Mary Anne Gruen - The House of Red

Wolf went to the morning room on the second floor, at the front of the castle. He had a feeling he would find Red Riding Hood the Third there and he did. She was seated in a large chair in front of one of the windows in the corner, wrapped in a collection of blankets to protect her from the cold. Queen Leaf Fall would have preferred it if she'd stayed in bed. But Red had insisted upon seeing the sunrise. After so many days locked away in a dungeon, she needed to see the sun.

Her state wasn't much better than Wolf's had been the day before. She lived, yet she did not. Though she was grateful to have been rescued, her pain was great. She knew of Ichabod's death, of what he had done for her, and his last words. Rose had insisted to Wendell that he relay this information because she felt it was the Queen's right to know. And her duty to Ichabod.

Red felt a great loss in Ichabod’s dying. Just before the trolls had taken him away, she'd been wishing she had a real name, so she could have asked him to use it. But she didn't have one. Not really. Red Riding Hood the Third was her title, not her name. And she wasn't sure if she was worthy of it anymore.

Wolf stepped up to her quietly and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty?"

Red slowly looked up at him. Her old self would have railed at him indignantly for approaching her unbidden. But that woman no longer existed. Leaf Fall had told her about the Council of Truth's rulings. So, she knew Wolf now stood in line as the first heir to her throne. That is, if there was a throne and a Second Kingdom. At the moment, there wasn't. She also knew that his sister had been present among her rescuers. There were so many things she could have said to him. But what she said was, "Doesn't the rising sun look beautiful?"

Wolf looked out the window with its heavy curtains drawn back to welcome the first light of day. "Yes, it is."

"Are you going to join the fight?" Red asked, still looking at the horizon. She couldn't take her eyes off its light and colors.

"Yes. They're bringing a new weapon today to fight the giants."

"Good. I wish you luck."

"I was asked to give you this," Wolf said, handing her the cane. "It's Queen Matilde's. It has healing powers."

Red looked down at the white petrified vine, but made no move toward it.

"Take it," Wolf said. "Hold it in your hands. It will help you sleep and heal."

Slowly, tentatively, Red reached out her hand and wrapped her bruised fingers around it. Wolf touched her shoulder gently and said, "Be well." Then he turned and started from the room.

"Return safely," Red said, still watching her window.

Wolf paused for a moment as if he wished to say something else. But instead he left Red to her rest.

Virginia got downstairs as quickly as she could. She had no idea who Wolf had gone to see. And she wished she'd made him tell her before he'd left.

As early as it was, the castle was humming with dwarves and elves. The dwarves would be firing the ten cannons and the elves would transport everyone and protect them from the air while they were reloading. They'd all been up a long time, eating a hearty breakfast and then moving the cannons to the courtyard where they could make a dignified and splashy disappearance.

Matilde and Eranthis moved among them all, giving last minute instructions. Lord Rupert hopped around excitedly. But Virginia didn't see Tony. She was wandering through the crowd in the great hall at the foot of the main staircase, wondering what to do next when Matilde came over to her.

"Princess Virginia," Matilde said. "I was just coming to see you. How is Wolf feeling this morning?"

"He seems to be better. I mean, he's walking and talking and all. But when he woke up he just started talking about going off to the war. Then he ran off to talk to someone before I could stop him. Have you seen him?"

"No. But knowing Wolf, I'd suggest you try looking for him in the kitchen and diningroom. He may have gone down the back stairs in that direction."

"It would be nice if I could find him there. At least then I'd know he was feeling better."

Matilde laughed. She knew exactly what Virginia meant. "He'll be fine, I promise. The cane may have had some lingering effect on him. But it should be gone by now. The kitchen is where you'll find him, I'm sure."

"Is it true my Dad is going to this war?"

"Very true," Matilde said with a judicial nod. "I'm not sure he's entirely confident about it. But I promise you, he won't be out on the field of battle alone."

"But he's doesn't have any experience with war."

"No. And neither did Wolf when he went. Or Rose either for that matter. And she's become a very effective commander. For the most part, your father and Wolf are going as representatives. Wolf is taking up arms for the Second Kingdom as its new Prince and heir. And your father is going because we're using his invention. Believe me, if not for your condition, we would be utilizing you in this battle as well."

"Me?"

"Oh, yes. Instead, I have another job for you. As a Princess, you will be expected to performing some duties, you know." Matilde put her arm around Virginia and led her in the general direction of the diningroom. "After we're gone, I want you to go to Queen Leaf Fall. You know who she is, don't you?"

Virginia gave a deep sign and said, "She was at Wendell's coronation. But I'm not sure she likes me."

"She was just embarrassed at having been fooled so easily by the dog-prince. But believe me, that coronation was a long time ago. Queen Leaf Fall knows you very well now, even if you do not know her. She is the Vice President of the Council of the Nine Kingdoms and served with us on the Council of Truth. She's seen all your adventures in the past. So, she knows you very well."

"It's strange having people know you when you don't know them."

"I know. But the only way to get over that is to jump in and get acquainted. Now. After we leave, Leaf will be handling all the duties of the Council and the coordination of the war by herself. Only Wendell's Chancellor will be here to help her. And believe me, he has his own duties to attend to. She's also supposed to keep an eye on Queen Red Riding Hood the Third. But I think you should put most of that burden on that excellent butler with the shiny shoes who always seems to be floating about. Anyway, Leaf is the type who's too proud to ask for help. It would be good if you could look in on her after we go this morning. It's at that point that she'll start to realize just how much she's taken on. But don't overdo things and don't try to keep up with the hours she pulls. Elves don't need anywhere near as much sleep as expectant human mothers."

Virginia was surprised at how much warmth she felt from Matilde. Almost as much as she had from Snow White. "All right. I'll look in on her as soon as you've gone. Anyway, I’m glad for the assignment. I’d been imagining myself spending my time like when Wolf went off to defend Kissing Town. Taking lonely walks in the woods and waiting for some troll to throw magic dust on me again.”

Matilde laughed. “Oh, let’s hope not. Just don't let Leaf push you around."

"I won't."

"I think you two will work very well together. And she already respects you."

"Again, I can't tell you how weird that is."

"It's nothing less than you deserve. Now, go and find your husband. I'll bet he's in the kitchen. I'm just about to give the word for everybody to go outside."

"All right. Thank you Queen Matilde."

"Matilde, Child. You can call me Matilde. I hate to stand on formality . . . Except with certain people."

With a smile, Virginia headed for the kitchen.

"Lord Rupert," Matilde said, giving him a wave.

Rupert was at her side in second. "Yes, your Highness."

"Tell everyone it's time."

"At once, your Highness," he said with excitement. Clapping his hands for attention, he called out loudly, "Everyone! We're leaving! Everyone in the courtyard at once!" And he ran off down the corridor toward the diningroom and the kitchen beyond, his voice still echoing as he ran.

Virginia found Wolf in the kitchen just as Matilde had predicted, eating bacon off a plate by the stove.

"Oh!” Wolf said, chewing fast. “I was just looking for you!"

"But it seems you found the bacon first," Virginia said, laughing with relief.

"I was just grabbing up a few pieces. Then I was going to continue my search." Wolf picked up several pieces and swallowed them down.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Well, at least you seem more like yourself."

"Never better. I’ve made my peace with the world and I’m ready for action. Are you still unhappy about my going?"

"No. I guess not," Virginia said with a sigh. "I've got work to do here. But that bed is going to be awfully empty while you're gone." She snuggled into his chest and he put his arms around her.

"You don't have to tell me. Sleeping alone. Eating army rations. I wonder how my sister Rose is taking it. I feel so guilty for leaving her. She probably stayed there because she felt some family responsibility to."

"Well, if she wants to come back here, I'll be happy to have her."

"No, she's a princess now. She'll probably feel obliged to be there."

Virginia nodded and gave Wolf a kiss. "Give Rose my best.”

"Everyone! We're leaving! Everyone in the courtyard at once!" Lord Rupert yelled, sticking his head into the kitchen.

"Oh," Virginia said. "I don't want you to go."

"I don't either. I'd much rather stay here with you."

"There's gonna be another full moon tonight," she said wistfully.

"I know. Two in one month. And I'm wasting it at a battlesite."

Virginia tidied her husband's shirt and they moved out of the kitchen, their arms around each other. "Well, if you wolves can't win during a full moon, there's no hope for us."

"That's true," Wolf agreed.

Tony was just outside the castle at the very top of the white marble stairs. He was watching all the dwarves and elves milling around, still amazed that he was going. The cannons, his creations, had been tested and were all in readiness. He hoped they would work against the giants. He'd thought of them originally as a method of castle crashing. But he supposed they'd work in a David vs. Goliath sort of combat. Especially if the giants had no idea what was happening. He was so engrossed in thought, he hardly noticed Matilde's appearance at his side.

"Having second thoughts?" Matilde asked.

"No," Tony said, standing up to his full height and straightening his navy uniform with its brass buttons. "I'm just amazed I'm doing this."

"You look good in a uniform," Matilde said, brushing imaginary dust from his bronze epaulets.

"Can you believe they made me a Captain?"

Matilde laughed. "Well, don't let it go to your head."

"Don't worry, I won't." Tony looked at her with wide brown eyes. "I won't see you for a long time," he said.

"It may not be that long."

"I wish I still had that talisman now, so we could communicate."

"Oh, wait," Matilde said. And she started going through a hidden pocket in her skirt. "I do have something. These full skirts hold a multitude of things. Ah, here we are." She pulled out a pair of mirror medallions. Each was about three inches in diameter. "Take this," she said, handing one to Tony.

"What is it?"

"A magic mirror. My coachman and I sometimes wear them, so we can communicate. You'll be able to see me and talk to me at the same time."

Tony ran his fingers over the bronze edges. "Too bad I didn't have this when I was in the past."

"It wouldn't have worked across time. You can contact me on it whenever you want to. But it works best at the rise of the moon. You be careful," she said.

"You do the same."

At that point, Tony and Virginia came out of the castle behind them.

"Dad," Virginia said. "I've come to see you off." She gave him a kiss and said, "You look good in a uniform."

"Thank you," Tony said.

"I'm glad you found each other," Matilde said. "You're looking much better, Wolf."

"Much better," Wolf said, hugging his wife to his side. "Oh, I almost forgot. Queen Matilde, I gave your cane to Queen Red Riding Hood the Third. Raphaela asked me to."

Tony started at the name, but Matilde gave no hint of anything.

"That makes sense," Matilde said. "Though I shall miss it at the front. Thank you for telling me, Wolf."

"Well, we better be going," Wolf said.

"Just one more kiss," Virginia said. And she slipped into her husband's arms for one long lingering kiss, their bodies entwining with a comfortable intimacy. "Come back soon," she said with a sigh.

"And take care of the little one," Wolf said, putting his hand on her growing stomach. "I'll try and get one of the elves to take me back by magic so I can get here quick. Come on, Tony."

"Uh, you go ahead," Tony stammered. He wasn't quite ready to leave Matilde yet.

But Wolf wasn't about to let Tony pester Matilde with his unwanted attentions. "Now, now," Wolf said, grabbing Tony's arm and pulling him backwards down the stairs. "Don't bother Queen Matilde anymore. We've got a job to do."

"Bye, Dad," Virginia said.

Tony waved at his daughter and went along with Wolf, looking more than a little unhappy. Virginia waved and went back into the castle to find Queen Leaf Fall. Matilde, now alone, went down and joined her group.

All four groups were now standing ready with their cannons. At least they were for a moment. When he got to his group, Tony put the medallion that Matilde had given him around his neck. Then he looked at it thoughtfully. Suddenly he broke ranks and headed determinedly for Matilde’s group. Wolf saw him go, but decided he had done all he could to keep his father-in-law from looking foolish. From now on, he was on his own.

Tony took Matilde by the arm and led her away. "I can't leave without asking you," he said. "Raphaela. I thought you said that was your daughter's name."

Matilde turned her back so no one else could see or hear her words. But she needn't have worried. Everyone else was too involved in watching King Eranthis. His group was the first to go. He raised his hand and gave the signal to the elves in his company. They threw up the travel dust. It held in the air for a moment. And then the whole group disappeared.

"It was Raphaela," Matilde said. "Or rather, it is."

"Then, the cane is your daughter?"

"In a sense. I told you, Raphaela was turned into a vine by a witch. And the vine was petrified. It broke my heart when we found her leafless and white. But I didn't move her. I thought it best that she stay where she was. Then she came to my mother in a dream. My mother was still alive then and comfortably over 900. The longer we live, the more powerful we become. My mother was a very powerful fairy, even as her physical abilities began to dwindle. It's said that fairies don't completely die, that their energy goes on, often living in inanimate objects."

Behind them Wolf's group was getting ready. His troop was next because they wanted to go in an irregular pattern. That way the tall giants couldn't accidentally see the cannons appear at a nearby border.

Matilde went on. "Raphaela's energy reached out to my mother and asked if she would help her continue her calling as a healer. My mother agreed because it would give Raphaela's short life a purpose. She went to the petrified vine and cut the heart out of it. Then she gave it to me. Ever since, we've been together. Yet, we're no long really mother and daughter. Raphaela is not the same as she was. Just as Snow White is not. Raphaela has lived in and through my cane these past four hundred odd years. But she has a mind of her own and a destiny apart from mine. We are together, yet separate. We communicate only in dreams, very infrequently."

Wolf gave the elves in his group the signal. And his elves threw the magic dust up in the air. It held for a moment and then they too disappeared.

Tony's group now began to get ready. But he was, of course, too busy to notice.

"You're the only living person who knows this," Matilde said. "At first I tried to keep it a secret because I was afraid some cohort of Mazarin's might try to destroy what was left of her. But now, I doubt if anyone else would remember Raphaela's name or relationship to me. It was such a long time ago."

"I'm sorry," Tony said.

"Don't be. We are both living as we were meant to."

"Lord Lewis?" Rupert called. "We're ready!"

But Tony ignored him.

"You should go," Matilde said.

"Yes." There was a moment of hesitation. Then Tony pulled Matilde into his arms and kissed her, not caring who saw. He held her tight against him and kissed her hard and fully, with a passion he hadn't known in a long time. They were both breathless as they pulled apart.

"We really should go," Matilde said. But she remained in Tony's embrace.

He ran his fingers over her face, trying to remember how good she felt and how wonderful it was to have her face so close to his. He kissed her again, softer this time. And enjoyed the sensation of her kissing him back. "All right," he said at last. "You be careful."

"You too."

Tony returned to his group, past the dwarves who had carefully averted their eyes. And the elves who couldn't help but gape. Lord Rupert was so surprised, he was speechless. Tony acted nonchalant, as if kissing famous queens were an everyday part of his life. He gave the signal and the elves responded. The magic dust held in the air for a moment and then they too disappeared.

"Well," Queen Matilde said, returning to her group. "I guess that just leaves us. Gentlemen, ready yourselves." She put the second medallion around her neck. Then she too raised her hand and they disappeared.