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

Chapter 25

Pandora headed down to where Nike had been the night before to see that two guards were posted at the entrance. "Nike?" she asked. The guards didn't give her any trouble for walking into the room.

"Oh, Pandora!" she cried. "Have you seen him? How is he?"

"So you do know Howard's here."

"Yes. They told me the minute they landed. I wanted to see him right away, but they said it wasn't possible. When I put up a fight, they blocked me in." Nike was obviously very upset, but Pandora doubted the guards would let her pass.

"I'll try to get Vikus to dismiss them," Pandora said. "Howard's out of surgery. He's awake now."

"He is?"

"Yeah. He was in a lot of pain but they just gave him some medicine."

"Oh," Nike seemed to have trouble expressing her emotions. "I'm so... so glad he still has time!"

"He still has a long way to go before it's safe to say he'll be fine."

"I must see him!"

"I'll go get Vikus right now."

"Thank you, Pandora!"

Walking up to the royal level of the Palace, a few servants pointed her to Vikus.

"Howard's awake and Nike should see him. Do you think you can call off the guards to her room?"

"Certainly," Vikus said, leaning heavily on his cane to help him stand. "Nike needs to see her bond now that he is in a stable state."

"Why're guards keeping her there?"

"Well," Vikus began. "The Regalians believe she has broken her bond. She awaits trial. However, I also believe they detained her for the same reason they detained you. It was better for Howard. And in Nike's case, better for her as well. Can you imagine how incredibly guilty she would have felt if she saw Howard in the state he was in before surgery?"

"I... yeah," Pandora answered him. "But wait... trial?"

"Remember, you, what Luxa said? Nike could be banished for breaking her bond. Although, I imagine it will be a difficult case... she is the princess of the fliers, after all."

"I'm sure Luxa wouldn't let that happen," Pandora said.

"Oh, yes. The queen can veto whatever decision the judges come to," Vikus answered. "However, that wouldn't affect everyone's impression of Nike afterwards."

"I guess you're right, Vikus," Pandora answered. "It all sounds awful. I hope everyone can see what she did was right."

Vikus nodded and promised to call off the guards.

Pandora led Nike to Howard's room in the hospital. When they arrived, Howard was fast asleep. Pandora smiled, grateful that he looked much more peaceful in his slumber than he had previously looked.

"He was awake a few minutes ago. I'm sorry you didn't have a chance to speak with him."

"Don't be. I am glad to see him safe inside the hospital. He is in good hands here."

"I'm going to get back to Vikus," Pandora said. "Do you want to come?"

Nike shook her head. "I wish to stay here with my bond."

"Alright, Nike. I'll see you later then." Pandora was planning to rejoin Vikus, but as she walked up the stairs, a strong feeling pulled at her gut. She rerouted her course and headed for the Royal Suite, one of the top floors of the Palace.