Lesser Prince (Guardians of Gaeland Book 1)

by Jamie McFarlane

  “It sounds like what I ran into behind our barn when Twister got attacked,” Amber said.

  “That would be quite a coincidence, don’t you think?” Jessie asked. “We’re so far from home, after all. I don’t think wolves travel that far.”

  Amber nodded in agreement, “Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”

  “Well, either way, how about you stick close until we get a better lay of the land? At least let’s spend our free time where there are more people around. Agreed?”

  Sam felt better having come clean with his mom. She didn’t sound too upset and that helped him feel a little less freaked out. “No problem. I just wanted to be able to see all of the points on the map. I hope we’ll get a chance to see the castle while we’re here. It’s incredible. At least we have to drive by it.”

  “That’s a great idea, Sam. We can do that after Amber works out tomorrow morning. Speaking of working out, we need to get back. Morning will be here early enough and we still need to clean stalls.”

  After finishing dinner, they left and headed back to the Equestrian Center. They were all, for the most part, lost in their own thoughts. The rain clouds had missed them, but the night had grown cold, encouraging Amber and Samuel to be quick about mucking out the stalls.

  When they arrived at their rooms, a note was pinned to the door. The envelope looked expensive and was embossed with the crest of The House of Parnassus. The kids crowded into Jessie’s room, excitedly requesting her to read it out loud.

  Dear Jessie, Amber and Samuel,

  You are cordially invited to our Annual Masquerade Ball this Friday evening. Refreshments will be served at the Main Residence at five o'clock in the evening with dinner served promptly at six. We very much hope that you will be able to join us.

  Costumes will be provided and can be obtained by visiting our dear Madame Thimblespite at Thimblespite and Nash in the Faire Village. She will be expecting you and we are all very excited to have you as our guests.

  Sincerely,

  Princess Gelasius Parnassus

  House of Parnassus

  “Oh Mom, please can we go?” Amber’s eyes were wide with excitement and she grabbed Jessie’s arm excitedly.

  “What do you think, Sam? Should we go?” Jessie’s voice was playful.

  “No freaking way. I don’t want to go to some stupid costume ball! Geez, why not just pull my teeth now!” Sam sputtered for a while as Jessie started getting ready for bed.

  “I will kick your butt, you little dork!” Amber gave Sam a shove to deliver her point.

  “Hold on guys, let’s not get all crazy. It would be rude to turn down such a generous offer. Sam, I think you are forgetting something. The masquerade ball is in the castle.” Jessie knew she had him with that.

  “Oh, man, the castle!” The fight in him totally gone, Sam walked into the next room.

  Sam was now totally lost in his own thoughts. Amber couldn’t resist a perfect opportunity to catch him off guard. The large bed in their adjoining room was just egging her on. She ran full out at her brother, wrapped her arms around him as she hit, crooning, “Ooohhh, a castllllle,” and flattened him. He was no physical match for her, but he was wily enough. Their long-standing wrestling competition was back on. The two tangled with intermittent grunts and laughter as each tried to pin the other down.

  Smiling, Jessie pushed open the door to the adjoining room, making sure her children weren’t really trying to kill each other. With laughter floating through the opening, she made her way to the luxurious bathroom. A quiet soak in the tub was probably not possible with those two next door, but she would do the best with what she had.

  Home Coming

  Helicon, West Virginia

  Tig sensed relief in Naminee as they pulled away from the gatekeeper's cottage and its chubby inhabitant. Sixteen hours of driving preceded by a pitched battle with the old crone and her wolves had to have taken their toll on the elf. Tig marveled at her stamina.

  The car glided along the asphalt and Tig stared out the window attempting to discern details along the way. Naminee guided the car to the left as they came to a fork in the road with a sign directing Equestrians to the right and Faire ground traffic to the left. They passed a number of smaller homes. Tig wondered if this was where Princess Gela had brought his injured father, yet Naminee showed no sign of stopping.

  They passed a town, although it didn’t look like any place Tig had ever visited or even read about before. This town was considerably more colorful, almost story-book quaint, and the buildings were made of natural stones and huge timbers that had a hand-worked quality to them. Exposed beams and supports were from single massive log poles instead of square-cut lumber. Even this late, he could make out flags and banners decorating the area. His elven sight showed the colors in richer and deeper hues than he knew he would see in the daylight.

  “Is this really a town?” Tig asked as they passed under a large banner declaring ‘Parnassus Faire.’

  Naminee considered a couple of humorous responses, but resisted and explained the nature of the Faire. Her explanation wasn’t quite as detailed as what a guide might offer, but she was able to impart much of the history and purpose of the small village. She explained how the homes they had just passed belonged to either the village occupants or staff who worked the grounds of Helicon.

  “So is everyone here an elf?” The idea of being an elf was still foreign and Tig had no idea how ubiquitous his newly identified race was.

  “It depends on which area of the estate you are asking about. In the village, it’s a mix. Close to half of the permanent artisans are elves. You haven’t seen much of the Parnassus staff other than me, Laux, and Dauxal, but there are nearly a hundred staff members at the main residence. Yes, we are all elves, as is the entirety of the House of Parnassus.”

  Instead of satisfying his curiosity, Tig found more and more questions popping into his head. “Wait, so you are saying there are hundreds of elves? Where did they – er we - come from? Why do you call them staff? What do they do?”

  Naminee interrupted Tig’s breathless assault, “Hold on there, Prince Tigerious.”

  Tig stopped and took a breath, “So, that’s another one. You keep referring to me as a prince. That’s ridiculous, I’m just Tig.” Tig was fully energized. He felt safe and now it was time for answers.

  Naminee, having allowed Tig to complete his tirade, answered, “I am sorry, my prince, but I am woefully inadequate to answer your questions. We are, however, nearing the Main Residence. Princess Gelasius will meet us when we arrive. I think she is better equipped to explain everything.”

  As if on cue, the car rounded a final bend in the road and a thirty-foot tall stone wall loomed in front of them. It spanned the road and extended a hundred yards on either side, disappearing into the trees. The wall was wide enough at the top for a couple of men to walk side by side. Indeed, as the car approached, there was at least one figure on the wall.

  The thick timber gate stood open, allowing entry. Tig imagined the gate, which was fashioned much like great cathedral doors, could withstand quite a beating. Stone towers flanked both sides of the gate, extending an additional fifteen feet above the already lofty wall. Flags hung from giant posts protruding through the top of each tower's conical roof. There were a few smaller towers much further down the wall on both sides.

  Naminee reached across the car and placed her hand gently under Tig’s gaping mouth and gave it a slight nudge upward. “Careful, Prince, bugs could fly in.”

  Tig closed his mouth, smiling, but not willing to take his eyes off the wall until they slowed to a stop just past the gate entrance. A man approached the car, but that wasn't what drew Tig’s eyes. In the distance, perhaps three hundred yards through the woods flanking the cobblestone road, a castle rose up in front of the mountains. His mouth opened in awe, yet again.

  From his vantage point, the castle looked enormous. Light spilled from numerous windows and lanterns on the façade. The castle
loomed up out of the mist that had settled down into the mountain that cradled it. Tig guessed that the enormous walls flanking the road also extended around the back of the gigantic structure, but between the trees and the mist he was unable to locate it. Naminee spoke in low tones to one of the men who had exited the gate’s tower to greet them, but Tig was unwilling to take his eyes off of the castle even when he heard Naminee‘s chuckle. He surmised her amusement was at his expense.

  As they drove the last few hundred yards, the car exited the tree laden grounds into a cobblestoned courtyard. The stones of the drive were arranged in a circular pattern with different colored rocks making a complex pattern that spiraled toward the center. To the right of the courtyard there were several large garage-styled doors which were all closed. These doors were part of a long stone structure connected to the main castle by a covered walkway.

  The castle was even more impressive up close than from a distance. A generously wide staircase led from the courtyard to a set of tall double doors, which were smaller versions of the entry gates in the outer wall. The castle’s façade was built from large rocks, shaped into rectangular blocks and separated by numerous windows, balconies and porticos. There were even a few turrets that pushed up into the night sky. Everywhere he looked, Tig saw carvings and scrollwork subtly adding to the architectural detail. It was all a bit overwhelming.

  His eyes snapped up to the sentries standing guard on either side of the staircase flanking the arched main entrance: two sculpted male lions, so lifelike with their flowing manes, chorded muscles and long sharp teeth. Tig could almost hear them growling. His eyes continued to search the façade of the building, wondering what other details he might discover and he wasn’t disappointed. Happy little gnomes, birds, squirrels and other fanciful creatures were subtly sculpted into various poses, holding up window sills and hanging from eves. High above the entrance, all along the roof stood granite gargoyles which peered out across the castle grounds, holding great stone swords at the ready.

  Naminee brought the car to a stop in front of the steps. Apparently, they’d been expected, as a couple of well-dressed men were walking down to meet them. Naminee explained, “Here we are, Prince Tigerious, safe and sound.” The relief in her voice was unmistakable.

  “Aren’t you coming in?” Tig wasn’t ready to lose the only person he knew in this strange but awesome place.

  She responded, “I have to take Laux to the healers – he has passed out again. But don’t worry, I am assured that Princess Gelasius has been awakened with news of your arrival.”

  At this point one of the well-dressed men approached the car, opening the door. “Greetings, Prince Tigerious. We are honored by your presence.” Tig heard Naminee’s door open and felt her jump up out of the car.

  Tig followed suit and stepped out onto the pavers. Feeling awkward, he offered his hand to the man as a greeting. To Tig’s dismay, the man took his hand, but then dipped his knee and bowed his head slightly before popping back up to a standing position. More embarrassed than ever, Tig, tried to cover, “Uh, er… you don’t need to be doing all that.”

  Fortunately, Naminee had made it around to the front of the car, chuckling to herself, “Tickantus, our young prince only recently learned of his position, so go easy on him.” Her voice held no censure. “Perhaps you and Tackeon can look out for him while he is here at the Main Residence.”

  “We would be honored. Is there luggage to be gathered?” he asked cheerfully, not missing a beat.

  She answered, “Not a bit. We ran into unexpected circumstances in Iowa and found ourselves without the ability to gather any of Prince Tigerious’ possessions. Well that, and the fact that our dear Prince here rendered the back door to his home inoperable.” Tig noticed that she took great pleasure in bringing up Tig’s destructive first attempt at driving.

  Her smile faded as she turned to Tig and spoke in earnest tones, “My prince, it has been my great honor to have served you these last couple of days. Your bravery in saving my friend and comrade, Laux, from certain death at the hands of the witch will be recounted for generations by my family. I look forward to our next meeting.” Having made her speech, Naminee lightly bowed. Before Tig could respond, she pushed Tig’s door closed, bounded around the front of the car, hopped in and pulled away.

  Tig decided that she must not be one for long goodbyes. He waved at the retreating vehicle, wondering what was in store for him next. Tickantus and Tackeon looked at Tig, but before they could say anything a new figure came into view at the top of the stairs. It was the beautiful woman he had learned was his aunt, the Princess Gelasius. Tig remembered the reverence in Naminee's voice when her name had come up in the car. He suddenly recalled why Princess Gelasius and her companions had visited their home. “What of Dad? Is he any better?”

  Gela’s face darkened and worry returned. She started down the stairs to meet Tig as he began climbing up. “No, it is quite serious. We have wonderful physicians who are looking after your father, but nothing seems to help. He is fortunately no worse, however.” Her face brightened a little, “You must be exhausted. Are you hungry? Let us go inside.” Both turned toward the entrance.

  As they reached the top of the stairs, Princess Gela placed her hand on Tig’s shoulder and smiled warmly at him, “Welcome home, Prince Tigerious. We are glad you are here. We have all been so worried.”

  “Please, I must see my father. Can you take me to him?” Tig’s voice was tired but insistent.

  “Yes, of course.” Princess Gela had been expecting the request.

  The entry hall was just as grand as the castle’s exterior. A sweeping marble staircase rose from the foyer to the second level, rising at least twenty feet. Princess Gela led the way, stopping halfway down the second story hallway. The suite they entered was anything but plain. A complete suit of armor stood at attention in one corner, antique portraits and ancient weapons hung on the walls and hand-carved furniture filled the rooms. An ornate fireplace spanned most of the wall opposite the massive bed where Chey’s still, unconscious body lay. A man who strongly resembled Laux and Tensel, was seated by the bed. As they entered, he stood.

  “Please, my friend. Don’t get up. Prince Tigerious has just arrived and needed to see his father.” Princess Gela addressed the man who turned his attention back to Chey, but offered, “His wounds are healing, but the poison is still in his body. He is strong and is fighting it.”

  Tig wanted to stay with his father through the night, but Gela would have nothing to do with it. “Tigerious,” she cajoled, “if anything changes, you will be told immediately. Please, we have a room prepared. You must be exhausted.”

  Tig didn’t put up much resistance, as he was truly exhausted. He followed Gela to a room several doors down on the other side of the hallway. Without thinking, he crawled into the bed, barely noticing that he had forgotten to remove his shoes. Upon contact with the cool sheets Tig fell asleep, his frightful journey complete for now. Princess Gelasius smiled at her nephew warmly and pulled the tattered shoes from his feet. She left, closing the door behind her, still carrying his shoes.

  The next morning Tig awoke in an unfamiliar bed. Initially, he couldn’t figure out where he was. The room he was in was large by any standard. The walls were covered with tapestries and paintings, and light spilled through the tall leaded glass windows onto the stone floor covered in beautiful rugs. The bed that Tig awoke in was more than king-sized and lushly appointed with fluffy pillows and comforters.

  He rolled over, intending to fall back to sleep, but the events of the last couple of days began replaying in his head and Tig became restless. He located the attached bathroom and noticed that someone had laid out clothing and a towel. The shower felt incredible. Hot water, in conjunction with a good night’s sleep, revived him and the grime of his adventures washed neatly down the drain.

  Tig pulled on the provided clothing. Someone had made a good guess at his size. The jeans were brand new, and given how his family lived,
that was an unusual experience. The shirt was forest green with long sleeves. The fabric was unfamiliar and it felt wonderful. Finally, he laced up a brand new pair of sneakers that were just his size.

  Back in the room, Tig noticed that someone had entered while he’d been in the shower. The bed had been made and a note on the pillow read, "Come on down to lunch when you’re ready," and was signed with a cursive G.

  As he exited the room, he found himself in a long hallway that appeared to run much of the width of the castle; it was fifteen feet across and eighty feet long. He wondered how he might get down to lunch. Fortunately, one of the men who had met the car the night before was walking purposefully toward him.

  “Good Morning, Prince Tigerious. If you would follow me, I will lead you to where your aunt is preparing for lunch. There are some people who would love to meet you.” The man’s voice was professional, but warm.

  “You are Tackey… uh, or are you Tickantus?” Tig didn’t want to be rude, but he had only heard their names once. It didn’t help that both elves looked almost identical.

  “Yes, that’s right young prince. I am Tackeon, most people just call me Tack.”

  “Tack, do you suppose you could call me Tig instead of ‘Prince This’ or ‘Prince That’?” Tig didn’t want to overstep, but it all felt so uncomfortable.

  “Certainly, Prince Tig. I would love to. Would you like me to pass this on to the rest of the staff?” Tack sounded cheerful as they walked down the hallway.

  “That would be great,” Tig responded thankfully, although not completely sure Tack was one hundred percent on board with his request. He followed the older man through the hallway, around a few corners and down a back stairway.

  The pair pushed their way through a set of saloon doors that swung shut behind them with a whoosh. They entered a brightly lit room, one side a glass atrium overlooking a grand garden. In the middle of the atrium, Tig's Aunt Gela was seated at a glass table with a man and woman he didn’t recognize.