Chapter 1

This is the story of twin brothers whose names are Eugene and Flynn Fitzherbert. And their story starts with your average childhood – playing games, teasing each other, and celebrating their birthday – but the night before their 5th birthday, there was a fire. It had started as a small grease fire in the kitchen. The boys were fast asleep when suddenly they heard their mother screaming and telling them that they had to get up out of bed and get out of the house. Flynn took almost immediate action, got his brother out of bed, and they both ran out the door. When they managed to get a safe distance from the burning house, the boys stopped to take a breath. That's when they realized that they had run so fast and so far that they had no idea where they were.

"Flynn," Eugene asked. "Where are we?"

"I have no idea, Eugene. I was hoping you could tell me. At least we got away from the fire. Have you seen Mom?"

Eugene and Flynn both looked around. "No, I haven't," Eugene responded.

Flynn looked around again. "I'm scared, Flynn. What are we gonna do?" Eugene asked.

"Follow me," Flynn responded, "I will find us a place to spend the night." Flynn looked around again to try to decide which direction to go. "Let's go this way, Eugene."

After wandering for what seemed like forever to the two boys, they stumbled onto what appeared to be the remains of a campsite. It wasn't an old one, as the campfire was still smoldering, but there was no sign of anyone.

"Flynn, I'm tired. I can't walk anymore tonight. I need to sleep. Can't we just stop here tonight? It doesn't look like anyone is here. Please?"

"Fine. I think if we go get some more wood, we might be able to get the fire started again. It will keep us warm. Let's go see if we can find any," said Flynn.

The boys were able to find some wood, and made a small fire to warm themselves.

"Flynn, I'm hungry. What is there to eat?" Eugene asked.

"There are some berries over there that we can eat. I remember Mom saying they would be good to eat if we were ever hungry when we were out playing." Flynn responded.

"Ok. I guess that will be enough for now. Where will we sleep, though?"

"Eugene, I know you're scared, but I promise we will be ok. Let's just stay here by the fire tonight. Tomorrow morning we can try to find Mom again," replied Flynn exasperatedly.

The next morning, the boys were sleeping by the dying embers of the small fire they had built, when the captain of the palace guards came across them.

"What exactly are the two of you doing here by yourselves in the middle of the woods?" the captain asked.

The boys were very frightened and just looked at each other. Both of them too scared to talk at all, much less answer his question. Neither one wanted to talk and be the first to get in trouble for trespassing, as they both knew it was a crime to be in the woods after dark.

"It's all right children, no one will harm you. We just want to know why you are here, alone, instead of at home all nice and warm," the captain reassured them.

Flynn was the first to recover and responded in a low voice. "Our house was on fire last night. We ran to get away from it and got separated from our mom. Now we can't find our old house OR our mom. Now what's gonna happen to us, sir?"

"Flynn, I'm scared again," Eugene whispered.

"Don't be scared, Eugene. I think he's gonna help us," Flynn whispered back.

"Well, let's start with your names. What are your names, boys?" the captain asked.

"M-my name's Flynn and this is my brother Eugene. What's gonna happen to us?"

The captain looked at the two boys for a moment before answering. "I think I will take you home with me tonight. If your mother is going to be found, it should be soon. I don't think it will be a problem if you spend a few days with me and my family. In fact, I have a boy just about your age, maybe a few years older. Just how old are you two anyway?"

Eugene surprised everyone by responding to the captain's question himself. "We're five, sir. How old is your son?"

"My son, James, is eight years old. So do you have any other questions before we head to my house, boys?"

"D-do you think he will like us?" Eugene asked timidly.

"I think you will get along just fine. Shall we go?"

"Ok," said Flynn. "Come on Eugene," he whispered, "I'll take care of you."