Dare to Believe: Teen & Young Adult Epic Fantasy Bundle (Series Bundle Andy Smithson Bk 4, 5 & 6): Dragons, Serpents, Unicorns, Pegasus, Pixies, Trolls, Dwarfs, Knights and More!

by L. R. W. Lee

  It’ll have to. We can’t wait any longer.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  At Last!

  “Is Regent Cronkar back yet?” Andy panted, after sprinting from the royal tombs. Determination graced his steps. He dared anyone to tell him no.

  A trainer pointed down the column of recruits engaged in combat exercises. Andy quickly located the muscular man inspecting the troops with Major Cahill. Andy had come to greatly respect both men.

  “Andy!” The major greeted with a smile and wave. “I heard you were back.”

  “Good to see you, my prince,” the regent intoned, dipping his head. “Judging by that contraption puffing white steam in the courtyard, it looks like you’ve been busy.”

  Andy wasn’t in the mood for chitchat. “May I have a word with you, sir?”

  “Your timing is excellent. We just finished, so you can have my full attention.”

  Major Cahill excused himself.

  “The queen mentioned you attempted a rescue of the King,” Andy reported.

  The officer glanced about. “Is she here?”

  “No. It’s just me for now.”

  Regent Cronkar scratched the fringe on his balding head. “I must say, you two lead quite interesting lives.”

  “Yeah.” Redirecting, Andy continued, “She said you hit that wall.”

  The regent looked about, then turned. “Walk with me. We need to keep our conversation private. You are correct. That was several weeks ago. Even our best soldiers couldn’t breach it.”

  Andy nodded.

  “Since then, quite frankly, we’ve been at a loss as to what to do. Use of force seems to be the only option, but we don’t have sufficient manpower what with that black wizard they have. The queen needs to successfully complete her negotiations with surrounding peoples before we can muster the force we believe will be needed, so it could be awhile. Sorry I don’t have better news for you. Getting the King back is my top priority.”

  “I can get through the invisible wall.”

  The officer’s eyebrows shot up. “What? How?”

  “Remember how I told everybody at the war council that Methuselah appeared to me?”

  “Indeed I do. That’s not something I’ll soon forget. The sword of legend...” The man shook his head.

  “Well, in addition to Methuselah, I also got a magic key that can open what seems impossible. Before I left the last time, it got me through the barrier.”

  Cronkar’s eyes grew large.

  “I even made it to the dungeon where they were keeping the King, but he couldn’t walk and I couldn’t move him by myself. Hopefully that’s where they’re still keeping him, because I know I can get in again. I just need cover once we get out.”

  The man beamed. “That is the best news I’ve heard in quite some time. When you say you need cover, what are you thinking specifically? You could have Abaddon or his mage on your tail.”

  “That’s what worries me. I have the beginning of an idea, but it’ll take a little help from a dragon and a griffin or two.”

  The regent’s mouth dropped open.

  “There’s this thing called the whisper stream.” Andy explained all he had learned about it and how he believed they could leverage it to their advantage. The man rubbed his chin and bobbed his head, but Andy could tell he wasn’t fully on board.

  “And you just happen to have dragons and griffins up your sleeves?”

  “I do, actually.”

  Regent Cronkar gave him a long look.

  Andy held up his hands. “Look, I’ll handle that part. If my plan works, we won’t have to worry about Abaddon and Fides.” Andy offered a silent prayer. “We’ll just need cover if zolt come after us.”

  The regent tilted his head. “This is the King’s life we’re talking about.”

  Andy resisted the temptation to yell back that the King also happened to be his father whom he loved more than just about anyone else in the world.

  The regent narrowed his eyes and exhaled. “I’ll coordinate with my men and we’ll assemble a guard to accompany you. They’ll be ready tomorrow. Is that soon enough?”

  Andy wanted to say no but acquiesced. “Thank you.”

  The man shook his head. “I hope your plan works. It’s high time we bring him home.”

  Agreed.

  Daisy? Sophocles? Andy wasted no time contacting his dragon and griffin friends now that he had the military’s support.

  For additional protection, the regent decided the mission should embark under cover of darkness. So the following evening after dinner, Andy, Alden, and Hannah met their escort in the tower keep. The stronghold stood as the front left fortification of the castle and offered a heavily armored refuge of last resort should it come under siege. Andy found it interesting that Castle Avalon lacked this defense and wondered whether it might have prevented the king’s court from being displaced.

  Andy found himself surrounded by familiar faces as he stepped into Regent Cronkar’s office on the castle’s ground floor. Sergeant Albin took a knee. The man had been a part of Andy’s guard on two adventures and as with the last mission, the wiry soldier had slung a bow across his back.

  Sergeant Hammond locked piercing gray eyes on his prince as he kneeled. He also had accompanied Andy on the last two missions, and Andy had grown fond of his warm personality. Over the back of his brown tunic the soldier carried a bow and quiver, and a sword hung from his belt.

  Sergeant Rosser knelt next in line. He was the newest addition to Andy’s escort, and had proved himself valiant in the mission to find the griffins. He stood out from the others, for his tunic fit his slim elven frame smartly. His arsenal included a sling, crossbow, and sword, and Andy knew from experience he was skilled with all three.

  Captain Ladilas bowed. The man had saved Andy from the raging flood of the Crystal River a couple years earlier. Two swords hung from the officer’s belt, one on either side.

  “Rise, please.”

  “My men were telling me castle gossip that’s circulating about you,” the captain informed as he stood.

  Andy’s smile faded.

  Captain Ladilas waved a hand. “No, no. It’s all good. Restoring Oomaldee’s center has given the castle staff something to be hopeful about. It’s been a rough year, with no end to threats.”

  Andy exhaled. “Well, hopefully we’ll give them some more encouragement with our mission tonight.”

  “Hear! Hear!” everyone agreed.

  “We seem to have a lot of bows,” Andy observed.

  “If zolt attack, arrows will reach them before they land. Alden, Hannah, and I will handle what arrows miss. At least that’s the plan.” Andy’s friends nodded. “It’s been effective with a team this size protecting the citizenry around the land,” the captain explained.

  “Sounds good to me.” Andy briefed them on his plan for the mission. Their set jaws, curt nods, and alert gazes told him they shared his determination. At length, the group of seven headed to the courtyard where Hannah’s parents, Marta, Hans, and Mermin met them to give hugs and a hopeful send off.

  Mermin motioned Andy over. “I wish you much success tonight, my pwince. Bwing back my fwiend.”

  This is the first time Father and Mermin have been apart in over five hundred years. The thought struck Andy. Father had known the wizard longer than Mom—they’d grown up together. Andy leaned in and gave Mermin a hug, choking back emotion. “I miss him too. I’ll do my best.”

  Mermin patted Andy’s cheek. “I know you will. Thank you.”

  The evening sky surrendered the last of its gray as they navigated the short tunnel from the courtyard. The portcullis rumbled upward and the guards saluted as they passed.

  Upon exiting the second portcullis that served as the castle’s front door, the stench of rotting debris assaulted Andy’s nose once more but he chose not to react.

  Andy stopped and scanned the area, recognizing the moment. At last. Father, we’ll rescue you. Tonight. He had waited many long mont
hs for this, and it felt right. His pulse quickened—not nerves but excitement.

  Andy followed the captain as they boarded a waiting pinnace anchored in the shallows. No one said a word, standard protocol to avoid unwanted company. He joined Hammond on a middle bench. Alden and Hannah sat in front. Albin and Rosser heaved the craft away from shore then jumped aboard. Everyone grabbed an oar and Captain Ladilas whispered a count.

  With six rowing, the craft moved swiftly through the water and they soon passed Trevig’s home. The moon rose across the foggy bog. Andy kept glancing skyward. Only the whispers of oars, the captain’s count, and the gossip of bullfrogs filled the air.

  Several minutes later the pinnace’s bow scraped shore and the group hopped out onto dry ground. After they secured the craft under cover of foliage, they formed up and set out for Castle Avalon.

  Andy had returned home to Texas before the exiled King’s court reached Castle Ferrin. I wonder how far we have to walk. He shook his head. The officers have everything well in hand. I just needed to trust them.

  The moon was halfway to its zenith when the turrets of Castle Avalon’s tallest tower came into view. Andy fingered Methuselah’s holster. Next to him, Captain Ladilas also checked his weapon, as did Alden and Hannah walking ahead of them.

  They skirted the western edge of the island on which the castle stood, staying under tree cover as much as possible. A gentle breeze pushed a patch of dense fog between them and their enemy, helping to shield them from the moon’s light. The group took the cue and scurried beneath the service bridge connecting the castle’s northern shore with the mainland. They barely fit in the narrow confines but managed to stay out of the river.

  “This is as far as we go,” the captain sighed.

  Andy nodded. He felt his pouch for the gold key.

  After listening for approaching enemies and hearing nothing unnatural, the captain motioned Andy into action with a wave of his hand.

  Andy scanned the night sky. All clear.

  He crept out from hiding and scrambled up the bank. He’d made it midway across the bridge when he felt a gentle resistance. He recognized the sensation from when he and Alden first attempted to rescue Father.

  As it did before, the barrier gave way. Andy hurried over the rest of the span and dove behind a clump of overgrown bushes in the shadow of the Cavalry Training Center.

  The sound of nickering reached him. How are they treating the pegasi? Andy’s stomach tensed.

  They’re feeding us. Thank you for your concern. The pegasi had read his thoughts.

  Let Alden know I miss him. Optimistic!

  Thank you! I’ll let everyone know. Andy popped his head out to check if the coast was clear, but two well-armed, burly zolt ambled across the cobblestones nearby. They gestured and chatted, rarely looking about. They think no one can penetrate their barrier. They’re almost right. Andy grinned.

  Andy waited until the pair entered the stables, then sprinted toward the narrow strip of land on the castle’s north side and followed the wall to a secret entrance he and Alden had discovered.

  Andy fumbled in the dark for a couple minutes until he located the keystone. The soft sound of stone sliding across stone made him cringe. Shhh. Hurry up. Hurry up. He scurried into the castle’s tunnel system. Pitch darkness swallowed him a second later as he sealed himself inside with the enemy. Andy felt his heartbeat quicken.

  He grabbed Methuselah. The blade extended and began casting a dim glow, sensing his need. He descended the flight of wooden stairs, turned right, and set out following the castle wall’s footprint. Stray sounds met him every now and then, but he encountered no zolt. He reached the door leading to the servants’ quarters and put his ear to it. First stop, dragon tears.

  When Andy had asked Hans about getting some dragon tears in case Father was badly hurt, the healer indicated he’d been unable to procure any since abandoning Castle Avalon. He had, however, hidden a small supply in his quarters—that is, if the zolt hadn’t discovered it.

  The sound of squawking voices reached Andy through the door and he let out a huff. He sat down and waited several minutes then listened again. This time all was quiet. His stomach tensed as he depressed the keystone. Please be empty. Please be empty.

  When the door had opened about a foot, he stopped it and scanned the hallway. Whew, no one.

  Better not close it in case I need a quick escape. But what if zolt find the passage? He chose to take the risk and left it ajar.

  Hans’s room was three down from Alden and Marta’s, and Andy hurried on tiptoe. He listened at the door as long as he dared then pushed it open and stepped inside. A loud snore startled him, but Andy managed to stifle a gasp. Hans told him he’d hidden the vial below his windowsill. Andy crept past the bed and had just reached the window when the enemy again snorted in his sleep. He tossed a long arm in Andy’s direction, and it came to rest on Andy’s foot. Andy’s eyes went wide. Not daring to move, he spotted the vial below the sill. He stretched. Just a little more… His fingertips brushed the prize. A little farther. Andy’s foot slid an inch and his unknowing captor grunted. Andy eased the vial from hiding and sighed with relief.

  Sounds of movement in the corridor reached him and grew louder. They can’t see the passageway!

  Andy traded stealth for speed. He yanked his foot free and threw open the door.

  “Hey!” The nasally exclamation came from behind him. Another zolt stood before him, its size making the hallway shrink.

  No time! Methuselah! Andy swiped as the hulking bird-man reached for him. The blade bit into the enemy’s side. It clutched its midsection as hands grabbed him from behind and pulled him back into Hans’s room. Andy landed hard, a post from the twin bed digging into his back. His sword skittered across the floor at the force of impact.

  Methuselah.

  The blade appeared in his hand and extended once more before the zolt rounded on him. Ignoring the pain in his back, Andy bolted up and his sword found purchase in the enemy’s arm.

  While the adversary howled, Andy turned and ran back out the door. He hurdled the zolt in the hallway, barely avoiding its grasp. Andy dashed down the corridor, plunging into the tunnel system. He exhaled the instant the door thudded closed.

  He panted, knowing how close he’d come to being captured. He tried to shake it off. Methuselah. The blade illuminated his surroundings and Andy stashed the vial in his pouch. Okay, second stop. The book.

  Echoes of fists pounding on the door propelled Andy up four flights of stairs, and he stopped in the tunnel outside the King’s laboratory. Slowing his breathing, he listened—only faint sounds of chaos reached him through the two tapestries that concealed the secret tunnels. He pushed the first aside and took a step forward, then listened again. He peeked through the gap between the wall and the fabric. Nothing moved. He prayed the lab was empty then stepped through.

  While no one attacked, the room looked like it had gone through a high-speed blender. Andy scampered through the chaos, checked that the coast was clear, then dashed into the hallway and past multiple doors. The bulbous eyes of an enemy barely crested the stairway landing as he plunged into Mermin’s library.

  Please don’t see me.

  “Someone just ran in the library!” The squawk reverberated down the hall.

  Crap!

  While familiar scents of old leather and ancient parchment filled Andy’s nostrils, he didn’t linger. This room’s contents had also been tossed. Andy tensed and hurried to the empty lower shelf where he kept the book. Where is it?

  Panic set in. Methuselah aided his search by illuminating the space but failed to reveal the prize. Andy fell to the floor and began rummaging in the piles of books. Footsteps were nearly at the door!

  It’s got to be here!

  Shouts reverberated down the hall.

  There! Six feet and a mountain of debris away, a speck of white spine called to him. A zolt barreled through the open door as Andy leapt over the jumble. Andy grabbed the boo
k, his roughness making its contents rattle. Everything’s still there. That’s a relief.

  The thought barely registered as he engaged the first opponent. Throwing the book under his left arm, he waited for his enemy’s first move. The zolt leapt over the book-covered floor and slashed at Andy’s midsection as two more armed vulture-men waddled through the door.

  Andy dodged the slice and spun, connecting the blade with the villain’s back. It went down. The two new entrants lunged from either side. He let the invisible book fall as he swiped the arm of the left enemy, making it cry out. But the enemy on his right caught Andy’s forearm on its blade. Ignoring the pain, Andy switched hands, spinning to face his opponents.

  His enemies grinned, tasting victory as they backed him against the wall near the fireplace. They didn’t realize the raised hearth was all Andy needed. Andy eased back slowly, biding his time, a spider inviting its prey for dinner.

  His attackers lunged just before the back of his leg hit the hearth. Andy leapt backwards as if to fade but immediately bounded up on the ledge. He angled his blade and slashed down between them, taking bites out of both their shoulders. As the pair grabbed their wounds, Andy brought Methuselah’s trailing edge down on the right one’s neck. A quick follow-through and the leading edge found the left one’s chest.

  More shouts echoed down the hall outside the library.

  Andy snatched up his treasure, thrust it under his arm, and scrambled to the door. After a quick glance, he bolted headlong into the corridor, retraced his steps, and plunged back behind the tapestry. He bent over in the darkness, trying to catch his breath. Maybe my plan was too ambitious.

  After his heart returned to a normal rhythm, Andy inspected his wound. I don’t know how bad off Father is. Mine’ll wait. He shook out his arm, trying to ease the pain, then headed back down the steps. Last stop, Father. Andy heard shouts coming from the other side of the wall as he passed the dining hall, but the hullaballoo quieted as he descended two more flights to the dungeon level.

  He reached the landing and placed the book to one side of the bottom step, then peered through the hole he had once ripped in the tapestry while training with Sir Kay and Sir Gawain. Everything was dark and, more importantly, quiet.