Part 1
It was late in the evening by the time Foster and Micah arrived at the tiny village and the sprite-sized tavern, the Cozy Den. Vargas hid in the woods outside of the village. They helped Foster onto a dragon mount for the short ride into town.
The village was packed with travelers to see the races. They worried about finding a room so late at night.
*giggle* It’s not him…
“When will he get here?” *giggle* “I’m dying for an autograph!”
Micah whispered, “Can you walk?”
“I think so.” Foster grouched that his fake ears kept slipping. He hissed under his breath, "Nobody’s going to buy these ridiculous costumes.” Micah reminded him that Gelfrey said they were enchanted and that they’d be fine.
“Evening ladies,” Foster said. Micah snapped his head towards the fairy. He’d never heard the prince sound so pleasant or charming before. It was actually odd to Micah’s ears. “What keeps you out at such an hour?” Foster flashed an easy smile to the girls.
“Kip Lightning!” The girls squealed, talking over one another. “He’s staying here for the race tomorrow.” “I can’t wait to meet him.” “O-M-O*, I’m about to die.” “I can’t wait.” “I want a lock of his hair.” “You’ll rip it out of his head.” “No I won’t!” “You totally will.” “I will, won’t I.” This was followed by much more mad giggling.
*Oh My Oracle!
“I had fans once,” Foster muttered under his breath. “I was quite popular in court.”
The Cozy Den was indeed a cozy little tavern. Inside Micah and Foster learned from the wait staff that the sign-up sheet for the race was up on the stage. It cost twenty gold to enter without a sponsor from the royal family. Foster assured them they were just there to observe.
Festive music played in the background. Foster pulled money from the pouch Gelfrey had given him and ordered food.
Lots of food.
“More!” Foster cried out with a rabid fervor Micah dared not question. The disguised fairy dove into the sugary treats and the wait staff kept them coming.
“The sooner we find Chase, the sooner we can get out of here,” Foster said, keeping his voice low.
Foster said, “He’ll take us to Gelfrey then he’ll across the border. I just hope he doesn’t hide us inside of some dead thing.” Foster and Micah both shuddered at such an idea.
Micah asked, “And we’ll make it through this Infinity Gate in time to save Ivan?”
“Yes, I’m certain. In fact, we’ll have to be careful to not bump into ourselves should we arrive too early.”
Foster asked, “Where might I find a fellow by the name of Chase?”
“The snail trainer?” The waitress looked to the left and right, leaning in close. “Chase was arrested last week. He supported Prince Foster. He’ll likely be taken to the gallows with the rest. They’re rounding up anyone thought to support the rebellion.”
“I find I am no longer hungry.”
“What are we supposed to do now?” Micah said with a heavy sigh. “Without Chase how can we find Gelfrey? How will we get into the forest?” Foster said nothing. Micah added, “I’m sorry about what’s happening to your kingdom.”
“I should have… “ Foster sighed. “I should have done things differently. I can’t do anything about it right now.”
“Well, we could always enter the race,” Micah said. “It would let us near the gates, wouldn't it?”
“Well, yes, actually… but…” Foster peered into his money pouch. “I ate all our money.”
To be continued….
Next Episode:
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