“So, Merodach said the red dragons are currently in the Dragon’s Lair in the land of Hadession?” the King summarized after the boys had recounted their adventure. “You did well to get this information. While I’m not sure I agree with your tactics in taking Merodach’s sash, that was quick thinking, and you and Alden stayed safe.” He paused and locked eyes with both of them. “I think you will do well on this quest.” He put a hand on their shoulders and gave a gentle squeeze.
Confidence flowed from the sovereign—Andy’s insides tingled as if a freshly shaken can of soda released its bubbles and filled him up.
The King stood and shifted to the other table where a map of Oomaldee was spread. He pointed out where the Dragon’s Lair was located to the northeast of the castle in the land of Hadession—where King Abaddon ruled with an iron fist and much cruelty according to most reports.
“We must plan your trip carefully,” declared the King, studying the map. “There are many obstacles you must overcome to successfully get there and back. One of my biggest concerns is how you’ll get past the great wall that surrounds Oomaldee without being seen, for we must keep this journey secret from all. The last thing I want is for Abaddon to find out we are trespassing into his land.”
Mermin, Andy, and Alden all bobbed heads.
“Okay then, Mermin and I will work out the best route while you boys enjoy the festival over these next few days.”
Alden’s stomach rumbled and he threw a hand over his mouth, eyes wide.
“Sounds like it’s time for dinner,” Mermin chortled.
“Oh, and Alden,” the King added, “I wish you much success in the Tower Chase.”
Alden’s jaw dropped. “You know about that, sir?”
“Of course,” he chuckled. “And from the sounds of things, you’re very good.”
Alden blushed. “I’ll do my best, sir.”
Andy reached the door first and as he turned the knob, he heard footsteps scurrying away. He yanked it open and raced out into the corridor. He scanned both directions but saw no one.
“What’s wrong?”
“Sir, I heard someone hurry away.”
“Was it that confounded boggart?” the King groused.
“I don’t think so. The boggart usually makes a lot more noise.”
“Let’s hope no one was eavesdwopping,” Mermin frowned, voicing the concern running through all their minds.
The day finally arrived for Alden’s Tower Chase event. Andy got up early, rushed through breakfast, and joined Alden at Optimistic’s stall. Alden looked all business in his royal-blue riding coat with the castle crest on his left sleeve. He wore his bright green breeches and had shined his black boots until you could see your reflection in them. His royal-blue helmet lay on top of the hay near the stall door.
“How you feeling?”
“A little nervous.”
“You’ll do great. I’ve seen you practice. You’re ready.”
“I hope so.”
Alden saddled Optimistic and led her outside into the bright fog of the stable yard. She could sense Alden’s nervousness and danced in antsy anticipation. He mounted her and looked down at Andy.
“I’ll do my best. I know it’s all I can ask of myself. I can’t do any better than that.”
Andy shook his head and laughed. “You’ll do great! And, for the record, I think you’re going to win.”
Alden smiled back. “Thanks.”
“I’ll see you over at the arena.”
“Okay girl, let’s go!” It took no convincing. Optimistic took to a gallop and launched.
As soon as the fog had hidden the pair, Andy turned and caught sight of a servant with arms that brushed his ankles, standing at a nearby door. Andy had seen the guy once before in the stables, and seeing him again sent a chill down Andy’s spine. The little man frowned and then scurried away, just as he’d done the first time. The hair on the back of Andy’s neck rose to attention.
Andy walked the now familiar path to the festival by himself, feeling strangely alone despite the crowds surrounding him. Since he had arrived at the castle and met Alden, they had spent a lot of time together. Now, by himself, he missed the familiarity of his friend by his side.
I’ve never had a friend like Alden. I can be myself and he never laughs at me. And Marta is so different from Mom. Andy roused from his thoughts as the throng pushed him under the festival entry banner.
As he approached the arena, that all-too-familiar stench grew stronger. Andy swatted at the odor, receiving chuckles from spectators behind him. But with nothing else to combat it, Andy smothered his nose in the bend of his elbow. How can they stand it? I’ve got to ask Alden! A uniformed attendant thrust nose plugs into his hand as he mounted the steps leading to the spectator seats. “Thank you!” he intoned in a nasally voice.
An official was announcing the order of events that were to follow as Andy scanned the sea of people. Finally, he spotted Alden atop his purple pegasus near a gate at the end of the arena. Andy waved. Alden shot back a big smile and a thumbs-up. Andy spotted Marta and Hans cheering in the Friends box, but there were no open seats near them.
“Excuse me. Excuse me. Pardon me. Oh. Sorry.” Andy crawled over half a row of spectators, avoiding as many toes as possible, and finally nested next to a sandy-haired man whose chants announced his allegiance to one of Alden’s competitors.
Andy perused his program. Alden was set to ride third. As the announcer introduced each rider, the crowd erupted in a cheer.
“And now, from His Majesty’s castle, riding Optimistic, please welcome Alden,” crowed the announcer a few minutes later. Alden trotted to the middle of the ring, respectfully removed his helmet, and bowed to the officials. At the sight of Alden’s green hair, silence blanketed the arena. Andy’s neighbor muttered, “What an insult. Why are they even letting that kind compete?” A few jeers of “Go home, Cartesian!” punctuated the scene.
Alden scanned the crowd and set his jaw.
For someone who calls himself “just a servant” he sure looks determined to make a name for himself
A minute later, Alden launched Optimistic up, up, up. Around floating poles and through suspended ovals they flew, just as they had done in practice—they were beautiful together, flying in perfect harmony. Alden’s ride was going flawlessly.
Then, two rows ahead, the vulture-man from the stables stood. He was holding a narrow tube up to his mouth.
What’s he doing?
Alden raced Optimistic over everyone’s heads as he drove her vertically up and up and upside down, performing the requisite loop. Just as Alden cleared the stands, the little man lowered the narrow tube and ducked down. An official who had been standing in the center ring in front of Andy collapsed.
What just happened?
As Alden approached the stands again for his next obstacle, the little man popped back up, hurriedly loaded something into the straw, and once more raised it to his mouth.
He’s trying to hit Alden with something as he flies over!
Andy launched himself over the intervening two rows of people and tackled the bird-man. He grabbed the straw and wrestled it away.
Immediately, Andy felt something scratch him. “Ouch!” he yelped as pain shot down his left forearm.
Andy reached for his arm and yelled, “He’s trying to hurt Alden!” No sooner had the words exploded than he began feeling lightheaded.
“Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!” Andy overheard a lady laughing uncontrollably. Her outburst sounded evil.
I’ve heard that voice before! What’s going on?
“Imogenia! How could you!” a man’s voice challenged.
Then everything went dark.
Andy woke to find himself in bed. His head felt like it might explode, and his stomach wasn’t much better. His left arm was wrapped in a cloth bandage and elevated in a sling. Alden and Marta sat nearby. Hans stood at the end of his bed.
“Wh-wh-at hap-p-pened?” Andy rubbed his eyes with his free hand.
“You’re awake!” rejoiced Alden. “You’ve been sleeping for three days.”
Andy tried to sit up, but his head screamed when he lifted it off the pillow.
“You gave us quite a scare,” intoned Marta, leaning over Andy to kiss his forehead.
“That’s for sure,” added Hans. “I knew it was a poison dart, but I didn’t know which poison. It took all my medical training to finally figure it out.”
“The King and Mermin have been by regularly to check on your progress,” informed Marta.
“I’ll let them know he’s awake,” Alden interrupted, jogging out door.
Moments later the King and Mermin appeared.
“Well, Andy, that was quite a surprise you gave us,” intoned the King.
“What happened?”
“Near as we can determine, Alden was doing his run in the Tower Chase when one of the stable servants tried to shoot him with a poison dart from the stands.”
“Yes, I remember. The vulture-guy. He was sitting two rows in front of me. He shot once.”
“Yes, Andy. The first dart hit an official who was standing in the center ring. Unfortunately, she has yet to regain consciousness.”
“Really? That’s terrible!”
The King and Mermin nodded.
“The guy tried a second time as Alden was coming around again. I couldn’t let him hit Alden or Optimistic, so I tackled him. That’s all I remember.”
“Yes, Andy. Apparently you disarmed him. Unfortunately, he had another dart in his pocket. As soon as it scratched you, the poison knocked you out. Lucky for Alden, you passed out on top of the man and he could do no more harm. The guards arrested him. He’s being held in the dungeons.”
“Why would he do such a thing?”
“While he is being questioned extensively, his motives are not yet known. It could be he is prejudiced against Cartesians, as you have witnessed, or it could be—” The King glanced quickly at Marta then back at Andy and Alden.
Andy finished the King’s thought—that Abaddon has somehow learned about our plan to visit the Dragon’s Lair and wants to stop us. Was that the guy who was eavesdropping?
“Whatever his motive, we need to take extra care. Andy, I’m very glad to see you’re recovering. You did a brave thing in stopping that threat. I’m proud of you!”
Andy felt his cheeks warm and his stomach did a happy dance. Savoring the praise yet trying to hide his embarrassment, he deflected: “Where did you finish, Alden?”
“Alden took first place in the competition!” Marta beamed and pulled back her shoulders.
“I knew it!” shouted Andy. “Oh ouch!” He reached for his head. “I guess I’d better not yell.”
“It was awesome. During the awards ceremony, the crowd was completely quiet. There was no heckling. Some even cheered.” A smile perched itself on Alden’s face.
“Was that better than the award?” asked Andy.
Alden thought for a minute. “I think they were both great.”
“I knew you’d win it. I had no doubt.”
“You had more confidence than me—”
“I know I’ve said it before, Alden, but congratulations again,” the King interrupted. “You truly did an outstanding job for yourself as well as the castle.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“We’ll visit you again later, Andy. For now, get some rest.” With that, the King and Mermin left.
“Well, I’ve dinner to help prepare. Alden, stay with Andy in case he needs anything. Andy, get some rest,” instructed Marta. She walked over to the bed, kissed Andy on the top of his head one more time and tousled his hair, then headed for the door. I wish Mom would do that when I’m sick, instead of always being so busy.
Andy’s attention was drawn back as Alden said, “I know this sounds weird, but you saved my life.”
“You’re my friend. What was I supposed to do?”
“Well…thank you.”
“You can save my life the next time.” Andy smiled, coaxing Alden’s brow upward.