Chapter Fourteen

As they stood in front of the massive red door, Ryder turned to Pidifer and said, “Are you sure we can trust Gwendolyn?”

“Absolutely!” he replied. “Plus, she owes me a favor and I don’t know anyone else who can get you into that ball.”

Before they could say one more word, the door swung open and an extremely tall hunchbacked man cleared this throat. “How may I help you?”

Pidifer spoke up. “Please inform Lady Gwendolyn that Pidifer is here and wishes to speak with her.”

Without uttering another word, the man turned on his heel and promptly shut the door in their faces.

“He just slammed the door on us! Now what?” asked Lant.

Cridifer and Pidifer exchanged looks and smiled.

“It’s just the way of the nobility in Sumner,” Cridifer explained. “Give it a minute.”

After waiting what seemed like an eternity, the door swung open dramatically and a plump woman dripping in jewelry with fiery red hair emerged.

Bowing deeply, Pidifer said, “Lady Gwendolyn! It’s so lovely to see you!”

Gwendolyn smiled. “Pidifer! How long has it been?”

“Too long, much too long!” said Pidifer.

“Please, come in!” she said as she motioned for everyone to come through the door.

Ryder and his comrades squeezed past the boisterous woman and entered a large, ornately decorated room.

Ryder’s eyes scanned the room. A big crystal chandelier hung above their heads and portraits of men and women in elegant clothing adored every wall. He smirked and thought to himself, this place could give the MacIntyres a run for their money!

Interrupting his thoughts, Gwendolyn clapped her hands. Instantaneously, the tall hunchbacked and extremely thin doorman appeared. “Charleton, can you please prepare the sitting room?”

With a tight expression, the man simply nodded and disappeared down the hallway.

“So Pidifer, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” asked Gwendolyn.

“Well, my lady, that is a complicated story. Perhaps one best told over a strong drink and a hot meal?”

She smiled and arched one of her eyebrows. “Very interesting.”

“The sitting room has been prepared, Lady Gwendolyn,” said Charleton from the end of the long hallway.

“Thank you, Charleton. Now please bring us a selection of spirits and tell Madsen to prepare dinner for our guests and myself.”

“As you wish,” he replied drily.

Gwendolyn motioned for her guests to follow her once again. “Come, come, follow me!”

“Wow,” murmured Albie.

Gwendolyn turned to him. “Pardon?”

“It’s just so beautiful, it reminds me of the décor inside the castle,” replied Albie.

Ryder didn’t know what the inside of the castle looked like, but everything in Gwendolyn’s house, from the plush furniture to the tapestries that were hanging from the wall, screamed immense wealth.

“Ah,” sighed Kroy as he sank into a large chair covered in light gray fabric.

“I could get used to this,” added Albie as he kicked his furry little legs onto a nearby footstool.

Gwendolyn appeared amused by their antics and a smile crept up on her lips.

Charleton entered the room holding a large tray. “Ahem, your drinks, my lady.”

After passing out a myriad of spirits, Charleton excused himself and vanished down another long hallway on the opposite side of the sitting room.

Everyone sat and enjoyed their drinks for a moment.

Pidifer sniffed the air. “Mmmm, is that dinner I smell?”

Gwendolyn laughed a hearty laugh. “You haven’t changed much, Pidifer! Always hungry!”

“You can say that again!” chimed in Lant.

“Now, please, tell me what is going on, dear friend? I always enjoy your company, but what is the meaning of this visit?” asked Gwendolyn.

“Well, this is my friend Ryder, and he can tell you about our predicament. I’ll fill in around the time of the Nalun attack,” said Pidifer.

Gwendolyn’s chubby jaw dropped. “The Nalun attack? Oh dear, Pidifer! This sounds serious!”

As the delicious smells of dinner invaded the sitting room, Ryder began to recount his journey.

“You’re trying to destroy Grishma?” gasped Gwendolyn. “Are you mad?”

Ryder took a deep breath and then told the story of his father’s death and the kidnapping of his mother and sister.

“I’m so sorry,” interjected Cridifer.

“Thank you,” responded Ryder. “You see, this is why I’ve been hunting Grishma so tirelessly.”

His comrades shook their heads and Gwendolyn wiped tears from her eyes.

Ryder’s shoulders slumped and his voice became shaky as he continued his story, including how Brooklyn became involved. “When Grishma snatched her up, I panicked. I followed Grishma’s tracks, which led me to the Swive River, but they were already gone. I was desperate to catch up and find them, instead I ran into Cridifer and Pidifer.”

Retelling the story was emotionally draining and Ryder was beyond relieved when Pidifer took over.

Gwendolyn’s eyes grew wide when he described the Nalun attack. “You are all so brave! I’m in the company of heroes!”

This pleased Cridifer and Pidifer immensely. They puffed out their chests and held their heads up high as they took turns telling Gwendolyn about the remainder of their journey.

“Well, I must admit, I’ve never heard such an exciting, yet, heartbreaking story,” said Gwendolyn. “Please tell me, what can I do to help you?”

Pidifer smiled. “I was hoping you were invited to the Royal Ball tomorrow and that you would consider taking Ryder as your guest,” he suggested.

Gwendolyn’s eyes flitted between Ryder and Pidifer. Breaking out into a wide smile, she replied, “I would be honored to help your cause!”

“Oh thank goodness!” sighed Pidifer. “Now can we eat?”

Laughing, Gwendolyn clapped and Charleton magically appeared. “Yes, my lady?”

“Is dinner ready?” she asked.

“Yes, I will tell Madsen to plate the first course,” said Charleton.

The dining room was a large rectangular room with a massive wooden table situated directly in the middle. Cushioned chairs with high backs lined both sides of the table.

The first course was a salad with chilled reaps and kinu nuts.

“Mmmm,” said Lant in between bites. “This is delicious!”

The next course consisted of piping hot vegetable stew, thick with chunks of carrots and freshly baked croutons.

The following courses came and left until everyone was sufficiently, if not, overly, stuffed.

Leaning back in his chair, Ryder’s mind was hazy with drink and food. “Lady Gwendolyn, thank you so very much for your hospitality. Is there any way we could impose further and stay here tonight?”

“Oh, of course!” Clapping again, Charleton appeared within a matter of seconds.

“Yes, my lady?”

“Charleton, please prepare the guest rooms, our company will be staying with us tonight.”

“Consider it done, Lady Gwendolyn,” he replied.

Gwendolyn sighed contently. “Ryder, seeing as you arrived with only a small pack, shall I see if I can find something for you to wear? I think you may be the same size as my son.”

“Yes, I would be ever so grateful,” replied Ryder.

“I will see to it first thing in the morning. I assume you’re all tired from your adventures? You look as though you could stand a bath and a good night’s sleep,” said Gwendolyn.

Everyone exchanged looks then nodded in agreement.

“I wasn’t going to say anything, but Pidifer, I can smell you from here,” said Lant joked, grinning broadly.

Like clockwork, Gwendolyn clapped her hands and Charleton instantly stepped into the room.

How does he get here so fast?

“Ah, Charleton, are the rooms ready?” asked
Gwendolyn.

Ryder watched the two interact. Gwendolyn’s chubby arms moved as she talked and her extra chin wobbled as she spoke to the peculiar looking man. He’s so tall, Ryder thought to himself. Charleton was easily seven feet tall with a severe bend in his back, yet he moved around with ease, showing no signs of distress or pain.

Gwendolyn leaned close to Charleton and whispered something Ryder couldn’t make out. Then he turned and left the room as quickly as he had appeared.

“This way, please,” said Gwendolyn, her arms jiggling as she waved for Ryder and his companions to follow.

They walked up two flights of stairs, past antiquities, strange sculptures, and countless rooms.

Gwendolyn abruptly stopped in front of a large wooden door. “Here you are,” she said as she swung open a heavy wooden door.

Ryder’s eyes widened. This place is massive! The room held six beds with matching dressers and a large ornately carved mirror stood in the corner.

“The accommodations are amazing, as always,” said Pidifer.

Gwendolyn smiled. “I’m pleased that you’re pleased! Now good night, everyone! I shall see you in the morning!”

Ryder was the first to wake up. The rising sun dimly lit the room and the air was chilly.

Shrugging off his covers, he slipped out of bed as quietly as possible, hoping not to wake the others.

Brrrr! The floor was freezing! I wonder if there are any socks in the dresser?

He attempted to open the first of three drawers as quietly as possible. Thank goodness! Ryder pulled out a pair of heavy charcoal grey wool socks. Hmmm, I wonder if there’s anything else in here? Pulling open the second and third drawers, Ryder found a warm sweater to throw on over his clothes.

As he slipped out the bedroom door, he could hear Albie snoring and the rhythmic breathing of the orvbas. Stepping into the hallway, he looked both ways, before a heavy hand landed on his right shoulder.

Oh crap!

Out of instinct, Ryder reached for his sword, but quickly realized it wasn’t there. He had left it in the room. What am I going to do?

Ryder turned around with such force that he knocked the hand off his shoulder along with the body that it belonged to.

“What do you want?” he hissed.

Before the person could respond, Ryder felt his heart sink and his cheeks turn red. Charleton was lying on the floor, struggling to get up.

“Oh no! Charleton, I’m so sorry!” said Ryder as he reached down to help the old man off the floor.

“Pretty quick reflexes, son.”

“I’m so sorry, I thought you were attacking me! I’ve been really stressed out lately and I guess I’m just a little extra jumpy. Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’ll be just fine. These old bones have seen much worse,” chuckled the old man. “Since you’re up, would you like to visit with Lady Gwendolyn? I believe she has something for you to wear tonight.”

“Yes, thank you, and again, I’m really sorry about that.”

“It’s fine, dear boy, better to be safe than sorry these days,” Charleton replied.

Saying nothing further, Charleton escorted Ryder to Lady Gwendolyn’s personal sitting room.

He knocked lightly on the door four times and waited for a reply.

“Come in,” rang Gwendolyn’s voice.

Wow, I didn’t think it was possible to sound so cheery this early in the morning.

Charleton opened the door and motioned for Ryder to enter.

“Lady Gwendolyn, Ryder is here to try on a suit for the ball tonight.”

“Thank you, Charleton. You may be dismissed.” Gwendolyn looked at Ryder. “You’re up early.”

“I guess I was just anxious about today.”

“That’s understandable, dear boy. Now, how about this? Will this fit?” she asked, holding up a black tuxedo with bright red trim and a white dress shirt.

“Ah, yeah, probably.”

“Here, take it into the next room and try it on.”

Gwendolyn thrust the clothing into his arms and added a pair of black dress shoes that shined brightly.

Changing into the clothing felt funny. Ryder had always worn simple, yet comfortable, clothing that blended in with nature, not flashy tuxedoes and pressed white shirts.

Without looking at himself, he turned around and pushed back through the door.

“Oooh! You look absolutely marvelous!” cooed
Gwendolyn.

The rest of the morning passed by in a blur, and before Ryder knew it, they were waiting in line to be greeted by the King.

When it was finally their turn, the King smiled warmly. “Ah, Lady Gwendolyn. How lovely to see you here!”

Curtsying, then rising, Gwendolyn said, “My grace, the pleasure is all mine. Please allow me to introduce my father’s sister’s nephew, Royce.”

The King nodded at Ryder. “Are you married, son?”

“No, Your Majesty.”

The King laughed heartily and slapped his legs. “Well then, there are plenty of beautiful girls here tonight. Make sure you don’t leave without one of them by your side or in your bed! Ah ha ha ha!”

Plastering a smile on his face, Ryder thought, the only girl I care about is pretending to be your daughter right now and I’m certainly planning on leaving with her by my side!

Ryder bowed before the King, then said, “I’ll do my very best, Your Majesty.”

After paying their respects, Gwendolyn and Ryder entered the massive ballroom through two thick wooden doors that reached from the floor to the ceiling.

Whimsical notes and heavenly scents floated through the air. A dainty creature plucked the delicate strings on a large golden harp in the middle of the room.

Waiters wearing black pants and pressed white shirts milled around the room carrying large trays with mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres and brightly colored drinks.

Gwendolyn’s plump hand flew to her mouth and she gasped. “Oh, isn’t it just marvelous?”

Ryder’s eyes widened and he could actually feel goose bumps popping up on his arms. He had never seen anything so grand in his entire life. “It’s amazing.”

Grabbing his arm and stepping in close to him, Gwendolyn whispered, “She isn’t in here yet. They will probably have a grand entrance after the guests have arrived. You probably have less than an hour to find Brooklyn and the others, escape the castle, and get out of Necoh.”

Ryder nodded and kissed a chubby cheek. “Thank you, Gwendolyn, for everything you’ve done.”

Slipping through the crowd, Ryder looked for a safe way out of the ballroom.

Shit! There are guards at every door. How am I going to get out?

Suddenly, an idea hit him. He slipped into the corner, took off his tuxedo coat, and threw it under a nearby table. His eyes scanned the ballroom for a nearby waiter carrying a tray. As soon as he saw one, he rushed up to the waiter and said, “The chef needs you right away!”

A look of panic swept across the man’s face.
“What?”

“You are Coban, aren’t you?” asked Ryder.

Breathing a sigh of relief, the man said, “No, I’m Jasta.”

“Oh, well then, you better hurry, he’s been looking for you all night!”

Shoving his tray into Ryder’s arms, the worried waiter ran toward the kitchen and sprinted through the open doors.

Poor guy. So gullible!

Donning a fake smile, Ryder held up the tray carrying an assortment of delicious appetizers and made his way toward a side door, flanked by two armored guards.

“Excuse me, please,” said Ryder.

“Where do you think you’re going?” demanded one of the guards.

“The King requested that someone bring Princess Sophie something to eat.”

“I didn’t hear anything about that!” said the other guard.

“Okay, well why don’t you two go get in line and wait to be greeted by the King. Then you can explain to him why his daughter is still waiting in her room, starving to death, because you two imbeciles didn’t believe me!”

“Um, well, ah…” one of the guards stammered.

“Are you sure you’re telling us the truth?” asked the second guard.

“Of course, now please let me pass before the food goes cold!” said Ryder.

Before they could say anything further, Ryder pushed past them and headed out of the ballroom and into a busy hallway.

In front of him, two maids were frantically attempting to scrub a stain off a white piece of fabric. To his left, someone was arranging vases of fresh flowers.

“Pardon me, which way to the Princess?” asked Ryder.

No one even looked his way.

“Excuse me! King’s orders! Now where is the Princess? I’ve been ordered to bring her food!”

One of the young girls scrubbing the carpet glanced up.

Ryder froze.

“I’ll show you,” she replied.

He followed the girl out of the hallway and up a staircase. As soon as they were alone, he whispered, “Brianna, is that you?”

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