Chapter 17

Matrim marched along with Jane at his side. His eyes were wary, and every few moments he would turn to look behind them. “You remember the plan?” he asked Jane gravely.
“I-I think so.” Jane swallowed. “I’m just so nervous, Matrim. I wish Will and Andrija were with us. I worry about them.”
Matrim smiled comfortingly at her. “Don’t worry, Jane. They’ll be fine. I left a note back by the pool for them, telling them of our plan. They should find the note beneath the weeping willow this morning. It explains why you have come along with me.”
“I just hope they find it...” Jane sighed.
Matrim looked serious. “They will…I hope.”

* * *

A tattered parchment fluttered across the forest floor, the mischievous winds pushing it farther and farther away from the pool. When the breezes died away, the paper lay halfway beneath the cover of a bush.

Dear Andrija and Will,
Be not alarmed. Jane is with me by her own consent and under my protection. The Diadem was stolen by Marshivoc and Blancshoyc, two of the Enchanter’s three horsemen. They have taken the Diadem to their master, the Enchanter. In order to win the Diadem back again, we must infiltrate the Enchanter’s own castle, and for this reason, Jane must be with me. Here is the plan that I have most carefully thought out:
Because I must appear to be on the side of the Enchanter and his villainous associates, I will pretend to have taken Jane prisoner and will march into the Enchanter’s Palace in the uniform of a Sergeant in the Enchanter’s army. I will announce to the Chancellor that I have captured one of the two Children who were so troublesome to his Majesty, the Enchanter, and will take Jane down to the Dungeon.
I have friends, (this to be explained at a later time), who guard and patrol the Enchanter’s Dungeon. By means of a secret letter, I will instruct them to steal Jane out of the Dungeon and to a cottage on the shore of a lake, where she may abide in perfect safety with my sister. (This also to be explained at a later time.)
Because of my “bravery” and “loyalty” to the Enchanter, I will be issued an audience with him. Somehow, during the proceedings, I will seize the Diadem from the villain. I know that this is a bold and somewhat rash plan, but I also know what life is like beneath the harsh and evil reign of the Enchanter—and future generations must be spared this curse. If I die, I die for the people’s sake, that they might not live in fear of this depraved tyrant.
Furthermore, if this plan fails, Jane will be safe with my sister on the northern shore of Silver Lake.
What shall you do in the meantime? You must visit the town of Rasmusslin. In this wretched settlement dwell a great many poor peasants who serve the Enchanter. You must convince to join you in storming the gates of the castle, to end this terrible reign of the Enchanter.
The town is at the base of Gilgar Mountain. You cannot miss it. Now the sun is rising. I must go with Jane.
Andrija, if worst comes to worst and I am killed, take my sister, Luella, with you on your travels wherever you go. It is the greatest hope of my heart to behold your charming countenance once again… I would write more if this paper allowed.
Will, protect Andrija. Have courage.

~Matrim

* * *

The sky seemed to darken as Matrim and Jane topped the small rise and saw the Enchanter’s Palace spread out beneath them. It was a remarkable sight, domes rising from the midst, a great drawbridge leading the way over a dark moat into the Palace. Jane shivered. “Matrim, it’s horrible! The whole palace is hewn from black rock! It’s so…dark and eerie.”
“Jane, do not fear. Our foe might be powerful, but we are on the side of Justice.” Matrim’s eyes shone with courage as he hefted his satchel once more.
Jane nodded with admiration and inwardly resolved to take heed of this stalwart example in the future.
“We are nearing the drawbridge. I must tie your hands with this rope, Jane.”
Jane held out her hands and Matrim gently drew the knot fast. “There, now droop your head a bit,” he instructed. “Try your best to look like a defeated prisoner, not a valiant martyr.”
“I’m trying!” spluttered Jane. “The rope is chafing my hands.”
“There. Is that better?” Matrim asked with concern.
“I guess.”
“Now Jane, you must remember, however I treat you in the Enchanter’s domains, it is only an act. I must pretend to be your captor, and I am afraid that at times you shall be treated in mock harshness. However, I will not allow any true harm to come to you.”
“I understand, Matrim.”
“Here we are at the drawbridge.” Matrim squared his shoulders and held his head high and steady with military-like preciseness.
The dark gates creaked open, and two brawny guards dressed in black and scarlet leapt towards them-- spears brandished.
The first guard held out his hand perpendicular to the ground. Matrim came to an abrupt stop, and jerked Jane roughly to her knees.
“Your name, boy?” The first guard commanded, leveling his spear with Matrim’s chest.
“Sergeant Matrim Elnar reporting with a prisoner, sir.”
The first guard immediately snapped to attention, and the spear clanked to the ground. “I beg pardon, Sergeant. Enter.”
Jane looked wonderingly back at Matrim. He blinked rapidly, and she hung her head and did her best to look the part of a hobbling captive. It was indeed a hard thing to stare dismally at the black pavement of the palace, when there were such wonders about her. Great black towers rose hundreds of feet above her, casting dark shadows over the small party.
Men and women garbed in black and scarlet rushed by them performing various tasks, and Jane felt a shiver run up her spine when she glimpsed their faces. In the weary lines of their features there was etched grief and rage, and in their dull, tear-dimmed eyes burned deep and unfathomable terror.