Justice for the Forest-Beasts

Chapter Twenty-Eight - In Which Business Must be Done

Aravis and Lucian followed Estelle into the castle. They made their way to the servants' quarters, where they found the royal family's head gardener, Lainie. He was a very charming and bubbly concubus, who was great friends with the other three gardeners, Gravel, Orrin, and Terra. The twins didn't see Lainie very often, but they knew he was a great person to be around.

"Lainie!" Estelle called out, "We gravely need your help."

"How typical—only happy to see me when you're in need of a favor. I see you're on your way to becoming queen already!" Lainie joked. He stood up to stand face-to-face with Estelle and her brothers. "Alright, what do you need, Your Royal Highnesses?"

Estelle nervously glanced over to the other gardeners, all minding their own business. Even though they weren't paying attention, Estelle had to take a deep breath before she had the courage to tell Lainie, "The person I'm carrying right now is dead."

Lainie's expression quickly went from joyful to concerned.

"I wanted to ask if you could bring xem to an embalmer. I don't know who does that work for our family, but I figured you or another servant would probably know. Anyway, I just need you to bring xem to the embalmer, and make sure they don't ask any questions. Make sure they know it was from the royal family, but don't tell them it was from us specifically, if that's possible. I don't want xem to end up in the wrong hands, or for them to be thrown out with the trash. Could you do that for us, please?"

Lainie hesitated, "I know the embalmer can't, but can I ask questions?"

"I'd prefer it if you didn't," Estelle said.

"Alright. Sure, that's fine," Lainie said, "I know exactly who to take xem to, and I will do it for you. Help get xem onto my back for me."

Lainie turned around, and Estelle, Aravis, and Lucian all worked together to heave Rain onto his back. It wasn't as difficult as they thought it'd be, seeing as Rain hardly weighed anything at all. "Oh, xe isn't heavy, huh," Lainie observed as he adjusted xem on his back.

The four of them exited the castle together. As they made their way onto the street, they all noticed a crowd of people, walking towards the amphitheater. "That's odd," Estelle said, watching them. They moved rather slowly, in an unorganized march led by no one in particular.

"What's that about?" Aravis said curiously, "Should we follow them?"

Estelle turned to Lainie, unsure. "Do you know your way to the embalmer?" she asked.

Lainie nodded, "Oh, yes," he said, "I think you should see what's going on in there—it seems important."

"Alright, well, thank you so much, Lainie. This favor means so much to us," Estelle said. She curtseyed, Lucian and Aravis immediately following suit. "May Alasdaz forever have mercy on you."

Estelle, Aravis, and Lucian hurriedly followed the crowd down the street, to the city's amphitheater. As royalty, they were able to push through and make their way inside. The amphitheater was dark, except for the stage. It was lit with the giant stage lights on the ceiling and back wall. In the center of the stage was Cecilia, Halloran's fool, dressed head-to-toe in her usual jester uniform. The outfit was bright red and covered in shiny, golden bells. Her shoes were pointy, and her hat was floppy. It was a truly ridiculous outfit, and Estelle knew it'd be difficult to take her seriously while she was dressed in such a way.

Cecilia didn't start speaking until the chaos in the amphitheater began to die down, and everyone had found a seat. "Good day, citizens of Branalum," she finally said, "Unfortunately, we gather here today because of the unfortunate demise of both Queen Samara and King Halloran. May Drymusym bring them peace in the afterlife."