Plight of the Princess

By Dan Sullivan

A new adventure for this tiny miracle worker. The safety of this wonderful little girl could be in peril once again. Already, in the past, the ungodly demon of greed and selfishness had reared its ugly head. This caused the near fatal accident that took the little darling away from all of them. She must go into seclusion. WHILE ON THE 'LAM' "Make sure they don't forget that in between times when she is not performing these miraculous healings, that she is still only a six year old girl. She plays like one. She giggles like one. She cries like one." "Do you know the part out of all this that frightens the dickens out of us the most?" asked her Father. "No," replied the Priest. "I don't believe that I do. Your daughter has helped so many." "Performing these miracles isn't free. It comes at a cost."

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 25, 2011
• ISBN: 9781452097435

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© 2010 Dan Sullivan. All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 12/01/2010

ISBN: 978-1-4520-9742-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4520-9743-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number 2010916980

Printed in the United States of America

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Prologue

State officials had already cut off and quarantined the town as the mysterious but deadly virus spread through Benouthville. The disease control experts had exhausted their resources and still could not figure how they could slow the spread of this aggressive disease. Townsfolk were dying, and all hope was rapidly fading.

Suddenly, tiny six-year-old Rebecca Swanson, nicknamed the Princess by her rag-tag gang of new friends, busted through the National Guard lines surrounding the town’s perimeter. Traveling in a rented bus with forged medical markings on the side, Becky, the little princess, had arrived.

Folks in the town who were still healthy enough to think straight were shocked. Everyone in the small town believed Becky to be dead. Where did she come from? Who were these strange-looking folks escorting her? This group of characters who came into town with Becky looked as though they had come from the shanties along the river. To further their amazement, along beside her, step for step, was a gigantic, fur-matted dog. The town was quarantined; why were these people bringing this tiny little girl here? Why risk their lives? Miraculously, though, within a couple of days, thanks to the combination of their hard work, unselfish dedication, and Rebecca’s amazing ability to heal the sick, Becky and her new friends were being praised, and the town was quickly being healed.

The Princess, possessing the powerful gift of healing, needed only to touch a person and wish for them to get better, and they would. Her loyal helpers systematically organized the strategy to ensure that every person in town came in contact with Becky. The process of cleansing the bodies of the infected began with a wish and gentle touch from a little six-year-old girl. It took two long, tiring weeks and a lot of hard work and dedication to finally banish the virus. The death toll stood at two dozen residents, all prior to the Princess’s return.

Once the cleansing was complete and the town had healed, the celebrations and testimonials began. There were parades, speeches, and accolades for the little Princess and her special friends. This strange group of people, who were at first looked down upon as simply being homeless street people, was now being showered with admiration and praise.

All too soon the festivities ended and were replaced with tearful good-byes between Rebecca and her friends. It was time for Becky’s friends to return to their homes, hundreds of miles away. Many of the townsfolk referred to them as heroes. The group of friends, led by the professor, Joe, Lilly, and Big Jake, promised to visit at least once a year. They didn’t want to lose track of their little Princess, Rebecca, for in a far different circumstance, she had healed them as well.

When the final good-byes were complete, the town authorities arranged for the group’s bus to be escorted to the state line by state troopers, then to be escorted by officers from the adjoining state, and so on until they arrived back home safely.

Shortly after their departure, the townspeople came to a realization that yet another problem could and probably would arise. The safety of this wonderful little girl could be in peril once again. Prior to her disappearance, the ungodly demon of greed and selfishness had already reared its ugly head. They thought they lost this little girl once due to three strangers sneaking into her backyard in an attempt to force her to heal whatever ailed them. This caused the near fatal accident that took this little darling away from them. The same fate could possibly happen again if left unchecked. Something would have to be done.

The townsfolk decided to take up a collection, and Becky’s parents, George and Grace Swanson, agreed that they should get away from this environment and go someplace where no one knew them—a place where Rebecca and her brother Bobby could be treated like normal children until things settled down. The news of her absence would also give the town a respite after all the publicity that transpired about this little miracle worker who had returned from what many thought was her death to do the impossible. There wasn’t a single person in town who was unwilling to donate something. As far as their schooling was concerned, the time of year was close enough to the end of the school term and both children’s grades were good enough that they would be able to graduate to the next class when they returned, if they ever did return.

It was decided that Rebecca, Bobby, and their stepmom Grace would go first. Their father George would follow in a couple of weeks after cleaning up affairs at their home and his job. He also wanted to complete his commitment as a volunteer to help repair the local church that he once despised so much. The church had been damaged a few weeks earlier when people stampeded through the doors in an onslaught, seeking miraculous cures for themselves.

Rebecca tried to convince her parents and those of her best friend Carol to let Carol go along for companionship, but they decided it was best to have Carol stay home. Wherever they went, though, Rebecca’s dog Gossoon, her constant companion and protector, had to go as well. Ever since she found this monster of a dog in the big city, hurt, dirty, and angry, she had loved him. After healing him, the dog fell in love right back and loyally stuck to his new mistress. He stayed so close that he often had his paws stepped on, but he didn’t mind.

The process to organize their travel plans began. They would have to be diligent and constantly aware of not divulging any of their plans; otherwise, their attempt to keep little Becky safe would surely be jeopardized.

missing image file Chapter 1

It took a few days of hectic running about, scheduling, and organization to embark on the getaway to their new, temporary hideout—or, as Grace put it, going on the lam. Finally, that day arrived. George Swanson rented a van large enough to carry the family luggage and Becky’s dog.

The plan was for George to drive Grace, Bobby, and Becky, along with Gossoon, to an out-of-state airport, drop them off, and fly out to join them in a couple of weeks. He felt departing from a distant airport would lessen the chance that they would be recognized. The biggest obstacle in these plans was finding a cage large enough to transport the dog. Gossoon would be traveling with them on Northwest Airlines, but he’d be in the cargo area of the plane. George finally succeeded when he was able to purchase a cage at the local zoo.

Their chosen destination was a place deep within the wilderness of Montana. Even though it was not the officially listed name on the map, the locals out there came up with their own name and called it Oak Pine Peak. They chose that name despite the fact that oak trees don’t normally grow there. Decades prior, a forestry engineer had unsuccessfully attempted to introduce the great oak into the area’s forest environment. The pines themselves were plentiful.

The decision to go there was an easy one. Two cousins from Grace’s side of the family, Mildred and Pete Hammond, owned a five-room log cabin there that they occasionally used for a getaway. Pete loved the outdoors with the many streams filled with an abundance of trout and bass. It was a secluded location set back a couple of hundred feet off a dirt road about a mile outside a tiny village. The Hammonds, knowing the full story, promised to keep the Swansons’ whereabouts a secret if anyone were to inquire.

A local Oak Pine Peak fellow named Indian Joe kept an eye on the property for the Hammonds and maintained it during their absence. Joe’s house was on the same stretch of dirt road about one hundred or two hundred yards before the driveway where their cabin was located. It had been previously arranged for a rental van to be waiting for the Swanson’s once they landed at the Missoula airport in Montana. Mildred had given Grace directions to the village. Once there, they would pick up necessary supplies and meet up with Joe. He would then escort them to the cabin.

missing image file

The Swansons were well on their way driving down Route 95 to T.F. Green Airport in Rhode Island. George and Grace were busy chatting and going over all their plans as well as the recent happenings. The kids were in the back seat spoiling Gossoon, who was spread across their knees covering their entire laps and thoroughly enjoying their patting.

The far rear seat in the van was folded down into the floor to make room for the luggage and large cage.

Suddenly Becky realized that her dog would be afraid if he wasn’t with her on the plane. Somehow she had to let Gossoon know what was going to happen, but she had no idea what a plane ride was like. She had an idea.

Mom, Dad, can I ride with Gossoon in the cargo hold? she asked.

George and Grace couldn’t help but laugh. No, Honey, her dad replied trying to hold his laughter down. Only animals are allowed down there. Little girls and boys have to stay in the regular part of the plane.

Well then, what’s it like to fly in an airplane? I have to tell my Gossoon, or he’ll be scared.

Yeah, me too, exclaimed Bobby. I don’t know what it’s like either.

Kids, you’re right. Your father and I have been so busy discussing everything else that we forgot about that. I think it would be a wonderful idea to let Gossoon know what to expect. And after what we have witnessed between you and the dog in these past couple of weeks, Becky, I believe he does understand you.

He does, Mom, added Bobby. Gossoon somehow understands everything she says. He’s weird.

My dog’s not weird, snapped Becky as she reached over and lightly punched Bobby on the arm.

I know; I’m just kidding. I like him too.

We all like him, continued Grace. Okay, now that that’s settled, let me think. Oh yes, here’s something you should know. When the plane takes off from the ground, everyone has to have a seat belt on for safety. There will be a seat belt light on, and when the captain puts the light out and says it’s okay to unbuckle, then you can unbuckle.

Does Gossoon have a seat belt on too? inquired Becky innocently.

No, responded George amused. They would probably have to find one that could fit an elephant for him, but I’m sure the cage that he’ll be in will be secured with a strong strap.

Oh, okay, Becky responded, believing that he would be secure.

Grace continued, Another thing we all have to be aware of is our ears. When we go up in the air, the pressure changes, and it makes our ears feel different.

Why? Do they get longer or something; will we still be able to hear? Becky asked innocently, as she reached up with both hands and felt her ears.

No, they don’t get longer, Grace chuckled, and yes, you can still hear. They just feel like they are full of air. Some people even get earaches.

That doesn’t sound like much fun to me, added Bobby.

How do you stop them from aching? asked Becky, as she stuck a finger into each of her ears.

I brought some gum along, Grace responded. By chewing gum, it keeps your jaws moving and helps release the pressure in your ears.

Well, how about Gossoon’s ears? He has big ears, asked Becky as seriously as could be.

Yeah, he could get a real big earache, added Bobby. But Becka is yakking all the time anyway, so maybe she won’t need any gum.

Ha ha, funny, replied Becky while giving Bobby another quick whack on his arm.

Well, he’s a smart dog. I guess he’ll just have to figure it out for himself. We certainly can’t give him gum, replied Grace with a snicker.

I know how, blurted Becky excitedly. I can give him a peanut butter sandwich. I did it at home one time, and he kept trying to lick it off the top of his mouth. He kept moving his mouth up and down like this, she gestured, while opening and closing her mouth.

Gossoon suddenly made a weird whining sound when he heard the word peanut butter. He not only knew what she was talking about, but he remembered the hard time he had getting the gooey stuff out of his mouth.

Mom, Dad, see. I told you he understands everything she says. I don’t think he liked the peanut butter, Bobby continued. What else happens when you’re on a plane ride?

Well, sometimes the plane hits some high winds, and this could make the plane shake a bit. It’s called turbulence, added their dad, but don’t let it frighten you. The planes are built to handle the turbulence. If it happens at all, it will probably only last for a short time.

What happens if the plane hits that turbu— whatever you said, and I have to go pee? questioned Becky smiling

Leave it to her to think of that, laughed Grace. Honey, you will just have to hold it and wait until the captain says it’s okay to undo your seat belt. Then you can get up and go to the toilet.

Kids, that’s enough about the plane ride for now, interrupted George.

You’ll find out soon enough. What we should be talking about is making sure we know exactly why this trip is necessary. Remember, we are sort of hiding for a while until things cool down at home. It’s for your safety, Becky, and you have to promise me not to go around healing everybody, or the word will get out. And another thing, George continued with a smile, if there is some type of old people’s home up there, please don’t visit it, okay? You know what happened the last time you did that. It’s natural for people to get old and have old people problems like aches and pains. It’s not natural for them to be running around like healthy young kids again.

Okay, I won’t visit them. I promise, Becky answered.

Thank you very much, responded her dad. Here’s the ramp to the airport.

How do we get Gossoon into the cargo place? Becky asked.

We just bring him in his cage up to a place near the ticket agent, and the airline workers will take care of the rest, replied Grace. They take very good care of animals. Don’t forget to put your blanket in the cage with him so your scent is with him during the trip.

I wish I could ride in the cage with him, whined Becky.

Well you can’t, said George. Start doing whatever it is you have to do to get Gossoon relaxed so he’ll go into the cage when I drop you off. The airline workers outside will help us get the cage on a rolling cart. Tell him not to bark. With that deep bark of his, they will probably close the airport thinking they are being attacked, he said with a chuckle.

Becky lifted Gossoon’s ear and started whispering into it. He responded once in awhile with a soft, woof.

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An hour later they were on the plane. It had taxied out to the runway and was next in line to take off. There were seats here and there onboard that were empty, but it looked as though the plane was about three-quarters full. Grace had an aisle seat. Bobby was in the middle, and Becky was next to the window, although with her seat belt on, she was too short to see anything but the sky. It wasn’t long before the plane lurched forward and started down the runway.

Becky suddenly yelled out loudly. Okay, everybody, start chewing. A burst of laughter from everyone within earshot flooded the cabin. A few people clapped, and one person yelled, You tell them, Kid.

Grace leaned over with her finger in front of her lips while laughing herself. Shush! Remember, we’re not supposed to attract attention. Becky reached up and pulled her favorite old hat down over her eyes and ears as she shimmied down in her seat trying to disappear.

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Once the plane reached its proper altitude, the seat belt light went off, and the captain’s voice came over the speaker. He informed his passengers that they had reached their proper elevation and the seat belts could come off. He then went on to explain something about the weather and time of arrival. Becky immediately unhooked her belt so she could get up on her knees and look out the window. She had been patiently waiting for this moment ever since the plane took off.

Wow, she said amazed. Look at all the white snow on them. She had seen plenty of clouds while gazing skyward before but couldn’t have imagined what they would look like looking down at them.

That’s not snow, Honey. Those are clouds.

They’re so thick. Can the plane land on them so we can get out and walk around?

Let me see too, insisted Bobby as he squeezed over to the window.

Wow, Mom, Becka’s right. It looks like the plane could land on them, and we could take a walk. It looks like white cotton candy.

Well, guys, I’m sorry to say that you cannot. We’re way up high in the sky, and it’s very cold out there. The clouds aren’t made up of anything solid, but instead something like misty water and probably small bits of dustlike ice. Believe me; you couldn’t walk on them without falling through to the ground.

The kids kept gazing anyway, shoving each other sideways so each could get a better view. At times, gaps in the thick clouds would give way to a slightly veiled view of the ground far below. That kept their attention for a while.

After what seemed like a long time, the attendants came by with the rolling carts and passed out some snacks. Grace got a soda, while Bobby and Becky each had milk. By the time they had finished their drinks and the large chocolate chip cookies that Grace pulled out of her carry-on bag, both kids began to get drowsy. Grace noticed their heavy eyelids and little yawns.

Okay, guys, it’s a good time to take a rest, she suggested. We still have a long way to go. If you are lucky and can sleep, it’ll make the time go faster. Make sure your seat belts are on and fastened in case you doze off.

Bobby and Becky buckled up, and sure enough, within minutes of closing their eyes, both of them were asleep. Grace gazed over and thought to herself, I wish I could do that. It would calm my nerves. This hiding out and hoping no one recognizes us is for the birds.

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Despite the fact that roughly two hours had passed since they dozed off, it seemed like only seconds to the kids. They awoke suddenly, startled from their sleep. The plane was bouncing around and violently shaking. It was absolutely frightening. The kids’ faces immediately drained of color, leaving them pale and trembling. When they looked up at Grace hoping for some kind of comfort, they noticed that she was also pale and wore an expression of worry.

Mom, is the plane gonna break? asked Becky, petrified.

Grace reached her arm across so that both of them could grab on. It was an attempt to comfort them, but she was shaking as well. The turbulence grew worse. The plane was now being thrust up and down severely. Surely if anyone was not strapped into their seat belts, they would be tossed about, heads banging off the ceiling like ping-pong balls. Some passengers on the plane were screaming, while others were praying. Papers and magazines were flying through the cabin, briefly landing only to be tossed about again. One of the overhead storage compartments flipped open and deposited some of its contents in the aisle below.

The captain came on the loud speaker. Folks, I’m sorry for all the bouncing around. We have met some strong headwinds. We will be changing our altitude by fifteen hundred feet, which should result in a smoother ride. Please don’t be frightened and bare with the roughness for just a few more minutes.

That’s easy for him to say, blurted Grace. Silently, she was starting to say the Lord’s Prayer.

A few minutes passed, and the ride did become smoother once again. After an additional few minutes, the seat belt light went off. The captain came on the speaker again and apologized, Folks, sorry about that. It took a few minutes to get permission to change our elevation. The rest of the trip should be fairly smooth.

Becky finally broke out of her terrified silence. That’s the turbo-stuff that Dad said, huh?

Yes, dear, it was, but I must admit, that’s about the worst that I’ve ever experienced, and I have flown a lot over the years.

Don’t worry, Mom. Dad said planes are built to take it, Becky replied, now full of confidence. Her face was back to its normal complexion.

That’s very comforting, dear, Grace replied, as she slowly regained her own composure.

Becky unbuckled her seat belt and stood up in the seat to look around at the people in back of them. Her eyes opened wide, as she spotted a man sitting a few rows back in an aisle seat from where she was sitting. The man had a round face with an orange-colored beard with short whiskers and a mustache. Immediately Becky noticed something was wrong. His head was leaning forward, and his eyes were open extra wide. He had a strange look on his face. One hand was holding onto his chest, and he appeared to be breathing funny. The person in the middle seat beside him was reaching up and pushing a button while staring directly at the man whose face was beginning to turn red.

Mom, I think a man is sick, declared Becky.

If someone is sick, I’m sure the stewardess will take care of him, Honey, replied Grace.

Mom, his face is turning redder and redder.

"Here comes the stewardess now. They’ll take