CHAPTER 4
On arriving back at the castle, the ladies related everything that happened to a very concerned King Roland.
"...and if it wasn't for that floppy hatted stranger..." said Miranda, as her voice quivered and trailed off.
Roland comforted his Queen.
"Yes, Miranda, I see.
"Baileywick!"
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Get me Constable Miles!"
"At once, sire!"
Soon Constable Miles arrived. Roland related all that had happened to the Queen and the Princesses.
"Constable Miles. I need you and your men to investigate Dunwiddie and see if you can locate either the floppy hatted man, to whom I owe a tremendous debt, or that rider of that black stallion, who needs to be punished."
"At once, Your Grace!"
For two days, Constable Miles combed Dunwiddie village with his men, but could not uncover any info on either man.
As for Sofia and Clover, they didn't venture out of Sofia's room for anything except meals. Miranda was quite concerned about her daughter, and that concern was picked up on by Aunt Tilly, who just happened to come for a visit.
"Where's Sofia, Miranda?"
"Oh, Tilly!" Miranda stated sadly. "After what happened in the village earlier this week, she has exiled herself to her bedroom!" And Miranda went on to tell Tilly about the close call.
"I see," said Tilly.
"I've tried to convince her to come out, but she seems too afraid! I don't know what to do!"
"Let me try to talk to her, Miranda. Sometimes it is easier to talk something out to someone who isn't immediate family."
Miranda agreed.
/
Sofia and Clover sat by the window in her bedroom, and sadly thought about the fun times they had outside, when there was a knock at the door.
"Sofia? Sofia, dear! It's Aunt Tilly," she announced as she opened the door.
But instead of the exuberant greeting she usually gave her Aunt, all Sofia said was, "Hi!"
Tilly could see this was going to take a some work.
"What's wrong, dear? Is this about the close call in the village earlier this week?"
Sofia nodded her head.
"Sofia, you know that your parents have taken extra steps to ensure your safety both inside and outside of the castle! They would never subject you, or you brother and sister, to danger!"
Finally Sofia started to open up.
"I know they would protect me... But how can they protect me from what happened in the village? The coachman and the footman were there, but even they could not stop what happened!"
"Sofia, what happened in the village is a once in a lifetime situation. You can't blame the coachman or footman.."
"I don't."
".. or anyone else. It was a fluke. You can't let that one incident turn you into a prisoner of your bedroom!"
Sofia sat for a moment contemplating what Aunt Tilly had said.
"Remember," Aunt Tilly stated softly, "you have faced many adventures as the Library Storykeeper as well as in other situations, such as helping to defeat Morgana and retrieve Merlin's lost wand, and have always done well. You have excellent skills. Don't become a recluse! Don't throw your future away!"
Tilly sat and waited, as Sofia pondered all that was said. Clover hopped over to Sofia, and looked her hopefully in the eyes, as he was ready to give life another chance! After a few moments, Sofia got up, walked over to her Aunt and gave her a big hug.
"I won't, Aunt Tilly! I've beaten tougher odds and tougher foes! I'm not going to let this incident rule my life!"
"I am so glad to her that, dear! Why not join the rest of the family in the croquet match now going on?"
Sofia smiled and walked with her Aunt to the match. Clover followed happily.
"May I join in?" asked Sofia at the croquet course, with a smile.
"Me, too!" seconded Aunt Tilly.
"Of course, Sof!" and she was deluged with hugs and kisses by her family, and good wishes by Baileywick and the castle staff. Miranda and Roland gave special hugs to Aunt Tilly for bringing their daughter back to her usual self.