Chapter 1

10 years later

The dying sun in the cold autumn afternoon flared through the trees of the vast stone cemetery, creating shadows and silhouetted reflections of branches and graves. The crisp air carried a sour metallic tang as a gust of wind made the dry brownish leaves rustle, a few falling to the ground. A flock of jet-black crows croaked as they flew overhead. One stopped to land on a stone tombstone.

18-year-old Prince Benjamin of Auradon took a deep breath, running his hand through his honey brown hair to smoothen it. His loyal personal guard Le Foe and best friend Doug remained silent by his side, watching him carefully.

Ben's deep hazel green eyes took on a sad, forlorn expression as he gazed at the large elaborate rectangular stone memorial in front of him. Ten years had already passed since his father's murder. Ten years since he'd last heard his laugh or seen the smile lines around his eyes deepen as he tucked him into bed. Ben had never met his mother so it had always been just him and his father. And as he grew up they'd built a very close relationship. They were inseparable.

Though many years had passed, Ben still remembered clearly the last night he'd seen his father. Adam had gently kissed him on the forehead, just like he did every night before he slept. But instead of the usual story, he'd told him about an important meeting which he was going to attend that very evening. One that could've changed the outcome of the war. But, sadly, his father had never made it to the meeting. The following morning Ben had been woken up by Lord Gaston, his father's most loyal friend and councillor, with the devastating news that the Black Arrow had ambushed and killed him.

As Adam's only son, Ben was naturally next in line to Auradon's throne but was considered far too young of age to reign. King Stefan removed his right to the throne and decided to appoint Lord Gaston as Auradon's new ruler instead. In a matter of days, Ben's world had been completely turned upside down. He'd lost both his father and his home. He was inconsolable. But Gaston and his wife Claudette decided to take him in with them. They gave him a home, a new family, and loved him as if he was their own and for that he owned them everything.

But still not a day went by that Ben didn't think about his father. He missed him terribly, particularly today on the eve of such an important day. Tomorrow he would enter the battlefield for the first time. He would finally have the opportunity not only to defend his birth lands but also to honour his father's memory. He suddenly felt the weight of the world on his shoulders as he shifted position and pulled the bottom edge of his dark-brown leather doublet.

"You okay, Ben?" A familiar voice rang out as a hand rested gently on his right shoulder.

Ben blinked. He turned to face his long-time childhood friend and nodded slowly. "It's just…I'm a little nervous."

"About tomorrow?" Eighteen-year old Doug asked him softly.

"Yeah. I guess I'm feeling the responsibility." Ben paused. His eyes sparkled with determination as he subconsciously straightened himself up and squared his shoulders. "You know how as kids we used to dream of fighting besides our fathers to protect this land." He paused again. "Gaston has been training me so hard for this day. I want to make him proud. I want to finally start to repay him for all he has done for me."

"It'll be fine, Ben. I'm a little bit nervous too you know but I think it's normal. Besides, no matter what happens on that battlefield, we'll have each other's backs and we'll emerge victorious." Doug replied with an encouraging smile as he turned to look reassuringly at the person he almost considered a brother.

Ben stared at Doug for a moment as the war of his emotions played visibly across his face. A lump formed in his throat as he returned to stare intensely at his father's grave. "Do you think I'll be worthy of him?" He asked after a moment of silence, whispering hesitantly.

"I've always believed that destiny has great things planned out for you." Doug smiled.

"Like?" Ben questioned, his eyes shining with curiosity.

"An empire." Doug paused as his smile grew wider. "And a princess."

"Will she be pretty?" Ben asked with a slight smirk.

"Beautiful!" Doug reassured him.

Ben playfully cocked his head to the side as if pondering what Doug had just told him, before returning his best friend's smile. "Okay, I'll take it"

"You know, Ben." Le Fou interjected. "Your father was one of the most courageous and noble people I've ever met. I see a lot of him in you." He paused. "You know how those cowards of the Black Arrow were only able to kill him by ambushing us. They attacked us from behind and your father didn't even have the time to react and defend hims-AHHH" Le Fou let out a loud scream as he suddenly hunched forward.

On instinct, Ben closed his eyes as a spurt of his guard's blood sprayed across his face. He opened them a moment later though, fully alert. They hadn't heard the silent arrow as it had whizzed through the trees. Ben's eyes widened in horror as he eyed the protruding piece of wood, covered in blood, now sticking out of his guard's chest. Time seemed to stop as the man collapsed to his side on the ground, thrashing around. Le Fou then let out one last gagging sound before he stopped quivering completely.

"Le Fou! No!" Ben shouted as he bent down beside his fallen friend. "Doug! Hurry! Your sword!" he ordered, unsheathing his own. He ran forward a few meters, taking cover behind a wide trunk as he scanned the trees ahead of them.

Doug unsheathed his sword and was about to follow Ben when he noticed a piece of paper tied to the protruding head of the arrow. He bent down to pick it up.

"There's no one here!" Ben shouted angrily in frustration. Doug appeared by his side. "Murderers!"

"Ben, look!" Doug said getting Ben's attention. He gave him the note he'd found. "This was tied to the arrow."

As Ben read the message aloud, his expression turned from one of anger to confusion. 'The Black Arrow will have its revenge. We'll avenge the King!' Ben tilted his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. "What revenge? What king are they talking about, Doug?"

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The Castle of Auradon stood on the summit of the highest hill in the kingdom providing both a strategic view of the bordering lands and an imposing symbol of the castle's lord's power. It appeared unaffected by the Great War, despite the fact that the conflict had been raging on for the past twelve years. Four broad, square towers formed a protective wall on each corner of this rectangular stronghold and were connected by lower, vast heavy walls made of golden stone. Rough windows were scattered thinly across the walls in an asymmetric pattern, along with huge crenulations for archers and artillery. A moderate gate with hefty wooden doors, a draw bridge and archer holes protected those in need in case of an enemy's attack. The trees circling the castle surrounded it just like a great army would defend its citadel, offering protection through its tall armoured trunks. And there for everyone to see was the Auradonian Flag, with its bright colours of blue and gold. It stood, tall and majestic, from its spot on the castle's keep as it fluttered in the late afternoon breeze.

Inside the castle, its workers were busy doing their daily chores; women scrubbing away at a variety of different sized and shaped pots while the men polished the many suits of armour in silence. In the outside bailey, the heavy sound of clashing swords could be heard as the soldiers practiced hard under the watchful eye of their regiment's captain. They only stopped in their task for a few moments to bow lowly in respect as Lord Gaston passed through the inner courtyard followed closely by his adopted son.

Gaston was now a middle-aged man, but hadn't changed much from his youth. He'd retained his towering height and leading Auradon's army in the Great War had helped him to keep much of his strength. His dark brown doublet stretched across his broad shoulders while Auradon's golden livery collar rested on his still brawny chest. Ignoring the greeting from his men, he slipped his arm protectively around Ben's shoulder as he led him through the busy courtyard. "There is no revenge and most importantly there is no king to avenge!" Gaston spoke softly but firmly as he squeezed Ben's shoulder in comfort.

Ben kept his head bent down as he continued to stare at his feet. He felt numb all over as his mind just couldn't stop reliving the brutal death of his personal guard. Le Fou had been by his side ever since Gaston had taken him under his care. The Black Arrow had taken so much away from him. Ben stopped and lifted tear filled eyes to face his adoptive father. "But then why did they send us that message? Why did they've to kill Le Fou to do so?" Ben asked, his voice cracking. "They've already killed my father!"

Gaston let out a long sigh and removed his arm. He shifted position so as to face his adopted son and lifted his hands to grip both of his shoulders in a tight but warm hold. "Ben, the Black Arrow are a bunch of criminals whose sole purpose is to terrorise this kingdom and our allies. They hope to break our fighting spirit. We must not let them!" he paused. He then lifted his right hand and brought it up to gently caress the side of Ben's head.

Ben instinctively leaned into the comforting touch and his devastated expression softened as their eyes locked.

"Your father was like a brother to me. I promise you that when this war is over we'll take care of them once and for all. I'll make sure that those outlaws pay for all they've done." Gaston paused and lifted his arm again, resting it back on Ben's shoulder.

Ben nodded sombrely.

"Now come my boy. The war council will be starting shortly."

Ben followed Gaston up the steps of the castle and sucked in a nervous breath as he entered the war chamber. The four-sided room was not very large but was made up of tall ceiling beams. A large map of all the East and West territories covered the wall opposite the main door to the room while symmetrical iron cast glass windows littered the other walls providing natural light to the room. In front of Ben, in the centre of the room, was a large, sturdy rectangular wooden table. The war council members were already standing on either side of it, waiting for their arrival. Captain James Hook, his father's most trusted general, nodded his head in respect as Gaston brushed past them taking his place at the lead of the table. His son, Harry Hook, stood by his side.

Ben took his place at the top left corner of the table right next to his father and flashed a little smile at Doug. His best friend was standing right across from him, next to his father Dopey.

Gaston cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention, and made his way towards the Fairy-tale Land Map. He pulled out a knife and pointed it to a particular spot on the chart. "Tomorrow we're to join King Stefan's army just south of Faraway Cove. The Western troops we'll be fighting will be led by Sir Galahad of Camelot. He has the reputation of being a very noble and skilled fighter." Gaston placed the knife on the table and walked up to Captain Hook, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It would be a great error to underestimate him."

"Our objective during the fight will be to find Sir Galahad and kill him. He'll be wearing the commanding emblem. He won't be difficult to spot. Understood?" Captain Hook instructed. Everyone nodded in agreement.

"King Stefan expects us to win this battle." Gaston continued. "However..." he paused. All eyes remained fixed on him as he walked back to the head of the table. "That's not our only objective."

"What else do we have to do?" Harry asked.

"A small group, led by Dopey, will have the mission of reaching the Notre-Dame Convent." Gaston explained.

"The Notre-Dame Convent?" Ben asked confused.

"Exactly. King Arthur has secretly hidden someone there. Someone who everyone believes to be dead." There was another pause. "Princess Mal, heir to the Moors." The council exchanged a number of intrigued looks between them.

Ben tried to keep his expression blank but he was full of questions for his father. There was something about the way the other council members reacted to his statement that made Ben think that there was more to the story than his father let on. "And you want to imprison this princess, father?" Ben questioned carefully with raised eyebrows.

"No, my boy." Gaston smirked. He opened his arms slightly and affectionately patted his son's shoulder. "I want to make her your bride!" His father walked away from the room with a satisfied laugh which signalled the end of the meeting.

Ben felt his body stiffen and his mouth fall slightly open as he watched his adoptive father and the rest of the council exit the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He rested his trembling hands on the table in front of him for support. Ever since his father passed away all Ben had ever wanted was to make Gaston proud of him. He'd nominated him as his only heir, promising that he would return the lands that belonged to him by birth right as soon as he was ready. So Ben's focus growing up hadn't only been that of learning the laws which governed the kingdom but also of becoming a great warrior, just like Gaston had taught him, one that would be able to protect his people and make him fit to become a strong, brave and noble king. And while he knew that one day he would've to get married to secure an heir of his own, he'd never given the idea much thought, considering himself far too young. Now though, he felt a knot slowly forming in the pit of his stomach as the implications of his father's revelation finally dawned on him. But as he felt his chest starting to tighten, a thought suddenly occurred to him. His father would never make him marry a princess who he'd never met before in his life unless he had a very good reason for it. Ben took a deep breath to calm his racing heart…he knew his father loved him and wanted his happiness. He'd have to trust his judgement but he would talk to him about it and find out everything he could about the princess.

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Ben shifted his weight, his feet shuffling on the large flagstone flooring as he glanced around the castle's armoury waiting for Gaston. The armoury was a large arched apartment with richly decorated windows. Swords of different sizes fanned out across the stone wall displays while stands holding suits of armour and chain mails stood on either side of him. Gaston had told him he had something to give him and Ben felt his pulse quicken even more as he waited. He couldn't deny that he was excited to find out what it was. It was also the perfect occasion to ask him about the princess. A slow smile spread across his face as the creaking sound of the door being opened alerted him to Gaston's arrival.

"Tomorrow is going to be a very important day for you, my son!" Gaston stated, his eyes gleaming with pride, as he walked towards Ben. Ben noticed he was carrying a sword in a scabbard in his right hand. Gaston stopped in front of him and lifted up his arm. "Take it." He said with a grin.

Ben's eyes widened as he slowly reached out to grab it. He used his free hand to grip the blue and yellow leather of the hilt and unsheathed the sword to get a closer look. He eyed the fine craftsmanship of the blade in awe. The Auradonian crest adorned the sword's pommel which was made from polished iron which glittered as it caught the light. Ben took a deeper intake of breath. His mouth fell open slightly as he carefully stretched the blade in front of him. He remained still in that position for a few moments before returning to face Gaston. "It's beautiful!" he spoke softly.

"I had it made especially for you. I want you to shine on the battlefield like no one else." He replied with a wider grin.

Ben's mouth suddenly went dry and he gulped. "I don't know how to thank you." He managed to croak. "I won't disappoint you, father. I promise!"

"I'm going to make you a great warrior!" Gaston beamed at him and leaned in to embrace him tightly.

Ben reluctantly pulled away from the hug and gazed up at him, gingerly rubbing the back of his neck. "There's something I wanted to ask you."

"Tell me, son." Gaston replied with a little smile

"What's so important about the princess, father?"

The smile instantly left Gaston's face at Ben's question and he straightened himself to his full length as he locked eyes with him. "Ben, you still remember what I'd told you when you asked me why we're fighting this war, right?"

Ben nodded. "The West kingdom was inhabited by a number of magical creatures known as the Fae, and that these greedy and ruthless mystical beings wanted to expand their territory and were planning to attack us. So we started this war to defend our people from their threat."

"Exactly. At first these were only rumours but then King Stefan himself had managed to capture one of these creatures. We finally had proof of their existence and the powers they possessed. The Fae are actually spirits of the earth and lived in the Moorlands. Once they reach the eighteen years of age, their magical powers awaken and it allows them to have control over all the elements of the earth. Unfortunately, the creature died before it could reveal the exact location of their home and so we've been looking for the Moors ever since. But ten years ago, we received an unconfirmed report that, while on the run, the entire royal family was killed in one of our attacks. Or so we'd thought, as one of our informants recently discovered that their daughter had survived."

"And so that's why you want me to marry her?" Ben questioned.

Gaston paused and lifted his arms to grip Ben's shoulders tightly. "Are you upset at this arrangement?"

Ben suddenly looked down as he shuffled his feet. He felt his mouth go dry as he fumbled to find the right words to use to voice his doubts about the whole situation. He just didn't want to disappoint his father and make him think that he didn't want to do as he said. "Well, I just don't understand why you specifically want me to marry her. I mean, what's in it for us?" he asked, looking back up.

"She's the heir to the moorlands and marrying her would unite our two kingdoms. Their threat would be eliminated and that would effectively end this war." He paused. "Besides, imagine Ben, having the power to ensure that our farmlands are always fertile. Our people would never go hungry."

"But... I don't even know her. What if she doesn't even like me?" Ben asked.

"Of course she'll like you." A smile returned to Gaston's face. "Well, of course, you're free to choose your own path, but this would finally give us enough power to defeat the East. We really could end this war and besides, the Fae people are renowned for being beautiful. I'm sure the princess would be one of the loveliest people you'd have ever seen."

"Oh, I'm not worried. And I understand." Ben replied. "Of course, I'll do it. I just didn't realize why. But if it'll end the war and the save the lives of our people, I'll do it. You know I'd do anything to help you, father."

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The first streams of the morning's warm sunrays had just started to break over the hills surrounding Auradon's castle and shone through Ben's still closed window casting squares onto the stone tiled floor and reflecting onto several objects in the chamber. Sounds of the clinking of metal could he be heard across the room as a servant helped Ben wear the breast plate of his armour over his chainmail hauberk shirt, just as the dying fire crackled in the fireplace hearth at his feet. The servant had just finished putting on his wrist guards when the creak and scrape of the door being opened alerted Ben that someone had entered the room. He turned around to greet them and his face instantly broke into a bright smile. "Mother!"

A middle-aged women with long brown hair neatly pulled back in a pretty and elaborate braid quietly walked into the room. She stopped a metre away from him. "Oh, look at you, Ben!" Claudette exclaimed softly. Her dark hazel eyes gleamed with love and pride. "You look so handsome!" Her bright smile faded a moment later. She looked down and let out a long-pained sigh.

"You okay, mother?" Ben asked, wrinkling his brow.

"Yes, sweetheart," She lifted her eyes back up to him and they locked gazes. "But the moment I have been dreading has finally come."

Ben leaned forward with his eyes glowing. "I've waited for so long for a chance to fight by my father's side and finally prove myself to him. Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Claudette let out another deep sigh. "Ben."

"What is it?" Ben asked, biting his lip. "Is there something you want to tell me?"

The petite woman reached forward, across the space between them, and gently placed a hand on his arm. "It's just that war is so much more than simply glory and honour. I know you want to prove yourself but promise me that you'll be careful and that you will return back home safely to me."

Ben smiled, giving her a fond look. "I promise." He paused. "And nothing will happen to me. I've been training so hard for this. And besides father will be right by my side."

Claudette nodded slowly and removed her hand from his arm. She leaned forward and tenderly kissed his cheek. "You've grown up so much and I couldn't be more proud of you!"

"I love you, Mum." Ben whispered, before pulling her to embrace her gently into a hug.

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The sharp blasts of the trumpets and the loud peal of the drums echoed throughout the narrow, cobbled streets of Auradon's village. Loud cheers and clapping immediately erupted from the gathered crowds as the first line of foot soldiers carrying the kingdom's blue and yellow banners came into view. Gaston was next, followed closely by Ben. Both were clad in full knight armour and rode on dark brown horses. The clapping intensified as the lord raised his hand to greet his people. His generals and knights were right behind him, riding in pairs of twos as they slowly started making their way towards the village outdoor gates. The rest of the troops followed. Hundreds of foot soldiers marched two to a line, carrying swords and long shining spears while a small group of archers completed the line-up.

A slim and dark-haired girl held her simple brown tunic as she pushed herself through the crowd. Her eyes lit up and she hastily made her way towards the passing knights. "Ben!" she shouted. She rested her hands on his right metal knee pad to get his attention.

"Lonnie!" he smiled. He pulled at his reins and his horse slowed down to a trot. "I came looking for you early this morning at the village. Where were you?"

She beamed at him. "I came running as soon as I heard the horses leave!" Being mindful not to trip on the cobbled road, she removed her hand from his knee and reached for her free hand. She pulled out a plain silver ring from her right hand and offered it to him. "You remember this?" she asked. Her blue eyes sparkled. "You gave it to me when I turned ten. You told me we were engaged and that one day we would get married."

Ben smiled warmly, looking down at her with a soft twinkle in his eyes.

"Take it!" she offered. "It'll bring you luck today!"

"Keep it." he replied. "Maybe we'll really get married one day." He smiled softly.

Lonnie bit the inside of her cheek and looked down at her feet. She sighed and looked up at him again, her forehead wrinkled. "The villagers are saying that your father wants you to marry some princess."

He smirked and glanced back at her with mock innocence. "Is that so? That's what the people are saying about me?"

She met his face with a hopeful gaze. "Don't joke around, Ben."

Ben's warm smile returned. He reached out to grasp her hand tightly in his gloved one. "Listen to me Lonnie. We will always remain friends no matter what." He gave her hand a squeeze and released her, flashing her one last smile. He hit the side of his horse, gaining speed and returned by his father's side.

Lonnie stared at his back as he disappeared from view, feeling numb all over. "But I don't want to be just your friend." She whispered, shaking her head.

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After joining King Stefan and the rest of the eastern troops at Faraway Cove, the Auradon army crossed the main bridge between the two territories and made its way to the valleys just below Bald Mountain. This was an important battle for the eastern kingdom, one they wanted to win at all costs. A victory would mean gaining access to the Enchanted Forest and finally being one step closer to Camelot's stronghold.

Ben and Doug stood upon a low hill looking down at the impressive army lined up as far as the eye could see. Ben felt the weight of the world on his shoulders as he watched the troops lining themselves up into a battle stance. This was it.

"Nervous?" Doug asked.

"A little." Ben answered honestly, fidgeting slightly on his horse. He then raised his chin and gazed at the blue skies above him for a moment. "But I'm ready!" He straightened his back and brought out his chest. He hit the side of his horse, turned one last look at his best friend and made his way down the hill. There would be no room for the weak and no mercy for the fearful. He'd trained really hard for this moment and all that was left for him to do was to use his strength and courage to strike down his enemies. He was truly ready.

A/N: So that was Chapter 1. As I previewed in my prologue this story will not only include the Descendants characters but also a bunch of other disney characters, all of which will have their own story and character development. I have lots of surprises, twist and turns planned out so hold on to your seat...it's going to be a long and bumpy ride. So far we've met Ben and the eastern Kingdom...get ready to met Mal in chapter 2. See ya all next week!

I would love to hear all your comments so if you feel like drop me a review with your thoughts on this chapter. Feedback is always so appreciated. I would like to thank AmethystDragon14, SparkyGurly227 and Shellymh for their reviews and all those users who have decided to follow my story. You have no idea how happy you've made me :)