They didn't have to wait long. The chancellor returned followed by two guards carrying an iron bound box between them. Two other guards dragged the King between them. He was yelling and cursing at them, but faces set, they ignored him.
"What is this?" asked Ginger. "You can't treat your King this way."
"Can't treat me this way..." shouted the King.
"Open the box," ordered the chancellor ignoring them both. The guards put their burden down and lifted the lid on the box. Inside was a rough black stone. It seemed to suck the light out of the air. The King fought hard against the guards, but they forced him forward and placed his hands on the stone. He and Ginger screamed at the same moment, the same despairing cry. The fairy stepped back in horror from the stone. The crowd tried to hold hi
