Conversing With "That Simpleton"

"I just think you should know - if I catch you 'correcting' my story to that simpleton, it will go hard for him! And for you!" Belboz turned away from Cecilia to Fred, who had brought down the book. He thanked him with a smile, then put it down and sat. "Now, we are going to have to strategize, if we plan to defeat Rogell . . ."

Cecilia only was half listening to Belboz. She was eyeing Fred, who slouched down in one corner of the room. He then got up and walked out of the room and stood just visible past the entrance. Cecilia could tell he looked upset, he probably wanted to be alone for a bit. She could understand that. This whole affair would be shocking to anybody. Actually, he was taking it much better than she expected. She had expected all sorts of bad reactions. "Perhaps . . . Perhaps it would be a better idea if I speak to him, first," she told Belboz. He grunted, but let her go.

"Is what you say true?" Fred said as soon as Cecilia approached him. His eyes were somewhat damp. "My history, I never existed until now. That is true?"

"Yes. Fred, you must-" Fred cut Cecilia off.

"Can I trust you? I don't trust that wizard. I'm only helping you two because of you. Fair Princess Cecilia, who disappeared five years ago, presumably at the claws of the dragon. How do I know you are not an old witch playing games with me?!"

Cecilia looked shocked. "Fred- I am trying to help you! Belboz wanted to kill you, said it was kinder. I didn't let him, you do not deserve to die yet. There is no reason you don't deserve to live, to have a future."

Fred was clearly upset now. Tears were rolling down his cheeks. "Forgive me, Princess. I- I- did not mean to offend you." He sighed and looked at the ground, "But, can one with no past have a future? Perhaps you should have killed me. What will the world make of me? I'll be lucky to start a new life as a peasant farmer."

They were both silent for a minute. "Perhaps we had better attend to the matters at hand, my father's health deteriorates as we speak, bringing Rogell closer to the throne," she spoke up eventually, "And we have kept Belboz waiting much too long."

Fred looked up, and into Belboz's room. Shelves filled with books. "Yes . . . Yes, we've kept Belboz waiting too long haven't we." He let out a laugh, and smiled for the first time, "Haha, Father always thought my learning to read was a waste of time. If the world makes ill of me, I shall make well of myself! I shall carve myself a past! I'm sure Belboz wouldn't mind me flipping through his wonderous volumes . . . It will take a long time . . . Perhaps the Great Library of the West has adequate volumes to study . . ." He turned to Cecilia and laughed again, "Come, Cecilia, let's not make Belboz wait any longer. There are many strategies to discuss, and many books to read."

1. "It took you long enough!" Belboz grunted to Cecilia as they re-entered the room, "Now, down to buisiness . . ."

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