A/N: Sorry for taking so long guys... again. Had a lot of work to do, and stories to update. But now I'm back with a new chapter. One which you guys will hopefully like.
Chapter 16
After the battle, Derek, Joshua and Rothbart left to check on Odette. They had just entered through the front castle doors to find a crowd of people huddling around Uberta and Chamberlain, and they didn't look too happy. Derek, Joshua and Rothbart hurried over to find out what the commotion was all about. and even at this distance from the crowd, they could hear bits and pieces of what they were saying.
"What kind of party are you running here?!"
"You should have been better prepared!"
"This castle is unsafe?"
"Are you trying to get us all killed?!"
"Now, now everyone," Uberta said, trying to calm everyone down. "I know that you're all a bit shaken up by this sudden attack on the castle. But I can assure you that you are all safe here."
"Safe?!" and angry Lord shouted. "You call being attacked by an army of monsters safe?! If you ask me, this castle is far from safe. We should have know better than to come the the celebration of the Dark Lord's sister!" Many people in the crowd shouted in agreement. Chamberlain hid behind the Queen in fear of being mauled by the crowd. Uberta was no stranger to these types of situations. She was the Queen after all and had to know how to calm a crowd.
"Everyone!" she shouted in her authority-like voice, causing the mass to instantly quiet down. "I understand you're concern. But Odette has nothing to do with this unfortunate event. She is as much a victim as the rest of us."
"But that doesn't change the fact that she is a danger to us all!" said the angry Lord.
"Lord Borrious!" Rothbart shouted, diverting everyone's attention from Uberta to him. "Please calm yourself." Lord Borrious, who had been the one arguing with Uberta, glared at the Enchanter as he and his two companions made their way towards the crowd.
"And just who are you?" he said with bitterness in his tone. Rothbart ignored the tone of his voice and looked at the lord, who looked to be in his late forties with grey hair already showing, with a serious gaze.
"I am someone who is asking you kindly to please calm down," he said calmly, but the serious look never fade. "Now if you would be so kind as to now insult my goddaughter that way."
"You're goddaughter?" Lord Borrious asked with a raised eyebrow. Rothbart nodded.
"Yes," he confirmed. "My goddaughter. And Like Queen Uberta has just stated. She is not the cause of this unfortunate event. That title goes to the Dark Lord. It was he who sent his minions to attack us this evening. So I would kindly appritiate it if you would stop accusing Odette of anything." Lord Borrious looked at Rothbart as if he had just said something to offend him.
"Just who do you think you are to talk to me like that?" Rothbart was silent for a moment before taking a deep breath before speaking.
"I am Rothbart," he said. "But many of you may know me as the Evil Enchanter." A series of gasps and looks of horror from filled the room upon hearing about who he was. Lord Borrious' eyes widen before looking and pointed an accusing finger at the Enchanter with renewed anger.
"You!" Lord Borrious shouted. "You are the one who killed the good King William! You are the one whose done horrible atrocities over the years! How dare you even Show your face around here?!" Rothbart was once again reminded of how people saw him as the Evil Enchanter and part of him was still hurt by that. He had done the things he did in order to protect Odette and countless other lives at the risk of his own. But he also had to remind himself that no one else knew of his reasoning behind his actions besides William and Jacob. So people seeing him as the Evil Enchanter shouldn't be something new. But being in the presence of so many people and looked on as a hero for months, he had forgotten the horrid ways that others saw him. And having this Lord suddenly shouting at him about his past actions nearly caused Rothbart to his composer and lash out at him. Fortunately Derek stepped in between them before anything like that could happen.
"Lord Borrious," Derek said in a warning tone. "You should learn you're place here. This is my house and you have just insulted my wife and my guest. Two reasons i should have you removed from this castle." The crowd around them grew silent as they watched Derek stared down Lord Borrious. Rothbart, Uberta and Joshua were all surprised to see how assertive Derek was when it came to another Nobleman. Even Lord Borrious himself was caught off guard by this action. Normally Derek was so calm and welcoming when it came to other Nobles. But he wasn't about to back down, even if the young Prince was going to carry out his threat.
"But your Highness," he said in a calmer voice, though it still had a hint of bitterness to it. "How can you allow this man into your house knowing of the evil deeds he has committed?" Derek gaze hardened further as he looked at the Nobleman across from him.
"Because I have reason to believe that he is a changed man," he said. "A good man. And if you say one more word about him, I will have you removed from this castle and never be allowed back here." Lord Borrious looked at the young prince with narrowed eyes. Having this young fool threaten him in public was a greater insult than anything to occur. He wanted to say more, but he was in no position to continue, knowing that the prince can, and will, have him removed to further his humiliation. So the Lord just bowed his head and stepped back a couple feet.
"My apologies, your Majesty," he said in through clenched teeth, though he tried not to let it show. "Please forgive me for my rude behavior." Derek nodded his head, but kept his stern gaze, before walking past him and headed towards the stairs. But just before he reached the stairs he turned about to look at the crowd.
"Now if you'll excuse me," he said, "I have to go check on my wife. You all may continue about your business as you please." With he continued on his way up the stair. Jacob and Rothbart looked at one another for a moment before following. Once they caught up with the young prince, Rothbart spoke.
"Did you really mean what you said?" he asked. Derek looked back at the Enchanter with a smile.
"Yes," he answered. "I was fully prepared to throw him out. Quite literally if I had to." Rothbart shook his head.
"Not that," Rothbart said. "I meant about what you said about me... being a good man." Derek couldn't help but smile as they continued up towards Odette's room.
"Rothbart, everything you've done you did for Odette. You've done more for her than I could ever hope to do. And you've risk your own life on a daily bases in the process. Of course I believe your a good man." Rothbart's heart was touched to hear Derek say those words. Never in his life had anyone believe so much in him. He hadn't felt like this since his days with William. If Derek had been looking back, he would have seen a single tear slide down his cheek.
"Thank you Derek," Rothbart said. Derek just rolled his eyes before chuckling.
"Now don't get all mushy on me," he teased. "It wont look good when I take you down in our rematch."
"And the moments gone," Rothbart stated, causing the three of them to laugh wholeheartedly.
Bridget sat next to a sleeping Odette as she gently wiped a damp towel over her forehead. Bridget was scared for the princess. She had never heard heard Odette scream like that in all her years of knowing the princess. Even when Odette was under Rothbart's spell did she never show an ounce of fear. But what had happened during the party to cause her to let out such a scream must have been something horrendous. And then then the attack that followed soon after by that army of creatures. She may not be the smartest person in the castle, but it didn't take a genius to figure out that it had something to do with the Dark Lord. But what it was, she did not know. Odette began to stir a little in her sleep, breaking Bridget from her thoughts.
"Odette?" she asked softly. Said princess's eyes slowly fluttered open at the mention of her name. once her eyes were completely open, Odette looked around the room, trying to remember what had happened and where she was.
"Odette?" Bridget asked again. Odette slowly drifted her eyes to her left to see who was saying her name.
"Bridget?" Odette asked. A wide grin spread across Bridget's face as she jumped from her chair next to the bed. "Oh, Bridget so happy Odette is okay." Odette couldn't help but smile as she looked around the room, recognizing it as her room.
"What happened?" she asked tiredly.
"Odette passed out during party," Bridget answer. "Scared poor old Bridget."
"I... passed out?" Odette was confused as she couldn't remember anything. The last thing she remembered was admiring a women holding her baby in her arms, but nothing else. Then the bedroom door opened, bringing Odette out of her thoughts as she looked up to see Derek, Joshua, And Rothbart entering the room. Derek, Seeing his wife awake, quickly made his way towards the bed and embraced Odette in a gently, but firm hug, which she returned.
"I'm so glad that you're alright," he said with a relieved tone before pulling back and looking her up and down. "What happened out there?" Odette looked down at the covers, trying to remember.
"I don't know," she said. "I don't remember anything."
"Nothing?" Joshua asked. Odette shook her head.
"All I remember is watching this women with her baby and seeing how happy she was." She looked up at her husband with a small smile. "I was thinking about how our lives are going to be with this baby."
"Speaking of which," said a voice from the bedroom door, "I would like to check to see if the baby is doing alright." Everyone looked towards the bedroom door to see Edward, Jacobs physician, standing in the doorway with a large bag in his hands. He was a short, elderly man, possibly in his early fifties, with white hair that reached passed his shoulders and thinning at the top a bit. He was wearing a red and white cloak with Jacob's insignia on his chest. He also had a silver necklace with a gold ring on it. When Edward said that, Odette then remember that she had passed out and began to panic.
"Is my baby alright?!" She asked quickly. "Is my baby going to be okay?!" Edward entered the room slowly, due to old age, and made his way towards Odette giving her a warm smile.
"Forgive me your Highness,"he said. "But I must check first before I make any conclusions." Odette nodded as she moved herself into a more comfortable position.
"I can check for her," Rothbart said. Edward chuckled.
"Yes. But if i let you do that then I'd be out of a job." He looked up at the enchanter. "Plus I've done this sort of thing for most of my life without magic. I think I know what I'm doing." Rothbart couldn't help but smile that the old man as he took a step back and let him move closer to Odette to do his job before
"Then I'll just be outside." Rothbart was about to leave when he noticed Joshua hadn't moved from his spot. "You coming Joshua?"
"Hmm?" Joshua asked, not paying attention, before looking at the enchanter, who was giving him a warning look. "Oh right! Yeah, I'm coming." Rothbart then looked at Derek.
"You coming?" Derek looked up at Rothbart and shook his head.
"I'd rather stay here with Odette." Rothbart nodded his head as he and Joshua made their way out of the room. Bridget was also about to leave when Edward spoke.
"Why don't you stay here?" he said to here. Bridget looked at Edward confused.
"Bridget?" she said as she pointed to herself. Edward smiled as he nodded.
"Yes. Bridget." The old woman nodded her head and stood next to Edward. The Physician then looked back at Odette.
"If I may, your Highness," Edward said as he bowed his head. Odette nodded as she looked down and began to lift up her dress.
A half hour later, while Rothbart and Joshua continued to wait outside. It had taken longer than expected, and the two were beginning to grow impatient and anxious. They were both wondering if Odette was going to be alright, and if the baby was going to be alright. Rothbart was thinking to himself that he could examine the baby much faster than that old goat. But, in truth, he wasn't a physician, so he wouldn't know what to look for. To him, the baby could be perfectly fine. But to Edward, the baby could be in very critical condition. With this idea in his head, he chose to let the physician do his job, no matter how long it would take.
Joshua, on the other hand, wasn't all that nervous. Throughout all the months he's gotten to know Odette, he knew how tough she was. And if that baby is anything like her, he knew that the baby will be more than fine. He was mainly just bored sitting outside, waiting for something to happen. Soon the bedroom door soon opened to reveal Bridget on the other side.
"You can come in now," the old woman said as she smiled at them. Rothbart almost wasted no time as he nearly pushed passed Bridget and made his way to Odette.
"Is everything alright?" Rothbart asked nervously. "Is the baby okay?" Odette raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but giggle at her godfather's behavior.
"Gee, Rothbart," Odette said, "You're more nervous than I am."
"The baby is just fine," Edward said as he rolled up his instruments away. "As well as the princess. She's just a little fatigued is all. With a little rest, the princess should be back on her feet." Rothbart released a sigh of relief before look back up at the princess
"That good to hear," he said. Odette giggled and placed a hand on Rothbart's as she smiled up at him.
"It's okay Rothbart," she said soothingly. "I'm alright now, and the baby is safe." Rothbart couldn't help but return the smile at his goddaughter.
"I know Odette. But I just can't help but worry about the both of you." Odette's smile widened as she patted Rothbart's hand in a comforting manner.
"Thank you," she said. "But I'm fine now." The sound of someone clearing their through was then heard and everyone in the room looked over towards Edward, who had his bag in his hand.
"Well," he said. "Now that my job is done, I shall leave you all to have your chat."
"You know, I could have looked to see if the baby was all right," Rothbart said, trying to sound less useless. Edward chuckled.
"I'm sure you could have," he replied. "But then, I'd be out of a job now, wouldn't I?" With that, Edward left left the room with his bag in hand, leaving everyone else in the room in an awkward silence. Rothbart then cleared his throat and looked over at Odette.
"So you can remember nothing at all?" he asked. Odette shook her head.
"Nothing," she replied. "But it doesn't matter now. I'm fine now, so there's nothing to worry about." Rothbart sighed as he stood straight up and crossed his arms.
"Regardless," he said seriously, "I want to know exactly what happened out there. After I saw you after you screaming like, you had a look of complete horror. That can't be normal. I want to be sure that this never happens again. So if there is anything that you can tell us at all, it would be a big help." Odette narrowed her eyes as she looked down at the bed, trying to concentrate.
"I told you, I don't remember," she said. "All I remember was roaming around the party and nothing."
"Odette," Derek said. "Try to concentrate. try to remember." Odette shut her eye concentrated as hard as she could. But no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't remember anything.
"I just can't," she said in frustration. Rothbart sigh and nodded his head.
"Alright," he said. "We won't push the subject any further."
"We're just concerned Odette," Joshua added. "We want to make sure that there's nothing wrong." Odette didn't answer right away. She just moved her head to the left and shut her eye so as not to look at anyone. She knew they all meant well, but the babying over her was getting quite annoying. Yes she was pregnant and there's an evil Dark Lord after her, but that didn't mean she was helpless. Okay, maybe she was a little helpless due to being pregnant, but she didn't want them to make her feel that way. She let out a sigh of annoyance before opening her eyes. She then caught sight of a lit candle of the on a table on the far side of the room. She stared at the flame for a while, like the flame was hypnotizing. Then the flame started to move, almost taking a shape. A shape of what she would, at first, assume... was a face. But then a certain Irish accent came and broke her concentration.
"And how is our little princess fairing this fine moment?" Odette turned her head towards the end of her bed, where a certain puffin was sitting, and smiled.
"Hello Puffin," Odette said happily. "I'm doing fine."
"Wonderful news," Puffin said. He was soon joined by Whizzer on his left and Jean-Bob on his right. Soon came Speed as he poked his head over the end of the bed to get a look at Odette. Odette couldn't help but smile at her dearest friends.
"How are you feeling?" Whizzer asked. Odette turned her kind gaze to him.
"If feeling fine now."
"How are things outside," Rothbart asked seriously. Puffin and Whizzer stood at attention and saluted when Rothbart spoke.
"Sir," Puffin said as he remain at attention and still saluting. "Everything has been taken care of. King Jacob is having the men clean up the battlefield as we speak. He is also having the bodies of the enemy placed elsewhere to be disposed of, Sir!" He finished his report with an swift motion downward of his arm to end the salute. Rothbart nodded his understanding at this information. Odette, however, was beyond confused and greatly worried.
"Battlefield?" she asked. "Enemy? Bodies?!" Everyone noticed Odette starting to panic and realized that she had no knowledge of the battle that just took place just outside the castle. Realizing this, Derek groaned and slapped his forehead. This was exactly what he wanted to avoid doing while his wife was pregnant; especially now that she's pregnant.
"Odette," Derek said calmly, "please calm down."
"Calm down?!" she yelled in a panic tone. "What on earth happened out there after I fainted?!" Everyone in the room remained quiet. Nobody in the room wanted to tell Odette that the kingdom had just endured it's first attack. She had been worried for so long that her kingdom would be endanger that it took only a few weeks ago to convince her that the kingdom wouldn't be attacked, especially while she was pregnant. Now they were just proven wrong and were very nervous about revealing any further details of bout what had happened. Especially Rothbart, who had been the one to mainly convince Odette that everything would be fine. Puffin and Whizzer were shuffling from one foot to the other. They didn't want to lie to Odette, but now that the cat was out of the bag, it was to late to put it back in. Jean-Bob, however, looked at the two birds with a glare.
"I told you this would be a bad time to come in," the frog whispered harshly, only to receive a glare in return from Puffin. Odette, seeing that no one was going to answer her, narrowed her eyes and nearly gritted her teeth.
"TELL ME NOW!" she screamed, startling everyone in the room, even causing Puffin, Whizzer and Jean-Bob to fall off the bed and Speed to hide in his shell. Rothbart rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding Odette's gaze.
"You see," Rothbart began, "While you were unconscious... there was an incident." Odette narrowed her eyes even further.
"What kind of incident?" she asked with a harsh tone. Rothbart swallowed nervously.
"Well... the castle might have come under..." Rothbart cringed a bit, "... attack?" Odette's hard gaze then turned to one of shock.
"What?" she asked.
"By an army of Gremlins," Joshua added timidly. The look of shock remained on Odette's face.
"Gremlins?" she asked.
"Like Goblins, but smaller."
"But we won," Derek added, trying to lighten the mood. "And we suffered almost no casualties." The look on Odette's face never faltered as she looked at no one in particular. She could not believe what she was hearing. Her kingdom had come under attack. This was something that she had been dreading. But then she remembered, Sargon invaded her kingdom before, and pretty much conquered it already. The only reason he left was so that Odette could have the baby for him to take from her. Odette took a deep breath and released it in a long sigh.
"Well," she said, "I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later." This caught everyone in the room off guard, even Rothbart. He wasn't at all expecting the reaction he just received. He looked around at all the faces in the room. And each one gave him the same confused look. Rothbart then turned back to Odette.
"Um..." he stuttered. "Okay." Odette looked up at Rothbart, her gaze more caring now.
"How many people were hurt?" she asked. Rothbart's face relaxed a bit as he looked Odette in the eye.
"None of the guests were injured," he answered. "But we did loose nine soldiers in the battle, with twenty-two wounded." Odette nodded her head.
"We will give them a proper funeral to honor their sacrifices. Tell their families of this tragedy, and give then compensation for their lose."
"I must say Odette, you're taking this very well," Derek said with a smile. "I'm proud of you." Odette smiled at her husband.
"Thank you," she said. "But this was something I've been trying to prepare myself for. I know I should have expected something like this to occur. It's just that it's never good to hear that something tragic has happened in your kingdom."
"Understandable," Rothbart said with a nod.
"And after all," Odette continued, "Sargon did invade Swan Lake once before, very nearly taking it over. I should have expected something like this."
"But we weren't expecting it so soon," Puffin said.
"And from the direction they came from," Whizzer added, "They must have came from Chamburg." Hearing this, Derek's mood grew dark as he looked down at the floor with sadness. Odette, sensing her husband's change of mood, looked over at him and placed a hand on his. It must be hard for him to lose his childhood home. It wasn't that easy for Odette as well. Derek looked up at his wife to see her smiling comfortingly at him, causing Derek to smile back at her. He then looked at everyone else.
"We need to know what's going on at Chamburg," he said. "Find out what the enemy is planning." Rothbart nodded his head in agreement.
"Yes," he said. "But we must be smart about it. We can't just send men out there where they can be spotted easily."
"Then who do we send?" Joshua asked. Rothbart rubbed his chin as he puzzled the situation. They didn't have the men well trained enough to be spies. He made a mental not to do so. He tured around and began to pace around the room. He continued this action until he thought of something. Why send a man, when they could send something else. His gaze then shifted towards Puffin and Whizzer, who had both been watching the enchanter to wait for an answer. They looked rather curious when Rothbart turned his gaze on them.
"We wont send a man," Rothbart said, a smile forming on his face, "But two small birds." Everyone in the room then looked at the only two birds in the room and soon got the idea of what Rothbart was saying. Odette however, was not happy about the idea at all.
"No!" she said. "You will not be sending them into enemy territory."
"But Odette," Rothbart tried to reason, "We don't have any men trained enough to be scout or spies. This is are only chance at gaining information on what the enemy is planning." Odette narrowed her eyes.
"I said no," she said sternly. "I'm not going to loose my dearest friends. I'm not even comfortable sending anyone at all into enemy hands."
"But Odette," Derek added. "I think-"
"The matter is settled!" Odette shouted. "I don't want to hear of this anymore." Odette then looked away from everyone and crossed her arms over her chest. Everyone in the room was silent. The didn't want to anger Odette any further, but they did want to convince her that this was the right thing to do. They did understand that Puffin and Whizzer were dear friends of Odette and didn't want to see them harmed anymore than she did. But this was war, things had to be done. But no one dared to speak, for fear of angering Odette further. However, one person, or bird, decided to take that chance as he flew up and landed next to the princess.
"Odette," Puffin said softly. Odette looked down at her friend and Puffin could see tears in her eyes. Puffin smiled up at her.
"We really appreciate the concern you have for us," he said. "But we are soldiers. And it is our duty to protect you at any cost."
"But I don't want you two," Odette said. Puffin took a step closer to Odette and placed a wing on her shoulder.
"I know you don't. But we all must do our part. We haven't been much help in training the army you have. But we can at least be good spies for you. Let us do this for you. and for the young prince or princess as well."
Odette looked away from Puffin. She couldn't deny that it made sense to send them. They were small, quick and smart. she had full confidence that they could get the job done. But she just didn't want to take the chance on them getting hurt out there. It was the fear of not knowing that made her worry for their safety. She then looked back at Puffin and saw the look of determination in his eyes. She looked at Whizzer as well, for she knew that he had no desire to be a spy like in the past with Zelda. But then she saw the same look of determination in his eyes as well. She guessed that things must have changed during his time living at Swan Lake. Odette looked away once more to think. After a minute or so, she finally sighed.
"Alright," she said. "I'll approve of this mission." Puffin then gave Odette a smile before embracing her in a hug, which she gladly returned. She pulled back and looked at her friend.
"On one condition though," she said. Puffin let go of Odette and stood at attention.
"Anything princess." Odette giggled at his action before her face became serious.
"Promise me that you both will return." The tone in Odette's voice was more of a plead than anything else. Whizzer flapped his wings and flew over to land right next to Puffin to give a salute as well.
"You have our word princess," he said. And thus they both bowed to her. Odette smiled at them, although part of her was beginning to regret her decision.
"Alright then," Rothbart said, causing everyone in the room to look at him, "Let get you two ready for you're big mission. I'm sure you'll both do us proud."
A/N: Well here it is, another chapter for you guys. And again, sorry this took so long. But I must ask that you guys be patient with me. I do have a life outside of Fanfiction, as much as I love to read and write on here. I will try to get the next chapter up as soon as possible. Please leave a review and tell me your thought. Also, I may rewrite this chapter a bit in the future. Not sure if I like the way it turned out. so stay tuned lol.