Secret Discoveries (Part 13)

By: SRS.

I know that's it's been a while since the last part of the story, so here's a link to part 12

Still feeling dizzy, Crystal continued to use the door frame for support as she opened her eyes. The scene around her wasn't as bright as she had thought when she first opened the door. In fact, it was actually quite dark out. Worst of all, the creature she had seen through the door was nowhere in sight.

The pain had subsided and Crystal was seeing clearly, despite the obscured light, as she began to walk out of the doorway, slowly, very slowly, into the world before her. She was outside, in some sort of meadow, or field, though the grass was cut short. It wasn't flaming grass, like the kind from outside Merlin's hut, but normal grass and she knew it from Camelot. There wee trees and shrubs alike, and the scene seemed very familiar to Crystal, though she couldn't place her wear-abouts.

Despite the familiarity of her surroundings, Crystal was wary of putting down her guard. All her nerves were on end and there was still a slow circulation of magic active in her limbs. This reassured her. She had used the magic to open the door and had not suffered too strongly from the action. Maybe she could use it once again against this 'thing' she was looking for and come out alive as well?

Still walking slowly forward, Crystal continued to scan her surroundings with all her senses, searching for the creature she had seen through the door. After many minutes of silence, just as Crystal was starting to think that the creature had disappeared, or that she had imagined it, she started heard a rustling in the bushes 3 feet away from her position and turned around at once, fingers raised.

What appeared from within the bush was exactly the creature which she had seen through the door, a large gray wolf whose back came up to Crystals shoulder. Not only was his size frightening, but protruding from his forehead where two horns the length of Crystal's forearm, which were now directed precisely at her head. Additionally, his eyes had no pupils, and therefore looked completely white with a silvery shine, and around his neck hung a tooth necklace. Furthermore, on his right front leg was a bald spot, which revealed an odd tattoo of a half moon. He stood there, still, head slightly turned down, eyes glaring. *

With all her might, Crystal willed herself not to move, either in defense or offense. She tried to think before acting, not advance on instinct alone, to think of a plan. Suddenly, the thought occurred to her that she might try speaking, just as one would with any human, before jumping to conclusions and attacking. At first, she laughed to herself within her mind, thinking, this is a wolf, not a man - obviously no animal speaks English.

But the thought would not go away, it was as if there was a wiser self inside her that was giving her advice and would not stop ringing in her head until she listened. Finally, she obeyed, realizing that the worst thing that could happen is that she would receive no answer.

And so, without moving and inch further or backward, Crystal opened her mouth and spoke, "Greetings sir. May I ask, whom is the ruler of this land? I am a stranger here and apologize for trespassing on this land. Indeed, I am in great need of direction, and, if you would be so kind as to offer it, I would greatly appreciate your help." As she finished speaking, Crystal bowed formally to the wolf, experiencing a prickle of fear as she extended her exposed neck to the creature.

To her surprise, the wolf seemed to smile, and opened his mouth to respond. The voice that poured forth was rich and deep, the most beautiful Crystal had ever heard. It seemed melodic, and it entered her very body, chiming softly within her bones. "Well done Princess Crystal. My name is Flugentius, and I am the King of this land in which you are most welcome. You have done well with your speech and actions. I am impressed. Merlin has led you here for a purpose and I intend to help you as much as I can. If you are well to walk, I will lead you to my fortress where you can rest and refresh yourself. You are safe with me, for no night will catch you here. Within my fortress, once you have been tended to, we will adjourn. Does that suit you well princess?"

With much relief, Crystal nodded, as she realized how tired she was. Yes, well, she had not eaten or slept since leaving Camelot, however long ago that was. Grateful for the hospitality the was receiving, Crystal thanked the King, bowed deeply once more, and followed the wolf to his fortress.

Events were unfolding in ways Crystal had never expected. In a short span of time she had learned many important lessons. In this encounter alone she had learned to speak before acting and not to act without thinking. The possible results from rash actions spun dizzyingly within her head, and the knowledge brought sudden exhaustion with it, causing Crystal to follow her host in a half stupor.

NEXT --> Part 14