CHAPTER FIVE
The first rays of dawn crept over the trees and it was as if everyone had been waiting for the event. Within minutes, people were emerging from their homes, hustling along the streets. Everyone wanted to be the first ones open for the festival. The clouds, which had moved in overnight, had disappeared and it looked like it was going to be a beautiful day. The noise from the festival grounds awoke Koral. She could tell it was early because the sun had not fully enveloped her room. Throwing on her robe, she moved out of bed to have a look. Tavern tents were getting ready to open their flaps and the priests from the Temple of Ademorna and the Temple of Almena were out preparing to save the souls of the people who would go into them. The priests from the Temple of Allorethna would not be making an appearance until later in the day, as was custom.
Koral moved from her window and called to Maiya. With it being so early, she figured it would be the perfect time to have a bath. It felt as if she had only soaked for a short time when Maiya returned, informing her the castle was awakening. With a sigh, Koral got out and went to get dressed. Judging by the sun’s position, she figured almost two hours had passed. The noise from her window had gotten louder and she went over to look.
Koral could not believe the bustling she was seeing. It was unbelievable how within that time the streets had completely filled with patrons. Sellers were bargaining with people for their wares and already arguments on quality were arising. Some noblemen and their wives, dressed as if it was a ball, were looking for the best buys in wines and cheeses. The laughter of children could be heard among the noise of the crowd. Koral smiled to herself. It was definitely going to be the largest celebration yet. Maiya came to her room again and informed her the morning meal was going to be served soon. Koral quickly finished getting dressed, and headed downstairs.
The morning meal was her favourite part of the festival. It was served in the castle, and anyone was allowed to attend. This was a custom only practised in Klayhern. Most of the nobles would not show up for the meal because they considered it disgusting to eat with the poor, a thought which always bothered Koral.
Walking into the main hall, she could not believe how many people were already here. She glanced across the room and saw her parents serving. Her father loved every minute of this and it made her smile to see him enjoying himself so much. Being raised in a castle made him royalty, but it was the way he always treated everyone with respect, no matter their station, which made him such a great king.
Koral could not believe the excitement this day brought. It had always been a favourite time for the twins. Eric would love this, she thought, but decided it best not to dwell on the fact he was not here. Instead, she went and helped serve. It was always a great experience for her, being able to help the people of Klayhern. It was satisfying to know you were helping those who did not have very much.
The town of Klayhern looked forward to this day as well. It was a great time to sell their wares and most would go home with more money than they would usually see for a month’s worth of work. This festival always brought more people than all of the others, partially due to the fact it was also the twin’s birthday. Everyone was in such a jolly mood that Koral eventually forgot all together that Eric should be there. Once everything was done, it was time for Koral to go and see all taverns.
Koral decided she did not want to do this alone, and set out to find her sister. Koral searched everywhere but could not find Brin. Realizing that with all of the people about, she was probably just missing her, Koral decided to just head out on her own. Gathering her strength, she set out into the festival.
From her window, she had seen the festival to be in full swing, but she did not realize just how many people were actually here. The streets were so crowded in some areas she had to push her way through. Of course, once she was recognized people would move out of her way, it was trying to get recognized that was the trouble. After a while, she just gave up and moved with the flow of people.
There appeared to be many more tents this year than last and it was attributing to the crowding problem. She was amazed at all of the different foods and wares present, beautiful cloth from around Keenley as well as some of their native foods. Koral was amazed at some of the fruits and vegetables from that area. The different foods looked so delicious and she had never seen such vibrant colours in cloth. Koral felt she could spend hours sampling the foods and trying on different dresses, but knew protocol would not allow it. Instead, Koral decided she would ask her father to take her to Keenley. After all, he went a few times a year to see how Duke Dubar was running things so it would not be a bother for her to tag along. It made her wonder why he never took any of his children on his trips south or why he never brought back any of the magnificent foods she was seeing everywhere. “More questions,” she muttered to herself. Glancing up at the sun, she realized quite some time had passed and decided it was time to visit the tavern tents for their blessing.
The first two tents were normal, with the usual type of patrons making it dull and uneventful. When she arrived at the third, however, things changed. Gillock, dressed in a strange green robe, and his friend were inside. This in itself was odd, as Gillock did not like to go to the tavern tents until later in the evening. At first, this was the only thing out of the ordinary. It was not until she began talking with some of the patrons that something felt odd. She knew Korben had been following her, as he always did during the festival, but it felt as if someone else was watching her. Looking about she noticed Gillock's friend was staring at her. What was more unsettling was Robyn, who was off to the side doing the same thing. She was used to people doing this, but both appeared to be studying her every move. This was quite disturbing for her so she quickly took her leave. Looking about she noticed there was a stand selling beautiful material for dresses so she decided to inspect it. She needed to get her mind off the tavern.
Gillock watched as she ran out of the tent. “It would appear her magical abilities are developing faster than I had thought,” he stated to his companion.
“Yes, she felt the same disturbance as we did in the room,” he responded.
“Well, Glavlin, when do you think she will have to leave?”
The elf smiled. “I think we can wait until after the festival. I do not want anyone suspecting anything.”
Gillock nodded. “Yes, we definitely don't need any more rumours about...” Gillock stopped mid-sentence and was staring. Glavlin followed to see Robyn, who had gotten up and was leaving in the direction of Koral. “Now I wonder what he is up to.”
Glavlin started to rise. “Don't worry,” Gillock said, placing his hand on his arm. “Korben is watching the princess,” continued Gillock. “Nothing ever gets by him, she will be fine.”
Glavlin sat back down. “It would appear someone has something planned. I only wish we could figure out what it was.”
Gillock nodded, “Knowing Malena, her plans will be made clear soon enough.”
Back in the palace, Jeremy and Elizanne were preparing to start their festival rounds. Both had needed to bathe after the morning meal. Some of the local children had decided to start a food fight. It only took a look from the king for them to stop, but by the time he had been able to do so the hall was a mess. It had taken much longer than expected to clean things up, but both stayed to help.
Elizanne put on her favourite blue gown, finished fastening a necklace made of pearls and moved over to the window. So many people flitting about, but so far the castle guard has not had to break up a fight or major disagreement.
“Things are going well so far,” noted Elizanne, moving away from the window. “I hope it lasts.”
Jeremy smiled and held her hand. “Things will be fine. We are taking every precaution we can.”
Elizanne smiled back. “I guess you are right.” Laughing, she added, “There is a festival waiting for us and we should attend.” Arm in arm they made their way to the festival site. Everyone stopped what he or she was doing
to greet the royal couple, as was custom. Koral, seeing everyone stop, knew her parents had arrived and decided to go and join them.
Brin had waited until this moment to make her move. With the arrival of her parents, no one would notice her. It was her only chance to make her way over to the tents of the Maget. Slowly and carefully, she moved toward the general's tent, making sure not to draw any attention to herself. She could only hope the general was still inside. If he wasn't, it would only be a matter of time until he returned. He rarely showed himself at these festivals, usually he would make a round to let his presence be known, and then would head back to his tent. Brin was not even sure what she was going to say to him. Over the last week, Brin had seen many things she wanted to forget. Going to see him was the only thing she could think of doing in order to protect the town. Tonight, things were going to change and she knew it was for the best.
“She is within my grasp my queen,” communicated Robyn.
“Just place the spell on her,” Malena responded. “Do not attempt anything else.”
“As you wish,” he replied.
Koral sensed something out of the ordinary. Glancing around, she noticed Robyn coming towards her. “Good day your highness,” he said.
“Good day, Robyn. Are you enjoying the festival?”
“Oh, very much so.”
Just then, a group of children ran past pushing Koral into
Robyn. Taking this opportunity, he placed his hand on her back and spoke a single word. Koral felt something wrong immediately, but it went as fast as it came. She apologized to Robyn and quickly left to find her parents. Robyn watched as she ran away. He could see the talisman spell was leaving a trail of pale green mist. Soon it would be on all of her belongings and she would never be able to hide from them. He smiled and decided to go and enjoy himself at the festival.
Korben also watched the princess run away and immediately suspected something was out of the ordinary. For a moment, he considered following Robyn but decided to keep an eye on the princess. Things appeared to be involving her quite a bit lately.
Koral spotted her parents near the tavern she had run out of earlier. Ignoring her thoughts on the matter, she ran over to them and gave her father a big hug.
“What is this for?” Jeremy asked.
“Just glad to see you,” she replied.
“Have you been enjoying yourself so far?” asked her mother.
“There are so many different tents set up this year. Fruit and vegetables I have never seen before, not to mention all the different cheeses. It has been amazing.”
Jeremy saw the glow in her eyes and felt guilty. So many times, he travelled to the south and not once had he taken his children.
“Maybe we can go and visit the south sometime,” he stated and saw Koral’s face light up.
“That would be wonderful, father,” she said, hugging him again.
Elizanne grabbed Koral’s hand. “I think it is time for some dancing.”
Koral ran with her mother to where the minstrels were playing a bouncy merry tune about adventure and excitement. Forgetting all about her strange feelings and questions, Koral danced away with her mother. Other people from the town joined in and Koral and Elizanne laughed as they were spun from partner to partner. Coming out of a spin, Koral came face to face with Gillock’s companion. “May I have this dance, princess?”
Koral gasped when she saw who it was. “I would be honoured,” she responded, then whispered, “Elf King.”
Koral could not believe how graceful he was. The stories of the elven people were definitely not exaggerated. Glavlin moved with such ease, Koral felt as if she were floating.
“Why are you here?” she asked.
“I told you I would be coming. In truth, I am here for you.”
Koral was stunned. “Why for me?”
“You are very important. I need you to come back to the Cyprian Forest with me.”
“What! Why?”
“It will all be explained to you soon, right now you are to have fun. It is, after all, your day of birth.”
Koral laughed. Of course, she was to have fun today, no worries, and absolutely no problems. They danced together for three more songs until King Jeremy asked to cut in.
“Have a good day, princess,” Glavlin said before disappearing into the crowd.
Turning to her father, Koral held out her hand. “I would be honoured to have this dance,” she declared.
Elizanne watched her husband and daughter with delight. With Eric being gone and Brin alienating herself, she was not sure if Koral would have been in the mood for the festival. Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves, save for Baron Lychen and his men. Elizanne just smiled. “That man will never be happy,” she thought to herself. When she turned to walk towards a tavern tent her smile faded. Ahead of her, she saw Brin, walking with determination towards the palace, with General Traug and two Magima in tow.