The Lost Princess in Destiny's Call: The Lost Princess Saga, #3

By Josh Kilen

Other books in the Lost Princess Trilogy:

Book 1 - The Lost Princess in Winter's Grip
Book 2 - The Lost Princess in The Shifting Sands

 

About The Lost Princess in Destiny's Call:
In the third and finale volume - Beaten and on the run, Annabeth and the Priest must race against time to learn the secrets to defeating the Ice People. When they find an ancient power with the answers they seek, Annabeth learns that the path to saving her love, Prince Ryan, may end in her demise. Don't miss the thrilling conclusion of the Lost Princess trilogy!

Look for Other Titles in the Tell Me A Story Series:Sean Ryanis & The Impossible Chase
The Tales of Big and Little - Doom of the Three Stones
The Superhero Chronicles: Birth of Moonlight

Tell Your Kids a Cool Bedtime Story!

Deep down every kid loves bedtime stories, but sometimes at the end of the day you just don't have the energy. That's where the Tell Me A Story series of books can help. Each nightly episode takes 5-10 minutes to read out loud and ends in a gripping cliffhanger. Imagine your child hanging on your every word and captivating them every night with an easy to tell bedtime story.

For less time than it takes to watch the start of a sit-com, you can spend quality time with your kids and make memories they will never forget.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cantonfield Publishing
• Release date: May 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781497790148

Josh Kilen

Josh began writing books at age 8 and hasn't stopped telling stories. He has written more than 30 books across several genres, from children's books to business non-fiction.  

Book preview

Episode 1

When we last left our heroes, the Ice Prince Ryanzar, formerly Prince Ryan of Altersia, had struck down Annabeth. The Desert Priest rescued her and retreated south, back into the desert, with the remnant of the loyal army. The power of the Ice People had grown stronger every day, spreading their ice and cold hatred farther south.

From this mountain perch the Priest looked out over the snow-covered expanse. Miles below him he could see his home at the oasis, the beautiful oasis where he’d trained Annabeth, but this landscape no longer resembled the place he loved. Instead of the living desert, snow and ice covered everything. His heart twisting at the vista spread before him, the Priest lingered, deep in thought.

Captain Colton Freestad stood behind the Priest and waited. In the past few weeks he had learned to allow the Priest both the time and space to contemplate their situation and would only trouble him with the most important of matters. Now, he had to speak with him about picking up the entire camp and moving even further south. It was not a conversation Colton was looking forward to having.

Ice, snow, and bitter cold crept steadily southward, enveloping more of the desert every day. Its progression over the previous months had repeatedly forced the retreat of the remnants of the Desert People and those of the Middle Kingdom. Soon, they would have to leave their temporary home once more.

Captain Freestad cleared his throat gently to remind the Priest he was there. Experience had taught him that the Priest knew his surroundings at all times, but it couldn’t hurt to push things along a little. The weather was changing once again and if they didn’t stay ahead of it, the Ice People would find them easily. Nevertheless, no one would move without the Priest’s blessing.

The Priest remained motionless, still, the captain decided to break the silence. I’m sure you know, but we have to move south a little farther. The cold will only get worse if we do not move soon. I, we, need you to join us.

When the Priest turned, his brow furrowed in concentration, he responded with, Ah, my Captain. You were here once you know.

Captain Colton let his jaw hang for a moment before recovering. He said, I can assure you, sir, that I have never been here before in my life. The closest I came was after my battle with the Slythera but that must have been miles away...

The Priest nodded, Not as far as you would suppose. You were gravely wounded. The beast spared you for its own reasons, though I doubt they were honorable. I brought you here and tended to you, then laid you back where I found you.

Colton said, So I owe you my life. Taking a knee and bringing the hilt of his sword to his head, he said, I am bound to you and swear my undying allegiance to you and your cause. Direct me as you will.

The Priest glided over and with a firm hand lifted the captain up by the collar of his tunic, Yes, yes, very sentimental. Most people owe me their lives, whether they know it or not, but I never require, or desire proclamations of allegiance. Besides, you already serve a King. I think he and his family need you now more than ever.

Colton’s shoulders fell at the Priest’s words, Is a King still a King without a kingdom? It’s been three months since our armies were defeated and we made our forced retreat. Three months since this cold overtook us and never stopped its advance. The Middle Kingdom is no more; it’s merely part of the Ice People’s realm now. We’ve picked up some stragglers, but a few hundred people does not make a kingdom.

The Priest said, And having a kingdom doesn’t necessarily make a king. But you have a king, with or without a kingdom, and he needs you right now. Colton opened his mouth to speak but the Priest raised his hand to silence him, Yes, I know. The move. I will join you, of course, but I warn that there are very few more places to go, even the desert has its limits.

Colton nodded and withdrew down the gravel path toward the encampment in the oasis. The Priest watched as the captain trudged along. He allowed himself a fleeting smile. He knew where the captain was going. He would check on her.

The captain disappeared around a bend and the Priest resumed his staring contest with the cold, wintery north. The Chieftain was out there, probably transforming the castle of the Middle Kingdom, using his magic and staff to remake this world in his image. Logically speaking, time was on the Chieftain’s side, and the Priest was growing anxious. Make your move, Chieftain. We will be ready, he said to the biting wind.

Colton walked down the path and into the encampment passing by several fires. The mood among the people was lively despite the grim surroundings lifting the captain’s spirits a little. These were good people and he was proud of them. The last three months had taken their toll on him and the Royal Family. It was not in his nature to run away and hide, but he knew that staying and fighting at this time would be foolish. He’d seen first hand the power of the Ice People. They could not be defeated in open combat, and no strategy for beating them any other way was presenting itself.

He walked down between the main corridor of tents, as much of a road as one could get in the makeshift city, toward the largest tent in the encampment, settled at the end of the road. This, the former Royal party tent had been converted into the family’s residence while they were on the run. After three months of rugged travel, the once bright whites and stark blues had stained and faded to a muted glory. Small patches had been carefully sewn in to repair the tears.  Today the Royals’ tent, except for its greater size, looked like everyone else's dwelling. Colton shook his head as he entered, but immediately came to attention as he found himself face to face with the Queen.

Did he agree? She asked.

Captain Freestad nodded, He will come, though he warned me we can’t run forever.

The Queen led him further in, towards the east wing of the tent, which was where he was going anyway. She said, No, not forever, but we will certainly not give up. She patted him on the shoulder and nodded, She’s in there, although her condition remains unchanged. She lives, but only barely.

The captain wordlessly entered the room and saw Annabeth lying on her cot, hands folded on her chest and face in a deep, peaceful sleep. She had remained so ever since he had rescued her from the Ice Prince. That day would always be to him the worst day of his life. It was the day he almost lost her. The memories were still vivid and he couldn’t help but relive them as he sat down next to the cot taking her hand in his.

That day of of the great battle she had literally flown right past him after The Ice Prince struck her, the look of shock and surprise evident on her face. The Prince was intent on her for whatever reason and stalked after her with a single purpose in mind, ignoring the fully armed soldier next to her. Captain Freestad had used the opportunity to slice the Prince’s leg, distracting him long enough for the Priest to enter the battle.

The Priest wielded a flaming sword high above his head. The Ice Prince scarcely had time to deflect it before it could disable him. What followed was a series of complicated fighting moves, unfamiliar to the captain, and performed so quickly that he could hardly pick them out. Tearing his eyes off the battle, the captain recognized the one thing he could do. He swooped Annabeth in his arms and swiftly carried her away from the battle. Several minutes later the Priest came loping up along side, a regular sword in his hands, the flame extinguished somehow.

The Priest said, Take her to the castle right away. Begin to pack for an extended journey. The battle is not going well for us, but I will try to hold them off long enough for you to get a head start. Do you understand?

The captain glanced worriedly at Annabeth and nodded. The Priest pursed his lips, She will be fine, but not if the Ice People get ahold of her. You are her one hope now, Captain. Don’t leave her side.

Colton took those words to heart. Through the months of terror that followed, he never abandoned her. Not once. He stayed by her side, held her hand when no one was looking, and spoke to her, telling her about his hopes and dreams, his life before the Royal Guard, and how much he cared for her.

The King came in and immediately