Chapter 6
“Preparations made?”
“An army of seven hundred soldiers are waiting at the entrance of the forest.”
I sat on the bed of my room in the Castle of Blithe. In a way, I really didn’t want to leave it. The place was relaxing, and so beautiful. Adda wanted to stay until the stars fell out of the sky, like in the bubble picture book. But the Dreidan Army was waiting for us at the Forest of Despondency. I had packed my things, and they were already loaded onto my horse. I hadn’t brought much. So it hadn’t taken long to pack, and I wish it had. I was waiting for Unstacia to come back up so I could say good-bye.
I’m almost there!
I heard her voice in my head. Every time she did that I wished I were an Elf. I could talk with whomever I wanted, wherever they were!
“Layla, Tenyjo! I made it. Princess Shalb had so many dress orders.” Unstacia entered the room, her light feet making not a sound.
“Well,” I slid off the bed and stood up. “I’m leaving. And I don’t know if I’ll ever be back here on Mount Geot.”
“I know,” she said softly. She took a step towards me, and made a slight curtsy. After a silent pause she said, “It’s been a pleasure being your majesty’s waiting maid.”
I stepped forward and took her into embrace. I had enjoyed her company more than she knew. “It has been a pleasure,” I looked into her glazed eyes. How lonely my trip would be without her! But… why did it have to be without her? She wanted to see more of the earth, didn’t she? Why couldn’t she just come along? It wouldn’t be the first time I had taken along a companion from an unexpected place!
Excited, I spoke quickly. “Unstacia, don’t you want to know what other life you might have a chance to lead?”
She looked at me, a mischievous glare. “What do you plan?”
“Wouldn’t you want to come with me?”
She cast her eyes downward and sighed. “If only I was permitted, I wouldn’t mind facing the perils of the forest with you.”
I thought for a moment. Couldn’t I ask for Unstacia, as a gift? It wouldn’t be unheard of. And how could King Eathay say no? “Don’t worry about that! I have a plan. But you know the dangers of the forest, right? And you’ll come? That’s all I need to know.”
“Oh, yes! Tenyjo! Yes!” Her eyes glowed with the light of the moon against the stars. How could anyone say no to this kind of happiness? She deserved to get out of the castle. As badly as I had needed to get out of my own castle. And I could make it happen for her. How happy she’d be!
Unstacia and I fled down the stairs into the atrium where the King, Queen, Brye, and everyone was else was waiting. We slowed our pace and held our skirts daintily before anyone could see us rushing. Hide your excitement! Unstacia said. I bit my tongue and approached the King.
“King Eathay,” I curtsied deeply to him. “Many, many thanks for your hospitality. Staying here has been a great pleasure.”
King Eathay nodded his slender head in a graceful gesture. “If there is anything else I can ever do for you, please let me know.”
I smiled. “Oh? …Well, good king, there is one favor I would like to ask of you. A very minute one, but a favor just the same.”
“Tell me, child.” King Eathay was in a very good mood. And what a perfect opportunity to ask for Unstacia!
“Well, your majesty, my wonderful waiting maid was the most pleasant being I’ve ever been around. And, out there at battle, how much female company do I get? I would love to take her along with me, if you would consent to it.” I held my breath, waiting for his response. His faced lined with thought. How could he say no? Silence fell upon us, and for a moment he said nothing at all. It made me nervous.
“Unstacia has never been off the Mountain. If she were to so unexpectedly to jump off, with you, well… it would have to be her choice.” King Eathay looked behind me at my anxious waiting maid. How did he know her so well? Was there something I didn’t know?
I turned around and looked at her. She was looking at the king.
“If that’s what you wish, my child, you shall.” The king spoke, instead of Unstacia. Who curtsied even deeper than I had. When she looked up, her eyes were gleaming. She looked braver than Sweenlah had. Maybe it was her height. She was much, much taller. Was that a good omen?
Unstacia took my hand in hers. “Thank you, your highness, thank you, thank you.”
I squeezed her hand in return, not bothering to her scold for using my title. There was no need right now. I would not be lonely, and I would get a chance to show Unstacia the world! I was more excited than I had been in a long time.