Black Crystal Part 1 - The Origin

Chapter Four ~ The Princess Awakens

 The chapel was silent as everyone realized that they were in the presence of Lenora, who had no idea what was going on. Garen couldn't imagine how fearful such an experience must be, and once again, he felt some sort of natural protectiveness over her almost like instinct. He couldn't help but feel bad for her. After the moment of silence, the Bishop smiled kindly and spoke up.

"You're in the village of Grants Pass, your highness," he said to her. "I am Bishop John Sleadd. We found you in the forest outside our village."

"John Sleadd...? I wanted to know about that," Lenora replied, looking around the chapel nervously. "I have no recollection of leaving the castle at home... How far are we from the Capitol?"

"Approximately 500 kilometers south from the Capitol," Lucius responded. Immediately, a look of fear came upon Lenora's face.

"What...!?" she gasped. "How did I end up so far from home!?" Lucius exchanged glances with the Bishop, and the Bishop nodded in response. Lucius sighed and turned towards Lenora.

"Your highness," he began, "when we found you, there were... demons surrounding you."

"Likely story," Lenora scoffed, backing away from everyone. "You expect me to believe something like that!? Just tell me how to get home, please!"

"Only if you're willing to talk." The Bishop's calming voice silenced everyone. Lenora's eyes met the Bishop's, and there was a moment where it felt like time stood still. Garen looked at the two, and the Bishop smiled. "Your highness, relax. You are not in danger here. Please, have a seat. Would you like some tea, or some water, perhaps?" Lenora was silent for a moment before she spoke softly.

"Water, please," she said. The Bishop smiled and looked at Lucius. Immediately, Lucius nodded and left the chapel. Lenora slowly approached one of the wooden benches and sat down, looking at the other children.

"We're not your enemies, Princess Lenora." The Bishop sat in the bench across from her and looked at her with a kind expression. "Do you believe my words?" Hesitantly, Lenora nodded and the Bishop smiled. "Would you like to meet the children of this church? They're friends of mine, and in turn, friends of yours." Lenora looked at the three who stood behind the Bishop. The Bishop turned around and introduced them, pointing at them respectively. "These children here are Garen, Peter, and Anne. They live here in the church with me."

"They live here?" Lenora asked, looking around at the chapel. It was easy to tell that she was starting to calm down a little.

"We're orphans," said Peter. "None of us have parents or families to turn to, so the Bishop here decided to take us in. We do work for them, and in turn, they take care of us."

"Oh..." Lenora looked down at the ground. "I'm terribly sorry to hear that..." There was a moment of silence, but Lenora was shocked to hear Peter laughing. She looked up at his blemished face and he smiled.

"You don't need to apologize, Princess!" he exclaimed. "We've all done just fine on our own here, isn't that right?" Garen and Anne nodded, Lenora looked at the three children, all three of them smiling. They looked rather worn down, but they still managed to stay happy despite their unfortunate situation. Lenora smiled in return.

"I'm glad to know you're all so strong," she said. "It makes me feel like I'm in the right hands."

"That you are, your highness!" Lucius's voice came from the entrance to the chapel. Quickly, Lucius approached all of them, handing a glass of cold water to Lenora. "We'll do everything in our power to protect you, and we're currently in contact with your parents via letter. The Bishop himself sent one last night when we found you, so we anticipate a response within the next couple of days. In the meantime, we would like for you to stay here with us."

"I really appreciate the help," said Lenora. "But do you perhaps have a room that would be more accessible than the one you have me staying in? I feel a little creeped out, sleeping in an underground chamber."

"Which is fully understandable," the Bishop laughed. "Yes, of course we have more accessible sleeping quarters. Lucius, could you please show Princess Lenora to the main rooms?"

"Of course, sir." Lucius smiled and gestured for Lenora to follow him. She smiled and nodded standing up as she and Lucius left the chapel. Once the door was closed, the Bishop looked at Garen, Peter, and Anne.

"As for the escort," he began, "as much as I hate to ask it of you children, I will need you three to safely bring her back to the Capitol as soon as the King and Queen respond to my letter. Lucius will accompany you on the journey north, and I will arm you each with weapons." The Bishop looked out the stained glass windows of the chapel. "God knows how many brigands out there would kill to get their hands on the Princess... it's disturbing, to say the least."

"Well, you can count on us!" Anne said with great energy. "I am pretty good with a sword, after all."

"All three of you are," the Bishop chuckled. "It's really quite impressive for children of your ages to be so skilled in combat. While it is a saddening thought, it is fully understandable, especially in your situation here."

"Well, we've been on the streets for the majority of our lives," Peter replied. "We've had time to master the craft." Everyone but Garen seemed to be laughing, and when that became known, Peter gently shook him. "Hey, Garen. Are you alright?" Garen shook himself back to reality and he chuckled falsely.

"I'm fine," he replied, keeping his eye on the doors of the chapel. "Just... lost in thought."