Prince Charming Diaries Vol. 3 DoTP, Part 2

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Diary of a Thundering Prince

Part Two

Floodway, 29, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

So much has happened, I am quite at a loss for words. Metis and Rhea took me away from the island. We walked underwater until we reached shore. I felt a strange odd tingling feeling as soon as I stepped on the common ground. I looked in every direction. Were my people somewhere nearby? But no, I did not feel as if I belonged there either. I was given a toga and a hood to hide my sea garments. The two Nyads wrapped themselves in heavy shawls. We went to a city. Tall hideous stone buildings and crude wooden structures made up the living quarters of the humans. I have seldom seen uglier places. Actually to be honest, I have never seen such ugly places. How can the humans stand it?

We went into a white pillared building of stone. It reminded me slightly of Nereus' palaces beneath the water. But not quite as large or beautiful.

“Where are we going?” I ventured to ask. Metis flung aside her shawl. Two golden haired maidens with oil lamps were standing to great us. But they took one look at the Nyad's flowing green hair and rippling water gown, then they fled screaming.

“Into the temple of the stars.” Metis said.

“Another really bad idea.” Rhea said, and cast her own shawl aside.

We went past the pillars and into a star shaped forum. It was empty except for a small star shaped stone table in the center. On it lay a massive sword. It flickered in the lamplight. I could have sworn that it was glowing. Strange runes were carved in the blade.

“What is that for?” I asked, “It seems to me that a blade like that would be better off being used instead of gathering dust.”

“So it would.” said Metis, “But it has turned mighty princes to ashes.”

“What?” I cried, and backed away.

“This is the Thunderer.” Rhea said, and gestured wildly, “Only the son of the Star Father can wield, all others turn to ashes.” I looked down at the floor and gulped. The floor was gray with ashes. I backed up some more.

“The prophecy of the Oracle states that the tyrannical reign of the Star people will only end when the first born takes up the Thunderer and slays his father.” Metis said.

“What?” I cried taking a step forward, “Why would any child slay their father? Now matter how hard and cruel he is. They are blessed to have a father. Do they not know the pain of the orphans? Of the fatherless? To know the man who fathered you is a joy. No child could slay the one who sired them.” Metis looked at me hard.

“Is that what you believe, Zeus?” she asked. I nodded. What a terrible prophecy. It would never come true. It could not.

“Well, I for one would be pleased if the Star Father met a timely end.” Rhea said, “He is a tyrant beyond your worst dreams, Zeus.” I did not answer. I felt bad for the Star Father.

“I seem to have sheltered you a little to much.” Metis sighed, “You see, the Star people hold all of the Sea World in a grip of fear and terror. We are forced to bow and grovel before them. Our food is reduced by three fourths. They take and rarely give. We must pay exuberant prices to eat, yet do all the labor to grow the food. We are the slaves of the Star people. They steal our women and children and kill our men. They take our treasures and beat us. The tax sharers destroy our homes and take everything we own. The people are in wretched condition.”

“Why does no one help them?” I cried in a rage, “Even the poorest are entitled to a little bit of joy.”

“Who is left to help?” Metis sighed, “They have seized the rebel captains. Skinned them alive then either cast them into pots of fire to die in worse agonies, or nailed their lacerated bodies to crosses and crucified them. Yet still the rebellion lives. We simply need a leader.”

“We?” I gasped, “Mother Metis, you will die if they catch you.”

“Aye, but the Star people enter not the waters.” Metis said.

“The rebels will be victorious.” Rhea said impatiently, “The Reign of the Star Father and his Kindred will come to end, when the First Born takes up the Thunderer of his fathers and slays the tyrant.”

“What a terrible prophecy.” I whispered.

“What about the terrible plight of the people?” Metis said. I hung my head. Killing would only lead to more killing. If only I had staid oblivious to the truth on the island. Then I raised my head.

“So steal the first born and train him.” I said. Rhea laughed.

“That is like so impossible, Zeus.” she said, “First of all, the Star Father always slays the child as the first born enters the world. It is always the second born who inherits the star throne.”

“What? He slays his own child?” I cried in a rage. Rhea stuck her tongue out and ran one finger along her throat. I gulped and looked at Metis. She nodded but avoided my eyes.

“So when the next First Born is born steal him!” I said grimly, “Rescue him from death. Train him to be a rebel.”

“How?” Rhea snorted, “The star palace is in the air. I can breathe underwater, but not fly. I am no fairy! Not even the Nymphs can do that.”

“You would have to wait nearly twenty years.” Rhea said as she twisted her coral ring, “Cronus, the Star Father, has already done away with his first born. You must wait for his second born, Hades, to bring forth a child.”

“So we wait.” I said.

“We have no time.” Rhea cried, “We must strike now. You see in two days time, the Star Father will process through this city. We must destroy him then!”

“So you can be flailed alive?” I cried, “Lady Rhea, that is a terrible plan. You need a plan! A real plan! Surely the Star Father has guards and an entourage. You will be caught.”

“Yes, but we have an army. It has all gathered in the labyrinth beneath the city.” Metis said, “Besides, I have a secret weapon.” She would not tell us what that weapon was. But I doubted that it would work.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Floodway, 30, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

We spent the night near the stream which flowed into the city. Of course the two Nyads slept in the water. I slept on the damp bank. When morning came, I discovered that both were gone. But a shell had been slipped into my hands.

“Stay out of trouble.” was written on it. I pocketed it and returned to the city. At least I could get a look around. I felt slightly uncomfortable. I was in an unfamiliar place, and on my own for the first time in my life. Everything was different then the previous night. The streets were no longer deserted. Ragged and well dressed people were milling about. Large windows were opened in the sides of some of the wooden buildings. Wares were placed on tables. Veiled women with baskets were looking at the items. Food, cloth, and other things. I stared around me in wonder.

I soon noticed that I was not the only one staring. People were pointing at me and whispering. When they saw me glance at them, they cowered away. They were afraid of me. Yet many of them carried knives. I was completely unarmed. I wished they would stop staring. They were making me uncomfortable. Where did Rhea and Metis go? Why did they leave me in this wretched place?

I approached a blanket where a large strongly built man was seated cross legged. His long black hair was divided into several dreadlocks. His clothes were made of animal skins and furs. The sides of his tunic were held together with bone pins. His feet were bare. On his shoulder perched a large black bird. Scattered around him on the blanket were many books and scrolls. I stared. His skin was darker then the people I was used too.

“Well, well, look who has graced me with their presence?” the man snarled rudely. I frowned. Did he know who I was?

“I am Zeus.” I said hesitantly, “I do not think you actually know who I am.”

“You will the Star scabs?” he asked. A hush ran through the market. The crowd seemed to freeze.

“No.” I said feeling even more confused, “I came from the sea.”

“Ah, one of the Sea People, then.” the man said, “That is better. I am Hercules.” he stuck out one large browned hand. The crowd unfroze and continued with their business.

“Nice to meet you.” I said, and shook his hand.

“You hear for the procession or to read?” Hercules asked as he picked up two fat volumes and waved them in my face.

“Maybe both.” I said, “I cannot seem to find my guides.”

“Then I suggest books.” Hercules said with a slow grin, “What catches your fancy.”

“Do you have anything on the History of Sea World?” I asked. Once more the crowd froze. It was so quiet I could hear my heart beating.

“Those books are forbidden, by the mighty Star Swine.” Hercules drawled, “Confiscated by the Tax Sharers and burned publicly.”

“Oh.” I mumbled. Apparently I was not doing so well.

“But of course I have a copy or two.” Hercules continued, “Do you think I obey the Star Scabs? Not a fat little chance.” He tossed aside some scrolls and handed me a five inch thick volume, which was about two feet tall. I staggered under the sudden weight.

“Hercules, you will get us all in trouble.” someone wailed, “Do not give him that book!” I stared at the jeweled cover of the huge book and wondered what exactly I had done.

“Bah!” Hercules snorted, “The kid can learn all about his history in this book. Why it was written and blessed by the Oracles. It has it's own power.” The crowd began to move quickly and disappear down various streets and into buildings.

“Maybe I should not read this.” I said.

“Read it!” Hercules sneered, “Or are you a coward? Do you obey a tyrant or do you love freedom?”

“I just heard about the tyrant yesterday.” I said.

“What rock did you crawl out from under?” the book seller cried, “Everyone knows about Cronus!” As soon as he had said the name, the entire crowd disappeared and the jewels began to glow red.

“Drop the book!” Rhea's familiar voice shrieked. I whirled, a little to fast, and the book flew out of my hands and hovered in midair. The pages opened and a brilliant light flashed out.

“Beware the hand of the First Born!” the book said.

“Ugh!” I yelled, “It talked!” Books were not supposed to talk.

“Well, I never. The Oracle.” Hercules cried, “Good job kid, you managed to unchained the Oracle.”

“Good job Zeus.” Rhea said, “Time to get out of here!” she grabbed my arm and pulled me through the deserted streets. Hercules shouted after us, but I could no longer hear him.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

To Be Continued

Prince Charming Diaries 3: DoTP, Part 1

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Introducing Zeus

Diary of a Thundering Prince

Part One

Floodway, 19, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

I must have somewhere to record all my thoughts. Sometimes I spend hours simply thinking of what I could have said in certain situations, or trying to remember what I had said. Perhaps you can help me. I need to think before I speak, but not so long that everything thinks that I am being rude and ignoring them. Just a slight pause to organize my thoughts. Unfortunately I never stop to think, and when I do, it turns into a very awkward pause. Nereus told Metis I was awkward. She got mad, but that is the truth.

My Name is Zeus. I have lived about sixteen Floodways already. My hair is straight golden blond. The color of wheat when the sun shines on it. My eyes are grey, even thought Metis says they should be blue. I can hardly see why that would make a difference. Eyes are eyes, does it matter if they are green, blue, red or purple? I once saw a seaman with red and gold eyes. I swear that it is the truth. The Nyads laughed and called me a liar. Seamen only have red eyes and Mermen have gold eyes. But I did see a seaman with red and gold eyes. They can laugh all they want, I am not a liar.

I suppose you are wondering who Metis and Nereus are, as well as Nyads, seamen and mermen. I suppose I better explain more thoroughly. Metis is the daughter of a Nyad and a Titan. She is not my mother, but would have me call her so. I know enough to know that no Nyad mothered me, nor do I have any Titan blood in me. Nyads are Seawomen, who live on land, but if they desire could walk underwater as well. Seamen are their men. But they rarely come ashore. Yet they can breathe in the air, and have legs like humans. Mermen are like the Seamen, except they can only breathe underwater and have tails instead of legs. More like half fish, half men. I cannot breathe underwater unless I wear a sea cloak. So therefor I have no Seamenn or Mermen blood in me. The Titans are land forces. The men stand tall, nigh unto seven and a half even eight feet high. The women are shorter in stance, by nearly two feet. I am only six and a half feet high. I figure that means I must be human. That is about average for a grown male human. But if I had Titan blood in my veins, I would be at least seven feet high. 

And last of all, Nereus is the Overlord of the sea. There are three forces in Sea World. The Star People, the Sea People and the Land People. Nereus rules the Sea People, the Titans rule the Land People and the Star People rule us all. It does seem rather confusing, but I am told that is how politics work. If you understand them, you have to be crooked. I would rather be part of the confused rabble, than be crooked. It seems to me we do fine ruling ourselves, why do we need the Star People?

Someday I am determined to discover who my father and mother really are. But not yet. Metis grows angry if anyone so much as hints that I am not her son. The other Nyads tease her something dreadful about her lost husband. But every one of the Sea People knows that Metis is not really my mother, and that she never had a husband. We all simply pretend to please her. I wonder why everyone wants to please her so much. Maybe because we all love her so much. 

I still wonder where I came from? Rhea said Metis stole me out of a fisherman's cradle. Perhaps she is right, but somehow I doubt it. My friend Seth, who is a Sea Elf, has seen the fishermen along the shore. He described them well. Somehow they do not seem to belong to me. But perhaps if I could see them for myself, I might judge things in a different manner. If only I could leave my little island and look for myself. But Metis will not let me set foot on the shores of man. She says I must wait some more. Wait for what? How long must I be the pampered pet of the Sea People? I am nearly a full grown man. I want battles and adventures? Not battles with fish either. I am tired of fighting sharks. The really big sharks are to crafty to get caught by any of the Sea People.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

To Be Continued

Volume 3

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Guess what, I started volume 3.

Prince Charming Diaries Volume Three

Lords of Olympus

Part One

Diary of a Thundering Prince

The Star people ruled the unhappy occupants of Sea World, as far back as anyone could remember. The prophecy stated that the reign of the Stars would end when the first born of the All-Star defeated his father in battle. Since the oracle set the prophecy down, no first born ever survived. They were cast away and slaughtered. The second son always succeeded to the Star throne. But after thousands of years of oppression Cronus the All-Star made a blunder. Baby Zeus was indeed cast away, but he was rescued by Metis, half Titan, half Nyad. Zeus was raised in the Kingdom of Nereus the Sea Lord, on an island. Only Metis knew Zeus' real identity. But as the shadows of war grew darker and the terrible Titans lay havoc to the world the rebels grew more desperate. Learning of the prophecy, Zeus suggested they attempt to rescue one of the firstborn and train him for battle. Unfortunately, Cronus already had seven children, which meant that the firstborn was already dead. They would have to wait until Hades became the All-Star and produced his own firstborn. But when Zeus accidentally takes the Thunderer

Hopefully this means I am going to post it on here as I go along.

This one is different from the other volumes, it's retellings of Greek Myths. I'm one of the people who think they need great improvements.

But judging by how slow I have been with writing, don't get any hopes up.

~the Author

DoKP Part 4, Tarek's Diary

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Diary of a Kidnapped Prince

Part Four

The Following Morning...

The following morning I was in the mirror hall. It was the biggest hall in the prison. Reflecting ice hung on all the walls and an ice lamp hung from the ceiling. It made the mirrors dance and reflect everything strangely. Suddenly, I heard a loud cracking sound. I whirled. The biggest mirror had cracked down the center and was opening. I stared in awe. I had never seen a door before, nor a gate. There was not need of them in the palace as there was no way out anyway.

For one brief second I saw glowing snow and real blue sky, then a girl appeared in the door. She had long brown hair and was wearing fur. We stared at each other. It was Gerda she had arrived at the palace. I wanted to run to her and ask her everything. But for some strange reason I could not move. I stared in dismay.

“Tarek?” Gerda gasped. I shook my head and began backing away. “It is me!” the girl cried. She ran to my side and tried to fling her arms around me. But all of a sudden she was yanked back. The Queen had somehow appeared behind her. She had Gerda's arms in a tight grip. I felt like I had turned to stone.

“Who are you that you dare to disturb the palace of the Snow Queen?” the Queen snarled in a terrible voice. I wanted to shudder, but I could not move.

“Hands off of me!” Gerda cried, “I have not hunted for my little brother for six years to be stopped by an angry queen in white!”

“We shall see about that!” the Queen said. She flung Gerda down to the floor and clapped her hands. The snow on the floor began to swirl. I grimaced. I knew what was happening. The snow took the shape of two snow monsters.

“What?” Gerda gaped as she tried to stand up.

“Run!” I whispered.

“Throw her in the dungeons!” the Queen ordered.

“No!” Gerda screamed, she stood up, slipped and fell down again. The monsters seized her. We had dungeons?

“Lock her in!” the Queen shouted. The monsters bore the struggling girl off. I stared after them in silence.

“Tarek please!” Gerda screamed, “Help me!” I stared down at my boots and said nothing.

Later That Day...

Later that day I slipped out of my chamber and tiptoed down through the passages. I had an idea where the dungeons were. If they were not in the North, South, East or West passages, that meant they had to be downstairs. A slippery stairs of ice went deep into the ground in one of the East passages. I had never gone down. It looked to dark. But now I found myself slipping and sliding down the cold steps.

The steps ended abruptly and my way was blocked by a row of icicles. I put my hands on them and peered through. Gerda was seated on the icy floor her head buried in her knees.

“Are you hurt?” I asked at last. It seemed a sensible thing to ask. Gerda looked up, then gave a little cry.

“Tarek.” she cried and rushed to the bars.

“Not hurt then?” I asked stupidly.

“No, I am fine, no thanks to those ice monsters!” Gerda said, with a toss of her dark hair.

“You should not have come.” I said, “The Queen is dangerous when angered.”

“Don't you remember me?” Gerda cried angrily, “We swore always to stay together.” I will have to check my diary later to see if I remember that bit.

“I think I could help you escape.” I said at last, “Hang on a minute, I need a tool.” Gerda shook her head and grabbed my sleeve.

“Tarek, I traveled all over the Third World and beyond in search of you!” she cried, “I refuse to leave without you.”

“I will not leave the Queen.” I said. The box would soon be open, then we could leave.

“She is a thief!” Gerda screamed, “A common kidnapper! She stole you from our family! You do not belong to her! She stole you! She took you away from Madra and Father! You were our baby before she stole you!”

“That is a lie!” I cried angrily, “The Queen saved me.”

“She lied to you!” Gerda screamed, “I saw, one day in her sledge she came through the sky and snatched you away from our garden!” I turned and ran up the staircase. I could not listen. How dare she insult the Queen in her own palace. I tried not to think about the words, but in my heart of hearts I knew that Gerda had not lied. The Queen had stolen me.

That Night...

That night I tossed and turned in restless dream. It seemed I was running through a garden. Everywhere I looked a twisted gargoyle mirror hung from the wall. The face of the monster leered down at me, mocking me.

“Soon,” they hissed, “Soon we shall take you away!”

“Go away!” I screamed.

“You cannot make us ever leave you!” the gargoyles chanted. One by one the mirrors shattered freeing the monsters from the stone frames. The flying glass pierced me causing blood to flow. Then the monsters flew at me screaming and taring at my flesh.

“Tarek?” I heard Gerda's voice far away calling me. Then there was a flash and the Queen wrapped in white furs flew down out of the sky in a white sled pulled by white reindeer. She always had the snowy, ice, white theme about her. She attacked the gargoyles and drove them back. Then she pulled me into the sledge and drove off. The monsters recovered and pursued us screaming. Gerda screamed after us, but her voice soon faded.

I sat up gasping. I remembered clearly. The dream had forced the haunting memory to come back. One day Gerda and I had been playing in the garden when we came upon a stone gargoyle mirror. We hung it up in our secret hiding place. Gerda did not like it and wanted to smash the monster off. But I loved it for I saw things unseen by others in the mirror. Faraway lands. Strange worlds. Monsters. It was not long before I discovered that no one else had seen these wonders. The mirror was clearly enchanted. But I was to little to know if it was bad or good. Now that I was older I knew that the gargoyle was symbol of evil. I think Gerda understood that even back then, and that would explain why she wanted to destroy the mirror.

One day I was playing alone in the secret place when the gargoyle turned it's head and glared at me. I screamed in surprise.

“Hey kid,” the beast hissed, “Soon, very soon we shall take you away. When the splinter reaches your heart you will will become one of us.”

“Go away nasty monster!” I wailed. The gargoyle leered down at me evilly.

“Go one kid,” he jeered, “Try and make me!” I shoved the mirror off the wall. It shattered easily. The stone frame fell to pieces. But the glass shards flew everywhere and one struck me in the chest. I screamed. Blood soaked my shirt. When I looked the shard had vanished. Small as I was, I now fully understood what the gargoyle had meant. That piece had gone inside me and was aiming for my heart.

I was sure I was going to die right there in frightful agonies, all alone. But then the Queen in her sledge had come out of thin air. She saw me.

“Snowflake, Icicle that little boy is in trouble.” the Queen said to her reindeer, “We shall take him along with us.”

“That is kidnapping your majesty, and frowned upon by all societies!” Snowflake said.

“He is not our concern!” Icicle said with a sniff.

“Do I care about society?” the Queen growled.

“You take him to our home and he will be under your curse too.” Snowflake warned.

“If we leave him here, he dies!” the Queen said.

To make matters short, she took me into her arms and carried me off through the hole into the sky to the floating mountain with the palace on top. A prison trapped between all the worlds. Those who went there were forced to remain forever, traveling only to the world of their choice once every ten years, until the puzzle was solved. I had not been there ten years yet, which put me somewhere between the ages of seven and fifteen. A large gap, but time was different there. Here no curses worked but the ones that came from there. The Shard had come to a standstill, but if I were to leave my prison, I would die, turn into stone or worse. Who was to say. I could never leave. The Queen may have kidnapped me, but she had also saved my life. But was it not better to live one full day with the people you loved then spend an eternity wandering empty halls? But what changes had happened since I left home? Why did mother and the twins live in a cottage in a forest? All these questions, but no answers.

Later...

Later I went back down the prison. Gerda was leaning against the icicles looking very despondent. She did not smile when she saw me.

“I must help you escape, Gerda.” I said.

“You do know me?” she cried.

“Yes, I know you.” I said, “But you must leave, and never come back. It may be to late already!”

“Thomas waits to open the door from the other side.” Gerda cried, “I know they only open once every ten years, but they will open from the other side. Thomas will rescue us.”

“I cannot leave!” I said sternly.

“Do not be a fool, Tarek!” Gerda cried impatiently, “A twelve year old boy does not make his own choices!” So I was twelve.

“I do.” I said angrily, “Leave!”

“You must come!” Gerda screamed, “I will not leave without you and you cannot make me!”

“But I think I can!” I said angrily and turned my back on her. I had to make her leave. Maybe I could convince her that I was happy where I was. I could not tell her the truth. If she knew that if I left I would die, she would insist on staying with me. I would have loved that. But it would be selfish. Other people loved Gerda too. She had to leave. Thomas, whoever he was, could not remain outside the doors forever. A plan entered my mind. I dashed up the stairs grinning.

“Tarek, come back!” Gerda cried, but I turned a deaf ear on her cries.

Next Day...

Next day I entered the mirror chamber and went to the large mirror. In my hands I held the puzzle box. It would hold the door open, or get crushed. Either way would be good. If the box got crushed, then technically it would be open. That should please the Queen. But somehow I doubted that it would open or get crushed. I knocked on the mirror. It shivered and split. I found myself staring out over an icy slope into blue sky. Thomas was staring at me. He had a pale freckled face, dark curly hair and was dressed in thick brown garments.

“You are not Gerda.” he said at last.

“No, I am not.” I said, quickly deciding not to let him know my identity. He probably would force me to come with him for Gerda's sake. He was bigger then I, almost a man. But maybe not quite.

“Are you Thomas?” I asked. The boys gaped. It was a silly question, who else could he be. “Are you Thomas?” I asked again.

“Yes, but who are you?” Thomas asked, “Where is Gerda?”

“Gerda is in trouble!” I said, “Come quick!” Thomas started to enter. I quickly stopped him and wedged the box in the snow in the very center of the crack.

“What is that?” Thomas asked.

“Lets just say it is a key.” I said evasively. I turned and gestured for him to follow me. Once Thomas entered the chamber the mirror gate slammed shut. Or it tried to. It was forced to a crunching halt by the box, and remained open a foot. Hopefully we could pry the gates open enough for Gerda and Thomas to slip out.

I took Thomas down to the dungeons. Gerda was waiting. She gasped when she saw Thomas. He rushed to her and they embraced. I made a face.

“Thomas, how could you?” Gerda cried, “Do you not realize that we will be trapped in here forever now!”

“He wedged the gates open.” Thomas said with a jerk of his thumb at me.

“Tarek?” Gerda cried. I was annoyed.

“Wait, that is your little brother?” Thomas gaped, “He certainly does not look anything like what I was expecting.”

“He was six years old last time I saw him.” Gerda sighed, “Of course he has changed.”

“That was not what I meant.” Thomas began.

“So what are you two waiting for?” I cried, “The longer you delay the less chance you have of escaping.”

“You?” Thomas cried, “You mean, Us!”

“I mean you!” I said evenly. Thomas looked at Gerda.

“He does not want to come with us.” my sister whispered, “He wants to stay here.”

“Well, I for one did not swim icy rivers, cross deserts, jump worlds, crawl up mountains, all for him to say no!” Thomas growled and started towards me!” I broke a jagged icicle off the wall.

“Get Gerda out first then argue!” I said, then I tossed him the icicle, “Saw away!”

“I thought the Snow Queen kidnapped him.” Thomas muttered as he sawed away at the icicle bars, “He is her prisoner right? One would think he would be happy to escape.”

“There is no escape for me.” I said through gritted teeth, “But you dead sure are not going to share my fate.”

“If we leave before the ten years are up, surely you can leave any time.” Gerda protested. I peered up the staircase and did not answer.

Once Gerda was free, the three of us ran up the steps. I led them through the maze of tunnels towards the mirror chamber. I noticed that Gerda and Thomas got on either side of me. I was in trouble. I wondered if I would die the minute I walked through the gate, or if I had to wait until I landed on a real world. I tried to dodge out from in between them, but they stuck to me like glue. I sighed. I would have to escape.

We burst into the mirror chamber and came to a dead stop. The gates were closed tight. The Queen stood in front of them holding the box and stroking it. I had never seen her look so evil. My heart sank.

“Clever clever little boy!” she said angrily, “I am just impressed enough not to lose my temper!”

“You beast, give me back my brother!” Gerda screamed and raised her fists.

“Brother?” the Queen gaped. I think that she had not realized it. Her gaze darted to me. I nodded. She frowned. She was probably wondering how I remembered. For one brief second hope flooded through my chest.

“Guards!” the Queen bellowed. My heart dropped right down to my boots, “Guards, seize them!” Snow monsters walked out of the mirrors and approached us.

“Lay hands on Gerda and I will rip you apart!” he was a gallant fool. He held up the icicle saw threateningly. Gerda leaped forward her fists flailing. She was knocked over with one blow. Thomas' weapon went through a guard, but it did not harm. He was quickly disarmed and captured.

“Guards escort them back to the dungeons.” the Queen said coldly, “Put up new bars, as for this boy,” she glared hard at me, “Escort him back to his chamber.” My shoulders slumped and trudged after the guards.

“Coward!” Thomas shouted, “Beastly coward.” I made no reply. I was a failure.

Not Long After...

Not long after this had all taken place, I burst out of my chamber and went to the Round Chamber. I knew the Queen would be there. I wondered if perhaps she was double checking on my family. I doubt she had bothered to look into them before. Probably simply assuming I would never remember them again. Sure enough, the Queen was looking into her bauble.

“Snow Queen!” I shouted. She whirled and the bauble went blank. But I could have sworn that I saw Mama's face. I had been right.

“So you came to apologize I see.” she said coolly.

“No!” I cried, “I am prepared to stay here forever because my life depends upon it! But I demand that you let my sister go!”

“I cannot.” the Queen said, “I cannot open the gates! You know that I can but travel out once every ten years!”

“It was downright mean of you to shut the gates trapping Thomas and Gerda here.” I cried bitterly.

“Just because the gates were open does not mean they can leave!” the Queen said softly. I stared.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Certainly they could leave the palace and crawl over the mountain through the snow and ice, but they could not leave until their time is up, then at midnight they will transport back.” was the horrible explanation, “They were silly to come here in the first place.”

I bowed my head. Everything had been in vain. Gerda and Thomas were just as cursed as the Queen and I. Well maybe I was the worst since I had the shard in my chest.

“What happens if the curse is broken?” I gasped.

“We leave!” the Queen said evenly, “In all possibilities the Mountain would be destroyed or attach itself to some other world.

“What about me?” I asked in a small voice.

“You will come too, and then make the decision about whether you will go back to your own people in the Third World or with me to Royaume. You only get one chance to make your choice for eternity.”

“Won't I die?” I asked evenly.

“I took the Gargoyle Shard out of you a long time ago.” the Queen said quietly, “You will live even in the real world, but I cannot say what side effects you will have. Bringing you here allowed me all the time I needed to save you, but once you were here you could not live again.”

“It is better to live one day and be loved then to live an eternity alone and hated by all.” I said softly to myself. The Queen looked at me.

“You think I should go back to my hunter?” she asked.

“Certainly!” I said, “If we can just but open that wretched box! If he truly loved you, he will have waited!”

“Of course he loved me, but he was practical too and would not wait forever!” the Queen said.

“Maybe Gerda or Thomas could open up the box.” I said suddenly. The Queen sighed.

“Very well, Tarek, fetch them back.” she said, “I may not truly be evil, but it was downright wicked of me to do what I did.” I did not answer, I was to busy running for the dungeon. I was almost free. All I had to do was open that cursed box.

Days Later...

In spite of the Queen's Words, Gerda and Thomas insisted on circling the entire mountain. Of course they were forced to come back. This time they brought their reindeer in. Oh, how did they get out of the gate? Well, Thomas simply took the box out of my arms and hurled it. The gate shattered. This put the Queen in a terrible temper. I went with them and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I may still have been trapped, but I was experiencing the great out doors. It was not quite right though. On the very pinnacle I could survey empty space. It was a deep light blue, which was weird as real sky was just a reflection. It should have looked black. Or something else.

But finally we went back into the palace. This time both of them were willing to listen, so I explained the box. Thomas did everything that both the Queen and I had tried plus had his reindeer stomp on it. Nothing worked. Gerda watched in silence until Thomas flung the box away and fell flat on his face moaning.

“It will never open!” he shouted, “My poor mother, I should never have left her.”

“Humph!” the Queen snorted as she joined us, “I could have told you that would work, although the boy already did!” Thomas glared at her. Neither him nor Gerda was quite civil to her yet.

“Did you have a better suggestion?” Thomas growled.

“Of course.” the Queen snapped, “But I tried them all.”

“Every mean, unfriendly, brutal thing you could think of.” I sighed.

“Let me have the box.” Gerda said suddenly, “I have a new idea.” I pushed it across the icy flor to her. She caught it and set it on her lap.

“It will not open.” Thomas said grimly.

“Shut up and let her try!” the Queen snapped, “Maybe she has a bigger idea then you did.” Thomas flushed.

“You were all mean.” Gerda said softly, “Perhaps a little love will help.”

“How do you show love to a box?” Thomas snorted.

“Shut up!” the Queen snarled, “For your information some toys do not work unless kissed by a child. Some doors do not open unless someone strikes them in the center with an ax. Some magic rings do not work unless kissed by a maiden. Some- well you get the idea. If some magic works that way then why not the box work that way?”

“If you knew somethings worked that way, why did you not try it yourself?” Thomas growled.

“Oh be quiet you two!” Gerda cried, “If we want to escape we need to work together.” The Queen and Thomas had the grace to look ashamed of themselves.

Gerda held the box up and looked hard at it. The Queen tried to say something, but she shut her mouth when my sister glared at her.

“Here goes!” Gerda said grimly and planted a kiss on the top of the box. Nothing happened. Gerda sighed and set it down. “Busted!” she muttered.

“I tried to say, I did try all those things.” the Queen said, “The box will not open for the kiss of a grown woman.” Gerda looked at her in surprise.

“Am I a grown woman?” she asked. Then she frowned, “Six years, of course. I forgot, I got older.”

“Give me the stupid box.” Thomas said with a flushed face, “Lets try the kiss of a boy.”

“You would be considered a man.” the Queen corrected. Thomas looked even more embarrassed. The box had no change for him either. He looked a little relieved. I was disappointed. We were out of ideas.

Suddenly everyone turned towards me. My heart sank. Surely they would not make me kiss the box too. Thomas pushed it towards me.

“Nope!” I said, “Not kissing any box!” I had never felt stupider then when I planted a hard kiss on the top of that stupid box. Of course nothing happened.

“Well, all I can say is, make yourselves at home.” the Queen said dryly and stood up, “It will be quite some years before you set foot in your world again.” Tears came to my eyes.

“When was the last time I ate?” Thomas asked suddenly, “I ate nothing since coming here, and I am not hungry.”

“At least I do not have to feed you!” the Queen said dryly, “Magic idiot!” she began to pace the room.

“I want to be hungry again!” Thomas protested, “My mouth wants food!”

“Glutton!” the Queen retorted.

Gerda put her arms around me. I put my arms around her and I cried. For the first time in my life I truly missed my mother. I had not realized how much I had wanted to go home to her until we had failed again.

“The more people show up the more this place feels like a prison!” the Queen muttered. She glared at Thomas. He glared back. A single tear slid down my cheek and splattered on the box.

“Well, what about me?” Thomas cried, “I am not exactly jumping for joy now that I am forced to live with you!”

“My house, my rules!” the Queen snapped, “You can go live outside if you want! Maybe you will freeze faster!”

My tear seemed to sink into the ice. I straightened up and stared. Deep cracks ran along the smooth lid and down the sides.

“Queen!” I screamed. She turned quickly. The box exploded and the shards flew everywhere.

“Duh, stupid me!” the Queen said, “Of course, the tear of a child!”

“Excuse me?” Thomas cried, “You mean all we had to do was hold Tarek over the stupid box and make him cry? Wish I knew sooner!” I glared at him.

A deep rumble caused the floor to shake. Cracks appeared on the floor. I scrambled to my feet only to lose my balance immediately.

“Quick, everyone outside the!” the Queen screamed. I stared at her, her pale cheeks had turned red. Color was returning to her face. She looked more human. Then I became aware that everyone was shivering. The spells were breaking. We crawled and limped towards the broken gates. Behind us bits of the walls were caving in. We would be crushed after all.

Later...

Later we stood on the slopes of the very edge of the mountain, deep empty space rushing by our feet and watched as the island sank. Bits of the palace crumbled away. The Queen turned to me.

“We only have a little time left.” she said, “When we jump we will each be transported back to the place where we were when we left.”

“Oh great.” Thomas said, “We lose the kid again.”

“So this is goodbye.” the Queen told me. I flung my arms around her. No longer was the embrace icy. It was warm and tender. Almost like the embrace of my real mama. She kissed me on the head.

“Goodbye dear Queen.” I mumbled, “I love you.”

“I love you too, my little boy!” the Queen whispered back. Then the ground broke beneath our feet and we were shooting through the stars.

When My Eyes Opened...

When my eyes opened I found myself lying in an overgrown patch of weeds. I had never felt so hot and uncomfortable in my entire life. My face felt like it was on fire. Burning sun was glaring down at me. I sat up groaning. A few wisps of swinging vines were swaying in the hot breeze over me. I was lying on my back, half in and half out of the old hiding place, which had once been my secret place. Shards of broken glass sparkled in the sunlight. I stood up and looked around. The garden was deserted. The palace was deserted. Everything was deserted. The wall was broken and crumbled. I climbed up on it and looked out.

The streets of the city I had once called home were different. For one thing, they certainly had shrunk from my knowledge. Another thing was that they were dirty and deserted. Who had done this? Where was everyone. I leaped down into the streets and started walking. A man in rags suddenly came out of a house. He stopped and stared at me. I stared right back at him.

“Hello.” I tried. He stared. I tried a different word that meant hello. The man shook his word. I frowned. In that place of no enchantments except it's own everyone could understand everyone else. But I had at least four different languages jumbled up in my mind. How would I know what to say?

“Who are you stranger?” the man said at last. I understood him fine, but how was I to know which words he would understand. An idea entered my mind. I pointed at myself.

“Tarek.” I said. The man's eyes bulged. The name meant something. He grasped my arm and began to run dragging me along with him. What was he up too? Not knowing where else to go, I allowed him to take me. At least he probably knew where other people wore.

I was led through stinking half burnt streets to the edge of the city. Endless burning sand stretched out in front of my gaze. Between me and the endless nothing was hundreds of white and red striped tents rising out of the sand. People were milling about. A shiver ran through me. Would any of my people be there? The man stopped. A second man had appeared at the gate and was pointing a curved sword at us. I recognized him immediately. He was Verek. He looked exactly as he had looked when I requested the bauble show him to me.

“I need to see the King!” the man babbled wildly.

“Do you wish to surrender, very well we except.” Verek said.

“No, no.” the man cried.

“I will take it from here.” I told the man. He stared at me blankly.

“I blabber take blabber blabber here?” Verek said?”

“Verek.” I said. My brother stared.

“Do you know you?” he asked, “Boy of many languages.”

“Certainly.” I said.

“What?” he said.

“King now!” I yelled. Verek looked at the man.

“Tarek.” he said and pointed at me. Verek's face turned as white as snow.

Later...

Later as I entered the camp and was showed the King I felt first a pang of disappointment then dismay. The King was not my father. It was Zeno. Did that mean my father was dead?

“Zeno!” Verek shouted, “It is-”

“Tarek?” Zeno asked. I nodded.

“He talks funny.” Verek said.

“What about Gerda?” Zeno asked. I tried to explain that she was in the waters at the edge of the world but no one seemed to understand. I finally walked over to a table and pointed to the water at the edge.

“Gerda there!” I said.

“Impossible!” someone in armor gasped, “The Endless Falls.”

“Gerda!” I said again and pointed. Then I moved my finger to the Glittering Island oasis by the Rushing Pool, “Mama.” I said.

“You know where Madra is?” Zeno cried. I sighed.

“Mama.” I said and pointed again. This was getting annoying. There was no way I could sort out four different languages enough to talk to anyone. Or was it five now. Surely the Queen had another one. I sighed again.

On This Last Page...

On this last page of this diary I will write the last words of my adventure. It has been a long time since I returned. The city has been cleaned and Zeno crowned king. Messengers have gone to the Endless Sea and the Rushing Pool in search of Gerda, Mama, Snow and Rose. By the way, Snow and Rose are really Fiona and Ester. They were brought back awhile ago. It took mama only a glance to know me. She also asked for Gerda, but she had not been found yet. I was glad that the language problem made it impossible to share my story yet. I was not ready to tell about the Snow Queen and the mountain between the worlds.

Finally the messengers returned bringing not only Gerda, but Thomas, the two reindeer and Rika, with her own reindeer. Rika was younger then me, probably ten or eleven. Zeno told me I was thirteen. But I do not think numbers mean anything. It was a joyful reunion.

“What?” Rika squealed, “This is the Tarek you were looking for, Gerda? Why I could have introduced you a long time ago and saved everyone much trouble.” I doubted it, but said nothing. What was there to say anyway.

So ends my diary, I have at last been reunited with my whole family. Well, except for father who is dead and my sister Beatrice. She is Queen somewhere else but no one, especially Uli seem very happy with that. Everyone is married but Gerda and I. Snow and Rose married a Bear and a Fox that were really enchanted princes. Silly, can you believe that? Actually I take that back, Gerda will be married before long too. To none other then that silly Thomas. My adventure as the kidnapped prince is over, my next adventure will be to learn to talk properly and discover what side effects the Gargoyle Mirror has left on me. The Queen warned me. So I better be careful.

Farewell,

Tarek son of the Third World

The End

Prince Charming Diaries vol. 2

+

+JMJ+

Prince Charming Diaries Volume 2: The Third World is now complete, except for the bonus stories. This means "hopefully" it will be all set to publish by May. Hopefully the book will be cheaper too as I'm trying a different publishing company.

So Coming Soon

God Bless You All,

~The Author

DoKP Part 3, Tarek's Diary

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+JMJ+

Diary of a Kidnapped Prince

Tarek, Snow Queen, Rika (Tarek and Gerda are actually a lot younger but the scene maker has no children unfortunately)

Part Three

Something Strange Happened Today...

Something strange happened today, I was looking at the bauble and trying to find Gerda. All I saw was here sitting in a corner, when a curly haired girl with a dirty face suddenly stood up and looked at me. The girl was about my age. She looked me up and down and sniggered.

“It is impolite to laugh at other people.” I said primly, although to be perfectly honest, I did not think she could hear me. She stopped laughing.

“Did you just say something?” she asked. I was startled. I could hear the girl as plain as I had heard Ebony.

“Are you speaking through a magic mirror?” I asked.

“Where can I find a magic mirror?” the girl demanded, “My father's den will have ever treasure of fame!”

“How should I know?” I asked, “I do not keep a tally of their locations.”

“How dare you sass me!” the girl said haughtily, “I, the robber princess of the lowlands!” 

“A robber is a plain thief.” I said thoughtfully, “A princess is usually rich, so why are you a thief? You have no need of more treasures.”

“I am a robber princess because I steal more then anyone else in all the seven worlds!” the girl cried, “You really are a very stupid little boy!”

“So you are rich, but you enjoy taking things that do not belong to you?” I asked, “Do you realize that is very wrong of you!”

“That is what the silly girl said.” the robber girl replied with a toss of a her silky curls.

“What silly girl?” I asked.

“The one that father brought home to be my slave.” was the reply. 

“That is terrible!” I cried, “What did she do that you would make her suffer?”

“None of your business!” the girl snapped and stalked off. The bauble went blank.

Another Time...

Another time I was watching Mama's cabin in the woods. As before the monster came out of the woods. But this time I had a name for it. I had done some hard studying in the library and finally came across a picture that matched the monster. It was called a bear. But the bear at the cabin was far bigger then the book said bears should be. It must be some kind of enchanted bear.

Snow and Rose danced barefoot around the bear, then the three of them went into the woods. Mama waved after them and said something. Once the girls were gone, she sat down on the porch and cried. Presently a Fox trotted up on four legs. It sniffed the air, then stood up on it's hind legs. I had read enough about animals in the last several days to know that they never walk on their hind legs. There was something very fishy about the fox. It was not the basket of fish that it handed Mama either. Oh if only I could hear what they were saying. But I had only been able to hear Ebony and the Robber girl. Maybe I should speak to her again.

The Following Day...

The following day I begged the bauble to show me the little robber girl again. She appeared in the bauble, riding upon a four legged beast that I had finally learned was called reindeer. At least I think it was. Apparently, Moose, Elk, Bucks, Does, and even more animals resemble one another slightly.

“Hello?” I said hopefully. The robber girl twisted in her saddle and looked right at me.

“Why if it is not the funny little boy who talks to me from the sky.” she said with a laugh, “Have you come to tell me all about the funny mirrors.”

“No.” I said, “I told you, I could not say where they are.”

“Then tell me, where are you?” the girl asked.

“Here.” I said. The girl laughed, and put one hand on the glass oval which hung on a chain around her neck. Immediately the bauble went dark.

“Where did you go?” the girl cried. I could still hear her. Perhaps her necklace had been made from the shard of a magic mirror.

“Let go of you necklace.” I suggested.

“As if that would do anything!” the girl cried. But she took my advice. Immediately we could see one another again.

“Your necklace must be made from a magic mirror!” I cried triumphantly.

“You don't say.” the girl said, and she inspected the glass.

“Please little robber girl,” I said, “Do you have a name? Not that it matters, here I have no name. But sometimes I remember the name my mama gave me.”

“Bonarikida.” the girl said.

“What?” I said.

“Let me spell it out.” the girl said with a sigh, “Bone-a-rike-e-da.”

“Can I just say Rika?” I asked.

“Fine!” the girl snapped, “But I like my full name. It means princess of bones.”

“Gross!” I said, “I shall just call you Rika for sure!”

“Humph!” Rika sniffed, “What are you called?”

“Little boy.” I said.

“Is that your name?” Rika asked her eyes widening, “Because that is officially the stupidest name I ever heard in all my life!”

“No.” I said.

“You are making me very impatient!” Rika cried.

“I told you already,” I explained, “No one calls me by my real name here.”

“What is your real name?” Rika demanded. I thought but nothing came to mind. So I pulled out my little book. What was it called, ah yes, my diary. I flipped through the pages in search of my name.

“Are you ignoring me?” Rika demanded in a high-pitched voice. I looked up startled. She had drawn a jeweled dagger from her belt and was waving it in my direction.

“I was looking for my name.” I said, “Must you be impatient? You do realize that I do not keep it in my wallet.” Rika nearly dropped her dagger. 

“You need to look up your name?” she gasped.

“Don't you?” I asked.

“Stupid, people remember there names!” Rika cried.

“Oh, I guess I am different then.” I said sadly. I was very sorry to learn this. I suddenly felt that I was a very strange person.

“You are a very strange person!” Rika said stiffly.

“Did you think that perhaps you are the strange person?” I snapped.

“Ha no!” Rika said, “I am wild, barbarous and free like all my father's people!” She tried to pick her teeth with her dagger. I grimaced, then turned away. The bauble went dark. If Rika was like everyone outside my frozen prison, I wanted no part of them.

This Day...

This day when I was walking with the Queen, I asked her if I was strange. She took my hand in hers. We were walking in the North tunnel so I had just destroyed the tradition of no talking there.

“Who says you are strange?” the Queen demanded. I was silent for a time. To tell would be to perhaps lose my chance of watching the outside world.

“Do you think I am strange?” I persisted at last.

“Do you think that I am strange?” the Queen said at last.

“No!” I said immediately, “You are the Queen! How could you be strange!” the Queen smiled. I liked her best when she smiled, which was rare. But it almost made me warm.

“Why thank you, little boy.” she said, “Do you also love me?” I stopped walking and stared hard at her. Why would she ask such a thing.

“Of course I love you!” I said, “You are my Queen, aren't you?”

“Is that the only reason you care for me?” she asked at last. I looked down. I was not skilled in pretty speeches. I also had no understanding of what she wanted me to say or how to put my words into feelings. I was only a child after all.

“Never mind, do not answer the question!” The Queen said at last, “I once learned if you know that you will not like the answer, never ask.” She scowled ferociously at the walls.

“Do you love me?” I asked immediately. I had often wondered this question. By the standards of all the many books I had read in the Queen's library, if someone loved you they did not make you forget the delightful memories of the past. They did not keep you hidden in an ice tunnel with no friends. The Queen turned to me.

“Of course I love you.” she cried softly, “You are my little boy!”

“But if you love me, why am I just your little boy?” I demanded pettishly, “Surely I have another name. Your other name is Snow White, so why do I not have another name.” The Queen looked at me silently, then she turned away muttering to herself.

“What has it been? Six years? I hardly noticed! He is still a child! But not longer little! What am I to do! Curse those wretched creatures! Oh miserable curse!”

“Are you alright, Queen?” I asked at last. She looked very unhappy. The Queen turned back to me and took both of my hands in hers.

“Quick,” she whispered softly, “Let us return to the throne room. We must open that box or we shall be doomed to remain here forever.”

“You mean we can leave if the box is opened?” I cried in pleasure as we turned and ran back the way we had come.

“I hope so!” the Queen said.

Many Days Later...

Many days later I remembered Gerda. I returned to the round chamber and demanded the bauble to show me her. She was seated in a branch  clinging to the tree. A ring of wolves surrounded the base of the tree. The boy was standing at the foot of the tree holding a blazing torch. The reindeer were on either side of him. Gerda was screaming. At least I think she was. I quickly left the chamber. It was true. Best not ask questions that you do not want to know the answer of. Poor Gerda. She was as good as dead. Perhaps if she stayed in the tree all night she would live. But her companions would surely be devoured by the starving wolf pack. I felt like a cowered. But if I could not even leave the tunnels how was I supposed to save others from being killed.

One Fine Day...

One fine day I went to look in the bauble and found the Queen there. She turned as I entered. I wondered if I would get in trouble. If she asked I would certainly admit that I had been sneaking into the chamber quite often.

“Come.” the Queen said and beckoned for me to approach her. I did. There was a man in the bauble. I stared. I had never seen him before. He was no longer quite young, but he did not appear to be old either. He was seated on a stump outside a cottage. Two incredibly short men, whom I decided must be dwarves were talking to him.

“Who are they?” I asked.

“He was the man I sent away.” the Queen said, “You do not seem to think I am capable of love. But I loved him. I would still love him if I had a heart.”

“You have a heart.” I said.

“I doubt it!” the Queen laughed bitterly.

“But I grew up side by side with that man. One day he dared ask me to marry him. Me, a princess!”

“Did you say yes?” I asked hopefully. The Queen stared at me.

“Certainly not!” she said, “I was a princess, he was nothing but a hunter and a woodsman.”

“But you said that you loved him.” I protested in confusion. Grownups were certainly strange creatures. What had being a princess to do with anything.

“Little boy, your memory is addled!” the Queen snapped, “Remember, I told you that I swore to my sister that I would never marry!”

“But she got married so why not you?” I asked.

“She married that clod long after I was gone.” the Queen said coldly, “She was still far to little back then, when the hunter asked me.”

“If we break the curse, will you go back to him?” I asked.

“Certainly not!” the Queen snapped, “He is probably married himself, with eleven strapping boys and one adorable little girl! Back then there were lots of girls who would have killed for him to notice them!” I was silent. As I said before, grownups are weird.

“Well, anyway, you should let Ebony know you are alive.” I said at last. I remembered my conversation with her. She seemed nice.

“Never!” the Queen said.

“Don't you want to know all about your niece or nephew?” I asked.

“Not particularly.” the Queen said dryly, “I have you.” This time I did not answer at all. 

Tonight...

Tonight I could not sleep so I went to the round chamber and asked to see Gerda. I wondered if she had escaped the wolves. Well according to the bauble she did. Thomas and the two reindeer did too. They looked much the same as they had before the wolf attack. I was rather disappointed that I had not stayed to see the end of the battle. Now I was filled with curiosity. How had they escaped. But just because they had escaped the wolves did not mean they were safe. It looked like they were trying to climb some sort of snow mountain. The snow came up to their shoulders. Gerda and the boy were floundering and clutching at the necks of their reindeer. The massive beasts were forcing their way through the snow. But it was hard work and they kept slipping back down again. I wondered what was so important that Gerda never rested.

A Few Mornings Later...

A few mornings later, I was working on the box again, when all of a sudden I dropped it upside down. There was a window carved in the bottom. A fine latticed window. I looked closer and a I could see a scene. It was not like the bauble. It was more like looking out a real window. I could see snow and ice, but blue sky too. I appeared to be looking down a mountainside. 

“Queen!” I shrieked. She came running. I showed her my find.

“The box is going to open soon.” she whispered, “I can feel it. Already we have seen a glimpse of outside. This view is Everton Mountain of Death. Our palace is built on it's summits and deep in it's belly.” I stared hard out the window.

“There are people coming.” I said softly. The Queen took a second look and gasped. Sure enough four shadowy shapes were forcing their way towards us through the snow. I did not need a closer look to know who they were. It was Gerda and companions. Now I knew what she was looking for. Me. I felt a curious thump in my chest. The Queen looked at me and frowned. Somehow I knew that she was not pleased. But she knew that I knew who the girl was. I avoided her gaze.

To Be Continued