Crownless: Tales of the Banished

By Katie Appenheimer

My tale is a coming of age story where a girl must find herself whilst sent away from her parents into a feared and magical land. She struggles under the curse of a spell, the true purpose of which (unbeknownst to her) is to influence prophecy that names her as a key player of doom or deliverance. Accompanied by unlikely friends and mysterious acquaintances she adventures into the natural wonders of the unknown to discover an ancient race of people in dire need of her help. She races against time and destiny to free their souls battling against nature and struggling against her fate. In the end she must choose between a first love and an abiding friendship, what is right and what is easy, between loyalty and apathy for those who have turned against her, and learn to find her own happily ever after.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477255957

Katie Appenheimer

I grew up on a farm outside of the town of Toulon, Illinois—the kind of small, rambling town where everyone knows everyone else. Having earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Catawba College I established a career as a lab technician. I share my passion for the sciences as a Biology, Environmental, and Anatomy lab teacher. Assisting with a travelling Field Biology and Ecology course gives me yet another outlet to explore the natural world. Such travelling has enriched my life and provided much of the inspiration for my writing. When I am not working I like to stay active by exercising, hiking, swimming, and exploring waterfalls. However, I also appreciate the simple pleasures of reading on a rainy day and swinging in a hammock doing nothing but watch the day transpire on my green acres with my Sheltie, Neville, and two Himalayan cats.

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© 2012 by Katie Appenheimer. 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.

Published by AuthorHouse 08/20/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-5596-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-5595-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012914114

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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.

Contents

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

EPILOGUE

APPENDIX OF THE EARTHBOUND (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)

PROLOGUE

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This is a day that would live on forever. Because this is the day that marked their peaceful kingdom’s mortality.

Most days that bring foreboding omens are thought to begin on a dark, stormy night. You know the kind, with arcs of lightning piercing through the inky blackness, resounding thunder that first cracks then rumbles as if through your very core, and torrents of rain lashing down upon the earth. But that is not how the story goes.

It just so happens that this tale began on the first of many heartwarming spring days. A young couple strolled arm in arm engulfed by the heady aroma of blooming magnolias, enthralled simply by one another’s presence. The man was exceedingly tall, so much so that his head and shoulders permanently leaned slightly forward—as if stuck from constantly speaking to someone shorter than himself (which in truth was probably a contributing factor). Like most Looians his eyes were a rich brown and his hair dark as ebony, contrasting with the pale skin of their people. His wife held the same basic features only she was of a more average height and had dark hair so curly that it would have cascaded down her shoulders like onyx ringlets, if such long hair had not been in strict violation of Looian tradition.

Though seemingly unremarkable individuals, their fine clothes and trailing bodyguards begged to differ. These people, like all Looians, were logical and organized, rejecting that which couldn’t be explained and did not fit into their simple sheep-herding society. So it was rather uncharacteristic when the couple got caught up in a flight of fancy, as lovebirds are wont to do, and approached the tent of a travelling mystic. The mystic was instantly recognized as an outsider by her brightly colored attire, gaudy jewelry, and her hair, which was golden and bounced unbound past her shoulders.

The couple was simultaneously repulsed yet drawn in by the strange and alluring mystic.

King Lon Kye and his Queen JoAnnah came for a reading… or whatever it is you do, the bodyguard spoke for them, not bothering to hide his animosity at her specialty.

Upon hearing that her skill was needed the mystic turned a bright smile to the King and Queen and lowered herself in a deep curtsy and invited them into her tent, making a point of closing the tent flaps to disallow the bodyguards’ entrance. They instead stationed themselves around the perimeter, two at the tent flaps and two by the simple sign stating ‘Jezebelle the Mystic’ in flowing lettering.

The tent itself was plain, without any adornments or accouterments typically thought of as standard equipment for mysticism. Perhaps the merchants were all out of crystal balls, puffing smoke, and magic dice…

It seems to me that you are here because you are interested in the future, she said while boldly placing her hand over the queen’s stomach. King Lon and Queen JoAnnah shared a brief look of surprise as they had only themselves found out a few days prior and had told no one.

Jezebelle smiled a small smile at their bewilderment and answered the unspoken question by stating It is what I do. Jezebelle continued the small talk as she prepared refreshments of cider and herbed biscuits for her guests. What is it specifically you wanted from me? she queried.

Well, we want to know of our child. Since any man of the line of Loo Kye can only father one child this one seems so much more important, the queen supplied while subconsciously cradling the place on her stomach that would soon be swelled with new life.

Indeed, Jezebelle replied. She thought a moment then said The gift I have is unpredictable. I may not see anything, but if I do it is often unexplainable. It is always true but may come about in unforeseen ways. This sort of thing has driven many people insane and is not for the faint of heart.

The couple again shared a look, only this time born of fear and hesitancy. The King, who up until now had been a quiet onlooker, said Anything you might share with us we would be eager to hear.

Alright then, she said with finality.

Jezebelle then outstretched her arms, palm up, and bowed her head. The tent slowly became dark, as night crept in and settled upon them. Even though it had actually been hours it only seemed like a few hazy moments of dizzied daydream when the mystic came out of her trance.

This child will be unlike any other in your line sire. There is a great destiny to behold from this heir. It will either be the destroyer or savior of your kingdom, I know not which.

King Lon and Queen JoAnnah were at a loss for words, they had seen the mystic on a whim and had expected to be regaled with tales of their child’s herculean might, grandeur in court, achievements in the realm of philosophy, or how beloved by the people the heir would be. Not this. They paid the woman, exiting the tent in a daze, and somehow must have returned to their chambers but hardly remember putting one foot in front of the other. They told no one of what was spoken.

After a few days had passed the couple began to doubt the telling. Travelling mystics weren’t well renowned or received for a reason so it became easy for them to disregard the information as fallacy. Over time it was merely a topic of great jest and then it was forgotten completely in the deep recesses of their minds.

~

The time had come. The citizens eagerly gathered for the festival. They stamped their chilled feet in the fresh snowfall that surrounded the castle grounds whilst awaiting word from the town crier. Meanwhile the midwives were operating at full steam, with the King pacing in nearby quarters.

Finally, movement from the balcony silenced the gathered crowd as the crier shouted:

Proud people of Looia it is time to celebrate the arrival of your future Queen.

The festival had officially begun amidst the buzzing of the crowd. After all, a daughter had not been born since the time of their grandfather’s grandfathers in the era of Ellona the Beloved!

The people of the castle were all chatting about this news! The halls rang with the contagious echoes of cheering as the news spread. All except one lone figure. This individual sought solitude in a remote corner of the castle clearly dejected and adopting a stony silence. The King never heard worse news in his life.

For two whole days the King sought refuge and refused to see JoAnnah or the infant. How could he possibly break the news to his elated wife?

At long last he came to them. The infant lay sleeping in a curtained bassinette with JoAnnah resting in an adjacent chair.

I assumed I would not see you until the naming ceremony she addressed him curtly.

I am deeply sorry if I have hurt you, but I have been burdened by troublesome thoughts as of late, he said.

Well sorry you didn’t get the son you desired, she retorted sullenly. A queen can rule every bit as well as a king! That has been proven in this realm as well as countless others.

Lon let out a long sigh. That is part of what we need to discuss. Lon settled himself comfortably. He then proceeded, Queen Ellona indeed ruled Looia fairly for many years and was greatly loved by the people, but it has been desperately kept secret that she was not the heir to the throne.

JoAnnah’s curiosity piqued her interest in the scandalous history lesson he alluded to, ripping a seam out of her cloak of hostility—at least long enough to pump her husband for more details on this juicy secret.

How could she be allowed to rule if she was not the child of your forefather’s?

Ah, well that is the simple part, the King began, Because she married someone that was. A moment of silence filled the room as this information sank in.

Perhaps this can be more fully explained if you start from the beginning dearest, she replied, adding the term of endearment so as not to risk his willingness to come forth with all of the nefarious details of a past that had obviously been brushed under the carpet.

When Lookas Kye ascended to the throne on his 25th year he had yet to select a bride, so a Presenting Ceremony took place to introduce the most eligible ladies. Many ladies came of course: the women of the court, courtiers of neighboring lands, and even the daughters of Looia’s commoners were welcomed.

You already know how it was the daughter of a shepherd, an unequivocal beauty, who had caught his eye. His union greatly pleased the citizens who had yearned for a symbol of promise. Elonia being the ‘Woman of the People’, as she became known, fulfilled this promise. But, unbeknownst to the citizens Elonia struggled with her new life. She soon got so overwhelmed with all of the pomp and circumstance that in her loneliness she sought refuge in the arms of another.

An affair? questioned JoAnnah hanging on every detail of the sordid past. Lon merely answered with a sad nod.

But that is not even the whole story, he continued, Lookas never loved Elonia. He just thought that marrying a commoner would make a good political move.

Many Kings marry for reasons other than love: looks, treaties, to strengthen family ties, and many other possibilities, so why would that matter? Interjected JoAnnah.

Because the King took a lover as well he answered which complicated matters. The problem came when both women became pregnant. The Queen’s pregnancy excited the people and when Elonia birthed a daughter, ‘Ellona’, the girl was instantly beloved for the people had never before witnessed a daughter being born to a Kye, especially a girl that had roots with the common citizens. So the King and Queen were inclined to let the people believe as such. Luckily the mistress had a son, ‘Looka’, and the King and Queen agreed that the two children would be betrothed thus killing two birds with one stone. The people retained their belief in the girls’ heritage, celebrating her as queen, and the King’s biological son served the prophecy and fulfilled his right to rule the land—albeit from the shadows. The rest is history as you know it with Ellona and Looka marrying and becoming possibly the most famous and beloved rulers of Looia’s history. Even though she got all of the glory, despite Looka all along being the true heir, the silver lining is that their’s was a true love with the power to turn the mistakes of their parents into a blessing. Theirs truly was a love of the ages Lon concluded.

First of all I don’t understand the prophecy part and secondly, an interesting story that might be but what does that have to do with us? pleaded JoAnnah.

Everyone knows the ‘Kye of Kyes’ my ancestor Loo had been healed and blessed by an enchantress he began and that by Loo’s request Kye’s may only produce one heir. That is common knowledge. But there is a prophecy JoAnnah leaned forward in her seat. "The exact wording of Aveena’s prophecy has been kept a family secret.

The prophecy states:

For so ever long as a King with the blood of Kye rules the land peace and prosperity shall so reign.

A King with the blood of Kye he reiterated. King. So you see Lookas and Elonia couldn’t let Ellona rule without Looka or they would jeopardize the peace and prosperity of Looia itself. But you and I are in uncharted territory. Our child is the only legitimate daughter of a Kye: which means without a male heir the prophecy is threatened. The mystic was right about our child being unlike any other in my line.

A great moment of silence filled the room as they both thought back to the mystic’s telling. Recalling the details of the suppressed memories was like drawing a stick from mud, with bone chilling results. A feeling of dread blanketed upon them with JoAnnah finally breaking the silence by saying in a voice just above a whisper, Our daughter will either be the destroyer or savior of our kingdom.

They both looked upon their sleeping daughter as these ominous words echoed in the silent room as well as the foreboding caverns of their minds.

CHAPTER ONE

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Thirteen years later.

The girl roused with the roosters cry. What had moments before been an indiscernible mound of blankets became a flurry of activity. A tray composed of a still warm breakfast of eggs and toast disappeared, falling prey to her ravenous appetite. The girl donned her leggings, overlaying skirt, and (after a brief sniff test) a cropped tunic that proved suitable for another day’s wear.

She splashed her face with cool water from the basin skipping both toweling off her face and combing her short, jet black, unruly curls. As she looked out her window the sunshine illuminated the glistening droplets of water clinging to her heartily freckled cheek bones, making her appear to all of the world as if her face had been sprinkled with black diamonds.

Alannah made her way down the stairs, skipping the step that squeaked loudly, and hastily escaped into the brisk morning through the back door. Once outside her pace slowed as she languished in her surroundings. The air, still blowing with winter’s icy breath, swept upon her face instantly drying the moisture and leaving her face unadorned once more.

She felt the earth as she wriggled her bare feet in the grass that for now still bore morning dew upon the withered blades, blades that would soon be replaced by kelly green shoots. The rocky soil, still moist from yesterday’s rain, served as a cool, cushioned carpet for Alannah as she meandered towards the gardens.

Joffery was already there. Joffery was a short man, Alannah could already look him in the eye. If she got her father’s height she would tower over the gardener one day. He had thick, dark almost-black hair, and green eyes. Green eyes were rare in Looia, with ninety percent of its inhabitant’s sporting various shades of brown, but that was not what stood out about his eyes. Joffery’s eyes twinkled. Alannah could not describe it but those kind eyes with his merry smile always drew her in.

You silly girl! he exclaimed hoe in hand. It isn’t spring quite yet! There is still a chill to be had. Wear my cloak before you become an Alannah-sicle. Oh how this made her long for summer—and the frozen treats that went with it!

She ordinarily would have refused but she knew that would get her nowhere. Besides the sun’s rays were for now only providing light not heat and she was secretly glad for the warmth. So she grudgingly accepted the proffered cloak wrapping its bulk around her.

My kids are just like you, you know he continued conversationally so glad winter is almost over! Being a Kye, Alannah had no siblings and no other kids to play with, so even though Joffery’s children were a little younger than her she loved to play with them.

Alannah grabbed another hoe and joined Joffery in breaking the ground, hoeing in time with the jolly tune Joffery began humming (or at least what she thought was in time with the song, music was not her forte’). They continued along contently for part of the morning breaking the hard ground in preparation for planting in a few weeks. Sudden movement drew their gaze as a small boy with a mischievous grin came tumbling down the hill, his smirking sister rolling shortly after him. They hit the bottom of the hill in a tangled pile, their mother atop the hill feigning a stern look while placing her hands on her hips.

Joffery, chuckling at his children’s antics, went over to join the dog pile: as did Alannah. All thoughts of gardening were suddenly forgotten. The children were both giggling. Tila, unlike her children walked gracefully down the hill. When she reached the bottom she lightly scolded the children.

Someone could have gotten hurt. The children adopted solemn faces and tried to act contrite (as contrite as a girl of ten and boy of five years could be).

Oh, Tila go easy on them. After all they learned such rambunctious behavior from watching us intertwined rolling down hills, he said while raising his eyebrows in a suggestive manner. Tila first blushed then smiled coyly.

Alannah liked it when Tila smiled, it made her already gorgeous face look like a work of art. Alannah’s mother did not like Tila. She said Tila was unkempt and let her hair grow out too long. But really Alannah knew that the queen’s distaste for Tila’s long hair was just a disguise for her secret jealousy over Tila’s flawless features.

Good day, Alannah Tila addressed her formally. Tila had always been somewhat reserved with Alannah. I know you love to work the gardens but your parents are looking for you. They want you to go home and start your lessons.

Alannah did as she was told but she decided there was no harm in taking the scenic route so she took the path that wound around the side stretching past the bluff with a ‘Y’ shaped rock covered in crusty lichen.

It was upon this rock a boy shouted down Target Practice!, and proceeded to lob mud balls in her direction. It was Brody, son of the chief guard Bruden. Their fathers were very close so Alannah and Bruden grew up together despite her mother’s misgivings. It was only due to her father’s final word that Alannah be allowed to accompany them in training and on the occasional hunt. Otherwise she would have been stuck inside a ruffled dress only able to look fleetingly upon the outside world. Being two years her elder Brody had always taken it upon himself to torment her in a way she supposed a brother would. Brody had become especially full of himself after he started training to become a guard.

Alannah knew she could take him, and after a mud ball successfully hit her on the shoulder it became her mission to prove it. She dodged another barrage. Was he just flinging them now or actually aiming she wondered, because he could not actually be aiming and miss this much. Creeping around the backside of the bluff and out of his line of sight she took cover under some vegetation near a scrubby tree. Then she waited. Sure enough he came down the hill bold as brass not even bothering to be stealthy.

He got closer.

She held her breath. Two more steps. She waited. One. More. Step…

She launched herself at him grabbing his ankles and pulling up with all her might. He fell backwards. She used the momentum to flip her body up and arched her back so her feet landed on either side of him.

Before he could gather his wits (which she figured there wasn’t much to gather) she smeared his face with mud. Then she plucked a button off his tunic as a trophy, and ran like demonic shadows were chasing her.

He shouted at her I’ll get you for this Furls! Furls being what he thought of as a clever nickname for her combining the two adjectives he used to describe her: freckles and curls. But he did not follow and she kept running. As she neared home she looked at her trophy, it seemed to have some sort of design on it but had to stuff it into her pocket and attempt to look presentable as she neared home.

It had been her intention to sneak up the back stairs, same as she had left in the morning and see how long she could get by with hiding in her chambers until someone discovered her absence. That plan disintegrated when her mother, who was waiting on the castle steps, spotted her.

Alannah! She shouted. Alannah hesitated a moment before coming to greet her mother.

Look at you, you are filthy! No doubt off playing with that boy again. And your clothes?! What happened to all the beautiful dresses I had made for you? This is unbecoming of a princess! Go inside and get cleaned up then I will send your tutor along shortly.

As told she cleaned up. Dumping all of her clothes in a pile for the maid, not noticing the tell tale blood on her underclothes, Alannah put on a clean frilly dress as her mother wanted, but she continued to wear the leggings underneath and left off the stockings. Instead she opted for simple shoes that could be slipped off at a moment’s notice for whenever the coast was clear.

Her lessons took up most of the afternoon. She had to learn math, geography, history, reading, writing, and etiquette. She generally had these lessons during week days. End of the week and middle of the week she had self defense, learned fencing, and horse riding too. They used to try to teach her archery: but no longer—emphasis on try. Being decent at most of these subjects pleased her tutor and seemed to satisfy her parents, who for some reason had always kept her at arm’s length. But what really made Alannah happy was working in the gardens with Joffery, shadowing the courts herbalist, and exploring.

As Alannah picked up her books and paper she saw the maid conversing conspiratorially with her mother, but decided it must be a bit of idle castle gossip and went to see Ranska.

Joffery loved his gardens and cultivated all sorts of plants, but his love of growing things mostly pertained to crops: whereas Ranska had a passion for everything that grew. Her family’s accumulated knowledge was staggering. Ranska put her skills to use in brewing teas, making poultices, tinctures, and other herbal remedies.

Her parents respected Ranska’s skills so much that they’d even offered her quarters within the castle! Ranska had politely refused this great honor, preferring to remain in her cottage near the woods where she had access to her own garden as well as remaining accessible to anyone needing help.

Alannah made her way on the dirt path shoes having been discarded long ago. She knocked thrice on the thick door and while announcing herself threw