A/N: Thanks to all who've Followed, Favorited, and Reviewed. Reading reviews makes me want to continue the story. The more the better. Please humor this starving author with posting a review (LOL).

Chapter 3

The ancient castle stood alone on its precipice cold and deserted, the skull's hollowed eye sockets and nasal cavity shrouded as if in mourning. Its drawbridge hung open revealing a mouth frozen in silent scream.

Two timid village boys stood beyond the abyss at the edge of the Evergreen Forest staring in fearful awe.

"What is it?" the boy asked.

"I don't know," his brother answered. He picked up a stone. "Let's see if anyone's in there!"

"No!" the other cautioned, grabbing his arm. "What if it's a monster and you wake it up?" he reasoned. "Let's get outta here. We gotta get home or Mother will be worried," he tugged at his brother's arm.

"Sure…monster," his older brother mocked as he shook off his arm and threw the stone through an eye socket. They listened as the rock echoed through the hollow crevices, stone slamming against stone. When it finally came to a rest with a thud, they waited.

Nothing.

The boy waved a hand in dismissal. "Gaah! Stupid castle. Not even scary."

They turned to go when the sound of a powerful energy source fueling up made them whirl around in surprise.

The eyes began to glow followed by its nasal passage and gaping jaw, the sound of a thunderous roar escalating to a deafening level. As lightning began to strike, the boys stood frozen in their tracks unable to move as the castle walls shuddered violently, the drawbridge chains finally clattering loudly rising of its own volition and slamming shut in judgment.

At that, the boys fled in fear into the forest headed straight away for home.

Within, a beautiful woman materialized at the bottom of the throne room's steps; nude, unconscious, and lying on her side. Her appearance began to change as the ghost of an enormous falcon, its wings outstretched, descended and merged within her body, its own form finally dissipating.

Now clad in falcon headdress, wings, an armor plated bodice and skirt, she stirred and awoke, a bit confused as to her whereabouts. Glancing about the castle now alive and pulsating with life, she smiled in recognition of her surroundings.

Propping herself on an elbow, she suddenly stiffened, her emerald eyes staring and fixed as her spirit communed with the Omniscient One.

Breaking out of the trance, she jumped to her feet with urgency and began to levitate. Hurrying down the dark halls, each sconce ignited to life as she floated by. Traversing every winding hall and every stone step chipped away by antiquity, it took quite some time to reach the bowels of the castle, its walls shuddering urging her to make haste.

Crossing the threshold into the darkened and gloomy lower chambers, she waved a hand as candles suddenly illuminated. Among the priceless gold, silver, and gem stone treasures, her gaze fell on the two large cherry wood chests resting on an incline, each ornately engraved with the ancient King's coat of arms; the Crimson Cross, the Roaring Lion, and the Skull.

She watched in surprise as the ancient chests began to stir, each lid slowly opening to reveal a majestic sword of quality steel nestled within a royal blue gold-trimmed silk wrap embedded within the crimson velvet-lined casing.

Carrying the King's Crimson Cross at the hilt, the Twin Swords awakened and began to glow; one distinctly made for a male, the other for a female. They rose from their centuries old resting place and hovered suspended in mid air side by side, blades downward…watching…waiting…

The woman gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, her emerald gaze filling with tears.

"They are alive?"


Teela sat next to Adam on the stone wall as they quietly ate ice cream and watched the other kids at play in the backyard. Their legs dangled off of the side as they absent-mindedly kicked the stone pavers with the backs of their heels.

This spot had become their ritual with Teela now making weekly visits to the orphanage to spend the entire day with her quiet and mysterious friend.

She studied his profile noticing the intense hawk-like gaze…watching protectively…never taking his eyes off of his adoptive brothers and sisters.

Yeah, he's kinda good looking. Even pretty…but in a boy kinda way.

"Why do you do that?"

His startled gaze snapped to hers before finally morphing into confusion.

"You're staring at them," she clarified with a nod to the group.

Surprised, he straightened and questioningly pointed to his chest.

"Yeah, you," she said replying to his gesture.

His eyes wide, he turned and stared off for a moment before meeting her eyes again and giving a shrug. He turned back to his sisters and brothers.

Teela gave a carefree lick to her ice cream cone and considered him some more. After a few silent minutes, she couldn't take it anymore.

"What gives?"

This time, Adam met her inquisitive gaze with a quirk of an eyebrow.

"You usually talk to me but the last few times I've visited, you've buttoned your lip. Why?" she asked sharply, her fist on her hip.

He gave another shrug. "Maybe I've got nothin' to say."

"Am I boring or something?"

"No. Am I?"

"No," she replied.

They stared at each other.

"The thing is, see," Teela began to explain, "People are supposed to talk. Not just sit around and be quiet."

"Why?"

"I dunno. That's just the way it is."

"Why?"

She blew out a breath. "I don't know! It just is!"

He gave her a pensive look. "Why can't people be quiet, too? You don't have to talk all the time, do you?"

She thought about it and pursed her lips. "No, I guess not."

"Okay," he turned back to the kids and gave a lick to his ice cream.

Teela paused for a moment. Boys at the Palace usually did what she told them to do, not openly defy her. She sighed in frustration and licked at her cone. This was a new feeling for her; although he was quite contrary at times and totally unpredictable, she found herself liking him…a lot. But she would never openly admit that of course.

After a few minutes of silence, without looking at her Adam added quietly, "I like talking to you."

Teela's head snapped in surprise to him as he continued to eat and watch over the yard.

She gave a small relieved smile.


Adora sat in her seat exhibiting perfect posture, her full attention on the facilitator as they participated in studying Etherian history. After class, she assisted with the cleaning of the barracks, the mess hall, and armory.

Over the past several weeks, she dutifully performed her obligations and faithfully completed class assignments to Shakra's relief. Doing what was expected of her ensured that her life would no longer be in danger.

Her caregiver reflected on the horrible events two months ago; how the guards stormed their quarters and beat her young charge into submission.

Shakra thought for a moment. Adora is naturally curious. She also has an inherent ability within her to judge the difference between right and wrong even if it goes against the Horde's dogma. Yet in the weeks since she's returned, Adora has never once questioned Hordak's despicable methods.

That concerned her.

Although she was grateful for her young charge's sake that she no longer openly questioned authority, she was alarmed over Adora's constant trance-like gaze. It was Shakra's hope Adora would see the truth but at the same time refrain from publicly questioning the State or else her insolence would be considered treasonous.

She reflected on the day she was allowed to visit the brig two weeks after Adora's detention. The cold, dank cell made her uneasy as she was allowed entrance by the guards. She found a weakened little girl shivering from the cold and pressing her for answers as to where she was and why her back was scarred. Shakra was unable to answer for fear of the guards outside her door.

After time served, she was allowed to collect the girl and bring her home to their quarters.

In the following weeks, Adora performed her duties without question walking through each day in blissful ignorance, her eagerness to please her Guardian once again in full swing.

What happened to her spirit? Could it have been the beating? The incarceration? Did they break her?

Shakra decided to keep her concerns to herself and continue to support Adora offering her any and all encouragement she could afford…without bringing negative attention to themselves thus remaining under the Horde's radar.

xxx

They were having lunch in the mess hall when Adora suddenly asked out of nowhere, "Shakra, why do they call this the Fright Zone?"

Startled, her caregiver snapped her gaze to the young girl finding her blue gaze wide and innocent.

"I suppose in order to scare away all the bad people and keep you and the other cadets safe," she lied. She hated herself for perpetuating the Horde's treachery.

"Oh," she replied going back to her meal.

Shakra watched her for a moment before returning to her plate. She gave a long, hapless sigh.


"Duncan! Please come to Castle Greyskull at once. Hurry!" a voice echoed in his thoughts waking him from his slumber.

He shot upright in bed and glanced about his darkened bedchambers. He checked his timepiece on the nightstand which read 0230.

"Two-thirty in the morning?" he grumbled as he ran a tired hand down his face. "Must have been a bad dream," he reasoned before lying back down.

"Duncan!"

He felt a jolt and sat upright again, his cinnamon eyes going round. "Sorceress? How...after all these years…?" he spoke aloud.

"Duncan, I have no time to explain. Please come to the Castle…hurry…," her urgent voice then faded away.

He nodded and jumped out of bed. After dressing in haste, he tip-toed into his daughter's chambers where she slept soundly. Leaving a note on her nightstand he headed out using the secret entrance from their suite.

xxx

They stood arms folded in the council chambers; the beautiful Sorceress, Guardian of Castle Greyskull and the young and virile Man-At-Arms.

"The twins. They are alive, Duncan."

Gasping at the news, he stumbled backward and reached his hand out behind him. Finding the arm of the chair, he sat heavily, his elbows now leaning against his knees. He looked up and met her gaze. "But how? They died immediately after birth, their inter-special lungs supposedly underdeveloped. And how did Greyskull not have knowledge of their existence after all these years?" he rambled.

The Sorceress approached and knelt down. Placing a hand on his forearm, she replied, "Although dormant, the Castle's sight and conscience never cease. It has been revealed to me that a dark and ancient spirit shielded the children from Greyskull's roaming vision these ten years," she explained. "I am getting pieces of what happened but it appears the intention was to slaughter them shortly after the Queen gave birth and cover the crime by blaming the deaths on their Terran/Eternian heritage in an attempt to usurp the King's rule." Her emerald gaze bore into his cinnamon ones. "By whose order I cannot yet tell. I do know that whoever plotted had a usurper of their own within the conspiracy as the order to kill was never carried out. The infants were instead sold into adoption with the co-conspirator taking the gold coins and fleeing."

Speechless, Man-At-Arms only blinked as he stared at the stone floor. The Sorceress squeezed his arm.

"Duncan," she tried, "As the firstborn by seven minutes, the boy is the rightful Heir to the throne. Not Prince Keldor."

His mouth fell open as the realization of what that meant hit him. Prince Keldor…. His face darkening, he frowned and jumped to his feet, his fists balling at his sides.

"He will pay for this treason!"

The Sorceress stood and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Do not react too hastily, Man-At-Arms. We must first locate and recover the children." She turned and took a seat at the council table, her graceful and slender fingers steepling in contemplation. "Greyskull informs me of a veil that has been generated to hide them. It is a very dark and dangerous spirit. If we make our intentions known at this moment, we will have inadvertently forewarned the enemy thus leaving the children at risk. They are vulnerable, Duncan," she pressed.

Taking a deep breath, Duncan nodded and slowly shifted his gaze to meet hers. His eyes promptly went wide. "Although I'm not certain of his identity, I think I know the Prince's location."

The woman's eyebrows shot up as she leaned forward. "Tell me."


Accessing the suite he shared with his daughter through a portal provided by Greyskull's Guardian, he hurried into Teela's chambers.

"Daughter, wake up!"

Teela lying on her stomach and hugging a pillow moaned in protest as she stirred awake, smacking her lips. "What…time…is it?" she stammered sleepily.

"It's oh-five-hundred, my dear. Please. We have to hurry!" he gave her shoulder a gentle shake before darting out of her chambers.

She rubbed her eyes and propped herself on both elbows obviously annoyed. "Five AM? Really, Daddy?" she shouted after him.

xxx

The King, Queen, Commander Marcus, Duncan, and little Teela gathered in the Palace Council Chambers.

Randor eyed Duncan who by now was nervously pacing about the room while the servants placed coffee, fresh fruits, pastries, chilled fruit juices and mineral water on the tables before bowing and exiting. When they were alone, Randor finally spoke.

"Duncan, will you kindly tell me what's going on?" he asked sharply in a slightly teasing tone. "We've known each other for fifteen years. You called for a 6AM audience knowing full well I am not a morning person," he joked playfully to lighten the mood.

"Sire," Duncan stopped and gave a respectful bow. "I had to wait until we were all alone before I began. Please believe me when I say that although I pondered it, I had no idea…," he trailed off while the Queen took a sip of coffee wearing a concerned expression.

"No idea about what?" Randor replied, his brow furrowed quizzically.

Coming to himself, his dear friend clapped his boots together, raised his chin, and threw his shoulders back in soldier posture. "Sire, may I request permission to lead a team to the outlying villages in order to conduct a blood test?"

Randor grimaced. "A blood what? Who are you needing to examine and why, Duncan?"

Duncan glanced at the Queen. "Marcus, would you please stand by the Queen's side for her safety?"

Startled, Marcus, Commander of the Eternian Military Forces glanced at Queen Marlena then back at his Royal Guard counterpart. "I would be glad to, Man-At-Arms," he replied somewhat confusedly while standing to his feet.

Marlena stared at Duncan in confusion, her hazel-blue eyes filled with alarm at the mystery.

Her husband threw a quizzical glance at his wife then back to Duncan. He then watched as Marcus rose, bowed, then positioned himself next to the Queen's chair standing at attention.

Hugging herself protectively, Teela gripped two small glass vials all the while watching from her seat with fearful curiosity as the scene unfolded. She had no Eternian idea why her father would want these. She also didn't know why she was included in this meeting. She was only a kid.

Just then, Duncan approached holding out a hand as she transferred the vials to him. He then walked to Marcus handing him the vials of smelling salts.

"What on Eternia is going on, Duncan?" Randor demanded.

His good friend took a deep shuddering breath.

"Your Majesties, your twin children who were born to you on the summer solstice ten years prior are in fact alive, victims of a conspiracy to cut off your ruling line. Although not yet corroborated, I have reason to believe your son may be in Eternos at this very moment. I regret that as of yet, we have no coordinates on your daughter—"

Suddenly, a strangled sob was heard causing everyone's head to snap to the right.

Queen Marlena, her face ashen, gasped; one hand over her mouth, her other over her abdomen as she bent forward in her chair trembling with emotion.

Marcus whose expression was one of complete shock, reached over and gently grasped her shoulders. Randor's jaw fell open, his hazel eyes wide with shock. Teela gasped, both hands flying to her mouth.

"Can this be true?" Randor's expression suddenly darkened in anger and suspicion. "You said we do not know the whereabouts of my daughter. Who is we and can you trust this source?"

Duncan bowed again. "Yes, Sire. The source came from Greyskull—"

"Greyskull?" Randor echoed sharply, still suspicious. "Someone lives at Greyskull? And why would you believe some nut who lives in an abandoned old castle?"

Marlena finally fainted causing everyone to jump and rush over. The King and his Man-At-Arms both assisted her to the silk covered couch, Teela running to find a blanket while Commander Marcus hurried to the table to pour a glass of water.

After ensuring she was alright and placing a comforter over her, the men continued while Teela watched over the Queen.

"The Sorceress, Sire," Duncan stated. "She is the Guardian of Greyskull. For centuries, the mythic castle of your ancestor has been inhabited by a benevolent spirit and guided by the Omniscient One, your Majesty."

Randor sat heavily in the chair opposite his wife. "Sorceress…Greyskull…," he muttered absent-mindedly, too much startling information at one time. "My son…my daughter…alive…," he trailed off, his eyes staring at nothing.

Duncan stared with concern. "Your Majesty? Do we have your permission to travel to Eternos Hills?"

Teela's eyes jumped in recognition of the village's name.

The King put a weak hand up. "First, let's awaken my wife. The two of us must decide together," he replied. "Old wounds…painful memories…" he tried to explain with a wave. He then narrowed his gaze. "If this boy doesn't turn out to be my son, it'll crush her all over again."

"I understand, Sire," Duncan replied.

With Marcus standing by with water, Randor sat on the edge of the couch. Gazing at his beautiful but unconscious wife currently overwhelmed from emotional shock, he took the salts and waved it gently beneath her nostrils. After a brief moment, she flinched and startled awake, her hazel-blue eyes popping open in surprise.

"My darling," he stated as he took her hand.

Marlena mumbled briefly before her eyes went wide as her memory returned. She snapped her head at Duncan. "My babies are alive? All these years…alone somewhere…?" she shouted, her voice colored with hope yet tinged with doubt.

"Yes, your Majesty, they are alive."

"Duncan wants our permission to give the boy a blood test," Randor gently explained. "Shall I give him leave?"

They locked gazes for what seemed like an eternity.

Marlena's stomach clenched at the notion. What if her hopes were once again destroyed? Emotionally she was already a fragment of the woman she once was…but never attempting…spending the rest of her life wondering…

After quiet consideration, she closed her eyes and nodded in resignation. Randor whirled around to Duncan.

"Do it."


Every day, Abigail watched as Adam seemed to be coming out of his shell a bit more. No doubt, the regular visits from Man-At-Arms' daughter were a huge help in socializing him. He was now speaking a little, albeit one word answers to questions. Although he still hadn't revealed the details of his past abuse or even what family was responsible, this was progress.

Breakfast was over. He was currently helping the flirty brown haired girl handle the dishes; she washed while he dried. She chuckled to herself at the thought of Miss Teela and her fiery possessiveness. If she were here today no doubt she would not appreciate this scene as she had grown quite attached to her adoptive son.

He smiled a glance at the girl's comment about the pretty weather, his new tooth now completely grown in replacing the one he shed. He was such a handsome little boy. Protective of his family, caring, responsible.

She sighed as she fretted whether she'd ever find him a permanent home with a loving and compassionate family. She was not getting any younger.

Suddenly, the sound of roaring chariots met Abigail's ears. She jumped to her feet and rushed to the window of her office.

Pedestrians on the village streets stopped and ogled the furious racing of the horses as it came to a halt, curious of the haste and pondering the presence of royal carriages in this quaint and modest part of their village at this time of day.

The Royal Guard marched out standing guard around the chariots and in front of the orphanage as the door to the main transport flew open.

Man-At-Arms hopped out. He turned and assisted Teela down as they both ran to the door. Before he could knock, Mrs. Stoley flung open the door, her expression concerned and her hand on her chest.

"Man-At-Arms, Miss Teela," she stated breathlessly, "How may we help? Is something wrong?"

Teela stood hand in hand with her father, her fearful gaze shooting up to him then back to Mrs. Stoley.

Duncan inclined his head. "Please forgive the early hour, Mrs. Stoley, but with your permission, we have urgent business to conduct with one of your adoptive children by order of the High King of Eternia. May we enter?"

"Yes! Yes of course. You're welcome any time." She opened the door wide backing away and with a gesture added, "Please do come in."

"Thank you for allowing us into your home once again, Madame," he replied as they made their way in.

Teela's heart raced. She didn't know which of Mrs. Stoley's children her father had identified as potentially the King's son. She wondered whatever the outcome whether she would see her friend Adam again. As she fretted over the fate of her new friendship with the mystery boy, she missed the exchange between the two adults as they sat down at table.

Duncan motioned to the guards beyond the door to allow the Palace physician to enter. Reuben emerged from the second carriage carrying a doctor's bag and began to set up on the table.

Just then, Mrs. Stoley appeared with a very apprehensive…Adam!

Teela gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as Adam shifted his suspicious blue gaze to the sound. Their eyes locked.

Physician Reuben inclined his head. "Mrs. Stoley, thank you for allowing us to perform this test."

"Absolutely," she replied a bit startled by all of the commotion. "We need to find out who this little guy belongs to," she smiled, her face tight as she squeezed Adam's shoulder.

Adam seemed to recoil a bit at the flurry of activity around him.

His gaze went to Man-At-Arms who simply met his eyes with a warm smile. Adam then looked at the physician who nodded and smiled back. His gaze shifted to the armed guards in the foyer who stared at him with curious interest. His alarmed blue gaze then settled on Teela who by now was at his side and squeezing his hand in support. At her touch, it was then he took a deep breath and calmed a bit. They urged him to the table as he calmly took a seat.

Reuben set down a needle and empty vial before reaching a gentle hand toward Adam's shoulder. Adam drew back sharply prompting Reuben to recoil, his face registering concern.

"Oh I'm sorry, young man. I didn't mean to scare you."

Adam just glared without a word.

"It's okay, son," Abigail interjected as she placed a hand on his shoulder, her eyes welling up with tears. "Physician Reuben will not hurt you. He's only here to take a blood sample from you. That's all, honey," she patted his shoulder.

Adam glanced up at his mother, to Teela, then to the physician. He finally closed his eyes and nodded in resignation.

Duncan stared in awe at the little boy, the nod reminding him of his Queen's own gesture just two hours ago. Cocking his head to the side he studied the little boy a bit more, his eyes now seemingly opened in light of Greyskull's revelation. Notes of his father's royal features now stood out in plain sight; the facial bone structure, the aristocratic nose, the lips, chin. He then noticed he had the Queen's eyes...

"Ancients…," he mumbled.

Hearing it, Teela glanced at her father in confusion then back at her quiet friend as he placed his right arm palm up on the table.

Recognizing the little boy's brave gesture, with empathy Reuben slowly pulled the sleeves back. He then made preparation and asked the boy to make a fist while he fastened a rubber tie around his upper arm. Adam dutifully followed instructions without hesitation.

Finding a vein, Reuben inserted the needle as Adam stiffened a bit. Teela squeezed his left hand prompting Adam to snap his head to her. She gave a tight smile as he returned it.

Syphoning the blood needed, Reuben withdrew the needle while holding a clean gauze to the puncture wound. He then placed a bandage over it and instructed Adam to curl his arm to assist the blood's coagulation around the wound.

Reuben capped the vial, thanked the boy and his mother, and proceeded to the royal medic carriage while everyone waited.

xxx

After three hours, word came back from the Palace in Eternos.

As they all sat at table enjoying tea, Duncan's communicator sounded off. Excusing himself, he rushed outside to his carriage while Teela, Adam, and Abigail remained in their seats staring nervously. Abigail stroked her son's soft blonde locks as they waited, the tension in the room palpable.

Thirty minutes later, Duncan returned shuffling slightly through the foyer, his eyes wide in shock and fixed on the little boy. He entered the dining room while Adam simply stared, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Lowering his gaze, Duncan dropped to one knee, his guards behind him quickly and enthusiastically doing likewise. He pressed his right fist against his heart in solemn oath, his men following suit.

His gaze fixed to the floor as was tradition, he began.

"Your Royal Highness, Prince Adam. I pledge my eternal allegiance to the House of Miro and consider it the highest honor to serve you, Crown Prince of Eternia," Duncan stated his voice quivering with emotion.

"As do we...the King's Royal Guard, my Prince," the men echoed.

Adam flinched, his eyebrows flying up in response as Abigail cried out in shock and surprise, her hands flying to her mouth, tears spilling from her eyes.

Teela inhaled sharply, her mouth dropping open as gasps were heard from the children peeking in from the kitchen and overhearing the entire exchange.

Silence.

"Umm…okayyy," Adam quietly replied.