III.

The Umbadao



The King requested that Ani stay at the castle until the Umbadao was caught and she complied. She saw no more of Captain Darrin that afternoon and was not at all upset about it. After all, he had dragged her to the castle and introduced her to the King. It was too dangerous. But she had shrugged it off, the worry slipping off her shoulders. After all, she was a guest in the castle, one of the most marveled buildings in the country.

A servant, who was only about six, led her to her room. The little girl was quiet and when she did speak, she had an amazingly soft voice.

Ani's room was larger than any other she could remember being in. It was decorated with a large bed with a burgundy canopy, a large burgundy rug and curtains over the humongous windows of the same color. A large walk-in closet was to her left, while the bathroom was to her right. Several plush armchairs sat in anticipation of occupants. The floor was solid oak, as was the bedpost.

The little girl grinned at Ani's astonishment. "Large, huh? I like it too. It's always been my favorite. Oh! And look in the closet at the dresses I helped pick out, my favorites in there too! Did you know there's a dance tonight? You've come just in time!"

Ani grinned at the girl. "Really? Show the dress to me, I am sure it's lovely."

And indeed it was. It was a beautiful blue color, with ruffles delicately placed to run down the train of the dress. The top of it stopped at the bottom of the shoulders, just barely attached to the dress.

"It's gorgeous." Ani cried.

The girl grinned wide. "I know. And it will look good on you."

"I will wear it tonight!" Ani told her.

The little girl looked at her feet. "I wish I could go and wear something pretty."

Ani knelt down in front of her. "Who says you can't?"

She shrugged. "Everyone."

"Well, then. I will take you to the dance tonight. How would you like that?"

The girl grinned. "Oh, would you?"

Ani nodded. "Now, what's your name?"

"Cecile."

"Well, then Cecile, won't you show me where they got all these dresses?"

"They bought them all."

"Who did?"

"Bella."

"Can you let me meet her?"

Cecile's eyes lit up. "Of course. She's the best. Always has candy."

"Where's your mother? You'll need permission to go to the dance."

"I don't have a mom. She's dead."

Cecile's bluntness shocked Ani. "What about your father?"

The girl shrugged. "You wouldn't like him."

Ani sighed. "Then we'll have to ask Bella. But it will have to be later in the day, alright?"

………………………………………………………………………………..



Bella was plump lady who never stopped smiling. She welcomed both Ani and Cecile in without question. The lady lived in a small deluxe room on the first floor with three other women.

"Well, now, Cecile! Won't you tell me who your friend is?" The woman asked the girl in a thick accent Ani couldn't place.

"She's a Princess!" Cecile cried out.

Ani flinched. "My name's Ani." She shook hands with Bella.

Bella winked at Ani and said, "Glad to meet you, your majesty."

Ani sighed with relief, knowing that Bella hadn't believed Cecile. "It's nice to meet you too, Bella. I was wondering, do you think you could take Cecile and me shopping? She's going to the dance with me tonight and she needs a dress."

"Of course I would." Bella said. "I would but, I have a problem."

Ani's heart sunk. "What's that?"

"I already bought the little stinker one. Just like the one of yours that she fancies so much, only, it has actual sleeves."

Cecile squealed. "Bella you're the best!"

"I know I am dear." The woman turned to a package on the table behind her and handed it to Ani. "It's folded up all nice and neat so don't go unwrapping it before you get back to your room. Now, remember, dinner is in an hour so I suggest both you get started."

Cecile grabbed one of Ani's arms and yanked. "Let's go and get ready! You heard Bella!"

Ani grinned at Bella and said, "Thanks for everything. You have very good taste."

"Of course I do. Otherwise I wouldn't have this job."

Ani led Cecile to her room and helped the girl get her dress on and put her hair up. The girl looked wonderful in the dress.

Ani put on hers as well. She put her hair up just like she had done with Cecile's and slipped on her shoes. By that time it was already time to go down to the Great Hall and meet all the people who had come to the dance.

When they got to the Great Hall, the King immediately greeted them with a large smile that spread from ear to ear.

"Well, well, if it isn't my lovely little girls. How are we tonight?"

"Great!" Cecile cried out.

The King laughed. "Well, I can see you're already having a wonderful time. And I most certainly hope that you won't forget to ask me to come and dance with you. I don't want to be the only fellow left out."

Cecile grinned. "Of course. Want to dance now?"

The King gasped exaggeratedly. "Well, of course! I would never pass up such an opportunity."

The King whisked the girl off onto the dance floor as Ani watched admiringly. She looked around and saw mounds of food dished up onto the long table. She quickly sat and began to eat. As she ate, she watched people chatter among themselves and dance. But she didn't really concentrate on them. Had the Captain found the Umbadao? Did he know what he was up against?

She scanned the crowd furiously, but couldn't find him.

Cecile found Ani and sat next to her. "Who are you lookin' for?"

"The Captain." Ani said, unconsciously.

"Darrin?"

"Ayah."

"He just came in. He looks hurt."

Ani stood quickly up and raced for the door. He didn't realize how dangerous they are. Now it's my fault. What if he's seriously hurt? She felt guilty.

But when she saw him talking to the King, she sighed in relief and walked slower.

When she reached them she said, "Hallo, Captain. How was the Umbadao? I see he got away?"

He looked at her, his black eye popping out at her and a cut on his left cheek just beginning to stop bleeding. "Yes. He got away." He growled at her.

"I'm terribly sorry." She said honestly. "How is the cut? Does it still hurt?"

He nodded. "Of course it hurts."

"Well, then, we'll have to get it fixed up, now won't we? I know how to heal these sorts of things. They should be gone in an hour if you let me."

"How would you know that?"

"I lived with a witch for a year." She shrugged. "Now do you want me to help or not?"

"Of course he does," the King slapped Darrin on the back, who looked annoyed.

"Well, then, will you follow me?" Ani asked and led him up the grand staircase. "It might hurt for a few seconds but it's worth the pain."

"How did you meet this witch?" He asked.

"In the Marketplace." She shrugged. "I was homeless at that time, so she took me in. Until this morning that is."

"What happened?"

"The room's the next one on the right." She said, changing the subject purposefully.

He frowned at her but silently followed her into her room. He had a strange suspicion that she wasn't telling him something that would be necessary to catch this Umbadao.

She grabbed a sack that was on her dresser. "Sit in the chair." She directed and knelt in front of the chair. She dabbed the herbs in the bag on his cut with her left hand and rubbed it on. "I grabbed these before I ran out of the house this morning. It came in handy."

She began to work on his black eye, when he caught sight of something on her palm. He quickly grabbed her hand and stared in astonishment at it.

She quickly pulled her hand away. "It's makeup. Cecile put it on for fun."

Darrin shook his head vigorously. "It's authentic. I know that kind of thing when I see it. Is this why you won't tell anyone why the Umbadao is chasing you? You do know what this means?"

She glared at him angrily. "Of course I know what it means."

"Where are your parents?" He asked.

"Dead." She frowned. "In a fire."

"You're the only one left?"

"Yes." She dipped her hand in the bag of herbs again. "Now let me finish this."

He let her rub the herbal ointment on his black eye. "So tell me. Why are you so enthusiastic to hide it?"

"I hate it. That's why. Happy?"

"And that's how the King knew you. He just couldn't remember correctly."

Ani sighed. "Please. Do not talk of it. I do not wish for everyone to know. I originally didn't want you to know. But I forgot it was there."

"I will not mention it in public. But I think you should at least tell the King."

"What's the point? He won't remember it or blurt it out to everyone."

"True." Darrin frowned. "Are you done?"

"With your cuts? Ayah. They were minor and won't even take five minutes to disappear."

"Good." He muttered.

An awkward silence seemed to suspend in the air. "Well, I guess it's time to go back downstairs. I didn't tell Cecile where I was going."

"The servant girl? Why would you have to-" he stopped mid sentence, seeing she didn't like what he was saying.

"Her name is Cecile. And I would prefer it if you called her that instead of 'servant girl'."

Darrin frowned. "I am sorry."

She shrugged and stood up. "I must get downstairs. If you wish to wait here until your cuts are well, you are welcome to."

"I think not." He also stood. "That would be rude."

"Remember," Ani said. "Do not treat me like you would want to. Just act as though I were… normal."

He nodded in agreement. "Of course."

Ani led the way back downstairs, the Captain silently following. As soon as they stepped off the staircase the screaming began.

The captain pulled his sword from its hilt.

They both raced towards the great hall, panting heavily. As soon as they saw the cause of distress they frowned at each other and boldly walked inside.

The Umbadao was boldly holding Cecile captive.

"Where's the Princess?" It growled, holding his sword to Cecile's neck.

"There is no Princess here!" The Captain yelled out. "Now let the girl go!"

It turned towards them. It was still in the shape of a man. He threw Cecile to the ground and raced towards Ani and Darrin. "That's her! The Princess."

Ani didn't flinch, however, the Captain did.

"I am nothing of the sort!" Ani called out. "You were lied to. Des just wanted to cause you trouble. She hates Umbadaos!"

"Not quite!" A voice rang out that made her cringe. Des walked out of the crowd and up to Ani. "I do not hate Umbadaos. I hate you!"

Darrin glanced at Ani. "This is the witch?"

She nodded. "Ayah. She has strong magic. I would be careful if I were you."

Darrin shook his head. "I've dealt with witches before."

"Not like her."

"We'll see." He muttered and mumbled something under his breath.

A ball of fire appeared under Des' feet. She cried out and stamped it out. "Puny magic." She cackled. "Your friend has only dealt with beginning witches."

Darrin frowned. "You're right. She's strong."

"I should know. I only lived with her for a year." She rolled her eyes at him.

"Now what are you going to do?" Des asked.

He muttered something like, "Dodramu amore desare."

The witch grinned. "Do you think that silly protecting spell will work against me? Just watch me add to your cuts." She mumbled something, holding out her hands. A black light came out of them and hit Darrin. He was hurtled into the wall and dropped to the ground.

"That will teach you." She laughed.

Ani woke out of her shocked state and muttered a spell that would heal his wounds immediately.

Darrin rose to his feet, unharmed by the throw and walked up beside Ani. "Thanks."

"Any time. But what are we going to do about her?"

Darrin sighed. "I cannot do anything to harm her. I only know enough to keep witches from being high and mighty to the King. What can you do?"

"Just healing magic. I am not very good at battle magic."

"I see." He frowned. "There's only on thing to do."

"What's that?"

"We need a wizard.'

Ani suddenly remembered a chant her father had taught her when she was little. "Sire, please come to my rescue. Witch, goblin or crook, you are the only way through." She repeated this three times. When she was finished, a man with an enormously long white beard and a coiled stave appeared beside her.

Darrin stared in astonishment. "Is that- Qwen?"

Ani grinned. "Sort of. That's his son, Owen."

"What's the matter?" Owen asked, grinning down at Ani. His voice was extremely young. Ani knew he was only about her age.

"We have a problem with a witch. Neither I nor the captain can defeat her."

Owen frowned at the woman, and saw the Umbadao. "And an Umbadao too."

"We can take care of that."

Owen nodded. "Of course. Have I told you that you look lovely today?"

"No, you have not. But we need to get this over with."

"Yes. Now, you must understand. I cannot defeat her either. I can only banish her out of the City. If you leave the City you will be in grave danger. And I will not be able to help you again in a year, you know."

"Ayah. I know. Papa explained that to me."

"Very well, tell your father I said hi when you see him." Owen ran off towards Des before Ani could reply.

Ani looked at Darrin helplessly. "Where can I get a sword?"

"The wall." He pointed at the grand hall's walls. Swords hung just next to their appropriate shields.

Ani ran up to a sword that looked about the size she needed and pulled it down. Darrin looked at her surprised. "You know how to use it?"

"Of course." She grinned. "My father was an expert swordsman."

He frowned at her as she ran toward the Umbadao who was scaring the women, huddled in a corner, just for fun.

Ani held up her sword and thrust it into the creatures back. It immediately shed it's human guise. It turned towards her, a blob of nothingness and a hideous disfigured head. Arms grew from its sides and reached out for her. She ducked and tried to get back to her sword, still in it's back. But it was too quick and grabbed her neck, squeezing. Ani immediately saw black spots creeping into her vision, blinding her. Her breath shortened, and was cut off. The noise of fear around her disappeared. Her mind stopped short.