Once there was Darkness

Chapter 22

Part 2

“My king. We missed the boat.”

“Boats wait for me.” He had a big grin on his face. “What happened? What can you remember?”

“I went to dad’s. He was laying on the floor. As I rushed to him, something hit me from behind. That’s all I remember.” She rolled over to face him. “I remember parts of the conversation you all were having but nothing more. Oh, I remember being in a lot of pain and needing to pee.” He grinned. “Well, it’s true.” She protested. They both started laughing.

“I have a confession; I’ve had a couple dreams with Sarah in them. She gave me a clue that led me to you in the bell tower. I think she’s seeking forgiveness.”

“Can you forgive her?”

“I never really thought about it until now.”

Kessa woke to Max standing over her. “Time to work those sore muscles.” He smiled.

“The king put you up to this?” She said playfully still wrapped in the covers.

Max blushed, “no. Enda. She’s about to skin me.” He lowered his head. “We miss you. I miss you. Nothing is the same. Walk as far as you can. When you get tired, I’ll carry you.” He lowered his head, “the king is really upset with me.”

“Why?”

“I will not tell him everything you said in the bell tower.”

She smiled, “thank you. If he asks, I’ll tell him.” Max helped her up. “First order of business is a bath and a change.” She continued smiling.

She and Max went to the library. Their knock went unanswered. Max slowly opened the door.

“My king.” She called. The floor was covered with paper.

A red faced Kol, popped up from under a pile of papers. “You’re up.” He smiled.

“What’s this, my king?” Kessa asked

He looked at Max. He wasn’t comfortable discussing this with Max here but he did. “There is something I need to understand. I’m being deceived. Something is deceiving.” He put his hand on his chest. “I feel like I need to start here.”

“With the stuff that was you’re dad’s?” Kessa asked.

“Yes.”

“Hidden. Deceiving. Covered. This palace is full of hidden spaces.” Kol looked confused. “Rooms, doors, walls. Can we help?”

“I don’t know what I’m looking for.”

“Let’s go back to your dad’s study. Then come back to this.”

Kol agreed. They went back, pushing against the walls. Pulled at the bricks in the fire place.

Kol really wished it was just he and Kessa. He needed to talk to her. How could he be so selfish? She was up and walking. Thank you God.

Max was in the floor. “I think.” One of the boards in the floor moved. He pulled out a very dusty object covered in felt; handing it straight to Kol. He and Kessa left the king.