Trials and Tribulations Chapter 2
A/N: Oh my it has been seven months since I've updated. This story is not abandoned; however, this writer has had a serious case of writer's block. Finally, after months away I have returned to hopefully entertain all of you. Wishing all my readers and their families are safe and healthy.
Once again, I don't have any rights to any of these characters.
"Teela-Na, come back here this instant", a red-haired a woman in her mid 40's called out to a tall thin young lady in her late teens, with hair as red as the setting sun and catlike green eyes.
"Sorry, mom." The young lady answered over her shoulder as she vaulted over a wall of chopped winter logs. "I have to help."
The older woman stared into the open expanse of the field in front of her as her daughter made a mad dash towards the incoming group of men carrying battered children. Fear for those poor children caught in the avalanche made her own legs move quickly down the front of her house as she went to meet her husband and some villagers who were called to give aide to those in need.
Earlier today, a snowy avalanche careened off the high mountain top where their village lay below. Hundreds of villagers many of them women and children were trapped in the freezing snow. Her husband being the village's Earl, lead the group of men trying to save those trapped by the avalanche. Her extremely willful daughter, who had just returned from school on winter holiday, learned of today's catastrophe and quickly volunteered to go into the village herself to help the men retrieve those trapped. The young lady had little regard for her own safety, always being one of the first to volunteer her services no matter what the circumstances.
Having been forbidden to join her father in the village due to the precarious situation, she anxiously awaited home until the first survivors were brought to the massive stone villa that she called home. She had helped the Manor's staff prepare a makeshift infirmary for the incoming wounded. Now that the first injured villagers were being brought home, she defied her parents' wishes rushing out to meet her father.
Despite always defying them, the red-haired woman admired her daughter's determination and willingness to help those less fortunate. The Countess, came from a long line of red-haired, physically strong, intelligent, stubborn, and feisty women and her daughter was just like her predecessors. Some said that her ancestors were direct descendants of the great Queen Veena who once resided with her blond warrior husband King Grayskull within Eternia's first great Palace. Fable told of these immense palatial grounds over the center of the planet where strong magical powers lay. Immense pride filled the older woman's heart; however, she feared that her daughter's iron-clad determination and courage would one day get her into deep trouble. She watched as the young lady practically begged her father for him to release the child he was carrying into her eager arms. The child was bleeding profusely from a wound on his shoulder, but her daughter didn't seem to have noticed.
Finally acquiescing, the Earl released the child into his daughter's arms. He watched as she took a step backwards to return to the house, the weight of the unconscious child overwhelming the red-head. Clenching her teeth, the Teela-Na pivoted on her heels before quickly running towards the house. Passing her mother, she smiled at the older woman as she ran up the stairs towards the infirmary. There she deposited the wounded youngster on a makeshift hospital bed, before tearing off the youngster's shirt looking for the cause of bleeding. Having been trained by her great-grandmother who was the town's healer, young Teela-Na proceeded to stop the boy's bleeding.
Child after child, woman after woman, villager after villager she worked diligently all through the night never once complaining of the tasks before her. Teela-Na was just happy she was able to help those less fortunate than she. In the dawn, after finally having treated the last of the unfortunate villagers she made her way to the villa's kitchens to grab something to eat and go to bed.
As she lay in her bed, she prayed to the Great Goddess whom she was named after for fortitude and patience. She also prayed for a quick recovery for those affected physically by today's catastrophe and reverence for those who had to deal with the emotional turmoil of burying their loved ones.
"Your successor has been found", stated a floating gray head of a male figure. The apparition hovered in front of a great golden staircase, the top adorned with a bejeweled throne where a serenely beautiful winged woman sat. The specter then continued, "There's a great benevolent spirit in this young one." "She'll serve Eternia well."
The winged woman stood from her throne as she stated, "She is quite willful and very young."
"She'll learn to curb her emotions", the spirit noted. "Her age doesn't matter." "She'll prove worthy despite her youth."
"Yes, my great-grand niece will serve Eternia well", Koduk Ungol stated as she looked away from the Mystical Mirror. Despite having hid herself from her relatives almost a century ago, her heart ached at the memory of the family she left behind. However, she lived with the daily heartache knowing how much her sacrifice was important to the Universe. Koduk Ungol came from a long line of women descending from Queen Veena, charged with protecting Castle Grayskull and the secrets of the universe. It was her family's honor to uphold this mystical position, despite the fact that these women didn't know they were born to such great destiny. Castle Grayskull chose it's guardian very carefully. The post required one to entirely cut themselves off from their normal life, leaving behind birthright, family, and country. Despite being blood relatives, Koduk and her predecessors were isolated from each other until the moment came for the new Sorceress of Grayskull to take her place. Therefore, the family line was protected from the evil forces who always threatened the balance of the universe.
If the supposed 'successor' didn't accept her post willingly, the Castle would return the woman home having erased her memory of ever having visited the famed King Grayskull's palace. The current Sorceress would remain in power, often serving many years beyond a normal life span, thus the myth that the Sorceress of Grayskull was immortal.
As Koduk walked down the steps from her throne, she wondered how long it would be until her successor took her place. Reading her mind, the Spirit of Grayskull spoke up "Eternia is not in need of a new Sorceress yet." His answer did not give Koduk the definitive answer she sought. But then again, she was used to it. Nothing dealing with the magic of Grayskull was ever clearly perceptible or apparent.
Following the current Sorceress out of the throne room, the specter who embodied the wisdom, magic, and power of the Ancients continued his diatribe, "Situations will arise during her lifetime that will give rise to the prophetic Defenders of Castle Grayskull."
These news stopped Koduk in her tracks. Every Sorceress was sworn to protect twin blades that were conduits of Grayskull's Power meant to be yielded during the planet's greatest need. A chill travelled up Koduk's spine at the Spirit's announcement. This meant that Eternia's darkest hours were soon at hand. In all of Eternia's history, the need to call upon the full Power of Grayskull occurred only once before. King D'Vann Grayskull had sought and yielded this power to defeat his greatest enemy. A being from another dimension, who using science and magic attempted to conquer Eternia. Although successful in defeating his arch nemesis, King Grayskull lost his life in battle, but not before transferring his power into two magnificent magical swords. Prophecy stated that those born to wield them, would be gifted with Grayskull's Power making them near imperceptible to most physical threats. Knowing the Prophecy well, Koduk asked "So the stars are aligning to bring about the fulfillment of the Grayskull Prophecy?"
"Yes", the Spirit answered acerbically. "Just like your successor has been found, so has the vessel that would fulfill the Prophecy."
This surprised the aging guardian. She had no idea that the two for whom the Power was meant for, would be arriving in a receptacle. Koduk had many questions regarding this phenomena and turned to face the Scepter to ask him about them, before realizing that he had disappeared. Resigned to her fate, Grayskull's Guardian turned to face her Mystic Mirror as a scene continued to unravel in front of her.
Morning had come with all its vast glorious burst of sunlight, raising the young red-head from a fretful sleep. Moving slowly out of bed, as her body ached from all the physical activities she put forth yester eve, Teela-Na made her way to her privy. Taking her time, she completed her morning routine before returning to her bedroom to don clean clothing.
Once dressed, she stopped by the makeshift infirmary checking on all of the patients individually, before making her way over to the dining room. Standing outside twin wooden doors that were closed to prying eyes, Teela-Na recognized her parents' voices as they spoke to a gentleman whose voice was unfamiliar. Politely knocking on the door, she waited until her father allowed her entrance before pushing open the door.
Upon entry into the dining room, Teela-Na stopped in her track her eyes landing on the most handsome young man she had ever met. Her breath constricted in her chest while she simultaneously felt as if she was going to swoon. The lad, was extremely tall broad-shouldered with shoulder length brown hair. His eyes were cinnamon almost honey colored and he sported a short neat mustache. He was dressed in the standard military uniform of the Eternian Royal Guard. His hard angular featured, bespoke of a man who was used to being in authority. He stood ramrod straight next to the fireplace, his gaze constantly scanning the dining room for an unperceived threat.
Immediately, Teela-Na's eyes traveled to the man standing in front of her father taking in the older gentleman's salt/pepper receding hairline and full bearded face. Instantly, she recognized whom her father was entertaining this morning. Years of etiquette training taking over, the red-head curtsied deeply as she addressed those in the room. "My King, it Is a pleasure to see you." She remained in her curtsy until Eternia's King addressed her.
"You may stand", the older gentleman directed. Coming to stand in front of her, he continued "Teela-Na, you've grown into a beautiful young lady." "It's been too many years since I've visited with your father", the King continued. "Come, let me re-introduce you to my son Prince Randor and his body guard Lieutenant Duncan."
Instantly, Teela-Na's eyes met the latter young man's eyes as she finally comprehended who stood before her. Approaching the Prince, she fell into another deep curtsy as was fitting for the Crown Apparent. Rising, she bestowed a dazzling smile in the Prince's direction. King Miro was right, it was many years since she had seen the Royal Family.
"Prince Randor, it is pleasure to see you again", she stated looking at the other young man briefly, before directing her gaze back to the handsome prince. She took in the drastic changes in the Prince's appearance. Last she had seen him which over five years ago, he had been a tall lanky teen with short brown hair. Now a different version of the Prince stood in front of her. This young man had filled out significantly, his tall frame marked by bulging muscles. The Prince exuded confidence. As youngsters they had been great friends.
"Teela-Na, the pleasure is all mine", Randor spoke his voice smooth and deep which caused ripples of pleasure to travel down the red-head's spine. Never before had she had this reaction to the Prince's presence, which was confusing to the young lady. However, as much as his appearance intrigued her, she was more interested in the young man standing beside him.
Under lowered lashes, she watched as Lieutenant Duncan studied her. She knew when she was being appraised, having spent many a times in the presence of interested young men. Patiently, she waited to be introduced to him. It was the King who cleared his throat, indicating that Randor should make the necessary introductions. Picking up on his father's clue, Randor reached for her hand to pull her closer to him and Duncan. Standing mere feet away from the dashing young men, Teela-Na smiled shyly.
"Teela-Na, let me introduce you to my very good friend Lieutenant Philip Duncan." "He and I met at the City of Wisdom." "Philip, I'd like you to meet a childhood friend of mine, Lady Teela-Na Lisoli", the Prince continued.
Extending his hand, Duncan took hold of the red-head's proffered one, brining it slowly to his lips to bestow a kiss. The moment his lips touched the red-head's hand, fire exploded deep within her midsection making her feel weak in the knees. Quickly, pulling her hand away she stared open mouthed at the younger man, surprise lining her face at the visceral reaction his light touch caused within her. Never in her young life had she ever felt like this before.
Straightening, he greeted her "Mademoiselle, the pleasure is all mine", Philip emitted his deep voice sounding like the most pleasant sound Teela-Na had ever heard. Although, he stood several feet away from her, Teela-Na had felt like his touch and voice enveloped her within a cocoon of velvety softness. All she wanted to do was melt into his embrace.
It was her father's voice that broke her out of her trance. "Teela-Na, King Miro heard of our village's plight and came to offer his assistance." "After, breakfast why don't you show Prince Randor and Lieutenant Duncan around, while your mother and I conference with our King", her father stated.
"Off-course, Father", she answered obediently.
"Actually, Lord Lisoli I'd like for my son to remain with us." "Eternia would be his to rule one day and I want him to be ready to deal with whatever problems may arise." "Being that he's been away from the Royal Palace these past seven years to complete his studies, I feel like his training in Royal duties has been amiss."
Thus after a quick breakfast, Teela-Na found herself escorting the dashingly handsome Philip Duncan around her homestead on her own. Swallowing her nervousness, she took him to the makeshift infirmary where she quickly found out he was just as skilled in administrating medicinal help to those who needed it as she was. Surprised at this, she asked him "Since when do military personnel know so much about the healing arts?"
With an easy smile, he answered her. "I've received training from my father who is a renowned healer as well as the Duke of Acco."
Hearing reference of his father, Teela-Na instantly became awed. The Duke of Acco, was well-known for his advancements in science and medicine. No wonder his son, knew so much. Smiling coyly at him, she asked "Perhaps you can teach me?"
Smiling confidently, Philip answered "You name the time and date."
Looping her arm through his, Teela-Na smiled brilliantly at him as she stated "There's no time like the present." "I have nothing else to do today."
Thus the two formed a deep friendship that would benefit Eternia in the years to come. None known the love and heartache that would soon follow.