The Golden Locket

By Aurora Mandeville

On the world of Camulic, full of humans, lares, acalicas, trolls, and other fantastical creatures, there is a prestigious college called Telkon University. Rose and Ferdinand are both accepted and settled themselves for a rush of homework and friendships, and possibly a romance. But trolls march for a precious treasure hidden beneath the university, and everyone wonders, will they live this semester?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aurora Mandeville
• Release date: Jan 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370500796

Aurora Mandeville

Hi y'all! My real name is Amanda, and I was born in Louisiana. I've done some moving since then and now reside in colorful Colorado with my family. I've been interested in writing my own stories and poems ever since I was little, though I didn't actually start putting pen to paper until I was sixteen. Many of those stories will never see the light of day, and if they do, they have been thoroughly revamped until they are practically unrecognizable (seriously, my first attempts were not that good). I do write Fanfictions as well, most of which can be found here: https://www.fanfiction.net/~auroramandeville, here: http://rosesnvines.tumblr.com/ or here: http://roseharmony.deviantart.com/, but I aim to have all of my original ideas out as soon as I can. I have so many ideas for both original stories and fanfiction, it can get nuts trying to keep some of it straight. But, let me warn you, though there are many creatures and names you may recognize, expect the unexpected. Imagine centaurs travelling in outer space with myrmidon (ant-shifters) superheroes. Think of a world where fofi (spider-shifters) must rise and save not only the humans, but stories as well. Think of a universe guarded by genies, who must fight even their own kind at the cost of a curse to protect us all. These are just the tip of the iceberg, with a universe of 40 known worlds inhabited by the creatures of myths, anything can happen.

Book preview

The Golden Locket

By Aurora Mandeville

For Sts. Rose of Lima and Hyacinth of Poland

But especially for the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, may people come to truly understand what it means to love.

Chapter 1: Some Grand News

Rose! Ferdinand! There’s a letter for each of you in the mail! called out Maria Fuentes from the sitting room where the mail was piling up fast. The nineteen-year-old and the eighteen-year-old walled into the room.

What is it Mother? asked Rose, her dark chocolate curls held back with a ribbon.

There’s a letter for each of you, and it looks important.

Hurry up and open it! bounced Jacinta, their youngest sister. Ferdinand tore through his, while Rose proceeded with more lady-like care.

Ferdinand gasped as he read the contents, I’ve received a scholarship to Tolken University! By this time, Rose had opened her letter and was reading it.

Why, so did I! she exclaimed as her eyes widened.

Maria clapped her hands in delight at her favorite daughter, That’s wonderful! You can meet a handsome man while you’re there and . . .

Mother, if I’m going to Tolken University, I’m going to learn, not look for a man, Rose said with a hint of annoyance as she crossed her arms.

Ferdinand laughed, That is the point of a university, Mother, to learn, not to keep one’s eyes open for rich suitors.

Maria sighed, Oh, very well, but mark my words, Rose, the men will notice you and I’m sure several will want to court you.

Oh, I’m sure too, but I shall turn them all down for I want to focus on my studies, Rose stated firmly.

Maria threw up her hands, Oh, what’s the use? You’re as stubborn as me.

Ferdinand grinned, Where do you think she gets it from? The two glared at him. Sorry, he mumbled.

Maria sighed, So, what will you be studying, then?

I shall go into Business Management; it should make things easier for me when we’re not at war, shrugged Ferdinand.

You’re still going to become a soldier? his mother asked incredulously, her eyes widening at the prospect.

Well of course, Mother, you know it’s always been my dream. And don’t try to talk me out of it, either. Remember, you did raise a bunch of stubborn mules, winked Ferdinand.

Maria rolled her eyes before turning to Rose, And what will you study?

Music and Literature, Rose said with a shrug.

Maria nodded as she smiled with approval, You will no doubt grace the halls of Tolken University with your song and knowledge.

As well as her beauty, in what you hope is a great way to catch the eye of a rich man? smirked Ferdinand, a mischievous glint in his hazel eyes.

Thanks for the reminder, mumbled Rose as rolled her eyes and turned to walk out of the room.

Ferdinand rushed to follow her out, Don’t worry, sis, if any of those college boys come pestering you, you let me know; I wouldn’t mind testing my soldier skills on a few.

Rose smiled, Thanks Ferdinand, just don’t hurt them too badly.

I’ll do my best not to, chuckled Ferdinand. Maria’s voice echoed in a groan behind them, but no more complaints were muttered as for the next few days, the household was in a flurry getting Rose and Ferdinand ready to head off to college. Bags were packed, some new clothes were bought along with train tickets, and plenty of farewells were said by both friends and family. A couple of parties were thrown to make sure that everyone had a chance to congratulate the two and say farewell. But finally, they were on their way, and Rose let out a breath, finally getting away from her mother’s overbearing attention, and the overbearing attention of the men in the area.

The men at the university will notice you, and pester you, remarked Ferdinand as the train left the station.

Rose sighed, I know.

But you are more likely to meet a better match at the university than someone in our neighborhood, the guys at college are supposed to be smarter.

Rose smiled, ’Supposed to be’ and ‘are’ are two different things, my dear brother. I’ll know for sure when I meet them, though, I’m thinking maybe not.

Getting prophetic again, are we?

Rose merely shrugged, I’ll know for sure when I meet them.

You already said that.

I know; it was the only thing I could say, really.

Ferdinand sighed, Whatever. But Mother’s right, you are going to have to keep your eyes open, though, not in the way she was hoping for. I’ve heard from a few of Gaspar’s friends that there are a few unsavory characters that watch the university sometimes, as well as trolls.

Oh, don’t worry; I’ll keep an eye out for those unsavory characters, as well as for the ones inside the university.

Ferdinand laughed, understanding her meaning, I don’t think they’ll be that unsavory, who knows, you might get a few genuine friends from it.

Rose shrugged, Who knows indeed, but that’s more likely than meeting the man God wants me to marry.

Well, you never know. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired and want to turn in for the night, having to keep up a friendly smile around Mother kind of takes its toll on you.

I know she’s just looking out for our well-being, began Rose.

But, she doesn’t have to be so demanding or overbearing about it either, finished Ferdinand.

Rose laughed, You know me too well.

Boy, do I ever. I might just find your future husband for you! He winked before letting out a long yawn. Alright, there’s my cue, good night, Rose.

Rose chuckled, Good night Ferdinand. He walked out of her room and went straight into his, right across the way. Rose crawled into her little bed, and let the steady rhythm of the train wheels lull her to sleep.

About a day and a half later, the train pulled in to the main station at Canea. Ferdinand and Rose mainly read and chatted a bit about their expectations of the university. They both, of course, had the highest regards