Last time, on our previous tale...

Lina hurried over to Elia's side. "Are you okay, Your Highness?"

Elia weakly stood up and brushed off her gown. "I think so...thank you so much for saving me!"

"Our pleasure." Vince smiled as he examined his wound--he'd have to get his armor repaired if he was to travel farther, unless Lina could do something about it.

"Life's refreshing breeze, blow in energy! Cure!" Lina commanded, sending a blue aura to Vince's wound. Once it had faded, his armor was completely new, with no evidence of the battle left behind.

Vince just smiled. "Thank you, Lady Starwill...as for you, Your Highness, it is time for you to return to the castle." He took Elia by the hand and lead the way out of the Shrine. Once everyone was back outside, he let Elia climb aboard the mare before setting out back to Cornelia...

Episode 14: The Crystal's Clue

Vince smailed as he lead the mare down a dirt pathway that went around the forest. This was a faster route to Cornelia than having to brave the woods a second time. Subjecting Elia to an ambush was the last thing he wanted to do, never mind he had others to help him. If she fell in battle to goblins or skeletons...he shuddered to think of what would happen if he had to break the saddening news to the King and the Queen.

"Master Corrigan? What's the matter?" Elia's soft voice snapped him from his mental nightmare. He glanced up at the young princess and nervously smiled to let her know he was all right.

"You seemed troubled when we passed around the edge of the woods." Darien noted. "You sure all is well?" The wolf pup whined in agreement from farther ahead as Darien shepherded it back to him by giving a leather strip that he had fashioned into a leash a quick tug

Vince swallowed hard. "I...I was afraid of passing through the woods for fear that we get caught in an ambush. If Elia falls to a pack of monsters..." He let that hang as the party approached Cornelia's gates.

Elia just giggled. "Don't worry, Master...we're nowhere near the woods now--besides, I have you and your friends to protect me in case some monsters find us!"

"See, Vince? The princess trusts you to protect her." Mallory began. "All you need to do is affirm her trust, not worry yourself to death over her." Vince started to protest, but Mallory cut him off. "I know she is important to you, but worrying about her all the time isn't going to come off as very guardian-like in her eyes."

"You're right...maybe I am worrying too much." Vince replied as he led the mare into the city towards the castle gates. I know my duty is to protect the royal family and the people I serve--and it is only natural that I worry about them a little... he thought as he helped Elia off the mare and led her inside the castle. But worrying about Elia as I have--could Lady Foxheart be right that I worry too much?

In the throne room...

"Your Majesties...I bring you the princess, safe and sound." Vince announced as he led Elia down the carpet towards the two thrones. Some of the lords and ladies in attendance cheered at the sight of the smiling princess. Once Vince and the others had gotten down on one knee, Elia calmly walked over to her own small throne by her mother's.

"Words cannot describe the happiness and gratitude I have for your finding her alive, Sir Corrigan." the King smiled. "Name what you wish, and it will be granted; each of you.

"I desire no reward other than seeing Princess Elia safe." Vince replied. "That is far better than any amount of riches or wealth."

"What of your comrades? They deserve to be thanked as much as you do." the Queen began.

Mallory took that opportunity to speak. "If it pleases Your Majesties, my only request is to learn more of the mysterious song the wizards have heard...I feel it might be one of the Lost Crystals singing out to its brethren."

The King thought on this for a moment, then replied. "Very well, Lady Foxheart. I will tell you all that the royal wizards know about the cave by Jodra they have studied, the New Moon Grotto. For a long time, it was filled with gems and other high valued crystals--Matoya was said to have found her crystal eye there many years ago."

"The singing began only several weeks ago, coinciding with a large number of monsters appearing inside." the Queen continued. "The royal wizards share your same theory, Lady Foxheart, but they are fearful of the creatures inside; so they hesitate to explore it."

"What about Matoya?" Darien interjected. "Would she be able to help us at all?"

"Yes...she knows much about the world, so she may be able to give you wisdom about the grotto, if you feel called to explore it." the King replied. "I will send word to the bridge gatekeepers to allow you passage to her abode."

"Thank you, Your Majesties." Lina replied.

"Before you go, I have something for you too..." Elia got up from her throne for a moment and disappeared from the room for a moment. She returned a few moments later carrying a small lute in her arms. "This is Daddy's old lute that he let me have--I want you to have it as thanks for saving me." she smiled as Lina took the instrument in her arms. "I hope it helps you on your journey."

"Thank you, Elia--I'm sure Vince would be glad to learn to play it." Lina replied. Some light laughter filled the air as Vince blushed a little. Mallory, meanwhile, was thinking about what to ask Matoya about the grotto--was it possible that one of the Lost Crystals really was there?

To Be Continued...