Chapter Two
"He's adorable," said Queen Marlena. The Queen, King Randor, and Prince Adam were peering over one side of the crib, admiring the sleeping baby. Teela stood watch over on the other side of the crib. One of the Palace's many guest bedrooms had been temporarily converted into a nursery.
"A handsome lad," said the King.
"Where'd you find him again?" Prince Adam asked Teela.
"He was left outside the North Gate last night," Teela replied. "Just left on our doorstep."
"What's his name?"
"I don't know if it would be wise to name him just yet," said Teela. "He'll probably be going to the Orphanage within the next couple of days.
"Wouldn't want anyone getting attached to him."
"It's a little late for that," said Adam. "The whole palace is talking about him."
"Let's leave the child in peace," said The Queen, turning to leave. "He needs his rest."
"ADAM, PAY ATTENTION!" Teela barked. Teela and Adam were practicing combat drills in the Royal Courtyard, each brandishing a sword and shield.
"Huh?" Adam grunted.
"I could've just taken off your arm!" Teela snapped. "Focus, Adam, FOCUS!"
"Do we HAVE to do drills today?" Adam whined. "The fish are biting!"
"Yes, we have to do drills today," Teela retorted mockingly. "You're out of practice ... and it shows." Teela paused. "Let's try this again," she said with a sigh.
"Excuse me, Your Highness?" said a thickly accented feminine voice behind the pair.
Adam turned towards the voice. It belonged to Helga, the Royal Cook. "Yes, Helga?" he said.
"I'm looking for King Randor. Have you seen him?" Helga inquired.
"I haven't seen him," Adam replied. "Is there something I could help you with?"
"No, Your Highness," Helga replied. "I've had to fire an assistant." She then added angrily, "The blundering oaf has burned his last pheasant in MY kitchen!"
"I'm sorry I couldn't help," said Adam apologetically.
Helga curtsied and said, "Thank you, Your Highness." After this, she turned and left the Courtyard.
"Now … Where were we?" Teela asked Adam as Helga left. Before Adam could utter a sound, they were interrupted by a chambermaid running towards them screaming "TEELA! TEELA!" at the top of her lungs.
"What is it?" Teela asked.
"Come quickly! Something's happened to the baby!" the chambermaid cried breathlessly. At this, Adam and Teela dropped their swords and shields and ran with the chambermaid back towards the nursery.
Neither Teela nor Adam were prepared for the sight that greeted them. Standing in the crib in place of the sleeping newborn of last night was a naked, dark-haired five-year-old boy.
"I went in to check on the baby," said the chambermaid. "And I found … HIM," she said as she gestured towards the boy.
"Thank you," said Teela to the chambermaid, her face now a mask of shock. "We'll take it from here." Is THIS one of those so-called "X-Files" the Queen sometimes jokes about? Teela thought.
I think it's time to pay a visit to The Sorceress.