“I want you to accept that fixing time is the only option to resolving the issues we face,” the Matriarch explained. “Damselfly was right about that.”
“You cannot say her name,” Luyna raged. “You will stand trial beside Delridden.”
“Fine,” the Matriarch replied calmly.
Furious at feeling like she had been outmaneuvered, Luyna returned to the royal apartments to seethe and brood on her plans.
Chief Justice Vale was dressed in a fine new robe as he presided over his courtroom at the trial of Delridden and the Matriarch although everyone in Thronegarden believed it to be greater than just two people’s fate. Luyna again represented the prosecution with power from the king, who was still conspicuous in his absence, while the Matriarch would stand for the defence. The benches were full of Thronegarden residents with everyone wanting to witness this turning point in their history. Tyten along with all his soldiers lined the far wall ready to step in and restore order if necessary. Rat once again watched from his unique vantage point above the gallery as Luyna started her opening speech.
“In these difficult times it is essential that everyone comes together and supports each other. There is no place for those who want to abandon their duties and seek to fulfil individual vendettas.”
“If that is true then why is King Handel absent?” the Matriarch queried.
“His Majesty is looking after the queen along with my brother,” Luyna excused.
“So it is all right for the king to ignore his responsibilities to be with his sick wife though not for Damselfly to do the same for her mother?” the Matriarch highlighted.
Luyna gave a wry smile that did not reach her venomous yellow eyes.
“The king is sitting beside his wife’s bed offering emotional support. He is not gallivanting across Fable on a foolish quest and disrupting the peace.”
The Matriarch, speaking to the people of Thronegarden, took centre stage.
“Since time stopped, we have all been guilty of melancholy. Without the threat of death, we have forgotten to live and ignored the critical signs around us. Without the changing of the seasons and nature’s wisdom guiding us, no garden can survive forever. Many people have left Wintergarden because there is not enough food. The same will soon be true of Thronegarden although there will not be anywhere else to go. Without the passing of time, there can be no change and that means we will stagnate and eventually our existence will be a curse.”
“We cannot die,” Luyna stated.
“Perhaps that is not enough,” the Matriarch offered.
Delridden stepped forward. As an accused he had the right to speak and did so with a conviction motivated by strong emotions.
“Before the Fairy King destroyed time, I was in love with a beautiful and kind woman. We were planning to start a family and had our whole lives ahead of us. Now there is no future, only a degrading present and if this is the price of living forever, I for one am not willing to pay it.”
“Who are you to make that decision for everyone?” Luyna snapped.
“We cannot cheat death,” the Matriarch countered. “Princess Damselfly was right when she attempted to correct this mistake. We have to restore time and go back to how things used to be.”
A murmuring of agreement rose from the watching crowd. They had seen the cracks appearing in the castle walls and glimpsed the food stores getting lower. Perhaps they would not die, though time’s absence could not remove the pain of hunger or hopelessness they felt.
“Even if we wanted to bring back time it is impossible,” Luyna raised.
“Damselfly believed there was a way,” Delridden replied.
“Enlighten us on this plan,” Luyna offered.
“It is a theory,” Bakka interrupted. “Damselfly thought that moonlight could break through the barriers between gardens.”
“As the creator of these gates, do you believe this idea?” Chief Justice Vale asked.
“Not to begin with,” Bakka confessed. “I still do not know if it can be done, though I agree with the Matriarch and Princess Damselfly that we should try. Death granted me longevity in exchange for creating items of power. Until recently I was using that time to wallow in the Lavagarden alone and miserable. Damselfly rekindled the fire inside me to live and rebuild what we have lost.”
“Can you construct a bridge to the Evergarden?” Luyna interrogated.
“I do not know,” the great smith responded.
Luyna looked triumphant as her opponent appeared to admit defeat. While the idea of restoring time might appeal to some, the actual reality of doing so was too difficult.
“I remain open to suggestions regarding restoring time; however, we need a viable option before we can give it further consideration,” the sorceress concluded. “In the meantime, a royal proclamation remains in effect and anyone breaking the terms of the castle’s rules will be subject to the relating punishment.”
“All who live within these walls must accept the laws that govern us,” Chief Justice Vale expanded.
“What if we refuse?” Delridden remained defiant.
“Then you will be forced to leave Thronegarden and return to your respective homes,” the judge informed.
“I am not leaving without Uriel and Damselfly,” Delridden instructed the court.
“Damselfly is lost to the Evergarden and if you are not careful you will join her,” Luyna threatened.
“I would rather join my friend in exile than live with the knowledge that I abandoned her when she needed me most,” Delridden resolved.
“Then you are a fool,” Luyna accused.
“I am also a fool.” The Matriarch stood beside Delridden in a show of solidarity.
“Me too.” Bakka stepped forward.
To Luyna’s consternation all the recent arrivals stepped forward to accept their punishment in support of Princess Damselfly and her mission. While this seemed like an opportunity to remove the insurrection, Luyna was concerned about the statement it might have on the castle’s general population. Mistakenly, Luyna
