Strump: a World of Shadows

By Michael Alexander Beas

Upon the death of King Aerostat II, two brothers fight for the keys to the throne of their fathers beloved Blue Kingdom. Through a labyrinth of lies and deceit the Shadow Lord uses the oldest of the two brothers to unite the pieces of a magical game board called Strump. If successful a shadow uprising would bring death and destruction upon all the inhabitants of the Blue Kingdom. The search for truth becomes an enchanted adventure where humans and mermen, pirates & mice, sorcerers & pixies make alliances to defend their Kingdom before it falls into ..... A World Of Shadows.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781493148233

Michael Alexander Beas

Author Bio coming soon.

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by Michael Alexander Beas.

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.

Rev. date: 01/14/2014

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CONTENTS

Prologue

PART I

The Death of a King and the Struggle for Power

Chapter 1. King Aerostat II

Chapter 2. Prince Gorgan

Chapter 3. King Aerostat II

Chapter 4. Prince Gorgan

Chapter 5. Kavardas

Chapter 6. Lady Maggie Koves

Chapter 7. Cormell

Chapter 8. King Aerostat the II

Chapter 9. Snort

Chapter 10. Penel

PART II

Forging Alliances in the New Kingdom as new voyages await us all

Chapter 11. Governess Pixie

Chapter 12. King Alexander

Chapter 13. King Gorgan

Chapter 14. Lord Edward VII

Chapter 15. Kavardas

Chapter 16. Ser Roman

Chapter 17. King Alexander

Chapter 18. Kavardas

Chapter 19. Governess Pixie

PART III

The Old Kingdom Comes Alive as Both Kings Embark on Their Quest

Chapter 20. Ser Roman

Chapter 21. King Gorgan

Chapter 22. King Alexander

Chapter 23. Barbin and Ser Roman

Chapter 24. Kavardas

Chapter 25. Ser Roman

Chapter 26. King Alexander

Chapter 27. King Gorgan

Chapter 28. Barbin and Ser Echerson

Chapter 29. Governess Pixie

Chapter 30. Ser Roman

Chapter 31. King Alexander

Chapter 32. Pommel

Chapter 33. King Gorgan

Chapter 34. Ser Roman

Chapter 35. King Alexander

Chapter 36. Pommel

Chapter 37. King Gorgan

Chapter 38. Ser Roman

Chapter 39. King Alexander

Chapter 40. Barbin and Ser Echerson

Chapter 41. King Gorgan

Chapter 42. King Alexander

Chapter 43. Ser Roman

Chapter 44. King Gorgan

Chapter 45. King Alexander

PART IV

The Seven-Day Siege

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Afterword

CORNERS OF THE WORLD

PART I

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Acknowledgements

Author Biography

This book is dedicated to my wonderful wife, kids, and family, who have always been there through good times and bad.

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PROLOGUE

A World of Shadows

The Game Piece of Power is the last piece in the game of Strump, known to be in existence within the Blue Kingdom. During the battle for the Old World, when the Shadows ruled the earth, a noble warrior, by the name Aerostat, defied all odds and gathered an army to take back the goodness that was once lost.

Bruised and battered, Aerostat arose and, with what was left of his army, went to the ancient Sky Fortress to combat the evil ruler, King Strump. Strump, who at first was not evil, was dominated by six unique game pieces that hung around his neck. Each piece had its own gifted power, but the fifth piece, the Game Piece of Malice, was what consumed him the most. At the door of Strump’s Sky Fortress, a final battle for control took place. When goodness was bound for success, the evil Shadow general, Bigotes, who was always by Strump, snatched five of the six game pieces, leaving behind only the Game Piece of Power. Also left behind was a mystical shield known as the Game Board of Shan. Aerostat, with one last defining blow, killed Strump (as the legend goes) and seized the last and only remaining piece of power, together with its pertaining shield.

Goodness swept through the land as the evil shadows went into hiding. A new kingdom was formed by its inhabitants, which they called, the Blue Kingdom.

As a result of Aerostat’s historic charge and bravery over evil, he was declared the new king. Searching for a solution to avoid past mistakes, and knowing the power contained in the piece, the new king, Aerostat, met with the Pixie Fairies of old to find an answer on how to use the Game Piece of Power for goodness. After months of much debate, it was declared that because Strump used the pieces around his neck, the very essence of its strength was far too great for him to withstand, mainly because they were too close to his heart.

It was agreed that a magical sword had to be forged in order for its mighty strength to be held far away from the barest heart. The Pixies quickly took the Game Piece of Power to the Temple of Shan where the Sorcerer of the Stars combined the piece of power to its helm forging the Sword of Power.

It is written, that the Sorcerer of the Stars took all of the energy found in the Old World to forge the unbreakable sword. In doing so, a massive earthquake sealed off the Old Kingdom and, with it, the other five pieces of the game. While all the pieces are needed to play the final game of the rightful destiny, only the Game Piece of Malice could destroy the Game Piece of Power. Within the good of the new world, evil exists. He who possesses evil could destroy the world unless good men stand up against the evil that dwell in the shadows.

The Sword of Power, which was forged by the sorcerer of Shan, had embedded in its helm the Game Piece of Power. When in battle, its lighting strength would give way to massive blows killing seven to ten men with one swing of the hand. Only an Aerostat could hold the sword in their hand, as all others who wielded it would not be able to lift its immense weight.

After the war of the Old Kingdom, and restoring peace to the newly inhabited world that was created as a result of the earthquake, Aerostat grasped firmly the Game Board of Shan (also known as the Shield of Shan) and placed it before the people who gathered on top of the ruins of Strump’s Castle. There, he met with the rulers of the old tribes who represented their unique cultures and diverse background.

As a measure of peace and victory over evil that marked the end of the shadowed war, a historic meeting took place called the separation of land and the creation of the Blue Kingdom.

It was at that meeting that the four tribal leaders of the Old Kingdom, based on their heroic efforts in the war, were granted titles and made lords by the newly crowned King Aerostat.

When he addressed the rulers, Aerostat took his Sword of Power, raised it valiantly over his head, and his hard face gave way to his revenged bloodthirst of only a few weeks prior and said, Lords, Generals, my countrymen, I have been blessed by the power contained in the this sword and have humbly been made king by all who have fought bravely by my side. I vow, as your new king, to keep this new kingdom, which we will create together, safe from the shadows that have haunted us in a days past. This sword, which was given to me by the Sorceress of Stars, will one day pass to my son Edward Aerostat II, and if blessed, his sons and their sons afterwards until the end of times when the final game for life is played. He paused for a moment and gazed upon his people before continuing. "My greatest fear is that, one day, the shadows of the Old World will come back to claim what we took from them! We cannot forget that if they return, they will take back our souls. In an attempt to prevent another war from arising once again, to protect our families and homes that we will build together, I shall bestow upon my lords a piece from the magical Game Board of Shan!"

Aerostat took the Board of Shan and tossed it into the air with one hand as he flung forward with the Sword of Power in the other hand. It collided into the wood walls, shattering it into what seemed like five separate pieces that fell to the ground alongside the rubble of the broken castle. He picked up the first piece and said with a forceful voice, "This is the center of the Board of Shan, from this day forward, it will be called Board of Sky."

This is the piece that will protect the castle in the sky, which I will build right on the stone on which you stand today. Ser Robert will be my trusted general and will be the royal protector and commander of all the armies of the Blue Kingdom.

After brief applause and roars from the crowd, Aerostat handed Robert the center Board of Sky for him to safeguard. As for the remaining pieces, I will ask that my new lords step forward and kneel.

All four rulers proceeded forward, and humbly kneeled, as Aerostat granted them title with a golden beaded chain that followed with a unique piece of the board. Governess Pixie, Aerostat’s scribe, wrote down the names given to each piece of the broken board as the rulers rose to accept their token.

The first to step forward was a tiny mouse called Edward Narrow Tree VI. During the battle, he was a master at creating mazes. With his kinfolk of mice, he was able to dig passageways that created surprise attacks that killed countless Shadow knights. The king approached him and said, Lord Edward VI, I grant you and your kin the Western Realm of Englewood. Arise, and name your shield that will protect your realm from this day, till the end of days.

Lord Edward stood and grasped the board in his hand as he said aloud, "We shall call it Board of Stone."

As the governess wrote down the name, Lord Edward raised his furry mouse arm, and a green light radiated from the board. The new inhabitant mice of Englewood cheered with astonishment and joy, never thinking the day would come when they could have a place to call home.

The next to step forward was a tall merman who had an ability to change into human form while on dry land. His name was Hoss Fisherson of the Sea. As a merman he helped Aerostat conquer the four corners of the ocean with his Silver Trident. During the final battle for Castle Sky, he sent a tidal wave three hundred feet high, which miraculously drowned only Shadow knights, sparing the lives of most of Aerostat’s army.

To you, Lord Hoss, I grant title to the Eastern Realm, and with it access to all the oceans within the kingdom to rule over, including the creatures of the deep. Arise, and name your shield that will protect your realm from this day, till the end of days. Fisherson stood proudly while thirty or forty of his sea soldiers gazed upon the merman who said with a triumphant voice, "We shall call it the Board of Water."

Again a roar of happiness rang through the rubble of the castle ruins as soldier crabs clattered their claws and knight sharks clasped their jaws with pride.

Soon after, a tall man with slender built and with elegant stature came forward. He kneeled in front of the king as he glanced over to his wife who was pregnant and holding his two precious daughters of six and eight. His name was Rigmand Pixie and ruled over the tribe Pixies. At the beginning of the war, he held the secret spell of shadow flare and assembled vast strongholds throughout the Old Kingdom, including the explosion that caused the opening in the fortified mountain where King Strump made his last stand.

To you, Lord Rigmand, I grant title of the Southern Realm, which is rich in abundance with shadow flare. May you grow in wealth and spirit with our fellow pixies. Arise, and name your shield that will protect your realm from this day, till the end of days.

With a voice enchanted in the moment, he said, "The board for our realm shall be called the Board of Magic."

Lord Rigmand’s wife cried as his eldest daughter, Arrola, went to hug her father. The Pixie warriors pounded to the ground their spears, and a few of the knights shot off fire arrows with their long wooden bows.

The last to approach was Aerostat’s cousin, Aeron Terinfoil, who rid the underworld of the fiery volcano. He had lost many battles during the war but was heroic in the final charge for the castle. He took the first charge, and more than three-fourths of his mountain knights died. The king’s men and animals of the kingdom thought he should be given something for his valor. Aerostat at first was in disagreement due to Terinfoil’s crude and violent tactics, which were devoid of dignity. But he felt it best to give him the most menial title as a minor punishment, while still pleasing those who supported him.

To you, Lord Terinfoil, I grant you title of Center Realm. Arise, and name your shield that will protect your realm from this day, till the end of days.

Realizing that he was bestowed the lowest honor of the kingdom, as the Center Realm was mainly barren, and filled with volcanoes and desert, he rose to his feet and with a bitter smirk said, "It shall be called the Board of Crossing."

Not many clapped or cheered for Lord Terinfoil, but he still accepted the board and stepped down back into the crowd.

With all the titles granted, and the pieces of board passed out, Aerostat went to give his closing speech when Thee, Lord Rigmand Pixie’s youngest daughter, went to the king and tugged on his red-hued surcoat. Yes, my dear? said the king as he kneeled in front of her with a slight smile that gave away his gentleness to her six-year-old innocence. Did I forget something? With her tiny fingers, she pointed to a black stone far off in the corner and said, What’s that over there?

The king walked over, and to his surprise it was a sixth shield of the board. Everyone looked in awe as the king lifted it in the air wondering how he had not seen it! Suddenly a strong gale force wind hummed through the castle’s few remaining walls that stood at the top of the Northern Mountains.

The day’s sun started to give way to darkness as an eclipse was creeping over its light. A flame of fire appeared on the wood of the board, and all knew that the shadows were near. The winds grew stronger, and the board caught fire as the townspeople took shelter expecting the worst. The king, who had picked up the board, burned, and he dropped the board to the ground as he reached for the Sword of Power. He struggled to open his eyes, but it was no use; the eclipse was now fully covering the sun, and it was pitch-black. The only light was from the real glare that could been seen vaguely from the back of their closed eyelids.

A few moments passed, and so did the darkness, which left as the moon released its grip on the sun. They slowly got to their feet and opened their eyes to see that the Board of Fire (which it would later be called) was gone! Its only remnants to be seen were dark stormy clouds far off the northeast.

To everyone’s dismay, the clouds seemed to be unmoving over the forest that blocked passage to the Old World.

A cold, chilly mist came upon the steps of what was intended to be a glorious day. While the newly appointed lords left the north with a smile of victory over titles and lands, buried in their hearts was the knowledge that the new Blue Kingdom would still be a World of Shadows.

PART I

The Death of a King and the Struggle for Power

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CHAPTER 1

King Aerostat II

King Aerostat II had two sons, each with their own unique qualities. The oldest son, Gorgan, and the youngest, Alexander, both learned a great deal from their father. Gorgan, however, had an evil lust for power, one quality that Aerostat wished he did not possess.

As Gorgan grew older, his father would take him to the royal council meetings and would seat him on his right side in the great Hall of Determination. In the great hall, the room’s massive ornate pillars gave way to the king’s judgment. Every day the king, together with his seven council members who were elected by the townsfolk, met in the room to hear the pleas of all issues pertaining to the kingdom. One by one they would come from far and wide to present the king with gifts as they asked for support or forgiveness of crimes.

Our story takes place on a cool, brisk autumn day. A day that would change everything with a wrong decision, and a shadowed heart would rise from afar to take back what was once lost, the Blue Kingdom.

No matter how small in rank the townspeople were, or how high in nobility the request came, the king heard every request. He passed hard justice on the evil, and service and kindness on the innocent of heart.

Clutching a turnip in one hand, Greenfoil, a townsman, knelt before his king Aoerostat II and said, My king, I come to you this day from the Center Realm, Valley of Oasis, to humbly beg your pardoning for my lack of taxes that I cannot pay this season. We’ve had hard times, my king, with no rain, and no new seed to plant. His stature was small, and he was clothed in a torn shirt. On his feet were sandals that were held together by a small tethered rope.

Aerostat sat upright and turned to Cormell, his trusted right hand, to take note of Greenfoil’s petition and said, And what did my dear cousin, Lord Terinfoil, say when you told him of your lack of seed?

He put a lean on my land and locked away my wife in the dungeons below the walls of Castle Abyss! He wanted to do the same to me, your grace, but I managed to escape and travel two hundred miles to seek your help.

Castle of the Abyss was in the center of the realm, hidden in the valley that separated the east and west from passage. Carved out of rock from the volcano of the sun, the only passage through for travelers was to pay a tax to Lord Terinfoil. All those who approached the gates would marvel at the castle’s beauty.

Mist and moisture from the above waterfalls would make its mark on the castle as it rained down like tears floating on air. However, despite its outward beauty, the inner part of the castle was a fiery chamber that led to darkened lava pits and stone murky walls.

Pondering for a moment, the king turned to Gorgan, his eldest son, who was to his right and said, What would you do in my place with Greenfoil’s plea for support? He has no seed to grow, no help or money, and his wife is a prisoner.

With an evil grin, Gorgan looked down upon the poor serf and said I would punish him for treason. His response gave startled and mixed reactions as Greenfoil trembled in fear of what may be his end. The prince continued, Turnips is all he can offer us. Why that won’t even pay for the time you have robbed this court today! Some nods and smirks of power were seen by the richer, braggart nobles in the crowd as the council members shook their heads in disbelief to the crudeness in Gorgan’s monotone. I would seize his lands, sell his wife as a slave for the taxes owed, and cut his head off for squandering our time today! It was then that a roar took over the room as Greenfoil started to shake more feverishly knocking over his basket of turnips.

Aerostat quieted the crowd with a stern wave of the hand and turned to his younger son, Alexander, and posed the same question. What would you do in my place, son?

Alexander gave a look of shock as he was the youngest son and knew that he would never rule. The fact that his father asked him took everyone by surprise, including his big brother who was looking at him wondering the same thing. He slowly stood to his feet, his height towering over the council members that were seated in their chairs waiting for the young prince to speak.

I’m no one to judge, Father, I can only speak to the kind heart of this man who came to us today asking for our help. I am only nineteen but know when I see the courage of a man who risked all to save his wife and the land he loves.

Gorgan interrupted with a slight arrogant giggle that gave way to mumbles among the townsfolk who stood in the crowd. Silence! the king yelled as Alexander continued.

How can a man pay his debt to society if he is dead? he said as he paused for a moment, this time not a sound was made in the room as he turned and looked at the council members. How can he plow his field when his mind is on his wife who is not by his side? Surely the realm would suffer more if we kill all the farmers for lack of ripe seed due to no rainfall! He looked at his brother who was with a harsh grin, kneeling down to help Greenfoil pick up the turnips he had knocked over.

In doing so, Gorgan got up and whispered to his brother in a harsh voice to get up. You’re embarrassing us, stand now, you’re a prince!

Alexander ignored him, as well as those both common and noble who were gossiping among themselves. If I were king, I would release his wife, give him seed, and have Lord Terinfoil grant water access so that he can water his fields for the next harvest. Once the crop starts to bear fruit, he will pay back one-third of a stipend for two years as a fine in order for the realm to be made whole. Cheers were heard from both sides as Alexander handed Greenfoil the basket of turnips before sitting back down next to his father who smiled proudly at his son.

King Aerostat II was over seven feet tall and had a scar on his face that covered his left cheek. His silver hair was a testament to the knowledge that he at his age possessed. All admired him, and he commanded a great deal of respect while being loved by so many of his people. Sitting in his chair, he looked at Greenfoil and said, Arise, my young friend, for your courage and kind heart have set you free.

A tear of joy crept upon Greenfoil’s face, as Gorgan looked at him with an evil stare. Aerostat took the mighty Sword of Power and said, Both my sons have spoken wisely, but yet only one has seen your goodness. I rule in favor of my youngest son, Prince Alexander.

The council members nodded with agreement as the crowd applauded the decision. The king called on Governess Pixie, who brought a royal golden eagle feather and inscribed the ruling:

Lord Terinfoil,

By the way of the king, you are ordered to release Greenfoil’s wife, give seed from your personal stock, and grant access to water. Let it be known that this is to be done immediately.

King Aerostat II

The governess handed over the order, and Greenfoil left, giving much thanks to all for their kindness. With a smile of satisfaction, but yet a troubled conscience, Aerostat rose from his chair as the sun rolled down from the setting autumn sun and said, I think the matters discussed are sufficient for the day. Tomorrow is the great celebration of Gorgan’s coming of age. We must rest and be ready.

Ser Roman, the king’s protector and general of the Blue Kingdom, stood second and dismissed the court. As they all left to both the castle rooms and cottages in the village outside the walls, Pixie, with a wave of her hand, extinguished candles that lit the Hall of Determination.

The only glow left in the room was of the Board of Sky that magically stood hovering on the stone of the mountain with gentle ease.

CHAPTER 2

Prince Gorgan

What seemed to be an empty room was not. Prince Gorgan stood tall behind the white silk curtains that draped over the king’s throne. Thinking quietly to himself, his mind wondered about the unending possibilities.

Tomorrow all will be mine, I will rule!

He walked toward the center of the hall where the center piece of the game board (Board of Sky) stood hovering with radiance. He gazed into its beauty and power thinking to himself, I will bring wealth and power far greater than that of my father and grandfather. Tomorrow my birthright will be given to me!

Your brother will be king tomorrow, not you! a voice hissed from the shadows in the room.

Who said that? Show yourself! the prince said aloud with a startled voice. For a moment, there was no response. He looked around the room wondering if he had imagined the voice but concluded that it was only in his mind as he gazed with an insatiable lust once again on the board.

Your brother will rule the Blue Kingdom, you will not! the voice hissed again, this time louder than before.

The prince knew someone was in the room now with utter certainty as he fretfully turned with a certain intuition that gave him the common sense to leave. He reached for the door behind the king’s throne when a venomous snake covered in red, black, and purple stripes appeared. Quickly the snake slithered behind his neck, through the top of his silk shirt, down his chest, and crept to the ground transforming itself into a tall, skinny formed man, with long black hair and eyes that glistened like newly cut rubies. Standing before the prince, his stare burned a deeper passion that pierced a burning rage of envy into Gorgan’s soul. The prince jumped back with a dreadful fright, seeing the serpent man standing before him for the first time, and said, I did not say anything, how did you know what I was thinking?

I read your thoughts, of course that is only… one of many talents that I can teach you.

Who are you? How did you get into the castle?

My name is Kavardas, the Lord of the Shadows. Perhaps you have heard of me?

The prince contemplated for a moment, thinking of all Marcela’s history lessons, and then it dawned on him. That’s impossible you have not been seen for over one thousand years!

With a cynical hiss, he responded, I assure you, my young prince, there are many that know of my existence. Even your father knows of my presence, but despite my pleas to come to court, he prefers no mention ever be made amongst those in the kingdom. I believe it’s because he fears me!

My father fears no one, especially a skinny serpent such as you, the prince said as he pushed Kavardas out of the way, trying to leave the hall. After a brisk walk, he reached for the door handle when Kavardas gave a poisonous command that echoed through the empty hall. With a wicked hiss that rang sharply in Gorgan’s mind, he fell on one knee. The prince grasped his head tightly as Kavardas walked close, causing the sharp pain to sting deeper.

Please! Stop! Stop! My head, my head! the prince pleaded as he saw visions of death in the very castle where he lived.

Finally, after a few seconds of mild torture that felt like hours, Kavardas released the prince from his poisonous grasp. You see, my young prince, even someone as noble as yourself can be subdued by a simple man. Get up and compose yourself before someone walks in and witnesses your fear.

Gorgan got to his feet and was incensed from what just had occurred. Struggling to find words, Kavardas continued, Perhaps I was wrong about you. I thought for a moment you wanted to be the mighty King Gorgan, whose rule would be greater than your father’s. Such shame, I believed you would have done great things. Cormell and the king are right about you not being fit. Surely your younger brother will fill the role of king better.

Gorgan found words and said, My brother? What does he have to do with anything? Was something spoken regarding my rule?

Kavardas was gazing at the Board of Sky with a smirk of victory knowing that the prince had taken the bait and said, So now the young prince wishes to hear the secrets of the shadows?

With a scared mumbling voice, Gorgan nodded anxiously, fearing the answer, Yes, my lord, and tell me what you heard.

Kavardas turned and faced the king and in a sympathetic monotone gave the prince the hard truth of the king’s plans to name his brother, Alexander, the successor of the Blue Kingdom.

You lie, sir, my father wouldn’t allow this! I’m the eldest, and by rights I’m destined to rule next.

Of course, my young prince! Who am I to know, Kavardas said with a faint hiss as he changed back into a snake, slithering back into the corner of the shadows of the chamber room.

Gorgan, baring the weight of his conscience, said, Wait, don’t leave, where are you going? Come back I need to know more!

Kavardas did not come back however, as the only words that were heard were those that rang in the four corners of the hall saying in a faint but true form, I am here to serve the true ruler of the kingdom, whenever you need me, all you have to do is look towards the shadows where I am always present, and I will come.

A look of dismay and a sudden chill of emptiness crept through his innermost thoughts as he stood in the darkness. Perceiving himself to be alone once again, a stern voice shouted in the distance, calling his name aloud, Prince Gorgan! Is that you?

Who is it that asks? Gorgan responded as he squinted his black eyes trying to make out the person who was approaching him.

Finally coming within view, the voice answered, It’s me, Ser Roman. Your father sent me to find you. Did you forget you were supposed to meet him alone for dinner?

Why no, of course I have not forgotten! he responded as he thought to himself, a fool, wondering how long he has been standing in the room. Surely he would have said something if he would have seen Kavardas. Regardless, it was best they left here soon.

Well, let’s go then, we must not keep him waiting!

Gorgan breathed a sullen gasp of relief as Roman’s direct comment confirmed that he had not seen Kavardas and began to make a calculated but brisk exit toward the door. It was then Roman paused and asked, Why are you here anyway, your grace? The Determination Judgments concluded hours ago!

It was true. Gorgan noticed that he had not realized the hour at hand! He had to think of something fast to avoid Roman’s suspicions. One mistake and Roman would tell his father that he was in the hall gazing at the board, which would only anger him more. I was passing through, Roman, and noticed that the back door of the hall was open. I thought it would be best to close it, and well, you walked in shortly after, he said in confident tones as he started again to make way for the exit door.

Roman was not yet convinced and said, But you were also gazing upon the board, were you not? He paused for a few moments to see the prince’s reaction before deciding to let him off so easily. It’s okay if you were! I do myself from time to time, its magnificent force is the heart that protects this castle.

Gorgan gave a smirk of success knowing that Roman conceded the debate of words and found no harm in agreeing. You have caught me, General, you are wise! That should seal his doubts, he thought to himself, as his convincing compliment left no room for failure. He continued, I just never understood why my grandfather had to break the original board to begin with. Why share all the power with five other lords when we could have it all for ourselves?

Roman knew of Gorgan’s lust for power and confirmed his suspicion that if made king, he would with no doubt bring turbulent times upon the kingdom. He concluded that he must proceed with caution, after all, tomorrow at his coming of age party, his father the king was going to pass to him the kingdom, and as such he would have to serve under his rule. Politically he gave a light gesture of compliance saying only, It was to protect the kingdom from shadows, your grace. If power were shared, then the kingdom would be saved. Your grandfather was a wise man in doing so, would you not agree?

Gorgan took offense to Roman’s leading question but needed to tread lightly as he knew that he was not yet the king and that Roman might still tell his father of the night’s events. He decided to bite his tongue and simply said, Perhaps you’re right, General, but change is good, and times do change. Perhaps when my father crowns me king tomorrow, I will be blessed with my dear grandfather’s wisdom to make the necessary changes we need desperately in the world we are living. Let’s be off now, I have kept my father waiting way too long.

Yes, your grace, we have best be gone before the night gets longer, Roman said as they both left the Hall of Determination, each with their own thoughts of curiosity, Gorgan with the voice of Kavardas still lingering in his mind that his father will make Alexander the king, and Roman wondering what the future would hold after his dear friend, King Aerostat II, would pass the throne over to his malicious son, Prince Gorgan.

CHAPTER 3

King Aerostat II

King Aerostat II sat next to the fireplace together with Cormell, the wise magician that came to Castle Sky to serve as a council member when Aerostat became king. Cormell was a small old mouse that wore tiny gold spectacles and usually always had positive aura around him. He loved to read ancient books of the Old Kingdom and even wrote a few himself as well. Before being appointed royal council member, he lived in Englewood with his cousin, Lord Edward VII. There, he polished his knowledge of shadow flare spice, which was used all over the kingdom to make cannon balls, fireworks, and, to a select few, potion making.

In the days of old or, as some would say, the days of Elwood, the mice of the forest were the rulers of what today is considered to be the Blue Kingdom. All of their wealth and richness came to an end one thousand years ago when the war to end all wars engulfed the Old World and pushed its survivors into the new Blue Kingdom. Master harvesters were the mice of Englewood, and as such, their riches came from the vegetation and rare spices that grew in the valley where their small hovels rested.

Throughout the kingdom they were considered the best event planners and were called upon to host royal events, noble weddings, and great feasts, including the holiday celebrated as its Independence Day from the shadows of old. Despite all of those qualities, their most precious aspect of being was the unity they had with people, mainly humans, who were always friends. No one could argue against their humility and great knowledge, which was compared to be wiser than all and made like solid stone, unbreakable and unmatched.

Some of the wisest mice, such as Cormell, would also be able to conjure spells of old. They would also be able to move objects with their mind and vanish through hidden mazes using shadow flare spice. Cormell possessed all of these talents, and as such, it was no surprise when Aerostat II invited him to sit on his royal council. Some even whispered that Cormell knew where three of the six game pieces to the final game of Strump rested. The king consulted with him often, but nothing could prepare him for the advice Aerostat II would be requesting from him this evening.

What is it that bothers you tonight, your grace? I was told you wanted to see me? Cormell said as he entered the northern tower of Castle Sky and uncorked a bottle of vintage wine the king had left out on the table for them to drink. Perhaps you’re concerned with Gorgan’s performance today?

The king walked from his chamber room and took a sip of wine, swooshing its unique aromas in his mouth before saying, You know me far too well, old friend! Both my sons left a lasting impression on me today as I saw them pass judgment. It made me think about the words that my father gave me before he died!

I remember, your grace, I was by your side. They both took another sip of wine and said almost simultaneously the words of the belated King Aerostat, One of your sons will be the end of the Blue Kingdom.

Aerostat II looked away from the red and purple flames smoldering in the mantle of his fireplace as he tried to not show the face of despair that encompassed his inner thoughts. Gorgan was so cold to Greenfoil today. Not just cold, but wicked. Had he been king, that poor serf would be dead! Surely I would have expected that from Lord Terinfoil, but not Gorgan. What complicates matters worse is that tomorrow on the feast day of his birth, he comes of age and is expecting, along with the entire realm, to be crowned my heir. He is not ready to be my successor, Cormell, perhaps he never will be. Please speak freely, old friend, I need some advice on what I should do?

Cormell got out of his chair and with a small waddle walked toward the king, as he finished the last drops of red wine from his glass, and said Your grace, I know it’s difficult to hear, but I fear your father was right, the end could be near. Remember, no one other than King Strump before him held the entire game board at one time. Each of the pieces of the board gives certain power. I suspect that all of the six pieces together will give the bearer the ability to see future events. I have read clues about this in some of the pages we have found from the Beaded Book. Perhaps that’s why your father decided to break up the board to begin with! Could you imagine, one person with the ability to see things before they happen, he would be unstoppable. Either way, if that’s the case, I would have to agree with you that he was more than likely referring to Gorgan.

What shall I do then? Tomorrow is the event, and most of the invitees have already started to make their way to the castle as well as sky village at the base of the mountain. To not have the event will arise suspicion and gossip. You know how the common folk like to gossip about nobility. They might even conclude that there is a separation of trust at the castle. Some of the shadows are making way from the Old Kingdom, and frankly loyalties are being lost, as many Shadow knights have been seen recruiting townsfolk over to their evil forces. This was supposed to be the event of the year. No, no, there has to be a solution.

Cormell pondered for a moment, thinking of all the possibilities and outcomes that could arise before saying, At tomorrow’s feast day, have the event but simply overlook the crowning!

Just like that! Cormell, I asked you here for advice, not jest, think of the rumors that will be spread throughout the court.

It’s not a joke, your grace! You are the king, and as king, you are in your rights to choose who and when your successor should come to power. Perhaps it is best to wait a few years for Gorgan to mature. Best to give some time before making a decision in haste. Sure they will all talk, and spread rumors, but in the end, no matter what happens, good or bad common folk will always have something to talk about.

Aerostat thought about the proposed solution as he walked slowly back and forth, running his fingers through his great beard, before finally considering the suggestion, with a saddened thought that he did not share, Maybe Gorgan will never be ready to rule.

Cormell, who has been Aerostat’s friend since they were children growing up together, knew what still troubled him. Always being respectful to his friend given his position as king, he did not know whether to push the subject further. He wanted to leave but chose to give one more piece of wisdom. Why not give them both a test tonight? After all you have two sons, and your father only mentioned that one would cause the end. So why not clear your conscience with a test tonight. At least then you can confirm your suspicions.

He looked at his tiny three-foot-tall friend with gray and brown furry skin and long whiskers then smiled, knowing that he always knew what was on his mind. He was intrigued with the notion and asked where his thinking was going.

Cormell explained that only the true king of pure heart could bear the weight of the Game Piece of Power contained in the sword. See which one of your sons tonight can bring you the sword. The one who can’t lift it will never be able to bear the weight of this kingdom.

A few moments after Cormell left, Alexander, the king’s youngest son, came into the room to wish his father a good night. The king agreed with his dear friend to put his two sons to the challenge, and he strategically placed the sword in the far corner of the royal suite. In doing so, he remembered times of old when they would all go off into the forest to see who was the strongest. They would fight in mock melees as his cousin, Terinfoil, would find ways to cheat, especially when Cormell would practice disappearing and reappearing so as not to lose. Those were simpler times, the king thought, as he looked upon his youngest son who no longer was a boy but rather a grown prince.

He put his arm around his son as he closed the door behind him and said, I was proud of you today. I’ve been meaning to tell you but have not found the time to do so. Aerostat walked to the fireplace where a silver kettle pot hung over the flames and poured his son some mint tea before serving himself. They sat in the wooden cushioned chairs made from acacia wood and felt its leathered pillows as they sipped down their herbal drink.

Father, Alexander said, why do you say you are proud of me?

I’m proud because of how you composed yourself today in front of everyone. You spoke from your heart and mind, and not from anger. That takes courage.

I was just being prudent, Father, Alexander responded as he went for an oatmeal cookie that was on the table next to his tea, unknowing that his father had a test in mind for him.

Son, if you can learn anything from me, learn this. Your mind can create many blessed things, some for good, and others for bad. The creations of good can be seen in the clear greatness around you, like buildings, palaces and castles, massive ships, and great kingdoms. But they can also lead us to lust and envy that feed the shadows that thirst for power. That power, which your grandfather tried to destroy so long ago, may one day return to destroy our souls and cause us to do harm. Never forget that greed is a vice that sheds us of the goodness, and our inner strength is what guides us to greatness. Listen to the strength inside of you. If it is pure, you will always be able to cast out the dark shadows that fight so desperately to corrupt all of us.

Alexander looked at his father with an open, respectful heart and nodded, taking his advice. I promise you that your words will always be a part of me no matter where I am in life, he replied as he rose to add another log to the fizzling embers that were dying out in the fireplace.

Good! the king said in a loud voice to break the sad monologue between father and son as he got to the moment of the test. Alexander, would you kindly bring me my sword from my back chamber?

Without hesitation, Alexander went to the room with a childish joy, as he knew that it was an honor to carry a sword. Only knights had that right, and no one could ever touch the king’s sword. Not even his older brother who was next in line to the throne. The king watched his son eagerly race to go fetch his sword that his father once passed over to him and remembered the days when he was just a small boy racing in the same way to grab him a book to read. Such subtle moments those were, but what lasting memories they left upon him.

Once in the room, the prince initially struggled to find where his father left the sword. The room was dark, but the moonlight gave way to a