grevilya.’

  Little Thom said what everyone was thinking. ‘I can’t believe Silver Wind would betray Calico Grace. Why offer sanctuary to our enemy?’

  Everyone was quiet again and watched the rowboat as it came up the side of Silver Wind and magically tied itself to the ship.

  ‘Well, with Silver Wind Grevilya will soon be far, far away,’ Olof murmured. ‘Finding her again will now be impossible.’

  Grace alone shook her head. ‘No. I can’t … I won’t believe it.’

  ‘Grace –’ Olof began.

  ‘I just can’t accept it. You know of Wind’s loyalty, Olof. First to Caxton, then to me. Never to Grevilya! She hated that witch. She didn’t even want to come to Hellion’s Hole. You know it. Little Thom, you know it too.’ She looked around at everyone. ‘Silver Wind would not betray me.’

  It was Davren and his sharp sight who saw it first and pointed. ‘Look!’ he said. ‘Silver Wind is lowering her sails.’

  ‘That’s odd,’ Olof said. ‘She can’t sail away without her masts full of wind.’

  ‘What is it, Captain Grace?’ the King asked. ‘Olof?’

  Olof shook his head bewildered. ‘Gracie?’

  Grace watched in silence, fascinated, before she gulped. ‘She’s not sailing,’ she said in a small voice. ‘She’s saying goodbye to us … to me. Watch,’ she said, tears streaming down her cheeks.

  As the moon slipped behind a cloud and began to plunge the gathered group into an inky darkness, Silver Wind sank slowly, taking a screaming Grevilya and the shrieking remains of the grimoire into the depths of Hellion’s Hole.

  36

  King Lute and Queen Tria were properly reunited with their daughter as dawn broke across the sky in bright pink and pale blue slashes. The sea no longer looked stormy and dark but sparkled beneath the lightening sky and threw fresh salty spray into the faces of the youngsters who played in the gardens just outside the old mansion where everyone had gathered.

  The King and Queen hugged their dishevelled princess in the rambling gardens just outside the old mansion. They had gathered there after watching the last of the Silver Wind disappear into the depths of the ocean. The mood was sombre, with everyone caught up in their own reflections about all that had come to pass.

  ‘You saved the realm, Ellin,’ Lute said tenderly. ‘I couldn’t be more proud,’ he added.

  ‘Not just me, Father. Flynn, Davren, the sprite royals – and Lex. He was loyal, even though we doubted him.’

  Lute nodded thoughtfully, and squeezed the hand of the Queen.

  ‘Ellin,’ Tria began. ‘You father and I were talking on the journey here,’ she began and gave Lute a rueful glance. ‘Perhaps your embroidery and Percherese are as good as they’re ever going to be and we should now allow you to pursue some more political roles for the Crown. I thought you may like to accompany your father on the Ceremony of the Bells this leaf-fall.’

  Ellin’s eyes widened in surprise. ‘But that’s something you and father always do together.’

  ‘Normally yes, but there’s something we haven’t told you, darling. You see, this leaf-fall, I’m going to be rather busy giving you a new sister or brother.’ Ellin gasped and her parents smiled secretively. ‘We weren’t sure,’ Tria said softly, looking down. ‘You know we’ve wanted another child for a long time and it wasn’t happening so we just accepted that was Lo’s choice for us. But last moon – well, let’s just say, I am sure now. I consulted Tess’s physics and it’s definitely happening. You’ll have to get used to the sounds of a younger child around the palace.’

  Ellin’s mouth had opened in wonder. ‘I’ve always wanted a brother or sister, you know that!’ she said and leapt to hug her parents.

  Lute was laughing, her mother was crying softly. ‘Happy tears,’ she assured her husband.

  ‘Oh, Mother, that’s wonderful.’

  ‘Truly, darling?’

  ‘Yes, of course. Now I don’t have to be the perfect child any longer and someone else can share the burden,’ she laughed.

  The King hugged his daughter close. ‘Yes, well you’re all grown up now, we can see that. And I would be proud to ride alongside you up and down the realm for our Ceremony of the Bells if you agree to accompany me, as I fear your mother will be engulfed in baby duties.’

  Ellin kissed her father, then her mother. ‘I would be proud to represent the Crown.’ She eyed Pilo standing not far away, talking to Grace, Olof and Little Thom. He threw her a grin and a wink. He knew!

  Ellin sighed. She didn’t think she could be happier.

  A soldiers’ escort had been arranged for the children, who were eager to get back to their families. Lute had spoken to each of the children and promised that he would visit them and their families as soon as he and Queen Tria returned to Floris.

  Pilo and Lute finally strolled over to where Flynn and Davren stood near the house, talking with Lex. Ellin joined them while her mother was escorted by Griff to a waiting carriage that would take the royals back to Floris.

  ‘Davren, it seems Drestonia is in your debt once again,’ Lute said.

  ‘I would do it again for the Crown, Your Majesty.’

  ‘I hope it never comes to that,’ Lute replied.

  ‘Your Majesty, may I introduce Lex properly,’ Flynn said, pushing a dark, curly-headed youth forward. ‘If not for his courage, we would not have our children safely returned. Lex defied the Witch Grevilya and helped us. You may know, Your Majesty, that Lex hopes to train as an apothecary with Master Linkey.’

  ‘Thank you, Lex,’ Lute said, regarding the boy. ‘I spoke with Master Linkey not long ago. He mentioned he had an outstanding young man whom he hoped to be rewarding with an apprenticeship this summer.’

  Lex’s eyes widened. ‘But I didn’t finish my exams,’ he said, anxiously.

  ‘No need to fret, Lex. I gather the position is yours. Your results, even with your exams incomplete, were so superior that Master Linkey came to me to say he’d like you to train specifically to work with him for the royal household.’

  Lex looked speechless.

  ‘I think Lex is honoured, Your Majesty,’ Flynn answered for him.

  Lute nodded. ‘Are you going with the children back to Floris, Lex?’

  ‘I had hoped to, Your Majesty,’ he managed to stammer.

  ‘Excellent,’ Lute said. ‘Your family must be anxious for your return.’

  ‘I am desperate to see them,’ Lex said, casting a glance at the waiting carriage-load of children. ‘Thank you.’

  ‘I’ll see you soon,’ Flynn said, shaking Lex’s hand. ‘Perhaps I can teach you to swordfight.’

  ‘And I’ll teach you to make a potion to draw out the bruises you sustain during your swordfights,’ Lex replied. ‘Thanks for everything, Flynn.’

  Lex bowed to the King and risked kissing Ellin’s hand. ‘Thank you for believing in me, Your Highness,’ he said.

  ‘And I’ll continue to do so. I’ll be sure to call you when I next have a sore throat,’ she said, smiling.

  Flynn waved as Lex left to join the children.

  Queen Tria’s carriage pulled around. Through the open window she suggested holding a city-wide party in honour of Princess Ellin’s and the children’s safe return. ‘We’ll make it the biggest party Floris has seen since our wedding,’ she promised and everyone cheered.

  Pilo winked at Flynn. ‘Well done. You’ve made us proud. Rib holding up?’

  ‘I’ll be fine, sir.’

  ‘Yes, you will, lad,’ Pilo said and his gaze roamed to Ellin and back. ‘I think you will be very fine indeed. By the way, the King wishes to appoint you officially
as Champion to the Princess, and he is offering you your father’s old position as special advisor to the Crown.’

  Flynn was taken aback. ‘I … I’m not qualified, sir, I –’

  ‘Yes, we realise that. Which is why you will train first with myself and then with Duke Griff. Our aim is for you to acquire skills that will become useful when Ellin sits the throne. You’re being groomed, Jolien.’

  ‘I really don’t know what to say,’ Flynn replied.

  ‘Just say yes,’ Pilo said, with a wink. ‘You will be paid far more handsomely than as a knight-in-training. King Lute is also returning your lands and giving your mother a stipend so she can care for your family and not rely so entirely on you.’

  Flynn nodded, overwhelmed. ‘What about Orin d’Vorg, Master Pilo?’

  ‘What about him? He’ll be banished, of course –’

  ‘No, sir. Let him work with me,’ Flynn said, much to Pilo’s surprise. ‘I assure you, Master Pilo, I would prefer to make amends. I don’t think Orin is truly bad, just –’

  ‘Misguided?’ Pilo offered.

  Flynn smiled. ‘He could use a friend. He’s a good swordsman. I’d rather have him for us than against us.’

  Pilo sighed. ‘I’m impressed. Very good, Duke Jolien.’

  ‘Except, there’s something I have to do first, Master Pilo.’

  ‘Oh?’ He regarded the youth who looked suddenly sheepish.

  ‘Davren will explain,’ Flynn said, hurriedly.

  And suddenly everyone was moving. The soldiers had already moved out, leaving behind a skeleton few to escort the royal party back to the city.

  ‘You go on, my love,’ Lute said to Queen Tria. ‘You look weary.’

  ‘But Ellin –’ she began.

  ‘Could do it all again,’ he said smiling. ‘Besides, I wouldn’t mind some quiet riding time with our daughter. I have been lax in not spending enough of it with her. Now is a good opportunity to begin.’

  Queen Tria nodded and kissed her shabby-looking daughter farewell through the window of her carriage. ‘Home for a bath, young lady,’ she warned. ‘Ride on, driver,’ she said, tapping the door.

  Ellin strolled up to Pilo and Flynn. ‘Hello, you two,’ she said.

  ‘Highness,’ they both said, bowing their heads in unison.

  ‘I’m worried about Grace and Olof,’ she said.

  Pilo looked over his shoulder. ‘Yes. It will take her a long time to come to terms with the loss of Silver Wind.’

  Ellin nodded. ‘That does take the shine off getting back their looks again. They’re such a beautiful couple.’

  ‘I keep staring at Olof. He’s a stranger to me,’ Little Thom said, joining their conversation.

  The group walked over to where Davren and the royal sprites had already gathered around Grace and Olof. Flynn took a chance and offered Ellin his arm.

  ‘Your Highness,’ he said, and was delighted when she didn’t even hesitate before looping her arm through his.

  ‘Thank you, Duke Jolien,’ she said.

  Despite the dirt on her face and clothes and her matted hair, she had never looked more beautiful to Flynn than she did then.

  Wren and Starling were saying their goodbyes as the rest of the group drew close. ‘We must away to Pipit. I can’t wait to hold him again,’ she admitted.

  ‘Gracie, Olof,’ Pilo said, ‘we are all leaving now. You are welcome to come back to Floris for a while as guests of the palace until, well, until you work out what you’d like to do next. That goes for you, too, Little Thom,’ he said.

  Little Thom shrugged. ‘Whatever Olof and Gracie want,’ he replied.

  Bitter Olof and Calico Grace stood to face them.

  ‘Thank you, Pilo,’ Calico Grace said. ‘I’m in despair that Silver Wind had to sink herself to rid us of Grevilya and her hateful grimoire –’

  ‘But?’ Little Thom said.

  ‘And I don’t like to be off my ship for moments, let alone hours or days,’ she continued, ‘which is why I might seem especially sad –’

  Pilo frowned and cut a look at Bitter Olof. ‘And?’ he said.

  Olof and Grace hesitated.

  ‘And?’ Ellin persisted.

  ‘And I can’t wait to be back on board Silver Wind again,’ she finished. ‘So I can’t come back to Floris, forgive me.’

  They looked at her, confused.

  Bitter Olof gave them all a winning smile, the likes of which he hadn’t been able to give for many years. ‘Silver Wind isn’t lost,’ he explained, interrupting the stunned silence. ‘She was simply saying goodbye to Gracie for a time, while she dealt with Grevilya. The ship took it upon herself to finish what we’d begun.’

  ‘You mean Silver Wind is not gone for keeps?’ Princess Ellin said.

  ‘Oh, she’s at the bottom of the ocean, all right,’ Bitter Olof said. He patted Calico Grace’s hand and she smiled affectionately at him.

  Calico Grace took up the story. ‘Silver Wind will be back. And when she returns, she’ll call to me and we’ll go and find her,’ Calico Grace finished. ‘She’s mine. She always will be. I can feel her tinkling chatter to me right now. I know she’s alive. She’s just finishing unfinished business.’

  Lute frowned. ‘But what will you do, you two?’

  ‘Oh, didn’t I mention?’ Bitter Olof said, ‘We’ve been commissioned to help in a new search.’

  Pilo and the King waited as Flynn handed Ellin the reins to her beautiful Flaxen. ‘Ah, I’ve missed you, girl,’ she said, stroking the horse’s neck. She looked around. ‘Dav, you’ll follow, won’t you? Come on, Flynn.’

  ‘Er …’ Flynn threw a sheepish glance at Davren.

  Ellin frowned. ‘What’s going on?’ she said, leading her horse closer to where he stood.

  ‘Your Majesty, Princess Ellin, Pilo, with your permission, we too, like Silver Wind, have some unfinished business,’ Davren admitted.

  Pilo sighed. ‘What now?’ he said, wearily, raising his eyes to the heavens.

  ‘It’s Simeon,’ Davren said baldly. ‘He’s running free and dangerous.’

  ‘Flynn, you and Davren don’t have to do this,’ the King said, no doubt guessing what they were planning.

  Flynn was aware of Ellin staring at him in disbelief. He couldn’t look at her as he spoke. ‘Forgive us, Your Majesty, but you are now safe and Davren and I feel obliged to hunt down Simeon. He duped us. It won’t happen again. You have to understand, we believe he can be just as damaging to your realm as Grevilya, perhaps more so.’

  Lute took a slow breath. ‘Davren?’

  ‘You have no reason to know it, Majesty, but I should tell you that I have a very special grudge with a creature called the basilisk.’

  Pilo seemed to recognise the name of the creature. His eyes narrowed. ‘And Simeon is this creature?’

  Davren nodded.

  Ellin swallowed and caught sight of Wren, resting on Davren’s back. ‘You too, Wren?’

  ‘Starling is returning to our kin – she has Pipit to care for now. But I too feel the basilisk is unfinished business for the forest creatures. We are all his enemies. I must lend my support as king of the sprites to the king of the forest.’

  She returned her gaze to Flynn. ‘And you? What is it you want, Flynn?’

  It was now or never he thought. Flynn cleared his throat. ‘This is what I want, Your Highness,’ he said, and stepped forward and took it upon himself to give the softest, most delicious kiss to the Princess, laying his lips gently on her hand. He stepped back and from the corner of his eye noted with relief that the King was not glaring, and Pilo was nodding surreptitiously.

  ‘When I return, Your Highness, I will gladly take up my role as your champion,’ he said and saw Ellin blush.

  ‘Then I will miss you until you return,’ Ellin said, fixing him with a firm stare. ‘All of you,’ she added. ‘Unless, of course …’ She cut a hopeful glance at her father and Pilo.

  ‘Absolutely not!’ they said together.

 
; On Silver Wind, Calico Grace was back in her element, giving commands and looking very much at home on the sea but now she wore crisp white overalls and her golden hair blew in the wind. She was every bit as lovely as her vessel.

  ‘Come on, you land lubbers, pull on those sails,’ she taunted. ‘I’ve forbidden Silver Wind to do it for you!’

  Davren looked green. ‘Never thought I’d travel by ship but I’m doing this for my kin,’ he said to Flynn, hauling on the ropes alongside him.

  Wren grinned. ‘For both our kin, centaur.’

  ‘I don’t think life on the waves is for me,’ Davren moaned, swallowing the rising bile. ‘I miss the forest.’

  Olof gave him a poke. ‘Oh, you’ll get used to it, Dav, once you get your sea legs.’

  Flynn nodded in Davren’s direction and on Gracie’s count hauled on the ropes to hoist the sails.

  And with a tinkling sigh of pleasure and a stiff breeze filling her calico, the newly emerged Silver Wind eased out of the cove and headed off on her new adventure, this time to hunt down the evil basilisk.

  But that, of course, is another tale …

  VIKING

  Published by the Penguin Group

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  First published by Penguin Group (Australia), 2012