Stone of Hope

Chapter 16

Over the next couple of weeks, a new schedule emerges. Each day begins with Norell bringing breakfast to my room, followed by Molly’s cheery arrival to help me dress and provide history lessons, all while telling me how the Troll Realm works. The Royal Scholar, boasting an impressive mane of white hair and a gentle soul, coaches me on troll words and language, some of which are vastly different from back home. Although Timber is busy with his duties, he always seems to find time to have lunch with me. In the evenings, I dine as a special guest with the Royal Court, which I have learned is comprised of King Forrest, Timber, Timber’s cousin, and his wife. It isn’t until I ask if I can dine with Molly, Norell, and the other pregnant women that Timber remembers I’m not accustomed to the uptight, all-business manner of the Royal Court.

I want girl time. I want Ash time. I haven’t seen him in many days. One evening as Timber escorts me back to my room after dinner, I decide to finally ask him why I haven’t seen Ash.

“Jewel, we’ve been over this. He isn’t in this realm; he’s still in yours, trying to locate your father,” he explains patiently. “Although, the amount of time it’s taking Ash to find your father is troubling, to say the least. He comes back briefly to check in with news or updates, then my father sends him back out to continue searching for your father.”

“I understand all that,” I answer, frustrated, “but it seems like forever since I saw him! Your father could at least let him come talk to me when he returns to debrief every few days.”

“Do you have any idea where your father might be?” he asks carefully.

I’m becoming paranoid about how fervently the King wants to find my father, and I don’t think it’s just to get information about the Darkland Kingdom. Do I tell him about our cabin in Colorado and tell them to look there? As much as I want to trust Timber, I only trust Ash with some of my secrets.

“No, I don’t know where he would be,” I answer evasively, looking straight ahead and avoiding Timber’s eyes. “He’s lied to me my whole life about who he is. If what Ash said about him not being home is true, then maybe he went back to the Darkland Kingdom.” Suddenly irritated, I plant my feet and whirl on him. “It irks me that I’m expected to be honest with you, yet you still won’t give me any answers! Why won’t your father let Ash spend time with me when he comes back to debrief? Five minutes to come talk to me won’t disrupt his mission to find my father.”

Taken aback, Timber looks thoughtful. “You really care for him?”

“You know I do. Yes, he lied to me, but he’s a familiar face and someone I trust. Don’t you get it, Timber?” I fume, getting wound up. “I’m homesick, I miss welding my sculptures, I’m worried about my dad, and I want to go home!” Sighing heavily, I close my eyes and fight the tears that threaten. “I need to make sure he’s okay. He’s the only person I have left.”

Understanding fills his eyes. “I’m sorry you feel this way. I wish you had confided in me sooner, Jewel. Just know that Ash is the best Seeker we have. If anyone can find your dad, it’s him.”

I groan. This is going nowhere.

“Jewel,” Timber says placatingly, “I understand that you’re frustrated, but I can’t allow you to go back home. It’s too risky! You crossed over once, but what if you can’t cross back over to this realm again? What if it kills you?”

Although touched by his concern, I can’t tell him it’s misplaced unless I reveal that the wise woman, Calla, foretold I would be able to cross freely. I know she gave me the Gift of Portal Sight for a reason.

Sensing he’s on the losing end of this battle, Timber tries to change the subject to a topic he knows I love. “Let’s go for a run. It might make you feel better.”

I work hard to tamp down my agitation. “No, Timber, it won’t. I need something to keep my mind off my father and Ash.”

“Want to see the Royal Scholar for another coaching session on our language? I can help you.” He gives me a charming smile that I’m sure has worked on countless ladies across the Troll Realm.

I’m getting nowhere with him. “Actually, the girls said they were going to make decorations and apply the final touches for the Festival of Woods in the room next to the ballroom. I think I’ll join them.” I don’t need to spend another second with Timber. I turn, giving him a cold shoulder and hoping to leave him behind, but I hear his footsteps follow. Without waiting for him to catch up, I make my way to Molly and Norell.

I glance inside the ballroom and see that all the tables have been set up, but the table decorations are missing. I take a moment to admire the open meadow theme before picking my way across the room where they are decorating for tomorrow night’s ball. Stepping up to Molly I ask, “Can I help?”

Molly whirls around. As soon as she sees me, she lifts her gaze over my head, looking for Timber. I look over my shoulder to see Timber nodding at her, and I roll my eyes. I know Timber thinks I shouldn’t lift a finger, and while the whole caveman-thing might be appreciated by the female troll population, it’s certainly not liked by me. Molly has tried countless times to convince me it’s sweet, but she also works for the Prince, so my guess is that she just does what he says.

I spot Norell standing among the other ladies in an assembly line. Flowers, logs, and greenery overflow the tables where they’re working. White ribbons lined with gold trim are scattered on the floor.

Norell’s gaze shifts to me from the centerpiece she’s working on. She smiles and waves. “Hi, Jewel! Yes, another pair of hands would be greatly appreciated!”

Molly grabs my arm. “Right now, we’re making centerpieces for the festival. Just follow the same pattern as Norell; she’ll help you.” Molly leans in to whisper conspiratorially, “She’s better at it than I am.”

I watch in rapt fascination as Norell picks up an assorted bunch of flowers and makes a bouquet in her hand by tying a piece of white ribbon around it. Once complete, she places the bundle into a carved hole in the top of a hollow log. Several holes line the bottom of the log. She places a bundle of flowers in each hole, fluffing and adding more stems until each bouquet stands straight up. I turn to see a log already done. Bouquets alternate from short to tall, ostensibly so guests can see each other when they’re placed down the center of each table.

“That’s beautiful!” I gush, enchanted by the unfamiliar flora and traditions of this realm. I get to work as I try to mimic Norell’s practiced hand.

She smiles and points to a bundle of flowers in soft orange and peach tones. “Those are called duskin, because of how the colors resemble the early rise and late set of the night sky. The season is late, which means they won’t be in bloom much longer since Fall is quickly approaching.” She pauses a moment, inspecting the bunch of duskin I’ve compiled, and nods appraisingly. “Okay, Jewel, I think that looks good, but you need more greenery in your arrangement.”

I look at the greenery laid out for me. I like the smaller leaves because they remind me of home. The small hunter green berries might make a nice choice.

Hand extended to grab it, Norell says, “What about more tipic?” She hands me a stem, but the only thing on it is leaves. I take it from her and place it in my arrangement. Fiddling with the flowers and tipic, I am sufficiently distracted and find myself starting to relax and have fun.

It’s exciting to watch all the bustle and activity going on around us as we prepare for the festival, and a thought suddenly comes to me. “So, what does one wear to this Festival of Woods, since our daily outfit is already a ballgown?”

“Well, most of us have one ballgown that we wear only for special occasions,” Norell explains. “The difference with the festival is that we also get to wear a mask.” A tremor of excitement flickers through me at the thought of a masquerade ball. Norell continues, “I already have my mask, but I tried my dress on the other day and it’s already too tight.” She giggles with glee and briefly rubs her tummy, then her hand touches mine. “Don’t worry; your dress and mask will be in your room by tomorrow night.”

I wonder what my gown will look like. I can’t imagine it will be any less beautiful than all the other dresses hanging in my closet.

“Come on, girls!” Norell raises her voice to be heard above the din of the room. “Only twenty more to make before we’re done, and I’m hungry!” Giggles erupt all around. It’s no secret that Norell eats all the time, even while doing her tasks. She regularly snags things from my plate when she brings my meals and has even taken to carrying small bits of food within her gown.

I chuckle to myself. No wonder her dress doesn’t fit!