For hundreds of years the countries of Elesta and Daborenya had been at war. Elesta was normally a peaceful country. The people of Elesta worked hard and lived well, even with the threat of their neighboring country, Daborenya. The dark country of Daborenya was covered with great mountains that stretched up to the black sky. The inhabitants of this dreadful country were the dwarves. The dwarves mostly stayed in their mines, unless they were out fighting the Elestians. The dwarves envied Elesta’s great mining area and would do anything to get it. Elesta’s king, Samuel, knew the Daborenians had access to very powerful creatures, and in the twentieth year of his reign Samuel declared a great war against Daborenya. Like most humans, the Elestians weren’t built for war, but were ready to protect their beloved country.

During this great war Elesta’s great king was killed. As the word of his death spread throughout the country, Samuel was given the title of a great hero. However, when Samuel’s wife, Sarah, heard of his death, she went into a depression so great, they say she literally died of a broken heart. Thus leaving the kingdom to Markus, Samuel and Sarah’s oldest child, and his wife Eliza of Ekafey and their children two year old Fredric and one year old Catrina. Markus was nineteen and Eliza was seventeen when they came to rule Elesta. That winter was very fierce and claimed many lives. The Elestians and Daborenians were forced to make a truce until each side had recovered from their losses. Sixteen years later war broke out again, but it wasn’t until the next year that Markus was needed.

“I still don’t understand why you have to leave.” Catrina said to her father, pacing across the length of the large library.

“I’m the king and my country needs me.” Markus answered, he was sitting in one of the large chairs in the middle of the room reading a book and occasionally looking up to watch Catrina pacing. “Stop pacing, you’re making me nervous.” He said pointing at the chair beside him. Catrina sat side ways in the chair and propped her feet on the arm of the third chair across from her father.

“Yeah but, the war has been going on for a year now. I thought we were doing well. Why do they need you all of a sudden?” Catrina asked twirling her finger into one of her blonde curls.

“We, uh, are doing well. I just think it’s time for me to take my rightful place in the war by my people.” Markus said, nervously flipping the pages in his book.

“So basically were losing and there’s not much hope, but you’re too afraid to say it because you’re trying to protect something.” Catrina said untwirling her finger from her hair and looking at Markus.

“No! And get your feet off that chair.” Markus said hitting Catrina’s feet with his walking cane, obviously trying to change the subject. But Catrina wouldn’t let it slide.

“Who are you trying to protect? Surely it isn’t me. Because you know I can handle it, I’m tough.” Catrina asked ignoring her father’s order to take her feet off of the chair.

“We’re doing fine in this war and if we start doing bad I’ll notify you immediately. Okay?” Markus said grabbing Catrina’s hand.

“Okay.” Catrina smiled.

“Good. Now take your feet off that chair, and don’t make me tell you again.” Markus said trying to look stern. Catrina laughed as she turned around in her chair and sat correctly. “Thank you” Markus said smiling. Just then Fredric walked into the library from behind Catrina.

“What are you talking about?” He asked.

“How bad we’re doing in the war.” Catrina said smiling as she turned around to face her brother.

“What? I thought we were doing well!” Fredric said nervously. Markus hit Catrina’s shoulder with the back of his hand.

“We are. Your sister doesn’t know what she’s talking about.” Markus said giving Catrina a stern look. Fredric sighed with relief.

“Okay, good. You almost scared me.” He said.

“But since you’re here, Fredric, I’d like to talk to you and Catrina.” Markus said waving Fredric to him. “Sit please.” He said pointing the empty chair across from him with his cane. Fredric sat down and looked at Catrina with confusion, Catrina just shrugged her shoulders. “As you two know, I’m leaving.” Markus said clearing his throat. “And well, uh, that means I have to leave someone in charge. So I decided to leave Fredric in charge.” he said.

“Fredric! Tell me you’re joking!” Catrina said disgusted at her father’s decision. “Why can’t you just send him to war in your place?”

“We all know that Fredric wouldn’t survive in war.” Markus whispered to Catrina, Fredric curiously raised an eyebrow. “And because, someone has to protect you and your mother if someone tries to break in and kill you.”

“Me? Protect? …Break in? …Kill?” Fredric repeated nervously.

“Don’t worry Fredric; even if someone does kill you it won’t be that much of a loss.” Catrina laughed. Fredric raised his hand, threatening to slap Catrina. “At least you don’t have to be king.” She added grabbing Fredric’s wrist and lowering his hand.

“Well Catrina, Dear, Fredric is the rightful heir and he needs practice.” Markus said putting his hand on the arm of Catrina’s chair.

“Practice!?” Catrina asked, hitting the arms of her chair with her fists, barely missing Markus’ hand. “Do you really trust Fredric that much? Elesta will surely fall with him as the king.” Catrina said standing up and pointing at Fredric.

“Hey! I’m right here!” Fredric said angrily as he stood up and slapped Catrina’s hand away from him. “But do you really think I can handle ruling a kingdom during the absence of The Great King, Markus?” Fredric asked his father nervously.

“You will do fine.” Markus smiled reassuringly.

“Yeah, and when you screw up, I’ll be here to take your place.” Catrina smiled. “Or at least protect you, because I guess you need practice from running away from the angry mobs you’ll create when the people realize how bad of a leader you are.” Catrina said laughing. Fredric swung his fist towards Catrina’s face, only to be caught by Markus.

“Hey! No fighting! That’s a sign of bad leadership.” Markus said looking at both of his children. “And if you do it again, I might change my mind and leave Catrina in charge.” Markus said looking at Fredric.

“Fine.” Fredric snapped, jerking his fist from his father’s grip.

“Okay.” Catrina said innocently, before she smiled mockingly at her brother. Fredric glared back at her. They stared at each other for a long time, neither wanting to back down from the stare challenge. Fredric jerked towards Catrina. Catrina screamed and jumped over her chair before running out of the library and down the stairs into the entry hall where Eliza was.

“Mother.” Catrina said surprised when she ran into her. Fredric had chased Catrina down the stairs.

“Hello.” Fredric said trying to seem innocent.

“Don’t try to play innocent.” Eliza snapped at Fredric then looked at her children. “You know you Father is about to leave. You can at least try to give him something good to remember you by.”

“Yes ma’am.” Catrina and Fredric said.

“Good. Now, off with you two. We’re still cleaning and you just soiled up the floor.” Eliza said waving them upstairs. Catrina followed Fredric up stairs. She turned into her room and lay down on her bed. Her eyes started watering and soon tears started rolling down her cheeks. She didn’t want her father to leave. The morning sun shined brightly in her room, making shadows on her ceiling. When the shadows got too blurry for her to see, Catrina put a pillow over her face. She could hear Fredric shuffling around in his room next door. She knew he was reorganizing his room because he always reorganized when he was upset. In a strange way, she was comforted to know her brother felt the same way she did. Downstairs the maids were cleaning and cooking for the king’s going away party. The house was filled with an uncomfortable uncertainty that no one would say was there although they know everyone else knows it was. The last time a King left for war, he never returned. The house had become a stressing environment for everyone, especially Catrina and Fredric. The soothing sounds of every day life soon sent Catrina drifting off to sleep.

“Catrina! Catrina wake up!” Tritni yelled shaking Catrina until she opened her eyes. Sleepily, Catrina sat up. She rubbed her eyes and looked at Tritni. “Oh my” Tritni sighed she looked Catrina up and down, “What happened to you?” Catrina got up and walked to her mirror.

“What are you talking about? OH MY GOD!” Catrina exclaimed when she saw herself in the mirror. Her hair was pushed up on the left side of her head, and the curls on the right side had gone flat. Her blue eyes were blood shot and her once rosy cheeks were pale and tear streaked. The right side of her face was imprinted with wrinkles from her pillow. “Tritni, you’ve got to help me! My father’s party is in-”

“Less than half an hour.” Tritni cut in.

“What? That’s it, we’re screwed!” Catrina said throwing her hands in the air before falling back onto her bed.

“‘We’re?’” Tritni laughed as she repeated it. “Sorry, Dear, but you’re the princess. There is no we in this.” Tritni said waving a finger at Catrina. Catrina put Tritni’s hand down and smiled.

“Yes but, since you’re my best friend and maid, if I’m not down there on time then it’s your head… not mine.” She said smiling.

“We’re screwed! No offence, but there’s no hope for you if you’re going to be at the party on time.” Tritni said plopping down on the bed beside Catrina. Then Catrina’s eyes lit up.

“The princess has to be at the party on time. They never said it had to be the real princess.” Catrina said getting off the bed and looking at Tritni.

“No! Catrina no! Do you know how mad your father would get if you sent me down there?”

“Then don’t get near him. Come on Tritni, the plan is fool proof.” Catrina said getting on her knees and scooting to where Tritni was sitting. She put her elbows on Tritni’s knees and clasped her hands together. “Please, please, please. Since you’re my best friend and you love me.” Catrina begged.

“Won’t the war people notice that I’m me and not you?” Tritni asked. Catrina started laughing and waved her hand through the air.

“Them? Ha! They’re so dense that if we had turned the house upside down they wouldn’t even notice.” Catrina said laughing.

“Fine I’ll go. But not for all night mind you. Just until you’re back to the normal, beautiful Catrina.” Tritni said. Catrina smiled and then hugged Tritni.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Catrina said when she let go of Tritni. Tritni smiled.

“I know you love me forever and you owe me big for this.” Tritni said rolling her eyes. “Where’s your gown?” She asked. Catrina got up and opened the large wardrobe by her wash room. She pulled out a gorgeous cream gown. The long sleeves were made from a transparent cream colored material that flared at the golden lined end. The gown had a long train in the back that was a few feet long. The small buttons in the back were dipped in real gold and blended perfectly with Tritni and Catrina’s golden hair. “Oh, that’s gorgeous.” Tritni gasped. Just then Eliza called from downstairs.

“Catrina! Fredric! Hurry up!” She yelled.

“Yes ma’am!” Fredric called from his room.

“I’ll be right down!” Catrina yelled as Tritni quickly undressed and redressed into Catrina’s gown. Catrina gasped at the sight of Tritni. “Wow! You’re so beautiful! Do I look that good in that gown?” Tritni smiled and briefly admired herself in the mirror before Fredric started banging on the door between his and Catrina’s room.

“Hurry up! I’m not going down there until you do.” He yelled. Tritni opened the door. “Tritni?” Fredric said stunned at her beauty. “Wow! You look… wow!” He stuttered, unable to express his shock. Tritni blushed.

“No drooling Fredric. I’ve got to wear that dress later.” Catrina said. For a brief second, Fredric took his eyes off of Tritni and saw Catrina. He covered his mouth to keep from laughing, but it didn’t help much.

“You poor thing. Please tell me someone is going to help turn you back to normal.” Fredric said trying not to laugh.

“Yes. And don’t laugh; I still look better than you.” Catrina snapped. Fredric glared at her. Tritni jumped in the way of Fredric’s glare.

“Okay, we’ve got to go.” She said grabbing Fredric’s hand and dragging him out through his room. Catrina opened her door.

“Tritni! Tiara!” Catrina said as Tritni and Fredric headed down the stairs. Tritni turned around. Catrina tossed the tiara to Tritni.

“Thanks.” She said putting the Tiara on. “Oh, and I’ll send someone up to help you as soon as I can.” Then she turned back to Fredric and they walked down the stairs into the entry hall. Catrina shut her door as trumpets sounded outside.

They’re here. Tritni better not blow it. Catrina thought. She blew a stray hair out of her face, only to have it fall back. She sat down on the floor and leaned back on her door. She could hear the war people as they greeted her family and who they thought was Catrina. Then there was a knock on the door between her and Fredric’s room.

“Miz Catrina, you in der?” One of the maids called.

“Yes, come in.” Catrina called. The maid poked her head in.

“Oh my, Miz Catrina, Tritni say you need help but she don say you need dat much.” The maid said.

“I know. It’s scary huh?” Catrina said still leaning on the door. The maid nodded and smiled to where you could see all of her teeth, or at least the ones that were left.

“Well, come on wich you. You ain’t gonna get purdy jus sittin’ der.” The maid said waving Catrina over. Catrina got up and sat in the chair in front of her vanity table. “Let’s get workin’.” The maid said. Catrina nodded. The maid got out her tools and started working on Catrina. Soon she was finished. “Miz Catrina, you are beautiful,” the maid said, proudly admiring her work. “I’ll go get Tritni.”

“Okay, you go do that. And thanks for the help.” Catrina said smiling at her beautiful face in the mirror. The maid left and soon Tritni appeared. She had the biggest smile on her face.

“What?” Catrina asked giving Tritni a suspicious look. Tritni just shrugged her shoulders and bit her bottom lip in a mischievous way. “Tell me right now!” Catrina demanded as she took the tiara off of Tritni’s head and put it on her own. “And don’t tell me it’s nothing because girls don’t just go around smiling like that.”

“You’ll laugh if I told you.” Tritni said shutting the door and starting to undress. Catrina helped unbutton the back.

“No I won’t. Just tell me. Please?” Catrina said and she finished unbuttoning the gown. Tritni slipped out of it and handed it to Catrina.

“It’s stupid. It’s not a big deal. You don’t need to worry.” Tritni said helping Catrina into the gown. Catrina looked Tritni in the eyes, not believing her. “Fine. Fredric couldn’t stop staring at me.” Tritni said giggling.

“Fredric? Of course he couldn’t stop staring at you. He is a retard!” Catrina said rolling her eyes. Tritni had finished buttoning the gown. Catrina admired herself in her mirror, twirling around to make the bottom flare out. “I have to go. Thanks for going down for me!” Catrina yelled running out the door and down the stairs. When she got downstairs, she heard music coming from the main hall. She opened one of the massive doors with a loud creek. The room got quiet and Catrina just stood stiff in the doorway, eyes wide.

“Catrina!” Markus’ deep voice broke the uncomfortable silence, and the conversation and music began again. He walked through the huge crowd, with the assistance of his walking stick, to the large door where Catrina was “Come with me! There is someone I would like for you to meet.” Markus beamed putting his arm around Catrina’s shoulder. Wow there is a lot of people here. Where did they all come from? Are there normally this many people at our parties? Who the hell is that? Catrina thought as her Father pushed her through the crowd to where Fredric and another boy were standing.

“Hi.” Catrina squeaked as her father shoved her between Fredric and the boy. He was a little taller than Catrina with short black hair that barely covered the tips of his ears. He had bright green eyes like Fredric and no facial hair.

“Hello. You are Catrina?” the boy hesitantly asked. Catrina nodded, her gold curls bouncing around her shoulders. “I am Evan, King of Erron.” Evan said bowing low to Catrina.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Evan king of Erron.” Catrina said half-curtsying and holding out her hand. Evan took it and gently kissed it.

“I believe the pleasure is all mine, Princess.” Evan smiled and let go of Catrina’s hand. Catrina touched her cheek to hide her blushing. She looked behind her and saw Markus and Fredric were gone. The main hall was hot and crowded, which made Catrina a little uncomfortable.

“Would you like to go up to the library with me?” She asked holding out her hand. Evan took it and nodded. Catrina led Evan out a small door at the right side of the room that entered into the North corridor. At the front end of the corridor was the entry hall. They went up the right stairs in the entry hall and into the library. In the back left corner was a small table with books piled on it and on the two chairs beside the table. They walked across the room and Catrina took the books off of the chairs and set them on the floor. She sat on the chair furthest from the stairs and moved the books on the table so she could put her elbow on the table. She rested her head in her hand and with her other hand moved the other chair in front of her so Evan could sit down.

“So, Fredric is your brother?” Evan asked as he sat down.

“Regretfully, yes.” Catrina sighed.

“Have you ever tried to talk to him?” Evan asked.

“I try to avoid conversation with him as much as possible.” Catrina said matter-of-factly.

“Good, because you would fail miserably if you tried.” Evan snickered. Catrina smiled and leaned back in her chair. Evan copied her and leaned back in his chair. “Who was the other girl?” Evan asked after a moment of silence.

“Who?” Catrina asked.

“The other girl that was down here before.” He replied. Catrina blushed from embarrassment. “Oh, was I not supposed to notice you were a different girl?” Evan smiled, trying to make Catrina feel better.

“She is my maid.” Catrina smiled

“Oh. Well don’t worry; I think I was the only one who noticed.” He smiled.

“Trust me, you were the only one who has or ever will notice.” Catrina laughed.

“So, what is your view on this whole war?” Evan asked.

“I don’t get involved with politics.” Catrina answered getting up from her spot. Evan followed.

“But what about the king leaving? You must have some opinion on that.” Evan inquired.

“I don’t know. I guess you have to do what you have to do, and if he thinks this is what he has to do then I can’t argue.” Catrina said as she started pacing. “I do fear for his safety because I don’t know how well he can fight.” Catrina said holding back tears.

“Because of his leg?” Evan asked watching Catrina. She nodded as a few tears rolled down her cheek. “Hey, don’t cry. It’ll be okay, you’ll see.” Evan smiled wiping the tears from Catrina’s cheeks. Catrina’s mind quickly switched to Fredric.

“And I don’t like the fact that Fredric is going to be in charge. I’m much smarter and more responsible than he is and I’m a much better choice of ruler than he is. But my Father is the king and you don’t question the king’s authority.” Catrina said sitting down on the floor.

“Are you pouting?” Evan smiled.

“No.” Catrina snapped.

“Because to me it looks like you are.” He chuckled.

“No. It’s not my fault that my father can’t see Fredric is a retard.” Catrina said bitterly.

“You make Fredric sound like a mindless idiot. Is there anything he is good at?” Evan asked.

“First, I don’t make Fredric sound like a mindless idiot; he does that perfectly fine on his own. And second, other than sleeping with my maids I don’t think there is anything Fredric can do well.” Catrina said, she raised her eyebrows in confusion, “Why are we talking about Fredric? Why don’t we talk about you? You said you were from Erron?” Catrina asked. Evan nodded. “Wow! I’ve never met anyone that wasn’t from Ekafey with black hair!” Catrina said excitedly. Evan raised an eyebrow.

“What do you mean? Your mother has black hair.” He asked.

“Because she’s from Ekafey.” Catrina rolled her eyes, “Black hair isn’t natural in any other country than Ekafey. Or so I thought until now. Does everyone in Erron have black hair?” Catrina asked.

“No. Why? Does everyone from Ekafey have black hair?” Evan asked.

“Yes. It has to do with where the Island is located or something like that.” Catrina said.

“Well what if someone was born in Ekafey but their parents weren’t from there, would they have black hair?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think it has ever happened before. Ekafey is just a complicated place. But please tell me more about Erron.” Catrina said trying to change the subject. And so Evan did. They had a long conversation about Evan’s country.

About an hour later the doors to the main hall opened with a loud creek and footsteps echoed in the entry hall.

“Catrina! Where are you?” Eliza’s voice mixed with the sound of her echoing footsteps as she climbed the left set of stairs in the entry hall.

“In the library.” She said getting up and walking to the front of the room to meet her mother at the top of the stairs. Evan followed her.

“Good. You’re both here.” Eliza said when she saw Catrina and Evan at the top of the stairs. “Hurry down now. The cook said lunch is almost ready. Your father’s guests are in the main hall waiting to be seated.” Eliza said as she grabbed Catrina’s hand and led her down the stairs. When they got into the main hall the guests were entering the dining hall, so Eliza, Catrina, and Evan followed. The dining hall was exquisite. Red banners hung from the tall ceiling over the long table with an ivory tablecloth and golden dishes. On the back wall there was an enormous painting, framed in gold, of King Markus. The other walls had smaller paintings of the other kings and also of the royal families.

At the furthest end of the room sat Markus. Fredric sat on his left and there were two empty chairs on his right for Eliza and Catrina. Beside Fredric was Sir Dienif of Ekafey, Eliza’s older cousin. Beside Catrina was the second commander of the Elestian army, the second most powerful man in the country of Elesta save the king. In the middle sat the Elestian war people, then the ally war people and at the other end of the table sat Evan, the only other ruler at the party. There were about thirty men in all. On the back wall was a swinging door that led to the kitchen. The men hungrily watched the door for any sign of movement.

They all watched as shadows moved back and forth under the door. Each man would perk up when the shadows seemed to be coming towards the door but they would slump back down when the shadow turned and disappeared into the rest of the kitchen. Finally after about five minutes the door swung open revealing a tall man neatly dressed in an ivory butler’s suit. The men almost started drooling when the wonderful aroma of their meal filled the room. The butler stepped into the room and the door to the kitchen swung back and forth until it was shut.

“My friends,” Markus said standing up with a big smile. “Lunch is served.” He said as about forty maids filed into the dining hall with huge golden platters of various meats, vegetables, fruits and desserts. The maids set the platters on the table and left the room, only to come back carrying large golden jars of the best Elestian wine (it was the cook’s secret recipe), fresh milk, and water. After every one had gotten their food and drink, Markus, who was still standing, said, “Let the feasting begin.”

Before he could finish his sentence, the warriors had filled their plates and began eating. Markus quickly sat down and began eating. They ate without much conversation, mostly because they were too busy eating. But to say it was a quiet meal would be lying. The men were slurping their soup, crunching on their vegetables, gulping their drinks, and making all sorts of noises as if they were animals. Sir Dienif decided to break the “silence”.

“So, Fredric, are you ready to take charge and defend your home when your father is gone, or are you coming to war with us?” he asked. Fredric, who was loudly slurping his soup, almost choked. Catrina almost squirted milk up her nose trying to keep from laughing. Fredric, go to war? It was the funniest thing she had heard all day. Fredric was not even remotely the warrior type, in her eyes. Fredric began coughing uncontrollably.

“I’m going to go outside for a second.” He said between coughs. His face was turning purple as he left the room. Most of the men didn’t even notice as Fredric left, coughing hysterically. However, after a few minutes the men slowly began to notice his absence.

“Catrina, would you please go find your brother and ask him to come join us?” Markus asked when the men began questioning Fredric’s sudden disappearance. Catrina nodded and quietly left the room. She walked to the bottom of the staircase that led to the bedrooms. She could see Fredric’s bedroom door was closed so she went up the stairs. She opened the door to see Fredric lying on his bed, looking out his balcony windows.

“I thought you’d try to escape up here.” She said leaning on the doorframe. Fredric sat up and looked at her. He said nothing and had a vacant _expression on his face. “Father wants you to go back and join the men in the dining hall. You know that they are superstitious, and with their future king missing” She paused “well…” Fredric got up and left the room. He walked to the top of the stairs before he stopped and turned to face Catrina, who was still standing in his doorway.

“Aren’t you coming?” He asked.

“Nope.” Catrina answered with a smile. She walked the few steps to her opened bedroom door. Fredric grabbed her arm just before she stepped inside.

“Please come down with me. I’d feel better if you did.” He said with puppy eyes.

“Sorry, but my answer is still no.” Catrina smiled loosening her arm from Fredric’s grip and walking into her room.

“What if father asks about where you are? He’ll be angry if you aren’t there.” Fredric asked following her.

“Then you can tell him I’m just following the example of my wonderful and inspiring older brother because he is such a great leader.” Catrina said shoving Fredric out the door and slamming it shut behind him. She leaned against the door incase Fredric tried to get back in, but he didn’t. Catrina listened as Fredric stomped down the stairs and through the entry hall. When she couldn’t hear his footsteps Catrina poked her head out of her door. No one was around so she walked out her door to the library. Once in the library she grabbed a book and sat sideways in one of the large chairs in the middle of the room with its back to the balcony. After a few minutes she heard footsteps coming up the stairs. It was Fredric.

“Father said that you needed to come back down to the dining hall.” He said. Catrina slammed her book shut and threw it in the chair next to her.

“Wait a second.” Catrina said staring into the nursery which had been turned into Catrina’s art studio.

“What is it?” Fredric asked looking into the nursery.

“I thought I saw something pass by the window.” Catrina said getting out of her chair and slowly walking towards the room. Fredric rolled his eyes and walked behind her.

“It was probably a bird.” He said a little annoyed.

“It was too big to be a bird.” Catrina said walking into the room. Just then something else flew past the window. “There! Did you see that?” Catrina asked pointing at the window. Fredric nodded. They walked up to the window and looked out. There were three black things on the ground about half a mile from the castle. “What are they?” Catrina asked.

“I’m not entirely sure. But I have a hunch.” Fredric said. “Come on.” He said grabbing Catrina’s arm. He walked out of the nursery and went the bookshelf next to the nursery door. He found the space between it and the wall and pulled. The bookshelf shuddered but didn’t move. He pulled again and it moved a few inches. Catrina stared at him wide-eyed. “Help me move this” Fredric said.

“Fredric, we’re not allowed to.” Catrina said shaking her head.

“Do you want to find out what those things are, or not?” Fredric asked pulling on the bookshelf again. Catrina nodded and helped Fredric move the bookshelf. Behind the bookshelf was a dusty wooden door with an iron ring over a rusty lock in the middle of it. Fredric felt around on the back of the bookshelf until he found a notch. He pulled the notch to reveal a secret compartment with an old, rusted key inside. Fredric put the key in the lock and turned it until the lock clicked. He pulled on the iron ring but nothing happened.

“Let me try.” Catrina said shoving Fredric out of the way. She pulled the ring but nothing happened. Fredric grabbed the ring also and they pulled on the door. The door slowly opened, while shaking the whole house. When they finally got it unstuck from the doorframe the door flew open. Inside was an empty room, with exception of the cobwebs and dust. “What is this room?” Catrina asked looking at the cobwebs.

“It was the dungeon keeper’s room.” Fredric said grabbing two candles off of the holder on the wall in the library. “Come on.” Fredric said handing one of the candles to Catrina and stepping into the room. Catrina started into the room but stopped when she heard footsteps coming up the stairs. She went to the balcony and saw Evan was coming up the stairs.

“Evan,” Catrina said quietly, “what do you want?”

“Your father sent me to come get you and Fredric.” Evan said quietly back. “Why are we whispering?” He asked when he got to the top of the stairs. Catrina just waved at him to follow her. Evan saw the moved bookshelf and the open door. “What is that?” He asked nervously. Fredric stepped out of the room, covered in cobwebs.

“Grab a candle and come in.” He said pointing to the holder on the wall. Catrina walked in the room and Evan followed with his candle. “There should be a secret door somewhere in here.” Fredric said feeling along the far wall. Catrina went to the right and started along that wall. Evan just stood in the doorway.

“Evan, we could use your help.” Catrina said. Her voice echoed in the hollow room.

“What exactly are you looking for?” Evan asked.

“A secret door that leads to a set of stairs that go down to what was once the dungeon.” Fredric said.

“Hmm.” Evan said rubbing his chin. “Do you know why this part is here?” Evan said pointing to his left. The doorframe on the left side extended two extra feet while the other side just met with the wall.

“Its just part of the door frame. That door was a foot thick.” Fredric said.

“Or is it just disguised as part of the doorframe?” Evan smiled. He pushed on the wall. He was right. It wasn’t a doorframe; it was a hidden door that led to a dark, steep set of stairs. Fredric smiled as he looked down the stairs.

“Let’s go.” He said stepping on the first step. The stairs were made of rotting wood and a hollow metal frame. Fredric cautiously took another step forward and then another. Catrina followed Fredric and Evan followed her. The narrow stairs creaked and swayed under them. It was so dark and mucky they could hardly see what was in front of them. They soon made it down the stairs into the dungeon. The dungeon had a metal door that was rusted and disintegrating that opened into the center of the room. Inside the dungeon were more cobwebs and a lot of rats. The three stood in the doorway and examined the room.

“It stinks down here.” Catrina said. The dungeon smelled like vomit, urine, and death.

“Well it is an old, rotting dungeon. And it is under the chef’s garden.” Fredric said matter-of-factly. The chef uses cow manure in her garden as fertilizer, so it added to the already awful smell. In the far-left corner was a wooden door. It was well preserved considering how old it was. “I be that door leads outside.” Fredric said pointing to the door.

“Well then, go and open it.” Catrina said pushing Fredric towards it. Fredric slowly walked towards the door, carefully dodging cobwebs and rats. As Fredric got closer to the door, his candlelight revealed a human skeleton sitting beside the door. Fredric stopped dead in his tracks. A family of rats had built a nest in the place where its stomach should have been and were crawling around over the scull. Catrina put her hand over her mouth to keep herself from screaming. Fredric took another step forward and scared the rats. They went dashing everywhere. Fredric walked over to the door. It had an iron ring over a metal lock like the door up in the library. Fredric pulled on the ring.

“Well?” Catrina asked from the doorway at the bottom of the stairs. Fredric walked back to where she and Evan were standing.

“It’s locked. And the handle fell off.” He said holding up half of the rusted iron ring.

“Break it down.” Catrina said turning Fredric around and pushing him towards the door.

“You break it down!” Fredric said grabbing Catrina and shoving her in front of him.

“Okay, I will.” Catrina said. “Hold this.” She said handing Fredric her tiara and walking towards the door. Her hand was shaking so hard she dropped her candle. The candle went out and Catrina was left in the middle of the dimly lit room. Fredric and Evan could barely make out Catrina’s figure standing in the middle of the room. She took a few more steps and was out of Fredric and Evan’s sight.

“Catrina? Where are you?” Fredric asked.

“I’m at the door.” Catrina’s voice came through the darkness. “The door is stuck.” She said.

“Well yeah! It hasn’t been opened for about a hundred years!” Fredric said. Catrina didn’t say anything back. “Catrina?” Fredric called out, but he got no answer. “Catrina?” He called out again. WHAM! Catrina had run into the door and broke it from its hinges. The dungeon filled with light as Catrina and the door fell to the ground outside. Fredric and Evan ran out to Catrina who was dusting her gown off.

“I think I figured out what those black things were.” Catrina said staring out into the open field behind the house. The ground was covered with about twenty black, metal balls.

“What are they?” Evan asked. There was a thud somewhere in the distance. Another black ball shot up into the air and flew towards the castle.

“Cannons!” Fredric yelled grabbing Catrina and pulling her back into the dungeon. The ball had landed right on the fallen door where Catrina had been standing. Pieces of wood flew towards them as the cannonball pulverized the door.

“Run!” Catrina yelled shoving Fredric and Evan back to the stairs. They started up the stairs as another cannonball hit the ground and bounced into the dungeon, smashing the wall opposite from the broken door. They ran up the stairs and into the library. “Father!” Catrina yelled as she went down the stairs to the Entry hall. Fredric and Evan ran after her yelling for Markus. Catrina ran through the doors to the dining hall yelling for her father.

“Catrina?” Markus said surprised at her sudden bursting in and the fact she was covered with cobwebs and dirt. Fredric and Evan ran in behind her hunched over and gasping for air. They were also covered in cobwebs and dirt. “What is going on? Why are you yelling?”

“Father! Daborenyans! Attacking!” Fredric said between breaths.

“Cannons!” Evan added.

“How do you know this?” Markus asked. Catrina and Fredric exchanged glances.

“Follow us.” Catrina said with guilt. Markus followed as Fredric, Evan and Catrina led him and the other warriors up to the dungeon keeper’s room.

“Who opened this door?” Markus asked angrily.

“There are more important things happening than who opened this door.” Fredric said grabbing his candle he had put back in the holder on the wall. “Go down the stairs and into the dungeon.” Fredric said handing Markus the candle. Markus looked at his children and knew they were being sincere. He stepped in the room and went down the stairs. Fredric grabbed another candle and followed his father. Catrina grabbed Fredric’s shoulder and followed behind him. Evan took another candle and followed after Catrina and Fredric. Eliza and the rest of the warriors waited at the top of the stairs. Marcus nervously walked down the stairs. When he reached the door to the dungeon he stopped. The dungeon had been completely obliterated. A cannon ball was flying towards the house.

“Run!” Markus yelled. They got up a few stairs before the cannon ball hit the door and collapsed the stone frame. When they reached the top of the stairs another cannonball had hit the bottom of the stairs. The stairs swayed for a second and then collapsed under their feet. Evan grabbed the doorframe that led from the keeper’s room to the stairs. Catrina was close enough to Evan to grab his shoulders, Fredric had Catrina’s legs, and Markus had Fredric’s.

“Help!” Evan yelled. The men grabbed Evan’s arms and pulled them to safety. The men anxiously looked at Markus for instruction.

“What shall we do, Sir?” The second commander asked.

“Why don’t we stand here and wait until the house caves in on us.” Catrina said sarcastically.

“Okay, if you say so.” The commander said. Catrina rolled her eyes and pushed trough the warriors.

“Father, we should make sure all of our servants are away from that side of the house. Those cannonballs are bound to hit their rooms.” Catrina said from behind all of the warriors.

“Yes, Fredric and Catrina, go move the servants. The rest of you, find torched and ropes so that we can get down there.” Markus ordered. The men shuffled about stupidly while Catrina and Fredric went to the servant’s quarters.

“Everyone out!” Fredric said banging on their bedroom doors. “Come on! Out!” Catrina went to the kitchen.

“Okay, everyone get out now!” she said shoving some of the servants out the door. The servants were confused but did as they were told. The servants met in the entry hall, confused and a bit upset at their rude evacuation. “The castle is under attack and it is in your best interest that you move to this side of the house.” Catrina said calmly. The servants talked amongst themselves in astonishment.

“Is that everyone?” Fredric asked when he pushed his way trough the servants to where Catrina was.

“I think so.” Catrina said looking at the servants. “Wait, where’s Tritni?” She asked. Fredric looked over the servants, but she wasn’t there. Fredric went running down the servant’s corridor to Tritni’s room. Catrina followed close behind him.

“Tritni?” Fredric asked banging on the door. He tried turning the knob but the door was locked. “Tritni?” Fredric asked again, banging on the door. Catrina pressed her ear against the door.

“There’s no movement inside.” She said moving her ear away. Fredric pressed his ear against the door.

“I hear something, like a distant scream.” He said trying to figure out what it was that he heard. Catrina pressed her ear against the door and immediately knew what the sound was.

“Move!” She said pushing Fredric out of the doorway. A split second later a cannon ball came smashing trough the door and through the wall on the other side of the narrow hallway. Everything in the small room flew out into the hallway. From the bedroom at the end of the hallway cam a painful scream. Catrina and Fredric ran into the room to see Tritni and one of the other servants inside.

“Come on. You must leave.” Fredric said frantically.

“She’s in labor.” Catrina said running to the servant’s side. “Fredric, go get mother and the nurse.” Catrina yelled.

“But we have to leave.” Fredric began to panic.

“She can’t go anywhere.” Tritni said wiping the sweat from the woman’s brow.

“But.” Fredric tried to argue but Catrina cut him off.

“Do you understand what’s happening here?” She yelled. “She’s having her baby, now! She can’t leave because her baby is coming! Now go get the nurse or you’ll have to deliver this baby!” Catrina yelled. Fredric ran out the door and soon returned with the nurse and Eliza. Tritni looked out the tiny window.

“The cannon fire has stopped.” She said.

“Yeah because they’ve already used all the cannons to destroy all of the other servant’s quarters.” Fredric said. “Now come on. You must leave before the cannons start up again.” He said waving for Tritni to follow him. The pregnant woman screamed.

“Oh my!” The nurse said.

“What?” Everyone asked.

“This baby is coming right now. Fredric, dear, you might want to leave.” The nurse said. Fredric nodded and left the room. Soon the baby was out and crying. When the nurse wrapped the baby up, Fredric was allowed back in.

“Now will you go?” He asked. Everyone in the room nodded and left just before the room collapsed form the force of the other rooms being destroyed. Fredric and the nurse helped the woman out while Catrina and Tritni helped Eliza over the rubble. When they got to the entry, a few of the servants were helping Markus into his armor. When he was dressed he led Catrina, Fredric and Eliza back up to the keeper’s room.

“Sir, we are ready.” One of the warriors said. Markus nodded and motioned for the man to leave him. Markus turned to his family.

“It is time for me to leave. I love you all and I do this for your protection.” He said putting a hand on Fredric’s shoulder. A tear ran down Catrina’s cheek.

“Then let me come with you.” She said wiping another tear from her eye. “I can fight just as well as any of these men, you’ve said so yourself.” She pleaded. But Markus only shook his head.

“Battle is no place I shall ever have my daughter. The horrors of war is something I hope you never come to know.” He said kissing Catrina on the top of her head. He hugged Eliza and Fredric and turned to his warriors. “Gentlemen, we leave for war.” He said in a calm voice. The men walked to the edge of the door that once led to a set of stairs. Slowly they climbed down the rope they had made, into the darkness. Once the first man was down they threw down torches so that they could see their way through the darkness. Sir Dienif said goodbye to Eliza, Fredric and Catrina before he went down the rope. Evan came and said goodbye to Catrina and followed Dienif. Markus was the last to go down the rope. Catrina and Fredric stared down the dark hole watching the dim looking torches below until they were out of sight. Eliza stood behind them crying.

“They are gone.” Fredric frowned. Eliza ran to her room, tears streaming down her face.

“They’ve walked into a death trap.” Catrina said sadly. The cannon fire had started up again. The house shook from the force of each blast. After a few minutes of standing there, looking down the deep, dark hole, Fredric turned and went to his room. Catrina followed his example and slowly went to her room. About half an hour later the cannon fire stopped. Catrina went to her door and locked it. When she sat back down in the chair by her balcony window, there was a knock at her door. “The door is locked.” She said to whoever was on the other side.

“Luckily I have a key.” Tritni said from the other side. Catrina heard the door unlock. “May I come in?” Tritni asked, sticking her head in the door.

“If you want, I don’t control you.” Catrina said. Tritni stepped into the room and closed the door behind her.

“So, he’s really gone?” Tritni asked as she sat on Catrina’s bed. Catrina nodded and turned in her chair to look out of her opened balcony window. “I guess I should be thanking you, then.” Tritni said.

“Why? What did I do that is worth a thank you?” Catrina asked looking back at Tritni.

“If you hadn’t have seen the cannonballs pass the window and gone down in the dungeon to see what they were, then I would be dead.” Tritni said. “Actually, most of the warriors would have been dead, since the ball that crashed through my room bounced through the kitchen and hit the dining table. It’s stuck in the floor in the middle of the room.” She added.

“Yes but then I lead my father to his death. He’s going to his death.” Catrina said, wiping a tear from her face.

“Your father is one of the most skilled warriors of this time. I do not see his death coming now.” Tritni said. Catrina smiled.

“I guess you’re right.” She sighed with relief. Tritni walked over to Catrina and started playing with her hair.

“I’m always right.” Tritni smiled. Just then Catrina heard something. “What?” Tritni asked. Catrina didn’t answer. She got up and went to open her door. She poked her head out.

“Someone is playing the piano down in the main hall.” She said stepping out into the hallway. She saw that Fredric’s door was opened next door, so she went to look inside. He wasn’t in there. She walked through the large doors that lead into the library across the way from Fredric’s room. No one was in there, the nursery or the schoolroom. The door to the keeper’s room had been shut and the bookshelf moved back. She walked across the library and went down the stairs. Tritni, who had been watching Catrina, went down the stairs by Catrina’s room. They walked to the doors of the main hall. They peeked through the space between the doors. They couldn’t see anyone inside, but heard the piano. They quietly opened the door just big enough to slip through. Standing just inside the doorway was Fredric, staring at Eliza on the piano.

“I didn’t know she played piano.” Fredric whispered, not even looking at Catrina or Tritni.

“What is that song?” Catrina asked her brother. Fredric shrugged his shoulders. “It’s kind of sad.” She whispered. Fredric and Tritni nodded. They stood in the doorway, listening to their mother play the sad melody. When Eliza finished the song she got up from the piano bench.

“Oh, I did not know I had an audience.” She said when she saw her children and Tritni in the door.

“Mother, what was that song?” Catrina asked.

“I don’t know, it just came to me.” Eliza said walking to the door.

“It was beautiful, yet sad.” Tritni said.

“I never knew you played the piano.” Fredric said.

“I use to play all the time, your father loved when I played.” She said. A tear ran down her cheek.

“Mother, I shall not have you cry under my charge.” Fredric said wiping the tear from Eliza’s cheek. Eliza pulled her children to her and held them close. Catrina and Fredric hugged their mother. They stayed there for a while until Eliza let them go.

“And I shall not cry for I still have my children.” She said. Fredric and Catrina smiled.

Markus’ Log, Day 7763

We have been in pursuit of the Daborenyans that attacked my home for three months and six days. It is now the first month of summer and the heat has been gracious to us. We have chased the attackers to the Black Forest; they now have the advantage. Yet my men are strong and have hope that we will be victorious in this war. We have seen many dwarves that have fallen and were left behind. It has come to my knowledge that the attackers are running low on supplies and men. It is our hope to run them back into the mountains of Daborenya and wait at the Black Forest camp. Some of my weaker men have already gone to the camp and come back wanting the stronger men. The camp sight had been attacked last month and is now suffering. I have sent a letter to Othneil asking for reinforcements, but have received no word if they are coming. During one expedition my men from the Black Forest camp sight found a young dwarf. He had been stricken down, regretfully by one of his fellow dwarves. After close inspection they came to find that he was not dead. The young dwarf was brought back to the camp sight and his wounds were nursed. The dwarf told the nurses that something was coming, but he never said what it was. The young dwarf, however, did not survive. I ordered the Dwarf be given a proper funeral and had the men pray for his soul. I prayed for my family, how I miss them. I miss the light and the fresh air of Elesta. The only light we have is of the flaming arrows shot from the Daborenyan forces. My men grow weaker every day and the Daborenyans are taking advantage of our current state. Our only hope is in Othneil. Yet I am troubled that Luthriel will not come to my aid fast enough.

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