Page 71 of The Beauty and the Griffin

The griffins looked at me, but I could only shake my head. “It’s been a republic all of my lifetime.”

Win nodded, her expression grim. “Schools don’t teach its true history, but my great-grandmother knew it and passed down the story. The last King of Adelboden was Siegfried III, and during his reign, evil magic rose in the land. The royal family fought to stamp it out, but one night a terrible magical Beast appeared in the palace and killed everyone, even the king.” Win related the story with a dramatic conviction that made my heart clench.

“Several powerful enchanters moved the palace and its grounds into these remote mountains, trapping the Beast and the servants’ ghosts here forever. The servants keep serving, but they’re fading away now. After a hundred years, the evil Beast is probably a ghost too. I know I’ve never seen him.” Her silvery eyes focused on mine. “If you defend a murderous ghost, you’re a traitor to the whole world.”

I suddenly felt queasy. I wanted to disbelieve her story, but parts of it made too much sense to totally discount. In my dreams of Niel, we’d mostly played or walked in the gardens. I had only vague memories of the royal ballroom, my bedchamber, and the library in my dreams. I’d never thought to look for them in the Forbidden Palace. Why would I?

It made sense that the palace had been moved into the mountains. No one would build a royal estate in a place so inaccessible. But the part about the Beast killing everyone, even Niel? Impossible. I’m a good judge of character—my father and Auntie Bella have remarked on that many times. Although some of Win’s story could be true, I knew in the core of my being that my Beast, the Gamekeeper, was alive, and that he was not evil.

But maybe he had been evil at one time? What if he did kill Niel? I struggled to swallow the lump in my throat. If he did, there had to be some explanation. Maybe some evil enchanter took my Beast under his power and forced him to kill the King of Adelboden. Any number of explanations might clear his name.

I just didn’t happen to know of any.

Win was still talking when I refocused. “I’ve been stashing food and warm clothes for us among the boulders. We can’t carry much since the griflets are still young, but with a bit of effort and some rest stops, they can make it to Faraway Castle.” She pointed at some misty-looking mountains. “We’ll fly between those peaks and along a valley. Some of our allies located thin patches in the magical barrier a few days ago and slipped through a note of explanation and orders.”

“What? Where is this magical border? How did you get there?”

She scowled, avoiding my gaze. “I do have magic, you know.” When she darted a wary glance at me, I noticed something different about her eyes—like, a flash of unnatural blue? I couldn’t have explained what I’d seen, not even to myself. I might have imagined it, but I didn’t think so. Whoever these allies of Win’s were, they must be enemies of the Gamekeeper, which made them my enemies too.

“I can’t stop you, Win, but I won’t be joining you. The Gamekeeper is the best friend I’ve ever had, and he isn’t evil. I don’t know who’s been filling your head with these lies, but I don’t believe they have your best interest in mind.”

Instead of rolling her eyes and insulting me, Win snatched one hand out of her coat pocket and made a quick throwing motion in my direction. Too startled to move, I saw Chicky leap to shred the invisible whatever it was with her claws before one of her huge wings folded me against her side. From that position I couldn’t see a thing, but I felt the sizzle of magic as my griflet’s lungs inflated.

Chicky’s wing protected my ears from her chilling scream, a combination of lion’s roar and eagle’s scream laced with magic.

“Dodger, come here!” Win’s voice was a terrified squeak, yet it still wielded power.

I peered over Chicky’s wing just as her brother’s entire aspect changed. He made a sorrowful twittering sound, glancing from Chicky and me to Winifred with desperation.Beatrice!

I called back to him: “Dodger, you must do what youknowis right!”

“Shutup! How dare you speak to my—”

When Chicky’s crest rose and a thunderous growl built in her throat, Win’s threat ended in a frightened shriek.

Dodger briefly met my gaze, and I saw courage and purpose in his eyes.No fear, Beeetrice.I fly Win to safe place, then I come help you and Chicky.He lowered his head and wings, and in that split second, Win flung herself onto his back, her legs gripping his sides just behind the base of his wings. With a keening cry, Dodger launched into the sky.

Chicky and I watched as they shrank in the distance, then vanished into a thick haze. “Are they flying toward Faraway Castle?” I asked aloud.

Chicky tilted her head.Yes. Yesterday,Bogran warned us that the protective barrier around the Forbidden Lands has weakened, so we must not go near it. Today, Dodger told me that Win ordered him to order me to grab you and follow them through a rift in the Gamekeeper’s barrier.

The feathers over Chicky’s eyes formed her version of a frown.Win’s magic is not strong enough to control Dodger or me. My Beeetrice never tries to claim authority over us. Dodger knows he is free, but he thinks taking Win away will protect you.

Dear Dodger! My heart ached for that sweet chivalrous griflet. He was nearly full grown, yet he was young and innocent still.What can we do now?I asked.

Chicky tilted her head quizzically and spoke aloud: “You already know what you can do.” Her voice was raspy.

I sucked in a quick breath, startled by its chill. “Why is it so cold?”

My griflet merely waited, her gaze skewering my flimsy deflection.

“Okay, fine. I’ll call him,” I mumbled, then turned toward the palace looming over us. “Gamekeeper, we need you. Something is very wrong.” I tried to speak clearly, but my voice trembled.

Nothing happened.

I glanced at Chicky. She blinked at me.

When nothing continued to happen, pressure built in my chest until I found it difficult to breathe. He must be somewhere near—he was trapped here too. But what would I do if—

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