Hailey's Dreams

By Donna D. Perry

Hailey's Dreams is about a young fairy that has lost her powers. She feels she will never have anyone love her the way she looks now. She must live her life without magic? Can she do it?

She can feel the evil magic building. What can she do with no magic? Can she do it alone? How can she protect her family? Will she have the strength to protect the kingdom of Southland? She has no answers. She knows she needs to find some answers, but how?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638602965

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Copyright © 2022 Donna D. Perry

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2022

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

ISBN 978-1-63860-295-8 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63860-296-5 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

This book is dedicated to few people.

First to my husband, Gene. I have not been the easiest person to live with during this time. You believed in me when no one would. You stood beside me during this long learning process of writing and publishing this book. You are my best friend and partner in life.

To my mom and dad for allowing me to have my dreams. Also, to Poppa Jake; he was a friend as well as a dad to me too.

To my three children, Jennifer, Jeremy, and Michael; each one of you gave me insight on different characters in the book. I love you for it.

When I didn’t think I could finish this book, each one of my friends instilled a different idea so I could finish the book: Mrs. D. Sawyer for your pushing me to do better and being there for me when I really needed a friend. To Robert who believed in me in the early stages of this book. Also, to Howard, my computer go-to-for-help guy.

To Gram Perry, my friend, my travel buddy, and most of all, my adviser for every day.

Most of all, to my grandchildren, Hailey and Brandon. You are the future of my books to come. I love you both very much.

A very special thank you to Giselle Fourier for proofreading this book. She also helped me with some of my ideas. When I thought my thought process was off the track, she helped me find my way back on track.

Each time you read one of my books, I hope you will find something different to make you want to read it again.

Chapter 1

She put her face up to the sunlight. It was a chilly day, but the sun felt good on her skin. She looked around at the other fairies gathering the nectar from the flowers. She took the bucket from under a flower.

This is going to be good wine for this winter she said out loud. The fairies all around her spoke in agreement.

Hailey, are you talking to yourself again? said her brother, hovering on his dragonfly above her head.

"

Jader, you scared the cobwebs out of me

! she yelled. What are you doing up there?"

He laughed at her and began to fly around in circles around the other fairies. The fairies all began to giggle.

Hailey just watched with a smile on her face as she finished filling her bucket. She turned, walking down the path to the castle. The other fairies saw her walk away. One by one, they began following her, leaving Jader to have no one to pick on. So Jader rode quickly beside her.

Hailey, why are you gathering nectar? The humming birds and the fairies are able to get enough for the whole kingdom and sometimes too much at times. Father would have a fit if he knew you were out there doing work.

Hailey looked at her brother sadly. She shook her head. She kept walking.

Hailey, talk to me. I am your brother, Jader asked in a gently low voice.

Jader stopped ahead of her. He got off of his dragonfly. He waited for her to catch up to him. Hailey started to walk around him.

Jader grabbed a hold of her arm. We need to talk. What is going on with you?

Hailey pulled away from him. She didn’t look at him as she adjusted her cape. Finally, she looked up at her brother.

I cannot sleep. I am having dreams again, Hailey said, looking down at the ground.

Jader hugged her. He smiled over her head at the fairies walking around them and winking at a couple of them.

Hailey pushed him away from her, saying, You want me to talk to you? and you are messing around with the fairies while you are hugging me. You are a jerk!

He looked at her like he fell out of a tree.

I am hurt you don’t want me to find the woman of my dreams. Besides, do you want everyone to know what you are going through? he said as he pulled away from her.

No, I don’t. Thanks, said Hailey as her shoulders dropped again.

Jader pulled a little on her cape that was slipping off her shoulder.

You don’t mean ‘really bad dreams’ again, he asked.

She looked down at the ground and replied, Yes, I have not been sleeping. The daydreams are there too. There is something wrong in the forest. I can feel it, but I not sure what it is. I have been watching, but I cannot see anything or even feel anything, but I know it is there. I sound crazy, don’t I? she asked as she looked up at him with tears in her eyes.

Jader touched her shoulder. I am around today if you need me. I’ve got to go now, but I will check in with you later. Here comes your maid. Wipe your tears, or she’ll know something is up. Besides, you have to find me a wife soon. I’m getting tired of chasing the women around the castle.

Hailey smiled. She reached out to punch her brother on the arm, but he was running to get to his dragonfly.

See ya later, sis, he said with a wave of his hand and flew off into the air on his dragonfly.

Elisa walked slowly up to Hailey. Are you ready, my lady, for the morning meal? She looked at Hailey’s face. Have you been crying? Is there anything I can do for you, my lady?

No, I’m fine. I think I got something in my eye. Hailey covered the side of her face with her hand, looking away from Elisa.

Slowly the two women walked back to the castle along with the other fairies. Hailey looked up toward the sky. She looked for her brother. He was still there above the treetops, watching her before he took off toward the castle. At times, it was as if they could read each other’s minds.

Hailey stepped into the courtyard. She watched the different activities around the courtyard. The trolls were arguing about the mud buck being invaded by deer looking for water. The drones, such funny-looking creatures, half-human, half-creature. They may be strange creatures to some, but such gentle souls. They would not even hurt a fly. They brought in dew and wild mushrooms and other strange plants for healing potions for the medics. They would go into places others would not dare to.

The spiders were busy spinning webs with silk with some fairies for cloth and gowns. The hummingbirds bring nectar and seeds for the next year’s crop. The courtyard was a very busy place—one of business and fun. Everyone getting their food for the day. Many were sharing talk of someone getting married or having a child. You could find anything you wanted in the courtyard. Sometimes there was trouble to be found too, someone looking for a fight.

Hailey hurried along the stalls toward the castle. Elisa was almost running to keep up with her. As they entered the great hall, she was met by her mother—the queen.

The queen was born during the time that humans and magical creatures lived together. The queen was born on a human farm. The farm was owned by a widow. She had become a protector of the magical creatures. She had many of them on her farmland that was at the edge of the woods.

She had the fairies visiting on her farm. One of the fairies was in labor with her child. After the child was born in the human lady’s barn did the widow find out the fairies were of the royal family.

The fairies gave the widow the honor to name their child. Since the child was born along the flowers that were drying in the barn, it was settled that her name would be Lily Stubbell, a mixture of the name of the human and the fairies.

Lily Stubbell was a beautiful woman, with very long blond hair that looked like spun gold. She had dark eyes that some would say could see into your very soul. She was a force of nature to deal with when she was angry. She was Hailey and Jader’s mother and the queen of Southland.

Hailey, where have you been? What is your cape covered with! What is this? Mama reached out to touch Hailey’s cape. She rubbed her fingers together. Her fingers were sticky. They were covered in dirt and pollen from flowers.

Hailey, have you been gathering nectar? Have you been out in the forest? Her mother looked upset.

Yes, Mama. I been gathering nectar with the other fairies and enjoying the sunlight. Soon it will be winter. I will be stuck here in the castle. I gathered some nectar to make special wine for Papa to enjoy. It will keep me busy for a while. Hailey spoke quickly as she reached up and kissed her mom on the cheek.

Hailey, your father will become very angry if he finds out you have been outside the courtyard walls again, alone in the forest without any guards. Since your accident, your father is worried about you. I worry about you myself. It’s not been easy on you, Mama said quietly, adjusting Hailey’s cape.

A few curls dropped out of Hailey’s haircombs. Hailey shook herself free from her mother’s busy fingers.

Mama, I am fine, Hailey said as she stepped away from her mother.

Hailey, go to your room and clean up before your father sees you. She pushed Hailey toward the curtain blocking the entrance to the private rooms of the royal family.

King Lance walked into the great hall to see Hailey heading toward the private rooms.

Hailey, come join us for the morning meal, he said in a loud voice.

Hailey looked at her mother. Her mother looked back at her with a silent nod to join her father. She walked with her mother toward her father.

King Lance looked at both his wife and his daughter. How much alike they were. He was indeed a lucky man to have two beautiful women in his family. He only wished his daughter’s accident didn’t bother him so much. Now she hardly smiled anymore. He had so many offers for her hand in marriage, but he would not push her into a loveless marriage. For a time, he believed that Munchy and Hailey were going to be married. But he wasn’t sure what happened.

King Lance, how are you doing this morning? asked Munchy.

The dark, handsome man walked proudly into the room. The women of the court stopped what they were doing. All the women heads turned to watch the dark warrior walk toward the king. A quiet sigh could be heard in the room.

Fine. I am as happy as a lark, relied the king.

He smiled at the maid who held her hand to her mouth. The king guessed where the sigh came from. He smiled at his wife as she silently nodded to maid to leave the table.

Munchy watched the exchange between the king and his wife and his daughter. His face became an angry mask. He quickly turned to the table that held the morning meal. Munchy had been hiding his feelings for so long it was easy to become angry.

The feeling of anger was second nature to him. It was better for him to stay outside the castle and not come to the daily meals. But the king had sent a messenger to have him come to the morning meal. They needed to talk over what was needed to be done before the winter month came. If only he was a king of the trolls or the gnomes; maybe Hailey would notice him once again.

Munchy started to walk toward a table down on the main floor as the king called him back to the main table.

Munchy, come have something to eat. We need to talk about some things, the king said as he waved the maids away from the table.

I would, but I have to check out the edge of the forest. There are some things that need my attention, Munchy said in a hurried voice as he turned quickly and walked out of the great hall.

Mama Stubbell looked Hailey. My dear, are you not hungry this morning?

Hailey was watching Munchy walking out the hall. She was biting her lip.

Hailey shook her head. I am tired. I think I’ll go lay down for a while.

Her mother touched her arm. Are you sleeping at night?

Hailey looked down at her mother and shook her head again.

Are you having bad dreams? Maybe I should have a medic come and check on you. They could give you something to sleep, said Hailey’s mother with a worried look on her face.

The queen reached for Hailey’s hand. Hailey pulled her hand away. She stood up from the table.

No, I am just a little tired. I am going to lay down now for a while. Please do not worry. I’ll be okay.

Hailey kissed her mother’s cheek. She left the table to go to her room.

The king put down his cup of juice. He turned to his wife.

What are we going to do? She doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Is this part of her injury, or is it something else going on, my dear? Is the breakup between her and Munchy? Maybe I should speak to the young man, the king said as he watched his daughter walk away.

I am not sure, but I am going to talk to her in private. Then I will go see Lady Abbey for help for her. We need to get to the bottom of this soon, said his wife as she stood up from the table.

The king grabbed her hand. My love, do what is needed to keep her safe. He pulled her down to him. I love you, my sweet. I know what you have been through, but please, if she must go the same road, make sure she is safe. He kissed her cheek.

She put her hand on the side his cheek. I will, my love, no matter what it takes. She is our child.

She looked at him one more time with tears in her eyes. She turned away before anyone but the king could see the emotions that were going through her heart and thoughts through her mind. Quickly she left the hall to go to her daughter. The king turned to the men at arms beside him to speak about the young men training.

Mama went to Hailey’s room. She knocked quietly. But there was no answer. She let herself inside. Hailey was standing with her back to the room. She was watching the forest. Mama walked up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder. Hailey never moved. It was as if she was in a trance. Mama gently put her hands on Hailey’s shoulders to guide her to a chair by the bed. Hailey sat down, still as if she was in a trance, not speaking nor seeing anyone.

Mama took a small blanket from the end of the bed. She put it around Hailey’s shoulders. Slowly she took Hailey’s hair out of its combs and began brushing it. She watched her for any movement. There was none for a long time. Her mother kept brushing her hair and watching her.

Chapter 2

Jader loved flying on dragonfly. He felt so free. He could fly with his own wings, but not as fast as he could with the dragonfly. He was able to pick anything he wanted for his own out of all the animals, birds, dragons, hawks. He wanted a dragonfly like Munchy’s dragonfly.

Munchy’s dragonfly was snow white. There was no color to him. He was a very special animal, but Jader didn’t understand till he got his own dragonfly. They were quiet animals. They did make strange noises if there was danger around them, different noises if they were hungry. It took Jader a while to get used to his dragonfly.

Munchy picked on him because he didn’t have a name for him. Jader could not find a name that would fit him. He was golden brown with different-colored wings. In the sunlight the dragonfly looked as if he had a rainbow around him. He looked like a small dragon, not like a normal dragonfly. He actually had a face with golden eyes. He refused to allow anyone but the old man in the barn to touch him, besides Jader.

His dragonfly was found in a storm one night by the old man who runs the barns. He found him outside the barn. He was very small. The old man nursed him through the night. Jader was just a young kid. He helped the old man working with the different animals in the many barns.

Soon after the dragonfly was healed, he would follow Jader through the barns. Jader would go through the different barns to feed the animals, but the dragonfly would steal the treats out of his hand.

When it was time for Jader to pick an animal for his own, Jader wanted one of the great animals—like a dragon or a bear or even a hawk to ride. But the dragonfly would fight with the other animals that would draw Jader’s attention.

The time had come to let the dragonfly loose as there was so many animals in the barns. They could not keep all the animals they found in the barn, unless they were claimed by one of the family or a warrior to train as his ride.

The old man came to Jader and talked to him, telling him that this dragonfly was special. The dragonfly had picked Jader to be his owner. Jader didn’t believe him. The dragonfly was let loose in the forest. But day after day, the dragonfly would come back to the barns, looking for Jader.

One night there was a terrible storm with lighting and thunder. The barn caught on fire. Everyone was running to help the animals get out of the barn. The dragonfly came out from the woods to the barn that the small animals were kept in. The barn was fully engulfed in fire. The dragonfly back into the barn time and time again, dragging the smaller animals out with his front craws. He never seemed to mind the fire or the smoke. It was as if he was part of the fire.

He became more golden each time he came back out of the barn. Everyone watched this amazing dragonfly. The old man watched, knowing this was a special creature. Without saying a word to him, the dragonfly would take each injured animal to part of the barnyard that the other gnomes were helping the hurt animals. The old man returned to the barn to watch this great animal. Jader finally arrived during the fire. He watched the dragonfly. The old man patted Jader on the shoulder. He walked back to the injured animals. Jader just shook his head, watching the dragonfly still getting the hurt animals from the burning barns.

The next morning, after the fire, the dragonfly walked over to Jader. He stood proudly in front of Jader. The dragonfly raised his wings out so that they glowed in the morning sunlight. Slowly he closed them completely. He looked at Jader in the face, with his head raised proudly. Slowly he bowed down in front of Jader. Jader raised his hand slowly to touch the top of the dragonfly’s head, Feeling the colorful scales. The two of them became one in voice and spirit, as animal and rider.

The old man watched the two of them from inside the barn doors. They would learn a lot from each other. Now they rode as if they were one. They would learn to read each other’s mind like Munchy and his dragonfly. But there was much more for Jader to learn about his dragonfly. The old man bowed his head as the tears flowed down his cheeks. Finally, the little dragonfly had a home. His job was done. The old man turned and walked into the barn.

Jader sat on his dragonfly, hovering over some pine trees. Jader turned to look behind him just as Munchy rode up to him.

Munchy smiled at him. You are getting better at knowing when someone is getting close to you. You still have a lot to learn. Munchy’s dragonfly made a strange noise. He began to pull at the reins Munchy was holding on to. Come, Jader, we need to search the woods. Something is not right. One of the guards said he saw a troll wandering around last night.

Jader turned to see Munchy heading straight down toward the tree line.

Jader caught up with him.

Do you think something is going on in the woods, something you may not know about, oh great one! He laughed. Well, you know everything, or you think you do, Jader said.

Munchy threw a dirty look at Jader who added, But, boy, you know nothing about women.

Munchy stopped flying. He turned around and looked at Jader.

What are you talking about, Jader? Let me guess, you found the woman of your dreams again, and she’s what this time, princess of the trolls or something. Munchy laughed a deep hearty laugh.

See, that is what I mean. You know nothing about women. You don’t even notice my sister anymore. I don’t know what happened. I mean, first you didn’t have time for even me. You gave her some kind of necklace. The two of you act like you were going to get married. Then all the sudden you don’t even look at each other. Let alone speak to each other. That is, if you stay in the same room at the same time. What gives? What is going on between the two of you?

Jader didn’t stop talking for Munchy to answer him.

I going to training soon. I don’t even have you to keep an eye out on her. Don’t you like her anymore? said Jader with a deep sigh. And now she has some kind of problems. She was in the forest this morning with the other fairies.

She what! What do you mean she was in the forest> She knows your father does not want her outside the castle, not even in the courtyard without a guard with her! said Munchy in a very deep, angry voice.

So I take it you love my sister. Why don’t you tell her? I am worried about her. I don’t remember her accident. But I remember you went away for a long time. You came back different. What happened? asked Jader.

He watched Munchy’s face become like a mask. There was no feeling in his face at all.

You know she’s having some kind of dreams again. I remember her after the accident first happened. She was scared of these dreams. She would come to my room at night. We would talk all night, not about her dreams but about when we were kids. Why we had to leave our home because of the elves and their power games. I always thought all living creatures in the forest should live together and work together, said Jader as he pulled his dragonfly to climb higher into the sky.

Jader, said Munchy as he finally caught up to the young man, a good warrior must learn to be able to control his emotions, or they could be your downfall.

Oh, like you do around my sister. I know you think I am too young. But I’ve seen you with my sister. I wish you would ask for her hand in marriage. You know both my mother and father treat as you a member of the family. Why don’t you ask for her hand in marriage? I know since the accident, she acts differently. She hides behind that cape all the time. She doesn’t smile or even like to fly with me anymore. She doesn’t do all the things she used to do. But she is smart and knows all the animals, and she is not afraid of any animal. She would make you a good wife!

Jader! Stop! Munchy said in a stern voice.

Suddenly he stopped for a minute. His head dropped as he looked at the ground. His body seemed to slump with despair. His words were low but full of pain.

I have to agree with you, but since her accident, she’s had a lot to deal with. She has not been able to deal with it. Besides, why would she want a lowly warrior? She should be looking for someone with royal blood through their veins. Enough talk. Let’s ride to the edge of the forest. I’ll race you. I’ll give you a head start, said Munchy.

Jader turned his head to the side to look at Munchy’s face, but Munchy pulled ahead of him on his dragonfly. Jader pulled hard on his dragonfly’s reins to get ahead of Munchy. Jader felt like he was flying with the wind.

Munchy saw something move down below him by the hillside. He looked up to see where Jader was. Jader had not trained enough to fight without someone to help him. He pulled his dragonfly’s rein hard enough that his dragonfly’s rear was in the air.

The elf and dragonfly moved as one together, moving through the wind toward Jader. Munchy knew he would come back after dark to check out the woods. Jader’s safety was more important to him right now.

The dark figure watched the two men ride across the sky. He was almost seen. He had to be more careful. So the princess is not over the last meeting, he thought gleefully.

Maybe it’s time I visit my old friend, the king. I seem to need a wife. What do you think, my friend? The dark figure turned toward a horrible little man humped over. The creature made an awful noise.

Go get the horses. We need to get out of here, said the dark figure to the twisted man.

Jader and Munchy neared the end of the forest. It was very quiet, almost too quiet. Something was not right in the woods. No birds flying. Even the squirrels seem to not to be moving in the trees. This bothered Munchy. Munchy would dip toward the treetops, looking toward the floor of the woods.

After a few times of Munchy flying down toward the treetops, Jader stopped flying. He hovered over a pine tree, waiting for Munchy to notice he was not behind him. Munchy dipped down toward a maple tree. When he came back up into the clouds, he would look around him.

Jader! Where are you? Munchy shouted, looking around the trees.

Jader popped out from the side of the pine tree.

Why are you going down to the treetops? What is going on? I know you are watching for something. What is it? Jader said as he watched Munchy’s face to see if he was lying to him.

I not sure, but something is not right. I don’t see any animals at all. It is like they are afraid to come out. I get a little edgy when things are so quiet. One of the guards saw a troll and an elf around one of the ponds a couple of days ago, but no one new has come to the castle or into the courtyard, Munchy spoke as he was still looking down to the forest floor.

Maybe they were just passing through the forest on their way to somewhere else. I hope. Jader laughed. I am surprised at you. You looked worried. But then you brush off the feelings you have for my sister.

Just stop, Jader! Your sister doesn’t even know that I am alive. Let alone look at me twice in one day! Besides—Munchy voice had a weary edge to it—what woman wants a warrior for a husband? We are never home. We have to leave in a moment’s notice sometimes. We are gone for long periods of time. When we do get home, you never know if we will be home in one piece or pieces,

Munchy said as he was still looking down toward the forest floor. He was in the area where he saw the shadow move. He slowed down even more.

I think just because of that scar on your face, you are afraid to be anything but a lonely warrior. You don’t go the tavern anymore. Or pick on the pretty girls. You’re so serious all the time. Life is for enjoying when not protecting our homes. That was one of the first things you ever told me. Are you going back on what you are trying to teach me before I go to training? Keeping one eye open and an ear to the ground for trouble coming, said Jader in a very serious voice.

The scar came from the last battle with the elves to save you and your sister. I am not too serious. I just cannot forget or forgive the danger I put you and your sister in. Munchy spoke as if he was lost in the thoughts of the day Hailey got hurt. He could not forgive himself for that either.

Jader edged his dragonfly ahead of Munchy’s dragonfly.

Come on, I’ll race you to the castle, old man! Jader yelled as he pulled the reins for his dragonfly to race. Jader threw his head back and laughed. You will never catch me.

Munchy shook his head, saying, You are on, boy.

Jader threw a dirty look at Munchy. The race was on. They dipped down and around the trees, shooting straight up into the sky into the clouds. Jader laughed. He loved the freedom that flying gave him. Munchy finally got ahead of Jader.

What’s wrong, old man? Are you getting tired? Jader yelled, pulling harder on his dragonfly’s reins, trying to make him go faster.

Munchy would pull around a tree without even touching a branch. Jader tried to follow Munchy’s lead, but he had his hair tangled with leaves in his hair or branches catching his tunic.

Munchy just laughed. Yes! Munchy mentally yelled. It felt good to laugh and let go until they got near the castle. Munchy saw Hailey sitting on the ledge of her window without her cape on. The feeling of guilt filled him completely once again. It was such a rare sight these days to see her not covered up from head to toe. She wore a cape made of the same material as her gown, light and airy. No one who knew about the accident would realize that anything was wrong with her. But he knew it. As always, it ate way inside him; she was hurt because of him.

She looked like an angel, sitting on the ledge with her hair unbound, flowing in the afternoon breeze. The sunlight made her hair look like gold. Munchy prayed for so many months for Hailey to heal, for her to become the carefree woman again. But she has become withdrawn into herself more and more each day, taking walks by herself or her maid. Little did she know, Munchy tried to be there to watch over her whenever she was outside the castle walls, out of sight so she didn’t see him, always close enough to be there if she needed him. She was the whole reason for living.

Hailey, I will always be there to protect you. I will avenge the damage done to you, Munchy promised to himself as much as to Hailey. Munchy hurried to get closer to the castle. Maybe he would talk to her today. Munchy lay down closer to his dragonfly’s back so he could fly faster.

Hailey watched Jader flying circles above the castle, playfully zooming down toward the courtyard and then pulling back up toward the treetops. He was on his dragonfly and also releasing him and flying on his own back to the dragonfly. With the grace and ease, she once did the same thing. She sighed. If Jader was playing in the air like that, it meant Munchy would be close by. She didn’t want to see him. It hurt too much to think about what they once had.

She started to get up when Munchy appeared in front of her.

Hailey, how are you this fine afternoon? Would like to go for a ride with me. I’ll be careful with you. Please. Munchy’s smile made his face light up.

Hailey looked at him. She could feel tears form in her eyes. She looked away toward Jader. She began to back up slowly toward the window. She remembered she didn’t have her cape on. She felt very naked in front of him, as if he could see her heart and how fast it was pounding in her chest.

She wanted to get on his dragonfly and just go with him, but she knew that was a thing of the past. Her throat felt tight, as if she was not going to be able to speak. She shook her head no. Quickly she slipped into the window behind her.

Munchy turned his dragonfly way from the window with a heavy heart.

If…only… His words were carried away with the wind.

Munchy flew down toward the courtyard. He looked up one more time toward her window. She was peeking out between the curtains. He smiled. Maybe in the near future there might still be a chance. He did notice she still wore his pendant around her neck. It gave Munchy hope for now.

Jader rode into the courtyard. He saw Munchy head toward Hailey’s window. He would give them some time. He flew in between the shop stalls with fruits, vegetables, fabrics, and many other things to be sold.

Some of the shopkeepers laughed at Jader. Some of them would hand him a piece of fruit. Others would be yelling and shaking their fists at him for messing up their stuff. Jader loved to pull pranks on everyone. Many of the people that lived in the castle loved him. He was a young man with a kind heart. He was just like his father. Some just dealt with him. He seemed to get into trouble wherever he went. But he was no harm to anyone.

Munchy followed much slowly, his head full of thoughts of Hailey, his heart aching with love and wanting to have a life with her.

Both men walked together to the great hall for the evening meal. When they entered the hall, they were talking and laughing over something. They were quite noisy.

Jader saw his mother. He began dancing toward her. He took her in to his arms. He smiled as they began dancing in circles.

You are the most beautiful woman in the world, in the land, in the world, he sang to the top of his lungs. So much I may have to keep you all to myself. No one will ever take you from me.

Laughing, Mama Stubbell kissed him on the cheek.

She pushed out of his arms and demanded, Where have you been today, my son? Chasing the pretty girls or doing pranks and dares with your friends?

He put his hands on each side of her face.

Not me, I dare not to do such a thing. I’ve been a good boy all day, he said with a smile. No, Mother, I been with Munchy, riding and learning. With Munchy training me, nothing can touch me.

Mother laughed and says, You are your father’s son.

Munchy, come and eat as we know not when these wretches will feed us again! shouted Jader with a laugh and his arms opened wide in the air as he walked to the table.

Mama walked up behind Jader and patted his shoulder, smiling as she walked by him. Mama touched Munchy’s cheek. He was part of the family. She knew how much he loved her daughter. Her heart filled with sorrow at his pain. But until Hailey could find her path, they would never be together.

Chapter 3

Standing in the darkness of the forest, a hooded dark figure stood, watching the warrior and the princess on the top of the castle. He watched the antics of the young bash elf flying with them.

It will be my home someday. I will rule the kingdom. You, my princess, will finally be mine, he promised himself. He rode off on his horse with the twisted little man beside him.

He began to think about all he lost in the past and what he had become. He became very angry. The hooded stranger rode fast and hard back to his hideout. He laid out his plans in his mind, what he was going to do to the people he hated the most. The hooded figure finally walked into the cave. Looking behind him outside the cave, the old man hobbled behind him slowly. He was watching the hooded figure walking in front of him.

Two little gnomes came out of the shadows.

Sir Kealen, we have been waiting a long time for you. We have news for you from the castle, said the taller of the two gnomes.

The twisted little man came into the cave behind the gnomes. Be careful, sir. Gnomes are not to be trusted. They go to the highest bidder. They are known for their silly antics and don’t always tell the truth. One has to be wiser than a gnome. Once you feed them, you can’t get rid of them either.

Kealen reached over to the twisted man and pushed him into the wall.

Then you deal with them if you know so much about gnomes! he said in a mean voice.

But, sir, we have come all this way to give you news that will make you happy, spoke the little gnome in a pleading voice.

Get on with it then, and none of your antics either. Don’t lie to me either, or I’ll have your liver for my supper, spoke Kealen in a chilling voice. Both the gnomes shook physically. The twisted little man stepped back from Kealen into the shadows of the cave.

The taller gnome poked the little gnome in the ribs. Go on, tell him. You wanted to so bad, remember?

The short, round little gnome named Yoda stepped forward. He pulled down on the front of his tunic. He pushed out his chest to appear bigger.

What is the delay? Tell or pay for bothering me, Kealen said as he pulled a long knife from under his cape. It glittered in the light of the cave.

Yoda swallowed quickly. "The young prince is leaving at the next full moon to go to training. There is to be a special party in his honor. There is to be a lot of important guests arriving. The townspeople will be involved in the