Chapter 39

After a great night Roonie opens her eyes, and for a moment forgets where she is. She looks over at Luke, who is still fast asleep. She rises and looks around the beautiful room filled with nautical decor. The shell-plated headboard of the bed glistens in the light. A little tap on the door startles her and she jumps back accidentally knocking over a small shell tray on the dresser. "C-Come in?" she stutters. A maid pops her head in and says in a sweet voice, "Good morning Miss, have I woken you?" "Oh not at all. I'm so sorry, but I seem to have broken this." Roonie tells her. "Don't worry Miss it is easily replaced. I have come to invite you to tour the village with a member of the royal court. He knows much about it, and may be able to help you find out what's become of your dear friend." Roonie agrees and tells the maid she will wake the others. "Oh and Miss, King Tidus and Nerina invite you to join them for breakfast in the dining hall." "Wonderful! I'm starving!" Roonie says before thanking the maid.

Once the others have woken, and dressed, they retreat downstairs to the dining hall. The King and Queen of Castlerock welcome them and offer them a table filled with delicious breakfast foods. They chat happily about their journey, and prepare to go to the village to ask about Cirrus. "Good morning!" a young merman greets as he enters the room. His sparkling turquoise tail gently swishes through the water as he approaches them. The perfect man for the job, his shining brown hair and crystal blue eyes entice them to find out what he has to say. "I'm Calypso, and I'll be your tour guide today." he continues. Cade introduces himself and the others, and they prepare for their journey to meet the villagers of Castlerock.

Down in the village, the villagers are hurrying about, and merchants are showing off and selling their items. As we stroll through the village, an older merchant mermaid waves at Calypso and swims over to us. "I couldn't help but notice you strolling around town. What brings you here?" she asks. As Calypso chats away to the merchant for nearly five minutes or more, Cade clears his throat. "Oh where are my manners, this is Serena," Calypso says. The group introduces themselves and asks her questions about Cirrus. "I'm sorry, but I haven't heard of a Cirrus Wisteria." she tells the group. The group thanks her and explains they need to ask a few more mermen and mermaids about Cirrus's whereabouts, and go onto the next half of the cottages.

Six hours later.... After hours of speaking with some of the villagers of Castlerock, and with no luck of finding out any information about Cirrus, the group return back to the castle. "Hopefully we'll be able to find something out tomorrow about poor Cirrus. As of right now I think it would be best if we all get some rest for tomorrows journey through the village," Cade suggests. The group nods in agreement and expires to their rooms for the remainder of the night.

Two days have passed, and the group hasn't had any luck in finding Cirrus. After numerous attempts, Tulip has still been unable to bring me out of my vegetable state, and my vision brings me to Cade and the others talking about speaking with the villagers once more. Cade and the others decide to split up to ask a few of the villagers if they have seen, or heard from Cirrus since her disappearance. As Cade exits the castle, he notices a mermaid with a gorgeous green tail, and light brown hair. "Hello there, do you have a minute? I just have a few questions" Cade asks her. "Sure thing. I was just on my way to see the king, but I can spare a few minutes" she replies. "I'm Miranda" she tells him. Cade introduces himself, and explains the mysterious disappearance of Cirrus, and how he and a few members of his kingdom are looking for her.

"Cirrus left us a note stating she was heading to Stone Ridge to help some of the villagers there, but we received word back from the kingdom stating she had never made it there" Cade explains to Miranda. "I'm sorry majesty, but I haven't heard of anyone by that name. Come to think of it, you and your people are the only new comers we have had in a very long time" she says. Miranda then leans over and whispers in Cade's ear, "But there is someone that kind of sticks to herself; who lives just outside of the castle. Her name is Coral, and if you ask me, she is kind of odd. Rumors say she has the power to speak with the dead, and see what has happened to those who were lost. Perhaps she can help you find your friend, I can take you there if you would like." Cade gives her a smile and says, "That would be wonderful! Follow me and I'll round up the others, and give them this information."

A few hours later, Cade and Miranda find the group who is looking for him. "I'm sorry Cade, but we haven't found anyone who knows anything about Cirrus or her whereabouts" Thatcher tells him. Cade gives the group a slight smile before replying, "I haven't had much luck either, but there is one villager left to speak with, and I thought we should all be there to ask her questions. Her name is Coral, and I have been told that she has some special powers, that might be able to help us find our dear friend. This is Miranda, and she offered to kindly show us the way." The group excitedly agrees, and they follow Cade and Miranda outside of the village to seek Coral.

The group follows Miranda down a long path just outside of the village with sea shells, starfish, and clam shells sprawled about. After an hour of traveling, they pass through an alley filled with beautiful sea shells with tall kelp. "Not too much further now" Miranda says. "Are you sure we should be talking to this odd mermaid? I mean for all we know she could cast a spell on us, or even lock us all away somewhere" Roonie chokes out nervously. Cade lets out a small laugh, "Leave it to you sister to think of the worst possible things that might happen. I'm sure she's pretty harmless." Just a few moments later, Miranda turns to face the group, "This is as far as I will go, Coral lives in the cavern over there. Do you think you can find your way back to the castle from here?" Cade nods and says, "Yes, I think we can take it from here, thank you Miranda for your help." Miranda gives a nod and heads back to the castle to see the sea king, as the group heads inside of the huge cavern.

Large stone walls filled with vines and tall kelp decorate the walls of the cavern. In the middle of what looks to be the living room, stands a metal pot, and on the far side of the room stands a table with a crystal ball. Suddenly a strange voice fills the room, "Please come in, it isn't every day I get visitors." As the group enters the living room, off to the far left is Coral sitting in her chair, with her bright elegant tail flicking every now and then. She gets up and swims over to us, "You must be the new comers everyone in town is talking about! Now I know you didn't just come here to talk to an old woman, what is it I can help you with my dearies?" Cade tells her of Cirrus and how Miranda told him how she might be able to help find her. 

Coral grins widely and tells Cade, "Yes, I believe I can help you! Please come sit at the table." Cade looks at the group, shrugs, and does just as he was asked. Coral sits across the table from him, "Now dear, can you tell me the last time Cirrus was seen?" Cade thinks for a moment before replying, "Well Ma'am, our friend Tulip saw her last, a few weeks ago. That was the last time anyone has seen her." Coral gives Cade a puzzled look and says, "I see. I'm going to need complete silence while I try to contact the great spirits. No matter what happens, none of you must make a single move or sound." Cade gives her a nod to say that he's ready.

She then places both hands on the crystal ball and says, "Great spirits of the past, I would like to contact the enchanter Cirrus Wisteria." Two hours go by as Coral keeps chanting to the spirits, then suddenly the lights in the room go out, and relight once again. Coral smiles and says, "The spirits are here with us now, and would like to cooperate with us." "Great spirits of the past, I have friends here of the enchanter Cirrus Wisteria who are looking for her. Do you know of her whereabouts?" she continues.

"Aha!!!" Coral shouts nearly making Shelly jump out of her skin. "The spirits can't tell me exactly what happened to her, but she has recently passed on to the spirit world. She is here with us now, but she is not strong enough to contact us" she continues. The group looks among one another as silent tears stream down their cheeks. Almost collapsing to the floor, Shelly says with a sorrowful voice, "Oh dear Cirrus! What happened to you?" Thatcher catches her in his arms and says, "Don't worry sweetheart, we'll find out what happened to her, if it's the last thing we do!" Cade hangs his head low as he tries to take in all the new information, as the others all agree on finding out what truly happened to poor Cirrus.

Hurt and frustrated, Cade rises and wipes the tears from his rosy cheeks, "Indeed we will my friends. We will find out what happened to dear Cirrus. Thank you for your help Coral, I'm forever grateful. My friends, I know we have traveled a long way already, but we must make way to Stone Ridge. Perhaps they will have word on whatever happened to our dearest friend. I know I have asked so much from you all, so if any of you would like to travel back home, you are free to do so." Jax breaks the silence and replies, "I know I can speak for all of us by saying that Cirrus has done so much for us all, and that we're all in this together. I know there's nothing we want more than to find out what happened to her." The group shouts and agrees with Jax about staying with Cade through his journey to Stone Ridge. Cade beams and says, "Thank you all my good friends! I'll see King Tidus at once, and let him know what we have found out. Make sure to have all of your belongings ready and packed for the trip. We leave for Stone Ridge at once." The group agrees, and thanks Coral again for her findings on Cirrus. She nods and tells them they're welcome, and to be sure to visit again sometime.

Once the group returns to the castle, Cade heads off to see the king and queen, while the others return to their chambers to pack their things. Approaching one of the guards, Cade says, "I would like to see King Tidus at once, to let him know of our findings regarding our friend." The guard nods and heads into the throne room to let the king and queen know they have a visitor. "Pardon majesties, King Cade of Brendlewood to see you." The guard tells them. "Ah yes, please send him in," the king replies. The guard bows, and then shortly returns with Cade right behind him. "Ah King Cade, I do hope you had luck with finding your friend," King Tidus says. Cade sadly hangs his head down, then looks back up at the king, "No your majesty. Sadly I have found out she has passed away. I came across a villager by the name of Coral, who helped me find out the sad news."

"Oh yes Coral, a very odd mermaid, but very helpful in her special ways. My deepest sympathy to you and your friends. I know Cirrus had meant a great deal to you all, and I do hope you find out what happened to her." Tidus replies. "Yes she did, and actually we're heading off to Stone Ridge to see if they have any word on what happened. Thank you for your hospitality and your kindness. It means so much to me and my friends." Cade tells him. Tidus smiles and says, "You're quite welcome, and if you're ever in the area again, please don't be a stranger. You are always welcome to visit here whenever you like." Cade bows and thanks him, and exits the room to meet the others by Priscilla who is behind the counter. She smiles and says, "I hope you enjoyed your stay, even though it wasn't on the best of terms." The group all thank her as she hands them all some sea cucumber. "You're all very welcome. Now don't forget to eat your sea cucumber before you put your oxygen masks back on, this will help you return to your normal breathing habits." she explains. The group does exactly as she instructed, and make their way back to the beach from which they came.

Four days later..... 
The group finally step in front of the castle gates of Stone Ridge. "Hault! Who goes there?" A guard who is armed with his bow asks. Shelly lets out a giggle as the others give her a strange look, "Why I'd know that voice anywhere!" "Marcus! It's been ages, my dear friend!" she continues. "Why Princess Shelly! Forgive me your grace, for I didn't recognize you!" he says as he bows. "Jacob don't stand there like an idiot! Inform the king at once! His daughter is here with some friends of hers!" Marcus tells as he slaps him in the back to the head. Jacob then heads inside to inform the king as Marcus opens the castle's gates.

A few moments later... 
Sir. Jacob flings the castle door open, "The king will see you now" "Thank you Jacob" Shelly replies with a smile. The group then follows Marcus down a long dark hallway lit only by torches. As he opens the door which leads to the throne room, a tall older man adorning a crown, with white hair and pale skin, stands to greet us. The group bows as Cade introduces everyone, until he reaches my name, and the king interrupts him. "I know very well who that is young man. Sweetheart!" he yells joyfully as he sprawls his arms out, inviting me into them. Shelly laughs excitedly as she runs into her fathers arms, "Oh daddy I have missed you so much! How have you and everyone else been holding up?" "We have been doing well, and we have much to discuss. I'm sure your friends don't want to stand there and listen to us babble about. We can discuss it later" "Father unfortunately our journey here is not of a happy nature. We need help with finding out what happened to a close friend of ours that has recently passed away" Shelly continues.

With a puzzled look, her father asks, "Is this regarding your message about that poor woman who's gone missing?" "Sadly it is majesty. I have reason to believe she was murdered. Have you seen her, or perhaps heard anything about who murdered her?" Cade asks. "Ah, King Cade of Brendlewood! I wish we were meeting on happier circumstances, but it is a pleasure to meet you. Murdered huh? I haven't heard of any murders around here, nor do I have anymore news to give you. I try to keep the court as peaceful as possible. I have strict rules here your majesty, and those who do not obey them, do not go without punishment. I know you and your friends must be very tired from your trip. You are free to stay as long as you like, and please feel free to explore the court. I'm sure you will find something of interest here" King Richard tells Cade. "Ahem, grandfather, aren't you forgetting something?" Rohan whispers. King Richard scratches his head, "I am? Ohhh indeed I am, where are my manners? Cade, this is Rohan and his wife Isabelle, they will be crowned King and Queen of Stone Ridge in just a few weeks. I'm getting much too old to be running a kingdom. I'm sure you all have met my grand-daughter, Melina." "Yes Majesty, she stayed in our kingdom for a bit until we could get her some place safe" Cade replies. Shelly smiles wide before saying, "Father, there is someone here with me who I would like you to meet. Luke and Roonie, Come up here for a second please." Roonie looks over at Luke with a confused look upon her face, and follows him. "Father, this is your grandson, Luke and his queen, Roonie of Learia. He was pretty young when Carolin's castle was attacked, and you never got to meet him" Shelly explains. "A very handsome young man indeed! I'm sure he will make a fine king for Learia!" King Richard says with excitement.

"Sweetheart I....Oh I was unaware we have guests. I'm so sorry for intruding" says a beautiful young blonde woman. "No need to be sorry my dear. I present to you my new queen, Kathrine" the King announces. Cade and the others bow as Shelly stands mouth agape in shock. Shelly's father gives her a strange look as if she should say something. With an apologetic smile she gives a little curtsy and replies, "It's a pleasure to meet you your grace." Her father smiles at Kathrine, "My dear, this is my daughter, Shelly who I have told you so much about, and these are her friends.

A big smile spreads across Kathrine's face as her glittering crown shines on her pale skin, "Your father speaks great things about you and his grandsons. I hope you all are as pleased with me as he is. Shelly, I would love to get to know you better, perhaps we can meet in the garden later where we can become better acquainted." "That sounds wonderful your majesty," Shelly smiles and answers back. Returning her respond with a grin the queen says, "Please, call me Kathrine." She then bows and plants a kiss on the kings lips, "I'll leave you to attend to your duties, I love you sweetheart." Richard then clears his throat and says, "Yes, well- I'm sure you all are starved from your long journey. Dinner will be ready soon, and you all are more than welcome to join me in the dining hall. My wife's finest lady will show you all to your rooms, where you may prepare for the feast." The group agrees, and bows before following Lady Marie up to their rooms.