Ch. 49.1 — Janine wanted to look away, but found she couldn’t. The battle was terrifying. The trolls were so huge. The valley before them was a mess, filled with shouting, the clashing of swords, and the screams of the dying. The scent of blood hung heavy in the air. While their friends fought valiantly, Janine, Bee, and several others waited on the side of the meadow in front of the long tent which would serve as a first aid station. They had prepared cots, bandages, cloths, jars of Miracle Mix, hot water, and other necessities for the wounded.
Janine tried to keep track of a certain large tabby cat who winked in and out all over the battlefield, stealing weapons, biting, clawing, and shouting encouragement to his friends. Felix was a force to be reckoned with, but Janine wished he wouldn’t take such chances.
At first the cat’s attacks were random. Then she realized that Felix was making his way towards them. Puzzled, she looked around and realized that the evil fey prince was only a few yards away from the first aid tent. He cut down the guards and turned towards the girls.
Bee tried a spell, but it had no effect. Janine clutched her dagger and looked around for help. Col was frantic as he tried to reach them, but he was still too far away. He threw a spell at Prince Korim, but the fey prince brushed it away as if it were a cobweb.
Then Felix appeared on the rump of the prince’s horse. The cat bit deeply, and the horse screamed and reared. Prince Korim reached a gloved hand backwards. Before Felix could disappear, he grabbed the cat by the scruff of the neck. Felix yowled and raked his claws in the air, but he couldn’t seem to wink away anymore.
Janine and Bee both cried out. In spite of the noise from the battle, Janine heard the conversation clearly.
Prince Korim held up the cat, who hissed and twisted. “You have betrayed me, Felix. Is that any way to repay my generosity?”
Felix spat. “I served you for years, and the only things I ever received were pain, loneliness, and sadness.”
“You deserved it, and more.”
“Just for a few strawberry tarts?”
The prince shook the cat. “You will obey me. Attack the princes of Nelsonia. Now.”
“No.”
“Then you give me no choice.” Prince Korim stabbed the cat with a knife.
Felix went still.
Carol Nicolas 