Underland Chronicles: 1 - The Border's Edge (A Gregor the Overlander FanFic)

Chapter 18

Pandora was sure she had retraced her steps perfectly, but maybe she had gotten off on the wrong floor. She walked past the only room in the Palace with a wooden door... the Prophecy Room. Pandora stopped and turned around. The door was ajar, and she peeked in, hoping to see Nerissa. She thought that company might help her mind and body unwind faster.

Nerissa was chewing thoughtfully, eating from a platter before her as she reclined against a wall and read a prophecy near her. She was huddled in many fabrics, and had to hold her long sleeves in one hand to avoid getting them dirty when she reached for more food.

She noticed Pandora when she pushed the door open. "Hello, Pandora," she said with a smile.

"Hi," was all Pandora could come up with to say. She sat on the floor in front of her.

"Would you like a stuffed mushroom?" Nerissa gestured to the platter. Pandora shook her head. "You would like some company?" she guessed. At this, Pandora nodded.

"I am glad I get to spend some genuine time with you," she smiled. "I'm afraid your stay here in the Underland hasn't been the most pleasant, but everything should brighten from this point."

"I was wondering," Pandora said slowly, "if you could... tell me about... Sandwich."

"I know much about Bartholomew of Sandwich," Nerissa replied. "I make it my duty to know. I memorize his prophecies and strive to write down his full history. What would you like to know?"

"Anything," Pandora said. She now remembered that Pan had calmed her down by encouraging her to think of something that she enjoyed. Pandora loved history and reciting some historical facts had helped calm her down after her last encounter with the stingers. She hoped that some Underland history would have the same effect.

Pandora was intrigued by what Nerissa told her. It was so interesting to see how fifteenth century Overland culture was brought to the Underland. When Nerissa brought up the Regalians' other name, the killers, Pandora let her know about Hazard's brief explanation. Nerissa also explained how Sandwich and his followers attained the land that Regalia stood on. As Nerissa continued, Pandora felt noticeably more relaxed.

"Tell me," Nerissa said, ending her brief history lesson. "Why were you so upset when you came in?"

"Oh, I wasn't upset," Pandora said. "Well... mainly... I ran into Hazard and Mareth when they were talking with one of the stingers. I was always scared of spiders and scorpions in the Overland, but my fear of the stingers here in the Underland is ten times stronger. I get so terrified that I completely freeze!"

"Phobias are powerful," Nerissa said, nodding as she understood. "Focusing on something you love to do helps. When I get nervous or scared, I come in here and read my favorite prophecy." She pointed to a short poem on the wall. "The Peacemaker Prophecy fills me with hope, even though many believe it has already come to pass."

"Do you think prophecies can repeat themselves?"

"I do not know, but if I had to choose one that I thought would repeat, it would be this one."

"What do you think Sandwich's Last Prophecy is about?"

"I have spent much time thinking about it. I believe I have figured out a few lines, but most of it is still puzzling."

"What've you got so far?"

Nerissa leaned back on a wall to help her stand up. They both walked over to the opposite wall, where Sandwich had carved his prophecy. Pandora took a minute to reread it.

Apple of Regalia,

Of wisdom and release,