Chapter 45

Shelly clutches her chest in shock and explodes into tears, "Everything is falling apart! Juliana missing, Father's dead, and now this!" I grab her and hold her close, soothing her. "It's gonna be alright. Just let it all out, and breathe" I tell her, stroking her hair. "I've got to go tell the others. Why don't you stay here and get some rest my friend" I continue. At this Shelly wipes her face and stands tall. "No, Nora. No, thank you! I am tired of all of this terror, and sadness, and I'm going to be part of the team that puts a stop to it!" she says coldly. "That's the spirit! Let's go get the others and figure out a plan!" I reply hurriedly. 

Once Jax, Tulip, Roonie, Luke, Bonnie and Arthur join us in the throne room, I explain about Richard's death, and my horrible vision. "But we barely got to know him!" Arthur says downheartedly. Roonie places her arm around Luke and rests her head on his shoulder in support. Silence spreads across the room for a moment as our group, and Luke curls his fists tightly. "This is madness! I'm going after him!" he growls behind clenched teeth. Roonie breaks away from him turning to face him, and her voice trembles, "Darling it's too dangerous! Please don't go!" Jax stands in thought for a moment before chiming in, "Don't worry Roonie, I'll go with him." She looked a little relieved, but now Tulip was the one concerned. I heard her whisper to Jax, something about not wanting him to go. But, surely he calmed her, for ten minutes later the boys were off to hunt down the rabid lycan Phillip. 

 
Shelly demanded to go but us girls helped calm her, and remind her that she would only be putting herself at risk with her emotions running high. "Besides, you should wait here for Thatcher and Juliana's return" Tulip tells her sweetly. The reminder of her husband and kidnapped daughter sends her reeling into tears once again, she rushes off to her room as Tulip calls out apologies. "Oh, Mom don't cry..." Arthur says as he turns to follow her. Roonie frowns and turns to Tulip, "Why would you say that?" But, Tulip looks taken aback, "I was only trying to help. She shouldn't be out there with that horrible creature! I wasn't trying to upset her, but encourage her to be positive about her family." Bonnie steps in abruptly, "Hey! You know what I think? I think she should tell it to her straight. No sugar coating, just the facts. If you've got that then you can start working through the issues. I think you guys are too easy on her sometimes!" Tulip throws her hands up on her hips and scowls, "Well you know what Bonnie!? Nobody asked you! Not everyone likes such a sassy, brash attitude all the time!" Bonnie raises her eyebrows in disbelief, and Roonie pipes up, "Yeah Bonnie. Maybe for once you could stay out of it!" 

Bonnie gives Roonie a little shove, "At least I don't shrink in fear every time something new or a little scary happens!" Tulip shoves Bonnie in anger, "Hey! Don't shove her!" Within seconds the girls are in a shouting match, arguing back and forth, a couple of shoves here and there, and a few torn dresses before I can interject. My voice goes unnoticed as the girls tumble around in their ridiculous brawl. Trying again, I take a deep breath, and say as loudly as I can, "GIRLS STOP THIS AT ONCE!" They freeze instantly and rise, attempting to smooth their disheveled hair.  "Just look at yourselves! We're best friends, and family. Some of us are even royalty; how can you behave this way?" Roonie's maroon hair now hung in a frazzled mess around her shoulders. The sleeves of Bonnie's dress were ripped at the seams, and Tulip's right eye now a slightly purple puff. Roonie bursts into tears and puts her face into her palms. Bonnie scoffs, "Typical." Tulip barks, "Shut up Bonnie!" "Both of you stop it!" I shout, "Look I know tensions are high with everything that is going on, and I know that's the only reason you guys would be so horrible to one another, but we've got to keep our heads about us! We've got to be strong and stick together! Otherwise Dragon Valley and the other evils win! They want us to fall apart, and turn on each other." 

"What ever Nora! I'm not apologizing for them being hateful to me. I'm going to have the maids draw me a bath" Tulip snaps as she storms off. "Good cause I'm not apologizing for something I didn't do!" Bonnie calls after her before mockingly storming off in the other direction. "Girls...." I say softly as a last attempt, but only Roonie remains with me; sobbing into her palms. "There, there now Roonie. We'll get it worked out" I tell her. She sniffs hard, and wipes her face. "This is why I never speak my mind. Every time I do it never goes well. I was just worried about Shelly. I don't think Tulip should have brought up her husband and missing daughter while she's so upset" Roonie says between hiccups. "I know Roon, but everyone is on edge right now and scared, and well Tulip was just trying to help. You know that she would never try to upset Shelly  intentionally" I explain. She nods, "I know, I just got upset and with everything going on it just bursted out of me! I don't know how Bonnie can do that all the time. I know they didn't mean what they were saying, but it still hurt my feelings....some Queen of Learia I am." I pull her into a hug, "Don't even worry about that. Learia's royal courts are doing just fine while you and Luke are helping us here. Once all this mess with Dragon Valley and everything is settled, I know you can return to Learia and be the Queen it needs" She gives me a smile, "Oh Nora, You always know what to say."

After gathering the girls back up, and talking things through, apologies are made. "I knew it was just because of stress! Our little group of girls is now stronger than ever, and I'm glad that they were able to work things out. If we turn on each other there's no way we can take down Carolin" I think to myself. Roonie suggests everyone gets a good night sleep, and Tulip adds that we should follow it with a hearty breakfast. "I think we'll all feel much better in the morning" Bonnie smiles. "Group hug!" I say in a corny voice, and the girls chuckle as we embrace.

Late that night as everyone sleeps, I awake in the darkness. The satin lined comforter hugs me, and I quickly scan the room. Unsure of what had woken me I decide to crawl out of bed and check the window. Peering down to the courtyard and castle entrance I can just make out three figures walking in a line. The middle one slouches and walks rather slowly, and every now and then the last one pokes him with what appears to be a walking stick. "I bet I can guess who that is..."  I think to myself, and quickly rush downstairs.

The large castle doors swing open with a bang and sure enough Luke, Jax and Phillip come barging through the door. The guys each grab Phillip by the arm, and secure him tightly. "Highness..." he snarls in a condescending tone. "Indeed! You are aware that Madame Parfon is under agreement not to harm Brendlewood aren't you?" I rhetorically ask. "Not anymore it's not" he laughs. Luke, Jax and I exchange glances and I instruct them to take him to the dungeons. I follow the three of them down the old staircase as it winds down, far from the main part of the castle. Away from finely decorated rooms, away from the sweet smells of the kitchen and maids scurrying about. Deep underneath the castle the cold gray walls of the dungeons now surround us. Cobwebs are caked in every corner, and the lights are very dim as we make our way to the first room. "This place reminds me of a jail" I whisper to Jax as Luke takes charge of Phillip. "Yea it's pretty grim down here; haven't had to use it for quite some time" he answers back in a low voice. "How do we know he won't escape?" I ask nervously. "Oh not to worry Nora, this place is protected by very strong enchantments" Jax reassures.

We gather around Phillip who has been bound against the dungeon wall and I ask him to explain what he meant upstairs. Phillip just stares, then a nasty smile spreads across his face, "I remember when we first met. I remember thinking how delicious you looked, and how I couldn't wait to run my tongue along your neck." Without warning Jax tightens his fist and it meets Phillips face with a forceful punch. "You will show respect to our Queen, you filth!" Jax shouts. Phillip eyes him carefully, "Pretty brave for a faerie-boy. I'd be careful if I were you." "You honestly think making threats in your situation is wise?" Luke interjects angrily. Phillip breaks out into mad laughter at this for reasons unknown. "Enough! Tell us why you're killing villagers! Tell us why you're breaking the contract with Parfon and Brendlewood!" I demand fiercely. 

But, Phillip grows silent and refuses to answer. This time Luke sends a powerful hit to Phillip's stomach and then another to his face, but still he refuses to talk. As blood from his busted lip drips down his chin, I inch a little closer and tell him, "You will tell us what plans Parfon has, and why you are killing the villagers!" Suddenly his eyes flash and in one motion he rips his arms from their bindings and knocks out Jax and Luke, sending them to the floor. "Your little enchantments seem to have failed" Phillip smiles, "Now we can have a little fun." He lunges forward grabbing me, and presses me against the wall firmly. Unable to move I look on in fear as rips the shoulder from my gown and runs his putrid tongue along my shoulder, and up to my neck. He tries to kiss me, but I turn away each time, until I feel his hand upon my cheek and I fall to the ground. He pounces onto me, grabbing my jaw and forcing a kiss as he runs his hand wherever he likes. "HELP!" I scream, but he hits me again. "SHUT UP!" he shouts, but I continue to call for help as loud as I can before he rips the belt off his pants and shoves his grimey socks into my mouth. Tearing the top of my gown from my torso, he continues to snarl for me to shut up as he sends his belt slapping across my bare back. The painful sensation is too much to bear until suddenly it stops, and I see Phillip upon the floor next to me with Jax standing over him. 

Luke sits up too and brushes himself off. "Oh Nora! Oh highness I'm so sorry!" he apologizes guiltily. I gather up the top of my gown and cover myself as I slowly stand. "He packs a powerful hit, I'm so sorry Nora" Jax says. "Don't worry boys, I'll be ok. Just need to get some salve on this" I tell them, wincing a little. "I don't think you should be down here Nora, it's too dangerous. Luke and I can get the answers out of him. But we will need Tulip to renew the enchantments. I think that because it's been so long since they were first put in place, they may have weakened" Jax explains. "I think that's a good idea. Are you sure you guys will be ok?" I ask. "Oh yea, once those enchantments are restored he'll be no match. Why don't I help you get upstairs? Then, I can get Tulip to come do the enchantments. Will you be able to handle him alone Jax?" Luke asks offering me his arm. Jax gives a little chuckle, "Yea, this joker isn't going anywhere."

Once I'm doctored up, and Tulip returns from the dungeon we keep each other company in the servants kitchen where the fire still burns in the fireplace. "Cookie! You're up awfully early" Tulip says in surprised tone. Her raspy voice gives a little laugh, "Same to you dearie! I always start my day at 4am! This breakfast isn't gonna make itself." She puts on some coffee and offers us some croissants that she made the evening before. Then she gets to work preparing food for the day. "What do you think he meant by 'Not anymore it's not'? I mean do you think Parfon has given the order for the killings, or Phillip's just gone rogue?" Tulip asks as she smears butter onto her croissant. "I'm not sure. Parfon does have a nasty track record of allowing horrible things to happen. I'm betting that she's put Phillip up to it...but why? What good does it do to kill one or two villagers?" I respond. "Unless it's a message to us....that's it! I'll bet she's got him killing some of our people as some sort of message" Tulip exclaims. "Well, if that's the case...the message isn't clear of her intentions" I frown. 

Just then, Luke and Jax emerge from the dungeon, and make their way into the kitchen where they find Nora and Tulip. "Nora! We come with great news, well maybe not so great, but we did get answers" they explain eagerly. "What's going on?" I ask. "The little runt downstairs told us that this is all Parfon's doing. She ordered these attacks in order to make a point to Queen Carolin who, get this happens to be her cousin" Jax explains. Tulip and I glance at each other a little puzzled. "Did you just say Parfon and Carolin are cousins?" Tulip carefully asks. "You know, that really explains why Parfon was so eager to send Thistle here. If she were to take over Brendlewood, she would have one of the strongest kingdoms at her command!" I add. "Yeah, and apparently Parfon thinks she can do a better job at this evil queen business than Carolin. She's even trying to build her own kingdom! Phillip talked about her desires to overtake the realm" Luke says. "Mmhmm, and Carolin's no dummy, she's wise to Parfon and the two can't stand each other. She knows Parfon's been stealing Lycans, and she isn't too happy about it" Jax explains. "I say we let the two old goats kill each other! You know two birds, one stone!" Luke says as he folds his arms. I give my head a shake and reply, "I'd love that just as much as you, but the destruction in their wake would be catastrophic to the realm." "Fair point, so what's our plan then?" Luke wonders. Tulip smirks before replying, "I say we capture her and get her talking surely she knows of Carolin's plans if she's trying to one up her." "Good idea. Jax, do you think Brendlewood's men have trained long enough to be able to handle that old battleaxe?" Luke asks. "I took some of them on during practice recently, and I must say, we have a pretty good army on our hands" Jax replies. 

 
I give a little nod before saying, "Lets set this plan in motion then. We strike at dawn! If Parfon wants to play hardball to get Carolin's attention, then I say we take Parfon into our custody and that'll really get Carolin confused. She'll think we've teamed up with Parfon...you know this could work in our favor, perhaps an even trade. If Carolin wants Parfon, then by all means she can have her. We'll give her Parfon if she'll give us what we want. If she hands Juliana over to her mother, then we'll gladly hand Parfon over to her. Let the old crone have her to do as she pleases." Tulip ponders for a moment before saying, "Sounds like a great plan, and Shelly will be so happy. Do you really think this will work?" "It all depends on how badly Carolin wants that cousin of hers. If Parfon has been building an army to take her kingdom down, then I think she will gladly hand Juliana over" Luke adds. Just as Shelly enters the kitchen, and has clearly overheard about the trade, she is glad to join in on the conversation between our group. "You know that ex-mother-in-law of mine hates me to bits, and she's no fool. It's going to be hard to convince her that we have Parfon" Shelly says. Luke's eyes grow wide as he knows how much just hearing Juliana's name pains Shelly. "Mom! Are you alright?" Luke asks. Shelly smiles slightly as she replies, Yes, I'm alright. It's just with everything that has happened lately, it's just really tough on me right now, however you're plan just might work. You're right Nora. If Carolin wants Parfon bad enough, then she'll make the trade. Good thinking on your part. However, if she doesn't...." Shelly closes her eyes tightly to fight off the stinging tears and calms herself enough to continue, "If she doesn't, then my baby girl will still be out there somewhere with those evil monsters. I'm sorry if you all think I'm too fragile to deal with this sort of thing. Some queen I have turned out to be."  

I give Shelly a look of pity and hug her tightly, "Oh Shelly, you will be a great Queen. Alot of awful things have happened to you and your family. Things will get better you'll see. Besides, you have friends here that will stand beside you through thick and thin. We're all pretty much family here. I don't know everything that evil queen has done to you, but you're safe here, and in the walls of Blue Haven. I'm sure Thatcher will return to you soon, and by then we should have Juliana home with you, safe and sound." "I know you're right, but why does everything have to happen with one thing right after another? First my daughter, then Thatcher had to leave with Cade, and now my father. Can't anything just ease off a bit before attacking me again? I just don't know how much more I can take" Shelly tells her. "Shhh...Everything will be alright. Just try to imagine holding little Juliana in your arms again, and she's home safe and sound" I sooth. "We'll get my little sister back, and those evil doers will pay, I promise!" Luke adds. "Here, here!" the group shouts.

After everyone has slept soundly, the night sky turns into a blinding orange as the sun lights up the sky. A well fed group of troops packs their gear and marches off to the east. We say our goodbyes to Jax, Luke, and Arthur, making them swear their return. "I think I've got this vision thing kind of figured out. Tulips done some reading up on these types of things, and learned alot" I tell them. "Well it's not exactly like the one pictured in the enchantment book, but it appears to work the same for the most part. Basically when Nora wears that amulet she can channel visions of those whom she is close to. Ones that are special to her can also project a vision when great emotion is present; like danger or joy" Tulip explains. "Only we haven't quite figured out all the kinks. Not really sure how it all works, with that being said, I'll try to tap in to your emotions and see if I can retrieve visions while you guys are away" I tell the guys. "That's incredible Tulip! You've always been a clever one!" Jax beams before kissing her. "Ok Nora if you can get the visions, you'll know how things are going. Sounds like a plan!" 

Arthur stands in his normal quiet state, but looks ready, and wears a brave expression. "How handsome you look when you're all dressed in uniform! Please be careful baby, you know I couldn't go on if something were to happen to you" Bonnie says downheartedly. "I'll come back to you love" Arthur tells her sweetly. Roonie clutches on to Luke in a white-knuckled hug, "I'm scared darling..." Luke grins down at her, and peels her off of him. He gently tilts her chin up so that their eyes meet. "Now listen my love, it's ok be to afraid. But what you must'n do is smile. Or laugh. No, no, none of that." The corners of Roonie's mouth turn up as she tries not to let a little smile break through, but after a few seconds she bursts into laughter. "There's my girl. Don't worry, I'll be fine" he tells her as he tenderly kisses her. 

Later on I am finally able to tap into a vision and see a blurry scene of troops. The sight clears and I can see a raging battle in a clearing in the eastern forest.  A terrible sight fills my mind, as swords slash through the air and blood spills from both Brendlewood and Parfon's armies. Their cries of pain ring in my ears, and it's almost to much to bear. Suddenly I see Luke thrown from his horse and he lands with a thud on the ground. A large burly soldier stands over him with a sword ready to stab straight through Luke's heart! But just before the sword lowers, the soldiers head rolls off his shoulders and drops to the ground, followed by his body. Arthur stands with his sword still wielded, blood drips from the end of it as he and Luke glance at the now headless soldier on the ground. Extending his hand, and still wearing a look of both fear and bravery, Arthur helps his brother up. "You ok man?" he asks loudly. Luke nods his head and points at an approaching soldier. The brothers stand at the ready, and quickly take him down. The Brendlewood men are finally pushing through Parfon's troops and they work their way toward the entrance of the large fortress. "Looks like someone upgraded their house" I think as I remember Parfon's old home that wasn't more than a large suburban house. 

Now Jax, Luke and Arthur are breaking through the fortress entrance and the troops ransack the place, seeking Madame Parfon. Inside the main level of the fortress it appears that there is a small market, with people selling their wears and women washing clothes in large basins. "What in the world...." Jax mouths. "She really is building her own kingdom..." Luke says under his breath. "Come on guys! What are you waiting for!?" Arthur calls from up ahead. The Brendlewood troops calm the group of merchants and assure them they mean no harm to them. "We only seek the witch Parfon!" Razo, the Brendlewood lieutenant announces. "That's what we thought!" a merchant shouts as he lunges towards our troops with a sword. In a moment the merchants, Brendlewood men, and the remaining soldiers of Parfon, are swarming around the main area in battle. 

Quickly searching for Parfon through the upper levels, Luke, Jax, and Arthur storm through the fortresses rooms. A large panel with Madame Parfon's portrait adorns the far west wall, and the guys come across it with a jeer. "Ugh...what a mug!" Arthur says in disgust as he looks upon her wrinkled brow and sagging skin. Luke mentions that the panel looks like it could be some kind of doorway. Arthur immediately takes to finding out how it would open, and Jax stands studying the revolting photo of Madame Parfon.  "Yeah, there's definitely a hinge here..." Luke says as he crouches down to get a better look. A curly painted vine stretched across the top of the panel and almost seemed to spell something. "Run?...Oh wait it looks like there is more lettering" Jax mumbles to himself. "What are you talking about?" Arthur asks curiously. "Look up there, it looks like the painting of the vine spells out something, but I can't make out what it says..." Jax explains. The guys stare at the panel for a moment, then suddenly Luke says in a questioning tone, "Prunella?" A robotic tone announces, "Madame Prunella Parfon, welcome", and the panel swings open, indeed revealing a doorway. The guys exchange glances and shrivel their noses at learning Madame Parfon's full name. "That's her full name?" Arthur says in dismay. "It's fully disgusting is what it is!" Jax says. The guys give a little chuckle and then, step through the opening. 

Down a long dark corridor, they walk carefully, until they reach a large wooden door. Luke slowly turns the knob, and the door inches open with a creak. "Do come in boys, I've been expecting you. What ever took you so long?" Madame Parfon says slyly. Arthur and Jax eye one another skeptically. Luke steps into the room boldly, "Well here we are." Jax frowns, "Cut the crap Prunella, you're coming with us!" At this Madame Parfon's eyes flare wildly red, she rises quickly from her large marble throne and shouts, "How dare you speak that name to me? The name is Madame Parfon!" Then as though she's just realized she lost her composure, she smooths her hair and readjusts the cat-rimmed glasses on her face. "Yes, you may call me Madame...and I shan't be going anywhere with you" she calmly says.  Luke darts at her but she shakes her head and from her long cloak emerges a small potion bottle. She launches it towards Luke and green mist billows from it as it hits the floor. "Hah! You missed! Is that all you've got you old goat?" he jeers. Parfon shoots a spell at Arthur and he inches back into the corner of the large enchantment room frozen like a statue. "Oh my dears, this is only the beginning! We still have lots of fun to be had!" Madame Parfon smiles. She snaps her fingers and a dagger rises up from her desk and flies through the air straight toward Jax. He ducks, narrowly missing it, as it pierces the wall behind him. The guys draw their swords and charge at Parfon, but she sweetly calls out...."Brixel!" A tiny glass jar tips over and a tar colored goo spills from it, quickly transforming in to a large bumpy troll. "Wait Brixel, we can help you! Don't you want our help?" Luke negotiates. But, Parfon simply laughs, "Stupid boy, he can't speak. I cut out his tongue months ago as punishment for disobedience." Brixel runs at Jax and swiftly punches him right in the jaw, sending Jax flying back and crashing against a large bookshelf. "Aw, out cold...I thought he could handle more. What a pity" Parfon snidely states. 

Luke gnashes his teeth and tries to run at her but she waves her hand and a rope appears winding itself around his ankles. He falls quickly to the floor just as Brixel kicks him in the stomach. Luke lifts off of the floor and smashes a giant cauldron. It crumbles into a thousand pieces and Parfon barks at Brixel about being an idiot. "Why do I always get idiots?" she rhetorically asks. She flicks her wrist and Brixel moans in pain grasping at his clearly now broken arm. "Oh yes and it can stay that way. Maybe next time you will wait for my command" she says before sending him back into the glass jar. "Now I believe we're missing one...weren't there three of you boys? she wonders aloud. "Nope just me and Jax" Luke lies clutching his stomach as he see's Arthur creeping closer towards them. Parfon whips around and glares at Luke fiercely, she points at the suit of armor, and then to Luke. The suit of armor's sword flies through the air and comes down forcefully as it smoothly separates Luke's arm from his shoulder. "Nobody likes a liar Red" Parfon laughs wildly as Luke wails in terrible pain. Arthur, now right behind her bashes her over the head with a marble bust, and she falls to the ground. 

Arthur quickly grabs a sheet of fabric hanging in the back of the room and wraps Lukes arm. "Don't worry, you'll be ok. It's ok brother, hang on!" Arthur shouts with tears in his eyes as Luke's wound continues pouring out blood. "Oh my gosh..." Jax exclaims grabbing his head and trying to get to his feet. He strips of his shirt and wraps it tightly around Luke's shoulder. "Bind Parfon! I'll try to get his bleeding to stop" Jax shouts frantically. "Stay with us buddy! It's gonna be ok!" As Arthur gets Madame Parfon bound up, Jax gets the bleeding to stop, but Luke has lost consciousness. "NOOOO!" Arthur screams rushing to Luke. "It's ok, it's ok! I think he's still breathing, see?" Jax tries to calm him, but it doesn't appear that Luke is breathing at all. "There's more of that fabric back there, why don't you grab it and we'll wrap up his arm, and strap it to him." Arthur nods and tends to the task. He then flings Parfon over his shoulder, and Jax carries Luke the same, "Let's go!" 

The guys began to look fuzzy and I can feel the vision slipping away. "No! No wait!" I call out, begging to see what is happening, but the vision is gone and I'm surrounded by Bonnie, Tulip, Shelly and Roonie. "What happened Nora!? What did you see?" Roonie asks with fear in her eyes, almost as if she already knows what I'm about to tell her.