The Witch Queen final part

Anakin Takes his Place as King

 

          On the battlefield Queen Morticia’s general and captain had been tied up along with fifty of their men. The rest of their men had been killed so the general, captain and their men had lost the battle. King Finwë, Erestor, Kirk and some soldiers were keeping an eye on them in case they tried to do anything. The other kings, princes, generals, soldiers, witches and wizards were helping those who were injured and mourning for those they lost. They were placing the dead bodies onto carts to take them back to their kingdoms for their families. The general and captain were grumbling with anger, while the other soldiers remained silent. “You may have won the battle but you haven’t won the war!” shouted the General. “That’s right!” shouted the captain “her majesty, the queen, will destroy you all and win this war for us!” “I’m afraid she won’t Captain!” shouted a voice.

          The voice came from Shaula; she turned up with Kira, Anakin, the brownies and fairies. King Finwë, Erestor and Kirk were happy to see Kira and Shaula were still alive. They were curious who the young man with them was because they didn’t know that was Anakin. Shaula held up the broken pieces of the book. “Queen Morticia is dead!” she shouted “she was defeated by Anakin and Kira! Therefore we have won this war!” Anakin revealed the mark on his arm, proving he was the baby all grown up. Everyone was surprised to know Anakin was now an adult. The general and captain were shocked and very angry to know the queen was dead. Even the soldiers were shocked of what Shaula said “Now General and Captain,” said Shaula “we are giving you a choice. Will you surrender and pledge your loyalty to Anakin who will become the new king of Ranbaraz or will you not?” The general snorted. “I only pledge my loyalty to Queen Morticia, I will never take orders from some little brat” he said. It was clear the general was never going to change from bad to good. The captain refused to surrender and accept Anakin as the new king too because he was loyal to Queen Morticia. Shaula turned to King Finwë and nodded her head; that meant the general and captain was to be put to death as punishment. King Finwë turned to Kirk and nodded his head. Kirk understood the situation, took out his sword and killed the general and captain. The remaining soldiers watched the general’s and captain’s deaths in horror, and surrendered and pledged their loyalty to Anakin as their new king at once because they didn’t want to be killed. But of course they were going to have face consequences for all the terrible things they had done under the general’s and captain’s orders.

          “So does this mean the war is finally over?” Kira asked Shaula. “Yes it is over now” answered Shaula, happy that it was over. “We should let the villagers know about this, but the question is where are they?” said Kira. “We know where they are?” said a voice. The voice came from Egbert and Bridget was with him. They had been hiding in the castle the whole time, and once they heard the queen was dead they came out of hiding at once. Egbert and Bridget bowed and curtsied to Anakin. “We will be happy to serve you from now on sire” said Egbert. “Please lead me the way to where the villagers are,” said Anakin “I want to tell them myself that Queen Morticia is gone”. “Certainly they are hiding in the forests, follow us” said Egbert. Kira went with Anakin, Egbert and Bridget to the forests.

          As soon as Kira, Anakin, Bridget and Egbert were gone Shaula stared at the broken book. King Finwë, Erestor and Kirk were looking at it too. “It is amazing that all this terror happened because of this book” said Kirk. “When it comes to evil, anything can happen” said Erestor. “We must burn this book once and for all and destroy everything else Morticia has left behind,” Shaula said to King Finwë “we cannot leave anymore trace of dark magic in the castle”. King Finwë agreed to Shaula’s plan; no one wanted the dark times to happen ever again. He ordered Kirk and a few others of his men to help Shaula get everything out of Queen Morticia’s secret chamber.

          In the forest the villagers were waiting to hear of news on the battle. Children were amusing themselves by playing chase and other things, with their mothers keeping a close eye on them and making sure they stayed close. Catherine was tending to her baby girl as well as praying for Anakin’s safety. All the men were keeping an eye out in case any danger was coming. Julius was keeping an eye out too, and was keeping a lookout for Bridget for news. “Any news yet Julius?” asked Brutus. “Not a thing,” said Julius “and now I am becoming afraid of what might be happening at the castle now”. This was true; without any news from Bridget, the villagers feared that Queen Morticia had won again.

          Suddenly Egbert and Bridget turned up with Kira and Anakin. The villagers stared at the group at once. “Everyone!” shouted Bridget “Queen Morticia is dead and Anakin is our new king!” Anakin revealed his mark to show them he was Anakin. The villagers were surprised and didn’t know what to say. Just then Catherine and William ran over to Anakin. Of course they couldn’t believe that Anakin had grown from a baby to an adult so fast. But Catherine didn’t stop staring at Anakin. “You look just like your father, Adam, and you have the same eyes as your mother, Mary, Anakin” she said. William agreed. “Hail to our new king!” shouted Julius. The villagers shouted ‘Hail’ at once and accepted Anakin as their new king. They were happy to know the evil queen was dead and were free of her evil reign. Bridget introduced Kira to the villagers at once and told them she was the one who protected Anakin from Queen Morticia. “Thank you for keeping Anakin safe all this time” Catherine said to Kira. Even though Kira was a half-witch, her bravery and kindness had already started to win the hearts of the villagers. “Come everyone, we can get back to our village now” said Julius. Everyone, including Kira and Anakin, started to walk out of the forest.

          Back at the kingdom Shaula and Kirk had gathered everything Queen Morticia had in the secret chamber; her cauldrons, potions and spell books. Some soldiers had built a big bonfire all ready to destroy Queen Morticia’s things. “Is this everything that belonged to Queen Morticia Shaula?” a wizard asked Shaula. The wizards and witches wanted to watch the things burn. “Yes,” said Shaula “I didn’t miss a thing this time like I did when Clavius died. I even checked through the throne room and Morticia’s bedroom and this is all of it. Morticia told me herself that Clavius was the one who taught her dark magic so the magic of Morticia and Clavius will both be destroyed by this bonfire. The wizard understood. Some soldiers placed the cauldrons, potions and spell books onto the bonfire. Then Shaula placed the broken book on the bonfire, and she used her magic to light up the bonfire. “It is done at last;” she said to no one in particular “now you are truly defeated Clavius and Morticia”.

          Just then Kira, Anakin and the villagers turned up. Kira noticed the bonfire and Shaula explained they were destroying all of Queen Morticia’s magical properties, including the book. Kira understood and was happy to know that Queen Morticia’s magic was now destroyed. Egbert was happy to see Shaula alive and well. “I feared you were dead all this time” he said to her. “I was put under a spell for thirty years,” Shaula explained “but thanks to Kira breaking the spell of me I was able to confront Queen Morticia again”. Egbert understood at once that Kira was a good witch and was grateful to her for helping Shaula. “You have our deepest gratitude Kira” he said. Kira smiled happily.

          Anakin spoke to King Finwë, the witches and wizards and the other rulers of kingdoms. “I am grateful to all of you for all your help of freeing Ranbaraz from Queen Morticia and saving me from her,” he said “and I am sorry for those you had lost during this action”. King Finwë placed a hand on Anakin’s right shoulder. “It is sad that we have lost some good people,” he said “but thanks to you and Kira for defeating that evil queen there will be no more tragedies. And all of our kingdoms are free from her too. And I can see in your eyes that you will make a great new ruler for Ranbaraz”. The other kings and princes agreed. Anakin thanked King Finwë for his words. A witch spoke up. “You should also be grateful to Kira too young man;” she said “it was because of her you were able to defeat that evil queen and she protected you all this time no matter what danger she was in”. Anakin knew the witch was right. “You should take great care of Kira too because she is a good woman as well as a good half-witch” said the witch. Anakin agreed to that too.

          Meanwhile Kira was talking to Shaula with the fairies and brownies. “I can’t believe that we really defeated Queen Morticia” said Flora. “You should believe it Flora,” Benny “because it really did happen.With Queen Morticia dead the people of Ranbaraz can live in peace and happiness once again”. “Not right now they can’t;” said Kira “remember Queen Morticia reigned for thirty years and she left a lot of scars and sorrows. Not just here but everywhere else too, so it may take some time for things to settle down again”. Shaula held onto Kira’s hands. “Don’t you worry Kira,” she said “if we were able to destroy Queen Morticia, then we will be able to live a new era of love and peace. And I will help Anakin accomplish that”. “I will help him too” said Kira; she had made up her mind to stay at Ranbaraz and help Anakin.

          Soon all the kings, princes, generals, wizards and witches and all the soldiers were getting ready to leave Ranbaraz. They were going back to their own homes to spread the word that Queen Morticia was dead, and hold funerals for those they lost. Shaula spoke to King Finwë. “I thank you for all you have done your majesty,” she said “it was because of you that everyone united again to fight against Morticia”. “Truth be told,” said King Finwë “I was afraid that we would fail like many others did. But thanks to you, Kira and Anakin, Shaula, I believe there can be miracles again”. “It was all because we worked together,” Kira pointed out “if Benny, Klunk, Flora and Skylar didn’t help me, Anakin and I wouldn’t have been able to destroy the book”. “She’s right,” said Benny; he and the others were standing next to Kira on the ground, “she couldn’t have done it without us”. It was true; teamwork was how Queen Morticia got defeated. Flora flew up to Shaula. “Pardon me Shaula, but Skylar, Benny, Klunk and I need to get back to the forest of the fairies,” she said “we need to tell our queen what’s happened”. “I understand” said Shaula. She used her magic to call a white dove. “This dove will get you home”. The fairies and brownies were grateful and got onto the dove at once. “Goodbye” they all said to Shaula, Kira and Anakin and the dove flew off for the forest of the fairies. Next King Finwë, Kirk and all the witches, wizards, kings, princes, generals and soldiers said their goodbyes to Anakin, Shaula and Kira and they all left for their homes.

          Once everyone had gone Shaula turned to Anakin. “Anakin you have fulfilled your destiny of defeating the evil Queen Morticia” she said. She turned to Kira. “Kira because of your bravery you made that happen. You should be proud of yourself for that”. “I do feel a bit proud Shaula,” Kira admitted “but I feel happier with the fact that Queen Morticia is dead, and she will never be hurting anyone ever again”. Shaula understood because of all the people Queen Morticia had hurt and killed in the past. “Is there really no more dark magic in the castle?” Anakin asked Shaula. “I checked every trace of that castle, and I can assure you all of Morticia’s magic and Clavius’s magic is all gone for good this time; I made sure not to make the same mistake I made years ago” answered Shaula. Anakin and Kira were happy to hear that.

          “Now Anakin you still have only one more destiny to fulfil;” said Shaula “to become the new king of Ranbaraz. I will help you all the way like I helped the king and queen before Morticia”. “I will help too,” said Kira “I’m not letting you go through all this alone Anakin”. Anakin understood and was grateful to have two people like Shaula and Kira by his side. “As I am to become the new king of Ranbaraz I have a condition I would like to make” he said. “And what is that?” asked Shaula. Anakin took a deep breath and said; “I wish to rule Ranbaraz with Kira as my queen”. “What?” said Kira She couldn’t believe what Anakin just said. “Kira you took great care of me when I was still a baby,” said Anakin “and you saved me before Queen Morticia could kill me. It was also thanks to you I was able to fight and kill Queen Morticia by destroying her book. That is why I want you to stay by myside as my queen forever”. Kira hesitated for a bit. “But I’m a witch,” she said at last “I can’t become a queen. Besides the people of Ranbaraz would never accept a witch or half-witch for a new queen after all the misery Queen Morticia did”. “But we will accept you Kira” said a voice.

          The voice came from Julius. He, Brutus, Catherine and William had heard everything. Catherine walked up to Kira. “Kira as you know none of us liked Queen Morticia because of her evilness,” she said “but we could never hate you, even if you are a witch, because of your goodness. We heard everything from that elf Kirk about how you left your home and put your own life in danger to protect Anakin, how you travelled great distances to seek help from the fairies and elves and went to a dangerous place to search for Shaula”. Julius spoke next. “Your courage, kindness, wisdom and selflessness have proven to us that you are nothing like Queen Morticia at all,” he said “and that is why we accept Anakin’s decision to take you as his wife and our new queen”.

          Julius, Brutus, Catherine and William bowed and curtsied to Kira; this meant they were welcoming her as their new future queen. The other villagers noticed this and bowed to Kira too, even Bridget and Egbert bowed to her. Kira didn’t know what to think with this; she had never felt welcomed and respected anywhere before. Anakin took Kira’s hands. “Well Kira,” he said “since my people have accepted my decision, would you become my wife and queen?” “If that is what you and your people wish, then I will be more than happy to become your wife Anakin” said Kira. She and Anakin kissed each other. The villagers happily clapped for the engaged couple. Shaula walked up to Anakin and Kira. “Nothing would make me any happier than to watch you two rule Ranbaraz as the new king and queen” she said. She had started to become a motherly figure to Anakin and Kira.

          Just then Kira noticed something. “I must write to Balim and tell him everything that happened,” she said “and as he is my guardian you will have to ask his permission to marry me Anakin”. “I understand,” said Anakin “we’ll invite to my crowning ceremony. That way I can introduce you to everyone as my queen and ask Balim to take your hand in marriage”. Kira was happy she could invite Balim to the coronation. “Come now,” Shaula interrupted “there is much to do before we can hold the coronation; including bringing back the castle to what it was before Queen Morticia took over”. Everyone understood.  

         Many things happened before Anakin’s coronation day came. Once everyone got back to their own kingdoms, all the kings spread the news around that Queen Morticia was dead and they had won. Many funerals were held for the ones who were killed in the war. Those related to the dead soldiers were sad for their losses. But once they were told about Queen Morticia’s death, they were thankful their deaths had been avenged. The news about Queen Morticia’s death spread around all of Middle Earth like wildfire. Everyone was happy to know she was dead because nobody liked her and her evil ways. Of course it was going to take some time for things to settle down because of all the scars and fear Queen Morticia left behind, but what was important was Queen Morticia and her evil reign was no more.

          The story of Kira and the great things she had done to protect Anakin and defeat Queen Morticia was spread around Middle Earth too. That made a big change to things. As Kira was a half-witch it made everyone start to trust wizards and witches again. The wizards and witches received hundreds of apologies, were welcomed back to their former homes, gained back their old friends trusts and were reunited with the families they had been separated from. Not only were the wizards and witches happy again, they were grateful to Kira because she made it possible.

          At Ranbaraz everyone was helping fixing up the village and castle. During Morticia’s reign the villagers had lived in poverty and darkness, but no more. With Shaula’s guidance the villagers helped fix up the village and make it look merrily again. As for the castle; Queen Morticia made it dark and gloomy to her liking. But with a new coat of paint the castle was soon light and happy to live in again. Anakin had a grave built for his parents Mary and Adam and prayed for them to rest in peace. Kira had a grave built for her father and prayed to her parents to rest in peach and to watch her from heaven always. She was happy to have avenged her father and Anakin’s parents at last.   

          A month later it was time for Anakin’s coronation. The coronation was held in the throne room and there were many people attending it. King Finwë, Queen Galadriel, Princess Elasha, Kirk, Erestor and some more elves were there. Queen Faylinn, Benny, Klunk, Flora, Skylar and some other fairies and brownies were there. Kings, queens, princes and princesses from other kingdoms were there too. All of the staff of the castle was watching too. Balim from the dwarf village was there too and he sat right at the front due to his size.

          Balim had gotten Kira’s letter, which told him everything that happened after she left the dwarf village. Of course it made Balim very surprised when he read about how Kira met, fairies, brownies, elves, mermaids, ogres, centaurs and a giant mole in her travels, how she used her magic to change Shaula back into a human when she was a crane, how Anakin magically transformed from a baby into an adult and how they killed Queen Morticia. Balim was happy he had been invited to the ceremony so he could meet the now grown up Anakin, but he was curious about something. Kira had told him in her letter that Anakin had something very important to ask him, so Balim was curious about what Anakin wanted to ask him.

          Soon Anakin entered the throne room, ready to be crowned king. He was wearing a red and gold tunic, white trousers, white hoses, gold shoes and a long red and white robe, with jewels and a train. Shaula and Egbert were walking alongside him and some page boys were carrying the train. Everyone watched as Anakin walked all the way up to the coronation chair. Once Anakin walked up to the chair, he made a speech. “Friends from far and wide,” he said “it is thanks to all of you that I am standing here today and fulfilling my destiny to become the new king of Ranbaraz. As everyone knows Ranbaraz and everywhere else in this world had suffered for thirty years because of the late Queen Morticia. Therefore I understand it will not be easy for things to settle down again because of Queen Morticia’s evil ruling and her dark magic. But her dark magic has all been destroyed, and Shaula has promised that there are no more signs of dark magic in this castle”. Egbert presented the silver sword and silver dagger on a red cushion; they were to be Anakin’s weapons. Anakin lifted up the sword in one hand and the dagger in the other. “With this silver sword and silver dagger, which destroyed Queen Morticia, at my side I promise I will rule Ranbaraz with peace and honor and good and wise as the king before Queen Morticia did”. Anakin placed the sword and dagger back onto the cushion and sat down in the coronation chair after finishing his speech. An Archbishop presented the crown; it was a big golden crown, covered with lots of jewels. Then he placed the crown on Anakin’s head and named him the new king of Ranbaraz. Everyone shouted ‘Hail King Anakin! Long live the King!’ as Anakin smiled proudly. Shaula and Egbert were smiling too.

          Just then Anakin got out of the chair to speak again. “Now I will introduce to you the one who will be my queen” he said. He pointed to the doors and everyone turned round to the doors. There was Kira walking towards Anakin and she looked very beautiful. She was wearing a red and gold gown, with pearls on the top, red shoes and around her neck was her mother’s necklace. Bridget was walking behind her; she was to become Kira’s lady in waiting. Balim was surprised to see Kira dressed like a real lady. Kira curtsied to Anakin, and then Anakin took her hand and had her stand next to him. “Kira is to become my wife and the new queen of Ranbaraz,” said Anakin “as everything knows Kira risked her own life to protect me from Queen Morticia, no matter what danger she was in. She even fought against the evil queen to safe my life, and it was thanks to her that we were able to destroy the book to kill Queen Morticia. It’s true that she is a half-witch, but I don’t care about that. Her bravery, kindness and wisdom are why I choose her to become my queen”.

          At first there was silence because everyone was surprised that Kira was going to be the new queen. But then King Finwë, Queen Galadriel, Princess Elasha, Kirk and Erestor got out of their seats and clapped for Anakin and Kira. Then Queen Faylinn, Flora, Skylar, Klunk and Benny got out of their seats clapped for them, and then everyone else started clapping. This meant everyone accepted Anakin’s desire of taking Kira as his wife and queen. Kira was happy because she was afraid that no one would have wanted another witch to become the queen, because of Queen Morticia. But seeing everyone accepting her made her feel at ease again.

          At that moment Balim got out of his seat and walked over to Anakin and Kira. Kira introduced Balim to Anakin. “I find it hard to imagine that you are still the same baby Kira found by the river at our village” said Balim, who was still surprised by Anakin’s quick growth. “Balim, sir,” said Anakin “will it be alright with you I take Kira’s hand in marriage?” “Before I give you my consent you must promise me two things;” said Balim, seriously, “one you must promise me that you will love, respect and honor Kira till death do you part. And two you must promise me that you will care for her and protect her no matter what happens”. “I promise you sir,” said Anakin “I will love Kira till the day I die and I will protect her with my life like she protected me with her life”. Balim smiled after hearing that. “Then you have my consent,” he said “but I want permission to come and visit anytime I want. I wish to check on Kira from time to time and see how she’s doing with her new life here”. “Of course sir,” said Anakin “you will always be welcomed here”. Balim smiled and took Kira’s hand. “I was very surprised when your letter told me the whole story of what you went through Kira, but you getting married and becoming a queen has surprised me the most,” he said “I am happy to see that you have found your happiness at last Kira, and I’m sure your mother and father are too”. Kira thanked Balim and hugged him and Anakin shook his hand. Shaula walked up to Balim and promised him she would take care of Kira and guide her all the way. “I’m happy to see that Kira has made some very good friends” said Balim. He turned to Kira. “I don’t suppose you will be going on any more adventures like the ones you told me about in your letter Kira?” Kira flinched for a bit. “Helping Anakin rule Ranbaraz as queen is the only adventure I’ll be going through” she said. Truthfully she hoped she wouldn’t need to go on any more scary and dangerous adventures again, especially like the ones she had gone through to protect Anakin and defeat Queen Morticia.     

          Suddenly Kirk and Princess Elasha got out of their seats and walked to Kira and Anakin. “Congratulations Kira,” said Princess Elasha, who was happy for Kira, “you have found your true love at last”. Kira blushed. “I know you will make a great queen Kira;” said Kirk “I saw your kindness, wisdom and courage during our quests of finding Shaula and gathering the special silver from Argentum Island. You couldn’t have picked a better queen Anakin”. “I couldn’t have agreed with you more Kirk” said Anakin. Princess Elasha took Kira’s hands. “If you ever need help Kira I will be more than happy to help in any way I can” she said. “Thank you Elasha” said Kira. She and Princess Elasha hugged; they had indeed become the best of friends. Kira felt happier than she ever dreamed of; she had plenty of new friends and was starting a new life with a new family. No more loneliness for her and she couldn’t wish for anything else.

          It wasn’t long till Anakin and Kira were married and Kira was crowned the new queen of Ranbaraz. It was the start of a new golden age and everyone in Ranbaraz was happy. With Kira as queen; the kingdom would flow with pure magic and the people were happy with that. There was peace throughout all of Middle Earth and no more dark magic and great evil to ruin everyone or everything. Even wizards and witches never had to be feared of again. Ranbaraz united with Elfalore and all the other kingdoms and if evil was to threaten any kingdom; the kingdoms would work together like they did to defeat Queen Morticia. The tale of how the evil Queen Morticia was defeated was a tale to be remembered for all eternity.