Chapter 3
Ana curled up by the fire. "James do you think we will make it to Cirmontia?"Ana asked. "Yes Ana. Don't give up hope. Everything will turn out alright."James said trying to comfort his sister. But truthfully he wasn't so sure of the future himself. The next morning, Henrietta, Hoggle's wife, came downstairs and made porridge for everyone. Everyone soon got up and dressed. As they ate breakfast, Hoggle came in. "When can we leave Hoggle?"James asked. "Today. I have checked and the sooner you gets going. The better."Hoggle said. The three finished their breakfast and were given food,blankets, money, and three horses. They thanked Hoggle and Henrietta and then set off.
When Sophia awoke, sunlight was streaming through the windows. She stretched and got up and shook Marcus. Soon the whole family was up. As everyone sat down for breakfast, Kennith spoke up. "I talked to everyone yesterday and since Lily is actually from Gircord, we thought we would join you." "We have been meaning to visit."Fawn said. "That is great!"Sophia said smiling. Lily returned Sophia's smile. By lunch time the wagon was packed and the group set of for Gircord.
Meanwhile, James, Henry, and Ana were far ahead of Sophia and Marcus. They came upon a village and spent the night in a kind couple's barn. They left early the next morning before the sun rose. By daybreak, they had reached Cirmontia. "It is so pretty James!"Ana cried. James chuckled at Ana's excitement. They rode in through the gates and dismounted. They went into the city. James and Henry had to keep a close eye on their little sister. She was so young. "Oooo! James come look! Henry!"Ana called looking at the display inside the window of a simple clothing shop. "Good eye Ana! We do need some new clothes."James said. James and Henry tied the horses to a post outside and the three entered. "Hello there young ones. I am Kian."A kind friendly older man said. "We need some clothes please."Henry said. Ana was busy looking at the pretty jewelry. The man smiled at Ana. "She is a young one. What are you three children doing in a city like this all by yourselves?"Kian asked. Henry and James told Kian that after their village was destroyed, they fled from the Crystal Kingdom. They had lost two siblings on the way. "You poor children! I lost my wife and son to a war years ago. I am very lonely. Perhaps we can make a deal. You help me with the store and in return you get a roof over your head, clothing, and food?"Kian said. "Deal."James said shaking Kian's hand. After the horses were put away, Kian fed them soup and told them to relax. Then he sent them to take baths and pick some clothes out. Soon they were clean and wore nice clothes. Ana had dark brown hair, which was very rare in the Underground and green eyes. She wore a green dress with an apron. Her hair was combed back and she wore a green ribbon in her hair. She wore black shoes. Kian smiled. "I think we will get along just fine. You two said you needed to find other jobs yes?"Kian said. The boys nodded. "Well I know that the king is hiring a new horse trainers. And you said you trained horses back home. Why don't you go see about that?"Kian said. "Are you sure you don't mind?"James asked. "Of course not. Ana and I shall get along just fine."Kian said waving the boys out of the shop. Ana crawled onto Kian lap. He was like a grandfather to her. Ana loved him immediately. "Tell me a story please."Ana asked. "Of course little one."Kian replied. They sat behind the counter in the store and Kian began to weave a tale of princesses, princes, castles, and dragons. Right in the middle of the story, a beautiful young lady walked in with a group of other ladies behind her. Kian saw her but Ana didn't because she was listening to him. "How about we finish the story later Ana?"Kian said. "But it just got to the good part!"Ana pouted. Kian chuckled. "I promise. Now turn around and curtsy to Princess Nicole. She is the daughter of King Navel and Queen Gretchen."Kian said. Kian bowed and greeted her,"Welcome Princess Nicole. How can I help you today?"
Ana walked out from behind the counter. She was a curious, but small four year old. She sucked her thumb and looked up at the princess in awe and wonderment. Her eyes were wide. "She's pretty!"Ana exclaimed running back to Kian to tell him what she had just found out. Kian chuckled as Ana ran back and tugged on his pants. Kian smiled and let Ana tell him. The princess was eighteen. Princess Nicole smiled at the girl."Where did you get such a delightful little child Kian?"Princess Nicole asked. "She and her teenage brothers fled from the Crystal Kingdom when they were the only survivors in their village. They wanted to start over now that their parents and village were gone. They lost two siblings on the journey here. I saw that they need to provide a good and stable home for their little sister so I took them in."Kian said. "Well you must bring her to visit sometime."she replied. "I will. Now what can I do for you?"Kian said. "I am here to pick up my cloak."Princess Nicole said. Kian went into the back and put the cloak in a box. "Ana can you give this to the princess?"Kian asked the little girl. Ana nodded and carried the box ever so carefully to the princess. As soon as the princess took it she scurried back behind the counter. "Thank you Kian."Princess Nicole called out as she left. Kian went back to telling Ana the story.
To be continued...