Chapter Four
Meetings and Friendship
King Erik Fitzherbert had just finished checking in on his knights camping outside the castle walls and was heading back to his quarters for the night. He had chose to take a longer path instead of the usual main entrance, which is why he headed left towards the gardens. The Royal Ball had just ended and he was glad that the other Kings were determined to help him put an end to Muriel and her coven once and for all. War. That is something that he did not wish to see again. In his younger days, he has fought in more wars than any other member of royalty, he scored his first major victory at the mere age of twelve and suffered his greatest defeat a year later. He had hoped never to teach his adopted the daughter swordplay but recent events had forced him to change his mind.
The King of Corona was deep in thought and did not notice a young girl rushing by him carrying a tray filled with plates and mugs. He realized a little too late that he had crashed into a servant of the castle, the plates came crashing down and the mugs flying all over. He quickly helped the servant to stand and froze when he noticed that the servant was merely a girl barely in her teens. He blinked just to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. The servant girl mumbled apologies after apologies and started to pick up the now broken parts of the plates she was carrying, never looking at him in the eye. Erik knelt down and started to help when he accidentally cut his own finger.
"You're bleeding!" The girl gasped. She pulled out a handkerchief from her back pocket and pressed it against the open wound. "Luckily the broken glass wasn't that sharp. It would have severed an artery and that would mean trouble. And I mean a lot of trouble."
Erik found himself smiling at the girl. "You have a heart of gold little one. Best not to throw that gift away." The girl returned the smile slowly. She slowly removed the handkerchief which was now covered in blood. "It's just a small cut. It's nothing to worry about." He said.
"Here. You should use this." The girl stated handing over the handkerchief. "I have to rush back to my duties. Tons of plates to clean!" And with that she disappeared.
Erik stood up slowly, his hand still holding the bloodied handkerchief. A small grin formed on his face as he stared at the stairs that the young servant girl had taken. "How odd. A young girl working in the castle. There is something about her that I can't put my finger on...she does have those eyes of that woman I met along the road all those years ago." He said to himself. He looked down at the piece of fabric in his hand. "Looks like I have to talk to Roland tomorrow about meeting this young girl. At least, I can thank her properly." He shook his head with a laugh.
And that is exactly what he did the first thing in the morning. Lucinda was away with James touring the castle grounds together with Sofia and Amber, Queen Miranda had elected to follow them thus only Roland remained in the throne room when Erik came down. "Roland. There is something I must talk to you about." Erik started. "I met a certain young girl in the castle last night. She appears to be at least eleven or twelve. And she was wearing a servant's uniform." He stated.
Roland chuckled. "Ah. You must met Dorrie. She is our youngest staff in the castle. But before you retort with your famous words, I did not hire her, she was handpicked to work here. She lost her parents at a very young age and was sent to an orphanage to be raised. Baileywick, our castle steward heard high praises coming from the Lady in charge of the orphanage of Dorrie's fine work and determination. He brought up the details to me and I agreed after much discussion with Miranda, we both agreed as she has really no other place to stay. True, the orphanage takes good care of all the children, but what would happen if she reaches the age?"
Erik looked thoughtful. "I see." He stroked his beard. "And are the rumors true that this certain young Dorrie is in fact a witch in training?" He looked back at his friend's shocked face. "I'm not looking for trouble or anything. I am just curious about this servant of yours. She reminds me a lot about a woman I used to know...she shares her eyes and hair...so is she a witch?"
Roland gave a curt nod. "Yes, she is. Her father and mother are Donald and Mary Cosmarune - Starks respectively. Due to some...ah...incident in their old village of Galdana, they moved to Dunwiddie and changed their names from Cosmarune to Starks. It was here where they gave birth to Dorrie and decided to raise her as a normal child so she would be spared what they had to go through." He explained. "Why? Do you know them?" Erik's expression was a little mixed.
"Cosmarune." Erik repeated the name. Rolling it with his tongue. "An ancient powerful family of warlocks and witches with ties with my grandfather and grandmother. And they came from Galdana you say? Then my guts were right. Mary Cosmarune was the woman who nursed me back to health after I recieved a nasty wound from a skirmish with the barbarians." He said.
"Ah, yes...I remember that day well." Roland went to sit on his throne. "You left with your knights to confront a large force of barbarians spotted in the south. We feared that you fell in battle as we hadn't heard from you nor your men for at least a week." He recounted the events. "And she did rescue you from the fjord, did she not? Your mother keeps rambling on about that."
"Damn it Roland. Do you have to remind me about that time?" Erik scowled in a mocking fashion.
Roland backed away with his hands raised. "Hey, I was just stating the facts." He said with a laugh.
"So you wouldn't mind if I might...request her presence in the throne room." Roland looked at him confused. He pulled out a now cleaned handkerchief from within his robes. "There is a certain piece of cloth I need to return."
"I will have her summoned immediately." Roland said with a bemused expression.
It didn't take long before the same young servant from the previous night approached the throne room warily, she had not expected the man she bumped into was in fact the King of Corona. And now, she was frightened and scared for her life, she was afraid that she might have offended the King in some ways. The guard escorting her opened the doors to the throne room and took his leave, King Roland the Second was seated on the throne talking with a man whose back was facing towards her. She approached the throne slowly.
"You summoned me, Your Majesty?" She managed to squeak out.
"Oh I didn't." Roland admitted. "He did." He pointed a finger towards Erik.
Erik whirled his head around. "Ah, I wanted to thank you for your help last night. Roland here has told me a little bit about you and I extend my condolences for the lost of your parents. I apologize for not telling you my status as a King last night, but perhaps you already knew that." He walked down the steps towards the girl. "Here. Your handkerchief. Good as new." He held it out.
The girl accepted it. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Screw it with the titles." Erik groaned inwardly as Roland howled with laughter. "I know you must be taught by Mister Baileywick that when addressing a member of royalty, one must be polite and keep your head bowed." The girl nodded. "Look up at me Dorrie." The girl looked up with wide eyes at the King who just called her by her name. "Now, allow me to teach you how to greet me properly. First, don't say my titles. Second, you can call me Erik or the man with the crown."
"That wouldn't be proper now would it, Your...ah...I meant Erik." Dorrie stuttered at the last part.
Erik beamed up. "See. Isn't it easy to call me on a first name basis." He chuckled. Dorrie wasn't too sure as she always stick to the rules. "Fine. Only when no one else is around." He gave up.
"That I can deal with Erik." Dorrie replied with a small smile.
Erik nodded, he turned his head towards Roland. "Mind if I borrow your servant for a little while. Lucinda always loves making friends with children of her age group. I think they might get along with each other." He said. Dorrie tried to argue but stood back in vain at Roland's reply.
"That's an excellent idea!" Roland clapped his hands together. "Dorrie is already friends with Sofia, James and Amber. Having another princess as a friend would come in handy." He agreed.
"It's a deal then." Erik and Roland shook their hands while grinning at Dorrie.
'Mother help me...' Dorrie thought to herself as she followed the King of Corona. 'Since I'm stuck with the King. Might as well just ask some questions...' She sighed and opened her mouth. "What was your occupation before you became the King?" She asked. "Sorry. Stupid question..."
Erik found it rather amusing. "My occupation?" He didn't look back nor stop but Dorrie could tell he was having a fun time. "Why do you ask? I was a prince of course!" He laughed.
Dorrie grinned sheepishly. "So...do you know any other royalties apart from King Roland?"
"I do know his father. King Roland the First. I was squire to him for a few years...well...after mother cleared that small incident that nearly led to a full blown war between our two Kingdoms. Other royalties...hmm...I met King Magnus though I don't really know him. I have strong ties with King Nasir of Khaldoun, we two go way back to when we were kids. Emperor Quon...not really know the man but we are on good terms." Erik replied her answer. Dorrie nodded her head. "But. I also know Queen Elsa of Arendelle." Dorrie's head snapped straight up. "What?"
"Queen Elsa?" Dorrie stuttered. "As in the real Queen Elsa?"
Erik looked bemused by her expression. "Why? Is she an idol of yours?"
Dorrie blushed. "I looked up to her. She has ice powers yet she in unafraid to show it out to every one else. But for me, no, I'm afraid the moment someone spots my wand and starts throwing me those inqusisitive looks. Sometimes I wish I could just throw them into walls or something."
Erik stopped walking and looked down at her with a serious expression. "Dorrie. Anger doesn't solve everything. If people throws you faces and insults, just ignore them and continue living your life. No matter how others might think, it doesn't really change who you are inside." He pointed to her heart at the last sentence. "Revenge is merely a word used by nearly everyone. But when you finally gain it. Can you really do it?" Dorrie lowered her eyes in shame.
"N..no...I can't." She stammered. "Why...why am I even thinking these evil thoughts!"
"Sometimes our alter-ego takes control of our minds but we must never allow it to control our actions, who knows what you will really do." Erik replied calmly.
"I understand." Dorrie nodded her head. She shook aside her thoughts. "So why did you 'borrow' me from King Roland?" She asked.
"Lucinda. My step-daughter." Erik answered as they continued walking. "She was a former witch now turned princess. But...she is afraid to pick up her wand ever since her incident in the Southern Isles." He paused for a little while. "I wanted her to honor her mother's memory by becoming both a witch and a princess at the same time, but being the stubborn girl she is, she refused."
"Ah...I see. You want me to convince your daughter to take up her wand again?"
"Exactly." Erik mused to himself. He produced a long stick from within his robes that Dorrie believed was Lucinda's wand. "Here. This is her mother's wand. It was traditionally passed down to her but giving what she has gone through...she didn't want to touch this wand again, she kept it locked away in a glass case inside her wardrobe." Dorrie threw him an inqusitive look. "I do not want my daughter to grow up like other princesses. I want her to enjoy what she loves doing best."
Dorrie accepted the wand and held it close. "I understand sir." She replied politely. "I'll see what I can do to convince Princess Lucinda to wield a wand again. But no promises!"
"If you manage to get her to touch her wand..." Erik paused and thought for a little while. "I'll return something that your true mother gave me when I was a young prince." Dorrie's eyes widened at his revelation. "That is a story for another time. Dorrie Starks formerly of House Cosmarune."
Dorrie stared at the King of Corona for quite some time. She blinked once to ensure she wasn't dreaming. "Um...Erik...I'm adopted by the Head Maid of Enchancia. So...my family name isn't Starks anymore but Cooper." She admitted. Erik merely chuckled at her response.
"Violet Cooper. A fine woman." Erik commented. "But that does not change the fact that you are the heir of House Cosmarune. I'll be speaking to your adoptive mother and King Roland the Second to grant you the permission to return to your ancestral manor in Corona once you become of age."
"Manor?" Dorrie now looked confused. "My parents are warlocks and witches but I don't see how they would owe a manor?" Erik looked surprised for a moment but realised that she had lost her parents at a very young age thus they did not tell her the entire truth about her family.
"How do I put this..." Erik stroked his beard as he paced around. "The members of House Cosmarune long have dealings with the rulers of Corona for two generations. When I was twelve, I fell into the fjord while playing by the cliffs...I feared that I didn't have time to say a proper farewell to my father and mother and that I must pass from this world at a very young age. Darkness soon took me. And yet, I awoke to the sight of my mother weeping and a soaked stranger sitting beside me. She explained to me that she had saved my life. So begun a long an prosperous relationship between two families. Yours and mine." He explained.
"My father rewarded your parents with an ancient manor that sat atop the hills overlooking the city, it was meant to be a gift for Corona's most talented knights or lords. But your mother earned the every right to live in that manor." Erik said with a small smile. "I visited your parents almost every single day. But as I grew, my visits became lesser. Soon it was once a week then once a month. But they never complained. Then one day...they left without saying a word."
Erik sighed as he gazed out into the courtyard. "I am sorry that I could not save your father and mother. If I had known they moved to Enchancia, I would have placed them under the most utmost protection that a King could grant..." Dorrie interrupted him before he could apologize further. She knew and understood that the King was putting the blame on himself for not being able to save her mother who so happens to have saved him twice in a row.
"You have nothing to apologize for...Erik..." Dorrie said softly. "You are not responsible for their deaths. They chose to come here instead of staying at this manor you told me about. Their deaths are their own doing in some way." She composed herself before tears overtook her.
Erik gave a small sad smile. "Your mother saved my life. Twice in fact. First at the fjord and second in battle. Without her skills in the arts of healing, I fear I would have died from that nasty wound I recieved by that barbarian scum." He stated. "Anyway, the manor is yours. I would love to explain to you more about your family but I must go. My knights need their King. And my daughter needs inspiration." Dorrie curtsied and walked in the other direction. "She takes after her mother after all." Erik thought to himself after Dorrie disappered from sight.
Dorrie took a deep breath, twirling the wand in her hands. Just over the distance was the girl she was instructed to help. Princess Lucinda. She wasn't the only one there though. Prince James and his two sisters along with Queen Miranda were with her. From what it looks like, they were giving her a tour of the castle grounds. "Alright Princess...time to see what you're made of." She said to herself as she headed towards the direction of the royal family. She cringed when Sofia turned her head towards her. "No backing out now." She sighed and resigned herself to her task.
Just as expected, Princess Sofia approached her friend. "Hi Dorrie. What is it that you require?"
"Um..." Dorrie bit her lip and her eyes lingered towards Lucinda. "I...need to speak with the Princess of Corona. Just a few moments of her time...if you don't mind of course." She stammered.
"I'm sure she would allow it." Prince James said cheerfully. "Wouldn't you Lu?"
Lucinda replied to his remark by flicking his ear. She was beaming as she did that. "Of course I would." She said while giggling at James' glare. "What is it that you need?"
"May we speak in private Your Highness?"
"It's alright. We can wait." Amber said with a smile. "We'll be at the gardens if you're done Lucinda." She added. And with that the royal family left. Well, James was the last.
"So. What is it?" Lucinda asked with her arms folded. She then noticed her wand. "I see...my father put you up to this didn't he?" She clasped her two hands behind her back, something that she had learned from Hansel during training time. She grinned devilishly as she approached. Dorrie shook her head. She cocked her head to a side. "Don't deny it! I can see my wand there in your hands as clear as I can see the sun. So do enlighten me why did he sent you to me?" Her anger mixed with her magic sent birds flying out of trees and nearby objects to break apart.
Dorrie was at a lost for words. She did not know exactly how to counter the anger of Lucinda's outburst, she fumbled with the wand in her hands while trying to dig a hole with her shoe on hard solid pavement. "Well...I...ah...he...His Majesty...wanted you to honor the memory of your mother as she was once a white witch, he wanted you to continue on the tradition and not toss it aside like a soiled cloth." Lucinda remained unmoved. "Please, Your Highness. He just wants you to-"
Lucinda cut her off by covering her mouth. Her frown turned into a grin. "Dorrie. I know why you're here. And I haven't given up my heritage as a witch." She said slowly. Dorrie's eyes went wide as her cheeks flushed with embarassment. "My father came to me last night. He told me that he had a plan to save you from doing chores for the day, I agreed to be the pawn in his game. He felt that this is a better way to repay your kindness when you stopped the bleeding from his finger."
"He...did...what?" Dorrie's mouth was agape.
Lucinda giggled as she waved her hand and everything repaired itself. "I didn't need the wand anyway. I have been praticing wandless magic with Gretel since I first became a princess. I am getting the hang of it but it takes quite a lot and I mean a LOT of effort to cast a simple spell like that one." She rolled her eyes. Dorrie was still staring at her with a lost expression.
"Anyway he specifically told me to make sure that you enjoy the rest of the day off." Lucinda said sweetly as she took back her wand and tossed it to a holster at the side of her dress. "Come along then. Sofia and Amber has big plans for you." And with that, she dragged a bewildered Dorrie along with her towards the gardens. King Erik watched the entire scene unfold with mirth in his eyes.
And that concludes Chapter Four. I know it isn't much but at least it's still something right? I borrowed the character "Dorrie" from Niagara14301's story of the same name. Somehow, I felt that it would be better for Lucinda to be friends with someone who happens to be both a witch and a servant. King Erik reveals small parts of his history with Dorrie's real parents and expresses his feelings for not being able to save them from harm.
In the next chapter. News arrives from the frontlines that the forces of the Southern Isles have pledged their swords to Muriel and are advancing upon Enchancia. King Erik and his allies leads a full-frontal assault against the invaders leaving the castle grounds un-defended. Muriel strikes at the castle with a small group of Dark Witches. Left with only her wand and pet falcon and three friends on her side, Lucinda is left with no choice but to kill for the first time in her entire life. But can she truly do it? Will her heart allow it? Read to find out!