* * *
The princess stood along with her lady in the center of the Capital. Virago wore her red flare colored wedding dress as the Fires of Morgog erupted around them, illuminating the sand stone canyon. A distance behind them, the Morgog Castle stood and in front of the castle the Great Cathedral. Virago stared at the flaming geysers in front of her.
The lady had been quiet a long time, letting her princess deal with whatever matters needed dealt with, and Flaxen said finally, “It is time.”
The princess closed her eyes, opened them, and spoke, “I am ready. This was the last place I wanted to see before we left Morgog. I wanted to burn the images of my homeland into my mind. I do not ever want to forget them.”
“Princess, you can return someday.”
Virago questioned, “Why do I fear I shall not?”
Lord Caliber entered, walking down the cobblestone path as his wolf-head staff clinked across the hard surface. He looked to the flaming geysers as he stated, “I knew you would be here.”
Irritated her remembering was interrupted, she asked, “Did my father send you?”
“No, King Elan did not. Actually, I wanted to talk to you before the ceremony,” he replied as he shifted the staff to his other hand and placed his palm on the princess’ shoulder. “A great responsibility has been given to you. For so long Morgog has fallen from grace; it has fallen from the power it should hold. We need to return it to its Golden Age.”
“I understand my responsibilities; I also know what I am giving up,” she said and then walked away from the lord. “What I do not know is what I am placing myself into? Our people have always been an enemy of the Fletchings and now we are forming an alliance. This was thrown together in such great haste; there shall be power struggles from both sides. For one, who shall be in charge of the army? We have our Commander Avarice, and they have theirs.”
“I understand how you feel about the Fletchings. They are not our equals, but your father has made up his mind and as for the rest of your questions, do not fret over them,” he said as he winked at her. “They shall work themselves out.” Lord Caliber turned, leaving where he came in. “Come, your wedding is about to begin.”
Flaxen walked up beside the princess and told her, “I feel so uneasy around him. Do not get me wrong, he is a very good advisor.”
Virago watched the lord as he left and she said, “I think you worry too much.”
Beauty And The Beast: The Classic Fantasy Fairy Tale With A Twist Page 21
