The Lost Princess of Camelot: Book One

Chapter Four

He stood under the shade of a large oak tree, his features obscured by the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. The mystery man watched them intently, his expression unreadable. Rhaenys felt a shiver run down her spine, a mix of curiosity and unease.

"Grandpa, do you see that man over there?" she asked quietly, nodding toward the strange figure.

Her grandfather paused, squinting in the direction she indicated. "No, I don’t see anyone. Are you sure?"

Rhaenys shrugged, her eyes still fixed on the mysterious figure. "He was just standing there, watching us closely."

"Don’t worry about it, Rhaenys. People frequently come and go in the park. Focus on our adventure!"

Despite his words, a lingering sense of discomfort hung in the air, as if the stranger's presence was a shadow over their outing.

The enigmatic man kept watching them from a distance as they got closer to the stable, his eyes never leaving them.

Rhaenys approached her horse, Flicka, her heart still racing from the unsettling encounter. "Hello, Flicka," she said softly, reaching out to stroke the horse's neck.

Flicka nickered in response; her warm breath was a comforting presence.

Rhaenys let out a small sigh, trying to shake off the lingering unease. "I can’t believe I’ve had you for four years," she said, her voice filled with affection as she continued to stroke Flicka’s neck.

The horse nuzzled against her, providing a sense of grounding amidst the discomfort of the stranger’s watchful gaze.

Rhaenys took a deep breath, grateful for Flicka’s calming presence, and began to focus on the bond they shared rather than the shadows that loomed outside the stable.

Then she remembers the day her grandfather gifted her the horse, Flicka. It was a sunny afternoon, the kind that filled the air with warmth and possibility.

As she stood in the grassy field, her eyes widened in disbelief when her grandfather led Flicka toward her. The horse, a beautiful blend of chestnut and white, seemed to radiate a gentle spirit, and Rhaenys felt an instant connection.

She remembers telling her grandfather that she loves her horse.

After reliving her memory of that day, she saddled up her horse, Flicka.

Then both she and her grandfather got on their horses.

Then her grandfather asked her, "Are you ready to go?"

Rhaenys looked up at her grandfather with excitement sparkling in her eyes. "Ready, Grandpa!" she exclaimed, her voice full of enthusiasm. She adjusted the reins, feeling the familiar warmth of Flicka beneath her.

"Well then, let's go!" her grandfather replied, a smile spreading across his face as they set off together into the open fields.

The sun shone brightly overhead, casting a golden hue over the grassy field, and Rhaenys could hardly wait to embark on their adventure together. With a gentle nudge, she guided Flicka forward, eager to explore the world around them.

Ancestral Plain, 2009

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple over the ancestral plain, Ancestor Lea gathered the other ancestors in a sacred circle. The air was thick with anticipation, and a palpable energy coursed through the assembled spirits.

"Princess Rhaenys," Lea began, her voice steady and commanding, "your journey now begins. You are destined for greatness, and the path ahead is fraught with challenges that will test your strength and resolve."

The ancestors nodded in agreement, their ethereal forms shimmering in the twilight. Each one carried the weight of their stories and experiences, ready to guide Rhaenys as she embarked on her quest.

**************************************************************

Rearview Park Horse Trail, 2009

As Rhaenys and her grandfather rode their horse along the scenic trail, the beauty of the landscape unfolded before them. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the rolling hills and vibrant wildflowers that danced in the gentle breeze.

The sound of the hooves against the earth created a rhythmic melody that blended harmoniously with the soft rustle of branches overhead.

"Wow, this is beautiful," Rhaenys exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the breathtaking views around her. Her grandfather smiled, sharing in her appreciation for the majestic scenery that surrounded them.

"Absolutely, Rhaenys," her grandfather replied, nodding in agreement. "It truly is beautiful. The way the light plays off the hills and the flowers is simply enchanting. Moments like these remind us of the beauty in nature."

"Why don’t we go and get some ice cream after our ride?" her grandfather suggested, breaking the moment of tranquility.

Rhaenys's face lit up at the idea, her excitement palpable. "That sounds amazing!" she replied enthusiastically.

The thought of enjoying a sweet treat while basking in the beauty of nature made the day even more special.

Suddenly, they heard gunshots being directed toward them, shattering the peaceful atmosphere.

Rhaenys froze, her joy replaced by fear. "What was that?" she whispered, her eyes wide.

Her grandfather quickly scanned the surroundings, instinctively pulling her closer. "Stay low and move behind the trees," he instructed urgently, his heart racing as he assessed the danger. The enchanting day had taken a dark turn, and their safety was now the priority.

As the sound of gunfire echoed in the distance, Rhaenys felt a chill run down her spine. They crouched behind the thick trunks, hearts pounding in unison, praying that they would remain unnoticed amidst the chaos.

Then her grandfather told her to ride to the shelter house.

Rhaenys glanced at her grandfather, her eyes wide with concern. "What about you, Grandpa? What are you going to do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

As the chaos unfolded around them, her grandfather turned to her, his demeanor calm despite the storm of fear swirling in her heart. "I'll keep him busy, Rhaenys. You just focus on getting to the shelter house. It's safer there," he replied, his voice steady, yet laced with an underlying urgency.

The urgency in his expression only deepened her worry. She couldn't bear the thought of him staying behind while she sought safety. The distant gunfire continued to crackle through the air, amplifying the tension.

"Trust me," he urged, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I’ll find a way to get to you. Just promise me you’ll go straight to the shelter."

With a heavy heart, Rhaenys nodded, knowing she had to leave soon.

"Go now," her grandfather said, his voice steady despite the urgency in his expression.

Urgency filled her grandfather's expression as he handed her the bow and quiver. Rhaenys took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "Okay," she replied softly, her voice trembling slightly. She looked up at her grandfather, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "I love you."

His expression softened, a mixture of pride and concern washing over his face. "I love you too, Rhaenys. Always remember that," he said, pulling her into a tight embrace before gently pushing her and her horse toward safety.

Just then, more gunshots rang out, echoing through the air. Rhaenys's heart raced as she turned to see chaos unfolding around her.

She and her grandfather exchanged one last look filled with unspoken words. In that instant, they both knew what was at stake.

With a swift nod, they split into two different directions: one direction led to safety for Rhaenys, while the other involved her grandfather distracting the gunman.

Rhaenys heard her grandfather call out, "Hey, over here!" as she guided her horse toward safety. Just then, more gunshots rang out, echoing through the air.

With determination, Rhaenys urged her horse forward, the pounding of hooves matching the racing of her heart. She could still see her grandfather in her periphery, bravely drawing the gunman's attention.

The sound of gunshots shattered the tense silence, each crack a reminder of the danger they were both in. Rhaenys focused on the path ahead, the adrenaline coursing through her veins pushing her to ride faster.

Every moment felt crucial as she maneuvered her horse through the chaos, praying that her grandfather's sacrifice would not be in vain. The world around her faded into a blur, but her resolve to reach safety remained clear and unwavering.

But unknown to her, magic began to activate through her emotions.

As her fear transformed into determination, a warm energy began to swirl around her, unnoticed yet powerful, responding to the intensity of her feelings. Each heartbeat seemed to pulse with potential, hinting at the magic that lay dormant within her, ready to awaken at the brink of danger.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The air crackled with energy, and a shimmering portal materialized before her, its edges pulsating with vibrant colors. She hesitated for a moment, torn between the familiar and the unknown.

The swirling energy enveloped her, encouraging her to step forward. With a deep breath, she embraced the unknown, crossing the threshold into a dimension where anything was possible.

The world beyond awaited, filled with challenges and adventures that would test her newfound strength and resolve.

As she and her horse stepped into the portal, it closed right behind them with a soft whoosh, sealing off the world they had known. The vibrant colors of the portal faded into a mist, leaving them in a landscape that sparkled with possibilities.