Forest Kingdom Trilogy 1 - Blue Moon Rising

morning—
    'Tomorrow morning.' shrieked Rupert. 'I've only just got back! I don't believe this. I just do not believe it. I've been back in the Castle less than an hour, and already you're trying to get rid of me again. What's the bloody rush?'
    'We're running out of time,' said Thomas Grey. 'There's a Blue Moon rising.'
    Dark murmurs rustled through the Court as the young Prince stared blankly at the Astrologer.
    'There hasn't been a Blue Moon for centuries,' said Rupert slowly, and then a dim memory came flooding back to him, and his eyes widened. 'Wait a minute — according to some legends, the first time a Blue Moon rose, the Darkwood was born . . .'
    The astrologer nodded grimly. 'Once in a Blue Moon, magic is loosed in the world. Wild Magic, to create or destroy, strong enough to reshape reality itself on the night the Blue Moon is full. We have seven months until that night; seven months in which to find an answer to the darkness. If we fail, the Darkwood will spread over all that is. Civilisation will fall, the long night will have no ending, and the world will belong to the demons.'
    For a long while the Court stood silent, shaken by the Astrologer's dark vision.
    'There must be something we can do,' said Rupert haltingly.
    'There is,' said the Astrologer. 'Prince Rupert, you must journey to the Dark Tower, and there summon the High Warlock.'
    Rupert stared at the Astrologer.
    'I should have volunteered to lead an army against the Demon Prince,' he said finally. 'It would have been safer.'
    'But you'll do it,' said King John.
    'Of course,' said Rupert bitterly. 'You knew that before I came in here.'
    'Wait a minute,' said Julia, moving quickly forward to stand between Rupert and the King. 'What's going on here? Rupert, who is this High Warlock?'
    'A sorcerer,' said Rupert shortly. 'Very powerful, and very deadly. Exiled years ago. He doesn't take kindly to visitors.'
    'You don't have to go,' said Julia, laying a gentle hand on his arm. 'You've done enough.'
    'No,' said Rupert tiredly. 'Father's right, there is no one else . . . they can spare.'
    'Then I'm going with you.'
    'Oh I say,' said Harald. 'I'm afraid I can't allow that.'
    'Shut your face, creep,' said Julia. Harald gaped at her, and the courtiers had a coughing fit. Julia ignored them, her eyes pleading with Rupert as he slowly shook his head.
    'I can't take you with me, Julia. Not to the Dark Tower. There's no one I'd rather have to guard my back, you know that, but I can't let you risk your life for me again. I've no right. You'll be safe here... as long as you keep Harald at arm's length.'
    'But—'
    'No, Julia.' Rupert met her gaze unyieldingly, and she looked away.
    'It's not far,' she said quietly.
    'No,'said Rupert. 'It isn't.' He turned to the King, who studied him narrowly.
    'Well, Rupert, it seems you and the Princess Julia have grown somewhat fond of each other.'
    'Yes,' said Rupert.
    'She's promised to Harald,' said King John. 'The contract was signed long ago.'
    'I know my duty,' said Rupert. 'I've always known my duty. That's the only reason I'm going on this mission. And what's more, if I've got to go calling on the High Warlock, I want a full troop of guards to back me up.'
    'They'll be ready for you first thing tomorrow morning,' said the King.
    'And I want the Champion to lead them ...' said Rupert.
    'An honour to ride at your side, Sire,' said the Champion.
    '. . . under my orders,' said Rupert.
    The King hesitated, and then nodded. 'It's your expedition, Rupert. But I strongly suggest you listen to the Champion's advice at all times.'
    'As long as it is advice,' said Rupert.
    'Of course, Sire,' said the Champion, bowing.
    He's calting me 'Sire' again, thought Rupert dourly. Things must really be desperate.
    'All right,' he sighed finally. 'Sir Champion, we start at first light tomorrow. Though how we're going to persuade the High Warlock to come back with us I don't know.'
    'He's our only hope,' said the Astrologer.
    'Then you'd better start making white flags,' growled Rupert.
    'I don't see any need for further discussion,' said the King hastily. 'Court is dismissed!'
    The courtiers filed slowly out, chattering animatedly as they headed for the gap where the double doors used to be. Rupert turned to Julia, who turned her back on him.
    'Julia. . .'
    'We should never have come back to the Castle, Rupert.'
    'I did what I thought was best.'
    'I know,' said Julia tiredly. 'It's not your fault.'
    Rupert took her gently by the arm