Thronegarden Andrew Dickerson (the little red hen ebook TXT) 📖

“We will save mother yet,” she declared.

They sailed in the greatest ship ever built, Furio, whose prow could pass through a river of lava with elegance and strength. Damselfly was delighted to have encountered a hero from Old Nana’s stories along with gaining an opportunity to continue her mission. Once they exited the Lavagarden, Bakka took them to a nearby forge where he began crafting the key. Damselfly and Buttontail enjoyed a short respite from their travails after so long travelling they were grateful for a chance to rest. Bakka did not waste a single moment. The great smith seemed revitalized and was up working on his latest masterpiece until it was completed. When the finished article was revealed, Damselfly could not believe the item had been fashioned from her old broken sword. Now it had become a work of art; the key was burnished silver with a skull for a handle and intricate grooves that could unlock any garden.

“With this key you can travel anywhere,” Bakka announced.

“The Musicgarden, Dreamgarden or Hovergarden are all open to you.”

“What is the Dreamgarden like?” Buttons asked greedily.

“Whatever you want comes true however—”

Before Bakka could finish he was interrupted by Damselfly.

“We are going to the Evergarden,” the princess overruled.

“I don’t know how you can reach it,” Bakka sympathised. “The Evergarden is different to all the others, because it was designed to be separated. To my knowledge, no one has ever returned from the Evergarden.”

“It can be done, I know it,” Damselfly disputed.

“I wish you well with your quest,” Bakka offered. “What will you do?” Buttons enquired.

The great smith considered his next move for a few seconds before replying.

“It is time for me to rediscover my love for my work and my home. I will drop you off at the nearest gate and perhaps our paths will cross again someday.”

Damselfly was reticent as they took their final ride in Furio towards the gate. She was trying to think of a way to enter the Evergarden and nothing was coming to her. Uriel, who had sent her on this mission, had said the Matriarch would know the answers; however, she had only shown them to this point, and now Bakka the great smith had told them it was impossible. Damselfly would not give up though she was lost on how to keep going when everything seemed set against them. They could not wait for inspiration either with Orion somewhere close behind. The princess was desperately homesick in her moment of indecision; she wanted to hear one of Old Nana’s stories, or play with Trigger and hear her mother’s voice. Thoughts of her mother strengthened Damselfly’s resolve; she would not allow Death to take her mother away and that meant finding a way to reach the Evergarden. They seemed to reach the gate in the blink of an eye. That’s how it seemed to Damselfly anyway. Bakka waved goodbye until Furio had taken him beyond the horizon, leaving Damselfly and Buttons alone once again.

“What now?” Buttontail asked.

“We have to find a way to reach the Evergarden,” the princess insisted.

“Why do we always have to put ourselves in danger?” Buttons revolted. “Maybe we should have some fun for a change.”

“We have to save my mother,” Damselfly stated.

“Well, I’m sick of risking my fur. Why can’t we visit the Dreamgarden, that sounds like fun?” Buttons queried.

“Once we rescue my mother, we can go wherever you like,” the princess vowed.

“What if we never succeed?” Buttons posed. “Bakka said it was impossible and he should know; he created the Evergarden.”

“I cannot accept that,” Damselfly replied stubbornly. “Well, I can.”

Buttontail grabbed the skeleton key from Damselfly and raced towards the gate with the princess following close behind. The rabbit thrust the key into the gate and when he saw the Dreamgarden appear walked forward into it.

Chapter 11 The Best and Worst of Times

Buttontail was standing in the corridor of Thronegarden wearing his waistcoat and the golden button adorning his missing tail. A door opened, omitting Tyten, the leader of the royal army, who was dressed in his shining armour, wearing a sword on his hip and a look of duty in his pale blue eyes.

“It is an honour for me to be a part of this special day,” Tyten acquiesced.

With no further ado, the captain led them back towards the royal chambers, and Buttons eagerly followed, feeling butterflies dance in his stomach. For once the response was triggered by nerves rather than hunger. As they entered the atrium,

Buttons could see the hierarchy of Thronegarden in attendance just for him. Tyten escorted him to a raised dais where Librarian Scroll stood waiting in his ceremonial robes. Captain Tyten bowed deeply, allowing his long golden hair to touch his knee before stepping back to keep guard over them. A trumpet was blown to signal the start of proceedings, and almost instantly King Handel appeared beside Buttons, wearing his grandest attire. Unlike their last encounter, the king looked a picture of vitality: his beard held a dark luster and his eyes were clear in their assessment.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Librarian Scroll began. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the achievements of a special member of our community, an individual who has proven his worth many times without ever asking for reward. A shining example to us all of how to be a faithful servant and loyal friend.”

Buttontail could see a line of regal-looking soldiers creating an honour guard. Behind them stood the rest of the royal family along with their highest-ranking servants. He searched for Damselfly amongst the congregation. Though he could not find her, Buttons was certain that she was watching.

“Today we present Buttontail with the medal of bravery as a reminder of his timeless courage and sacrifice,” Librarian Scroll announced.

A thin, black box