The Druid Princess: A princess's voyage to find her mortal father

By Phillip J Tucker

Legend tells of an ancient time when human beings made war against one another. It led to the battle of Radium, where mushroom clouds covered the sky. Humans became ash, and the Earth turned black. The filth of their weapons covered humankind, causing the birth of Dwarfs, Elves, Druids, and other monstrosities that now walk the Earth. Humans rem

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bidwell Media
• Release date: Sep 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9780645601107

Book preview

THE DRUID PRINCESS

BY PHILLIP TUCKER

www.philliptucker.com.au

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

To my family and friends. As long as a man has both, he is truly blessed. Thanks to all of you for your support.

COPYRIGHT © Phillip Tucker 2021

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

Cover illustration and design copyright to Lindsey Bidwell at Bidwell Media, visit: www.bidwellmedia.com.au

This book is a work of fiction. names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

FOREWORD

Legend tells of an ancient time when human beings made war against one another. It led to the battle of Radium, where mushroom clouds covered the sky. Humans became ash, and the Earth turned black. The filth of their weapons covered humankind, causing the birth of Dwarfs, Elves, Druids, and other monstrosities that now walk the Earth. Humans remain in various forms, some savage, some civilised, some tormented. However, humanity has learned nothing and the struggle for dominance continues.

LONDRON – THE ISLAND CONTINENT

Londron, from earliest memories, had always been the seat of power to the Druids. Having settled on the southern coast of the Island continent, the Druids had always controlled the bottom half of Londron. A primitive human race, called the Meat-eaters held the north. Divided into small tribes, they fought amongst themselves for food, mainly each other. Cannibalism, to them, was like hunting and eating deer; whatever they killed, they ate.

Many Druids had pointed out that they could become a serious threat. They pointed out that if they became one nation, their vast numbers might overwhelm the Druids. As yet, it hadn't happened, although Druid Soldiers and Mages constantly patrol the centre of the landmass. Any tribesmen who entered the so-called no man's land, between the north and the south, were killed. So feared were the Druids that in the last twenty years, no tribesmen had tried.

The Druids and their connection to dark magic were well known to outsiders, not only to the northern tribes but also across the water in Europea to the east. Many linked their hideous looks to drawing on the dark magic too often. To appear even mildly human meant the Druids dressed in black, only their dark evil eyes showing.

For centuries, the Druids had fought the humans of Europea for dominance. In three wars, the Elven tribes living in the North of Europea and the South, had called on their distant cousins for help in their constant struggle to survive.

The Druids were skilled warriors, killing twenty humans to every Druid slain. Ferocious in combat, they became a legend to the humans, feared by many after facing them in battle. The last war, had only ended when the elves had asked for a ceasefire to stop the destruction of their race. The humans gave them only two conditions. One, the Elves stayed in their homelands. The second was that the Druids would never leave their Island.

The Elves readily accepted. The Druids cut off from trade and isolated forever weren't as happy. To honour their cousins, they accepted. That was almost twenty years ago, and still, the peace held. It also allowed the Druids to keep a secret from the humans. At the time of the truce, over half the Druid race, over nineteen had been killed in battle.

The Druids, like the Eves, live for centuries, while the humans rarely made one. It had one drawback. Unlike the Elves, who had many children, the Druids barely kept their numbers. It meant that it would take hundreds of years to replace their losses, while humans only took around twenty years to double their numbers.

It led to a change, in the Druids approach to war. In Brightsand, the Druid Capital on the southern coast, a Mage school was founded. From now on, magic would become the Druids Mages primary weapon, instead of the sword or bow.

Brightsand - The Druid Capital

The classroom was a typical schoolroom of the time. Like human schools of Europea, it was a mixture of male and female students. These students and what they were taught however, was different. Tall, attractive, with small pointed ears, they were all dressed in black, their features hidden. At the front, dressed in black as well, is an older woman, their teacher and mage. She, too, has small pointed ears.

Magic is what gives our race and our distant cousins, the Elves, our advantage over the humans. Yes, you are taught to fight, with or without weapons, although magic, in the future, will be your main weapon. Any questions? Mage Clarin stares at the class, waiting for someone to answer. An attractive female raises her hand.

You have the floor, Princess Aszara.

Thank you, Mage Clarin. The women replied, standing. Our history shows that we have lost every major war against humans. Why would you say we are superior to them? At the Princess's assessment, the class grumbles while the Mage smiles. Tapping her wand against the desk brought silence to the classroom.

You are in a way correct, Princess. Although it is not the point of this class, I will explain. In the Druid and the Eleven wars, we used weapons instead of magic. Magic was too confusing on the battlefield, where different spells erupted simultaneously.

The problem was, although we are superior fighters with weapons, we lack one strategic element? That is numbers. The humans outnumber our races ten to one, which on the battlefield is critical. Elves and Druids live four times as long as humans, although, we the Druids, produce far fewer children. It means that it takes decades to replace our losses.

Only by harnessing the power of magic can we protect our future. The Mage pointed out, as a hand, goes up in the classroom. The Mage nods to proceed. Diazin, the son of the local Mayor, stands, as Princess Aszara sits. 

What is the good of magic if we stay hidden on this Island? We hide while the Elves are being driven east on the mainland? Soon they will be forced, into the desolate lands, of the Sovieta. Many stomped their feet in support. Diazin, bowing slightly, took the compliments, his black eyes locked on Aszara's. She gave him a small smile, showing her interest, as again the Mage tapped her wand.

The elves at the moment aren't being driven anywhere! They hold the forests to the north and south of the continent. The treaty at the moment still holds. I believe this travelling is just trading between the elves and the dwarfs. As we know, the Dwarfs live on the edge of the desolate lands, and their skills with metals are legendary. The Mage informed them.

Why do we not trade with the outside world? Why do we stay hidden on our island, dressed only in black? A young, druid woman yelled out. The class remained silent at her interruption.

Did you ask to speak, Belern! The Mage sounded angry. Belern was about to reply when the rear door of the classroom crashed open. Three human warriors, dressed in armour and carrying swords, burst into the room. Screams filled the room as the students fled. Princess Aszara and Diazin are the only ones who drew their swords, waiting. No sooner had the invasion started than the soldiers disappeared, leaving the classroom in an uproar.

Take your seat, class! Mage Clarin shouted. The class in shock, looked around seeing no human warriors. Realised it was only an illusion, the students walked back to their seats. Aszara and Diazin sheaf their swords and sat back down. That is why you don't interrupt in a magic class, students. It is also why magic can be confusing on the battlefield. If this group someday wishes to lead its people, you must learn to master it and overcome your fear of it. Belern, this time raises her hand. The Mage nods for her to continue.

My apologies Mage Clarin. Could you answer my questions?

Yes, I will, Belern. The first reason we don't trade, is the treaty we signed with the humans. It prevents our race from leaving this land. The second, why we wear black, is more complicated. In the first war against humans, our leaders discovered what our enemies feared. They had over the years, been taught that Druids had dark, twisted forms. The overuse of dark magic was believed to have caused it. The class chuckled. Mage Clarin, stopped them with a look.

Our leaders knew that once the enemy saw us, the illusion they thought about us would be lost. Thus, why we dress in black, covered head to foot. Fear is an important weapon; it makes your enemies turn from confident soldiers into a frightened rabble. At home, we wear what we like, but in training and abroad, we dress as the evil monsters we have become. Aszara raises her hand.

Yes, Princess.

Isn't that a problem? What if we ever want to become friends with the humans?

Maybe. Although, until that day comes, we dare not give away our strategic advantage. That will do for today. Class dismissed. The Mage informs them, leaving first. Once the Mage departed, the students tidied the room before leaving.

Princess Aszara walks along with friends discussing the day's lecture. Many share their embarrassment over fleeing from the illusion. Diazin, of course, points out why running was futile, winning no friends. By the time she reaches the castle, she is on her own. Aszara like the look of their castle, it looked Impregnatable. Built when Druids first came to the Island, as a safe refuges, it was constructed using the cliff-line, to give it support. Around it was a fifty-foot wall, discouraging trespassers.

History told them how once buildings soared into the clouds. Aszara thought it was unbelievable if it was true. To her the castle seemed high, reaching the clouds, seemed impossible.

Walking through the front gates, the soldiers on duty gave her a nod of respect and a smile. She returned the smile, feeling for some reason uncomfortable with it, as she hadn't had one do it before. A young girl, seeing her, rushed over.

Good afternoon, Princess. The girl smiled bowing slightly.

You're the daughter of the Guards Captain, Gineria. You can call me Aszara without the bow!

My father would not let me, Princess. How was school? Gineria asked excitedly.

Good. I like the magic classes. How long before you're old enough?  

Another year. Although I have been having lessons with my father's Mage.

So did I. It makes a difference. Aszara noticed the guards watching them. Has something happened, Gineria? The guard’s, seem to be watching us?

It's not me they're watching, Princess. It's you. Gineria giggled. Aszara, looking at her, was confused by her laughter.

Why are they watching me?

You had your eighteenth birthday last week. You are now of mating age. Gineria whispered, smiling.

Good God! I have a period, and they want to bed me? That's discussing! Aszara barked as Gineria laughed.

I'm looking forward to it! Gineria admitted, making Aszara chuckle.

I'll see you tomorrow, you little tramp. Gineria giggled insanely as the Aszara smiling entered the keep.

The Castles Royal Chambers

Walking towards her chambers, Aszara noticed several women there waiting. One was her mother, the Queen.

How went your lesson, daughter? Her mother, the Queen, asked. Aszara bowed slightly to her mother before coming up to her and kissing her cheek.

Excellent mother, Mage Clarin, is indeed a powerful magician.

Did you run at the illusion? Her mother smiled as the other women hid smiles.

No. Diazin and I drew our swords while the others ran away.

I knew you wouldn't run! You're as brave as any of our warriors. Although you will learn the right response in time, is to attack with the magic of your own. That requires immense training. Her mother sounded harsh.

The sword came to my hand through practice, mother. I would've defended myself adequately! Aszara felt humiliated in front of the Queen's ladies in waiting. 

Against images of a warrior, while the real enemy was elsewhere? I am not judging your bravery, daughter, do not be angry with me.

I see your point, mother. Forgive me. Aszara bowed, her mother smiling, hugged her.

That is better, daughter. Time is short, and you must master magic before the year is out.

Why only a year, mother? Does the peace treaty still hold?

Treaties are but pieces of paper, to be burnt or thrown away, daughter. Danger can come from many directions, not just humans. Study hard, and all will be revealed in time. Her mother, standing, leaves. Her entourage follows.

What was that all about? Aszara wondered, entering her bedroom. Walking to the window, she looked down at the ocean as a small wave crashed against the rocks. My mother knows best. If she says to learn quickly, I will, Aszara promises herself, changing for dinner.

Aszara and her class were walking through the snow. Reaching an oversized stone well, they surrounded it, all taking their places, facing the well. It had been six months since the warning from her mother. Since that day, she had practised magic every day and night, learning as much as possible.

I'll be ready, mother! She said out loud, some students turning her way as the Mage approached.

 The classes training, at spell-casting, is finished. Here we will practice projecting the illusions of your spells. Any questions? Diazin raises his hand. The Mage nods for him to speak.

Why, have we come out in the cold to this abandoned well? He asked, looking put out.

The first reason is that you won't get to pick a nice warm spot, to cast your spells. Instead, you will cast them when you are attacking or defending yourself. The second, until you learn complete control, you will cast them down inside this well, for everyone's safety. The Mage explained as Diazin nodded his head, understanding, as did the class.

Well, Diazin. Since you asked the first question, you may now cast the first spell. Everyone else moves back a little. She warned. Most of the students drew back from the edge as Diazin closed his eyes. In the well, smoke spreads, obscuring the student's vision. Without warning, a dragon's head appears. Fire sprayed from its mouth as it let out a thunderous roar. Most of the students screamed before the dragon, and the smoke disappeared. Diazin appeared exhausted.

Well done, Diazin. Although, it appears you used too much of yourself in the spellcasting?

Yes, Mage, although I found the results well worth it. He smiled.

Yet on the battlefield, you may have died, as you are now too weak to defend yourself. The Mage pointed out as Diazin nodded, admitting she was right.

That said, it was spectacular to watch. She chuckled, signalling the next student forward. Many achieved the same results as Diazin, others not as significant until only Aszara remained.

Okay, Princess Aszara, let's see what you can do. The Mage smiled as Aszara approached the well. Thinking of something impressive, Aszara closed her eyes