Ben and Lucy: The Sunken Kingdom
Chapter 25 The Palace

“Now this is what I call a feast.” Ben exclaimed as he walked into the huge dinning room. Table were lined up in rows except for one long one that was at the head of all of them. Eloise was there at the head of the table which was directly across the room from Ben. The table was positioned just perfectly and raised slightly so that anyone who entered the hall had to see Eloise. She was the focus of attention within the room. Suddenly she turned and her enchanting eyes met Ben’s.

“Ah, there is the first one of my special guests. Please come forth Ben and sit beside me.” Eloise motioned Ben to join her in the seat adjacent to her left. As Ben moved through the crowd a low murmur was growing. The guests were now looking at Ben with fascination. Everyone suddenly wanted to know who this boy was that Eloise spoke directly to. As Ben moved through the crowd they parted as if Moses was splitting the Red Sea. The murmur continued as he strode through the crowd. Ben began to enjoy the attention he was getting along with the respect he could see in everyone’s eyes. Ben was soon welcomed by a girl with long red hair. He was taken aback. This was the girl within his dream.

“Dear sir, please follow me.” The enchanting girl took his arm and lead him to his seat. He was awe-struck. The confidence he had walking through the crowd was immediately erased. Ben’s focus was only on her and he no longer cared about anyone else in the room.

“Thanks Adrianne. Seems our guest is taken with you.” Eloise spoke as Ben was led to his chair. Adrianne bashfully stepped away, leaving Ben in the chair next to Eloise. Ben felt a rush of blood throughout his body. Ben looked up into Eloise’e eyes. She was smiling and as her eyes met Ben’s, he drifted into a dreamlike state. Mesmerized, he sat down quietly.

Lucy was still in her own room getting ready. A new dress was laid out upon her bed. The dress was lovely with blue and yellow flowers decorating the entire pattern of the soft silky gown. Lucy closed her eyes and a feeling grew inside her. She suddenly missed her mother so much. She wondered if she would ever get back home. She began to cry. Lucy threw herself down on her bed. Her body heaving deeply to and throw.

Paddie felt the cold water surround him as he fell into the cool depths. Fear was suddenly swallowed with panic. Paddy had never learned to swim. He struggled and thrashed in the water. He opened his eyes. A light from beneath. A safe, warm feeling soon came over him. Paddy calmed down. His fear was gone. As he followed the light, the tint of the light turned from yellow to a cool blue. Paddy did not even think about drowning in the water. He was breathing in the water! He dove toward the light.

Pierre was right behind Paddy. Just as Pierre reached for Paddy, the fool dove further down. What the hell was this idiot doing? Pierre did not see the light. He dove faster after Paddy. He had to save this fool. Pierre used his strength to catch Paddy. Instead of pulling him up Paddy was pulling Pierre down with him. This was not what Pierre had expected. Something even stronger than Paddy was pulling the both of them down. Pierre was breathing as well.

Suddenly Pierre saw a light himself. The light he saw was not inviting but savage and dangerous. Pierre saw the light above him. Fire was reaching toward them through the water. The Terrordons! Pierre decided to thrush Paddy ahead of him deeper towards the depths of the water.

Lucy cried for minutes, sobbing hard. She struggled to catch her breath. Then a voice came to her.

“Be still my child. All is not lost. ” It was Mattie.

“Lucy, I can hear you all the way down the hall. You must believe that Eloise can help you. She has magical powers and if anyone in this land can help you get home she can.” Mattie held Lucy in her arms.

“You can walk?” Lucy shook herself out of her crying. Astonished at Mattie walking with no sign of injury

“Yes, the healing powers here are wonderful. I almost feel like new.” Mattie smiled comforting back toward Lucy.

“Do you really think Eloise can help us?” Lucy’s eyes pleaded with Mattie.

“Yes, if you truly wish to return home, I believe she can help you replace your home.” Mattie did not fully believe it but she knew Lucy had to.

“Ok, then what are we waiting for?” Lucy cheered up, quickly changing into the new dress.

“Paddy and Pierre have yet to replace their way here.” Lucy said quickly.

“Oh, I am sorry Mattie. I was too concerned for myself. We must go ask Eloise to help.” Lucy was then full of energy and new found passion. Mattie smiled. She thought to herself, This child is a wonder.

Paddy was now having trouble breathing under the water. The light from below had disappeared and when it did the ability to breathe did too. Soon he would drown. Paddy began to panic. He began to struggle. His instincts were driving him back to the surface. Pierre fought to hold onto him. Paddy was desperate now and suddenly Pierre lost his grip. Paddy was suddenly rising in the water. Pierre knew he had lost him. Pierre looked around under the water. Where could he go. Up was no use since the Terrordons were there. Paddy was certain to be caught and what then. Pierre could not save him.

He looked down and saw another light. This light was blue and was actually coming toward him. What was this thing? Pierre remained still, trying to conserve his air. As the light approached his eyes were blinded by the light. Pierre felt himself slipping away. He could not hold his breath any longer. He soon passed out as the warmth of the light surrounded him. He gave himself up to the light. Peacefulness over came him. Pierre believed he was dying. This is what the ancients had said about the depths. The water will consume you. Pierre gave himself to the water and accepted what was to come. He began to dream. Angels were now taking him into their arms.

“You are safe now. Relax, all will be well now. Let the maidens carry you to safety.” Pierre heard the voice of a woman. Elegant and clear was the voice as if coming from the surrounding water itself. Pierre drifted off to sleep. Darkness filled his thoughts.

Paddy was struggling to fight to the surface. His breath was failing. Suddenly he broke through the surface. Air rushed into his lungs. He opened his eyes and saw the terrodon flying overhead. Paddy was in the midst of tall water weeds. He was hidden. He watched the Terrodon in silence. The Terrodon was looking for something. Pierre and himself, the Terrodon must not have found Pierre either. Paddy could see the Terrordon in the darkness for the Terrodon was thrushes in light by fires about the lake. The large creature screeched in the night. The sound filled Paddy’s soul with dread. This creature was mad. Suddenly another sound filled the air. A horn blew. The Terrordon stopped looking and turned toward the sound. The Terrordon flew away, straight over Paddy’s head. As the giant creature flew over Paddy saw under its belly the weakness of the creature. There under the wings soft pink tissue. Paddy knew that the soft pink tissue is where one could kill the thing. Paddy was excited with his new found knowledge. He now knew if he ever came across one again how to kill it. He chuckled to himself. Yeah, if one can get that close without getting killed first.

Paddy turned and scoured the waterline looking for Pierre. No movement in sight. He dared not yell out. He did not want that thing to come back. Who was blowing the horn and how did this person get to control the Terrordons? This was puzzling Paddy. Who ever could control the Terrordons would be very powerful indeed. Could this be the person searching for the twins? It must be. Paddy now knew why Growler was so worried. Did Growler know about the Terrordons? Paddy thought not.

Paddy’s thoughts now centered around wondering where he was and how he was going to replace the others. Pierre appeared to be lost, possibly drowned. Paddy knew now he must replace the sunken Kingdom and the others. He was already in the water so where would this kingdom be? He had to try to swim down and search the bottom as much as he could, but first he had to get some rest. He made his way to the shore. Thankfully the moonlight was bright and the fires were still burning. He could see his way. Paddy had to be on the lookout for in the night many creatures would come out and hunt for food. He would be the food if he did not watch out closely enough.

The news of Pierre’s rescue made it to Lucy and Mattie. The two came to the room where Pierre was brought. Mattie’s heart was still low. No sign of Paddy was found. Lucy came to Pierre’s bed. There Eloise had come from the dinner table excusing herself and leaving Ben with Adrienne. Eloise was next to the Pierre’s bed and laid a hand upon his forehead. A light glowed where her hand was. Pierre stirred. Slowly his eyes opened and he looked straight into Lucy’s eyes.

“Ah, the brave man awakens.” Eloise spoke.

“Try not to use too much energy.” Turning to Lucy she added.

“Child stay with him for just a little bit and then let him rest.” Eloise glided across the room and out the door, leaving the three travelers together. Pierre looked up.

“So nice to see you Lucy. I thought I was dead. Angels were taking me away.” Lucy laughed.

“Those were no angels silly. Those were the maidens of the depths. They are Eloise’s maidens.”

“Oh, that explains it. Where is Paddy?” Lucy became stern.

“You left him?”

“I had no choice. He was too strong in the end and broke away. He was heading back to the surface.” Pierre closed his eyes.

“I fear he is lost, or captured.”

“Captured? By whom?” Mattie questioned him.

“Oh, good to see you too.” Pierre said sarcastically.

“Glad you are safe, now tell me who was after you?”

“Terrordons, I fear.”

“Terrordons! Are you crazy?”

“No, I don’t think he is.” Growler suddenly added as he stepped into the room.

“I had a feeling that was what attacked us Lucy.”

“Terrordons have been locked away for centuries on the far side of the mountain. How?” Mattie questioned.

“Shamus.” answered Growler.

“Shamus? but why? and how?” questioned Mattie.

“You will have your answers soon enough. But first rest and come to the great hall for dinner tonight.” The voice of Eloise answered through the air.

“How does she do that?” Lucy asked.

“Someday I will show you little one.” Eloise laughed.

Lucy smiled.

Growler smiled.

Mattie frowned. She was still thinking of Paddy.

Ben was still at the table. He was now speaking with Adrienne. All his attention was drawn to her. Even as Eloise left the table he remained with Adrienne. As the two spoke Ben was filled with joy. Adrienne’s eyes warmed his soul. He was captivated by her. First love had found the boy. He was smitten and was now lost to her. Adrienne was interested by the stranger boy. Something in him was special. She could tell, she sensed it the moment he entered the room. Could he be part of the prophecy? Her mother had warned her about being drawn to the old stories. Her sister too made fun of her every time she began to read them.

“Come on sis, those are children’s stories to keep kids in their beds at night.” They would say to her. Adrienne was the elder of two. Usually the older was the more objective and balanced, but Adrienne had something else about her. She was drawn to the old stories. Joliet, her younger sister would always be off playing with the boys. Always trying to prove that she was big enough for all. She was not going to be the baby in this family. She was tough and played that way. Often being too tough for the boys as well. She had the heart of a warrior, her father had always said.

Eloise returned to the great hall. Everyone turned to see her as she entered once again. Eloise always drew attention, for good and bad. Not all in her palace were friendly. Eloise knew somehow that Shamus had someone in her kingdom. She would keep her senses ready. Her eyes fell upon Ben. She watched him as he continued to talk with Adrienne. Eloise knew there was magic between the two. She smiled to herself, just as she thought. Eloise had always had a spot in her heart for Adrienne. Her younger sister was the one she did not get along with. Joliet and her often did not see eye to eye on things. Eloise did respect Joliet, for within her there was great strength. Eloise and the kingdom would need her someday.

Paddy found a bush growing over a small cave in the hill. He made his way cautiously into the cave. Many creatures would love to have this place for their den and Paddy did not want to be that animal’s midnight snack. He crept slowly into the cave, listening carefully as he entered. No sound. He moved further in. He felt the coolness of the air. His hands made their way along walls of the cave. Deeper he went in. All was good. His courage grew as he went deeper into the small environment. He felt the ground. The floor of the cave was soft. Sand. He decided to stay in the cave for the night. He laid himself with his back to the wall. He listened for awhile to make sure he could not hear anything breathing in the cave. No sound. Soon he was drifting into sleep.

Mattie was worried. Paddy was no where to be found and it was now nighttime. She feared the worse.

“Don’t worry. Paddy is a survivor.”

“What do you mean? You barely know him. Stop trying to make me feel better.” Mattie snapped at her husband.

“Dear.” Growler stopped when Mattie looked sternly toward him. He knew that look. She was right, he was only trying to make her feel better. Paddy would not survive the night alone out there. Of all the people he had met Paddy was not one he would bet on.

“We will go out first thing in the morning.”

“I know. Just leave me alone.”

“Ok.” Growler then put his arms around his wife. He held her firmly and let her cry in his arms. The room was quiet but the compassion filled the room. The two were joined together. He was there for her and the love flowed through his big arms. Mattie felt better. Her hope grew. If Paddy could just survive the night. She prayed that he was not taken by the Terrordons.

Charnac shivered in the cold. His sleep was unsettled. Images pulsed through his brain. Lucy and Ben at a great dinner. Eloise was there. Lovely Eloise. Charnac smiled in his sleep. She was always there for him as he was for her. Her face came to him. The eyes sparkled.

“Charnac, hang on. The twins are here and soon they will rescue you.”

Eloise reached out her hands. They caressed his face. Her image then faded away. There was Lucy. She was searching for something. Fear was in her eyes. She looked up in the air. She cowered. Something above her was after her. She was scared. She turned and ran for cover. A shadow came over her. She was gone. Charnac stirred in his darkened cell. The cold damp air penetrated his bones. He curled tighter into a ball. Ben appeared to him now. He was searching as well. Charnac noticed Ben’s surroundings. He was in a cave. Fire blew past. Charnac jumped yet remained in his dream state. Ben turned and his face was visible, filled with determination. Charnac smiled. The boy was growing up quickly. He was replaceing his inner strength. The power that was inside him all along. Ben turned. He raised his sword. No!!!!!

Charnac awoke shaking in fear. Ben had to be smart. How could he help the boy? He was trapped in this cell. The boy needs him. Think Charnac. Think!

Pierre laid in his bed looking up at the ceiling. He could not rest any longer. He had to get up. He slowly pulled himself up. He was sore, but from what? Pierre did not like this place. Under the water, something was not right. He decided to start looking around this “Palace” and see what he could replace. He found clothes laid out on the dresser in the room. Fresh, clean and not his own. He looked around for his old clothes. No where. Damn! The clothes that were laid out he found were to his liking. Pierre would have chosen them. Soft yet elegant with a touch of style. He did not want to be here nor did he want to enjoy any of this. The silky black shirt buttoned in the front with small black buttons. The collar laid stylishly smooth around his neck. Pierre typically left a few buttons open. His slightly hairy chest exposed. His swashbuckling style would permit no other. He had to be free and his clothes exhibited that. The pants were of sturdy yet lightweight material. The color again was black to match Pierre’s curly black hair. Movement was easy and unencumbered. The waist was tied up with drawstrings covered by the length of the overlaying shirt. Ben would later say that he looked like a Ninja. Pierre then slipped on the shoes. Supple soft leather. His feet felt like they were bare yet protected. When he walked he could not hear his footfalls. Exactly what he was hoping for. Now he would venture out of his room and explore this place.

Pierre turned the latch on the door. Patiently he pulled the door open. He peered out of his room. The coast was clear. None of those annoying maidens were around. He decided to move to his right down the corridor. He could hear the great hall and the music coming from his left. What he wanted to replace out was what else was going on around here that they are keeping from us? He was amazed and pleased with how quiet his new shoes and clothes were. He felt like silent, stealthy, moving about. He made his way to the end of the corridor. Now he had to chose to go left or right again. Again he chose right. Down the new path he progressed, his footfall silent on the carpeted floor. This passageway was not as well adorned as the last. It led directly to a wooden door at the end. The look of the door was common. He tried to open it. Nothing, locked. Pierre smiled to himself. Now he was getting somewhere. Around his waist he had tied up his own pouch. Luckily that was still in his room. In his pouch was the tools of his trade. Pierre often found himself on the wrong side of locked doors. Breaking in and out of locked rooms was something he was used to. Pierre made short work of the lock. He could hear the click of the lock’s tumblers falling into place. Now he would see what was this enchanted kingdom hiding in its secret passageways.

The door swung quietly ajar. This surprised Pierre, obviously this door was used often. He made his way into the dark hallway. Quickly he closed the door behind him. The light was dim inside. There was light but only enough to see his way. He could not make out the patterns on the walls. Pierre was convinced that he found something behind this locked door. He continued onward. There was a light coming from further down the corridor.

As Pierre crept closer, he heard a slight sound. Something that sounded familiar to him. He then heard voices.

“The new boy is the key. Yes, they came last night and then others appeared just today.”

“Go on. Tell me more.” A man’s voice deep and husky.

“One man is huge. They call him Growler. There is his wife as well.” A voice that Pierre thought was a young man or even a woman’s.

“Was there a young girl as well?” The man’s voice was anxious.

“Yes, how did you know.”

“Excellent. Good work my dear.” The man’s voice seemed pleased.

“What should I do now?”

“Stay there and replace out more.”

Pierre tried to see who was speaking. He could tell that it was a girl and a man. The man’s voice seem distant, from another room possibly. The girl’s was clear. He would remember that voice. He crept closer. Pierre wanted to see who it was but the light revealed nothing. Her back was towards him. The lights went out completely. Total darkness now. Pierre moved away from the center of the hall. He did not want to be noticed. He heard her come by. He pressed himself against the wall. He did not want to reveal himself just yet. She passed right beside him. He drew in a breath. Pierre recorded her scent. He was hunting his prey. After she passed he tried to follow her. Pierre’s footfalls were silent in the hall. She moved quickly. Pierre knew she had done this before. She knew the way by heart. He struggled to keep up. Soon the door opened. The burst of light blinded his eyes and when he recovered the door was closed again.

Pierre tried the door. Now it was locked. This would be more difficult in the dark to unlock his way out. He only got a quick glimpse of the image. An outline of the girl. Long flowing hair, trim yet athletic. No other details, not even the color was visible in the dark but he would remember the scent. It took Pierre only a few moments to unlock the door but it was too late. The girl had vanished. He decided to join the others in the great hall. The game was afoot and his senses were alert. He would replace her and then replace out what she was up to.

The Great hall was filled with people, music, and food. Pierre made his way through the archway. Flowers were hanging down the walls. Brilliant reds, yellows. Pink, and white blooms were everywhere. Just as Pierre was about to leave in disgust something struck his eye. He had just turned right when he saw Lucy sitting at the long table, but what really caught his eye was the woman to her right. Eloise was sitting there in glorious white. Her hair was billowing down upon her shoulders. She had yellow and white flowers in her hair. As Pierre was watching her she turned toward him. Through the crowd her eyes met his. She pierced his soul. She was reading him and he could not stop it. He felt exposed and venerable. Her gaze was but a second but Pierre felt her vision had struck him like a laser. Once her gaze has left. Pierre tried to regain himself. Who was this woman and what kind of witchcraft does she possess? Something in him did not like this. His desire to leave this place only increased. He wanted to get back up to the land. He did not like this enchanted sunken place. Trapped under water like a fish in a bowl. He reluctantly sat down at the table next to Lucy.

Growler and Mattie made their way into the room. Mattie was back on her feet. Eloise and her maidens had given Mattie treatment and now she was feeling her full self again. Growler was uncomfortable in this hall with all the people around him. He too wanted nothing better than to get back home. The two made their way to the table. Their escort led the way to their seats alongside Pierre.

Once all the party had made their way into the hall and were sitting at the table Eloise stood up. All music and talking stopped. Everyone knew to give Eloise their attention. She commanded the room. As she began to speak, her voice carried across the room. Subtle and soft yet powerful and clear. Pierre and Growler exchanged glances. Communicating silently between themselves they both knew something important was about to be said. Their attention went back to Eloise.

“Friends, guests, and comrades I am pleased to have this peaceful time with all of you. Please indulge yourself on this charming dinner that my maidens have prepared for you. I have however some important news to report, but I will save that until you all have enjoyed the meal. I want to acknowledge our distinguished guests.” She turned and faced Pierre. “We have a skillful and cunning warrior amongst us tonight. May I introduce to everyone Pierre La Monte of Cassille.”

Pierre turned to face Eloise. How did she know this? He smiled to the audience but inside he was fighting back his anger. Who betrayed him to her. It must have been Growler. Pierre searched the crowd for his long time friend and advisory. Just as he was about to give up looking for his face in the crowd. Eloise spoke again.

“Now to complement La Monte, we also have another proven warrior. A giant of a man, affectionately called Growler, otherwise known as Samuel Growlson.” Growler was now standing up on the opposite side of the hall. Pierre started to smile. Growler would never have given up his real name. Whomever betrayed Growler also betrayed Pierre. The two friends starred at each other and then both broke out laughing. Ben and Lucy who were watching the whole time relaxed as soon as their two friends began to laugh in fact the entire hall broke out in song and laughter.

“Everyone please enjoy the food. Maidens bring in the fest.” Eloise commanded her ladies. At that command the trays of food were wheeled out. Large displays of fruit, cheeses and vegetables were brought out in sparkling silver carts. Cravats of wine 6 feet high were drawn as well. Juice for the children were brought out in golden shimmering bottles. The guests began to eat. As the meal progressed, Ben noticed that there was no meat being served. This did not go unnoticed from both Pierre and Growler either.

Max was now at the table. Growler called him over.

“Max come here you old beast.” Max wagged his tail and came over to Growler. Just as he laid down beside Growler, Ben’s eyes caught Max’s. Ben winked at Max. Max smiled back at Ben. Everything was peaceful.

Paddie stirred in his sleep. His mind drifted away. In his dream he was floating above the ground. As he floated he made out figures below. Paddie swung in over them. There was a great battle going on. He made out the identify of one the shapes, Lucy and beside her appeared to be a boy. Paddie knew it was her brother. The boy was very powerful and fast. Faster than any boy he had seen. Something about him was illuminated. He glowed. Paddie circled over him. He repelled all comers, yet the enemies grew in volume. They encircled Lucy and her brother. Paddie heard a voice overhead “Give in and surrender young one. You have no choice.” Paddie continue to float above the chaos. No one could see him. Out of the advancing enemies rode a man on a Terrordon! That must be Shamus. The man commanded his troops to stop. The same voice as before. Shamus made his way through his soldiers as he advanced they parted like a sea. Shamus stopped in front of Ben and Lucy.

“You are brave beyond belief. I am honored by your determination, but as a child you do not know when to surrender. So I much educate you on your actions. See in the distance on this hill? I think you can recognize your friends.” Paddie turned and saw a figure of Mattie and himself.

“I would not to continue your brave fight, or I will have to do something very dreadful.”

“What are you going to do Shamus?” Lucy called out.

“Ah, so you know my name. Then you should know that I can do many terrible things which your friends would have to endure and you will watch.” Shamus starred intently at the boy.

“Now watch my first command.” Shamus then turned toward the hill and raised his arm to the side. No words were spoken. At this the soldiers that held Mattie struck her. Mattie fell to the ground. Lucy gasped. Ben tensed. The boy withheld himself from attacking Shamus. Paddie flew overhead watching the scene. He was able to see things but not join in. Paddie was a ghost above them all, watching down upon them. He stirred in his sleep. Shamus continued.

“So does that stop your desires to fight?” Shamus questioned the boy.

“I will always fight against you.” Ben took a step forward, Lucy grabbed his arm. He turned to her. She shook her head.

“Not now”. She calmly spoke.

“Good girl. Too bad your brother still has fight in him. Maybe this will help him lose his nerve.” Shamus turned toward the hill again. This time he raised his right arm and wave it above his head. One of the solders holding Paddie took a club and beat Paddie over the head. Paddie’s dream body crashed to the ground. Paddie moaned in his sleep feeling the pain when the club struck him.

“No, stop!” yelled Lucy. Shamus looked at Ben. Ben was now struggling to keep his anger in check. Shamus smiled.

“Now you are beginning to understand your position. I can do what I want with your friends and you have no way to save them.” Shamus laughed. He turned back to face the hill. This time Shamus started to make another gesture. He took his right hand and slid it across his neck. Lucy screamed.

Paddie woke up in a sweat. He looked around. He was indeed still in the cave. Light was beginning to rise in the sky outside. He sat there catching his breath. He knew he had to replace his friends and warn them of this dream. Paddie got on his feet and began to think of his plan.