Gregory Orange & The Enchanted Kingdoms (III)

By Ursula Graetz

Another epic adventure as the Enchanted Kingdoms hero, Gregory Orange, is once again summoned to save the Enchanted Kingdoms from danger. This time from a darkness that the old Fairy Queen is determined to cast over the kingdoms for a thousand years. Now Gregory, together with his friends, a dragon, a pixie and a fairy, have to find the new Fairy Queen and at the same time, defeat the old Fairy Queen and her entire army of warriors.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ursula Graetz
• Release date: Oct 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005043735

Ursula Graetz

Ursula is a Holistic Therapist offering Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy and counselling, as well as various Energy Healing modalities. Her love for writing started at a young age. Bullied at primary school forced her to hide in a library, and that is where her love for reading and her journey of writing began. It opened up a world of imagination which she incorporates into all her novels.

Book preview

GREGORY ORANGE & THE ENCHANTED KINGDOMS

(III)

The New Fairy Queen

Copyright 2020 Ursula Graetz

License Notes

THIS EBOOK IS LICENSED for your personal enjoyment only.  This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people.  If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.  If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favourite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

Copyright

All rights are reserved, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, especially the rights of translation, re-use of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without prior written permission given by the Author.

Copyright 2020 Ursula Graetz

The Gregory Orange and the Enchanted Kingdoms series are works of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events, locals, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Table of Contents

Chapter One – Pegasus Snow

Chapter Two – A New Quest

Chapter Three – The Field of Flowers

Chapter Four – The Threat to Gregory’s Life

Chapter Five – Dursey and the Revelation

Chapter Six - Kaia

Chapter Seven – The Beginning of the End

Chapter Eight – A Promising Beginning

Chapter Nine – A Pixie Challenge and a Half

Chapter Ten – Crystal Clear

Chapter Eleven – A Journey into the Unknown

Chapter Twelve – A Fight to Remember

FURTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR

CHAPTER 1 – Pegasus Snow

The wind howled through the trees like wolves crying in the night as if trying to say something. Gregory wondered if this wind perhaps carried a message to Treeman. He shuddered to think what fearful message it would contain. It certainly sounded sinister.

The crunch of dried leaves beneath his feet drew his attention to the ground. Autumn was upon them, and it was a season that resonated with him—shedding the old, making way for the new. He couldn’t help but wonder what new challenges the Enchanted Kingdoms would face in the future. It wasn’t even a month ago when he had received the extraordinary ability to summon any power at will, which helped to save the Kingdoms from General Castio’s attempts to start a war. This ability, however, was proving to be burdensome. Stopping himself from drawing from powers too often was still a battle he was hopelessly losing. The temptation was great.

Gregory sighed. He had to find the willpower to stop using it. The Enchanted Kingdoms depended on him and he could not become like the previous creature who contained a similar ability but who had succumbed to the darkness due to the lure of multiple temptations. No, he would not allow that to happen. He could not for he was no ordinary creature, he was not just Gregory Orange but also Prince Jadon. He had responsibilities. His father and mother counted on him. Jadeonia counted on him. He was next in line to take his father’s place as king once he turned eighteen. Fortunately, that was still a year and a half to go. Becoming a king and ruling a kingdom was not something he was looking forward to, so he hurriedly shoved the disconcerting thought out of his mind. For now, he was enjoying being Gregory Orange, hero of the Enchanted Kingdoms.

A guilty pang ran through him. Was he enjoying hero status too much? A hero with an extraordinary ability. Ven had warned him to take heed not to allow the power to go to his head. Was it too late?

Gregory sat down under one of the trees and crunched a few of the dried golden-orange leaves in his hands. Sitting there quietly, he contemplated for a while.

The sun was setting and the slight chill in the air did little to arouse him from his thoughts. Surely his friends would help keep him from losing himself or succumbing to the darkness? How he missed them!

Wix was gallivanting all over the kingdoms winning one flying race after another. Bee was extremely busy being a Guardian of the Gifts, making sure all gifted creatures were not mishandling their gifts. Jos was away at dragon school learning the ancient and wise ways of dragons and learning the Dragon Code, Ad serviendum bonis et iustis, serving the good and just. And Jaidh had left to train with the Warriors of Pinnae, hoping to become a Bellator, an elite school of warriors that had recently been formed due to the previous month’s attempt of rogue creatures trying to start a war.

Gregory sighed. He probably would never see her again. The mere thought of Jaidh stole a few beats of his heart and a dreamy smile floated to his face. She had forgiven him for not initially disclosing his identity of being Prince Jadon and had agreed to spend a couple of weeks at the castle to get to know him better, but then she had left for Pinnae.

He sighed again. He missed her smile. Her sassy and confident personality. Her conversations. She wanted to save the world, and he believed she probably would. She was sincere yet had a touch of belligerence that was quite odd for a peace-loving Jadeonian. But Gregory reminded himself that Jadeonians were not all peace-loving. His evil uncle Agon, for example, had nearly doomed the Enchanted Kingdoms. Then there was General Castio, another Jadeonian who had almost started a war.

What was it about Jadeonians that seemed to be the forerunner of all major threats? Are we more susceptible to evil? That thought frightened Gregory. Especially since he was not only a prince who had a secret persona, namely Gregory Orange, but he now possessed a tremendous ability that could most definitely destroy the Enchanted Kingdoms once and for all.

Gloomily he shook his head before resting it heavily in his hands.

Psst

Gregory almost jumped out of his skin with fright. Who’s there?

Gregory, it’s me, Adam, came the whisper.

Dusk was the perfect cover for the unicorn rider, who was extremely cautious as he stealthily made his way to where Gregory sat under the tree.

Adam?

Shhh. Nobody knows I’m here.

When he finally made his way to Gregory, who was now standing upright and straining his eyes to see more clearly in the dark of the night, a wide smile erupted on Gregory’s face. He grabbed his stepbrother and embraced him in a tight bear hug. It really is you.

Easy there, Adam said, grinning while patting Gregory on the back.

It’s so good to see you. What are you doing here? Gregory asked.

That question immediately wiped away Adam’s grin. Sadly, this is not a social call. We need your help.

We? Gregory looked around and was greeted with a sight that stole his breath away. Despite the night falling fast, the starry white main of the magnificent horse, with its bright white wings stood out like a bright light shining in the darkness.

Meet Pegasus Snow, Adam said, as he introduced the creature to Gregory.

Gregory was speechless, as he glared at the creature, awestruck.

Hello, Gregory Orange – or do I call you Prince Jadon? Pegasus Snow’s voice was deep, yet soothing and his light blue eyes seemed to beam off rays of ancient wisdom.

Anything, call me whatever you wish. Once he finally found his voice, Gregory almost toppled over his words.

Just breathe, Gregory, Adam suggested, laughing softly. He was used to the Pegasus Snow effect, and how those fortunate enough to encounter the winged horse would react.

Gregory flushed with embarrassment. I’m so sorry, it’s just, I have never – you are – well I...

Don’t worry about it, Pegasus Snow reassured him kindly.

Gregory, like I said, we need your help, Adam spoke up.

My help? With what?

First, you must promise me that you will tell no one of this meeting, nor what we will discuss here today. Adam made him promise.

Gregory nodded, still intrigued, his glare glued to the winged horse.

The Fairy Kingdom is in trouble.

What? The mention of the Fairy Kingdom brought Bee to his mind and Gregory was immediately jolted out of his stupor.

What do you mean, in trouble? Is Bee okay?

Yes, for now. But this is bigger than Bee.

I suggest you sit back down, Gregory Orange, Pegasus Snow said and nudged his white nose towards the direction of the tree. Then I will proceed to explain.

Once Gregory was sitting beneath the tree, Adam plopped down beside him. The two of them focused their attention on Pegasus Snow.

The Fairy Queen, Queen Majista, is slowly turning.

What do you mean, turning?

Pegasus Snow paused as if struggling to put his thoughts into words.

I am sure you are aware by now just how important the role of Fairy Queen is in the Enchanted Kingdoms as a whole. He paused briefly.

Gregory nodded.

He proceeded, For thousands of years the Fairy Queen has held the position of Head Councillor in the United Council.

My father told me that most rulers of the Enchanted Kingdoms have a seat at the council, one of the exceptions being the Pixie Kingdom, Gregory mentioned. The fact that Wix’s father wasn’t a part of this, bothered him.

That is correct. Pegasus Snow nodded before continuing. Queen Majista and her army of Fairy Warriors have always played a pivotal role in the Enchanted Kingdom’s wellbeing, but her role is changing.

What do you mean, changing?

Again, the enchanted horse seemed to be battling to express himself and paused for a long moment.

Sadly, the darkness has taken hold of Queen Majista, Pegasus Snow responded.

Gregory was distraught. He was no fan of the fairy queen, especially since her ill-treatment towards him the previous month, which he found hard to forget, but still, surely her rudeness and mistrust of him were due to her huge responsibility as Head Councillor and the huge responsibility that weighed heavily on her.

For centuries Queen Majista has been a good queen, Snow said. She was caring, kind and considerate, and even wise, although not quite compassionate enough. But she had her good points. Then she changed. She has become cold and calculating, even ruthless at times.

Gregory gulped. But surely there must be a way we can save her from herself? Gregory protested.

For the longest time, that was my hope too, Snow commented with a sad sigh, but her darkness has just increased. So, with the help of my most trustworthy allies, we explored various options to remove the growing darkness within her, but all our attempts failed. Now, sadly, we know for a fact that the darkness has enveloped her. There is no saving her now.

Gregory felt helpless. How could this be happening? So, what are you going to do? he asked.

We have to remove her from the throne and replace her, Adam responded.

Replace her? With whom? As far as I know, she doesn’t have any children, Gregory reminded them.

That’s where you come in, Snow informed Gregory.

Gregory stared cluelessly at Pegasus Snow. What on earth did the horse think he could do?

We are tasking you with finding the new Fairy Queen and then bringing her safely to the Fairy Kingdom, Snow said.

Me? How? And where would I find her?

That’s just it, Adam spoke again. We have been unable to locate her. Despite summoning the best fairy seers in the kingdoms. Their attempts to track her down have been fruitless. And, we have very little to go on.

I can give you her name. it’s Maybelle. And I can tell you that she is very special.

Special? In what way?

I think it best not to disclose that for fear of any prejudice that may arise. Pegasus Snow expressed. He knew he should not tell him any more than that. But rest assured, you will find out soon enough.

Gregory thought it strange that they didn’t know much. Then a thought occurred to him. What about Treeman, surely, he would know something? The winds may have whispered to the trees telling him where Maybelle is.

Pegasus Snow shook his large head. According to Treeman, although the winds have reported a strange build-up of restlessness accumulating in the air, especially around the Fairy Kingdom, there was absolutely nothing on the new Fairy Queen’s whereabouts.

If I may ask, how do you know for sure that Queen Majista has turned completely dark? Gregory asked, a tad doubtful.

I have witnessed it with my own eyes. Also, you surely know it to be true. Your father’s dragon, Sella, informed me that you experienced Queen Majista’s wrath first-hand when you were trying to rescue the young warrior, Jaidh.

Gregory didn’t want to argue. It was true, she had treated him unfairly, but the truth of the matter was, he didn’t know the Fairy Queen well enough to deduce whether she had changed. He only had Pegasus Snow’s ‘say so’. Of course, he did not doubt what the winged horse was saying, as his reputation proceeded him. If Pegasus Snow said something was amiss, then he did not doubt that that was the truth. From all the tales he had heard of Pegasus Snow, the enchanted winged horse was a wise, righteous, and mighty protector of the Enchanted Kingdoms, who only ever came out of his secret hiding place to intervene in matters of an extreme nature where there seemed little hope.

Gregory felt his nerves tug painfully at his stomach and he found himself wondering again, what was in store for the Enchanted Kingdoms?

Pegasus Snow spoke again. Sella overheard the Fairy Queen mention to one of her advisors that she was tempted to throw you, b Prince Jadon, into the Dungeons of Lome, as she feared you were a threat to her plans.

Gregory gasped. She wouldn’t dare, would she?

Right now, anything is possible with her, so we have to remove her from her seat of power before she brings the darkness to all the Enchanted Kingdoms. Pegasus Snow was adamant, then added, And we must do it now. So, are you ready for another quest, as the hero, Gregory Orange?

Gregory’s eyes were still in a fear-filled glaze as he was trying hard to process the horrifying truth that Queen Majista planned to throw him into those dreadful dungeons at Lome.

Gregory? Adam tried to pull him out of his fear.

Yes, Gregory responded. Just tell me how to begin this quest. Do you at least have a few leads?

Only that to do this, you must believe in yourself, Pegasus Snow commented sombrely, and Gregory was sure he noticed a strange look in the horse’s eyes. Was he hiding something? No, surely, he would tell him everything he knew, especially since he was being tasked with such an important quest.

But know that I have full faith in you and your friends. You with your extraordinary ability to summon any power, Bee with her gift of foresight, and Wix with his pathfinding gift, together I do not doubt that you will find a way to track Maybelle down and bring her safely to us.

But Bee’s busy. She’s a Guardian of the Gifts now. I doubt she will have the time to go off on another quest with me.

I’ve already spoken with her, she’s on her way here as we speak, Adam declared, and Gregory was sure he noticed a blush on his face at the mention of Bee’s name. He couldn’t help but wonder whether the two of them would ever get married. Then his thoughts drifted to Wix. His pixie friend would not be enthusiastic about giving up his winning streak just to go on another daunting quest. But maybe if he stressed how much the kingdoms needed him, and appealed to his ego, he might give up racing momentarily to join him.

What about Ven? Gregory asked. He has been on every quest with me so far.

I think he’s too old for quests now. Perhaps you can get Jaidh to assist you. I hear she has quite a lot of potential and a promising future as a Warrior of Pinnae.

That idea sent his heart spiralling into joy. A quest with Jaidh. Gregory was lost in the excitement the idea stirred within him.

"Okay, so just do what you and your friends always do, Gregory Orange. I believe the good energies out there will lead you to where you