Nancy and the Toad Prince

Chapter 6: Secrets

"Wait, I'm confused. Is that why you were trying to kill the prince?"

"Trying to kill the prince?" The gnome looked confused. "When did I try and kill the prince?"

"Harold said that when he came through the mirror, you were standing over his brother with a knife, trying to kill him."

The gnome rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I wasn't trying to kill him. That would be wrong. While he was still groggy from the spell, I was trying to remove a key from around his neck. He always keeps it on him and guards it carefully. I thought if I could get that key, I could figure out what he is up to. And now, after what Galdur told me, I have an idea what it's for."

"The horn." Nancy nodded but disbelief lingered in her eyes. "Why would anyone steal a unicorn's horn?"

"Some people think it has magical powers. And it does--for unicorns. However, knowing William, just having it is probably all he wants. He has become such a selfish, greedy man."

Nancy looked over a Galdur who had quit pacing and was staring intently at the young woman.

"Is this true, Galdur?" The gray head moved up and down in a clear affirmation.

"That -!" Nancy clenched her hands and her teeth. "Someone should teach him a lesson!" She glared at the gnome through squinted eyes thinking. "And that person will be me! Which way to the armoury?!!"

The gnome chuckled. "Oh, that's brilliant plan. Even if your sword skills are any match for Prince William's, which I doubt, you would never get within 100 yards of him carrying a weapon. No, no. We need a smart plan."

"A smart plan for what?" came a voice from just outside the stall. It was Harold.

Nancy considered as Harold came into the stall then she spoke. "You didn't tell me your brother was such a toad."

Harold stopped, clearly uncertain how to respond. "He is the heir apparent. What does it matter?"

"What does it matter? He's selfish, greedy, arrogant..."

"He is handsome, brave, skilled in fighting and in hunting, a trained diplomat," Harold countered, "and he is the first born!"

Nancy was silent as she considered what to say next. Looking over at him, the gnome was giving short firm shakes of his head and downward "don't say anything!" purse to his lips.

"We need a smart plan for my breakfast with him tomorrow because I'm not certain I'll be able to eat anything if I have to be around him too long. And I really, really, want to go home."

"Who is 'we'?" and then Harold spotted the gnome. "Him! Guards!"

But before Harold could sound the alarm where anyone could hear him, Galdur had knocked him to the back of the stall, and Nancy had put her hand over his mouth.

"Shhhh!"

"But he enchanted my brother and tried to kill me!"

"I did enchant your brother, but I did NOT try to kill you."

"It felt like it!" and Harold held up his hand.

"That was clumsiness on your part. I was not trying to hurt anyone. And I enchanted your brother for the greater good."

"The greater good?! Is that why you guarded the castle with an enchanted Ogre! Was that for the greater good?"

"Oh, heavens, I didn't do that! My powers are nowhere near that strong. That castle was guarded when I found it. I just put my mirror there for safekeeping. I didn't think anyone would get past HIM."