The Fox of Wales

Chapter 11

The Castle was very large. Unlike the Fox's home, there seemed to be a very eerie feeling floating around through the halls. Portraits of many battles hung above the heads of our heroes. 

"Many years and many moons have passed since these great warriors crushed their enemies. The very land we stand on was at the heart of the bloodshed. For one hundred years, the blood of my kin watered the ground. This Castle was built as a beacon of hope to all those who sought protection." 

The sound of joyous laughter filled the hall as the group passed by a large dining room. Many animals poured wine and other fine beverages. The smell of the wine was overwhelming. 

"I'm so hungry. Could we just stop?" The Fox moaned. 

"No, we must keep moving. You will reach the hall of your feast soon enough. Keep moving please!" The Eagle kept pushing the group along the golden hallways. 

"It's so beautiful! I've never seen a place like this! The Castles in the North don't even compare to your estate!" 

"It would be better if the horrid memories of bloodshed would leave my mind. Many animals died in the defense and construction of this great shrine. Many of them went off to seek their fortunes after it was completed, but ended up under the Oracles's control." The Eagle bowed his head. 

"Is that why the animals in the village look horrid and vile? Their homes are in disrepair and their souls crumble into the dust they breathe." Abigail said skipping along. Her heels clacked on the marble floor. 

"The Oracle led many of my friends astray and chooses to fill their minds with fear and doubt about what is true. He will face his end soon enough. Come my dear, let us feast." 

Everyone gasped as a massive table was revealed around one of the many corners. On its surface was placed glasses of wine or juice, baskets of bread, seeds and cakes, and tea. 

"Sit! Relax! Do not let your hearts worry about the darkness that looms. Now I welcome you to my table." The Eagle took his seat in the middle of everybody else and Fox sat at his left. Abigail removed her heels and sat at his right. The son of the Eagle sat next to Abigail. 

"MY KING!" A badger walked into the room. He had on him a robe and sandals. Abigail thought he looked like a hermit. 

"James, my son! Come sit! Enjoy a meal with your father!" 

Now this didn't make any sense to everyone around the table. But the Eagle seemed to sense their confusion.

"My friends, James is my adopted child. He has been my  friend since he came to me." 

After many hugs, the pair sat down. After eating their fill of cakes and drinking many cups of tea, the Eagle called for everyone's attention.

"My friends, it has been an honor to share this time with all of you.  Many of you animals will find yourselves returning to me in due time to share in this paradise forever. But I believe that I will not be with you much longer. The arms of evil stretch out like a great shadow across the land. The Oracles influence cannot be denied. But his will shall not be done. I should like to propose a toast." 

Many of the animals had been eating the bread found on the table. The Eagle poured wine (juice for Abigail) into their cups. 

"Friends, do not forget what we have shared here today. Whenever you drink this wine and eat this bread, remember me. For I will be with you always and if you believe in me, you will be victorious. There will come a day when I will return to eat and drink with you. But one of you  has a temped heart and will cause destruction. This I know to be true."

"Well, which one of us is it?" The Fox yelled. 

"Not ME!" James yelled. 

"Peace all of you! Do not fear what is to come. For it happens with a great purpose! I will now depart from you for a moment and return shortly." 

There was much grumbling after the Eagle left. Nobody understood his words and many arguments broke out. But these were stopped as a horn sounded from beyond the Castle walls. Everyone scrambled to the windows but it was two late. Warriors armed with spears and shields, broke down the door. James did not seem to be afraid as everyone else was.

"Whom do you serve, sir?" James was shaking as the warrior looked on.

"The high and mighty Oracle!"

"Have you restrained the suspect?" 

"He is down the hall, in the gardens sir!" 

"Very good!" The warrior tossed a small bag to the badger. The jingling of coins could be heard. 

"Make haste to the river. Our army assembles there!" 

James didn't waste a second. He was never heard from again and he soul never saw the light because of what he had done. 

The screams if the oppressed rang throughout the castle.

"The Oracle is here! The Oracle has come!"

He had.  The courtyard was ringing with cries and clashing metal.  A loud, thunderous roar rolled across the land. 

"Hold onto to something!" The Fox yelled as he reached for support. The entire Castle bent and shook on it's foundation. 

"They are disrupting the peace! We will all be destroyed!" The robed animal has returned! He stood in the doorway with a ripped and tattered robe. His eyes were wide with fear and disgust. "You must flee from this place! The Castle will fall! Everything will be taken to the void!" 

"What is that?" Abigail was screaming over the wind.

"The Oracle has broken the defenses. He is not worthy to enter this land. Normally you just burst into flames but someone summoned the vortex to this land. He is going to suffer for eternity!" 

"We must get out of here! We cannot remain here. We will surely be crushed to death!" 

"Then let us move quickly to the courtyard!" The Fox led the group outside, where a surprise waited.