The Crown Part 2

(Eight Years Ago)

Caroline was playing fetch with Felix in the gardens. "Fetch,"

Felix picked up the ball with his teeth and brought it back to her. She threw it again.

"Carol!" a loud voice called. She turned around and saw her nurse and one of Katolis's most important ministers Opeli approaching. She had become quite motherly over the few years since her passing.

"Hi," she greeted. Felix barked and dashed over to her, panting like an optimistic puppy.

"Such a cute boy," Opeli bent to stroke his face. "Your father sent me to get well-dressed. There are special visitors coming to Katolis and he wants you to be part of the greetings,"

"Is that okay?" Carol wasn't really sure.

"He really wants you to join in. And don't worry. I'll be here as well," Opeli promised. She escorted her back to her chambers and helped her dress up beautifully in a lovely short ruby gown before she brushed her hair neatly. She made sure her necklace and bracelet were well fastened and then led her to the mirror so she could look at herself. "There. You look so beautiful, princess,"

"I don't really feel like one," she was very nervous.

"It'll be all right," she promised. "Come on," she held out her hand and the princess took it. She guided her into the great hall. Harrow smiled seeing her enter. She came to stand with four-year-old Ezran, whilst two-year-old Willow was leaning against one of their nurses. Carol stood with them and they looked happy to see her.

The doors opened, and King Ahling and his eldest son, twelve-year-old Kasef came inside, accompanied by their finest guards.

"Welcome King Ahling and Prince Kasef," greeted King Harrow, standing from his throne. "I trust you both had a very pleasant journey?"

"Very much indeed King Harrow," greeted Ahling.

"It is such an honour to have you and your first-born son here for this meeting. Please allow me to introduce my children," he stood up and introduced each of his friends. "Caroline," she awkwardly waved. The prince frowned towards her. "My heir Ezran. And my youngest Willow,". The children waved 'hello'.

"Such a pleasure to meet your family," said the king. He glanced carefully at Caroline making her shudder a bit. Opeli stood behind her. "I heard that your late wife married…"

"Forgive me but can we not discuss this subject?" Harrow could see how tense it was making his adopted daughter.

"Right. Forgive me," the king apologised, bowing respectfully. "We are here for political matters,"

"I believe we should eat first before we get to business," began Harrow. My two youngest will be escorted to their nurseries. In the meantime, how about Kasef and Caroline play with each other?"

"That sounds like a lovely idea," Ahling looked at his son. "What do you think?". The kid didn't say anything. He just frowned. "Come on. Be nice,"

"Opeli will keep a good eye on them," said Harrow. "Would you be so kind as to escort them to the gardens?"

"Of course," she bowed and took Carol's hand before Kasef was escorted away behind them with his nurse.

Carol and Raylan had raced each other up the tree. "I'm only going easy on you," teased Raylan.

"That'll be your downfall," she answered back. She grabbed a branch and did a swinging flip.

"Amazing," he said. "How'd you learn to do that?"

"I do a lot of climbing in the forest surrounding home,"

"Well if you wanna play it like that?" he performed giant leaps, further upwards.

"Now we're getting there!" Carol did more swinging flips. Felix was petrified to death. His grip around her tightened.

Raylan did more swinging flips and then he bounced on a branch and gracefully landed at one of the very top branches. "I win!"

"Not so fast," Carol was behind him, leaning against the trunk with a smirk.

"Impressive," he said.

Amazing. Zym cooed from his back. He stared into the view. It's so beautiful.

"It sure is Zymmie. So how do we continue?" asked Carol.

"We glide down," Raylan leapt down and landed on a giant spinning tree seed. "All aboard,"

"You sure this is safe?" Carol wasn't scared of heights but she scared of crashing.

"It'll be safe," he held up a hand. "Trust me,"

She reached down and grabbed it. She joined him on the seed. "Hang on," he pulled out one of his butterfly blades and with a few chops, he broke the branch. Carol collapsed against Raylan who clung onto her tightly along with Felix and Zym. They spun around in the air, glide across the forest plains below. Felix felt sick as they spun around. He ran over to the side and puked. Zym held his tongue out.

Soon the seed descended through the trees below and they found themselves experiencing a bumpy landing onto a plain of crass. Zym and Felix rolled off into some flowers. Raylan and Caroline rolled over each other until the former found himself on top of her. "You okay?" he asked, his face inches away from her.

"Yeah," she breathed out. "That was so fun,"

"Used to do that all the time as a kid with my adoptive dads. They fell on top of each other all the time," he chuckled and she laughed too.

"Hey, do you think you could…"

"Oh sorry," he stood up and helped her up. "There you go,"

"Thank you,". They saw how much fun that ride had been and exchanged awkward faces. When they turned their faces they saw Zym and Felix look at them, blinking romantic eyes.

"What's wrong with you two?" asked Carol.

You and him… teased Zym.

"Don't you even think about it," she said. "Come on. We've got to keep going,"

"We're getting very close to another part of the forest which I've really wanted to show you," said Raylan excitedly. "Come on guys," he led the way and Carol followed behind with a smile.

Meanwhile Zym and Felix walked behind, each exchanging blinks.

Ezran, Willow, Caldor, and Bait returned to the throne room and Ezran sat on the royal seat once again; his most trusted people beside him. Willow and Ezran were outraged at the thought of seeing Prince Kasef again. They did not like him one bit.

"Why exactly are you're guys happy to see him?" whispered Caldor to Willow. "I know it's than just you know what…"

"He's not a very pleasant man," whispered Willow. "And he's a bully,".

"Guys…" whispered Ezran. They had to be focused. Their unexpected guest was here and they couldn't make a noise.

"Price Kasef of Neolandia, eldest son of King Ahling is here," announced a guard. The grand doors opened and they saw solders in black and gold and white marching in with tall banners bearing the emblem of an elephant.

They shifted aside revealing a prince weeping black and gold armour with aa round crown around spiky front hair and back hair tied back. Prince Kasef. "King Ezran," he bowed. "And Princess Willow. It surprises me to see you with your brother,"

"My brother needs all the support he can get. And I may be ten years but it is my wish to support him in any way I can," she bluntly said back.

"Forgive me," Kasef bowed.

"I trust your journey here wasn't too dangerous," said Ezran, trying his best to sound as polite as he could.

"It has been some time since I last came to your kingdom," said the prince. "Now…first I would like to give my condolences to your late father King Harrow,". The king's biological children closed their eyes, remembering their late father. "And I see that your…sister isn't here,"

"Our sister is alive and well," said the king. "But due to circumstances, she is not here with us today,"

"When I arrived, I couldn't but notice there is a dragon in your courtyard. Any particular reason why that beast is not caged up and why the guards were treating it like a pampered horse,"

"Pyrrah is not a beast. She is our friend," explained Ezran.

Kasef frowned a little. "A dragon as a friend?"

"She saved our lives and I refuse to see her treated so poorly,"

"It's time we discussed about more important matters. Xadia has attacked all of the five human kingdoms. There must be a proportionate response. I have my army waiting outside of Katolis,"

"Forgive me Prince Kasef, but why exactly is there an army standing outside my kingdom's walls?" Ezran questioned.

Kasef scoffed. "To go to war of course!"

The siblings were shocked. "Prince Kasef, war is not the right response," Ezran spoke up. "Not while there is a chance to end this war and bring peace,"

Seeing how his words were angering Kasef, Willow stepped in quickly. "What my brother is trying to say is, we don't quite believe that it was Xadian assassins who attacked your father,"

Kasef was outraged. "And what gives you that idea?"

The siblings turned to Caldor who spoke up. "As you may recall, a while ago, your father was summoned to a meeting at the pentagon by Lord Viren, Katolis's former high mage who had been arrested for treason posing as this kingdom's regent. And his goal was try and get your father and the other kingdoms to join his cause, but they all refused. And he was outraged. We have reason to believe that he used dark magic to conjure up elven shadow assassins to attack Neolandia and the other kingdoms in the hope that they would manipulate you all into joining his cause in attacking Xadia,"

Many people in the room were flabbergasted. Opeli seemed convinced. "I think it would be wise to consider Caldor's words," she spoke. "The night he was arrested, he was consumed by dark power," she spoke up. "And I had the feeling he performed a dark ritual,". Corvus agreed with her to the same extent that he trusted Caldor.

Kasef fumed. "Rubbish. What right does this…this…peasant guy who isn't noble have a right to speak in this room?" he pointed a bony finger at Caldor.

"He was specifically made his advisor," Willow stood strong.

"You have no evidence for this. So how can you be sure?" he spat.

"Because Xadia only had a goal to eliminate our father," Ezran said. "They believed he was the one who killed the king of the dragons when it was Lord Viren all along. He's the one responsible for provoking those assassins into coming here to kill him and us as well. And even if Xadia didn't attack your father and the other kingdoms which we don't believe they did, it is Viren who is responsible for those attacks. It was his killing of the King of the Dragons that provoked this upcoming war against humanity. It is he who is responsible for the war becoming close to everlasting,"

"The King of the Dragons had the right to die!" shouted the stubborn Kasef. "All the kingdoms know how he killed Queen Aanya's parents and your mother Queen Sarai,"

"How dare you mention our late queen's name," growled Opeli, sensing how heartbroken the prince's words impacted the siblings.

Kasef took a moment to calm down. "I'm sure once there's been proper council, King Ezran will make the correct decision. Otherwise, he will have failed as a king and a son,"

"How dare you speak like that!" shouted Willow without thinking.

"I think you should stay silent princess. You have no power over politics. And if your brother were a king, he wouldn't have to rely so much on and you and this commoner like that," his mocking made Caldor clench his fist.

"Silence! You are in the court of King Ezran!" bellowed Corvus. "If you are to address our king and his sister with such distasteful words, leave this hall!"

Kasef only glared at Ezran. "I will be awaiting your decision," he bowed, turned, and left the hallway, leaving the nervous monarch and his sister. They held hands. They were terrified. They couldn't agree to war like this.

"I hate to say this my king but Prince Kasef is right. What proof do you have that it was Viren who caused these attacks?" asked Salem.

"We'll find it," said Caldor. "And I know how to,"

Willow and Ezran realised he was right. They followed him out of the room, again.

Kasef walked through the hallways fuming mad, fuming mad.

"Prince Kasef, I do not think it was wise angering the king and his sister like that. They are children after all," said the soldier.

"Children who believe in fairy tales,"

"But what if they are telling the truth. You saw the assassin before we managed to save your father, it looked like dark magic,"

"Don't tell me what I saw," bellowed the prince. "Just tell me when the king is ready for an answer," he sneered. He glanced around the courtyard. "Come on. Where is that step-princess? I know that Ezran is hiding something,"

Castor, cloaked in black, walked through the village of Katolis. He had watched Claudia and Soren get apprehended by the guards. Now what he needed to do was to find Caldor's quarters. Just then he saw a sign with a book painting on it and a title, 'Caldor's books'. He walked towards it. Peered through. No one was in it.

Perfect.

He was about to open the door when two voices echoed behind him. "You can't go in there," he turned around and spotted two unfriendly boys.

"The shop's closed," the shorter one. "Caldor isn't here,"

"Do you know where I can find him? I'm his friend,"

"He's in the castle with King Ezran. Bad enough that the step-princess was allowed so much privilege but now him it's so unfair,"

The boys walked off. Caldor scrunched his eyes towards the castle. He needed a way to get inside. Just then he saw some guards walking by. An idea popped into his head. And he pulled out a secret dark item he had managed to keep hidden.

Caldor and the children walked up to Viren's tower. "You sure you can find the proof we need?" asked Willow.

"I know I can," Caldor pulled out a purse and the children recognised it as the bag of moon opals, Lujanne had given Caroline before they left the Moon Nexus. "As a Moon mage, I remember a lot of moon spells. They are not just about illusions. They are about many things including the connections between life and death. They will reveal what Viren did that night,"

"I just hope that it's enough to convince Kasef," Ezran prayed.

"I doubt it will. You've seen how stubborn he is,"

"Forgive me but I hope you won't mind me asking…but what did he do to get you both to hate him so much?" asked Caldor.

"It's not what he did to us. It's what he did to Caroline," said Willow bitterly.

Raylan led Carol, Zym and Felix to a large meadow past some branches. As they entered, Raylan remember the night that he was in this meadow, ambushed by the mages. He quivered a little.

"Ray…" Carol's hand on his shoulder made him gasp. He turned around to meet her concerned face. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he assured. "I'm fine really,"

"What is this place?" she asked.

"This is the meadow where I used to play in all the time as a kid," Raylan said merrily. "I'd make all kinds of adorable friends. Look," he picked up what looked like a puffy ball and threw it to Carol. It stuck to her white sleeve. She pulled it off and stared at it.

"Wait a minute," she pulled out a magnifying glass from her knapsack. She looked through it closely spotting two scrunched lines. "Are those…". An eye opened. And then another.

"It's an Adoraburr," explained Raylan.

Felix barked. He lifted up his tail and he saw dozens of those little creatures attached to his tail.

"They are so cute," wheezed the ecstatic princess.

"Look they stick together," Raylan picked off a few from Felix and he hung them in a chain. "I thought you'd like them,"

"I love them," Carol fell onto her back and did a star angel. When she stood up again, a dozen of the little creatures had formed a hat on her head.

"It suits ya," teased Ray making them laugh. "Watch this," he leapt into the grass. He stood up again and Carol laughed seeing him covered from head to toe in the little creatures.

Felix and Zym played around together getting the little creatures stuck over on their fur and scales. The Adoraburrs left Carol's head but three little ones stayed behind. She plucked them off. They were pink, yellow, and blue. "Why hello," she said, stroking each one. "You three are so adorable," they jumped for joy on her palm and then hopped along her arm making her laugh.

"We can sit here for a while," Raylan led her to a fallen log and they sat down, watching Zym and Felix play around together with their new friends. The Adoraburrs hopped Carol's palm to join them.

"It's lovely seeing them play together," Carol pulled out her journal and drew a picture of them.

"Your art is the best I've ever seen," Raylan admired. "Maybe you could turn this journal into an actual story,"

"I don't know," Carol said. "It's more of a personal adventure and experience,"

"When this is done, everyone in Katolis will realise how wrong they were about you,"

"That's not what's important to me," said Carol. "What important to me is we stop this war,"

"Well, I want to make sure you're never treated poorly ever again,"

"Thank you," she said. "You're a real true friend. And I hope that the elves realise how wrong they were about you. And your parents. I bet they'll be so proud of you," she was silent for a second. She dozed off a bit in thought. "Do you ever wonder what life would have been like? If I didn't run away and met you?"

Raylan shrugged. "I don't know. But I'm actually glad we met. Even if it wasn't the best,"

The pair chuckled and continued watching the magical creatures play.

In the high mage tower, Caldor pulled out one of the moon opals. "You guys ready?". The children nodded. He prepared.

"I really hope we find the proof," prayed Ezran. "Otherwise, there will never be peace,"

"Historia Viventum," Caldor casted the spell. They saw images of Viren appear. They watched as he pulled out a book and opened it. He then unravelled some weapons, elven weapons. Willow and Ezran clasped hands. Bait croaked. The apparition of Viren then walked outside to the tower top. He swerved his hand, casting dark magic incantations. And just then the apparitions of four deadly assassins appeared and then were sent off in four different directions with instructions to head towards the other four kingdoms. "I knew it," Caldor seethed. "The other kingdoms must hear of this,". The images disappeared, leaving the children in a state of shock.

Ezran hugged his sister, horrified more than ever. "How could Viren do this?" he cursed.

"He thinks he's doing what's best of humanity but instead he's become just like the people he believes elves and dragons to be,"

"How do we tell Kasef this?" asked Willow. "He'll never believe us. He most certainly won't believe that we used magic,"

Caldor sighed. "I must tell these people that I did this,"

"No," Ezran shook his head. "That will likely blow your secret,"

"They must know that it was I who used this magic to find the truth. Our only hope to prevent this likely war is to be truthful. I've been hiding who I am for too long from everyone. This cannot involve any deceptions,"

Ezran remained uncertain. He turned his back.

"Ezran…" Willow reached for his shoulder.

"Why do I feel like I'm letting everyone down?" he lamented.

"You're not," said Caldor. "No one blames you for being a child. It is not easy being a king. You mustn't be so hard on yourself. But if you're really not sure what to do, perhaps you could choose a regent. To take your place until you feel you're old enough to take the throne in your own time,". Ezran sat down and thought for a while. "It is your choice. And I want you to know that I am choosing to reveal myself,"

"Not that you're related to the mages," spoke Ezran suddenly. "You're one of us, no matter what. Just tell you used that kind of magic but not where you came from. Please Caldor…you're one of the only people we trust the most,"

Caldor, heartfelt by his words, fell unresponsive.

"King Ezran!" Corvus appeared. "Kasef is waiting,"

Ezran turned his attention to his sister and advisor. It was time to take the big stand. He was escorted back to the throne room where the impatient prince waited. He sat down, looking at the crown.

"Well…" the imprudent prince spoke, demanding an answer.

"Prince Kasef we have found the evidence that proves Viren is the one who orchestrated the attack on your father and the other kingdoms," Ezran said.

"Then, where is it?" the prince wasn't the slightest bit convinced.

"There is no solid proof. But there is proof, nevertheless. We used moon magic to conjure up a vision of Viren performing dark magic,"

"Rubbish," he scoffed. "How can you and your sister possibly use magic?"

"They didn't," interrupted Caldor. He stepped down. "I did,". The other members of Katolis stared at him intently. "I am a master of moon magic. I used moon magic to conjure up a vision of what Viren did and this is what it showed," he pulled out a moon opal and crushed it, waving it around. He enchanted ancient incantations. Once again the glittering apparitions showed Viren unleashing shadow assassins. The council were appalled.

"Sorcerery," Saleer accused Caldor. "A traitor in our midst,". Guards exchanged glances. Some were scared. Corvus felt tense. Opeli turned a bit sceptical.

"No," Ezran stepped down to defend Caldor. "Caldor is a loyal citizen. A man who risked his life to help me and Willow,"

Saleer remained stubborn as ever. "How do we know this is even true? For all we know he could be an elf in disguise trying to trick us,"

"No. He has been loyal to Katolis for many years. My mother trusted him. And my aunt does too. If my family believe in him then so do I," he turned to Kasef, hoping his efforts weren't futile. "This may not be the proof we were hoping would convince you, but we give you our word that we would never lie to you, which leads me to make another announcement. Katolis will not go to war. Not while there is a chance to finally end this pointless cycle of violence,"

Kasef was flabbergasted. "And what makes you make so certain?"

"Because it was our father's final wish for the Dragon Prince to be returned to its home," Ezran announced, intriguing Kasef to his own surprise. "Viren stole the egg of the Dragon Prince from its home and now our sister is delivering it home to where it belongs. If she succeeds, this war will end and so will this cycle of violence," Ezran said determinedly, be living in his sister more than anything as much as Willow and Caldor did. "Revenge against the elves and dragons is not what our father would have wanted. And it will not guarantee the betterment for humanity. The one who is responsible for all of these conflicts is Viren and him only. He will be punished for all of his crimes against to just Katolis but all of humanity. My decision is final,"

Kasef tried to speak but Willow spoke first. "My brother has spoken his choice. Which I stand by,"

"And I," stood up Caldor. "A wise king never seeks out war. But must always be ready for it. It is foolish to seek war, Kasef. We have shown you our evidence and the facts remain true,".

"All of you knew King Harrow as a king. He was a leader, a warrior, and a champion. But I knew him as my dad who loved me, Willow, our mom…and Caroline. And sometimes told really bad jokes. I didn't see everything he did as king but I do know that my dad had to make very hard decisions. I'm just a kid. I haven't fought any battles…" As his spoke, Willow saw Kasef smirking. She sent a strong glare towards him, silencing him, much to his irritation. "I haven't read many books of wisdom. I haven't gone through the things that made my father the king he was. But I realise now I don't have to be the king my father was. I will try to be the king that I know he wants me to be. I have now made it my goal to fight for a world without unnecessary war,"

The prince of Neolandia just turned and left through the big doors, sending a deadly frown. Ezran was afraid this would happen. Still, he remained strong-hearted. He picked up the crown and placed it over his head. He was prepared to bear the burden of kingship, no matter what the cost.

"If you are truly to fight for peace, then we will stand by your side," said Opeli. "But know this king Ezran, whether that happens weights heavily on your sister,"

"I know she will succeed," said Ezran. "Please bring Claudia,"

Claudia was brought forward before them in chains. Ezran inhaled deeply hoping his next words would not cause any terrible consequences.

"I've had some consideration," said Ezran crossing his fingers. "You will not receive the same punishment as your brother Claudia. Your intentions were to bring us back home. Even by force," Claudia's lips shrivelled. "Instead, you will confined to the palace and do community service,"

"Yes. Yes I will," Claudia was overjoyed.

"But there is one more condition. You must give up dark magic,"

Claudia was paralysed. "What? But Ezran. I mean King Ezran…"

"I'm sorry Claudia," Ezran sorrowfully stood up from his throne. "But dark magic has caused more harm to humanity than any good. Your father's use of dark magic caused my father's death. And it will jeopardize everything we've had worked hard to achieve. Take her to the cell and lock her up for the night with her brother, let them being together for the night,"

Claudia was escorted out. Ezran pulled on his crown. He would not choose a regent. He would lead. He hoped he hadn't made the wrong decision. He sighed. Saying everything he had just spoke felt like rocks crushing down on his shoulders. He inhaled deeply, hoping that everything he had just done would not lead to even greater problems. Corvus, Opeli, Caldor and his sister smiled at him, proud of him. He only wished Carol was here with him, to help him get through. Oh Carol, Raylan, Zym, Felix…I pray you are all safe.

What did you all think? I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Also thank you very much to everyone who sent those ideas. Some of them will be used in the next book for Season 4 if that's all right. Anyways, feel free to send over any comments on this chapter. Looking forward to starting the next episode which will be called 'Traitor' instead of 'Ghost'. If any of you have someting particular you want to see added in, please send any comments. See you all soon. A big chance i might not update for a long while as i'm going on a big trip next Tuesday. Will try to update as soon as I can. Bye for now.