Chapter 10
Virginia was up early the next morning with the sunrise. She was a little tired at her lack of sleep the night before, but she was more anxious to get on the road. She quickly got out of bed and changed into some comfortable traveling clothes. She was half way through with making her bed when she realized the maids were supposed to be the ones making the beds. So she left the bed half undone and grabbed her pack and was out the door. She made it to the dining hall and was surprised to see the amount of people already there. She figured that most people would still be sleeping. Normally she would be herself.
She found Wendell at the head of the table and took a seat next to him. She didn't see her father anywhere, so she figured he was still fast asleep. He always was a late sleeper.
"Morning Wendell." Virginia didn't bother with the Good Morning, because it was anything but with Wolf missing.
Wendell seemed to know what she was thinking. "Morning, did you have problems sleeping?"
"Yes. I don't think I got more than five hours of sleep last night. Is Dad up yet?"
"No, I was just going to send a servant up to wake him. We should try and get an early start. I have already left instructions for my council. I told them that I would be keeping in contact with them and if anything should come up, I told them the relative area that we will be in. I also have the kitchen staff preparing plenty of food supplies as well. Last night I informed the stable keepers that we would need seven good horses to be ready by this morning. I figure we can use the seventh horse to carry supplies, and as soon as we rescue Wolf, then he can use that horse."
Virginia smiled. She was surprised at how prepared Wendell was. She knew now why he made such a great King. He knew how to take charge in situations and he had a caring heart. "That's great Wendell. We should be able to be on our way within the next few hours then."
Just then, Lord Rupert came running in. He tripped over one of the chairs but somehow was able to keep his balance. Virginia had to stifle a giggle. Rupert hadn't changed much. She watched as he ran to her. "Oh, I had heard that the Lady Virginia had returned. It's such a pleasure having you back. OH! We should plan a feast tonight. In honor of your and Lord Wolf's return." He stopped when he realized that Wolf wasn't anywhere around and then he noticed the grave expressions on both King Wendell's face and Virginia's. "Where is Lord Wolf?"
Wendell cleared his throat and thought of the best way to say this. Anthony and him had discussed last night that they didn't want to tell anyone except chosen few what had happened. His council of course knew, and it would seem that he would need to tell Lord Rupert.
"Lord Wolf has been kidnapped." Wendell stated in a low voice, not wanting everyone to hear. Rupert gasped and looked around as if he expected someone to come for him next. "But please, Lord Rupert, we are trying to keep this a secret. Very shortly, Anthony, Virginia, and myself are leaving to find him. My council has already been informed of the incident and will watch over things while I am gone."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Please let me know if there is anything that I could do to help. I would be honored to help the Lady Virginia or Lord Wolf in anyway that I can." Virginia felt like hugging Rupert. She had never seen him so calm before, or grave for that matter. Plus, it meant a great deal to her that so many people wanted to help find Wolf.
"Thank you Rupert. That means a lot to me." Virginia then turned to see her father walk into the dining hall. He looked very dazed; he usually wasn't up until about ten or eleven in the morning. This had to be very hard on him to be up at six o'clock.
"Morning Antony. I trust you are all packed and ready?"
Tony just grunted and gave Wendell a dirty look. The corner of Wendell's mouth quirked a little but he was able to control himself. "Come now Antony, don't you feel refreshed and ready for a long day of traveling?" Wendell was enjoying himself a little too much. He could barely contain himself from bursting out laughing as Antony looked like he was about give Wendell a piece of his mind. Virginia just watched with minor amusement. Lord Rupert still stood there. She could tell he didn't know what to think. Here was Wolf missing and his King was acting as if nothing were the matter! Virginia didn't mind though. She now knew that Wendell cared about Wolf and was eager to get him back as well. Lord Rupert hurried away to attend to other affairs, but he wouldn't be his usual hyper self today.
Virginia, Tony, and Wendell finished up their breakfast and began making any final preparations. By then, Tony was more awake and active. After about an hour, they had everything ready; the food and horses were prepared, and they each had their bag of supplies. They were in the main entrance hall when Burly, Blabberwort, and Bluebell arrived. They seemed excited about finally getting to do something than just sitting around their castle all day. They were dressed the same as the day before, clad entirely in leather with their weapons as their only belongings that they were bringing.
"Right. Well I think it's time we were on our way then. The horses are waiting outside for us." Everyone turned to follow Wendell out the castle doors. Wendell was true to his word. There were seven horses waiting patiently for them, already saddled up and carrying the supplies.
Wendell hopped up onto a beautiful white horse. Tony and Virginia's horses were magnificent black horses. The spare horse that would carry Wolf later on was also black. The three troll's horses were a deep brown. Virginia stood marveling at the horses. They were obviously well taken care of and trained. She hopped up onto her horse after double-checking that her supplies were fastened on tightly. She waited for Tony and King Burly and his sibling to get on to their horses.
When everyone was ready, they left. Virginia had a little experience with horses. She had once gone on a field trip in high school, where they had left the city and stayed a week at a camp. They had learned archery, horseback riding, testing water to make sure it was safe, and basic skills while hiking. At the time, she didn't think she would ever need to know any of that stuff, but here in the Nine Kingdoms, it seemed almost necessary. She could tell her dad wasn't as experienced as she was. He had a hard time staying balanced on the horse and couldn't get it to turn as easily. Lucky for him, the horse was well trained and needed little guiding. It just followed Wendell's horse along the path. More than once Virginia had to stop herself from laughing, as Tony would come close to slipping right off the horse. Wendell on the other hand was a fantastic rider. He sat with his back straight, riding elegantly. Seeing him like that, no one could deny that he was royalty. The trolls rode behind everyone else often messing around and picking fights with each other. They were currently punching each other, trying to see who gets the biggest bruise. Virginia rolled her eyes and rode up along side of Wendell.
"How far away is Little Lamb Village? I was looking at my map and we aren't to far I don't think."
"We should be reaching the spot that Wolf was last seen by tomorrow around noon. We'll stop tonight at sunset and find a good place to set up camp for the night." Virginia nodded and stared thoughtfully at the passing landscape. "Are you alright Virginia? I mean how are you taking it?" Wendell asked this softly, he didn't want to pressure Virginia into feeling that she had to talk. But he was just letting her know that he would gladly listen if she needed to express her feelings.
Virginia seemed to understand his intentions. She sat silent for a minute before turning to Wendell. She had tears in her eyes. Wendell put an arm around her, or as easily as he could since they were still riding horses.
Wendell thought at that moment, Virginia looked so much older than she really was. Not physically, but mentally. She had gone through so much already and was only 21 years old. Her mother had left her and her father when she was at a young age and she had to survive for fourteen years with her emotions all bottled up. All the while taking care of her father, who had sunken into a state of depression after his wife left. She had to be the responsible one and act a lot older than she really was. Then, when she finally found her mother again, she learns that her mother had tried to kill her when she was younger and was trying to kill her then. On top of that, she had to kill her mother in self-defense. Then when she had finally learned to open up and express her feelings, to learn to love someone back, he was taken away from her. Virginia had gone through so much and was so young.
That was one thing Wendell and Virginia had in common, they both had to grow up so fast. Although, it took being turned into a dog for Wendell to truly appreciate everything. But his parents had been taken from him at an early age also. They were murdered and then he himself was almost murdered as well. Wendell knew it was selfish and wrong of him, but he couldn't help but feel like the Evil Queen had done them all a favor. Even though she had not meant for it to happen, Wendell had truly benefited from being turned into a dog. He was a new man now, and a better ruler for his people. Anthony had changed as well. He was not dwelling in self-pity anymore or as selfish as he was before he had come here. Virginia had learned to open up and express her feelings as well as learn to trust someone. Wolf had changed his ways after meeting Virginia, which wouldn't have happened if not for the Evil Queen. She truly had done them all a favor. However, at the same time, a lot of other people have suffered from her, some loosing their lives, or others loosing loved ones. Wendell couldn't help but feel guilty. Here he was almost grateful for the Evil Queen, while other people's lives would never be the same again, and not in a good way.
Wendell turned back to Virginia to see that once again she was staring at the landscape, lost in thought. "Virginia?" Wendell said softly.
Virginia looked back at Wendell and smiled a little.
"Sorry, I guess I was lost in my own thoughts. I don't know Wendell, I've been through a lot over the last three months, and I suppose I was just hoping for a little break. I'll give you one thing, life in the Nine Kingdoms is never boring." Virginia and Wendell chuckled. Virginia felt some of the tension leave and she relaxed a little. "The truth is, after we returned to New York. It only took me about a week before I realized that I wasn't so eager to be back there as I thought I would be. Through out the whole time that I was here the last time, I could think of nothing except getting the mirror so I could go home to my normal life. But when I had it back, I realized that it wasn't what I wanted anymore. After awhile I felt home sick for the Kingdoms. I knew Wolf was too but he didn't say anything. He is so set on making sure that I stay happy...but I want him to be happy too. He doesn't need to please me all the time. Just being there for me is enough." Virginia was a little surprised that she was admitting all of this so easily. It just went to show how much she really had changed in the last few months.
"You should tell Wolf all this."
"Yeah. I will. As soon as we get him back..." Virginia broke off there. She was scared to death that they may be already to late. She didn't know what she would do without him. She choked back a sob before asking in a faltering voice, "Wendell...do you think he is d-de..." she couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.
"I don't think so. Wolf is a strong guy. He won't give up easily. But what does your heart say?"
Virginia thought for a moment. She nodded. "He's still alive. I can feel it deep down." Wendell squeezed her hand and they fell silent again. Each lost in their thoughts. Wendell could still hear the trolls at it. Apparently Bluebell had lost their little game because his brother and sister were laughing at the size of the bruise on his arm. The older two only had small bruises, but Bluebell's was the size of an apple. Wendell shook his head. Trolls really were the most stupid creatures. He glanced back at Tony who was rubbing his bottom and looking grumpy. Wendell smiled and turned back around.