The Dreamer

PROLOGUE

Allilith

400BC

The kingdom of Allilith is draped in finery. All the citizens of the three isles are in attendance, some obviously drunk with wine; though they are all fiery eyed and with ivory skins, the isle of fire is represented by it's fiery haired citizens, draped in linens of red, the citizens of the kingdom of earth are draped in yellow finery, the kingdom of water with it's white and silver haired citizens are draped in various shades of blue and white. They have all come to celebrate the birth of the process, the heir to the throne of Allilith, the kingdom of the three isles.

There is music and dancing and laughter amongst the everyone, with the king, all smiles, situated on his throne with other small thrones currently occupied by the prime ministers of the three isles of the kingdom of Allilith. Sitting to the right of the king is fair Aileen of the isle of water, draped in a flowing silver gown embroidered with diamonds and Fierce Griffen of the isle of fire. On the left of the king is Dobheileen, of the isle of earth, armed with wisdom.

Music comes to an abrupt stop and silence ensues as the crowd's attention is drawn to the king as he rises up to address the people.

"I want to thank you citizens of the three isles for coming to celebrate with me today." The king says in a loud voice which resounds in the mountains.

"Now is the time Auri, the king is distracted" a voice in the dark belonging to Roshel, the king's younger sister says. Since she got the prophecy of a child which will be born of her bother Zarith, she has vowed to kill the child when she is born, but not without the help of the dark sorceress Auri who was banished by her brother. She currently resides inside a cave on the outskirts of the isle of earth.

"Your wish is my command my queen", Auri bows to Roshel. " I shall be on my way." She transforms to a crow and dissapears, leaving Roshel in the cave. She twists her red tinted lips and smiles.

"Sorry brother, the throne is mine now." She says, cackling.

"Eat, drink and celebrate" the king says with a smile. There is a smattering of applause as the king ends his speech and the music resumes.

The sound of a scream breaks through the sound of music and laughter. The king bounds out of his throne, followed by the his prime ministers. The scream came from the queen Jomirah's chambers and a maid is lying helpless, obviously under hypnosis. The baby is missing, and the queen is standing by it's crib, sobbing.

" bring in the Summoner" the king says to a maid who is staring wide-eyed. She bows and goes to get the summoner immediately.

Some time passes before she returns with a balding man with stooping shoulders. The Summoner.

"You sent for me my king" he says, bowing low.

"Yes. I need to know who captured my child". The king says, looking at his wife.

The Summoner closes his eyes, muttering under his breath, then says in a loud voice " Auri!"

"You mean the dark sorceress?" The king asks in disbelief.

"Yes. She put the maid under a spell and captured the princess." The summoner says, his normally fiery eyes now white.

"Fear not my king, she shall be handed back to you, I know not when, but by whom" he says, his white gaze fixed on the king.

"By whom?" The king asks.

"Time will tell." The Summoner says, bowing his head.

"Don't look for the princess. She will come to you" he says , his eyes turning back to it's fiery color.

At that moment, in the cave on the outskirts of the isle of earth, Roshel awaits at the mouth of the cave, laing from end to end. Just then, a crow appears and transforms to Auri, with a baby clutched in her arms.

"My queen" she bows before Roshel.

"Did anybody see you?" She asks Auri.

"Yes. But I took care of her" she answers.

"I trust you. I shall reward you." She says, patting the baby.

"What shall we do with you?" She ask, cooing at the baby as she comes awake. An idea comes to her.

"Auri, can you place a concealing spell on her? I would like her to be my slave when she grows up and when I take over the throne." She says with a cruel smile.

"Your wish is my command, my queen" Auri bows. She chants under her breath and waves her free hand over the sleeping baby. Soon, the few hours old baby transforms into a one year old, which she puts to sleep on her bed.

"Thank you Auri, I shall come for her a week from now." Roshel says.

"Bye for now" she says. She puts on her cloak and disappears into the wind.

THREE DAYS LATER

The Isle of earth

"Mother, come quick"four year old Salome calls to her mother.

"What is it this time Sal?" Her mother asks while putting some linen to dry.

"There is a baby asleep under the elm tree over there" she says pointing her chubby fingers to the tree.

"Stop playing Sal, I have things to do. Your da will be back from the mines soon" she says, going back to work.

"I'm not kidding ma. Come lemme show you" she says leading her mother to the elm tree.

Behold a child, almost a toddler is almost hidden under the the foliage, sound asleep. She hesitates at first, then reaches out to carry the child. Just then she wakes, opening her blue eyes.

"What are you doing in the forest all alone? Where did you come from?" She asks in wonder, the baby staring at her with her adorable eyes.

"What shall we call you?" She asks.