The White Forest: The Legend of Prince Ayron Book 1

By Aviya Carmen

It was the morning of the king’s Birthday Celebration. Young Prince Ayron was worried about his hairdo until the Queen summoned him to dine with her privately. His father’s kingdom was in danger and he had to escape immediately.

Mr. Dulles, the Royal housekeeper, brought Ayron to the Rock of Prayer and watched him leap off into an unknown world. The legendary Phoenix caught his fall and took him to the slumbering White Forest, whose enchanting beauty hid a dark secret. Its inhabitants rejoiced to see him, for they knew that he was the one they had been waiting for. The boy who came to break their curse.

The Laurel trees who lived deep inside the forest also rejoiced when they heard of Ayron’s arrival. They fell madly in love with him as soon as they beheld his emerald green eyes, which reflected the former glory of the White Forest. They made a pact together to keep him, even at the cost of their lives.

Join Ayron on his unforgettable adventures!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aviya Carmen
• Release date: Mar 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781775126119

Aviya Carmen

Aviya Carmen grew up as a huge fan of Christian Andersen’s fairytales, and martial art stories. She started writing stories at a young age and took up poetry writing in high school. After completing her Master’s degree in engineering, she attempted several novels, but none turned into full-length fiction until the Legend of Prince Ayron was born.“The White Forest” is her debut novel. It was inspired by her hike on the Grouse mountains in Vancouver, Canada, and the breathtaking scenery of Scotland.In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, visiting castles, learning about ancient cultures, and tackling new languages.She is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), and a certified children’s author (WriteStoryBooksForChildren.com).

Book preview

Prologue

King Gorion leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed and meditated on the words of Prophet Faibius. The ‘Book of Caution’ laid open on his desk.

‘Gold and daughters they gave to silence the spell,

But no sacrifice was enough to quell the storm;

Their safe haven became the imprisonment of hell,

Upon everlasting spring the darkness swarm.’

Why do my people hate us so much? My forefathers did everything to maintain peace for them… King Gorion spoke aloud to himself, my whole family had been living like hermits inside these cursed walls for as long as I can remember. How much longer must we continue?! Sweat rolled down his forehead and his brows knotted. He pounded the table with his fist suddenly. This cursed castle! It should be torn down! It should’ve been torn down ages ago! Why didn’t King Onan tear it down after his father passed away?!

Because, he followed the commandments of God and honoured his father. A deep raspy voice accompanied the dark shadow behind the half-shut door. Have you forgotten so quickly, my dear brother?

King Gorion was startled by the voice, but his firm figure did not shake.

King Netham dishonoured God in almost everything he did, but Prince Onan honoured him as he honoured God. Hmm, what a dilemma… A long bony finger tapped the thin upper lip of a withered face. Are you suggesting that we should honour God above our king, who has been appointed by God?

Noam, we have scheduled to meet after breakfast. King Gorion answered calmly. Is there an urgent matter you wish to discuss?

Must we always be so formal with each other? Noam strolled leisurely towards King Gorion with his hands tucked behind his back. I was struck with an urge of brotherly affection when I awoke this morning, and decided to stop by your chamber.

Please take no offence. I would be delighted to have your company, but I’m afraid now is not the best time. I would like to spend some time meditating before our meeting with the Hermonions. King Gorion’s face looked majestic under the light of the rising sun. You know very well that they are a rapacious people and we must be careful with our words.

Of course. I have taken the pains to acquaint myself with them on a personal level. Noam glared at King Gorion with his cold blue eyes. I just remembered an important detail which I forgot to mention earlier, but I mustn’t force it on you during your hour of meditation.

Is it regarding our meeting or the Celebration afterwards?

What could possibly be more important than the Celebration of the king’s birthday! The Hemonions have come here to congratulate you. I don’t suppose you suspect anything malevolent with them?

Noam, is there something we forgot to talk about last night? King Gorion was nonplussed.

Are you blaming me again for not telling you things when I should have? Noam’s raspy voice was so dry that he coughed. Why is it always my fault when we have a disagreement!

I’m afraid there isn’t enough time now to discuss any serious matters. King Gorion stood up to face Noam, who looked like a waning shadow next to him.

Haha, of course, your Majesty hasn’t any time for his little brother to discuss important matters. Noam mocked with pouty lips, and waved his hands in front of his face. I fully understand the king’s dilemma.

Please, don’t take my words the wrong way.

Well. Noam cleared his throat and glanced at the ‘Book of Caution’ with contempt. I shall leave your Majesty in peace with the words of the late Prophet. He floated back to the doorway like a ghost and added monotonously. In the time of great distress, a foolish king would sacrifice his kingdom for himself, but a wise king would sacrifice a scapegoat for his kingdom.

Noam, it’s not up to us to judge King Netham’s actions. No matter what he had done, he is still our forefather and deserves our respect.

My dear brother, I’m not talking about people who have perished long ago. You will understand soon, very soon. I’ve waited my whole life for this day. Hahaha! Noam’s dry cackle faded into the hallway.

King Gorion continued with his meditation. But when he saw the next verse in Prophet Faibius’ poem, his heart sank like a millstone.

‘Truly the fall of Orr comes with a celebration knell,

The castle shall be captured from within its walls.

Is that day the beginning or end, none could foretell,

A young prince from the Rock of Prayer falls.’

1 The King’s Birthday

Quick Jimmy, help me get dressed! It would be a disgrace to be late for father’s birthday celebration! Ayron threw off his geese down duvet and leapt out of bed with a jolt. He was clad in a royal blue satin night gown and slipped his feet into a pair of light brown fur slippers. His chamber was on the second floor¹ of the Marvelous Castle. Two large windows on the south side of the room overlooked the entire kingdom of Orr. The thick purple curtains were tied back with golden threaded ropes, and warm sunlight poured into the room.

Yes, your highness! A humbly dressed boy with a soft complexion and short brown hair rushed into the room. He held a stack of exuberant purple and gold garments atop a golden platter with both hands. Your garments are here. I was afraid to disturb your highness, so I waited outside. He laid out the garments on Ayron’s bed and helped his young master undress.

Jimmy, you won’t get in trouble for waking me up in the morning! Ayron’s pale blond hair glittered under the sunlight. The two boys were both around ten years of age and similar in height. I told you so many times. I’m a prince, not a monster.

Yes, your highness. I’m terribly sorry. Jimmy kept his face down as he wrapped a golden silk undergarment around Ayron’s slender body.

It’s alright, Jimmy. Is everyone waiting for me? I hate being the last one to arrive at meals. Ayron adjusted the undergarment around his waist.

Your highness, please let me do the work, Jimmy answered in a low voice. I was waiting outside your room the past hour. He unfolded the deep purple robe and dressed his young master from behind.

Did mother call for me?

Your highness, I did not speak to anyone this morning. My lady the queen gave me these garments last night. Jimmy carefully placed a gem studded golden belt around his young master’s waist and adjusted it until it was perfectly aligned.

"This is very strange! Breakfast is usually at the second hour², and mother always woke me in the first hour³." Ayron thought out loud.

Your highness, please forgive me. Jimmy bowed in front of his young master. Your servant does not know the arrangements for today.

Jimmy, you don’t need to apologize for everything. Ayron smiled.

Yes, your highness. Please forgive me. Jimmy unfolded a velvet purple cape and wrapped it around Ayron’s shoulders. He fixed it in place carefully with the golden gemstone studded buckles.

Ayron waited patiently for Jimmy to finish with the cape. Could you help me put these lovely boots on? He sat down gently on the edge of his bed.

Yes, your highness. Jimmy carefully slipped a pair of gold gilded leather boots onto Ayron’s feet. He made a few more adjustments to his young master’s outfit and stood to the side humbly. Your highness, it’s ready.

Ayron made his way over to his full-length golden framed metal mirror. What a beautiful robe! I look like a proper prince! He admired his outfit from different angles, but his eyebrows knitted when he saw his hair. Jimmy, I’m not pleased with my hair. Could you fix it for me?

Yes, your highness. Jimmy quickly returned with an ivory comb and brushed his master’s silky hair gently.

Ayron studied himself in the mirror again. I still don’t like it. It doesn’t look princely enough. Could you make it better?

Jimmy’s face suddenly turned bright red and his voice shook, Your highness, I, I, I’m afraid I don’t have the skills. I’ll call the Royal Hairdresser at once. He disappeared into the hallway before Ayron had a chance to answer him.

I don’t understand. Why is he so scared of me? Ayron let out a gentle sigh. He sat down at the edge of his bed and looked through the large windows. The entire kingdom of Orr glittered under the golden sunlight. It looked like a quilt with various patches of green held together by two golden threads, which were the Tera River and the Ring River. It’s never been so empty outside the castle on father’s birthday before. What happened to the crowd? Ayron made his way to the edge of the window to take a closer look. Why are there so many funny-looking soldiers inside the curtain walls? I’ve never seen them before…

Good morning, your highness! My lady the queen sent me to bring you for breakfast. A primly dressed middle-aged man appeared at the doorway. He offered his left arm. May I have the honour of escorting your highness?

Good morning, Mr. Dulles! Ayron ran towards the middle-aged man with excitement. Has mother been waiting for long?

Whether it has been long or not, it’s foul manner to keep a lady waiting. Mr. Dulles was a slim man and no more than a head taller than Ayron. He offered his arm again. Your highness, let us not allow any delay to get in our way.

But Mr. Dulles, I can’t go with my hair like this. Jimmy went to call the Royal Hairdresser. They should be here any minute now.

Your highness, you’re the very image of perfection! Mr. Dulles glanced at Ayron from head to toe with enthusiasm. I was going to offer my compliments on the way. The queen has called you for an urgent matter.

Take me to mother then. Ayron looped his right hand through Mr. Dulles’ left arm at once. I can’t wait to see the surprise she prepared for father. He kept up with Mr. Dulles’ brisk pace eagerly.

Your highness! Mr. Dulles! A panting female voice shouted from behind them, the prince cannot…go like this! I must…fix his hair! A plump lady stood only a few meters away, waving her handkerchief. She huffed hysterically to catch her breath. Jimmy followed behind her heels like a shadow.

Mrs. Wiggs, I’m afraid the hair dressing has to wait! We’ll send for you when the prince is ready! Mr. Dulles answered without slowing down.

Mr. Dulles, isn’t the Great Hall on the ground floor? Ayron asked when they walked right past the grand stairs.

Your highness, forgive me for the haste. The queen asked for you in her boudoir for breakfast this morning. Mr. Dulles led Ayron to the door of the queen’s chamber and gestured for him to enter.

Am I going to dine with mother alone? Ayron was surprised.

Your highness, the queen awaits your presence inside. I shall stand guard here. Mr. Dulles bowed his head and closed the door behind Ayron.

Good morning, mother! Ayron ran towards the queen with a big grin on his face.

She was seated next to a small but extravagant dining table. Her delicate figure looked majestic in a long purple satin dress embroidered with gold. The golden crown atop her head completed the attire. Oh, my handsome boy! How lovely it is to see you! She held Ayron in her arms tightly.

It’s lovely to see you too! Did you prepare a surprise for… Ayron glanced behind her mother and saw a strong figure half hidden behind the thick curtains. Father?

Ayron, keep your voice down. King Gorion put his index finger to his lips. These walls have ears. The king wore a gold-embroidered purple robe embellished with large rubies and sapphires. His fur-lined purple cape draped to his ankles. The large jewel-decked golden crown on his head sparkled in every direction.

Ayron dashed to the king and threw himself in his broad chest. Father, why are we dining here today? The agony in his father’s warm blue eyes made him uneasy.

The king looked at the queen and she answered with a sorrowful smile. The tears in her dark brown eyes flickered under the sunlight.

Mother, what’s wrong? Ayron studied his mother’s face.

King Gorion held Ayron’s shoulders with his large strong hands. Ayron, a great darkness has fallen upon our kingdom. The light that God has given me is not enough to withstand this darkness. He glanced outside for a moment, then at Ayron again. But the light God has given you is greater than this darkness.

Ayron followed his father’s glance. Is there going to be a storm? That wouldn’t be good for the celebration.

I’m afraid there’s no time for me to teach you everything. You’ll have to learn on your own. King Gorion gazed at Ayron and kept his voice from shaking. Promise me that you’ll learn to understand the light that’s inside you! It’s the only light that can overcome the darkness that has overtaken us all.

Ayron was at a loss for words. His eyes were locked on his father’s face. What’s father talking about?

Your father is speaking metaphorically. The queen placed one hand on Ayron’s back. Our kingdom is surrounded by a Hermonion army. Your uncle Noam brought them in. He made an alliance with them. Her voice quivered as she spoke.

The Hermonion soldiers! Blood rushed to Ayron’s head suddenly. He has heard many stories of the ruthless Hermonions. Is there going to be a battle?

No, my son. We have already lost. King Gorion bowed his head in despair. The disasters foretold by the prophet Faibius are here. The curse of the Marvelous Castle is finally being fulfilled.

But aren’t prophecies for the future? Ayron’s body and mind froze.

We are the future. That prophesy was written several hundred years ago.

Ayron, come and have some breakfast. The queen held her tears back. She took Ayron’s hand and led him to the dining table. It was full of silver platters with pastries filled with chocolates, berries, nuts, and cheese.

Ayron took a few bites from a chocolate cake and put it down. He stared at the silver platters and didn’t say a word.

Aren’t these your favourite? I asked the chef to make them especially for you. The queen ran her fingers through Ayron’s hair. You need to eat something before your journey.

Where are we going?

The queen held Ayron in her breast and said tenderly, do you remember the stories I told you about the Zuries?

Yes.

They are a real people and live in the Valley of Lolaville, hundreds of miles below our kingdom. My father is the valiant king of the Zuries. You must find him and tell him that our kingdom is in trouble, and ask him to come and help us.

Aren’t you coming with me? Ayron’s mind was still numb.

We must stay here, to protect Ayden and our kingdom. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Then I’ll stay with you, to protect you and father and Ayden! Ayron answered in a firm low voice, trying to grasp the situation.

No, you must leave before it’s too late! The queen’s words were mingled with fear. It’s too dangerous for you to be here…Noam will not be generous with you…

Ayron felt a soreness in his throat and his eyes blurred. Mother, please don’t send me away. I would rather die with you and father than run away! He clung onto his mother and would not let go.

Ayron, this is a command! King Gorion’s voice was firm and resolute. You are leaving with Mr. Dulles, at once.

Ayron fell silent for a moment, then wiped the tears streaming down his cheeks. Is it a long journey to the land of the Zuries?

Time will pass by quickly when you’re away from home. The queen stood up gently and led Ayron to her bed. Let me help you change into these. I made them especially for you with snow silk. She unfolded a stack of white garments. They will keep you cool in the heat, and warm in the cold. And protect you from arrows and swords. She spoke with her face down because it was too painful to look into Ayron’s eyes.

Ayron was soon all white, complete with a pair of matching boots and cape. The new garments did not have the glory of the purple princely robe, but