The Circle of Forever

By S. Antonson

The Circle of Forever is a gothic novel centralizing upon Princess Saphiria in the mists of a siege of Aragonia by its arch rival, Caldrania, who captures her brother. His execution is imminent. Ambushed in the forest, Crown Prince Basidion of Caldrania, seized with his victory of abduction, rages how he will seduce Saphiria. Due to the fragility of the area, Saphiria and her horse vanish into the Circle of Forever, a portal to the ethereal realm, beset with goblins, troll, fairies, dragons, and apparitions, who feed on evil. How can she save her brother and free herself from these unknowns?

The middle ages supplicate to conjure the reader into a world riddled with unexplained events, enmeshed with feudalistic knights embroiled in battle.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Apr 13, 2004
• ISBN: 9781412214810

S. Antonson

S. and S. Antonson are twins and microbiologists. They graduated from UCLA with Bachelors of Arts degrees in Biology. They have Clinical Scientist Licenses in Medical Technology (ASCP and California State) with specialties in Microbiology (ASCP) and in Virology.

Book preview

Contents

Part I

Chapter I

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

PART II

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

missing image file

For My Parent

Who inspired us not to give up dreams.

Part I

Be favorable to bold beginnings

Virgil

Saphiria.tif

Chapter I

The Enchanted Forest

The forest’s entwined growth seemed to enclose upon the solitary rider, slowing the white horse’s gait. Silhouetted by the variations of green, the dawn’s rays highlighted the Princess’s glowing, blonde hair that draped over her frail shoulders, accenting her blue, velvet robe. Shock disclosed her hideous recollection of the siege of Aragonia. King Kladion, Aragonia’s archrival, kidnapped Prince Dorian, her brother, insisting that she submit to marrying his son, the Crown Prince Basidion, to insure Prince Dorian’s life.

Remembering Prince Basidion from a disclosure between Saphiria’s servants, his appearance consisted of being short, swarthy, and stout. His small eyes only emphasized his upturned nose. He had huge, sausage-like hands to match his large, flat feet. When his broad mouth opened, it crossed his huge, jowled cheeks, revealing his black teeth, leaving everyone with a memorable impression of horror. Trying to soothe her thoughts, she stroked Pansy’s silky mane and urged her to continue their vagrant journey.

The area seemed to be ethereal, as the stillness created a distortion, like it would shatter if one traveled to quickly through it. In the green thicket waves of colors appeared: the flowers changed from deep purple to lavender or from ruby red to the most delicate of pinks. The fragrance perfumed at the same intervals as the colors. She noticed a small hummingbird buzzing through the flowers, gently sipping the cool nectar.

Interspersed between the thickets, violets sprang in small clusters, etching the forest ’s interior. She glanced up and out of the corner of her eye she saw something that glistened. It must have been a dewdrop catching the sun’s rays, but she could not be sure. It seemed to beckon her. There it was again? Did it have wings? It sparkled a path between dewdrops like a jewel with its facets bursting its glow. It took a circular pattern, getting larger and larger. The motion seemed as if it would go on forever, as it radiated outward.

The area glittered beautifully, absorbing her in its spell. Unbeknownst, King Kladion’s henchmen camouflaged in the thicket surrounded her. A twig snapped from Prince Basidion’s elephantine weight. Saphiria and Pansy veered in terror. Basidion laughed, accustomed to her stare when being seen. His voice, as loud and deep as a tomb, shouted:

Well, Princess Saphiria, I finally have you. You can’t escape me now! I have never been in this area before, but I couldn’t wait for your answer. Your father cannot help you: he is under my authority. I rule here and your brother will be executed. I shall marry you at once!

Basidion’s voice became louder and louder. The area exhibited signs of fragility. Basidion rushed to capture her screaming:

I shall make you mine!

The Circle of Forever shattered into a million pieces. Princess Saphiria grew fainter and fainter until she disappeared into the void. This shocked the Crown Prince Basidion terribly. Saphiria and her horse vanished. All that existed was her handkerchief, in which her tears remained

Chapter 2

Plunge into darkness

King Kladion’s dungeon lay in the deepest section of the castle. Escape from the grave would be analogous. The walls seeped moisture, as the room was permeated with the murky odor of stench. The floor languished in partly submerged; stagnant pools as the water trickled downward. The passageways spread out in all directions and abscised.

Dorian lay motionless on the bed of straw that occupied the corner of the cell. Blood from his face obscured his blue eyes. He applied direct pressure to his gash. Exhaustion racked his body from the last session of interrogation. The jailers were quite proficient in using all implements of torture to obtain information. In the darkness, time seemed irrelevant.

They would soon be back, he thought. He knew it was just a matter of time before they would execute him.

He surveyed his surroundings again, studying the huge door, strengthened at the hinges. It had a small opening reinforced with iron. The door had rotted from all the moisture. If only he had a knife, he could loosen the hinge by carving at the decaying wood. However, he would still need a key to rescue his men. He heard footsteps coming towards him. The door opened and two guards grabbed his arms, jerked him to his feet, and shackled his wrists together. They were of medium height, with thick, strong, muscular bodies. Dorian thought they must have been specially chosen because most of King Kladion’s men were short. The guards maneuvered him through the archway. Dorian’s head impacted hard, due to his height, as they dragged him back to the interrogation room. They anchored his shackled arms to the chains that hung from the ceiling, as they hoisted him upward. Every muscle fiber distended with immense pain.

The chamber’s door burst open, as the Crown Prince stood at the doorway, his face veiled with rage.

I won’t bother asking you about your reinforcements at the castle of Aragonia. I’ve already captured your father, King Cornelius, and your mother, Queen Cassiopeia. It’s your sister I want. She disappeared when my troops and I surrounded her in the Callais Forest. Where is she, before I smash your face in? He hissed.

What do you mean, she disappeared? Dorian repeated, filled with alarm.

Don’t play tricks with me about not knowing where Saphiria is, Basidion screamed, slamming his fist into Dorian’s face venting his anger. You will be sorry that you’re not dead after I am finished with you.

The henchmen, amused at Basidion’s outbursts, watched the blood dripping from Dorian’s face. The Crown Prince leveled blows at Dorian, until he had exhausted himself.

Take him away, Basidion cried to his guards.

The guards had to heave Dorian from the floor when they released his chains. Dorian flinched from the pain, still conscious. The guards carried, more than dragged, Dorian away. Dorian could see the long passageway back to his cell as he strained to keep his head upright. He stared down at the fat, muscular guards who carried him along. One of the guards bore a dagger attached to his ankle. My chance, Dorian thought to himself. Dorian, in his relaxed state, made himself harder to handle. The guards shut him in, knowing that Basidion would still want him alive for more sadistic torture.

Dorian had to remain awake during the time he had, before the guard would find out that he had stolen his knife. His face twisted in pain as he crawled to the cell door. He had to concentrate all his energy on carving at the rotting hinge. He steadily worked on the door. It took three hours to get one of the bolts loosened. He jerked at it as it wrenched out. The other bolts succumbed. The door hung precariously ajar. Dizzy from the lack of blood, he crawled through the passageway. He scrutinized the corner and observed another guard with a ring of keys that must open the cells. Was the guard alone? he asked himself.

Dorian got to his feet as quietly as possible, snatched an unlighted torch from the corridor and waited. The guard paced, bored at his post. The guard lifted a small flask from his pocket and swallowed the liquid it contained. At the same moment, Dorian swung the torch rendering him unconscious. The guard fell heavily to the floor. Dorian looked up and down the passage to see if anyone had heard the commotion. When satisfied that no one came, he proceeded to take the keys from the guard. He dragged the unconscious guard to the side in case the guard would be discovered. He peered into the cells for his men.

As Dorian crept though the passage, he noticed two more guards. They argued about a card game, oblivious to Dorian’s presence as he passed. Dorian continued his search. By accident, he tripped on a grating. He stared at it more closely. It opened to a lower cell. Men shouted from below that they needed food. He recognized them.

Be quiet, Dorian whispered. I will help you out.

Is that you? A tall, dark-haired man replied. It was Alexus, Dorian’s best friend.

Yes, I have the keys, but I don’t know where the ladder is.

Alexus and Dorian’s men spoke softly. There is no ladder. They put us here to rot.

Dorian used the keys until one of them fitted the lock. It swung open and a rope attached from the top fell down. Soon all of them joined Dorian into the passage.

How do we get out of here? Dorian murmured.

I vaguely remember, said Alexus, looking worried. You look awful.

I know, Basidion released all of his anger at me. He captured the whole kingdom of Aragonia and my parents are probably locked down here as well. But they don’t have my sister. She disappeared from Basidion.

What happened to her?

No one knows. All I know is that we have to escape from here and go toward Giordonia, to King Westmore for support and arms. We can’t go to the Callais Forest and look for Saphiria because too many of King Kladion’s men would be there for the same reason.

Alexus put his hand on Dorian’s shoulder. We go this way toward the guard’s sleeping quarters. After that, there is an exit out. But how will so few of us subdue them?

Come, I have and idea!

The narrow passageway could only fit them single file. The guard’s room reverberated with the sound of deep slumber. Dorian and his men made their way through the passage. Just as Dorian thought, above the sleeping men dangled a large, wooden structure with huge, white candles, dripping wax. Dorian took his knife and cut the rope that held the candled-structure. It came crashing down on the sleeping men, pinning most of them. They bolted the door, sealing the others in, so that no more guards could escape and try to stop them. A patrol of men, from the outside, heard the noise and hastened to the din. Dorian’s men, hidden from behind, dispatched them quickly.

Dorian dashed to the stables, unleashing as many horses as possible, so that they would not be used in pursuing them. He and his men rode hastily out into the moonlit night, while shouts were heard from behind.

Dorian's escape.tif

Chapter 3

The Unknown

Saphiria astonished to see Basidion and his men looking all over for her, noticed that she found herself in a void of dimension, in which she could look out and see them, but they could not see her. She watched until they went out of sight. She tried to press against the portal, but she could not escape. Trapped, she turned around to see her New World. The vibrant green awed Saphiria, like seeing color for the first time. The flowers seemed the same, but evolved more transparent and more delicate than before.

Pansy, bewildered and frightened, jolted her. Saphiria tried to calm her down, so she mounted and urged her horse onward. The birds singing in the trees were her only company. There materialized a path in front of her. The path consisted of cobblestones arranged in arches, one after another. Next to the path, on the other side, grew green, soft moss.

Had it been an hour since she last stopped? As she looked down, the path, where she had started, it disappeared when her horse crossed it. She had not noticed that before. How would she ever get back the way she came? The path behind her left no trace: only the path in front of her remained. This shocked Saphiria immensely, but then she heard a low and dreadful noise. It seemed to come from the ground. There she saw the tunnel. Green sort of creatures emerged.

Is it safe? cried one. Did you see any armies? Mucor, are you listening to me? If we want to crush the Forest Fairies, we must get more organized!

Saphiria finally got a good look while peering at them from a ridge. They appeared to be about four inches tall, with slimy bodies, pointed ears and pointed teeth. They wore olive green outfits that matched their dark, lurking surroundings. They must be goblins! She gasped. I always thought they were just stories. She dismounted, so that she could hear the conversation better.

The path keeps disappearing, complained Mucor.

Of course, Zedon stammered. The fairies made a spell on it, so that it will take us to where they would like us to be. But we will not be fooled. Must I think of everything, have you no brains at all? Persisted Zedon. Forest fairies leave magical traces when they walk or fly about. Somehow, magical traces leave a trail of magical dust. When it is deposited upon leaves and grass, they point in that direction, like a compass points to the magnetic North Pole. So, to detect where the fairies go, you note the direction of the tip of the leaves or grass because they point to the magical dust left behind from the fairies.

What was that noise? Did you hear something?

Goblins cave.tif

It’s nothing, Zedon threatened, it’s your wits again, playing tricks!

But, I feel like we are being watched! Mucor wailed.

Saphiria hid closer among the trees as she quieted her horse.

Be quiet and listen, Zedon insisted. We must rendezvous with the rest of our army at Dewdrop Glen, which should be fifteen miles west from here.

How far is it to the castle of King Glasier, Ruler of all the Fairies, in the Realm of Aquitania?

Twenty miles from here, muttered Zedon.

But that is absurd. First we go fifteen miles west of Dewdrop Glen, then we must return here to go twenty miles east to King Glasier’s castle? Why can’t they meet us here? Mucor pouted.

We have our orders! Zedon was exasperated. We are to meet our illustrious Lord Glutton, King of the Goblins. He will give us the tactics on the castle. There will be little time to explain it twice. We go forward!

Mucor picked up his sword and helmet and followed the others quietly.

Saphiria thought that maybe, she could find help from the Fairy King Glasier. She just had to make sure which way the leaves of the trees were pointing and she would go in the right direction. It would take some prodding to get Pansy to trot twenty miles. It would be nine o’clock at night before she reached it. That was if the fairy castle was the same. What about the size? How large was a fairy castle? It seemed so hopeless. How could one see at night? Would there be a full moon? Staying here could not be any safer, so Saphiria and Pansy continued.

It must be past noon. Saphiria, tired and thirsty, heard a babbling brook. She dismounted and led Pansy to the most easily accessible part. She cupped her hands and drank. She saw her refection in the water and perceived a beautiful tiger lily behind her. Saphiria circled around to sniff it, but what did it contain? A fairy about two and a half inches tall, wearing a white, iridescent, little frock. It had blonde hair and long, elongated, transparent wings. She napped and did not even realize that Saphiria stared right at her.

Saphiria stepped backward, a little in awe of her discovery. She quickly looked about her and noticed that each flower held a fairy. If the flowers had a different petal color, the color coincided with the fairy’s frock. Unfortunately, for Saphiria, the pollen of one particular flower made Saphiria sneeze. Try as she might to hold back, it came forth and accidentally blew on one of the flowers. The breeze bent some of the flower’s petals back, and out sprang a sleepy fairy, unknowingly falling downward. Saphiria immediately caught her.

My, what a forceful breeze, mumble the fairy, but she looked alarmed when she saw where she had landed: on Saphiria’s hand!

Excuse me, Saphiria replied. The pollen made me sneeze.

Oh dear, who are you? The fairy sounded alarmed.

My name is Saphiria and I seem to be quite lost. My horse and I were in the Callais Forest when the Crown Prince Basidion tried to abduct me. He screamed at me and all I could feel is a tingling sensation. Then I heard them say I had disappeared when they were looking right at me. When I tried to go back through the portal, it would not let me. The forest surroundings changed and I did not recognize it.

You are not from here. The fairy cried.

No, Saphiria began to cry, I met these strange creatures with slimy, dark bodies and pointed ears. They were going to rendezvous with someone they called King Glutton, so that they could get an offensive against the Forest Fairies. They said that King Glasier’s castle was twenty miles east of here, by seeing how the leaves pointed due to the motion of the Forest Fairies’ magical traces. So, being lost, I thought, maybe, King Glasier could help me? Or maybe you can help me?

Espir.tif

The fairy looked quite bewildered as she contemplated what Saphiria related.

My name is Espri. I am a Flower Fairy, and you are obviously a mortal. You don’t even have wings. Mortals have never been able to enter the Circle of Forever, which is the entrance to Fairyland. I surmise that this Basidion, was that his name, had such a low voice vibration that it broke the void barrier from reality to the ethereal world. So you really don’t exist in your world dimension any longer. Now, you say you overheard a conversation by the goblins. This is very grave news; indeed, we are in great danger. The goblins have always wanted to destroy us, but we never thought they could be so clever. We have to warn King Glasier.

Saphiria became despondent upon hearing the words; ‘you don’t exist in your dimension.’ Does this mean I am stuck in this particular dimension? She wailed.

Espri gazed at her curiously. No, but it would take quite some magic. I never learned too many spells to help humans, but that’s not my immediate concern.

Pansy had stood very still until now. She cantered towards the fairies and started to munch on some grass. This caused quite a commotion among the other, still-sleeping fairies, because, on the horse’s approach, Pansy’s tail swished the fairies from their flowers into the long slender shoots of grass! Of course, they did not land on the ground because it is an instinctive response, when a fairy falls, to extend their wings to fly or glide, which, in this case happened.

More and more fairies were staring at Saphiria, while Espri related the goblin’s secret offensive.

We will have to go to King Glasier’s castle at once! Espri exclaimed.

But, interjected Saphiria, it’s still twenty miles! How can you travel that distance in so short a time?

Just because mortals can’t travel so fast doesn’t mean fairies can’t. It will take us about an hour, providing there is not a strong wind going against us. Continued Espri.

What about me? Are you going to leave me here? Saphiria lamented.

Of course not. We can sense that you are a sympathetic mortal. You are totally helpless here. We will help you, although it will take all of us to make enough magic to transport you along with your horse. You are very large! When you arrive in King Glasier’s castle, we will ask the wizard, Vasarius, to transform you and your horse into our size, or you will never fit in the palace. Let’s concentrate to make the spell work.

They all gathered around her and her horse, enclosing them in a circle, as they floated in a circular motion. At first, they passed very slowly, but soon they increased speed. They sped so fast Saphiria could only detect sparks of light twinkling at her. She heard unpronounceable words, which sounded so strange that Pansy wiggled her ears. Saphiria began to levitate slowly upward while on the back of her horse. She peeked, seeing the fairies alongside her. She glanced below to see the countryside passing at an astounding rate.

Espri spoke to Saphiria. We asked the West wind to help blow us along, so we shall arrive there in no time.

I can’t believe I am flying, Saphiria said, gleefully.

Pansy fidgeted, not being happy about the situation at all, and turned her head to look at Saphiria for mental support. The scenery swished by. They headed for a valley, where a green canopy mingled with the deep hues of the forest. They seemed to be slowing; however, Saphiria did not know why. She could not see a castle. She discerned a mountain, emerging from the background, with the most beautiful flowers. At the foot of the mountain, grew flowers of the most translucent lemon yellows. As one climbed in height, a different color dominated. After yellow, emerged orange then red to pink, to blue, until, at the very top, a delicate violet radiated. Saphiria still did not see a castle. Wait, on the top of the mountain, hidden by the trees, a miniature castle, approximately seventy inches in height and fifty inches in width, unveiled itself.

The castle gleamed white, with blue, glazed roofs. The multiple, high turrets had golden ensigns and flags as they unfurled in the breeze. The castles height of seventy inches accommodated three stories, with a moat encircling it, sculptured with miniature trees proportioned to the castle, not like the forest, where the trees grew to a hundred feet or more. The normal-size trees surrounded and hid the castle from view. Saphiria never would have found it.

Saphiria landed about a mile from the castle. From its surrounding walls an entire city resided. To Saphiria it resembled an immense doll’s house.

We can’t take her to the palace, Espri cried, she it too large. Does anyone remember where Vasarius, the wizard lives?

Oh, yes, replied one, he lives ten miles out of the city near Knolley Forest Lane, by the huge oak tree. He made his home inside a tree. But I have never been there. They say his house is quite large.

We must send an emergency message, so that, when we arrive there, he will have all the magical scrolls ready. That will be a feat; Saphiria is five foot, and seven inches tall. We will have to leave immediately.

To send a message in Fairyland, one must use a messenger bird. They are very small, approximately one inch in size. Depending on your message (urgent, greetings, etc.,) you use a certain colored bird. : pink designated emergency. To summon one, Espri flicked her magic wand.

Saphiria could not wait to see the gorgeous, pink bird. The pink, magical bird flew toward them, landed and waited patiently for the fairies to fold the message. They tied it, with what looked like a moonbeam thread, around the bird, in a neat bow. The bird soared. The fairies repeated the spell again and Saphiria floated upward to continue their journey.

This is fun! Saphiria cried.

Chapter 4

The Encounter

Ten miles away, the darkness enclosed the countryside. The huge trees excluded most of the light penetrating through it. The fairies had to guide Saphiria and Pansy carefully through the forest. It was about half past two that afternoon as they proceeded. In the gloom, glowing eyes pierced out at them, while owl noises echoed. There, in the forest, a clearing with sunshine emerged, as they arrived in the Oak Forest.

Where is Knolley Forest Lane? Questioned Saphiria.

It is not hard to find, since it’s the only street that extends this far. But, we usually fly instead, the fairy pointed out.

The hugest oak tree Saphiria had ever seen loomed up at least one hundred foot high. Exposed between the gnarled roots, an entrance of eight foot could be seen. Saphiria and the fairies landed right at the door. Espri made a magical spell to move the huge doorknocker. It moved three times, each, with such an echoing effects that the tree just vibrated, being quite hollow. The door moved without any effort as the guests walked in.

The wizard must be my height, thought Saphiria, since the furniture size fits a human being. As one walked into the room, the candles lit themselves, revealing the huge chandelier and beautiful candelabra, accenting an immense, carved desk. One could hardly see the wood paneling because books and scrolls covered everything. In the back, a spiral staircase ran up the entire tree. Vasarius was reading a book, as if nothing had changed. He wore a long robe the color of obsidian, almost transparent. You could not be sure if it was material or an illusion. He had a beard and dark, piercing eyes that discerned everything. His expression altered from his engrossed thought, as he straightened his pointed, black hat.

Be seated, he said.

Espri flew nimbly toward the desk and onto his shoulder, as she peered down.

Did you find it yet? We must return to the palace immediately. There will be another encounter with the goblins soon. They are planning an attack.

Saphiria chose a beautiful, blue chair with matching cushions, which was too large for her. She sat down and the chair changed to her exact size. This also occurred when two fairies proceeded to sit. The chairs matched their two-inch size. A beautiful, porcelain tea set, with matching cups and saucers suddenly appeared. Depending on the size of the person holding it, it adjusted its shape to fit into your hands.

Saphiria drank her tea. She noticed the books and scrolls against the walls. Some were in the form of leaves, while some were in the form of pressed flower petals, which released a scent when the petals turned. Vasarius stared at her.

You are quite beautiful, if you will excuse me. I need more time to figure this out. Please explore my home. Maybe you would like to drink your tea in the garden outside or look at my books. But, if you read them, do not say the spells out loud: that’s when they work.

Saphiria viewed the room. This is an incredible tree-house.

An immense hall extended to a dinning room, another library and a garden outside. In the direction where the tree’s leaves should be, the bedrooms were situated, enhanced with many windows. She loved it.

Oh, my dear, would you please come down, I think I found it. Vasarius called.

Saphiria descended the stairs out into the garden to join the others.

Please stand by this tree. Vasarius raised his magic wand. A light burst forth which blinded everyone. Vasarius whispered some incantations and added a feather, magical dust, and dewdrops of every color. As each drop fell upon her and her horse, they became smaller and smaller, as they diminished in size. Saphiria changed to seven and a half inches, while Pansy’s stature altered to eight inches.

Well, we better be off. This particular spell is for traveling. However, it only works within a ten mile radius.

In an instant, they materialized at the gates of King Glasier’s castle, in the Realm of Aquitania. The drawbridge lowered so that everyone could cross. A groom fairy led Pansy away to the stable. A page appeared at the doorway. Espri explained that all of them must request an audience with King Glasier at once.

But, exclaimed the page; the King is quite busy with Prince Aramis. It is of a personal nature and he left strict orders not to be disturbed.

Vasarius stated, Well, while we are talking here, we might be massacred by nightfall! Which will it be?

I will speak to the King at once!

King Glasier, in the midst of a serious conversation with his son, Prince Aramis, remarked. You know you should marry her. I know you don’t really like her, but you could get use to her. Please don’t say anything. I will tell you what is the present state of affairs. First, you don’t like the Cloud fairies’ daughter. She talks too much. I understand that. You don’t like the Fire Fairies, they have too much of a temper and all the Flower Fairies’ princesses are engaged. I didn’t say anything about that either. How about the Blue Fairies’? It is just a suggestion. I know their houses are freezing cold. I comprehend, however, then the only one left is the Swamp fairies, but everyone knows they are half –goblins. Aramis, you are so hard to please.

Excuse me, your Majesty, said the page. Espri, her fairies and Vasarius are here with a mortal. They state that we are all in danger due to the goblins.

Well, show them in at once. I wonder how they got a mortal in through the doors?

Oh, the page continued, "Vasarius had to shrink her and her horse. The horse is