Hawk trusted instincts. Alex's were telling her to go to the Castle. Hawk's, unfortunately, told him the same. The Castle held the answer to everything, but what could they be. The Castle also held many dangers. This was why the Bear came too. For some reason the bear felt obligated to protect Alex.
Thank God he is betrothed, Hawk thought. He didn't want the bear to get any ideas about Alex. She was to be his. Wait…what am I thinking Alex wasn't his, but every time he looked at her his heart skipped a beat. Yes, he knew he was in love with her. He would protect her till the day he died. She seemed regal almost. Like a Queen. Alex would make a great Queen. Much better then the one they had.
They had decided not to camp until they had reached the edge of the forest. It was dangerous to stay. They didn't have far to go. A half days ride at most to the edge and another three days to the castle. That is, if it was an uneventful ride. Tori was chattering constantly in Alex's ear. Alex didn't allow Tori to ride on a horse like a person.
"It would look weird for a squirrel to ride a horse. We don't need that kind of attention."
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"Your Grace, the spell seems to have taken full effect. All the descendants of the Greats are falling victim to their curses. Unfortunately Gregory was able to run off before he could be detained." The guard looked like a dog about to be beaten.
Good, thought the Queen, let him think I will harm him. That will keep him in line. She was looking in her mirrors. She knew exactly where the stupid boy was, for he had joined Hawk. The Queen turned to face the guard so suddenly he jumped. The Queen smiled, "Fear not Moric. The bear will not cause problems. I know exactly where he is." The Queen turned back to her mirrors. She called, "Magic mirror, call Denlick." The mirror gave a crackling noise as it went to find the Chief of the Queen's secret Patrol. After a few minutes the face of a goblin appeared.
"My Queen, we have yet to find those you search for. We have information that they are in the Disenchanted forest. We are headed right there now."
"Well stop," Announced the Queen. "Let them come to the castle. I want them here." With the flick of her wrist the Queen cleared the mirror and turned to another. Twisting one of the circle designs on the side she opened the traveling mirror. The Queen was always fascinated with the woods she saw on the other side. Occasionally she thought about going through, but something always made her stop. That place held danger. She knew, but one day she just might travel through and take yet another kingdom. The Queen smiled at this.