Ben and Lucy: The Sunken Kingdom

“No worries you two.” Charnac spoke to Ben and Lucy.

“We can now focus entirely on getting you back home.” The Kingdom has been saved and the curse has been lifted. You have fulfilled the prophecy and now the magic should allow you to return. Once we have Shamus locked up and the ceremonies have ceased then the time will be ripe for your return.”

“When will these ceremonies take place?′ Lucy asked quickly.

“Yeah, why do we have to wait any longer?” Ben added.

“Patience my child, the ceremonies will happen this evening. After a good night’s rest then you should be ready for your trip back.” Charnac ruffled the hair on Ben’s head. The remainder of the way back was spirited and lively. All were in good spirits save for Shamus and Angus.

“Why so glum Shamus?” Ben asked playfully

“You will fear me yet little one.” Shamus spat back in anger.

“Leave him be. He will now be placed where he can think about all his bad deeds.” Eloise gently spoke to Ben.

She wanted to make sure the children stayed away from Shamus.

“What are we going to do with them?” Lucy asked innocently.

“If you ask me we should hang them.” Pierre added quickly.

“Oh no, even Shamus should not be killed.” Lucy defended.

“Oh little girl you are so naive. This one would think nothing about killing you and your brother.” Pierre added.

“Oh, but we must not act on his level. Love will turn him around.” As Lucy spoke, Angus turned and something inside him grew.

How could a little girl like this be so warm and loving, even after she was captured and others had been killed? She is innocent and naive but Lucy’s warmth spread to Angus’ heart. He turned to face Lucy. When their eyes met his face lit up and a smile came across his face.

“See, Angus still has some good in him.” Lucy said aloud.

“Move along scum!” Pierre shoved Angus ahead.

“Lucy, you are the reason the Kingdom was saved. Your compassion and love for others opened up the spell. The love in your heart was what broke the curse.” Charnac spoke as all listened.

“Love? Ha. I would love to slit your throat pretty girl, you and that miserable little brother of yours.” Shamus muttered under his breath.

“Shamus, do you have something to say?” Asked Growler.

“Oh, no. Nothing to add to this little love fest.”

“Good. Keep it that way.” Growler nudged Shamus forward through the castle gates.

As the entourage entered, cheers sprang up all around them. The people that had survived the siege now came out of their hiding places within the castle. Music filled the air. The festivities continued into the night as the people celebrated the return of the Queen Eloise. The valiant heroes were rewarded for their actions. Baggy and Max were given necklaces of silver and gold. The medallions as large as coffee saucers. Pierre was given a golden crossbow with silver tipped arrows, a brilliant leather bag with emeralds and rubies encrusted throughout. Growler stepped up and received a scroll wrapped in a ribbon of red satin. As he unwrapped the scroll and began to read the inscription his face lit up. When he finished reading, he rolled the scroll back up and bowed to the queen.

“This is more that I had ever hoped for. I am forever in your service my lady.” The giant of a man bowed before Eloise.

Eloise then spoke to the crowd.

“From this day forward, Growler will be known as the Lord of the Queen’s Sword and as such he will be awarded a grand castle where his house was. The Queen’s builder’s have now been commissioned to erect his castle immediately. Since the Terrordons have now been tamed with the help of the Great Owls, the supplies are already in place. Sir Growler you may stay here in the Palace until your new home is finished.” Eloise commanded. Her voice floating above the air for all to hear. The crowd cheered and the trumpets blew. Flowers were released in the air.

Next up were the two foreigners, the little twins that had become part of the kingdom in such a short time. Ben and Lucy approached the throne. They had been dressed in fancy garb fit for royalty. Ben in a handsome suit of leather and fine cloth. Blues and greens covered the cloth in concentric geometric patterns lined with sapphires, topaz, jades, and emeralds. Ben was proud as he strode forward, Lucy held his hand. Lucy was less confident but excited about the flowers and pageantry. She was eloquently dresses in satins and silks. The bodice lined pink sapphires and tourmalines. Lace Lace covered her young and developing cleavage respectfully. The horns sounded as they approached.

The two stopped in front of Eloise and Charnac, they bowed and knelt before the crown. Eloise touched each shoulder with her scepter. The twins rose to a round of cheers from the crowd that filled the air. Eloise directed Ben and Lucy to turn and face the crowd. Music played and the people cheered even louder. Minutes followed with non stop trumpets, horns, and drums but above it all the crowd yelled their names.

“Ben and Lucy!, Ben and Lucy! The twins, the twins, the twins.”

Deep in the castle walls the voices carried down into the dark cells beneath. Shamus could hear the people as well. His rage grew stronger and stronger. The energy filled his cell and moved within the walls deep into the ground. The noise carried, deeper it went and outward into the land. The vibrations were felt in the distance. Something stirred in the woods.

Back in the courtyard the celebrations continued throughout the evening. Finally after midnight the music died down and the villagers went back to their homes. Torches in hand, they moved through the darken streets and farms. Ben and Lucy made their way back to their rooms, yawning as they went. In the great hallway they were met but the Queens’ maidens.

“Ben and Lucy, please follow us. The queen has a surprise for you both.”

“Ah, do we have to? I am ready for bed.” Ben complained.

“Come on Ben. We are almost home. Let’s see what she has for us.” Lucy was still awake.

The twins were led down a long corridor and up a small staircase they had not seen before. The stairs opened into a small hallway lavished in gold curtains and red satin tapestries. Candles burned in sconces against the walls.

“Where is this?” Lucy asked.

“Her Majesty requests that you slumber in her private quarters tonight. Please enter the door at the end alone. We are to wait here and not accompany you any further.”

“Ok.” Ben answered looking puzzled at Lucy.

“What do you make of this Lucy?”

“I am not sure. I hope we are not in trouble.”

“What for Lucy? We saved the kingdom remember?” Ben looked at his sister with disapproval.

“I guess you are right. Come on let’s see what is up.”

As the two approached the end of the hall a great door lay before them. A strong sweet smell was now greeting them as they opened the jewel encrusted door. The light within blinded their eyes, the warm rush of fresh sea air met them. As their eyes grew accustomed to the light a voice called to them.

“Over here young ones.” It was Eloise.

“I have a gift for you. Something that you already know and love.”

In front of them was their bed. It had been cleaned and re-sheeted with new linens. The frame now had small rubies and emeralds embedded in the wood. Both Ben and Lucy were taken back.

“What does this mean?” Lucy’s voice betrayed her emotions.

“I think you both know what this means. Think.”

“Are we going home at last?” Lucy’s anticipation faced upon her face.

“Yes, I think it is finally time for you two to return to your own homes. You have fulfilled your destiny here in Zhunanium. Now is the time for your journey to return. You need to head back to your own family. We will miss you but will never forget the deeds you have accomplished here. We are forever in your debt.” Eloise spoke with solemn tones.

Ben and Lucy looked at each other with tears in their eyes. Suddenly they both realized they did not want to say goodbye to their friends.

“Don’t worry about your friends they all know that you are leaving us and cannot stay. I have one more final gift for you both.” Eloise turned and Charnac stepped forward from the shadows.

“You can take these with you as a reminder of your stay in our world. Please remain safe and confident in your trip back.” At that Charnac gave them both their backpacks. Each had their names embossed in gold.

“Now, make this quick, for time is of the essence.”

Quickly the two jumped onto the bed with their back packs in hand. Charnac kissed them both. Each one hugging the elder man tightly. Charnac then covered them with the blanket. As the blanket covered their eyes they made one last glance at Eloise, her warm smile and gentle demeanor comforted them before their journey.

Soon the bed began to rise in the room. Ben and Lucy could feel the air changing and the sounds of birds filled their ears as the bed began to spin. The return was smooth and quick. The bed returned to calmly to the ground. They lifted the covers and saw they were back home. Ben quickly looked at the clock. The day and time was only hours since they had left. The time was now eleven in the morning. They threw the blankets off and rushed out the door to see their father. They hugged him with all their might and showered their mother with kisses.

Back in Zhunanium the world was calm as well, but something was stirring down below. In the dark cell a voice was heard by one angry prisoner.

“I will come for you soon. Vengeance will be mine, and ….yours.”

The End…. For now.

(Book 2 is now in progress-Ben and Lucy will return!!!