Chapter Eight

The Royal Banquet Hall was packed with dignitaries. Distinguished guests, ladies-in-waiting, minor nobles, lesser royals, and Crown officials all sat at long oak tables designed to accommodate a hundred people.

His and Her Royal Highnesses King Randor and Queen Marlena sat in the middle of the head table. Prince Adam sat to the right of King Randor whilst Teela and Man-At-Arms sat at the ends.

An army of servants filed out of the kitchen bearing domed silver platters. Jaxx, the Royal household's newest kitchen assistant, marched smartly out of the kitchen bearing a domed silver platter of his own (with Helga, The Royal Cook in tow). He marched up to the Royal table, set the platter down before the King and, with a great deal of flourish, uncovered the platter. Underneath the dome, a steaming roasted pheasant sat atop a bed of lettuce.

"Golden brown," beamed Helga with pride. "Just the way His Majesty likes it."

Teela couldn't help but smile at her erstwhile charge's accomplishment. You've come a LONG way, she thought.

"You KNEW, didn't you?" Teela asked The Sorceress of Grayskull. The Sorceress of Grayskull sat on her throne atop the massive pedestal.

"I've known about it for some time," The Sorceress replied. "I knew you had The Power of Grayskull flowing through you. What I did NOT know was WHEN … and HOW … it would manifest itself."

"Wait, back up," said Teela. "I have The Power of Grayskull … within ME?"

"Yes, Teela," said The Sorceress. "You always have. It's one reason I've decided to name you as my successor."

"That's something else I've wanted to talk to you about," said Teela. "After giving this a great deal of thought, I've decided to accept your offer … and become your successor."

"Are you SURE?" asked The Sorceress. "Once you accept, there's no turning back."

"Grayskull needs the best guardian it can find," said Teela. "Someone strong … tough … experienced. A place as important as Castle Grayskull shouldn't be entrusted to someone you just pulled in off the street."

The Sorceress nodded. "I agree," she said with a smile. "It's for that reason … that I chose you."

"As Major Bellaq, you entered my world," said Teela. "That's something I'll always appreciate." Teela paused. "I guess Fate has decided it's time I entered … YOURS."

"I have no doubt in my mind … that you will make an excellent sorceress."

"Let's hope your faith hasn't been misplaced."

"It hasn't, Teela," said The Sorceress. "It hasn't."

THE END