Of Panthers and Hidden Vale

By Milly M Taylor

Chantelle grew up in an orphanage longing for a family to love her. A chance encounter changed her life forever-from being an orphan to becoming the princess of Kendar. Kendar will never be the same.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 4, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504963428

Milly M Taylor

My imagination comes from God, and I give him the praise for my accomplishments. Even as a teenager, I had stories filling my head, but that was where they stayed. As a young adult, I had children, a home, and a job to fill my time. When grandchildren came into my life, I wanted to leave them something of myself, so I thought of stories for them and wrote the stories down for their benefit. I now live in Arizona with my husband, Charles. He encouraged me to publish this story, which I wrote for my eldest granddaughter, Mackenzie. Several of the story ideas came from her. Whenever she wanted a new chapter, I would ask for her ideas on what adventure should come next.

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© 2015 Milly Taylor. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   12/03/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-6343-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-6341-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-6342-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015919108

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Contents

Chapter 1:   Hidden Vale

Chapter 2:   Curls

Chapter 3:   Lessons

Chapter 4:   Party

Chapter 5:   Darkness

Chapter 6:   Dreams

Chapter 7:   Spell Book

Chapter 8:   Dungeons

Chapter 9:   Duty

Chapter 10: Vladimir

Chapter 11: Home

Chapter 1

Hidden Vale

Hidden Vale was a pretty city. It was built on a hill in the bend of a river. There was a wall around the city with only two gates to enter. These gates were closed at night. The buildings were all white with columns and towers. When the light of the sun hit the side of the buildings, they sparkled and glittered. There was a meadow surrounding the city. The meadow had every color of flower that you could imagine. The sky over the flowers was always full of butterflies. It was a sight to behold with all the colors and aerial displays of the butterflies. At the edge of the meadow was a thick forest. There were places in the forest where the trees were so thick that sun light didn’t reach the ground. It was to one of these dark places that Chantelle was headed on this beautiful day. She loved walking in the forest and she loved mushrooms. Since it was the time of year when mushrooms grew, this day was perfect to her. The sun’s rays came through the tree tops causing light and dark patterns to dance on the stately trunks and the forest floor ahead of her. There was a rock wall not too far away that had a small cave in it. The cave is where the best mushrooms grew. Chantelle was on her way to that cave. She was almost skipping because she was so happy to be away from the orphanage and outside the city wall. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a pony tail. The curls in her pony tail bounced as she walked. The orphanage was not a bad place to live if you didn’t have a family and Ms Julian was really nice and never treated anyone bad. It was just that some of the other kids liked to pick on her. There were five kids in the orphanage. Of the five, she was the only one that they knew nothing about. Ten years ago she had been found wondering around the falls up river from Hidden Vale. She had been alone, barefoot, and in her night clothes. It was Ms Julian that named her and it was she that cared for her. Ms Julian considered her a daughter.

The cave was just ahead of Chantelle. She could almost taste the mushrooms. Ms Julian would fix them for supper tonight. Just inside the cave opening, Chantelle stopped to wait for her eyes to adjust to the dimness of the cave. A noise coming from the back of the cave caught her attention. Then she heard a voice. Hey little girl, do you know where I am?

Chantelle’s eyes were adjusting to the dim light. She could see a man standing in the center of the cave. He was slowly walking toward her. The clothes he wore were those of a warrior. There was a sword hanging at his side. She was ready to run if he came any closer, but he stopped just short of her. I’m not an expert in these matters, Sir. But off-hand, I would say that you are standing in the middle of this very cave talking to me.

The expression on his face changed. Chantelle could tell he was thinking about what she said. Then he started laughing. Let me reword that for you, please. I have been traveling in this forest since yesterday. I must be going in circles because I can’t seem to find my way out of it. If you could tell me the quickest way out of these trees, I would appreciate it.

Now it was her turn to laugh, but hers was just a little laugh. She didn’t want to appear rude to the gentleman that stood before her. You’re lost! An idea entered her mind and it was a good idea. Tell you what. If you help me pick mushrooms until my tote bag is full, I will take you to Hidden Vale. It isn’t very far. She stood here looking at him with an innocent expression of her face.

Why can’t you take me there first and come back to pick mushrooms? I really need to get out of here. He was trying to sound very official and important.

It didn’t work. Chantelle smiled at him and shook her head. The curls in her pony tail flew from side to side. "Because Ms Julian won’t let me come back once I return to the orphanage. The faster my bag is full the faster I will take you out of here.

Oh, alright. Where are these mushrooms of yours. This is such a silly thing for me to do. He grumbled the whole time, but he helped. Within a few minutes the bag was full, Can we leave now? His voice was dripping with the irritation he felt at having to pick mushrooms with this curly headed child.

What’s your big hurry? You act like someone is chasing you. Chantelle commented. When she saw the look in his eyes, she knew she was right. Someone is chasing you! Do I need to worry about getting killed or anything dreadful like that? Now her voice was a mixture of irritation and concern.

He picked up his own bag and his long cape and walked toward her. No, he isn’t after you, just me. My name is Pavlin. I am from Kendar. A man named Vladimir has been after me for years. He is an evil man, part wizard actually. And I do know how to use my sword, young lady. By the way, you haven’t told me your name.

They had left the cave and were now walking back through the forest. Since Chantelle was having trouble carrying the heavy bag of mushrooms, Pavlin reached to take it from her, but he stopped suddenly and turned slowly around. She could tell that he was listening to the noises among the trees, so she tried hard to not even breath. He handed her both bags and pointed to a large boulder beside the path. Go over there and stay behind that rock. Do it now!

She ran dragging the bags behind her. Just as she made it behind the rock, she heard a voice that could only be described as evil. It made her shiver it was so cold. He must have ice hanging off his chin for it to sound so cold. Vladimir was taller than Pavlin and heavier. His black hair hung down his back, uncombed. He wore a heavy black cape that made him look even more sinister, if that was possible. Chantelle felt sorry for Pavlin. He was a goner.

Pavlin. Here you are. Here I am. But where is your little black cat? Not here to protect you this time. I told you I would find you without her.

Chantelle watched as Pavlin pulled his sword. He stood facing Vladimir. He looked so brave for all the good it would do him. Vladimir reached his hand out. A white light formed on his palm. It moved and swirled and grew larger. Than it left his hand and flew toward Pavlin. He stepped aside just in time and the white ball hit a tree trunk. She stared at the tree with her mouth wide open. There was a hole the size of the white ball all the way through the trunk. Yep. He’s a goner, she thought to herself. Another white ball started forming on his palm. It was almost as big as the first one when Chantelle heard movement and growling behind her. A large black shape flew over her head and landed right between Pavlin and Vladimir. It paced back and forth between them. The ball of light left his hand but when it was just inches from the panther’s head it dissolved. Vladimir cursed. He grabbed the edge of his cape and brought it up over his head and disappeared in a cloud of black smoke. She sat there staring at the scene in amazement. The panther padded over to Pavlin. He knelt and rubbed her head and neck. Then he said something to her. They both came over to the rock that Chantelle was hiding behind.

You can come out now. This is Tameka. She won’t hurt you. She is my protector. after a pause, he added. I still don’t know your name. What is it?

Is she wild? How do you know her name? Chantelle asked as she came from behind the rock. Unfortunately, Chantelle had a habit of asking question after question without giving a person time to answer even one of them.

Pavlin took it all in stride. She told me her name the first time she came to my rescue.

Chantelle looked at him with a thoughtful expression on her face. If she can tell you her name, why can’t she tell you how to find your way home? She asked with a tilt to her head.

Pavlin was getting irritated. He took a deep breath then ignoring her comment, he asked his own questions. How far is it to this Hidden Vale? I can’t say that I have ever heard of it. Is it in Kendar? He picked up both bags and his cape and was ready to leave.

Chantelle started walking down the path; Pavlin was beside her with Tameka following. The purring from Tameka was loud enough for Chantelle to hear. It was the loudest purr she had ever heard, but then Tameka was the biggest cat she had ever seen. My name is Chantelle. I live in the orphanage. Hidden Vale is surrounded by Brook Dale Forest. It is on the border of Kendar. It is a beautiful place to live. I would say it is the most beautiful but I have never been anywhere else so that might not be true. She rambled on and on telling Pavlin about Hidden Vale and the orphanage. Finally they came to the edge of the forest; Pavlin could see Hidden Vale resting on top of the hill with the meadow around it. Behind this village, and that is all it was, he could see a small river. A short distance away, there was a dock for small fishing boats. Everything about it was small, but to one little girl, it was her whole world. His heart sank and he looked at Tameka. He would find no help here. But maybe there would be a map of Kendar so that he could find his way back home.

As the three companions approached the city gate, everyone stopped and just watched them. There was a touch of fear in their eyes. The guards looked at Tameka and back to Pavlin. He quickly assured them that she would not hurt anyone. Then the guards looked at Chantella. What? she said. I didn’t do anything wrong. Finally they were allowed to enter the gate into the city. Chantelle led them down the narrow streets to the orphanage. Ms Julian will know what to do with you. She knows everything. I really like her.

When the other children from the orphanage saw Tameka, they screamed and ran away to hide. Ms Julian came from the kitchen. She looked at Chantelle, then Pavlin, and then her eyes rested on Tameka. Chantelle grabbed the bag of mushrooms from Pavlin and took it to her. This is Pavlin and Tameka. Pavlin helped me with the mushrooms. Look how many we found! Pavlin got lost and then he got attacked by an evil man with a black cape but Tameka saved him. Can we have the mushrooms for supper? Her eyes were pleading as she stood in front of her guardian.

Ms Julian smiled at Chantelle then went over to Pavlin and extended her hand. Thank you for helping Chantelle. She can be very trying at times. So you are lost? How can I help you? Then her eyes dropped to Tameka who was setting on her haunches beside Pavlin. There was a strange little smile on her lips. She reached her hand down and rested it on the black head of Tameka. She looks well cared for young man.

Tameka won’t hurt anyone. She is my protector and has been with me for six years now. I must get back to the capital, to Scanazar as soon as possible. Is there a map available so that I can plan my departure? Pavlin spoke in his most official voice and it was very good. It showed years of practice.

There is a map in the elder’s chamber of the public meeting house. I can take you there, if you like. I do suggest that Tameka stay here with Chantelle. She will cause quite a commotion, I am sure.

So Ms Julian took Pavlin to see the city elders and their map. Chantelle took the bag of mushrooms to the kitchen and then Tameka followed her up the stairs to her room. Tameka settled herself in a large chair in the corner of the room. She curled up and laid her head on her front paws watching Chantelle. Her yellow eyes followed every move.

Chantelle could feel the yellow eyes on her as she cleaned her room. She was keeping the promise to Ms Julian that she would clean her room after she went looking for mushrooms. Finally she turned around to Tameka and said, I sure wish you could help me clean this place up. I have to share my room with Ruby and she is so messy.

To Chantelle’s surprise, she heard a voice in her head that said, "I can help. It doesn’t look that hard." She had an even bigger surprise when Tameka’s black fur faded and a young woman sat in the chair in her place. Her hair was long, very black, and very straight. In her black leather, she still looked like a sleek cat, even her eyes which were dark yellow in color.

Who are you? A very startled Chantelle asked.

I am Tameka. I have two forms. I am trusting you. Pavlin does not know of this form. He cannot see this form. Tameka uncurled herself and stepped onto the floor. Her moves were graceful like a cat’s.

OH! Thank you. Tameka. This will be our little secret. I love secrets. Chantelle was fascinated with Tameka’s new form and watched her while they worked. It didn’t take long before the room was spotless and the beds were even made, with both of them working. Chantelle had been thinking of questions she could ask; but as soon as they heard the front door close, Tameka was back in the chair and once again covered in black fur and she was purring. Chantelle stood staring at her, the cat her. Wow! That is amazing! About that time Ms Julian and Pavlin came through the door into her room.

What’s amazing dear? But when Ms Julian saw how clean the room was, she answered her own question. Your room! I don’t believe I have ever seen it this clean. Then she gave Chantelle a big hug. I am going to fix you a big batch of mushrooms tonight. Please, Pavlin, I would like you to stay. You did help find the mushrooms after all.

Pavlin bowed to Ms Julian and with a sweep of his arm replied, I would be glad to accept your invitation, My Lady. It seems I have to stay here for a day or two before I can start for home. And Tameka seems quite comfortable in her chair. I hate to be a burden to you, but do you mind if we stay here until the supply boat comes back?

Chantelle thought his move was very graceful. He looked almost ‘royal’. She hoped that Ms Julian would say yes. She could spend more time with Tameka. She wanted to be her friend. Of course. There are plenty of empty rooms. It is my job to take in strays and the homeless. Ms Julian smiled as she answered him. Once again her eyes rested on Tameka who was curled up in the chair.

Just then, Ruby came running into the room. She spotted Tameka in the corner chair, screamed and ran back out into the hall. I’m not staying in the same room as that monster. Ruby yelled from where she stood in the hall.

That comment brought a growl from Tameka and a loud protest from Chantelle. She is not a monster. She is very nice. But Ruby refused to come back into the room. She stood in the hallway shaking. When Ms Julian told Ruby that she could sleep in another room for the night, Chantelle got excited because that meant Tameka could stay in her room and maybe she would be in her other form and they could talk again.

Chantelle, why don’t you take our guests for a tour? They might enjoy the Central Garden. But you be back here for supper.

I’d love to. Come on! She stood in the doorway waving her hand at Tameka and Pavlin. Come on! She said again, this time using