Castles and Kingdoms: Book 2 of Rae's Story

By Kimberly Vogel

Continued from the first book, Betrayal of Trust, we find the former princess Taiajara's soft life in the castle gone and her being hunted to be killed. Now she has to learn how to survive in a world she never knew existed. Thankfully kindness is shown by many to those who flee from the rule of the tyrannical king. On her journey she finds more in her than she thought could be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 16, 2011
• ISBN: 9781105364778

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Castles and Kingdoms: Book 2 of Rae's Story

Castles and Kingdoms

Book 2 of Rae’s Story

Kimberly Vogel

Copyright

Copyright © 2011 by Kimberly Vogel.

ISBN eBook 978-1-105-36477-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For additional copies refer to:

http://www.lulu.com/shakkathi

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me.

Without you, I don’t know where I would be.

CONTENTS

Chapter   1 __ Prologue to Disaster

Chapter   2 __ Beginning the Hunt

Chapter   3 __ Calming Waters

Chapter   4 __ Sympathy

Chapter   5 __ A New Kingdom

Chapter   6 __ Back At the Castle

Chapter   7 __ After One Year’s Cycle Ends

Chapter   8 __ On the Road Again

Chapter 1

Prologue to Disaster

CAK Ch 01 BW.png

Dashing through the forest a young woman dodged the drops of rain which poured down from the skies. It was a useless fight as the water sought her out with each step. Thankfully her clothes were naturally waterproof as they were made from braided plants. I have to find shelter. She thought while glancing into the shadows. It was dusk now with the land quickly disappearing into darkness.

The young woman ran through the brush which covered the grounds of the forest around her. Branches tore at her clothes and tugged at her hair. She tried ducking and dodging to free herself. Finally in one of her turns she stumbled. With a splash she fell into a puddle of mud.

Her eyes flew open as she felt the tug of gravity pull her over the edge of the hill she was traveling across. Tumbling down she grasped at plants trying to slow her fall. That didn’t necessarily work, but finally her fingers caught one of the roots of a tree. The pull turned her body so she smacked into another tree.

With a groan she lifted her eyes to glance about. Her light rainbow colored eyes latched onto a patch of seemingly endless dark. Blinking twice she pulled herself towards it. I hope it’s a cave. She thought with a groan.

Indeed it was. Nestled in the base of the hill between groups of tree roots was where the shelter was. Over and around it were trees all around in a thick forest. A few miles back there was a gigantic walled in structure made of stone. Looming far overhead in the darkened sky was another structure made of a similar material. Black clouds clung to the base emitting a powerful aura which kept the castle afloat.

That was where she had fallen from, not so many years ago. Hiding from the one who hunted her, the young woman pulled herself into the darkness. She lay down between a patch of roots, heavy breathing from her run slowing with each moment’s rest.

As she rested her hands moved to claw at the twigs and branches which had tangled into the strands of her long blonde hair. Her features were lightly tanned, form average size though a bit on the skinny side from all of the running and hiding she had to do. While she tried taking care of herself her mind drifted off to remember the instances which led up to her predicament.

The time was two years ago on the eve of her fifteenth birthday. She was happy then, completely oblivious to anything around her besides her duties and to grow up to be the perfect princess. That had all changed as her father had tried to kill her as some sort of payment. He couldn’t finish the deed so he had dumped her in the labyrinth below his floating castle. There she had been rescued by a young man who helped her to survive its terrors. They had found a way out, but on the way he had met another young lady who he decided to stay with.

She had escaped, but was alone out in the forest surrounding the maze with nothing but the clothes on her back and the things she’d learned about survival from Silvanus. A sigh passed her lips as she thought of him. I wonder how he is doing with Janna. The way he looked at her I could see he was smitten. I do hope they will be happy and safe together.

After that thought she shook her head to divert her mind to another track. I have to get warm. Maybe a fire, if I could make one in this damp atmosphere. Her eyes turned to focus on the blurry shapes around her in the dark. Damn, I haven’t any flint or wood. That thought caused her to chuckle. I’m in a forest with wood all around, but with nothing to use for fuel. Her head shook again as she moved her hands to rub up and down her arms. Oh well, the light probably would attract predators as well as alert anyone who could be looking for me where I am.

The young woman curled up in the bed of tangled roots. At least I have a shelter from the storm. That’s a blessing, though I will have to leave here and travel as far from there as I can. Her hands continued traveling up and down her arms then switched from them to rub over her legs.

She glanced to her feet as she moved her hands down to rub against her skin. How long has it been since I’ve worn shoes? It must be about two years now... Amazing that it has been so long. Good thing I’ve gotten used to this, otherwise I’d be in a big mess. The young woman blinked then gave a small laugh, amused at her brief moment of vanity. Oh I must look a mess too, but I don’t care anymore. I’m just glad to be alive. She blinked again as her mind trailed back to her life in the castle.

I wonder how father is doing. Her inner vision turned back to the memory of his face, first at the night when he gave her his annual present then to the early morning when he’d been beating her to near death. One hand lifted to her chest, feeling the chain which hung around it then traveling along the length to the pendant at the end.

He isn’t my father. He told me so just before... Her face turned into a flinch as she remembered the pain he gave her, first when beating her then upon telling her his relationship as her father was nothing but a lie. I’m not his daughter. He took me from somewhere else, from someone else’s arms. I should get rid of this, but somehow I can’t.

Her fingers brushed against the metal piece hanging heavily around her neck. It was a miracle how she hadn’t lost it while living wild in the maze. Now she’d have to live wild in the forest, unless she could find another kind soul to take her in. Doubtful, by now he’s probably sent out soldiers after me. If they’re like the ones in the castle he had guard me then I’ll be dead or worse when they find me. I’d probably be turned in to the authorities if I was found.

She pulled her fingers from the pendant to return to rubbing at her legs in an attempt to warm them. Anyway, Silvanus taught me well. I can find food in the forest and shelter too. I can do just fine on my own.

A smile turned across her lips as she shifted to lean back against the side of the cave. One hand moved to rub against her eyes while she settled down. I’ll just take a quick nap then go on my way.

The storm rumbled outside of the cave. Through the night and into the next day it continued the steady thrum against the land around. The only place not affected by