by Josh Kilen
"She's safe. She may never know what evil has almost destroyed her but at least she is safe for now. I left her on the doorstep of a good family. I watched them for sometime and they will bring her up right and make her happy. Someday I hope to explain why I had to take her away but I also am afraid of that day, because it means that she will be the only one to stop the evil that has taken hold. I will miss being her nurse and caring for her, but it's better this way. Be safe little Annabeth, I love you more than I can say."
Annabeth began to cry as she read the last words. She had so many questions and so few answers. As she placed the journal down on the night stand, a blank piece of paper fell out. She picked it up and as she stared at it, words appeared. On the top was Annabeth's name:
"Annabeth, if you are reading this then you have had a great adventure with more trials to come. Look to the mantle above the fire for answers. Your Godmother."
Annabeth ran downstairs and saw Ryan opening cupboard doors in the kitchen. Ryan looked up at her, "I'm not finding anything. Did you see anything upstairs?"
She started to tear up at the thought of her Godmother sacrifices but she held the tears at bay, "I think I have to look at the mantle."
Ryan shook his head, "I already looked there, just an old clock and painting. Nothing with a stone in it."
Annabeth made her way to the fireplace, "Let's look again." and she showed the paper to the Prince.
He read the words and scratched his head, "It says above the fire, shouldn't it say fireplace? She must have been in a hurry."
Annabeth rushed to the fireplace and placed some logs to start a fire. Ryan understood and helped her. Once the fire was going strong and a soft glow was dancing all around the room, the painting above the fireplace began to grow brighter. It was a picture of a beautiful woman with a golden crown and several jewels inside it. One of the jewels shown more brilliantly than the rest.
"I wonder," Annabeth said as she reached out and took the bright jewel out of the painting. It shown even brighter in her hand and both she and the Prince were encouraged by its soft light. They looked at each other and smiled.
"Okay, now we just need to go north. We have a scepter to find am I right?" Ryan asked.
Annabeth nodded, "Yes, I'm not sure exactly where but I have a feeling that the stone will help us."
They rummaged through the Godmother's closet and found some fur coats and other cold weather gear. They would need them if they were going to the ice fields. Ryan poked his head out the front door and looked for any sign of the Stone Monster. It was still snoring loudly, not moving.
The Prince and Princess left the house, traveling along the river until they came to a road that would take them north. They were in good spirits and laughing and joking along the way.
After a while, Prince Ryan spotted a caravan of people coming behind them, traveling north as well, "Maybe we can catch a lift," he said, "Be a lot faster than just walking."
Annabeth looked uncertain, "If you say so, but I don't want too many people to see me."
Ryan understood, "I think we are far enough away from the castle that no one will recognize you. We'll just tell them you're my sister and I have to get you back before our Father gets angry."
Annabeth was slightly disappointed although she didn't know why, "Sister huh?" She said with a half smile.
Ryan stumbled a bit, "Well I suppose we could say we're married but I don't have a ring, and, uh, well. Um, yeah." He was very obviously flustered, which Annabeth thought was cute. She said, "It's okay, sister is fine."
The caravan had reached them and Prince Ryan hailed them over. The scout stopped short and stared at them suspiciously, "What business have you here? Make way for the King and Queen!"
Ryan and Annabeth went white as a sheet. Just then a familiar voice sounded behind them, "Well, what do we have here?" Purcell asked.
Chapter 10
"Guards, tie them up and take them to the King and Queen. Quickly!" Purcell shouted.
The guards came over and did as they were told. They tied the Prince and Princess's hands with cords and dragged them toward the large carriage that Annabeth recognized. Purcell was happily chatting away behind them, "Oh Princess, we were so worried when we found you missing. I'm glad you have found a friend here to protect you but luckily we can do that now. Their Royal Majesties will be so happy to hear that you are safe."
Annabeth shot a nasty look at Purcell, "You locked me in a tower and kept me there as a prisoner. Now you want to put me back there?"
Purcell looked shocked, "Your Highness, if the King and Queen want to protect you, that is their business. I'm sure they have your best interests at heart. Please, step into the carriage."
Ryan and Annabeth did as they were told.
The Queen had a satisfied look on her face and the King looked smug. The Queen spoke, "Oh my Dear, we were so worried. How could you do that to us, and after all the effort we made to make your room so comfortable? I suppose we will simply have to find you a new room. Perhaps in the dungeon? What do you think my King?"
The King nodded his agreement, "Yes, the only suitable place for such a disobedient youth. You'll learn your lesson yet. I suppose this is the man who helped you leave the castle?"
Ryan gave them a steely gaze, "I helped her escape, and you should know that I am a Prince. My parent's will be less than pleased that you have taken me."
The King leaned forward, looking puzzled, "Parents? But aren't you the Altersian boy? They kicked you out did they not? Nasty business, killing a man. Not that I care really but I doubt your parents would raise much of a fuss. Besides, what are mushroom farmers going to do?" And both the King and Queen had a good laugh.
Annabeth looked over at Ryan, "Y… you killed someone?" The hurt was obvious on her face.
Ryan pleaded with her, "It was an accident, I didn't mean to. Rather than accept the punishment for my crime, I chose banishment instead."
The Queen was amused, "It's all a moot point now, when we return to the castle you will be tried for kidnapping, and I assure you this trial won't let you off so easily. Banishment is not an option." Turning towards Annabeth, "And you my Dear will live out your days in your special room. This time I will make sure no one comes to help you."
Annabeth stared defiantly at the Queen, "I know about True Justice and I know that you are trying to stop me from releasing it." Then her voice softened, "But whatever you did, I'm sure you can be forgiven. Please, you don't need to do all of this."
There was a stark chill in the Queen's voice, "So you know. I wonder how? Meddlesome Godmother perhaps? I suppose that's the only way. Since you know, I wonder if that makes it easier for you? Either way, we are not about to seek forgiveness or let you go. Don't be absurd."
Annabeth began to despair, "Why don't you just get it over and kill me then? Why all these games?"
The Queen laughed, "I guess you don't know everything then. No, we can't kill you. If you are struck down by an evil hand, then True Justice will be released. Instead, I think a comfortable dungeon cell will fit you just fine."
They traveled in silence after that, both Annabeth and Ryan furiously trying to think of a plan for escape. Annabeth was still angry with Ryan for not telling her the truth but now at least she understood why he was so afraid of True Justice. It would probably mean his death.
Just then it dawned on her that he was helping her anyway, that he saved her so many times when he could have just walked away. He did it even though it would probably be the end of him. A warm feeling stirred in Annabeth's heart as she looked over at Ryan.
As she was gazing at him, Annabeth saw a curious sight through the window. A tree trunk was flying at the side of the carriage like a battering ram. Before she could warn anyone, the carriage was smashed on the side and sent flying off the road. The Royal guards were caught completely unawares and scrambled to make sure the King and Queen were okay.
When Annabeth came to, the first thing she heard was a man
shouting, "BANDITS!"
Chapter 11
Annabeth was being pulled outside that carriage, and her hand went up ready to fight back. Then she saw the person pulling her, it was Ryan.
"Come on, this is our chance. We have to get out of here," he said.
Carefully they emerged from the carriage to a raging battle outside. Arrows were flying everywhere and the Royal Guards had their hands full with attacking Bandits. Ryan pulled Annabeth along towards a group of spooked horses.
Ryan checked to see if the horse’s riding saddle was still in serviceable shape. Just then he heard a scream behind him. A Bandit had taken Annabeth captive. He looked familiar but his face was battered and bruised and he was missing an ear.
"I got you now my pretty," he said, "The Cap'n was mighty upset that I let ya go, but this'll make up for it I think." The bandit pointed his sword at the Prince, "Don't do anything silly boy, we're takin' this one and there ain't nothing you can do 'bout it."
Ryan met Annabeth's eyes and gave her a nod. She stepped backward and elbowed the Bandit in the stomach, breaking free from his grip. The Bandit doubled over, unable to breath but stumbled after the Princess all the same. Ryan moved in to protect Annabeth and the Bandit brought his sword down, aiming right at Ryan's head.
Quickly pulling out a hidden dagger, Ryan deflected the sword and punched the Bandit in the nose and kicked him in the groin for good measure. The Bandit went down and didn't get back up, he just laid there moaning. Ryan quickly took the Bandit’s sword and slid it through his belt.
Ryan looked down at the assailant, "You, don't, touch her," then he jumped onto the horses back, "Coming your Highness," he said while holding his hand out to help her up.
Annabeth couldn't help but be impressed and vaulted herself onto the horses back behind the Prince. With a kick to the horses sides they fled the battle, leaving both of their would be captors behind.
They rode hard for many hours until the horse was too tired to go any farther. They had traveled many miles north and the temperature had dropped significantly.
Prince Ryan surveyed the woods around them, "We have to stop here for a while. I think we're far enough that we don't have to worry. Are you doing okay? Too cold?"
Annabeth shook her head, "No, I'll be fine. It's just been a busy day. I think I need a rest as well."
Ryan agreed, "We can take a break here for an hour or so," he said pointing to a grassy glen just off the road, "Then we need to head North as quickly as possible."
They led the horse to the glen which had a bountiful supply of grass and a small clean pond for everyone to grab a fresh drink. Ryan went and found some berries for them to eat. Since they hadn't eaten in a while, the berries were the best Annabeth had tasted.
As they sat and ate, she looked over at Ryan apprehensively, "Tell me what happened, with the man you killed."
Ryan stared at the ground, "Does it matter? It happened, and I have to live with that."
A worried look passed over Annabeth's face, "It matters to me, please tell me."
Ryan took a deep breath, "There was a man in the village, the blacksmith's son, and we never got along. Growing up as kids he always picked on me, and I was never able to fight back because he was bigger and stronger. As we grew up he didn't stop. We were always getting into trouble for fighting, fights that he started, but no one believed that for some reason. Then one day I was going out to the fields to harvest our crop and I saw him stealing some of our mushrooms. Everyone knew that he did that kind of stuff but his Father was an important man and so people in village just didn't say anything. Well, I decided to say something." Ryan got really quiet.
"Go on," Annabeth encouraged him.
The Prince sighed, "I told him to put the mushrooms down, that they weren't his but he wouldn't listen. He asked if I was going to make him put them back and I said I was. He got really angry and rushed me. I had a harvesting knife on me and pulled it out, but he was so enraged that he didn't see it. He rushed right at me and into my knife, it was all so quick that I didn't see what happened until it was done. He died right there in my arms. When I went to tell my parents they were horrified, but they were believed I hadn't done it on purpose. The rest of the village wasn't so sure, mostly because the Blacksmith was spreading lies about me and my family.
"There was a trial of course, but the village voted against me. They wanted to sentence me to death, but my Father stood up for me and banished me instead. I have no idea how much that decision hurt him, but I'll never forget the look on his face. I left the village and have been traveling ever since."
Annabeth looked at Ryan with sympathy, "I believe you. It sounds like self defense to me. Is that why you are afraid of True Justice?"
Ryan nodded his head, "Of course, I killed a man. True justice would demand that my life be taken in place of his."
Annabeth asked the question that had been burning inside of her, "But then why are you helping me?"
The Prince looked bashful and then resolved, "A man can't run away from his past. There's nothing I can do to change what happened but I can still make a difference. And, well, I just couldn't leave you alone with the Bandits..."
"Why not?" She asked.
"Because, I just couldn't, Okay?" The Prince was getting flustered. She thought he was cute when he got like this. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
Prince Ryan blushed about 13 shades of red, "Umm, thank you. What was that for?"
"For being the most courageous and sweet man I have ever met. Thank you for saving me." Annabeth said.
Ryan grinned from ear to ear and stood up with a renewed sense of urgency, "It was my pleasure your Highness," he said bowing gracefully, "We need get moving again. I hope to reach the Northern border by nightfall."
They mounted the horse together and talked the whole way north. They talked about life, and their childhoods, and what they wanted to be. There was a lot of laughing but there was a dark cloud over the Prince the closer they got to their destination.
In the northern most town, they stopped to rest at an inn, and the next morning they bought some warmer clothes with some money the Prince had hidden in his belt.
They traveled into the frozen ice fields and the temperature dropped significantly. After a while, they didn't know which way to go and Annabeth felt a warming in her pocket. She pulled out the stone and felt it pulling her in a certain direction.
"We should go that way," she said pointing.
"How do you know?" the Prince asked.
"The stone is telling me I think, but I'm certain that's the way." She said.
They traveled farther, snow and ice getting heavier, making it hard to see. Then they came to a valley, between two large mountains. Just visible through the snow flurries was a dark hole between the mountains.
"That's it!" exclaimed the Princess, "We need to go there."
The horse was tired so they had to travel on foot. It was slow going and their feet were almost frozen before they finally reached the cave.
Once inside they rested. The air was warmer in the cave but not by much. Because the cave was so dark inside, the Prince was kicking himself for not remembering to buy matches or torches in the last town.
Annabeth pulled out the stone, "Maybe this will do?" And as she held the stone up it shown brightly enough that they could see the path in front of them. The air was much warmer now, a special gift of the stone, and they left the horse at the entrance as they carefully entered the cave.
Deep inside, they came to a room so large that the light of the stone couldn't reach the top. But as they looked to the back of the room, there it was. The Ancient Scepter.
But standing guard next to the Scepter, was a dreaded Ice Witch.
Chapter 12
The Ice Witch was a legend in the south-lands, the kind that parents tell their children to make them behave. "Better not do that again or the Ice Witches will come and get you," they would say.
The story goes that ma
ny years ago, the Ice People, ruled by powerful magicians, conquered all the Land and put everything in perpetual winter. Eventually the people fought back and drove the Ice People and their witches north into the ice fields. No one heard from them since and they had passed into legend and myth.
But standing before them was a real life Ice Witch. She looked like an old Grandma, but with pale white skin, stringy white hair, and a long nose. She wore light blue robes that seemed to shimmer in the soft light of the stone. She didn't look happy to see the Prince and Princess.
She spoke with a raspy, ugly voice, "It hardly seems time for my Brother and Sister to send you here. Is the brat dead yet?"
Ryan looked shocked but quickly regained his composure, "We have come for the Scepter, stand aside."
The Witch looked suspiciously at the two, "I expected a full Royal Guard to come, not two half frozen tramps. Who are you?" She moved closer to the Scepter
Annabeth spoke, "We have been sent to retrieve the Scepter, will you let us have it?"
The Witch snarled at the Princess, "You! There's a light in your voice, I know who you are. So, the Princess of True Justice has been sent to fetch the Scepter. I suppose that's the Stone of Light in your hand. Let me guess, sent by a Godmother, hmmm?"
Both Annabeth and Ryan were taken aback. Annabeth stood her ground, "We were, this is what I was born to do. Now stand aside!" As she said the words the Stone glowed even more brightly.
The Ice Witch let out a deep and menacing growl, "I think not. If you want it, you will have to get through me!" As she lowered her ice staff at the Princess. An icy blast shot from its tip.
Annabeth moved out of the way just in time, throwing herself to the ground. The blast hit the wall sending rocks and ice flying all over. Ryan attacked from the side with his sword but the Ice Witch blocked his attack and blasted him into the wall. His body hit the cave with a thud and he fell lifeless onto the floor.
"Noooo!" cried Annabeth, as she slowly picked herself up.
The Witch walked slowly over to the Princess, "Now, I can't kill you. But I can freeze you. Have you ever been in an ice prison? Most uncomfortable, and very painful." She said with a wicked grin.
