The Prince and Princesses of Cornucopia

By D. A. Huber

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 21, 2011
• ISBN: 9781462884452

D. A. Huber

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Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The Waking Bell and the

First Muffin

The huge bell is kept in a belfry, at the center of Edenic. The bell was made from iron and was cast and molded into the perfect shape. This shape, when struck by the clapper inside the bell, would create a pure sound, a sound that rolls across the city in ringing peals. This is the official bell and it marked time.

There are four times that the bell marks. At sunrise, the bell is rung as the waking bell. This tells the Littlekin it is a new day and urges them to awaken from sleep. Another ringing is at high noon and it marks a break in the activities of the day. The third tolling of the bell marks the end of work. The last ringing is a favorite: it marks the end of the day, and time to sleep.

The function of the bell is simple. The bell provides an order to the day. When the Littlekin hear the bell, they know what to do and they are reminded of the passing time.

Today the huge iron bell rang its morning declaration and the Littlekin sprang to life all around the city. They hustled and bustled, cheerfully doing their tasks. The city is full of murmurs and joyful talk. The city is full of new productivity.

Prince William, hearing the canonical bell, rolled out of bed and gave his eyes a lazy rub. Then he shuffled into the bathroom to comb his hair, wash his face, and brush his teeth. After Prince William was refreshed, he put on his silver torc and his silver coronet. With a smile, he left his room and headed straight to the kitchen.

William! Princess Rebecca’s voice yelled down the hallway.

Prince William paused at the corner. He looked over his shoulder and watched as Princess Rebecca, followed by Princess Racheal, ran down the corridor toward him. It’s mine today! laughed Prince William, and he took off in a run.

Princess Rebecca yelled again as she ran as fast as she could, William!

Prince William quickly wound through the hallways and chambers, passing by bustling servants and stoic guards. They all watched with smiles and cheered the race on.

Slow down my prince! Olaf said, as Prince William sprinted around a corner and nearly ran into Olaf.

Sorry! Prince William called as he sped down the stairs. Silently he hoped Olaf would stop his sisters. It was his turn to get the first muffin!

For some unknown reason, the first muffin out of the oven always was the best. And every morning there was a race to the kitchen. Today Prince William had a good head start and Olaf did not stop him.

When Prince William and his sisters were in Edenic, Olaf was their bodyguard. Olaf was a bald-headed and heavy Littlekin who had won the contest of strength the past six years. He was tough and stern, but he had happy eyes and sometimes let the Prince and Princesses of Cornucopia have some fun. Today was one of those days.

Prince William burst into the kitchen and mounted one of the stools at the small table. The dining hall was where the royalty and nobility ate, but to get the first muffin one had to eat in the kitchen. It had become a tradition.

So you’re first today? Jenny the baker asked.

Yes, huffed Prince William.

Olaf didn’t stop you? asked Jenny. She smiled as she put the first muffin on a plate.

No, he didn’t.

Princess Rebecca and Princess Racheal hurriedly ran through the door.

William? whined Princess Rebecca as she got on her own stool.

He took a big bite out of the first muffin. Yesh? his voice was muffled by the mouthful of muffin. It was a good muffin.

Who got the first muffin yesterday? Jenny the baker asked as she put more muffins on plates for the two princesses.

With a big smile, Princess Racheal spoke up, I did!

And the day before that? asked Jenny. She looked at Princess Rebecca.

I did, admitted Princess Rebecca.

Onwly becwause Owlaf stwopped mwe, argued Prince William.

So it was Prince William’s turn? Jenny asked.

Princess Rebecca picked up a warm muffin. Yes, she giggled and then took a bite.

Have you seen our father yet? asked Princess Racheal.

Jenny shook her head. The king has not been to the dinning hall yet.

What about Queen Muse?

I’ve not seen the queen yet either, said Jenny. What is the plan for today?

A picnic.

Really? Jenny was surprised. The king and queen didn’t tell me.

Or me, Olaf spoke up. He had followed Princess Racheal into the kitchen.

But that’s what he told us yesterday, Prince William insisted.

He told us all that we would go to the Oran River and have a picnic, said Princess Racheal.

And fly kites! added Princess Rebecca.

Then the king forgot to tell me, said Olaf, and that is rare. He gave Princess Rebecca a pat on her head. I’ll go talk to the king about the picnic—and I’ll stop Prince William tomorrow.

You can’t catch me! laughed Prince William. I’m like the wind.

A zephyr?

Yes!

Olaf firmly patted Prince William’s shoulder. Then tomorrow I had better be ready. With a nod to Jenny, Olaf left with a muffin in his hand.

Where the prince and princess ate their muffins, Jenny put a plate of bacon, a bowl of scrambled eggs, a plate of toasted bread, and a pitcher of orange juice. It was a normal breakfast and everyone was happy.

Do you think Father forgot about the picnic? Prince William asked his older sister.

No, answered Princess Racheal. I think he forgot to tell Olaf about it.

Are you sure? asked Princess Rebecca. She was still concerned the king had forgotten. Their father, the king of Cornucopia, was busy.

After you are done eating, said Jenny, you can always go to the king and make sure he remembers.

Um-hmm, said Princess Racheal as she swallowed. Hurry up, you two!

The three quickly ate and politely excused themselves.

CHAPTER TWO

A Group at the Door,

and the Start of Worry

Princess Racheal led the way as she, Princess Rebecca, and Prince William walked through the castle to the wide hallway where their father’s bedchamber’s door was. A crowd of nobles and several guards were at the open door. Olaf was also there.

What’s going on? Princess Racheal asked quickly.

The group at the door stopped talking and turned. They all watched the three young royals. Olaf stepped forward with a smile. The smile looked forced.

You can’t see your father right now, said Olaf.

What? Prince William questioned.

Why not? asked Princess Racheal.

It’s an important matter, Olaf said as his face became very stern. "The kingdom is at