Author's Note: This story has quite a bit of set up, and is a bit long. Feel free to skip ahead if you only want the "good sstuff."This story is dedicated to all the Caliopes; who says a princess needs to be a proper lady?
These days my name is seldom heard in the kingdom, but once that was not true. I was Sir John of Gereendale, the third son of Lord Roberts. I had fought in the Duskridge wars, slain Edward Blackburn, and at the Wiltsdam Tourney I had unhorsed the great Sir George Carlyle. In short, I was on my way to becoming the best knight in the land. My downfall (or perhaps it would be better to say my awakening) started when the king called me in to a special audience.
King Aldred sat on his marble throne, his long robes flowing down to the floor, his crown sitting atop his graying locks. He looked down at me with the warmth of a grandfather as I entered the room. "Sir John, you've made quite a name for yourself. I offer my congratulations." The king greeted me as I entered the stone room.
I bowed to him and looked around the room. It was just us and a couple palace guards dressed in their black uniforms. Two lined the door behind me, and another pair flanked the door near the king's throne, which I knew led into his personal chambers. I was surprised to be called in to the King's reception room, an honor usually reserved for visiting dignitaries and the elite nobility. Despite the relaxed nature of the guards' postures, the King looked tense. If I had not already known something was unusual, I would have now.
"Your Grace, I humbly thank you for this honor. How may I serve you?" I nervously addressed the king, trying to keep my voice steady.
"you've proven yourself a capable night, and fought bravely in the uprisings. I heard you killed the traitor's nephew, Edward, yourself."
"Yes, Your Grace." I was unsure where this was going. Many soldiers had fought at Duskridge, many knights who were more noteworthy that I. "It is an honor to fight for you, my lord."
A slight grin went across the king's face, and for a moment the tension eased out of his features. "There's no need for stiff formality John, you've distinguished yourself to me. I have a mission for you, that upon completion, would make you one of the greatest knights in the land. You'll be given an honored place in my court. How does that sound?"
"Your Grace, I would be happy to serve you without any hope of reward."
"Yes, well, I'm sure the reward won't hurt either. Still, I haven't told you what my mission is. As you know, my daughter, Princess Caliope, is not in court. You may have heard several rumors of their whereabouts. I have sought to keep the truth hidden; she is locked away in a tower by the Sorceress Melinda."
At this, I grew tense. Melinda was infamous for her enchantments, having led many knights to their deaths. There had been rumors that Caliope was ill, or even had been taken by some dispossessed lord, as revenge for the war. I had never expected anything this bad. "If I may be so bold, my lord, why choose me for this task?"
"You are possibly the greatest knight of your generation, though only time will tell for certain. What I do know is that you are my best option. Many of my favored are being watched by Melinda, and a past attempt failed because of it. I believe you have escaped her notice. This quest will be your greatest glory."
Listening, astonished at his words, I humbly accepted. Howe could I possibly refuse the king? Besides, he thought I was a great warrior and offered me a coveted place in his court. Looking back, I did not suspect what would become of me in my failure. Still, I do not regret that choice. My failure set me free, and gave me the pleasure I know today.
The next few months were fairly normal, for a knight on a quest that is. I wandered the countryside, camping or staying in inns, and searching for Melinda's fortress. At several points, I heard rumors of her whereabouts and investigated them. Most were fruitless. A few times, I found some interesting information. It was as the summer was closing that I finally hit the jackpot. I was in the town of Dragonstale when I heard rumors of a cursed mountain. People had gone to investigate the mountain, only to never return. I gathered up my supplies and left the next morning.
I made my way up the mountain and found on top there was a fortress. Seemingly abandoned, I could feel the magic in the air. I was finally on the right track, Melinda either lived here or had lived here recently. I camped out hiding in the forest and spent several days observing the fortress. Finding no obstacle to my entry, I took what I could carry and made my way to a promising looking portion of the wall. Using my rope, I climbed inside, without much resistance. Surprisingly, entrance into the fortress was not as difficult as I had feared.
As I wandered around the interior of the fort, I had my sword drawn, wary for any disturbance to the peace. Finding none, I explored the area thoroughly. Eventually , I came upon a section with lit torches lining the hallways. I travelled down, slowly, making my way with caution. As I made my way down the hallway, I didn't hear any noise coming from up ahead. Silently, I looked in every room. Most were empty. A few had materials for Melinda's dark magics.
Eventually, I came upon a room which was well lit, a fire blazing in the hearth. In a chair In the corner sat Princess Caliope, looking at me with wide blue eyes. Her skin was pale, and her dark brown hair framed her round face. She wore a small pink dress, barely covering her body, and I felt embarrassment on her behalf. It was not proper for a princess to be showing her legs, her dress ending just above the knees. As an honorable knight, I dutifully did not look at her exposed ankles and shoulders. I entered the room, careful to make sure Melinda was not waiting in ambush.
"My name is Sir John. I've come to rescue you." I introduced myself, while looking around for any potential traps or hazards.
"Thank you. I've been trapped in this room for several weeks. I spend most of my time here."
"Don't worry. I'll take you home. Let's go now while the evil sorceress is not around."
"you don't understand. I can't leave. She's trapped me here with a magic spell. It's impossible to leave the room without breaking it first."
At this I gave a start. Perhaps I should have asked some good wizard to accompany me. Fighting a magic user always meant magical resistance. I should have seen something like this coming.
Caliope saw my worried face. "I know the counter, I've seen her do it a few times. It's a simple charm, anyone could do it with the right ingredients. You'll have to go to the nearby storerooms to get them, though." She then explained to me what I needed to find.
In the stores, I found the needed supplies. I also saw chains and handcuffs that had been used to keep prisoners bound. Several foul smelling ointments were on the various shelves. I took what I needed for the spell and left quickly.
"I've returned with the ingredients. How do I use them?" I asked Caliope to walk me through the spell quickly, not wanting to spend any more time then necessary in this accursed place.
She gave me the instructions and I set about following them. After a couple minutes of trying to accomplish the seemingly impossible, I had the charm made. All that was left was the incantation. In a loud, clear voice I said "Axorem filotus chimorium." I expected Caliope to be released from her imprisonment. Instead, the world went black.
