A Fond Welcome
"Walk faster," James demanded, tapping the flat of his sword against the backs of one of the captives.
"You needn't be so pushy, Prince James," Greylock the Grand retorted. He glanced over his shoulder with a glare marred by his spectacles. "We've already submitted to your demands by handing over our wands and charms."
"And you expect me to trust you even then?" James couldn't help gritting his teeth as he spoke. He vividly remembered the wonderful shows Greylock hosted for the children of his kingdom, and the magic carousel ride he and Cedric had once conjured for the royal children's amusement. He couldn't help the twinge of regret that soured in his throat as he and his guards led the two captives towards the castle. However, the warnings in the back of his mind were too crisp for trusting anyone from his past, and while he remembered Greylock well, he also reminded himself that the sorcerer had joined the coalition and abandoned King Magnus and the people of Rudistan to their miserable fates. He was as much their enemy as any other sorcerer, however many white flags he might wave at their gates.
His companion, the unknown one who had yet to break his silence, unnerved James all the more. Grey lock might insist that they came from the sorcerer elders and the leaders of the coalition, but what they had to say was another matter.
Ahead on the castle steps, Amber and Jade waited for the visitors, flanked by guards.
James stepped ahead of his group, bowing shortly before his sister. "These are the sorcerers we were told about, Am…my queen," he corrected himself. "The ones who announced themselves at the gate. They claim to come in peace, but…"
"Ah! Princess Amber. Or rather, Queen Amber now, is it? My dear, how lovely you have become." Greylock thrust out his arms as he tried to move towards her, but the guards on either side of him clapped their hands to his shoulders. James stepped in front of Amber and Jade and held out his sword warningly before them.
"State your business, now" he announced, when Amber made no move to speak. "What exactly do want?"
"We want to extend a message from the sorcerer elders." Greylock glared at him. "As I told you and your lovely witch friends. We bring information that we know will interest you, and," he nudged his companion, who still hadn't spoken, "we have an offer that we know you will not refuse. Your majesty," he added, suddenly bowing.
"So? What is it?" James glanced over his shoulder to see what was wrong with Amber. His sister should have been demanding information or belittling their prisoners by now.
Instead, she stood as still as a statue, staring at the silent sorcerer, who, James now realized, was gazing back at her with an odd smile.
"It's you," Amber exclaimed, pushing James' sword out of her way as she ran to the sorcerers. The guards tried to stop her, but Amber brushed them all aside.
"It's me," the sorcerer replied, holding out his palms. "I thought it time to visit in person, now that I finally have what you asked for."
"You do?" The sorcerer nodded fervently, and Amber, to the surprise of everyone present, threw her arms around his neck.
"Amber!" James tossed off his formality as he rushed to pull her off his prisoner. "What in Enchansia are you doing?"
"Just what I have wanted to do for a long time, James!" Amber announced, sounding giddy. She looked at Greylock. "I welcome you to my court, such as it is, and extend Enchansia's protection to you in exchange for your message, Greylock the Grand, and…?"
"Serano." The strange sorcerer bowed low before her. "Serano the Sightful."
"Serano." Amber seemed to savor the name as she held out her hand for him to take. "Welcome to my home, at last, Serano. Please, tell me what message you bring."
