Guardian of Time

Contents

Credits and Acknowledgements

GUARDIAN OF TIME

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Watch for

Book 2

Princess of Prophesy

Credits and Acknowledgements

I would like to provide a special thanks to my daughters, Cindi and Sandi Thompson, as they were the ones who initially began this book when they were nine, and are named as co-authors. I would also like to extend my appreciation to all those who suffered through multiple readings while I attempted to perfect the story.

I hope that everyone who reads this gets as much enjoyment out of it as I did writing it.

GUARDIAN OF TIME

Prologue

Are you sure this will be all, Madam? asked the maid. As she spoke she was rapidly packing clothes into the suitcase which lay open on the bed.

Yes, said the queen. Have you packed baby Zeara’s clothes yet?

Yes, Ma’am, the maid assured her.

Queen Zoria, short with blond hair and blue eyes and King Devin, tall with red hair and green eyes, were going on a tour of Sheanar. While they were there they hoped to purchase a section of property next to the sea. Plans had been made to develop the property into a vacation spot for the royal family and friends. Sheanar was a small somewhat triangular country to the west of Zereth. It was bordered on the east by Zereth, on the south by Morlind, and on the west by the Shining Sea. Although it was a small country, it always managed somehow to stay neutral no matter what wars were going on.

Morlind, which bordered Sheanar on the south, also bordered Zereth on the south. It was a rugged, mountainous and somewhat underdeveloped country. The Morcaleriks, as the natives of Morlind were called, were fierce warriors and often ranged into Zereth on their raids. The only protection Zereth had from these attacks was the high rugged mountain chain which separated the two countries. It was quite impossible to move a large force with any speed through the mountains. So Morlind was limited to making quick raids on their long suffering neighbors.

To the north of Zereth were the Northlands. These were divided into many small fiefdoms each ruled by its own lord. Zereth wasn’t worried unduly by these as none of them could mount a large enough force of men to try attacking the much larger country. And they couldn’t stop fighting amongst themselves long enough to join forces with each other. Although, some of the oldest villagers whispered that there had been a time when that very thing had happened. But, as it was not recorded anywhere in historical records, and no one could remember such a thing, it was laughed off as a myth.

To the south of Morlind lay the great grasslands of Mercuria. The Mercurians were nomads and roamed the great plains unmolested as they had nothing worth taking and would only run away if attacked. No one knew much about them as they were not very receptive to strangers and usually did not approach any of the borders. In fact, they almost always managed to stay completely out of sight if a stranger was about.

The Shining Sea, which bordered Sheanar on the west, also bordered Morlind and Mercuria. No one knew how far south it went as no one sailed more than up and down their own country’s coastline. It also reached far north into the Northlands of the barbarians, how far no one knew as none had ever returned from traveling to the north. And, as it was a known fact that the barbarians attacked all strangers without cause or reason, no one cared to find out.

* * * * * * * * *

Little princess Zeara was not happy! She was imprisoned in her cradle with no one near to hear her cries. To add to her problems her cradle was blue instead of pink, her diaper was so wet it sagged to her knees, and she had spit up all down the front of her bedraggled pajamas. It was enough to make any baby cry, and Zeara was making the most of the situation. Tears streaked her face as her wails split the air.

X’zithrin, X’zithrin! Now where could she be? the queen exclaimed indignantly as she surveyed the wailing baby and rumpled crib.

Yes, Ma’am? Yes, Ma’am? Zeara’s nanny appeared suddenly in the doorway.

Just look at this mess! The queen waved her arm at the disgruntled baby and messy crib. Where have you been? You’re supposed to have the baby cleaned and dressed by now.

I was just… the nanny began.

Don’t apologize and don’t make excuses, the queen interrupted. Just get this mess cleaned up, then take her bags and yours to my study. And remember to tell the butler to take them out to the coach.

Yes, Ma’am. And the nanny began to scurry around the room.

And now to see what the king has packed, the queen grumbled to herself. It seemed that nothing ever got done right unless she was there to oversee it personally.

* * * * * * * * *

The king was furious. His scribe seemed completely unable to copy down what he was dictating.

NO, NO!! Not towering, touring! the king shouted so loudly the scribe’s head vibrated visibly.

The scribe couldn’t be blamed really. He WAS almost a hundred years old. But, the king wouldn’t have any other scribe write for him. And probably, if the truth were told, not another scribe could be found who would put up with the king’s tantrums. The queen had often asked him what he would do when the old man was gone, but the king always passed over her question as unimportant.

As the queen entered a missile came flying straight for her head causing her to duck hurriedly to avoid being clobbered. The missile, in the form of a flying ink bottle, sped on to splatter all over the wall behind her.

Now, now! the queen shouted, What is going on?!

Why, Dear, the king turned on the royal charm, I didn’t see you standing there. And you weren’t announced.

Announced, ANNOUNCED!! The queen’s voice threatened to become a screech. I am your wife, YOUR WIFE!

Now, now dear, the king admonished, control yourself.

I am controlling myself, the queen said waspishly. If I weren’t, you’d be picking yourself up off of the floor with a hand print across your face. Every time you go on one of your rampages you’re the same. You always think it’s everyone’s fault but your own. Imagine, the very idea of throwing the ink bottle. You could have ruined my complexion! Black ink does not happen to be good for skin. Now give me your bags and don’t let me catch you fighting again.

With that she shook her finger at him and, muttering something under her breath, went out the door.

Women, the king let out a perplexed sigh, sometimes I just can’t understand them.

The scribe nodded his head in agreement.

Well we’d better not fight anymore or she’ll tan my hide, and yours too if you’re not careful, the king finished.

The scribe wisely refrained from pointing out that he hadn’t been doing any fighting in the first place, and the two of them settled down to complete the letter the king was composing.

Finally, when everything had been completed to the queen’s satisfaction, she bundled everyone out to the coach. The king and the scribe climbed in first, then came the queen with little Zeara, then Arieta, the queen’s maid. Last came X’zithrin, Zeara’s nanny. But as she was climbing into the coach she slipped and fell spraining her ankle. So she was left behind to recuperate, with orders to follow as soon as she was better. That is how Zeara came to be left at Aunt Cleada’s all alone. Aunt Cleada was a kind motherly woman who had befriended the queen when she was a young girl. And so, although no real relation to the royal family, she was called aunt by all in the palace. She was to keep Zeara while the king and queen were gone on their tour. The king didn’t really like this idea. He thought Zeara should be left in the palace with her familiar toys and servants. But the queen was adamant. Zeara should spend the month with Aunt Cleada. So, of course, that was where she went.

Aunt Cleada set Zeara in the playpen on her front porch as she waved good-bye to the royal coach. But when Zeara realized that mamma and daddy were leaving, and especially since her beloved X’zithrin had not materialized, she began to scream hysterically and shake the playpen.

Aunt Cleada rushed to her side. It’s all right Honey, she crooned to the distraught child. Mommy and daddy will come back soon. And Auntie Cleada will take very good care of you while they are gone.

Zeara looked up into the strange face. She wanted to scream loudly, but this stranger was making nice noises at her. She stopped crying and watched the stranger making funny faces. Then the funny lady began to hop about on her spindly legs and wave her arms. Zeara laughed at her delightedly.

Being a baby, it didn’t take Zeara long to forget her troubles. The strange, funny lady held her lovingly. And she was warm, dry, and full. She closed her eyes and fell asleep quickly. The night passed swiftly and Aunt Cleada arose at 5:30 the next morning as usual. So when Zeara began to fuss about an hour later she was right there to change and feed her. This was a new surprise for Zeara. She was used to her nanny who never managed to appear until at least a half hour after she awoke wet and hungry. This, of course, left her fussy and grumpy all morning. But with Aunt Cleada, she was promptly changed and fed and so, she woke up happy and contented as children should.

It wasn’t until midmorning that anything unusual happened. Aunt Cleada was just preparing a small fruit snack for herself when there was a great clatter and ruckus in the courtyard. She hurried to the window and what she saw caused her to let out a terrified gasp.

Morcaleriks!!

She paused only long enough to snatch baby and bottle from the crib then she raced down the stairs to the cellar. Laying Zeara and her blanket on the floor she swung the bar across the door just as boots echoed above her in the hallway. Struggling, she was just able to move two of the large wine barrels in front of the door before the soldiers reached it. Then as they jiggled the latch she crept to the back of the large wine cellar with Zeara clutched fearfully to her breast.

Zeara didn’t see what all the fuss was about. Besides it was kind of fun hiding in the cellar. But when the soldiers began battering on the door it was such a loud sudden noise that she began to cry. Her wails rose louder and louder, but Aunt Cleada sat as if turned to stone. In her shock and terror she had panicked and completely lost touch with reality. When she did finally rouse to the fact that the baby was screaming, she could remember nothing except that she was Aunt Cleada and this was her niece Zeara.

When the soldiers finally broke into the room they found her crooning mindlessly to the wailing infant. Jerking her up they propelled her mercilessly out the door.

Chapter One

Three-year-old Zeara pelted through the kitchen just as fast as her chubby legs could carry her. The terrified look on her face attested to her fear of whatever might be pursuing her. Aunt Cleada shook her head, whatever could the child be frightened of now?

Just then nine-year-old Zark sailed regally through the kitchen obviously in pursuit of the little girl. In his hand, which he waved triumphantly over his head, was a large green frog. The slimy water still trickling from it told the tale of its recent capture from the pond in the palace courtyard.

I’m gonna get you, Zeara! Zark shouted gleefully after the chubby child. I’m gonna put Mr. Frog right down your shirt!

No! No! Zeara screamed from somewhere ahead. Icky, awful, frog wants to go back to the pond. He doesn’t like you squeezing him. He doesn’t want to go down my shirt. EEEEEEEEK!!!

From the sound of the scream, Aunt Cleada concluded, Zark must have achieved his goal. The mischievous boy was always pestering the poor child. He never seemed to tire of finding new ways to irritate her.

Just then Zark paraded back through the kitchen. A large grin adorned his face and in his hand poor bedraggled Mr. Frog on his way back, Aunt Cleada assumed, to the pond. Behind him, as usual, trailed Zeara. Though why she continued to follow him when he was always doing such awful things to her was beyond her aunt’s comprehension.

As the children disappeared out the door, the butler bustled in from the other direction. He looked disapprovingly at Aunt Cleada’s grease and flour covered hands as they carefully kneaded the new bread dough. Disdainfully he flicked at the small flecks of flour which seemed determined to adorn his immaculate suit.

Cleada, it has come to the attention of the king that his son, crown prince Zark, has been associating with your niece. This does not please the king. He has commanded you to keep your niece away from the prince. Prince Zark is not allowed to associate with common people, let alone slaves. You will see to this immediately. He turned imperiously away as he finished, his hands still ineffectually trying to brush off the clinging flour.

Well, Aunt Cleada thought to herself, it was hardly surprising. The two children were always together, no wonder the king had heard about it. But, the problem now, was how to keep them apart. Zeara, of course, could be told not to play with Zark. However, Zark usually did just as he pleased. And it always pleased him to torment Zeara in some way or other. It was quite doubtful he could be kept away.

As she was pondering what to do, a great shout arose from the courtyard. Gathering her flour covered hands together, she raced out hoping Zark hadn’t pushed Zeara into the pond again in a vain effort to teach her to swim. The boy had nearly drowned her last time by insisting she could swim if she just jumped in and wiggled her arms. When Zeara hadn’t obliged him by jumping he’d helped her. One of the gardeners had arrived just in time to rescue her. Zark seemed to be genuinely sorry and very concerned that Zeara should recover, probably, Aunt Cleada mused, so he’d have someone to torment.

But, as she arrived in the courtyard, a different sight met her eyes. The two children had managed to climb to the top of the parapet above the gate guard. There, with glee, they had rained rotten eggs down on him. He was agitatedly shaking his fist and threatening dire punishment on the two imps if he should catch them. Zark was mischievously shaking his fist back at the guard making him even angrier.

Zeara! Aunt Cleada commanded, Come down here immediately!

Zeara’s face crumbled into tears. He told me to t’row eggs or icky Mr. Frog would hop out and get me. She pointed an accusing finger at Zark.

You should be ashamed of yourself, young man. Aunt Cleada spoke reprovingly as she marched to the rescue of poor Zeara who in obeying her aunt had descended into the clutches of the agitated gate guard, and he definitely intended to spank her.

Keep your big hands off my niece, can’t you see it was the boy who instigated it. She clucked protectively over Zeara as if she were a mother hen, gathering the sobbing child to her breast. Then turning to the boy she spoke again. Your father, the king, said Zeara cannot play with you anymore. You are not to come near her, or your father will be very angry.

Zark stared at her in astonishment. Not play with Zeara, but who else was there? How very irritating of father to be sure, he thought rudely to himself. How dare he tell me not to play with the child. Since there’s no one else to play with I shall be bored almost to tears. Well, I shall play with her anyway. We will just have to find a secret place.

No sooner had Aunt Cleada issued her version of the royal command and disappeared back into the kitchen with Zeara than Zark set out to discover a place to play in secret. Jumping nimbly down from the parapet he easily evaded the much larger and clumsier guard and raced into the east wing. This seemed to be the most promising, so he set out to explore it. He soon found himself completely alone.

This is perfect, he gloated. We can come here and play. That way no one will see us.

The problem solved to his satisfaction he began planning more pranks to play on poor Zeara, not knowing that he would soon be sent away to military school. King Darius had decided that it was time for Zark to begin his training in the art of running a kingdom. Also the king had chosen a girl to become the future bride of the prince. She had been brought to the palace just this morning. She would be trained in the most correct etiquette. And, would also make a proper companion for the prince.

Zark wandered in happy abandon for quite some time, but the east wing seemed quite devoid of life and he finally tired of exploring. His stomach rumbled disagreeably as he headed back to the inhabited parts of the castle and he realized with surprise that it was already supper time.

What a bother, he told himself, now it’s too late to show Zeara our new hiding place. I guess I’ll have to wait till tomorrow.

But, unfortunately for Zark, tomorrow did not start out at all as he had anticipated. He was awakened at the ungodly hour of dawn and hurried into his clothes. Then he was informed that his father, the king, was awaiting him at breakfast. He approached the huge room with trepidation. Though his father usually left him to do as he pleased, every now and then he would issue some grand royal decree and Zark had found if he didn’t hop-to-it he would find himself in hot water. However, when he entered, he found the king in a rare good humor. He smiled at his son and patted the chair beside him.

Come, sit here by me, son.

I was told you wished to see me father, Zark began.

And so I do. I have enrolled you in the best school in Morlind. You will start next term. Of course, that’s quite a ways off as yet, but I wanted to let you know the good news. Then I also thought I’d tell you about the little surprise I’ve brought to the palace for you.

Surprise, for me, father? Is it a new pony?

No, I’ve decided you need a playmate. One of proper breeding and background. So I’ve brought Clearsha here to be your companion.

Clearsha? Zark was disgusted, A girl? You should have brought a boy, father.

There will be plenty of boys at school when you go. For now, I want you to play with Clearsha, and stay away from the servant’s children. He looked hard at Zark, And that means Zeara too! Do you understand me?

Yes father, Zark answered obediently although inside he was seething with indignation.

Just at that moment Clearsha made her appearance. She was a pretty child of six, with long black curls and green eyes. But, unfortunately for her, Zark had already quite made up his mind to dislike her. Not only was she a detested girl, but it seemed that his favorite playmate had been disqualified from the running to make room for her. Quite illogically, he did not consider Zeara to be a girl, she was just THE CHILD.

Come here, Clearsha. I have someone I want you to be best friends with. The king patted the chair on his other side. This is my son, Zark. He’ll be going away to school next year, but you’ll have the rest of this spring and all summer to get acquainted.

Clearsha looked curiously at Zark, but he returned her look with one of such haughty disdain that she flinched visibly and drew closer to the king.

Now, Zark, the king remonstrated with the obviously disgusted boy. Don’t glare at her so furiously, she’ll think you rude and unmannered.

Don’t care if she does, Zark muttered ill-humoredly. Don’t like girls.

Well you may not like them now, the king retorted, becoming slightly perturbed himself, but you will someday. So you’d best learn how to treat them.

Zark cast another ominous look in Clearsha’s direction and she decided he was a very horrid boy. She hunched down in her seat and pecked at her food hoping that in the future, THAT BOY would stay as far away as possible. The scowl he still had pasted rudely on his face made him look just like the devil with only one thought on his mind, to make her life miserable.

The king rose to his feet, directing a stern look in Zark’s direction, I expect you to do as I’ve said and entertain Clearsha. With that parting comment he left the two alone together.

Zark finished his meal in silence, trying to determine how best to get even with Clearsha for invading his domain. Finally, his plan of action decided upon, he suddenly placed a smile on his face. This only served to unnerve the girl more, for she reasoned his sudden change of humor must be due to some torment he planned to inflict upon her.

I’m sorry I was so rude, Zark turned on his considerable charm. I had no idea father had brought you here and I already had other plans for today. But, since you’re here, I’ll ask Cook to make a picnic lunch and we can play by the pond in the courtyard.

Clearsha brightened immediately, for Zark’s charm had quieted her fears. A picnic would be nice, she responded.

Come on, then. I’ll take you to the kitchen so I can tell the cook.

Zark led the way to the kitchen where Aunt Cleada was already busily preparing for the day’s cooking. Zeara was just finishing her breakfast as they entered and she looked in surprise at Clearsha. Zark quickly made the introductions.

This is my friend Zeara, he said, surprising everyone by kissing her on the cheek. This, he turned to Clearsha, is someone my father brought to the palace. Her name is Clearsha. I have to play with her today. We need a lunch that we can take to the pond for a picnic. He paused, then stated, Zeara is to come with us.

Clearsha looked at Zark in obvious surprise. Surely he hadn’t forgotten what his father had told him about playing with Zeara. But Zark appeared completely oblivious to his father’s words at breakfast. Aunt Cleada, however, was not as forgetful.

Oh no you don’t, young man, Aunt Cleada spoke firmly. Zeara is not to play with you. Don’t you remember what your father said?

Zark looked rebelliously at her, for he’d seen the longing in Zeara’s eyes when he’d mentioned a picnic. But, Aunt Cleada’s tone of voice warned him that this time she would stand firm. So, as he snatched the lunch ungraciously, he vowed that Clearsha would pay.

The first part of the morning was peaceful as the children shed their shoes and dangled their toes in the water. Zark was whistling and Clearsha was humming. Suddenly Zark stopped whistling and pulled his feet out of the water.

Do you know what piranha are? he asked innocently.

No. What are they? Clearsha questioned.

They’re fish that live in ponds, Zark replied. They have sharp teeth and if they’re hungry they will bite your toes right off. He noted her horrified expression but gleefully continued on, You can tell when they are hungry because they make bubbles come up. He pointed at the bubbles, caused no doubt by some innocent frog, which were rising to the surface close to her immersed feet.

Letting out a terrified shriek, Clearsha jerked her feet from the water and shook them wildly, looking for all the world as if she were trying to perform some weird version of St. Vitas dance in midair. This looked so outrageously funny that Zark could not contain himself and he rolled on the ground shouting with laughter.

Clearsha, realizing suddenly that Zark had played a prank on her, rose indignantly and kicked him hard in the shin. Zark, emitting a yell of pain, shoved her right into the pond. She caught her foot on a submerged root and fell flat on her face drenching her entire self with the muddy, scummy, and somewhat smelly water of the pond.

This was even funnier, and Zark positively roared with laughter, completely forgetting his bruised shin. He pointed at her then doubled over and held his stomach as the tears ran down his face. Clearsha rose from the pond with extreme hauteur on her face, although the effect was somewhat dimmed by her dripping hair, muddy face, and bedraggled clothing.

How dare you scare me just to be funny. You are a horrid, mean and rude boy. And I shall never speak to you again.

She turned and stalked toward the palace looking extremely undignified in her dripping garments. While Zark, left all alone by the pond with the unopened picnic basket, looked extremely pleased with himself. His plan had worked perfectly. He’d played with her just as his father had asked. He couldn’t help it if she didn’t like him and didn’t want to play with him. Besides, now he had the complete contents of the picnic basket all to himself. Or maybe, if he could find Zeara, they could sneak away and munch together.

With this thought in mind he picked up the basket and headed toward Aunt Cleada’s quarters. Hopefully, Zeara, away from the watchful eye of her aunt, could be persuaded to sneak away with him.

Zeara was playing with her rag doll when Zark appeared in the doorway. She looked up and smiled at him. He always thought of such interesting things to do that she didn’t really mind putting up with his pranks every now and then.

Come on, Zeara, Zark motioned for her to follow him.,

But Auntie said that I can’t play with you anymore, Zeara spoke decisively. She said your father doesn’t like me and besides you always get me into trouble.

But I promise not to this time. Besides, see? I have this whole picnic lunch. Clearsha doesn’t like me so I’m going to have to eat it all by myself unless you help me.

But Auntie said…