PS: Eltrys is my name for Monica's kingdom.
Chapter 1: Monica - To Change the Past
"Are you sure about this, Princess?" asked Galen, pacing agitatedly around the royal bedchamber.
Monica sighed, and said, "For the thousandth time, Galen, yes. We've been through this already. And I thought I asked you to stop calling me that. Six months ago, as I recall. And you had no difficulty remembering that, too. So why start now? I don't need to be reminded of who I am." Hands on her hips, she continued to stare at the impressive display of bladed weaponry mounted on her bedroom wall. It looked as if she were trying to make a difficult decision.
Galen stopped pacing and knelt in front of her. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he said, "It is precisely because you need to remember that you are a princess, Monica. You are a symbol of hope and leadership to all of Eltrys. The people trust you, Monica! As they did your father, and his father before him. Without you, there would be no kingdom of Eltrys, only a collection of squabbling city states. Please, I beg of you. Send someone else. Send me, if you deem it neccessary. But do not go yourself. Please, milady..."
He broke off as Monica twisted free and plucked a dark, shimmering sword off the wall. She hefted the sword momentarily, chopped at the air twice, and glared icily at Galen.
"You overestimate me and my importance, Galen. Who led the resistance when my father was killed and I presumed dead? Who handles the day-to-day affairs of the kingdom, while the 'princess' is troubled with little more choice than what to eat at lunchtime?"She tossed her head petulantly, and added, "Besides, if I am a princess, then you should listen to what I say, right?" Instantly contrite at the sight of Galen's hangdog look, she added, "Look, it's just that... Arrgh! Look, I'm sorry I yelled at you, Galen. But I can't stay in this place forever. It's driving me crazy! I guess I just wasn't cut out to be a princess after all, huh?" She dropped the sword she was holding and took Galen's hands. Looking into his eyes, she said, "I guess... you just have to trust me on this."
Galen nodded and stood up.
"I wish you the best of luck, Monica. As per your instructions, the court will be informed that you are on retreat in the mountains with only a select few bodyguards..." He trailed off, eyes mutely begging Monica to reconsider.
"No, Galen. No bodyguards. I don't know how the flow of time will be affected, and I certainly don't want to compound any possible problems by bringing an entire horde of bodyguards back into the past."
"As you say, Monica. In the meantime, you will return one hundred years into the past, locate our friend Maximillian, and persuade him not to enter the Zelmite mines which his last letter indicated he was going to explore at the behest of Mayor Need. Failing that, you will enter the mines with him..."
"Do you really need to go through all this again, Galen?"
"Hmmph. Alright. A few ground rules: meddle as little as possible"
"I know, I know."
"No drinking."
"Since when did the bartender in Palm Brinks 100 years ago serve drinks to teenaged girls? Aside from goat's milk?"
"No staying up past midnight."
"What?"
"You heard me. No staying up past midnight."
"I'm not a child anymore, Galen. Okay, okay, no staying up past midnight."
"Good. And come back immediately, you hear?"
"I know all that, Galen."
Galen hugged Monica, giving Monica a mild shock. Galen wasn't given to explicit displays of emotion. "Just come back safely, Monica. I still can't feel good about this, even though I agree we owe it to Max. Just do what you have to, and come back."
Monica nodded and hugged him back.
"I'll be careful, I promise," she said. Picking up her sword, she held up her Atlamillia. "See you later, Galen!" A raging tornado of blue light spilled from the jewel.
"We'll be waiting for you!" shouted Galen as he shielded his eyes from the blinding light. "And don't screw up!"