The hospitality of Bouldergold castle was excellent. Prince Nathan, Vonkar and Flindee were fed an incredible feast of roast pheasant and ‘taters, with several kinds of pies and various flavors of cider to choose from; breads, cheeses and even casseroles passed around by the guests (the dwarves of Bouldergold love potluck meals). Then they were treated to minstrel songs and poems and were called upon to share their own tales around the large oaken table of the great hall.
Vonkar, though uncomfortable with all the fancy dishes and fine clothes, enjoyed a good tale and shared many of his adventures freely to the delight of everyone. Flindee, of course, resumed his place as the King’s Court Jester, performing for everyone with juggling, jokes and acrobatics throughout the night. Unfortunately, his timing wasn’t always perfect. Many times he interrupted Vonkar’s stories at the most exciting moments, saying things like, “Hey, Did you ever hear the one about the seasick centaur and the merry mermaids of mercklefin?” or “Oh, That reminds me of a limerick I once heard about a Gimpy ol’ Griffen from Glawcken, who growls and squawks when he’s walkin’. It’s a hoot!” until Vonkar, fed-up at last, burst into song, drowning out the silly “superstar” with a bellow of bravado that brought the entire hall to it’s feet in jubilation, so delighted were they at the antics of the two combating performers!
Everyone was delighted, that is, except the Prince. Having now been told the full story of the Serpent’s Eye and his sister’s personal quest to find it before it fell into the wrong hands, Nathan was more concerned than ever for Nataleigh. But there was still no sign of Chrysolis. And without the dragon, Nathan couldn’t get anywhere very quickly, least of all to a remote island in the middle of the Dwarven seas. In fact, the prince realized for the first time that without his dragon he couldn’t even return home to his palace in the clouds.
“Boy, are we in trouble.” He muttered to himself as Vonkar finished his song and the cheering of the hall quieted down. To his surprise, there was a reply to his comment that came from behind him.
“We could be.” It agreed. “THAT all depends on your sister and Maid Madelyn now.”
Spinning to see who had overheard his muttered statement, the prince looked up to see Friar Tub behind his chair. Shockingly, the Friar had no food in his mouth – or his hands for that matter.
“Friar! I…uh, didn’t mean to say… that is…I didn’t know you were…” he stuttered.
Friar Tub just smiled and patted him on the back. “I understand, young man. You don’t need to explain. It is obvious that your love for your sister and your concern for her is clouding your ability to join in the festivities of the evening. That’s why I’ve come over to speak with you. Perhaps I can help.”
“Help? How?” The prince was skeptical. “Can you help me find my dragon or transport me to where my sister is?”
“Oh, no. I’m afraid I haven’t that kind of power.” Responded the kind-hearted friar with a shake of his balding head. “But I know someone who does.”
“What?” Nathan jumped up from the table. “Who?”
“Come with me, young prince.” He said and turned to leave the great hall.
Nathan hurried to follow no longer even aware of the humor and merry-making going on around him. In all the excitement of the entertainment, no one seemed to notice his departure either. His heart was beating wildly in his chest with renewed hope. Could there be a way to reach his sister yet? Was there someone who could help him?
Friar Tub led him outside and across the courtyard to a small, round, almost bubble-like building with a high roof and a small wooden fence enclosing a beautiful little garden. They walked up a few steps to the front door and entered it. Inside, candles burned along the slanting walls, casting a peaceful light over everything. Of course there wasn’t much in the building to illuminate.
Nathan looked around for the person who could help him, only to find the place empty. There was no one inside and almost no furniture as well. The only objects in the room were some cushioned stools just inside the door along the west wall where he was standing. In the center of the room a large basin had been carved out of a knee-high tree stump. And then he noticed that the floor of the room was carpeted by grass.
“What is this place?” The prince asked.
“This is the Chamber of Whispers.” Answered the friar reverently.
“The Chamber of Whispers?” Nathan repeated in obvious confusion. “Are we not supposed to talk in here?”
“You may talk. But the wise come here to listen.”
“Listen for what? Is this where I will meet the person who can help me save my sister?”
“You have already met that person, but I do not know that you will meet him here in this place.” Answered Friar Tub.
“Then what am I doing here?” Nathan asked, a bit of frustration rising in him now at the Friar’s mysteriousness.
“Seeking solutions.” Came the reply.
The prince nearly shouted now. “From who?”
At that, the humble little dwarf simply put a finger to his lips to quiet him and then pointed upward. Nathan followed the direction of his pointing finger with his eyes and to his astonishment realized that the roof of the building was not just high; it was gone! He was standing at the far end of a high-walled room with no ceiling! Stars could be seen shining overhead, lending their twinkling light to that of the candles. And at the far end of the room, visible just over the east wall, a shining tower could be seen far away, lighting up the night sky from the top of a white mountain.
“Amiera?” Nathan whispered.
“Yes. We are not entirely without knowledge of who you are here. Nor of who your father is.” Said the Friar, folding his hands into the sleeves of his habit. “Neither are we without the means of communicating with the Palace of the Heart when we wish to.”
“Communicate. What do you mean?” Nathan stared at Friar Tub in shock.
“This chamber was carefully crafted in this bowl-like shape to reflect sound across great distances when a person positions themselves in just the right spot.”
“You mean you can contact my father at the Palace from this chamber?”
“It has been done before. Long ago it was done quite often.” He returned the prince’s stare with a penetrating gaze. “The question is: Do you want to?”
The prince lowered his eyes, looking at the grass around his feet. The question struck him hard and he wasn’t sure he knew the answer. What would his father say to him when he told him what had happened and where he was? While it was true that his sister had been the one who first disobeyed by coming down to Darrowold, the point was that both of them were guilty. And while Nathan could point out that he had only come down to save her, he knew that was not a very good excuse, having not first told his father and obtained permission. After all, couldn’t Nataleigh use the same excuse for disobedience? She could say that she had only come down to save the dwarves from catastrophe as well. But was that an excuse? They had both taken matters into their own hands instead of trusting their father to handle it. How could he contact his father now, knowing the trouble they were in? How could he tell his father about the loss of Chrysolis and his capture by the most evil creature in the entire world of dwarves? How could he face him and tell him that he had failed to protect his sister? He couldn’t bear the thought!
“No.” He finally whispered almost to himself.
“What was that, young sire?” Friar Tub leaned closer. “Shall I leave you alone?”
“No.” Nathan said louder. “No. Show me to my room please. I’m tired. I just want to go to bed.”
“But… your father. Could he not h…?”
“No!” The prince interrupted. “He couldn’t! He won’t!”
There was a pause and the prince sighed deeply, shaking his head. “I mean, not yet, ok? I just need some sleep.”
And with that, he pushed past the friar and headed out.
Friar Tub bowed his head and sighed as well. “Be patient, my Lord. He is young.” Then he turned and left the chamber.
A soft, eastern breeze stirred the torches and a voice whispered… “I’ll be waiting.”
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