Chapter 3 – The Disclosure
“Alura,” the Queen shouted as the Princess entered the royal sitting room. She ran to her mother’s outstretched arms and relished in the flourish of hugs and kisses.
“Sir Albert said you fell from a cliff and were killed.”
Alura broke their hug. “Yes, I figured that out while he had his swords to my throat.”
“What!” The Queen shot Albert a deadly look across the polished marble floor of the sitting room.
“It’s okay, Mother, he didn’t hurt me. He was only being cautious. They thought I was a Doppelganger.”
“You’d better be careful around him,” the Queen whispered. “I don’t trust that man. Nobody should be able to do the things he can do.”
“You’re right, Your Majesty.” Albert closed the large oak doors, the sound echoing in the empty sitting room. “No human can.”
The Queen’s deep green eyes took on a surprised look at being overheard.
“You forget my keen hearing, Your Majesty.”
Alura giggled. The Queen sighed.
When all were seated, King Alfred said, “So Albert, you said you believe this unicorn story of Alura’s?”
“A unicorn?” Queen Aria asked.
“Isn’t it wonderful!” Alura squirmed in her seat as she spoke. “I rode a pegasus and spoke with a unicorn today.”
“Oh dear,” the Queen said. “She struck her head in the fall.”
“No, Your Majesty,” Albert said. “The Princess is quite whole. The unicorn she speaks of is real. I myself have spoken with him on a number of occasions.”
The King’s dark eyebrows narrowed.
“My Liege, I have been in your service over ten years. In all that time, have I ever once lied to you? Why do you not believe me now?”
“You’ve never lied to me, Sir Albert, this is true. But there have been times when I’ve felt you have not told me the whole truth.”
“His Majesty has very keen senses. But it was not out of deceit that I withheld information, I was simply not allowed to share it. But now that Cavalon has shown himself, those restrictions have been lifted.”
“Then speak plainly,” the King said.
“Your Majesties, you find it difficult to accept the reality of the pegasi and the unicorns because they are races of legend. Tales of old, told and retold until the characters in them become bigger than life. But I tell you those legendary stories are true.” He paused to scan their faces and gauge their reactions.
“You’ve read the Codex of Manzari. Those aren’t fictitious stories of ancient peoples. They are true tales about real people and their lives.”
“Those are stories of races long since gone,” the King said. “Are you asking me to believe that unicorns, pegasi, dragons and the like still exist?”
“Yes, Sire, I am.”
“Horse droppings!“ The King turned away and threw a leg over the gold inlaid arm of his ivory throne.
“I know this to be true, my Liege, because I myself am an Alturian.”
Queen Aria gasped and the King’s eyes widened. Even the Princess looked stunned.
“My Liege, after the unfortunate accident that paralyzed her Majesty’s legs, you held a contest to see who was worthy of being Princess Alura’s Protector. None could best me with a sword, nor in feats of strength or speed. I speak the truth. I am of a legendary race, just as real as the pegasi and the unicorns.”
Albert paused to let his shocking revelation sink in.
“So,” the King said, slowly. “If these legendary races still exist, why haven’t we seen them?”
“Some you have, like myself. But most have kept themselves hidden from your eyes. The Council of Eight thought it best that way.”
“The Council of Eight?” the Queen asked.
“Yes, Your Majesty. The Council of Eight gathered when the humans first appeared on this continent. It held one representative from each of the major races, and they decided the human race needed time to mature on its own, time to make its own mistakes, as it were, and that the older races shouldn’t interfere with the process.”
“So why are you showing yourselves now,” the King asked.
“That, Sire, I do not know. I need to speak with Cavalon to be certain. But I do know that it must be something very dire.”
“Like a troll invasion,” Alura muttered
“What?” the King and Knight said in unison, both heads turning towards her.
“Cavalon mentioned something about an impending troll invasion. I told him he was wrong, but he insisted.”
The King’s voice went up an octave. “And you didn’t think to mention this?”
“I haven’t had much of a chance.”
“Hmm. I guess you’re right. Go on. What else did this Cavalon say?”
“That the trolls have only been testing our defenses so far.”
“Did he say when they would attack?” Albert asked.
“No. Just that it was an impending invasion. He was called away suddenly so our conversation was cut short.”
The King and the Knight exchanged solemn looks. “This is very serious, my Liege,” Albert said.
“I agree. Do you trust what this Cavalon says, Sir Knight?” The King only used Albert’s title when he was most serious.
“I would stake my life on it, my Liege.”
The King ran his fingers through his hair and scratched the back of his head before pulling on the rope to summon the Seneschal. A moment later the side door opened and Carter stepped through.
“Carter, have my advisors meet in the war room immediately. And find Prince Alston, I haven’t seen him all day. Tell them we have much to discuss.”
“Right away, my Lord,” Carter said, with a bow and a quick exit.
“I will travel to see Cavalon first thing in the morning, my Liege. We should have more solid information upon my return.”
Alura stood. “I’m going with you.”
“It’s a long hard ride, your Highness. Perhaps you’d be more comfortable here at the castle.”
“And miss a chance to see a unicorn, no way!”
Albert sighed as he looked at the floor. “As you wish, your Highness,” he replied, with practiced calmness.
“I think we could all use a good night’s rest,” Queen Aria said. “It looks like we’ll all have a very full day tomorrow.” The Queen reached over and hugged Alura again. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”
“By your leave, my Lord, I’d like to get my armor repaired. I believe the Princess will be safe in the castle for the night.”
“Certainly, Albert,” the King said. “And some day soon you’re going to have to tell me about your battle with the trolls.”
Albert stood a little taller. “Gladly, my Liege.” He turned and headed towards the door.
“And get it cleaned too,” shouted the Princess across the room. “You smell awful.”
“Alura!” her mother said.
Albert smiled. “After all these years around me, your Highness, I’m surprised your nose is still so sensitive.” He shut the door behind him.
The King turned to Queen Aria. “Don’t wait up for me, I’ll be late.” He rose and headed towards the war room.
“I’m sorry I forgot your flower, mother,” Alura said.
“That’s not important, Alura. All that matters is that you’re safe.”
The two chatted for some time before Alura summoned the servants to help her mother to bed. She always enjoyed talking to her mom. She had a way of looking directly into her heart and addressing the truly important issues in her life. Albert was a good sounding board, but her mother is the one who actually solved the problems. As Alura retired to her bedchamber, she thought of how fortunate she was to have such a loving mother.
Alura awoke in the morning to the pleasant voice of her maidservant Precilla. “Time to wake up, your Highness.” Precilla softly shook her leg.
“Not yet,” she mumbled. Her overstuffed feather bed felt so comfortable this morning. “Just a few more hours.”
“Last night you made me promise to wake you, milady. And to mention a unicorn.”
The unicorn! They were going to meet with Cavalon today! Alura sprang out of bed and down the corridor towards the tubs. “Well, come on, Precilla” she called back to her servant, who was suddenly trying to keep up. “We have to be ready, you know.”
Precilla grabbed the Princess’ soaps, rose petals, perfumes, towels, robe, and the gown the Princess had picked out the night before, and darted down the corridor towards the tubs. Alura was in the water and waiting by the time Precilla finally arrived, bent over and gasping for breath.
“I thought you were never going to come,” the Princess jibed, with a smile at her still panting servant. Alura always liked her morning baths the best. The water was the warmest then.
With the bathing over and perfumes applied, the Princess slipped into her gold gown with black lace trim and hurried back to her room to await Sir Albert.
A wrap on the door announced his arrival. “Are you ready, your Highness?” he asked, after Precilla let him in.
“Yes.” Alura emerged from her vast closet where she had just selected the perfect hat to wear for meeting a unicorn. Her golden hair streamed out from underneath it.
He gestured to her gown. “No, no, no. That won’t do, your Highness. We have a long ride ahead of us.”
“We’re going to see Cavalon today, aren’t we?”
“Yes, but–”
“Then this will do,” she said flatly.
Albert sighed. “As you wish, your Highness.”
She peered at Precilla. “Honestly, men have no appreciation for appearances.”
Precilla covered a giggle with her hand.
When they got to the stable, Albert had a new horse ready for her; a gray appaloosa named Spitfire.
“Change Spitfire’s saddle,” the Knight command the groom. “We need a side saddle instead.”
The stable boy bowed. “Right away, Sir Knight.”
“Did you tell your parents about the loss of Spirit,” Albert asked, while they waited for the new saddle.
“Yes. I told mother after you and father left.” Alura’s eyes got misty. “I’m going to miss that horse.” Alura wiped away a tear. “Spirit was my mount for over three years.”
“He was a loyal beast,” Albert said.
A few moments later they were mounted and on their way. They galloped through the west gate out of town and into the mountains.
“I really wish you hadn’t worn that gown, Alura,” Albert said, when they were out of earshot of the city.
“Why do you do that?”
Albert’s face was a puzzle. “Do what?”
“When we’re alone you drop all the ‘your Highness’ and ‘my Princess’ stuff.”
Albert looked surprised. “Forgive me, your Highness, I didn’t mean to–”
“It’s okay, Albert. Really, it is. I was just wondering why you have two different ways of addressing me.”
“Well, your Highness…”
Alura wrinkled her brow.
“Just testing,” he said with a smile. “I address you more formally when others are around because that’s what’s expected.”
“Not from you.”
“No, but from the others around us. I’d hate for a servant girl to get in trouble because she heard me call you Alura and thought it okay to do likewise. It’s for her sake I remain formal around others.”
“A servant should know how to address me.”
“We all pick up habits from those around us, Alura, whether we want to or not. I’m just making sure no one picks up bad habits from me.”
Alura smiled. Albert always thought of others before himself. That’s probably why she loved him so much.
“Okay,” she said. “As for your statement about my gown, we are going to meet someone very important today. I want to look my best.”
“How good will your gown look after three hours of riding?”
“Three hours! You never mentioned anything about three hours.”
“I said it was a long ride. What did you think it would be, ten minutes?”
The Princess fell quiet. She hated it when he was right.
After two hours of riding through the forest, Thunderbolt, Albert’s charger, started snorting the air. Albert reined him in and dismounted.
“Wait here while I check this out.” He drew his sword and cautiously moved forward.
He was approaching a large boulder when a small goblin jumped out. “Give me your coins!” it said in its tinny voice, brandishing its spear.
Albert threw his head back and laughed as he sheathed his sword. Turning back towards the Princess, he shouted, “It’s okay Alura. There’s no danger here,” and started back towards Thunderbolt.
“No danger, huh,” the goblin whined, and he thrust his spear. The back of Albert’s armor turned its tip.
Albert spun, drew his sword, and lopped off the spear point, in one fluid motion.
The goblin’s eyes went wide. He turned and ran into the trees dragging its useless spear behind.
Albert remounted.
“Why didn’t you kill the horrid little thing?” Alura said. “It was only a goblin.”
Albert scowled at her. “I don’t kill without reason, young lady. You should know that by now. He was no threat to us.” He clicked Thunderbolt into a walk.
“It was just a monster,” she insisted.
“It may not have been made by the Creator, but it’s still life, in a perverted sort of way.”
“The Creator? Don’t tell me you believe in that myth.”
Albert smiled. “A myth? Like unicorns and pegasi are myths?”
“No,” Alura said, defiantly. “Those are legendary races. They really existed at one time. Well, I guess they still do. Oh… you know what I mean. But the Creator. He’s supposed to have existed for all time, even before the legendary races. That’s just not possible.”
“If you say so, Alura.”
“I do,” she said smugly. “I used to think you were a smart man,” she added, with her nose in the air. She really did think he was a smart man. So why would he believe in a myth like the Creator?
“What do I know,” the Knight said. “I’ve only been around for 857 years. You’ve been alive for what, fifteen? I’m sure you know more than I do.” Albert spurred his horse ahead.
“Wait a minute!” Alura, urged Spitfire to catch up. “You can’t just drop something like that on me and then ride off. Did you say you were 857 years old?”
“Didn’t you know Alturians live long lives?”
“No,” she mumbled.
“You really should read the Codex of Manzari. We do live long lives. That’s why none of your father’s men could beat me with a sword. I’ve had 100 years of training.”
“A full 100 years of just training?”
“A little over, actually, but that was only because I liked it.”
Alura couldn’t believe it. 857 years old. How was that possible? Some of her father’s advisors where fifty years old and they had to walk with a cane. How could he be that old and still be fit for battle… or for anything?
They rode on in silence until her curiosity overcame her.
“You were just kidding, right? You’re not really 800 years old, are you?” She couldn’t get it out of her mind. He seemed so young.
Albert reined his horse to a stop. “I’ll be 858 this November.” He said, looking her in the eye. “Now you’ll have to be quiet from here on, we’re almost there.”
All thoughts of how ancient her Protector might be were chased from her mind by images of the unicorn with its long white hair and deep blue eyes. She straightened her hat.
Albert rode ahead, scouting for something. Before long he stopped.
After a short conversation with something she couldn’t see, Albert motioned for her to join him.
As she approached, Albert was still talking to thin air. She rubbed her eyes to clear her vision. When she lowered her hands, it was standing there, right in front of Albert. It was a beautiful longhaired white horse with a glistening pearl white horn.
It was Cavalon.