CHAPTER SEVEN
General Traug was quite bored with the festival. He never did like these social gatherings and wished Lakin would stop making him come to them. Deciding he had made enough of an appearance today, he headed towards his tent. Drawing closer to his tent, a sense of anxiousness overcame him. Sighing, he pulled back the flap and entered.
“Tarowen? Luthien? I assume it's your presence I'm sensing.”
Two figures emerged from the shadows. “Yes, we are here,” answered Tarowen.
“I'm guessing you have some news,” asked the general.
“We have news from Maget Tower. They have sensed magic in the woods south of here. It is thought it may be the group which Prince Eric left with,” began Luthien.
“And seeing as how he passed the tests we can only assume it is the goblins he is with who are practising the art,” finished Tarowen.
Traug moved over to his desk and sat down. “When do you leave?”
Luthien moved over towards him. “We aren't leaving alone. Lakin has ordered you to lead this particular mission.”
Traug turned with a start. “Why am I to lead this? My place is here at the king’s side. I should not be gallivanting around the countryside after some goblins.”
Traug kept his stare on Luthien, but it was Tarowen who answered. “The Order has determined these goblins may be trying to fulfil the prophecy. This is what requires your immediate attention. We will, of course, be informing the king of this before we leave.”
“Very well,” responded Traug. “We will leave at first light.”
Both of the Magima bowed and were about to take their leave, when Princess Brin burst into the tent. “Your highness,” stammered the general once he had regained his composure. “To what do I owe this visit?”
“I have no time for formalities, general. I overheard your conversation and there is something you must know. I have reason to believe my brother and sister are indeed the twins from the prophecy.”
General Traug was taken aback and it took him a moment to respond. “You have proof I presume?”
Brin moved closer to the general and lowered her voice. “I have seen members of my family perform magic,” she whispered as if stating the fact could get her into serious trouble.
Luthien and Tarowen looked at each other and Olrond knew they must know something more. “Can you tell me who, and what it was they did?” he asked.
Brin looked about nervously. “Not here. I can explain it all better if we go to the castle.”
General Traug agreed and he, along with the two Magima, followed her to the castle. Brin lead them to the gardens. Brin was not sure how she was going to explain what she knew to the general, but it was the law and he had to know. When they arrived, Brin searched the entire garden to make sure they were indeed alone.
“I have seen my mother and sister perform magic,” she stated bluntly.
Traug was stunned, but noticed the news did not have the same effect on the two Magima. “Are you certain of this?” asked Traug.
“Yes,” she answered, solemnly. “When Koral went to look for Eric, my mother knew exactly where she was and what was happening. I also saw Koral with Gillock in this very garden, doing unusual feats. I did not know where else to go.”
General Traug could hear the pain in Brin’s voice. “It must be terrible for you,” he calmly said to her.
Brin looked at him with tears in her eyes, “What are we to do?”
“We won't do anything until morning,” he stated.
Luthien and Tarowen said nothing. They both bowed and left the princess and the general alone.
Traug stood to take his leave as well. “Don't worry; we will keep this quiet for now.”
Brin nodded and said her thanks and the general left her, alone, in the garden.
Elizanne was beside herself. She knew the only reason Brin would be with General Traug was to tell him what she saw. She also knew she could not just up and leave the festivities, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to act happy around the festivalgoers. Finally, when the stress was getting unbearable, she decided to head towards the palace. Elizanne was about ready to turn and run when she saw the general and the two Magima coming back towards their tent. The general turned and stared at the queen. His eyes showed a pained look and Elizanne knew he had been told the truth. The years of trust and friendship withered away with that one look. She did not know why he was not outright arresting her, but figured it was his last act of friendship. Elizanne was not going to waste it. If she or any of the royal family left early, it would look suspicious, so she had time to plan. Now things were moving much faster, and it was not going well at all.
Koral staggered towards her room. The dancing had gone on all night, the sun would be coming up soon, and she needed rest. This was the first time she was allowed to try the different mead’s and ales in the taverns and had decided they did not agree with her. Not even bothering to take off her dress, Koral slumped onto her bed and was asleep instantly.
“Princess, wake up,” demanded a voice.
Koral moaned and opened her eyes to see Gillock standing over her bed.
“Is there something wrong?” she asked, groggily.
“Just get changed into wood clothes and come downstairs.”
Slowly, she pulled herself out of bed. Gillock was already gone so as quickly as she could, she proceeded to get changed and go find the others. Koral, her mind still swirling from the drinks, stumbled about the palace, finding everyone gathered in the throne room. Judging by the light outside, she had only been asleep for maybe an hour. Koral wondered what could have happened in such a short time. Everyone was huddled discussing something.
“I am here,” she said yawning. “What is the problem?”
Brin looked at her. “Probably you!”
“We do not have time for your squabbling,” Elizanne snapped. The outburst stunned Koral, and by her mother’s tone, she figured something bad was going on.
The king looked worried. “We have news of your brother. He appears to be travelling south, or so the reports say.”
Koral could feel the tension in the room, and it was having a sobering effect. “What else is happening?” she asked her father, but it was Gillock who answered.
“Your parents know about my friend who is visiting and his true nature. They are not pleased.”
Koral was confused. “Why is this a problem?”
“Because of what it could mean,” he responded.
That answer just confused her more, but she decided not to press the issue. Obviously, something more was going on here. Gillock and her mother appeared tenser than they should be over an elf. Koral was going to ask Brin if she knew anything but the look on her sister’s face showed just as much confusion.
Suddenly, Glavlin and Korben burst into the throne room. “Majesties! We are under attack.”
“There are creatures flying around the castle. They have not attacked yet but you can bet they are going to,” stated Korben.
“My queen,” Glavlin said, turning to Elizanne. “They are most likely minions of Malena’s. You must protect the castle long enough for Koral and me to leave for the Cyprian Forest.”
“NO,” shouted Jeremy. “It is too soon for her to leave.”
“Jeremy,” said Elizanne calmly. “She must leave now.”
“You are not going to use magic are you,” stated Brin, frowning.
“She is very powerful, princess. It is the only way,” replied Glavlin.
Brin turned as if to make a comment to Glavlin but stopped short. His cloak was down and she could finally see what he was. Not missing a beat, she turned to face her father. “I cannot believe you are letting her use magic. It is forbidden!” she yelled.
Elizanne, ignoring her daughter’s outburst, hugged Jeremy. “I must go then if we are to stop them,” she sighed. She turned, gave Koral a kiss goodbye, and headed for the castle tower.
Jeremy wa
tched her leave, and then turned to Brin. “I do not expect you to understand, Brin. You must trust me.”
“I do not think I will ever trust you again,” she yelled and ran out of the room.
Koral could not believe her sister’s reaction. She was going to go after her when she felt a hand on her arm. “We must get ready, princess,” came Glavlin's voice.
“Yes, I will go pack.”
“I will help,” offered Jeremy.
Koral smiled at her father. “I think you need to make sure mother is okay.”
Jeremy stopped and looked at his daughter, hoping this was not going to be the last time he would see her. “You are right.
Please be careful and come home safely,” he said and hugged her.
“Do not worry father. I will come home and Eric will be with me.”
Letting go of her father, Koral headed to her room. There was not much time and she needed to get organized.
Brin had enough. Her father condoning her mother’s actions was the last straw. She was running towards General Traug’s tent when she ran into Payton and nearly knocked him down.
“You should not be going outside, your highness,” he said. “There are weird creatures circling the castle.”
“I am going to General Traug’s tent and no creatures are going to stop me.”
Payton was stunned by her forcefulness. “I can't let you leave unless it is absolutely urgent.”
“My mother and sister are magic users and my father knows and is letting it go on. Right now, my mother is going to the tower to fight those creatures with magic. The general must know what is happening so he can stop it.”
The news of magic did not shock Payton, but he feigned it anyway. “I will escort you personally, my lady.”
“Good. Then let us get moving.”
Payton took up the lead, but he and the princess did not get very far. Ahead they noticed the general and the two Magima heading for the castle.
“Payton, thank goodness,” hollered the general over the noise. “What's happening?”
Payton waited until they were near to answer. “Queen Malena’s doing I assume.”
“Malena,” hissed Tarowen. She was the one creature of magic the Order had wanted to get rid of, but weren't able to. Gillock had seen to that.
“Yes, that is what Gillock said as well,” stated Brin, ignoring Tarowen’s obvious hatred for the woman. “There is also a more pressing issue, general. My mother is going to use magic to fight off the creatures.”
The general said nothing. He had expected the queen would be protecting the castle from the creatures. He was going to respond, but Luthien did it for him.
“Unfortunately, we cannot do anything about it right now, your highness. It is far too dangerous. When the danger has passed, Tarowen and I will approach your parents.”
“And what of me?” asked Traug.
“When the danger has passed, you will get us supplies and to report back to the Tower. We still have our mission to complete.”
In that one statement, Traug’s eyes were opened. It was becoming quite apparent where the real power lay in his order. “As you wish.”
“Is there someplace we can stay until this is over?” asked Tarowen.
“Yes,” answered Brin. “Please follow me.”
“If it is all right, I will take my leave. The guard may need me somewhere,” stated Payton.
“That is fine, Payton. And thank you.”
Payton bowed and watched as the four headed towards Brin’s quarters. He had to find Korben and let him know what was about to happen.
Elizanne had made her way to the tower without incident. Once she moved into the open, however, the creatures started to attack. Swooping in from all directions, they attacked all at once. Expecting such an attack, Elizanne already had a defence up. The creatures, which resembled large bats, tried to scratch and bite at her but the defence globe kept them at bay. Trying to think of what she could do to counter these creatures she did not notice they had changed their tactics. Instead of scratching, they began to push the globe. Elizanne realized this was slowly moving her toward the edge of the tower and decided to use small flashes of light to determine how many she was dealing with. After she sent up the first few Elizanne, was stunned at how many of the creatures there were.
Realizing the seriousness of these attacks, Elizanne knew there was only one thing she could do. It would allow the Magima to sense her full power, but it was the only way. She started to recite a spell, which appeared to send the bats into a fury. When it started forming, she started to levitate. Slowly, her body began to glow in a pale green colour, which appeared to distress the creatures further. Her spell slowly spread out across the top of the castle and without warning, a huge green fireball erupted taking all of the creatures with it. Exhausted, Elizanne dropped to the tower roof.
Jeremy, having arrived in time to see her destroy the creatures, was there waiting.
“It worked, darling,” said Jeremy, soothingly. “Now, I will take you to lie down.”
“No,” she whispered. “You must take me to Gillock.”
Jeremy nodded and carried her to Gillock’s room. He had apparently been expecting them, for he already had a potion to give Elizanne to help her strength return.
“This was Malena’s doing. She sent those things to draw me out,” stated Elizanne. “And I must leave because of it,” she added, despondently.
“I know,” responded Jeremy.
“You must do so immediately, my queen,” remarked Gillock. “The Magima are already in the castle and are planning to take you into custody. Payton and Korben are stalling them, claiming parts of the castle are unsafe to travel, but it is only a matter of time.”
“I understand,” she said, standing. “I must get some things and then go.”
Jeremy escorted his wife to their quarters. There, he helped her pack.
“I will not need food, I can make my own,” she remarked. Turning to him she said, “Do not look so sad. I will not be away too long and it is for the safety of the entire town. You will need to assure them of things before the Maget start spreading rumours. I am sure that as soon as I leave, the two Magima in the castle will follow. You will then have to deal with the general, and with Brin.”
Jeremy sighed, “I know, but it feels like my entire family is leaving me.”
Elizanne smiled. “Brin is not happy about the latest revelations. You will have your work cut out for you with her.” Then she gave the king a goodbye kiss and was gone.
King Jeremy stared at the door for a while and then decided to go and find Brin. There was going to be much to explain.
Watching from his window, Gillock saw Elizanne sneak off into the night. Moments later, he watched Glavlin and Koral ride in another direction. “Now things are getting interesting,” he remarked to himself. He had sensed Malena’s magic and knew there was more here than just the creatures, but he did not have the time to dwell on it. He would be leaving as well, but was unsure as to what to bring with him or where he was going to go.
With Elizanne headed southward towards Eric and Glavlin and Koral headed east, the Magima will be having all sorts of problems trying to figure out which way to go. Gillock decided
he would head south as well, after going west for a time, to confuse the Magima even more. He knew they would send for reinforcements, but it would be a while before they would pick up the separate trails. Looking down at what he packed, Gillock decided he was not going to take anything. “That should give Malena and the Magima something to think about.” He then changed into dark green robes and headed out of the castle.
Elizanne’s assumptions were right. Malena did send the creatures to draw her out. It had been the plan Lakin and she had come up with. She knew Lakin would have the king placed under house arrest and put the town under martial law. This would make it easier to keep an eye on everyone. Everything was going perfectly. Lakin was sending
out his most powerful Magima, with General Traug in tow. The twins were going to find each other soon, seeing as how her bolamer slowed down the goblin troupe quite a bit. Things should work out perfect for her.
“Well, Moray, things are going quite smoothly, “stated Malena into her mirror.
Moray, in his new form, smiled. “Yes, my queen, they appear to be going quite well. When shall I join the princess?”
Malena turned towards him. He did look so convincing in that form. “She has left the palace and will be in the elven lands soon. You must join her before Elizanne does. I am positive she will try to join up with her children and we cannot let that happen.”
Moray nodded.
“Do not fail me,” she hissed.
“Everything will be done as you wish.”
Satisfied, Malena waved her hand over the mirror and it returned to normal. Everything needed to be accomplished her way. The prophecy must be fulfilled, but not with the twins. If Gillock succeeds, then her magic will most likely weaken. “So many things you did not tell them about the prophecy, Gillock,” she thought. “You should have made certain they would not fail, for if they do, it will be easier for me to take over Melarandra.” Laughing to herself, she decided to finish one of the spells she was developing. It was going to be quite useful for what she had in store for the goblin she had captured.
Hours of scouring the castle had passed. There was no sign of the queen or Gillock. This did not surprise the general. He recognised the stalling, but could not prove it so he had let it go. Now, finally at the entrance of the throne room, it was clear what needed to be done. Olrond approached King Jeremy, and could not believe what he was about to do, what he had to do.
He stopped in front of the king and bowed. “Your highness, it’s with great regret I must place you under house arrest for knowingly harbouring a person who possesses magic. I will also be placing the town of Klayhern under martial law. More Maget troops will be arriving within the next few days.”
The king stepped down from his throne and faced Traug. “I know the law, but please let me know when the town is to go under martial law so that I may tell them myself.”
The general nodded. “I'll do this one last thing for you, Jeremy. But I should warn you, if the Order finds you guilty of more heinous crimes, you will lose everything.”
The king, saying nothing, left the throne room and headed to his quarters. Now, he just had to deal with Brin.