The Legend Of The Five Queens : Arabella's tale

Chapter 12

Three days have passed since Arabella arrived at her hidden cabin. In those three days, Arabella has managed to develop a variety of fire abilities. She should do well in the battle against any who oppose her. It would be wise for her to retreat back to her castle to avoid any possible suspicion. She stands on the porch looking outward at the forest. She takes a moment to enjoy the peace as this may be the last time things will be this quiet. She must start putting her plans in motion now while the other Kings are busy with trying to prevent a world war.

   She walks to the mini barn where Equidor stays. She finds him laying down in the corner of his stall looking out of his window. He looks so peaceful right now in this stall. Unfortunately, they can not stay here any longer. There is real work that needs to be done now.

   He takes notice of her and walks over to the door. She rubs his head softly.

   "My sweet Equidor, it is time that we leave here,"

   She gathers up what little things she had brought and rides off towards the castle. Her first line of business should be to gather up the other Kings and Queens to discuss her ideas.

   After hours of traveling, they arrive back home. Some of the Knights and civilians take notice of their Princess's arrival. She guides Equidor this stall next to the castle. Equidor gets settled in his stall. She leaves the stall and is greeted by some of the daughters of the kingdom. They ask her a barrage of questions to which she gives minimum responses. She manages to get them to leave her alone.

   Arabella makes her way into the castle. She looks around the castle for Severus. The Queen asks around for her loyal bodyguard. The other knights guide her to the training grounds where he stands.

   Severus watches from above as the knights battle one another in practice.

   "I assume the Knights are practicing well given your quietness" Arabella approaches him behind slowly. The sound of her voice brings a smile to Severus's mouth. 

   "Princess Arabella, welcome home,"

   "Thank you, Severus. I'm going to cut straight to it. I need a meeting with King Dietrich immediately,"  She tells him. He gives her a look of confusion and slightly chuckles.

   "I can make arrangements but it will take some time to get a letter sent out to them. What is the occasion for the meeting?"

   "I am just in need to speak with him. I wish to form an alliance with him and his kingdom," She tells him as she walks to the balcony overlooking her knights.

   "But Arabella only a Queen is supposed to be forming alliances. Why would want to make such an advancement?" He grows a little suspicious of her words.

   "Oh dear Severus, why do you ask so many questions? Mother hired you to obey me without question," She puts her hands on the railing.

   "That is true my Princess," He stands next to Arabella and looking over the field.

   "I will send out a letter immediately as wished" His response gives her a bit of joy.

   A week has passed and Arabella's wish has been fulfilled. As promised, Severus sent out a letter requesting a meeting between king Dietrich and Princess Arabella. The week leading up to the letter being sent out was uneventful. She mostly spent her days with her people fulling her duties as a Princess. The princess worked hard to keep the people happy and distracted from the possibility of war.

   In hiding, Arabella practices using her fire manipulation abilities deep within her castle. She moves her hands swiftly above the firepit making the fire dance and making it form different shapes.

   "My princess, King Dietrich has received our letter and hs greatly accepted to have a meeting with you at Castle," Severus tells her from behind. Arabella stops moving her hands and turns to face him.

   "Perfect, I will need to be transported over to his castle immediately. I've been wanting to meet him fora long time," She tells him.

    "So will you be requiring an escort to his castle, Princess?" He slowly approaches her.

   "Yes, I will be in needing of an escort. I need my arrival to be formal. I would not want to make a poor impression of our great kingdom," She pours water on the fire extinguishing it completely.

   "I believe that I can form an alliance much quicker than my father is able too. It has been nearly a full year since he left to begin his negotiations. Sometimes I wonder what has been taking him so long? Perhaps a woman is needed to get the job done," Arabella wraps her thin red robe around herself. Severus lets out a large sigh.

   "Arabella, you know your father has trouble with speaking to other royal members. It is just the way he is. I would not think too hard about it for it may distract you from your quest,"

   "I suppose you are correct The last thing I need is for me to become distracted during these times. Tomorrow, when the sun is highest in the sky I wish to leave," She leaves the room and walks up the spiral stairway.

   The next day when the sun sits highest in the sky, Arabella is lifted into her own special carriage. Severus with a small group of knights escorts her to king Dietrich's castle.

   Seven full days pass before Arabella and her guards arrive at king Dietrich's castle. His knights open the gate allowing her into the onto the castle grounds. Arabella is helped out of her carriage and straightens out her red dress. She takes a look at her new surroundings. In front of her stands two giant stone statues of the king. The castle itself is surrounded by a tall thick wall made of brick. Two tall towers overlooking the wall each hold one soldier with a crossbow at the ready.

   "Princess Arabella, it is a pleasure to have you here," A tall lengthy man approaches her. The gentleman has short great hair. His shoulders are broad and boney. A long white and black royal robe covers his body down to the floor.

   "And whom might you be?" She asks while slowly approaches him.

   "I am Thurstan the priest of this find kingdom. I also happen to be the right-hand man of King Dietrich himself," He leans down and kisses her hand gently. She finds his act of kindness amusing. It is clear that he too is trying to make a good impression on her

   "Is King Dietrich in the castle?" She ask his her eyes dart towards the castle itself.

   "Yes, he is awaiting your arrival in his personal meeting room. I shall escort you to him right away," He directs his hand towards the castle. Arabella yells Severus to wait behind with the other knights. Arabella smirks as the two of them walk into the castle.