Return of the Clonsayee

by Elaine Bassett

  Then Virgil turned to Caroline, looked her in the eye and said, “The truth is I am King Virgil the II of The Kingdom of the Last Dragon. I was, like my forefathers before me, the rightful heir to the throne of this kingdom until tragedy struck. My kingdom fell apart. I stayed and have been here ever since, as a king without a kingdom. I have long since abdicated my throne and have waited for ages for it be reclaimed by the next worthy heir. My dear, that heir is you. I am very happy that you have stepped forward to claim what is rightfully yours.”

  Caroline looked at him and said, “Virgil, now I understand. You are the man you talked about in your stories. Charles told me what he knew. Now I'm wrestling with the decision of being queen of this great land. How can I possibly take what is rightfully yours? I can’t do that. I believe I should step down and ask you to reclaim what is rightfully yours.”

  Virgil said, “You are worthy. It was my decision a long time ago to do what I did. I did it for a very good reason. I decline your request and ask that you continue your reign as the queen.”

  Caroline closed her eyes briefly. “Thank you. I just hope I won’t let you down.”

  Virgil took off his cloak and placed it around her. Then he turned to her knights and said, “You are all worthy. These brave and honorable knights are your forefathers. They served our kingdom well and gave their lives for us.”

  Instinctively the knights paired up. Caroline looked around and noticed her knights had all come back. She hugged Virgil with her right arm. She whispered, "This is amazing."

  The knight of the female warrior smiled at Virgil, seeing that he knew her secret all along. He whispered, “I approve. They would too. You come by it honorably. My wife was a valiant warrior. Elov, women throughout time have been very brave.”

  She looked at Virgil. He said, “I approve.” The other knights then understood what was going on.

  Thomasen laughed. “I think we knew all along.” She smiled shyly.

  The queen walked over and put her hand on the female knight’s shoulder. “Honorable knight, you have proven your bravery and your worthiness. You were willing to journey to a new land and take on the tasks given to you. You are a welcome addition to this group.”

  Virgil coughed as he turned to Caroline. “I will reveal to you the stories of our family in detail later. For now I would like to share the short version with you.

  “The story begins with my father, who was king of this land, and my quest to serve in his military. As a young man, I watched and learned directly from my father. He taught me everything I know. It wasn’t like other men, who have to prove their worth or gain the approval of their fathers. I had all of that. He was a good and wise man. The people of his kingdom trusted and revered him. The king was also a learned sorcerer. He was willing to teach me the art. I believed it was in the kingdom’s best interest to gain all the knowledge I could. The king and I believed our duty in life was to serve and protect the kingdom. When my father died years later, I became king.

  “The legend spread that it was I who slayed the last dragon. The kingdom rejoiced in being rid of what they didn’t understand. I don’t know how the rumor even started. I tried to correct the story, but it was out of my hands. No one would listen. I recruited witnesses to ride with me in search of the dragon; but whenever we tracked the creature, it would disappear. It was either a chameleon or an escape artist. The beast would not show itself. Before long I was heralded as the bravest king in the world. The legend spread around the globe. Visitors from afar carried the tale to their homelands. We prospered from the stories. The dragon did not return to the kingdom for decades.

  “One day the dragon came back and I beheld it when I was on a ride in the forest. I had my knights accompany me and we lured it to a secluded place that only we knew about. The Royal Charter protected the entire area; the dragon would be safe. After trying many different types of magic, I was finally able to cast a spell of understanding on the dragon. I patiently convinced it to stay in the protected land. The dragon thrived and was content there.

  “Long ago a stranger from a faraway land came to my kingdom. I befriended him, not knowing that it would be my wife he would come to covet. I would have given him anything but he chose what was most dear to me, my family. A terrible fight ensued that ended in tragedy for this once peaceful and prosperous kingdom. I was the lone survivor when the last of my subjects perished in my arms.

  “At first I thought I would be better off dead, by succumbing to the nightmares of death that had surrounded me. Later I became afraid of death. I believe the fear stemmed from the torture I witnessed of what happened to the kingdom and the people who died to protect it. Desperation to live forced me to learn everything of my father’s magic. I discovered a spell that gave me eternal life. I have to admit; I was surprised that the spell worked.

  “I sometimes long for death and regret my actions after having lived as long as I have, but I had a secret that kept me alive. It was the only comfort for me. I grew fond of it. I couldn’t grow old for fear of what would happen to it if I perished. This secret has sustained me through the loneliness of the ages. The secret was that when we changed the name of the kingdom to the Kingdom of the Last Dragon, the name was grammatically true. This is The Kingdom of the Last Dragon. The reason I was out here tonight is because the dragon lives.”

  Everyone gasped.

  Chapter 115

  Sterling enjoyed playing around the house with Justin, while Dolores packed their bags and prepared for their flight home. When it was time for Justin to return to his home, Sterling walked him back to his house. Dolores met Sterling halfway, as she was taking their things to the car.

  He followed her to the car. As she put the last bag of luggage in the trunk, Sterling asked, “Mom, can we stay here permanently?”

  She put her hand on his shoulder. “I wish we could, but it’s time to go home.”

  He sighed, disappointed and said, “This is home to me.”

  Dolores felt the same. She was dreading going back. Dolores encouraged Sterling to go inside the house and check to make sure they weren’t forgetting anything. As Dolores watched her son disappear in the house, she wondered if she’d see her friend on the flight home. She’d paid attention to the way he interacted with Sterling and she could tell Sterling had taken to him. He seemed at ease with Sterling as well. The two found a lot to talk about. Dolores was pleased with their rapport, but knew she needed to remain cautious. She didn’t want to make a mistake and become too attached to a male friend. He probably wouldn’t stay around long, since all she could offer him was friendship. A part of her was longing for more in a relationship than what Joseph was giving her; while another part of her was growing to like her freedom, not having Joseph around all the time. She was learning to live life for herself. It felt good to find a new sense of autonomy.

  Her thoughts turned to Sterling: He’s really changing on the visits to the lake house. Ruthie was right about this place. It really has turned out to be something special.

  When Sterling completed his walk through the house, he ran to the car and told Dolores everything was packed. He climbed in the back seat and buckled up. Dolores went to secure the house. When she returned, she drove to the airport.

  Once mother and son checked in the car at the rental station, they rode the shuttle to the terminal. As they were walking into the airport, Sterling said, “Maybe we will see your friend again. He was nice. I liked riding in first class.” Dolores smiled but didn’t respond.

  The plane ride home was relatively uneventful. When they landed there was a short delay as they waited for their luggage to come off the plane. Once Dolores and Sterling retrieved their luggage, they took the Skycap to their car. Sterling helped load their luggage into the trunk of the car. He slept the whole way home, giving Dolores time to think as she drove.

  When she pulled in the garage, she woke Sterling. He said, “Awww, I was dreaming we were still at the lake.”

  They took their
things inside the house to unpack. Dolores knew Joseph had been there recently because a fourth of the applesauce cake she’d sent home from the bakery was gone. He’d left it sitting out on the counter in the cake saver.

  Sterling scowled. “He ate almost all our cake, Mom.”

  “I see that. We’ll just have to fix a big slice for ourselves tonight after dinner.” Sterling agreed.

  Joseph left a note on the counter. Dolores picked it up. It read: I don’t know where you bought this cake, but order another one. Dolores wadded up the note and threw it in the trash.

  She thought: That figures. He couldn’t even say, glad you’re back or missed you while you were away. It all has to be about him and fulfilling his desires. She sighed as she took the luggage to the bedroom.

  Chapter 116

  Charles sat up in bed. He felt as if he was coming down with the flu. He felt chilled and achy. He put his head on the pillow then pulled the quilt up to his chin. Charles wondered what time it actually was. He looked at the alarm clock and saw that he could sleep for two more hours.

  Charles closed his eyes, and soon began to dream. He dreamed he was alone on a trail near a mountain range. He was wearing camping gear and was hiking closer to the foothills of the mountains. Charles thought he knew where the trail led, but for some strange reason he couldn’t remember his destination. The landmarks around him looked familiar, so he believed he was on the right path. Charles thought it must be spring because everything around him was in bloom and the weather was mild. After hiking for some time, he realized he was seeing the same landmarks again and had actually been traveling in a rather large circle. Charles reached in the breast pocket of his vest and pulled out a compass. He stared at it and began walking in a northerly direction.

  He was enjoying the beautiful hike. He climbed large boulders for a better view of his surroundings. From that vantage point he could see a grove of trees in which to gather fruit to eat. As he continued his hike, Charles encountered many different species of animals along the way.

  It occurred to Charles that he might be the only person to have traveled this way for a very long time, since there had been no signs of civilization. He began to wonder if anyone lived in this area, or if anyone else even existed in the whole world. As he walked, his days and nights ran together as a crazy mix. His noticed the surroundings were beginning to change with the seasons. Charles started to feel lonely and wondered if anyone was looking for him. What used to be beautiful scenery began to take on a whole different look. He became restless. He wondered if the compass in his hand gave accurate directions.

  One evening, Charles made a campfire and started pacing the campground. He took out the compass and shook it several times. Then he became so frustrated with the device he threw it at a tree. Next he leaned down and peered at the scattered pieces on the ground. It was shattered beyond repair. He caught a glimpse of himself in one of the pieces. He frowned at the lines on his face and his gray hair. Charles was startled because he looked as if many years had passed. He gathered the pieces of the compass in his hand and tried to put them back together. When he realized the task was futile, the despair of being forever lost was almost too much for him.

  He began to feel hungry and decided to begin searching for food. Charles wandered around until he came to a large tree. He looked up into the tree branches and saw fruit. He began climbing and ate several pieces of the fruit that were near him. He saw a piece of fruit that was just out of his reach. It looked like the juiciest and ripest of all. It was almost within his grasp. As he reached for the fruit, he lost his balance and fell from the tree. It was a long fall and in his sleep he could hear his actual voice screaming, "Aaaaaaaaah!" Before Charles hit the dream’s ground, he woke up.

  He had never been so glad to be someplace he actually recognized, as he was at that moment. He was sweaty and his body felt achy as if he had actually hit the ground after falling out of a tree.

  It was Bev's perfect timing to knock at his door. "Charles? Are you all right?"

  Charles acknowledged her knock. "Yes, I'm fine Nana. I think I am coming down with the flu. I'm so achy."

  "Oh dear, I know just the thing for you. I will be right back." She was back quickly with one of her remedies. "This is Gretchen's secret weapon. It truly works. You will be back on your feet in no time."

  Charles did as he was directed, like a good patient. The secret concoction was hard to swallow but he managed. He could tell Nana had sympathy for him, having had to take it herself a time or two. Bev patted Charles on his head and then said she was off to fix hot tea with honey. He smiled. Tea sounded much better than the remedy.

  Charles stood and dressed for school. He stopped to sip the hot tea, as he told Bev about his dream. Charles groaned as he looked out the window. He wasn't expecting to see Natalie waiting for him outside. She was sitting on the picnic table talking to Wayland. He walked outside to join them. The morning air was brisk.

  "Natalie, I don't feel very good today. Can we do this tomorrow?"

  Natalie looked at Wayland and then at Charles. "No. Crime doesn't wait. You have to keep on your toes. Let's go."

  Wayland said, "Better you than me." He moved out of the way.

  Carson came outside to watch. Charles and Natalie went over a few exercises and called it good.

  Charles, Natalie and Wayland walked in the house to gather their school items. Bev fixed them a sack breakfast to take along. They walked to the garage and piled into Charles’ car. Charles drove to pick up Caroline. When they arrived at Caroline’s house, they were surprised to find the sheriff’s car parked out front. Joyce came running out of the house to meet Charles.

  He rolled down the window to talk to her. "What is going on? Is Caroline okay?"

  Joyce’s shoulders slumped. "You mean she isn't with you? Oh no. Oh no! I was hoping she was with you. I just tried to call your grandparents’ house…"

  Charles stepped out of the car and hugged her. "Okay. Please call my grandparents back and tell them I am going to look for Caroline with Natalie and Wayland. Have Nana call the school and tell them we will be late. I am sure there is a very good explanation. I don't know what it is, but we will find her." Joyce was crying but said she would do as he requested. She went inside the house.

  The sheriff came out to the porch and said, "Where will you be looking for Caroline? My men can begin searching in other areas."

  Charles said, "We will search in the area near my grandfather’s farm.

  “Thank you for your help. I’m sure the Saunders appreciate that you are joining in the search.”

  Charles, Natalie and Wayland returned to the Jones' farm. On the way, they brainstormed where Caroline could be. Charles thought of the possibilities and then said, "I’m sure she went to the Kingdom of the Last Dragon. Let's go after her!"

  When the young adults arrived at the farm, they went to the office and saw Carson and Bev had the same idea. They were setting up the Marble Track. Charles walked to his desk and reached into the top drawer.

  Bev said, "We called the school already. Paw Paw checked the tree house. There was no sign of her anywhere. This was the next logical place."

  Carson rolled the marble with the image of the castle on the track and the Passageway opened. Charles, Natalie and Wayland walked through and were transported to the kingdom. They looked around the clearing. It was beautiful with the moons still visible through the trees and the sun rising. They set out on the path. Natalie and Wayland were taking it all in as they walked. They came to Virgil's cottage. Charles ran ahead of the others to the door and knocked.

  Caroline answered. "Charles?"

  Charles breathed a sigh of relief and turned to tell his friends she was safe. Then he looked at Caroline and said, "You have everyone back home searching for you. What are you doing?"

  Caroline looked puzzled. "I didn't know they would be awake yet. I thought I’d only been gone for a few minutes.”

  Caroline glanced at Virgil. “Virg
il, would you give me permission to explain to Charles what happened tonight?”

  “Yes, he should be aware of my role in the kingdom.”

  Caroline faced Charles and said, “Tonight I came to the kingdom to visit with the queen. I followed Virgil in the forest believing he knew where to find her. When the queen came to us, she suggested that Virgil should disclose his story. Virgil revealed he was the king of the kingdom. When I suggested that I should step down, he requested that I keep the role as queen.”

  Charles looked at Virgil. “I can’t say that I am truly surprised. Your stories and your demeanor all pointed to the truth. Thank you for trusting us.”

  Caroline then turned to Virgil. "I'm sorry, but I have to go now." Virgil agreed and went to get her hooded sweatshirt.

  Virgil walked the group back to the clearing. Caroline explained that she tried to find the Passageway using her crystal with the method Virgil taught them earlier. When that method didn't succeed, she decided to wait for Charles to come for her.

  He hugged her and said, “I will always come looking for you. But now your parents are worried and will expect an explanation for your disappearance. We will have to put our heads together to think of a plausible reason for leaving the house.” They said their goodbyes to Virgil before leaving.

  Once they stepped through to the office, Caroline told them the whole story.

  Charles asked, "Did you see the dragon?"

  Caroline looked down. "No, not yet."

  Carson said, "We need to call Joyce and Kevin. They are very worried. First, let's get our story straight."

  Charles said, "What could we possibly tell them that they would believe?"

  They started brainstorming. Nothing seemed right.

  Finally Caroline said, "I'm going to tell them I went for a morning run, just like I do sometimes with Dad and I lost track of time." They all agreed that her explanation seemed to be the best choice.