Ch. 40.8 — Butterfingers trembled with fear. After a moment he gathered his courage, slipped out of hiding and ran to the queen. He put his hand on her throat. To his relief a pulse still beat there.
“Your Majesty, please wake up.”
Her eyelids fluttered, and she moaned. When the queen opened her eyes, her pupils were dilated. He took off the gag and gave her a drink from the canteen he always carried. After she had sipped the water, she whispered hoarsely.
“Get help.”
“I can’t leave you here. Didn’t you hear the guards? They’re planning something awful.”
“Can’t move,” she whispered.
Butterfingers took out the small knife he always carried and cut her bonds. He tried to help her to sit up, but she had no strength. Queen Natalie flopped back onto the bed. He spread out a thick blanket on the floor and then rolled her off the bed. The queen landed with a thump. She groaned.
“Sorry, sorry,” he whispered. He gathered up all the evidence, then wrapped her up in the blanket and dragged her towards the secret passageway. She was very heavy for a small gnome to move, but he kept pulling until he had crossed the room and was through the door. Then he slid her along the passageway until he came to a small door disguised as a panel of stone. He pressed the small latch. The door swung open silently, revealing a dark, empty room. Dust lay thick on the smooth, stone floor. Butterfingers had to stifle a sneeze as he slid the queen inside and closed the door.
Butterfingers took out a glow ball and knelt by the queen’s face. “Your Majesty, I don’t know any other place to hide you, but you’ll be safe here. Only three people know about this room: Ezra, me, and Michaels.”
Queen Natalie looked puzzled. “Michaels is dead.”
“Yes, I know, but he has faithfully watched over you and the king these many years, and he will continue to do so.”
The ghost nodded and put a hand over his heart. The queen glanced around the room, but it was obvious that she couldn’t see him.
“I’ll bring you some food and water. You must stay hidden until I can come back for you.”
“What about my husband?” Her eyes were full of despair.
Butterfingers shook his head in frustration. “I’ll try, but it may be too late.”
“Miracle Mix.”
“Everyone wishes they could find the missing Miracle Mix.”
Butterfingers took off his cloak, rolled it into a pillow, and gently placed it under her head. He set his glow ball in one of her cold hands. “I’ll do my best. Meanwhile, stay here and be very quiet. And please don’t die while I’m gone.”
A faint smile touched her lips. “I’ll try.”
Carol Nicolas 