Cassy looked at Bonert, not convinced that he was completely honest with her. She wanted to walk away, but something kept making her want to believe his words.
“Okay, how can you help me to be triumphant over Queen Alona?” Cassy said with her eyes narrowed, showing her mistrust of him.
Seeing this would be his only opportunity to gain her complete trust, Bonert swallowed and took a moment to gather his thoughts before he spoke.
“You have a need to enter the castle without alerting the guards, correct?”
Cassy nodded her head.
“Then once you are inside the castle, you have a need to get down to the great dungeon undetected, correct?” Bonert smiled, when he saw her nodded that she agreed.
“If I understand the power given to you by the Blood Key, your abilities only last for as long as you have need of them, am I correct?”
Roupert stepped forward. “Don’t answer any more of his questions. He will only use the information against you.”
Cassy turned toward Roupert, letting him know she did not appreciate his constant interruptions. At seeing this, Bonert cleared his throat then continued.
“You need something that will make your powers more lasting. The last thing you need is to make it to the castle only to have your abilities stop working in front of the Queen’s guards, or worse, in front of the Queen herself.” Bonert stopped long enough to let his words completely sink into Cassy’s mind.
“This all sounds good, but what can you do for her that she can’t already do herself?” Roupert fought the desire to grab Bonert by the throat and choke the life out of him.
“That’s true, what can you do for me?” Cassy wanted to believe Bonert, but she still was not sure if she could.
“I can show you if you’d like. That is, of course, as long as Roupert doesn’t mind,” Bonert snarled in a dismissive tone.
Cassy glanced over at Roupert, “I don’t see any problem with him showing us.”
Roupert wanted to yell at the top of his lungs how it was a mistake to trust Bonert, but he decided to trust Cassy’s judgment. “Fine, as you wish.”
Bonert reached inside of his pocket and pulled out a small pouch. Cassy watched as he poured what appeared to be dried flower blooms in the palm of his hand. He then held up his hand and smiled.
“These flowers grow in the meadows outside of my village. They contain unique magical properties when eaten by those who already have the power of magic within them.”
Cassy leaned forward and looked at the dried flowers in his hand. “Okay, so just what do they do?”
Bonert looked up into Cassy’s eyes and he could see the strength hidden behind the fear shining in them. “All you need to do it eat one of the flowers whenever you want to be warned of impending danger. The flower will give you the gift of sight so that you will know when the Queen’s guards are near.”
Cassy glanced up at Roupert. “That would be helpful.”
Roupert shook his head. He was not convinced of Bonert’s honesty. “Cassy, I’m not sure…”
“I see that my old friend, Roupert still does not trust my intentions to help you on your quest. That saddens my heart,” Bonert feigned sorrow then was pleased to see a look of sadness appear on Cassy’s face.
“Roupert, I believe that Bonert actually wants to help us. He would have nothing to gain by misleading us,” she said as she smiled at Bonert.
Roupert knew there was no sense in arguing anymore. He would just have to watch carefully over Cassy and pray that the power of the Blood Key would keep her safe.
“Roupert did you hear what I said?” Cassy asked.
“Yes, I understand even though I do not agree with your decision,” he groaned.
Bonert smiled as he watched the discussion between Cassy and Roupert. Excellent, I have planted the seed of discontent between them as instructed.
“Okay, now the important question. What do you want for these?” Cassy asked.
Bonert looked up into her eyes then lowered them in a bow of reverence. “Normally, I would request much for a substance such as this. Yet, for you, I only require knowing that my gift will help to free the Kingdom of Walandra from the clutches of the Evil Queen Alona.” He poured the dried flowers back into the pouch then held it out to Cassy.
Cassy took the pouch from Bonert. When their hands briefly touched in the exchange, she had a strange feeling move through her, but once he pulled his hand away, the feeling vanished.
“Thank you, Bonert for your help.” She then opened the pouch and pulled out one of the dried blooms.
Roupert turned his head away, not wanting to watch her make this dreaded mistake to trust Bonert.
“Remember to have faith in the sacred Breast Plate and Blood Key, our young Champion,” Bonert said with a twisted grin on his face.
Cassy reached out and took Roupert’s hand in hers, as she put the bloom on her tongue and closed her eyes. She searched her mind for the best way to get safely into the castle when it came to her.
As Bonert watched the two figures transform, he began to laugh. “Safe travels, little girl, for the Queen awaits your arrival.”
Chapter 16
“Oh, my head hurts,” Cassy groaned as she tried to stand. “What happened, and where are we?”
“I don’t know, but we are not in the castle,” Roupert said as he held out his hand to help Cassy to her feet.
“I don’t understand what happened. After I had placed the flower on my tongue, I thought of us transporting to the dungeon where Alona is holding Queen Privlana.”
Cassy rubbed her eyes, trying to clear her vision. “This doesn’t look like a dungeon.”
“It’s not. I brought you here for your own protection,” Keira said, as she appeared before Cassy.
Cassy shook her head, not understanding what Keira meant.
“Cassandra, you were warned not to trust everyone. You knew there were those who would do you harm should you give them the chance. Bonert was one of those who did not have your best interest at heart.”
Cassy glanced at Roupert and saw the disappointment in his eyes.
“I told you not to trust him, but you wouldn’t listen. Who knows what would have happened to you had Keira not acted.”
Cassy knew that he was right. She had acted foolishly, and nearly cost them their lives. “I’m sorry, I just thought…”
Keira drew closer to Cassy. “No, you did not think. You wanted to take the easy way and trust the wrong person. You have all the magic you need, so why do you continue to question yourself?”
Cassy hung her head in shame. Keira and Roupert were right. She had tried to take the easy way, and in the process, she had nearly handed herself and Roupert into the waiting hands of Queen Alona.
“You’re right. I was a fool, and for that, I am truly sorry. Tell me then, what should I do? How can I use the Power of the Blood Key to get Roupert and me safely inside the castle?”
Keira glanced over at Roupert and smiled. “I believe that our Champion is ready to fulfill her destiny now. Sit and listen.”
In a flash of light, two stools appeared. Cassy and Roupert sat on them, each wondering what plan Keira had for them.
Keira’s face took on a serious look as she began to explain what they should do to conquer Queen Alona.
“Your first mistake was to think that you could just pop into the dungeon and save Queen Privlana. Do you not think that Queen Alona would have thought of that already?”
Cassy nodded her head, as shame filled her heart.
“You must not think like a child. You are the chosen Champion, so you must think as such. Queen Alona has a spell cast to keep you out of the dungeon, thus, away from Queen Privlana. She knows that once you are able to restore the sacred Breast Plate to Queen Privlana, the power of the Blood Key will belong to her. The only way you will ever get inside the dungeon is to lift the spell preventing your entry to the dungeon.”
Cassy lifted her face, her eyes meeting Ke
ira’s. “I don’t understand how I can do that. How can I lift the spell? Do I have the power to do something like that?”
Keira shook her head, as sadness filled her eyes. “You did. That is until Queen Alona sent the Demlins to lure Frier away with their lies.”
Cassy thought for a moment, trying to understand Keira’s words. “Are you saying that with the power of the Blood Key and the powers that Frier has from his Dragon’s blood that is how I would have lifted the spell over the dungeon? Oh, that’s just great,” she moaned, as she realized that she had had everything she needed all along.
Roupert sat and listened carefully to everything Cassy and Keira said.
Keira turned and looked at Roupert, sensing his question. “You want to know why I didn’t tell Cassy all of this before, correct?”
“As a matter of fact, yes, I would love to know why you waited to tell her now,” Roupert fought to control his anger and disappointment.
“I can only help, I cannot lead. She never asked the needed questions so I could not offer any answers. I know it may seem strange, but that is how it works. I only pray that I have not overstepped my bounds by bringing you here,” Keira shrugged her shoulders and grinned sheepishly.
Cassy glanced around, trying to get a gauge of where they were.
“I seem to know this place,” Roupert said, as he scanned the area.
“As you should, Sir Roupert. This is where you hid Abigail from the Evil Queen when she was the Champion.” Keira smiled when she saw his eyes light up with the memory of Abigail.
“So, you really did know my great-grandmother? Aaron, my sister and I call her Queen Abigail, and we are her little Prince and Princesses,” Cassy grinned at seeing his cheeks flush at the mention of Abigail’s name.
“Yes, she was very special to me,” he turned away, trying to hide his feelings for Abigail.
Realizing that he was uncomfortable speaking of that time, Cassy decided it was best to work on the task ahead of them.
“So, tell me Keira, how can we get safely inside the castle without alerting the guards and how do we find Frier?”
“Finding Frier will be quite easy; for once you find Queen Alona, you will find Frier. Yet, on the other hand, getting safely inside the castle will be far more difficult.” Keira knew these words were not the ones Cassy wanted to hear, but they were the truth.
“Oh, that’s just great. First, you’re telling me that it will be nearly impossible to get inside the castle undetected by the guards. Then the only way that I can break the spell preventing me from entering the dungeon is to rescue Frier, but that he will more than likely be with Queen Alona. Oh, yeah, that sounds like no problem at all,” her words dripped with sarcasm.
Keira knew that Cassy was worried, but the duties of the Champion were trying. “Yes, I do believe that you understand everything correctly.”
“Understand everything perfectly? You have to be kidding me. The only thing I know is that Roupert and I are probably going to die at the hands of Queen Alona, and my brother will find himself trapped in this realm forever. Yep, that’s about everything that I was supposed to understand, right?” Cassy felt her heart break in two and all hope for a successful ending evaporate from her being.
Keira understood Cassy’s fear, but she knew if she were to surrender now that all was lost for the subjects of Walandra.
“Do not let this fear consume you, Cassandra. You are stronger than you know. The sacred Breast Plate and Blood Key chose you for that strength, so now you need to believe in it as well.”
Cassy glanced over to Roupert, who nodded his encouragement. “She’s right, you know. It chose you because you had it in you to handle this task. I have faith in you. Now you only need to have confidence in yourself.”
Cassy shook her head, not wanting to accept their words. “I’m just a kid. A few days ago, the only thing I was worried about was if I’d make the school soccer team. I’m no warrior, I don’t know how to fight evil Queens or her palace guards. I just want to go home and be a teenager again.”
Keira reached up and placed her tiny hand on Cassy’s cheek. “I understand your fears, and you would be wise to hold on to them some, but you are much more than a teenager, who only wants to play ball in school. You have greatness buried deep within you. It will not only help you defeat Queen Alona, but will also guide you in your life once you return home to your realm. Do not question your abilities, Cassandra. For you have an exciting life ahead of you.”
Cassy wanted to believe Keira’s words, but her doubts prevented her from fully accepting them. “Okay, I’ll do my best, but I only hope my best is good enough.”
Queen Privlana sat on the filthy mat in the corner of the dungeon searching her memories of what she could do to save Frier. She knew the Lillients would watch over him to the best of their ability, but if Alona had found a way around their protection, all hope was lost.
“How could I have allowed her to see into my memories?”
She knew the answer to her question. In her excitement to be with her son, she had let down her guard.
“Oh Ashlym, my beloved, how much longer must I wait? My spirit grows weak trapped in this form. How I long to feel my Dragon’s heart beating in my chest again, as I fly through the sky with you by my side. To have spent all these years trapped in this dark and dreary place, away from everyone I love has drained my will to live.” She covered her eyes and wept bitterly.
“Your Majesty, do not cry; for the Champion comes to free you from your bondage,” Syrea, of the Lillients, whispered in Privlana’s ear.
Privlana jumped back, startled by the soft voice. “How is it possible? How is it you are able to get past Alona’s spell?”
Syrea laughed softly, “Her magic has no power over the magic of the Lillients. Light Magic always has power over Dark Magic.”
Privlana tipped her head to the side, unsure if she understood the statement. “I don’t understand. If that is the case, why is my magic powerless against her? The magic of the Dragon has always been that of light.”
“That is true, My Queen; however, when Alona cast the curse over your family, she bound your powers. You will not have your powers again until the day the curse is broken.” Syrea felt Privlana’s pain and wished she could end her sorrow.
Privlana lowered her face, ashamed to look at Syrea. “I owe you so much. You came to me when I needed you most. You made sure my son had made it safely out of the castle before Alona was able to find him. Now I have another thing to ask of you.”
Syrea looked deeply into Privlana’s eyes, seeing the fear behind the tears. “My Queen, I know you fear for Frier. I also know that you worry that this Champion will fail like the one before. I am here to tell you not to give up hope. This Champion is much stronger than Abigail was. She has a keen wit, is willing to face her adversary, and has much love in her heart for those who are important to her. Those are excellent qualities for a Champion,” Syrea smiled when she noticed Privlana seem to relax.
“I hope you are correct; for I do not know how much longer I can last chained in this dungeon,” Privlana groaned.
“Please know that you are never alone. I am aware that Keira, the Milif has been to see you. Her powers are powerful. She will watch over the Champion and keep her safe.” Syrea wiped another stray tear from Privlana’s cheek.
Privlana lifted her head and gazed into Syrea’s eyes. “This Champion, may I ask her name?”
Syrea beamed with excitement. “Her name is quite beautiful, it is Cassandra.”
“Cassandra, yes that is lovely. I look forward to meeting our Champion, Cassandra,” Queen Privlana smiled.
Privlana sat silently for a few moments, trying to decide how to ask the question to answer her greatest fear.
“What is on your mind, my Queen?”
Privlana wanted to know of Frier, but she was too afraid to ask.
She knew that not knowing would torment her soul, so Privlana looked at Syrea and blurted out the words
without thinking.
“Should Alona find Frier, do you believe that she would do him harm?”
Syrea did not respond immediately. She merely gazed into Privlana’s tear filled eyes. “I know that Alona wants to have control of the Blood Key and all the power it holds. I also know that she can use Frier and his powers to aid her in obtaining the Blood Key from the Champion.”
“How do we stop that from happening?” Privlana asked.
“That my Queen is the greatest question of all.”
Chapter 17
Several minutes had passed since Keira vanished, leaving Cassy and Roupert still unsure of what they should do. They both just stood in place, neither of them speaking until, Cassy decided to break the silence.
“Why did you hide my great-grandmother here? What happened when she came here?”
Roupert had dreaded this moment. He had fought to bury his feelings for Abigail, but now he knew he would have to face them again. He closed his eyes for a moment, as the memories of his time with Abigail flooded his mind.
~~~
Lightning filled the sky on the day Abigail appeared in the Kingdom of Walandra. Roupert was returning from a hunt when he came across the frightened young woman, sitting under a tree along the path to his hut and crying with her hands covering her face.
“Are you okay?” he asked, trying not to startle her.
The young woman looked up at Roupert and nodded her head.
“I do not remember seeing you in this part of the forest before. Are you lost?” Roupert could see the confusion in her eyes, and he feared that she was in some sort of danger.
The young woman nodded her head again.
Realizing that he was not getting anywhere, Roupert decided to try something else.
“My name is Roupert. What is your name?” He held his breath and waited for her response.
She hesitated before answering, gazing solemnly at him. She breathed in deeply then said, “My name is Abigail; it’s nice to meet you Roupert.”
As Abigail began to stand, Roupert offered his hand. “Here, let me help you.”
The Dragons Blood Key: Legend of the Dragon's Blood Key - Book 1 Page 10
