A Golden Sun

By: Arielle Saire

Chapter One: The Beginning

Tania was known in the realm of the Detorian Border for giving truly remarkable gifts. She had once given the gift of perfect grace to a princess in Bellham Kingdom. The girl could jump on one leg while balancing all the silver in the entire kingdom on her head without dropping a single china piece. She never had to attend finishing school as most princess did. Her grace and precision were astounding and forever praised.

One of the most celebrated heroes in the kingdom of Rhyanen was granted inhuman strength. He was much stronger than any griffin or dragon. When they threatened the towns and villages, the mighty hero only had to growl and banish his powerful sword and they fled. The people of Rhyanen were so thankful for the hero's gift and abilities that they named Tania the most famous, and the most gracious fairy in all the land.

Tania's gifts were very random and unique. One could never guess what she was thinking. Some said she only had to look at you and a gift would form in her mind. Others proclaimed that she could see into a person's heart and she would grant the skill in which she thought they could use best. A number of people believed that it came naturally to the fairy; that it was her talent to give rare gifts only those whom had been chosen.

I would be one of those few, fortunate people who received a blessing from Tania.


One summer night, after all the lights had been turned down, Mother awakened me and led me outside. I was still groggy from sleep, rubbing my tired eyes, but as soon as we reached the pasture behind the manor, my eyes lit up with wonder. Thousands of glorious stars sparkled brightly in the heavens.

I stared up at them in awe. There were so many!

My hand was clasped in my mother's. She squeezed it and smiled at me. I smiled back and pulling my hand away, I walked farther, gazing deeper into the skies.

One particular shape caught my eye. I looked at it, squinting, trying to decipher its form. Finally, I gave up and asked, "Mama, what is that one called?" I pointed to the spot where the cluster of stars were. She came over and knelt beside me.

"That one?" she asked pointing to the constellation I asked about.

I nodded.

"His name is Orion. He was a giant and a very brave hunter. Orion knew one of Zeus's children. Her name was Artemis. She is the goddess of the hunt.

"Orion and Artemis were companions. But blinded with his jealously of the two, Apollo, Artemis's brother, set a scorpion to kill Orion. Only, when he failed, Apollo tricked Artemis and told her to strike a rock. She hit it perfectly. But what she hit was not a rock but her comrade, Orion.

"When she learned of this, Artemis was filled with grief, for she had felled her beloved friend. She swore never to forget him and lifted his body to the sky, so that everyone may see him and remember what a great hunter he had been."

I grinned at her. "I like that story."

Mother bumped her forehead against mine, smiling. "Me too."


A few years later, I heard Father and Mother speaking in the parlor.

I had just walked out of the kitchen and heard their voices. I hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but what Father said next, stopped me dead in my tracks.

"But Eva should be ready to marry in a few years. Why couldn't it work?"

My eyes widened in shock and I crept over to the door, pressing my ear to it.

"Rupert, she's only a child!" Mother exclaimed, scolding. "How can you possibly expect her to understand?"

"But she will," he insisted, "in time. I just think it will be a better life for her to learn to be an obedient wife. Besides," he added, "we're almost in debt as it is and Eva's husband will help with money. There are somethings Alanna, that we have to give up."

"But our daughter, Rupert, how could you says such a thing? How could you think it?"

"Sacrifices must be made." Father's voice rose above Mother's.

She defended herself in a hard voice that shook with bitter anger. "Eva is not a sacrifice!" she spat then became quieter. "We'll get through, without marrying her off. Somehow. Maybe we should dismiss our servants. I don't know, but we cannot just give our daughter away to some stranger for the sake of money."

I felt my cheeks wet with tears. Father would give me away to some man he didn't know. How could he not love me? How could he not care? I felt frightened and desperately alone. Their conversation resumed.

"Well, how do you propose to marry her off? You think any man would take an eight year old for a wife?" Mother's words slashed like swords in the air.

"No, but I'll think of something." I heard Father stand from his chair. "We'll talk about this once I've figured out what to do. Go to bed Alanna."

I moved away quickly, running around the corner. Mother left the parlor and walked to her room, marching in graceful, furious strides.

My mother and I sat around the dining table the following night, waiting for Father to speak. He'd been sitting there for what seemed hours just staring off into space. Obviously there was something pressing on his mind.

He opened his mouth. We both looked at him. Father cleared his throat and began, "Eva. Alanna. This family is having a lot of trouble with money right now with taxes and other expenses. I've been thinking our problem over and decided that the best thing we can do is get work for Eva so we'll have more earnings. I've already found a man in Pelmose who was in need of a servant."

"A servant Rupert?" Mother said aghast.

"It is only temporary," he answered coolly. "There are made arrangements for Eva to be picked up by his carriage and taken to his manor where she'll spend the day working. She will return after she has eaten in the evening."


A note from me: I'm new to fanfiction and I'd really love to meet other writers who like reading and reviewing! Anyway, this story starts off slow, but I hope you give it a chance and let me know what you think! :)