Danny: The Collection

By Kimberly Vogel

This story begins with Prince Kala's usual day. It takes an unusual turn as he is introduced to an enchanted garden and its inhabitant. In his attempt to unravel the mystery, he discovers he isn't the king's child. He has a whole other life as Danny. The other person is the heir, but she's hidden far away from the court. Furious at Kala's discovery, the king turns on him. Now named Ravth, the teen is brought back from death to end the rule of the tyrant king. But after that, what happens? Will it be happily ever after for them? This collection holds book 1-5 of Danny's Story : Roses and Shadows, Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold, Respite at Ambert University, Reality Seems Twisted, and Rallying Themes

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 5, 2012
• ISBN: 9781105422515

Book preview

Vogel

Copyright

Copyright © 2011 by Kimberly Vogel.

ISBN eBook 978-1-105-42251-5

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.

INDEX

Book 1 : Roses and Shadows

Chapter   1 __ When Light Meets Dark

Chapter   2 __ Subtle Queries

Chapter   3 __ Conspiracies

Chapter   4 __ Dream or Memory

Chapter   5 __ Sorry

Chapter   6 __ A Bargain

Chapter   7 __ Happy Birthday

Chapter   8 __ Business as Usual

Chapter   9 __ Surprise

Book 2 : Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold

Chapter   1 __ The Aspen Heart Inn

Chapter   2 __ Dreaming of You

Chapter   3 __ One fish, two fish

Chapter   4 __ When Flowers Die

Chapter   5 __ All Fall Down

Chapter   6 __ The Rising Rebellion

Chapter   7 __ Attack on the Castle

Chapter   8 __ Is This the End?

Chapter   9 __ One Last Test

Book 3 : Respite at Ambert University

Chapter   1 __ So Long For Now

Chapter   2 __ Queen Shakti

Chapter   3 __ Where is My Sister?

Chapter   4 __ Like Searching For A Needle In A Haystack

Chapter   5 __ When the Past Becomes the Present

Chapter   6 __ Might and Magic

Chapter   7 __ Why this Man?

Chapter   8 __ Surprises

Chapter   9 __ Choices

Book 4 : Reality Seems Twisted

Chapter   1 __ Blast From the Past

Chapter   2 __ A New World

Chapter   3 __ The Ramian Camp

Chapter   4 __ Internal Struggle

Chapter   5 __ Lull-a-by

Chapter   6 __ Sabotage

Chapter   7 __ The Rare Flower

Chapter   8 __ Resignation

Chapter   9 __ Goodbye Once More?

Book 5 : Rallying Themes

Chapter   1 __ Precious Memories

Chapter   2 __ Leaving

Chapter   3 __ Leldyna

Chapter   4 __ Family Ties

Chapter   5 __ Hostilities

Chapter   6 __ Ebb and Flow

Chapter   7 __ Lull

Chapter   8 __ Finality

Chapter   9 __ Home

Roses and Shadows

Chapter 1

When Light Meets Dark

Standing in the middle of a garden was a small figure. At first glance it seemed to be a child of perhaps five years of age. She was running from one patch of flowers to the next as she chased a group of butterflies that flew just out of her gasp. A happy smile was on her face as she ran with bright green eyes and golden hair shining in the evening sun.

From within a castle a figure was watching the girl as it gazed within a seeing stone. Its hands hovered over the stone as it used powers to show the picture of the girl. After a few moments the glowing red eyes of the figure lifted to look at the boy standing across from him.

He was a strapping young lad of about fifteen years. With rapt attention his black eyes were fastened on the figure of the girl. He studied her for a long moment then lifted his eyes to meet that of the man. This is what you wanted to show me? A child? His voice held a note of scorn as his features creased into a frown. Why would I be interested in a baby?

The man across from him gave a soft laugh. It was obvious he knew something the boy did not. With a soft shake of his head he looked at him, voice sounding serious despite his previous laughter. Boy, there is more to this child than is to be seen. I would like for you to meet her. You will know why in time.

The boy rolled his eyes, not seeming at all interested. Sure...and how am I to get to where she is? There are no gardens around this desolate place. He was referring to the castle they were in. It was not a normal castle but rather one that floated in the sky, held in the air by magic. The only time it stopped in its travels was so that the sorcerer king who ruled it could destroy the kingdoms it settled over.

The man standing across from the boy laughed again. I will show you. I know where it is. It is a magic garden.

The boy raised an eyebrow, only now starting to become interested. Magic you say? Well that’s different then. Very well I shall go and meet this girl child.

Excellent the man smiled as he heard this. It was not a pleasant smile. He quickly lowered his head to hide it. I shall take you to it then. You will not need to pack anything. You can go right away.

The boy shrugged faintly in a rather noncommittal way. He said nothing more as he sank into thought. Why was his father's advisor sending him to see this girl? It seemed the stupidest mission he had ever been on. But then it must be to find out something about his character. What a dumb thing.

The advisor moved from the table that held the seeing stone over to one of the doors of the room. He paused there and tapped twice on the wood.

The boy raised an eyebrow at this. What was the old fool doing now? But still it was curious. He had never seen that door opened before.

The advisor looked back at him as he reached for the doorknob. Here we are prince. This will take you to the garden. As the advisor turned the knob a dull light shone from within the door. The light grew brighter as the door was opened to show part of the garden beyond it.

The boy narrowed his eyes against the glare a moment to watch. Then his eyes opened wide as he let out a low laugh. Neat trick, he commented, before stepping towards the door. At the threshold he paused to glance back to the advisor with a raised eyebrow. Then after giving him a look the boy stepped through the door to the other side. In passing he closed his eyes. When he opened them again he found himself in the garden the advisor had shown him. Glancing back to the doorway he found that it had been closed. All that was left was the trunk of one of the trees he saw had been surrounding it. He paused a moment then groaned, Oh great, this must have been a trick. Haha, very funny, Maska. After sighing heavily he stepped away from the tree to wander though the place he now found himself in.

Meanwhile the sun was beginning to set in the garden. The place seemed to be quite large. Around the very edge of it was a densely populated forest that kept intruders from finding the garden. Within the clearing was the garden itself along with a small one and a half storey cottage. Tiny trees covered with every kind of fruit imaginable bordered the sides of the house, with smaller berry bushes around them. In the back of the house there was a small pond as well. The place seemed to be a veritable paradise.

The boy caught sight of the cottage as he was walking and headed towards it. Maybe it wasn't deserted and there were some people there. If not, he could spend the night there anyway while trying to figure out a way to get back to the castle.

Watching him through some bushes was a tiny figure. It hardly made any noise as it settled in the bushes to observe him. This was the girl that the boy had been shown.

Years of training had taught the boy to be on guard even in the most peaceful setting. He glanced around as he walked, keeping a sharp eye for anything unusual. For a moment he thought he saw the bushes move. His hand moved to his sword but it was not there. It was back in the castle. He was defenseless, well almost defenseless. He had his body and his powers. But the air in this place was strange and made it impossible for him to use the powers. He had to rely on his strength and wits if anything bad were not to happen.

The girl watched him from her hiding place in the bushes. A tiny giggle escaped from her before she could smother it. She couldn't help that he looked so funny slapping at himself. Her hands clasped over her mouth as she turned to run through the bushes.

Ah ha, I have something! the boy thought as he saw the bushes moving more rapidly. Whatever it was it seemed to be running away. Maybe it was a person or some creature. He ran to the bushes to chase after it.

The girl glanced back and gasped as she saw him chasing after her. Her little legs carried her as fast as she could go. Soon she could lose him as it was her garden he was in. She knew every place to run the fastest and hide the safest.

But the boy was a good hunter and a fast runner so he was catching up with her faster than she could get away. A wide grin came over his features as he prepared to make a move to capture her.

Before the boy could, however, the little girl ducked into a patch of rose bushes. In there she hid as the last rays of the sun disappeared behind the trees while the moon rose.

The boy skidded to a stop as he almost plunged into the thorn-covered vines. All of a sudden from within came a bright light. The boy glanced up to the moon that seemed to shine directly upon the spot. His eyes quickly went back to the bushes as a soft gasp came from within.

Rising from the thorn-covered rose bush was a girl about his age. It was the child transformed. The light seemed to be coming from a spot hovering above her bosom. She was beautiful, with her golden hair and green eyes. Her frame was small and petite, barely reaching five feet in height. But it was the power hovering around her being that was the most awe inspiring. How could so much come from a tiny girl?

In a moment the boy found himself on his knees before her with head tilted back in wonder. His dark eyes were opened wide with mouth hung open. He was in a sort of trance as he gazed upon her, taking in all her features.

The girl paused a moment to look down at him with a curious gaze. Then she laughed with a soft voice Greetings to you...I am Rozalynde.

The boy nodded faintly as he tried to find his voice to speak. His mouth closed then opened again several times before he found it. I...I am Kala Chandaravth, fair lady.

She smiled down at him kindly as her head tilted to the side. Oh...Pleased to meet you, Sir Chandaravth.

He smiled weakly as he nodded to her An honor for me, Lady Rozalynde.

She nodded to him then giggled You may rise. You don't have to go kneeling there you know.

He nodded again as a flush rose up his neck to his cheeks. Ah...yes He hurried to stand again to his feet, nearly tripping over himself in the process. He noted that he nearly stood a foot taller than her as he gazed down at her.

As he rose she had tilted her head back to watch his face. She smiled up at him kindly while extending one hand to him. You may call me Lyndie. May I ask what you are doing here? Almost no one comes into the garden.

Kala gazed down upon her as he took her hand then leaned in to kiss it softly. I was sent here to find a small child. I do not know why.

Lyndie blushed lightly while replying, That child was I. Perhaps you are to be my friend? It is rather lonely in here by myself.

Kala blinked softly as he stood up again, still holding her hand. Oh? Perhaps so. Um, do you have no family?

Lyndie shook her head softly. No, not here. My mother died and my father visits very rarely. I am alone here.

Kala nodded a few times as he listened to her speak. That struck a chord in his heart; immediately he felt closer drawn to her. Oh...I am sorry. I...do not have a mother either. My father is alive but he is busy with his work.

Lyndie watched him a moment with a sad gaze, softly speaking, Oh. She shook her head a bit I'm sorry for that.

Kala shook his head faintly as he smiled down at her Don't be. I'm alright. But er, care to go for a walk?

Lyndie blinked softly as she nodded, taking her hand out of his. Okay, she replied while turning to glance around the garden, We can go anywhere within the boundaries of the forest.

The boy nodded while stepping to walk beside her. Alright, but why not outside it?

The girl turned her head to look at him, blinking once then smiling. Oh, that's right, you have never been in here. This place is magically protected. The forest marks the boundary. Also I can't leave. She shook her head softly as her smile faded. She began to frown as she clutched at something under her clothes at her bosom. I'm cursed.

Cursed? Kala looked at her with eyes wide. How?

Lyndie turned to look at him a moment then turned her head back to watch the trees as the two of them walked. Her voice held a tone of sadness as she spoke. It is a long and complicated story, but basically I am cursed so that I change from day and night. In the day I am a baby but in the night time I am my true age.

Kala watched her as she spoke, eyes widening further. Wow. I have never heard of such a thing before. Um, I could come by in the night to visit so we could keep each other company.

Lyndie glanced back at him with a small smile. Thank you, Kala. No one has ever come that I felt I could trust like you. But I must warn you that if you come in the daytime I won't recognize you. It's part of the curse.

Kala nodded a little with a frown forming. Oh, I see. Well I might not be able to come in the daytime anyway. Father might be busy, but he still wants me to help him with his business and I am in training.

Lyndie looked at him as he spoke, beginning to smile while she reached out to take his hand gently. Alright, well we shall meet at night then. I do not mind, now that I have a friend.

Kala looked at her, a little surprised at her taking his hand. He clasped hers gently in his as they continued to walk. Around them the garden had turned to smaller grasses as the cottage came into view. The boy looked up at the building with a curious gaze. "You live here?

Lifting her eyes up to the cottage, the girl smiled with a soft nod. Yes I do. My mother lived here too, but she left me there. Would you like to see inside? If you’re hungry I can get you some food.

Thank you but I'm not hungry. He replied as he turned his face to smile at her. She was such a sweet girl and very different from the women at the castle he thought. Being friends with her would be a joy.

Meanwhile from up above in the castle the advisor was watching them through his seeing stone. A smirk formed over his lips as he watched the two teens become friends. This would be a great twist to the plot he was developing against them.

Then from the doorway a voice spoke, breaking his concentration. Maska? What are you doing? Entering the room was a tall man who seemed to be in his fifties or so. Bloody red eyes stared out from behind a short veil of pitch black hair. He stepped over to the advisor, his height towering over him.

Just watching a few things, the advisor replied as he looked up to the man. It was his king. He hid a snake-like smile while his head bowed back to the seeing stone. The young prince Kala has gone out on a short trip. He will return tomorrow morning.

Oh? Where did he go? The king asked as one eyebrow rose in curiosity.

Out into the forest.

I see, the king said after a moment with a soft nod of his head. Inform me as to his return. I have things to discuss with him.

As you wish, Majesty, he replied, smiling fakely as he watched the king leave the room. Of course he would notify him when the boy returned. But first he would instruct the boy to say nothing about the place he was currently in. Maska turned his eyes back to the seeing stone, watching the two teens again.

While the two adults were talking, Lyndie and Kala had wandered to part of the garden that held plots of smaller flowers. There were many paths leading in and out of the main part of the garden. Where all the paths crossed there was a bench, and there they were seated.

How much time do you think we have left now... asked Kala, as he looked at Lyndie, then glanced around the area.

Lyndie shrugged her shoulders faintly as she sat, eyes watching him every so often. I'm not sure. It’s only an hour or less until sunrise. I never remember when the change happens exactly.

Kala nods faintly as he stared out at the garden, particularly noticing the roses. It was funny how he never paid much attention to them before. He blinked softly a few times at that revelation then turned to look at her again. Well I'm not sure how to return to my home. I suppose I could go back to where I appeared...

Lyndie watched him, practically staring as she replied, Well you could stay here. I wouldn't mind, even in my baby form.

A smile formed as Kala nodded with a soft laugh. You are too kind dear, Rozalynde. Please allow me the honor of coming back if I can find a way.

A soft blush rose over Lyndie's cheeks. I am sure you will find a way to return, Sir Kala. I will look forward to your visiting me again.

Kala nodded softly as he watched her, still smiling As I will look forward to seeing your beautiful face again. He was somewhat sincere with this, but it was how most men in the castle approached ladies when they wanted something from them.

Lyndie had no way of knowing this, so hidden and sheltered as she was. The blush on her cheeks deepened as she lowered her eyes, faintly replying, Thank you.

He stopped then, simply smiling while nodding. His eyes turned to the night sky, noting that the darkness was retreating along the horizon. It would be sunrise all too soon. And then the warning signs began, midnight blue sky changing to purple then warming further with reds, oranges and yellows. Beside him Kala heard Lyndie gasp. At that he turned his eyes to watch her.

Lyndie was sitting on the bench; body scooted up to the very edge with hands grasping the wood. A soft glow began to surround her, white shifting to a rosy red. Her eyes were widened, mouth fallen softly open as her breathing increased.

Kala stared at her, completely absorbed until the glow was too bright for his eyes. He winced while lowering his head, one hand moving up to rub his eyes. Lyndie? He asked hesitantly before looking up again as the glow faded. There in the place of the teen he knew was the child he had watched through the seeing stone. Now he understood, at least in part, why Maska had sent him here. There was something wrong about this curse the girl was under. He was going to do his damnedest to see she was freed.

The little child turned her eyes up to Kala as he spoke her name. Right now she didn't recognize him; her eyes grew wide and frightened as she hopped off the bench then ran into the garden.

Wait! He called as he jumped up as well. But it was too late as the child had already disappeared within the foliage. Kala stood there next to the bench, glancing around, then sighing heavily. This was going to be difficult if half the time she ran from him. He would leave her for now and come back as soon as he could. With a final glance around the garden he turned then walked back to the edge of the forest. There waiting for him was the same portal he had come through. Kala wasted no time walking straight through it.

Maska waited on the other side, smiling at Kala as he stepped though. Well, sire? How was your trip?

Kala looked at him, about to make a nasty reply. Then he paused, choosing instead to make a statement that had more of the tone of a demand. I want to go back.

The advisor nodded as he closed the portal. You may go back later. Right now your father wishes to speak with you. He paused a moment then turned to look at the boy. It would be best if you did not tell him of this.

You mean he doesn't know? Kala replied, one eyebrow rising. I have to tell him, you know that.

But if you did then he would forbid you from visiting the girl again, Maska said, looking at him pointedly.

Kala stared at him a long moment then nodded. I see. Well then I shall keep it a secret. It shall be mine and mine alone.

Excellent, sire, Maska nodded with a smile. You go and clean up, then visit your father as usual to divert his suspicions. He watched Kala leave the room with his smile widening to a sickly grin. The plan was forming perfectly, just as he had hoped.

Chapter 2

Subtle Queries

The young man walked down the hallway while he pondered the previous events. He had been told about a magical garden where a strange girl lived by his father's advisor. Then he had been sent there to talk with the girl. She was a rather intriguing creature and had captured his thoughts. Now he was back in the castle where he lived and going to wash before going to meet with his father. If he showed up as he was then his father would be suspicious and then, when he found out, he would not let him visit the girl again. This would be his secret. His dark eyes turned to glance around the hallway as he turned a corner.

The hallway he traveled down was one of the many in the upper part of the castle. This section held the royal apartments. He was allowed to go anywhere within this section. Anywhere except the east wing. The prince could never understand fully why he was not allowed in that one place. But he supposed that it was something to do with his mother, whom his father never talked about.

He sighed as he broke from his thoughts. One hand moved up and ran through his hair. His fingers wrapped through a leaf and he pulled it down before his eyes. He stared at it, observing the simple blade. He moved his fingers over the surface, feeling the soft texture. He brought it to his face and sniffed, smelling the faint scent of some sort of fruit. A smile moved over his lips as he remembered the trees of the garden. Then he shook his head again quickly while stuffing the leaf in his pocket.

The prince lifted his eyes to look at the door to his room. The structures in the castle were all twice the size of most usual buildings, mostly to accommodate his father the king's exceptionally tall stature. He moved to the door and pushed it open to go inside his room. His own room was made up of many smaller chambers. Only a curtain covered each doorway instead of a solid door. First there was a study with a fireplace to the right of the door, to the left was a couch for receiving visitors, then bookshelves ranged around the walls. Almost directly across the room from the door to the hallway was the curtained doorway leading to the bedroom and bathroom. He closed the door behind him then continued on to the back rooms. His hand brushed aside the curtain as he moved to the first room, his bedroom. He glanced around the inside, observing the bed in the far left corner with the dresser next to it then the door to the balcony overlooking the castle grounds. He turned to the right after stepping inside to go to the bathroom. He pushed open the curtain to the room and went inside. The room had a large tub built up off of the floor for bathing then a rack for towels, a shelf for bathing supplies, and a shelf for incense.

He sighed as he glanced around the room. It appeared deserted at the moment. The bathwater was probably cold as well. The prince frowned as he stepped over to the bathtub. One of the harem girls was supposed to be there at all times. He looked behind the tub then; a smirk twisted his lips.

There curled up on the floor asleep was one of the girls. Bright orange hair curled around a pale face. Dark lashes framed her eyes. He knew they were a lovely violet color. Her dress was a light violet color as well. The cut was low at the top and high at the skirt. Her pale arms were curled under her head to hold it up off the stone floor. Her legs were pulled up in a measure of modesty.

The prince leaned over towards her with one hand outstretched. He poked at her shoulder a moment then spoke. Wake up, slave.

She stirred a moment then sat up quickly. Oh! Your Majesty, forgive me. She knelt on the stones with her hands placed beside her legs. Her head lowered to the stones as she hid her face, afraid of punishment. If a slave was caught sleeping on the job then they could be executed.

The prince watched her a long moment then lowered his hand to her head. He stroked through her hair a moment before cupping his hand under her chin. He lifted up her face so he could see it. You are forgiven. Now, I want a bath. Go.

The harem girl glanced up at him with eyes wide in amazement. She hadn't expected to be forgiven so easily. Her head bobbed in thanks then she hopped to her feet. She scampered out of the bathroom then out of his room to fetch hot water for the bath.

The prince turned his head slightly as he watched her run. The smirk faded from his lips as he sighed. As he glanced around the bathroom he moved his hands to undress. First the belt was undone, then the tunic pulled off. After dropping those to the floor he sat on the edge of the tub to pull off his boots.

The girl ran back in with a bucket full of steaming water. She paused as she saw the prince was already half undressed. Then she poured the hot water into the half-filled tub. She had stoked the fire underneath the bathtub also. Soon the water would be heated for him to bathe in.

The prince glanced at her as she came in, and then went back to undressing. He pulled off his boots and set them to the side. Then he stood up to undo his pants. He didn't pay much attention to the girl as he stripped away the final pieces of clothing, then stepped into the bathtub.

The girl put the bucket down beside the bathtub then turned to the shelves of supplies. She paused a moment and glanced back at him. What scent would your Majesty prefer?

The prince turned his eyes to look up at the girl. He paused a moment before answering, Sandalwood.

The girl nodded then turned back to the shelves. She lit the incense in its holder to fill the room with its scent. She moved next to the shelf with the bathing supplies. After sorting through them she picked up a sponge and bar of soap. She turned back to the prince with a nervous look moving over her face.

His dark eyes stared at her as he watched her movement. As she turned to him he gave a small shake to his head as one hand raised to her with palm up. Give me the soap and go back to the harem.

The girl bowed her head as she stepped over to the bathtub. She placed the soap and sponge in his hand then turned to go. She stopped by the doorway and glanced back at him, and then continued on out.

The prince watched her leave the room without making a sound. Then he turned back to the task at hand. He took the soap and began scrubbing himself down. Usually one of the female slaves would do it, but now he was in a hurry to answer the request of his father for an audience. He let his mind drift as he washed to speculate what he was wanted for. There was the usual after-dinner speeches and questioning of course, but something made him feel that this one was different. Perhaps it was because his sixteenth birthday was coming close.

He shook his head to clear his mind. No use speculating now. He ducked under the water to wash off the soap foam from his body then he stood up from the tub. He stepped out and grabbed a towel, rubbing it over himself to dry off. After that he walked to his bedroom to find fresh clothing. He let the towel fall as he walked to the dresser. He pulled open the drawers and let his eyes roam over the pieces of clothing. After staring at them a moment he pulled out a pair of black pants and a dark gray tunic. He pushed the drawer shut and pulled open another. He took out a black belt and wrapped it around his waist. He then shut the drawer and walked back to the bathroom. He grabbed his boots and pulled them on too.

He looked around the bathroom a moment then moved to the incense. He blew out the flame and walked back out into the bedroom. He continued to the front room then to his door. He opened the door and moved into the hallway, pulling the door shut after him. He glanced left and right along the hallway then turned to walk to his father's quarters. He walked down the hallway to his father's room. He paused in front of the door with his hand raised to knock.

DannyC_Illustration1-1.png

Just before he could pound his fist on the door it opened for him instead. As with his own room, his father's room had a lounge just inside the front door in which to receive visitors. To the left against the wall was a bookcase. In front of that was a chair which itself was behind a small table. A couch was against the far wall from the door at which the prince stood. To the right was a fireplace and in the corner was another door leading to the back rooms.

The prince stepped into the room then moved to the chair by the table. As he walked the door closed behind him. He swallowed nervously as he glanced back at it. There were some things he just couldn't get used to about this place. He turned his head back to look at the table. What he saw made him stop short.

There sitting in the same chair that had been vacant earlier was his father. His head was bowed slightly and resting against his fingertips as his elbows rested on the table. The short black hair fell to cover over his eyes. Even though they were covered the prince could still feel the heat from the blood red eyes. After a moment the king's head lifted so he could look at the prince.

The prince took a deep breath then forced a smile across his face to cover the nervousness. Hello, father, he spoke calmly to disguise his trembling voice.

Kala, you're home, good, replied the seated figure. He stared to the boy closely with his blood red eyes. Your errand with Maska. How did it go?

Questioned immediately, the prince had been expecting this in an odd way. He let his shoulders move in a small shrug as he replied Yes it went surprisingly well. I was sent to meet a friend of his.

The king nodded slightly as he pushed back his chair to stand. He raised to his full height with head barely a half arm's reach from the ten-foot-high ceiling. He spoke as he moved out from behind the table. I see... And how is everything else? School and all...

It's going well. I've started into alchemy in the science course and I really enjoy it. The tutor seems pleased as well, replied the prince with his nervous smile turning into a genuine grin. Other than sword play, chemistry was his favorite subject to study. There was something about blowing things up that excited him beyond reason.

Good, just don't go blowing up the castle, said the king with a smile crossing his lips. It was more of a joke than serious talk as the castle itself was protected with certain magic spells to prevent such damage, both from outside as well as within.

The prince nodded as he kept the smile over his lips. No, sir, I won't.

The king nodded as well, and then moved closer to the prince. He wrapped his arm around his shoulders in a sudden tender moment. It was rather awkward though with the father nearly three feet taller than the son.

Meanwhile back in the room left long ago the king's advisor was watching the conversation within his seeing crystal. A smirk twisted his lips as he observed the affectionate look the king gave the prince. All too soon that would change. Maska turned his face to a scowl the next moment as he moved his hand over the crystal to change the scene. Now, there in his vision, was the scene containing the mysterious girl he had sent the prince to go meet.

A beautiful sunlit garden was contained below. Bordering around the edges was a forest that kept strangers from intruding on the peaceful scene. Then within the walls of foliage there were smaller trees that bore fruit and nuts to eat, bushes carrying berries, a pond to catch fish in or swim, and a house in which the girl could live. It was a veritable paradise.

Maska watched the scene as it changed. His eyes moved around each part of the garden as he tried to locate his quarry. To where had that young girl gone? Finally he saw her.

The girl was in her form as a five-year-old child again as it was daytime. At the moment she was curled up on one of the benches within the garden paths. Her head was nestled within her arms, with her legs pulled up under her dress. She was a lovely sight with golden blonde hair spread like a veil around her head and shoulders. Her dress was green to match her eyes as well as disguise herself within the greens of the garden.

Maska watched her with a widening smile. One of his hands stroked against the stone which he used to watch her in. He let a sigh pass his lips as he thought back. He might be restricted from playing with her himself, but by using the prince he could influence her. Yes, that was his plan. He might not be able to get to her personally like he did with her mother, but damage her though the prince he could. Everything would work out perfectly in a very short time if he could keep the king from suspecting what he was doing.

Chapter 3

Conspiracies

The young child of about five years old stirred from a bench she was resting on. Her eyes fluttered open to look around the garden she lived in. She glanced around a moment then sat up. She covered her mouth with a hand as she yawned. She hopped off the bench and began walking down the dirt path towards the house contained in the center of the garden.

She glanced around with a happy smile as she walked. Soon her steps turned to skipping as she hummed. Her green eyes sparkled softly as she looked up to the birds flying overhead. Then her eyes lowered as another bird came towards her from the house.

An avian covered in green feathers waddled towards her. Its feet were webbed and flat. The beak was flat as well. Both the feet and beak were a yellow color. Small wings spread out to its sides as it honked at her.

The girl laughed at the bird as it honked. She skipped over to it then knelt down beside it. One hand stroked through the duck's feathers.

The duck quieted down a moment as it rubbed its head against her arm. Then it began to honk again at the odd scent that lingered around her from her encounter with the prince. It ruffled its feathers then stepped around in a small circle seeming agitated.

The girl laughed as she watched the duck. She picked it up in her arms then stood. She began walking again towards the house while she cooed comfortingly to her pet.

Far above the garden in a castle floating in the sky a figure gazed down upon the child as she moved. With long fingers hovering over a crystal containing the scene within, he watched. A smirk ran across his lips as he pulled back from watching to glance around the room. The poor girl had no idea what he was planning for her.

He stepped away from the