Ben and Lucy: The Sunken Kingdom
Chapter 31 Broken Curse

“Well, well. What have we here?” Shamus began to speak as he walked toward Joliet.

Joliet had surrendered to the Shamus and his men. She had taken her band of peasants and workers to the top of the plateau and there was no escape. They had been led directly into the trap and now she was furious that she fell so easily. She could not afford to fight. Only a few of the soldiers were with them, along with the feeble old men, women, and children. The plan was for Growler and his troops would lure Shamus and his men away and it appeared that it was working only to be led up to this dead end. What had happened to them? Now she waited for Shamus and Angus to finish them off. She could only hope to delay them long enough to allow time for Growler and Pierre to rescue them if they were still alive.

“Now pretty little thing you are trapped like a little squirrel. I must remember that a trapped squirrel will still lash out. Guards confine he. I do not want to take any chances with this one.” Shamus sneered at Joliet.

“What are you going to do with us?” Joliet defiantly asked.

“Oh, we still have players to join us, so Angus here will keep you company. Don’t do anything stupid little squirrel. I would hate to snap your neck before the final act.” Shamus advised Joliet.

“Oh, we will be waiting for your return.” Joliet answered angrily.

She did not like being told what to do nor did she enjoy being a captive. She also knew that to try anything would be suicide so she bit her tongue and began to think of what to do. Shamus and a few of the men left on Terrordons as Angus and his soldiers made camp at the base of the hill. Joliet and the villagers were given a few supplies and tents to sleep in for the night, otherwise they were exposed on a flat rock. Joliet instructed the villagers to make camp in a circle with the younger children in the middle, followed by the women and then the old men around them. Campfires were made around the outside to keep any animals from coming up in the night and attacking. In the center a large bonfire was erected so all could gather and enjoy the warmth together. Joliet was weary that the young might go too close to the edge of the cliff and then fall. The only way down was the path they had taken up. The drop off the sides were hundreds of feet down and the cliff face was sheer rock. Joliet would have to investigate at night when Angus’s soldiers were not watching them. Angus stationed his men near the path down the hill, leaving the villagers and Joliet to themselves.

The dark was pitch black at first for Ben, but as his eyes grew accustomed to the dark he could make out images. His vision and now his smell had been enhanced since his encounter with Sylvester. His new ability would become an advantage. Ben’s senses helped him locate Lucy, she was lying on the floor unconscious. She was still alive. Ben was relieved. He woke her and she was calm to have Ben at her side.

“Lucy, are you ok?”

“Yes, I think so. What about Charnac and Eloise?”

“We are ok, over here.” Eloise answered.

Ben led Lucy over to where they were. All were unhurt, but just drained from the previous session.

“What happened?” Lucy asked.

“We broke the spell. Now we will wait to see what happens next. It is out of our hands.” Charnac replied.

“What is out of our hands and what spell are you talking about?”

“Years ago Eloise was able to walk above the water and her Kingdom too was above. Then a spell was cast and her Kingdom was sunk to the bottom of the lake, where she was exiled. A wicked witch had cast her down. Eloise and the villagers had cast the witch from the Kingdom. The witch had been experimenting on transforming creatures into others.”

“Sylvester.” Ben immediately said.

“No, not Sylvester, but he may have been a result of her actions. None of her experiments had survived, only hideous creatures had been the results and often the creatures suffered as they transformed. Sylvester appeared years after the witch had been cast out.” Charnac continued.

“The kingdom was peaceful and quiet until reports of the giant snake attacking that poor girl and her father.” Charnac looked downcast.

“Then the witch appeared one day atop the dragon Miwa. She summoned Eloise into the courtyard.” Charnac was clam as he told the story.

“I was summoned by that wicked woman. “ Eloise broke in.

“As I stood there the witch began to cast her spell on us. I knew I had to defend us. I quickly contoured up the only thing I could.”

“The dome.” Ben exclaimed.

“Yes, the dome.” Eloise continued.

“The dome. I concentrated as the witch cast her spell. Suddenly the ground beneath us began to sink. Around the palace water rose but never entering the palace walls. We were soon engulfed in water and down we sank.” Eloise stopped.

“You see not all the population was inside the castle. Those that were on the outside drowned, including our parents.” Charnac whispered. He reach rout for Eloise and together the twins held each other.

“Oh my. How terrible.” Lucy added.

“Yes, it was terrible.” Charnac looked at Eloise. Silence filled the room.

“Where did the witch go and what was her name?” Lucy finally asked innocently.

“The witch was called, Myrah and she disappeared in the mountain. Some say she was eaten by the dragon Miwa. Others say she still lives with Miwa.” Eloise said softly.

“Soon after the dragon flew over the lake. Miwa and Myrah looked for survivors on land. Fire blew from its mouth and any surviving villagers were killed. Once inside the dome of the castle, everyone was protected. At that point the castle had its own spell, however since Eloise cast the spell she could never leave. Since the Miwa could not break through the dome it was said that the witch had cast a powerful spell to sink the Castle into the lake. The waters rose and the castle began to shake. The waters rose and rose and as it did the castle and its people were swallow up. The castle continued to sink until it reached the bottom where it is today. This was over 100 years ago.” Charnac spoke directly and sternly.

“A hundred years? You both look so young.” Ben said confused.

“A side effect. If Charnac or myself stayed inside then time did not change for us. As you see Charnac left the dome so years ago and since has begun to age.”

“Yes, I am now older than my twin sister.” Charnac sighed.

“How did the castle survive? Where did the protective dome come from?” Ben asked.

Eloise began to speak. “The dome was ....”

Suddenly the room shook. The floor began to vibrate.

“Hang on to something. Move to the side walls.” Charnac yelled.

The four of them all moved to the same wall together, each holding the hand of the next. Boy to girl to man to empress. Ben could see where a support column was and he led them to stand next to it. There the four huddled and withstood the earthquake. Ben could feel the whole room rise. The last part of the spell was being broken. He smiled at Lucy.

Angus kept a eye on Joliet. She was the one he knew who could make trouble for him and his men. Only a few of his men were up top, the remaining army was now camped at the bottom of the cliff. He had instructed his men to pan out around the base. If Joliet or one of her party decided to try to climb down the cliff at night his men would be waiting. The entire valley was filled with men armed with swords, arrows, battle axes, etc. No one was going to sneak through even if the cliff was shear. Angus was taking no chances now. He was confident that no one would get through so he started to set up his bed. There was no reason he could not get some shut eye. Joliet had gone into her own tent and Angus had watched to see if there was any movement. Apparently Joliet had also gone to bed. He smiled as he rolled out his sleeping bag.

Shamus gathered his men at the edge of the lake. He now wanted to end this. The Terrordons were loaded up with boulders. One last assault should bring the castle crashing into itself. The fools below. Charnac and Eloise had not joined their friends above. Shamus had not really wanted to destroy the castle only to force the Empress to abandoned her home and rise to the surface. Now they had forced his hand, his patience was at its end.

“Oh you fools, why did you not send up the entire Kingdom, only this few?” Shamus began his rant.

“No matter, the days of the elegant Eloise and her fool Charnac are over. Now you will be crushed under the Stones of Shamus!!” He began to laugh.

Shamus had commanded his footmen to surround the lake. Thousands of his men now waited for any to break the water. Torches had been lit all around. None were to escape in the dark. This was the final attack. Shamus gave the final command. The Terrordons began to rise from the ground each with a huge boulder in their grasp. The squadron circled the lake and gathered over the center. Shamus wanted a concentrated attack. He remained above them all. He was to watch as his last attack doomed the famous sunken Kingdom. As the squadron gathered in the center Shamus rose higher and higher above the center point. His victory was at hand. All of the Terrordons were now above the lake. The last of the boulders were even larger than before. Each Terrordon was straining under the weight. The task was using all of their energy, once the boulders were positioned above, Shamus would tell them to release. He waited, he wanted to relish the moment.

Suddenly the water began to rise. Not just rise but gush out of the lake. The water flooded over the banks. Shamus eyes expanded. What sort of magic was this? As he remained above, the water rushed over his men sweeping them under a current of deadly water. The Terrordons moved away from the center of the lake, not realizing that they still hung onto the boulders. Shamus yelled for all to drop their loads but none could hear over the cascading water. Terrodons could not escape the water as well. They had not flown high enough.

The ground around Joliet shook, throwing off her feet. She scrambled out of the tent. As she exited the tent she could see a light illuminating from the lake. She could now she the light through the trees. It grew stronger as the ground continued to shake. All of the camp was now awake. Angus was looking fearful he began to climb down the path. Before he could go far he stopped in his tracks. Fear covered his face. He stood motionless. Below him he saw the water rush over his men below. There was no where to escape. His men were like little sticks in a river of water. He watched in amazement and horror as they were washed away in the current. None could out swim the power that was being unleashed upon them. Soon he could see no one below, only a lake of water all around the base of the cliff.

Growler fell to his knees. The tunnel was collapsing. He commanded the men back into the main cave. The ground shook violently, everyone scrambled out of the tunnel. As the last man made it back into the great hall the entrance to the tunnel was sealed shut by stone and rock. Dust covered everything. Nothing could be seen. Growler laid on the ground waiting for the world to stop shaking.

The walls around them shook and the four held each other. The entire room was rising. The castle and all of its remaining inhabitants were rising as well. Soon the sunken Kingdom would not be underwater. He held onto Lucy tighter, the journey may soon be over. The floor shook, the walls rumbled, and then everything was calm again.

“We can now arise as the kingdom has arisen.” Charnac proclaimed. Eloise began to cry.

“Eloise, why are you crying?” Lucy asked.

“We have succeeded. We have finally lifted the curse.”

“Let’s go see what we have done.” Charnac remarked.

The room began to glow once again, the room started in blue then turned green, then red, orange and then finally yellow. Charnac had found the door and began to open it. As Charnac pulled the heavy stone doors inward the rush of air filled the room with fresh scents from the land above the water. Ben and Lucy breathed in deep. The air was full of life. Lucy broke first, running down toward the hallway toward the main room where the gates led to the outside. Ben followed after her. They were anxious to see the outside. Charnac and Eloise walked slowly behind them arm in arm. Eloise was nervous about what lay outside her palace doors. For many years she had been exiled to the depths of the lake and now finally she could be above the water again. The spell had been broken but also her protective dome was now gone as well. Eloise walked nervously toward the main gates.

After a lifetime of being submerged beneath the lake, Eloise now must see the world above. The remainder of the villagers that had stayed in the palace were now making their way toward the main hallway. Eloise knew she would have to greet them. She had to be strong and lead them into this new chapter of their lives. Her and Charnac will need to be strong. She looked at her twin and smiled. Then she looked ahead to Ben and Lucy. How strong they had been for being so young. They were in a foreign land and still they fought on together. She and Charnac would strengthen the people of her realm and the kingdom will rise again just as her palace had. She stood tall and proud.

Ben and Lucy were at the gates. Looking at each other they held hands for a brief moment then each of them went to a door. Ben to the left, Lucy to the right together they pushed the gates open to reveal the outside world to the kingdom for the first time in a hundred years. As the doors creaked open the fresh smell of flowers rushed through the open doors. The sounds of birds returned to the palace. The Sun shone through the trees. Ben stepped through the gates and was overwhelmed with what he saw. The lake had been pushed out of its banks and was now dispersed around the palace.

Amazingly the water was now in its original position around the palace. A river now was running alongside the palace. The valley was now divided by a steady flow of water. Lucy followed the river with her eyes to see where it led. She then saw for the first time where Joliet had taken the first villagers. There in the distance was a small island surrounded by the water. The people were now standing around waving their hands.

Suddenly a few men were hitting the people and driving them back away from the edge. Lucy’s fear took hold, she turned to Ben. He had seen this as well. He was now rushing toward the island. He stopped at the river. Lucy saw Joliet. Joliet waved, but not as a hello but as an ok sign. Charnac and Eloise were soon standing by Lucy and Ben at the river’s edge. A shriek was heard over head and immediately the four were swooped up. Lucy could not move. The talons gripped her and she could barely breath. Quickly the flight was over and the four had now joined the others on the island.

“Now, we have you.” Shamus grinned as he was let them down in front of them. Shamus slid off his Terrordon. The surviving Terrordons once, dispensing their load returned to the air and were soon gone. Shamus now stood before them smiling from ear to ear.

“Ah you may have destroyed my army with your water trick Eloise but I now have the upper hand”.

“What do you want, Shamus?” Charnac was the first to speak.

“The gallant Charnac, Well, well. This is a surprise. It seems you had help escaping my dungeons.” Shamus said with confidence.

“Soon I will have you back in those for good.”

“We will see about that.” Shouted Ben.

“Oh, the young ones thinks he can take me on. Come boy, make your move. I would love nothing better to have some practice removing your head before I remove theirs.” He pointed to Charnac and Eloise with his sword. Quickly he turned back toward Ben and placed his sword’s tip on Ben’s throat.

“Don’t do something foolish.”

“Leave him to me.” A voice called out from the river.

All looked around to see Sylvester emerging from the water. Shamus dropped his smile and quickly stood in defense.

“So you have returned, after allowing the captive to escape.” Shamus said with a smirk.

“Your foolish men lay in waste and now you threaten me?” Sylvester was menacing, his eyes glowing red.

“If you can see, my men have you in their aim.” Shamus pointed to Angus and his men with pulled bows aimed at the large snake.

“So you see, I still have the upper hand, as I always do.” Shamus laughed.

Sylvester’s eyes grew a deeper fire red with fury. He held his ground and only stared into Shamus’ eyes. Shamus did not return the favor moving quickly to the others.

“Now that we have you all here, we can get started.”

“What do you mean?” Charnac asked.

“Oh, my dear friend. We have so much to do before I kill you, but first we need to eliminate some of you. MMM Let’s see where do I begin.” Shamus pretended to be thinking of his decision. He wanted to draw this out. So much time and energy had been spent to build up to this. He wanted to enjoy it.

Ben started to move toward Shamus. Angus grabbed him.

“Oh now here is one with some spirit. The pesky brother. Shamus looked to Lucy.

“And the sweet little sister.” Shamus smiled. His evil thoughts flooded over Lucy, she turned her face away.

“Oh, do I scare you? Well you are a smart girl. I think I will start with the boy and have you watch his death.”

“No!” Lucy yelled.

“Bring the boy to Sylvester. I am sure he would like to taste this tiny morsel. MMMM?” Shamus sneered at Ben.

Angus brought Ben fighting in front of Sylvester. Sylvester raised himself up to look directly in Ben’s eyes. The two stared at each other for moments until Shamus could not stand it any longer.

“Alright, let’s get this over with. Sylvester do what you do best. Kill the boy!”

Sylvester turned and looked at Shamus, then towards Lucy. The look calmed Lucy instead of scaring her. The eyes told the story. Sylvester hated Shamus just as much as anyone. He too was trapped. As Sylvester turned away from Shamus a smile went over his lips, as much as a snake can smile. Lucy thought she saw Sylvester wink at her. Suddenly he turned and sank his fangs deep into Ben. Lucy screamed, Joliet lurched forward only to be restrained by Angus’ men. Eloise and Charnac hugged Lucy.

Ben’s body dropped upon the ground. His body collapsed in a pile. Sylvester turned and suddenly struck again, this time his great fangs sank deep into Lucy. Lucy felt the pain and the intensity flowed through her veins. Images swam through her head. Tunnels through the ground, dark and warm. Lucy was swept back away through time, she drifted back when Sylvester was little. All the way back to his youth. The girl who took care of him. Lucy felt comfortable and not scared.

Joliet rushed through the men and jumped on Sylvester. Angus grabbed her and wrestled her the ground. Sylvester appeared above her. His fangs drawn. He reared back ready for the final thrush. Shamus smiled.

“Go ahead and have a snack.” Shamus began to laugh. Sylvester turned and suddenly coiled around Shamus. Angus was too late to stop the big snake.

“Now, who’s laughing now?” Sylvester slithered the words through his fangs. His tongue flickering about Shamus’ face. Sylvester had Shamus in his grip and slowly brought his face forward to his. All froze.

Angus stepped in and grabbed Eloise. His sword at her neck. His action was too swift and unexpected that there was nothing anyone could do.

“Ok, everyone don’t move. One wrong step and your lovely lady will be slit from ear to ear.” Angus commanded.

“Now release me you overgrown worm.” Shamus had his confidence back.

Sylvester slowly released Shamus from his grip. Angus’ men drew their bows and aimed at the huge snake.

“Now where were we?” Shamus grinned and turned toward Lucy.

“Now where is your power?” He smirked.

Shamus’ men took Charnac and Joliet. The rest of the villagers were gathered in the center of the plateau. The tension in the air was intense. Shamus had won the battle and now held everyone as prisoners.

“Now, you all must be wondering why I gathered you all here.” Shamus paused and smiled at his audience. Everyone was quiet waiting for the evil man to continue.

“As you know it was prophesied that the “Twins” would return to save this world. Well, the twins have returned. Ha Ha Ha, but you are not the twins that will rule. Shamus turned and looked across the newly formed lake.

“Look and see the true queen.”

Shamus pulled his sword from his scabbard, raised it into the air. Dark clouds formed overhead. Lightening struck the ground before them. A cloud of smoke formed over the water. The smoked cleared and there in front of them appeared a figure standing. No sound was made. Everyone was quiet. Charnac looked out over the water. Something else was coming across. The shape moved quietly, no one but Charnac noticed. Charnac looked toward Joliet. Their eyes met and Charnac motioned Joliet to look upon the water. She now saw the figure taking shape. A smile came across her face.

Shamus turned as well and saw the figure coming through the mist.

“No!!! This can’t be.” Shamus yelled in disbelief,

There in front of him was a raft filled with Growler and his men. Shamus quickly grabbed Eloise. He held her with his sword around her throat.

“Come ashore and I will kill her. Remain on the raft and lay down your weapons.” Shamus said angrily.

As Shamus pointed his sword to the men he was pounced upon from behind. He was thrown to the ground. Shamus looked up and horror filled his face.

“How?”

All turned quickly to see who had saved Eloise. All were transfixed by the site of Ben standing strong and firm with Lucy by his side.

“You see my new friend. Sylvester’s blood has mixed with mine. I am no longer affected by his venom and Lucy here, well she is my sister and blood is blood which is stronger between twins.” Ben held the sword now in his hands and pointed the tip directly toward Shamus.

“Stop. Don’t kill him.” Ben surprised them all.

“Lucy, are you ok?” He quickly turned to his twin.

“Yes, thanks Sylvester. Please keep Shamus in your grips but don’t kill him. There has been enough deaths around here.” Lucy pleaded with Sylvester. Sylvester regained his grip upon Shamus with delight.

“Very well, for you my lady.” Sylvester lowered his head as in a movement to resemble a bow.

“How can this be?” Joliet said in amazement.

“When our blood mixed his venom went into Lucy as well. My blood mixed with his and now Lucy and are I are immune to his poison.” Ben explained.

“You knew that when you bit me and Lucy did you not Sylvester?” Ben asked serpent.

“I had a feeling. I had to stop Shamus somehow.” His smooth tongue slithered the words.

“You tried to kill me back in the castle.” Charnac interrupted.

“Oh Charnac, if I wanted to kill you I would have. Nothing could have stopped me. Once the blood of the twins was in me I felt the power of their magic. Much stronger than the magic that created me. My heart has now been filled with love.” Sylvester actually shed a tear. Another first.

“Now, tell your men to drop their swords or else.” Ben was confident and unwavering. Angus thought about fighting his way out but just then Growler and his men moved on shore and surrounded Angus and the others. The fight was over and Ben and Lucy had saved Eloise and Charnac as well as the others.

“The prophecy has come true.” Growler stated confidently. All cheered. Eloise and Charnac bowed before the twin children. All bowed before them. Angus himself bowed before them.

“All of Zhunanium is indebted to you.” Eloise finally spoke.

“Then help us get back home.” Ben replied quickly.

“Soon enough my child, soon enough. ” Charnac spoke.

“Let’s get this scum back to the main land and behind bars.” Pierre interrupted the conversation.

“Great idea and I know just where they need to be.” Growler added.

As the group made their way back to the boat and into the castle, Ben and Lucy looked at each other. Their victory was hallow as they now began to think about home.