The Adventures of Alice and Max
Chapter 28: Alice and Max Join Up
Grub couldn’t believe King Edward’s words that Alice and Max were the children prophesied in the Song of My People sung and composed by the Free People of the King.
“Sire, I don’t think this is wise,” Grub said annoyed, sighing.
“They bring good tidings, Grub. Even someone as stubborn as you cannot deny the determination and grit it took for these two friends to journey here.”
“Aye, King,” Grub said defeated knowing he was correct. He shook his head in disgust.
“What is this place, King,” Max asked, wondering.
King Edward smiled warmly. “This is our hidden and secret Kingdom of the Free People who live in peace and harmony. Well, we did. Now we’re hunted by the Queen, the magical evil witch.”
“She’s a-a… a witch?” Max asked terrified. “But just because she’s a witch doesn’t make her evil-”
“She is, son,” Winston said quickly.
“He speaks true,” Edward said. “Witches sell their souls down below. The ancient serpent down in the Great Fire, she serves. He and him alone. She has lost her way. She was once a beautiful Queen but she gave herself over to him and he in turn granted her dark powers unimaginable to your innocent minds.”
“Do not trifle with her, children,” Aunt Cherry said, cleaning up. “She will only cause you pain and misery.”
“What kind of powers does she have,” Alice asked.
“Evil sinister abilities,” Edward said. “Don’t be tempted. I fear she will urge you to her side. She is a devious and cunning one.”
“How do you know,” Max asked.
“She killed my father,” King Edward said gravely. “Murdered him in cold blood. My father, King Lucius the Grand, was a noble King ruling in peace and generous in giving, fair and trustworthy, but when the Queen came from the West, gathering fame, she came in peace. My father took her with open arms and so together they ruled for a time in serenity. But when they decided to marry, for my father was a widower, on the night of their wedding she smothered him in his sleep, seizing control. I was saved by Winston in the dead of night. We escaped as she sent her servants to kill me. But she never did find me, and so ever since she has vowed to take my life.”
“And ever since that night, we have been gathering followers of the Old Kingdom,” Winston said. “They are loyal and eager for the return of the True Crown.”
Alice said reflecting, “What do you know about the Great Light?”
Everyone looked at her startled.
“The Great Light?” Edward asked as his face lit up with delight. “Oh, have you seen it? Did you see a vision?”
“No, but we have heard of it. What is it?”
“The Great Light was a source of strength and healing, of warmth,” King Edward said, slowly and taking care to savor every word. “It once brought light to all living things. It brought peace and lightened our darkened hearts and minds. But it has been lost for many generations. My Father saw it when he was young but after that, the world has been covered in darkness ever since.
“But some say, you can find it across the roaring and maddening oceans, over the Great Mountains. Those who have crossed over have never been seen or heard again. So either, death awaits or they have found it and remain where they are in its warm light. They have found a home, I believe, finding the rest and warmth of the sun which they always desired. But maybe my dreams are only dreams. Who knows what lies out there.”
“Over the Mountains?” The two kids said in unison reflecting and curiously pondering the sayings of the youthful king.
“Can you bring us there, King Edward?” Alice asked quickly. “Will you?”
“Aye, I will. But first, there is much to be done here among my people. I cannot simply abandon them.”
“What does the coming of the children mean, King?” Winston asked. “Do we tell our people?”
“It means we are doomed,” Grub said.
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