The goldenrod remedy – Miracle in the twin gardens

The goldenrod remedy – Miracle in the twin gardens.

Prince Stephen watches the cloaked figure enter Princess Anna’s throne room. Although he has traveled extensively with the mysterious mage, he still can’t help but feel something is off about him. However, this was never a mission of trust. Or even loyalty to a kingdom for that matter. The mage first approached Prince Stephen. Furthermore, Prince Stephen has his own Mage, and a fine one at that. Until this quest, the Goldenrod was a complete myth. That the cloaked figure even knew of it, got him an audience with Prince Stephen; and then a company of his finest guards.

It took six long weeks to reach the forest where, after much searching, they eventually found the Goldenrod. The forest was enchanted, their only guide, a mysterious cloaked figure that seldom spoke. After a week inside the forest, Prince Stephen began to suspect the cloaked mage was deliberately hindering the quest. In fact, his instincts were telling him this quest was something else entirely, but if there was even the smallest chance he could find a way to break the enchantment, he had to try.

Now, with his own Royal guard beside him, they await Princess Anna’s entrance. This is the trial by fire Prince Stephen believes it will take, to prove that Goldenrod actually works. Does he believe the mysterious cloaked mage? No. Does he know the Goldenrod can work? They will soon find out, he thinks, as Princess Anna and her own Royal court arrive in her throne room. The air is heavy with expectation, as one by one, they file into the room. Princess Anna’s own Mage enters last.

The Goldenrod

When Wesley enters the hospital waiting room Mary feels an enormous sense of relief she nearly cries out loud. They hug fiercely tight, then Mary pulls away to look at Wesley. He is pale and there is a hole in his shirt just under his arm. However, that isn’t what worries her. It’s the look in his eye that causes her to stop and really look him over. Something is terribly wrong.

“Wesley are you okay? What happened? We heard gunshots”, Miss Garrett stands just behind Mary. Both Mary and Miss Garrett look at Wesley with imploring eyes. He isn’t visibly wounded, but he appears to be slightly distracted. He gently takes Mary’s hand into his own.

“I’m fine, not a scratch on me”, Mary’s eyes immediately go to the hole in his shirt then back to his, with eyebrows raised. Wesley sees her unspoken question and smiles a shaky smile, “Missed. Somehow she missed. I have no idea how, but it doesn’t matter now, because it’s over.” He brings her hand to his mouth and gently kisses it. “The police are sorting everything out, but for now the threat is over. Miss Anderson won’t be harming anyone else. How is Mr. Conner?” Mary allows herself a small smile of relief at his words before answering.

Miracle In The Twin Gardens

“The Goldenrod is the only thing that will break the enchantment. The magic is very old. Even from another age, an eon of time ago. If not for the advanced studies of my ancestors, this magic would be lost in the folds of time.” The cloaked mage falls silent. Prince Stephen expects it is for effect. Where were all these theatrics when he stood in Prince Stephen’s own throne room bargaining for a quest? Or why did those advanced studies not speed up their week-long search of the cursed (his new word for it now) forest?

It seems the more Prince Stephen sees of this mage, the less he likes the entire situation. The Goldenrod notwithstanding. Furthermore, it would be just like a usurper to use a much needed solution to gain access to vulnerable places. His ears immediately focus in as the cloaked mage speaks again.

“The quest to obtain the Goldenrod is a complete success. Never before has there been such an abundant gathering. Therefore the curse, eh…enchantment, on the twin kingdoms can be removed.” Princess Anna leans forward on her throne, her curiosity obviously peaked. “And now Your Royal Highness, I advise that I can only share the mystery of the Goldenrod with one kingdom.” Prince Stephen raises one eyebrow slightly, his suspicions increasing, as the mage continues, “Your Royal Highness we must have audience with thee and thee alone. It is the only way the secret can be transferred.”

Goldenrod Remedy

“I must protest this idea. Furthermore, I do so vehemently.” Prince Stephen steps forward as everyone of his Royal guard nods their heads emphatically. In fact, Princess Anna’s own Royal guard steps in front of the throne, blocking all access to the Princess. “We have spent weeks searching in a cursed forest to find first, the Autumn Fire, then the goldenrod remedy for both kingdoms. Or have you forgotten your vow, since the day you stood in my own castle, and bargained for this quest?” Prince Stephen pauses only briefly, “Were you in my throne room mage, I would have you in the dungeon for your insolence.”

Then, another voice changes everything. “Yet he is not in your throne room Prince Stephen is he? He stands in mine. Furthermore, the one in danger of insolence in this matter is you.” All of Prince Stephen’s Royal guard turn their faces toward Princess Anna, shocked expressions on every one. Similarly Princess Anna’s own Royal guards momentarily show shocked expressions, but they recover quickly. Things have reached a new level of tension in the throne room.

“Leave this room at once and take your guard with you. You may speak with High Counselor Prolesus for lodging in the commons. Should any more details become available, a messenger will be sent to summon you for an appropriate time.” Princess Anna looks at Prince Stephen with an intensity he’s never seen before. All his instincts tell him there is something terribly wrong with this situation. However, little can be done at the moment. Risking a standoff in Princess Anna’s throne room is the last thing he wants. He turns and leaves the throne room, his Royal guard close on his heels.

The Twin Gardens

Wesley looks at Mary and Miss Garrett. His question lingers as both women exchange an uncertain glance. Then everything in the ICU waiting room seems to brighten as the emergency lights blink off, and the hospital ICU returns to normal operations. He sees the confused looks and for a moment thinks they may have misunderstood him. Given that the stress of the day has been extreme, he completely understands so he repeats the question.

“How is Mr. Conner? And do either of you know anything about something called, the Goldenrod? We’re going to need it if we’re going to save Mr. Conner.”

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