My 8 E-books written over the years by Alina Udrea - HTML preview

Chapter 3

Lizzy woke up in the comfy bed still tired from the road. But she had to meet

the king and see what he wanted of her. So there was no point in delaying it any longer.

The king was already in the secret chamber waiting for Lizzy. His two

counsellors were also there like two hawks, like scavengers ready to take even the last piece of flesh from the bone. She knocked softly before entering.- Do you feel better now, Lizzy? Can we get to the subject? The king asked, this time not taking no for an answer.

- Yes, my king, she answered looking straight into his pitch- black eyes.

321

- Good…the king went on glad that the little witch was finally ready to hear him. Have you heard of the Forest of the Lost Souls?, he eventually asked in a low and almost trembling voice. Xander and Mario both looked at her to see if her face betrayed more than she was willing to admit.- The Forest of the Lost Souls…. Lizzy’s voice was like an echo when she finally answered. Yes, she almost hissed the “yes”. I know a thing or two about the cursed place…

- Good, continued king Harold somehow relieved that he wouldn’t have to tell her about it and the dangers lurking there as she seemed to know already. My next question then is this: have you heard of the Fountain of Eternal Youth?

Now it all made sense to her. He wanted to be young again. He would be a young king again if he could get his hands on the magic water from the fountain… Then out loud she spoke emphasizing every word:- That is a dangerous thing which you are asking, my king.- Are you afraid, little witch? The king was red in the face with anger. But usually his anger passed just as fast as a summer rain if in the end he got what he wanted.

- No, she answered calmly, I am not afraid… Is that where you sent my mother?

- Watch your tongue, witch! Mario intervened as fast as lightning.- No, Mario, let her speak freely, the king said thinking that he had better be honest with her if he wanted to have her by his side. Yes, she went on the same quest but she has never returned. I am sorry for your loss as she is probably dead. And yes, I still need that which she hasn't succeeded to bring me. I need water from the Fountain of Eternal Youth. I want to be young again, I want my life back. I want to see my children growing up. Maybe you can even find out what happened to your mother. If you can do this Lizzy, then you can ask for as much wealth as you can possibly want. Just ask and you shall have it. Anything you want. I can even make you queen if you want and we shall both rule the kingdom…. Harold was desperate and was ready to promise her anything just to get his hands on the magic water which would give him his youth back. He hadn't made up his mind if he would keep his promises but that he would decide once he had the water. Till then he was prepared to promise her anything.- Ok, I will do it, Lizzy finally answered. She knew she couldn’t refuse him or he would kill her on the spot. She had no choice really. When I get you your

322

magic water I will tell you my price, she added.

- Ok, fair enough, said Harold with his lips twisted in a large grin. Anything!, he added again to assure her once more. Then this meeting is over. Mario, give her some gold for the trip, Harold said and exited the secret chamber with a satisfied grin.