DoSP Part 6, Xander's Diary

+JMJ+

Diary of a Sailor Prince

Part Six

Seventh Day of the Gray Time

We had anchored for the night without running into anyone all day, when all of a sudden, and enormous fat man waddled into sight. He had a bushy red beard and was wearing a red cloak. His belt buckle was bursting around his middle. He carried a steaming basket filled with chickens, ducks and even a plump goose. His round face looked rather glum.

“Got any drinks about you?” Parch bellowed as he slid down a rope to the ground.

“I am starving to death.” the fat man moaned, “I hardly have time to think about a little drink. My belly is so hollow you could fly your ship inside.”

“I believe you.” Parch said seriously.

“You might also fit an entire castle in there too.” Deadeye added as he slid down the rope to join them. The fat man burst into tears.

“No one loves me.” he sobbed, “They starve me and make fun of how hungry I am.” I watched as Deadeye and Parch looked at each other in confusion.

“Hey fatso, they were making fun of how fat you are, not how hungry you are.” Swiftfoot called as he leaped over the rail and landed lightly on the ground.

“Really?” the fat man asked as his face cleared up, “That is alright then.” I slid down the rope and joined them.

“Pleased to meet you sir.” I said calmly, “I am Boots, and my outspoken companions are; Deadeye, Swiftfoot and Parch.”

“I should have been mentioned first.” Swiftfoot protested “Judging by how useful we are, I am your second-”

“If Boots was going by how useful you are, you would have been last!” Deadeye interrupted, “Everyone knows that you are not really useful at all!”

“And I am Hunger!” the fat man boomed, “I live in constant distress about starving to death.”

“He has enough extra padding in that tum, tum to walk to the ends of the worlds.” Swiftfoot whispered loudly to Parch.

“Not to mention a basket full of enough food to feed dozens of people.” Deadeye said dryly. Hunger's lips trembled and he burst into tears.

“No one loves me.” he sobbed, “Everyday they make fun of my hunger.”

“So eat what is in the basket.” I suggested.

“That could barely wet my appetite.” Hunger wailed, “It would simply make me hungrier.”

“You certainly have an enormous appetite.” I said in amazement, “But if you come with us, my food sack might just take the edge off of your ap-” I stopped. The word had been used to many times, “The edge off of your hunger.” Hunger grasped my arms.

“You think so?” he cried thickly, “You would do all this for little old me?”

“You mean, big old you, right?” Swiftfoot said flatly.

“Enormous old you. Would fit the bill.” Deadeye said.

“Methinks, infinite old you, would be best.” Parch said with a hoarse laugh.

“Come you all,” I snapped “The man of the hollow tum, tum is our companion. Show some respect.” The others snickered. I may have trouble with them later. Ungrateful cads.

Signing off with exhaustion,

Me

Eight Day of the Gray Time

About now, I decided that Deadeye knew where the palace was even less then I did. Why I could almost swear we were going in circles. When I brought the subject up, everyone pointed out another direction, saying the palace lay just over there. So much for useful companions. If I was not obeying Eleth the Enchantress, I certainly would have dumped them overboard. They certainly deserved that fate.

“We shall simply have to ask around until we find someone, who can tell us.” I said sternly.

“I tell you, the palace is just on the other side of that forest.” Swiftfoot barked.

“If you ask me-” Hunger began timidly.

“I did not!” Swiftfoot snarled.

“No it is over there just a mile or so.” Deadeye said, “In a valley. I tell you, we are going in the right direction!”

“If you ask me-” Hunger began timidly.

“We passed the palace!” Parch boomed, “It lies behind us, half a league.”

“If you ask me-” Hunger began timidly.

“Shut up!” my other companions chorused. We were not getting anywhere with the argument. I wondered over to the rail and leaned on it. With no clear direction in mind, I allowed the ship to wander where it wished. The others continued to argue and fight over their own personal opinions. We sailed along this way for several hours. Presently, I spotted a man seated on the branch of a tree. He had long thick white hair and sharpy pointy ears. His leaf plated armor was black. A long knife rested on his lap. He was watching us without the slightest look of surprise at seeing a flying ship.

“Morning, stranger.” I drawled, “Seen many such ships as my Princess in your day?”

“No. But I heard you a long ways off, so was quite prepared.” the man said dryly, “The name is Sharp, and the palace lies to your left on the other side of that mountain, just as Hunger has been trying to tell you all along.” I stared at him very blankly. How had he known what we were looking for, or that Hunger was trying to give his opinion?

“Who is this nosy fellow, shall I send him on his way?” Deadeye asked, as he joined me at the rail. He placed an arrow on the string of his bow and bent it.

“Deadeye, put that bow away.” Sharp said coolly, “And toss a rope down. According to the Enchantress's directions, Boots is required to take me aboard.” My eyes bulged and I finally found my voice.

“How did you know?” I gaped.

“My sharp, sharp ears hear what I want.” Sharp said dryly, “Now allow me to board and stop wasting time, or the King will marry his daughter off to a random stranger.”

“Haul him aboard!” I yelled, “Time is wasting.” Deadeye tossed the rope over, and Sharp came up hand over hand like a monkey. The others joined us, and I introduced everyone.

“Why, as I live and breathe, another Elf.” Swiftfoot cried, “The presence of more intelligent company will be most welcome.”

“I am glad you think I am more intelligent then you.” Sharp said, and strode past him, “Boots you should lower the sails a smidge. It will be quite rocky sailing over the mountains on full sail.”

“Can we send him back?” Deadeye asked me in a whisper.

“Deadeye, it is quite rude to talk about people behind their backs, whether they can hear or not.” Sharp said sternly. Deadeye looked a little taken aback. I could foresee trouble. This Sharp could hear everything. It might stop the insults, but it could cause more complaints.

Signing off with Worry,

Me

Ninth Day of the Gray Time

The annoying thing about Sharp, was that he was always right. But he said everything in such a way that no one wanted to listen to him. Needless to say I never ordered the sails lowered a smidge. When steering upwards, great gusts of wind came down from the mountains and drove us back. Deadeye, Hunger, Parch and Swiftfoot, attempted to row but the wind was to strong. They blamed Sharp since he refused to help. He simply leaned against the mast and yawned. No one wanted to give into him and take the sails down. Our silly pride forced us to waste an entire day. Sharp finally took pity on our stupidity and cut the sails down. The beautiful sails crashed to the deck and the Sea Princess shot over the mountain with lightening speed. But because it was night, we were forced to toss anchor, on the very peek of the mountain. It was freezing up there. I had never seen snow before, but I saw it then.

“What are you staring at?” Deadeye asked, as I stared at the blanket of white, glistening in the setting sun.

“That beautiful cold white glittering-” I began.

“It is snow!” Sharp said dryly, “Nothing more or less.”

“I grew up in a desert.” I snapped, “I do not know what weather is, let alone snow.”

“Never seen snow?” Sharp asked seriously, “Then what seasons do you have instead of the Icy Season and Frosterdays?”

“No we have those.” I said quickly, “But it is still quite warm.”

“Then why do you call it Icy Season and Frosterdays?” Deadeye asked, “That sounds quite stupid to me.”

“Don't ask me.” I protested, “I never made the calender.”

“Hello up there.” a new voice called from the ground. Glad of an escape, I rushed to peer over the edge. A young boy in a leather jerkin, carrying a bundle of gleaming straw was standing waist deep in snow, watching us.

“Get him aboard!” I yelled, my teeth started chattering, “Before the cold kills him.”

“I like the cold.” the boy said, “It never bothered me anyway.”

“Yes, but it bothers me.” I replied, “Far to cold. Give me a warm desert any day.”

“Do you see this straw on my back.” the boy said quietly, “Why, when I scatter it about, the warmest place, the warmest day will turn to ice. Everything will freeze and snow will fall.”

“That will be quite useful.” Sharp said, as he joined me at the rail, “Come aboard small child.”

“The name is Bale.” the boy said.

“Like straw bale.” Deadeye whispered.

“Hold you tongue, impudent boy!” Sharp told him coldly.

“Alright, come aboard.” I told Bale, “But do not scatter that bale of straw, anywhere in my presence. I think I do not like the cold.” Swiftfoot tossed a rope overboard. Bale grabbed it, and Parch hauled him aboard.

“Thank you.” Bale said, as he stepped onto the deck and looked around himself, with something like awe on his face.

“Welcome to my company, Bale.” I said, “I am Boots. Fatso is called Hunger. Baldy is called Parch. One leg is called Swiftfoot. Masked fool is called Deadeye. And white hair is called Sharp.”

“And we are going to find a princess.” Deadeye said, while pointing at me, “He wants to wed one. A sour faced someone called Anastasia.”

TRUE LUUUUUUUUUVE!” the others all chorused. I glared at them. What a rotten bunch of comrades.

Signing off with Chills and Irritation,

Me

Tenth Day of the Gray Time

We crossed the mountain and flew down into a deep valley. A vast city was spread far below. From our lofty heights I could see the little market village, and the Grime's hut. It was rather embarrassing how long it took to get to the city. If I had not sailed clean past the palace five times over, I would have arrived long ago, without so many unwanted companions. Speaking of companions, we picked up another one on a lane adjoining the main road. A single boy, even younger then Bale, was seated on a stone, with a small bundle of wood on his lap. His name was Con and he soon joined our company with very little persuasions.

“So what does your bundle do?” Deadeye asked, “Heat the world up?”

“Of course not.” Con replied simply, “That is silly.”

“This child might be a normal child.” Swiftfoot said, “Toss him back. He is a mistake.”

“I am a normal child.” Bale protested.

“When tossed upon the ground, my sticks will transform into the finest soldiers that ever lived and breathed.” Bale said.

“Forget about normal.” I said, and patted Swiftfoot on the arm, “He is as weird as the rest of you.”

“I am not weird at all.” Sharp said coldly, “Just very intelligent.”

“In a weird sort of way.” Deadeye smirked. While my seven strange companions started a fistfight, I sailed the ship towards the city. We met many groups of staring open mouthed strangers. Luckily for me, not a single other flying ship could be seen. We anchored above the city gates and were accosted by a grim faced guard. Tonight we shall wine and dine in a public house. Tomorrow we shall approach the palace.

Signing off with cheerfulness,

Me

Hunger

Sharp

Bale

Con

God Bless You All

DoSP part 5, Xander's Diary

+JMJ+

Diary of a Sailor Prince

Part 5

First Day of the Gray Time

Finally I managed to convince Father and Mother Grimes to let me take a stab at building a flying ship. It took me only three days to succeed, but I am finally going. Mother Grimes packed me a stale roll, sliver of moldy cheese and a tiny flask of watery sour beer, wrapped in a dirty cloth. I guess she does not like me much. I shouldered the freshly sharpened ax and strode off into the forest whistling. I would not miss the Grimes family at all. They might miss all the slavery work I did for them, though. I found the clearing, and settled myself down. Then an idea entered my mind. Why was I eating? I had just had breakfast. I set aside my food and began cutting wood. Now, I had even less idea how to go about making a ship then Hank and Caleb, but I split wood anyway. Once I had a huge pile of kindling, I settled myself on the moss covered rock. My stomach was growling. I started to untie my bundle.

“Give me some food.” an irritated voice demanded. I looked up and found the old enchantress glaring at me from red eyes. I quailed. I was hungry and there was not even enough food to fill me up. But remembering what had happened to Hank and Caleb and handed her my stale roll. She snatched it from me and vanished. I drank a sip of the watery beer and a nibble of the sliver of moldy cheese. My stomach protested vehemently. I then went back to work. I used vines to tie the logs together to make sort of a raft. Getting it to fly might be a little tricky. As for making it to look like a ship, I was not even going to try.

Signing off with a weary yawn,

Me

Second Day of the Gray Time

The following day, I woke up half starving. I snatched up my practically empty bundle and was about to gulp down the rest of the cheese, when who should appear, but the old enchantress.

“I'm hungry, give me something to eat.” she said. Seething in anger, I handed her the remains of my food. The old woman reached into the bundle and pulled out a well seasoned turkey on a gold platter. My eyes bulged and my stomach growled. The old woman set the platter on the moss covered rock. Then she took two gold goblets out and a pitcher of red wine. The wine was followed by mashed potatoes, Froth Cakes, Seed cakes, white bread, mounds of fluffy butter, sugar cakes, sugar muffins, cream filled muffins, green beans baked with seeds and butter, brown beans baked with bacon and syrup. Then the enchantress handed me a plate.

“Carve up the turkey while I slip into something more comfortable.” she said. I set the plate down and picked up the carving knife and fork. The enchantress began to spin. She spun so hard she lifted two feet off the ground. She carved the turkey and stared at her. When she at last came to a stop, she was dressed in red and yellow of a fine swishing material. Her gray hair was gone, and it had been replaced by soft blond curls. Her eyes were still red. But she looked like she had regained fifty years of her life.

“Are you an enchantress?” I asked, still staring.

“Eleth is the name.” the woman said and tossed back her hair. I handed her a plate of cut turkey.

“Food.” I said.

“You shared so nice with me, I figured I should share so nice with you.” she said. I needed no further invitation, but began to wolf down the food. What cared I for manners when I was starving.

“Mmm...ph...very gooph.” I said with my mouth fully.

“Tell me, do you by any chance have a brother named Yaron?” Eleth asked. I froze in mid bite. No one on Ashtaran was supposed to know that I was really a prince. I swallowed my food.

“Maybe.” I said slowly.

“He looks just like.” Eleth laughed, “I lent him a trunk once.” I stared at her in disbelief. There was no way that Yaron's high tales about a flying trunk given to him by an enchantress were real. Was there?

Eleth stood up and clapped her hands. All the food jumped back into my bundle. I gaped and dropped my fork. Fork, plate, goblet and spoon jumped into the bag. I blinked. The bag leaped onto my lap and grew limp. It was no heavier then when it only had ale and cheese in it. But if I peeked in, I could see a marvelous feast just waiting for pop out.

“You shall not go hungry as long as you remain in Ashtaran.” Eleth said grandly, “Now for your reward.” I raised my eyebrows. Was the neverending sack of food not a reward?

“AH yes, but you did more for me, then I for you.” I attempted to explain.

“Nonsense!” Eleth laughed, and picked up my ax, “Chop ax chop!” she commanded, “Choppity, choppity, chop. Make a ship that sails on land as well as in the sea. Make her magic, make her beautiful.” The ax leaped into the air and began chopping wood. As fast as the wood was cut it flew together. Before my very eyes the finest and largest ship I had ever seen was built. I laughed.

“Thank you Eleth, thank you!” I cried gleefully, “She is a beauty.” Fine gold sails were trimmed and the name Sea Princess was written across the bow. The beautiful figurehead of a sea princess with a fish tale was on the prow.

“The ship will sail wherever you turn the wheel.” Eleth explained, “If you pull up, she will go up, if you turn down, she will go down.” she snapped her fingers and a rope ladder dropped from the rail. Then she handed me the ax. “This will chop whatever you desire.” she said. I tucked the ax and food bundle into my belt and climbed aboard.

“Thank you Enchantress!” I shouted, “My gratitude will know, no bounds!”

“One more thing,” Eleth called back, “Take aboard all those you meet traveling alone.” I shrugged. Not sure what this would gain.

“I will do as you say.” I said. One should always fulfill an enchantress' wishes or things might go poorly. Hank and Caleb could testify. That night I anchored the ship on a tree and slept in a glorious cabin that was filled with the softest pillows, warmest blankets and richest tapestries.

Signing off with pleasure,

Me

Third Day of the Gray Time

The following morning I arose and found a heated tub, clean clothes, and a delicious breakfast laid out. What a comfortable ship. My only surprise was that the clothes were as plain and patches as the ones I had been wearing previously. I decided that meant that I should continue as the simpleminded but lucky Boots. I hauled the anchor up and went up to the poop deck. I touched the wheel. The sails immediately filled the Sea Princess glided through the air. Suddenly there was a large pine tree blocking our way. I yelled in a panic and pulled hard on the wheel. The Sea Princess shot upwards almost straight. I yelled louder as my feet slid off the deck into thin air. I clutched the wheel and tried to pull back. By scrambling and pushing I managed to turn the wheel down. But this only made things worse, the ship flew towards the ground at a deadly pace. I yelled even louder and straightened her out. Then I cheered. I could fly the ship.

All for Now,

Me

Fourth Day of the Gray Time

The Sea Princess was sailing along comfortably, but I was having trouble discovering where exactly the Princess Anastasia lived. How could I claim entrance into the contest if I could not find the palace? I decided the best thing to do was ask someone for directions. So far I had seen no one traveling alone. Only a group of giggling shepherdess, a posse of disgruntled apprentices and a village of staring fools. So I was pleasantly surprised, this morning, to discover a young man walking down the road, alone. He had thick dark hair, a brown cloth tied around the lower half of his face, an enormous quiver full of arrows and a bow strapped to his back. A brown cloak, and a leather vest over black breaches and tall travel stained hunting boots.

“Hello friend?” I called, “Where are you off too?” The man looked up. I decided he was probably more like a boy then a man.

“I am off to look for sport.” was the response, “They call me Deadeye.”

“Come aboard Deadeye.” I called, “I am called Boots and could use a guide to the palace of Princess Anastasia.”

“Oh you mean the daughter of Caspian Suspesian whatever blah blah something or other the XV?” Deadeye asked.

“The very one.” I responded with a laugh.

“Well Boots, I like your ship, you seem friendly, and I know the way.” Deadeye said, “I would be quite happy to come aboard, provided you give me some breakfast.”

“No problem.” I said, and patted my food bundle. Once aboard and happily eating out of my food bundle, Deadeye explained that I had gone over the boarder of Caspian's kingdom and had entered the kingdom of his neighbor, who also happened to be Deadeye's king. I had not realized that Ashtaran was divided into smaller kingdoms. My father would have killed to get that information. It meant that Ashtaran was not as strong as my father had supposed.

Signing off for now,

Me

Fifth Day of the Gray Time

Deadeye was good company. He could tell me much about the history and places where we were going and where we had been. He had decided opinions about the rest of the world too. Although he failed to know that I was Prince Xander, he knew of my father and could name all of my siblings and myself. He thought my father was a fool and should be impeached. Deadeye was obsessed with rebellions and had traveled all over the world fighting for justice. The only place he had not visited the court of was my father's court. I soon got tired of hearing how bad and unjust my father was and started looking for any other single travelers. It was the evening of my second day with Deadeye before saw anyone else.

“Stranger on starboard bow.” Deadeye called, “I looked on the wrong side before finding the stranger. Deadeye was right. The newcomer was a stranger. He was tall, nearly as tall as the black hared. His ears were large and tapered into fine points. His long glossy white hair glistened in the afternoon light. But the strangest thing about him was that his right leg was pulled up and tied over his left shoulder. His green robe and breaches were designed in such away that this strange and uncomfortable position would not hamper their natural flow. He was wearing soft green slippers. A long sharp hunting knife hung from his waist.

“Good evening stranger.” I called, “Where hop ye too?” The man looked up and stared at me.

“But captain of the magnificent princess.” he called, “If I were to put my foot down, I would soon bound away that I would reach the furthest shores of the Third World.”

“What, even so far as to bound across the sea?” Deadeye asked.

“I run so fast my feet barely skim the water.” was the reply.

“And what do they call you?” I asked, intrigued by this ridiculous person, “I am called Boots, and my comrade is called Deadeye.”

“Swiftfoot, good sirs.” was the response.

“Well Swiftfoot, do come aboard.” I called, “We would dearly love your company and you could rest your foot.”

“Thank you.” Swiftfoot shouted. Deadeye tossed the rope ladder down and our new companion pulled himself aboard, all without untying his foot. I was quite impressed. How often does anyone meet some who can do such a feat? Swiftfoot proved to be an interesting companion. He had traveled all over Royaume and knew of things and places that I had never heard of. He and Deadeye seemed to be reviling each other in the attempt to know the best story and location. One day, I will have gone

Signing off for now,

Me

Sixth Day of the Gray Time

The sun had just appeared over the horizon, when Deadeye announced the appearance of a lone stranger. I left Swiftfoot to hold the helm, while I climbed the mainmast for a better look. Sure enough, a lone traveler was stumping along down below, along the edge of a lake. He was a big broad shouldered man. One half of his head was shaved bald, and the other half was long and straggly. A gray woolen cloak was draped over one shoulder. His shirt and breeches were also made of wool. An enormous ax was strapped to his back. He looked quite fierce. In one hand he held a small clay cup.

“Ho there.” I called, “Where go you this fine morning?” The man looked up.

“Lord and bless me!” he bellowed in a deep voice, “A ship that flies, as I live and breathe!”

“Ain't she a beauty?” Deadeye yelled back, “The finest ship to ever sail the land or skies!”

“That is is!” the stranger returned, “A darling little princess.”

“What is your name stranger?” I asked, feeling rather annoyed that he had ignored me the first time.

“I'm called Parch, captain.” the man bellowed, “And I am off to find myself a little drink.”

“Little drink?” Deadeye laughed, “What do you call that lake?”

“But a mere sip, sailor.” Parch retorted, “Would hardly wet my tongue.” Deadeye snorted in disbelief.

“Come aboard, Parch.” I called, “We could use another hand aboard, and might even find a drink for you.”

“You are to kind, Captain.” Parch bellowed back, “Anything for the chance at a drink.” I slid down the mast and flung and end of the rope ladder down. Parch climbed aboard, still holding his little cup.

“Welcome aboard the Sea Princess.” I said, “I am Boots. The boy is Deadeye and the current Pilot is Swiftfoot.”

“And can Swiftfoot tell me why his foot is tied up in the most uncomfortable position?” Parch boomed, “It looks jolly uncomfortable.”

“This rope is the only thing stopping me from reaching the end of the world in a few strides.” Swiftfoot said dryly.

“Ha, ha. That is is so stupid.” Parch laughed.

“Says the man who claims he can drink an entire lake in one sip.” Deadeye jeered. This would not do at all, these people would start a fight if I was not careful.

“Stop it all of you!” I bellowed, “The purpose of this journey is for me to marry Princess Anastasia. You all will help me and in return I will help you gain what you want, am I clear? Any trouble of any kind, and I will toss you overboard.” Deadeye peered over the rail.

“It sure is a long way down.” he whispered. I put my hands on my hips.

“Are you with me or against me?” I demanded.

“My legs are at your service!” Swiftfoot cried.

“My bow is yours!” Deadeye murmured.

“And my cup will always be ready at your call!” Parch boomed.

“Then lets go to the palace!” I yelled. My three companions cheered.

Signing off for Now,

Me

DoSP Part 4, Xander's Diary

+JMJ+

The Diary of a Sailor Prince

Part Four

Seventeenth Day of the Colored Leaves

I am still with the Grimes family. I am not sure what silly thoughts made me chose such a path. Especially after swearing to disappear. But Caleb informed me that during the time of the colored leaves he and Hank go to the market once a week. I decided to stay and see if I could see the grouchy princess again. All week I thought about her. It is easier to work if one has something remarkable on their thoughts. At the moment I dearly desire to understand why she is so grouchy? I quite forgot all my troubles while contemplating this interesting question. Chopping wood, milking goats, mending roofs, scrubbing floors my make me weary, but at least I did not have to think about them.

Twenty-fourth Day of the Colored Leaves

This was the third time I attended Hank and Caleb into the village. Last time, I failed to see Anastasia. Perhaps this time I will. There was a man selling books from many different cities, islands, countries, and worlds. A priceless collection, or so he claimed. Caleb staid in front of the stall reading the entire time. I was quite amused. Or would have been if I did not have to cook tomato sauce the entire time. As fast as I filled jars, Hank sold them. He was especially good at selling them to women. Not sure what charm they found in him.

I was sucking my hand after scalding it with boiling sauce, when a bugle resounded through the air. Immediately, I stood up. It was force of habit, as my father always had a blast of the bugle to announce his entrance. He insisted that everyone stand up and attend him. I wondered if it was Anastasia was coming. But it was not Anastasia. A tall dark skinned man, who towered over everyone else in the market, by at least a foot, swaggered into view. To vastly smaller men with bugles were walking in front of him. In front of them was a third man carrying a banner. The tall man stepped up onto a small platform. There was another blast of bugle, then silence.

“Sit and listen all ye lowly scum of Ashtaran.” the very tall man bellowed, “His royal majesty Lord Caspian Suspesian Alvaro Montgore Lemuel Gammon the XV has declared that any and all men can attempt to win the hand of his daughter Anastasia Maria Victoria Gemma Louisa Gammon the IX.” Excited whispers ran throughout the square. I was so delighted that I accidentally leaned against the pot. My bloodcurdling scream drowned out every other sound in the square. I felt my face turning red as everyone turned and stared at me. If only the ground would open up and swallow me.

“Right, back to me now.” the very tall man said, “The restrictions are quite simple. First before any man can enter the contest, he must arrive at the palace in a flying ship!” gasps ran throughout the crowd.

“A flying ship?”

“Impossible!”

“Atrocious!”

“The Princess will never be married!”

“Who wants her anyway!”

“Not impossible, just really hard.”

“Are you crazy!”

“I have seen flying ships before!”

“I am going to get one!”

“Where do you find them?”

“And give away that edge I have over you all away? Not a chance!”

“Once at the palace.” the very tall man continued, “You must make the princess laugh. If you fail, you will lose your head.” I gulped and rubbed my throat. This all sounded like something my father would add to a trial. I smirked. If father made a test for Anne, maybe Prince Philip of Kildimere would lose his head. The thought was a rather pleasant. I sighed wistfully, while I bandaged my burnt hand up in a wet rag.

Signing off,

Me

Twenty-Fifth Day of the Colored Leaves

Mother Grimes packed Hank a big basket with a fat little chicken stuffed with basil stuffing, an apple cake, frosted with thick butter frosting, and a little bottle of wine. My mouth watered, just seeing her fill the basket. But I had to content myself with a crust of hard bread dipped in stale water. I watched Hank put on his best buckskin cloak, that was lined with swan feathers. Then he picked up the ax that I had just spent hours sharpening.

“Wish me luck everyone.” he laughed, “Oh wait, I do not need luck, for I shall succeed by my own iron strength.” I rolled my eyes. I could beat Hank in arm wrestling, and I did not have iron strength, therefore Hank was a little liar. As soon as Hank had left, I stuffed the rest of my bread into my mouth, grabbed my coat and tore out of the house.

“Boots, come back here!” Mother Grimes screeched, “You need to wash the-” I shut the door drowning out her voice. I wanted to see how Hank managed on making a flying ship. As far as I knew, he was quite incapable of building a regular ship, let alone a flying one. Hank went deep into the forest, then he sat down on a moss covered rock. I sneaked up behind him and watched. Hank lifted the chicken out of the basket. I licked my lips. The chicken smelled so good, tears came to my eyes. I would go home for no other reason then to get some delicious food. Oh for a piece of tenderly cooked meat. I licked my lips, and reached one hand towards the basket.

Suddenly and old woman wrapped in dirty rags appeared out of nowhere. My eyes bulged. She had stepped out of thin air! Hank had been to absorbed with his foot to notice.

“Give me something to eat!” the old woman croaked in a shaky voice. Hank looked up and glared at her.

“Get out of here you old hag!” he snarled, “There is hardly enough food for me to eat.”

“But I am hungry!” the old woman croaked. Then she looked straight at me and caught my eye. If anyone had the evil eye it was her for sure. I turned and bolted through the trees, back to the cottage. Later I bewailed my cowardice for running away. What had the old woman done to Hank? It would have been delightful to watch. I full expected never to see him again. Nor was I sorry at such a though.

All for the moment,

Me

Twenty-Sixth Day of the Colored Leaves

This morning, while I was sawing wood, Hank limped into the clearing. I dropped the saw and stood up. There was a rough bloody bandage wrapped around his left leg and he was leaning on a stout stick. He looked pleasantly ill. I smiled.

“Good morning, dear Hank.” I simpered.

“Shut up Boots!” he snarled, “This is all your fault, you little reprobate.” My smile increased. This was just getting better and better. If it was all my fault, I could feel happy in the knowledge that I had been revenged on him. Caleb came out of the cottage with a pile of scrolls tucked into his belt. He stared at Hank, then grinned.

“Failed already, dear brother?” he smirked.

“It would be all Boots' fault!” Hank snarled, “He made the ax to sharp.”

“Oh dear.” I sighed, resolving to sharpen the blade twice as long next time, “How do you figure so?”

“If you had not made the blade so sharp I surely would not have cut myself.” Hank growled.

“But that is not Boots' fault.” Caleb snickered, “It is the fault of your own clumsiness.” Hank stormed into the cottage bellowing for his mother. Caleb and I laughed unfeelingly.

Twenty-Seventh Day of the Colored Leaves

Today Caleb resolved to go and complete the flying ship. I doubt he cared a wit about Anastasia, but simply wanted to rub it in Hank's face. I could hardly blame him. His mother backed him some fried trout, seed cakes, and a bottle of current juice. Judging by the food alone, Hank was the favorite son. But still Caleb's packed lunch was better then my own crust and cold peas. As I had done with Hank, I followed Caleb. Time I resolved to stay and see what the old enchantress would do. I had no doubts that the same thing would happen. Maybe I was just a superstitious fool, like everyone else on the Glittering Island, but it seemed plausible that the enchantress would keep attacking poor fools until she got her way. In her case, some food. Caleb went to the same clearing Hank had gone too, and sat down in the exact same spot. He had hardly touched his food before the enchantress showed up.

“Sorry old woman.” Caleb replied upon hearing her desire for food, “This has to last me all day and it is all I got.” The enchantress glared at me. I felt my feet turn of my own accord and send me running for home. Blast it all! The enchantress surely was putting a spell of some kind on me. The only way to discover what was going on would be to do it myself. I returned to the cottage and went to work, picking vegetables and fruits from the garden. I wondered when Caleb would return.

Twenty-Eight Day of the Colored Leaves

Caleb returned today with a bandaged arm. How he had managed to cut himself on the very arm he was holding his ax with, remains a mystery to me. But it shows a lot of talent.

“That wretched ax jumped out of my hand and cut my arm on it's own accord!” Caleb yelled in a fury. I raised my eyebrows and crossed my arms.

“And you call me the simpleton around here.” I jeered, even though I was pretty sure he was telling the truth.

“Calm yourself Caleb!” Father Grimes growled, “Axes do not cut of their own accord. You are simply very clumsy.” Caleb was seething with anger as he stormed into the cottage to have his mother stitch his cut up. I grinned and chewed on a piece of desert grass, while trying to look stupid.

“Boots, take that lime grass our of your mouth. It could stiffen your tongue!” Father Grimes barked, and slapped me hard. Back on the Glittering Island, he could have been beheaded for such an attack on my person. I would not be upset if he was hanged.

“Father Grimes, may I take a little basket of food and go into the forest?” I asked with false humility, “I would dearly love to build a flying ship and marry a pretty little princess.”

“Certainly not!” Father Grimes snapped, “You saw what happened to Hank and Caleb!” he stomped off, leaving me to grumble at annoying people.

Signing off in Anger,

Me

The Lord of Blackhall part 1

+JMJ+

Yay! I finished before one of my deadlines. This one wasn't on the list. But I owed a girl since June a book, and I had it finished since August, but I never edited or did the pictures for it. Last Sunday I told her that I would have it done by tomorrow. Well, I finished it today. Hooray!!! I just need to finish scanning the pictures for the blog. But meanwhile, I will post the dolls I made with dolldivine. I'll do a second post with the drawings.

Norbert Hall

Status: Hero

Age: 14

Rank: Silversmith's Apprentice

Fate: Marries Mary Hawke and becomes the lord of Blackhall.

Marie Hall

Status: Ally

Age: 12

Rank: Baker's Apprentice

Fate: Marries the baker's son

Catherine Hall

Status: Mother of Hero

Rank: Mother of Four

Fate: becomes a grand lady after an impoverished life

Norbert Hall

Status: Father of Hero

Rank: Father of four

Fate: Becomes the Lord of Blackhall

Lucy Dickson

Status: Ally

Age: 13

Rank: Orphan

Fate: Marries Thomas Hawke and becomes the mistress of Hawke manor

Barnabas Hawke

Status: Mentor

Age: (Supposed to be 50ish but he looks really young in this picture)

Rank: Nobleman

Fate: Lives with his nephew and nieces at Hawke manor until he dies

Cynthia Hawke

Status: Niece of the Mentor

Age: 16

Rank: Noblewoman

Fate: Becomes a Nun in Spain

Thomas Hawke

Status: Ally

Age: 15

Rank: Nobleman

Fate: Marries Lucy Dickson and becomes the Lord of Hawke Manor

Casimir Black

Status: Villain

Rank: Nobleman

Fate: Goes to Prison

Reginald Black

Status: Nephew of the villain

Rank: Nobleman

Fate: Goes into service

Timothy

Status: Servant of the hero

Rank Servant

Dominic

Status: Ally

Age: 10

Rank: Servant

Fate: Becomes a Catholic Priest and is martyred during the Elizabethan Ara.

Matthew

Status: Servant of the villain

Age: 18

Rank: Servant

Fate: Remained at Blackhall to work for the Hall family. He assisted both his masters in hiding priests at the Hall.

Master Angelo

Status: Master of the Hero

Rank: Silversmith

Marguerite Angelo

Status: Side character

Age: 16

Rank: Daughter or a working man

Fate: Married Peter Williams

Peter Williams

Status: side character

Age: 18

Rank: Silversmith Apprentice

Fate: Married Marguerite Angelo and took over the silversmith shop. Spent many years in the Tower of London after having been caught hearing Mass in his house. He was freed unharmed after ten years.

Paul Williams

Status: side character

Age: 12

Rank: Silversmith Apprentice

Fate: Betrayed his brother, and turned Fr. Dominic over to the Queen's men.

Mistress Belhem

Status: Side character

Rank: housekeeper

God Bless you All for Now

Writing plans

+JMJ+

Hmm... I can't seem to get the words to move to the middle. Oh well.

Anyway, my writing and works in progress have been really bad lately. I should be able to write for half an hour every day, but instead I have been quite lazy. So perhaps if I announce my plans for everyone to read, it will help me stick to it. Anyway, I have to finish some of these books, as I haven't finished a book I've owed someone since May. :(

Insecure World

Genre: Sci-fi
Series: Justice Heroes
Synopsis: As the world below clouds over with hidden war threats, things are peaceful on the prison star ship, the Freedom. Fresh out of prison and mental school, young Dr. James Hawthorne is assigned to work on the Freedom as a replacement for his grandfather. But James' adventures start before he even reaches the Star Ship. His driver, Nickolas Foresight crashes into a one man transport and discover that the driver, a young woman has been injured. Nickolas thinks she looks familiar. James suggest they take her to the Star Ship hospital. James is dismayed to find that his grandfather expects him to help get rid of the replacement not realizing that James is the replacement. While avoiding the crazy doctor and inspecting the place, James discovers the crazy Anna Raymond. She has warnings about THEM.

Chapter: one

Length: Twelve chapters + prologue and epilogue

Finish: January

Was Due: No exact date, but I wanted it done before Christmas. (Sorry A, guess I have to give you a different present) 

~ ◘ ~

The Twisted Tree

Genre: Fairy tale retelling/fantasy
Series: Circle of Red Trilogy book 2
Synopsis: Wolf is leading Red, Hunter, and Granny through the secret passage in the king's dungeons. Little does he know that he is not the only one with a twisted past. Granny has been hiding Red from a curse for many years, but it may be about to catch up to her at last.

Chapter two
Length: Twelve chapters + proluge

Finish: January

Was Due: Septemberish

~ • ~

Battle on the Home Front

Genre: Historical fiction
Series: The Kirkindiler Chronicles book 1
Synopsis: When America joins the World War 2, the Kirdindler family find things hard to keep the family alive. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Maddie and her siblings find themselves facing the posh Evermonde family, who are practically rolling in wealth.

Chapter: One
Length: Twelve

Finish: January

Was Due: Septemberish

~ ◘ ~

The Diary of a Sailor Prince

Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling
Series: Prince Charming Diaries vol. 2 book 3
Synopsis: As the day for Anne's marriage draws near, Prince Xander decides to do a little traveling and find the best wedding present ever for her. But while exploring Ashtaran Xander is injured and taken in by a peasant couple with three sons. He calls himself Boots and plays the fool. They ill treat him and force him to do all the work. But Xander is patient. Something he never was in the past. The reason is, he has become smitten with the local princess. The princess who won't smile. When the king announces that his daughter Anastasia can marry whomever can create a ship that sails on land as well as water, Xander and his foster brothers decided to try their luck. Xander meets Eleth and shares with her. She tells him how to get a flying ship. For crew, she orders him to take aboard the seven first people he encounters after getting aboard his ship. While floating along in his wonderful ship Xander encounters seven amazing people. The Deadeye, with the amazing fire shooting weapon. Erago who can run as fast as the swiftest of men on only one leg. Brego, who can drink up whole rivers without quenching his thirst. Cole, who can eat up an entire bakery and still be starving. Elicdor who has ears that can hear whispers a hundred miles away. Bale who carries a bale of straw with him. Straw that can turn the hottest fire to ice. And Con who carries a bundle of wood that can turn into an army.

Chapter: Day Seventeen
Length: Forty-five days
Finish: December 31st
Was due: a long time ago in my wishes

~ • ~

The Hidden Map

Genre: Pirate Fantasy
Series: Pirate's Apprentice book 2
Synopsis: Atreg and the rest of the crew sail away from Port Royal to a life of freedom and piracy, also to use the hidden map to find the secret way to Davy Jones locker, where they hope to free Nightshade, Ecin, and Gelbrick. But when Atreg and Matthew are suddenly abandoned in the lowlands of Scotland, with Nightshade's ship trapped somewhere in a bottle, everything changes. Atreg and Matthew have a map, but the Navy has the same map. Can the two stranded men find the locker first? Atreg also has a secret quest, he must turn himself over to the Sirens in exchange for his kidnapped brother. But he must free his father and friends first. As Atreg and Matthew are following the trail of the hidden map they come across a bunch of people who are being attacked by Davy Jones' ghosts. Atreg, Matthew and their new companion Maximilian rush to the rescue. They find out that the Jones family and their odd uncle called Calico Bonnet, a family of blacksmiths are searching for their merchant father. After a heated discussion Atreg and company agree to escort the Jones family to the waterfront. But still getting rid of the Jones won't be as easy as that. They reach the waterfront with only a few minor problems. But while settling in at a dock tavern they overhear how Captain Jones was murdered and robbed of all his gold by a certain William Hartford. Regnar and Serca Jones promise a large sum of money of Atreg and company will help them commandeer a ship and hunt down the evil William Hartford. They pay in advance. Atreg and company take the money and rush off to commandeer the ship, but not take the irrepressible Jones' family with them. Uncle Calico Bonnet comes to the rescue and smuggles the twins on board. William is quite ready to spank both of the twins and is about too, except Calico Bonnet restrains him. A fight is about to break out, but then the soldiers start pursuing them. The group must stop fighting and rally together. They return to Dlog and pick up Madame Repeek who almost kills Atreg for losing Emalas. Then Serca and Madame Repeek get captured by William Hartford. Atreg walks into their camp claiming to be the pirate Apprentice of Nightshade. He offers a trade. William Hartford does not believe him. But agrees to send the girl (Serca) off with the silly boy (Atreg). Madame Repeek they say will stay with them, for she must go into the snake pit to appease the sea snakes. Atreg cannot just let his mother die. Regnar shoots William in the back and Madame Repeek falls into the hole. Calico Bonnet calls on the Sirens and they kill the snakes. But they very nearly take Atreg with them too. While hiding he discovers the doorway to the locker. The snake pit. Later at the healer's hut watching his mother's arm get amputated, Atreg announces his intentions of entering the pit. Regnar draws a gun on him. Reminding him that William escaped in the chaos and they still have to find him. Calico finally comes up with the truth and admits that the murdered Captain Jones is not their father. Serca is horrified to hear that their father is a pirate and won't believe it. The healer points out that there is only one family that can call on the Sirens and not have to pay for it with their lives. The Jones family. Calico Bonnet is Davy Jones's brother. Once they find out the disturbing truth the twins insist on going into the pit with Atreg. The pit of no return. Matthew, who also is searching for his uncle glumly demands in. Will Maximilian and Calico go too, or will they stay outside?

Chapter: four

length: eighteen + prologue

finish: February

Was due: August

~ • ~

The Seeds of War

Genre: Historical Fiction/Sci-Fi
Series: War-Men book 1
Synopsis: Why does man battle one another. Everyone knows that most men are to lazy to do much. But when the seeds of war are planted it is common knowledge that men will march off to murder each other. But when one person finds out that these seeds are not a metaphor the world is plunged into World War one, but there is another battle being fought behind the war. Walter Parke takes a wrong turn home and ends up involved in the greatest secret known to man. The War-Man and the seeds of War.

Chapter: four
length: eighteenish
Finish: February
was due: July
~ ♠ ~

A Train to Somewhere

 Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis: The Great Depression is in full swing and the Peck farm is failing. Grandfather Peck, who has not spoken to the family in over eighteen years descends down upon his son and daughter-in-law and orders the children to be divided up amongst relatives who will be able to feed them. He offers to take thirteen year old Charlie himself and put him in a proper school. Knowing their parents won't have much choice Charlie plans to run away. He figures if the three oldest boys, and the twin girls leave, his parents will be able to keep little Margret whatever their grandfather or Great Aunt Margret says. The five oldest Peck children hop the trains and set out to find a new life. They soon make friends with irrepressible Coffee Joe, who does all he can to help them. Can seventeen year old Jimmy keep his family together or will he lose them anyway?

Chapter: eight
length: twelve
finish: January
was due: June

~ ♠ ~

Johnny and Priscilla

Genre: Fanfiction/historical fiction
Real Book: Johnny Tremain
Synopsis: It is the year 1775 and the War has begun in earnest. Johnny Tremain now a young man of seventeen joins the continental Army, now that he is able to hold a gun. But Johnny is more then just a soldier, he is a spy, but when he is actually forced to fight, will he be able to shoot another man?
When the Lyte mansion burns down, Cila Lapham and Mrs. Bessie join the camp followers but to Johnny's dismay.

Chapter: nine
Length: twelve
finish: December
Was due: May

~ ♠ ~

Blue's Song

Genre: contemporary
Synopsis: Ivy Taylor comes from a wretched broken family. Her parents divorced when she was really little, and her dad has full custody and never lets her see her mom. She has no friends and public school is no help. When Mr. Taylor decides to move to Pennsylvania, she is befriended by a young Catholic homeschooling boy of thirteen. Jamie O'Dell is determined that Ivy will be his friend, whether she wishes it or not. But can Jamie convert her to his religion or will Ivy be stubborn? It may take a tragedy to change her mind.

Chapter: not started
Length: twelve chapters
Finish: January
was due: should have been July, but it wasn't all my fault.

~ ◘ ~

Short stories
The Perfect Prince
John and the Dragon
Ana is Mortified
A Clever Man as they would Say
It takes a thief to catch a thief
The Perfect Gardener
The Missing Coins
Short Men Conquer
The Most Beauteous Girl as they would say in my corner
One does not argue with glass mirrors
Crow's Marriage
Cinderella Meets the Butcher's Family
The Perfect Hostess (sort of)
A Knight's Punishment
Revenge of the Not so Perfect Princess
How Undignified

All due before Christmas.

So now the question is, will I stick to any of these goals?