Disclaimer – Unfortunately, I don't own any thing so please don't sue.
Please read and review but most importantly ENJOY!
All together now
Once there was a magnificent world, full of prosperity and peace. The four great nations of our world worked together to keep their people happy. Laws were set down and those who didn't obey them were sent to the land of exile, Calkenna. No body suspected that these people were truly evil. So many had seen their wrong doings and returned home, now good again. But there were those who couldn't, wouldn't change. And they wanted revenge, so they planned how to make their countries, their once homelands, pay. It was at a wonderful rime that they struck. Peace and happiness was everywhere. The royal families had heirs, and the public loved their future rulers already. Nadarn, the most powerful of the four nations, had a princess and then a prince, who would become king. Brivio had had a princess, as had Kalette and Mercany. Friends of the royal families had also had children, and the Kings and Queens discussed their children's future happiness with each other, as they were betrothed to each other. When the plotters heard this news an evil plan formed in their minds. They worked hard to fool their old countries into thinking that they were good. Eventually all of them were released and they began their own society on the island of Ventrec. They fooled the four great nations into trusting them. Then they struck. Each of the four countries' princesses were kidnapped, all within a week of each other. The island of Ventrec and it's people spread lies between the four nations and, eventually, war broke out. It has been a sorry sight. For the last ten years they have accused and attacked each other. No body remembers when we leaved in peace, in happiness. And that we had a bond greater than anger or revenge, we had friendship and love. No one will listen to those who remember, anger has taken over their hearts and blinded them. Meanwhile, the island of Ventrec continues to spread lies, gaining trust they do not deserve. And the four princesses who disappeared, who knows whether they will ever be seen again? Now the only good emotion common among the once four great nations is the hope of seeing their children again.
***
"Did you hear the Max? Lies! All lies! And they want us to trust them, ha!" "Yes father." The King of Nadarn missed the boredom in his son's voice and carried on talking. The young prince had heard all the comments and insults before so let the words fly over him. His thoughts returned to the memories he had of his sister. She had only been six years old when she had been kidnapped. He often wondered whether she would remember him if he ever found her. Max shook his head, not if – when. When he found her. It was one of the only reasons he was still living I the palace. Here he had all kinds of resources that could help him find his sister. Plus, if he ran away his parents would be devastated, they'd already lost Isabel and the young prince didn't know what they'd do if he went missing too. But going to war was not the answer and if his parents couldn't see that... A clock struck the hour and Max looked up. 3 o'clock. A grin spread across his face. "Father, I have to go now." "What? Oh yes, your training with that boy, Michael." Max heard the annoyance in his father's voice but also saw the small smile that came up. Michael had become an almost second son to the King and Queen. Both of his parents had been killed in the war and he now lived in the palace, training with the prince. "See you at dinner father." "Yes, yes. Now off you go." The prince grinned then turned away from his father and rushed along the corridor. Minutes later he was inside a training room. As he stepped clear of the door it slammed closed. Max span round but was met with empty space. He grinned and counted to five then turned round. A small object came flying towards him. He raised his hand and obliterated it. Next a blast of pure energy came towards him and this time a green force field surrounded him and the energy hit it harmlessly. "Very good." A boy the princes' age stepped out from the shadows. "You do know that object you blew up was over a hundred years old." A frown crossed the princes' face. He held his hands over the broken box and it slowly re formed in it's original form. "And you do know that I was kidding, right?" "Michael!" The other boy grinned and handed Max a towel. The pair made their way to the gardens. "I'm leaving tomorrow." Michael blurted out after several moments of silence. The prince stopped walking. "Why?" "I heard a rumor and I want to check it out." "But that's all it is, a rumor! That's all Michael." "All rumors have some truth to them." The prince's friend shoved his hands into his pockets and sat down on a low wall. Max sighed. "I want to find Isabel too, she's my sister! And we did all grow up together. But we need more solid proof then rumors to where she is." "What if I told you Coran told me about it?" The prince's face darkened instantly. "It doesn't help at all. For some reason I just don't trust him. I know all he's done is help us but-" "There's just something about him." Michael finished. "I know, I feel it too. But the guy's got a good track record. I have to at least check it out." Max snorted. "A good track record? Does that include or exclude his visit to Calkenna? His visit that lasted oh, ten years?" "Ten years in Calkenna? But that's one of the maximum penalties! He must have done something really bad to get that kind of sentence." "I know, I tried to out what it was but only the King can access his files." Silence filled and ended their conversation. "Well I'm going anyway, I still have to check it out." "Then I'm coming with you." The prince announced. The tow's gazes locked and Michael nodded. Both stood and began to walk back to the palace.
Over the next week the royal family of Nadarn prepared for the leaving of their heir, their sole heir. Neither the King or Queen were comfortable with their son going into enemy territory but there was no way they could persuade him other wise. So they watched as their son and his best friend, their almost second son, disappeared into the night, knowing that they might neve see them again.
In Mercany no one recognized the two strangers as the prince and his best friend from one of their enemy countries. But one person did, one of the children of the royal families' friends. He followed the two and watched them as they carefully checked out the places the rumors had mentioned. As night drew in the pair entered a small tavern and ordered drinks. "Nothing was there Max. You were right, as usual." "I'm sorry Michael. I was hoping to find Isabel but didn't want to find her here, Mercany is a nice place." "I'm glad you think so." Max and Michael jumped as a stanger slid into the chair across from them. "Who the hell are you?" Michael demanded. "Sssshh! You don't want to draw attention to yourselves, you'll get caught." "You know who we are?" Max asked and the stranger nodded. "Then could you rell us who you are?" "I'm Alex, you don't need to know my last name. And you're prince Max and advisor Michael from Nadarn." Max shot a look around the small tavern as Michael leaned forward. "You know who we are, why haven't turned us in?" "You're just looking for your sister, there's nothing wrong with that. Anyway, I have a proposal for you." "We're not interested–" "What kind of proposal?" Max interrupted. "I want to join your search." "No way!" Michael exploded. Several people looked their way and Max glared at Michael. "We're looking for Isabel, you don't even know her. Why do you want to come looking for her?" "It's rumored that all the princesses kidnapped are together, at the same place. You find Isabel and Maria's most likely going to be there. Plus, three heads are better than two." "True." Max commented. Suddenly his eyes widened in realization. "You're Alex Whitman, son of the best friend of the Queen." Alex nodded. "Yep, that's me. I'm Maria's best friend, we grew up together." Alex's gaze drifted off, obviously thinking of his friend. "Hey, aren't you betrothed to Princess Maria?" Michael asked, bringing Alex out of his memories. "Yeah, I only found out a few months ago. Ever since then I've been doing my own private search to find her." Max nodded and silence enveloped the three. "Okay, you can come. Before you can we were deciding where to go next." Alex stared at Micael, the Max in the eyes. A small smile appeared on his face. "Thank you." Max nodded as Michael shifted into a more comfortable position. "Right, so we're all clear that Mercany isn't where they're being held and they aren't in Nadarn." Alex nodded. "There's two places left to look." Continued Max. "Brivio and Kalette. I don't think there's much point going to Brivio. After the war almost broke out they stopped relations with everyone. They've been in mourning ever since." "I agree, so Kalette it is."
Traveling by foot would be too slow. Traveling by car would attract too much attention. So the three explorers decided to travel by horse – it was quicker than foot and not to attention grabbing. It took them six days to get from Mercany to Kalette and all three were tired when they finally reached the suggested resting place. The inn they had chosen was called 'The Traveler's Friend' and the three certainly hoped this was so. After getting a room and unpacking what little stuff they had all three agreed to eat dinner together. They'd already agreed to share one room to save on expenses, as they had no idea how long they'd be staying. "We'll start looking tomorrow, right?" Michael questioned, shooting looks at Max the Alex. Although they'd only known each other for less than a week all three trusted each other and had completely dedicated themselves to the search. "Of course, we can't waste too much time." "But where do we start?" Alex questioned. "Anything on the rumor mill?" "Nope, which is really annoying. But how many places are big enough to hide four princesses and the guards they are bound to have?" "Good point. "Max replied "And they're definitely going to be hidden somewhere near a place with supplies." "True." Alex started but was interrupted by another young man swinging a chair round and setting it down next to Alex. "What's true?" "Who the hell are you?" Michael growled but Alex grinned. "Kyle! Hey, how are you?" "I'm fine, long time no see though Alex." "Yeah, nine years isn't it? How'd you recognize me?" "Nobody in their right mind would keep that hair cut. Hey, who is this?" The young man had finally noticed Max and Michael and was now frowning at them. "Kyle, this is Max and Michael. They're friends of mine. Guys, this is Kyle." Max and Kyle shook hands while Michael at the new comer. "What are you doing here anyway? If you get caught they'll be trouble." Alex nodded. "We know but it's worth the risk." "So?" "So what?" "What's worth the risk?" Alex shot a look at Max and Michael then turned back to Kyle. "We're looking for Maria and Princess Isabel." He answered in a whisper. Kyle's eyes widened. "And you think they're here?" He practically shouted. "Kyle! Keep your voice down." Alex ordered as Max looked round to see the damage Kyle's shout had done. "Look, Lyle-"Michael began. "Kyle." "Kyle, whatever, we're spent the last week or so searching Mercany and Nadarn. So don't automatically assume we're suspicious of you." "It's just we've had enough of the rumors so we decided to search ourselves." Max put in. Kyle looked from Alex to Max then to Michael. "So you're not suspicious of us?" He asked slowly. "We didn't say that, we're just checking out all the places that we've heard of." "If you didn't notice, our princess was kidnapped too." Kyle growled. "It would be easy to put her into hiding after you kidnapped the other three." Michael shot back. "Hey! Michael calm down. Everybody's suffered here and our grief is being turned into anger. We all have to calm down." Max spoke softly, making eye contact with Alex, Kyle and Michael. "Yeah, everyone's suffered. Apart from those in Ventrec." Alex sighed. But then his words hit all four of them. "We've been so stupid!" Alex and Kyle said at the same time. "We never suspected them because they were so nice and supportive." Max stated. "Ditto." Alex replied as Kyle nodded. "So, to Ventrec it is." Michael said as the other three nodded. "Hey I just realized something!" Kyle sat up straighter. "All of us, assuming you two are the prince and advisor from Nadarn, are betrothed to one of the princesses. It's the four of us to the four of them!" "Weird." Alex commented as he smiled. "Maybe we could have a quadruple wedding!" "If they're all okay." Michael stated gravely bringing the others back to earth. Max looked round. "Let's hope so."
All together now
Once there was a magnificent world, full of prosperity and peace. The four great nations of our world worked together to keep their people happy. Laws were set down and those who didn't obey them were sent to the land of exile, Calkenna. No body suspected that these people were truly evil. So many had seen their wrong doings and returned home, now good again. But there were those who couldn't, wouldn't change. And they wanted revenge, so they planned how to make their countries, their once homelands, pay. It was at a wonderful rime that they struck. Peace and happiness was everywhere. The royal families had heirs, and the public loved their future rulers already. Nadarn, the most powerful of the four nations, had a princess and then a prince, who would become king. Brivio had had a princess, as had Kalette and Mercany. Friends of the royal families had also had children, and the Kings and Queens discussed their children's future happiness with each other, as they were betrothed to each other. When the plotters heard this news an evil plan formed in their minds. They worked hard to fool their old countries into thinking that they were good. Eventually all of them were released and they began their own society on the island of Ventrec. They fooled the four great nations into trusting them. Then they struck. Each of the four countries' princesses were kidnapped, all within a week of each other. The island of Ventrec and it's people spread lies between the four nations and, eventually, war broke out. It has been a sorry sight. For the last ten years they have accused and attacked each other. No body remembers when we leaved in peace, in happiness. And that we had a bond greater than anger or revenge, we had friendship and love. No one will listen to those who remember, anger has taken over their hearts and blinded them. Meanwhile, the island of Ventrec continues to spread lies, gaining trust they do not deserve. And the four princesses who disappeared, who knows whether they will ever be seen again? Now the only good emotion common among the once four great nations is the hope of seeing their children again.
***
"Did you hear the Max? Lies! All lies! And they want us to trust them, ha!" "Yes father." The King of Nadarn missed the boredom in his son's voice and carried on talking. The young prince had heard all the comments and insults before so let the words fly over him. His thoughts returned to the memories he had of his sister. She had only been six years old when she had been kidnapped. He often wondered whether she would remember him if he ever found her. Max shook his head, not if – when. When he found her. It was one of the only reasons he was still living I the palace. Here he had all kinds of resources that could help him find his sister. Plus, if he ran away his parents would be devastated, they'd already lost Isabel and the young prince didn't know what they'd do if he went missing too. But going to war was not the answer and if his parents couldn't see that... A clock struck the hour and Max looked up. 3 o'clock. A grin spread across his face. "Father, I have to go now." "What? Oh yes, your training with that boy, Michael." Max heard the annoyance in his father's voice but also saw the small smile that came up. Michael had become an almost second son to the King and Queen. Both of his parents had been killed in the war and he now lived in the palace, training with the prince. "See you at dinner father." "Yes, yes. Now off you go." The prince grinned then turned away from his father and rushed along the corridor. Minutes later he was inside a training room. As he stepped clear of the door it slammed closed. Max span round but was met with empty space. He grinned and counted to five then turned round. A small object came flying towards him. He raised his hand and obliterated it. Next a blast of pure energy came towards him and this time a green force field surrounded him and the energy hit it harmlessly. "Very good." A boy the princes' age stepped out from the shadows. "You do know that object you blew up was over a hundred years old." A frown crossed the princes' face. He held his hands over the broken box and it slowly re formed in it's original form. "And you do know that I was kidding, right?" "Michael!" The other boy grinned and handed Max a towel. The pair made their way to the gardens. "I'm leaving tomorrow." Michael blurted out after several moments of silence. The prince stopped walking. "Why?" "I heard a rumor and I want to check it out." "But that's all it is, a rumor! That's all Michael." "All rumors have some truth to them." The prince's friend shoved his hands into his pockets and sat down on a low wall. Max sighed. "I want to find Isabel too, she's my sister! And we did all grow up together. But we need more solid proof then rumors to where she is." "What if I told you Coran told me about it?" The prince's face darkened instantly. "It doesn't help at all. For some reason I just don't trust him. I know all he's done is help us but-" "There's just something about him." Michael finished. "I know, I feel it too. But the guy's got a good track record. I have to at least check it out." Max snorted. "A good track record? Does that include or exclude his visit to Calkenna? His visit that lasted oh, ten years?" "Ten years in Calkenna? But that's one of the maximum penalties! He must have done something really bad to get that kind of sentence." "I know, I tried to out what it was but only the King can access his files." Silence filled and ended their conversation. "Well I'm going anyway, I still have to check it out." "Then I'm coming with you." The prince announced. The tow's gazes locked and Michael nodded. Both stood and began to walk back to the palace.
Over the next week the royal family of Nadarn prepared for the leaving of their heir, their sole heir. Neither the King or Queen were comfortable with their son going into enemy territory but there was no way they could persuade him other wise. So they watched as their son and his best friend, their almost second son, disappeared into the night, knowing that they might neve see them again.
In Mercany no one recognized the two strangers as the prince and his best friend from one of their enemy countries. But one person did, one of the children of the royal families' friends. He followed the two and watched them as they carefully checked out the places the rumors had mentioned. As night drew in the pair entered a small tavern and ordered drinks. "Nothing was there Max. You were right, as usual." "I'm sorry Michael. I was hoping to find Isabel but didn't want to find her here, Mercany is a nice place." "I'm glad you think so." Max and Michael jumped as a stanger slid into the chair across from them. "Who the hell are you?" Michael demanded. "Sssshh! You don't want to draw attention to yourselves, you'll get caught." "You know who we are?" Max asked and the stranger nodded. "Then could you rell us who you are?" "I'm Alex, you don't need to know my last name. And you're prince Max and advisor Michael from Nadarn." Max shot a look around the small tavern as Michael leaned forward. "You know who we are, why haven't turned us in?" "You're just looking for your sister, there's nothing wrong with that. Anyway, I have a proposal for you." "We're not interested–" "What kind of proposal?" Max interrupted. "I want to join your search." "No way!" Michael exploded. Several people looked their way and Max glared at Michael. "We're looking for Isabel, you don't even know her. Why do you want to come looking for her?" "It's rumored that all the princesses kidnapped are together, at the same place. You find Isabel and Maria's most likely going to be there. Plus, three heads are better than two." "True." Max commented. Suddenly his eyes widened in realization. "You're Alex Whitman, son of the best friend of the Queen." Alex nodded. "Yep, that's me. I'm Maria's best friend, we grew up together." Alex's gaze drifted off, obviously thinking of his friend. "Hey, aren't you betrothed to Princess Maria?" Michael asked, bringing Alex out of his memories. "Yeah, I only found out a few months ago. Ever since then I've been doing my own private search to find her." Max nodded and silence enveloped the three. "Okay, you can come. Before you can we were deciding where to go next." Alex stared at Micael, the Max in the eyes. A small smile appeared on his face. "Thank you." Max nodded as Michael shifted into a more comfortable position. "Right, so we're all clear that Mercany isn't where they're being held and they aren't in Nadarn." Alex nodded. "There's two places left to look." Continued Max. "Brivio and Kalette. I don't think there's much point going to Brivio. After the war almost broke out they stopped relations with everyone. They've been in mourning ever since." "I agree, so Kalette it is."
Traveling by foot would be too slow. Traveling by car would attract too much attention. So the three explorers decided to travel by horse – it was quicker than foot and not to attention grabbing. It took them six days to get from Mercany to Kalette and all three were tired when they finally reached the suggested resting place. The inn they had chosen was called 'The Traveler's Friend' and the three certainly hoped this was so. After getting a room and unpacking what little stuff they had all three agreed to eat dinner together. They'd already agreed to share one room to save on expenses, as they had no idea how long they'd be staying. "We'll start looking tomorrow, right?" Michael questioned, shooting looks at Max the Alex. Although they'd only known each other for less than a week all three trusted each other and had completely dedicated themselves to the search. "Of course, we can't waste too much time." "But where do we start?" Alex questioned. "Anything on the rumor mill?" "Nope, which is really annoying. But how many places are big enough to hide four princesses and the guards they are bound to have?" "Good point. "Max replied "And they're definitely going to be hidden somewhere near a place with supplies." "True." Alex started but was interrupted by another young man swinging a chair round and setting it down next to Alex. "What's true?" "Who the hell are you?" Michael growled but Alex grinned. "Kyle! Hey, how are you?" "I'm fine, long time no see though Alex." "Yeah, nine years isn't it? How'd you recognize me?" "Nobody in their right mind would keep that hair cut. Hey, who is this?" The young man had finally noticed Max and Michael and was now frowning at them. "Kyle, this is Max and Michael. They're friends of mine. Guys, this is Kyle." Max and Kyle shook hands while Michael at the new comer. "What are you doing here anyway? If you get caught they'll be trouble." Alex nodded. "We know but it's worth the risk." "So?" "So what?" "What's worth the risk?" Alex shot a look at Max and Michael then turned back to Kyle. "We're looking for Maria and Princess Isabel." He answered in a whisper. Kyle's eyes widened. "And you think they're here?" He practically shouted. "Kyle! Keep your voice down." Alex ordered as Max looked round to see the damage Kyle's shout had done. "Look, Lyle-"Michael began. "Kyle." "Kyle, whatever, we're spent the last week or so searching Mercany and Nadarn. So don't automatically assume we're suspicious of you." "It's just we've had enough of the rumors so we decided to search ourselves." Max put in. Kyle looked from Alex to Max then to Michael. "So you're not suspicious of us?" He asked slowly. "We didn't say that, we're just checking out all the places that we've heard of." "If you didn't notice, our princess was kidnapped too." Kyle growled. "It would be easy to put her into hiding after you kidnapped the other three." Michael shot back. "Hey! Michael calm down. Everybody's suffered here and our grief is being turned into anger. We all have to calm down." Max spoke softly, making eye contact with Alex, Kyle and Michael. "Yeah, everyone's suffered. Apart from those in Ventrec." Alex sighed. But then his words hit all four of them. "We've been so stupid!" Alex and Kyle said at the same time. "We never suspected them because they were so nice and supportive." Max stated. "Ditto." Alex replied as Kyle nodded. "So, to Ventrec it is." Michael said as the other three nodded. "Hey I just realized something!" Kyle sat up straighter. "All of us, assuming you two are the prince and advisor from Nadarn, are betrothed to one of the princesses. It's the four of us to the four of them!" "Weird." Alex commented as he smiled. "Maybe we could have a quadruple wedding!" "If they're all okay." Michael stated gravely bringing the others back to earth. Max looked round. "Let's hope so."