The Daughters Daring (The Daughters Daring & The Enchanted Forest Book 1) (9 page)

     “Losing control again, Evelyn?” the Duchess said.

    “Not until your annoying children came into the forest,” the witch said, coldly. “I should have known these were yours, duchess.”

     “Why are you here, Evelyn?” the duchess asked. “Why have you attacked Highcynder?”

     The spider-witch's eyes lit up in anger. She rushed forward until she was in the light. Elizabeth could see that the direct sunlight was painful for her, although she tried to hide it.

     “You know why I’m here Aryanna!” Evelyn answered. “To lay claim to all that is mine. You and your king will pay for what you did to me!”

     “You will lay claim to nothing,” the duchess replied forcefully. “My husband will defend The Shining City. Your self-inflicted maladies are all your own.”

     “Liar!” Evelyn screamed. She raised her arms and fired a bolt of crackling dark energy at the duchess, who was ready for the attack.

     She held a small crystal in her hand and threw it at the witch’s dark energy. The crystal hovered momentarily, soaking up the witch's bolt.

     Azalea dashed in and punted the crystal toward the spider-witch. It exploded on impact with the ground in front of her.

     The spider-witch was stunned and stepped back into the cave. Her anger and better judgment both tugged at her. She had planned on a confrontation with the duchess, but not like this. She was weak from transformation. The faery tipped the scales against her. She would have to retreat.

     “You can't win this battle, Evelyn,” the duchess said. The transformation has weakened you, and your goblins have fled. Give up this madness and surrender.”

     “I will never surrender to you, duchess,” the spider-witch spat the words, “and I will remember this day. You and your daughters will pay!”

     Whack!

     Evelyn stopped talking when a rock hurled into her chest.

     “Get out of here, witch!” Emily yelled. “Leave now, or my sister will fill you with arrows!”

     “It wouldn't be difficult,” Elizabeth said, drawing back her bowstring. “You’re certainly bigger than a chubby boy’s backside!”

     With a look of disgust the spider-witch slunk back into the cave and disappeared into the darkness once more. Azalea cheered and threw tiny sparklers into the air. The gnomes danced. The duchess grabbed both of her daughters and held them close to her.

     “Mother!” Emily said, beginning to tear up, “I thought we’d never see you again.”

     “Shhh,” the duchess answered. “You're safe now.”

     “Hmmph,” Elizabeth snorted. “I don't see why she’s crying. I was captured by that nasty old witch-spider thing!”

     Emily gave her a look. “And I helped you escape.”

     “I’m relieved that you’re both safe.” Their mother held onto both of them a bit longer.

     “When we get home,” the duchess said, “you two will be explaining to your father and me just how you ended up out here.”

     Emily looked around a moment, then said, “Where is Father?  Is he all right? Is the city safe?”

     The Duchess sighed, “Your father is still defending The Shining City. He has limited troops because so many are asleep from the poison pies. I have sent the faeries to help.”

     “Did my message save anyone?” Elizabeth asked.

     “It helped, dear. We need to return home now. Stay quiet and alert. The ogres may have the city surrounded.”



     Duke Daring ducked as the ogre king’s hammer swung past him, smashing through wood and stone. It wedged for a moment, giving the duke the opportunity to slash his opponent across the back. It only enraged the enormous creature, who responded with a backhand blow that sent the Duke rolling.

     The ogre king freed his hammer and continued after the duke. The king’s champion stayed ahead of the violent hammer. Finally, the brute caught up to him, his hammer raised and ready for a killing blow. The duke held up his sword but knew it was no match for the powerful hammer.

     Before the ogre could make the killing blow, the iron gate came crashing down onto his head.

     The battle had been so heated that the Duke had forgotten about the portcullis. It was built as a buffer against invasion, not as a crushing object for large ogres, but in this case it worked. The ogre king was knocked to the ground and run through by the iron spikes of the portcullis. He was no more.

     “Hello down there!” Two gnomes called down from overhead. “Is everyone all right?”

     The duke looked up to see Randolph and his companion sliding down a rope from the outer wall. They were covered in dirt and grease, the source of which he could only imagine.

     “I'm fine, thank you,” the Duke answered, then pointed to the Ogre King, “but he's not doing so well.”

     “Oh dear," Randolph said, “you're right. He doesn't look well at all!”

     “He's really the least of our worries now,” the Duke continued, “since you've trapped us on the outside of the city gate, along with the rest of the ogre army.”

     “It wasn’t us,” Randolph said. “The windlass gave way when another ogre boulder smashed into it.”

     The remaining ogre army was only a short distance and closing. There were easily enough of them to overrun the duke and his gnomish companions. Seeing only one lone defender at the gate, even if he had defeated their leader, gave them new courage. They brandished their weapons and smiled at their soon-to-be prey.

     “Randolph,” the Duke said, “you have proven your loyalty to Highcynder today, and I thank you for your service. But there is one more thing I must ask of you.”

     “Yes, Lord Daring?”

     “You spoke of my daughters, earlier,” the Duke continued, “I beg of you, go and help them. I will cover your escape, but please, go now!”

     Before Randolph could answer the sound of the portcullis being raised interrupted him. As it rose, he could see dozens of armored men on the other side.

     “I'm afraid that won't be necessary, my lord,” Randolph said, smiling up at the duke.

     Before the gate finished rising, the King’s Royal Guardsmen began pouring out onto the battlefield. These were not the battle-weary villagers who had formed the duke’s militia, but trained knights and soldiers. Their armor and weapons were polished steel that gleamed in the sunlight. Some were on horseback and others on foot. On the wall above them, the same number in archers took position, and aimed their arrows at the ogres.

     “Duke Daring!” The captain of the guard called out, as he rode up on a large quarter horse. “I thought I might find you here. My men will take over this fight, now, sir.”

“Thank you, captain," the duke said. “But how did you overcome the sleeping spell? Was it my wife?”

“This might sound strange, but we were awakened by faeries,” the Captain answered. “I’m afraid I have not seen the duchess.”

“It has been a strange day, captain.”

     As the Duke turned to go, the captain lined up his men and ordered surrender from the defeated ogres. The day was won, and The Shining City was safe once more. There was only the matter of his wife and daughters. He knelt down in front of Randolph where he could speak face-to-face.

     “Randolph, where are my daughters. Tell me everything!”

     “Hmmm,” Randolph replied scratching his chin, "everything? I can tell you everything, but that is really a long story! I suppose I could start with the missing sweetberries, did you know that sweetberries make the most excellent pies? Wait of course you do, the only thing more legendary than Duke Daring's noble adventures is his love of sweetberry pie! But where was I? Oh yes, the missing sweetberries! We the forest gnomes had started on a noble quest of our own to track down the missing sweetberries when we ran right smack into the Daughters Daring and a whole slog of goblins. Can you believe that!”

     “Tell me where they are!” the duke yelled in frustration.

     Randolph was confused. Humans were definitely not the most logical beings! Didn't the duke realize that interrupting him would only make his story longer?

     “And so,” Randolph continued, “once the goblins were routed we made proper introductions.”

     “Father!” a familiar voice called out.

     Over the years Duke Daring had fought many battles. He had faced ogres, giants, and slimy creatures that hide in dark caves. It was said that he was the most fearless man alive. But now, hearing his daughter’s voice, Duke Daring felt the hope of a father. For fathers always love their children, and value their safety more than anything else.

     The duke turned to see the duchess, Emily, and Elizabeth standing before him. They were alive!

     “Children!” the duke rushed forward and scooped them up in a great, fatherly hug. The duchess wrapped her arms around them, as well. Some of the townsfolk stopped to watch the family reunion, and even Randolph stopped talking, for a moment.

     “Father,” Emily said, “we fought the witch; she turned into a spider!”

     “And I rescued the faeries and put warnings in the pies!" Elizabeth added excitedly. “I couldn't have done it without Emily. She saved me from the witch, too.”

     “We rescued each other,” Emily said, with a smile, then hugged her sister, again.”

     “Then you are both heroes who have helped save the kingdom,” the duke said. “I am very relieved to see you safe.”

     “Our girls were very brave today,” the duchess said.

     “What became of the witch?” the duke asked, concerned there might be another attack on the city.

     “Gone,” she said, then added, “for now.”

Epilogue

     Several days later, after cleaning efforts were underway, King Lamont held a royal court. Iris and Azalea of the faeries were invited, but declined to attend. Faeries still did not feel comfortable in crowded public settings. Randolph and even Periwinkle were present, along with an entourage of Forest Gnomes. The King would have liked to have had the witch there for a public trial, but a company of soldiers sent into the caves had found no trace of her.

     The hall was filled with nobles and relatives of the king. His Royal Guard was well represented, along with their captain, and the entire Knight’s Council. But of all the guests, there were none so welcome, and important that day, as the Darings. The duke, duchess, and, of course, their beautiful daughters. Tales of their heroic deeds had spread throughout the kingdom, and the king wanted to publicly award them for their uncommon bravery.

     The duchess and her daughters wore the finest of dresses, sparkling radiantly in the light of the court. Even the duke and little Joseph—beaming with pride at his sisters—wore formal attire, for it wasn’t everyday one was honored by the king for bravery. The Darings had much to be proud of.

     It was truly a day of celebration, with plenty of food and music. Musicians played on flutes and harps in the background, while servers brought out platters of fine meats and cheeses. Annie Whipperpeel was there as well, arranging an assortment of baked goods for more servers to feed the celebrating crowd. Elizabeth watched her intently, sure that something with Annie was amiss but unable to put her finger on it. She was just starting to feel hungry when the trumpets sounded the king’s arrival to call the court into session.

     A captain stepped forth and called the duchess forward.

     “Your Majesty,” she said, as she curtsied before the royal throne.

     “Cousin!” the king greeted her, heartily. “I am told you are responsible for the faeries giving aid in our time of peril.”

     “I merely asked them,” she said, modestly.

     “Nonsense!” the king retorted. “Your diplomacy saved us all. Had the faeries not revived our soldiers when they did, I shudder to think what would have happened to The Shining City and all of Highcynder.”

     “Thank you, Your Majesty,” she answered. “You honor me.”

     “But your actions, and the faeries’ absence today, points out that we must strengthen our relations with them. I wish for you to become my ambassador to the Faery Folk, in hopes that our people and theirs can establish a new friendship. Will you accept this task?”

     “As you wish,” the Duchess answered. “I would be delighted.”

     The audience cheered and clapped. The promise of a new friendship between humans and faeries was something to celebrate, indeed!

     Then the captain called forth the gnomes. Randolph stepped forward, unsure of courtly ways. Periwinkle was nowhere to be seen.

     “Um, hello, Your Majesty.” Randolph said, while fingering his tall gnome hat, nervously.

     “Randolph of the Forest Gnomes,” the king said, in all seriousness, “are you the leader of your people?”

      “Well”, Randolph started, “we don't actually have titles of authority, but I am the “unofficial” leader as it were. It all started one day when the Gnomish High Council got together and realized that we had no official leadership. Even the high council was just a gathering of any gnomes who chose to show up to meetings – usually the ones who weren't already engaged elsewhere.”

“AHEM.” The king interrupted.

“Yes?” Randolph asked, looking a little annoyed at the king.

     “I have called you here,” the king continued, “to answer for the activities of the gnomes in recent days and decide on your fate. Was it or was it not you who delivered the poisoned pies, placing our kingdom in terrible danger?”

     The room went silent as the audience was clearly stunned. Emily shook her head, ready to shout her defiance, but her father cautioned her with a stern look, then stepped forward, himself.

     “Your Majesty,” he began, “the gnomes aided us in our moment of peril. This one personally helped me defeat the ogre king!”

     “Duke Daring,” said the king, “your bravery is well noted, and I appreciate your words on behalf of the gnomes. This is why I have decided on banishing instead of imprisoning them.”

     “But Your Majesty!” the duke exclaimed.

     “I'm sorry,” the king said, raising a finger to silence the Duke. “Is there anyone else here who would speak on behalf of these gnomes before I declare judgment?”

     “We will.” Elizabeth said as she and Emily stepped forward. “The Daughters Daring will speak on behalf of the gnomes, Your Majesty.”

     The king hid a smile and winked at the Duke. This had been his plan.

     “Very well, Daughters Daring,” the king said. “I will listen to your arguments, but know this. If you do not convince me of their innocence, you will forfeit whatever rewards I have planned for you today. Do you still wish to stand for them?”

     Everyone watched silently, waiting for the girls to reconsider. Why would anyone give up fame and fortune for some pesky gnomes? The girls stood their ground next to Randolph, and did not budge. The duchess stepped forward, as well, to be by their side with the duke.

     “All right,” the King sighed. “What can you say in their defense? These gnomes poisoned my guards, putting the city in peril. One act of heroism cannot erase an act of treason.”

     “But a series of heroic deeds can save the day,” Elizabeth said. “The gnomes were forced to deliver the pies by the witch. She held a terrible ransom over their heads, which they could not ignore.”

     “And what, young Daring, would that ransom be? A mountain of socks?” The audience chuckled at the king's joke.

     “She had my sister!” Emily Daring said sternly. The audience went quiet again.

     “Your Majesty,” Elizabeth continued, “In our rescue of the faeries, I was captured by the witch. She threatened me and demanded that the gnomes deliver her pies. Randolph could not allow any harm to come to me, so he did as she demanded.”

     The king paused and looked at Randolph.

     “Is this true?” he asked.

     “Yes, Your Majesty,” Randolph answered, the hat now still in his hands.

     The king sat quietly for a moment, contemplating their report of events.  If it were true, there would be no justice in banishment, and he believed himself a wise and just sovereign.

     “Randolph, leader of the gnomes,” the king said, solemnly, “in light of your heroic deeds, as reported in this hall, and for so valuing the life of one of our own precious heroes, I declare you forgiven, and welcome you to share in a treaty of friendship with our kingdom!”

     The audience cheered, relieved that the little gnomes would be spared. Still, there were some in the audience who were sure that the gnomes were responsible for their missing socks.

     Finally, the Darings were called forward. The duke, duchess, Emily, and Elizabeth all stood before the king. Joseph held his mother’s hand, and played with the ornaments on her gown.

     The king stood, which gave even greater import to his words. “I am pleased to honor Highcynder's bravest hero, and especially the Daughters Daring, our newest heroes, who faced great danger yet stood in loyalty to their kingdom. Without them, the battle against the invading ogres surely would have been lost.

     You have shown not only great courage in the face of danger, but courage to stand up for what you believe to be right, even at the risk of annoying your king. You are all to be awarded with medals of bravery, your deeds shall be recorded in the royal library, and a tournament of knights shall be held in your family's honor!”

     The assembly cheered again. They threw confetti in the air and shouted for Highcynder and The Shining City and, of course, for the Darings. The Daughters bowed and curtsied, and helped themselves to some of the fine treats that were served, while their father held the noblemen enthralled with only slightly embellished stories of his battle with the ogre king.

     The kingdom was saved, and the mystery of the sweetberries was solved. But most importantly, Emily and Elizabeth learned a valuable lesson. They had learned not only to value each other, but also that the love of one family can make the difference against the greatest of odds, and standing together with family was what being a Daring was all about.

The End