The Message Revealed

Queen Evangeline closed her eyes for a moment, reflecting over the news the messenger had just told her. It seemed that Lady Jacqueline and Belle were one in the same. Why she had tried to kill her son she did not know. Fortunately, the girl was taken care of at the moment. She could do no more harm locked in the dungeons. Those bars were impenetrable. With the conniving girl locked away, Queen Evangeline drew her attention back to the young man who had been in her office only a few minutes before. Chris Hood he was called, but Queen Evangeline knew the truth. The boy was her son. After all these years, she was still shocked that he had found her.

She stood suddenly and walked around her office, thinking of the past. Coming to Faylinn had been a miracle for Queen Evangeline. Her life before meeting her husband was dull and she had always dreamed of another world. It had been made possible by the help of a goblin. The goblin agreed to make her queen in exchange for her first born child. That child had been Christopher. After he was born and given to the creature she had not heard of his whereabouts for fifteen years. And then suddenly he was here, a homeless, thin child found wandering along the River of Dreams.

Only she knew he was alive and had returned. On account of the shame of her dealings she had told the king that the boy had been stillborn. Now, Chadwick was crown prince, and all Chris would do was upset the balance already in place. She enlisted Robin Hood as his guardian because she knew the old thief would protect him. Plus, he owed her a favor.

"Your majesty," someone asked suddenly, breaking her from her thoughts.

"Yes," Queen Evangeline answered. The man, Sir Richard, entered. "Have there been any developments?"

"No. The girl has done nothing but deny any involvement."

"Very well. Perhaps I should speak to her."

"No, your majesty, that is a foolish idea. We do not know what this girl is capable of."

"She is a child."

"Looks can be deceiving." Queen Evangeline nodded once. She yearned to know more of the girl named Isabella.

I stared absentmindedly through the bars, hoping that by now Blue Jay was well on her way delivering my message. Numerous officials and soldiers of the Royal Militant had been down to visit me. I was getting tired of their same old questions and anxious that my plan would not follow through. Perhaps it was to risky. The bird had been sent off hours ago. Where was she?

"Miss Isabella Ashen," a soft woman's voice said. I could not make out her form as her face was hidden by a large brown hood.

"Hello?" I said hesitantly.

"Hello," she said, removing her hood. The queen stood before, dressed in all her regality. I curtsied hurriedly, my eyes cast down.

"To what do I owe this honor, your highness?"

"Oh no need for such formalities Isabella. I feel as if I know you quite well, child." Her tone was nonchalant, as if we had just met in the street. "Just answer me this, has murdering my son been your plan all along?"

"No my lady, not at all."

"No. Then why in the past few days I have been introduced to you in a number of different settings?"

"I …"

"You what Miss Ashen,"

"Do not how to explain."

"Well, let me explain. You will tell my militia exactly how you came to be in this situation, and you will not leave anything out. Is that clear?"

"I was not involved in the attempt against Prince Chadwick's life."

"I do not believe you."

"You must. I had nothing to do with it. Please, ask Chris, he will vouch for me." Her face clouded over and she quickly draped the hood over her head once again.

"I have no idea what you speak of Isabella." With that, Queen Evangeline turned on her heel and quickly ascended the stairs.

"Now I've done it," I mumbled to myself, alone once again. There was nothing in the cell except hay sprinkled on the stone floor. And now there was nothing to do but wait.

"Come on, come on," the round mouse said hurriedly. It was Sir Humphrey, Sir Lawrence noted. He unlocked the small bars that had trapped the mouse in his prison. Sir Lawrence stepped out, fighting the urge to hug the older knight.

"Oh thank you my lord, most gracious thanks. I was starting to cramp from being squeezed into such uncomfortable quarters. I thought you had forgotten about me. But alas, the valiant Sir Humphrey to my rescue. I knew it was only a matter of time until someone came for me, you see, but goodness am I happy to see you."

"Quiet mouse, goodness, is speaking the only thing you know how to do?"

"Oh, of course not sir. I am a most honorable messenger,"

"Yes, yes, I know. Now be quiet. I would lead you to Sir Richard's quarters. You will tell him all you know."

"I need the king good sir," Sir Lawrence interjected.

"The King is an idiot. No one tells him anything. It is Queen Evangeline and Sir Richard who run Faylinn." Sir Lawrence stopped in his tracks. Sir Humphrey turned to face him. The two mice stared at one another for a few long seconds, until Sir Lawrence, liking what he found, finally cast his eyes down.

"I see, very, very well. Sir Richard is who I will see then. But what of Lord Javier?"

"What of him? Now come. If he knew I was releasing you he would have my head." Sir Lawrence obeyed, following the elder knight as he scurried through the tunnels. Soon he could feel the heat of the furnace. Holding his breath and his lips, Sir Lawrence followed Sir Humphrey through the small opening and landed on the cold kitchen floor with a huff. It was early morning now, and a few loyal chefs' aids were already preparing for this morning's breakfast. Sir Lawrence paused for a moment, inhaling the rich aroma of rising bread. "Oh step to it," Sir Humphrey said, grabbing the tunic of Sir Lawrence. Sir Lawrence nodded, mumbling an apology before continuing after him.

After a few minutes, Sir Lawrence emerged into a square room with rich red velvet walls. A tall man with salt and pepper hair nervously paced to and fro on the squeaky floorboards. The pair of knights quickly made it to the top of the mahogany desk which overtook a large portion of the room. Sir Humphrey cleared his throat a few times before Sir Richard gazed down at him. The man squinted and then jumped back a bit, obviously startled.

"Forgive me, my lord," Sir Humphrey said with a bow, "but I have come to you bearing an urgent matter."

"Oh," Sir Richard said, taking a few small steps toward the desk. "Of course, of course, knight. Please," he motioned for him to continue.

"May I introduce, Sir Lawrence, a knight who has traveled many miles to deliver his message."

"Very well, Sir Lawrence."

"Yes well," Sir Lawrence cleared his throat, his face turning a soft pink. "It is a pleasure to meet you Sir Richard, head of the Royal Militant." Sir Richard nodded, evidently tired and not the least interested in formalities. "I am Sir Lawrence and I come with a message for the king."

"Yes, we have established that knight. The king is currently unavailable. What is your message?"

"Be observant. There will be an attack on the Crown Prince's life very soon."

"Yes, Sir Lawrence, this has already happened."

"What has already happened?"

"An attack on the Crown Prince's life."

"Yes of course, but that is my message."

"What is your message?" Sir Richard asked, rubbing his temple.

"That was my message Sir."

"Really? That's all."

"Yes sir, oh yes, I know I am not forgetting anything. I repeat it to myself thrice daily as not to forget it."

"But you see the Prince was already attacked," Sir Richard said slowly. "Can you tell me anything else?"

"Yes, yes I am certain there was something else. There had to be. Judging by your facial expression I can presume this is turning out to be a very anticlimactic moment for us all. Let me think. One moment please." Sir Lawrence began to pace as Sir Richard had been doing a few minutes prior. The other two occupants of the room, one man one mouse, watched him with bewildered expressions. "Ah, yes, of course. That was just a summary I made for myself in order to remember the actual message."

"All right then. What is it?"

"Early last month Sir Duke received a peculiar message. It was this: The scouts report that Aurum wishes to gain a larger piece of Breena. In order to accomplish this they will begin their attack on Faylinn, the largest and most influential city. For even though they have much wealth with all their gold deposits they need the support of the numerous species to win the war they wish to wage. Be warned, we, the scouts that is, have reason to believe an attack will be made on the life of Crown Prince Chadwick very soon, leaving Faylinn with no sensible heir," Sir Lawrence finished, looking very proud of himself.

"Well, that certainly is a handful," Sir Richard said after a few minutes of reflective silence. "Where did you get this information?"

"I told you sir, I am a messenger."

"Aurum would never challenge Faylinn. We have very close relations. Why, the king's very own daughter is one of the young women staying here. Attempting anything while the Princess is here would be foolish. Thank you Sir Lawrence. Under normal circumstances I would have considered your message, but the culprit has already been caught."

"Ah I see. Thank you very much Sir, very much thanks. It has been an honor speaking with you." And before Sir Lawrence could utter another word, Sir Humphrey grabbed his thin arm and pulled him away. The older knight needed to get away from Sir Richard's confused glance, which showed exactly what Lord Javier had said a few hours prior. This messenger was insane and an utter and complete waste of time.

Astra laid in a bed within a room unknown to her. It was small and cluttered and homey. She rather liked it and soon found herself in a dreamlike sort of peace. That was until she heard Lily and Chris speaking. The stella shot up much to quickly, noticing that it pained her to move. She felt positively drained and yearned for something to drink.

"Chris, she's awake," Lily said, posed over Astra suddenly. "Is there anything I can get you?" Astra shook her head.

"No, just rest will bring my strength back. Lily, where is Bella?"

"I am not sure," Lily answered, shooting a glance at Chris.

Astra began closing her eyes once again. "No more," she whispered as an afterthought.

"No more what?" Lily asked even though the words had not been directed to her.

"Magic. Lily. I have no more magic left."

"It's okay, we'll get you home soon." Lily squeezed her hand, and the small girl settled back to sleep.

"What are we going to do Chris?"

"I don't know," Chris answered gloomily, sitting on the couch across from the bed where Astra slept. "We have to go back."

"Are you crazy? After what the queen said to you."

"I do not care about her, about anyone in the palace, other than Bella. I have to go back for her."

"That psychotic witch probably got a hold of her."

"Marigold."

"Yes, can't stand that one." They shared a tense laugh. "You know my life was pretty normal before I meet you."

"Sorry. The Hoods seem to have that affect on people."

"Well, I can't say it hasn't been exciting."

The sound of loud knocking broke their conversation. "CHRIS, CHRIS HOOD!" Lily looked towards the door which led out of the room startled.

"Speaking of, that's probably one of them now." When Chris reached the door he was suprised to find Cly and Toby before him, looking so animated. They quickly pushed their way into the living room.

"Do you know a certain irritating blue bird?" Cly asked. The bird in question flew in at that moment, perching on the arm of a chair.

"Yes," Chris said, his voice noting his excitement. "Were you with Bella?"

"You mean in prison?" Bird asked.

"What?" Cly, Toby, and Chris both said at the same time.

"The Prince captured her."

"And imprisoned her? Why?" Chris asked.

"Because, she tried to kill him."

"No, that was Marigold."

"Well, he is not aware of that. She told me to deliver a message to the Hoods."

"Yes."

"She wants you all to storm the palace."

"Is she insane?" Toby asked no one in particular.

"She said that if the Hoods go to the gates led by you Chris and demand her release, the Queen will be compelled to let her go."

"Um, if we storm the palace we will be killed. Chris you cannot really be considered this," Toby demanded.

"Be quiet, let me think."

"There is nothing to think about."

"I love her Toby. And I am leaving soon anyway. This can be our chance to become legend. Anyway, the guards would not dream of shooting down a bunch of underage boys. Think of the scandel." He knew the truth. As soon as Queen Evangeline saw him, she would have to do whatever he said. He knew too much about her past. Toby bit his lip nervously.

"I'm in," Cly said suddenly.

"Good, go round up the boys. Tell them we meet here a quarter to ten."

"Will do." The younger boy turned to the door, but stopped right before stepping outside. "You coming Toby?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming," Toby said finally with a small smile.

"Bella might be just as crazy as that witch," Chris said once he returned to the room.

"What do you mean?" Lily said, not finding the humor in the situation. Chris sat down, prepared to explain the plan to her.

Hello readers,

So I think this is the second to last chapter of Broken Glass! (Yay! Cue music and confetti) Do you have any ideas on how it will end? Like always, thank you so much for reading and please review! ~ Iris Lily ~

P.S. Thanks to all my reviewers! I really appreciate the feedback.