Chapter Five: The Palace of Beauty
"Could Taste Your Sweet Kisses
Your arms open wide
This fever for you is just
Burning me up inside."
~ From "I Drove All Night" by Celine Dion
Wolf was the first to look out the next morning. His sharp eyes peered out as he searched his surroundings. He sniffed around for any signs of the Hunters. He heard the distant twitter of a bird, but that was all. He poked his head back into the tree. "Coast is clear," he called to his friends. "I think they are gone." He stuck his hand into the tree and helped Virginia to rise, then he and Virginia did the same to Frick.
"You sure they're gone?" Virginia asked.
"Positive," Wolf answered.
Suddenly an arrow whizzed by barely missing the trio and hitting the tree. "You may wish to rethink that," Frick quipped. Virginia, Wolf, and Frick ran further into the woods. "They are right behind us," Wolf said. "Get down!" The three hid behind a group of up turned roots as they could make out the image of the female hunter pacing right on top of them.
Lynnette searched, but could find no trace of the wolf. She caught him a few seconds ago, but he disappeared again. She remembered all of the teachings that she had learned as a child. To know your prey and to follow it, catching it's sight and smell. When she was a child, she remembered what their founder had taught them. "Wolves are violent," he said, "But half wolves are worse because they attack like wolves and think like man. They are formidable adversaries."
She paced back and forth angrily. "Come on out Wolf," she muttered. "I'm sure you would like to have a word with me over the animals we killed, but maybe you would like to have a word with someone whose parents have been slaughtered and brother has been disfigured by your own kind!" Don't mind that, she thought, think like an animal. Robyn was usually the best at it, but then since he no longer could speak he had an advantage. Lynette was still learning.
The young huntress knelt on the ground and listened and looked for any signs. Lynnette had prided herself on her hearing and she could catch the rapid breathing of the young woman that accompanied Wolf. She crouched down for her prey.
Wolf could smell Lynette waiting for them. He grabbed a branch and gripped it until his knuckles grew white. "She's waiting for us," he whispered. "You two take off, I'll take her."
"Put down that silly twig boy," Frick said. Then he listened for a squeaky sound from far off and could hear a cart being carried. "I have an even better idea." He then quickly got out of the tree and was able to make himself invisible and headed for the cart.
Frick pulled the reins on the horse as the cart moved. Inside the cart Wolf and Virginia were carefully hidden inside a blanket as the cart rolled towards the road. Frick peered through the brim of his straw hat to see Lynnette standing on the road. The young huntress held out her hand to stop him.
"Ah, afternoon miss,:" Frick said in his best Southern English voice.
Lynnette skipped the pleasantries. "I am part of the Huntsmens Guild and I am looking for a half wolf/half human, a monsterous creature. Have you seen it?"
"Ah no miss," Frick said with a wry smile on his face. "But they be monsterous creatures indeed. I met one who was so hideous, so monsterous that I thought he ran away from a circus side show." He heard a small growl underneath the tarp, but ignored it. "And then there is their breath."
"What do you have in there?" Lynnette asked walking up to the tarp.
Realizing he said to much, Frick grabbed the girls arm. "No, no don't go in there. Uh I have gryphons in there very dangerous creatures they are, come on out and bit you."
Lynnette looked closer and could just see a small speck of dark colored clothing peering out of the tarp. Despite Frick's protestations, the huntress pulled open the tarp to reveal Virginia and Wolf. The two leapt up to fight the woman. At abour half a second, Lynnette shot a crossbow it hit Wolf in the chest. The half wolf growled in pain and then lunged at the young woman knocking her out away from the cart and unconscious.
"Get us out of here, Frick!" Virginia yelled. Frick nodded as he raced the horses out of the woods as Virginia held onto her husband's hand.
Frick continuted to drive like the wind, until they were safely away from the huntress.
When he was sure they were far away from the woods, he stopped the cart and leaped out to help Virginia with Wolf.
"How is he?" he asked.
Virginia's face became pale as she held her husband's hand and rested his head on top of her knees. "He's going to be okay," she said weakly then turned to her husband. "You're going to be okay."
"I'll get help," Frick said desperately. He turned to leave when Wolf called him back.
"Huff Puff, she cut too deeply," Wolf said. "I'm not going to make it."
"It's no big deal," Frick said. "I can disappear and end up in another town."
"You'll never make it," Wolf said.
"Sure he will," Virginia said feeling her eyes fill.
Frick gulped. "I'm um sorry for what I said-"
Wolf waved his hand. "No no it's okay, I've been called worse." He gasped as the wound seared through his body. Sweat poured down his face and his teeth chattered.
"Perhaps I can be of assistance," a warm voice said. The trio turned to see a woman with red hair down to her ankles and wearing a long black dress. Even though she looked only a few years older than Virginia, she had premature lines on her face indicating that she had suffered.
"You look like you could use some help," she said.
Virginia and Frick nodded. "My husband is very sick. He's been shot!"
The woman looked kindly at the cart. "Let's see what I can do then," she took a vial out of her bag and gently placed it over Wolf's chest. She chanted a few words and the blood seemed to disappear.
After a few seconds of silence, Wolf cautiously sat up feeling his strength returning. He howled triumphantely, "I feel better!!!!!" he howled. He practically hugged the life out of Virginia and Frick.
"Gnome can't breathe," Frick gasped feeling slightly out of air by Wolf's embrace.
Wolf let go.
"Thank you," Virginia said to the woman. "Thank you so much."
The woman smiled. "You're welcome if there is anything else I can-"
The trio exchanged glances as if to say, she might know.
Virginia turned to her. "We're looking for something called the graveyard of lost memories? And we think it might be in the 7th Kingdom. Do you know the quickest way there?"
The woman nodded. "Of course, I do and I will tell you but first you must do something for me, whilst you are here in the 5th."
Frick, Wolf, and Virginia glanced from one to the other and nodded. "Sure, after all it's the least we could do, you know for this," Wolf said putting his hand on his chest.
The woman nodded and smiled warmly. "Good, there is a city within two miles of here.. Visit the Palace of Beauty, you will find what you are looking for, I think especially you sir," She said pointing at Frick. "I will tell you more later."
Frick's eyes narrowed, puzzled. "What did you mean-" But the woman disappeared in the breeze.
There was a small silence as Wolf spoke. "I guess we'd better go to the city."
Naked City was crowded! Revellers were everywhere, having the time of their lives dancing and feasting at all the sites. A row of people were dancing merrily in a circle fanagling the three visitors to join them "Some party, huh?" Virginia yelled over the noise.
"That's all they do around here," Wolf yelled. He, Frick and Virginia eventually wormed their way out of the circle dance as Wolf explained. "The Naked Emperor lets his people feast and party all day long, things got a little out of control. A lot of vice and brothels moved in and you can always count on at least one or two-"
Suddenly a loud smash was heard and before the three's eyes two men fell out of the bar pummelling each other as if nothing had happened. "-barroom brawls," Wolf finished as if uninterrupted.
After the ambience died down or rather moved a few streets down. Wolf was conscious of the fact that his stomach was growling. "I'm starving, you two?"
"Yes, now that you mention it," Frick said.
"I could eat," Virginia agreed.
"I see a restaurant," Frick pointed across the street.
Wolf and Virginia looked around. "Where?" Virginia asked trying to see past the crowds of people who had gathered in front of the building.
Frick continued pointing. "Over there, by that building with the portrait of the woman!"
"You mean the-," then Wolf read the sign right. "Palace of Beauty!"
Virginia, Wolf, and Frick walked closer to the clear white two story wood building. It was immaculate in the front and surrounding it were paintings of beautiful women. Above the building was a sign "Palace of Beauty! Come see the most beautiful women in the 9 Kingdoms!"
"Let's go in!" Frick said. "I want to see what that woman had to say about this place!"
"Good idea," Wolf said.
"I don't know," Virginia reminded them. "I don't think it's a place I want to go in, and I definitely don't think it's a place you should go in either!" She glared at her husband.
"It's not that kind of Palace of Beauty, my dear," said a smooth baritone voice behind them. Wolf, Virginia, and Frick jumped in surprise and then turned around to see the speaker. He was a short man in a long black overcoat and a black three cornered hat that covered his completely bald head. He had deep brown eyes but the most intriguing thing about him was his long blue beard which trailed all the way to his ankles.
"Welcome to my Palace of Beauty," he said. "My name is Bluebeard."
"Wait a minute," Wolf said suspiciously. "You mean the Bluebeard who killed all of those women?"
Bluebeard shook his head. "No, that was my father. I'm not a killer of women, more like a collector of women." Upon Virginia's wide eyed and frightened stare, he changed his voice. "I mean I am an artist, a sculpter and these women are my creations. Would you care to join me?"
They nodded. "Sure," Virginia said. "Actually, we need some food and posssibly a place to stay.
Bluebeard smiled warmly. "What a coincidence, I also provide room and board at my home. Excellent," He then opened the door and waved them in. "Step right up and don't be shy, because you will not believe your eyes."
Bluebeard's gallery was the entire first floor of the building. It was very quiet, seeming far from the continuous noise outside. The room was extremely wide and narrow with a gilded rug and red barriers across each side. Behind the barriers were eleven glass rectangular boxes, all with the same identical gold frames around them. Inside the glass were images of very beautiful women, blonds, brunnettes, redheads, all staring with the same vacant expression. At the far end, was what appeared to be another glass box but this one was covered by a black curtain.
Virginia gulped looking at these women. She remembered once when she was six that her first grade class had taken a trip to the wax museum, and she remembered how much she shivered looking at the figures glaring at her as though they would move even though they couldn't. She had that same feeling here. Like these women were looking straight at her, but not moving. She looked closely at one of the blond women. The woman's blue eyes seemed to move. Virginia yipped.
"Something wrong?" Bluebeard asked slightly amused.
"Uh, it's just they seem so real," she said. "I thought I saw that one move slightly."
Bluebeard laughed. "Yes, they are rather startling, I have thought the same thing myself several times."
Frick looked around appreciatvely, while Wolf looked closely at them curiously closely examining each one. "Quite an appreciative artistic eye you have," Frick marvelled. "However did you make these?"
Bluebeard shrugged. "Just a gift, I suppose. I see these beautiful women and I have to capture their essence, their beauty in clay." Through the corner of his eye, he saw Wolf peeking under the curtained one. "No, don't!"
"Why?," Wolf asked. "What's the matter?"
"Oh that is my personal favorite, my Exotic Beauty," he said. "No one touches her, but me." Wolf took his hands off the curtain in a gesture as if to say "okay, whatever."
"How did you acquire her?" Frick asked curiously.
Bluebeard smiled. Like any artist, he was proud to talk about his work and inspiration. "Well, it began a few years ago after I had made these women. I had sculpted many women in the 9 Kingdoms and they began to bore me. I grew weary of seeing the same faces over and over. Well one day a fairy appeared to me, and I told her I wanted a new creation. I didn't care whether she had been resurrected to life, nor that her beauty was a creation by fairies, just a beauty I had never seen before. And so they sent her to me and I captured her." He put his hand on the curtain. "Would you like to see?"
Frick nodded as Wolf pulled Virginia away. As Bluebeard undid the curtain, Wolf whispered to his wife," Virginia, I know clay when I smell it and I know marble when I smell it and these ladies aren't either."
"What do you mean?" Virginia asked.
"These women are real and they are alive," Wolf said. Finally, the curtain was uncovered and Frick felt a shock go through him like none he ever felt in his whole long life, except one other time and ironically it involved the person staring back at him. The Exotic Beauty stared wordlessly from behind the glass, her red curly hair was curled up and around her head in an upturned style. Her green eyes were just as lovely as ever. Her blue Roman style cut gown was a sky blue. Frick knew her instantely for she never left his thought for a moment, not even a second. For staring back at him was Morgan Le Fey!
Frick was about to yell a wordless scream when Wolf and Virginia caught him and grabbed him. "Oh look at the time," Virginia said. "We must get going."
"Would you prefer to stay here for the night?" Bluebeard asked.
"Oh we really can't," Wolf said as Frick struggled to move from under the taller wolf's grasp. "Our friend here is allergic to uh clay, and dust. We must get going!" The three struggled outside with a puzzled Bluebeard looking on.
"I know it's her," Frick said desperately as the three of them sat and ate at a nearby inn.
"You've said that before, but who is she?" Virginia asked.
"Morgan Le Fey!" Frick said. "She is, was, is my love until we were seperated!"
"Morgan Le Fey, wasn't she King Arthur's sister or something?" Virginia asked. Frick nodded.
"Yes and isn't she Mordred's mother?" Wolf asked.
"No," Virginia answered. "That was someone else, Morgause or something like that." Virginia replied.
"No, she is Mordred's mother," Frick said. "Some of the biographers wanted to put another character in- Oh when we rescue her, I'll let her explain it!"
"What happened to her?" Virginia asked.
"Well, she and Mab, Queen Mab Merlin's old enemy, argued. You see she wanted to take Mordred to her world so he could conquer Camelot and eventually take the throne right? But Morgan refused and Mab caused her to slip off the stairs and broke her neck. I didn't think she could be, but she's here, and I know her I know it's not just a statue, I know!"
Virginia and Wolf nodded. "We know too," Virginia said.
"You used to work for Queen Mab didn't you?" Wolf asked.
Frick stammered. "Well, I, uh, well yes in a way," then he hesitated. "Yes, I did. It's not something I'm proud of." He looked from Wolf to Virginia back. "You aren't shocked?"
The human and half-wolf couple shook their heads. "We've all been there," Wolf said.
"Trust me," Virginia said. "We've all done things we're not proud of." She remembered her final encounter with her mother and once more, she shuddered. She looked at the two men in a conspiratorial glance and returned to normal. "So how do we get in there?"
Frick brightened up considerably. "Well we would need to get in without him knowing! I know I could go inside, but how do we free the women?"
"They are probably under some sort of spell," Wolf said. "Couldn't you counter balance it?"
"Not without knowing specifically what spell was cast and whether it were human or fairy," Frick sighed. " If it were human, Merlin probably could being a human wizard but mixing magicks can be extremely dangerous."
"Perhaps, I could be of assistance," a familiar voice called. The three looked up at the voice that appeared from across the table. It was the woman, the same woman who helped Wolf in the forest!
"Can you help us?" Frick asked.
"Yes, I can," the woman replied. "I have been trying to find Bluebeard for a very long time in vengeance for my sister's kidnappings!"
"Your sister's?" Wolf asked.
"Those other women," Virginia guessed.
The woman nodded. "Let me begin, my name is Angela and I am the eldest of twelve princesses from one of the smaller areas in the 3rd kingdom. My sisters and I shared a secret from our grandmother that proved our undoing. She showed us once a secret compartment under our beds in which she and her sisters used to dance the night away with fairy princes. Well we used it and had a lot of fun, but," her voice caught with emotion, so she cleared her throat. " –well our father became suspicious after we wore out our shoes, so he promised one of ours hand in marriage and his kingdom to any man who discovered our secret. Bluebeard arrived and took my father up on that offer. He followed us to our secret place and for proof he stole some objects from that place. My sisters and I were discovered, but the next day before our father made the official announcement, Bluebeard disappeared with my sisters! I have searched the kingdoms far and wide for him and a few weeks ago I came upon his Palace of Beauty. I knew I had come to the right place. One night I peeked through the window and saw my sisters in their glass prison with the other woman, who I later found was called Morgan Le Fey." Frick stiffened at the sound of her name. "I was able to see that Bluebeard had some sort of potion on the second floor of his home, but I could not see what it was."
"But if you were watching the whole thing, why didn't you rescue your sisters yourself?" Wolf asked.
Angela's voice quivered. "I tried, but every time I did Bluebeard had some sort of spell put on the house so I was unable to enter though it was only barred for me. Remember, he knows me, he knew I would be coming. After I heard about the Four Who Saved the Nine Kingdoms, I was hoping that you would help me."
"We'll see what we can do," Virginia said.
"Don't fret, we will rescue them," Frick said. "Upon my well, immortal life."
Wolf nodded, but uncertainly. "And my wolf word."
"And my uh," Virginia said looking uncertain. "Okay, just I promise all right?"
Angela smiled and wiped away a tear. "Thank you, one thing might help," She reached into her bag to pull out a long green cloak. "This was a gift from my grandmothers. She used to say 'If you wear this coat of green/you will follow and not be seen.' It was how she told us she caught her husband. I tried wearing it into the house to disguise myself, but it never worked."
Virginia took it and nodded thanks as the three continued their meal and prepared to set off.
It was late night in Naked City. The only thing out were pickpockets and the occasional drunken straggler. Wolf, Virginia, and Frick walked towards the Palace of Beauty. Wolf stopped in front of them to block Virginia's path. "I don't like this idea, Virginia," he said. "The Bluebeards have been known to slaughter women. I don't want anything to happen to you again."
"I understand," she said soft, but determined. "But I'll be fine, I promise."
The three of them ducked behind one of the bushes and saw Bluebeard open the door to his house and enter. "I think I'd better go in," Virginia said. "You two wait outside and help them escape."
Frick grabbed her by the wrist. "No, it should be me."
Virginia held the gnome down. "You waited hundreds of years to see her again, you can at least wait ten whole minutes."
"Virginia, no," Wolf said.
She pointed at the far left. "That window leads to the gallery, you two wait out there." She then put on the green cloak and disappeared amidst Wolf's protests.
Frick headed for the spot, but Wolf held him back. "Could you please do something with her?"
Frick grabbed Wolf's wrist to push him up. "Look, if you were in my place and that were Virginia in there, what would you do?" Wolf didn't hesitate for a moment, and followed Frick to the spot.
Virginia followed Bluebeard's slow sauntering walk. Even though she was invisible, she held her breath in anticipation and dread as if in fear the spell would break at any moment. Bluebeard walked up the steps as they creaked underneath his feet. The room had an eerie silence over the darkness. Virginia kept her pace behind him. She followed until he came up the stairs to a cabinet and stopped. He opened the side door and pulled out a small blood red key. Then he unlocked the cabinet door filled with trinkets. He pushed a round one forward. A compartment small enough to fit Bluebeard's hand opened. He stuck his hand in and fished out a green bottle. Virginia stepped back as he closed the door and walked downstairs.
Virginia followed the gallery owner as he approached his beloved gallery. She followed quickly, but was afraid that her steps might be heard so she slowed her pace. The two approached the far end where Bluebeard's Exotic Beauty was kept. He removed the curtain and unlocked her door. Bluebeard then stood up and opened the woman's mouth and poured a drop of the liquid down her throat.
Virginia watched in fascination as the woman opened her eyes and looked around her. She came face to face with Bluebeard and spat in his face. "Charming to the last, my love," Bluebeard said.
"I am not your love," the woman said determined in a soft lisping voice. "You disgust me, you animal!"
"I give you another chance as I ask every night, if you will be mine alive, or as my creation," Bluebeard said angry and in a tone that indicated he was tired of asking. "Now, will be mine? Remember, more than two drops of this and your sleep will be permanent."
Morgan glowered at the man her eyes practically red with anger. "Then you had better do it now! I do nothing for your pleasure!"
Bluebeard sighed, "Sometimes I think that my father had the right idea," he said. "Women are best when they are silent!" He then opened the bottle and gave her two drops as her body stiffened then once more became unconscious but alive.
Virginia bit back a gasp, and stepped aside to allow Bluebeard to walk past. She followed him up the stairs as he removed the key and bottle back to their original positions then walked downstairs and headed out the door.
Virginia waited until she was completely sure that he was gone. Then she walked up to the cabinet and turned to the side. She inspected it with her fingers to find any type of false bottom or trick, but then saw a slight change in the wood as though one section was smaller than the other. She lifted the wood, then pulled out the key. With speed and caution, Virginia then opened the cabinet door and found the silver round trinket. She held her breath and lifted it upwards. It opened to reveal once more the small compartment. She stuck her hand in and pulled out the bottle. She read the contents "The Everlasting Sleep. Two drops to cause to sleep, One drop to restore/But careful permanent death results in more." She then read a small warning at the bottom, "Number of drops indicated simultaneous drops. Do not use the Everlasting Sleep while operating heavy machinery. The Herbalists of the Nine Kingdoms Warning: This product may result in some serious side effects depending on user."
Virginia then put the bottle in her pocket, and relocked the cabinet door and put the key back in its' place. She then walked down the stairs slowly. She used Bluebeard's key to open the gallery door and removed her cloak. As she walked in her heart practically caught in her throat. The place was spooky enough in the daytime, but now at night, it was particularly fearful, silent, and dark. A tap on the window made her jump in fright. Virginia looked up at the window to see Wolf and Frick trying to get her attention. She waved at them as if to say almost got it, then walked over to Morgan's cabinet. Like Bluebeard before her, Virginia undid the curtain and opened the glass. She then poured a drop into Morgan's mouth.
Morgan blinked then opened her eyes and looked around fearfully. Virginia wasn't sure what the other woman would do, after all she was a complete stranger to her. At the very least, she hoped she wouldn't scream her head off.
But Morgan didn't scream. Virginia undid the bonds around her ankles and wrists. "Who are you?" Morgan asked warily and suspiciously. "Are we enemies? Why are you helping me?"
Yep, she's Mordred's mother all right, Virginia thought sarcastically. "Look, there's no time to explain," she said quickly. "My name is Virginia Wolf and I'm here to rescue you."
"You're who?" Morgan said even more incredulously.
"Look, I'm here with Frick and-"Virginia began.
Suddenly, Morgan's eyes softened and she jumped down from the pedestal as if someone hit her. "Frick, where is he?"
"He's right outside, help me with these other women!" Virginia said. Morgan nodded as the two unlocked the next cabinet to let the next woman out.
From outside Wolf and Frick opened the window as the first woman was released. They grabbed her by the hands and hoisted her up to the outside. "Angela sent you didn't she?" she asked.
"Yes, she did," Wolf said helping her out. "We'll take you to her as soon as we free the others." The woman stayed and helped Wolf and Frick get the other women out.
After a few minutes, almost all of the women were freed. Wolf and Frick clasped hands delighted, when out of the corner of his eye Wolf saw someone he didn't want to see. "Cripes," he said then put his hand on Frick's head and swiveled it to look in the direction that he was pointing.
Just as he suspected, Frick's reaction was about the same. "Oh dear Lord, he's back," Frick gasped watching Bluebeard cross the road.
Wolf called into the gallery, "Virginia, Bluebeard's coming back! Hurry up!"
"All right," Virginia called back then turned to Morgan. "How many are left?"
"Three," Morgan said as she awoke another woman. This woman woke up and walked down the cabinet. "I'm sorry, make that two." Morgan added.
Bluebeard didn't hear or see the commotion in the back room, so he walked into his house and up the stairs. He was about to unlock his compartment, when he saw the lock. Blood poured out! Someone had been here, he thought. He then walked downstairs to the gallery. The door was closed but once again he saw the blood pour out of the lock and could hear the commotion in the room. He opened the door to see Virginia and Morgan Le Fey, his Exotic Beauty help the last of the eleven princesses out of the gallery.
Morgan looked behind her and screamed. Virginia grabbed Morgan from behind and helped her up. "Get out of here," she said. "I'll hold him off!" Without another word, Morgan ran out of the gallery.
Two of the women helped her stand as she saw a very familiar sight. She smiled and ran up to him delighted. "Frick!" She called running into his arms.
"Morgan, my love!" Frick called back. The two embraced and kissed passionately.
"I missed you so much," she said.
"And I you," he agreed.
Wolf smiled appreciatively, but then looked around in concern "Where's Virginia?"
Inside the gallery, Bluebeard was fuming. He towered over Virginia and grabbed her by the wrist, his pale face looking menacingly. "You stole my Exotic Beauty from me," he said his voice quivering. "Maybe I'll just take you instead!"
Virginia gave a slight scream as Wolf leaped down from the window and growled at Bluebeard, his eyes glowing yellow! He lunged and clawed at the man and pushed him down so hard. The gallery owner fell to the ground.
Wolf held Virginia in his arms for a few quiet seconds in comfort. "Let's get out of here," she said.
Virginia and Wolf climbed out of the gallery as Frick and Morgan helped them stand. Frick, polite as ever, made the introductions. "Morgan Le Fey, these are my new friends, Virginia and Wolf, Virginia, Wolf, this is Morgan Le Fey, my beloved."
"Morgan smiled at the compliment then shook Virginia and Wolf's hands. "Now that we are all acquainted, will someone please tell me what the devil is going on?"
When they were all safely back at Angela's hideout and the princess reunited with her sisters, Virginia, Wolf, and Frick did their best to catch Morgan up to speed about the events including their mission to the 7th Kingdom. She also explained to them what had been happening with her since Frick last saw her.
"The first thing I remember was opening my eyes and feeling this intense pain more than any I had ever felt before," she said. "This fairy stood over me and said that I was to be used for another purpose and suddenly I found myself in Bluebeard's gallery. My ankles and wrists were tied with ribbons and I was on a pedestal. That was about a year ago and I have been with him ever since. Bluebeard told me I belonged to him and that I would never be able to escape. A few times I tried. Once when he was about to give me the drops I tried to push him over and push my way out, but he magically barred me from leaving the gallery, so the other girls or myself couldn't go anywhere. It was awful, I could see and I could hear, but I was not able to speak or move. I was trapped! I saw you three earlier, and I wanted to call to you, but of course I could not!" Her voice caught with emotion as she and Frick embraced. Eventually, she dried her eyes and returned to normalcy. "But now I am glad to be out of that awful place!"
"You're with us now," Frick said. Virginia and Wolf nodded.
Angela turned to the others. "Thank you so much, for rescuing my family. I can not thank you enough. I will go forth on my promise. At the edge of the kingdom, there is a small road that leads you to a river. Cross that river but be foewarned, the kingdom is run by elves so there may be all kinds of magic traps to deal with. Also, the graveyeard of lost memories is at the far end, so be careful."
"Thank you," Virginia said.
"When do we start?" Morgan asked.
"WE???" Virginia and Wolf said in unison.
"Yes, you think I am going to let you have all the fun do you? After being trapped by that man for too long, I am not about to miss this chance," she said, but then her voice became more serious. "All right, I'm not exactly excited about the idea of meeting Arthur or Merlin again, since we didn't exactly part on good terms, but if Frick is with them then they must be all right."
"Of course you can come," Frick said. "You think after being separated from you for hundreds of years I would say goodbye to you again!"
"Not like you could," Morgan said slyly.
"It's all right with me," Virginia said.
"Sure come along," Wolf said. "I'm sure the goblin could use some company."
"Beats yours," Frick shot back. Virginia rolled her eyes, but smiled a thin smile and Morgan looked confused, but laughed.
"You can sleep here for the night and set off the next morning," Angela said.
The four looked from one to another and wordlessly agreed.
"Could Taste Your Sweet Kisses
Your arms open wide
This fever for you is just
Burning me up inside."
~ From "I Drove All Night" by Celine Dion
Wolf was the first to look out the next morning. His sharp eyes peered out as he searched his surroundings. He sniffed around for any signs of the Hunters. He heard the distant twitter of a bird, but that was all. He poked his head back into the tree. "Coast is clear," he called to his friends. "I think they are gone." He stuck his hand into the tree and helped Virginia to rise, then he and Virginia did the same to Frick.
"You sure they're gone?" Virginia asked.
"Positive," Wolf answered.
Suddenly an arrow whizzed by barely missing the trio and hitting the tree. "You may wish to rethink that," Frick quipped. Virginia, Wolf, and Frick ran further into the woods. "They are right behind us," Wolf said. "Get down!" The three hid behind a group of up turned roots as they could make out the image of the female hunter pacing right on top of them.
Lynnette searched, but could find no trace of the wolf. She caught him a few seconds ago, but he disappeared again. She remembered all of the teachings that she had learned as a child. To know your prey and to follow it, catching it's sight and smell. When she was a child, she remembered what their founder had taught them. "Wolves are violent," he said, "But half wolves are worse because they attack like wolves and think like man. They are formidable adversaries."
She paced back and forth angrily. "Come on out Wolf," she muttered. "I'm sure you would like to have a word with me over the animals we killed, but maybe you would like to have a word with someone whose parents have been slaughtered and brother has been disfigured by your own kind!" Don't mind that, she thought, think like an animal. Robyn was usually the best at it, but then since he no longer could speak he had an advantage. Lynette was still learning.
The young huntress knelt on the ground and listened and looked for any signs. Lynnette had prided herself on her hearing and she could catch the rapid breathing of the young woman that accompanied Wolf. She crouched down for her prey.
Wolf could smell Lynette waiting for them. He grabbed a branch and gripped it until his knuckles grew white. "She's waiting for us," he whispered. "You two take off, I'll take her."
"Put down that silly twig boy," Frick said. Then he listened for a squeaky sound from far off and could hear a cart being carried. "I have an even better idea." He then quickly got out of the tree and was able to make himself invisible and headed for the cart.
Frick pulled the reins on the horse as the cart moved. Inside the cart Wolf and Virginia were carefully hidden inside a blanket as the cart rolled towards the road. Frick peered through the brim of his straw hat to see Lynnette standing on the road. The young huntress held out her hand to stop him.
"Ah, afternoon miss,:" Frick said in his best Southern English voice.
Lynnette skipped the pleasantries. "I am part of the Huntsmens Guild and I am looking for a half wolf/half human, a monsterous creature. Have you seen it?"
"Ah no miss," Frick said with a wry smile on his face. "But they be monsterous creatures indeed. I met one who was so hideous, so monsterous that I thought he ran away from a circus side show." He heard a small growl underneath the tarp, but ignored it. "And then there is their breath."
"What do you have in there?" Lynnette asked walking up to the tarp.
Realizing he said to much, Frick grabbed the girls arm. "No, no don't go in there. Uh I have gryphons in there very dangerous creatures they are, come on out and bit you."
Lynnette looked closer and could just see a small speck of dark colored clothing peering out of the tarp. Despite Frick's protestations, the huntress pulled open the tarp to reveal Virginia and Wolf. The two leapt up to fight the woman. At abour half a second, Lynnette shot a crossbow it hit Wolf in the chest. The half wolf growled in pain and then lunged at the young woman knocking her out away from the cart and unconscious.
"Get us out of here, Frick!" Virginia yelled. Frick nodded as he raced the horses out of the woods as Virginia held onto her husband's hand.
Frick continuted to drive like the wind, until they were safely away from the huntress.
When he was sure they were far away from the woods, he stopped the cart and leaped out to help Virginia with Wolf.
"How is he?" he asked.
Virginia's face became pale as she held her husband's hand and rested his head on top of her knees. "He's going to be okay," she said weakly then turned to her husband. "You're going to be okay."
"I'll get help," Frick said desperately. He turned to leave when Wolf called him back.
"Huff Puff, she cut too deeply," Wolf said. "I'm not going to make it."
"It's no big deal," Frick said. "I can disappear and end up in another town."
"You'll never make it," Wolf said.
"Sure he will," Virginia said feeling her eyes fill.
Frick gulped. "I'm um sorry for what I said-"
Wolf waved his hand. "No no it's okay, I've been called worse." He gasped as the wound seared through his body. Sweat poured down his face and his teeth chattered.
"Perhaps I can be of assistance," a warm voice said. The trio turned to see a woman with red hair down to her ankles and wearing a long black dress. Even though she looked only a few years older than Virginia, she had premature lines on her face indicating that she had suffered.
"You look like you could use some help," she said.
Virginia and Frick nodded. "My husband is very sick. He's been shot!"
The woman looked kindly at the cart. "Let's see what I can do then," she took a vial out of her bag and gently placed it over Wolf's chest. She chanted a few words and the blood seemed to disappear.
After a few seconds of silence, Wolf cautiously sat up feeling his strength returning. He howled triumphantely, "I feel better!!!!!" he howled. He practically hugged the life out of Virginia and Frick.
"Gnome can't breathe," Frick gasped feeling slightly out of air by Wolf's embrace.
Wolf let go.
"Thank you," Virginia said to the woman. "Thank you so much."
The woman smiled. "You're welcome if there is anything else I can-"
The trio exchanged glances as if to say, she might know.
Virginia turned to her. "We're looking for something called the graveyard of lost memories? And we think it might be in the 7th Kingdom. Do you know the quickest way there?"
The woman nodded. "Of course, I do and I will tell you but first you must do something for me, whilst you are here in the 5th."
Frick, Wolf, and Virginia glanced from one to the other and nodded. "Sure, after all it's the least we could do, you know for this," Wolf said putting his hand on his chest.
The woman nodded and smiled warmly. "Good, there is a city within two miles of here.. Visit the Palace of Beauty, you will find what you are looking for, I think especially you sir," She said pointing at Frick. "I will tell you more later."
Frick's eyes narrowed, puzzled. "What did you mean-" But the woman disappeared in the breeze.
There was a small silence as Wolf spoke. "I guess we'd better go to the city."
Naked City was crowded! Revellers were everywhere, having the time of their lives dancing and feasting at all the sites. A row of people were dancing merrily in a circle fanagling the three visitors to join them "Some party, huh?" Virginia yelled over the noise.
"That's all they do around here," Wolf yelled. He, Frick and Virginia eventually wormed their way out of the circle dance as Wolf explained. "The Naked Emperor lets his people feast and party all day long, things got a little out of control. A lot of vice and brothels moved in and you can always count on at least one or two-"
Suddenly a loud smash was heard and before the three's eyes two men fell out of the bar pummelling each other as if nothing had happened. "-barroom brawls," Wolf finished as if uninterrupted.
After the ambience died down or rather moved a few streets down. Wolf was conscious of the fact that his stomach was growling. "I'm starving, you two?"
"Yes, now that you mention it," Frick said.
"I could eat," Virginia agreed.
"I see a restaurant," Frick pointed across the street.
Wolf and Virginia looked around. "Where?" Virginia asked trying to see past the crowds of people who had gathered in front of the building.
Frick continued pointing. "Over there, by that building with the portrait of the woman!"
"You mean the-," then Wolf read the sign right. "Palace of Beauty!"
Virginia, Wolf, and Frick walked closer to the clear white two story wood building. It was immaculate in the front and surrounding it were paintings of beautiful women. Above the building was a sign "Palace of Beauty! Come see the most beautiful women in the 9 Kingdoms!"
"Let's go in!" Frick said. "I want to see what that woman had to say about this place!"
"Good idea," Wolf said.
"I don't know," Virginia reminded them. "I don't think it's a place I want to go in, and I definitely don't think it's a place you should go in either!" She glared at her husband.
"It's not that kind of Palace of Beauty, my dear," said a smooth baritone voice behind them. Wolf, Virginia, and Frick jumped in surprise and then turned around to see the speaker. He was a short man in a long black overcoat and a black three cornered hat that covered his completely bald head. He had deep brown eyes but the most intriguing thing about him was his long blue beard which trailed all the way to his ankles.
"Welcome to my Palace of Beauty," he said. "My name is Bluebeard."
"Wait a minute," Wolf said suspiciously. "You mean the Bluebeard who killed all of those women?"
Bluebeard shook his head. "No, that was my father. I'm not a killer of women, more like a collector of women." Upon Virginia's wide eyed and frightened stare, he changed his voice. "I mean I am an artist, a sculpter and these women are my creations. Would you care to join me?"
They nodded. "Sure," Virginia said. "Actually, we need some food and posssibly a place to stay.
Bluebeard smiled warmly. "What a coincidence, I also provide room and board at my home. Excellent," He then opened the door and waved them in. "Step right up and don't be shy, because you will not believe your eyes."
Bluebeard's gallery was the entire first floor of the building. It was very quiet, seeming far from the continuous noise outside. The room was extremely wide and narrow with a gilded rug and red barriers across each side. Behind the barriers were eleven glass rectangular boxes, all with the same identical gold frames around them. Inside the glass were images of very beautiful women, blonds, brunnettes, redheads, all staring with the same vacant expression. At the far end, was what appeared to be another glass box but this one was covered by a black curtain.
Virginia gulped looking at these women. She remembered once when she was six that her first grade class had taken a trip to the wax museum, and she remembered how much she shivered looking at the figures glaring at her as though they would move even though they couldn't. She had that same feeling here. Like these women were looking straight at her, but not moving. She looked closely at one of the blond women. The woman's blue eyes seemed to move. Virginia yipped.
"Something wrong?" Bluebeard asked slightly amused.
"Uh, it's just they seem so real," she said. "I thought I saw that one move slightly."
Bluebeard laughed. "Yes, they are rather startling, I have thought the same thing myself several times."
Frick looked around appreciatvely, while Wolf looked closely at them curiously closely examining each one. "Quite an appreciative artistic eye you have," Frick marvelled. "However did you make these?"
Bluebeard shrugged. "Just a gift, I suppose. I see these beautiful women and I have to capture their essence, their beauty in clay." Through the corner of his eye, he saw Wolf peeking under the curtained one. "No, don't!"
"Why?," Wolf asked. "What's the matter?"
"Oh that is my personal favorite, my Exotic Beauty," he said. "No one touches her, but me." Wolf took his hands off the curtain in a gesture as if to say "okay, whatever."
"How did you acquire her?" Frick asked curiously.
Bluebeard smiled. Like any artist, he was proud to talk about his work and inspiration. "Well, it began a few years ago after I had made these women. I had sculpted many women in the 9 Kingdoms and they began to bore me. I grew weary of seeing the same faces over and over. Well one day a fairy appeared to me, and I told her I wanted a new creation. I didn't care whether she had been resurrected to life, nor that her beauty was a creation by fairies, just a beauty I had never seen before. And so they sent her to me and I captured her." He put his hand on the curtain. "Would you like to see?"
Frick nodded as Wolf pulled Virginia away. As Bluebeard undid the curtain, Wolf whispered to his wife," Virginia, I know clay when I smell it and I know marble when I smell it and these ladies aren't either."
"What do you mean?" Virginia asked.
"These women are real and they are alive," Wolf said. Finally, the curtain was uncovered and Frick felt a shock go through him like none he ever felt in his whole long life, except one other time and ironically it involved the person staring back at him. The Exotic Beauty stared wordlessly from behind the glass, her red curly hair was curled up and around her head in an upturned style. Her green eyes were just as lovely as ever. Her blue Roman style cut gown was a sky blue. Frick knew her instantely for she never left his thought for a moment, not even a second. For staring back at him was Morgan Le Fey!
Frick was about to yell a wordless scream when Wolf and Virginia caught him and grabbed him. "Oh look at the time," Virginia said. "We must get going."
"Would you prefer to stay here for the night?" Bluebeard asked.
"Oh we really can't," Wolf said as Frick struggled to move from under the taller wolf's grasp. "Our friend here is allergic to uh clay, and dust. We must get going!" The three struggled outside with a puzzled Bluebeard looking on.
"I know it's her," Frick said desperately as the three of them sat and ate at a nearby inn.
"You've said that before, but who is she?" Virginia asked.
"Morgan Le Fey!" Frick said. "She is, was, is my love until we were seperated!"
"Morgan Le Fey, wasn't she King Arthur's sister or something?" Virginia asked. Frick nodded.
"Yes and isn't she Mordred's mother?" Wolf asked.
"No," Virginia answered. "That was someone else, Morgause or something like that." Virginia replied.
"No, she is Mordred's mother," Frick said. "Some of the biographers wanted to put another character in- Oh when we rescue her, I'll let her explain it!"
"What happened to her?" Virginia asked.
"Well, she and Mab, Queen Mab Merlin's old enemy, argued. You see she wanted to take Mordred to her world so he could conquer Camelot and eventually take the throne right? But Morgan refused and Mab caused her to slip off the stairs and broke her neck. I didn't think she could be, but she's here, and I know her I know it's not just a statue, I know!"
Virginia and Wolf nodded. "We know too," Virginia said.
"You used to work for Queen Mab didn't you?" Wolf asked.
Frick stammered. "Well, I, uh, well yes in a way," then he hesitated. "Yes, I did. It's not something I'm proud of." He looked from Wolf to Virginia back. "You aren't shocked?"
The human and half-wolf couple shook their heads. "We've all been there," Wolf said.
"Trust me," Virginia said. "We've all done things we're not proud of." She remembered her final encounter with her mother and once more, she shuddered. She looked at the two men in a conspiratorial glance and returned to normal. "So how do we get in there?"
Frick brightened up considerably. "Well we would need to get in without him knowing! I know I could go inside, but how do we free the women?"
"They are probably under some sort of spell," Wolf said. "Couldn't you counter balance it?"
"Not without knowing specifically what spell was cast and whether it were human or fairy," Frick sighed. " If it were human, Merlin probably could being a human wizard but mixing magicks can be extremely dangerous."
"Perhaps, I could be of assistance," a familiar voice called. The three looked up at the voice that appeared from across the table. It was the woman, the same woman who helped Wolf in the forest!
"Can you help us?" Frick asked.
"Yes, I can," the woman replied. "I have been trying to find Bluebeard for a very long time in vengeance for my sister's kidnappings!"
"Your sister's?" Wolf asked.
"Those other women," Virginia guessed.
The woman nodded. "Let me begin, my name is Angela and I am the eldest of twelve princesses from one of the smaller areas in the 3rd kingdom. My sisters and I shared a secret from our grandmother that proved our undoing. She showed us once a secret compartment under our beds in which she and her sisters used to dance the night away with fairy princes. Well we used it and had a lot of fun, but," her voice caught with emotion, so she cleared her throat. " –well our father became suspicious after we wore out our shoes, so he promised one of ours hand in marriage and his kingdom to any man who discovered our secret. Bluebeard arrived and took my father up on that offer. He followed us to our secret place and for proof he stole some objects from that place. My sisters and I were discovered, but the next day before our father made the official announcement, Bluebeard disappeared with my sisters! I have searched the kingdoms far and wide for him and a few weeks ago I came upon his Palace of Beauty. I knew I had come to the right place. One night I peeked through the window and saw my sisters in their glass prison with the other woman, who I later found was called Morgan Le Fey." Frick stiffened at the sound of her name. "I was able to see that Bluebeard had some sort of potion on the second floor of his home, but I could not see what it was."
"But if you were watching the whole thing, why didn't you rescue your sisters yourself?" Wolf asked.
Angela's voice quivered. "I tried, but every time I did Bluebeard had some sort of spell put on the house so I was unable to enter though it was only barred for me. Remember, he knows me, he knew I would be coming. After I heard about the Four Who Saved the Nine Kingdoms, I was hoping that you would help me."
"We'll see what we can do," Virginia said.
"Don't fret, we will rescue them," Frick said. "Upon my well, immortal life."
Wolf nodded, but uncertainly. "And my wolf word."
"And my uh," Virginia said looking uncertain. "Okay, just I promise all right?"
Angela smiled and wiped away a tear. "Thank you, one thing might help," She reached into her bag to pull out a long green cloak. "This was a gift from my grandmothers. She used to say 'If you wear this coat of green/you will follow and not be seen.' It was how she told us she caught her husband. I tried wearing it into the house to disguise myself, but it never worked."
Virginia took it and nodded thanks as the three continued their meal and prepared to set off.
It was late night in Naked City. The only thing out were pickpockets and the occasional drunken straggler. Wolf, Virginia, and Frick walked towards the Palace of Beauty. Wolf stopped in front of them to block Virginia's path. "I don't like this idea, Virginia," he said. "The Bluebeards have been known to slaughter women. I don't want anything to happen to you again."
"I understand," she said soft, but determined. "But I'll be fine, I promise."
The three of them ducked behind one of the bushes and saw Bluebeard open the door to his house and enter. "I think I'd better go in," Virginia said. "You two wait outside and help them escape."
Frick grabbed her by the wrist. "No, it should be me."
Virginia held the gnome down. "You waited hundreds of years to see her again, you can at least wait ten whole minutes."
"Virginia, no," Wolf said.
She pointed at the far left. "That window leads to the gallery, you two wait out there." She then put on the green cloak and disappeared amidst Wolf's protests.
Frick headed for the spot, but Wolf held him back. "Could you please do something with her?"
Frick grabbed Wolf's wrist to push him up. "Look, if you were in my place and that were Virginia in there, what would you do?" Wolf didn't hesitate for a moment, and followed Frick to the spot.
Virginia followed Bluebeard's slow sauntering walk. Even though she was invisible, she held her breath in anticipation and dread as if in fear the spell would break at any moment. Bluebeard walked up the steps as they creaked underneath his feet. The room had an eerie silence over the darkness. Virginia kept her pace behind him. She followed until he came up the stairs to a cabinet and stopped. He opened the side door and pulled out a small blood red key. Then he unlocked the cabinet door filled with trinkets. He pushed a round one forward. A compartment small enough to fit Bluebeard's hand opened. He stuck his hand in and fished out a green bottle. Virginia stepped back as he closed the door and walked downstairs.
Virginia followed the gallery owner as he approached his beloved gallery. She followed quickly, but was afraid that her steps might be heard so she slowed her pace. The two approached the far end where Bluebeard's Exotic Beauty was kept. He removed the curtain and unlocked her door. Bluebeard then stood up and opened the woman's mouth and poured a drop of the liquid down her throat.
Virginia watched in fascination as the woman opened her eyes and looked around her. She came face to face with Bluebeard and spat in his face. "Charming to the last, my love," Bluebeard said.
"I am not your love," the woman said determined in a soft lisping voice. "You disgust me, you animal!"
"I give you another chance as I ask every night, if you will be mine alive, or as my creation," Bluebeard said angry and in a tone that indicated he was tired of asking. "Now, will be mine? Remember, more than two drops of this and your sleep will be permanent."
Morgan glowered at the man her eyes practically red with anger. "Then you had better do it now! I do nothing for your pleasure!"
Bluebeard sighed, "Sometimes I think that my father had the right idea," he said. "Women are best when they are silent!" He then opened the bottle and gave her two drops as her body stiffened then once more became unconscious but alive.
Virginia bit back a gasp, and stepped aside to allow Bluebeard to walk past. She followed him up the stairs as he removed the key and bottle back to their original positions then walked downstairs and headed out the door.
Virginia waited until she was completely sure that he was gone. Then she walked up to the cabinet and turned to the side. She inspected it with her fingers to find any type of false bottom or trick, but then saw a slight change in the wood as though one section was smaller than the other. She lifted the wood, then pulled out the key. With speed and caution, Virginia then opened the cabinet door and found the silver round trinket. She held her breath and lifted it upwards. It opened to reveal once more the small compartment. She stuck her hand in and pulled out the bottle. She read the contents "The Everlasting Sleep. Two drops to cause to sleep, One drop to restore/But careful permanent death results in more." She then read a small warning at the bottom, "Number of drops indicated simultaneous drops. Do not use the Everlasting Sleep while operating heavy machinery. The Herbalists of the Nine Kingdoms Warning: This product may result in some serious side effects depending on user."
Virginia then put the bottle in her pocket, and relocked the cabinet door and put the key back in its' place. She then walked down the stairs slowly. She used Bluebeard's key to open the gallery door and removed her cloak. As she walked in her heart practically caught in her throat. The place was spooky enough in the daytime, but now at night, it was particularly fearful, silent, and dark. A tap on the window made her jump in fright. Virginia looked up at the window to see Wolf and Frick trying to get her attention. She waved at them as if to say almost got it, then walked over to Morgan's cabinet. Like Bluebeard before her, Virginia undid the curtain and opened the glass. She then poured a drop into Morgan's mouth.
Morgan blinked then opened her eyes and looked around fearfully. Virginia wasn't sure what the other woman would do, after all she was a complete stranger to her. At the very least, she hoped she wouldn't scream her head off.
But Morgan didn't scream. Virginia undid the bonds around her ankles and wrists. "Who are you?" Morgan asked warily and suspiciously. "Are we enemies? Why are you helping me?"
Yep, she's Mordred's mother all right, Virginia thought sarcastically. "Look, there's no time to explain," she said quickly. "My name is Virginia Wolf and I'm here to rescue you."
"You're who?" Morgan said even more incredulously.
"Look, I'm here with Frick and-"Virginia began.
Suddenly, Morgan's eyes softened and she jumped down from the pedestal as if someone hit her. "Frick, where is he?"
"He's right outside, help me with these other women!" Virginia said. Morgan nodded as the two unlocked the next cabinet to let the next woman out.
From outside Wolf and Frick opened the window as the first woman was released. They grabbed her by the hands and hoisted her up to the outside. "Angela sent you didn't she?" she asked.
"Yes, she did," Wolf said helping her out. "We'll take you to her as soon as we free the others." The woman stayed and helped Wolf and Frick get the other women out.
After a few minutes, almost all of the women were freed. Wolf and Frick clasped hands delighted, when out of the corner of his eye Wolf saw someone he didn't want to see. "Cripes," he said then put his hand on Frick's head and swiveled it to look in the direction that he was pointing.
Just as he suspected, Frick's reaction was about the same. "Oh dear Lord, he's back," Frick gasped watching Bluebeard cross the road.
Wolf called into the gallery, "Virginia, Bluebeard's coming back! Hurry up!"
"All right," Virginia called back then turned to Morgan. "How many are left?"
"Three," Morgan said as she awoke another woman. This woman woke up and walked down the cabinet. "I'm sorry, make that two." Morgan added.
Bluebeard didn't hear or see the commotion in the back room, so he walked into his house and up the stairs. He was about to unlock his compartment, when he saw the lock. Blood poured out! Someone had been here, he thought. He then walked downstairs to the gallery. The door was closed but once again he saw the blood pour out of the lock and could hear the commotion in the room. He opened the door to see Virginia and Morgan Le Fey, his Exotic Beauty help the last of the eleven princesses out of the gallery.
Morgan looked behind her and screamed. Virginia grabbed Morgan from behind and helped her up. "Get out of here," she said. "I'll hold him off!" Without another word, Morgan ran out of the gallery.
Two of the women helped her stand as she saw a very familiar sight. She smiled and ran up to him delighted. "Frick!" She called running into his arms.
"Morgan, my love!" Frick called back. The two embraced and kissed passionately.
"I missed you so much," she said.
"And I you," he agreed.
Wolf smiled appreciatively, but then looked around in concern "Where's Virginia?"
Inside the gallery, Bluebeard was fuming. He towered over Virginia and grabbed her by the wrist, his pale face looking menacingly. "You stole my Exotic Beauty from me," he said his voice quivering. "Maybe I'll just take you instead!"
Virginia gave a slight scream as Wolf leaped down from the window and growled at Bluebeard, his eyes glowing yellow! He lunged and clawed at the man and pushed him down so hard. The gallery owner fell to the ground.
Wolf held Virginia in his arms for a few quiet seconds in comfort. "Let's get out of here," she said.
Virginia and Wolf climbed out of the gallery as Frick and Morgan helped them stand. Frick, polite as ever, made the introductions. "Morgan Le Fey, these are my new friends, Virginia and Wolf, Virginia, Wolf, this is Morgan Le Fey, my beloved."
"Morgan smiled at the compliment then shook Virginia and Wolf's hands. "Now that we are all acquainted, will someone please tell me what the devil is going on?"
When they were all safely back at Angela's hideout and the princess reunited with her sisters, Virginia, Wolf, and Frick did their best to catch Morgan up to speed about the events including their mission to the 7th Kingdom. She also explained to them what had been happening with her since Frick last saw her.
"The first thing I remember was opening my eyes and feeling this intense pain more than any I had ever felt before," she said. "This fairy stood over me and said that I was to be used for another purpose and suddenly I found myself in Bluebeard's gallery. My ankles and wrists were tied with ribbons and I was on a pedestal. That was about a year ago and I have been with him ever since. Bluebeard told me I belonged to him and that I would never be able to escape. A few times I tried. Once when he was about to give me the drops I tried to push him over and push my way out, but he magically barred me from leaving the gallery, so the other girls or myself couldn't go anywhere. It was awful, I could see and I could hear, but I was not able to speak or move. I was trapped! I saw you three earlier, and I wanted to call to you, but of course I could not!" Her voice caught with emotion as she and Frick embraced. Eventually, she dried her eyes and returned to normalcy. "But now I am glad to be out of that awful place!"
"You're with us now," Frick said. Virginia and Wolf nodded.
Angela turned to the others. "Thank you so much, for rescuing my family. I can not thank you enough. I will go forth on my promise. At the edge of the kingdom, there is a small road that leads you to a river. Cross that river but be foewarned, the kingdom is run by elves so there may be all kinds of magic traps to deal with. Also, the graveyeard of lost memories is at the far end, so be careful."
"Thank you," Virginia said.
"When do we start?" Morgan asked.
"WE???" Virginia and Wolf said in unison.
"Yes, you think I am going to let you have all the fun do you? After being trapped by that man for too long, I am not about to miss this chance," she said, but then her voice became more serious. "All right, I'm not exactly excited about the idea of meeting Arthur or Merlin again, since we didn't exactly part on good terms, but if Frick is with them then they must be all right."
"Of course you can come," Frick said. "You think after being separated from you for hundreds of years I would say goodbye to you again!"
"Not like you could," Morgan said slyly.
"It's all right with me," Virginia said.
"Sure come along," Wolf said. "I'm sure the goblin could use some company."
"Beats yours," Frick shot back. Virginia rolled her eyes, but smiled a thin smile and Morgan looked confused, but laughed.
"You can sleep here for the night and set off the next morning," Angela said.
The four looked from one to another and wordlessly agreed.