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Lazarus and his group were transported back into the royal castle.
Everybody was quiet. Lazarus wanted to ask Reginald about Excalibur but he didn't want to tell the elf they were looking for the magical sword. He was not sure who they could trust. Lazarus also hoped that when they finally found Merlin he would help them find the location of Excalibur.
They didn't have to wait long for a servant to invite them to have a private meeting with the Princess and her advisors. The servant guided them through the long hallways of the castle and showed them to a room they had never been in before.
Royce decided to come with them. He was behind Cindy and Grace, and he didn't speak to them but followed right behind. Royce didn't have to ask what happened at the magical library. The Alpha Grog understood they had found the way to the Blessed Isles.
The room they were ushered into was a large chamber on the highest floor of the castle. The Princess was not attired in a dress, but leather tan breeches, black riding boots, and an opened V-neck white silk shirt. She was talking to several imposing looking Elves, dwarves and trolls.
"I want the Alphas to have the best scouts and soldiers to help them." She nodded to Lazarus.
The group before the Princess sat in chairs, while the Princess stood overlooking her commanders.
"Master Lazarus," the Princess said, "I hope your dinner and breakfast were satisfactory."
"Yes, Princess." He bowed.
"You don't have to be formal to me. Just call me Gwyneth."
"Please Princess, I feel more comfortable calling you that. I implore you that we start on our journey as soon as possible, if the Princess agrees."
Lazarus felt like he was babbling, and didn't know how to speak to the Princess.
Cindy came to his rescue. "Princess Gwyneth, we’re grateful for all the courtesies you’ve given us. But we’d like to leave as soon as possible."
Cindy curtsied to the Princess.
"I would like to go with you, but my advisors and generals speak against it." She turned to her advisors and shot them a look. Gwyneth continued. "But I will have somebody go with you instead of me."
A lady came forward. She was the white-haired captain of the guards, Shannol. The elf bowed to the Princess and turned..
"Master Lazarus, I hope you will invite me to help you in this task."
Lazarus wanted to protest, but he didn't. He nodded. "Thank you, Shannol, for helping us find the great Mage Merlin," he said.
"It is an honor, Master Lazarus." She knelt before him. "My sword is yours to command."
Lazarus felt embarrassed. "Please stand, Shannol. Your guidance and experience will help us in our journey together."
Princess Gwyneth spoke next. "I know, Alpha Mages, your journey requires haste, but please stay one more night and rest. We have to gather our scouts and soldiers."
"Thank you, Majesty. We are tired and would like to get some rest for tonight," Lazarus said.
"Of course,” said Princess Gwyneth.
***
THEY ALL WENT TO THEIR own rooms, even Cindy, as she wanted to be alone for a while.
Lazarus understood. They had been on this journey for so long and had been together almost the whole time. He’d wanted time by himself for a while too. He went to his balcony and stood overlooking the city. Staring at the people walking the streets, he wanted to go back to his time, not for nostalgia, but to have the feeling of being normal again. He wanted to have a cup of coffee in his favorite coffee house. He wanted to wake up early in the morning and go to work where everything was safe and familiar.
He looked down at the myriad Elves, dwarves and trolls moving along the street. Recalling the destruction of his city of LA, and the aftermath with the Grogs roaming around and the mutant insects, he vowed he wouldn't have these people live through that destruction. The war between the Elves and orcs needed to stop.
"Lazarus," a woman's voice said from behind him, and he knew without looking it was Cindy.
She was dressed in a red robe with a green sash wrapped around her waist. "What do you think? They gave this to me for tonight's dinner."
Lazarus’ mind was ablaze with salacious thoughts. "You look gorgeous."
She moved toward him and placed her hand on his chest. "You think so?"
"Yes."
A knock rapped at the door. Lazarus sighed. He wanted to take her dress off and ravish her right then.
"Master Lazarus."
The door opened, and standing in the doorway was Shannol. She was holding a wrapped parcel in her hands.
"Oh," Shannol said. "I wanted to deliver some clothes for you tonight and explain about our journey. Do you want me to come back later?”
Cindy shook her head and moved toward the exit. "I will see you later, Lazarus. I just wanted to show you my dress."
Cindy looked at Shannol for a second, and then left.
Shannol moved into his room and placed the wrapped parcel on his table. "We are having a Royal banquet tonight, and you and your friends will be the guests of honor."
"Thank you," Lazarus said. He was sensing Shannol wanted to say more. Looking into the elf’s dark blue eyes, he couldn't fathom what she wanted.
Shannol said, "If I may, we will be going into hostile territory, and I want to know if you want me to be your bodyguard."
"Bodyguard? I'm sure I can handle anything," he said.
"Yes, but the Princess told me that you might need protection." Shannol paused, then said, "Is Mistress Cindy your betrothed?"
Lazarus was surprised at the question. He wasn't sure if elven social hospitalities were different to his own.
"We are good friends. And I want you and your scouts to guard all of us."
Shannol bowed. "Yes, Master Lazarus. Do you need help with your clothes?"
"No," Lazarus said, "I’ll be fine."
The elf nodded and left his room.
