The magician smiled. “I haven’t forgotten. It will open for the last time in two more days. As a matter of fact, on the same day when Belthasar and his army arrive. At least you and Molly will be safely home before the battle begins. But I’m sorry to say that a timedoor will never again connect our two worlds.”
The children appreciated the magician’s concern for their safety, but couldn’t help feeling guilty that they wouldn’t be around to help King Rupert defend his kingdom. “Though I didn’t much care for our stay in Malaban’s castle, I shall truly hate to leave Endora, knowing I can never come back,” Molly said. “It’s become a second home.”
The two days before Belthasar’s arrival passed like wildfire through parched brush. In the early morning hours before the attack, Christopher and Molly waited in Artemas’ chamber for the final opening of the timedoor. A warm blaze crackled in the fireplace as the children glanced through a few dusty scrolls to pass the time. They had been virtually ignored ever since the battle preparations began.
The door leading to the balcony was partially open. Artemas could be seen standing outside gazing through his telescope in silence. “What’s he doing?” Molly whispered to her brother. “It’s daytime. Certainly he can’t be looking at the stars.”
“Don’t bother him,” Christopher warned. “He’s a magician. I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.”
“I suppose…” She glanced at the stone wall near the cluttered coat tree. “When is that timedoor going to reopen? We’ve been waiting here practically forever.”
Before Christopher could answer, Artemas rushed inside. “The hour has approached sooner than expected!” he said in a panic. “I must warn the King!” With that, he bolted from his chamber in a whirlwind.
“What was that all about?” Christopher said. “He couldn’t have been referring to the timedoor.”
Molly shrugged and walked out onto the balcony. A cold dry wind slapped her skin and made her ponytails dance. “I wonder what he saw in his telescope,” she said, deciding to take a quick look.
Christopher followed his sister outdoors. “Careful so you don’t break it. Artemas would be awfully upset.”
“I’ll be careful, Chris. Gosh, I’m almost nine after all.” She looked at the telescope and was puzzled. “I wonder why it’s pointing toward the plains instead of at the sky.”
“Take a look,” he urged. “What do you see?”
Molly stared into the eyepiece and focused on the brown plains. She saw nothing at first but then was startled when her eye adjusted to the view. “Oh no, Chris! Now I see why Artemas ran out in a hurry to find the King.”
Christopher nudged his sister away to have a look for himself. His jaw dropped in astonishment at what he observed. Miles away on the frosty barren plains paraded forth a huge swarm of trolls, goblins and men on horseback. All the soldiers were armed with swords or spears or clubs. Several of them in front carried black and red banners flapping sharply in the breeze. Belthasar led them forth. They numbered over a thousand, grim and merciless, marching directly toward the castle. War had arrived in Endora.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The Final Hope
Belthasar’s army arrived as the morning sun edged above the eastern hills. King Rupert requested a parley with the hostile visitors on the grassy field in front of the castle. With grim faces and heavy hearts, King Rupert, Ulric, Mr. Smithers and four other members of the King’s guard waited at the main gate. They watched as Belthasar and six of his soldiers approached the castle on foot. The King and his men walked slowly across the drawbridge to meet with the enemy and discuss their options. The two groups gathered near a large boulder in the field under the crisp morning sky. Bitter winds cut through their tightly wrapped cloaks. King Rupert finally broke the silence.
“So you have brought your army to my kingdom as promised, Belthasar. Speak quickly! What are your terms?”
Belthasar smiled slyly, his dark eyes burning with disdain for the King. Arga the troll and Crull the goblin stood behind him, equal in their hatred for King Rupert. “You kidnapped our leader Malaban,” said Belthasar. “I want him safely returned or I shall order my troops to attack.”
“That’s preposterous! Malaban made an unprovoked assault on my castle before he disappeared. I had nothing to do with his absence. Now you have the nerve to attack again and demand his return? Outrageous! I have no idea where that scoundrel is.”
Belthasar had expected such a response. “If that is all you have to say, then I have no choice but to attack. Unless…” he added, with a slight hiss in his voice. “Unless you’d rather surrender at once and avoid a prolonged and ugly battle.”
King Rupert knew the odds of winning were against him. His side was highly outnumbered, but he vowed never to give up under any circumstances. “My advisors and I must have time to consider our options,” he finally said, hoping to stall for time.
Belthasar considered for a moment then nodded. “Very well. I’ll give you two hours to discuss matters. If after that time you have not reached a decision, I will order an immediate attack. This is my final offer!” Then he and the members of his parley team turned and walked back to their troops.
“Quickly! To the castle!” King Rupert said.
Soon they were gathered in the King’s chamber to discuss a strategy. “What do you propose?” Ulric asked. “We have enough men to resist a first assault, but after that I fear we cannot hold out for very long.”
“I know! I know!” the King wailed. He paced the room and tried to think. “Curses on Belthasar! And double curses on Malaban! Those two have made my life miserable. Oh, if only I knew what to do.”
Before anyone could make a suggestion, Artemas entered the room with Christopher and Molly. “The timedoor has reopened,” the magician informed them. “It will remain open for three hours and then close for the last time.”
“I guess this means that you children will finally get to go home,” King Rupert said. “I’m sorry that this comes at such an awful time. I had hoped to give you both a proper going-away party. But with Belthasar and his army at my front door, well... I hope you understand.”
“We do,” Molly said.
“Don’t worry about a party,” Christopher added. “We’re just happy that you’re going back with us.”
“Going back?” the King uttered in surprise. “What do you mean?”
“To find that wicked Malaban fellow,” Molly reminded him. “Don’t you remember? When we traveled to rescue Princess Rosalind, you promised to go back through the timedoor to find Malaban and bring him back to your world where he belongs.” Molly shook her head in disgust. “I certainly hope that man hasn’t made a mess of our world.”
“He’s made a mess of mine!” the King complained. He looked apologetically at the children. “I’m sorry I can’t keep my word, but you must understand that there are more important matters at hand. Soon it will be very dangerous in this castle. You two had better return home now while you still can.”
Molly’s eyes snapped wide open in surprise. “No, sir! We’re not going anywhere without you. You led Malaban to our world, King Rupert. Now we expect you to get him out.”
“But, Molly!”
“But nothing!” Christopher boiled in anger. “King or not, you can’t get rid of us that easily! Molly and I helped you rescue your daughter, and now you just want to send us home like a couple of little kids who are in the way. Well, we won’t put up with it! Bad enough that we’re stuck with Malaban in our world because of you, King Rupert. But now you flat out lie to us by not keeping your word. I don’t know which is worse!”
The King was greatly disturbed by the children’s remarks. Belthasar had thrown fear into his heart with his threats, but the simple words of these two children cut into his very soul. Deep down King Rupert knew they were right. It was wrong for him to allow the evil sorcerer to poison their world. He realized he’d be no better than Belthasar if he let that happen and wouldn’t be much of a kin
g. Time was fast running out. King Rupert wondered what to do.
Mr. Smithers finally spoke up after quietly observing for some time. “I believe, King Rupert, that we might have overlooked an obvious solution to our problem.”
“Speak up then!”
“You see, sir, if Belthasar demands the return of Malaban in order to call off his attack, then you should return through the timedoor to find him. The sorcerer had been hiding out in a cave only a half mile from my diner,” he reminded him. “I could take you there.”
King Rupert winced. “Even if I find Malaban and bring him back, and even if Belthasar then calls off his attack, there is still one slight problem.”
“What’s that?”
“Malaban himself! He attacked my castle once. When he sees Belthasar here with his entire army, don’t you think he might want to attack again? I’m defeated either way!”
“Maybe,” Christopher said. “But you owe Molly and me your help like you promised. You may not be better off, but things can’t get much worse.”
“You’ve got a point,” he said sarcastically, admitting that the boy was right. Whether Belthasar or Malaban was in charge, his own soldiers would still be badly outnumbered. And since there was absolutely nothing he could do to increase his odds of winning in the next two hours, why not try to find Malaban and bring him back? There was nothing left to lose, so King Rupert finally agreed. He would return through the timedoor to keep his word like a king should. He wondered if it would be the last thing he’d ever do.
“This is foolish nonsense!” Queen Eleanor told her husband when she heard the news. She urged him not to look for the sorcerer, but the King convinced her that he had no other honorable choice. With time slipping away, King Rupert kissed his wife farewell. Then he, Molly, Christopher, Ulric and Mr. Smithers hurried to the magician’s chamber where Artemas awaited. He too would go with them on the search.
“All ready?” the King asked unceremoniously. The pale morning light streamed in from the open balcony door, highlighting the stern expressions on the nodding faces before him. “Then let’s get this over with. Artemas, lead the way.”
One by one, the six stepped through the wavy portion of the stone wall and soon found themselves immersed in starry blackness. The echoing silence of the time passage twirled about and propelled them along. Soon a faint light grew in the distance as they neared the end. Each cautiously stepped out of the timedoor, emerging through the stone wall beneath the bridge by the river. The autumn air warmed them after the chill of Endora. And though the sun had only risen above King Rupert’s castle, here it was nearly midnight. The six huddled together in the November darkness as gentle waves lapped against the river banks.
“I expected to see sunshine,” Molly whispered. “I forgot, Artemas, that our time doesn’t line up with yours.”
“How long have we been gone?” Christopher asked.
“About six and a half days according to your clocks,” Artemas said. “That’s a little over five of our days.”
“All well and good,” Ulric interrupted, “but we’re forgetting our mission. Remember, the timedoor will close for the last time in a few hours. I don’t think anyone wants to be trapped on the wrong side after that happens.”
“Show us those caves, Mr. Smithers. I want to finish this business once and for all,” King Rupert said.
“Let’s go to my diner first,” he suggested. “My car is parked there. We can drive to the caves and save time.”
All agreed, and so they marched along the river and up the embankment until the dreary diner slouched into view. Rotting leaves littered the outside and a drainpipe along one edge of the building had fallen down. Molly thought the place looked like a disaster.
“There’s a light burning inside.”
“I must have forgotten to turn it off when I followed you and your brother through the timedoor,” Mr. Smithers said. “The light probably kept away intruders while I was gone.” He looked at his diner and thought the building was in terrible shape, realizing that it was one of the reasons he got very little business. “Though who would want to waste his time looting such a dump,” he muttered.
He led the group around the building to his car parked along the side. The rusty green automobile looked as old and unkempt as the diner. Everyone piled inside the car and they drove off in search of Malaban.
The small caves burrowed into a rocky cliff near the road along the river. The passages stretched for several hundred feet, winding this way and that, usually serving as hideouts for children in the summer months. Now the caves lay deserted in the dying days of autumn–or nearly so.
King Rupert inspected the caves in the shadowy gloom. Lanky leafless trees guarded the openings. “They look so morbid,” he said. “An appropriate place for Malaban to make his stronghold.”
Artemas agreed. “But in spite of its look, we must enter soon. Time is precious. However, we do have the element of surprise on our side.”
“Then let’s go,” Molly urged. “I’m tired of this whole business and am starting to get more annoyed and less frightened with this sorcerer.”
“Wait until you meet him,” the King said, glancing up at the stars and shaking his head in dismay. “Very well. We’ll go inside. Which cave did he enter, Mr. Smithers?”
“The one on the left,” he pointed out.
King Rupert led the way, trudging along the cold leafy ground. Twigs cracked underfoot and fallen acorn shells ricocheted sharply against the rocks when kicked. After entering the cave, they could barely see each other in the smothering blackness. Any lingering traces of hope were crushed.
“It’s like we’re trapped inside the vault again,” Christopher said, his voice echoing eerily.
“Shhh! Don’t say such a thing at a time like this,” King Rupert said. “Bad enough we’re about to face the sorcerer. There’s no reason to bring up the misfortunes we’ve suffered because of him.”
The silence grew as thick as the darkness. Minutes passed like hours. Molly began to think they were lost when a flicker of light appeared in the distance. As they drew nearer it grew brighter, painting odd-shaped shadows along the passage. At last the path opened up into a chamber filled with a sickly yellow light from a sputtering fire. The damp air smelled of burnt pine needles and moss. A worn haggard figure sat stooped over the fire, warming his hands. He looked up as the others approached, the firelight reflecting in his eyes. They had found Malaban at last.
Molly gasped when seeing his thin face and blazing eyes, feeling a mix of fright and surprise. Neither she nor any of the others could take their eyes off of him. Malaban seemed to have them under some sort of hypnotic spell. No one spoke a word for the longest time. Malaban finally broke the silence.
“So the great King Rupert has found me at last,” he sneered. “You and this ragtag bunch! Why do you bother me in the middle of such a cold and dreadful night?”
“We mean you no harm,” Molly said, finding the courage to speak first.
Malaban laughed. “The mighty King lets a child speak for him? Be gone if you have nothing to say!”
“I have plenty to say,” King Rupert replied after gathering his wits. “I’m here to keep a promise to these children.” He glanced at the others for support. “You are trespassing in their world, Malaban. You must come back with me through the timedoor. Any differences we have can be settled in Endora.”
The sorcerer stared thoughtfully at the King for a few moments and started to chuckle. “Your words are quite amusing. Though I despise you and your companions deeply, you are very funny.” Instantly his mirth changed to a fiery anger. “But enough of this! You have wasted my time for too long already. You know I will not bow to your silly requests. I am Malaban! Now I command you to leave at once before I turn you all into a bunch of sniveling mice!”
Though alarmed at the outburst, they decided to hold their ground. “My King doesn’t take orders from you!” Ulric said. “This is not your kingdom, Malaban.”
“That’s right!” Christopher jumped in. “Who do you think you are? You have no right to order us around.”
“Or to turn us into rodents,” Mr. Smithers added. “You were kidding, right?”
King Rupert stepped forward. “Ignore the comments of the others,” he said. “Though I appreciate them greatly, I am King, and I alone must settle matters here and now.” He looked kindly at Malaban and swallowed hard before he spoke. “As much as it pains me to admit it, I need your help.”
King Rupert reluctantly told Malaban about Princess Rosalind’s kidnapping and rescue, and how Belthasar at this very moment was poised to attack his castle. Malaban seemed unmoved by the story.
“You certainly are in a fix, King Rupert. But how could I help you?” He snickered. “And why would I want to?”
“If you return with us, you can order Belthasar to stop his attack,” Artemas pleaded.
“Then I could merely turn around and attack Endora myself,” he said with delight. “What an intriguing idea.”
“I don’t doubt you would,” King Rupert said. “But I had hoped we might solve our differences without a battle.”
Malaban nodded, adding some twigs to the fire. “Belthasar is a strong-willed soldier. Even if I ordered him to retreat, he might not. But I come back to my same question–why would I want to? It seems I have you right where I want you, King Rupert, no matter which world I’m in.”
Molly couldn’t contain her growing anger and marched right up to the fire, glaring at Malaban. “What has King Rupert ever done to hurt you? Leave him and his kingdom alone!”
“Don’t snap at me, little girl! I’m liable to turn you into a stone and toss you in the river!”
“Don’t ever threaten my sister!” Christopher jumped in. “I don’t care who you are!”
Malaban was intrigued by the boy’s defiance. “These children are braver than your soldiers,” he said to King Rupert. “Still, they are not strong enough to drive me away from my new home. You must deal with Belthasar as best you can. Though I find it exciting that Endora will be defeated shortly, I am afraid I will miss the spectacle. I have my own plans to make here.”
The Endora Trilogy (The Complete Series) Page 14
