“How is the lake cursed, Sir Roan?” Jonathan asked.
“It suffers under the same sickness of despair which infects the kingdoms. The opal charm counters dark magic. I would still exercise caution and avoid the water altogether. Please do not test the opal’s strength. It tends to frown upon reckless behavior.”
The guardian wolf and those in his safekeeping sat upon a rock, dining on dried apples, and pungent cheese. Jonathan gazed dreamily at the lake. Sir Roan hoped he would not have to bite him. The boy’s curiosity could prove dangerous if he did not learn to control it.
They continued descending the pass, pressing on to the calm black lake. The sun peeked forth curiously from grey clouds, perhaps wondering what sort of travelers ventured in these lonely parts.
Crows cawed, which surprised Serese; she had been convinced nothing natural lived in this dismal mountain chain.
Had she looked closely at the crows, she would have seen that they were not natural at all. Their red eyes glared at her before they took to the sky in a flutter of angry feathers.
The wolf king had noticed their presence and his worst fears were confirmed; they were clearly expected.
It was likely a “welcome party” awaited them. It was a good thing his hunger pangs had been quenched; the sorceress’s crows tasted like decrepit boot leather. He chose not to alarm the others, keeping his deductions to himself. It could be that the foul flying beasts were merely a search party. He could only hope.
The sun was on its decline, when they reached the banks of Calrake Lake.
The beach contained pale pink and blue pebbles which Serese gathered; they were so translucent—they reminded her of pearls. The water seemed black, but upon closer reflection it was deep blue and flat like a stained mirror.
Jonathan and Serese admired the grey outline of the Balzac range around them. It was neither windy nor cold. Serese wandered over to the lake, bending close and dipping her hand in.
The red glowing opal fell out of her bodice as she leaned over and its change of color went unnoticed by the princess. The lake waters warmed at the enchanted stone’s nearness.
“It is quite tolerable; what would be the harm in a quick swim?” the princess asked.
Sir Roan cautioned, “Truly, princess, I would not dip even a foot into that water.”
“There is no need for concern, Sir Roan. The water is positively beckoning—I shall only be a few moments,” Serese called over her shoulder.
After removing her cape and cloak, and folding them into a bundle on the log, she unlaced her violet gown and her jeweled girdle. She deftly unbraided her hair, shaking it free. Lastly, she removed her boots.
Jonathan stared, for he had never seen such a beautiful girl disrobe before him. If only he were not an impoverished shepherd; he would welcome the chance to woo and win her. He wanted to hold her in her arms; she was a tempting nymph and his cheeks flushed as he admired the arresting sight.
Leaving her shift on, Serese ventured slowly into the lake, completely immersing herself. Jonathan stared at her with longing. Her beauty hit him like a fist in his stomach and he knew he was a fool.
Serese came to the surface with her hair floating around her like a mermaid. She held a handful of the smooth pebbles in her hand, which she used to scrub her skin.
Jonathan anxiously watched Serese splashing in the water, waiting for a monster to break the glassy surface. He watched for several moments, thinking how long it had been since he had been swimming.
When no monster was forthcoming, he stripped to his woolen drawers. He kept his eye on the horizon and cautiously removed his boots.
Then he approached the lake and waded into the bearably cold water. He gave a shout of delight as he swam over to Serese, splashing her with a strong kick of his legs.
She squealed in mock fright and splashed him with her hands as she stood on the sandy bottom. Then she one-upped him by flinging her drenched hair into his face.
Jonathan whooped with delight as he splashed Serese and she giggled as she swam away from him.
Sir Roan watched anxiously from the shore as he noticed a series of ripples forming from the center of the lake. They were making their way toward Serese and Jonathan.
Sir Roan paced back and forth on the shoreline, barking out warnings to them until finally they paused, and glanced in his direction.
Serese felt the opal’s sudden shock against her neck and she gave Jonathan a warning glare as they swam quickly for the shore.
They left tracks in the sand as they scrambled for their clothing. Serese squeezed excess water out of her hair. Jonathan struggled to get his leather breeches up his wet legs. Sir Roan brought them their outer garments, in his teeth. They finished dressing and waited together, a stone’s throw from the water.
They observed the ripples drawing closer. Sir Roan stood before them, his teeth bared and his hackles raised.
They waited for the strange swimmer to reach them; for whoever stayed under water without once rising for breath was certainly not mortal.
The bubbling under the water’s surface ceased near the shore.
Serese and her guardians stared, astonished to see a beautiful, golden-haired girl emerge from the lake.
The young girl was glistening, but strangely not soaked through with water. The light blue gown she wore was sprinkled with sapphires, which gave her the appearance of a shimmering wave when she moved. Her heart-shaped face was innocent, but her mischievous blue eyes laughed at them.
The girl was beautiful in such an otherworldly sense that Serese knew she was a faerie. Then the elegant creature unfolded the sapphire blue wings on her back and they flickered softly as she glided on bare feet to Serese.
Her voice was wise but playful as she said, “I am Queen Arianna. Are you prepared to defeat the dark lady who holds my lake in her clenched fist?”
“How can I prepare for such a task? But if I do not kill Serpentine, I will only become like her,” Serese answered truthfully.
The water faerie queen seemed older than her appearance as she solemnly replied, “You are the appointed girl. Whether or not you break the curse, remains to be seen. First, you must pluck the enchanted rose which grows on the other side of this lake.”
“I have come all this way to pick a flower?” Serese asked. “Truly I cannot tell the difference between mint and rosemary. My incompetency in the gardens vexed Mother and Cook.”
“It is not a simple flower, child, allow me to finish. This rose is elfin in origin and it is vital to Lord Forn’s freedom. It is also necessary to insure Serpentine’s destruction.” Queen Arianna fluttered her wings gently, causing Serese’s hair to rise off her back, as it dried in the soft breeze.
Jonathan bowed his head before Queen Arianna and asked, “Your majesty, what is wrong with this lake? It is said to be cursed but we swam safely in it.”
“Because you were with the Opal charm wearer. The water is actually harmful to anyone who comes into contact with it. It will melt the skin from your bones as fast as butter melts on an oatcake. Your elfin-created guide should have warned you about that,” Queen Arianna said, pausing to throw a disdainful glance at the wolf.
Sir Roan said, “I did mention it but my opinion is of no consequence to this royal lady and her village boy.”
Then the wolf shook his tail in agitation and growled at Jonathan. The shepherd retreated a step with his hands up before him, “I am sorry, Sir Roan. I meant no disrespect.”
“It is not your duty to help us fulfill this mission; your behavior is unruly and it must be checked,” the wolf shook his head in irritation.
Then Sir Roan turned to Queen Arianna, “May we count on your aid in crossing the lake? Or has Serpentine finally won you over? I know she has sought your talents for many years.”
Queen Arianna frowned and she fluttered her wings restlessly causing the waters of the lake to churn, “I am a guardian, the same as you, nothing more. Your accusations vex me. Perhaps Serese shall succe
ed, perhaps not. The prophecy could go either way.”
Sir Roan bowed his head, “You feel wronged, your majesty, I meant only to test you. Forgive me, your highness.”
Queen Arianna said, “I can provide you with a wooden craft to cross over, but the journey will cost you.”
Serese asked, “How can I be certain you are trustworthy?”
“That is a wise question. I am not in league with Serpentine, if that is what you fear; I knew her before she was corrupted. She was much like you.”
Color rose in Serese’s cheeks as she fought to control her temper; it would not do to act unbecomingly before the faerie queen. Her hands clenched at her sides and she bit her tongue to hold back the retort which was longing to spring free. The princess asked, “How dare you compare me to her?”
Sir Roan turned inquisitive eyes to Queen Arianna as she glanced concernedly at the conflicted princess.
Then, the water faerie queen slowly floated over to Serese and put her arms around her. The princess was astonished when Queen Arianna lightly grasped Serese’s arm and flew with her to the tree line. Serese thrilled at the freeing sensation of being in the sky, but the fear of becoming like her evil aunt distracted her from the wonder of being air-born.
Jonathan stared after them as the water faerie queen spread her wings, turning gracefully on her approach to the ground. “God’s eyes!” Jonathan thought, “They will never believe me back in the village.”
Queen Arianna floated gently above the earth as she guided Serese to on a fallen log, a stone’s throw away. The two of them appeared deep in conversation as the shepherd finally closed his astonished mouth.
“Do not judge so harshly, Serese,” Queen Arianna said, “Your aunt was once a royal daughter as you are. She chose wrongly. You must forgive Serpentine. Or you will have planted the seed which destroyed her into your own heart. You must also truly love Lord Forn, if he is to be set free at all. Any bitterness you retain will affect the counter spell’s potency.”
Serese wished these hot tears would quit spilling out of her eyes. She knew she must look a frightened little fool. But something within her did not want to appear so before the exquisite queen. Where did she get her terrible pride from?
Serese sighed and said, “Before my mother gave me this opal, my greatest fear was being married to a man I did not love. Perhaps I ought to have obeyed my father. This burden may have passed from me, had I married Lord Forn.”
“Your father sought to quicken your destiny. It was not his place to do so. I would not dwell on what is past, my child. Remember, it all happens as it must. Lord Forn is not fit to make a decent companion, in his present state. I believe you shall make him well.”
Serese smiled sadly, “You think I might succeed?” she asked.
“You have come this far which is no easy task.” Queen Arianna admitted. “Let me conjure you a cog—I will need an emerald from your belt. This sort of magic demands a price.”
Serese used her dagger to pry one of the gemstones from its setting, placing it in Queen Arianna’s hand.
The princess wondered if the water faerie queen had such base human desires as greed. Her faerie gown contained a small fortune in sapphires.
The wise queen seemed to read her thoughts as she sent a wistful smile her way. Then Queen Arianna surprised Serese by singing a spell while clasping her hands around the emerald.
“Waves of love, which I hold dear, a boat sturdy, place now here.”
The dewy complexioned queen began a rhythmic dance as she twirled slowly in circles, her sapphire gown swishing between her legs. Her melodic voice entranced Serese as the faerie queen held her graceful arms over her head. Pale violet mist began to seep out of her closed hands.
Jonathan and Sir Roan stared mesmerized, as they edged closer to the enchanting faerie queen.
Blue wings stirred against her back as Queen Arianna rose delicately in the air, while still spinning and singing.
Her astonished admirers watched her dive headfirst into the black lake. Jonathan was just thinking they had been deceived when Queen Arianna quickly resurfaced. She floated out of the lake with a look of reproach on her face, which she directed at the shepherd.
Queen Arianna opened her palms, revealing that nothing was there. Serese wondered what had become of the emerald, when the lake behind them churned.
The queen floated over to the travelers, a majestic presence as foamy waves crashed together in the lake. Suddenly, a birch cog appeared between them.
It was as wide as three men and as long as two. It had cushioned benches with oars set within golden fittings. Its pale wooden sides gleamed as if filled with the light of a full moon and the smell of freshly hewn trees filled the air.
The waves steadily pushed the wooden craft to the shore where it waited with two wicker hampers filled with delicacies to eat, if their noses were any proper indication. The tempting aroma of roasted meat and the spicy smell of apple tarts made their mouths water with anticipation.
Jonathan’s jaw dropped and he rubbed his eyes in amazement. He shouted with delight when he touched the cog. It was genuine and not a figment of his imagination. The shepherd marveled at its fineness.
Serese smiled gratefully, “Thank you most kindly. I have one more favor to ask – how do I form the counter potion?”
The princess had realized that she had no knowledge of herbals or potions; she would have words with her father about these gaps in her learning.
Queen Arianna tossed her golden curls, laughing, and said, “Of course, you must know how to prepare it. But your companions must wait for you under that tree over there.”
Sir Roan coaxed Jonathan away as the shepherd was reluctant to leave the bountiful feast behind.
“First you must place lake water in the flask. But do not distract your opal by getting the dark water on your hand. First and foremost, your talisman should be occupied with forming the potion. Protecting you should not be a concern.”
Serese rolled her eyes in irritation as she said, “But Jonathan and I were swimming in the water and no harm came to us.”
Queen Arianna sighed, “Please do not take these instructions lightly, my child. Many have sought this secret recipe. I have found that our great Father delights in humbling those who place themselves too high. I am afraid your attitude will prove irresistible to him.”
The chastened princess nodded and Queen Arianne continued, “You shall carefully drop one emerald into the flask. A crushed stone would be best. The potion will be suitable in that state as a medicinal salve, should your need be great. But, use it sparingly for it cannot be added to. Be certain to save enough of the liquid to wet Forn’s lips and enough to sprinkle on Serpentine.”
“Must I still pluck the rose from that particular bush?” Serese asked, not looking forward to the thorns which were sure to surround that particular task.
“My child, the crushed rose petals ensure your protection from Serpentine’s influence. Her charm can be quite irresistible, even for those who seek her destruction. If you are worthy, you will accomplish what you desire.”
“How shall I know if I am worthy?” Serese asked.
“That will be revealed by time. I suggest you acquire some patience, your highness. It would serve you well. I wish you god speed on your journey.”
Then Queen Arianna flew to the center of the lake, diving into the calm water, and disappeared from view.
Serese stared wistfully after her. She could not help feel jealous of Queen Arianna’s wings; she thought of what she would do if she had them. She would escape to the highest mountain peak and stay away from the responsibilities overwhelming her until she felt capable of facing them.
“Oh cease at once,” she scolded herself, “You have been chosen—it is a great honor.” If only she could convince herself that the prophets had not been misguided.
Chapter Sixteen
“It is a fine cog; it is built for speed and agility. It is much smaller than the ones whic
h sailed the Rhone River but the steering oar is quite strong. See, there is room for two to sit, side-by-side.” Jonathan observed.
“I had hoped Queen Arianna might accompany us, at least across the lake. It seems to me these faeries are quick to flutter away,” Serese said.
“It shows good sense, if you ask me,” Jonathan said and bit into a pork pie, “We are the ones who seek trouble out, as if it were a lovely lady, waiting to welcome us into her bosom.” Jonathan said.
Serese raised her eyebrow at his remark, “Well, they say Serpentine’s beauty is unparalleled. But I have no desire to be swept into her embrace.”
The shepherd appreciated the exemplary food gifts and wished they could be fed in such a sumptuous manner again. It saved him replenishing his dwindling supply of arrows for game.
Sir Roan picked bones out of his portion of rabbit which Queen Arianna had provided especially for him. The wolf looked up from his own meal, “Their kind does not concern themselves with the affairs of men. Serpentine oversteps her bounds; her destruction is a mutual interest. Queen Arianna did us a great favor, crafting this cog; I would not seek further aid.”
“We need to cross before sunset. Whatever creatures live within the water, I would sooner face in daylight,” Serese said as she ate her fill of apple tarts. If only she could wield such magic; she would never go hungry again. She had not come across such a spell in her book. Truly, Queen Arianna had her utmost gratitude—these cinnamon apple tarts were superior to any she had ever tasted.
Jonathan lifted his head from his repast, glancing at the lake, “It seems to be a good half day’s row to the other side. We should make it with daylight to spare.”
The princess, the wolf king and the shepherd finished their uniquely satisfying suppers and boarded the cog. Their full stomachs brightened their outlooks considerably.
Jonathan had some experience with cogs. The prospect of a half day’s row did not trouble him. Serese found their new adventure stirring for she had always relished the castle songs of ships. Of course, she would overlook the dire endings which generally concluded with the hero knight drowning, leaving his lady love behind, bereft and forlorn.
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