Forbidden

-Chapter Six: A Slight Change of Plans-

"Father?!" Jack yelled as he bust open the white wooden doors to his father's bedroom. Jack hesitated to move any closer after seeing the condition of his father. King Harry laid undisturbed on his bed, clothes were blood soak, bandages covered him, and his breathing was partially laboured.

"Jack my boy, it looks like I have taken on quite some damage." Harry said with a slight laugh as Jack smiled sympathetically. "The witches tried their best; I should be healed up in a few weeks."

"We tried herbal remedies for the pain, but the broken bones were trickier." Emily explained as she rested her hand on Jack's shoulder.

"There's only so much we can do with our knowledge. I'm sorry but after a few more treatments he should be fine." Sam finished explaining.

"Wait a minute! I went to the Forbidden Forest and brought back a few people with me! Just give me one moment!" Jack said as he got up and left the room.

King Harry scoffed as he carefully crossed his arms before saying, "he didn't even ask about my near-death experience."

"Now, now my king. I'm sure he has an explanation." Sam said as he rolled his eyes jokingly.

"... injured." Was the only audible word from Jack as he brought the guest from the Forest into the kingdom.

"Mother!" Emily's and Sam's voice yelled out as they saw Sellandia enter King Harry's room. Sellandia was nowhere near blood related to the young couple, but all the witches and wizards of the new coven held a high respect for Sellandia (seeing that she's the only survivor from the old coven).

"Hello my dear children!" Sellandia said softly as she hugged the two. "We shall catch up later, for now I need to know what you did to Harry."

"Sellandia my beautiful friend! Where's Drayde?" King Harry asked before he heard the rattle from the lantern hanging freely from the stick. "There you are, old friend."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Why is it that when we always meet you are injured?" Sellandia asked as she joined Drayde's side.

"Not all the time! The first time you introduced me to Drayden I was healing from a carriage accident." King Harry corrected as Drayde smiled.

"Hmm, I can see the bandages that held you together." Drayde softly spoke as he gave off a small chuckle before the creaking of the floor board interrupted their little reunion.

"Ah, so your small family has grown?" King Harry asked as he acknowledged the presence of the forest witches.

"Your highness, I'm Lilith-" "And I'm Hana!" They said introducing themselves.

"Welcome to Asterin! If you ever need anything don't be afraid to ask!" Harry welcomed as he exchanged looks between Hana and Lilith. Harry took immediate notice of Lilith's appearance; the bold and dark makeup was a Findarian style. She also had a more laid back, modern style of Findara that has recently been spreading around. Lilith also looked tired, much like she has taken years of abuse and neglect. Yet, there is a glimmer in her eyes that sparked with passion. "You're far from home, aren't you?" Harry asked Lilith as she nodded her head.

"I'm sorry Lilith but dad what happened to you?!" Jack asked as he sat in a chair close to his bedside.

"This is a funny story actually. Please have a seat everyone!" King Harry offered as the witches and wizard created a seat for themselves around the bed. Jack and Harry watched in awe before Harry continued on, "It was right after you all left to go retrieve more wood for the houses for the refugees. I'm assuming you met Sellandia and Drayde because you didn't lead the volunteers to the cutting ground like I told you to. So, you decided to go to the closest 'cutting ground' where you and the volunteers ended up cutting too deep into the forest, did I assume correctly?"