Chapter 53



The Brownie



We awoke and broke our fast, then the queen honored us by allowing us to travel upon her cockatrice. ’Tis a rare and dangerous creature. Though scales adorn its body, the head is much like a cock’s. The beast master rode in front, and Little Miss and I were strapped behind. Though odd, dark goggles hid its killing gaze, I still shuddered when it turned toward me. I sighed in relief when it soared homeward after delivering us to the Rhineguard Winter Palace. Little Miss clung to me hand as we rushed to the throne room and delivered our news.

The king listened as we unfolded the recent events before him. “I will present the problem to the mainland, where so many minds will work on a solution and ask for troops.” Scrawling ink across a yellow piece of vellum, the king then dripped wax, sealing it with his ring. “Princess Rapunzel is on Earth, but what of Princess Phrysia? Lady Clarina informed us of her visit to the council. She said the princess addressed the council and was rebuffed.” He motioned an imp, who took the message and skittered off.

The queen cleared her throat. “Her maid disclosed that Phrysia arrived with a gentleman to her keep last eve. Many flasks needing washing, so we know she has armed herself well with potions, yet the girl knew not where she went or who accompanied her. I fear she plans to attack the necromancer alone.” Thunder shook the palace as great lightning bolts etched zigzags across the sky. The queen crooked her finger at me. I took Little Miss’s hand and approached. “Oh, Winnalea, I am so glad you are back! The palace has fairly fallen to ruins!”

I cast my eyes and used my senses to check. While the lintels were not dusted as well as I would have them, and the window behind the queen was smudged, there were no major gaffes.

Queen, you need ken this.” I tried to be diplomatic.

The queen wrung her hands. “What is it? Are you harmed? Do you need a spell of respite?”

“I am nae bonded to thee. I am now bonded to Little Miss and her family.”

The queen shed one tear, ’twas touching--for the queen. Vain she is, and many a morn I spent magicking her hair in an elaborate updo and neglecting my important duties as keeper of the home. I proffered a kerchief.

“I ken you shall find a new brownie anon, one more skilled with bouffant and top knots than I.” While I cherished my time with the family Carvinalee, the dear princesses are grown and the king and queen grow old. I am young for a brownie. I have missed being amongst youth. Little Miss and Mums will require much help as they grow to ken their powers. I was sure I would be sorely needed. The queen’s lip stuck out like a ledge. I ken now where Princess Rapunzel got her pout.

“I will miss you, Winnalea,” she pronounced before indulging in her bubbly drink.

Sammy tugged my hand. She had been a good lass, Little Miss. Being still and silent doth nae come easy to the bairns and I ken she was anxious to see her parents.

“What is it?”

“I need to find Daddy and get back to Mommy, Winni. They need me.”

Unease nagged me too. Little Miss was right. I did feel needed elsewhere, and we had seen no sign of her da, since the disappearance in the tunnel.