Macster - The Missing Links

Magnificent and splendid in its full regalia, the carriage swung smartly into the broad, grayish-white expanse of the stone roadway leading between marble fountains and verdant grounds to the impressive edifice that was Prince Wendell's castle. As it approached, the guards rushed about at the front entrance, hurrying to roll out the red carpet for the arrival of the prince, who was leaning out the carriage window and saluting to the gathering advisors.

At last the horses snorted and pulled to a stop alongside the carpet, foaming and sweating with their exertions. As the footman moved to open the door, Chancellor Griswold and the Lord Chamberlain dashed out of the palace interior. The chancellor called out first, clapping his hands excitedly. "Welcome back, Your Majesty, and congratulations..."

He trailed off as Prince Wendell descended from the carriage--literally, crawling down the steps on hands and knees. In moments, however, he was on his feet once more.

As the chancellor struggled to reclaim his train of thought, the Lord Chamberlain stepped smoothly into the conversation gap. "We've been worried sick!"

Chancellor Griswold found his voice. "Thank goodness you are back, sir. There's so much organizing to be done. Lord Rupert has gone to collect your coronation gifts..." Once again he trailed off, this time as he met the cruel gaze of the sinister footman. "I don't recognize the footman, sir. New member of staff?"

Wendell ignored him. "I wish to go straight to my room!" Strangely, he seemed to be clutching his crotch and hopping up and down frantically.

Nonplussed, the Lord Chamberlain nodded and patted his shoulder. "Of course, Your Majesty, you must be exhausted after your long journey."

"No, I wish to urinate!" A pained expression crossed the prince's face. "I must go straightaway, otherwise it's a leg-lifter!"

Wendell hurried in a rather undignified gait along the carpet, clearly struggling to hold it in as he ran. The Lord Chamberlain followed him, flabbergasted. "Of course...can I have something sent up to your room?"

The prince paused, frowning. "Um...what do I usually have?"

"Cocoa and a cheese sandwich, sir."

"Do I?" Wendell made a face of absolute disgust.

"It's your favorite, your Majesty!" The Lord Chamberlain stared at him in utter confusion.

Wendell vacillated, still gripping his crotch, then nodded reluctantly. "I'll have it then." He paused, then leaned toward the chamberlain and smiled eagerly. "And send up a tray of juicy bones as well!"

As the prince disappeared inside, the Lord Chamberlain turned to the chancellor, who had caught up with him. Both of them exchanged a glance fraught with worry, disbelief, and suspicion. What had happened to the prince during his journey? So neglectful of protocol, so forgetful of his own likes and dislikes...his travails had likely been harrowing, but to this extent?

Something was dreadfully wrong...

The carriage pulled away as the two advisors pursued the Dog Prince inside, following the driveway and circling the foundation of the massive palace. Within the darkened interior, the Queen gave a small sigh of relief. She had watched as the Dog Prince provided cover for her, talking--poorly--with the advisors, and leading them off so she could sneak into the castle. It would be good to escape the confines of the vehicle. She'd had to remain hidden in the carriage as it made its triumphal journey across the Fourth Kingdom. The Dog Prince had enjoyed the trip, although toward the end she had to prevent him from rolling on the Troll King's head.

It would be a great release of stress to be away from the Dog Prince for once as well.

Several ostlers approached as they neared the stables, but the driver called out warningly. "Away! We'll tend to the horses." Good. It would not do for her to be seen at this juncture.

The carriage at last stopped beside the unused servants' entrance, which opened onto a narrow stairwell that would take the Queen to the higher floors of the castle and the royal quarters, where she could find a room to secretly procure as her own. Her mirrors were already on their way in another coach. All was proceeding apace.

Descending with agile grace, the loyal footman--whom she was thankful the chancellor had not recognized as one of her oldest and most devoted servants--opened the carriage door. Proudly, with stately steps and slow, the Queen emerged into the light of day and gazed up at the turrets, parapets, battlements, and overabundance of statuary on the facade of Wendell's palace. She pulled her hood back and smiled in satisfaction as the sunlight warmed her face.

So many memories. Memories of how this castle had once been hers...and would be so again. Only Wendell's continued eluding of her minions remained as a thorn in her side, and it was a small one. What could he do, so alone and ineffectual, even with those mysterious companions of his?

And in any case he too would be in her power again. Wolf or the Huntsman would bring him to her. Soon. Very soon.