by Josh Kilen
The King turned to face Annabeth, "Come with me. You will now be taken to your room." He motioned for the Royal Guard to follow. The Royal couple led the way into the castle, followed by Annabeth and Purcell, and the royal guard marching closely behind them. “So much security," Annabeth thought.
Once inside they climbed up a long stairwell in the corner of the castle. It felt like they were going up a tower, but Annabeth couldn't be certain. Once at the top, they stopped in front of a large, solid looking door with two small metal slots.
"Open the door Purcell," the Queen said. Purcell pulled out his keys, unlocked the door, and opened it with great effort. The door seemed very heavy.
The Queen pointed to Annabeth, "In you go."
Annabeth hesitated, this didn't look like a room for a princess. This looked like a prison tower!
The Queen became impatient, "Guards, escort this girl to her room." The royal guards roughly pushed Annabeth through the door, causing her to stumble. Before she could turn around, the door slammed closed and the top slot slid open.
Annabeth heard the Queen's voice, "Welcome to your new home, Daughter. I do hope you will find it to your liking." The Queen spoke to the guards, "Make sure she doesn't make too much noise and feed her once a day, understood?"
The guards spoke loudly, "Yes your Highness, it will be done as you say."
Annabeth cried out, "Why are you doing this? What have I done?"
The Queen looked through the slot, "Why? You were born my Dear, isn't that enough?" and the slot closed with a snap.
Annabeth was alone, trapped in the prison tower, all alone.
About the Stories
There are moments in life that we cherish, small seconds of bliss spent snuggling with our precious children. “Mommy, tell me a story.” “Daddy, can I have a bedtime story?” These requests offer time to pause from our hectic everyday routine, a chance to share an adventure together.
My wife and I have read to our son from the time he would listen and encouraged him to read from the moment he began recognizing letters. From “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to “The Chronicles of Narnia” we have read one book or gone through a series of chapters each night.
However, we have discovered that most books are not designed or written for bedtime. Sometimes a chapter takes half an hour to read through. Sometimes one of us would fall asleep part way through, and not necessarily our son! Sometimes, a chapter was too short, or too boring, or so full of detail that it was difficult to get through.
I created this story as a brand new adventure, told in a serial fashion, so that your child is captivated throughout the entire tale. Each Chapter ends in a cliffhanger to help build excitement for the next installment. Whether you are reading before bed, during the day, on a long car trip, or while standing in the grocery checkout line, these stories are quick and customizable for your storytelling needs.
You, of course, are the storyteller and you know best what your audience will most enjoy. If you want to read two or three episodes at a time, then feel free to do so.
If at any point you become tired of simply reading the text as written, feel the need to add lib and insert your own characters or ideas.
Just remember, story time with your children is about having fun and making memories. You are well on your way to making some memories they’ll never forget.
Some Storytelling Advice
What is the key ingredient of a good story? It is the conflict and cliffhanger, the elements that add tension and throw our characters into precarious situations. A good story is thrilling, exciting, unpredictable; an adventure. What if we could spark imagination, transporting our child with us to another world?
Imagine the joy on their faces as you tell incredible, reality defying tales, throwing your arms about to emphasize a point or pantomiming an action sequence. Hear their giggles as you craft a ridiculously silly voice for the villain of your story. Create priceless memories and bond with your little ones through the power of shared experience.
Here are some tips to make things easier:
Make noises, sounds, and different voices – Depending on your kid, you might find they remember the sounds more than the story itself.
Don’t feel stupid – All that matters is that your kid loves it. If they think you sound awesome, then have faith and overcome your fear.
Make gestures that extend beyond 1 foot from your body - Don’t constrain your movements; make the most of your arms and legs
Make faces - When you are in character, it is definitely okay to make your face reflect the emotions or the actions of the character.
More Titles By Josh Kilen
The Tales of Big and Little: Part One Doom of the Three Stones
The Tales of Big and Little: Part Two Shirlee’s Revenge
The Tales of Big and Little: Part Three The End of the Worlds
Sean Ryanis & The Impossible Chase
The Superhero Chronicles: Birth of Moonlight
The Lost Princess: In the Beginning
Or get all 4 stories in one book!