B006T5JMRC EBOK (40 page)

Neelan mumbled under her breath as she snatched the gown from Judith’s grip. They quickly changed and emerged from the large closet, prepared to find the King.

Kale and Illadar took one glance toward the two women before bursting into a fit of laughter. Judith and Neelan hadn’t fully transformed to their original bodies and had enlarged bucked teeth, along with rat-like facial features. The men however, were no better off as they now appeared to be very masculine women. All five enjoyed a moment of laughter over how utterly ridiculous they each looked.

As they engaged in their brief moment of comic relief, the door creaked inward. A short, round woman wearing a plain beige dress and white bonnet pushed the wooden door with her backside as she carried an armful of clothing into the room. Upon turning herself around to face the room, her eyes grew wide with fear.

“Hel—” The woman’s attempt to cry out for aid was stifled by Thomas’ palm.

“We mean you no harm.” Thomas’ green eyes met hers as he spoke. “Please forgive my actions, however, I have no choice but to temporarily restrain you.”

The servant’s eyes grew even wider, her breathing turned to rapid pants.

“Now, now, please do not be frightened,” Thomas continued. “We come with no foul intentions, but we must speak with King Valamar personally. We cannot risk any obstacles to interfere with this mission, for the fate of your entire kingdom depends upon it. What I am about to do shall not harm you and will not last for long.” He waved his free hand before the servant’s face. “
Silant devorda
.” Thomas slowly removed his hand. “Please step inside the wardrobe.”

The servant opened her mouth to yell, soon realizing she had lost all ability to speak. She gripped her throat in alarm as she frantically glanced around at the group who had still not fully transformed.

“As I have said before, dear, no harm will come to you. Once the spell has lost its effects, you will have the ability to call for assistance.” Thomas then tied the servant’s hands behind her back with a ribbon from one of the gowns hung inside the closet. “Please do not linger—step inside the wardrobe.”

The fearful servant gave a quick glance in Judith’s direction before obeying the request and slowly stepped inside.

Once the servant entered the small space, they used a wooden chair to secure the two doors. Thomas gave a firm tug upon the doors before feeling confident they would not budge.

“We’d best go now, before she stirs. Follow me.” Judith cleared her throat as she shook the feeling of guilt. She cautiously led the way through the hall and past two thrones to a golden door. Red velvet banners draped down on each side, each bearing the Mirion crest.

A single guard stood to the side, holding a polearm vertically parallel to his body.

“Name and purpose?” His words were short and firm. He continued to stare at each of the five comrades as the side of his lip raised in disgust. “
What
are you?” He held the polearm out toward Judith’s throat. “Speak quickly, beast.”

Judith took her forearm and firmly shoved the weapon to the side. She quickly moved past him, pushing open the golden door and entering the royal chambers.

“Let’s go!” she called out as she took off in a sprint, ignoring the screaming guard who followed close behind, down the candlelit corridor. “Father!” Judith cried out as she entered a large bedroom through a wooden door.

A tall older man, wearing a white tunic and red velvet surcoat spun upon his heels. His baggy eyes widened, “Guards!” he called out as Judith flung her arms around him.

Three guards, including the man who had been chasing them, piled into the room. They closed in on the group, forming a triangular barrier, their weapons drawn.

“Release the King or die!” One of the guards demanded.

“Father, stop this at once, please—it is I, Judith, your daughter!” she pleaded.

“How dare you try to deceive me! My daughter is de—” The King’s jaw dropped as the last remnants of the potion’s effects faded and there before him stood the restored body of the golden-haired Princess. “This is impossible!” the King shouted.

One of the guards took advantage of the distracting moment to seize Judith and restrain her on the floor. He aimed his sword toward her chest. “Shall I kill her, Your Highness?”

King Valamar’s green eyes pierced Judith’s.

“Father, please—don’t do this! Remember when you would hold me as a child and tell me to think with my mind, but to look with my heart? Now is the time to look with yours.” Judith’s eyes began to well with tears.

“Withdraw your weapon at once!” The King extended his arm to help Judith to her feet. He appeared dumbfounded as he continued to inspect her from head to toe.

“This is just not possible. Am I dreaming?” The King reached out to touch her face.

Judith broke down into tears as she explained everything in detail.

“My precious daughter...” His hands rested gently upon her cheeks. “I should have seen within your eyes all along that it was truly you. How I have missed you.” He wiped a tear from beneath his eye. “All this time, I was such a fool. I thought I had lost you, my darling.”

They embraced in a loving hug, both equally grateful for their reunion. Once their joyful emotions settled, the King’s face filled with rage.

“Jedah.” He clenched his fists which shook with anger, “The man who I entrusted with my very life has dared to betray me. He shall pay dearly for these actions.” He glanced toward the three guards. “Gather the knights who have served directly below my authority. At this time, I cannot place trust in those who have been led by
him
.” His lips snarled as he emphasized the end. “I want both Jedah and Saldin arrested and placed into separate cells, at once.” The King paused a moment to approach Kale and his friends. “I thank you all dearly for protecting my beloved daughter. I wish to see each of you tonight at the banquet hall, there is much to discuss. Please feel free to help yourself to any of the castle amenities.” He then directed his attention toward Thomas who had managed to find a grey robe in the wardrobe. “I would recognize you anywhere, old friend. It is wonderful to see you again, Thomas. And who is this here?” The King looked toward Neelan. “An elf within Mirion?”

Neelan glanced down in embarrassment. She completely forgot about concealing her ears with all that had happened.

“Do not shun, my dear. You are welcome here within the kingdom. Please, make yourself at home. I am honored to see you have journeyed so far in the efforts to save my daughter.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Neelan hesitantly bowed, still bashful of her appearance, yet filled with joy by his words.

“Please forgive my departure. However, there is much I must tend to under these new circumstances. Thomas, I do hope you will join me once I’ve finished. There is something I would like to speak to you about.” King Valamar rushed off, commanding Judith to stay behind in case the situation should result in bloodshed. He assured her he still had an overpowering amount of loyalty within the walls of their kingdom.

“Wait!” Kale called out as the King turned to exit the room. “Just what exactly do you plan to do? Jedah must be brought to justice at once—and I desire nothing more than to be the one to end his miserable life. I have come too far now to simply stand back while you and your men, who were foolishly betrayed, take action.” Kale’s heart raced as he spoke.

“Learn your place, boy!” King Valamar bellowed.

“Kale, do not speak to the King in such a manner. Have you forgotten the meaning of respect?” Thomas scolded while placing a palm onto Kale’s shoulder.

“Thomas, you of all people should not expect me to stand here while the man who slaughtered all dragon-kind is finally able to meet justice.”

“This is not a matter for you to deal with. I appreciate all you have done for my daughter; however, you are in Mirion now and shall obey my authority.” Without another word, the King turned and briskly left the room.

“I am under no one’s rule.” Kale clenched his teeth as he pulled free from Thomas’ grasp and stepped forward toward the door.

“That is as far as you shall go, commoner.” One of the knights placed his blade before Kale’s throat.

“Kale, please stop this!” Judith called out as both she and Neelan rushed to Kale’s side. “There comes a time when you must swallow your own pride and place trust into the hands of another.”

Judith knew her father was quite capable of handling the task on his own. The truth of Jedah’s cruelty was revealed and she knew they had succeeded in stopping him before he obtained enough power and manipulation to steal the citizens’ loyalty. The kingdom was still under Valamar’s rule and Judith was confident Jedah would soon be apprehended.

“Fine. I will remain here for now...” Kale’s voice was still filled with anger. “But should word not arrive soon that he has been captured—I will find and kill him myself.”

“I give you my thanks, Kale.” Judith smiled sweetly. “Let’s move to more suitable accommodations while we wait.” She motioned the knights to stand at ease and led them to a separate, yet equally large room.

“Do not even think about running, Kale,” Neelan warned while tightening a firm grip upon Kale’s wrist.

Kale sighed, shaking his head as he continued to follow Judith to the next room.

A grand four-post bed, draped with sheer white fabric, seemed well-suited for a woman of royalty. Fine hand-crafted furniture filled the room and shone as though freshly polished. Although her father thought her to be dead, he never had the heart to remove her belongings and ensured the room had been properly kept.

The five companions sat upon the plush, lavender-colored bed as they anxiously discussed the situation. Both Kale and Illadar fought the strong urge to dash out of the castle and confront Jedah. At that moment, they equally desired to bash his head into the stone floor.

Their conversation continued and soon Kale found himself so engrossed in discussing their thoughts on how the King would handle the situation, he lost track of time. After an hour had passed, one of the royal guards rapped upon the door.

“You may enter,” Judith spoke with renewed authority.

“Your Highness, please accept my sincerest apologies for my previous actions.” The guard bowed.

“It was understandable. You were only attempting to protect my father, and for that I give you my thanks.” She smiled sweetly which caused the young guard to glance down in an attempt to conceal his reddened cheeks.

He cleared his throat before standing upright. “Milady, the King has sent me to request the presence of Thomas within the library.”

“Jorin,” as Judith spoke, the guard bore an expression of surprise as if he had not expected her to remember him by name. “Please report the current status of General Jedah.”

“Yes, Milady; Jedah has been apprehended by ambush and is currently being held within a cell, surrounded by the King’s trusted guards.”

“What about Saldin?” Kale could no longer bite his tongue. “Did you get that coward as well?”

“I regret to say, he managed to escape. We have scouted the entire city with no positive report. However, the King has dispatched more men to scout the surrounding farmland as well.”

“How can we be sure the remaining warriors give loyalty to us and are not aiding Saldin?” Judith pressed the concern.

“That, my Princess, is the other issue. The knights in support of the general must have fled with Saldin. Our numbers have decreased and we are unable to locate any of them. It’s as though they had anticipated being discovered and planned a secret escape route. I cannot promise everyone who remains pledges loyalty to your father; however I do feel most, if not all of our enemies have fled. Your father has every able guard and knight on alert and we shall remain on high security for the night. If they attempt anything foolish, it will be the last move they make.” Jorin focused his attention toward Thomas. “My apologies, however I mustn’t stay any longer for the King is waiting. Please, follow me.” He bowed before escorting Thomas away.

“Do you think he is trustworthy?” Illadar questioned once Jorin was gone.

“Yes, I am certain of it. He was recruited and trained by one of my father’s dear friends specifically to become a personal guard to the King. He has had little, if any, interaction with Jedah or his men.”

The next hour was spent in awkward silence as they each pondered their own thoughts of what the King and Thomas could possibly be discussing in private. They knew it had to be something of dire importance for the King to place it in priority over further reuniting with his daughter.

Eventually, Thomas returned with a look of glee upon his face. “It is time to join the King for dinner.” The lines on his cheeks thickened as he smiled with a certain twinkle in his eyes.

Kale was so hungry he didn’t bother to inquire about Thomas’ dramatic change in mood, or the fact the old sorcerer once again wore a silly pointed hat that matched his grey robe.

Once properly seated around a polished banquet table, Kale’s curiosity finally got the best of him.

“Can anyone please explain what exactly is going on? We have gone through torment and back to make it where we are now. I think it is fair to say we deserve more information,” Kale shoved a roll into his mouth as he spoke.