The Dashwood Tales; A Princess Story

By Angelique Daniels

Before Andrea’s time, before she was even born her, Destiny had been set.
In a time long ago, since the War of the Ancients, the Realm was literary torn into many different Lands. The Tale of the Dashwood’s has been passed down from generation to generation in the hope that one day the Realm shall once more become whole.
A young warrior Andrea Grace from the Land of Ezra, the Village of Elzea has terrifying nightmarish dreams about people, places and things she’s never seen, but most shocking are the nightmares about the young man with liquid silver eyes. Andrea could never understand why she had been plagued by such terrible dreams... Until her unknown Relative come to the Village of Elzea, revealing her true past.
Andrea learns of her true heritage... that she is the High Princess of the Realm. She learns that her Parents once ruled the entire Realm for they were the High Queen and King and the Black Queen killed them. The Black Queen took her brother to raise him as her very own son.
There is just one significant problem... Andrea doesn’t have any recollection of ever having been a Princess or the life she led before living in the Village of Elzea. Andrea sets out to unravel the secrets of her past and the mystery it holds surrounding her brother.
Andrea will have to learn which decisions to make not only for herself but for the entire Realm...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angelique Daniels
• Release date: Jan 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310852893

Angelique Daniels

ABOUT THE AUTHORAngelique Daniels studied Early Childhood Education at The New Zealand Tertiary College. She has worked in the Early Childhood Sector for over eleven years. This is her debut novel.Angelique Daniels lives in New Zealand with her family and her four-legged little girl cat called Princess.Writing has always been one of her favorite pastimes, along with reading any and all fantasy, romance, drama and just about anything she can get her hands on. Recently she took the craft of writing more seriously, since first being diagnosed with severe food allergies.When she’s not busy writing, she enjoys a passion for developing new and healthy wheat-free recipes. They don’t always turn out as she intends them to but like her mother always says “you eat it the right way”Angelique looks forward to sharing the inspirations she gains from her everyday experiences.

Book preview

The Dashwood Tales

A Princess Story

Angelique Daniels

CONTENTS:

Dedication

Copyright

Prologue

Chapter 1 - Separated

Chapter 2 - Other Eyes

Chapter 3 - Travelers

Chapter 4 - A Relatives Return

Chapter 5 - Decisions

Chapter 6 - The Priestess of Destiny

Chapter 7 - Revelations

Chapter 8 - Secrets Kept

Chapter 9 - King and Queen of the Elves

Chapter 10 - Secrets Revealed

Chapter 11 - Unwillingly Betrothed

Chapter 12 - Concequences

Chapter 13 - Leaving

Coming Next

Acknowledgments

About Angelique Daniels

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to anyone who ever imagined another time, another place, another reality. I hope you enjoy reading my different reality.

COPYRIGHT

The Dashwood Tales

Copyright © 2014 Angelique Daniels

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved.

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thanks for respecting the hard work of this author.

Prologue:

Land of Destiny;

High Princess Andrea opened her eyes, closed them quickly again because of the bright white light shining all around. She tried again, slower this time giving her eyes time to adjust to the brightness. She turned her head to her left, noticed that there was somebody next to her on the floor; her brother Eric.

Andrea sat up slowly; she was no longer in the throne room of her parent’s castle. She looked around and took in her surroundings. Everything was white, white walls, white floors, and white ceilings with specks of gold running through everything making it shimmer in the golden sunlight coming through the open window. It looked to be an open-ended room. She reached out to her twin brother and shook him.

Eric, wake up! I said.

Leave me alone, Mother! I don’t want to wake up. Eric mumbled sleepily.

I am not Mother, Eric. I said loudly. GET UP!

Eric scrambled into a sitting position, blinking a few times at me.

Did you have to be so loud Andrea? Eric demanded. I had a good sleep.

I gave Eric such a look as if to say are you kidding me? Well, we are not meant to be sleeping, we- I motioned between us. -Are meant to be finding out what our Enchanted Animal Protectors are? I said exasperated.

That Revealing Remedy was disgusting wasn’t it? Eric said.

Absolutely revolting, I agreed. Where do you think we are?

Eric took notice of their surroundings. I am not sure, but it feels familiar. Eric said, standing up. He held out a hand for me as he helped me up.

Do you think Mother came here to when she had her tenth coming of age? Eric asked.

I guess. I replied. Do you think someone is here?

I am not sure. Let’s look around and see what we can find out. Eric suggested.

I nodded my head in agreement. Eric held out his arm for me as I placed my left arm through his right, as he escorted me. Together we made our way out of the room we woke up in. What we found made me think of the courtyard of our Parent’s castle, except here, there were no benches, no different colored roses, not green grass and no water fountains. Just white brilliance. Eric and I were so busy looking around that we didn’t even notice a figure approaching us from behind.

High Princess Andrea, High Princes Eric. It’s an honor to meet you both. A sweet sounding voice said from somewhere to my right.

Eric and I both looked around to where the voice was coming from. Standing before us was the most striking, shimmering woman I had ever seen. She has a head full of curly golden hair that came down to her waist, bright golden eyes, and bronzed perfect skin. Strangely tall and skinny with a golden butterfly dress and matching golden sandals. Eric and I glanced towards each other. Neither one of us recognizing the golden lady before us.

Forgive me; I should have introduced myself first. I am Ravera the Priestess of Destiny. Ravera the Priestess of Destiny said lightly.

It’s a pleasure to meet you Priestess Ravera. I said, smiling faintly. Where exactly are we?

A dazzling smile spread across Priestess Ravera’s features. You’re still in your Parents Castle but subconsciously you are here in our dream discussion.

That’s why it feels so familiar to me. Eric said. Mother told us about coming here, remember Andrea?

I remember Eric. I replied. Mother said it was the most amazing place she has ever been.

I love Mother’s stories. Eric exclaimed. The way she tells them makes me feel as if I have been there with her.

I know. I replied eagerly. Just think Eric, this time we will have our own story to tell, Mother.

Our own grand adventure Andrea! Eric exclaimed.

It’s comforting to know that your Mother still makes a person feel as if they are right alongside her. Ravera the Priestess of Destiny said blissfully.

Will we find out soon what our Enchanted Animal Protectors will be? Eric asked impatiently looking towards the Priestess of Destiny.

Yes, soon, in fact. Priestess Ravera said. Why don’t you both come and sit with me, we have much to discuss.

I was apprehensive about this whole situation. Eric once gain held out his hand for me in a show of silent support. Eric and I followed her to a comfortable looking golden chair. I didn’t notice them before. We all sat down and faced each other.

I will reveal to you both, your Enchanted Animal Protectors. Priestess Ravera said.

Two identical, cautious smiles spread across Eric’s and my faces.

Please give me your right hand Prince Eric? Priestess Ravera requested.

----

Prince Eric did what she asked of him. Priestess Ravera took his hand cautiously and closed her eyes. She concentrated on the energy she could feel flowing through him. Loyalty, cockiness, cunning, intelligence, valor and but most surprising was the slightest hint of darkness amongst the brightness. The energy she could feel felt like an eagle, a white eagle to be precise. Priestess Ravera was concentrating on Eric’s energy formed his Enchanted Animal Protector under the skin of his wrist. A bright light encased their hands, as Priestess Ravera opened her eyes the light faded away, and she lets go of Eric’s hand. Eric lifted his right hand closer to his face and studied the mark which not sat upon his right wrist. There on his skin lay a white eagle, with its black wings spread out as if ready to take flight at any moment. The eagle seemed to have the same silver eyes as Eric.

It’s magnificent. Eric said in an awed voice. Andrea, look he has the same eye color as me. He said, turning his wrist towards his sister to show her.

He’s truly beautiful Eric. Andrea said.

Priestess Ravera smiled at them both as she turned her attention to Andrea. Please give me your right hand Princess Andrea? Priestess Ravera requested.

Princess Andrea held out her right hand, which Priestess Ravera cautiously took her hand, she concentrated on the energy she could feel flowing through her. Loyalty, determination, and empathy as well as equal part darkness to her light, but what was most surprising was the amount of power and courage Priestess Ravera could feel flowing through Andrea. Strength she hadn’t felt in a very long time, she could feel the presence of a strong and powerful black jaguar. While Priestess Ravera, concentrated on High Princess Andrea’s energy, a mark was forming under her skin above her wrist. A bright light encased their hands, as Priestess Ravera opened her eyes the light faded away; she lets go of Andrea’s hand.

Andrea lifted her right hand closer to her face and studied the mark which now sat upon her right wrist. There on her skin lay the most amazing black jaguar, she had ever seen; it is poised in attack position, looking ready to pounce on anything that moved. Andrea’s silver eyes staring back at her.

It is truly stunning. Andrea said earnestly.

Yours has the same eye color as ours Andrea. They can be twins too. Eric said happily as he looked towards his sister.

Princess Andrea didn’t say anything towards her brother, just inclined her head a big smile upon her face.

I suggest you both take great care of them so they can do their duty of protecting you. Priestess Ravera said. They will always be there for you.

Princess Andrea and Prince Eric both inclined their heads to show that they would.

I can’t wait to show Mum. Eric said; his face shining with pride. Andrea seemed proud as well; she just looked a lot more reserved than her brother.

There is one more thing that I want to give you both before you return to your Parent’s. Priestess Ravera requested.

What is it that you want to give us? Prince Eric asked, a bit more reserved.

I want to give you and your sister, two special silver bracelets, with a unique message written on the inside which will be revealed to you both when you turn eighteen years of age. Priestess Ravera said.

What do you think Andrea? Eric asked, looking at his sister.

Yes, I think it will be all right if Priestess Ravera gives us those silver bracelets. Andrea replied. Eric nodded his consent towards his sister.

That’s an excellent choice. Priestess Ravera said. Please hold out your left wrists.

Princess Andrea and Prince Eric each held out their left wrists; Priestess Ravera took a wrist in each of her hands and once again closed her eyes to concentrate on the connection between Andrea and Eric for they had a dangerous destiny which lay ahead of them. When she finished, both Andrea and Eric looked at the silver bracelet now on their left wrists. Eric’s silver bracelet was thicker than that of Andrea’s; the silver bracelets were shiny and sat around their wrists. On the outside of the silver bracelets was a decorative flowing, curving pattern that seemed to stretch the entire length of the bracelet and back around again.

Close your eyes and think about being back with your parents. Priestess Ravera instructed in a soft voice.

----

I closed my eyes along with Eric and thought of being back with Mother and Father. Some part of me wanted to say no to receiving the silver bracelets, but another bigger part of me said yes. Deep down in my heart it felt like the right thing to do even though I have felt nothing but apprehension since opening my eyes to the white brilliance.

----

If High Princess Andrea and High Prince Eric had looked at the silver bracelet, they would have seen the same identical writing flash in silver letter before it disappeared.

"Two of a kind and their destinies intertwined,"

Priestess Ravera watched as High Princess Andrea and High Prince Eric disappeared from her sight, neither one of their knowing the dangers that waits in their destiny.

Chapter 1 - Separated:

Land of the Blue Forest of Amberwood;

Princess Andrea;

I wanted some fresh air seeing as my brother once gain forgot about me. I made my way out to a quiet and secluded spot in the courtyard, where I sat down on the garden seat. I found myself thinking about the day’s happenings. It had been a fascinating experience meeting, Ravera the Priestess of Destiny. I got the feeling that she also became apprehensive when she gave Eric and me our Enchanted Animal Protectors. Almost as if she knew something more. She even gave Eric and me matching silver bracelets which we have to wait eight years to find out what they are for. If that weren’t bad enough, my parents reacted very much the same way as Priestess Ravera when they saw our Enchanted Animal Protectors were the white eagle and the black jaguar. I have never seen fear reflected like that in my mother’s eyes, and it was directed at Eric and me.

I was so lost in my own thoughts that I never noticed a group of people coming out into the courtyard starting a whispered conversation.

----

As soon as High Queen Esmey realized her children were no longer beside her, she motioned for her husband, King Roalf and Queen Desire to follow her into the courtyard. As they made their way out into the courtyard they found Lord Hermando and Priestess Kiana conversing; Lord Hermando smiled brightly when he noticed their arrival.

Which Enchanted Animal Protector was bestowed upon my niece and nephew? Lord Hermando asked cheerfully.

No one said anything for a while, then Lord Hermando asked again and this time High King Armando answered. You won’t like it. he said.

Why? Did they get some silly animal? Lord Hermando said good-humoredly.

Taking a deep breath, King Armando replied. The Enchanted Animal Protector they received is the white eagle and black jaguar.

No! It can’t be! Lord Hermando said, barely above a whisper.

What is so interesting about Princess Andrea and Prince Eric’s Enchanted Animal Protectors? King Roalf asked genuinely curious.

Priestess Ravera has not bestowed the white eagle and black jaguar on anyone in the Royal Family since the War of the Ancients. Queen Esmey said gravely.

The Dashwood Tales, Lord Hermando whispered, but everyone heard him clearly.

The Dashwood Tales? Priestess Kiana questioned a puzzled expression upon her face.

King Roalf and Queen Desire also looked intrigued by this information.

We all know what happened in the War of the Ancients; I never thought she was telling the truth. I use to think it was a story my mother made up. Queen Esmey said solemnly. The Dashwood Tales dates back to the beginning of the Realm. It’s a long forgotten tale of a sister and brother who would hold the key to restoring the Realm back to its original form. A journey will be undertaken through the Realm to collect what was long ago lost. It is said that one will be lost in the dark; they will lead a path of darkness and cause destruction while the other will be drawn to the light and spread hope. Queen Esmey said barley above a whisper.

The Realm was once a wondrous, beautiful and magical place until the War of the Ancients. Since then the Realm was ripped apart, where land once joined to mountain, meadows, lakes, rivers and oceans now stood vast empty spaces of nothingness. There were still wondrous places to be found in the Realm, just hidden now. Queen Esmey couldn’t believe that there might be a possibility that the epic responsibility would fall onto her innocent children’s shoulders, but she would make arrangements keep them as safe as she could.

There are many things we must discuss, Kiana would you please go and fetch Ben, the Royal Guard? Queen Esmey asked with renewed determination.

Priestess Kiana nodded her consent and took her leave as Queen Esmey turned towards her husband. We have to protect them no matter what the cost. She said seriously.

King Armando nodded his head in agreement. Satisfied Queen Esmey turned her attention to King Roalf and Queen Desire.

Are you saying that Princess Andrea and Prince Eric are the sister and brother in the Dashwood Tales? Queen Desire asked gently.

I am not sure, but I believe there might be a slight chance that they are. Queen Esmey said softly. Does this change your opinion on our earlier discussions concerning Devon and Andrea?

No. King Roalf said seriously. Whatever happens now or in the future we will all deal with it together. Queen Desire nodded her head in agreement along with her husband.

King Armando and Queen Esmey looked relieved to hear this.

I think the best way for us to protect Andrea and Eric is to hide them away. King Armando said uncertainly. He knew his wife wouldn’t like the idea of their children away from them.

Where would we hide them? Queen Esmey asked curtly.

Anywhere but here, most everyone knows them. King Armando said softly while drawing his wife towards him and hugging her close. I know you don’t want to be separated from them, but we have to think what is best for them.

Queen Esmey let out a deep sigh.

They will also need more extensive combat training in order to protect their person and each other. said King Roalf.

Yes. I think Priestess Kiana and Ben can help with that. Queen Esmey said.

They are both excellent warriors. Queen Desire said. Who trained them?

My brother Hermando, King Armando said, looking at his brother who had stayed silent.

I want to go with them wherever they go. Lord Hermando said, leaving no room for discussion.

Queen Esmey and King Armando both smiled at that. Lord Hermando loved his niece and nephew and would do anything to protect them.

Where would be the best place to send them? King Roalf asked.

All five of them were deep in thought about where would be the best place for Princess Andrea and Prince Eric to be to stay safe; they didn’t hear Priestess Kiana and Ben, the Royal Guard return.

Pardon me, but I couldn’t help but overhear Princess Andrea and Prince Eric could come to the Village of Elzea. Priestess Kiana proposed.

I haven’t been to the Village of Elzea in a long time Kiana. Is it safe enough to hide Princess Andrea and Prince Eric? Queen Esmey asked.

Yes, they would be well protected as we don’t get many travelers. Everyone in the Village is like family, we all look out for each other. Priestess Kiana said seriously.

What do you think Armando? Queen Esmey asked.

I like how the Village of Elzea is very secluded. I think it is the best option. King Armando replied.

It is settled then Princess Andrea and Prince Eric will accompany you upon your return to the Village of Elzea, Kiana. Queen Esmey said.

Very well, Priestess Kiana said.

Ben, Armando and I would like for you to accompany Andrea and Eric when they leave. Queen Esmey declared seriously.

It will be an honor, your majesty. Ben said.

We would also like you both to teach Andrea and Eric more intensive combat training, anything you feel necessary.

Priestess Kiana and Ben nodded their consent.

Lord Hermando will also be accompanying Andrea and Eric as their guardian. I trust there is no problem. King Armando said.

That will be fine, I have enough room in my home, and everyone will be more than comfortable. Priestess Kiana offered graciously.

Thank you Kiana. We greatly appreciate it. Queen Esmey said.

The news of Princess Andrea and Prince Eric’s Enchanted Animal Protectors will not stay quiet for long. I want to move them as quickly as possible. Lord Hermando said. When the Black Queen finds out she will strike with her full force at once.

We will move them the day after tomorrow, so Armando and I can explain where they are going and why. Queen Esmey declared.

What do we do if the Black Queen hears about this? King Roalf asked.

She’s bound to hear it sooner or later. Let’s just hope it is after we moved Princess Andrea and Prince Eric. Lord Hermando said.

Might I suggest that you might want to ask Tree Elwood to set some Protective Enchantments upon the Forest by the Village of Elzea? Queen Desire proposed.

That is a wonderful idea, Desire. I shall seek him out soon. King Armando said.

Arable the Fairy Princess can place Enchantments on a person; maybe she could set something on Princess Andrea and Prince Eric. Priestess Kiana proposed.

Excellent. I shall ask her myself. said Queen Esmey. I want to keep everything we discussed here private. she said seriously. Thank you all so much for the support.

King Roalf, Queen Desire, Lord Hermando, Priestess Kiana and King Armando all nodded their agreement. Queen Esmey and King Armando made their way back into the throne room in search of Tree Elwood and Arable the Fairy Princess. Lord Hermando, Priestess Kiana and Ben walked off in another direction talking in hushed tones about the task that lay ahead of them while King Roalf and Queen Desire set off in search of their son, Prince Devon.

Not one of them noticed Princess Andrea in her beautiful silver dress sitting upon a stone bench between multicolored rose bushes, in a secluded part of the courtyard, a shocked expression on her delicate features.

----

Darkness surrounded the pristine white marble Castle, which lay nestled in the Blue Forest of Amberwood. Inside the Castle young Princess Andrea and Prince Eric slept a deep slumber unknowing of the actions that surround them. Queen Esmey, King Armando, Lord Hermando, Priestess Kiana, Ben the Royal Guard and Arable the Fairy Princess were all stood outside Andrea and Eric bed-chambers, which were situated next to each other.

I need everyone to be very quiet while I do this, the slightest noise and everything could go horribly wrong. Arable said seriously.

Arable the Fairy Princess was wearing a hot pink dress with her light pink wings fluttering behind her, hot pink hair flowing around her face, hot pink eyes and hot pink lips. Arable changed color according to the mood that she was in. If she were happy she would be bright, vibrant colors and if she were sad it would be the opposite.

Everyone nodded their heads to show they understood.

Queen Esmey; King Armando I need you both to open Princess Andrea and Prince Eric’s bed-chamber doors as the Fairy Magic needs to flow between the two of them for the Protective Enchantment to work properly. Arable said.

Queen Esmey walked towards her son’s bed chamber door while King Armando walked towards his daughter’s bedchamber door.

They opened the doors at the same time, while Arable centered herself and started the Protective Enchantment;

"I call upon Earth,

I call upon Fire,

I call upon Wind,

I call upon Water,

Protect their memories

Until such a time

Whence, they reclaim them.

Take heed, protect them,

Once, twice, three times over,

Take heed, protect them."

Arable called upon her Fairy Magic while she whispered the Protective Enchantment three times.

The magic started to swirl around Arable, the different colored strands of white, gold, black and silver intermingled with each other; the colored strands spread out towards Princess Andrea and Prince Eric. The Fairy Magic encased them both in a protective cocoon. Arable’s Fairly Magic went to work. The Fairy Magic started to dissipate around Princess Andrea, and Prince Eric indicating that the Protective Enchantment was now deeply encased between sister and brother.

Queen Esmey and King Armando slept peacefully knowing that their children were a little safer.

----

Princess Andrea:

Waking up the following morning my head felt as though it had been weighed down by an unforeseen force. I lie awake in my bed thinking about the conversation I had overheard.

Mother, Father, Uncle Hermando, King Roalf, Queen Desire, Priestess Kiana and Ben had all been very peculiar since Eric and I received our Enchanted Animal Protectors. I have never seen the adults, so worried about Eric and myself. Unless you count that one time someone threatened to kidnap us, but nothing ever came of it. Not that I know of anyhow. Now they want to send us away with Priestess Kiana. Eric and I haven’t spent much time with her, but her sister Kacie is a nightmare and spoilt rotten. Mother and Father must truly be concerned for our safety to consider sending us away. I thought to myself as I got dressed and waited for Eric to come out of his bed chambers.

Good morning Eric. I said towards my brother as he appeared from behind his door.

Good morning Andrea. He replied. He held out his arm for me to lace mine through. Together we made our way to the dining hall for breakfast with our Parent’s

The dinning hall is a grand room. In the center of the room stood a wooden dining table and chairs, it’s said to be made of Amberwood from the Blue Forest. At the heads of the table sat Father and Mother. Uncle Hermando sat to father left side while Ben our guard sat to mother’s left. I usually sat to father’s right while Eric sat to mother’s right.

There was a wonderful array of breakfast dishes spread out across the table; which consisted of scrambled eggs, sausages, goat’s milk, almond milk, bread rolls and fresh fruits. As Eric and I sat down in our usual places and good mornings were exchanged; everyone heartily dug into their breakfast. Half way through breakfast Mother addressed Eric and me.

Andrea; Eric there is a matter your Father, and I wish to discuss with you.

I along with Eric placed my utensils down, giving Mother my full attention, waiting for her to continue.

It has come to our attention that being here in the Castle might not be the safest place for you both at the present time. Mother said concernedly. "We, your Father and I thought it might be nice if you go on a short trip to the Land of Ezra.

Why? Did something happen? I asked, still thinking about all I had heard last night.

No. Not exactly, we just want you both to stay safe. Father said lightly."Uncle Hermando and