Lord Grace

Chapter 14 The Faith Of A King The grounds outside the castle walls were now empty of people, except for one. The winds blew hard against the empty tents, with a few banners left behind to blow in the wind until morning. The moon, once again full, seemed to stand still behind a cloud for Lord Grace. Pondering the thoughts of what would become of his kingdom, he found himself praying just above a whisper. “The night is beautiful, my Lord Creo, in this quiet hour, I would like to thank you for your Son the Breath of Life. I love the wind. It blows where it wants to go...sometimes I wish I could do the same.” Grace smiled to himself. “Despite small pleasures, tonight has torn me in such a way that even the wind does not bring me comfort. I have never felt such a loss like this before. My Lord… well, it’s my friend Juniper… he’s growing stronger, and the evil I sense in him is an evil I have never known, yet one I have experienced in the Hall of the Dead. What can I do? This question still remains.” As Lord Grace was pondering his thoughts and looking out towards the sea, a flash of lightning filled the darkness where sky meets ocean. As the light rolled across transcending into the waters, Lord Grace felt awe to see such a sight. He could see the vastness of the bottom of this great ocean. The glory of which was more than he could fathom. Sea creatures, great and small, were swimming back and forth around huge mountains and hills, plant life far greater than he had ever seen on land. Lord Grace suddenly felt like a grain of sand, even the thought of a mustard seed had crossed his mind. But one thing was certain; he was in the presence of the creator, a creator, who could take care of all his creation without the help of a little king. Alas, Grace felt weak, yet strong, clothed in rags but not naked. Then at his weakest moment, he felt no doubts, no shadows to fear. Suddenly, just like that … everything made sense; there was no need to ask questions when nothing was hidden in the shadows of ones mind. Once again, lightning rolled across the sky for the second time, then a third, and finally on the fourth he became aware that he was standing at the edge of a hundred foot drop. The winds died down, the sea began to calm, and the moon shone brightly once again. *** As Lord Grace made his way back to the castle, the wind carried an indistinct sound in the air. Voices, like dissonant notes were being tossed to and fro by the wind. Grace was now but a few feet away from the main entrance where Mercy was waiting for him accompanied by two Queen’s Guards. “What is it my Lord?” “It’s the villagers… I think? Suddenly a rush of sound came over the trees like a tidal wave from way off the road. Grace looked over at that area as if he could see something…and something he did. He saw Juniper riding a ghostly horse on top of the wave, up and over the trees he came crashing down on Lord Grace insomuch the vision made him duck into a half way crouch! Mercy ran to him concerned, “Hon… are you alright!” Without hesitation Lord Grace replied, “Juniper has planted division amongst them.” “Among who?” “Amongst our people!” “What should we do?” Mercy said almost in a whisper. Lord Grace smiled at Mercy, then turned to the guards, “Quickly, tell Frederick to bring me my carriage, we have some villagers that need not miss their bed time!” The Queen’s Guard saluted, “Yes, my Lord, as you wish.” Lord Grace felt empowered by the truth that a king was to serve his people, not to be waited on like a baron; and although he loved Juniper like a brother, he was not going to let Juniper corrupt his people. *** What started out to be a great day had turned into a disastrous night of squabbling. Everyone was either shouting about Devil’s Throat or arguing. Salem had never known such a time. The villagers were now questioning the ideals of the king. The gossip hounds were out in full force shouting, “See, what did I tell YOU!” The wealthier villagers wanted to know what exactly was at stake, how much it was going to cost them, and was Lord Grace going to fix it. All the while, others were shouting, and some even began to hurl insults; no one was for anyone and everyone was for themselves. But one thing was for certain, Lord Juniper had divided the good people of Salem. In a matter of moments the royal family was traveling to the nearby village a quarter of a mile southwest of Castle Grace. Four royal guards rode at the front on Northern Stallions and four more to the rear of the carriage, and along for the ride came Patience and Faithful. As they road along, Patience asked her father, “Do you think I’ll be needing my bow? Grace laughed. While Mercy interjected quickly, “Mind your manners young lady, believe in your father and let him deal with the matter at hand.” Patience a bit embarrassed responded, “Yes Mama…” Faithful then jeered, “…really, Patience… what could you possibly hit…?” Patience smirked with a quick retort, “You… if you don’t shut it!” Mercy responded to both of them… “Now none of that…” In unison the two agreed to put away their chatter with a noble “Yes Mama…” When they had arrived a mob of villagers were gathered at the center of a street called Gracie Main. So involved they were in their arguing, the villagers did not take notice the royal riders were coming towards them. The mob hushed for a moment as one of the guards opened the carriage door. Higgins, now quite wound up, was the first to say something as Lord Grace escorted Mercy out of the carriage. “And I suppose you’re here to tuck us into bed . . .” But before Higgins could say another word, Lord Grace replied, “Higgins, do you still have that stuffed teddy I had loaned you?” “Yea . . . but what’s that got to do with anything?” “I want it back if you decide to keep on talking!” Although Higgins was the size of an Ox, he was as gentle as a child…with a bark and roar as loud as a bear with no bite. Higgins’ eyes turned as big as saucers, “You wouldn’t dare…?” “In a heartbeat,” Lord Grace said with a grimace leer. Higgins, feeling and looking more like a boy, quieted down for fear of his loss. The villagers once more got loud and rushed in towards the carriage. Mercy, feeling pressed, nodded at Patience who placed two fingers in her mouth and whistled with all her might. Astonished by her pitch, the villagers came to a complete halt. Meanwhile, Lord Grace climbed to the top of the carriage to make his words known. “People, hear me as your king and friend. I know what troubles you, and I know your fears.” A woman shouted out, “Yea! And what if my Harold gets hurt in that death trap of a mine or even worst!” She continued, “What then, can you bring him back?” The villagers jeered in agreement!