Inside the Hollow Tree

by Laurel Veil

  “The Seers—If anyone will know, they will.”

  I don’t know how much time you have before he ceases to exist. You must leave immediately.”

  Just as we stood to go, Claude rolled out an enormous birthday cake on a serving cart. It was ablaze with eighteen candles and Mrs. Dundle was leading the crowd in singing Happy Birthday.

  I looked at my dad. “I have time for my birthday wish.”

  ◆◆◆

  No sooner than I had blown out the last candle, we quickly changed and raced to the stables where my dad had our horses saddled and waiting on us.

  “Daniel will be your guide,” said my father. “He knows the way to The Kandor Mountains.” He gave me hug and squeezed Jackson extra tight. “Come back to me safely.”

  We rode through the night. Jackson was awake for most of our journey, but when he finally fell asleep, he leaned forward, and used the coats my dad had tossed over Samson’s neck, as a pillow.

  Daniel chuckled. “Poor little guy.”

  “He’s exhausted,” I said. “I am too.”

  “As are our horses,” said Daniel. “There’s a stream not too far from here. We should let them have a drink and rest a bit.”

  Ty unrolled a blanket that was tied to his saddle and gently took Jackson down from Samson’s back, wrapped him snuggly in it and placed him near the fire Daniel had built. We slipped on our coats and took a seat by the fire as well.

  We had fallen asleep because the sound of horse hooves startled me awake. I frantically shook Ty and Daniel and we got to our feet just as the rider dismounted.

  “Brit?” said Ty.

  “What is it?” I asked. “What’s wrong?”

  She looked at Ty for a moment. I felt like she was asking him with her eyes, whether she should tell me. My blood began to boil in my veins. I wasn’t a child and she didn’t have some special bond with my husband where they could communicate without words.

  “Just say would you came to say, Brit.” I practically spit her name.

  “Just after you left, your kingdom was attacked.”

  “What?” I gasped.

  “Landon?” asked Ty.

  Brit nodded.

  “My dad—is my dad OK?” I felt nauseated.

  Brit hesitated. I couldn’t believe it. I just found my dad and now he was gone, just like that. I felt like I was going to vomit.

  “Your dad is fine,” she finally said.

  I exhaled. “Why didn’t you just say that?”

  “Landon’s dead.”

  I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t breathe.

  “A soldier struck him with his sword when he entered the castle. He was no doubt after your dad. He wanted his throne.”

  I stumbled backwards and then turned and ran to Jackson. “Jackson,” I called out as I hastily raked through the blanket searching for a body that was no longer there. “Jackson!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. Ty was already kneeling on the ground behind me. His arms wrapped tightly about me. I was inconsolable.

  23.

  I never said a word as we returned to my father’s castle, nor did anyone else.

  By the time we made it back, any evidence that a battle had taken place had been cleaned up.

  I was weak and numb, and not sure how I was functioning. I was a robot, going through mindless motions.

  My dad should’ve been happy that we’d returned, instead, he was overcome with sorry. He knew what Landon’s death meant for Jackson. He tried to comfort me, but I refused and went straight to my room.

  I was exhausted, and though the nights now seemed darker than usual, I couldn’t sleep. And when I did manage to doze off, my dreams tormented me. Jackson would be lost, and I couldn’t find him, or when I did, he would evaporate in my arms.

  I remained in bed, mourning for the next several days.

  ◆◆◆

  “I miss him too, Falon.” Ty was lying next to me, stroking my hair.

  “I know,” I whispered. “He really liked you too.”

  “I know you’ve lost your appetite. You haven’t touched anything Mrs. Dundle has brought you. But, do you think we could go downstairs for a little while. Maybe get just a small bite and go outside for some fresh air?”

  I mulled over his suggestion.

  “Please. I think it would do you some good and I know your dad would like to see you.”

  “OK.”

  I showered, put on my favorite jeans and a T-shirt and we headed downstairs.

  We found my dad sitting outside on the patio. He stood when he saw us and gave me a hug. “Sit,” he said. Then he offered us a muffin that was setting on the table.

  I took one and held it close to my nose and inhaled its blueberry scent. I was much hungrier than I’d realized.

  “So, Ty,” said my dad. “We’re family now, and I don’t know anything about you. Now that we finally have some time, why don’t you tell me about yourself.”

  “That’s easy,” said Ty as he set down his glass of orange juice. “I don’t know where my mom and brother are. And, I met Falon in a foster home.”

  My dad winced as he turned his attention to me. “You were in foster care?”

  “Yes. After Mom—uh, Sandra was injured in a car accident,” I said. I then went on to explain everything else that had transpired.

  When we finished breakfast, Ty stood. “Come on Mrs. Fulten, let’s go check on your kittens.”

  I laughed. “That’s right. I’m now, Mrs. Fulten. Well, Dad, I guess we’ll see you a little later—What is it, Dad? Is something wrong?”

  “I didn’t know Fulten, was Ty’s surname, that’s all. Ty, what is your father’s name?”

  “George, sir.”

  “Why? What is it, Dad?”

  “And your mother’s name, son?”

  “Paula. Did..you know them?”

  My dad looked amazed. “Of course, your mother is Paula.”

  “Sir?”

  “You have her eyes. Her smile too.”

  Ty and I looked at each other in dismay.

  “Your father,” my dad continued, “was the head of my army. He helped Sandra, Falon and me to escape when the kingdom turned against me. He returned for you and your mother, who was pregnant at the time, so that he could stay and help me figure out a plan to prove my innocence. Then, we were all going to return together. I owe him my life.”

  I couldn’t take my eyes off Ty. He was stunned and so was I. “I didn’t know any of this,” he whispered.

  My father continued. “I never knew what happened to him after that night. Of course, there’s plenty I don’t remember because of Sandra.”

  “Ty’s father has been dead for years,” I said.

  “Oh,” said my dad. He was thoughtful for a moment. “I am truly sorry to hear this, son.”

  Ty looked down.

  “I wouldn’t be surprised to learn Sandra had something to do with his death,” I said.

  “It’s quite possible,” said my dad. “When George returned to get Ty and his mom, he would’ve learned what she’d done to your mother.”

  “Why didn’t someone tell you?” I asked. “So that we could’ve returned?”

  “Only George, Ty’s father, knew my whereabouts.” My dad grimaced. “And, Sandra would’ve done anything to keep him from telling me, no doubt.”

  I couldn’t believe how perfect my life could have been—should have been. And because of the actions of one person, my life had been turned upside down. I didn’t even know my mom, but I wanted her so badly it hurt. I needed to run to her and tell her everything. “Dad. Where is mom?”

  “I can take you to her now, if you’d like,” he offered.

  Ty and I followed my dad down a stone staircase that spiraled deep beneath the castle. Torches lit our way along the chilly path.

  We walked until we came to an ornate set of wooden doors. My dad opened one and allowed me and Ty to pass.

  I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Flowers and candles stood vigil aroun
d a glass casket. I’d never laid eyes upon my mom, that I could remember, and had only recently learned that she even existed, and now, her she was laying just in front of me in an exquisite gown.

  I was speechless as I approached and could barely breathe. I had expected to see a granite monument with her name etched across it or maybe a statue in her image, not…her. I looked down at her face. I gasped. “It’s like she’s sleeping,” I whispered. “Is this what happens when people die here?”

  “No.” He shook his head. “This isn’t typical,” said my dad. “It’s because of the poison. It’s as if it preserved her.” My dad turned as he discreetly wiped his eyes.

  “You look just like her,” said Ty.

  “I do.” I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I couldn’t believe I was looking at a woman I had never known, and she was my mom. It was unbelievable.

  We stayed with her for a long time. I hated to leave, but when we finally began ascending the staircase, my father’s voice echoed, “You can come down her any time you like.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  ◆◆◆

  Ty and I finally got around to checking on the kittens. I could feel myself getting choked up the moment I laid eyes on them. I was already emotionally raw from having just seen my mom and now the kittens reminded me that Jackson was gone.

  “I have to get out of here for a while, Ty.”

  “OK. I think that’s probably a good idea.”

  “I want to go back to the Kandor mountains.”

  “What do you want to speak to the Seers about? I don’t think they can help you. I don’t want you getting your hopes up and then getting disappointed.”

  “I want to speak to them about your mom and your brother.”

  Ty looked dumbfounded. It obviously had never occurred to him that we could ask the Seers about them.

  ◆◆◆

  Before long, we were winding our way up the tallest mountain that stood in the center of the others. When we came around the last bend, we stopped and marveled at the castle that stood in front of us. What it lacked in width it made up for in height. Clouds hovered around the turrets that jutted into the sky. “Who are you,” a melodic voice called from behind the silvery gate. “And, why have you come?”

  Ty and I looked at one another nervously. I cleared my throat. “I—I am Princess,” I cringed, “Falon Fawlstar. Ty looked at me as if to say, “And”. “Fulten,” I quickly added. “I am Princess Falon Fawlstar Fulten.”

  Before I could even finish the gates slowly opened away from us and we were allowed to pass. Once we were inside, the gates closed and the front door opened.

  Ty and I dismounted and walked in together. No one was there to greet us, so we proceeded down a long hall until we came to another set of double doors. They opened into a large room. We walked across the room until we came to seven thrones that were lined up across a stage.

  Suddenly, seven beautiful, ghostly women manifested upon the thrones in front of us. Crowns sat atop their heads and jewels adorned their bodies, and gowns.

  The one in the middle spoke in a soothing voice, “Princess, it is a pleasure to meet you at last.” She smiled, then looked to her far right. “This is Bella. Grace. And, Sorrow.” Each one nodded as they were introduced. “I am Odessa.” She then looked to her left and continued in order down the line. “This is Charity. Diligence. And, Joy. We are sisters. We are Seers. Why have you come?”

  They seemed kind, but they were still intimidating. My mouth went dry. Nervously, I cleared my throat. “My…husband, Ty, like me, is new to this world. And, also like me, he has recently learned his family is from here. Can you tell us—”

  “Be very careful what you ask,” warned Sorrow.

  “Let them speak,” snapped Diligence.

  “Be kind, sister,” said Grace as she looked disapprovingly at Diligence.

  Diligence continued. “Go, ahead,” she coaxed me to continue.

  Odessa raised her hand, and everyone fell silent. “They have traveled a long way to see us. But, Sorrow is right. You must be cautious about what you ask. You cannot... unhear what we say. Also, you must know, we do not have all the answers. Many things are not revealed, even to us.”

  Ty and I looked at one another. I took a deep breath and treaded carefully. “We were hoping you could tell us…where Ty’s mother and brother are?”

  They sat quietly. I assumed they were pondering my question. The way they looked at one another though, I soon realized, they were communicating with their thoughts.

  “Step forward, Ty of the Fulten Clan,” said Odessa. Ty looked at me and raised his brows, then took a slow step forward.

  “Rejoice! Your mother and brother are alive!” blurted Joy.

  My heart raced at the news and Ty’s shoulder’s slumped; I knew with relief from learning that they weren’t dead.

  “Contain yourself, Joy,” said Odessa.

  “Yes, because they are being held captive,” said Sorrow.

  “What?” said Ty. He glanced at me and then quickly turned his attention back to them. “Where?”

  “Not far from here,” said Odessa. “In the swamplands.”

  “With a little hard work, you’ll free them,” said Diligence.

  “But, why? Why are they being held? Who has them?” asked Ty.

  The Seers were quiet for a moment. “That has not been revealed to us,” said Charity.

  “We’re sorry,” said Sorrow.

  “We do not feel they are in imminent danger,” said Diligence, “but they are definitely being held against their will.”

  “Thank you for your help,” said Ty. The seven of them nodded simultaneously.

  “Yes,” I quickly added. “Thank you so much.” I waited for them to respond and to acknowledge the fact that we were leaving. But instead, they kept staring at me. I felt like they were waiting for me to say something. When I didn’t, Odessa finally dismissed us.

  “Very well then. Safe travels.”

  ◆◆◆

  Ty and I walked through the gate and took a long moment to hold one another before getting on our horses.

  “This is one of the happiest days of my life,” he whispered before kissing the top of my head. “Thank you.”

  24.

  “We’ll go first thing in the morning,” said my dad when he released us from his bear hug. With teary eyes he continued, “This is such good news! I'll send out messenger birds right away to summon help.”

  “Thank you,” said Ty.

  “Anything for family, son.”

  ◆◆◆

  Later that night, soldiers from all around began descending upon the castle, offering their help should it be needed.

  Morris and Maggie were among the volunteers to come.

  “We want to help,” said Maggie.

  “Oh, Maggs,” I said as I threw my arms around her. “Thank you both so much for coming.”

  “Don’t I get a hug?”

  I looked up to see Brit standing near the stables.

  “Thank you for coming,” I said.

  “I wouldn’t miss a chance to help Ty.” She smiled and I rolled my eyes and actually laughed.

  “If I could have your attention,” said my father to the gathering crowd as he stepped out onto the balcony. “I want to thank each of you for coming here tonight to lend your assistance. I’m not anticipating any trouble, but I find it best to be prepared and always err on the side of caution. In just a moment, I will have my staff serve you a hot meal. They will also keep the fires going so that you will stay warm and rest well tonight. We leave at dawn.” And, with that, he turned and went back inside.

  ◆◆◆

  It wasn’t long before the first rays of light were peeking through the clouds. Everyone was up, and the horses were saddled.

  “I don’t suppose there’s any way I can convince you to stay here with Maggie?” said Ty.

  “And miss you being reunited with your mom and brother? No way,” I said.

&nb
sp; Morris and Ty flanked my dad’s sides as he led our small army to the swamps. Maggie and I rode behind them and passed the time talking.

  “Morris asked me to marry him.”

  “What? Oh, Maggie! I’m so happy for you.”

  “We want to get started right away on a family of our very own. Who knows? Maybe you’ll have a little one soon and they can be great friends or maybe even one day marry.”

  I felt a tug at my heart. “That would be wonderful,” I said.

  “That would make us family.”

  “I feel like we already are.”

  ◆◆◆

  As we neared the swamplands, a creepy feeling settled over me, and a chill danced along my spine. I thought I saw movement in the fringe of my vision as we entered the swamp.

  “Dad,” I called out.

  He raised his hand to stop our procession and turned to face me.

  “Something wrong?” he asked.

  “What about those shadow creature things? Aren’t you worried that they could be hiding in here behind the trees?”

  He chuckled. “You mean the night spirits. Now that Landon is…no more, they have been released. If you’ve noticed that the nights seem darker now, that is why. They are high above doing their job, blanketing the sky once more, moving freely in and out of worlds at their will.”

  “Wow, I had no idea. That is amazing.” I said.

  “They are peaceful and keep to themselves,” said my dad. “Unless of course, they are captured and controlled by a dictator.”

  “I smell smoke,” said Morris.

  Just then, our horses began to whinny and stomp about.

  “Their hooves are sinking!” said my father. “Let’s get moving!”

  The murky water sloshed about us. I cringed just thinking about what was lurking beneath its dark surface.

  “Moccasins!” warned a soldier whose name I didn’t know.

  Before I even had a chance to be concerned about the snakes, my attention turned to a terrible hissing sound that came from a cluster of logs that were floating near the water’s edge. When one of them suddenly went under, I realized that what I had thought were logs, were actually alligators.