Chapter 10: Bad News
(§-§ mind-reading by Missouri)
::
The moment of anxiety Dean had felt at the sight of Sam in the company of anyone unknown to him, was quickly soothed by Robert's swift explanation
"They share the same mother but different fathers," continued his tutor, explaining about Rufus.
"She was an indentured serving woman at the court of the King of Grenada, and very beautiful it seems. How she managed to give birth to two such annoying human beings as Missouri and Rufus I'll never understand," he finished off.
Dean watched his brother chattering excitedly with the newcomer; it was obvious that he'd pushed some of Sam's inquisitive 'research' buttons. His brother had a thirst for knowledge that was unquenchable, he contemplated fondly.
Sam turned at Dean's approach, sensing him even before seeing him; his displeasure with his sibling in the pool forgotten. His eyes were sparkling, as always happened when he was on a knowledge-acquiring orgasm.
"Dean," he called, as he practically bounded over towards him, floppy hair almost dry, curling into its usual bangs, making him look more like a gangly puppy than ever.
It was strange, Dean mused to himself that it had taken a bath in a hot pool for him to become aware of his little brother's latent puppy-ness.
"As if he wasn't endearing enough before, "he thought ruefully.
x
"Just think that Rufus here has crossed the Great Sea and seen incredible wonders, pyramids, great towers, libraries stock full of books…..!"
Dean held up a hand, hoping to curb his little brother's enthusiasm, " I get it Sammy, but first introduce me to your new acquaintance."
"Oh. Right….Mmm… This is Rufus, Missouri's brother. He's just arrived from his latest journey, to come visit his sister"
"Prince Dean., my pleasure." The man exhibited the most flamboyant of bows.
Dean felt his face flushing, for though he was used to being addressed by his royal appellative, there was an undertone of impudence in the man's words, as if he was laughing at him.
He mentally counted to ten, having taken to heart Missouri's lesson on staying cold in front of the baiting of an enemy. He plastered a false smile on his handsome face, held out his hand and with the most seriously prince-like of voices, solemnly declared.
"It is of course the traditional custom at our court for all new arrivals to kiss the hand of the heir to the throne and to hold that position for at least thirty seconds."
"Dean!" He heard Sam's astonished gasp.
Rufus seemed disoriented for a second, and then he straightened up and wagged a playful finger in Dean's direction.
"You were trying to be a smart-arsed little prince weren't you? For a moment there you had me believing in your "custom."
He clapped a heavy hand on Dean's shoulder as Dean's smirk reached epic proportions.
"I think you're going to grow on me, boy."
x
He turned his attention to Robert. "Bobby, my old friend! How's life been treating you?"
"Your ears been clogged up or something, Rufus?" was Robert's snorted reply.
"The kingdom has been conquered, the fate of the monarchs unknown, my own stubborn wife is still in the Castle I don't know if alive or dead, and these poor boys are on the run from Azazel.
I wouldn't say that this is the crowning moment of my life," Robert continued crustily.
"Now, now, Bobby, no need to get up on your high horse! I know what's been going on."
Rufus lowered his voice, exchanging glances with Bobby. "I got some news too."
Bobby understood instantly that the news wasn't anything good.
x
Just then Missouri's vigorous voice called out that breakfast was ready and for all those tardy dolts outside to get their buttocks down on her stools if they wanted food.
The four men didn't let her repeat it twice, for though they would never admit it, Missouri's wooden spoon was a powerful threat, and before long they were eating heartily of fresh eggs, smoked bacon and newly baked bread.
Bobby and Rufus exchanged glances as the two Princes concentrated on their food, having silently decided that the bad news could wait until they had eaten.
Dean was the first to polish off his portion and turned his own pleading gaze on Missouri.
"Nothing to lose by trying," he thought to himself.
"My lady Missouri, " he asked in his best little boy voice, looking straight into her eyes." There wouldn't be a slice of pie left over from last night's dinner that nobody wants, by any chance?"
He felt, more than saw, Sam's amused eyes on him and hoped his little brother kept quiet.
"I swear that you and that brother of yours could melt the heart of a stone and I'm just a poor woman. What chance do I have?"
She huffed and muttered but she brought back two slices of apple pie and cream, and set them down before the young men.
"Missouri, you are the most wonderful woman on the face of the Earth, thank you." Dean gave her his best smile.
"Yes, thank you Mistress Missouri," Sam chirped in, puppy-dog eyes on full thrusters, happier for the fact that Dean got his slice of pie, than for himself.
x
With a sigh, she turned away, hoping that the innocence and sweetness the brothers possessed would never be lost in the coming hardships.
She was a psychic, not a fortune teller, however occasionally some future events would be revealed to her such as the attack on the Castle, but she didn't get to see everything.
x
While Sam munched on his pie he wondered where Frank was, as he hadn't seen him yet.
§ He is finishing one of his experiments, § Missouri's voice echoed in his head.
Sam nearly jumped off the stool.
Dean had told him about Missouri having read his thoughts, but to actually have a voice in his head was creepy.
§ Sam, I want you to try and stop my voice from invading your mind. Make the effort to block me out by erecting a wall around your thoughts, stone by stone and close me out. Go on my boy! §
Sam concentrated on imagining a wall, built stone by stone as high as possible but he couldn't hold on to the image for long and it collapsed.
§ Very good, Sam. While you imagined the wall, I couldn't penetrate your mind. You must practise keeping it up for longer and longer and you'll be able to block me out permanently, unless you yourself wish otherwise. §
Sam's eyes went to Dean who nearly slipped off his stool, mouth full of pie, and he surmised that Missouri was giving him the self-same lesson she had just imparted to him.
He was certain when he saw Dean's face morph in concentration.
x
While Missouri was keeping the brothers occupied, Robert and Rufus had gone outside and Sam glanced towards the open door where he saw the two men deep in conversation.
He rose and exited the cottage, thanking Missouri for the tasty breakfast as he went, but she still seemed occupied with Dean.
x
The two older men saw him approaching and with a sigh, Robert indicated a fallen tree-trunk that Frank had hewn into a rough garden seat.
"Sam," began Sir Robert, "Rufus passed through the outskirts of the Castle town early this morning and heard some disquieting news."
"Wait until Dean comes out before you say anything," Sam beseeched, wanting the comfort of his brother beside him before knowing anything, certain that the news could not be good.
Dean joined them quickly; seemingly sensing his brother's need to have him at his side and sat down on the seat, shoulder to shoulder with Sam.
x
"I have information from the Castle, my lords," commenced Rufus uncertainly, unwilling to be the bearer of bad news.
Two pairs of young eyes caught his own; waiting.
He sighed and continued," I am sorry to tell you that the King, your royal father has been put to death and the coronation of the usurper is set for this evening," he paused for a moment. "As is the wedding of the newly widowed queen to the future king."
x
Sam's eyes grew moist.
His father dead, and his mother forced to marry his murderer.
He glanced at his brother.
Dean's face had turned to stone.
An expression of pure hatred had formed on it, an expression Sam had never seen before on his easy-going brother's visage.
"Dean," he blurted out helplessly. "What are we going to do?"
"Don't worry, Sam. I'm going to go back to the Castle and plunge my dagger into Azazel's throat for what he has done."
But before he could even move he found two pairs of strong arms holding him down.
x
"Now, now, my little princeling." exclaimed Rufus."You are going nowhere. There is nothing you can do for the moment. Azazel would be more than happy to have you escorted to his prison or execute you himself."
Dean twisted and turned in the men's grip but both Robert and Rufus were strong, and he couldn't throw them off.
"Let me go. I, Prince Dean ORDER you to let me go. I must go and avenge my parents and my realm," he yelled.
x
They let him thrash about until he was exhausted, and then they let him fall gently on to the seat beside his brother who cupped his neck in a consoling gesture and held him tight. Strangely enough, Dean didn't shrug him off, but leaned into his little brother
By this time Missouri and Frank had joined the others and they formed a circle round the princes, hoping to transmit their sympathy and willingness to be there for them.
Dean lifted his head, his green eyes desperate. "There must be some way to defeat Azazel."
x
Sir Robert spoke up first.
"Dean, if you just walk in there, there is no way in Hell that you're going to get the realm back. You'll only get yourself killed! We must have a plan. Something that has a chance of success.
Do you agree with me, my son?
You must find the strength to wait for the right moment for us to launch a counter-attack," finished Robert.
"He has killed my dear father and is going to force my mother into marriage. I will strangle the life out of him with my own two hands, I swear!" Dean vowed.
Rufus stared at him. " Tell me the truth, Dean. Have you ever killed a man?"
Dean lifted his head but did not break away from Sam's touch, needing his brother's comfort.
x
"No, I have never taken a life until now, but how difficult can it be?" he answered in a voice that had suddenly changed timbre, no longer that of an idealistic young Prince but of a man with hate in his heart.
TBC