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. . . in a land far, far away.

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It was the day of the Prince's correnation. Every dignitary, Royal neighbor, good magical creature and relative was invited to attend. There was a royal banquet accompanied by music and dancing. It was a happy day.

As was custom in royal households, the new child's mystical guardians granted gifts and well wishes to the newborn ruler.

"I grant you the wisdom to rule well." A wizard blessed. "And strength to endure."

"We shall bestow upon you a kind heart, to show mercy in your decisions." Some elves bid.

"I shall bless you with the insight into another's heart." A quiet voice wished, "So that you will know the pain and suffering brought upon your people and change it."

The crowd gasped, shocked at the boldness of this creature.

The king glared.

"So that you will not make the same mistakes as those who have ruled before you." The nymph continued. "So that this era of misery may finally end."

"Guards, remove her from my court!" the King bellowed furiously.

Immediately, soldiers moved to follow the command.

The infant began to cry.

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Years past. The prince grew with a gentle nature, kind to all he met, and his people loved him.

Well . . .

most of them did. . .

"We shall attack!" A dark voice spoke from the shadows to a crowd of people.

"And why should we get involved?" A rich, sultry voice reasoned, "The Queen is an angel. The Prince a halfling. Neither the dragons or the drakuns have had quarell with them."

"But the king is human."

"As are you."

"He has killed many of your kind." The first explained, "He has also killed many of his own kind."

"He traines his prince to be a mirror ruler!"

"We mustent allow that to occure." Another man spoke up from the back. "Please, My Lord. You must help us. Call your beasts!"

"My Lord." A woman spoke up, stepping forward and bowing slightly.

"Charizma." The Lord acknowleged, "What do you have to say?"

"My children and I have lived here in this providence for many years. I see the oppression the king has bestowed upon his people. I have seen his strict ways. But, My Lord. . . The prince is different. The prince knows what's in your heart. It shows in his eyes. He is kind and strong willed. Given the chance, he will make a good king."

"How do you know such things, Charizma?" a hooded figure inquired, from behind the Lord.

"I work in the palace's laundry room."

"She just want's to keep her job!" the first man accused.

"NO!" she denied, "I just don't want innocent blood to be spilt!"

"We all agree that the king needs to be de-throned!" the man yelled. Cheers erupted around him.

"Then let's do something about it!"

"I will not involve drakuns in this attack." The Lord spoke. "However, You may be able to sway a dragon to aid you. . . for the right price."

"My Lord?" Charizma gasped.

"The king does need to go." The Lord sighed, "However, Spare the prince. . . for now."

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"Nurse?" A quiet call beckoned from the darkness of the bedroom.

"Yes, Highness?" An elderly lady answered immediatly.

"I can't sleep." the boy looked uncertainly towards the window. "I fear something is going to happen."

"Happen, Highness?" the woman frowned. "Like what?"

". . ." The child looked thoughtful, "I'm not sure. . . just a feeling I have. . ."

"Well, you are perfectly safe in these walls." She assured, "Would you like a warm drink to help you sleep?"

"No, thank you." He sighed, settling back against his pillows as his nurse tucked him in again.

"Then I bid you goodnight, Love." She kissed his forehead, "Remember, you have lessons at first light."

"Yes, Ma'am." the prince smiled. "I remember."

"Then sleep well, my precious prince." She bowed slightly before leaving the boy alone once more.

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"They're all fools." Charizma grumbled, as she entered her cottage.

"Mother?" Her daughter called, coming down from the loft.

"I'm here, Catherine." She answered. "Where is Triton?"

"He's in the meadow, Mother, watching the stars. I made dinner."

"That boy." She shook her head in loving irritation. "He spends more time staring at the heavens then anything else."

"He's a dreamer."

"Yes, well, unfortunatly, dreaming won't fill his belly." Charizma sighed. "Did you have a good day?"

"Yes, Mother." Catherine smiled, "Ol-Lady Livingdale taught me how to crochete. I'll be able to sell my makings at market."

"Excellent. I'm so proud of you." Her mother beamed, giving her daughter a loveing hug, "And what of your brother?"

"Triton completed his assignment that the farmer gave him, and then disappeared for the rest of the day. His mentor later found him in the barn with the cats."

"The cats?"

"The farmer's cat had kittens. Triton was playing with them."

"He loves animals, doesn't he?"

"Oh, yes." Catherine agreed. "Very much so."

"How old are the kittens?"

"A few weeks. They should be able to leave their mother soon."

"Maybe I can talk to the Farmer and see if Triton may have one?"

"He'd love it!" Catherine giggled.

"But ssshhh, it'll be our secret." Her mother winked, as the door opened. "Triton, you're home. How were the stars?"

"Numerous as always, Mother." The eight year-old replied, giving the woman a hug.

"Are you hungry, Brother?" Catherine asked, "I made biscuits and gravy."

The boy nodded with a smile, as he sat down at their meger table to eat.

"I saw the Dragon Lord today." Charizma announced as she too sat.

"Really?" The girl frowned, serving her family dinner. "What was he doing out of the mountains?"

"Choosing the path of a war." Her mother replied saddly. "I want you two to listen very closely. Things may become very dangerous here in the next several months. If anything should happen and we are separated, I want you to head towards the mountains, to the lands of our people. The Dragon Lord will help you." She studied the uncertain expressions on her children's faces. "Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Mother." They obediantly replied.

"Good." Charizma smiled, lightening the mood. "Let's eat before it grows cold."

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To be continued. . .