The New King (Sequel to The Prince Behind the Veil)

Chapter 6: The Scroll

 "So, what exactly do we plan on doing, Violet?" King Hatchett asked, as Violet, Simon, and the prison guard entered the king's meeting room.

"Father, I need to discuss something with you," Violet said. "Alone."

"Very well," King Hatchett said. "It has been wonderful meeting with you, Lord Oliver. I'm afraid we will discuss the boundary lines later. My daughter here, needs to speak with me," King Hatchett gestured towards Violet.

"Thank you, your majesty!" Lord Oliver stood from his chair, and bowed to the king.

He was escorted to the door by guards, when he bowed to Violet as well, before leaving.

The prison guard ushered Simon over to the long meeting table. "Your grace," Simon bowed, his hands still handcuffed behind his back.

"Young man," King Hatchett asked. "Why are you..... handcuffed?"

"Oh, well, er- I.... uh," Simon stuttered.

"Father, this," Violet jerked her thumb at Simon. "Is what I need to speak with you about,"

"Please, both of you, have a seat," King Hatchett said. "Now, what is this?"

Violet explained how Edward had disguised Simon in order to escape the jail, about the Kingdom Violet, how Simon had the possible gateways on a map, and unfortunately, Thomas was indeed with Edward.

King Hatchett put a hand over his mouth, and took a deep breath. "Simon," he said. "Tell me about yourself, please?"

"Oh, yes. I'm an earl from Balma Point, just by the mountain range. I am 19 years-old, and do not have evil magic, nor have ever practiced it." Simon concluded, smiling, even though he was sweating from the king's hard stare.

"Will you harm my daughter, or my son-in-law?" King Hatchett asked again.

"No, sir!" Simon replied, not smiling.

"Will you ever harm me?"

"Never!"

King Hatchett looked Simon over a few times, then said, "I believe you. Say, how did you meet Edward?"

Simon paused. Alright, here came the hard part......

"I have been friends with Edward since childhood. We could never be separated. I wouldn't have dared to think that his life would turn out like this. He fooled me, King Hatchett, really well. I haven't been able to get out of his grasp for...... for...... well, I let's just say he's got me pretty darn good," Simon sighed.

"I know how you feel," Violet said. "I was tricked very easily too, even earlier today I was fooled by him! But, we'll get through it," she said, and then added under her breath, "I wish Thomas was here." A tear slid down her cheek.

"I'm so sorry, princess," Simon felt terrible sympathy for Violet. "We can get Thomas back, I promise." Simon would have put a comforting hand on Violet's shoulder if his own hands weren't still handcuffed.

Violet took a deep breath, and wiped her eye. "Thank you," she said.

"We need help," King Hatchett said. "A lot of it. And fortunately, I know exactly who to call!" He stood up, and went to a nearby desk, opening a drawer. "Aha!" King Hatchett pulled a scroll out, raising it in the air in victory.

"Have you two heard of the Great Sorcerer Harvey?" King Hatchett asked, now seated at the meeting table again.

Both Violet and Simon gave the king a puzzled look.

King Hatchett sighed. "Yes, I suppose he hasn't done

anything too spontaneous in the past while.

"Anyway, he is a magician known to almost everyone! Harvey, oh what a wonderful man! He was one of my best acquaintances! Before you were born, Violet, I would always ask Harvey to join me at dinners and banquets to entertain all the guest! His magic was just brilliant!

"Once, at least 20 years ago, a terrible storm was cast over the land! Dragons, and any horrific beasts were coming to our kingdom. The story was so... well, so...... terrifying no one really talks about it much anymore......

"And Harvey, the generous, kind man he was, stepped up and defeated the dragons using his real magic! But, that battle took so much power and energy out of him, that Harvey left the village, leaving me a map and note of where he was now going to live. And, here it is!" King Hatchett unrolled the scroll, going half way down the table in length. The king also pulled on a piece of paper attached to the scroll, and read it aloud;

Dear King Hatchett,

I am afraid i must leave the village with Marney, my dear wife. That battle, oh how terrible, took all too much energy out of my old bones. I must relax in the mountains for some time, and regain my strength.

I have attached a map to this note of where my future home now stands. If you ever need me, emergency or just for a chat, use it and visit.

Tell madeline goodbye for me, and have a fantastic life, hatchett!

With all my heart, harvey mcintyre

"I have kept this map just in case I needed it," King Hatchett said. "I never had the chance to visit him because of how busy I was and still am," he sighed.

Violet scanned the map. There was a red ink line going from the village of Grasmere, all the way to a mountain range. Atop a hill, was a red circle.

"Is this where Harvey now lives?" Violet asked, pointing to the circle.

"Yes, it is," King Hatchett answered. "I was thinking, Violet," he continued. "What if you and Simon here, traveled to visit Harvey and receive some help from him in order to defeat Edward?"

"Oh, that would do us a great deal of help," Simon said, studying the map.

"Then let's leave now!" Violet exclaimed, standing up. "I want to get Thomas out of the Kingdom Violet as fast as we can! Besides, it's not dark yet,"

"And you're alright with me coming?" Simon asked, hoping he could get the handcuffs off very, very soon.

"You're one of the most important people in this group, Simon!" Violet said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "And anyway," she added. "We're friends now." Violet smiled at him.

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"Have a safe trip!" King Hatchett waved Violet and Simon away from the palace.

"Thank you, Father!" Violet called back. "We will!"

"Yes, thank you, your majesty!" Simon replied as well.

After getting packed up and changing into riding clothes, Violet and Simon were ready.

Violet held the scroll in her hand. "Ready?" She asked Simon happily.

"Um, yes?" Simon replied, laughing a little.

The two rode off out of the palace gates, and through the village. But, Simon stopped his horse before they entered the forest. Violet pulled her horse back, and rode up next to him. "What's wrong?" She asked.

"You have such courage to just ride off and be so happy," Simon replied. "All I ever do I wait, and worry! How do you do it?"

Violet smiled at Simon. "Hope. I have high hope," she replied.

"Hope?" Simon asked.

"Hope.... It's one of the most important things in life. Sometimes you have a very little amount, and that's perfect, it's just enough!" Violet answered. "Now, come on," she put a hand on Simon's arm. "We'll do this together!"

Simon smiled a queasy smile, and rode off through the forest with Violet by his side.