Chapter Five ~ Words and Their Secrets

“There was a threat to our kingdom- no, our LIVES and no one told me?!” the queen asked with her arms crossed. “Technically, only MY life was threatened…” King Maximus began but stopped upon seeing his wife’s glare. “So, when we have an entire army at our disposal, you let HER take a couple of knights to investigate? You put way too much trust in her…” With an irritated sigh, Maximus replied, “Well Serenity, who would you put in charge? She’s never let me down in the past, and she’s the most committed to her work.” Outside the room, ears against the door, Robyn and Bree looked at each other. They had to lean in to hear Queen Serenity whisper, “What will you do if she fails? It’ll be too late to send anyone else, especially if our assailant has magic. Our guards will be powerless, and this kingdom will fall apart. Do you realize just how much you have risked due to your faith in her?” Matching her tone, he responded, “I am aware of the consequences. What you don’t realize why I trust her. Not for the reason you’re thinking, although that’s probably why this is true. She is the most loyal of the knights, and is her strongest when fighting for her king.” Before she could make another negative comment, King Maximus stood up and walked to the door. Robyn and Bree had already ran, having heard his first footsteps. The king walked to his study and indulged in the silence.

“Thank goodness for Bruno! Nothing’s better on the road than a good meal!” Wen exclaimed. “Why do you think I brought him? Certainly not for his attitude!” Hazel commented with a laugh, having already finished. The chef grunted from his spot against a tree. Jack had to stop himself from laughing upon seeing Bruno’s ride. He had thought a donkey was bad, but a boar! While the rest were holding a conversation by the fire, Emily sat a distance away, conducting her letter.

Dear Iza,

We are on our way out of Queen Erin’s domain. We got to catch criminals! They were burning down libraries, so we were granted access through the kingdom. I may not be Wen, but I have a feeling we’ll have to complete quests in all the kingdoms. Won’t be much fun.

See you soon!,

Emily

She rolled it up and tied it with a bow. Pulling the whistle from her pocket, she blew gently. Emily frowned when she heard nothing. Then she heard wing beats. Glancing up, Crescent circled through the air. Emily held the note up and the raven took it in his talons. Before long his colors merged with the night sky and she could see him no longer. “Hey Emily, come join the party!” Eva shouted. Said knight went to accompany her friends by the firelight.

The caw of a raven sounded in the distance. Iza stared towards her pet and caught the dropped scroll. Crescent perched on his master’s shoulder while she read. Iza smiled upon reading the last part. “See. You. Soon.” she said to the open air and smiled. “Oh Emily, if only you knew how soon…”

Everyone listened while Robyn and Bree relayed what they had heard. “Couldn’t you guys, like, not spy on others?” Phamarque asked. “I expect this from you, Robyn, but Bree?” Panda added. “Help me decipher this and scorn me later.” Robyn stated, crossing her arms. “What did he mean, ‘Not for the reason you’re thinking’?” Brittany questioned. “There’s something we don’t know.” Vanessa agreed. “What could it be?” Bree wondered. “That very question, my friend,” Robyn said with a smirk, “is why I do what I do. While the rest our out, our mission is to find out that secret!”

Hazel sighed, a barely audible noise amidst everyone’s snores. They always tried to volunteer for watch, but she knew they would all crash at one point. She read the Black Knight’s note in the light of the dying fire, committing every word to memory. The more she looked at it, the more sure she was something was missing. Shaking her head, she folded it up and put it away, pulling out a book to read. I WILL find out what’s wrong with the note, but until then I shall continue with the quest.