1 Prologue
“Grandpapa, tell us a story please.”
William’s oldest grandchild held the youngest on her lap as they gathered around him before the hearth in the palace dining hall.The day was dreary, and a huge pyramid of logs shot flames up close to the chimney.
“You know things weren’t always like this, your father was killed by Axtra, and even my own father suffered at her hands, Arabelle.”
“We do, Grandpapa, but tell us how you found Rasa and Halvo and how Queen Elanalise married the giant and all the rest.”Gideon’s oldest grandchild was at the castle training with the guards.
“Do you want the whole story or just the battles?” William teased.He knew the answer before Arabelle’s pout finished forming.
“All of it Grandpapa.It’s supposed to rain for days and days,” she begged.
“Ah well, then.We’ll start from the beginning.”He cleared his throat, sipped from the lovely glass of spiced wine Dyleena placed on the table beside his chair and continued, “Once upon a time when magic was bountiful and good and evil fought constantly, there existed a kingdom in the eastern part of the land where good flourished.Kalvaria was a wonderful happy kingdom, with a prosperous trade with the Elf Kingdoms just to the West.Even the fairies traded here occasionally, and many of them lived in the kingdom.”
“Grandpapa, we know all of that.”Arabelle protested.
William nodded.“Suffice it to say it was a kingdom respected for healing.We prospered, much like we do today.”
Gideon the third, nodded.“But all wasn’t well, was it?”
“No, it wasn’t.The Prince fell ill, and my Aunt Zanna plotted to inherit the kingdom.She didn’t much care how she got it, either.At least not then.”
