This first quest of his was turning into more than he had expected, yet it seemed harmless. But, of course, the flying horse was not a monster either, so maybe the monsters they sought were just ordinary people or creatures. How many flying horses have you heard about?
Also, Alaisdair thought, that glimpse of the baby bird was quick, but it did not seem extraordinary, except it was a fierce little bundle of pecking feathers.
Fallon wants me to meet the Enchanted Woods King at the Keep. He says the King knew I was coming. Well, we shall see.
The forest was quiet even though a stream ran parallel to the wide pathway. There were no wildlife sounds. But then, on the other side of the mountain, Alaisdair had not seen any either. The only sounds were the horses pulling carts and the trampling of the foot soldiers following their sergeant on his horse.
The troops were slowing down as trees opened into a large expanse. At the bottom of the hill-type mountain was a sizeable moat-type pool extending yards on three sides in the drawbridge area. The water was filled with fins, apparently gliding. Several lept upward, jaws snapping as they left the water to tumble back and continue their food search.
Fallon said, "Those are sharks. They feed on fish but like the taste of human flesh, too, so stay in the middle of the bridge.
The bridge slowly lowered with an extension so no one would be in danger of the man-eating swimmers. Then, the troops and horse-pulled carts rolled smoothly up and onto the plateau.
A colossal cistern stood upon the ground to the left of the drawbridge area at the foot of this mountain, outside allowing the view of a black-bricked fortress reaching at least twenty-two meters tall with huge turrets again half as towering as the fortress. The parapet fencing enclosing this magnificent structure went as far as the eye could see on either side. Inside the fencing to the right were gardens of flowers and vegetables intermixed.
The supply carts were dispatched to the left into their proper holding areas, but I couldn't see them in the mist-filled distance.
Fallon was holding one of my leads, guiding me to the steps into the castle fort. Unfortunately, the steps appeared to move. I tried several times to step on, and I slid off. Finally, Fallon said, "Lad, step firmly onto the bottom step and stand in place."
Doing what Fallon told me, the steps took me to the door, which slid open. I almost fell backward in surprise. But, thank Losh, Fallon was behind me and pushed me forward.
The entranceway was massive, many times the size of my home. As I looked in both directions, Fallon said, "Stay here. I will be back soon. Have a seat."
Alaisdair did not see any seats, but there were huge doors to the left with peer holes. Then, finally, he saw a large seat carved from a blackwood tree with steps to the sitting area.
It was the only sitting place, so he pushed on the door that glided into the adjoining wall. He is enraptured at the sight of the elaborate rune-encrusted seat.
Once Alaisdair sat, the seat adjusted to his frame and swiveled, and he could turn in a full circle viewing the forest around him. It was dark and forbidding yet had an inviting feel in the air—a strange combination. He had a longing to roam and see the mysteries the woods held.
The setting was calm, and he dozed off to be awakened by the roar of a colossal Black Cat who pounced and threw him to the ground. Alaisdair stared in horror and terror when the Panther said, "How dare you sit in my Kingly place? How dare you?" This colossal beast was standing over Alaisdair's prone body, and the vast cat's teeth were near his throat.
Alaisdair felt faint when he heard Fallon say, "Sir, he is an impulsive young man on his first solo foray. Please spare him. This is the monster hunter you told me would show up today."
Alaisdair would have been upset but relieved had he seen the wink Fallon gave the 'King.
The Panther turned from the shaken Alaisdair. He looked back and said, "You, Alaisdair, be at dinner within the hour. Then said, "Fallon, see to it."
"Yes, Sir," Fallon said as he saluted.
Alaisdair thought, how does he know my name?
Fallon reached down to help Alaisdair to his feet.
Alaisdair looked after the cat bounding more deeply into the forest, then turned to Fallon and asked, "What was that? I have never seen a talking animal before."
Fallon said, taking Alaisdair's arm and walking him back into the corridor, "Come, we must set up for the midday meal. That was the King."