Grishma (Necoh Saga) (12 page)

Two grungy men wearing dirty rags spoke loudly. The taller of the two said, “Have you seen all of the extra guards around the castle? I heard it’s because the ball is the day after next and the King is marrying Princess Sophie to Prince Algid from Dratun.”

The shorter man put his hand on his friend’s shoulder and said, “Yes, the guards are everywhere! They’re throwing people into the dungeons for minimal offenses. I guess they want the troublemakers off the street. Good thing they haven’t found us yet!” The man laughed heartily and then paused. “Wait, did you say Dratun? As in, the Frozen Lands? Ah, poor Princess Sophie.”

The first man continued. “Yes, what a shame. The Princess just got home and her father is ready to send her away, never to be seen by her people again. I heard Grishma is behind the marriage arrangement.”

“Of course Grishma is! Grishma controls whatever the King does!” said the second man.

Panic spread throughout Ryder’s body and his heart instantly began to race.
Oh shit!
Turning around to face the others, he said, “Um, I think Kroy is right. Maybe we should go in and get a quick pint.”

Albie looked confused but Kroy nodded his head in agreement.

Ryder pushed through the heavy wooden doors and entered the pub. The smell of stale beer mixed with the rank body odor of the pub’s patrons.

Everyone crowded into a well-worn wooden booth. Looking around to make sure they didn’t draw anyone’s attention, Ryder noticed the regulars were chin deep in their large cups of drink and no one was looking their way.

Speaking in a hushed tone, Ryder said, “Outside, I heard two men talking and one of them said the King was throwing a ball for Princess Sophie the day after next. Grishma has convinced the King to marry her off to Prince Algid from Dratun.”

Albie shook his head. “Prince of the Frozen Lands? That’s very bad news.”

“What the hell are we going to do, guys? We need a new plan,” said Ryder.

“Why can’t we sneak into the castle and get her before the ball?” asked Albie.

Ryder responded, “He said that there are guards everywhere and they’re throwing people into the dungeons for just about anything.”

Lant nodded in agreement. “That is a problem. Hmm… What to do, what to do…”

“I’ve got an idea,” said Pidifer. “Why don’t we attend the ball?”

Albie, Kroy and Lant burst into laughter. In between chuckles, Lant said, “Yeah, that’s a reeeeal good idea!”

Cridifer, sticking up for his brother, said, “Why not? It’s not like we have any other ideas on how to save Brooklyn, or anyone else, for that matter.”

With the thought of their family members, many of whom were trapped in the dungeons, the others stopped laughing.

“How do you propose we get in to the ball?” asked Kroy.

Deep in thought, Pidifer twisted his lips and looked toward the ceiling. “Well, I may know someone who could get Ryder an invitation. As for us, we could sneak in with the food.”

Albie groaned. “You’re always thinking about food!”

“Well, this time, it may just work. See, I know people in the castle, too. One is a cook named Jest and he happens to be right over there,” said Pidifer, pointing a stubby finger to a burly man sitting on a stool at the bar. “He owes me a favor and I’m sure if I asked, he would sneak us in with the vegetables the day of the ball.”

Ryder smiled and patted the small creature on the back. “Pidifer! You are amazing. Are you sure Jest will help us?”

Pidifer smiled and nodded. “He better! He owes me big time.” That said, he got up and ventured toward Jest at the bar.

The group watched the interaction between the small creature and the large man as inconspicuously as possible. Without Jest, they were back at square one. They all let out a big sigh of relief when he and Jest shook hands.

Smiling, Pidifer walked back to the table looking extremely pleased. Once he reached the booth, he sat down and said, “And that’s how it’s done!”

“He agreed to help us?” asked Ryder.

“Yup! We just need to meet him by his house at sunrise the morning of the ball. He’ll take care of the rest,” said Pidifer.

Looking at Pidifer, Ryder asked, “You said you know someone who may be able to get me an invitation to the ball?”

Before answering, Pidifer flagged down the bar lady. “Yes, my lady, we would all like a pint of your house ale.” He reached in his pocket and produced a drawstring pouch. Opening it, he withdrew four silver coins and placed them in the lady’s hand.

“Thanks!” said Ryder.

“Yeah, thanks!” echoed the others.

Pidifer smiled broadly. “Cridifer and I have a family friend, her name is Gwendolyn. She is extremely wealthy and has royal connections.”

Cridifer chimed in, “Yeah, I think she’s the King’s brother’s third cousin’s aunt, or something like that.”

Before they could plan any further, the lady returned with drinks in both hands. “Here you go,” she said as she placed a large pint of ale in front of everyone. Then, she winked at Pidifer and set a large basket of fresh baked bread in the center of the table.

Everyone grabbed a warm piece and enjoyed a long sip of their ale.

“It always pays to tip,” said Pidifer, happily munching away on his bread.

“So you were telling us about Gwendolyn,” said Ryder.

“Oh yeah, Gwendolyn, she’s a real gem. We go back, I’m talking way back. Anyway, I’m sure she’ll be invited to the ball. I’m hoping we can convince her to bring Ryder as her date,” said Pidifer.

“Man, Pidifer,” said Ryder, clapping the orvba on the back, “if I haven’t already said it, I’m so glad you found us!”

His comrades nodded.

“To Pidifer!” they said as they raised their glasses and clinked them against one another.

Ryder found himself grinning, and for the first time in days, he felt truly hopeful.

Cridifer set down his drink. “Why don’t we finish our drinks and the bread? Then we can go visit Gwendolyn and see if she’ll let us stay with her tonight.”

The crew went about finishing their food and drink.

Once everyone was finished, they departed The Barrels and headed down the dark alley. Cridifer led the group, while Pidifer stayed at the end of the line. The alleyway was full of wandering eyes and shady characters. One could never be too careful.

After turning left, right, going up a hill, and then down one last alleyway, they turned onto a wider cobblestone street lined with large homes.

Cridifer walked up to the third house on the right. The wooden home was painted white with black shutters and a bright red door. Motioning for his comrades to join him, he knocked three times, paused, knocked twice more, and then waited patiently for someone to answer.

Chapter Thirteen

H
er feet moved silently across
the grey and white marble floor as she followed Adeline onto a large balcony that overlooked a room that was easily the size of Kennedy High School’s football field.

Gasping, Brooklyn stammered, “It’s stunning!”

“Princess, this is all for you. The most beautiful ball the King has ever thrown and that any Necohian has ever seen,” said Adeline.

Brooklyn could literally feel her jaw drop. People anchored to the ceiling with long ropes and swung from spot to spot, carefully hanging beautiful soft white fabric. The effect was breathtaking.

Below, striking purple and teal flowers were being arranged in large crystal vases that were scattered around the room. Next, Brooklyn’s eyes swept to a large but delicate white arbor, which was covered in white and purple flowers. Behind it stood four intricately carved golden thrones, decorated with precious gems.

“What is the arbor for?” asked Brooklyn.

Adeline replied, “Ah, well, it’s, um, it’s for your ball.”

Brooklyn wrinkled her nose and said, “Oh? I thought that was something you usually see at weddings.”

Adeline snapped. “Princess Sophie, they are always at royal celebrations, including balls.”

Brooklyn felt her cheeks turn crimson.
Why does she always act like she’s so superior? After all, I’m supposed to be the Princess!

“I guess I can add that to the list of things I have forgotten,” retorted Brooklyn.

The look on Adeline’s face instantly went from snobby to beyond mortified. “I apologize, Princess, I didn’t mean to sound so rude,” she said.

Yeah, right. I think I would like some time to myself. I’ve had enough of this girl for now!

“You know, Adeline, I think it might be helpful for me to look around by myself for awhile. You’re dismissed,” commanded Brooklyn.

Adeline bowed her head, curtsied, and then immediately excused herself.

That’s better!

Brooklyn turned one last time to look at the ornately decorated room below. Fascinating stone sculptures dotted the room. Suddenly, her eyes settled on something that made her heart stop and her blood turn ice cold.

Near the arbor stood a horrifying sight—Grishma. Her razor-like claws clicked impatiently against the stone floor. Within seconds, the scent of rotten fish and death overwhelmed Brooklyn and she could feel the bile rising in the back of her throat.

What the hell is that monster doing here?

A low gravelly voice filled the room. “So she’s here? Safe?”

Why would Grishma be allowed in the castle and who is that disgusting beast talking to?

As soon as she heard the other speaker’s voice, she knew it belonged to the King. “Yes. Laro, a member of the Tribe of Topher, returned her yesterday.”

“The Tribe of Topher,” roared Grishma. “I thought they were all dead or in the dungeons?”

“Well, several were cast away from the castle and told never to return. The rest are in the dungeon,” stammered the King.

Grishma snarled and let out a deadly growl.

The hair on the back of Brooklyn’s neck stood up straight. Panic washed over her like a tsunami slamming into the coast.

“I will see that the rest are apprehended and sent to the dungeons,” said the King in a shaky voice.

Oh no! Albie was so sweet to me! This is all my fault!

“Good idea, Your Highness. Now, is everything set for tomorrow? Has Prince Algid arrived?” asked the Grishma.

Who the hell is Prince Algid?

“Yes, he arrived early this morning,” said the King.

Grishma nodded. “Ah, good. Is Princess Sophie aware of what is to commence at the ball?”

“No, she isn’t, and I’m just not sure if it’s the best option? After all, she just returned home, why not let her stay here with me for awhile?” asked the King.

Grishma stamped her foot and seethed. “No, we need an alliance with the north and this is the absolute best option!”

What the hell is going to happen to me at the ball? What does Grishma have to do with any of this? Darn it! Where is Ryder?

Her heart raced and she could feel sweat dampen her brow. Too terrified to move, Brooklyn stood frozen on the marble balcony and forced herself to focus on the conversation below.

The King hesitated for a moment and then said, “Yes, I suppose you are right. It’s what’s best for the kingdom.”

Grishma replied, “It is, King, it is. Now, I must be off. I will be here tomorrow for the ceremony.”

Ceremony?

“Very well, then,” said the King.

Turning, Grishma marched out of sight, her long nails scratching the floor loudly with every step.

After she was sure Grishma had gone, Brooklyn took a deep breath and crept off the balcony, wandering the halls of the massive castle.

Her head was filled with questions and she had never felt such uncertainty in her entire life.

What was Grishma talking about? Why would the King agree with everything that came out of that foul beast’s mouth?

Off in the nearby distance, Brooklyn heard two male voices. Deciding it was best to remain unseen, she ducked into the nearest room.

While in hiding, she heard a deep husky voice say, “Is the Prince resting comfortably now?”

“Yes,” replied a higher pitched, more nasally voice. “Will he be joining Princess Sophie and the King for dinner tonight?”

“Grishma gave strict orders, the Princess is not to meet the Prince until the ball commences tomorrow,” said the first voice.

Who is this Prince and why is it such a big deal that he’s here?

The voices were getting closer and Brooklyn looked around the room for a better place to hide. Before she could find a suitable spot, a massive portrait caught her attention. The painting showed the King and a woman Brooklyn assumed was the Queen. She was holding a baby girl, the real Princess Sophie.

Suddenly, the door budged ever so slightly and a large furry creature walked in on all fours.

What the hell is that?

Trying to remain calm, Brooklyn forced herself to calm her rapid breathing.
Animals can always read body language, calm down! You have to make yourself less threatening!
Trying to take her own advice, she plastered a smile on her face, held out her hand, and whispered, “Hey there. What’s your name?”

As the creature approached her, its long golden fur shimmered like a wheat field before harvest. Its cat-like gait and warm brown eyes mesmerized Brooklyn. She immediately felt at ease.