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CHAPTER FIVE
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Caliko was taken to a room in the west wing of the castle. (Fox's guess was right, they were in a castle in the mountains.) She was bathed and dressed in a black, silken robe, then set on a comfortable armchair. A table was laid out before her, covered with food and drink. Caliko forced herself to eat, even though her stomach was in knots over what was to happen now to her. She didn't know if this would be her last meal for awhile.
She was just reached her limit and was pushing back the plate before her, when there was a knock on the door. The female attendant that had bathed and dressed her stood up from where she had secluded herself in the corner of the room and opened it. Jereth strode into the room followed by Jacobi. Jereth motioned for the guards outside the door to take away the table and food, then motioned for Jacobi to move the attendant's chair near where Caliko sat. He sat himself down in the chair and leaned back in it. Looking over Caliko, who just sat there, staring back at him wide-eyed and even though she tried not to admit it to herself, scared out of her wits.
"Do you know where you are?" Jereth asked, still staring at Caliko.
Caliko shook her head 'no' and folded her hands in her lap.
"You are in the Kingdom of Tryst." He smiled at her. "Do you know who I am?"
"Your Highness?" Caliko asked, hoping it was the right answer. She looked at him briefly, before returning her attention back to her hands.
Jereth laughed and looked over at Jacobi, who stood just beside the closed door. "This one has a brain at least. Yes, I am King Jereth. Do you know who you are?"
"Caliko?" She looked at him again, this time holding his glance longer, before returning to her hands.
Jereth leaned forward. "No, you are not just Caliko. You are Lady Caliko, Sorceress of Tryst." He smiled again as Caliko's head shot up, looking at him, confused.
"Sorceress?"
"Yes, every kingdom needs a sorcerer or witch of some kind. It just happens to be you."
Caliko looked at Jacobi, hoping this was a joke. He stood there, stoic, and did not speak. "But why me?"
"Well," Jereth leaned back again and let his arms fall to his sides. "The last three have runaway, for some reason, they never liked the title. Dunno, why. I think it's a great honor."
"What do I have to do?"
"Oh, well, we'll get into that in a few days…first we must get you rested and fattened up a little first. Is there anything you need or that you find lacking in your quarters M'Lady?"
Caliko shook her head, still very much confused. "No."
"Good," Jereth stood up. "You will have Nel here as your servant. She will do everything in her power to see that you are happy and comfortable," He leaned down and grabbed Caliko's hand and kissed it. "As I will do everything in mine." He winked at her and then let her hand go. "I'll be here in the morning to take you on a tour of the Castle Tryst."
He left taking Jacobi with him.
Caliko looked at Nel, who had just come out from hiding beside the fireplace. "Nel?"
"M'Lady?" Nel bowed to her.
"What are they going to have me do?"
Nel turned pale and went to turning down the bed. "I am sorry M'Lady, but I am not allowed to talk about such things. Things I know nothing about."
