Forest & Kingdom Balance Read online

  Forest & Kingdom

  Balance

  Copyright 2015 Robert Reed Paul Thomas

  Smashwords Edition

  License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Published by Robert Reed Paul Thomas at Smashwords

  Cover Design by Author

  Dedication

  For Marie

  A friend in deed

  Contents

  Prelude: Vigilance

  Chapter One: The Enchanted Forest

  Interlude: At Sea

  Chapter Two: The Banquet

  Interlude: Flight

  Chapter Three: History Lessons

  Interlude: Discovery

  Chapter Four: Conversations

  Interlude: Fortune’s Child

  Chapter Five: Engagements

  Interlude: The Red Knight

  Chapter Six: Journeys

  Interlude: Good & Evil

  Chapter Seven: Balance

  Epilogue: Mindow Council

  Appendices: Tales & Facts

  Evangeline

  Farmer, Trader, Spy

  General Information

  Time Line

  About the Author

  Prelude

  Vigilance

  John’s consciousness returned from the west to find the Forest aglow in predawn light. The young Sentinel allowed night’s waning stillness to flow through him, a serenity that quickly faded as his concern for Dionara reemerged. “Today should have been a joyous celebration for her.”

  He placed a hand lightly on his mentor’s shoulder. “Caretaker, you will be late to meet the Princess.” The sound of his soft voice lingered in the still glade.

  The second man, who’s timeless countenance revealed a hint of sorrow, felt the weight of circumstances he could not change. “Yes, the time has come.” He gave his young charge a wistful smile as he turned to meet the dawn. From a brilliant flash of emerald green, an eagle flew to the east.

  John closed his eyes and once more expanded his awareness. In the distant palace, alone in the empty hall, the Red Knight struggled with questions he had travelled far to answer.

  Chapter One

  The Enchanted Forest

  White marble battlements bathed in the soft pastels of morning shone like a beacon, but only to the quiet mountain kingdom nestled among the majestic peaks. High upon the pinnacle, a brilliant silk banner gently flowed in the breeze, while far below at a seldom used and little known entrance to the castle, an interesting conversation was taking place.

  “No! Ye cannot enter,” bellowed the guard. “Aye, there be magic about you, of that there ain’t no doubt, but good magic or bad? Now there lies the question. So ye best move along, you’ll not be getting through this door today.”

  The petitioner just sat there, what else could he do? Overpowering the guard was out of the question, after all, the guard was a well-muscled, burly sort of chap and the petitioner was just a frog, a very late frog.

  “My good man, I am sure that your service to the realm has been exemplary and that you will be well rewarded for it, but in this matter you are mistaken. You see I am here at the personal request of the Princess. Perhaps you could send word that Froggy awaits but is unable to enter?”

  “I said move along!” The guard returned to his stance, muttering under his breath. "Talking frogs, ump!"

  “But sir, if I do not attend the Princess immediately,” the frog paused to choose his words carefully, “surely you are aware of the Princess’, oh let’s call it ‘impatience’ shall we. I entreat you kind sir, please, just send word.”

  As Froggy considered how he might convince the stalwart guard, a young woman’s voice echoed from within the castle, “Froggy! If I don’t see your little green ass soon, I’m going to have frog legs for lunch!”

  The guard’s words were contrite as he opened the door, “Now that I look sir, I can tell that you are truly a kind and gentle being sir. Might I ask you not to mention this to the Princess sir? I don’t know if there’s a worse posting than mine in the Royal Guard sir, but given the choice, I’d rather not find out. If ye get my meanin’ sir.”

  “Of course,” answered the frog.

  He emerged onto the cobblestone courtyard to a breathtaking sight. Before him stood the Princess Dionara, her tall, lithe figure was eclipsed only by the radiance of her smile framed in the long shimmering tresses of her raven black hair. He stopped for a moment to admire the soft, feminine beauty of this girl who must soon become a woman.

  “Froggy, there you are. Where have you been? We were supposed to get started at sunrise.” Dionara bent down to welcome her guest. “Well? You’re late, and you’d better make it good.” She lifted him with a gentle hand and set off toward the stable at a brisk pace. Froggy looked up and was instantly lost in the music of her eyes. Her expression though, still said “Well?”

  “Please accept my apologies Princess, an ox cart rolled over and blocked the road. By the way, you really should do something about that sharp turn just past the mill, it’s very dangerous.”

  Dionara smiled, Froggy usually said more with what questions he avoided than the ones he answered. “That’s duty, I’ll deal with it tomorrow,” she gave him a stern glance. “Today is the day you promised to take me to the Enchanted Forest.”

  “And so I did my Lady.” Froggy looked to the west, then dismissed the sadness that threatened to reemerge, “The past is done and the future not yet at hand.” He reminded himself.

  With her friend now well in hand, Dionara quickly passed from the courtyard and entered the royal stables, a domed arena built of the finest hardwoods expertly crafted and polished. The clean, fresh scent of oiled leather and aged wood mixed with the musk of well-tended steeds.

  “How long will it take to get there?” Dionara’s impatience was evident.

  “The Forest is but a short ride my Lady, the trick is knowing how to get in. No strangers wander the Enchanted Forest. It’s by invitation only, so to speak.” Dionara held Froggy close to her face. Her eyes narrowed as she wondered if any of his wild tales were true.

  “I trust my Lady has chosen a sturdy mount for today’s outing?” He asked to divert her obvious skepticism.

  Dionara’s anticipation of the day’s adventure heightened, “Indeed! He is named Foil for his quick, sure movements.”

  “As you wish my Lady.” Froggy made a show of looking over the horse being lead toward them. “Although I don’t think my legs will reach the stirrups.”

  She pictured her friend astride Foil at full gallop, desperately trying to hold on to the reins, as well as his dignity. Dionara’s laughter filled the arena. “Oh Froggy,” she said as she caught her breath. “I don’t think you need to worry about the stirrups, I have something better.” She rested him on the saddle and tied a miniature leather sling about her neck. “Today you’ll ride close to my heart as I listen to your tales of an Enchanted Forest, although I still doubt it exists. If nothing else, it’s a wonderful day and I’m sure you’ll entertain me with incredible stories while we ride.”

  Beneath the portcullis past white marble walls, Dionara gently rocked in rhythm with her steed. Froggy enjoyed the warm comfort of his perch while he watched the morning dew sparkle in ever changing colors as they passed thatched roof cottages on t
ree-shaded lanes. Only the occasional “Good morning Princess,” from a few of the kingdom’s earlier risers interrupted the sound of Foil’s hooves.

  “Are you going to give me directions, or do we ride around in circles all day?” She teased, “Or are you just content with a pleasant ride?”

  Froggy’s eyes lifted slowly, he knew that time was now their enemy but he wanted to savor this one last moment. “Yes, no, and yes my Lady. Forgive my inattentiveness, though I dare anyone not to be distracted were they to find themselves in such fine company on this beautiful morning.” Her patient smile told him that it was time to start.

  As Dionara slowed Foil’s gate, Froggy felt his determination return. "Life is change, I should know that better than anyone." He felt both a sense of loss for her innocence, and a hope that she might at least have a chance for a rich, full life. Though that chance was getting slimmer with each passing day. Whether dreaded or hoped for, today had come and so the Princess must begin another chapter in her life. He looked up to see her waiting for an answer. “Our destination is Angel Falls my Lady.”

  “Angel Falls!” She said with a start. “Why, I haven’t been there in years, how wonderful. A trip to Angel Falls it is.” She immediately turned Foil about and set off at a healthy stride, nearly unseating her contented guest. “You’ve gotten yourself into trouble now my dear Froggy. You see Angel Falls is very special to me. Much of my youth was spent in that heavenly glade. I know every inch of that place and if there’s an Enchanted Forest there, I’ll eat my horse.”

  “Don’t worry Foil,” Froggy thought, “I won’t hold her to it.”

  After a short while at full speed to express her exhilaration, she allowed Foil to settle into a comfortable gate. “Angel Falls,” she began again, “I haven’t been there since I was a child, what great memories.”

  Froggy looked to the west. “Yes, I know my Lady.”

  Dionara paused. Many years of banter with her enigmatic friend had heightened her perceptions. She knew that simple words from Froggy could hold a wealth of meaning. “How could you know?” She asked warily, “You and I are old friends, but not that old. I haven’t been to Angel Falls since my parents," she hesitated. "Well, let’s just say since I’ve taken on my duties at the castle.”

  Froggy’s answer was, as usual, both tantalizing and frustrating. “Your parents were of a kind and generous nature my Lady.” He said in a solemn voice, “The world has known few of their stature, and now know fewer still.”

  “You knew my parents? Why have you never told me?” Dionara’s reply was too quick to hide her frustration, and his answer did nothing to relieve it.

  “Today you will learn many things my Lady.”

  “Oh! He never gives me a straight answer.” She thought, “Perhaps a different approach.”

  “Still, when it comes to my Froggy,” she said casually, “I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. Like the first time we met. There I was, barely into my teens as I stood in the Great Hall surrounded by dreary faced councilors who could talk of nothing but matters of state, while all I could think of were my parents and how my life had changed. I’m afraid I threw a very unprincess-like fit, then ordered everyone out. Or so I thought.”

  Her face revealed the slightest hint of a wound, long dealt with but never forgotten. “I felt as if all the weight of the Kingdom rested on me alone as I sat there crying.” She said softly.

  She paused until the cloud that shadowed her beauty passed. “Then I hear the most absurd noise, ‘ribbit, ribbit,’ and out from behind a huge stone pillar hopped a frog.”

  “I remember, my Lady.” He chuckled, “You asked if it was I who made that strange noise. To which I replied, in a most gentlemanly fashion. ‘Yes my Princess it was I, your humble servant, who has been so bold as to interrupt her Highness’ royal tantrum.’”

  “At least I stopped crying.” She remembered.

  “That you did my Lady, and I feared that you had also stopped breathing.”

  Dionara glanced down with mild reprimand, “Perhaps where you come from talking frogs are common place, but it was a first for me.”

  “I must admit that you did recover remarkably well,” Froggy continued, “with a style and self-confidence I’ve come to know has your hallmark. Now, what was it you said? Ah yes, ‘Since it seems that you are the only one in my court who is not flustered by a child’s tears, I hereby appoint you High Councilor.’ You then promptly picked me up and locked me in a musty, old box.”

  A slight blush came to her face. “I was a child and you were a talking frog. What did you expect? Besides, I let you out. Eventually.”

  He wasn’t about to let her get away with that. “My Lady’s memory may be a bit hazy today, allow me to refresh it. It took two weeks and every bit of charm I possessed to win my release. Even then, you made me promise to return often with tales of the Enchanted Forest.”

  “Actually,” she said in a reminiscent tone, “it was the story of your wife and the three hundred tadpoles going hungry that got you out. Not that I believed any it of course, you were too much of a flirt, a rogue and a scoundrel to be husband material. I could see that even then, but if you went that far you were getting desperate.”

  Knowing discretion to be the better part of valor, Froggy conceded the point. “Then as now my Princess, you are a kind and perceptive young woman.”

  A mischievous look crossed Dionara’s face, “Although, I do seem to recall an impression that you quite enjoyed being held captive in the bedroom of a beautiful young princess.”

  “Dionara!” He responded in playful indignation.

  “Don’t try to deny it my little green flirt.”

  Her laughter came often as their ride progressed and by mid-morning Foil walked slowly through the final turn that revealed Angel Falls. They were greeted by the sound of falling water and the serenity of a tree lined lawn that sloped gently to a crystal clear pool filled with ripples in constant expansion as water cascaded from a cliff of ancient stone.

  “I know this place well,” whispered the Princess, “and each time I enter, I feel reborn.”

  “You feel the power of Angel Falls.” Froggy’s voice seemed distant and changed, “Many can admire her beauty, but few can feel her spirit. You my Lady, have depths you have not yet discovered.”

  Dionara dismounted and led Foil to the water’s edge. “End of the road, Froggy.” She exclaimed as she removed her guest unceremoniously from the leather sling. “Time for a swim,” and gently tossed an indignant Froggy into the water.

  “Wait!” Was all he could utter before the splash.

  Dutiful as always, Dionara attended to all her guests. She admonished Foil to stay close by, and then removed his bridle, saddle and bags so that he too could enjoy the comforts of the glade. Looking back to the water she spied Froggy, once again composed, settled on a convenient lily pad. “Well, that’s everyone but me.” She said, satisfied that her chores were done. “Now for my swim.”

  Comfortably atop his perch, Froggy contemplated the Princess he saw before him. A statuesque beauty of perfect proportion wrapped in skin tight, darkly tanned riding leathers, which she then hastily removed to reveal a darkly and fully tanned Princess. “I hope my Lady has been a bit more appropriate in her sunning habits of late.” He commented from a safe distance.

  “I know my friend, decorum, always decorum. You sound more like my councilors every day, but I do so enjoy the sun and sometimes clothes are just a hindrance.” She gave Froggy a smile as she tied her hair back. “Besides, I’ve always felt that it was only fair that my guards know exactly what the were guarding.” Her last word punctuated by the smallest of ripples as her nude streamlined form slipped beneath the surface.

  “And she calls me a flirt.” Froggy commented to himself.

  He watched the Princess turn toward him as she glided beneath the water. “Brace yourself,” he mused, resigned to the impending loss of such a comfy lily pad. Much to his surprise and relief, her head surfac
ed just in front of him. Although her impish smile told him he wasn’t out of the woods yet.

  “Froggy you scoundrel, you should have just told me we were coming to Angel Falls, I would have brought a picnic lunch. Now we’ll have to go hungry until we’re back at the castle. Unless, let’s see, I’ve got some flint in my saddlebag. I hear that frog legs make an excellent appetizer.” Her sinister laugh was accompanied by an enormous splash as Froggy, his lily pad and Dionara all sank beneath the water.

  On shore once more, Froggy decided to allow the Princess a few uninterrupted moments to enjoy her swim. A great deal still awaited her and his thoughts turned to the trials she was about to face. “Would she realize her potential in time to save her Kingdom? Time, time, time.”

  Shortly Froggy’s impatience resurfaced, “Princess, if you stay in the water much longer that delightful body of yours will start to resemble yours truly.”

  Dionara returned to the shore refreshed from her swim and stretched out on her back to relax. She enjoyed the feeling of freedom as her skin glistened in the warmth of the sun. Rapt in the sensations of sun and breeze, her eyelids bowed to the weight of a perfect day.

  “Not now.” She whispered as she felt Froggy land on her stomach, “We have all day and I want to enjoy the sun for awhile.” She raised her head briefly to see him stare at her from between her breasts.

  “This is not our destination my Lady, we should be on our way soon.” He said firmly.

  “Ah yes,” she sighed. “The Enchanted Forest, I had almost forgotten. I’ve been looking forward to hearing you explain your way out of this one.”

  “No excuses my Lady, just adventures. So when you’ve rested enough we’ll be on our way.”

  Dionara raised her head once more and glared at her long time companion. “I don’t know what kind of game you’re up to, but there’s no place better than this and I am not moving.”

  His eyes shifted from the Princess’ determined gaze to glance slightly right, then left, as he studied the smooth curve of her breasts. Once again his eyes met hers. “I must admit my Lady, that upon closer inspection, I am still at a loss to see what the young men in your kingdom are making such a fuss about.” He leapt from her stomach, his wide grin in full view.