Armendora - Chapter 11

This is the 11th chapter of Armendora. Do give me some ideas on how do you want to see how the story goes, okay? In desperate need of some great ideas...

Chapter Eleven

Sarah’s History

 

 

 

Ned’s training began early the next day. Ned was trained with self defence first before learning magic from Lancelot. With the help from the books in the Sacred Cave, Ned was able to master the simplest spells within minutes.

After a few days of training, Ned was tested to make a bridge using magic. The bridge must be able to withstand the weight of an elephant, over the Grim River, the largest, widest, deepest river in Armendora; the largest Ned had ever seen. The current of the river was really fast, anybody could never survive once they feel in it. The river banks were lined with mosses and slippery stones that nobody can hold on to if they were to try and save themselves.

“What the purpose of this test again?” asked Ned. “I thought this magic was supposed to be used against Helmcit, not to build bridges.”

“The only way,” said Lancelot, “to go to the Castle is crossing this river, Ned. There’s no other way to go. Not if you can master the art of Appear and Disappear.”

“Why can’t we use that instead?” asked Ned.

“Because it’s Dark Magic, Ned,” said Alyssa. “That’s why. We don’t want you to be as evil as Helmcit. Dark Magic can turn someone so good and kind to someone who is merciless; like Helmcit.”

“Are you saying that Helmcit was a good man before all this?” asked Ned.

“Yes,” replied Lancelot. “Helmcit was a very good man. But his greed forced him to learn Dark Magic and eventually, he became bad, even worse than some of the Kings who ruled Armendora before.”

“So, we need the bridge,” said Ned, “to cross this river and defeat him?”

“Isn’t that what I told you before?” asked Lancelot.

“Oh, come on, Ned,” said Alyssa. “Let’s hurry up. I don’t want anything to happen to Gloria or my mother.”

“Right,” said Ned.

 

With certain difficulties (and a little help from Alyssa), Ned built a beautiful bridge. Since Ned’s magic is not strong, the bridge lasted only for 30 minutes before it disappeared. Crossing the bridge was another story. Even though Ned’s bridge was beautiful, it was not as strong as it should have been. There were some holes on the bridge, making it hard to cross. Also, the bridge does not have any fence on either side of it, making it even harder to cross as they have to avoid falling into the river through the holes and falling over either side of the bridge. Eventually, they made it across.

“Your magic needs more practice, Ned,” said Lancelot. “We’ll do some more tonight.”

They spent the night in a nearby cottage. The cottage was abandoned and according to Lancelot, the cottage was once belonged to Ned’s grandparents; before he was born. Ned’s mother met his father when she was learning history at the Old Castle. They accidentally bumped into each other in the Empty Forest when Ned’s father was collecting herbs for medicinal purposes. At that time, it was love at first sight for them.

“Once I know the truth,” said Lancelot, “I quickly forbid it. But, your mother was so stubborn; she decided to marry your father no matter what the cost; even if it meant losing the throne.”

“So, that’s why the Sacred Cave greeted me as ‘Prince’,” said Ned.

“Oh, do tell me more, grandpa,” said Alyssa. “I do want to know more about my dear cousin here.”

“Oh, come on, Alyssa,” said Ned. “Now you’re calling me cousin?”

“What’s wrong with that?” asked Alyssa. “You’re still my one and only; there’s no doubt about that.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” asked Ned to Lancelot.

“Well,” said Lancelot, “you two are very much like a long lost family reunited. But, since Sarah really wanted to marry Alex, she risked herself on losing the throne to her brother, Baltrix.”

“Wait,” said Ned. “So, my father didn’t change his name; only my mother and I did?”

“Hmm,” began Lancelot, “that’s right. He didn’t change his name, as far as I’m concerned. I don’t really remember your father well, Ned. But, he was a kind gentleman. Even though I was against the marriage, I always knew that he will take care of Sarah and the child they would have; which they did.”

“What else I should know about my family?” asked Ned.

“Nothing more that I can remember,” said Lancelot. “Maybe there’s more, but I can’t really figure out what.”

“Well, that’s okay,” said Ned. “Maybe we should begin my practice?”

“Oh, right,” said Lancelot. “I totally forgot about that.”

Another Pause on Armendora...

I'm sorry to tell you guys this but, there is another pause on 'Armendora' as I'm awfully busy with my works. The 11th Chapter will be posted as soon as possible since I'm currently stuck in Chapter 12. I'm really sorry for any inconvenience caused...

With all due respect,

Hafiz Khairuddin

Armendora - Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

The Truth about Ned

 

 

 

“GLORIA!!!” cried Alyssa.

“Alyssa, calm down!” said Ned.

“How am I supposed to calm down when my guardian was kidnapped by my own stepfather?” exclaimed Alyssa.

“Just calm down, dear,” said Lancelot. “We will save her. We still have time. But, we need to prepare Ned first. Otherwise, you will definitely lose.”

“Your grandfather’s right,” said Ned as he hugged Alyssa, calming her down. “It will all be okay. Trust me.”

“Right now, I don’t know whether I can trust anybody,” said Alyssa.

“Do you mean that you don’t trust me?” asked Ned.

“No, not that,” said Alyssa.  “I do trust you. It’s just that I can’t be sure if everything will be alright. My life has been unfortunate since my mother married that wretched Helmcit.”

“Well, then put your trust on me for just a few more days,” said Ned. “We need everything we can to fight him back.”

“Ned’s right, Alyssa,” said Lancelot. “We need to go to the Sacred Cave. The sooner we get there, the better.”

 

As they made their way to the Sacred Cave, Alyssa couldn’t help herself by thinking about Gloria. To her, even Ned’s comforting hands couldn’t calm her down. She felt like she had lost someone very important in her life. When she looked at Ned, she thought to herself I must protect him, too.

It took them half a day to get to the Sacred Cave. According to Lancelot, the Sacred Cave is where all the magic of Armendora began. According to legend, the Sacred Cave was the first Castle of Armendora. After that, the city grew and the cave was left alone, with a guardian to protect it from any harm. The Cave itself has its own power to actually tell whether someone was worthy enough to actually learn magic.

The Cave was extremely huge, which explained the legend why this place was used to be the Castle. Once they entered inside, the Cave suddenly glow bright with golden light. On the wall, letters appeared and spelled the words WELCOME BACK, PRINCE ALTHER, AND WELCOME KING LANCELOT AND PRINCESS ALYSSA in bright blue and green colour. There were old books on shelves and properly stacked on the floor with some other tools Ned could not recognize.

“Who’s Prince Alther?” asked Ned. “My name’s Ned, not Prince Alther.”

“Well,” began Lancelot. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. Alyssa here just wanted to stop me from telling you the truth.”

“The truth?” asked Ned. “About what?”

“About who you really are,” answered Alyssa. “You see, according to legend, my father had a sister, Sarah. She was married to one of the citizens of Armendora. My grandfather here doesn’t approve of the marriage because royal blood must marry with another royal blood. So, he told her to live here and be the guardian of the Cave.”

“They had a son together,” continued Lancelot. “As far as I’m concerned, they left Armendora when Alyssa’s father died. Sarah couldn’t take it, and so she left Armendora through one of the gates at the Old Castle.”

“And you’re saying that they went to Haybury and actually lived there ever since?” asked Ned. “No wonder they were not surprised when I said to them I’m in Armendora right now.”

“You told them you’re coming here?” asked Lancelot.

“No,” said Ned.  “Gloria let me use her Hacker to call my parents.”

“Well, that’s not a good thing to do,” said Lancelot.

“Why not?” asked Alyssa. “His parents have the right to know where he is.”

“I’m talking about how dangerous the Hacker is,” said Lancelot. He sat on a chair and continued. “A Hacker can be easily hacked. Somebody might have been listening to Ned’s conversation with his parents.”

“And you’re talking about my stepfather?” asked Alyssa.

“Who else?” said Lancelot. “Maybe that’s why he kidnapped Gloria, for protecting the lost Prince.”

“Are you saying that Gloria was captured because of me?” asked Ned.

“Kind of, dear one, kind of,” said Lancelot.

“Oh, now I’m feeling guilty,” said Ned, sitting on a chair. “Thank you very much for telling me this.”

“Ned, it’s not your fault,” said Alyssa, sitting next to him. “We didn’t even know if that’s the truth.”

“Well, it is true,” said Ned. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

“What I mean is that we don’t know if you really are the lost Prince,” said Alyssa. “Besides, I think Gloria was kidnapped for protecting me. The note clearly addressed to me.”

“How are we going to know the truth?” asked Ned. “I’m really confused here.”

“What we need,” said Lancelot, “is either confession from your parents or something that clearly shows that you are the Prince.”

“How are we supposed to let his parents confess, grandpa?” asked Alyssa. “Besides, there’s no way that we can contact them from here. Not without a Hacker. Even that can be hacked, remember?”

“Um, Alyssa,” said Lancelot. “There is a Hacker here. It’s right over there by the bookshelves.”

And sure enough, the Hacker was there.

“Is it safe?” asked Ned.

“Only one way to find out,” said Lancelot. He walked over to the Hacker, examining it to make sure it’s not hacked.

“It’s safe,” said Lancelot. “No sign of interference.”

 

“Ned, are you okay?” asked Connie, Ned’s mother.

“I’m fine, Mom,” answered Ned. “Mom, can I ask you a question?”

“Sure, honey,” replied Connie. “What is it?”

“Are we really from Armendora?” asked Ned.

There was a long pause. Then, Ned’s father, Alex answered his question.

“Yes,” he said. “We are from Armendora. But it’s a long story. You can ask someone by the name Lancelot. He knows everything, and I mean everything.”

“Well, as a matter of fact, he is telling me about our family,” said Ned. “That’s why I’m asking you, is it real?”

“Yes, honey,” replied Connie. “It is real.”

“And your name is not Connie, its Sarah,” said Ned.

“Yes, honey,” said Sarah. “And yours is—“

“Alther,” said Ned.

 

Knowing the truth really hurts, especially not from his parents who only confess after Ned ask them really made Ned hurt. Seeing himself as an outsider at first, then suddenly became Prince of Armendora is something that Ned couldn’t bear.

“Are you alright, Ned?” asked Alyssa.

“Not really,” said Ned. “My parents just said I’m Armendorian, what would that make you feel?”

“Proud,” said Alyssa.

“We are proud of you, Ned,” said Lancelot. “You volunteered yourself to help Alyssa regain control on Armendora even though you didn’t know that you are Armendorian.”

“Really?” asked Ned. “You don’t find it weird?”

“Not weird,” Alyssa. “Shocking is the best word here.”

“Well,” said Lancelot, “we better start training you up for the war ahead.”

Armendora - Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

Where’s Gloria?

 

 

Armendora looked really beautiful at night, so beautiful that you’ll actually fell in love with the scene—the clear sky full of shiny, bright stars; the fresh, cool air, and the beautiful lights coming from the skyscrapers of Armendora; like a kingdom you can only imagine. It is a really sad thing about this kingdom is that even though it’s really beautiful, the king who is ruling at that time is really, really, really cruel.

King Helmcit, scarcely known to most people—apart from being the King of Armendora—is a really mean, nasty person. If someone walked past him, that person must kneel on the ground and say “Good day, Your Majesty.” Otherwise, that person would be beheaded. People lived in fear under Helmcit's rule because almost all crimes are punishable by death.

Alyssa’s mother, Mary Anne was the kindest queen the people had ever known. When her husband, King Baltrix died, she ruled Armendora with the greatest and kindest care, like Armendora was her own heart and soul. But, everyone could see that she was unhappy, even though she smiled whenever she met other people. So, the whole nation was happy when she announced that she will be married to Helmcit, her brother-in-law.

But, once Helmcit was announced king, he started to do terrible things. Since he had a stepdaughter, Alyssa, he cannot make his own son, Arthur to be king when he dies. So, in order to make his own son king, he has ordered the whole nation to search and capture Alyssa for treason. Knowing this, Alyssa fled out of her country, away from her only family to Earth to search for an ally.

After Alyssa had fled, Armendora was in a more critical situation. Houses were searched every single day to make sure nobody was hiding Alyssa. Worst of all, Alyssa’s own mother, Helmcit's own wife was locked in the dungeons because of Alyssa’s escape. The safety of Armendora now lies on Alyssa’s own shoulders.

Before fleeing Armendora, Alyssa promised herself that she would bring peace back to Armendora. But, she doesn’t know that it will be harder than she thought.

“In order to save Armendora,” said Lancelot, “you have to bring an ally that can actually fight. That ally must also know magic that Helmcit does not.”

“Magic that Helmcit does not know?” asked Ned. “What do you mean?”

“Helmcit learnt the darkest magic people have known,” said Lancelot. “How do you think he made all those Rotters?”

“Then, how should I know what magic to learn to defeat him?” asked Ned.

“That’s where we’re going;” said Lancelot, “to the Sacred Cave. You will learn all the magic skills you need to fight Helmcit.”

“Sacred Cave?” asked Alyssa. “Why there?”

“Because at the same time, Ned can learn about his family,” said Lancelot.

“My family?” asked Ned. “I know my family really well, thanks.”

“Not that family, Ned,” said Lancelot. “Your real family.”

“Grandpa, not now!” said Alyssa.

“What?” said Lancelot. “He must know, dear.”

“Okay. Whatever it is,” said Ned, “let’s go there first, okay?”

“Okay,” said Alyssa. “But, shouldn’t we wait for Gloria first?”

“Yeah, I think we should,” said Lancelot. “In the mean time, let’s rest here and I can tell you guys more about Helmcit and your mother, Alyssa.”

“What about my mother?” asked Alyssa.

“The part on what’s happened to your mother, apart from locked in the dungeons,” said Lancelot.

“What happened?” asked Alyssa. “Oh, grandpa, do tell me that she’s okay.”

“I won’t call chained to the dungeon wall and tortured every day okay,” said Lancelot. “Your mother was tortured, dear. Tortured in a way I can’t really describe.”

“Oh, no!” cried Alyssa.

“Every day tortured?” asked Ned. “That’s horrible! How could he do that to his own wife?”

“That’s because he does not love his wife,” explained Lancelot. “He marries Alyssa’s mother just because the opportunity of being King of Armendora. He doesn’t care about her. His mind was set on ruling Armendora. That’s why he killed—“

“Killed?” asked Alyssa. “He killed somebody?”

“Your own father, Alyssa,” said Lancelot. “He killed his own brother for his own benefit.”

“He killed my father?” asked Alyssa shocked.

“Is this true?” asked Ned. “How did you know this?”

“I saw it with my own eyes, Ned,” said Lancelot. “I was there when it happened. Helmcit slipped some poison in Baltrix’s drink and blames the cook for it. The cook was beheaded by the Queen.”

“Wow,” said Ned. “I can hardly believe this.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” said Lancelot. “Wait till you meet him. He’s capable of more extreme things than just poison his own brother. That traitor! He deserves to die.”

“When did he lock my mother in the dungeons?” asked Alyssa. “Is it right after I flee?

“No, dear one,” said Lancelot. “After you fled Armendora, Helmcit ordered the whole kingdom to look for you. When you returned here, you mother Sensed you. She suddenly said “My daughter’s back!” and Helmcit was excited, knowing that he will have another chance in killing you. So, he asked your mother about your whereabouts. Knowing his plans, your mother refuses to tell and she was sent to the dungeons straight away.”

“So, my mother was sent to the dungeons for protecting me?” asked Alyssa.

“Yes, my dear,” said Lancelot with a smile. “She loves you, remember?”

Alyssa smiled at Lancelot’s words. He’s definitely right. What kind of mother doesn’t love her own child? Ned hugged Alyssa, wiping her tears.

 

As they sat and talked more about Helmcit and what he did to Armendora and Alyssa’s mother, time flies by. But, there was no sign of Gloria. As the day gets darker, they started to worry.

“Where’s Gloria?” asked Alyssa. “She should be here by now.”

“Yeah,” said Ned. “I wonder what happened.”

“Let’s go and search for her,” suggest Lancelot. “Maybe she’s lost.”

“She can’t be lost,” said Alyssa. “She knows this forest like the back of her own hand.”

“Okay, I’ve had enough,” said Ned. “Let’s go and look for her.”

They searched here and there, but there’s no sign of Gloria. Even when they split up to cover more ground, Gloria was nowhere to be found.

“Let’s go back to the Tree House,” suggests Ned. “Maybe she’s there.”

Once they arrived at the Tree House, they were shocked to see it. Everything was messed up—from the books to the kitchens, even the bedrooms.

“Gloria!”

“Gloria! Come on, we’re late!”

“Glo—“

They stopped shouting her name when they saw a note stuck on the wall near Alyssa’s bedroom.

 

 

Alyssa,

            I have your beloved guardian with me now. If you want her safe, come and surrender yourself. You don’t want to know what will happen if you don’t. I’ll give you one week.

 

Your stepfather

 

“GLORIA!!!”

Armendora - Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

Grandpa Lancelot

 

 

“I’m fine, mother,” said Ned. “Don’t worry about me. Tell dad I said hello, okay? I love you.”

Ned was crying after he ‘hung up’ the Hacker. He’s been explaining about his disappearance from home; which made his parents worried sick. Alyssa put her hand on Ned’s shoulder, trying to comfort him. After Gloria had put back the Hacker in its place, she told them about her plan for tomorrow.

“Alyssa,” Gloria said. “I think it’s time to take Ned around; at least, around in the forest. He’s just been to the waterfall and there are a lot more to see in this Empty Forest.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Gloria,” said Alyssa. “We should be training Ned tomorrow; to prepare him for the war ahead.”

“But I don’t think Ned needs more training,” said Gloria. “Besides, he already knows how to make magic. Look at how he drew that sword.”

“Are you sure it’s okay?” asked Ned.

“Of course, dear one,” said Gloria. “Let’s get some sleep. You’re going to need the energy for tomorrow’s adventure.”

 

The next morning, Gloria woke them up early in the morning. After breakfast, they started to walk out of the house and into the Empty Forest for their ‘jungle trekking’. Ned saw great sights of the forest—from the waterfall to the Old Castle—where trees are greener and taller than the ordinary trees on Earth. The awkward emptiness of the forest troubled Ned so much that he suddenly asked the question he had asked before.

“I really have to ask,” said Ned. “Where are the animals? Are they hiding or dead?”

“Well, they’re not dead, that’s for sure,” came a voice behind Ned’s back.

“What the—“shouted Ned but something tells him that the ghost has something to do with Alyssa.

“Grandpa!” exclaimed Alyssa, hugging the ghostly figure of an old man, dressed in rich robes with a crown on his bald head.

“Grandpa?” Ned asked. “This is your grandfather? He scared me!”

“Sorry about that, your Highness,” said the ghost. “Didn’t mean to do that. Your question made me really surprised.”

“Grandpa, not now,” said Alyssa. “He’s not ready yet.”

“Ready for what?” Ned asked. “Why did he call me ‘Your Highness’ when you are the princess, Alyssa?”

“Well, let me introduce myself,” said the ghost. “My name is Lancelot and I am the 15th King of Armendora.”

“15th King?” said Ned. “Wow, you’re really old.”

“I wouldn’t call myself old, but thanks for the compliment,” said Lancelot. “I’ve been like this for the past 20 years!”

“Twenty years?” said Ned. “Wow, you’re really old!”

“Can you PLEASE stop that?” barked Lancelot. “Just because I’m dead, doesn’t mean that you can make fun of me!”

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry!” said Ned.

“Phew,” sighed Alyssa. “Finally the fight has stop.”

“Hi, Your Majesty,” said Gloria.

“Hi, Gloria,” said Lancelot. “How are you?”

“I’m fine,” Gloria replied. “I just remembered something. I forgot my lucky necklace at the Tree House. Let me go and get it first while you guys can catch up.” After that, she went through the forest without looking back.

“That’s awkward,” said Alyssa. “I thought she didn’t have a lucky necklace.”

“Never mind that,” said Lancelot. “You need to know what happened when you’re not around.”

“What happened?” asked Ned.

“Terrible things,” said Lancelot. His face was sad, really sad that you can actually tell that it’s much worse than terrible.