Chapter 9

Broken Dreams


In the Present on Earth

Far from the streets surrounding the Pond, Gwendolyn Fairfeather wandered in the dark eating some fruit she had stolen from a nearby orchard. The thin red peel of the fruit felt smooth in her hand, and the crunchy interior was sweet and reviving. Of course, she had been surviving on scraps for days, so anything fresh tasted good.

Hunger had forced her to consider whether she ought to return to the Pond and beg for shelter – despite the proud and stubborn tone she had used with the red-haired duck. But Royce was waiting for her to make such a choice. This is my burden to bear, she thought wearily. I didn't mean for anyone else to get caught in my troubles. It would be better if Duke had never learned I was here.

She ate one piece of fruit from her right hand and clutched another in her left. No matter how difficult my life became, I never had to steal until now, Gwendolyn considered sadly.


9 Years Ago on Puckworld

Months after her deception with Duke L'Orange had begun, Gwendolyn sat in her room in her aunt's home gazing at her reflection in the mirror. The thought of a new life far from this place was exciting, but some fear of the unknown still troubled her.

I'll need to get a job somewhere. I've had a good education, but I've never had any training at most useful skills. I should try to pick up something, but how much time do I have? Duke is nearly ready to start the last phase of his task. Once he steals the prized possessions of my neighbors, I'd like to get out of here.

She tapped the surface of her vanity with her fingers. As much as she was looking forward to being free to be with Duke, Gwendolyn didn't want him to have to steal to provide for her. Would he be willing to leave the Brotherhood eventually? Could they just start over somewhere?

Rising from her seat, Gwendolyn pulled her evening robe tighter around her. That's when she noticed the strangeness of the cold air in her room. Suddenly, Gwendolyn froze as she felt her feathers tense with the sensation that she was not alone. Turning, she saw a shadow rise from one corner of her room. He was too tall to be Duke, and the presence of this stranger filled her with uneasiness.

"Who are you?"

"I am the leader of the Brotherhood of the Blade. That should suffice for an introduction, Miss Fairfeather."

Drawing in a breath slowly, Gwendolyn steadied herself and faced him.

"And what could you want to discuss with me?"

"I see why Duke admires you," he said with an unpleasant smile. "While you are beautiful, you possess an unusual strength and presence of mind."

Gwendolyn narrowed her gaze, waiting for him to explain his intrusion.

"Unfortunately, Duke has grown rather too attached to you during this job. And I fear this will cause him to neglect his duty to the Brotherhood."

"His mission is nearly finished. You will get the reward you seek from his efforts. And should the blame fall on me as an accomplice, I am willing to bear it."

"Yes, but what will happen after we have the stolen items?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't play games with me, Miss Fairfeather. I have great expectations for Duke L'Orange. He may yet prove to be a great thief … if he does not let himself be drawn off his path by …well, pretty distractions."

Gwendolyn felt his eyes tracing her figure.

"You want our friendship to end?"

He laughed.

"Friendship… is that what you call it? Very well, my dear. Yes, whatever exists between you must cease. If you were to try to follow Duke into our world, or if he was to try to remain in yours, it would prove fatal …for Duke as well as yourself."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I've tried to warn Duke, but a young drake's heart can destroy all his common sense. I hoped you might be more clear-headed. And I'm assuming you don't want him to die."

That last word struck Gwendolyn like a knife, and it took her a few breaths to find the words to speak again.

"No, I don't want that. You can have your apprentice back … only don't punish him because of me. The blame is mine for encouraging him."

"No doubt you enjoyed his company, but you must understand that this is a dangerous business. And the Brotherhood is never to be taken lightly."

Gwendolyn looked him in the eyes.

"I understand. But if that's all you've come to say, I must ask you to leave."

He picked up one of the glass figurines in her room.

"I wonder. Have I been perfectly clear?"

She backed away as he moved towards her, but there was not far she could go, and he caught her wrist. Forcing her hand down beside a candle's flame, Gwendolyn tried to resist, but she did not cry out or beg him to stop. Suddenly, he relented, and he placed the glass figurine in her hand instead.

"You have courage, which is more than can be said for most of those from your world, but even if you don't fear for your own life, you will remember what I have said about Duke. The Brotherhood of the Blade does not permit its members to divide their loyalty. We must have it all."

He stepped back from her and smiled unpleasantly. "And of course, you won't mention a word of this conversation to Duke. Not if you wish to protect him."

In another moment, he was gone, like a shadow slipping back into darkness. Her room was empty again except for the echo of his threats. Gwendolyn looked down at the glass figurine in her hand. It had been of a well-dressed drake, one to be paired with the glass lady on her dresser. But in her palm, the head and limbs of the drake had been snapped off.

Startled by what she saw, Gwendolyn dropped it suddenly, and it smashed on her floor.

This chapter was shorter than most, but I will publish the next chapter soon! Leave reviews if you are enjoying the story so far. Thanks!