Slowly, Cling unwound his vines and rolled back to Spring. She was up and watching the struggle from a distance. When Cling brought the last man down, she had untied the horses and given them a sound smack on the backsides, smiling with satisfaction as they galloped away down the stream.
Cling nodded approval. “By the time they recover and round up their horses, we shall be long departed.”
“Herb?” she whispered. She knew he would have come with Cling Ling were he able, so she was almost afraid to ask.
“Roughed up, but he will recover,” Cling Ling said. “He put up a valiant fight for your honor, Mistress Moon.”
“I have no honor left,” she scoffed, thinking of all the trouble she had brought down on them. “Please, let’s hurry, Cling Ling! I want to tell him how much—how much I appreciate what he did for me,” she finished quietly.
Without another word, the Vinese led her back through the woods to the place where Herb lay, hardly moving since his friend had left. His head still throbbed, and his lips felt the size of Freezer wheels.
“Herb,” Spring gasped, shocked at his appearance now that the bruises were in full color. Even on green skin, they were beauties.
“Spring,” he said weakly, trying to smile and wincing at the attempt. “Are you well? They didn’t—they didn’t harm you?” he asked fearfully.
“How could anyone harm me with you and Cling to protect me?” she asked in return, smiling. “Oh, Herb. You were wonderful!” Then she hugged him soundly.
“Ouch,” he yelped.
Spring quickly released him. “Sorry. Is there any place it doesn’t hurt?” She leaned forward and cautiously, carefully placed a kiss on an unbruised spot of forehead. “There,” she said. “That’s for defending me.”
“They beat me to a pulp!” Herb snorted.
“Well, yes. But you were outnumbered,” she reminded him.
“I suppose I didn’t do too badly under the circumstances,” Herb agreed, grinning through his pain. “But I couldn’t let anything happen to—to the Secret.” He caught himself. Damn the damn Secret! It was Spring. She was all that mattered, but she certainly didn’t want to hear that kind of crazy talk from him.
“I see,” Spring said, some of the enthusiasm fading. “Well, just so you know. I am very grateful.”
“Where are the bandits?” asked Herb, trying to sound matter-of-fact.
“Oh, dreaming sweet dreams,” she answered. “Cling Ling took care of them.”
“Speaking of Cling, where is he?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Around, I imagine. You know Cling Ling. He doesn’t leave much to chance.”
“Yes. Yes, we are fortunate to have him with us,” Herb agreed, wondering why suddenly all they could talk about was Cling Ling. Why did a barrier always pop up just when they were getting—close?
Why? He knew very well. Lily. Zygote. Spring’s long lost lover. If those weren’t reasons enough, he was sure he could find plenty more.
Cling Ling returned shortly bearing news. He had rolled some distance earlier that day searching for any sign of Zygote’s castle. The area they had landed in was mainly forest and largely uninhabited. This time out, however, he had met up with a hunter. The man could not, or did not want to give him any information about Zygote, but he did let slip that they were not far from a castle. Cling had continued to search until he made a discovery.
“I found the castle not far from here, but I suggest we proceed with caution,” he said. “We will be no assistance to Miss Lily if we become prisoners as well.”
Lily, Herb thought. How long ago and far away the two of them seemed now. Just a memory, like a picture on a postcard.
Only none of them “wished they were here.”
22
Jasmine's Castle
They waited as long as they could before starting out. Cling Ling needed a breather after his workout with the bandits, and hike through the woods. Herb was still recuperating, but it was vital to press onward if they hoped to reach the castle Cling Ling had found, before nightfall.
They moved quietly through the woods, as the dusk turned too soon into darkness. It was not the wisest course to wander about at night in a possibly enchanted wood. They proceeded with caution, but the only sounds came from the dry leaves cracking beneath their feet, and the occasional rustle as small woodland creatures scurried from the trespassers. The stillness itself was eerie, and as they came to a clearing, it was with relief that they spied the tall, dark walls of the castle looming ahead of them.
Just then, a dark shape swooped down, causing Spring to give a muffled cry, but it was only a night owl. It flew away as suddenly as it had appeared.
They followed Cling, who guided them to a pathway leading close to the castle. The tall peaks of the towers gleamed in the moonlight, making dark blue and purple shadows along the path. It was beautiful and frightening at once, like a child’s dream. As they drew nearer, entering through garden gates, lights from the tall windows above gave off a soft, golden glow.
“There seem to be an uncommon number of statues in this garden,” Herb commented. “Is your friend Zygote a patron of the arts?” He gazed at the form of a muscular young soldier, sword raised high above his head as if to strike.
“I don’t know,” Spring answered. “But you’re right, it is a bit busy.” She looked across the ornate lawn at the profusion of sculptures. There seemed no pattern to their placement, and they appeared to be all male likenesses, as well. She advanced to the nearest and stroked the smooth surface, giving a small cry at the touch.
“What’s wrong?” Herb asked anxiously.
“I can’t believe it. I wish I could see better, but Herb, I think all of these statues are carved from gemstones.”
“Crystals? The sort of stones your father used for healing?” he asked.
“Some crystal, probably, but others too,” she said excitedly, examining another. “Emeralds, and diamonds, and rubies. Incredible. How could stones of this size exist?”
“They are very valuable, then?”
“Yes, depending on the kind they are, of course.” She looked with a trained eye to another beside them, and drew in her breath. “If this really is one emerald, I couldn’t begin to calculate its worth.”
“But if this Zygote is so wealthy, why would he care about your secret? He could have whatever he wants anyway,” Herb said.
“Power, Herb. Riches are nothing to some men compared with that.”
Cling Ling had left them momentarily to roll about the grounds. He had just returned when a brilliant light suddenly lit up the garden, bright as day. The scene was breathtaking. Statuary of every kind of stone stood glistening like giant jewels. They were all colors, emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, and delicate shades in between. It was like standing in the center of a rainbow. The light seemed to come from no specific area, but magical or scientific, it provided a beautiful spectacle.
It did mean, however, that someone knew they were in the garden. There was nowhere to run, so they tried concealing themselves behind the statues. But as it turned out, they were too late.
Through the center of the stones glided a lovely young woman who called out sweetly to them: “Please Travellers. Be not afraid. Welcome. Enter and rest within. The nights be not safe to fare abroad.”
The girl’s hair was long, full, and jet black, set with a circlet of gold. Her color was deep olive, her form fair and slender. She was attired in a flowing gown of rich, dark red, with midnight lace at the sleeves and low bodice, and golden ornaments encircled her wrists. A single, perfect crystal hung from the delicate chain at her neck, nestled in the V of her breasts.
“Fear not, strangers,” she entreated kindly, her arms opened wide in welcome. “You are safe here.”
They stood in silence. Even Spring had been struck by the strange girl’s beauty. “What do you think?” she whispered to the others.
“Does Zygote have a daughter?” asked Herb.
Spr
ing gave a snort. “Who would marry Zygote? Either it’s a trick to lure us in, or—this isn’t his castle.”
They looked to Cling. “It could be a trap, but I must agree with Spring’s supposition. I have seen no signs of the magician here. There may be more than one castle in Kamalot. Given a choice between staying the night here and venturing through the dark to an unknown destination, I believe I would select the lesser of risks.”
The others saw his point. They stepped forward into the light.
“Why bid strangers such a warm welcome?” Spring asked suspiciously.
“I have no reason to fear,” answered the girl, “but certain strange creatures walk the night. ’Tis no place for the innocent.” She smiled, her beauty intensifying.
And perhaps you are not as innocent as you seem, Spring thought.
“We thank you and accept your hospitality,” Cling Ling said. “We seek the castle of Zygote.”
“The magician? Nay, his abode be much too far to journey this night. I am Jasmine, and this is my castle. Please follow me.” She led them inside through a corridor lined with marble pedestals, which held small statues of animals and flowers, carved of the same precious materials as the statues outside.
Spring was enthralled. Never had she seen such a grand display of gems. “Jasmine, if I may ask, how can such large pieces of precious stone exist? The artistry is fantastic.” She paused to examine a small rabbit of sapphire, and pyrite flowers. “They are even cut to scale.”
Jasmine glowed with pleasure. “This is a magical world; many facets of natural law do not apply here.”
That was the only explanation, Spring agreed.
Jasmine showed them to a group of rooms along another long hallway, inviting them to take their choice. The castle was so large, a few overnight guests could hardly burden their hostess. She then bid them goodnight with a promise to send refreshments to their quarters, and departed.
The guest rooms were sumptuous. As Herb lay on his comfortable bed, he reflected how good it felt to be resting on something that wasn’t hurtling though outer space.
True to the lady of the castle’s word, a tray of wine, fruit and rolls was delivered to each of their rooms. Herb was too restless to eat very much, and soon found he was more than a bit lonely for company. He wandered out into the hallway, intending to see if Spring was still awake.
The swish of a feminine skirt sounded behind him. He turned to find Jasmine at his side, smiling sweetly. She had lovely features, no doubt of that, and her dark coloring was closer to that of his own Veganoid race.
Before he could speak, she placed a well-manicured fingertip to her lips, motioning him away from the other doorways.
“My servant says the lady was fatigued and requested an herb tea to help her sleep. Needs must you disturb her rest? May I be of assistance?”
“Oh, I was just looking for company, nothing important. Of course, she needs her rest and I won’t bother her. I apologize for keeping you up as well. I will return to my room.”
“Thou art restless. That is understandable after a long journey. Why not join me for a walk in the garden? ’Tis a fine warm night with a full moon.”
“But I thought you said it wasn’t safe to go out at night here,” Herb reminded her.
“My grounds be secure. None would dare to trespass the garden now. It is protected,” she assured him.
“Oh, do you have guard dogs?” asked Herb.
“Dragon. But thou needst not fear him. We shall be together,” she said, taking his arm and guiding him down the hall.
Herb knew he should decline and return to his room. What if Spring should awake and need him? She might be afraid all alone. It was out of the question.
“Yes, a walk would be pleasant,” he said. Wait, was that what he had intended to say? He couldn’t seem to recall now, but no matter. There was no reason not to go. None at all.
Such a lovely night. The sky was a deep velvet blue with distant stars twinkling like diamonds. A full moon hung suspended just above the tops of the trees. A moon orbiting a moon? How could that happen? He asked Jasmine. She seemed amused and explained that magic indeed had its uses, and could produce beautiful results. Herb couldn’t argue with that. The garden reminded him of his own world, fresh and green, filled with the sweet scents of night bloomers.
Herb was glad to answer all of Jasmine’s questions about who they all were and the purpose of their journey. He trusted her completely. He could not believe such a beauty would be aligned with Zygote to do them harm.
They drifted past several of the fine statues to a low, rocky fence surrounding a fountain where they paused to rest. Herb put the fingers of one hand down into the trickling water, letting the peace and serenity of the night wash over him as well. How relaxed he felt!
Jasmine’s soft hair brushed against his arm as she moved closer, looking deeply into his eyes, capturing them in her spell. Her eyes seemed to glint like the crystal around them. The reflection of the moon, Herb imagined, but beautiful. Something deep inside tugged at him to look away, but he ignored it. Such a vision of loveliness! Why should he not drink it in?
Her full red lips parted slightly as she looked deeper into his eyes. She had said nothing, yet he interpreted the message. She was no stranger to the silent language of love between woman and man.
Meanwhile, Spring paced fretfully in her room. She had napped and eaten a bite of the repast, but remained keyed up. Thinking she had heard voices, she’d gone to Herb’s room, but gotten no answer to her knock. Possibly he was a sound sleeper. She had returned to her room and tried to do the same, but to no avail. She needed to talk. And the truth was, she had grown accustomed to Herb always being there. She missed him.
The soft knock at her door caused her to jump. She hastily opened it, expecting Herb, but it was only a servant inquiring if she needed anything more before retiring.
Spring replied in the negative, but asked if the servant knew whether Herb was asleep. The servant informed her he was not in his room a few moments before as she made the rounds of their guests.
Spring waited until the servant disappeared down the corridor and ran to Herb’s room. Still no answer. It occurred to her he might be in with Cling, discussing plans for tomorrow, so she knocked at his door as well. Also no answer. That settled it. They were together.
But where? They wouldn’t depart without her, unless—unless there was trouble. She turned and ran along the hall and down the steps to the outside. She paused at the entrance and looked out into the darkness. She began to have second thoughts. They might be only stretching their legs, with nothing amiss. They would think her foolish to come crying after them in that case.
The garden. That was the logical place to look first. She slipped quietly out, and headed for the moonlit garden gates.
It was a bright night, so there was no problem in finding the way. The statues sparkled in the distance like a gathering of fireflies. Herb and Cling might be standing among them. It was difficult to tell which was stone and which flesh from a distance. They were all so lifelike.
At last Spring saw Herb, seated near the fountain ahead. He was closely examining a statue. No. That was no statue, it was Jasmine. Why had they come to the garden together? Why were they bending so close?
Oh, why indeed? Spring turned and ran back toward the castle blindly, for unreasoning tears had begun to blur her vision. How could he do it? What about Lily? What about—she didn’t want to finish the thought. Oh, Herb!
Something grasped her wrist at the garden gate, halting her flight from the shattering scene. She gasped in fear and surprise, starting to cry out.
A soft leaf clamped across her mouth. “Shh. Mistress Moon, it is I, Cling Ling.”
“You frightened me,” she whispered, trying to compose herself, wiping a stray tear from her cheek.
“I must speak with you and Herb. It is a matter of some urgency, for you see, I have discovered the secret of the crystal statues,” he stated ominously
.
That hardly seemed important to Spring at the moment in face of recent events. “Oh?” she said with disinterest.
“Yes. It is sometimes an advantage to possess this form,” he said, indicating his leafy visage. “I positioned myself outside the servant’s quarters near the potted plants. It was most interesting. Most interesting,” he repeated.
Spring sighed inwardly. All she wanted to do was find her room and throw herself across the bed and cry. She had thought Herb truly cared about Lily, and maybe even her, as a friend. That they would confront Zygote together. Now she was alone again.
“Very well,” she said, since Cling Ling seemed determined to tell her anyway. Let him get it over with, and then she could go. “What did you find out?”
“They are not crystal,” he said.
“Of course they are,” she said a bit too sharply. “If there’s one thing I know about, it’s precious stones. So, take my word, they are crystal, and fine works of art as well.”
“Yes. Very realistic. Very lifelike.”
“Incredibly so,” she agreed, wondering why Jasmine’s statues had so fascinated him.
“Because they are alive.”
“What are you trying to say?” Spring asked. Really. Would this inane conversation never end?
“That is, they were. They are all human victims of our lovely hostess. She is a beautiful version of the legendary Gorgon creature.”
“Gorgon? Medusa? I always get my myths mixed up. You mean, the ugly, snake-haired sisters who turned men into stone?”
Cling Ling was nodding in the affirmative. “It is not just her look, for the servants were saying she had the kiss of death. So, it is different, but—”
“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Suddenly, it all became so clear to her. “Oh, no,” she exclaimed. “Herb is out there, in the garden with her. I thought—Oh! What an idiot I am. If she kisses him—We have to stop her!” She turned and ran toward the spot where she had last seen them. Cling Ling rolled after, and passed her by with no time to spare.