Grishma (Necoh Saga)

by Kelly Blount

  “Let’s walk a bit further and then stop for lunch,” stated Albie.

  The others mumbled in agreement.

  After they were a safe distance from the fields of dangerous flowers, they sat to rest and unpacked a small feast.

  Lant dug around in one of the packs and produced several large brown mushrooms with faint yellow flecks on the cap. “Here,” he grunted as he handed them out to everyone. “We better eat these today. If we wait too much longer, there’s a good chance they’ll become toxic.”

  As everyone inspected their mushrooms for some sort of indication that they were toxic, Kroy handed out leather flasks of fresh water.

  In addition to the mushrooms and water, they munched on dried lera berries and a small portion of dried meat.

  For dessert, Cridifer had provided everyone with a ripe kuba, which was beyond decadent. The bright purple fruit was about the size of a grapefruit and it fit perfectly in the palm of Ryder’s hand. As he bit into it, sweet, tangy green juice dribbled down his chin.

  Kuba was his little sister Brianna’s favorite fruit. The thought of her made Ryder’s stomach twinge and his heart ached.

  Interrupting his thoughts, Albie shouted, “Hey! Look! Those are definitely Laro’s tracks! And, it looks like he was pulling the same cart as us. See? Look at the wheel marks, they match ours.”

  Ryder got up and looked at the area Albie pointed to. “See? Three toes with little claw marks there and one extra right there! They match my feet! See?” The little creature flopped on his back and held his short furry legs in the air for Ryder to inspect.

  “Well, they look like a match to me. But how do you know the tracks belong to Laro and not some other Tribe of Topher member?” asked Ryder.

  Kroy cocked his head to the side and looked at Ryder with a strange expression. “Well, that’s simple. The only Tribe of Topher members besides us are back near the Swive River. We’re all that’s left.”

  “What do you mean, you’re all that’s left?” questioned Ryder.

  “Well,” said Kroy, shifting his weight, “we used to live within the castle walls. The Queen adored our kind. My wife served as one of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting for years, and I was the official Royal Storyteller. Princess Sophie used to love my stories of magical creatures from faraway worlds.”

  “So what happened? Why aren’t you living there anymore?” asked Ryder.

  Looking around at one another, Lant spoke up first. “After the Princess disappeared, Grishma played a much larger role in the King’s life. Grishma convinced the King to kidnap many innocent Necohians and throw them into the dungeons. It instilled fear amongst all creatures living within and outside of the city walls.”

  Kroy continued where Lant left off. “We went from a place of favor with the Royal Family to being thrown out like the waste from the chamber pots. My wife thought it was some kind of mistake. She and several family members managed to make it back into the castle to confront the King. Before he could even respond, Grishma snatched her up and had her thrown in the dungeons. That’s part of the reason I agreed to come on this trip. I have to save my wife.”

  Ryder’s eyes widened. “From that point on,” Kroy said, “things got a lot worse. There were sweeping kidnappings and murders across the kingdom. Potion masters, or healers as some call them, were among the first to be captured and thrown in the dungeons. Now, even though I could never prove this, I know that Grishma has them mix up concoctions that keep the King ‘slightly off’ at all times.”

  Cridifer interrupted. “What do you mean, ‘slightly off at all times’? I heard he was just going plain crazy!”

  Scratching his soft furry head, Kroy responded, “Ah, it’s hard to explain. It was like the King stopped caring what happened to his kingdom. He used to be involved in all major decisions regarding his people, wars, and most importantly, his family. It seemed like all of a sudden, Grishma was acting on behalf of the King without ever being appointed to do so.”

  Gently interjecting, Ryder asked, “I don’t mean to be rude, but how do you know that’s what happened?”

  Exhaling sharply through his nose, Kroy said, “I know because even though we were thrown out, I still have contacts within the castle walls. One of the King’s servants, who is also my dear friend, witnessed the whole thing.”

  Hearing this gave Ryder hope. If we have a spy at the castle, maybe rescuing Brooklyn, my family, and all of the others trapped in the dungeons won’t be impossible after all!

  Lant continued. “From what we’ve heard, the Queen didn’t take too well to Grishma taking over. Apparently, to deal with this, Grishma had her exiled to a heavily guarded castle in the Halias Swamp. Grishma probably convinced the King she was safer living there or something like that.”

  This time, Cridifer interrupted. “What about Princess Sophie? Is she even missing?”

  “My sources tell me she’s with her mother in the swamp castle. When we met Brooklyn last night, we were convinced Princess Sophie had escaped and was on the run. Sorry, I’m getting ahead of myself. The rumor is that Grishma took the Princess there late one night and then claimed the next day she must have been kidnapped while the King slept.”

  Albie chimed in, “Yeah, the King was so out of it he completely believed Grishma’s story.”

  “Wow, so do you guys think it would be possible to use your insider information to get into the castle and into the dungeons? That might be our best bet for rescuing Brooklyn, my family, and the others.”

  Albie, Lant, and Kroy exchanged glances. “There’s a secret entrance to the castle, and I can get us there. Once we’re inside, you must stay hidden until I can find one of my old friends. If I can find no one, we may have to abandon the plan and try again later. Remember, this is a top guarded secret, if we’re caught, we could all be thrown in the dungeon or even killed! Everyone agree to follow my lead?” asked Lant.

  The group nodded solemnly.

  “If we’re successful and we make it into the castle safely, we’ll need some sort of plan. Also, there’s one more thing, in order to truly succeed in any form, we must slay Grishma,” finished Lant.

  “Slay Grishma?” squeaked Cridifer.

  “Yes, or there will never be any hope of living a day in our lives without the fear we’re going to be hunted down and murdered!”

  By the end of the second day they reached the outer city walls. Keeping a safe distance, Ryder observed heavy vines growing up the steep, coarse gray walls. He could also see the watchtowers placed strategically along the top wall to allow for maximum coverage.

  How in all of Necoh are we going to get over that wall?

  Ryder and his crew waited under a squat tree with vast branches covered in long, thin needles until the last rays of sunlight faded. It provided them with coverage and a chance to rest.

  “Hey, Albie! Pass the lera berries,” whispered Cridifer.

  “Haven’t you eaten enough?” Kroy responded harshly.

  “Do you really plan on hauling all this stuff over the wall?” responded Cridifer.

  Rolling his eyes, Kroy snipped, “Once we get over the wall, we’re going to need some supplies until we make it into the castle!”

  Suddenly, the branches behind Cridifer began to shake.

  Ryder immediately put his finger to his lips and silently shushed the others. Creeping toward the branch, Ryder unsheathed his sword. Lant followed at an arm’s length with a short, gleaming dagger exposed.

  Before either of them could blink, a small muddy figure burst through the brush.

  “Wait! Wait! Don’t hurt me! It’s me, Pidifer!”

  Lant didn’t hesitate to meet the charging creature.

  “STOP!” shouted Ryder.

  Cridifer peeked from behind a large branch. “Pidifer! Is that really you?” he shrieked.

  “Yes, brother, it’s me, Pidifer. I’ve been following your tracks since the sun rose. I wasn’t sure if you were kidnapped or if something horrible had happened to you. I’m
so glad you’re okay!” The two orvbas ran toward one another and embraced.

  “I feared the worst when you plunged into the Swive, brother! How did you ever survive?”

  Pidifer held his head up high and smiled. “Oh, well, I was very brave! When the Nalun broke the raft apart, I was able to grab part of the rope holding it together before I was swept downstream. I almost drowned several times, but you see, orvbas are very good swimmers and I managed to stay afloat. Anyway, it was terrifying, but I was very brave. ‘Just keep swimming, Pidifer, keep swimming!’ I told myself. So I did, I just kept swimming. Finally the river slowed and I used the rope to snag a branch hanging overhead and I pulled myself out. Orvbas are very strong, too, in case you didn’t know. Right, brother? Enough about me already, I’m starving. Do you have anything to eat?”

  Albie looked shell shocked. His eyes swept back and forth from Pidifer to Cridifer. “So you two are brothers?”

  “Yup! Can’t you tell? We look just alike,” they answered in unison.

  Ryder spoke up, “I can vouch for Pidifer. He was in the raft when we were attacked by the Nalun.”

  The conversation was interrupted by a low growl that caused everyone but the brothers to sit up straight on full alert.

  Pidifer smiled and shrugged his mud-caked shoulders. “Oh! Sorry guys. That was just my stomach. I’m starving!”

  Ryder walked over to two of the packs and fished out some food for Pidifer. He also updated him on the details of their quest. He paused for a minute, and then said, “The problem is, even though we might have a way to get into the castle, we still don’t know how to get over the walls.”

  Between bites, Pidifer managed to get out, “Oh, well, that’s easy!” Munch, munch, munch. “I know how to get over the city walls, no problem.”

  Chapter Eleven

  “PRINCESS SOPHIE! I’M SO GLAD you’re home safe! Tell me, dear Princess, where have you been? Are you okay?”

  Adeline shot the tailor a withering look and hissed, “Don’t bother her with so many questions!”

  Wow, she’s sure being protective, or maybe just plain bitchy. Brooklyn inspected the tailor carefully. Something about him just didn’t seem right. He had a thin, tight smile, piercing blue eyes, and a wiry frame.

  Does he know I’m not Princess Sophie? Shit! Okay, just keep it cool. You’ve gotta pretend to be the Princess and you better be convincing. Mustering up a snobby tone, Brooklyn responded, “It’s fine, Adeline, I don’t mind answering the tailor’s questions. But first, what shall I call you?”

  “Ah, what a shame. You don’t remember me? I am Griff, the Royal Tailor, who has fitted you for every event since you were a baby.”

  Crap! He’ll definitely know I’m not the Princess! What if I’m missing a birthmark or some type of scar he knows about? “Griff, it’s a pleasure to meet you, again.” Think! Damn it! Think! You need to get him out of here NOW!

  “Princess Sophie,” Griff said, bowing deeply, “The pleasure is all mine.”

  “To answer your questions, unfortunately, I don’t remember anything prior to waking up on my throne and seeing my dear father, the King.” Good. That sounds believable. Now, you need to get him out of here. Make an excuse. Raising her hand to her head, Brooklyn pretended to feel faint. “Oh, oh, I don’t feel so well.”

  Adeline quickly pulled out the chair Griff was leaning on, causing him to lose his balance and almost fall. “Here, Princess Sophie, you must sit. Griff, excuse yourself. The Princess is not well.”

  Oh, thank goodness! Plopping herself in the chair with as much class as possible, Brooklyn stammered, “Thank you, Adeline, for I’m not well, I must rest.”

  Griff bowed and excused himself quickly.

  Adeline smiled and gently put her hand on Brooklyn’s shoulder. “Yes, of course, Princess. It was silly to think you would be ready to be fitted for your gown tonight. After all, your royal ball is still two days away.”

  “My royal what?”

  Adeline gushed, “Oh, Princess Sophie, didn’t you know? The King is preparing a royal ball to celebrate your return. That’s why Griff was here tonight. He needs to fit you for a new gown. The King wants you to have the most beautiful dress in all of Necoh.”

  A royal ball to celebrate my return? There’s no way I’m going to be able to avoid this fitting with Griff.

  Suddenly, an idea popped into her head. “Ah, Adeline, as you know, I don’t remember Griff, or anyone, for that matter. But there is one thing. I just feel a bit funny, having a man fit me for a dress. Perhaps my amnesia has increased my modesty, but I would feel much better having a lady fit me for this gown. Perhaps Griff could help once my measurements have been taken?”

  A strange look crossed Adeline’s face momentarily. It quickly disappeared and was replaced with a smile. “Of course, Princess Sophie. I will inform the King and send for Lenora. Shall I ask for her to come in the morning?”

  “Yes, I would greatly appreciate that, Adeline. Thank you for being so kind to me.”

  Adeline curtsied. “Princess, there is no need to thank me. I am just your humble servant.”

  “Before I rest, could you please bring me something to eat? I can’t remember the last time I ate something.” Brooklyn chuckled. “I guess that’s one more thing to add to the list of things that I don’t remember.”

  “Yes, of course. I’ll have the cooks prepare you something at once.” Adeline rushed out of the room, temporarily leaving Brooklyn alone.

  Wandering over toward the plush bed, Brooklyn ran her fingers over the soft covers. Peeling back several layers of warm blankets and silky sheets, she climbed into the luxurious bed.

  “Ah! Now this is the life!” Brooklyn felt beyond relaxed and her eyelids were getting heavy. Before she could get too comfortable, she heard a light, knock, knock, knock.

  “Princess Sophie, I have your dinner. May I enter?”

  “Yes, you may,” Brooklyn responded.

  Adeline and another younger girl gracefully entered the door with their arms full. The young girl held a small table that looked like a fancier version of a television tray and a large carafe of green liquid. Adeline held two trays, one on each arm. Carefully setting the two trays on the small table, she smiled at Brooklyn and asked, “May I prepare a plate for you, Princess Sophie?”

  “No, thank you. I’ll do it myself. You may both be excused.”

  “As you wish, Princess.” Both Adeline and the young girl curtsied, then turned and promptly exited the room.

  Click. The sound of the door shutting made Brooklyn flinch. Chill out! It’s just the door.

  The unusual sounds made her think back to her father’s apartment. After her parents separated, he moved into this dinky little apartment with squeaky doors. I wonder what they’re doing right now? Are they looking for me? A tear rolled down her cheek and splashed onto her slip.

  Savory aromas floated through the air, temporarily causing her sorrow to vanish.

  I might as well eat while it’s still hot. Picking up the plate Adeline had left her, Brooklyn spooned a large helping of cooked grains covered in a red sauce, a squishy blue substance that smelled like pickles, and a side of lera berries. Next, she poured herself a large goblet of green juice. As she brought the glass to her lips, her mouth began to water. The sweet green liquid tasted like a mix of fresh watermelon, oranges, and pineapple.

  The food was scrumptious and soon her stomach was pleasantly full. She wasn’t sure if it was the long day or if the green juice was spiked with something funny, but after her third glass, she began to feel a bit dizzy. Deciding it was best to get some sleep, Brooklyn crawled under her lavish covers and fell into a deep slumber.

  The next morning, sunlight trickled in through sheer curtains that must have been over twenty feet high.

  Brooklyn awoke feeling groggy. Sitting up in her bed took some effort. However, once she was up and moving her head began to clear.

  Knock. Knock. Knock.

  Damn! How do they know
I’m up? It’s like they’ve got a camera in here or something.

  Before responding, she looked around to make sure there wasn’t an actual video camera installed in one of the corners of the room. When she was satisfied there wasn’t one, or at least anything visible that looked like one, she cleared her throat and said, “Yes?”

  Adeline bustled through the door. “Good morning, Princess. It’s an absolutely lovely day. Here, I brought you some breakfast.”

  The dishes from the previous night were gone. Someone must have come and cleared them while she was sleeping. The thought of someone looking at her while she was sleeping made her feel uncomfortable. I think I’m going to start leaving the trays outside my door from now on.

  Her breakfast consisted of steamed oats smothered in dark syrup and another glass of the green liquid.

  Between mouthfuls, Brooklyn asked, “Adeline, what is this stuff?” pointing to her glass.

  “Kuba juice, it used to be your favorite drink.”

  “Oh, I thought it might have made me a bit dizzy last night. Is that possible?”

  An anxious look crossed Adeline’s face. “No, of course not, Princess Sophie. That was one of your favorite drinks when you were a little girl. It’s nothing but the juice of the kuba fruit.”

  “Oh, I guess I was just really tired, that’s all.”

  “I’m sure that’s what it was, Princess. Now, are you ready for your royal fitting? I see you are still wearing the slip from last night. You do know your wardrobes and closets are packed with fine clothing, don’t you?”

  Her cheeks flushed. “Um, no, actually I didn’t.”

  “I apologize. I keep forgetting your memory has been erased. Please forgive me.”

  “It’s fine, I forgive you, Adeline. When will Lenora arrive?”

  “I can call for her now, if you wish.”

  “Yes, I would like that, thank you.”