Chapter 20

Philip had taken the path through the farm land to avoid a meeting with his daughter's envoy. The tall cornstalks would help conceal him from view. It was a difficult journey for a man his age, but he did not wish to explain his betrayal to Amri. He feared for the lives of his friends and was deeply regretful for the part his family had played in the farmer's misfortune.

He rounded the edge of the farm when he noticed a skunk coming up to him. "Shoo, skunk. Go away," he said waving at the creature, but it remained steadfast in its determination to draw near to him. "I said go away." The skunk came up to him and rubbed against his leg as a cat would. Philip remained still hoping it wouldn't spray him. The skunk seemingly a little perturbed that it was being refused attention, reared up on the man's leg. He chirped and clicked at him, but Philip remained still, staring at the creature. He was afraid of wild creatures of all sizes. He especially was afraid of skunks because of their notorious odor. The skunk back off for a moment and appeared to be thinking, then it reared up on the man's leg again and began climbing. He made to the man's waist before Philip finally responded. He grabbed the skunk by the nape of its neck to remove it from him. He noticed in his grasp the band that graced the skunk's neck. "You must be someone's pet," he perceived aloud. "Let's see if your name is on your collar here." He set the skunk on the ground and inspected the collar for a name or owner information and found the note written by the elf. He opened the small note and read; 'Philip- we need your help, the skunk can speak if you are willing to hear. You need only believe and you shall hear his words.' "Believe, huh?" he said. "Well, let me see. If you can understand me skunk then fetch me that small rock on the ground behind you."

Jacque was not amused, but did as the medicine man requested. He picked the rock up and brought it to the man and placed it in his outstretched hand. "Will that do for proof, old man?"

His voice shocked the old man and he dropped the rock. "How is it that you are able to speak as I do, skunk?" he asked.

"All animals speak, Philip. It is the human ear that cannot hear. My name is Jacque. I am a friend of the farmer and his daughter. They asked if you would be willing to help them reverse a great evil your daughter has done to the elfin king. I understand how difficult it is for you to betray your own flesh, but we feel we have no other choice."

"What has she done to your king?"

"It is believed that she keeps him too ill to rule with her tonics and elixirs. We need to confirm this and reverse its effects."

"How have you come to believe she is poisoning him?"

"Elves are not usually sick, though they fall prey to death and age as do humans."

"Elves? You mean they're real?"

"Quite real, I assure you. As real as I am."

"The farmer's wife. She was an elf?"

"Aye; that she was."

"That is where my daughter went when she disappeared? She went to the elves for revenge. Yes, I will help. I cannot allow her to destroy an entire race over a broken heart. Please take me to this king, and I will try to save him." He followed the skunk as far as the forest's edge. "I dare not enter this enchanted land for fear I may offend the Great Spirit within."

"Tis the Great Spirit who seeks your assistance, old man." retorted Jacque. "It has been weakened by your daughter's treachery. I fear the forest itself will die if she is not soon defeated."

"Then let us not laze about here. Where must I go?" he said walking into the forest with a new found boldness. The skunk quickly reclaimed his lead and led the man through the various paths leading to the rose garden. They were walking slowly as the medicine man was unable to exhibit a fair speed.

Jacque stopped and smelled the air. "Hunters approach. I fear we may have been discovered. Claim allegiance to Amri as it may spare your life." The skunk vanished into the under brush leaving Philip alone. He glanced about but was unable to see any one. He continued to follow the path he was on. Within ten feet elfin soldiers had surrounded him. The leader of the band approached him saying, "You are a foolish human indeed, old man, to enter our kingdom. A mistake that will cost you your life." He raised his hand to order the archers to fire upon him.

"I have been sent by Amri, my daughter to treat her husband in her absence!" shouted Philip. "Kill me if you must, but ready yourselves for my daughter's wrath."

"Hold your fire!" shouted the leader. He came closer to Philip. "You better be telling the truth, old man. If you are lying to me, I will have your head."

"If I am lying, I will offer it," replied Philip.

"Bring him!" demanded the leader of the others. They led him to the castle to present him to Amidal.