Luana held the baby as they waited in the dimly lit chamber with two guards, Queen Valasca, Meg and two other maids. She was told guards were gathering up her parents and sister and would be escorting them to join her shortly.
The secure chamber was housed deep within the mountain, and it had been a true labyrinth to get to it. It was created to make it hard for the royal family to be located, should the castle be overrun. However, she feared Lord Cadman would know how to locate them.
Luana was certain she would never find her way out without help. They had taken hidden passages and gone into rooms that housed small doors behind tapestries. The room was very cool and lacked a hearth because of its depth within the mountain. However, she had been assured the room stayed a constant temperature, so it would not get any colder, even in the winter.
Queen Valasca busied herself by instructing the maids on where to store the linens and various clothing, along with the food they had brought with them.
The chamber was large and spacious, with pillars throughout to support the great weight of the mountain that loomed over their heads. There was even a small room off to the side to house the chamber pots and buckets to clean with.
The maids stored items in large trunks, all lining one side of the room, while Meg set to work making up the beds that had been brought in.
Baylin’s mother crossed the room to Luana. “May I hold him?”
Luana gently passed the baby boy into the Queen’s arms.
Valasca sighed as she cuddled her grandson. “There is nothing quite like the feeling of a baby in your arms. Even in such horrible times they bring a sort of peace to your heart.”
Luana nodded and forced a smile. I feel no peace at all. My heart breaks with fear that I will lose him. That somehow Mirstone will come and Isla will take him from me. I can only think of protecting him and his father. She ached to be at Baylin’s side and had contemplated trying to sneak out of the castle to aid him. However, she knew she was the only one who could protect her son, and she was certain beyond a doubt she would get lost.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud banging on the door.
The two guards by the door drew their swords. “Who goes there?”
“It’s Ferric.”
Luana recognized his voice, but the guards still kept their swords drawn as one of them slid a small window on the door open to check. Once they saw it was, in fact, the captain of the guard, they opened the door.
“What is it?” called Queen Valasca, making her way to Ferric. “Has it begun?”
“Nearly, Your Grace,” Ferric replied with a bow. “I’ve come to speak with Luana.”
Luana’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Me? Is it Baylin? Is he well?”
“Yes, quite well,” Ferric confirmed. “There is a matter he would have me discuss with you. In private, if that is agreeable.”
Valasca nodded. “Let them pass.”
The guards moved away from the door, allowing Ferric to escort Luana into the next room.
Once the door was closed, Luana turned to Ferric. “What is it?”
“Baylin would be furious if he knew I was here,” he said. “But I fear the fate of the Kingdom lies in your hands.”
“Mine? But why?”
“Because of your…” He couldn’t seem to finish the statement.
“Because I’m an elf, or at least, part of me is.” She smiled. “Because I have powers?”
Ferric nodded. “Actually, a bit of both. You see, the generals don’t trust King Rydel. Neither does King Ashmur. He has made the decision not to call for aid from the elves, but I know they are on our side. I know they care about this Kingdom. Why else would they have saved us in Fagin Forest? Why would they have taught you such magic if not to keep you safe?”
“Yes, the elves seem to want to help balance the scales,” Luana agreed. “But they also feel too much interference will anger the gods. They are wavering, at best.”
Ferric placed his hands on her shoulders, drawing her gaze. “But if you were to go to them and plead for the Kingdom…”
“You want me to ask for their help?” Luana’s eyes grew wide. “But that would mean entering Fagin Forest.”
Fear gripped her heart as she thought of the trolls and the dark sorceress.
“I would not ask this of you if I did not feel it was necessary,” he said, looking guilty. “I know Baylin would never ask, and he would be right in doing so. I do not wish you any harm, but I know if the elves do not help us, Grasmere will be lost. Baylin will be lost.”
Luana’s eyes flashed to Ferric’s at the words. “Lost?”
“We’re surrounded, Luana,” Ferric said, shaking his head. “Mirstone and Kardell were enough of a threat, but this dark sorceress… If she comes down on us with the trolls while we’re already in battle…”
“They could destroy the Kingdom.” Luana shuddered at the thought. “Of course I will ask for help. I can leave immediately.”
“Not alone you won’t,” Ferric said. “Come with me. We will get you suited for battle just in case.” He guided her down the hall. “Baylin taught you how to use a sword?”
Luana nodded as she ducked through a hidden door. “Yes, though I wouldn’t say I am skilled at it.”
“He’s a good teacher,” Ferric said, leading her down a winding, dark stairwell. “Plus, you have your… your light thing you do.”
Luana stifled a laugh. “Yes, there’s that.”
Ferric held her arm as he led her farther through the maze of tunnels and stairs.
“Ferric, what if we do encounter the sorceress?” Luana asked, her voice bouncing off the walls.
“Then let’s hope your lights are brighter than hers.”
*****
Ferric took Luana through the kitchen, to a back tunnel leading to the stables, avoiding the main entrance the soldiers would use.
Once in the stables, Ferric tossed a large leather satchel he had been carrying at her feet. “You’ll want to change.”
“What?” she exclaimed. “Why do I need to change?”
“We don’t know what this journey will hold, but I’m pretty sure that silk dress won’t make it through Fagin Forest unscathed,” Ferric laughed dryly, guiding two large black horses from their stalls. “It’s time you dressed like a Lady of Grasmere. Even the Queen wears riding trousers when she must go out on horseback.” Ferric lifted a saddle onto one of the horses with a great heave. “Use the horse stall. No one will see you.”
She glared at him in defiance.
“Good gods, I won’t look if that’s what you’re worried about.” He laughed as he grabbed a saddle for the other horse.
Luana hid behind the tall walls of the horse stall as she quickly undressed herself. She was a bit embarrassed for having fallen out of practice when it came to dressing herself. When she finally wiggled out of her dress and petticoat and slid on the riding trousers and long tunic, she felt ready for the task ahead.
“Are you done yet?” Ferric called. “We don’t have much time.”
“Just,” she said, coming out of the stall once her tall riding boots were secure.
“Good. Here, put these on,” he said, handing her leather gloves and silver metal gauntlets. “I know you’re not used to being prepared for an attack, but it would certainly give me some ease.”
She slid on the gloves easy enough but required his assistance with the gauntlets. She pulled on her hooded riding cape and mounted the horse. At least I don’t look so feeble once I’m on the horse. She was still embarrassed at her inexperience. She hadn’t noticed it with Baylin since he had been so patient. Ferric, on the other hand, though not unfeeling, did not mind pointing out her shortcomings.
The pair took off down the road toward Fagin Forest. The horses kicked up clouds of dust and rocks as they tore up the ground.
Luana knew the chances of someone seeing them once they left the castle grounds was likely due to all the guards keeping watch at posts along the mountain walls. She hoped their head start would give them the edge they needed to get to Fagin Forest first.
*****
They arrived at the forest edge while the sun still shown high in the sky. The day had been rather warm, yet the path leading through the forest had an icy chill to it.
“So how do we find the King?” Ferric asked, dismounting his horse.
“It’s not as easy as finding him,” Luana said, dismounting. “He will not be found unless he wishes to be. We must trust he will come to us.”
“Are you saying we just have to wait here?” Ferric snapped.
“Not exactly,” Luana said, pulling a dagger, some bread and cheese from the satchel Ferric had packed for them. “We must venture into the forest.”