A/N: I'm back! So, as I've said I had to attend a seminar last Thursday and Friday with my friends, then join a writing competition afterwards. I was planning to finish the chapter by Saturday and had it uploaded as soon as possible, but it turns out that the organizers organized a party for all of us. Anyway, at that party there was a "mini" talent competition, and one of my friends and I decided to represent our group. We sang "True Colors" (I had to sing Branch's part), and it was so nerve wracking! Well, so much for that, here's the next chapter!
Disclaimer: Callisto Altair ran out of rocket fuel, he cannot even afford one because he went broke.
Muffled voices were heard outside the Council Hall, as well as fists slamming on the surface of hardwood and papers being flung on air. Upon her entrance, Poppy expected the usual spiteful remarks from the elders. Surprisingly, she heard none. The elders were too preoccupied hurling horrible words at each other, an unusual sight to the pink Troll as most of the time they agree with almost everything.
That was the only time Poppy was able to observe them, as the Princess cannot stand the presence of the proud advisors of her father. There were eight of them, each represents the eight regions that comprises the Troll Kingdom excluding the Capital. Poppy knew nothing much about them, except for the fact that they help her father with his decisions, and they've been serving the Kingdom since the time of her grandfather, King Prairie.
Suki once handed her a book that contains some information about them. Elder Palm is the primary advisor of the King, and because of that he holds the highest position among the members of the Council. Elder Fern holds the Kingdom's finance, he is in charge of the taxes collected in all of the land. Elder Leek holds the trading sector, and facilitates the trading routes and the list of Kingdoms that the Troll Kingdom is trading with. Elder Fig is the one in charge with the intelligence information within the Kingdom. He knows almost everything that happens in every territory ruled by the Troll King. Elders Birch, Vale, Sierra and Calyx are the members of the lower Council, Poppy can't remember much about their main tasks in the Kingdom.
King Peppy was at the far side of the room, on his seat in the Council. His face was buried in his hands and would occasionally rub little circles on his temples when his head would ache. Despite the noise that the arguing Council made, the King seems to be very immersed in his thoughts.
"Dad" Poppy cautiously said before placing her hand on her father's shoulder. "The guards said you want me to be here, what's the problem?" She took a few steps backward and bowed her head when King Peppy looked up to her. Shame instantly took over her whole being as she stood in the presence of her father, whom she dishonored in front of all the leaders a few days ago.
"I have something important to say" King Peppy sighed. "And I need you to be here." The King gestured her to take the seat next to him, where she sat the first time she attended a Council Meeting. Branch pulled out the chair for her and helped her get settled. Poppy noticed a white band wrapped around the grey Troll's fist. Her eyebrows furrowed as she eyed on the bandage, wondering what injury lies underneath. Branch noticed her, and immediately placed his hand behind his back.
"Like what the General has said earlier, the Horns have crossed the Northern Border…and they're probably on their way to invade the Capital..." the King said. The pink Troll's eyes widened upon hearing the news. How could they get through the Great Wall? The Council, however, went on with their argument and did not pay any attention to the King. Peppy cleared his throat to finally silence the elders and get them to listen.
"A dark grey Troll was reported to lead them, I think he's the one they refer to as 'King Canyon'" Branch said in a raspy voice. "Your Majesty, I'll have the whole Army set up defenses around the palace."
"No, send them to counter the invasion!" the King said.
"But we've lost too much soldiers after the incident in Hornwood and the attack on the Great Wall" Branch stated. King Peppy rested his chin on his hands and began to think again.
"We must increase our ranks! Gather new recruits from every town and village, especially in the most populated ones!" one of the Council suggested.
"Yes! I agree with Vale! Stardust Fields has the largest population in all of the land, I'm sure they can provide enough men to fight for the Kingdom. Glowworm Valley, Aloe Plains, Redwood Forest and Iron Mountains have enough Trolls as well to join the Troll Army!" The other members began to nod and agree with each other again.
King Peppy pondered upon the suggestion. It's a big risk, but the Kingdom's safety is his top priority…everything is at risk! Their enemies are powerful and strong, they may be able to defeat the whole Army in an instant. An increase in soldiers is absolutely necessary to counter the invaders. "General, how much time do you need to train new recruits?" the King asked.
"What? You're going to send innocent Trolls to fight for the Kingdom?" Poppy asked. "You're going to send Troll who don't even know how to fight? The Trolls in Stardust Fields are known to be the most carefree Trolls in all of the land" Poppy said.
The elders finally took notice of her presence in the room and immediately detested it. They began to grumble and mutter words that are not favorable to Poppy's ears; however, the Princess couldn't care less about their opinion on her.
"That's why I'm asking the General how much time he needs to train new recruits. Poppy, we don't have any other options." Peppy gave his daughter a worried look. "If we want to keep peace in this Kingdom, we must take every chance that we have." He never liked the Idea. How could he? As much as possible, he wanted to keep all Trolls safe, but drastic situations require drastic solutions. "General?" He turned his attention to the Grey Troll.
"Two weeks should be enough, but that depends on how fast they'd learn" Branch said. Poppy glared at him for supporting the idea. He avoided her gaze and tried not to make any eye contact with her.
"Palm and the rest of all of you!" King Peppy called. The elders had their full attention on him and anticipated the King's commandments. "Deliver the conscriptions in all of the regions of the Kingdom. Gather as much recruits as possible!"
"Yes, your Majesty" all of them said before they scrambled from their seats and left the room.
"General, prepare the Army! We're heading out north to face the Horns!" the King said. Poppy's eyes widened.
"We?" Poppy asked. King Peppy, however, stood from his seat and prepared to leave. "Dad, what do you mean with 'we'?" Poppy grabbed her father's hand and stopped him from leaving.
"I'll explain everything to you at dinner" King Peppy sighed.
"Dinner? Why not explain now?" Poppy blurted out.
"Poppy, being the King makes me the commander-in-chief of the Troll Army" the King said. He tried to explain in a way that Poppy would not get hurt. "I have the highest authority over the soldiers of this Kingdom. You will understand soon, when you become Queen." Peppy slid his hand from her grip and left the room.
"Your Highness" Branch regarded before bowing his head. Poppy watched them leave. She felt so left out, no one would care to listen to her in the Council Hall. Whenever she speaks, the elders would instantly spite her. And her father would make decisions, without even asking if she's in favor of it.
Poppy left the room and listlessly walked around the halls and passed by the courtyards. She watched the soldiers move about, running around following orders. "Men" she muttered. She rolled her eyes before she began to wander again.
"Princess Poppy!" a familiar voice called. Poppy turned and saw Creek running to her.
"Hey" Poppy said unenthusiastically.
"Is there something wrong, Your Highness?" Creek asked. Poppy shook her head in response. However, the purple Troll examined the Princess carefully, and tried to feel the aura that her body would emit.
Poppy knew very well what he was doing, he's doing that yogi thing that he usually does when they were younger. "Fine...you win" she sighed and looked down. "Creek, would you mind going out for a walk with me? Just for a little bit, I just need some air, and a good company."
"Well, the General said that we have an hour to prepare before he'll call for us to assemble, so sure!" Creek said. He offered his arm to the Princess, which she happily took and they started to walk down the hall.
"So, aside from the pressure of being the heiress to the throne, what else bothers you?" Creek finally broke the silence that has been with them the whole time they've been walking around the palace.
Poppy pulled the soldier into the bench near the pond in the garden. Creek, being chivalrous enough allowed her to sit first before him. Gentle breeze swept across the place, making the leaves of the trees rustle. Poppy pulled her knees close to her chest before she leaned her head on Creek's shoulder. She closed her eyes and tried to relax.
"My, my, what beautiful blossoms we have this year." Creek said to break the silence once again. "But...that one's late!" he said pointing at the bud that remained close. "I bet that when it blooms, it will be the most beautiful of all."
"Creek, do you think I can be the Queen my father expects me to be?" Poppy asked out of the blue.
"What do you mean?" Creek looked down onto his shoulder glanced at Poppy.
"Earlier at the Council Hall…Dad, Branch, the Council…every one of them made me feel that I will never be able to take part in their decisions for the Kingdom. I feel like Dad would only bring me there to watch. I can give suggestions too! But…none of them dared to ask." Poppy rose from her seat and approached the waters.
"Your Highness, I think you're thinking way too much. Your father, won't declare you as the heiress if he knows that you can't rule the Kingdom properly." Creek stood next to Poppy, who was staring at her reflection on the pond. "You're still young, even Branch and I. All of us still have a lot to learn. Maybe the King just wanted you to observe and learn how things go inside the Council hall to get you ready."
"You think so?" Poppy asked, facing the purple Troll.
"Yes" Creek replied. "I think you'd be an amazing Queen because you are an amazing person."
"Thanks" Poppy said.
"Now, you better get rid of those negativity and have some positivity inside those veins of yours" he said in a funny tone, which made Poppy giggle. Seeing her smile again made the purple Troll swoon. Her smile would always be the warmest in all of the land, as it was the smile that he would always love. He had a sudden urge inside his brain, and before he could even think, he was already leaning forward to Poppy.
"Creek…" Poppy called, placing her hands between the two of them. She pushed the purple Troll at a safe distance, where he won't be able to kiss her.
"Sorry for being too rash, Your Highness…" Creek apologized and bowed his head. "I—It won't happen again."
"Creek, there you are" a familiar voice called that startled the two. Was he there the whole time? Poppy blushed instantly and felt her heart pound inside her chest upon seeing the newcomer. "Your Highness." Branch slightly bowed his head to regard the Princess.
"General!" Creek immediately bowed in respect.
"The soldiers will assemble in a few minutes. You better get ready" Branch said.
"Yes, sir!" Creek responded. "Your Highness, if you'll excuse me, I have to go."
Poppy glanced at the General. He looked a bit tense, his hands were curled into fists. What could be his problem? "General?" she called, placing her hand on his arm. The Princess, instantly felt the heat rise inside her cheeks. It was just the two of them, no guards, no elders…just them in the middle of her favorite place in the palace.
"Y—Yes, Your Highness?" Branch asked. He cleared his throat and faced Poppy. Silence ruled over the place as they stared at each other's eyes. Poppy's eyes, however, trailed down to Branch's hand, and took notice of the bandages wrapped around it.
"What happened to your hand?" she asked.
"Oh? This? We just had...a little accident in the quarters, but it's okay now..." Branch replied without showing any emotion to Poppy. "I have to go now, Your Highness." Branch bowed his head once again and left the Princess alone in the garden.
The soldiers rode off to every land of the Kingdom, stopping at every village and town to gather one man from every family. One man that shall offer his life for the sake of all the Trolls in the land. The King was very particular in his orders, every soldier must bring the conscriptions to every village and town under his authority before the sun sets. He also gave the soldiers a strict order to make sure that they'd visit the most populated territories as suggested by the Council. As those lands could give the most number of recruits for the Army.
Stardust Fields, the northeastern territory, where glittery and sparkly Trolls reside. The Glowworm Valley, the land surrounded by the western ridges and the Iron Mountains. The Aloe Plains on the South, where the Trolls that reside look no more, but tufts of hair with feet. The King also sent some soldiers to go to the Redwood Forest, located at the east. It is known for the towering trees they call "Redwood". The Trolls in the area are the most peculiar Trolls in all of the land, as they are quadrupedal with elongated necks. The last territory that King Peppy specified was the mining village located at the base of highest mountain in the Troll Kingdom, the Iron Mountain. It is located between the Glowworm Valley and the Aloe Plains. Trolls that reside in the area are a bit smaller than the Trolls from the other territories and they have the longest hair in all of the land. They are known for their immense strength, which they use to haul the iron that they get from the mountain.
That evening, Poppy ate in silence with her father. The only sound they'd heard were from the servants placing the food and drinks on the table. She can no longer take her father's silence, so she suddenly dropped her cutlery on her plate. "You don't have to go!"
"Poppy…" King Peppy said. He slowly placed the utensils on the side of his plate and looked at his daughter.
"We have plenty of soldiers to face those Horns! You're even recruiting new ones to be a soldier!" Poppy exclaimed. Tears began to form at the corners of her eyes.
"It is an honor to protect my Kingdom and my people" King Peppy said.
"So, you'll die for honor? You'll die for what? For your achievement in the Hall of Kings!?" Poppy said.
"I will die doing what's right!" The King slammed his fist on the table to silence his daughter. "I know my place. It's time for you to learn yours!"
Poppy stood and stared at him indignantly. How could he be so unfair? Poppy ran outside the room crying. She wanted to be in a place where she could be alone for a while and no one would look for her, not in the garden nor in her room. Her emotions led her to an old-looking door at the top-most floor of the palace…the attic.
Dust covered everything in the room, the floor and the objects that were neatly stacked inside. She saw crates, chests, trunks, some portraits and pieces of furniture covered with cloth. Cobwebs were dangling from the ceiling, dancing with the slight wind that passes through the vents.
She plopped herself down on the nearest couch she saw and cried. The sky grumbled and rain immediately fell afterwards. Darkness took over the whole place and the only sound Poppy heard was the roars of thunder after the flashes of lightning.
"Sir, yes, Sir!" the soldiers said.
"We are going to face enemies that are not like the ones we've faced before" Branch's voice echoed all over the palace grounds. "All of us had our fair share of suffering, but this is what we've spent most of our lives for. We must serve the King…and protect the Princess…and the whole Kingdom from the invaders. Some of us may not make it, but we must never let that stop us in fulfilling our duty."
Poppy climbed on top of the pile of crates to get to the vent window and see what's happening on the courtyard. The soldiers are all lined up in platoons with Branch standing in front of all of them. The grey Troll is in full armor and had his cloak wrapped around his shoulders.
The two main doors of the palace opened. Poppy saw the Troll guards marched in pairs to the General. Her body became tense, they only do that when…when her father arrives. And her intuitions were right. Just as she had expected a Troll in a golden armor emerged and walked on the path created by the guards. "No!" Poppy cried out. Only the King wears the golden armor in the whole Kingdom, and Poppy is much aware of that.
A lightning suddenly flashed from the sky, making the Princess jump in surprise. She lost her balance and caused the stack of crates, that she was standing on to collapse. Poppy tumbled on the dust-covered floor and lost her consciousness.
"You should have listened to us, and just married again after your wife died. You could've had a son!"
"But you're a princess? Aren't the one next in line supposed to be a prince? Aren't you supposed to wait for some Troll to ask for your hand in marriage?"
Poppy heard their voices ring inside her head, telling her what she cannot do and what she is supposed to do. She slowly opened her eyes and scanned her surroundings, she's still in the attic. The Princess slowly got up and leaned on the closest box she saw.
It's been hours since the King and his army left. Rain continued to fall and the sky continued to grumble. "Even the sky can't stop him" she said. She glanced at her side and saw a hug mirror standing just a few inches from her.
"I know my place in this Kingdom, it's time for you to learn yours"
She took her tiara off and ran her fingers over its surface. When she was young she only saw it as a headband to keep her hair in place. Turns out that it was the symbol of her heritage. It showed everyone who she is, that she's a princess…and not a prince. That she won't be able to meet everyone's expectations and to get them to believe that she can rule the Kingdom. It showed her that she's weak and she cannot do anything to stop the invaders or even her father.
"I cannot let my father go to war" she muttered before looking back to the mirror. "If I cannot save him, then someone else should…"
The storm continued to pour its might down at the Troll Kingdom. Poppy, however, ran outside, through the wet grassland and mud just to reach the Troll Tree with a big decision inside her heart. She entered the cavern of the Tree and left a trail of rainwater on her path. The mighty shrine of the first Troll King stood before her. She bowed her head and prayed to him and her ancestors for guidance and favor.
On her way back to the palace, she saw a faint glow flew past her. It was a firefly. Poppy wondered what it's doing in the middle of a thunderstorm, so she followed the insect to wherever it's headed. She stopped walking when she felt something round and squishy under her feet.
Lightning flashed in the sky and momentarily illuminated the dark environment. Poppy saw the elderberries lying on the ground with their juice oozing out. She looked up to the tree and saw the many clumps of the berries just hanging overhead after another flash of lightning.
"Trolls who got their feet and hands soaked in its juice, took days to completely wash it off."
Using her hair, she climbed up the branches and took some clumps and carefully stored it inside her hair, making sure that it won't burst. She took a few more before she climbed down and ran back inside the palace.
She went to the kitchen and pounded the berries until red liquid oozed out. She scooped a handful, and rubbed it on her arm. It turned red and no matter how hard she tried to wash It off, her skin remained that way. She cleaned up her mess and made sure that there are no evidences left before she ran to her room.
Red as blood, that's what her skin became after she bathed herself in elderberry juice. "I still look the same" Poppy groaned in front of the mirror. Suddenly, she remembered an ability that only Trolls possess...change their hair color. She tried a variety of colors that would suit her red pigment, and at the same time would hide her true identity. "Blue looks good, and I can barely recognize myself with this color" she muttered before she realized something, her tiara is still on her head. Poppy took it off and examined it for a while before placing it on top of her dress table. She doesn't need that in her plan. "Now, all I need is a sword, some male clothes…and an armor!"
Inside the attic were crates and trunks filled with the old things that the palace no longer finds useful, but had a lot of sentimental value to discard. Swords, armors and a few other things were kept inside with the old pieces of furniture and portraits.
"Which one should I bring?" Poppy said as she examined a trunk filled with swords. "Too heavy! Too long! Too short!" she said while pulling out some of the weapons. Something bright caught her attention, it was another firefly perched on a sword with a silver hilt and a golden dragonfly head for its pummel. Its sheath was made of leather and had four insects intricately etched on its surface. She pulled the sword and revealed the shiny metal inside. "This will do…"
Poppy continued to look for useful things inside the room. She managed to find a backpack, and a few clothes that fit. She took the smallest leather armor she saw and wore it, making sure that it's not too loose that it would fall apart when she walks or too tight that she won't be able to breathe.
She looked at the mirror and gazed on her new self. A red Troll with blue hair, who will join the army in his father's stead she told herself. She straightened her hair and made sure that the armor is in place. Suddenly, she remembered something, so she took her sword and her backpack and tiptoed her way through the dark halls of the palace.
"There has to be one in here…" she muttered as she searched the Council Hall. Another flash of light caught her attention. "Another firefly?" she muttered. She started to feel that the insect was helping her because she always finds the things that she needs when it shows up. "There it is!" she whispered. She opened the conscription notice and read it with her mind. She placed it inside her hair and ran outside to the courtyard.
"Easy boy, it's me!" she said when her fox snarled at her. Upon realizing who the stranger was, Kit bowed his head and went closer to Poppy. The princess petted his snout before pulling him outside. The rain has subsided and the winds became a bit more gentle. Poppy used her hair to mount her fox and settled herself on the saddle. She took a final glimpse of the palace before slightly kicking the fox's flank.
They cannot go through the gates, the guards would be suspicious of her, so she thought of another way to leave the palace grounds. "Can you jump over the fences?" she asked. Kit barked before taking a few steps backwards. Poppy petted his sides before she prepared for the jump. The Princess held onto the reins like her whole life depended in it when the fox leaped over the fence that separated the palace from the forest that surrounded it. There was a loud thud when they landed on the ground. Poppy exhaled and looked behind her. "Good work Kit" she whispered before petting the fox one more time. "Let's go!"
"Princess Poppy?" Suki knocked on the Princess's room before she opened the door. "Poppy, breakfast is ready!" She placed the tray of food on the table and pulled the drapes to let some light in. She saw Poppy's tiara on top of the vanity, but the Princess is nowhere to be found. Poppy never takes off the headpiece, unless she needed to take a bath or go to sleep. The red Troll checked every corner of the room and searched for the Princess, but she didn't see the pink Troll anywhere inside. She never leaves the room unless she has eaten her breakfast. "Satin! Chenille! Guards! The Princess is missing!"
Troll Guards ran all over the palace and searched for Poppy, making sure that they would not miss any spot in the palace. They checked the gardens, the Hall of Kings, and even the King's chamber just to find the Princess. The guards at the gates said that they didn't see the Princess leave the palace, they didn't see anyone leave at all; although, they heard an unusual thud outside the fences that night.
Suki, Satin and Chenille searched the whole place as well and asked the guards if they've found her already. To their dismay, none of the guards has brought any good news yet. "Troll Tree…please…please help us find Poppy…"
A/N: Aaand that's the chapter. I'm sorry if it took long. I had a lot of things to tend to these past few days. Campus Journalism, engineering subjects to pass, student council elections...I barely had enough sleep! Anyway, so much for my drama, I hope you liked this chapter. I'm currently working on the next one, so watch out! If there's something you have in mind please feel free to tell me! Tell me!