The-quest-for-She-Ra

The Quest for She-Ra.

By Richard Taylor

Part 1

Deep inside Castle Grayskull in a dark private chamber that was rarely entered by ordinary humans six elderly men were crowded around a large round table. In the centre of the table was a large glowing sphere of light as bright as the stars. The men sat silently around it concentrating only on the visions, which flooded their minds. These men had been like this for years trying to uncover the solution to a mystery that had troubled the minds of a small group of Eternians for twenty years. Throughout this painfully long period they had used their combined powers to seek out the conclusion to their long task to very little success.

Elsewhere in Grayskull a beautiful woman slept uneasily. By the side of her bed was a set of magical orange wings and a falcon headdress. Her long black hair spread gently over her pillow her white sheets laid firmly over her naked torso. She was Teelani the Sorceress and the guardian of Grayskull one of the most powerful beings on all Eternia. The Sorceress could not remain still as she slept as her mind was being bombarded with images of a nightmare.

The Sorceress could see herself twenty years ago just after she had been granted the power of Grayskull. Beside her was a young man dressed in the armor of the Royal Guard. This was Duncan the Captain of the Royal guard the young warrior helped her escape her village and find Castle Grayskull if it was not for Duncan she would never have become the Sorceress. They stood in one of the dark rooms of Snake Mountain. In front of them stood Hordak the leader of the Horde he had just opened a time portal and was just about to step through with the baby girl in his arms.

"You are too late!" snarled Hordak. "You may have defeated the Horde this day, but you will never see this child again!"

With that Hordak raised his blaster and fired a laser bolt at the Sorceress. Duncan pushed the Sorceress out of the way barley dodging the laser bolt by inches. When they turned around Hordak had fled through the portal and before they could follow the portal snapped shut.

The Sorceress woke with a start she was soaked in sweat. Why had she been dreaming about that dreadful incident twenty years ago? Her concerns over what evil plan Hordak had for the child came flooding back to her. Then a spark of hope flared in her mind, her dreams meant more than just a way for the body to work out problems in the subconscious mind her dream had always meant more. Quickly she got up from her bed. She had barely put one foot on the floor when the spirit of Keclar the leader of the Elder's of Eternia appeared before her.

"How can I help you?" asked the Sorceress.

"We have found the girl." Replied Keclar. "Our twenty rear quest has come to an end."

The Sorceress gasped in amazement. This news seemed too good to be true. She had been convinced that this mystery would remain forever.

"Where is she?" asked the Sorceress starting to get excited. "What must we do to bring her home?"

"Using our powers to create a Cosmic Eye we have traced her whereabouts to the planet Etheria." Explained Keclar. "We have seen exactly where she is and what has happened to her the past twenty years. After careful consideration we have come to the conclusion that she is in the need of our help if she is to fulfil her destiny."

"What do you have in mind?" asked the Sorceress.

Keclar held out his arms and between his hands a glowing cylinder began to form. Once the cylinders light faded away it began to take on the form of the Sword of Power except for a large gem that sat in the centre of the sword.

"The Sword of Protection!" exclaimed the Sorceress. She had known of its existence but until now she had never seen the Sword of Protection.

"Precisely." Replied Keclar. "Now that we have found her we can finally give the Sword of Protection to its intended owner."

"And how do we get it to her?" asked the Sorceress.

"Send for Prince Adam." Said Keclar. "As the holder of the Sword of Power he is the one person who can accomplish this task. Tell Adam that he must travel to Etheria and that the sword will lead him where he needs to go. However you must not tell him about her. Adam's mind must remain unclouded with the knowledge that he is searching for a sister he never knew he had. All will be revealed to him once the Sword of Protection is in the hands of its rightful owner."

"I shall do so immediately." Said the Sorceress. "We must find the portal to Etheria in the Hall of Travellers. Then I will contact Adam. At last this mystery is finally coming to the end."

At the royal place of Eternia Prince Adam sat with Cringer in the place gardens reading a book while his childhood friend Teela practised her skills with a quarterstaff. Adam had been defending Eternia from danger in the form of He-man for over two years. No matter how many times he thwarted the schemes of Skeletor and anyone who served the forces of evil, he was still unable to drive these forces from Eternia altogether. Of course each victory brought Eternia closer to the day where all the people could live in peace and not have the threat of evil over their heads. However Adam was frustrated with the situation as well, because the more good he did as He-man the more he had to act like a spoilt cowardly child to keep his secret from those he cared about.

Only a few people knew about his secret but it seemed to Adam that the ones he wanted to respect him the most were the ones he had to lie to the most and this is what hurt more than any injury he had sustained in battle.

Adam looked up from his book and watched as Teela struck the wooden target with her quarterstaff with the expertise far greater than many warriors did twice her age. Teela paused for a moment and walked over to Adam.

"Reading again?" asked Teela. "What's the book?"

"Just a book about ancient Eternian legends." Replied Adam. "I really like reading these books. You should read one sometime. I can lend you one if you….."

"But." Interrupted Teela. "No matter how good these books are they are not much good if someone is coming at you with a broadsword ready to split your skull open."

"That is why you were made my bodyguard." Replied Adam instantly hating what he had just said.

"While we all train to fight for our planet, all you care about is enjoying yourself!" snapped Teela angrily.

"Teela I'm sorry. Please you don't have to be so harsh….." apologised Adam.

"I don't mean to be harsh." Teela replied. "I'm just making a point. He-man doesn't spend his time lazing around. I'll bet that right now he's off doing some good deed somewhere that he's needed, while all you do is….."

Suddenly Adam heard a faint voice in his head and he shot to his feet.

"Be quiet will you!" said Adam harshly.

Teela took a step back shocked. It was unlike the prince to snap at her.

"There is no need for that." Said Teela.

"I can feel something." Said Adam ignoring Teela. "Just keep quiet."

Inside his head Adam could hear the faint voice of the Sorceress making contact with his mind. She only did this when He-man was needed urgently.

"Adam." Said the Sorceress. "You must come to Grayskull. I am sending you on a mission of the utmost importance. Hurry as time is of the essence."

"Right away." Replied Adam softly.

"What on Eternia is wrong with you?" asked Teela still furious at Adam's outburst. "I want an explanation for the way you're acting."

Adam turned to Teela.

"I'm sorry once again." Said Adam. "The Sorceress has just made contact with me. She has a mission for me."

"You? On a mission." Said Teela looking a little surprised. What kind of mission can it be?"

"I don't know yet." Replied Adam "I have to go to Castle Grayskull."

Part 2

When Adam and Cringer entered Castle Grayskull the Sorceress greeted him.

"Greetings Prince Adam." She said solemnly. "I have called you here because I have need of you to partake in a mission of the most importance."

"What do you want me to do?" asked Adam.

"Follow me." Replied the Sorceress, and led him through the dark corridors of the ancient castle.

Eventually they reached a chamber that Adam had never been to before. The chamber was full of large, wooden doors that looked as though they could lead anywhere.

"This is the Hall of Travellers." The Sorceress told him. "Behind each door lies a time gate to another world. From here when the time is exactly right I am able to open the portals and link Eternia to every planet in the universe."

'What Skeletor wouldn't give to have control of these.' Thought Adam as he stared at the doors wondering about all the planets hidden behind them.

"That time is now." Continued the Sorceress. "You must venture through the portal that I am about to open."

"Which world am I going to?" asked Adam.

The Sorceress led Adam to one of the wooden doors. By magic the door swung open with a loud creak and behind it Adam could see a glowing red light.

"This is the portal to Etheria." Said the Sorceress. "You must go to Etheria and find a very important individual."

"Who is this person?" asked Adam. "Why are they so important?"

"I am afraid that I cannot answer all your questions Adam." Said the Sorceress sadly. "All I can say is that this person has a destiny to fulfil and only you can help that happen."

"How will I find this person?" asked Adam. "If you cannot tell me who I'm looking for, then how am I going find him or her. A planet is a rather big place to search for one individual."

"Please Adam." Said the Sorceress. "The Elder's and I would not send you on such an impossible task."

The Sorceress the reached in to her cape-like wings and pulled out a sword and handed it to Adam. Adam studied the sword carefully and noticed that with the exception of the large oval-shaped jewel set in the middle of it the sword looked exactly like the Sword of Power.

"This is the Sword of Protection." Said the Sorceress. "It is to be presented to this person. As to the matter of finding the right person. It will glow with the power of Grayskull when it is near its true owner.

"It looks almost exactly like my sword." Remarked Adam. "Does it have similar powers as well?"

"It does indeed have very special powers." Replied the Sorceress. "And like the Sword of Power it was chosen for this person long before they were born. And like you this person have a very important destiny to fulfil. Now please no more questions. Time is of the essence, let the Sword of Protection guide you to its owner then all your questions shall be answered.

Adam placed the Sword of Protection next to his sword in the sheath strapped to his back then he turned to Cringer.

"Come Cringer." Said Adam. "It looks like we've go an interesting adventure ahead of us."

"Good journey." Said the Sorceress as Adam and Cringer stepped in to the portal and vanished.

Within seconds the bright light had completely engulfed Adam and Cringer and they felt their bodies being dragger forward at incredible speeds. Then they came to an abrupt stop. The light died down and Adam looked around at his surroundings. Adam found that they were stood in a large area of woodland surrounded by strange plants all soaking up the light from the midday sun. So far Adam liked Etheria.

"So where do you think we should look first?" Adam asked Cringer.

"Anyplace that has food." Replied Cringer. "I'm starving."

Adam smiled at Cringer as it seemed his pet tiger was always hungry. Then he heard the sound of music and excited voices.

"Lets go that way." Said Adam indicating the direction of the noise. Both Adam and Cringer followed the sound until they came to a large tavern. As they got closer Adam noticed that the people were speaking the same language as him. This was a relief, as he didn't have to learn a new language to understand the people of this planet.

As Adam and Cringer stepped in to the tavern a sudden silence befell the people and they turned to and stared at him.

"Don't think I've seen you around here before." Said the barkeeper.

"Erm….No." said Adam nervously. "I'm just passing through on my way north."

"Fine then." Replied the barkeeper as he continued to wash glasses. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"How about some food?" asked Cringer.

The barkeeper suddenly looked up and dropped the glass he was cleaning.

"D-d-did your animal just speak?" asked the barkeeper staring at Cringer. This made Adam even more nervous. What if there were no intelligent animals on Etheria?

"I trained him to speak. So he can perform in a show." Said Adam quickly hoping that the barkeeper accepted his excuse. "I'll leave if I'm not welcome."

"No your fine." Said the barkeeper. "All are welcome here. All I ask is that any trouble stays out side. Remember we're neutral. By the way does your pet bite?"

"Only fish!" replied Cringer.

"No he's tame really." Said Adam. "But he's hungry we've been travelling for a while. Do you serve food?"

"The best in all Etheria." Said the Barkeeper. "Please take a seat I'll bring it over to you. Do you want anything?"

"An ale will do." Said Adam as he and Cringer went over to a table. As Adam drank he overheard snippets of conversation about something called the Horde and the Rebellion. Then a smartly dressed man walked over to Adam.

"You're not from around here are you?" he said. "Mind if I sit down?" Adam nodded and the man sat down.

"I'm from up north." Said Adam. "I'm just passing through."

"So what brought you down here then?" asked the man. "Its not often we get strangers around here as you can tell by the reaction you got when you came in."

"I'm looking for someone. I just haven't found them yet." Replied Adam.

"Well you've found me." Said the man with a smile on his face. "Even though I doubt I'm the one you're looking for. By the way my name is Karlos the local scientist. Welcome to Bright Moon."

"Thanks." Replied Adam. "My name's Adam and this is Cringer."

Karlos reached across the table and shook Adam's hand. Then Adam noticed that the barkeeper was seemed to be keeping a close watch on him.

"What's up with the barkeeper?" asked Adam. "Have I done anything wrong?"

"Oh its not you he's watching it's me." replied Karlos. He then turned and raised his glass and saluted the barkeeper. "You see I'm a member of the Rebellion and the barkeeper thinks I'm going to cause trouble with the Horde collaborators that are here."

"The Horde?" asked Adam. "Who are they?"

Karlos looked at him in bewilderment.

"Are you saying you don't know who the Horde are?" said Karlos. "Have you been locked away all your life?"

Now Adam was close to panic as he realised that the Horde was something that every Etherian knew.

"I'm sorry." Said Adam. "There's not much talk about the Horde where I come from."

"Then you are lucky." Said Karlos. "The Horde is the supreme dictatorship. And have been that way for nearly fifty years and in that time they have reduced half this planet to poverty and starvation. They care nothing for the innocent. I can't believe there is anywhere on this planet where no one talks about the Horde. You'd have to be from another world."

Adam almost choked on his ale as he realised what Karlos had just said.

"Well…." Adam stammered. " I'd better explain. You're right I'm not of this world but you must keep it quiet."

"Then if you are from another world why are you here on Etheria?" asked Karlos.

"Like I said before I'm on a mission to find someone." Explained Adam.

"Well this is unusual to say the least." Said Karlos. "It's not everyday that you meet someone from another world. You're right about not wanting anyone to know about where you've come from. If the Horde learns about you they may see that as a way to conquer another world and as much as I want the Horde off Etheria I don't want another world to suffer as we have."

"You are a very honorable man to say such a thing. I thank you." Said Adam.

"You will find many people who think like I do and that's why we've joined the Rebellion." Replied Karlos he then looked at Adam's empty glass. "Say do you want another ale. I'll pay as I doubt you're carrying any Eterian money on you. How about your pet?"

Adam looked down to see that Cringer had wrapped himself around his feet and was asleep.

"He'll be fine. Thanks." Said Adam.

Karlos arose and went over to the barkeeper and was about to order two ales when the door to the tavern was flung open and two menacing looking humanoids dressed in grey and black armor with a bright red eyes and a blood red bat symbol painted on their chests. Between these two was an elderly man dressed in tattered and ripped clothes, his face and hair was covered in dirt and in his shackled hands he was carrying a large water bucket.

"They are Horde Troopers." Whispered Karlos as he made his way back to Adam. "They're the Hordes robotic soldiers their job is to collect taxies and work the slave down the mines."

One of the Horde Troopers shoved the man towards the bar.

"Barkeeper." Said the Trooper. "We need water to cool the slaves."

The barkeeper took the bucket away from the man and filled it up and then passed it back.

"Here you go." Said the barkeeper. "I just take the water. I've paid my taxies so I don't want any trouble."

"You wont have any trouble." Said the second Trooper. "As long as you keep paying your taxies to Hordak."

The Trooper then grabbed hold the old mans arm and shoved him to the door. As the old man stumbled to the door he stepped on Cringer's tail. Cringer immediately leaped in to the air and the man came crashing to the ground sending the water bucket flying…..

Part 3