A Time of Change

by Anni12

Sixteen years ago, Myara's family was captured and killed by the Ralian Kingdom-although she doesn't know that. Her mother had her transported to Earth to insure her safety, but when the Ralian soldiers find her again, she and Cameron, a newfound friend, must venture to save and regain her kingdom and more importantly-her mother.

Prologue

Bright lights enveloped the night, lighting the room like fireworks above the crib. A war was raging outside the window of the turret, earning the giggles of a waking baby. Her tiny hands grabbed at the sparks that danced on the ceiling until a shadow came over her. She cooed, running her small hands over her mother's cheek.

"Shush, dear." She said in a calming voice, the outer layer of it edged with concern and worry. "It's all gonna be alright."

Loud footsteps suddenly echoed through the tower, startling Susann as she scooped the child up protectively in her arms. The baby, unaware of the danger she may be in, clutched at the stone necklace of the Queen; a family heirloom that would someday be passed down to her. The door flew open the Queen relaxed as she caught sight of Pricilla, a servant, as the fire light flickered over her face, glistening off the beads of sweat staining her hairline. The baby wailed, frightened of the sudden noise.

"What? What is it, Pricilla?" The Queen questioned, holding the child firmly to her chest.

Pricilla stood straight, still gasping for breath. "It's the…the King," she whispered breathlessly, although the words rung loudly in Susann's ears. "He's—he's been captured. The soldiers they're—they're coming for her now." She said, pointing a shaky finger at the crying baby.

"But why?!" Susann exclaimed, turning away from the servant as if protecting her child could be that easily done.

"Milady, I don't know why they're after her," the servant said, taking a step closer as more footsteps sounded. "But I know it's not good. We need to get her to safety, ma'am."

A new determination flashed through the Queen's eyes as she nodded. "You're right," she said, "Take Myara and get her to the Portal."

Pricilla's eyes widened. "The Portal?" she asked, stunned.

"Yes," the Queen interrupted before anything more could be said, "another world is the only way she will be safe."

Pricilla nodded, taking the child as she shared one more glance with her Queen.

She drew something from her boot; a murus. Touching the tip of it to the castle wall, she began to draw. It was not much of a drawing, only a simple picture of a flower inside a door. But soon, the edges of the drawing faded into the wall, swirling together until a vortex of blue and black spun in front of them.

"Wait!" the Queen cried as blows pounded on the entrance, unchaining the necklace and retrieving her own murus. "Take these with her. Make sure she keeps them."

The servant nodded as the door burst off its hinges, revealing a group of Ralian soldiers. Seeing the Portal, the leader drew up his bow and arrow as Pricilla stepped into it, the baby folded into her arms. His fingers released the string and the arrow flew through the air, following them through to another world, lodging itself into the skin of the servant.