“Now listen to me jabber, you sit here and I'll give you some berry soup and tea.” Elaine quickly got up, went over to the big black stove and scooped a bowl of soup for Constance.
“So tell me Constance, where is this Saltwater?” Elaine asked as she sat the bowl of soup in front of her guest.
“It’s in Canada.”
“I've never heard of that … but wait, you say from Canada?”
“Yes,” Constance replied, wondering why Elaine was so excited.
“How did you get here?”
“I was in my uncle’s backyard swinging and crashed into a tree. That's all that I can remember!”
All of a sudden Uncle Blake's words flashed through her head: “If you swing on that swing until you get has high as the birds, you will disappear and go into a land that has Kings and Queens.”
Constance eyes got wide.
“This is impossible, I must be dreaming!”
“You are not dreaming I can assure you of that.” Elaine said.
“Everything my mother told me was true!”
“How about taking a sip of tea, I'm sure that will calm your nerves.”
“Oh dear, what am I going to do, I need to return home immediately!”
“As soon as Woodphere and Prince Drinian return, I'm sure they will help you get back.”
“When will they get back?”
“They should be back by tomorrow night.”
“I can't wait until tomorrow; my Uncle Blake will be very worried.”
“Please wait,” Elaine urged.
“Can't you take me?” Constance asked.
“No ma’am, I wouldn't be out there without a man by my side!”
“Then I'll have to go myself.”
“Do you even know where to go?”
Constance put her head down, for that was a very good question. She didn't know anything about this place, and how was she going to get home without a map?
“You can go if you want, but don't say I didn't try to warn you.”
“Warn me of what?” Constance asked.
“Oh, that there are all kinds of things in the dark woods, tigers, crocodiles, caracals and especially the Molters. And… if you plan to go out there without an escort, you’re being foolish.”
“Who are the Molters?”
“They’re the group opposed to Prince Drinian, but I'll let him explain that to you.”
Constance sat there in deep thought.
“So will you please stay here?” Elaine asked in concern.
“Alright,” Constance sighed.
Constance leaned back on the sofa and sipped her hot apple spice tea, and slurped the delicious berry soup. Constance began telling Elaine about her life in Canada, until she could no longer keep her eyes open and fell into a deep sleep.
********************
When Constance opened her eyes; the sun was shining brightly through the glass windows. She sat up, feeling the warmth of the crackling fire.
“Elaine?” Constance called getting off the sofa.
Elaine was nowhere in sight, so Constance made her way to the kitchen table where a steaming bowl of oatmeal, a cup of fresh strawberries and a freshly brewed pot of coffee sat waiting. A note had been left on the table which read -
Dear Constance,
Went to pick fresh raspberries on the other side of Fisher Hill. Help yourself to what’s on the table. There is a fresh dress for you on the bed in my bedroom.
Be back shortly,
Elaine
Constance sat down and ate until she could not take another bite. The coffee was still hot, and soothing to her frazzled nerves.
A few minutes later she walked into Elaine's tiny bedroom. She picked up the beautiful forest green dress with a wide brown leather belt around the waist and quickly put it on. It fit her perfectly! She let down her dark brown waist length hair, picked up a hairbrush that lay on a dresser, and began brushing her hair thoroughly before putting it up into a neat bun.
Constance began to explore the cottage, which consisted of three bedrooms, the living room and dining rooms, and kitchen. The room beside Elaine’s was likewise small, but decorative maps and portraits of ships covered the walls. They reminded her of home and Uncle Blake's hallway.
Constance moved into the last of the three bedrooms. It was much bigger than the other rooms with a corner fireplace and a ginormous bed. This was Prince Drinian's room she assumed but it looked quite simple for a prince. Several portraits sat on the fireplace mantel. One, a young woman holding a small boy, captured her attention in particular. She bore a strong resemblance to Constance’s mother!
It can’t be! Constance said to herself, as she picked up the picture. The young woman was dressed in a dark purple dress and wore her hair down. The little boy on her lap was around two years of age. Constance was sure that it was Prince Drinian! If it was her mother, that would explain everything- why her mother talked about the swing being magic! And the story she always told Constance, about the nurse taking care of a small Prince! Her mother had been here! A wave of excitement swept over her, as she studied the portrait.
Constance opened the door and peeked outside. The cottage was in the midst of a beautiful forest. The sweet smell of the magnolia trees rushed in as she opened the door. Constance walked along taking everything in the beautiful, delicate flowers, the trees swaying gently in the breeze, and the birds chirping their sweet melodies. Everything about the day seemed magical!
Constance walked until she could no longer see the cabin or even the smoke rising from the chimney. She closed her eyes and inhaled the glorious smells about her when a sudden snap broke the silence!
It must simply be an animal, Constance thought. She shivered remembering Elaine’s words… there are all kinds of things in the dark woods; tigers, crocodiles, caracals and especially the Molters. Her heart pounded as she heard the sound of leaves crunching underfoot and whispering!
She looked up and saw a man standing 50 feet away from her whose back was turned! He was tall, dressed in gray armor and holding a bow, as a dagger and sword hung from his side. Constance stood petrified and ready to scream when she was grabbed from behind and a rough hand put across her mouth. As she was pushed behind a large oak tree a young man appeared, putting his finger up to his mouth to silence her.
The young man peeked from behind the tree a moment later, and gave a sigh of relief. He was well tanned and looked to be in his late teens. His dark brown hair was cut short and complimented his brown eyes. .
“Were you trying to get yourself killed?” The young man asked in a hushed voice.
“I'm sorry, I was so scared I didn’t know what to do.” Constance shakily replied.
“Shh! They may still be around.” he whispered.
“Are you a Molter?” she asked inquiringly.
The young man gave her a bemused grin, “You aren’t from around here are you?” he said standing up and offering a hand to Constance.
“Why did you knock me off my feet, if you are not a Molter? That was very rude of you!” Constance stated wiping the leaves off her dress as she stood up.
“I am not a Molter and I didn't want them to kill you.”
“Why, would they kill me?”
“They’re Molters, that's what they do. If you don't agree with them, you either get sold or killed. And if I'm not mistaken I don't think you would like either to happen to you.”
“But how would they know I'm not one of them?”
“If you were a Molter woman you would have a huge ring in your nose the size of a shilling.”
“Oh, well thank you for rescuing me. It was fortunate that you were here,” she said, as an older man rode up to them on his horse.
“Your Majesty, where have you been?”
“Ah, Woodphere, you should have been here a moment ago. We barely escaped with our lives; it was very exciting.”
“Your Majesty?” Constance asked in confusion.
“Yes, I am Prince Drin
ian,” the young man said smiling. “And you are?”
“Constance Jones”.
“Well then Constance Jones- this is Woodphere my councilman and best friend.”
“Nice to meet you,” Constance replied
“The pleasure is mine,” Woodphere replied. “Say, are you not the young lady we found in the woods yesterday?”
“Um...yes.”
“What are you doing in the dark woods?” Prince Drinian asked with a confused look.
“Elaine went to pick raspberries when I awoke, so I decided to go for a walk.”
“Are you feeling better now?” Prince Drinian asked in concern.
“Much better, thank you,” Constance replied blushing.
“You’re a long ways from the cabin Miss Jones,” Woodphere stated.
“I know, but I was enjoying the walk so much.”
“Come, let us return to the cabin,” said Woodphere.
“Please, before you go Your Majesty, I need to ask you a favor.”
“Please call me Drinian, what is it that you need?”
“I don't know how to get back home.”
“You mean you’re lost?” Drinian asked.
“No, well yes ... I don't know. I need to get home now. My uncle must be very worried!”
“Where is it that you live?”
“It’s not here or anywhere close!” Constance exclaimed as peculiar looks crossed Drinian and Woodphere’s faces.
“Are you sure you’re feeling well, maybe you should sit down,” Drinian said to Constance.
“No, I'm fine – I’m not from here, I'm from Saltwater, Canada!” Constance said trying to make Drinian understand.
“What, Canada?” Woodphere asked getting off his horse and walking up to Constance.
“Woodphere, what is the matter?” Drinian asked.
“I am fine, Your Majesty. Constance, are you saying that you are from the other world, which is called earth?”
“Yes! And I need to find my way back! Do you know how to get there?”
“Not from memory, but if we take you to Moolow, he will know.”
“Thank goodness! When can we leave, and how long will it take to get to this person you call Moolow?”
“A good six day trip,” Woodphere replied rubbing his chin.
“Six days?” Constance asked sighing.
“Would you rather return to your world or stay here? These are your only options,” Woodphere replied. Constance put her head down in deep thought. How would her uncle cope with her being away so long?
Soon Drinian motioned for Woodphere to meet him over by Drinian's horse. The two men walked behind the horse and started whispering.
“Woodphere, are you saying that Constance is from the other world?” Drinian asked.
“Indeed,” Woodphere replied.
“But how did she get here?”
“I presume the same way Kathryn did.”
“Kathryn?”
“Yes, your nurse when you were a child, you do remember her don't you?”
Drinian stared off into the distant, remembering his childhood.
“I do faintly remember her Woodphere. She seemed like a mother and, I hated it when she left,” Drinian finally said.
“I know Your Majesty, so did I,” Woodphere replied.
Meanwhile Constance waited while Prince Drinian and Woodphere finished their conversation.
“I'm sorry we kept you waiting,” Drinian said as he walked toward Constance.
“His Majesty has decided that he wants to leave at dinner, if you still want to take the trip, Miss Jones,” Woodphere said getting on his horse.
“That suits me fine,” Constance replied.
“Let us first, return to the cabin, and stock up on food and supplies for our journey. Constance you may ride my horse Dutch,” Drinian said leading Dutch over to Constance.
Constance beamed as she remembered Uncle Blake calling her “Dutch”.
“I can walk, I enjoy walking,” Constance replied.
“I insist that you ride my horse for you have walked nearly two miles.”
“Well alright, but I've never ridden a horse before,” Constance whispered.
“Don't worry, it’s like walking once you learn you never forget, and I'll be right behind you.”
Drinian helped her onto the horse, and jumping on behind using his heels he nudged Dutch forward. Constance thoroughly enjoyed the ride back to the cottage while listening to Drinian and Woodphere's conversation.
“Woodphere, I think I shall meet with the Kallies on the way to Moolow.”
“That is a wise decision, Your Majesty,” Woodphere replied.
“Is that alright with you, Constance,” Drinian asked.
“Of course, Your Majesty, I mean, Drinian. But, who are the Kallies?”
“The Kallies are a group of immigrants from the land of Kallonia. They recently have moved here and the Molters are doing everything they can to influence them. That is why I have to maintain their trust to be king.”
“Who is the king now?” Constance asked.
“No one, at least not until I am king. You see, I am only nine and ten and you must be one and twenty to be king. That is why my advisers are ruling together until I am King,” Drinian replied.
For the remained of the ride Constance relaxed, enjoying the fresh air and signs of nature about her. “Here we are,” Prince Drinian said once they arrived at the cabin. He dismounted and helped Constance climb down.
“Thank you,”
“Land of mercy, there you are Constance! I've been worried sick!”
“I'm sorry, Elaine. I should have left a note before I went for a walk.”
“Don't worry Elaine she's perfectly fine,” Drinian replied.
“Your Majesty! You’re early! I wasn't expecting you ‘till tonight?”
“We decided to return early, and it is a good thing we did or Constance may not be standing in front of you,” Drinian said.
“What do you ever mean?” Elaine asked.
“I happened to come along, when Constance was standing only 50 feet from a Molter. Thank goodness his back was turned to her.”
“Oh, my! Well come in, and tell me the whole story. I’ll put a kettle of hot tea on the stove.”
As they went in, they all made themselves comfortable while sipping hot tea and telling of the incident in the woods with the Molter. Constance had never met such kind people in her life.
“So Constance, exactly how did you get here?” Drinian asked in an inquisitive voice.
“I know this sounds crazy, but I was on my uncle’s swing. It must be magic.”
“Actually no, it isn’t. There was another woman who came here, and said that she came by a magic swing as well.” Woodphere replied.
“It must have been my mother!”
“Your mother was the young woman who came to Avonea?” Woodphere asked his eyes getting big.
“She must have been! I saw a picture of my mother in Drinian's room. Please forgive me for snooping,” Constance replied apologetically.
“That is quite alright. So you mean to say that my nurse was your mother?”
“Yes! Her name was Kathryn.”
“That explains everything! I knew Constance, that you looked so familiar to me, you look like your mother,” Woodphere said smiling.
“Thank you, Woodphere; you don't know how much that means to me. How long did my mother stay in Avonea?”
“For a year at least,” Woodphere replied.
“A year?”
“Woodphere, I hate to interrupt, but we have to figure out what map we are taking to Moolow,” Drinian said standing up.
Yes, you’re right, Your Majesty, let me go get the maps out of my bed chambers.”
Soon Woodphere returned to the living room with a bundle of maps, and laid them in front of Drinian on the table.
“Now, which route would you like to take, Your Majesty?”
“Whichever one that goes by the Kallies
village,” Drinian replied.
“There are two routes- we can go by east or north,” Woodphere replied spreading the two maps in front of Drinian.
“Which route is the safest?”
“Your Majesty, I have never seen you walk away from adventure?”
“I wouldn’t mind the adventure but we do have a lady along.”
“They are both risky. If we take the east route, it is commonly known for the dark swamp that is full of mosquitoes, snakes, quicksand, and a ghastly smell.” Woodphere muttered raising his eyebrows.
“Let’s not take that route.”
“On the north route, we'll have to cross over the swinging bridge with a two hundred foot drop and there’s always a nasty wind that blows, making the bridge sway,” Woodphere said playfully, seeing Drinian's eyes get bigger and bigger.
There was silence for several seconds, until Drinian came to a conclusion.
“Let us take the eastern route.”
“I thought as much, Your Majesty.”
“Constance dear, would you like to help me pack food for the journey?” Elaine asked.
“I would be delighted to help.”
“Prince Drinian is very handsome don't you think?” Elaine whispered to Constance as she put in a few berries.
“All the girls in the kingdom find him very delightful.”
“I suppose that is why you called me, for there is little to put into the basket. I shall tell you now that there is no need to play matchmaker, for I will be back at my uncle’s by the end of the week,” Constance replied.
“Don't you find him a little agreeable?”
“He is very handsome,” Constance whispered back.
“Elaine, are you going to join us on are journey?” Drinian asked looking up from the map.
“You must be jesting, Your Majesty!” “I would never enter the dark woods or the swamps!” Elaine gasped as she put the last apple in the satchel.
“Suit yourself Elaine, but we must be going while the temperature is still agreeable,” Drinian replied.
“Your timing is perfect, Your Majesty. Constance and I have finished packing enough food for your journey.”
“What have you packed for us?” Woodphere asked.
“Fresh berries, fresh picked vegetables, some dried beef and bacon, a tin full of milk, and a batch of raspberry cookies.” Elaine finished.
A Path Toward Home (The Annals of Avonea) Page 2
