A Shaman’s Quest: The Golden Prince Chronicles

By J.J. Marble

Two unlikely friends, a golden monkey prince with magical powers, and an orphan boy who could communicate with animals. The two friends, along with very unusual magical creatures, went on to save an enchanted forest in the Middle Sphere, and an animal kingdom in the Outside World. But after years of relative peace, both their worlds are again, on the brink of total annihilation. Once again, the two unlikely friends joined together to stop the dark forces from usurping both their realms. Little did they know, that, there was more to it than they bargained for. Join them in their quest, and their exciting adventures, back into the hidden world of the Middle Sphere - and the mysterious realm of shamans.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796026139

Book preview

Copyright © 2019 by J.J. Marble.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2019904151

ISBN:                  Hardcover                       978-1-7960-2615-3

                            Softcover                          978-1-7960-2614-6

                            eBook                               978-1-7960-2613-9

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.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 04/10/2019

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CONTENTS

Preface

Acknowledgment

Part 1     The Return to the Enchanted Forest

Part 2     The Cavern of Shamans

Part 3     The Reign of the Black Mamba

Part 4     The Shaman Initiates

Part 5     The Underworld

Part 6     The Battle of the Shamans

Part 7     The Festival of the Golden Feather

In memory of my brother, who had always been the life of the party, the rock that held us together, and whose love for life made me believe in magic.

Preface

After Howard’s return to the Outside World, the Middle Sphere existed undisturbed for some time. Peace and harmony prevailed until one day when, suddenly, Howard felt a foreboding sense of urgency and restlessness. An unknown figure appeared, leaving a dead monkey at his doorstep. Howard was shocked to see a familiar face, lifeless, in a box. Howard was intrigued, and disconcerted. Then he realized, Koko must be summoning him for help, and Howard could not resist but return to the Middle Sphere, only to discover a horrific predicament.

Acknowledgment

My utmost appreciation to my editors and their support team at Xlibris Publishing, whose hard work, patience, and dedication had made a dream into a reality.

PART ONE

The Return to the Enchanted Forest

Howard heard a loud knock. He hesitated for a moment, and then quietly, he walked toward the window. He peered outside and saw that the sun finally peeked through the silky blue sky as the green hue of the nearby woods had finally returned more brilliant than ever. Butterflies fluttered back and forth from one colorful flower to another as if reveling in such an idyllic morning. Howard couldn’t help but marvel at the natural beauty that surrounded him. The blue Steller’s jays likewise appeared jubilant with their melodious chirps, singing up on the towering pine trees.

Then suddenly, Howard’s delightful rumination was interrupted as he noticed a man in a black overcoat walk away from their front door. The man wore an obtrusive fedora hat that blocked his face. As he turned around the street corner, the man disappeared.

Howard opened the door and looked around. On the doorstep, he found a box wrapped in brown manila paper secured by a twine. He picked up the box and placed it on the desk. When he opened the box, Howard stepped back, aghast. He was horrified, and he shivered not from the chilly air but from the sight of a familiar-looking creature lifeless inside the box. It was stuffed and reeked of the morbid odor of formaldehyde.

Howard stared closer at the dead monkey. He gazed at its face, and suddenly, it all came back to him—it was Popo. Howard’s heart sank at the sight of the lifeless Popo. Suddenly, the memories of the good old days in the monkey kingdom inside the Gwanda Sanctuary flooded his memory. Despite the tears that flowed out of his sparkling blue eyes, Howard managed to smile at the thought of the times he had spent with a dear old friend.

Slowly, Howard placed the stuffed, dead monkey inside the box again and buried it in the backyard. Howard tried to keep his noise down so as not to attract attention. Suddenly, his aunt Ellen looked out of the kitchen window and waved. He saw her and waved back. He quickly wiped his tears away and beamed at his aunt surreptitiously. Good morning, Aunt Ellen, greeted Howard.

Good morning, Howard. What are you doing outside digging some dirt so early? inquired his aunt.

I wanted to plant something … uh, a pine tree, he said.

Come inside for breakfast. I made some pancakes. Your uncle will be joining us soon. Hurry on, said his aunt.

Howard hurriedly shoved his muddy shoes and sat at the breakfast counter. Then a rotund unshaven, hairy middle-aged man with deep rings around his tired eyes dragged a stool beside Howard. Howard beamed as he watched his uncle drag his stool violently and slam on the seat. His uncle Brutus, who appeared more like a yeti in his disheveled state, glared at him like an annoyed gorilla. Then he blurted harshly, What are you beaming about, boy? It’s not a good morning when one loses in a poker game. I still think I got cheated. Those bastards are going to pay for it. And without hesitation, Brutus slammed his chubby fist on the counter. The dishes rumbled, and Howard’s glass fell, spilling milk all over the counter.

Suddenly, Brutus slapped Howard hard on his head, which almost threw him off his seat, and ordered him to pick up his glass. Wipe your mess, boy! shouted his uncle.

Then his aunt Ellen sighed and interjected in a calm demeanor, Look at what you did. He almost fell off his seat.

Uncle Brutus replied in a grating voice, Well, we’re just having a nice morning chat, hey, Howard?

Howard nodded and said nothing. He knew too well of his uncle’s abrasive temper. Howard was in no mood for a confrontation and gulped down his pancakes as fast as he could. He just wanted to get out of his uncle’s obnoxious presence.

Then suddenly, his uncle pushed Howard’s plate off so violently that it flew and crashed on the floor. I said clean up your mess, boy! Are you deaf, or have you gotten so smart for your own good?

Brutus! What are you doing? What’s with you this morning? asked Aunt Ellen as she pulled a kitchen towel to wipe off the spilled milk.

Oh, shut your trap, woman! You’re spoiling the child! I don’t have the patience to deal with you two right now! blurted Brutus vehemently.

Howard suddenly stood up and shouted, Enough! I’m so tired of this! What have I done to you that you seem to hate me so much?

You shut up! If you know what’s good for you, you pip-squeak! exclaimed Brutus.

I hate you, you mean old drunk! If you hate losing, then stop gambling! I’m tired of your whining and you taking it on me! I wish you’d just disappear and leave us in peace! It was a big mistake coming here to America! shouted Howard; his face flushed as his body trembled.

Suddenly, the talisman on Howard’s chest illuminated wildly, and dishes flew off the counter and smashed at the walls. Brutus cowered behind Aunt Ellen in horror and shouted, What’s going on? Are we being hit by a tornado?

The house rumbled loudly like an earthquake had just hit them. Then Brutus fell on the floor and convulsed violently. Suddenly, he ballooned up and gradually lifted in the air. Brutus was so terrified that he began to cry and yell desperately, Ellen! Help! I’m floating away! Hold my hand! Make him stop! If I ever get my hands on that boy, he’ll be sorry! I’m going to get you, Howard!

Aunt Ellen ran after Brutus, who by now had floated outside the backyard.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew him farther away, and up he went. Brutus! cried Aunt Ellen as she watched him disappear into the clouds.

Howard was horrified at what he witnessed. He quickly ran upstairs to his room and pulled his talisman off his neck. He threw it inside his desk drawer and locked it up. He trembled at the power that had now overwhelmed him. Then his eyes welled up, and tears streamed down his flushed cheeks. At that moment, Howard felt so alone and dejected as he thought, I wish I’m somewhere else than here. I don’t want to be here anymore.

Then he heard a knock at the door. It was Aunt Ellen. Howard, are you all right? Can I come in?

Howard stood up and wiped his face. When Aunt Ellen walked in, she saw Howard soaked in his own tears. She saw him sobbing, and as she sat on his bed, she gave him a warm embrace and gently said, It’s all right, Howard. Uncle Brutus will be fine. I hope you forgive him for being such a rough man, but he’s just that way. He’ll change someday, and everything will fine. He’ll find a job again, and I know it’s going to be all right soon. Howard, you know you have me, and I love you dearly. You’re my only kin and like a son to me.

Howard’s eyes began to well up again as he replied under his breath, I did not mean for that to happen. Uncle Brutus just made me so upset. Aunt Ellen, how I wish we didn’t leave Lincolnshire.

Aunt Ellen sighed and mumbled, I know, Howard. Sometimes I’m beginning to doubt myself and wonder why I had to marry such an oaf. Well, let’s just forget about it, please, Howard, dear?

Aunt Ellen, attempting to lighten up the moment, inquired with a smile, So, Howard, what have you planned for the day? How about going to town for some ice cream?

Howard had waited for this moment. He heaved a sigh and managed to reply, Aunt Ellen, I received a postcard from Scott, and he says hello to you. Here, you can read it.

Howard pulled the postcard from his side drawer, handed it to his aunt, and added, And he’s inviting me to join him at the Gwanda Conservation camp.

Scott? I’m sorry, but I don’t think that’s a great idea, Howard, answered Aunt Ellen.

He offered me a spot at the Gwanda Conservation Academy. It would really be a good thing to learn the work my father started. And perhaps it would also be good to be away for a while. Well, perhaps Uncle Brutus may want this too, said Howard.

Well, forget about your uncle Brutus. He knew that when he married me, he would have to deal with you too, and that’s what we agreed on before coming to America. Howard, I don’t think it’s a good idea to join Scott in that dreadful place again. Howard, dear, listen to me. I may not have enough, but when your father passed away, I promised that I’ll at least get you a good education and keep you out of trouble, said Aunt Ellen.

Please, Aunt Ellen. I can finish school at Gwanda, and Scott can look after me. Besides, Scott is family too, explained Howard.

Scott was family but not for me—he and his wild fantasies. You wouldn’t have ended up in an orphanage in Gwanda if it wasn’t for his recklessness. And look what happened to your father. Scott was the one who had put in him all those fancy ideas of being a legendary explorer. And what? Your father’s dead. I don’t want you to end up like your father. Howard, we can get by somehow. I know life in Tahoe City may not be the most exciting thing for you, but at least you’re safe here. I don’t want to lose you again, Howard. You’re my only family now, said Aunt Ellen.

But, Aunt Ellen, you have Uncle Brutus. And besides, it wasn’t Scott’s fault. We got separated on our return trip that’s why I ended up in an orphanage. Just so you know, if it wasn’t for Scott’s friends, I would have ended up somewhere else far more dangerous. And it was Scott who contacted you about my whereabouts, right? Things are different now. Besides, school is over, and it would be nice to go on a vacation, well, to be away for a while, said Howard.

Let me think about it, Howard, replied Aunt Ellen as she gazed at Howard’s pleading eyes.

But, Aunt Ellen, protested Howard.

Well, enough of your silly ideas. Howard, you need to stay here and not gallivant with some weird monkeys in magical forests. I promised I’d look after you, and I’m not going to watch you waste your time in some crazy adventure, just like what my brother did. And look what happened, said Aunt Ellen.

But, Aunt Ellen, said Howard.

This conversation is over, young man. We’ll talk about this next time. But for now, the sun’s out, and it’s such a lovely day to waste. Perhaps you can go by the lake and fish, suggested Aunt Ellen as she stood up and walked out the door.

Howard’s heart sank. He felt an uncertain restlessness inside him. Then as he stood up, he noticed a feather on the wooden floor. One lonely white feather? And where did it come from? Howard wondered as he noticed the closed window. He shrugged and went toward the bathroom to wash his hands.

That night, Howard was restless. His mind raced as he recalled the sight of a dead monkey inside the box. Who was that man? And why did he leave the box at the front door? Why? Thought Howard.

Then he remembered Koko and the monkey kingdom in Gwanda. He wondered how they were doing now. He had never heard from Koko or anything about the sanctuary since the time he left Gwanda. Scott was likewise quiet about the sanctuary. And then the man with the box showed up at their door, and the colorful macaw feather appeared on the floor, which reminded him of Dexter. Howard scratched his head and wondered, Is there anything going on with Koko and the rest of the monkey troop? What about the Enchanted Forest? Are these signs that perhaps Koko’s trying to tell me something?

He stood up from his bed and headed toward his desk. He sat at his desk and pulled out some photographs. Howard gazed at the pictures and beamed. Then he saw the desk lamp flicker intermittently. And he noticed a pulsating glow inside the drawer. Howard opened the drawer and saw the talisman’s stone glow a bright green light. As he watched the stone, it glowed even brighter. Howard eventually shut the drawer tight and locked it again.

Suddenly, a breeze blew through the gaping window. The photographs scattered on the desk and eventually fell on the floor. Howard looked at the window; it was opened wide. That’s odd, thought Howard. He knew he closed the window before he went to bed. Howard shrugged and rationalized that the window must have been blown open by the gust.

Suddenly, he felt a chilly draft in the room. Then another gust of wind gushed through the gaping window and blew the photographs off the floor and up in the air. Howard, bewildered, looked around the room. He picked up the photographs, and he saw Koko as he stood between him and Scott in the picture. Old memories flooded back, and Howard beamed at the sight of Koko and Scott.

Howard heaved a sigh and yawned. Finally, he decided to turn in for the night. He glanced at the alarm clock on his side table and saw it was past midnight. Howard went to his bed with the photographs in his hand. He stared at another photograph before he turned off the light and went to sleep.

Suddenly, he was roused by a loud knock. He opened his eyes and turned on the light. The light bulb flickered and died out. The room had dimmed, except for the moonlight that peered through his gaping window. Aunt Ellen, is that you? asked Howard as he placed his ear against the door.

There was no answer. The house had an eerie silence. He turned and walked softly toward his bed. He heard the knock again. Howard walked toward the door and briskly opened it. There was no one outside his door. The hallway was completely dark. As Howard closed the door and walked back toward his bed, he heard a knock again. This time, Howard paused and listened. He jumped back in bed and hid under the sheets nervously. Who’s there? asked Howard as he felt his body tremble.

He heard another knock. This time, it was much softer. Howard said, Who’s there?

There was a foreboding silence, and then he heard the floor creak. He trembled under the sheets. Then Howard heard a rattling sound. The noise got louder and louder. Howard shook, but he managed to peek through the sheets. He saw a glowing, bright green light emanate from the desk drawer. The stone rattled inside the drawer relentlessly. Howard jumped off the bed and opened the drawer. The light glowed furiously, and as the light burst out, it filled his room completely.

Then he heard a familiar raspy voice from downstairs, almost like a grunting bull. It was his beastly uncle Brutus. Howard cracked the bedroom door and curiously peered out. He saw his uncle soaking wet, with a fish dangling on his head. He was fuming as he ascended the stairs toward his bedroom. His uncle cussed and yelled. He saw his uncle’s rage before, and this time, it’s far worse.

Howard’s pulse raced, and his chest pounded wildly. As his uncle climbed the stairs toward his room, Howard could hear his uncle muttering incorrigibly like a wild man. Oh boy, Howard knew he was in for a confrontation with a wild, angry monster. He heard his aunt Ellen downstairs as she tried to stop his uncle. Howard knew he needed to get out of his room fast.

Howard reached out and grabbed the pulsating stone. As he touched it, he felt a surge of energy and an explosion of blinding light. Then he found himself spinning in a whirlpool. Everything around him swirled and blurred. Then he felt a powerful magnetic field that raised his hairs on end as everything around him swirled violently. He felt like he was in a wild tornado ride as he was sucked up and dragged off his feet, spinning around in a dizzying ride.

Suddenly, Howard found himself transported in a different world. Amid a lush green forest where the air was warm and humid, he heard the familiar sounds that had haunted him for many months. He turned around and saw the giant trees and the canopies above him. He felt the humid tropical heat and heard the chaotic sounds of the jungle. He thought he was transported in the Garden of Eden. His head throbbed as he felt short of breath, but he was able to stand up, and he kept walking. Above him, he saw a beautiful colorful macaw fly by. Its gigantic wings fluttered loudly as it hovered above his head.

Howard, is that you? It’s good to see you again, greeted Dexter with a wide grin.

Is that you, Dexter? asked Howard.

Well, yes, it’s me indeed, answered Dexter.

What am I doing here? asked Howard.

Well, you tell me. I have no idea, Dexter replied.

Suddenly, they heard a loud, cracking sound nearby. What’s that noise? asked Howard.

That’s a falling tree, answered Dexter.

But why? asked Howard.

Just a few days ago, some men with huge monsters had entered our forest, and they had been cutting trees and kidnapping monkeys. They even ambushed some of the monkey troops outside the sanctuary, answered Dexter, obviously perturbed.

What? said Howard, shocked.

They’re just like the men who came here before them, answered Dexter.

Where’s Koko? asked Howard.

The last time I heard, Koko was on his way to the Enchanted Forest. We need help. These armed men had camped in deep inside the Gwanda Sanctuary and clearing everything, said Dexter.

What happened to Scott? asked Howard.

I heard that he and his group were ambushed, and we don’t know if he’s still alive or in hiding, said Dexter.

This is horrible! I thought everything was fine when I left! yelled Howard.

Well, since you left, it was quiet for a while. This just happened a few days ago, Dexter explained.

Do you know who’s responsible for all this mess? asked Howard.

Dexter shook his furry head.

Howard touched the stone talisman and muttered, Well, it’s time to find out.

From atop a tree, a monkey howled. It was Bibi. Bibi! Come down here! shouted Howard.

Howard, is that you? asked Bibi.

Come quick! shouted Howard.

Bibi jumped off the tree and onto Howard’s back. Howard! I’m so glad to see you! shouted Bibi as he embraced and smothered Howard with kisses.

Okay, now get off my back, please, said Howard.

Howard, you won’t believe what happened. The bad men are back. They brought giant monsters that cut through our forest sanctuary. They also have monsters with large teeth that cut down our trees. They almost cleared up the entire forest, said Bibi.

Where’re the others? asked Howard.

"Most of the monkey troops had fled