Chapter 11

" I'm not a cruel man Alana " said the King. " What I am is a tired man who has bitten off more than he can chew."

" I'm sorry if I tired you " retorted Alana coldly."

The King sighed. " I never asked for this to happen."

" Nor did I " cried Alana.

" Of course not " said the King. " I do care for you Alana."

" But not enough to love me."

" Love is a strong word."

" So is truth."

" I was shocked at your out burst. I didn't understand."

" Shocked at my reaction. You have some nerve."

" Maybe you should leave " said the King.

" What ? Are you insane " cried Penelope. " She's just a child. You cant throw her out."

" I'm not throwing her out Penelope."

" Well then what are you doing?"

" Alana is a strong girl. She wants to find her parents. We cant stop her , if we stand her way. Well then we will trualy lose her. Now Im sorry Penelope. But losing our little Melody to the cruel world seventeen years ago was hard enough." The Kings eyes watered as he took Alanas hand. " I am just not prepared to lose another."

Alana smiled and hugged the King. " Still waters run deep Father."

" The King nodded and faced the window. " You must be careful out there Alana. Beyond the walls of my Kingdom lies the Enchanted Kingdom. In it are many worlds with different creatures the good and the bad. There is no magic words or spells I can give to survive , only this. When trapped in a situation or faced with a difficult decision , do what feels right in your heart. Dont give in to evil , because remember this. When evil tries to strike a deal with you , you can bet it is evil who will benefit. The Enchanted Kingdom is in huge peril at the moment since the Sorceress has appeared. The beatuiful Queen has vanished and left her people vunerable. You must find her and discover why you have her amulet."

" Who is this Sorceress."

" I wish I could tell you more " said the King. " But I cant. I know very little and even the information I have would not prepare you for whats to come. But heed my word Alana. Many have wandered into that Kingdom and never returned and those who have had never been the same.