Protector of the Enchanted

“Alright, where to next?” A newly recovered Cylen asks as Piero goes to get our carriage. 

 

Gem pulls out the scroll from its place and holds it open in the middle, as three pairs of expectant eyes turn towards me. I give a small smile before reaching into my bag to pull out the mermaid shell, gently touching it to the scroll before lifting as a light is emitted, less noticeable under the sunlight.

 

The writing on the scroll starts fading and shifting before solidifying into four bold lines. ‘To acquire what you seek, you must first find the cottage and trace the path. A princess, a curse, and a lie. Only when you face the truth will the queen awaken at last.’

 

“Well, that’s cryptic.” Cylen mutters, voicing what we all are thinking.

 

Ryan nods, “Very.”

 

“Trust the horses to know where to go again?” Gem asks.

 

“I think we’ll have to.” A chuckle, “This has been such a crazy month.”

 

“You know,” Cylen wonders out loud. “Despite all the water, it’s actually been a lot of fun.”

 

Gem narrows her eyes, “I think the fever is still affecting you. We almost died a couple of times in that ocean.”

 

“Still.”

 

Laughter bubbles up inside me at the absurdity of this conversation, a lightness in my soul despite all the chaos. Those tendrils were very creepy, and I still don’t like that Ryan is hiding a lot of things. But it isn’t all bad and I’m going to trust that he’ll tell us when he’s ready. Rushing someone into telling you something may just make them more likely to close up and then you’ll never find out what it is they are hiding. Patience is key.

 

“I have brought you your carriage.” Piero bows and makes his way into the inn.

 

“Well,” I turn to the squabbling couple and Ryan, “What are we waiting for? Let’s go.”

 

Putting all our bags back into their places, we take our seats and lean back as the carriage starts moving. As we move along the street, I rest my head on the window, taking a last glance at the town. I spy Will in his shop and wave as he turns his head towards me, a smile on his face before he turns and continues his work. ‘Leaving Onryx’, a sign says as the carriage ventures down the cliffside road.

 

Floating in a marbled hallway, I once again find myself surrounded by doors. Only this time, there are three doors open, the one at the end of the hallway slightly ajar. It’s only a small crack, only big enough that a piece of paper could go through it. As my feet move towards it of their own volitation, a sense of clarity invades my mind.

 

An answer to the question I’ve been asking myself for the past five days. This is it. This is how.

 

‘Remember.’ The door had told me the first time I was in this hallway, throwing me back when I wasn’t ready to do what it wanted me to. Even now, I don’t really feel ready to do it. Not yet. However, somewhere in the depths of my soul, there was a whisper that said soon.

 

I’m inclined to believe it. Whatever I choose to do with my life may have nothing to do with walking through that door, or it might just mean everything. Either way, if there is something I’ve forgotten, I need to remember. I want to remember.

 

For now, I’ll leave it as it is, going through that door when I’m not ready will only cause problems. There’s another feeling within me that tells me when I go through the door, all the other doors will be opened as well. Evident by how some of the symbols on the vine have faded out.

 

I can either unlock them separately or all at once. The thought fills me with warmth, as if reassuring me that it’s right. Taking a deep breath, I will myself out of this dream, now understanding that what I’m seeing is my own mind.

 

Eyes shooting open, I glance out the window to see that we’re moving through a dense forest. The sky starting to brighten as the first rays of the sun hit it, the distant hooting of owls as they return to their homes, and the chirping of birds awakening from their slumber. I stretch my body as much as I can in a somewhat cramped carriage, taking care not to smack someone in the face.

 

We’ve been on the road for a whole day, which would have been longer if not for the convenient portal the scroll opened up as we got deeper into the forest. The packed food came in handy as there wasn’t a place to buy any more supplies on our way. I think we may also be running out of money. But that’s a separate issue.

 

Gradually the sky outside my window starts brightening, which means I have to pull the curtains together to make sure it doesn’t awaken the sleepyheads. Drifting thoughts fill my mind, both answers and questions still needing to be asked. Why am I still going on this little adventure, what is it about these people that makes me unable to walk away?

 

Although I’ve now come to terms with Gem’s belief that there is a curse, giving her the benefit of the doubt, I’m not so sure where I fit into it. Maybe when you open that door, you will. A pesky thought, but one that seems to become even clearer as the carriage moves.

 

When it finally stops, I pull the curtains back a little taking a glance at the surroundings before pulling them back the whole way, letting light shroud the carriage. Since they’re still sleeping, I decide to just step outside. Who knows? Maybe, the sound will wake them up.

 

Either that or they’ll awaken naturally and come out. Either way. Taking the chance to get a closer look at where we’ve arrived, I spot a wooden gate surrounding a small cottage, a garden of flowers to the side. There is a dirt footpath, leading to a place further down the hill, which seems to be a part of the cottage as well.

 

“How long have you been out here?” Gem yawns as she comes up to stand next to me, pulling Cylen along with her.

 

“Not long.” I turn to see Ryan stepping out as well, “Only a couple of minutes.”

 

“Why didn’t you wake m…us up?” Ryan asks coming to stand at my other side.

 

“Thought you could use some sleep.” Don’t think I’ve forgotten how exhausted you were the other day. He gives me a sheepish smile, before motioning to the gate. Shaking my head, I start walking to the gate and pushing it open.

 

“Pickaxes.” A more awake Cylen states, “There’s nothing here but pickaxes.”

 

“Maybe there’s something we’re missing?” Gem helpfully suggests.

 

“But what could that be?” Hm…good question.

 

“We’re not going to find something in this cottage.” Ryan concludes.

 

“So, we should probably split up and search the surrounding area.” I add on.

“Sounds like a plan.”

 

“There is something I’m looking for.” The princess announces to the room, “and I need help in acquiring it.”

 

“What do you want?” A miner asks, already feeling exhausted by her. She just seemed to want more and more as the days went on.

 

“I want to get my kingdom back.” She tilted her head up. “And to do that I need to find a treasure.”

 

“What is this treasure?” Another miner asks. “How do you know of it?” He felt sceptical that the girl would know of something that would allow her to take over the kingdom.

 

“An envoy delivered a clue of a kingdom saving treasure to my father. It is still in the palace; I will need assistance in sneaking into the palace and leaving without being seen.”

 

At this declaration, the men pondered over their next actions, it was a very risky idea. It would likely need to be very well thought out if it were to work, and would require a massive amount of effort on their part. There was also the issue of whether the task would be worth going out of their way for.

 

Previously the princess’s requests were but a small inconvenience. But this particular task would be risky. It might even lead them into trouble with the law if caught.

 

“What is in it for us?”

 

The princess pondered this for a moment, she realised that this would be risky, but she was running out of time. There were now numerous posters everywhere that declared her lost. If someone found her, it would be too late. This treasure may be the only thing that would allow her to get what she wanted.

 

All she had to do was get these men to help her. She needed a way to entice them, and there was only one thing that came to mind.

 

“If you help me achieve this goal…” She started, pausing for a moment, “I will marry one of you to make you king, and you’ll never have to want for anything.”

 

The miners considered this, it was a very intriguing prospect, strange but intriguing still the same. However, they wondered if she knew what exactly it was that she was promising. She wouldn’t just have to marry one of them, she’d have to give them equal power as well.

 

Additionally, there was the matter of whether her people would accept such a rash decision. She was a very pretty little thing; it was one of the reasons they hadn’t just attacked when they’d thought her a thief. The fragile hand that had reached over for the pie had looked very desperate, so much so that they’d allowed her to stay in their homes. So, as they glanced at one another, they knew they’d come to an agreement of sorts.

 

“We accept the deal.” The girl would just have to sort it out for herself.

 

Having decided to split-up, I’d decided to search the warehouse-like structure behind the cottage. Logic argued that if there was any place you’d store a clue about yourself or things you no longer needed, it would be in a secure warehouse. So that was where I went, telling the others where I would be in case they found something, or just had something they needed to say.

 

The only problem with that is that I underestimated how much junk you could store in a shelf of one of these. There were multiple different sorts of items on the shelves, and even ones that had fallen on the floor. But, they didn’t have any relevance to what we needed to find. That and they were mostly degraded.

 

Additionally, there was an enormous pile of things at the back. Which did not help the cramped situation. It was a relief in itself that there was a small path that led across it, the original owner having placed a fence around it. Otherwise I’d step on something by accident.

 

As I get closer, I notice that most of the pile is just gemstones, obviously having been mined from a cave. There are cobwebs on them, indicating that they’ve been sitting here for a long time. This gives me a better understanding of who the original owners used to be but does not help with the task at hand.

 

“Enjoying yourself dear?” A ringing voice calls from behind me. Instantaneously, my body turns to find the source, an uncomfortable shiver going down my spine.

 

Standing there is a woman cloaked in red, her amber eyes seeming to glow in the dim light, and a sinister curl at her lips. Her face is framed by ebony hair, only two strands resting in front while the rest is hidden under her hood. Objectively, her appearance could be described to be very alluring, but my instinct warns me not to trust her, that what hides underneath is rotting and vile.

 

“Who are you?” I ask, keeping my face clear of any emotion. I’ve had experience on doing this before.

 

“Never mind that dear.” She attempts a smile, but it still looks a little off to me. “You should be wary of those you surround yourself with.”

 

I cock my head, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

 

“Just that you don’t have the best judgement.” She replies in a modulated tone.

 

“Are you trying to imply something here?” I cock my head. “Because taking advice from strangers isn’t on my list of things to do.” I don’t even know why I’m still listening.

 

A devious cackle echoes through the warehouse, “A stranger? Dear, I know more about you then a stranger would.”

 

“That just makes you a creepy stranger.” I narrow my eyes, “Or would stalker be a better word?” It’s only my own rules that stop me from attacking her. I won’t unless she does something to warrant it.

 

She stays quiet at that, an odd look going through her eyes before she shakes her head. “Do not trust who you are with.”

 

Did she really just try to change the subject? “Why is that?” I decide to humour her, maybe she’ll get to the point faster if I do.

 

“They are not what they may seem.” She smirks, “You wouldn’t want to get hurt, would you?” My only answer is a glare. “I mean really, trusting people you’ve only met? I would have thought you knew better.” She gives an odd, amused chuckle.

 

“And to think you believe that nonsense that girl who claims to be your cousin said? Why would you be special? You just happened to be in the right place at the right time.” She shakes her head.

 

“And those boys? Huh, one of them is a buffoon afraid of the water, and he is with that girl to boot. The other…” A short chuckle, “lies to you and you don’t even see it. He is a monster hiding under a mask and you…”

 

“Are you done?” I interrupt in a toneless voice. She gives me an incredulous look as if she couldn’t believe I’d cut her off. “Good. My turn to talk.” I take a step towards her.

 

“Listen up, you creepy old crone.” I stop when I’m three steps away from her, “Who I trust is up to me to decide. You have no say in it.” I pause for effect. “All you have done since the moment you appeared is insult those in my company and me.” I give her a mock smile.

 

“You’re the one I don’t trust. A stalker is exactly the right term to describe you.” Her eyes seem to glow with anger, but I just pull out my sword and aim it at her throat.

 

“The next time you threaten or insult someone I care about; I will find you.” I push the sword closer, “I will find you, and I’ll push this sword through your throat. And if you somehow manage to avoid that…” I give her a grin as my sword is enveloped in flames, her eyes widen, and she takes a step back.

 

“I will burn you to ash and dump the remains in a place no one will find them.” The flames grow stronger, reaching out to envelop her, but not hot enough to burn, “And that. Is a promise.”

 

Speechless. She seems to have become a speechless sputtering mess as she takes in the sword at her throat and the flames covering her body. She obviously didn’t think I would be a threat or dare to go against her. My tone remains stable as I finish off my reply to her ludicrous demands.

 

For demands are exactly what they are. My eyes never waver from hers. Her eyes glow with anger, but my sword prevents her from moving. She seems to think I’d burn her alive if she moves. I suppose my own fury may be making it grow hotter. Oops. A taunting grin makes its way onto my face. Your move you shitty old crone.

 

“Princess!” A voice yells from the doorway, drawing my attention away from the crone.

 

She takes that distraction to vanish as the fire automatically goes back into my body. As Ryan throws open the warehouse door, one I hadn’t even noticed was closed, I see whisps of darkness remaining in the place where she stood. Ah I see. It seems I’ve found the author of the note.

 

“What is that?” Ryan asks as he notices the dark fog remaining. His eyes narrow in anger before he turns a concerned look towards me.

 

“Nothing much.” I shrug, “Just courtesy of a shitty old crone.”

 

He lets out a shocked chuckle, “What?”

 

I just flick my hand flippantly, changing the subject. “Anyway, what was it you came here for?”

 

“Oh.” He takes a moment to change the subject as well, or to remember, “The others may have found a clue to where we may need to go.”

 

“Well then, what are we waiting for? Let’s go.” I lead the way out. This warehouse just seems to get creepier the more we stay in it.

 

“Look at this.” Gem says holding up a poster, “We found it on top of one of the flowerbeds” She held up an almost faded lost person poster.

 

“It’s for a princess.” Cylen adds on, “It’s got to be the clue, right?”

 

“It’s the only one we’ve got, so yes, I would think so. So that means our destination is…”

 

“The castle.” Ryan finishes for me before leading the way back to the carriage. The castle it is.

 

Flames surround the buildings; they lick at their walls and tear down their supports. Everywhere the eye can reach, people are screaming, frantically running in an effort to escape being burned alive. Not all of them succeed.

 

Some are buried under falling columns and then bleed to death, leaving behind a sobbing mess of a family. Those that do somehow manage to escape to the edge of the town line by shoving people behind them, are thrown back in by the black clothed soldiers.

 

The king doesn’t want to do this. Not truly. But it is the only way. It’s the only way that he can build up the reputation he needs. The only way he can create even a semblance of a reason for what he needs to do.

 

The cries and screams of the innocent haunt him, yet he does not signal his men to put out the fire. Does not let himself feel remorse for throwing criminals back into the burning graveyard. They had committed grave crimes, murdered, and extorted those around them, and yet he still felt remorse for being the cause of their death.

 

He’d picked this specific village because it was the only one he could live with burning down. The only place where there were hordes of murderers and thugs and a relatively small population. Fate was very cruel.

 

Why did these vile human beings have to live among innocents? Why did their children need to pay for their crimes? He turned around, ordering his men to keep watch until the fire went out, telling them that anyone who survived should be left alone and let go. You shouldn’t trifle too much with gods.

 

If he stayed to watch too much longer, he knew that there was a considerable chance he would be tempted to freeze the area to put out the fire. There was only so much a man could handle. If he’d done it then the entire task would have been all for naught, he had had to leave.

 

However, because he had chosen to leave, he didn’t notice the peculiar phenomenon occurring in the village. All though the flames raged and burnt all in their path, none of the flames came close to burning the children. No heat reached close enough to harm the innocent, no rubble landing too close. If he had stayed, he would have heard the faint sigh in the wind as it pushed against the flames.