Mareth and Howard had run into Gregor on his way to the Fount. Gregor was riding with Howard on Nike, while Mareth was flying on his bond named Andromeda. They were flying at an alarming speed compared to regular Overlanders.
"So, what brings you here and not to Regalia?" asked Howard suspiciously. "I kind of asked Temp to bring me down here" Gregor replied.
"By which way did you get down here?" asked Howard again. "There happened to be a sixth passage in Virginia, which led me to that strange shopping place where there were all sorts of Underland creatures." Gregor said quiet fast.
"That place is called the Hub; it's where the Underland creatures go to do trading. Wait, wait, wait... you're telling me that there is a sixth way to the Underland, not five?" Mareth asked. "Yup, that's what I said." answered Gregor.
"Mareth, we have to tell Vikus about this, this is our greatest find yet!" exclaimed Howard. "So we shall Howard, so we shall." Mareth replied as smoothly as he could. By that point everyone started laughing at the way Mareth tried to impersonate Sherlock Holmes, but failed miserably.
"Howard, how far are we from Regalia?" questioned Gregor. "I'd say... about 7 hours, maybe 6 if our fliers don't need a lot of rest." answered Howard. Gregor stayed quiet for a few hours, but he really wanted to know how Luxa was.
Gregor was about to ask Howard about Luxa, but he seemed to be able to read Gregor's mind before he asked. "Luxa is doing well, but she misses you and wishes to see you again.
She was caught trying to escape about a week ago, but the guards found her right when she was about to board her Flier, Aurora, with a bag full of supplies for her journey." Howard said. Gregor thanked Howard. Feeling reassured Gregor fell asleep again quite easily.
The next time Gregor was awoken they were flying through a tunnel pretty fast. When light started to protrude in to the cave Gregor got nervous, what was he going to say to Luxa when he sees her? "Hey Luxa, I missed you." That sounded pretty lame to Gregor, but what else could he say.
When Regalia came into focus Gregor felt sad. After the war between the Rats and the Humans, everything was partially destroyed. The crops that provided grain to the Underlanders were destroyed, along with most of the houses that weren't behind the palace walls. Gregor took a peek at the palace. Gregor sighed in relief, because the palace was still intact.
Vikus was already waiting for them on the balcony at the front of the Palace when Nike and Andromeda landed. Gregor hastily jumped off when Nike landed. Gregor ran over to Vikus and said exhaustedly. "You don't know how glad I am to see you." "Same as I." Vikus responded. Gregor was happy to see Vikus well.
Before, on Gregor's final prophecy Vikus went into shock after he had been told that his wife, Solovet, had been killed in an ambush while she was seeking the Spinner's alliance. "But now, Vikus seemed to be taking it pretty well." thought Gregor.
"But now, I shall escort Gregor to the baths so he may cleanse himself." said Vikus to both Mareth and Howard. While Gregor was walking beside Vikus down the main hall, Vikus asked Gregor. "How fairs your mother Gregor?" "She seems okay Vikus, but I don't think she shows it to me or my sisters. She might have to go back to New York to find a good Doctor." Gregor gave out.
Vikus took a few minutes to take in what Gregor had said, When Vikus responded. "I will see what I can do." "Thanks." Gregor said appreciably.
Gregor followed Vikus through winding staircases and halls until they reached the baths. "I will leave you here. We hope that you will be attending our welcoming feast for you in one hour." Said Vikus, and walked back through the winding halls.
Gregor walked into the changing rooms. He quickly undressed and waded into the steaming water. "Ahh." said Gregor feeling relieved. Gregor remembered that the underground springs bring in both hot and cold water.
Gregor washed his hair and cleaned himself slowly, taking his time cleaning all the grit that had settled on his skin when he followed Temp into the Underland. When Gregor finished, he got out and dried himself off. Then he put on the silk clothes that had been waiting for him on the bench, closest to the baths.
When Gregor put his hands into his pockets he felt something. He pulled it out. It was a note from Dulcet. Gregor read it.
Gregor, Hazard is pleased to know that you are visiting and would feel most delighted to see you and Boots soon. I will be more than happy to care for Boots while you are busy.
Dulcet
After Gregor had read the note, he slid it back into his pocket and left the room in a hurry so he wouldn't be late.
Gregor walked through the confusing halls and stairs, even retracing his steps to find his way to the dining room. Howard and Mareth were already waiting there for him when he got there. Gregor was amazed by all the delicious smelling foods that were lying on the table, waiting to be eaten.
"There you are." exclaimed Mareth who walked over to Gregor. Gregor could see that Mareth was getting better at walking with his prosthetic leg. "We thought you were not going to come."
"Why wouldn't I?" replied Gregor. "With all this great food, I would never miss it." when Gregor finished speaking, he heard a small knock on the door. He turned around and saw Vikus standing there. And there with him was his Granddaughter
YOU ARE READING
Gregor and the Overlander :: Book 6
FanfictionDays after Gregor had returned from the Underland, his family moved off to his uncle's farm all the way down in Virginia. His family had hoped to escape the backward ways of the Underland, but not Gregor. He had plenty of scars to remind him of all...
