Now Turlough and Oran stood in the king’s throne room, a small crowd of courtiers gathered around, including the fae maiden who’d alerted Turlough. The queen sat to the side. Her eyes reflected inner pain, and Turlough feared the worst.

His family was particularly close to the queen, and even had some distant kinship. That she looked so concerned boded ill for the audience with the king. Turlough could do nothing except pray.

Standing beside his brother, he clasped his hands together behind his back. The last thing he wanted was for Oran to see his hands shake. The king would indeed be furious. He wished their parents weren’t still away. Perhaps if they’d been there, none of this would be happening.

A fanfare sounded, and all turned as the great doors opened. The king strode into the room, his golden cape billowing in his wake. He shrugged off the garment, letting it fall to the floor. Then he ascended the few stairs that led to the dais, and sat on the great wooden, carved chair in the centre. He stared down at Turlough and Oran with an unreadable expression.

The king’s voice rang out, loud and clear in the silence. “Because of your flagrant disregard of my decree, a tree of fae berries now grows in the mortal land. We cannot uproot it, only protect it from humans. So it falls upon you, Oran, to do this.”

“You want me to guard the tree?” Oran looked from the king to Turlough and back again. “How?”

“You are banished from this kingdom until such time as you bring back one of the giants to keep the tree safe from mortals. My soldiers will continue to guard it in the meantime.” The king waved a hand dismissively, as if to bring the audience to an end.

Oran’s face paled, and Turlough moved quickly to wrap an arm around his brother’s waist before his knees buckled.

“I am responsible for my brother in our parents’ absence,” Turlough said. “I failed to keep him safe and from harm. The fault lies with me. I will find a giant as you wish.”

“You did not disobey me, Turlough. Just Oran.”

Despite the softening of the king’s tone, Turlough knew what had been said could not be undone. He looked into the king’s eyes. “I cannot stand aside, my King. I leave Oran in the queen’s care until our parents return home.” He cupped Oran’s chin with his right hand. “I will take this punishment for you, but it is the last time. Serve her majesty well while I’m gone that I may be proud of you when I return.”

Oran pulled him into a tight embrace, and the wetness of his brother’s tears soaked his shoulder. “I never thought -- never. I’m sorry, Turlough. I’ll come with you.”

“No,” Turlough whispered. “That would be too much for our parents to bear. I’ll be home again soon. Make sure I hear good things of you.”

“I’ll make you proud of me. I promise, Turlough.” Oran lifted his head, his eyes still tear-filled.

“Good.” He walked his brother over to the queen, and bowed low. “I leave Oran in your care, Majesty, until our parents return.”

The queen inclined her head slowly. “I will look after him. Come to my chambers, Turlough. I would bid you a personal farewell. Oran, follow my retinue. You will join them as a page.”

Turlough watched and waited as the room emptied, a guilt-laden glance from Cara was enough for him to know who’d revealed his brother to the king as having taken fae berries into the forest. There was nothing he could do now, except pen a letter to his parents for their return, and prepare himself for the journey to the valley of the giants.

He walked slowly to the queen’s chambers, and entered at her command. Her smile was sad and she shook her head at him. He bowed low. “How may I serve you, my Queen?”

“If only Oran was more like you, Turlough. I tried to lessen the punishment, but it seems Oran has some enemies who also spoke to my husband. His pride caused his fall. Except that you are taking his punishment. My husband didn’t expect that.”

The queen came towards him. In her hand was a small, brown pouch. She held it out. “Tis magical. Affix it to your leggings and with a word of command it will remain safely attached, and visible only to you. The word of command is inside, and will respond only to your voice. There are also a good number of fae berries.”

“Majesty --” At the queen’s raised hand, Turlough fell silent.

“They will give you strength if you need it, and may help you during your quest. You take them with my blessing and permission. Take care and I pray you return to us quickly.”