Chapter 18: The First Stage
Lord Charles Woodbaren watched from the window of his tower study as his men led the Queen's messenger and the two dwarves through the gates. From what Vincent had reported, this wasn't an ordinary messenger. He behaved as if he were superior to everyone.
This Fowl had better learn his place before appearing before him.
Charles was curious as to why two dwarves accompanied him. One made sense, but a soldier or a guard would have made even more. Charles didn't linger on that thought long though, choosing instead to ponder what Red had to say.
The Queen had been ignoring his letters for quite some time now and he knew from sources that she was hesitant to make a decision. It seemed Red did not want a war between her kingdom and Wendell's, even if she deeply disapproved of and despised the Fourth Kingdom and its ruler.
While Charles could certainly deal without aid from her, a part of him desperately wished she would be willing to risk a war for him.
Several minutes later, he heard the knock on his study door, alerting him that they had arrived. "Come in." His deep, rich voice carried through the thick door without him having to raise it. The door opened and Vincent led the three in, another guard following from behind. Charles raised an eyebrow from his spot near the window.
"Need I inquire as to why they remain armed?"
"He refused to part with his sword, m'Lord." Vincent replied, shooting a disapproving look at Fowl. Charles smiled, amused.
"You let him command you?"
Vincent shrugged sheepishly. "I hadn't wanted to kill him…yet."
Charles turned to the second guard. "Leave us. Shut the door behind you." As his command was being followed, he crossed the room slowly, his entire demeanor cool and confident. He came to a stop at his large, ancient desk and took his seat behind it. He then allowed himself to study his guests.
He barely spared a glance at the two dwarves, deeming them as unimportant. They each stood to the side but to the back of Fowl, obviously knowing their place.
It was Fowl who drew all the attention to himself. He looked to be a couple years younger than himself. He was impeccably dressed and well groomed. Not a hair stood out of place and there wasn't a single wrinkle or crease in his clothes. But what really intrigued Charles were Fowl's eyes. The rest of his face was a mask of indifference and while his eyes gave nothing away about himself, they were cold and calculating. Charles suspected he didn't miss much.
"You don't look to be a mere messenger." Charles observed aloud.
Fowl didn't reply, instead reaching into his coat and withdrawing a letter. Charles nodded at Vincent who took it from Fowl and walked it over to him. Charles studied Fowl a moment longer as he reached for his letter opener. Then he disregarded him in favor of the message.
He felt a small smile grace his lips as he easily recognized Red's neat handwriting. Normally, she had an aide write any letters for her, but his were always in her own hand. It had been too long since he had seen or spoken to Red and it had been close to a year since her last letter and he was pleased that it wasn't formal or impersonal given the strain between t them lately.
My Dear Charles,
It has been far too long since I've last written to you. For that I must apologize. I will admit that I've been hesitant to aid you, but only for the reason that I've been pressured by the Council of the Nine Kingdoms. They've suspected me of being behind the war from the start, and I did not want to give them the evidence they sought. It is also true that I have not wanted to lead our people to harm. But after giving the matter much thought, I have decided that I can no longer stay silent.
Wendell had the audacity to show up unexpectedly at my castle. His excuse was that he had been making his rounds of his Kingdom and as he supposedly had a meeting with the Rebels in a week's time, he wished to remain here. He was his normal, cheery, annoying self yet I suspect he came to see for himself if I was involved.
I acknowledge now that you have been right all along. Something must be done about him. He continues to insult myself and the Second Kingdom and I refuse to sit by any longer and allow it.
Please accept my apology as this letter was far too late. Forgive me for my hesitation. You've never led me wrong before and I trust your judgment now. If you'll still have me, anything you wish, I'll do my best to do. As a token of my good faith, I have sent you a good friend of mine, Artemis Fowl. He came to me several months ago from the First Kingdom and has proved to be very valuable. He is intelligent and used to work as a strategist for Queen Cinderella's army. I felt he would be put to much better use serving you at this time.
And now, darling Charles, I must leave you; I pray I do so with your forgiveness. I eagerly await your reply.
Sincerely Yours,
Red Riding Hood the Third
Queen of the Second Kingdom
Charles read the letter twice over; as if afraid the content would change on him. He knew her to be true to her word. Spies had already confirmed that Wendell had been seen crossing into the Second Kingdom supposedly accompanied by Lords Wolf and Anthony and the Lady Virginia.
He hadn't been aware of the pressure the Council had been putting on his Queen though. Anger surged through him, at both the Council and at Wendell. A bit at himself as well. He now regretted the poorly concealed threat to her in his last letter. The poor thing must have been so torn these past several years and he'd done little but make it worse.
But she had always been strong willed, able to keep herself standing strong no matter what the circumstances. One of the many things he admired and loved about his Queen.
As a token of my good faith. As if she needed to prove herself to him. He who had known her since they were children and he who knew her the best. All the same, someone with Fowl's abilities and experience could prove useful.
He glanced up to Fowl to see he was watching him, apparently gauging his reaction. Charles stood up and walked around the desk, leaning against it and crossing his arms.
"Her Majesty states you know much about battle strategies." Fowl gave a single nod. "You seem to be a man of few words, Mister Fowl."
"It has been my experience that often times, such precious things as my thoughts and words are wasted on those who usually can't comprehend them."
Cocky bastard, wasn't he? Charles' eyebrows rose, partly in amusement. "And are you implying that I am one such inferior?"
Fowl bowed his head. "I imply nothing my Lord. I withhold judgment until I have gotten to know you better. There is no sense in being rash."
Charles' lips twitched. It had been too long since he had been around one with enough intelligence and wit rather then just strength and greed as most of his men were. They knew and concerned themselves with only money and their thirst for blood and vengeance from the wolf lovers. The closest he ever came to an intelligent conversation was when speaking to Vincent-one of the few who were loyal to him and not the cause.
"Wise indeed, Mister Fowl. You may have some use here after all." He pushed himself off the desk. "Very well I accept the Queen's token and you may remain here. Those two would be your servants then?" He asked, waving a hand to gesture at the two dwarves.
"Yes, they accompany me most places." Fowl said dismissively.
Charles nodded. "Vincent, if you could have a wing prepared for Mister Fowl here."
The man nodded and left the room. One of the dwarves muttered, "So the giant does have a name." Charles raised his eyebrow once again.
"Forgive my impudent little friend my Lord. Both dwarves were given quite the fright by your guard and his demeanor." Fowl spoke, shooting a disgruntled look at the outspoken dwarf who blushed beneath his beard and bowed at the two men before moving back some.
Charles let out a laugh. "Good, then Vincent is doing his job properly." He looked down at the dwarf who had spoken. "You would do well to learn to hold your tongue lest you lose it."
"I had already considered replacing him but unfortunately it has proved quite difficult to find good servants anymore." Fowl said, a bit of weariness seeping into his voice.
Charles nodded sympathetically. "Dwarf servants have seemed to become more popular as of late. I had heard only good things about them. Perhaps they were only exaggerations."
Fowl looked down at the two dwarves, both of who had blank expressions. "For the most part I have been pleased with them. But this one seems to be…one of a kind." He said, gesturing to the outspoken one.
It was only a few minutes before Vincent returned. "The South Wing is already prepared according to a maid."
"Then escort them there." Charles instructed him before returning to his desk and once again disregarding them, in favor of writing a reply to Red.
Artemis followed Vincent down the stone steps to the second floor and through a long, dimly lit corridor. His eyes continued to take in every detail and memorized the way. His eyes had no problems adjusting to the dark and remained almost as sharp as they normally were. The castle was made entirely of stone it seemed and not nearly as decorated as Wendell's or Red's castles had been. It was also much cooler and much less welcome.
They came to a stop in front of large wooden doors. "This is the South Wing. Your bag will be delivered shortly. Someone will be by later this evening to escort you to the dinning hall." Vincent said, his tone rather bored, but his eyes watched him suspiciously.
Artemis knew to keep an eye on the large man. The phrase- All brawn and no brains- didn't seem to apply to this one. He wasn't a genius but he wasn't stupid either. And he was loyal and protective. He was no Butler, but then, not many came close to Eurasian man. Nonetheless, Artemis would have to take great caution with Vincent.
Artemis gave him a single nod, the look on his face clearly showing his weariness with him. "If that's all," he drawled. Vincent narrowed his eyes but turned and left. Artemis watched him go; only opening the door once he was sure the Rebel had gone.
He let Mulch and Rodney scamper in ahead of him and closed the heavy door behind him. He gave a small frown when he saw there was only a flimsy bolt for a lock. It looked as though it had purposely been weakened so that at the slightest bit of pressure it would break away. There was nothing to be done about it though. It was more than he had expected and he could use it to his advantage.
Turning around, he let his eyes scan over his latest quarters. They were in a large sitting room with minimal décor. There was a desk against one wall with a bookcase next to it, halfway filled with old tomes that looked as though they hadn't been touched in years. There was a hearth in one corner with chairs and couches surrounding it. A table sat in the middle with bowls of fruits and breads in the center. One wall had two open doors which looked to lead into bedrooms. Straight across from Artemis were two more doors and after glancing in them, he found one to be another bedroom and the other a large bathroom.
He did a quick check of all the windows and was satisfied when they were all locked and nothing beneath them for anyone to climb up. The only apparent door to exit the wing was the one in which they had entered.
"D'Arvit!" Artemis turned to see Rodney backing away from around the couch, looking rather green. Artemis walked around the couch and winced slightly.
Instead of a rug, there was a large wolf skin in the center of the circle around the hearth.
"Is that…is it real?" Rodney asked.
Mulch walked up to it and cautiously touched it. "Yeah, it's authentic alright."
"That's disgusting. Frond, what kind of sick freak would do that? Remember that village we stayed in? The wolves were like people- talking, intelligent, had families…"
Artemis sighed. "We are in the Second Kingdom where wolves are poached, hunted over a prejudice based on a single event. And we happen to be staying in a castle belonging to a man who is one of the worst in regards to that hatred."
Mulch glanced around, expecting to find some other gruesome sight. "Can we move it? Like stick it under a bed or something? Or a closet?" He asked.
Rodney pulled a face. "Are you going to touch it?"
"I am sure Mulch has touched far more grotesque things. I know for a fact he's eaten worse. But regardless, the pelt remains as it is. As you two seem to have already forgotten, we have roles to play." Artemis reminded, shooting a significant look at Mulch who shrugged.
"I didn't mean to say that out loud. I had kept asking the man giant his name on our way in and he only grunted or growled. I was beginning to think he was part animal himself." He defended himself. "And I don't appreciate being belittled back there either. Role-playing or not. Losing my tongue…" He muttered to himself.
Rodney snorted. "Arty was right though. You are one of a kind Diggums. You're not only a disgrace to dwarves but to all People in general."
Mulch waved his hand dismissively.
"Mulch, I realize how much I am asking of you in requesting that you do your best to keep your mouth shut for once. But do try and do your best. Much is relying on us and we cannot risk our roles, especially now that we're in."
Artemis took a seat in one of the armchairs but Rodney noted that he remained tense and no where near at ease. He was slightly caught off guard at the change capable in the Irish genius. With Vincent and other soldiers, Artemis was cold and in control. With Charles, he was cold, calculating, but submissive to an extent. Both times though, he radiated power that threatened to give Rodney the chills. Artemis Fowl had not gone completely soft and could still be a formidable enemy. When they were alone, he was back to the Artemis he had gotten to know. Not cold but his presence still demanded attention.
Rodney had always been one to act if he benefited from it. It was a basic survival instinct considering the line of business he had often found himself in. Even now, he realized the good that would come of his new friendships, especially with Artemis Fowl the Second.
He hopped up onto the couch, catching an apple that Mulch tossed to him. "I'm a bit surprised at how easily he believed the letter." He said to Artemis, wiping the apple on his sleeve but frowning when it only dirtied it more.
"I suspect there was once something more between the two then simple friendship." Artemis said, shutting his eyes and leaning his head back.
"Ah, that would explain it. Love often blinds people even when the truth is flapping in front of them worse then Mulch's butt after eating beans."
Artemis cringed. "I could have done without that image Silicis." He resisted the urge to shudder. After a second, he smiled slightly. "But was that experience talking, Rodney?"
"Maybe." He replied simply before taking a bite of the apple and falling silent.
Red was alerted that a messenger arrived later that evening. Wendell didn't need to be told what to do. He quickly ushered everyone from the Queen's throne room, at least everyone from his party. So when the messenger was led in, he saw a disgruntled Queen who looked to be barely holding her temper as some of her advisors spoke to her.
When she was given the letter and saw the seal on it, her face brightened considerably. She dismissed her advisors and thanked the messenger.
As the messenger headed out of the castle, he overheard two advisors grumbling about how the Queen had been in a horrible mood since King Wendell unexpectedly arrived. When the messenger would return to Lord Woodbaren's later on, he would report everything he observed, confirming Red's earlier letter.
"What does it say?' Wendell asked, reentering the throne room, followed by Tony, Holly and Butler. Red didn't reply right away as she was still reading it. When she finished, she passed it over to the other monarch.
"He believed me. He said he had great use for Artemis. He also assured me that I didn't have to do anything right now-my support was enough." Red told the other three, her voice monotonous. Wendell looked up at her from the letter and put his hand on her shoulder.
"I know how hard this is on you. I shouldn't have involved you. I'm sorry."
Red swallowed, only a little surprised at Wendell's perceptiveness and his seemingly never ending supply of compassion. There were few who would forgive someone so easily, especially when they had every right to hate them. She wasn't sure she deserved Wendell's forgiveness. But she was grateful all the same. Red was fairly positive that her own cousin had yet to get that far. Wendell was a better ruler than she could ever hope to be and she wouldn't regret doing her part to help him. No matter how painful and heartbreaking it was turning out to be.
"No, don't apologize. I made my decision and I don't regret it."
Wendell studied her closely and she felt as if he could read into her soul. With each day, he became more and more like his grandmother, the great Snow White.
"Thank you." He said sincerely.
Holly had taken the letter from Wendell and read it over, hoping for any indication it was true and that Artemis was alright.
"It sounds sincere enough. And if he's accepted Artemis, then that means he's safe, right?" Holly asked Butler. Butler had read the letter over Holly's shoulder and was a great deal better at gauging people's true meaning from written works and could find no hint of deception.
Butler had been in a right state when he awoke to find Artemis gone. Even Holly had been intimidated and slightly weary until his mood had evened out. Juliet had learned long ago to steer clear of her brother when he was in that state and had gone out to the stables to distract her from her own worry. Butler, even after reading the letter filled with instructions and assurances hadn't been assured much. He was worried as well.
And furious, though he hid it well.
Artemis had always had to go and make things so difficult. He made protecting him nearly impossible. Butler was fairly positive that other bodyguards didn't have such a difficult time protecting their charges.
It was only his trust in Artemis that kept him from riding after him. Plus, he didn't want to ruin whatever plan Artemis had concocted. Butler would do as Artemis instructed, if only for the younger man's safety. But later, when it was over, he would give his charge an extremely long lecture.
Wendell had explained to Butler and Holly what he knew of the plan, so he was mostly caught up. Displeased and stressed, but caught up.
"Yes, I think Artemis is safe for now." He assured the elf. While he wasn't completely positive about that, he didn't want Holly any more worried. Unlike the elf who wore her heart on her sleeve, he was much better at concealing his thoughts and uncertainties.
It seemed to work as she nodded and relaxed her grip on the letter. Butler turned to Wendell. "Now what?"
Wendell sighed. "Now we wait. Artemis said he would get word to us within the next few days with further instructions."
Butler wasn't pleased with that answer but there was nothing to be done about it.
"I think I'll take a walk out on the grounds-get some fresh air." Holly muttered to him.
"If you don't mind, I'll join you."
Holly gave a small nod and the two left.
Upstairs in the guest wing, Virginia stood at the window in her room, staring out over the grounds. She watched as Holly and Butler strolled along one of the paths. Both looked distracted and didn't speak much, comfortable with the silence.
"They're worried." Wolf said needlessly as he came up and wrapped his arms around his wife.
"Artemis is taking a great risk and all for people he barely knows." Virginia said softly.
Wolf rested his chin on her shoulder. "From looking at him, you'd never guess he had it in him."
Virginia turned around in his arms to face him. "You of all people should know better then to judge a person by their looks." She admonished.
"I wasn't judging him. Artemis is a fine chap. He just doesn't show much emotion."
She smiled. Her Wolf wore his heart out for all to see. To him, something as important as how one feels, especially to another, shouldn't be hidden. He was of the firm belief that bottling it up was bad for one's health. So it had been irritating to see Holly and Artemis hide their feelings when Artemis should have been forward and not danced around it. Wolf had been completely honest and forward when trying to win Virginia over-even when she least wanted his attention.
Virginia smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers toying with his hair at the nape of his neck. "I think it might be a defense thing. I'm not sure, but all the same, I'm grateful for his help. This war has had me so worried. Worried about Wendell, Dad, you and Warren…"
Wolf pulled her closer to him and buried his face in her hair. "Everything is going to be alright, Cupcake. Warren is safe in Wendy's castle and we're going to end all this fighting soon." He breathed in her scent and felt himself relaxing. The war had everybody uptight and stressed. He'd been dong his best to stay strong, knowing that while Virginia put up a front for everybody who looked to her and Wendell for guidance, she needed someone, herself to lean on.
They stayed there for several minutes feeding each other support and taking comfort in their loved one's arms. Eventually they wee brought back by a knock at the door.
"Yes?" Virginia called.
"It's me. Are you two decent? The last thing I want to see is you two-"
"Come in Dad." Virginia rolled her eyes as Wolf snickered. Wolf started to unbutton his shirt but Virginia slapped his hand. "You enjoy tormenting him." She accused.
"It's too easy." Wolf smirked.
"Any father is protective of his daughter and doesn't want to think of her as anything but innocent. You'd be the same way."
Wolf's eyes widened as the door opened. "Oh! Virginia, I'd love another cub. Four more at least. Little brothers and sisters for Warren."
Tony closed the door behind him, his eyes narrowed. "Virginia, if you're pregnant and haven't told me yet…"
Virginia threw her arms up in the air. "For crying out loud. No, I'm not pregnant. Wolf and I agreed no more kids until after the war. Remember Wolf?"
"The war might be over soon tough. What do you think of a granddaughter Tone?" Wolf asked, slinging an arm around his father-in-law's shoulders.
Tony shrugged him off but Virginia could see him warming to the idea. Despite herself, Virginia smiled. "Another baby sounds wonderful Wolf."
Wolf grinned, running over to her and swinging her around in the air. He set her back down on the ground and kissed her. "We should start right away." He murmured against her lips.
Tony let out a loud cough. "I'm still here, remember?"
Virginia chuckled and pulled away from her husband. "Sorry Dad."'
"Uh huh. Anyway, a letter came from that Woodbaren fellow."
That sobered Virginia up real quick. "And?"
"So far so good."
"Woodbaren believed it? Artemis is alright?"
"Yes and so far it seems he is."
Virginia sighed in relief. Tony related the letter's contents to them, letting them know that now they were to wait.
"You mentioned Red was upset?" Virginia asked, slightly confused. She had been under the impression that Red hadn't been connected to the Rebels and therefore was allowed to be included in their plans.
"Her and Woodbaren had a thing going years back. Secret of course. Or so they tried." Wolf muttered, moving to stand near the window, his face clouded at having to discuss his sorry excuse for a cousin.
"Red dated Charles?" Virginia asked and Wolf nodded.
"From what I learned, it didn't last long though. My dear aunt passed on and Red became the new Queen. She and Charlie agreed to put things on hold as she needed time to get things settled. He inherited his father's position as a lord and so the two remained in contact but as far as I know, they never rekindled their relationship."
"If the two were so close then why would she be so quick to turn against him? Especially to help us? How can we be sure to trust her?" Tony asked, his face wrinkled slightly as he frowned.
"Wendell trusts her," Virginia reminded her father.
"Everyone makes mistakes, Virginia. Even royalty isn't excluded. Especially royalty."
His daughter let out an irritated sigh. "If it's true that she's aiding us, then loyalty isn't the real issue. It show's she's a stronger woman then we've taken her for. She's putting her own emotions and feelings to the side in order to stop what she knows is wrong. I don't know of many others who could do that."
Tony glared at her. "While I value the Fourth Kingdom and want what's best for its citizens, my family and loved ones comes first. I wouldn't be so quick to go against them."
"You are jumping to conclusions! We don't know all the details. It would seem Wendell does and he trusted her enough to include her in these plans. We have no right to judge her."
"And what about your husband? I think Wolf does have that right."
Virginia's head spun around, realizing her husband had fallen uncharacteristically quiet. He was near the window still, leaning against the wall, staring outside but not really seeing. "Wolf?" He didn't reply right away. When he tore his gaze away and looked at her, he could she the pain and anger present. "Oh Wolf." She crossed the distance between them and pulled him in her arms.
He wrapped his own around her tightly and buried his face in her neck, needing the comfort only she could give him. As much as he was able to hide it or play it off, being back in the Second Kingdom had taken its toll on him. The only memories he had of this kingdom were dark and horrifying. His childhood had been filled with tragedy and anguish; being tormented and hunted for what he was born as, unable to attend school, fleeing from village to village and from angry mobs, watching his parents being burned at the stake, and losing his siblings-unable to know if they were alive or not.
Red was the only family he had left, blood wise anyway. And yet she turned out to be his greatest source of pain and distress.
"I'm sorry, Wolf, I'm so sorry." Virginia whispered as she rubbed her hands up and down his back soothingly. She wanted nothing more than to leave the God-forsaken kingdom and take Wolf home, back to the Fourth Kingdom where it was safer and easier on Wolf.
"I can't trust her Virginia. It was because of her and her mother that my parents are gone. Red's own sister. I was hunted in her kingdom-treated as nothing more than an animal." He snarled. Virginia closed her eyes. "Did you now that I came to her once? She had issued orders to have me imprisoned or killed before but I had refused to believe it. I came to her after I lost my family for help. She acted as though she didn't know me. I hadn't even left the grounds before her guards were attempting to arrest me. I can't forgive her."
Virginia fought back tears. She hadn't known that much about what happened. Wolf had only told her the bare minimum about his past and while she knew Red had mistreated Wolf, she hadn't known the extent of it.
"I know Wolf," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. She, herself, would probably never forgive Red for some things. But she knew that the Queen was trying to change-had already changed some. Looking over at her father, she knew he would probably never forgive the Queen or even like her. As much as he denied it, he was fond of Wolf and protective of him. He had a big heart and wouldn't be able to move past the wrongs committed against wolves.
Tony walked over and put his hand on Wolf's shoulder. "This will all be over soon and we can leave this Godforsaken kingdom." He assured him, being surprisingly perceptive and sympathetic.
Wolf straightened up, but kept his arm around Virginia. "It isn't so easy to forget the past though Tone."
Tony smiled bitterly. "Trust me, I know. But you have to be able to move on. For your sake, Virginia's, Warren's, and any other kids you want to have."
Virginia watched Wolf and thought about how well he had done so far in overcoming his past. Had others been in his shoes, most would have turned into bitter, selfish and hateful people. Yet Wolf had turned his life around, showed he was loyal and caring and made something of his life. She was extremely proud of him, and so filled with love that her heart nearly burst.
As Wolf nodded to Tony's statement, Virginia silently prayed for Artemis's safety and that he was successful. So much was counting on him. The first stage had been successful, but it was only the beginning.