Author's Note: For a writing assignment, I had to write a children book and illustrate it. This is what my name is based on only it's a novel I'm writing and this would be for the little kids.
Once, a long time ago...

There was a lush, green kingdom called Tarian filled with ferocious dragons, brave knights and beautiful damsels in distress.

The land was ruled by a just, noble king named Cervio. The entire kingdom loved him because he did not treat the peasants harshly and did not have high taxes. When he appeared in the market or gave them an announcement, the crowd would cheer loudly and with enthusiasm.

Actually it would be wrong to say the entire kingdom loved him, for in the Dark Woods of Kiniso, a band of troublemakers and traitors lived. They spent their days stealing, cheating honest farmers and plotting ways to overthrow the rule of King Cervio. For that, they were called Kinisians, or 'Mischievous Ones'. Their leader was a mean man named Radian.

The Kinisian's schemes would have succeeded too, if not for King Cervio's brave and noble knights. Riding about on their white horses, saving people and helping others, the knights would travel around the countryside, their shields and armor flashing in the sun.

One bright, sun-shiny day, the king called his people together. "My subjects," his voice boomed as he looked kindly upon the crowd. "I have an announcement! In two weeks time, I shall hold a festival in honor of all the hard work that you put into the sowing season. There shall be a tournament, games and a banquet." The people cheered, for they did not often get a break from their hard work.

Soon after the announcement, Radian heard the news of the festival. An idea clicked into his strange, evil mind. He called his men together and cackled, "Here is our chance to take over Cervio's kingdom. We shall wait until the king, his family and all of the people are celebrating. Then we shall surprise them and take the castle!" His men shouted with happiness and the plan started.

The two weeks passed quickly. The field where the festival was going to be held was filled with colorful booths and tents. In the center of the field, there had been set up a wooden fence to surround the jousting arena. People hurried to and fro, setting up streamers and banners. Because of all the hubbub, merchants came from all over the kingdom, anxious to sell there wares.

While this was going on, Radian and his men had been getting gold to bribe some of the guards, old cloaks so they could sneak into the castle, disguised, and more weapons. They were also making siege weapons, just in case.

The day of the festival arrived. People flocked from far and near to join in the celebration. Lively music from pipes filled the air as the pheasants danced. Delicious smells floated around, tempting everyone who came near them to have a bite. After his tournament, the youngest and newest knight, Sir Deland, showed the people what each piece of his armor was for. King Cervio, his wife Senria and their children sat in the raised seats, watching the tournament. A few knights were put on guard, but not enough to repel an attack. As the festivities went on, nobody noticed a group of wagons filled with hay approaching.

The wagons creaked and swayed slowly down the road that led toward the castle. If anyone looked closely enough, they would have seen the hay rustling, as if something was in it.

" 'allo? Where do you think you're goin? State your business in the castle." A guard shouted as the lead cart drew nearer. The driver paused, trying to remember what he was supposed to say.

"Well, me and my boys have come to deliver this hay for the horses in the castle. We thought, that we should unload it while everyone is at the festival."/

Now it was the guards turn to pause. He suspiciously looked at the driver, that turned and called to another guard inside the castle. "Lower the drawbridge." The minute he said those words, the hay in the wagons seemed to explode. Men carrying maces, swords and pikes climbed out and raced toward the bridge.

"Close the gate, now!" The helpless guard now shouted. The other guard obeyed and started to lift it up. A few of Radian's men were able to jump onto it as it rose, but most were stuck on the other side of the moat.

From the field nearby, King Cervio and his people heard the commotion. They stopped the festivities and rushed toward the castle, with Cervio and his brave knights leading on horses. They arrived just in time to trap most of the army of Radian in-between themselves and the moat. A fierce battle raged. In the end though, King Cervio and his knights captured most of the enemy. But inside, the guards and the Kinisians were battling it out to see who would be the conqueror of the castle.

Everyone outside held there breath. Everything outside the castle seemed to freeze as this final moment came down. The air was filled with the clashing and clanging of swords. Of the groans as each party struggled. Then there suddenly was silence. Which party had been victorious? Each army outside waited for their flag to arise inside. After a moment, something started rising. It was hard to make out. Suddenly, Sir Deland shouted, "It's the lion! We've won!"

Most of the Kinisian leaders were put into the dungeon. The rest were forced to harvest the crops in the fall. Because of all the extra labor, the harvest was one of the best. The kingdom of Tarian was safe from enemy hands........for now??!!!!