The Silver Isles Kingdom

Chapter 3

Chapter Three

Disappointed that she had spent three days of research and finding nothing about the last five years of the island, Alexis decided to go straight to the source of the knowledge. Jacque himself would give her the answers she sought, how hard could it be to bring him out of a trance? First she sent two of her servants to speak with him and that she had a special request for him. They did as told but returned thirty minutes later without him.

"He wouldn't even move your highness. We said everything that would make anyone jump to the opportunity to see you but he sat and didn't say a word in response," said the eldest of the two servants.

"Oh, very well, sergeant, you go speak with him. Say I want him to be my personal body guard, that should be enough to bring him here," Alexis was agitated but giving a commoner a high role as "body guard" to one of the royal family is just as high of an honor as becoming a knight. The sergeant saluted and exited the safe house to speak with Jacque at Alexis' request. This time it was only ten minutes and once again Jacque wasn't to be seen.

"I just don't understand," Alexis said, confused, "anyone else would be thrilled to speak with a princess or be her body guard. Why can't he take five minutes to speak with me and then go back to his meditation?"

"Perhaps her majesty could speak with him herself," suggested Melanie.

"After lunch, it's about that time right now," replied Alexis.

Though she had every intention to go speak with him, she decided to wait until the next day to try again. He may be a little less focused after what had been said this day and she may have a better chance later. After her lunch she went to a nearby shop with Melanie to buy more new clothing for both of them that they may blend in better. As they looked at the different options, she noticed someone who wore a long bow on his back, walking by the shop window. At first she thought it was just one of the archers, then she remembered that the archers wore armor and this young man did not. It was indeed Jacque. She motioned for Melanie and they decided to follow him, perhaps they'll see his house that she may be able to speak with him there.

After a while, they found that all he did was come into the village to buy some food for his own lunch, and afterwards he went to the Governor's mansion. Curious, they waited for him to return, this would be her chance to speak with him. After an hour he never showed. Disappointed, the two girls went back to the shop and bought the clothing they had picked out earlier. But she wasn't prepared for what was to happen when she returned to the safe house.

"Your highness," said one of her servants excitedly, "the most interesting thing has happened while you were away."

"Oh, and what could that be?" Alexis asked curiously.

"The young man, Jacque, returned to his usual spot by jumping from rooftop to rooftop. Only to stop here first to leave you this message."

"What!? That little sneak, he knew we followed him and ran along the rooftops to avoid us," she said looking at Melanie who seemed to think the same thing.

"No, actually, he didn't know until after his visit with the Governor," replied the servant, "he only wished to give this in response to our earlier attempts of speaking with him."

The servant handed Alexis the note that Jacque had left for her:

Princess Alexis,

I am flattered you wish to speak with me. I too wish to talk, but please wait until I am finished with my meditation. It is bothersome and hard to focus with these interruptions. Do accept my apology, I look forward to speaking in person. Jacque

"Well at least he had the decency to listen," Melanie said, as Alexis set the note down, "So will you speak with him tonight then?"

"After what I just did? I feel embarrassed to even see him now," replied Alexis, bewildered that he indeed was more decent than she had thought him to be.

"Then tomorrow night, I shall go with you," Melanie said with a smile. She was always willing to help her friend in anyway.

"Thank you Melanie, but if he does take a break for lunch time then I think that will be best to speak with him then. But I just don't know-"

"It'll be fine, Alexis, you know I'm here for you," reassured Melanie.

Alexis smiled at the thought that no matter what the situation, Melanie would always be there for her. She also knew that if trouble would arise, her overprotective sergeant would be there in a flash to prevent anything from happening. She and Melanie spent the rest of the day contemplating what they should say to him so that it wouldn't be awkward and that they would be able to convince him to tell them the history of the island and perhaps to also convince him to help in regaining the kingdom. For now they were safe, but Alexis had long before convinced herself that the enemy would be looking for her and the others soon.

The evening came quicker than she expected, she ate her dinner and quietly contemplated whether or not to go speak with Jacque now or later. But as she thought on this, night came and soon it was time for them to retire for bed. She stayed up for another hour and when sleep was inevitable she too turned in. I just hope he's willing to help. I don't know if he'll understand my situation, but it is worth a try. Alexis thought to herself. Sleep soon overcame her and she would continue what she started the next day.

"Lord Veshua, a hurricane approaches! What are we to do?" Exclaimed a panicked soldier.

"Let it come. I've read the history of this place, mages placed a spell around the castle and the island. The people would need someone to render aid to them so the kings of the past ensured the safety of this island. The storm will pass over without a single tree, let alone a leaf, fall on this island," replied Veshua.

"But, you've killed the king-"

"The spell isn't on who rules the kingdom, just the island."