Grishma (Necoh Saga) (11 page)

The food was scrumptious and soon her stomach was pleasantly full. She wasn’t sure if it was the long day or if the green juice was spiked with something funny, but after her third glass, she began to feel a bit dizzy. Deciding it was best to get some sleep, Brooklyn crawled under her lavish covers and fell into a deep slumber.

The next morning, sunlight trickled in through sheer curtains that must have been over twenty feet high.

Brooklyn awoke feeling groggy. Sitting up in her bed took some effort. However, once she was up and moving her head began to clear.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Damn! How do they know I’m up? It’s like they’ve got a camera in here or something.

Before responding, she looked around to make sure there wasn’t an actual video camera installed in one of the corners of the room. When she was satisfied there wasn’t one, or at least anything
visible that looked like one, she cleared her throat and said, “Yes?”

Adeline bustled through the door. “Good morning, Princess. It’s an absolutely lovely day. Here, I brought you some breakfast.”

The dishes from the previous night were gone. Someone must have come and cleared them while she was sleeping. The thought of someone looking at her while she was sleeping made her feel uncomfortable.
I think I’m going to start leaving the trays outside my door from now on.

Her breakfast consisted of steamed oats smothered in dark syrup and another glass of the green liquid.

Between mouthfuls, Brooklyn asked, “Adeline, what is this stuff?” pointing to her glass.

“Kuba juice, it used to be your favorite drink.”

“Oh, I thought it might have made me a bit dizzy last night. Is that possible?”

An anxious look crossed Adeline’s face. “No, of course not, Princess Sophie. That was one of your favorite drinks when you were a little girl. It’s nothing but the juice of the kuba fruit.”

“Oh, I guess I was just really tired, that’s all.”

“I’m sure that’s what it was, Princess. Now, are you ready for your royal fitting? I see you are still wearing the slip from last night. You do know your wardrobes and closets are packed with fine clothing, don’t you?”

Her cheeks flushed. “Um, no, actually I didn’t.”

“I apologize. I keep forgetting your memory has been erased. Please forgive me.”

“It’s fine, I forgive you, Adeline. When will Lenora arrive?”

“I can call for her now, if you wish.”

“Yes, I would like that, thank you.”

Adeline grabbed Brooklyn’s empty plate, refilled her glass with kuba juice, and disappeared silently out the door.

Within a few minutes, there was yet another knock on the door. Without waiting for her response, Adeline burst through the door, followed by an older woman in a plain white dress. The woman, who Brooklyn assumed was Lenora, carried a large sewing basket overflowing with needles, thread, lace, and anything else that one might need to create a gown. Lenora set the basket down and clapped three times.

Instantly, a creature half Brooklyn’s size entered her room.

She did her best not to gasp.
What the heck is that?
The small creature lugged armfuls of fabric through the door.

Trying not to stare, Brooklyn found it almost impossible to avert her eyes from the beautiful pixie-like creature that just entered the door. She wore a beautiful lilac dress that flowed with every prancing step she took. She had small dainty facial features, shimmering blonde waist-length hair, and long, delicate limbs.

“H–h–hello,” stammered Brooklyn.
This world gets stranger every day!

Bowing deeply, a cheerful voice chirped, “Pinga, at your service, Princess Sophie!”

“Please, Pinga, give it a rest!” exclaimed Adeline.

The impish creature immediately looked down at her feet. “I’m sorry.”

What the hell was that all about? Man, that Adeline sure can be mean!
Brooklyn smiled. “I don’t mind. Thank you, Pinga. Will you be assisting Lenora today?”

Pinga beamed with pride. “Yes!”

Adeline scowled.

Noticing the tension, Lenora cleared her throat and interjected, “All right, Princess Sophie, shall we get started?”

Brooklyn stood. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

Pinga giggled.

“What a peculiar saying. Where did you learn that?” asked Adeline.

Brooklyn was instantly flustered. Why was Adeline questioning her? “Um, I’m not sure.”

Lenora began tapping her foot. “Please stand here, Princess.”

As soon as Brooklyn stood where she was directed, Lenora began measuring her small waist, bust, hips, and just about anywhere else you could imagine.

Lenora snapped her fingers impatiently. “Pinga, bring me the fabric!”

Pinga rushed to pick up the basket. “Here you are, Miss Lenora.”

“Hmmm… No, not this one. This one just won’t do. Ugh! This is hideous, definitely not this one!” Lenora murmured as she pulled out a myriad of fabric samples.

Pretty soon fabric was flying through the air. Vivid reds, aquamarines, and a soft yellow sample were all tossed to the side.

“Ah, yes, this is it! This is definitely it!” said Lenora excitedly.

Lenora reached over and held up a piece of shimmering amethyst fabric against Brooklyn’s skin.

“It’s beautiful,” whispered Brooklyn.

“Absolutely stunning,” Pinga agreed.

Adeline was staring a little too intently at Brooklyn. “Yes, Princess, it will make an absolutely amazing gown.”

“Okay, I’ll get started right away. We’ll be back in a few hours, if that’s okay?” questioned Lenora.

“Yes, that will be fine.”

Adeline rose. “In the mean time, why don’t we find you something to wear?” She crossed the room and opened one of the massive wardrobes. “Will this suit you?” She held up a sky blue dress with a white corset.

How the hell am I going to put that on?

It was as if Adeline knew what she was thinking. “Come, Princess Sophie. I’ll help you into your dress.”

Lenora and Pinga curtsied and left the room.

“Arms up!”

She did as she was told and raised her arms above her head. In one swift motion, Adeline slipped the dress over Brooklyn’s head. Next, she began pulling the ties to the corset tight.

Gasping for air, Brooklyn could barely muster, “That’s too tight, Adeline!”

“Oh. Oops! Sorry.” She smiled sweetly and then released the ties slightly. “Is that better?”

“Yes, much. Thank you.”

Adeline stepped back and Brooklyn admired herself in the mirror. She smiled.
Taliyah would absolutely love this dress!
Thinking of her friend back home immediately put a damper on her mood.

“Don’t you like it? I can find you another dress, if you like,” said Adeline.

Deciding not to give any further explanations, Brooklyn said, “No, it’s fine.”

Adeline directed her toward the oversized vanity. “Why don’t you sit and I’ll fix your hair?”

Nodding in agreement, Brooklyn plopped into a comfortable chair in front of the huge mirror.

First she raked a brush through Brooklyn’s thick wavy brown hair. Then she began twisting, braiding, and pinning bits of hair here and there. After sitting for a considerable time, she finally announced, “I’m finished. Do you like it, Princess Sophie?”

“Wow, it’s fantastic! Thank you.”

Adeline smiled warmly. “It’s my pleasure. Now, how would you like a quick tour of the castle? We could see a bit before Lenora and Pinga return. Ooh, I know! We could sneak into the ballroom and see what they’ve done to get ready for the big celebration!”

Smiling back, Brooklyn replied, “I would like that very much.”

Chapter Twelve

“P
idifer, are you sure this
is going to work?” asked Ryder.

“Of course!” he replied.

Ryder and the other creatures snuck through the damp grass and approached the wall. The air, thick and warm, caused beads of perspiration to form on everyone’s brows.

Pidifer put one hand on the wall and then patted the ground in several spots with the other. “Okay, it should be right around here.”

“It’s so dark out here. How are you going to find anything?” whispered Albie.

Ignoring his comrade’s questions, Pidifer kept patting the ground, looking for something. “Yup! Here it is. I found it!”

Ryder squinted and tried to make out what Pidifer had found.

Pidifer motioned for everyone to come closer. “Ready? The quicker we get out of sight, the better!”

They all nodded in agreement.

The orvba carefully turned a mechanism that was cleverly disguised as a protruding stone near the base of the wall. At the same time, he pulled an unseen lever up that was hiding in the damp grass. A soft clicking could be heard and a small, dimly lit space in the ground suddenly became visible.

Patting the stout creature on the back, Ryder whispered, “Wow! That’s impressive, Pidifer! Nice work!”

Pidifer beamed with pride. “Orvbas are very resourceful creatures. I know lots of secret entrances all around Necoh. Now come on, let’s get down in the tunnel before someone sees us.”

Ryder volunteered to climb down the tunnel first. Crouching down near the opening, he swung one leg inside, then the other. Clutching the soft ground, his dangling feet lightly brushed the ground. He looked over his shoulder and saw a flaming torch hanging securely on the wall.

“You can drop down, it’s not far,” urged Pidifer.

Letting go, he fell for a brief second. Then, his feet were safely on the floor of the tunnel. Inspecting his surroundings, he waited for his eyes to adjust to the torch lit room. The musty smell of the earth and the cool air reminded him of his own home in the caves. Ryder closed his eyes and thought about the last time he was home.
The last time I was home, I held Brooklyn in my arms all night.

Interrupting his thoughts, he heard Cridifer say in a hushed voice, “Give us a hand, Ryder, the drop is a bit far!”

Ryder reached up and firmly grasped each creature around the waist as they dropped into the tunnel. Once they were all safely inside, Pidifer pulled a lever attached to the wall with the torch and the opening closed.

All of the creatures except Ryder were able to stand comfortably in the tunnel. Forced to crouch, he looked at Pidifer and said, “Okay, what’s our plan? Where will this tunnel take us?”

Pidifer replied, “It will take us to an alley about a stone’s throw from the castle gates.”

“Lant, where is the secret entrance to the castle?” asked Ryder.

“Well, I would have to get my bearings above ground first, but it’s on the east side of the castle, near the kitchen. Let’s get above ground first, then we’ll see if we can make it to there tonight,” said Lant.

Cridifer grabbed several torches from the floor and he carefully lit each one. After he passed out the torches to his comrades, they started down the tunnel.

They veered to the right, then the left, and stopped in front of three different openings.

“This way,” instructed Pidifer as he ventured down the passageway furthest to the left.

After what seemed like an eternity in the cramped tunnels, they came to an opening. A rope ladder hung from the covered opening.

Ryder reached for the ladder. “Pidifer, can you open the hatch so I can see if it’s safe for us to go up?”

Pidifer nodded and pulled the lever.

The rope ladder felt rough on his hands. Pulling himself up one rung at a time, he reached the opening and carefully popped his head out to look around.

“See anything?” asked Kroy from below.

Ryder scanned the surface for movement. He saw wooden crates stacked with rotten vegetables and garbage was strewn across the alley. Ducking back beneath the surface, he climbed down the rope ladder.

“It’s clear above, but what are we going to do once we get up there?” asked Ryder. “Lant, can we go look for the entrance?”

“Sure. It’s probably safest to do so at night,” said Lant.

“Okay, let’s go then,” said Ryder.

As each of them emerged from the tunnel, they quickly hid amongst the crates and the garbage. Lant motioned for everyone to follow him as he snuck along the sides of the wood and stone buildings that lined the alley. Keeping a low profile, the group hustled until they saw a crowd of people hanging out in front of a pub.

“I’m hungry,” complained Pidifer.

As they neared the pub, Albie said, “Ah, The Barrels. I used to come here when I worked in the castle.”

“Maybe we should go in for a quick pint?” suggested Kroy.

“Seriously, guys? We’re trying to save Brooklyn and your family from the dungeons!” exclaimed Ryder. “Come on, let’s go!”

Pushing past the various Necohians standing in the alleyway, Ryder overheard something that made him stop in his tracks.