The Kingdom Chronicles
Book 1 –
Mark of the Princess
The Kingdom Chronicles ~ Mark of the Princess
B.C. Morin
Copyright 2011 by B.C. Morin
Smashwords Edition
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ISBN : 978-0-9850490-0-3
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This book is a work of fiction. References to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or persons or locales, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Cover Art © by Aedo D. Morin 2012
Acknowledgements
First thanks go to God for giving me the imagination to bring this story to life. Thank you to my hubby for his never-failing encouragement, and for staying up until three or four in the morning as I bounced ideas off of him. Thank you to my awesome kids who loved this story and its characters before the story was finished. Thank you to all my family who stood by me and encouraged me to finish and publish The Kingdom Chronicles. Last but never ever least … my fans that supported me and believed in Mark of the Princess before it was even published. You are all amazing !!
~ Chapter 1~
Alannah smiled as she raced through the trees, her bare feet hardly touching the dew-drenched grass. The leaves of low-hanging branches caught in her long auburn hair as she ran. It felt good to be free of the never ending responsibilities of a princess, even for this short time. She glanced back to make sure no one was following.
“Ugh!” The air whooshed from her lungs upon impact with the solid male chest blocking her path. She swayed. Instantly, the stranger grasped her about the waist and tucked her between himself and a large tree trunk.
“Are you alright?” He stood with his back to her, his sword drawn. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, ready for battle as he scanned the surrounding trees from whence she came.
“Yes, I am fine, but for what do you search?” She stood on tiptoes, trying to see around him.
You were being chased, were you not?” He glanced back at her, his brow furrowed, his eyes intense.
She did not know him, yet there he stood ready to defend her. She smiled. “No. No one is chasing me.” She lowered her head with a wry grin. “I am not exactly supposed to be out here.”
“Oh, I
see.” He sheathed his sword, and raising a questioning eyebrow,
awaited further explanation.
With a heavy sigh and a click of her tongue, Alannah finally continued. “My father can be very over protective.”
“As any father of such a beautiful young daughter would be. You should not be in the forest alone. It might not be me you run into next time.” He glared at her, hoping his words would make an impact, yet knowing they probably would not.
“Of course, you are quite right and I should be getting back. Um, it was a pleasure, running into you,” she giggled. That was decidedly enough adventure for today. But she would take thoughts of her very handsome stranger back with her.Yes, very good thoughts, indeed.
“I do not believe she would have left the borders of the Kingdom, do you, Greer?” Xavier, The Commander of the Guard, glanced at the shorter fae next to him.
“No. I am sure she would have stayed the within borders. She is sensible.” Greer said, exhaling on the last words.
“Over there!” Xavier quickly materialized his wings from between his shoulders and took flight to the slow moving form in the distance.
“Princess.” He called out. “Princess Alannah!”
Alannah looked up to find Xavier, and her guardian Greer flying straight toward her.
Uh-oh she muttered to herself
“Alannah, thank goodness you are alright.” Walking around the princess ensuring there was no physical harm, Greer breathed a sigh of relief. “Where have you been? And why did you not tell me where you were going?”
“I apologize, Greer. I simply wanted some time to myself. I was hoping that, if I returned in a timely manner, there would be no harm done.”
“I understand Alannah, I truly do.” Greer stepped closer. “Perhaps you should have explained this to your father…”
The frustration in her voice evident, “What good would that have done?”
He raised his hands in mock surrender. “Never mind.”
Xavier and Greer fell into step behind the Princess as she began her walk back to the castle.
“I cannot say that I would want to be in her shoes when she arrives at the castle.”
Greer made an exaggerated shudder, ”A precarious situation indeed.”
The black sinister eyes watched them from above. ‘Bring her to me.’ His master’s voice, echoing through his mind. Following the command of the most evil fae Maligo, the large Raynor bird leapt off the branch.
A large shadow appeared suddenly, eclipsing the rays of sun that broke through the trees. A piercing shriek filling the air.
His eyes catching sight of the rare creature with a body half the size of a faerie, and an eight foot wingspan beaming toward the princess, legs out-stretched, claws ready. “Duck!” Xavier called out to the princess.
Alannah quickly threw herself forward, but not before the bird’s talons had made their way into her skin, grabbing her shoulders, and jerking her up into the air. Immediately Xavier and Greer took off behind him.
“Aim at his wings!” Xavier yelled before leaving his side to be closer to the princess.
Greer nodded, and reaching to his belt, he removed several small blades. With unnatural precision, he threw the sharpened metal. Three of the blades sliced into the creature’s wing, meeting their target.
The bird let out a terrifying scream. Shocked by the sudden pain, the winged creature released the Princess from its clutches and struggled to keep flight with its injured wing.
Alannah glared at the fast approaching ground below her. She was just about to unfurl her wings…
“Ugh.” The thud against her back kept her wings from manifesting.
“I’ve got you!” Xavier’s arms wrapped tightly around the princess as he glided them toward the ground.
“It was Saros.” Greer breathed, landing beside them.
“I know. We must leave before he comes back.” Xavier grabbed the princess by the hand, pulling her along behind him as he began running toward the castle.
They ran up between the large hedges surrounding what appeared to be a simple oak tree. The three walked through the large stone doors leading them into the entrance hall. Large tapestries hung on the largest walls while paintings, or shining armor adorned the others. In the center, large marble steps and carefully entwined vines and branches led the way to a second floor that split into two separate hallways heading in opposite directions upon reaching the top. Immediately, Greer took the lead, walking through the large gathering room, leading them down the long corridor to the throne room.
Alannah held her gaze to the thin burgundy fabric that ran the length of the entry way toward the King’s throne. Hoping, by some chance, her father would not be there awaiting her return. She tried slowing her step so that she would end up behind Xavier as they approached her father, but he saw her futile attempt and slowed down, as well.
Raising his eyebrow at her and keeping his voice low. “You will have to face him Princess,” She caught herself looking at the scar on his face. A constant reminder that he had refused to have healed although the story to her was unknown. She looked away, so as not to make him uncomfortable. The sincerity and concern in his voice encouraged her, but it was short lived.
Alannah returned her gaze to the floor only to see Xavier and Greer drop to one knee. She bent her head roughly acknowledging her father’s presence, not daring to look him in the eye.
“Alannah!” the King rushed to his daughter, but slowed quickly upon seeing the injuries to her shoulders. “Emma!” he shouted as he stepped around his daughter surveying the damage that had been done.
Moments later, from the entrances at the back of the throne room, an elegant fae in a white flowing gown and red cascading curls bouncing around her walked into the room quickly making her way to the king and curtseying.
“My daughter is in need of healing.”
Emma rushed to Alannah’s side, placing her hands over the now barely bleeding wounds.
Alannah breathed deep, taking in the slow heat emanating from Emma’s hands and spreading through her wounds. Within seconds, the blood stopped entirely, and as Emma chanted the healing spells, the torn tendons began to come together on their own, and the open skin began to close.
“You will be sore for a while my lady, but the pain should have subsided.”
Alannah raised her head slightly, a sweet smile across her face, “And it has Emma, thank you.”
Emma bowed her head at the Princess and the King before making her way out of the throne room.
Alannah lifted her foot in an attempt to take a step back, feeling her father’s eyes burning into the top of her head. Before she could move, Xavier spoke.
“She was on her way back to the castle when we found her, Your Highness.”
“Father, I…” She began, as she raised her head, finally facing him.
“Do not, Alannah! I have told you so many times not to go anywhere without your guardian, or at the very least a guard. Any guard!” He motioned around the room indicating the various guards available.
“But I …”
“With all the things that you are allowed to do, places you are allowed to go, you chose to do things you know are strictly forbidden!” His booming voice, shaking the rafters.
“I simply wanted a moment alone!” She could not contain herself, so great was her frustration.
“Do you not take time alone within these walls?” King Cavalon’s brow furrowed, his tone steady.
“Yes.” Blinking back the tears that had begun to sting her eyes. “Only here.” She tilted her head to the side begging for understanding “Father, as much as I adore making you proud and excelling at my duties, it becomes overwhelming.”
The king’s brow unfurled as he brought his head back slightly, crossing his arms across his massive chest. “Continue.”
Alannah turned her gaze for a moment to Greer who nodded encouragingly. “I did not tell you where I was going because I knew you would not understand. In fact, I did not know where I was going. I simply wanted to be alone with my thoughts, in our beautiful forest.”
“I suppose this” motioning to her previously injured shoulders with his hands, “was part of your well thought out plan?” The glimmer of concern that was in his eyes, overshadowed by anger once more.
“Sire, we were ambushed as we were returning to the Kingdom.” Xavier bowed his head to his king. “Her injuries were my fault. I should have been quicker.”
“Your nobility is appreciated Xavier, but my daughter’s harm would not have befallen her had she not left the castle unguarded in the first place.” Xavier took a step back, knowing that was his cue to be silent.
“Father, I cannot live my life in fear of Maligo!” As soon as the words left her mouth, she noted her insolent tone. “Apologies for my tone, father.”
“I do not expect you to live in fear of Maligo. I expect you to be sensible Princess Alannah.”
She winced at hearing her name spoken in such an unfatherly tone.
“Since we took his birth powers he has become a master of potions and spells. Will you have me believe that the attack today was not done on his orders? Saros belongs to him! He was sent for you!” Cupping her face in his hand, his voice became softer, more concerned. “Alannah, you of all faeries should know what he is capable of. I will not lose you to his revenge. Do you understand?”
“Yes Father, I am sorry.” Alannah looked away, disappointed for hurting her father.
~ Chapter 2~
The wind made its way through the maze of trees, rustling his dark wavy hair. Kaleb tried to think of the information he was to relay to his father regarding the trainees that were left in the Kingdom of Meira, but thoughts continued to turn to the beautiful fae he had met that morning. The way the sun’s rays captured the subtle streaks of red running through her hair, her ivory skin so perfect it seemed like that of a porcelain doll, and the way her eyes held a hint of sadness when she spoke of her restrictions.
“You look like you’re lost!” A familiar voice said from the shadows.
The prince’s best friend Tristan, stood still and proud against a tree. His power, envied by many of the male faeries was to be able to blend against anything he touched.
Of course, the prince’s powers were just as coveted. One of his powers was that he has telescopic vision and could see any figure or creature that was miles away as if it were no more than a foot from him.
He scanned every tree looking for the slightest flaw and found one with two eyes staring right at him.
“Damn! I hate when you do that!” Tristan’s false anger, revealed by the small chuckle he let out.
“Well, if you wouldn’t open your eyes, I probably wouldn’t find you!”
Tristan leaned forward taking his hands off the tree, instantly regaining his own color and clothes. “You are back quickly. I thought you were going to be at the Kingdom of Meira for another day.”
“I was, but by this morning the Masters had already tested the new fae that I had taken over there to train and they did not need me anymore, so I walked around for a while then came back.”
“So… what has your mind so preoccupied?” Tristan nudged Kaleb as he smiled.
“A girl.” He answered simply.
“Who is it now?” Tristan rolled his eyes.
Kaleb furrowed his brow, “What do you mean… now?”
“Oh come on. As if you don’t choose a different girl every other rising sun.”
“I do not.” Kaleb said defensively facing forward again. “It’s just that all the girls I have chosen to get acquainted with recently have been,”
“Dull, air headed, boring,” Tristan interrupted.
Kaleb started walking again, “Not to my liking,” he continued weaving in and out of a line of thin trees growing along the worn path just outside their kingdom.
“You mean not to your standards.” Tristan said faking a very sarcastic bow toward Kaleb, “You know I’m right.” He said lifting his head and looking at the prince with one eyebrow raised.
The prince shook his head and made his way back to the path.
“I’d rather say I’m picky.” The prince said, shaking his head and continuing to walk.
“You can say what you want, but your bar is set pretty high my friend.” Tristan chuckled under his breath.
The two continued walking through the forest in silence for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts.
* * *
Prince Kaleb and Tristan had been best friends since before their powers had developed. Having parents that were also friends made the union almost predictable. They learned to use their wings together, learned to use their powers together, and even on occasion, battled against Elves ,Goblins, Gremlins or any other creature that came to do harm in their kingdom, together.
Theirs was a bond that was unbreakable. In school, they were as mischievous as two boys could be….
“O.K. Class, we will now begin on the history of Faeries. Who…” The bewildered teacher turned to face the class and found a student missing from his chair. ‘Not again’ he groaned grumpily to himself. He glared at the adolescent faerie with the empty seat beside him.
“This is getting old gentlemen.” He began in a tired voice.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The prince said in an innocent tone, looking around the small classroom.
“Really? Well then, the entire class may leave early except you. Unless of course you tell me where your ‘neighbor’ is.”
“Honestly, I don’t know.” Kaleb crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair, a wide smile across his face.
“Class is adjourned.” The teacher said, ignoring the smile on Kaleb’s face, and addressing the class.
“Where is he?” He asked looking back at the prince clearly annoyed and frustrated.
The silence and blank look Kaleb had could have fooled anyone else except this teacher.
“Have it your way then. You will both spend the next few hours here, as your class goes on their way.”
The old faerie tucked his tattered wings, and walked away with his long grey hair flowing behind him.
Laughter filled the room as Tristan emerged from a bookshelf next to his empty desk. “Well, you’ve proven your loyalty once again.”
“Always, my friend” Kaleb stated proudly.
For what seemed like hours on end they would sit and talk about everything from memories to future adventures…
* * *
Finally breaking the silence that had developed between them, Tristan leaned in closer to Kaleb, “so, who is this girl that has you so mystified?”
“I do not know.” Kaleb ran his hands through his hair as he pictured her once more, “The meeting was somewhat abrupt.”
“Abrupt?”
“Yes, she had been running through the forest when she ran into me. I had thought someone was chasing her but it turns out she was merely enjoying time alone. Something she does not seem to get very often.”
“Make no sudden movements.” The low grinding voice came from behind them.
Kaleb knew that the sharp pain he was feeling in his back was coming from some sort of blade.
“Your jewels, now. And no magic or this blade goes deeper.” Kaleb looked over his shoulder and could just barely see the bald head and wrinkled grey skin of the armed goblin.
“Look, we do not want any trouble.” Kaleb glanced over to the thief’s partner, who had just asked Tristan to get on the ground.
“What you want, matters not! I believe I requested something of you!” The grinding of the goblin’s voice, oscillating in Kaleb’s ears.
Kaleb looked over and winked at his best friend. Tristan closed his eyes and put his hands on the ground. Slowly, he seemed disappear on the spot. The goblin thief that had his foot on Tristan's back jumped in terror.
He looked around frantically in search of the missing faerie.
Kaleb felt the pain of blade lessen as the other goblin stared in amazement at the ground which now seemed empty. Kaleb took advantage of the Goblin’s amazement, and turned quickly and using his power produced a gust of wind and energy, propelling the goblin backward about ten feet into a tree.
Before the other goblin could help his friend, a hand seemed to pop up from the ground, grabbing his ankle.
The dry, dead leaves seemed to take form as the ‘ground’ began to rise. Sheets of debris rising in the form of wings. Twigs and leaves as if taking form to create arms and legs. Tristan kicked himself off the ground and flew twenty feet in the air, dropping the goblin he had been holding by the ankles.
Struggling to get up, they realized that their attempt was futile, the Goblins turned and began to run.
The prince and his best friend stood laughing as they watched them trip over a branch in their haste.
“Ha-Ha. We scared them!” Tristan said loudly, slapping his friend on the back.
“We? You’re the one that scared them. You should have seen the look on the face of the goblin trying to rob you, when you started coming out of the ground like that.”
The laughter was roaring…
“It was priceless!” Kaleb said barely speaking through his laughter.
* * *
Alannah sat by her window taking in the scent of her favorite black jade rose bush. She allowed the sweet smell of the dark red roses to surround her. So many dreams of exploring and discovering, and yet so many boundaries, she thought to herself. She ran her finger over the marking inside her wrist. Her family crest. All faeries are born with tattoo-like markings. Some, symbolizing their powers or skills and advancements within them. Others were symbols of their lineage. Each faerie is born with their family’s crests marked on the inside of their wrist.
“Are you alright?” The most angelic of voices filled her room.
Alannah turned her head and took in the sight before her.
Queen Nalani was very much the grown version of her only daughter. Her Auburn hair full, fell nearly to the ground spun in almost perfectly structured curls. Her long green flowing gown clung to every inch of her thin frame, before expanding around her hips and falling heavily to the ground. Queen Nalani had eyes that could very well light up a room, for that is where most of her power came from.
From behind the hazel eyes, lay the power to change the day in mere moments, as she had on the day of her daughter’s birth. Refusing to give birth to her daughter on a gloomy day filled with rain, lightning and thunder, she took matters into her own hands. Her eyes lightened as she looked up at the sky, the rain began to get lighter and lighter until it was no more. The clouds moved and revealed the sun which birthed a rainbow through the highest trees.
Alannah had walked over to the mirror and examined the other markings on her arms and shoulders. Indications of the powers and abilities she was born with. They were small still, but as she mastered the powers, the markings would spread. Delicate flowing lines that would show what she is capable of.
“Mother, when will I have my powers?” Her voice slightly hesitant.
“Patience, Alannah, no one knows when their powers will come in,” she sighed, recounting the numerous times she has heard the same question, “and besides, you have gifts you were born with.”
The stubborn daughter huffed crossing her arms.
“Like what, potion making? Big Deal. Not very good unless you are in a room full of ingredients and a cauldron.”
“Now, Now Alannah. You also have a gift of spell casting.” Nalani raised her hand indicating the mark on Alannah’s bicep. “You are just too lazy to practice, and I don’t understand why. Magic is all around you. You simply have to want to know how to manipulate it. The energy and glamour is there for the taking. All you have to do is will it.”
The petite woman made her way across the room, and sat beside her daughter, grabbing her hand. “Why would you want to wait only for the powers that you are born with? You are a faerie princess Alannah. Your abilities run deeper than you know.”
Alannah sighed heavily at the last statement her mother made as she stood and faced her, “and what of this?” Alannah pulled her tresses over her shoulder so that it cascaded down her front and turned so that her back was to her mother.
Nalani looked at her daughter’s unique mark. She had stared at it in wonder so many times it was etched in her memory. The mark on her daughter that no other had been able to interpret. The inside looked like a strong oak tree surrounded by elements and among all those things were fae wings.
“Alannah you know we have tried to find someone to interpret your mark.”
“Yes, but how do we know that it’s not this very mark that is keeping me from obtaining my powers?” She asked, swinging her hair back over her shoulders until it laid on her back and turned to face her mother again.
“How can we know that when you do not even bother trying to master potions, or spell casting?” Her mother asked standing from the bed “You are limiting yourself Alannah. We may not know exactly what that mark means, but I have the feeling it is not hindering you.”
Nalani began to make her way out of the room.
“As for today,” she said, turning quickly to face her daughter again, “Your father only wants to protect you. I shudder to think of what could have happened had Greer and Xavier not found you before the attack.” Her eyes glimmering for a moment with fear.
~ Chapter 3~
Saros’s dark wings glided him wobbly through the air to the small cave above the waterfall.
“Ah, you have returned.” The low and sinister voice came from deep within the cave.
Maligo was a malevolent faerie. It was as if the greed, malice and selfishness most faeries lacked summed themselves in him. Although Maligo was stripped of his powers, the spell that he had put upon himself and Saros that allowed him to see through Saros’s eyes did not waver. He walked over to the bird, sprinkling a fine white powder of his wings and chanting some healing spells. The fissures began to close reluctantly, leaving behind a scar.
"So, our princess is rebellious? Always wanting to be where she is not supposed to be. Tsk, Tsk, she may just find herself in trouble that way." He began as he walked toward the mouth of the cave. From the darkness emerged first the white thin hair contrasting against his dark worn robe. He stood tall and proud as he began to speak.
"She is the one."
Saros sat perched on the stand that Maligo had made for him, cocking his head to the side in confusion.
"You can be such a stupid bird sometimes." Maligo sighed, rolling his eyes. "The one we need to bring our plan to fruition. We will likely be able to get our hands on her rather easily seeing as how she likes to avoid her own guards!"
Saros straightened his head as the idea of his master’s plan sunk in.
"I will need you to find my apprentice." Maligo said, walking away from Saros. "I will need to speak to him. However, make sure you are not seen or heard .”
Maligo continued back into the cave, the wheels in his head turning, evil plans forming.
* * *
"That was pretty
impressive." The deep, and somewhat familiar voice floated down
from above.
The prince searched the area and found the source in a tree above
him.
"Ah, Velius." Kaleb said, sounding a bit indifferent.
"You two really know how to wake someone up from a nap." Velius said as he sat up from his perch high in the trees. Known widely as a Far Darrig, Velius was among those faeries that play gruesome practical jokes, are very solitary and mischievous.
The prince and his friend let their guard down as they watched their acquaintance sprout his wings, and glide his thin frame down to the ground below. His dark blonde hair was about shoulder length, and his eyes were large and a hazelnut color.
"So what brings you here Velius?" Tristan said in a very sardonic tone.
"I was headed into your kingdom for a little while. I like it there." Velius replying, oblivious to Tristan’s rudeness.
”So why don’t you stay? Make it home?" The prince by upbringing was taught to be inviting when it came to his home. Taught to be proud of what he would someday rule.
But it wasn’t lack of pride that stopped Tristan from joining his best friend in extending the invitation. Something wasn’t right. He never did like the way Velius was so secretive about where he’d been and how he could never really look at you the whole time he was talking. As if he were constantly making sure that he didn’t give too much away, playing enough with the truth to remain vague.
"Perhaps someday I shall take you up on that." Velius said as he walked closer to the prince. "But I have many forests that I have not explored. So I dare not settle down just yet."
Tristan walked around the faerie looking at him suspiciously. "So, Velius, where have you been staying lately?" Tristan stopped in front of Velius, his arms crossed.
"Oh, all over really. Are you both headed to town now? May I join you?"
Never a straight answer Tristan thought to himself.
Kaleb stepped forward next to
Tristan. “Sure, come along.”
"Mother, Father!"
Kaleb said, walking into his gathering room where he found his
parents talking.
His father stood, tall and proud, his midnight
black hair swept behind his shoulders and his dark ocean blue eyes
searching his sons face. Through his light colored shirt you could
see his thick markings. Some even came up past his collar to his neck
and off his wrists to his hands. Any faerie could see that King
Alcander had chosen not only to master the abilities he was born
with, but others as well. King Alcander was known to be one of the
strongest faeries in all the Kingdom of Talom. The King stood mighty.
The perfect picture of a king; strong, mature and intelligent. It was
no wonder Kaleb idolized his father so much.
He kissed his mother on the head gently before taking a seat across from her.
Queen Etana was a frail looking faerie. Her petite frame seemed even smaller when she stood by her husband. She had long white hair streaked with lavender. Her skin was darker than her husband, making a beautiful contrast with her hair and light brown eyes. Although water manipulation was her birth power, she was gifted in sorcery and excelled at it. Since she was a child, she practiced so often that it became second nature to her. Sorcery when learned could be powerful, but it took many years of practice. When a faerie is born with it, what she needs to learn are the commands and how to control it. Her very thoughts could occur before she could control them if she is truly in tune with her gift.
"Kaleb, your mother and I were just speaking of you," Alcander said, his deep voice filling the room.
"Really, and what pray tell were you saying?" Kaleb leaned back in his seat.
"Oh, your mother was just mentioning how she would like to see you involved with someone."
Kaleb glared at his mother as he straightened up in his seat once again.
The little faerie simply shrugged her shoulders and smiled.
"Mother…." Kaleb began.
"I can’t help it. You’re my son, and I want what’s best for you. You are getting older and when you take the throne, it would be good for you to have someone by your side." Etana interrupted.
The prince stood and began pacing the room. "Mother, you need not worry about me. I am just fine. I have told you over and over again. I will not look for someone merely to avoid loneliness. Whomever sits next to me on the throne must care for our people the way we do. I will not rush it." Kaleb responded, stopping to look at his mother.
The mighty king looked proudly at his son. "Alright then Kaleb, we will respect your wishes." King Alcander stood from the overstuffed seat, walking to the arched doorway.
"Oh! Father, I forgot to ask… is it alright for Velius to come to dinner tonight?" Kaleb asked, stopping his father before he walked out of the room.
King Alcander looked at his
wife with a careful eye, knowing she would not like the idea.
"What
brought you to invite him to dinner?" Alcander asked, his voice
deepening and becoming more solemn.
"Well father, you always tell me to be inviting and proud of our Kingdom."
"I know son, but you also have to know who you’re inviting. Some people are not what they seem, and Velius is one of those faeries I am just not sure about." The King said crossing his arms over his enormous, muscular chest.
"Father if you don’t want him to come then I will not invite him." Kaleb responded with an understanding tone.
"No, if it is your wish,
then he is invited to stay for supper." Alcander countered,
surprising Kaleb.
"Alcander!!" The queen said firmly,
jumping from her seat.
"The child is invited Etana."
Alcander said firmly turning his attention to his wife. "Come, I
need to speak to you alone."
The dainty little faerie almost had to sprout her wings to use along with her legs to keep up with the stride of her husband as they walked down the main corridor of the great castle. The crystals that lined the hallways reflected the sunlight all around. Some crystals had carvings in the center that seemed to come alive and dance when under the warmth of the sun. The master bedroom was the most beautiful room in the castle. The canopy bed had burgundy and berry colored sheer silk hanging form it’s beams, whilst the bed itself was made of the finest and softest silks and feathers. Carved silver chairs and night stands surrounded the bed, and lush pillows lay in every nook where any faerie bottom may land.
"What is it my King?" Queen Etana asked, pulling her long hair to one side to move it out of the way before sitting on a rather large chair.
"I allowed Kaleb to invite that boy because he is obviously going to learn the hard way that he cannot trust everyone. Plus…" The King stopped mid sentence, lost in thought.
"What? What are you thinking?" Etana chimed in.
"I’m just a bit interested in who he really is. Don’t you find it odd that he never has a direct answer? And then proceeds to ask a dozen questions? A little too inquisitive if you ask me." The king huffed on those last words. It was true that many faeries spoke in riddles and that they could not tell an untruth. However, it bothered him that he couldn’t read Velius’s character or motives. He was hiding too much. He reminded him of someone, but he just couldn’t put his finger on who…
"So Velius, how long will you be in the kingdom this time?" Kaleb stepped back into the room, rejoining his friends.
Velius glanced at Kaleb as they began to walk. "Just a few days are all I need." Velius replied, very nonchalantly.
"Need?" Tristan inquired and then gave a very worried and inquisitive look to Kaleb.
Velius realized quickly that what he said was not what he wanted them to hear. "Yes. Need. To get my fill, you know."
"I see, and then you are off to some other village or kingdom to get another fill?" Tristan responded with his usual sarcastic tone.
"Yes. It is the way I live, I like it that way. I do however envy you both." Velius said, his voice no longer jumpy, as with his last response.
"Envy? How’s that?" Kaleb asked stepping closer to hear the response.
"Yes, well the both of you have your families and your Kingdom and you both are content with that. I have never known feeling of family and belonging and so I live the way I do … in search of it." Velius responded, looking at them out of the corner of his eye.
"I should break out some violins and perhaps a handkerchief." Tristan stated, low enough so only Kaleb heard him.
Kaleb raised his eyebrow at his friend and then looked back to Velius, a smile on his face. "Velius, would you like to join Tristan, myself and my family for dinner?"
Tristan nudged the prince and gave him a very ‘what are you doing’ sort of look.
"Sure, I’d be honored." Velius answered with a smirk on his face. "I will see you both later tonight, then."
They walked out of the doors of the castle and proceeded in different directions. As soon as Velius was out of earshot, Tristan turned to Kaleb and asked what he was up to. Kaleb assured him that he is not as naïve as Tristan and his father thought him to be.
"Go on…"Tristan said crossing his arms in front of him.
"Tristan, I know Velius is hiding something and is most probably up to something. And I want to find out what something is before it occurs." Kaleb said, raising an eyebrow to Tristan.
"Well, well Kaleb, you are not as dim-witted as I thought you were." Tristan‘s sarcastic comment followed by smile.
"Very funny." Kaleb said mimicking Tristan's tone.
"Tristan."
"Kaleb."
The two turned to see the faces belonging to the voices. Celina and Leda, two of the most beautiful faeries of Talom. Celina had long wavy blond hair and light blue eyes, she wore a red dress that was tight around her bosom, but fell along the small curves of her hips. Leda's light pink dress was a contrast to her dark coffee colored tresses that showered down her back. Her almond shaped light brown eyes were the perfect compliment to her light skin.
Celina had a crush on Kaleb since they had met in school. Leda on the other hand, grew fond of Tristan as time had passed and they all would spend time together exploring the forest and going to dances.
"Where are you two headed?" Celina asked, her gaze fixed on Kaleb.
"No where in particular, really." Tristan responded.
"Well, we were going to go riding for a bit. Would you like to come?" Celina asked, a hint of longing in her voice.
Tristan looked at Kaleb who shrugged his shoulders in content agreement. "Sure. But it can only be for a while. We are having a guest for dinner, and I cannot be late." Kaleb responded.
"Well then, let’s go!" Celina said excitedly as she turned and led the way to the stables with the others following close behind.
The horses trotted along the
worn paths of the Forest of Lanat inside Talom.
"Do you hear
that?" Kaleb asked Tristan quietly enough so that the girls
would not hear him.
"No, what?"
"Music, and It seems to be coming from Meira." Kaleb said, listening carefully. He could just barely catch the sound of the music flowing through the air.
"I’m convinced you have some sort of power with hearing as well as sight, because I can not hear anything." Tristan said smiling mischievously at his friend.
"Well, shall we find out where it’s coming from?" Kaleb asked, still too low for the girls riding ahead of them to hear.
Always up for adventure, Tristan shook his head in agreement.
"Celina, Leda, I’m afraid we must be on our way." Kaleb called out to the girls.
"But we just got out here!" Celina said annoyed, turning to face Kaleb.
"I know and I do apologize, but there is something that Tristan and I need to do." Kaleb said as he and Tristan turned their horses in the opposite direction.
"I’m sorry, maybe next time!" Tristan called over his shoulder, glancing at Leda.
The boys’ nudged their horses and they began to gallop like there was a dragon behind them.
"What do you think that was about?" Leda asked, obviously confused.
"I don’t know, but it
better not have to do with another faerie." Celina responded
bitterly. Celina had dreams of being a princess, or as she saw, being
above everyone else. Just as she always felt she should be.
The dark thick wings of the horse sprouted as if from nowhere. And the boys were suddenly whisked into the air, on their way to find the makers of that enchanting music. The sky was filled with hues of orange and red. The Prince and his friend reveled for a moment in the cool breeze that blew through their hair.
"Let’s go Kaleb, or we’ll miss the party!" Tristan called out, as he leaned onto his horse making him go faster. Kaleb manipulated the winds around them propelling them forward.
* * *
Soon into the dancing that had been taking place amongst a small circle of friends, other faeries appeared with food and wine.
“A feast!” One fae cried out.
The small circle of friends began what seemed like the liveliest feast and celebration since the day Princess was born.
"Mother, Father. How long have you been watching?" Alannah had stopped dancing and walked closer to her parents.
"Long enough to be reminded that he have the most beautiful faerie in the world for a daughter." King Cavalon responded proudly.
Alannah stepped closer and embraced her father.
"This has turned out to be quite a feast!" Nalani said looking around a smile on her beautiful face.
"And to think, we just felt like dancing a little." Alannah turned to her mother, smiling.
Alannah’s adopted sister walked closer to join Alannah and their parents. "Hello father, mother." Evyette said inclining her head to them. "I suppose things got a little carried away, did they not?"
"Doesn’t it always dear? We’re faeries." Nalani responded in a chuckle, as they walked closer to the gathering laughing and watching the revelry among the fae.
Evyette and Alannah were raised as sisters since they were babies. Weeks after Alannah was born, a faerie baby was left at the doors of the castle, with a note begging the King and Queen to watch after her. The note stated her gifts and that she was a special child, but it never made a mention to her parents or lineage. They tried to decipher her lineage through her family crest on her wrist, but it had been burned and was not readable. Feeling sorry for this child that was abandoned and had no link to a family, the King and his wife took her in and raised her as their own. Evyette and Alannah spent most everyday together, whether it was venturing to areas of the forest where they were not supposed to be, or merely searching for flowers with the best nectar to drink.
Having left their parents with the guards, the girls continued walking through the crowd and talking, all the while hearing small footsteps behind them.
"Greer, must you follow us?" Alannah complained, as she and Evyette turned to face the tiny goblin looking creature walking no more than a few feet behind them.
"You know the rules." He said, raising his hands as if freeing himself from blame.
Alannah and Evyette sprouted their wings and flew over to a sit on a nearby fallen tree to watch the festivities.
"I heard father yelling at you this morning for being out without the Greer." Evyette smirked, nudging Alannah with her elbow.
"I think the whole kingdom heard father this morning." Alannah responded rolling her eyes. "I do not understand what his problem is. It is not as if I was doing something completely crazy. I just wanted to be alone for a while, and explore a little."
"So, how did it go? What did you do?" Evyette’s curiosity, seeping out of her.
"What?" Alannah responded but had obviously not been paying attention to what Evyette was saying.
"What did you do while you were out?"
"Oh! I was actually headed to the river. I wanted to see the mermaids, and creatures beneath the water" Alannah said, turning excitedly to face Evyette, "but I ended up running into someone. Quite literally actually.”
"Who?"
"I do not know, come to think of it. I did not ask his name. He thought I was being chased since I was running through the forest. He even drew his sword to protect me." Alannah smiled.
"And?” Evyette shifted her weight.
"Oh," Alannah laughed, "well, I told him that I was not being chased, but I certainly should not have been out there. I wish I would have asked his name though. He had very dark, almost black colored hair, and the most amazing blue eyes. I have never seen anything like them.” Alannah stared off for a moment.
"Sounds like someone was smitten " Evyette raised her eyebrow, and playfully pushed on her sister’s shoulder.
“Well, I do not know about that. He was certainly handsome, but I do not know his name, or where he was from. I will likely not see him again.” Her gaze had fixed on a far away tree. “Of course, that was the highlight of the morning. Not so wonderful was the part where I was almost taken by Saros. Could you imagine what would have happened if Xavier and Greer had not found me?
"No, I'd rather not imagine that." Evyette said, looking at Alannah. Her honey colored eyes suddenly showing how serious she was.”
So do you know where we are going?" Tristan asked.
"Yes, I think the music is coming from the center of the Kingdom of Meira."
"And how are you so sure that the music is coming from the Kingdom and not from some nearby village?" Tristan asked, doubting his friend.
"I just know." Kaleb responded, not looking at Tristan.
The horses’ hide began to fade to darker colors in order to blend with the darkening sky. As they approached, the music became louder and the steeds began to fly lower eventually stopping near the festivities. Tristan and Kaleb left their horses and climbed up into a tree only a few feet where the dancing and feasting was taking place to get a bird’s eye view.
"O.K. now, enlighten me as to why we are up here and not down there?" Tristan elbowed Kaleb in the ribs obviously annoyed at the situation.
"Because I want to see if she is here." Kaleb said quickly, as he continued scanning the sea of dancing fae.
"Who?"
"The girl I met in the forest." Kaleb responded, without looking at Tristan.
"Are you joking? You are the Prince! You could just walk in there and ask for her!" Tristan told him shaking his head in disbelief.
"That’s just it. I despise doing things like that just because I can.” He glanced at his friend with pleading eyes, “just trust me, alright?"
"Alright" Tristan sighed, giving in.
Kaleb searched hard, looking over every fae he saw with auburn hair. But the searching stopped, and the music seemed to disappear when he saw the beautiful fae he had seen in the forest. Highlighted with red by the fleeting bits of sunlight that remained, Alannah’s flowed down her back like a brown waterfall, except for one strand that fell perfectly along the side of her face and over her shoulder. He marveled at her soft, light skin. Suddenly, she turned her head and he saw her dark green eyes, sparkling like small emeralds. His eyes followed her hair to her shoulders and down to her dark red bodice matched with a long flowing skirt that draped on the tree trunk she was sitting on. He watched her lips move, imagining thoughts of her whispering sweetly in his ear.
"Is that her?" Tristan asked trying to follow Kaleb’s gaze.
"Yes. Isn’t she beautiful?" Kaleb responded softly.
"Well, yes, but I never figured you to ever fall for the fair haired type."
"What? No, not the light haired one you twit, the one with the brown or bronze like colored hair." Kaleb responded looking momentarily at Tristan and then back at Alannah.
"Oh, well, she is appealing as well." Tristan responded.
Kaleb looked at Alannah and
then back at Tristan. "Tristan, what do you think? Should we go
down and talk to her?"
"Oh, you will go down alright."
The deep voice came from behind the prince and his friend.
"Please, we mean no harm!" Kaleb shouted as he and Tristan were pounced on by two tall shadows.
"Really, and that is why you were perched mysteriously from a far?" One shadow seemed to say as they all tumbled off the branch.
With that, the prince fell face
down on the ground with Xavier on top. Xavier used his powers causing
the twigs on the ground to wrap themselves around the two visitors,
and bring them upright.
Tristan looked at his best friend in
wonder of whether or not he should use his power, but the prince
shook his head in disagreement.
The second guard grabbed
Tristan and turned him around since he had been facing down as
well.
Xavier used his magic to tighten the grip on the twigs which
were already beginning to cause pain to the prince and his friend.
"So, are you going to tell us what you were doing up there? Or should I just squeeze it out of you?" Xavier said seriously.
"I am prince Kaleb of the Kingdom of Talom." Kaleb said, gasping slightly for air as the shrubbery was tight around him.
Baltus and Xavier looked at each other and began to roar with laughter.
"That, my friend is pretty funny." Xavier spoke through his laughter. He walked closer and put his hand on Kaleb’s shoulder. Kaleb looked at his friend lying on the floor and knew that if he did not prove his identity, they would be arrested.
"Look at my wrist." Kaleb said, a slight desperation in his voice.
Xavier released some of the twigs around the Prince’s hand just enough to take his hand and wrist and examine it closely. The emblem on his wrist was an intricately detailed crest and in the center the image of wings and a crown. Xavier quickly yielded control of the vines and twigs constricting the prince and his friend and dropped to one knee. Baltus was not far behind, as he was not one to question the actions of his superior.
"Your majesty." They both said humbly.
"I’m sorry your highness." Xavier said, not looking up yet.
"It is alright; you were merely doing your duty. What are your names?" Kaleb asked motioning for them to stand, and rubbing absentmindedly at his wrist.
"I am Xavier, Chief Commander of the Guard of the Kingdom of Meira." He said as he stood. "This is my assistant Baltus. Majesty…"
"Kaleb." Kaleb insisted.
"Alright." Xavier agreed. "Kaleb, forgive my bluntness, but what were you doing in the tree?"
"Well, we heard the music, and flew over, but I did not want to walk right in for fear of interrupting a celebration."
"Oh no sir, merely a celebration of life, a feast for the sake of feasting. You are very welcome to join us." Xavier said, relaxing at last and motioning for the Prince and his friend to join the feast.
~ Chapter 4~
Kaleb, Tristan and the two guards walked about the feast talking amongst themselves, and enjoying the music. And although he continued to search, the Prince could no longer find his muse.
"Prince Kaleb?" Xavier asked, snapping the prince out of his state of searching.
"Oh, I’m sorry."
"You seem quite distracted. Are you alright? I did not hurt you with the whole knock you down and tie you up thing right?" Xavier asked nervously, hoping he wasn’t angry.
"Not at all, I admire your protectiveness toward the forest and your Kingdom." Kaleb responded, putting his hand reassuringly on Xavier’s shoulder.
"Thank you sir." Xavier was brimming with pride as he led the prince to where the King and Queen were seated.
The King and Queen sat on pair of thrones that were fastened out of twigs and branches.. No doubt the work of the few skilled and talented earth fae that resided in the Forest of Meira.
"King Cavalon, Queen Nalani, this is Prince Kaleb of the Kingdom of Talom, and his friend Tristan." Xavier said as he bowed, with Kaleb, Tristan and Baltus following suit.
"Goodness boy!" King
Cavalon looked at Kaleb up and down. "You have grown!"
The
king grabbed Kaleb’s hand with a mighty grip and shook it sternly.
"Pardon Sir?" Kaleb asked in confusion.
"I am sure you don’t remember, but I haven’t seen you since you were a very young boy. I have seen your father since, but not you. And I must say that you are your father’s son."
Kaleb swelled with pride at the comparison to his father.
"What brings you to our lovely forest?" Queen Nalani asked sweetly.
"We heard the music while we were out riding and thought we would come by and see what the celebration was about." Kaleb said, his voice rising over the melodic sounds that filled the air.
"Well, you are both welcome to stay if you would like, we have plenty of food!" King Cavalon said, motioning to a table nearby brimming with fruits and wines.
Kaleb looked at his friend and was about to accept when Tristan interrupted. "Thank you your highness. And believe me we would love to, but if we do not get home for dinner soon, Kaleb’s father will have both our wings!"
King Cavalon and Nalani laughed and shook their heads.
"We understand. Tell your father and mother that we would like to see them again soon, and that you are all welcome here anytime." Queen Nalani said between giggles.
"Thank you your highness,
I will deliver the message." Kaleb said bowing graciously.
Kaleb then turned to Xavier and Baltus, thanking them for
everything before leaving in the direction where they had left their
horses. Tristan saw Kaleb searching the faces of the crowd once again
as they walked away.
"Don’t worry. We will return…" Tristan said reassuringly as he wrapped an arm around Kaleb’s shoulder for a moment and gave a squeeze.
"I have
to see her again." Kaleb said longingly, looking over his
shoulder at the feasting fae.
Tristan smirked widely at the look
on his friends face. He had never seen Kaleb so smitten with another.
"You will my friend. You will. Now let’s go." Tristan assured him as he climbed onto his horse.
The skin of the horses seemed
luminescent in the light of the crescent moon creeping through the
trees. As their wings manifested from their sides they caught the
same light and could be described as nothing less than magical.
* * *
The faeries sat around a large table made of the finest oaks. Intricate carvings of faerie lore and forestry surrounded the sides and legs. The chairs made to match were flawless. The head chair, created to resemble a throne was perfectly fit for a king with carvings consisting of battles and fights, as well as the fae lore.
"Would you like some more sir?" The sprite asked her master, in a timid voice. Her pale green skin and tan light flowing dress indicating that she was an earth sprite.
"Mmm, no thank you." King Alcander responded as he swallowed the last bit of food in his mouth.
The small sprite reached for the King’s plate as he nodded approvingly and she proceeded with it to the kitchen.
King Alcander sat back in his chair and stared reluctantly at his guest who was dropping crumbs all over the table and using no utensils unless absolutely necessary. "So, Velius, where will you go after this?" King Alcander’s voice was firm with no hint of warmth for Velius.
"Well, as I told you, your highness, I will be staying here for a few days and then venture along to another forest…" Velius shifted his weight, and tried to quickly change the subject.
"So Kaleb, what did you do today?" Velius asked desperately.
"Huh? Oh, nothing really, Tristan and I visited Meira for a bit today." Kaleb responded nonchalantly.
Alcander and Etana looked at their son and his friend with a questionable look, as that was not something they did very often or at all.
"The King and Queen said they’d love to see you both sometime soon." Kaleb mentioned catching the glares of his parents.
"Son on what business did you go over there?"
"A gir…"
Kaleb shot Tristan a look before he could finish. "No business really father, just a gorgeous sound. I heard some music so I just wanted to see what the celebration was about. Tristan and I went over and we tried to stay to the side, but the guards thought we were spying.” Kaleb saw his father’s eyes widen, “Of course, that was until they found out who I was and we explained our presence there." Kaleb explained.
King Alcander leaned back in his seat again.
"So did you meet anyone there?" Velius obviously catching what Tristan almost said raised one eyebrow at Kaleb. "What’s her name?" Velius continued, not bothering to wait for a response.
"Velius, I didn’t meet
anyone there. There is nothing to tell," Kaleb dropped his fork
on his plate and pushed it away.
"So King, doesn’t it
bother you that he was over there?"
Alcander was deeply infuriated at the feeble attempt of Velius to begin trouble in his house. However, to see how far he’d take it, the King played a game of his own.