The Changeling Princess

By Jackie Shirley

The story of Janis French, a shape-shifting Changeling whose abilities are enhanced at the midnight ceremony on her sixteenth birthday. Janis is not prepared for the extraordinary powers she receives, but she accepts the challenge when she realizes she is being prepared to battle the forces of evil. Wade Wilson is a gifted teenage Witch who is selected as Janis’s companion.
The young warrior’s destroy a chain of warlock clans, and eventually travel to a Parallel Universe ruled by Sorcerers, Wizards and Witches. Their battles are many, but their victories ensure that planet Earth will continue to live in peace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackie Shirley
• Release date: Jan 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311639622

Jackie Shirley

Jackie Shirley grew up in St. Joseph, Michigan and moved to Las Vegas in the 1980s. Jackie has been a professional drum instructor, a pool room owner, an automotive and aerospace tool designer, a blackjack instructor, and a professional 7-Card Stud poker player. Jackie can be reached at [e-mail]

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

Stories of humans with extraordinary powers have existed since the dawn of recorded history. One such power was the ability for humans to transform their shapes at will. These humans came to be known as Changelings or Shape Shifters.

Another unusual power was the ability to mix plant and animal parts to make powerful potions to unlock the secrets of nature. These humans came to be known as Witchmans now commonly referred to as Witches.

The most unique power was the ability to morph into mist and float through the air. These early humans were called Mistazoids, but they eventually came to be known as Mists.

The human race prospered and populated every livable surface on the planet. Humans with special abilities remained small in number and kept their powers a closely guarded secret. All that remains in the twenty-first century are the fairy tales that parents read to their children.

This is a story of a young girl Changeling who is plucked from a life of mediocrity and endowed with the skills of the ancient Ivarrs, legendary warriors with unimaginable powers. When the Changeling is paired with a powerful male Witch, the young warriors prepare themselves for battle against an invasion of Demon hordes from a Parallel Universe. When the Portal of Darkness is opened, the fate of the entire human race rests solely on their shoulders.

CHAPTER 1

The horde of evil creatures was never-ending. I attacked the first dragon rider, severing the dragon’s head with one swipe of my sword. The dragon fell to the ground, but the rider morphed into black smoke and flew back into the Portal. The three remaining dragon riders flew high into the air and began cracking their whips in unison. The air was filled with gargoyles and all kinds of strange-looking creatures, surrounding me from all directions.

I sat straight up in bed. Wow! I’ve had a lot of strange dreams, but this one was really far out.

I wasn’t going to let the dream bother me. Today was special because it was the 21st of January 1960, the day before my sixteenth birthday. I couldn’t see into the future, but it was an exciting time to be alive. Many Americans believed that the 60s were going to be the dawn of a golden age.

Missy, my gray tabby, was lying at the foot of my bed. She looked up for a moment as if to say, ‘Why are we up so early?’ She did a little stretch before she curled back into a ball and closed her eyes.

I leaped out of bed and headed straight for the mirror on my dressing room table. The first thing I did was turn sideways and gaze at my shoulder length auburn hair. I took a deep breath and said to myself, I want my hair to be longer. I smiled as I watched my hair grow all the way down to my waist—a length I had never before obtained. I laughed and Missy raised her head again. My morning was off to a great start.

Next on my agenda was changing the color of my hair. I took another deep breath and focused on a single thought. I want my hair to be darker. I watched as my auburn hair slowly darkened until the color resembled a shiny piece of coal. This is fantastic! I sputtered out loud. I placed my hand over my mouth, but I couldn’t stop giggling. I was really happy with my progress.

My final test was to try to make myself invisible. I cleared my head and went into deep concentration. I want to be invisible. I watched as my body become more and more transparent. I could see right through myself, but I wasn’t invisible.

I broke my concentration and everything returned to normal. I was no longer transparent and my hair receded up to my shoulders. The color returned to auburn, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t crazy about being a brunette anyway. I really liked having my hair down to my waist, but it was out of the question. I’d have no way of explaining the sudden growth to my classmates at school. I could just see some stupid girl yanking on my hair because she wanted to show everyone I was wearing a wig. I turned my head and saw that Missy had crawled to the head of the bed and curled up on my pillow. It was obvious she wasn’t interested in anything but sleeping.

I was born Janis Ann French in 1944 in Charleston, South Carolina. I am the only child of William and Betty French. I stand five-feet-five and I weigh 120 pounds. I’m nice looking, but I can’t compete with girls who are drop dead gorgeous. I never gave it a second thought because being a raving beauty wasn’t really important to me.

I always made it a point to blend in with the crowd. It’s extremely important that none of my classmates knew that I possessed unusual abilities. Amongst my family’s Clans, I’m known as a Changeling, a shape-shifting creature that can change its shape at will. Changelings are popular in fairy tales and horror stories, but none of my classmates have the slightest idea we’re real.

I was born into a family of Changelings and we are members of the Vascadon Clan. At a very young age I noticed that I could do things other children couldn’t.

You must be very careful, my mother told me. Don’t show off in front of your friends by doing anything to alter your appearance. If your friends know what you can do, they’ll think you’re a freak.

When I was very young, there wasn’t a lot I could do to change my shape. I managed to get rid of some ugly freckles and I was able to make my ears a little smaller. I also liked to eat and I was able to keep myself from looking chubby. Oh, what my girlfriends wouldn’t give to have that special ability! I’ve always been a happy child and I’ve never given a second thought to the fact that I’m different than other kids. I like having a secret and every day is like playing a special game with my friends. I know I could do things to show off, but I’d never do anything to hurt anyone’s feelings. My parents are extremely proud of me.

* * *

I made a beeline for the kitchen and rummaged through the pantry. I finally decided on a bowl of shredded wheat, but I cut back on the sugar to keep my weight down. I had just sat down to eat when my mother walked into the kitchen.

You’re up early this morning, Jan. Excited about your birthday tomorrow?

I sure am, Mom. I keep thinking about my sixteenth birthday and I couldn’t go back to sleep. What time will Dad be home today?

He’s leaving work at noon. He’s taking the rest of the day off because he knows you have a million questions. We’ll spend the entire day with you and then we’ll all take a nap. We want to be alert for your midnight ritual of maturity.

My thoughts were running wild as I tried to envision the midnight ritual. All I had been told was that at the stroke of midnight on my sixteenth birthday, I would inherit my full shape-shifting powers. Some scary thoughts entered my mind, but I’d always been told my abilities were a blessing.

My mother issued a stern warning: Never, under any circumstances use your abilities for evil. The wickedness will consume you and will end up destroying you.

The thought never entered my mind, Mom. I would never want to hurt anyone.

I’m glad to hear that. Did you notice anything different this morning? Some of your new abilities may be beginning to take root.

I sure did. I grew my hair all the way down to my waist and then I turned it jet black. It didn’t last very long because I lost my concentration.

That’s to be expected. Your abilities should mature after the midnight ritual of maturity.

I know, but the important thing is to be able to keep them under control. It would be a disaster if I ended up doing something stupid and exposed my new powers to my classmates.

The fact that you’re talking about it is a good sign. It shows how mature you are. Your father and I are very proud of you.

I couldn’t resist smirking. I guess I’m a wonderful daughter. You and dad are really lucky to have a terrific child like me.

My humor caused my mother to laugh. You have a great sense of humor, but I also know you’re very mischievous. I wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of some smart-mouthed girl who decided to pick on you. You could make her life miserable.

My smile disappeared and I turned serious. I would never do anything to make you ashamed of me, Mom.

My mother and I had always had a wonderful relationship. I was going to do my best to make sure it stayed that way.

CHAPTER 2

At two o’clock, my parents and I were seated in the living room for the family discussion. Missy had finally made it downstairs and was curled up in front of the fireplace.

I’m sure you have a lot of questions, said my dad. Feel free to ask us anything.

My mother spoke up. That’s right, Janis. Your father and I will answer your questions with complete honesty. As a blood member of the Vascadon Clan, you have the right to ask any question that enters your mind.

I paused. I’m not sure where to start. I guess I’d like to know how Changelings got their powers.

No one knows the true origin of the Changeling Clans, my father answered. There is no written record of how we got our powers.

But there must be some kind of theory relating to our origins.

Actually, there are a couple of theories. One is that the Earth was bombarded with meteors when the first humans appeared. Some Changelings believe the meteors had magical powers that were absorbed by the humans who came in direct contact with them.

Wow! That’s pretty farfetched. It sounds like something you’d see in a science fiction movie.

My father laughed. Yes it does. Another theory is that explorers from another world traveled to Earth and took pity on the human species. It’s believed that they gave some of us shape-shifting powers to ensure our survival against vicious predators.

I smiled. Still sounds pretty far out.

A lot of Changelings believe in that theory, my mother said.

If that’s the case, I guess I should think of myself as really special.

Special, but not better.

I second that, my father said. We believe every creature on this Earth is special. We try to be respectful of each and every one of them.

Is there a limit to the abilities I might acquire?

Both of my parents nodded their heads. Yes, but you should be able to alter your appearance to the point where you can fool your friends, my mother said. It remains to be seen just how good you’ll be at it. I wish you could have seen your Grandmother Pauline when she was in her prime. She was amazing.

Age makes a difference? I asked.

Yes, my mother replied. It’s a fact that Changeling powers fade with age.

My father interrupted. There is a story that’s been passed down from generation to generation you might find interesting. As the story goes, approximately once every five hundred years, a Clan member from a Changeling or Witch Clan is endowed with special powers. These powers include reading people’s minds, morphing into animals, and controlling objects through the use of telekinesis.

That’s fantastic! Does this Clan member have a name?

"Yes, the chosen one is called an Ivarr.

My eyes lit up. I’d love to be an Ivarr.

My father tried to conceal his amusement. To my knowledge, there’s never been an Ivarr in the history of the Vascadon Clan. Your Grandmother Pauline would know more about that. She’s been doing extensive research on the history of Changelings for the past forty years. She has data dating back to the ninth century.

And I thought Grandma was just a bookworm.

Let’s just say she’s a very special bookworm.

Is there such a thing as a Werewolf? I asked.

That’s a good question, my mother replied. The term ‘Werewolf’ may have come from early Changelings who assumed the form of wolves. I’ve never heard of a modern day Changeling who could change into an animal.

What about Witches?

My mother spoke again. It’s my understanding that some of the early Clans developed a unique ability to make special potions from plants and animal parts. These potions were especially useful for healing the sick and disabled. As their knowledge increased, these Clans were said to have discovered how to make potions that could control human emotions. In today’s modern world, these potions are commonly referred to as ‘spells.’

Are Witches evil?

My father answered quickly. Some are, some aren’t. Witches who turn evil are called ‘Warlocks.’ The sad thing is that the bad Witches get all the attention. An example of a good Witch is our neighbor, Mildred Wilson.

I gasped. Miss Wilson is a Witch? 1’ve always like her because she’s so sweet.

My mother laughed. By the way, after midnight tonight, you will have the ability to sense when you come into contact with a member of another Clan. You might not know if they’re a Changeling or a Witch, but your senses will tell you they’re gifted.

I paused. I know I’m awfully young to be asking this, but what about marriage? Do I have to marry someone from a Changeling Clan?

Of course not, replied my father. The only drawback is that your children’s powers will be reduced by one-half if you marry an ordinary human.

Like a mixed marriage? I asked.

That’s right. Just remember that all the Changeling Clans will eventually be absorbed by ordinary humans. You can’t stop the process because you can’t control who you fall in love with.

Jeez, the only Changeling boy I know is Jimmy Brown, Sherri’s younger brother and he’s a little creep. You and Mom don’t have any brothers or sisters, so I don’t have any uncles or cousins.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t other Clans in Charlotte we haven’t come in contact with. I’ve sensed their presence, but it was always in a large crowd. I can’t even say for sure they were members of a Changeling Clan. They could have been Witches or Mists.

What’s a Mist?

Mists have the ability to turn themselves into light fog. It’s thought that the early tribes used them as guides because they could scout up ahead without being seen. I’ve never met a Mist, but I’m sure they’re out there.

That really blows my mind! So what happens if I marry a Witch?

As I said before, marry a normal human and your children lose half of their power. If you marry a Witch, your children will be completely stripped of their powers. When you add up all the different ways a Clan can lose its power, it’s easy to understand how they’ve diminished down through the ages.

Jeez, that’s kind of sad.

My mother’s lips tightened. Yes, it is, but who’s to say these restrictions haven’t been placed on our Clans for our own good? Maybe nature intended it to be this way because we’ve served our purpose. The special skills we possess are no longer needed for our survival.

I have one final question. What about Vampires?"

My father spoke up. Sightings of Vampires were probably nothing more than a Changeling trying to scare someone. On the other hand, a deranged Changeling with exceptional powers could grow fangs and kill someone if he or she wanted to. That would really be sick, but who’s to say it hasn’t happened.

I was overwhelmed. I can’t believe how involved everything is. I’ll just take it one day at a time and try to do my best.

My mother nodded her head. Of course, that’s the way it has to be.

My father jumped to his feet. It’s time for everyone to get some sleep before your grandparents arrive. I told them to be here by eleven o’clock at the latest.

All of my grandparents are coming? I asked.

Yes. It’s customary for the grandparents from both sides of the family to be present for the ceremony.

I’m not going to be able to sleep, Dad.

Sure you will. Set your alarm for ten o’clock and concentrate on falling asleep.

Missy followed me up the stairs to my bedroom. She took her place at the foot of my bed as I set the alarm clock for ten o’clock.

I thought about reading something to try to relax, but decided against it. I loved books of all kinds, especially the Nancy Drew mystery stories. When I was little, I imagined myself solving mysteries and being a heroine.

My mind was racing as I climbed into bed. I tried to imagine what the night had in store for me. I had always had exceptional concentration, so I closed my eyes and focused on falling asleep. The midnight ceremony was going to be one of the most important moments of my life, but I had no concept of the world that was about to open up to me. My wildest fantasies were about to become a living reality.

CHAPTER 3

I woke up at ten o’clock when the alarm went off. I remembered my mother’s instructions. Dress as plain as possible and don’t wear a drop of makeup. I put on a pair of jeans and a plain shirt. I looked at myself in the mirror and giggled. I certainly wasn’t dressed to please the boys.

Mom and Dad were waiting for me when I entered the living room. We had been making small talk for about fifteen minutes when the doorbell rang. The first of my grandparents to arrive were James and Pauline French. My grandfather owned a large architectural firm in Charlotte and my dad was the vice-president.

Are you excited about tonight? asked Pauline.

I sure am. I don’t know what’s going to happen.

Just don’t get your hopes too high.

Maybe I’ll end up being an Ivarr.

Pauline lifted an eyebrow. I see your father’s been telling you stories.

Do you think the Ivarr is a silly story?

I didn’t say that. My research has convinced me they existed, but the last one I researched lived a thousand years ago.

Maybe I’ll get lucky.

That’s what I’ve always like about you, said my grandfather. You have a positive attitude and you don’t discourage easily.

Thanks, Grandpa. You’re as sweet as you are handsome.

Pauline laughed. Janis, you don’t need the power of an Ivarr to wrap your grandfather around your little finger.

The doorbell rang again, announcing the arrival of my mother’s parents, George and Martha Greer. George Greer owned a construction company and Martha looked fifteen years younger than her age. She was the talk of the Clans because her powers had only diminished slightly with age. I didn’t see anything wrong with using your powers if you wanted to look younger. Sometimes my parents would go out dancing and they’d shave a couple of years off their age just for the fun of it. I was just the opposite because I wanted to look older. I was only in tenth grade and I felt like a dork around the juniors and seniors.

This is a very special night, said George.

I know, Grandpa. I hardly slept last night.

Everyone goes through the same thing, said Martha. I remember when I had my ceremony, but that was a long, long time ago.

Aw, come on, Grandma. You don’t look a day over forty and you’re a beautiful woman. I bet you had so many boys chasing you when you were my age, you had to carry a big sick to beat them off.

There she goes with the compliments, said George. She’s a real charmer.

Don’t you dare tease her, said Martha. All women love flattery, especially when they know someone’s telling the truth.

My grandmother managed to keep a straight face until everyone burst out laughing. I was surprised at my grandmother’s sense of humor. She was the serious type who usually didn’t joke around.

Everyone was making small talk until the clock read five minutes to midnight. My father stood up and made an announcement. It’s approaching midnight and we should take our places at the dining room table.

My father dimmed the lights and placed a box containing the red Vascadon Stone on the table. Every Clan had its own ceremonial stone that was used to celebrate when a member reached the age of maturity. This was my time in the age-old tradition of Clan acceptance. If I married and had children, my children would go through the same ceremony when they reached their sixteenth birthday.

My father removed the Vascadon Ceremonial Stone and placed it directly in the center of the table. When the minute hand of the grandfather clock approached twelve o’clock, everyone at the table joined hands. When the clock struck twelve, my father began the ritual that had been passed down through the ages by members of the Vascadon Clan who had preceded him.

We, the remaining members of the Vascadon Clan, have gathered together because the time of rebirth is upon us. We welcome Janis French to her time of maturity and we rejoice in accepting Mother Earth as our spiritual leader. It is our hope that this ceremony will open Janis’s heart to the traditional teachings that have kept our Clan intact. We implore the spirits of our Clan to accept this newest member and gift her with all the power and love you have to offer.

The lights suddenly dimmed and the red Vascadon Stone began glowing. The glow was faint at first, gradually growing brighter until everyone seated at the table was spellbound. My instincts told me that no one seated at this table had ever seen the stone this bright before.

A beam of light shot out from the stone and hit me directly in the chest. My entire body was glowing and the light surrounding me was as bright as the ceremonial stone itself. I turned transparent, but only for an instant. Suddenly, the glow was gone and everything returned to normal. No one spoke at first; unsure of what had just taken place.

Has anyone ever seen anything like this before? asked my father.

Everyone appeared speechless as they shook their heads. What I really find intriguing is that Janis’s entire body took on a red glow, said Grandpa Greer.

Yeah, that was really something, said my mother. It has to have a special meaning.

Pauline stood up. There’s only one way to find out. We have to have a test. Janis, please join me in the center of the living room. Everyone else, please be seated in the living room and make yourselves comfortable.

I stood motionless as Pauline made a circle around me and looked me over. She paused and then asked, Janis, please try to make yourself invisible.

I concentrated as hard as I could, but all I could do was make myself transparent. It was the best I’d ever done, but I wasn’t invisible.

Okay, Janis, concentrate on reading my mind. What am I thinking right now?

I went into deep concentration, but I couldn’t hear any thoughts. I don’t hear anything, Grandma.

Okay, try to change your appearance by looking ten to fifteen years older.

I did the best I could, but I only aged a year or two. I guess I’m not doing very well, Grandma.

Don’t be discouraged. It may take several days for your new powers to improve.

Pauline’s right, said Grandpa French. It took me almost two weeks before I received my full powers."

I went through the same thing, said Grandmother Greer. It takes time, so hang in there until your powers blossom.

I put on a fake smile to give the impression everything was okay. I was disheartened, but perhaps tomorrow would be better. I hugged everyone and thanked them for coming to my ceremony.

I was lucky to have family members who cared about me. My mother had always told me that family and friends are your most valuable assets. As I would soon learn, my mother was a very wise lady.

CHAPTER 4

I slept until ten o’clock the next morning. I recalled the midnight ceremony and how my entire body had taken on a red glow that no one could explain. I looked down to see that Missy had left the foot of the bed and was sitting next to me.

You look tired, Janis.

I bolted upright. Did you just say something, Missy? She didn’t answer.

If I really did hear Missy speak, it meant that I had acquired the ability to communicate with animals. I decided to ask Missy again, but this time I was going to do it through thought.

Did you say something, Missy?

I said you look tired, Missy answered.

This is fantastic! We’re actually talking to each other.

This is the first time I’ve ever been able to hear your thoughts, Janis. I really like it.

I held Missy in my arms and hugged her. You’re the best kitty in the whole world. Missy rubbed her head against my face and purred.

Now that we can communicate with each other, you’ll be interested to know we’re thinking about going to the animal shelter to find you a playmate. Would you like that?

Sure, I’d love to have a playmate. We can chase the varmints into the valley and round them up together.

That sounds like cowboy talk.

That’s because I like westerns. I’m a big John Wayne fan.

I recalled Missy seating herself in front of television when the family was watching a western. I thought a cat that likes cowboy movies was really amusing.

I was really nervous as I made my way to my dressing room mirror. If I could talk to animals, what other powers had I inherited?

I started with my morning ritual of growing the length of my hair. I’d only focused for an instant and my hair was all the down to my waist. Wow! That was really fast! I said excitedly. My powers had increased to the point that all I had to do was imagine something and it happened instantly. I restored my hair to its original length and smiled. I knew it was going to be a fun morning.

I concentrated on changing the color of my hair to black. Instead of slowly darkening, it turned black immediately. I wanted to try another color, so I turned my hair platinum blonde. I looked over at Missy. This is terrific. Did you see how fast I can change the color of my hair?

Missy couldn’t resist speaking her mind. None of those colors are as pretty as your auburn hair. I agreed and restored my hair to its original color.

I was really nervous as I focused on making myself invisible. I almost lost my breath because I disappeared in the blink of an eye. I was so thrilled I let out a squeal.

I decided to take a walk across the room in my invisible form. I should have been more careful because I stubbed my toe on the leg of a chair. I figured I’d better wear shoes until I got used to not being able to see my feet. I was beaming when I made myself visible. I was really excited.

The next step was to test my shape-shifting powers. I took a deep breath and morphed into an image of my mother. I turned from side to side and gave myself a good going over. The transformation was perfect, but I was amazed to see I was wearing my mother’s clothes. I had no idea how that was possible.

I did the same experiment with my dad. I couldn’t help giggling because I was now a perfect replica of my dad wearing a business suit. Just for kicks, I added a long beard and bushy hair. I burst out laughing because dad looked like some of the strange people who hung around the local park all day.

My curiosity got the better of me. I wanted to know if I could acquire the skills of the people I morphed into. I carried my testing to the max by morphing into Moira Shearer, the famous ballet dancer from the 1948 film The Red Shoes. I gasped when I saw myself in my mirror. I was an exact duplicate of Moira Shearer in a ballet outfit. I was immediately aware that I was only a replica of Ms. Shearer. I had none of her thoughts or her memories. I was still Janis French with the exception of my new form.

I tested my dancing skills by moving around the room and doing a series of pirouettes. The execution was perfect. I was excited beyond belief. The possibilities of things I could accomplish were endless.

I was so overwhelmed that I had trouble controlling my thoughts. I morphed back to Janis French and sat on the edge of my bed. Missy looked up at me. This is better than watching television.

I was amused because Missy had a sense of humor. Okay, Missy, I’m going to try and morph into an animal. I’ll try not to scare you.

I walked to the center of the room and morphed into a small fox terrier. Missy stuck her noise into the air. It was obvious she didn’t like dogs. I tried something larger and morphed into a four hundred pound tiger. Missy’s hair stood straight up and she ran under the bed. I morphed back to Janis French and tried to talk Missy out from under the bed. You can come out now, Missy. That big old bad kitty is gone.

Missy crawled out from under the bed. That’s the biggest tom cat I’ve ever seen. I wasn’t actually afraid; I was just playing it safe.

Of course you were, Missy. I know nothing scares you.

If I now had super morphing abilities, it stood to reason I should be able to keep my normal shape and change my height. I laid a ruler on the floor and then I focused on making myself smaller. The experience was really strange. As I got smaller and smaller, the room appeared to be getting larger and larger. When the process was complete, I felt like Alice in Wonderland as I stared at all the huge furniture. Missy was lying on the foot of the bed staring down at me. She looked calm. I sensed she didn’t have any thoughts of attacking me.

I stretched out beside the ruler I had placed on the floor. I was exactly twelve inches tall. I couldn’t help giggling. What a great way to lose weight. I suddenly realized that I felt weak. It was all I could do just to stand up. I was positive that reducing my size also reduced my strength.

I took the opposite approach and made myself taller. I stopped when my height reached eight feet because I didn’t want to hit my head on the ceiling. I’d need a lot of open space to continue with this experiment.

I returned to my normal height and sat on the bed with Missy. My new powers were far greater than anything I’d ever dreamed of. I didn’t know if I should tell my parents because I wasn’t sure they’d understand.

Missy had an idea. There must be someone in your family who knows about this kind of stuff. Maybe you should talk to your grandparents.

That’s a fantastic idea! You know, Missy, you’re a really smart kitty.

Missy held her nose in the air. Of course I am.

I walked