Chapter 8: Escape to King Power Court

The group hastened to make their escape, safe in the knowledge - for now at least - that Lord Pompadour was not in a position to follow them. He would be hindered by his blinded eyes, and he was certainly too large to fit through the hole and into the tunnel. 

As they made their way along the narrow passageways, Leana noted that Garsoon was quiet and cautious. He was particularly wary of Wounded Child, and, whenever the two were close, there was an edginess, and they jostled and shoved until they were no longer within arms-reach. Even seeing-distance of each other seemed a bit too much. Any accidental eye contact resulted in an exchange of hurt looks and offended stares. Organising her companions, Leana walked alongside Garsoon, with Wounded Child far enough behind so as not to create a disturbance. He was comforted by her presence and Leana watched him visibly relax. After a while, he started to sing. 

‘Twas the soul of truth and of melting ruth 

And the smile like a summer's dawn 

that stole my heart away one soft summer's day 

In the valley near Sliabh na Mban 

Leana listened intently and repeated the unfamiliar words. 

“Sleevenamon?” she asked, “What is that?” 

“Sliabh na Mban is the Mountain of the Women” replied the boy, “It is where I was born. The mountain is very old and very wise, and it holds the secrets of many old legends. Lord Pompadour stole from the land, not caring that it should be treated with respect and reverence. And he stole me from the land of my birth, not caring that I belong to the land and that a debt is therefore owed.” 

Leana looked at Garsoon. 

“You are wise like the mountain” she said, “You know much more than it would seem.” 

“I know where the frog is. The one you are looking for” said the boy. 

“Lord Pompadour took me with him when he visited the king, and the king took him to an underground dungeon where a giant frog that was covered in the spirits of many animals was imprisoned. Many dozens of small staring figures lined the dungeon walls, their eyes glistening with tears, and love, and hope. It seemed to me that they were watching over the frog, bringing light to an otherwise dark place. The king knew the frog was magic, and he wanted to know how he could harness the magic and keep the familiar spirit for himself. And so you see, I do know more than it would seem. But I do not know the way to the king’s castle. I am young, and the only path I have learned to navigate is the path that leads to the summit of Sliabh Na Mban.” 

“Oh Garsoon! You are so clever! Thank you! These tunnels and our spirit guides will take us there. I will light the way and …..” 

She turned, and spoke directly to Wounded Child, who had been listening to the whole conversation, while pretending that she had no interest. Waves of jealousy had flooded over her … who was this imposter boy who was taking Leana away from her? 

“Wounded Child, please help us, which way should we go?” 

Wounded Child stood still, trying to ignore the discomfort that the boy had triggered in her. She concentrated hard for a moment, feeling the full intensity of her feelings. 

“The dark and malevolent force we have left is still strong,” she said, “But there is another dark force this way.” 

Wounded Child pointed southwards. 

“There is evil this way, but goodness too. This is the way we need to go.” 

They were guided by light and by sensation. By touch, by smell, by sound, and by sight. Mainly, however, they were guided by the feelings from deep within Wounded Child. Uncomfortable and fearful feelings, which originated in her belly and made their way up to her heart. 

In this manner, the companions navigated their way through the labyrinth of tunnels, until the light that shone from the outside was brighter than the light Leana was shining to show the way. Peering through another grating, this time they could see grass and trees, and the stonework of a grand house. 

“Where are we?” Leana asked Garsoon. 

“We are at the castle, in the grounds. At the seat of Kings Power.” 

Pushing against the grating, the friends went through the opening into the great gardens, into the beautiful land that the king had claimed, and had tamed, for himself. They made their way quickly to shelter, finding a yew tree with low hanging branches that they were able to hide within. Leana instinctively placed her hand on the trunk, sending a silent message of gratitude. As she touched the tree, Leana felt connectedness with the Mighty Oak, and all the other trees that had helped them on their way. She sent love and friendship, and received blessings in return. She turned to her friends. 

“Garsoon, how would I get to the dungeon from here, do you know?” 

The small girl listened intently as Garsoon carefully explained the route, and the pitfalls. 

“But surely you are not thinking of going alone!” said Mary, “We must all go together!” 

“No,” said Leana, “I believe I can slip unnoticed from placed to place. As a group, we would find it much harder to make progress, and much harder to hide. Please wait here together, and take good care of each other, and I promise you, I will return as soon as I can.” 

As Leana prepared to leave, Wounded Child called to her. 

“Dear Leana, please take my shawl, it will cover your bright white dress, and it contains something of me and my feeling powers that will help to alert you to danger, and confirm when you are on the right track.” 

Leana looked at Wounded Child with love in her eyes, and new hope in her heart. 

“We are one, Wounded Child, your powers are mine, and mine yours” 

And then, thinking on this, her eyes sparkled with laughter. 

“So use my powers while I am away, Wounded Child. Use my lightness and love with Garsoon, and see if you can get to know him better.” 

Wounded child glanced suspiciously at the boy. 

“He has helped us.” said Leana earnestly, “He has helped us and he is sealed in our destiny. See if you can get to know him better.”