:: Six ::
"The 13th Kingdom," Wendell continued as if he wasn't interrupted. "I always thought it was just a legend. But considering all this evil has to be stemming from a source, I'm willing to concede there is truth to the stories."
"What is the 13th Kingdom?"
"It's a place my grandmother used to speak about. The world where all evil lives. Giles told me the story. Like I said, I never believed in it before, but I think the time has come to pay attention to old wives tales."
"I've never heard of it," Wolf put in. Being a resident of the 9 Kingdoms, he was the only one likely to have heard it before.
"That's not surprising. According to Giles, Grandmother really tried to keep the story under-wraps. She didn't want to cause a widespread panic over the existence of danger beyond our control. But like it or not, it's now a situation that we face. Denial and ignorance cannot protect us any longer."
"So it isn't technically a part of the 9 Kingdoms?" Virginia said. Wendell shook his curly head.
"No. Not at all. It's outside the borders of our world -- even your world, I'd imagine. All I really know about it is that it's supposed to contain all evil that was or ever will be. And that, supposedly, it is ruled by Oberon's brother."
"Who's that?"
Wendell shook his head again, in warning. "We do not speak or invoke his name. It hasn't been spoken publicly in the kingdoms since his banishment. If he has to be referred to at all, the name we call him by is—" he hesitated uncomfortably, then lowered his voice to finish, "—is the Dark Lord."
In unison, the other occupants of the room shivered. Virginia felt a strange tingle at the back of her neck. It was a sensation she'd never experienced before, but it made her think of the expression 'someone walked across her grave'. It was also a feeling she never cared to experience again.
"And all this—this—" she waved a hand helplessly at the heavily-laden desk, "—this prophecy and mystic objects—stuff; it has to do with the Dark Lord somehow?"
Wendell nodded. "These objects belonged -- once upon a time -- to the very same legendary Sarah Williams. Of what value they once were to her I don't know, but they were taken from the 13th Kingdom at a great price and are speculated to be a key to successfully completing your journey. She is an essential fourth companion. No matter what, you must find her and convince her to accompany you on your quest. Without her help, you cannot hope complete it."
"So let me get this straight," Virginia growled, sounding a trifle impatient. "Not only do we have to find this Sarah, but we also have to convince her to join us? Wendell, make it harder on all of us, why don't you?"
"If I could do more to ease your journey I would, Virginia. As it is, this will be exceptionally dangerous and I can make you no guarantees of safety until you get back, if you should happen to get back at all."
"Awfully reassuring, Wendy. Thank you."
"However, I can tell you this," Wendell continued, ignoring Virginia's grumbling, "If you decide not to undertake this journey, the 9 Kingdoms are surely doomed. And your kingdom will not be long in following. The ruler of the 13th Kingdom will not stop until all the kingdoms are as dark as his own."
The silence that followed this statement was sober. Everyone realized that Wendell was not exaggerating. He was genuinely serious about the danger that faced them and equally aware that the lives of all of them rested on the shoulders of these four brave travelers. Suddenly Virginia felt very small.
"Wendell, are you sure this prophecy was speaking of us? We aren't exactly what one would think of as heroes."
Wendell smiled. "On the contrary Virginia, there is no one I can think of more heroic than you."
Virginia blushed. She never thought of herself as a hero. She'd used to classify herself as 'just a waitress', unfit for any sort of adventure; too ordinary to handle things like ancient prophecies and malevolent villains. But after her first adventure in the 9 Kingdoms, she'd learned a few things; one of which was not to be fooled by appearances. If their company were the ones who could help, well then they would just have to manage -- somehow.
"So where are we supposed to look for this Sarah Williams?"
Wendell's face twisted with regret. "I don't know," he confessed softly. "I honestly wish I did. The best I can offer is that you should travel to the 7th Kingdom to start your inquiries. That is Fae country; if you search there, you have a good a chance as any to find what you are looking for."
He crossed the room to where the map of the 9 Kingdoms was hanging, completely covering one wall. "If you head due east," he began, marking a course across the map as he spoke, "you should reach the 7th Kingdom within three to four days. You'll have to scale the Canopy Mountains to reach Avalon. Ask for Lord Fikaden. I've already dispatched a messenger to let him know you are coming. He will do all he can to help you find Sarah."
"Can't King Oberon help us?" Virginia asked softly, having a feeling he would be the best one to make inquires with. Wendell half-smiled.
"I'm sure he could milady, but King Oberon has not been seen in the Kingdoms in over a hundred years. Where he is or what he might be doing, I'd dare not speculate. I only wish he was here. I have a feeling we will have great need of his assistance before all is said and done."
"Huff-Puff," Wolf exclaimed. "An adventure. I can hardly wait! This is going to be so fun--" he caught his fiancee's glare and sobered abruptly, "—er, so funny to recount to our grandchildren someday, once we've returned safely of course, from our swift adventure in which we are placed in no peril whatsoever and everything is resolved so we live happily ever after. Right honey?"
He grinned charmingly at Virginia, who just rolled her eyes at him. "Wendell," she said, ignoring Wolf completely, "How long do you suppose all this will take? I hate to say it, but I'm not in much shape to go adventuring. Three, maybe four months at the most, and I'm gonna pop."
"Well I'm hoping you can locate Sarah without too much trouble. After that, your guess is as good as mine." He sighed, pacing agitatedly to and fro. "The only reason I am even allowing you to go on this journey in your condition is because the prophecy makes it clear you are needed. Also, I have a feeling that you and Sarah are connected in some way, though I'm not sure what it is that connects you. I apologize for asking you to do this, but I feel there is no other option. And once you return to the castle, you will have the best medical care possible. No harm will come to you or your baby Virginia. That I promise you."
"Besides, if you go into labor I know what to do," Wolf insisted. "I've seen the midwife deliver cubs before -- it doesn't look that difficult."
Virginia nearly shrieked. "Wolf, you are not delivering our baby!" Wolf tried to whine a protest, but she cut him off with an empathic shake of her head. "Trust me, it's for your own protection. You don't want to be anywhere near me when this baby comes -- it'll make your monthly full moon cycle is going to look like nothing compared to motherly rage."
"Trust me, she's right," Wendell said with a smile. He clapped Wolf on the shoulder and nodded at both of them. "I have rooms set up for you and provisions packed so you can leave first thing in the morning."
Tony, who had been strangely quiet this whole time to let the others catch up, now chimed in. "Us? Aren't you coming too, Wendell?"
King Wendell shook his head. "Much as I'd love to go, I'm sorry to say my responsibilities to the Fourth Kingdom prevent me from doing so. Now I suggest we all turn in. You have a long journey ahead of you and unfortunately, thanks to the attacks on my Kingdom, so do I."
A/N: Sorry for the dryness of this chapter, people -- but unfortunately exposition is necessary for plot points! (sigh) Forgive me, but I promise more fun chapters are on the way! And, for those who asked, Sarah will be appearing soon -- & you know where Sarah is, the man of the hour (our dear Jareth) is never far behind! (grin)
Hopefully I'll be looking at the next chapter by end of this week to early part of next. But reviews help motivate me & remind me what to write, so don't forget to review after you read ok? (grins) Also, I had to rewatch the movie 10th Kingdom last weekend because I realized just how much of the canon I forgot from not writing this in so long. I was surprised by how many details I had forgotten, but I'm thrilled to say it reinspired me & reminded me of all the reasons why I loved the movie in the first place. Soooo--
My challenge of the week: If you haven't watched 10 K in awhile, rent it & watch it again. I promise, it'll be the highlight of your week. & if you've never seen the movie -- what are you waiting for? It's a brilliant mix of fairytale and modern storytelling -- so watch, imagine & enjoy!
Christy