Page 197 of Castings & Curses

“What is our next step?” asked Eryx.

“According to Tiahanna, we need to go to the cave of Aldenshine and retrieve the crystals hidden there,” replied Bellatrix.

“It will not be an easy task,” interrupted Grün. “Those crystals are the most powerful in all the realm. They are the gems of the past, present, and future. All three planes of Time must be aligned and conquered for you to break the hex. Since the crystals are important, they cannot fall into the wrong hands. They are guarded by a giant fire-breathing dragon. He lives in the cave of Aldenshine and will destroy anyone who comes between him and his crystals. We must tread with caution.”

“I know where Aldenshine is,” replied Jaiyana. “I have studied it in my maps. It is a few miles north from here on this side of the mountain.”

“We can use the magic of our minds!,” declared Bellatrix

“You have that power?” asked her twin, “I was not able to do that until a few months ago.”

“No!” shouted Grün, “We will not be transported in that fashion. Too much magic at once could cause you to exhaust your abilities. You need to rest.”

“Fine! We will walk,” groaned the princess, and the stalwart comrades began their quest into the woods and towards the higher plateau of the mountain.

As they wove their way among the pine trees, anxiety gripped the young maiden’s soul. A dragon. She had never in her life met a dragon, and now she was about to face another obstacle blocking her way to breaking this burdensome curse, a hex that had been thrust upon her by a man she did not love, a man her father had tried to force her to marry. At the memory of her father, clarity filled her head. None of this would have happened had he just permitted the princesses to marry for love. But instead, he wanted control, and he wanted power. He did not care for their happiness. He did not care for true love. He did not believe princesses were good enough to rule his kingdom.

But why?she whispered.Why weren’t maidens worthy to rule a kingdom? It should not matter the gender of the one on the throne, but if the monarch’s heart was pure, that should be worth enough. Where was her father now? Tiahanna had mentioned that Roarke had taken over their castle, but where had their father gone? Surely he would not allow a usurper to take over his kingdom so freely when he still had years left to reign. And her mother. Her heart softened. She had always been kind to them and wanted to see them happy. Where was she?

Grün stopped and held up his hand. The group fell silent.

“Here we stay,” he stated in a deep voice.

Bellatrix looked around. They were at the base of the plateau where the pine trees became scarce and patches of snow began to come into view.

“The cave of Aldenshine is still a way up,” declared Jaiyana.

“Ah, Beautiful Princess, this I know,” answered the wizard. “But this is where we men must halt and wait.”

Bellatrix noted how Jaiyana blushed when Grün called her ‘beautiful.’

“Excuse me?” interceded Eryx.

“The women will continue, for it is their fate, their journey, their battle. They must learn to use their magic and work together as one,” continued Grün.

Eryx looked at the wizard and scratched his head. “You are mad, my good man. There is no way I will allow my beloved to venture into a dragon’s cave alone. I will not disrespect her honor. I must protect her.”

“If you wish to marry and spend eternity with her, then you will do as I say,” replied Grün. “You have no faith in your lover? You do not feel she can protect herself?”

“I-I did not mean it that way,” Eryx apologized. “I know she can protect herself, but I like to take care of her.”

Grün smiled. “I know you mean no harm, dear armorer. All women love a noble and honorable man. These qualities you possess and should this curse ever be broken, I know you will make a wonderful husband for Bellatrix. I know you wish to protect her from harm and hurt, but many times a person has to fight battles alone.”

“I cannot bear to lose her,” whispered Eryx. “My heart could never endure such pain.”

Bellatrix wrapped her arms around the armorer. “Do not worry, my love, I shall return to you.” She gave him a kiss.

“I am coming, too,” called Jinx as he jumped up on a nearby log.

“You may go, as well,” declared Grün. “Eryx and I will stay here and wait for a sign.”

“What kind of sign?” asked Jaiyana.

“When you know, you will send it to us.” Grün reached forward and took each of the princesses' hands. “This is the start of showing the realm that women are worthy to rule the throne. Your father’s actions have hurt you both deeply, but you can take that pain and use it for accomplishment instead of retaliation. Have faith in your powers, your creative intelligence, but most importantly, trust in each other.” He released his grip, and the twins and their cat took the first step towards the jaws of the dragon.

* * *

“Mice and rats,”groaned Jinx. “How much farther is it? It feels like we have been walking forever.”

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