In Honor

It has been five months now since Tika’s rescue. Beatrix and Jade enjoyed having Tika around as they played, and laughed together. She even helped boost their confidence when they felt that they messed up with any new task they learned each day. Beatrix and Jade were glad when Tika taught them how to fight, since it helped them gain power, strength and most of all, self-esteem within.

Beatrix had realized that Tika would be leaving soon once her father helped rebuild Tika’s castle, and she knew that once Tika was gone; they will not have the big sister relationship they had now, and wished that she did not have to leave. They both looked up to her and imagined being just as tough and honorable as Tika someday.

When Beatrix and Jade met up with Tika in the garden the next day, Tika gave them some advice about battles, and continued demonstrating fighting techniques.

“It’s best to attack from behind. That way your enemy does not see you coming,” said Tika.

“Also, always keep your eye on the enemy. If you look away for just a second, it will give them a chance to attack before you can protect yourself,” added C.B Avalon also put in his two cents worth.

When they decided to take a break, Beatrix sadly commented, “We’re going to miss you and C.B so very much.”

“I will miss both of you very much too. In fact, but you can visit anytime you like once my castle is rebuilt,” replied Tika.

“Really, anytime,” cried Jade excitedly as she grinned from ear to ear.
Beatrix and Tika both laughed. “Yes, anytime,” replied Tika.

Later that evening they sat at the dinner table eyeing the big feast before them, and everything looked delicious. Beatrix, Jade and Tika felt the mouths water just looking at the feast placed onto the long large wooden table. Even C.B Avalon’s began to drool at the sight. There were roasted potatoes, vegetables, rotisserie chicken, roast beef, and many wonderful desserts like cream puffs, ice-cream, brownies and more. The girls and C.B Avalon could not wait to get their paws on all the delicious food, but they had to say a blessing before they can begin to devouring all the goodies set before them.

While they ate, King Phoenix had mentioned to Tika that her castle was almost ready.

“You’ll be able to go back in a few days,” he commented smiling warmly at Tika
He also enjoyed having Tika, because of her strong spirit, and the will to be the best she can be at anything and everything she did. King Phoenix knew the girls would learn a lot from her.

You can also tell that Queen Missy loved having her in the castle, because since she was like a big sister to Beatrix and Jade. Tika was like the big sister they had lost a year ago; and not to replace Layla, after Layla could never be replaced. She remembered the girls crying all night, and day for Layla after her passing. In fact they cried for weeks, until they could not cry any longer.

Even though Tika was going to miss the girls she was glad that she would be able to go back soon and run the castle in the honor of her parents. King Phoenix also told her what had to be done still, and that he would send over a few of his guards with her to help protect the castle.

Once dinner was over they all visited the tea room for music, tea, and a little conversation before they all went off to retire for the night.

Beatrix shared her room with Jade while Tika joined them for the night. For the last couple of weeks Tika have been sleeping in Beatrix’s room, but tonight for some reason they felt that they needed to be together. The girls talked, laughed, and shared special stories of growing up before they went under their covers, and fell fast asleep.

Jade was having trouble sleeping and kept tossing and turning and Beatrix got a bit annoyed by it.

“What is wrong, Jade,”

“I can’t sleep, and can’t help thinking something is bad is going to happen,” whispered Jade as she did not want to wake Tika.

“What do you mean? Nothing is going to go wrong.”

“Something is going to happen to Tika, something bad,” cried Jade

Suddenly the girls heard and squawking, and yelling into the night; even the breaking of glass.

Beatrix and Jade quickly got off the bed and ran to the side of the window to have a peak, at the same time trying to keep away from possible danger. Beatrix saw large crows throwing rocks at the castle, and noticed that they were dressed for battle. Fear began to quickly grow within the frightened girls as she pulled Jade from the window, and ran to wake Tika.

Tika then heard the yelling and glass shattering, and she too ran to the window taking cover as she saw the Crows.

“Are we going to battle,” asked Beatrix eagerly with fear in her voice.
Tika knew that they were not ready for battle yet, and ordered them to stay in the room,
“Turn out the lights, and stay close to one another.”

“Why can’t we help? I thought that’s why you taught us to fight; in case there was a battle,” asked Beatrix as she was cross with Tika at this point.

“You’re going to need more training before you actually go into any battle. Just keep yourself and Jade safe, and I will let you know when it’s all over. Please just stay here until it’s safe to come out.”

Tika then ran down the hallway where she saw King Phoenix running out of his chambers with his battle gear, and ran back to the room to gather hers and her sword hidden under the bed.

She met up with King Phoenix outside with the rest of his guards, and fought as many crows as she could until one had driven a sword into her. She was now lying helplessly on the thick grass as she felt herself losing consciousness.

King Phoenix turned just in time to see Tika fall, and the crow that had stabbed her was about to thrust his sword into her again. King Phoenix quickly ran over and swung his sword toward the crow just in time. The crow then fell with to the ground in dreadful pain to the chest. Finally after what seemed like hours into battle, the last few crows started to back off, and flew toward the darkened skies and far away until they had completely disappeared.

Once they had retreated the king ran over to Tika and leaned over to see if she was still breathing, and although her breathing was slow he was happy and relieved to see that she was still alive. He gently picked her up, and rushed her into the castle with C.B Avalon close behind. The king laid her onto Beatrix’s bed as Queen Missy ran quickly ran to her kitchen pantry and gathered some herbs for pain and healing. When she got back she quickly administered the herbs into Tika’s wound. C.B Avalon was deeply worried, and was afraid that Tika would not make it through the night.

King Phoenix turned and saw the worry on C.B’s face, and then stooped down and rested his hand on the canine’s shoulder to comfort him. “Don’t worry. Tika will come through it. She is a tough girl.

“Yes, she is. She has always been strong willed just like her father was.”

After Queen Missy was done treating Tika she led the girls back to Beatrix’s room, and tucked the girls in for the night, and told them not to worry.

“We’ll do everything we can for Tika to ensure she stays with us in this world.”

The girls could only smile, and hope that Tika does pull through, and she was herself again. Then Jade suddenly jumped off the bed to kneel beside it, praying. Beatrix then did the same and clasped her hands while Jade said the prayer.

“Please God, let Tika be alright. She is very special to everyone here, and we will truly miss her if you take her away from us. So, please, please, please, bring her back to us. Amen.”

“Amen,” repeated Beatrix

Queen Missy then kissed the girls goodnight, and smiled to herself as she left the room. She was pleased to hear the prayers from the girls and prayed herself in her mind for Tika’s health to improve.

It had been awhile before Beatrix and Jade was able to sleep. They could not help thinking what happened to Tika, and Beatrix realized that Jade was right. Something horrible did happen to Tika, and she wanted to know how Jade knew.

“I don’t know. I think I think I had a dream about it,"

She decided to think that maybe her sister has a gift, and others may not see it that way. Beatrix was now worried about Jade’s well-being and decided to keep it to herself. She knew if others knew of this gift that Jade would be in trouble with the villagers. They would see her as a witch, and would want to burn her to the stake, and it would not matter how old Jade was. They had always done this to anyone who they decided had the gift of seeing the future.

“Jade, please don’t say anything about that dream okay?”

“Why?”

“Because you would be taken away from your family, if this gets out to the villagers.”

“Well, I don’t want that. It would be horrible not to see you, and mom and dad again.”

“So, you promise not to say a word?”

“Yes, I promise. Cross my heart.”

Next morning Tika was quite feverish as she continued to sleep, so Queen Missy gathered up some more herbs for fighting off the fever, and gently administered it into the wound while Beatrix and Jade watched.

“She is going to be okay is not she,” cried Jade.

“She’ll be just fine. Tika will be up and around in a few days, you’ll see. “Now come on girls, let’s get something to eat,” said the queen as she gently coaxed the girls out of the chamber and into the breakfast nook.

By the time they went down to the kitchen, the servant had breakfast waiting neatly on the table with cream puffs, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon on a large plate. Beatrix realized that her dad was not having breakfast with them, and wanted to know where he was. She wondered why he was not having breakfast with them this morning.

“Where is father?”

Queen Missy did not want to worry the girls; knowing that her husband had gone into battle once again to get destroy the crows once and for all.

“Your father went to finish rebuilding Tika’s castle. He will be back soon.” She knew this was a lie in which she regretted. After all, she had always told the girls that it’s not right to be untruthful.

Once breakfast was over, Jade and Beatrix went to check on Tika and saw that Tika was still resting, and reported it to their mother before they went out to play. They walked over toward the large shed that C.B stayed in, and gave him the report on Tika’s improvement. Beatrix then thought maybe if he taught them some fight techniques that it may help them cope with the situation. She thought it will help get things of there minds for awhile, so C.B taught them some more of his techniques, and then they played for the rest of the afternoon.

Later that afternoon, Queen Missy went to check on Tika, and noticed that Tika was slowly opening her eyes. Tika was now crying in pain, so the queen quickly rushed to Tika’s side to administer some herbs that will help with the pain. Tika soon fell back to sleep while Queen Missy held Tika’s paws in hers.

A few hours had passed when King Phoenix arrived back at the castle. By this time, Beatrix and Jade were in bed sound asleep. Queen Missy saw how exhausted King Phoenix had appeared, and she also realized the bleeding on right shoulder. She quickly cleaned and treated his injury and curiously asked how the battle went.

“So, was the battle successful?”

“It went quite well. The crows will not be attacking for a long time, since the leader has retreated and gone into hiding. There will be no more attacks for years to come,” he replied confidently. Once he was mended, they both went up the stairs to retire for the night, and just before they did, they decided to check on all three girls, and saw that they were still at rest.

A few days later Tika had awaken while Queen Missy opened the windows for some fresh air, and when Tika spoke the queen turned seeing Tika now sitting on the bed. Queen Missy called for the maid and sent her to give everyone the news.

Instantly Beatrix, Jade, and C.B Avalon were all running to Tika’s bedside with King Phoenix trailing closely behind. They were all happy to see her awake and alert as Beatrix and Jade hugged her while Jade cried out. “I’m glad you’re well again,” cried Jade gleefully. Tika smiled, and then turned to Queen Missy wondering how long she had been in bed.

“What happened? How long have I been out?”

“You have been attacked by one of the crows, but you need not to worry about that now. You are well now, and that’s what matters,” replied the king being the one to answer.

“Is my castle ready, yet,” asked Tika anxiously.

“All you need to worry about young lady is rebuilding your strength, but if it would ease your mind; it is almost done.” Tika smiled as she thanked everyone for taking such good care of her.

Tika then searched the room for C.B. Avalon and saw him standing by the door smiling with drool dripping onto the wooden floor. He was as happy as any dog would be seeing his princess well again. Quickly he strolled to her bedside and gave Tika a sloppy kiss on the cheek. Tika then wiped the saliva from her face.

“Hey, you slobbered all over me.”

“Sorry,” as he apologized now embarrassed at his sloppiness.

At this point, everyone just laughed seeing his embarrassment. They thought it was adorable, and especially Jade, because she had never seen a dog embarrassed before.

Beatrix and Jade wanted to get as much time with Tika and C.B before they had to leave, and knowing that they may not see Tika for the longest while, she joined in the played, and conversations with Jade, C.B Avalon and Tika. They even practiced more battle techniques as C.B pretended to be their target. The girls even promised Tika that they would keep practicing.

The next morning it was time for Tika to leave. They all said their goodbyes, and exchanged hugs before Tika jumped onto C.B Avalon’s back. Within minutes they were both heading back to the castle with a few of King Phoenix guards leading the way.

When Tika had reached her castle by nightfall she saw how beautiful her castle was again, and was extremely thankful for King Phoenix’s help. She was now prepared to run things just like her parents had taught her over the years. She missed them so dearly, and vowed that she would never let them down. She will run the castle in their honor and make them proud.

A year later, the Queen, King, and the girls had arrived at Tika’s castle for a visit. They all had a splendid afternoon feast as they carried on a variety of conversations. Everyone saw that Tika was doing very well for herself, and was very proud of her. She had hired more guards, and other hired help as she managed the castle like a true queen; just like everybody knew she would.

Impressum

Texte: Indira Nankoosingh
Lektorat: Valerie Byron
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 21.11.2012

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