A Path Toward Home (The Annals of Avonea) (14 page)

“And I suppose tripping over your shoe is fair?” Drinian replied.

“At least I didn't cheat. I didn't lose my shoe on purpose.”

“And what I did is called cheating? I was simply trying to catch my breath and gather my strength.”

“You are such a liar!” Constance countered.

“I am not. Who was the one who could not cross the river?” Drinian responded, looking very smug.

“That was because I'm not from Avonea. Woodphere said so himself,” Constance replied.

“So he did. That game of tag was most enjoyable though. I have not played that in years.”

“Neither have I,” Constance replied.

“Over yonder, behind that hill you see, is Castle Melody. I should warn you that it is very small, and not at all like you’re imaging.”

“I'm sure it will be beautiful. I still can't believe that we are here. Time has passed so quickly.”

“Indeed it has, I wish it would slow down.”

Constance looked about the meadow of flowers and noticed a single pink bloom that stood alone, the only one of its kind

“What type of flower is that?” Constance asked, pointing to the beautiful pink flower.

“Oh that is a ‘
lass-lady
’. It’s very beautiful isn’t it?” Drinian said, plucking the flower and handing it to Constance.

“Thank you, it's very pretty! Finally we’re actually agreeing on something. Have you noticed we hardly ever agree on anything?” Constance pointed out, as she looked at the delicate pink flower that resembled pink lace.

“Yes I have, and that is why I find you so fascinating. Most other girls agree with my every word, which gets very annoying after a while.”

“I can imagine.”

“Constance, I have a present for you, a friendship gift,” Drinian said, pulling from his pocket a beautiful necklace.

Constance eyes grew large with amazement as she studied every detail of the necklace. It was a silver heart shaped piece, with a ruby mounted in the center surrounded by sparkling diamonds.

“Oh Drinian, it's so beautiful!” Constance exclaimed.

“It was my mother’s. She left it to me when she died, along with a note telling me to give it to a special girl someday. I know deep down inside my heart that you should have it.”

“Drinian, I can't accept your mother's necklace. You should save it for the woman you love,” Constance said, handing the necklace back to Drinian.

Drinian pushed the necklace back to Constance.

“Please keep it; for you have become one of my best friends ever.”

“I'll treasure it always,” she said, putting it around her neck. “I only wish I could give you a gift.”

“You truly have given me a gift by being here.”

“I don't know about that. It seems I've been more of a pain than a gift.”

“I wholeheartedly disagree!”

“Your Majesty, we should be leaving if you wish to make it to the castle in good time,” Woodphere shouted from the top of the hill.

 “We’re ready to go now,” Drinian replied

“I see you were both reliving your childhood,” Woodphere said as he started down the hill.

“Yes, we were,” Constance replied. “You can never be too old for childhood games.”

“Well, I'm afraid I will be soon. I do not think my people will support a game playing king,” Drinian sighed.

“That's because you don't want them to know you’re still a child at heart.”

“Maybe that's true,” Drinian replied.

Constance smiled, as they continued on their way to Castle Melody.

Castle Melody

Soon they arrived in a quaint little village with a variety of trading shops selling baked goods, cheeses, clothing and hardware items. People were everywhere, and little girls ran in the streets selling flowers or beads.

Constance noticed one little girl with only a thin shawl wrapped around her scrawny shoulders to keep warm. She was trying to sell red roses for a shilling, but didn't seem to have any takers. Drinian motioned for the child to come toward him.

“I'll take one rose please,” Drinian requested, as he pulled out his bag of shillings.

“That will be one shilling please,” she said timidly, as she handed Drinian a rose.

“Here, keep the rest,” Drinian replied, as he gave the girl five shillings.

“Thank you sir!” the little girl exclaimed her eyes glowing with gratitude.

“Here Constance,” Drinian said, handing the rose to her.

“Thank you, Drinian,” Constance replied, looking into his eyes which were so warm and caring that she couldn’t help but smile.

“You two better get moving, we’re holding up traffic,” Woodphere whispered to both of them.

Drinian and Constance finally noticed that they were the center of attention in the village and several people were whispering.

“Do you think it is wise to move on?” Drinian asked.

“I think it will be alright,” Constance replied.

As they continued on an older man came out from the crowd and said, “Are you travelers from afar?”

“Indeed, we have come from the western woods. I am Woodphere, His Majesty's friend and councilor.”

“His Majesty? Whom are you speaking about?” the old man asked, his voice shaky.

“Prince Drinian, the son of former King Simian,” Woodphere replied.

“You know of Simian's lost son?”

“Indeed, for this very man that is standing above my shoulder is Prince Drinian, son of King Simian.”

The old man’s eyes grew wide with joy, and he gave a graceful bow to Drinian.

“It is my deepest pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty!”

“Please do not bow in my honor, sir. Bow because a lady is in your presence,” Drinian replied.

Soon the word of Prince Drinian's arrival spread throughout the entire village. A crowd soon gathered and trailed behind the travelers with much singing and rejoicing that the lost Prince had returned home.

Beyond the village Castle Melody appeared before them. It was built of white marble, with many windows and towers. “Welcome to my home,” Drinian said smiling, as Constance’s mouth hung open in utter disbelief.

“I thought you said you lived in a small castle” Constance said.

“This is a small castle,” Drinian replied as they entered the lofty entryway, Constance glanced up at the sparkling chandelier dangling from the engraved ceiling. In a moment a plump middle aged woman sauntered over to them with a bright look on her face.

“Your Majesty, we haven’t heard anything about you for more than eight years! We thought you were dead, but I am glad we were wrong!” she said with excitement.

“Marta, how long it has been since I've seen your pleasant face,” Woodphere said, giving the women a hug.

“It is good to see you as well, cousin Woodphere,” Marta replied. “My, how handsome you have become Your Majesty!”

“You do exaggerate Marta.”

“Of course I do not. Who is this young lady?” Marta asked.

“This is Constance ….”

“Constance, what a beautiful name. You two make such a lovely couple. When did you get married?” Marta asked, as she gave both Drinian and Constance a hug.

“Marta, we are not married. We’re only friends,” Drinian replied.

Marta sighed in disappointment.

“Woodphere and I are actually returning Constance to her world.”

“What a disappointment to these old bones! Never the less, it was a pleasure to meet you Constance,” Marta replied.

“It was nice meeting you too, Marta.”

“Well, enough of this small talk! You all look in need of a hot refreshing bath.”

“Yes, that sounds absolutely wonderful,” Constance sighed.

“Constance, please follow me. Your Majesty and Woodphere follow Desmend to where hot baths await you as well.” Marta took Constance by the hand and led her up to a large bed chamber.

As Constance walked into the room her breath was nearly taken away. The walls were cream colored with a white marble floor. A tall royal red canopy bed, supported by gold frames stood in the center of the room. To the side of the room sat a comfortable couch and a small set of table and chairs.

“Does this suit you?” Marta asked, opening the curtains.

“I've never seen a more beautiful room.”

“This room is second best to Prince Drinian's bed chamber.”

“It is very kind of you to put me in such a beautiful bedroom. I don’t mind staying in a smaller room though,” Constance added.

“No you will not! This room has sat long enough without someone to enjoy it. Do you want me to prepare an entirely different room, when this is one already prepared?”

“I guess you’re right.”

“I will now start your bath. What would you like: Lemon juice, mineral salt, or lavender oil?”

“Mineral salt please,” Constance answered, walking over to her enormous bed and flopping down. She imagined she was lying on a cloud, compared to the hard ground she had been sleeping on for nearly a week.

“Beatrice has your bath prepared now, so please go with her,” Marta instructed, coming out of the bathroom.

***************

After Constance’s refreshing bath, Marta helped her pick out a dress for supper.

“What would you like to wear?” Marta asked opening a wardrobe full of dresses.

In the wardrobe hung dozens of dresses of every kind and every color.

“What color do you look best in, but I am guessing blue would do you justice,” Marta said pulling out five different blue dresses.

“Now which dress do you like best?”

Constance looked at them all, and they were all very pretty. However, the one catching her eye was a beautiful shade of dark blue with dazzling frills, bows and buttons. Marta quickly combed her hair, curled its ends, and held it in place with a beautiful diamond headband.

“There, you are ready to go down to supper. I will show you the way,” Marta said, as Constance looked into the mirror.

Constance walked leisurely down the stairs, her torn and mud splattered dress a distant memory. She entered the dining room and was met by Drinian and Woodphere, who also had a fresh change of clothing.

“I hope you’re hungry tonight,” Drinian said, pulling out a chair for Constance.

“Thank you, I'm starved,” Constance replied, sitting down.

Constance closed her eyes and inhaled the wonderful aroma that was drifting to them from the kitchen. Soon servants brought steaming platters of meat. Lobster, whitefish, shrimp, clams, turkey and goat were the meat choices. Next came crocks of fresh vegetable followed by swiss, cheddar, mozzarella and brie cheeses.

“My, do you serve this much food every night?” Constance asked overwhelmed, taking a spoon full of beans from a crock.

“We rarely have this much variety, but today is a special occasion,” Drinian replied.

“Where are all your councilmen? Don’t they live in the castle?”

“They live here, but they have their own eating quarters. We shall meet with them tomorrow after I make my speech to Avonea.”

“You have to make a speech tomorrow?”

“Indeed. Woodphere feels that it would be the right time to tell the people my plans once I become king.”

“I see,” Constance replied, taking a drink of water.

“They continued the meal in warm conversation, recalling the many adventures of their journey.

******************

Constance sluggishly opened her eyes as she lie on her comfortable bed with streams of sunshine pouring through the window. She knew this was going to be a big day for Drinian, as he was presented to the kingdom as their soon to be king. And he had asked her to stand with him as he made his speech.

“Good morning Constance, how did you sleep?” Marta asked, walking into the bedroom.

“Very well thank you,” Constance replied, sitting up in bed.

“Now this is the day when you’re going to be presented to all the councilmen, lords, duchesses, and dukes. You simply must look your best, which is why I have picked a dress for you.”

Marta pulled a dress from behind her. It was gorgeous, with dark red silk material, silver and gold designs on the hem, waist, and sleeves. Diamonds, in place of buttons, glistened on the sleeves.

Constance quickly arose and put on the dress. Surprisingly, it fit her to perfection.

“Oh, Marta, this dress is way too beautiful for me!” Constance exclaimed, looking down at the dress she wore.

“I know this dress is beautiful, it was once the queen’s engagement dress,” Marta said, buttoning the top button in the back.

“That is why I don't deserve to wear it, Marta.”

“No, Queen Leona would have wanted you to wear it, for you may marry her son someday.”

“Marta! That can never happen!”

“Well maybe not right now, but in the future,” Marta replied smiling.

Constance did not know what to say.

“You do know that Prince Drinian has feelings for you.”

“Yes, I know he does, but only as friends.”

“That is not what I heard.”

“Marta, it is not right to gossip! Besides we rarely agree with each other,” Constance replied, letting her hair down.

Marta spent several minutes putting up Constance’s hair in a neat French bun, which she covered with a ruby woven hairnet.

“Now for your crown,” Marta said, walking away from Constance and opening a glass cupboard containing three crowns.

“A crown? I'm not royalty Marta.”

“I know, but this could hardly be called a crown. Queen Leona wore this before she became queen, and she was not from royalty.”

Marta carefully reached for a solid silver crown, very delicate and feminine, with diamonds across the top. Constance stood and looked into the mirror as Marta placed the crown on her head.

“You look so beautiful, it’s enough to make me weep,” Marta exclaimed giving Constance a hug as someone knocked on the door.

“Come in,” Marta said.

Woodphere, who was in his finest clothing, entered the room. “Prince Drinian is ready to make his speech and I have come to escort Constance down …” Woodphere did not finish his sentence.

“Constance, how beautiful you look.” Woodphere said his face beaming.

“Thank you.”

“Woodphere, you are not taking this girl down already, she has not even had her breakfast,” Marta said.