by Kelly Blount
Algid pushed through an ice-cold wooden door. “The healer is in this room.”
Sophie looked around and saw rows of glass jars sitting on shelf after shelf, filled with strange looking ingredients.
“Bressa, do you mind if I leave Princess Sophie with you while I tend to some personal business? I shall return before you finish.”
A short, extremely thin woman with a crooked nose approached Sophie. She had a toothy smile that was riddled with large gaps. “Princess Sophie? As Prince Algid said, my name is Bressa and I’m the King’s lead healer. I hear you have injured your shoulder?”
“Yes. I fell in the royal carriage and since then, I have been in pain,” said Sophie.
“Come here, dear. Let me see,” said Bressa.
Sophie slowly took off the robe. Her shoulders were already revealed in her cream colored strapless dress. She shivered, and then grimaced. Pain rippled through her shoulder.
The old woman inspected her from head to toe. “How odd,” she murmured.
“Pardon?” Sophie asked.
Bressa didn’t answer. Instead, she examined Sophie shoulder. “Ah, yes, you received quite the blow to your shoulder.”
“Is it bad?” questioned Sophie.
“Not really, but it will hurt a bit to fix. I’ll give you something to ease the pain.”
Bressa looked at Sophie and then frowned. “Do you mind if I prick your finger first? I would like to test a drop of your blood.”
Sophie held out her left pointer finger. “Um, sure.”
Sophie felt a small pinch and flinched.
Bressa rushed the drop of blood over to a vial. She quietly counted to ten and then furiously shook the bottle for another count of ten. The once clear liquid in the vial turned a murky gray.
“What is that for?” asked Sophie.
“Princess, have you been feeling differently? Perhaps having odd memories?”
Sophie paused. Should I tell her? She looked at the woman again. She seemed trustworthy. Okay, I’ll tell her, I will just word it extremely carefully. No mention of this Ryder guy though, I would hate for something bad to happen to him because of something I said.
“Well, yes. Since the wedding, I’ve had at least two really weird experiences. It’s like I’m in a dream, only I’m a completely different person. The other people there call me by a different name. They’re very short memories and they’re almost like dreams.”
“I’m not sure how to tell you this, Princess Sophie, but you’ve been drugged,” said Bressa.
Dread crept up from her core and dispersed throughout her body. “What? What do you mean I’ve been drugged?”
Bressa put her arm gently on Sophie’s good shoulder. “Dear, someone has been giving you something to control your memories.”
“Why would someone do this?” asked Sophie.
The old woman shook her head. “I’m not sure. It must have been someone close to you, though. I’m sure not many people had access to your food or drink.”
A look of anger washed over Sophie’s face. Adeline! I bet she is the one behind this!
“I take it by that look you know just the person who may be responsible?”
“I have a guess,” replied Sophie.
“Well, I have some good news,” said Bressa. “I have a cure. I’ll mix it up and send it to you after dinner. Make sure you take it right before you go to bed, because it may make you feel…” she paused, “Well, it will make you feel very strange. Possibly extremely euphoric, dizzy, or just plain tired.”
“Okay, if you think it will help.”
“It will.”
Bressa handed Sophie two yellow vials of liquid. “Okay, I want you to take this now, it will help ease your shoulder pain.”
Sophie drank the liquid. “Thank you for taking care of me.”
“You are welcome, dear,” said Bressa. “I need to put some medicine on your shoulder now. I want you to take a deep breath.”
Sophie complied and Bressa slathered on a dose of gooey medicine.
“Ouch!” cried Sophie. “It really stings!”
“I’m finished and I apologize for the pain,” said Bressa. Then she wrapped up Sophie’s shoulder in a sling. “You’ll feel relief soon. Try not to move too much.”
There was a brief knock at the door and Prince Algid strode in. “How are you feeling, my love?”
“Bressa has fixed my shoulder and given me something for the pain. There is some bad news, though…” she trailed off.
Bressa looked at Algid with a serious expression. “Your bride has been drugged.”
Algid’s face turned red. “What?” he fumed.
“Someone has given her something that has severely impacted her memory,” said Bressa.
“Who would do such a thing?” shouted Algid.
Bressa remained calm. “Well, unfortunately, we won’t be able to find that out. The good news is that I can mix together a cure and she can take it tonight.”
Algid sighed with relief. “Oh, thank you, Bressa!”
Bressa smiled. “You are welcome, Prince Algid. I’ll begin making the cure at once and I’ll bring it to Princess Sophie as soon as it’s ready. Just remember, it should be taken after a meal and directly before bed.”
Algid helped Sophie back into her robe. “Thank you again, Bressa.”
Bressa nodded. “You’re welcome. It has and always will be my pleasure to serve the royal house of Dratun.”
Algid gingerly held Sophie by her good arm and escorted her out of the healer’s room. “I was hoping you could meet my mother and father over dinner. But I’m afraid you’re not well enough. Perhaps we could push that back until tomorrow?”
Oh thank goodness!
“I would greatly appreciate that, my sweet Prince.” Sophie stopped and kissed her husband on the cheek. “You take such wonderful care of me!”
Algid gazed into her eyes. “I will always take care of you and I will always love you.”
I’m the luckiest girl in the whole world of Necoh.
When they pushed through their bedroom doors, Sophie instantly smiled. Their room was filled with beautiful flowers.
“Do you like them?” asked Algid.
“They’re beautiful!” exclaimed Sophie.
“The washroom is through those doors and a bath has been drawn. Why don’t you go get cleaned up? I’ll ask the chef to prepare us dinner. If it pleases you, we can dine together in our room,” suggested Algid.
“That would be lovely,” Sophie replied.
Algid left the room and Sophie entered the washroom. She managed to peel off her sling, robe, and dress without too much pain.
Wow, the medicine Bressa put on my shoulder is already working!
Sophie actually sighed out loud as she got into the soothing bathtub. After soaking for quite some time, she reflected on the past few days. Tears flooded her eyes and she began to sob. What is happening to my life? I had to leave my father and my home. I was almost killed by Grishma last night! Now I’m in Dratun and I barely know anyone.
She felt utterly overwhelmed and incredibly sad. Sinking down lower into the relaxing warm water, she closed her eyes and wished all of the emotional and physical pain away.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“ARE YOU COMING OR NOT?” whispered Ryder.
Through blinding tears, Alexia answered in a hushed voice, “I’m not backing out now. Let’s do this!”
They snuck through the woods to get a better look at Grishma, who had just dropped a body on top of one of the royal carriages, and then fled the scene.
Ryder and Alexia watched as two screaming girls fled the damaged carriage containing the body.
“There’s Brianna!” exclaimed Ryder.
Should I go after her? No, I have to kill Grishma first!
Algid rushed out of a nearby carriage with one of his guards at his heels. They raced toward the girls and the damaged carriage.
Ryder kept his eyes glued to Grishma, who stood back and patiently observed
the scene unfold.
“They’re going to turn around,” mouthed Alexia.
Suddenly, a concerned looking Brooklyn emerged.
Ryder kept his eyes glued to Brianna and Brooklyn. He struggled to hear what they were saying, but he didn’t dare move any closer.
Thank Necoh they’re all right! Wow, Brooklyn looks so different!
After a short conversation, the girls turned and went back to Brooklyn’s carriage, while Algid and the guard got to work turning the carriages around. Luckily, the road was wide and unhitching and moving the horses didn’t take too much time. A few moments later, they were off.
“What are we going to do?” whispered Alexia.
Ryder’s mind raced. “I think we should follow Grishma. I don’t think she’s done with Brooklyn and Prince Algid.”
“Agreed,” said Alexia.
Sure enough, almost immediately after the carriage took off, Grishma followed at a safe distance.
Ryder and Alexia ducked behind trees and stepped through prickly bushes, all while trying to remain silent.
At one point, Grishma began to sprint. Ryder and Alexia broke into a brisk run, attempting to keep up.
They watched the vile monster approach Algid and one of his guards. Once again, the carriage came to a halt and Algid got off his horse to speak with Grishma.
Without warning, Grishma snuck a dart out and jabbed it into Algid’s neck. The prince stumbled and then regained his composure.
“What did Grishma just inject in Prince Algid’s neck?” asked Alexia.
“And why does he have that strange smile on his face?” added Ryder.
Walking up to his carriage with the dart still sticking out of his neck, he reached in and helped Brooklyn to the forest floor.
In the mean time, Grishma disappeared into the thick brush.
“I don’t like the looks of this,” said Alexia.
Ryder nodded. “Look, I’m going to finish Grishma once and for all tonight. Can you help get Brooklyn and Brianna to safety?”
“Yes, I can.”
Ryder looked solemnly at Alexia. “Good luck.”
“Same to you,” she replied.
Going their separate ways, Ryder followed Grishma and Alexia followed Brooklyn and Price Algid.
Grishma finally stopped near a swiftly flowing stream and waited.
That’s when it dawned on Ryder. Grishma is going to kill them and then send their bodies downstream. They’ll be in the Milant Sea by morning and no one will ever see them again.
His thoughts were interrupted by Grishma’s deep rumbling voice greeting Brooklyn.
Ryder inched closer on his stomach, his father’s sword in hand. Adrenaline coursed through his body. I’m so ready to kill you!
Grishma appeared to be making small talk with Prince Algid and Brooklyn. Ryder crept closer to the action when suddenly, Grishma roared. Ryder’s hands couldn’t get to his ears quick enough and his head felt like it was about to explode.
Brooklyn ran in the opposite direction, screaming.
Laughing, Grishma said, “Prince Algid, stay here while I retrieve your wife.” Then the foul beast turned and began stalking her prey.
Ryder overheard Grishma shout, “There’s no use hiding, I’ll find you and kill you, my dear!”
He was so close that the smell overwhelmed his senses and he almost vomited. If he reached out his hand, he could have touched the beast’s leathery hide.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are!” snarled the beast.
Ryder sprang out from behind a large shrub. “Leave her alone!”
Grishma spun around. “Ryder? Have you come to die, too?”
“You’re the only one who’s going to die tonight!”
Racing toward Grishma, he held his father’s sword high above his head.
Grishma stepped to the side, narrowly missing being impaled. “Is that the best you’ve got?” she roared.
Ryder charged again. This time, Grishma reached down and picked up a sword.
The metal clashed violently and the loud clanging rang throughout the woods.
Grishma easily blocked Ryder’s attempts, and in response, delivered an endless supply of crushing blows.
Dropping to the ground, Ryder rolled and managed to slash open a gaping wound in Grishma’s right ankle. The beast screamed out in pain.
Ryder sprinted to a nearby tree and climbed onto a low-hanging branch. He jumped off and caught the charging beast around the neck.
Grishma roared loudly, dropping her own sword and desperately clawing at Ryder to dislodge him from her back. Her jagged nails ripped apart his clothing and cut deep into his skin.
Blood shot through the air as Ryder stabbed Grishma wherever he could. He inflicted serious damage to her chest and a few deep gashes to her desperately clawing hands.
Finally, the monster managed to fling Ryder off her back and slammed his body to the cold forest floor.
Ryder gasped for air, but he soon realized his lungs would not cooperate.
His fingers frantically searched for his sword.
“Looking for this?” sneered Grishma. Ryder’s eyes focused on the blade, dwarfed by Grishma’s enormous hands.
“You know, you look just like your father did before I killed him.”
Ryder shook with rage. Using his last breath, he asked, “Why did you spare me that night?”
“Simple, I thought you might be of some use to me, like your mother and sister. I never realized you would become such a pain in the ass!”
Ryder’s lungs finally allowed him to inhale.
“Do you have any last words?”
All of a sudden, a strange look crossed Grishma’s face and blood began to dribble out of her mouth.
Ryder’s eyes widened. “What just happened?”
Alexia stepped out from behind Grishma. “Bet you didn’t see that one coming!” She smiled as Grishma stiffened and began to convulse.
“Alexia! Watch out!” shouted Ryder.
Before she could move out of the way, Grishma expelled her final ounce of energy and lashed out violently, catching Alexia just below her neck with her razor sharp claws.
Alexia’s smile turned to a look of pure horror as blood squirted out from the deep gash in her chest.
Grishma began to stumble away into the woods and Ryder raced to catch Alexia as she fell to the ground.
“I’m so sorry, Ryder,” she managed to sputter.
Ryder stripped off his shirt and applied pressure to her wound. “It’s okay, just relax.”
Tears welled up in her eyes. “Your sister and Brooklyn rode away on horseback. I couldn’t catch them.”
He frantically tried to keep his face from displaying any hint of disappointment. “Shhh, just rest, try not to talk.”
Before she lost consciousness, she smiled weakly and handed Ryder a vial with a few drops of inky black liquid. “I got her with the paralyzing potion.”
Her eyes closed softly and she looked like she was asleep. Ryder cautiously lifted his shirt to inspect her injury. He quickly placed it back on to quell any further bleeding.
“Damn it!” he screamed. Grishma was getting away, and even worse, she was about to take the life of someone else he cared about.
Ryder refused to leave Alexia’s side. She miraculously survived the night and was still evading death’s reach the following morning.
His eyes felt heavy and he was struggling to stay awake when he heard something approaching. He picked up his sword and stood protectively over Alexia’s injured body.
Without warning, a shaggy animal burst through the bushes.
“Whoa!” exclaimed Ryder. He had never seen such a strange looking beast.
Upon closer inspection, he realized the creature was dragging his pack of supplies. He couldn’t believe it!
He dropped his sword and called, “Here, boy.” The animal appeared cautious and kept its distance. “It’s okay,” said Ryder softly, “I won’t hurt you.”
&
nbsp; The creature approached Ryder until he was close enough to touch.
Ryder held out his hand and the animal sniffed it. Taking a chance, Ryder reached out a bit further and stroked his chest. The animal dropped Ryder’s bag at his feet and rubbed against his legs. Ryder reached around its neck and felt a ribbon and a small bit of metal. “What’s this?” He squinted. “Boonum. Is that your name, buddy?”
Boonum responded by emitting a purring sound and licking Ryder’s face.
Smiling for the first time in hours, he said, “Perhaps you’re a royal pet? You don’t seem vicious enough to be a guard dog.”
Boonum flopped down next to Ryder’s feet and rolled on his back, exposing his stomach. Ryder sat down next to the animal and scratched his belly. Boonum swooned and the purring sound got much louder.
“I bet you’re hungry,” said Ryder. “I know I am.”
He reached into his pack and pulled out some dried meat. He gave a tough strip to Boonum and then began chewing on one himself.
After they finished their snack, Ryder took a swig of water out of a flask and then poured some in his cupped hand for Boonum to drink.
“Boonum, what are we going to do?”
Ryder looked back at Alexia. Her pale skin and shallow breathing caused his anxiety to rise.
He and Boonum kept a vigilant watch over Alexia throughout the day and into the early evening. After the sun had set, Boonum’s ears perked up and Ryder heard the sounds of galloping horses. He unsheathed his sword and once again stood guard over Alexia’s body.
A few moments passed, then four soldiers burst into the clearing.
“Stay back!” warned Ryder.
“What are you doing here?” shouted one of the guards.
“We’ve been attacked by Grishma and my friend is seriously injured,” Ryder said, motioning to Alexia’s limp body on the forest floor.
The guards looked at one another and shared a few terse words.
“Why in all of Necoh would you challenge Grishma?” asked another guard.
Ryder crossed his arms, “Revenge.”
“Revenge?”
“Yes, Grishma killed my father and kidnapped my mother and sister.”
“So what happened?” asked the fourth guard.
