Chapter One:

The kingdom of Debain was in danger from the attack coming from the Evil Empress who had flooded the land with her terror. Many people had fled to the outside walls. Inside the royal palace fear was everywhere, especially in the King’s chambers. The beloved King Stabou and his wife were tracked down by Telou, the Captain of the Guards who served the Empress. Meanwhile not so far away two children were running through the halls. The oldest was thirteen, with stricken blue-green eyes and long golden hair while the youngest was ten, with a lighter shade of blue to his eyes and brown hair with tints of tan and black. They were dressed in rags, but don’t be mistaken, for they were not poor, but were the royal children trying to escape from the burning palace. Princess Nicole and her younger brother Prince Nicholas had never left each other’s side their whole lives and they weren’t about to be separated now.

After Telou had dealt with the King and Queen he then ordered his troops out of the kingdom and they rode back to the Kingdom of Serpiania.

“Are they gone?” Nick asked his sister.

“I think so” replied Nicki, “Wait here.”

She crawled out of their hiding place to find the kingdom in ruins, not a soul was left.

“Nick!” she called out, “Come on!”

When Nick crawled out he was astounded at what he saw. The shops and homes were broken with glass and their rooftops were tumbling off. Nicki and Nick raced towards the palace only to find it also in a shambles.

“Mother! Father!” she called.

But no answer came. In a panic Nicki ran towards the King’s chambers with Nick at her heels. She stared inside the doorway only to see blood and curtains torn to shreds. “We’re the only ones left” she told Nick with tears in her eyes. Nick looked up at her in non-belief only to discover that she wasn’t lying. Soon after Nicki led Nick to the kitchens hoping to find something to eat. Luckily for them there was plenty of fruit and bread available.

Back in the Kingdom of Serpiania Telou walked into the throne room.

“Is it done?” a hushed melodic voice asked.

“Yes” he replied, “all of Debain is destroyed just like you asked your Majesty” he bowed.

“And the royal family?”

“I took care of them like you told me to.”

“Good bring them to me” the voice replied.

“Who?” he asked.

“Why the children of course. Where are they?”

“Children your Majesty? What children?”

“What do you mean what children? You didn’t get them?” a face appeared from the shadows.

She was a beautiful woman with long black hair tied back. Her robes were encrusted with jewels of bright purple and violet. Her eyes were a dark shade of green and even though she was a beauty on the outside it was quite clear that she was very evil on the inside. At that moment a long Boa constrictor came down a cylinder pole in the room, and landed on her shoulders.

“How could you specifically forget about the children?” she seethed with anger, “They are the last of the royal family of Debain. I can’t have them ruining my plans. I need. Oh! You’re so… Oh forget it!”

“Please my Queen” he begged, “I had no idea that there were children. They were not with their parents.”

“All right” she said calming down, “I forgive you Telou. You are the head of my royal guard and these Debains are known to be sneaky” she paused, “They were probably trying to protect the children” she paused and then finally after a period of thinking she spoke again, “You probably have no idea what they look like do you?”

He shook his head so she handed him a photograph.

“Well there’s their picture. One boy. One girl. It shouldn’t be too hard for you. Search Debain and the coutryside to find them and once you do find them, you will bring them before me.”

He bowed once again and then exited the room.

The Queen watched him leave and then stood up, certain that he had left, and moving towards a large curtain. She lifted it up and spoke softly.

“My beautiful Mirror. Whatever shall I use you for?” she said speaking softly to the piece of glass on the wall that sparkled as the moonlight hit it. She then suddenly smiled as her next evil plot formed in her mind.

Written By Stephanie Harding

Story originally created by Stephanie Harding,

Sarah Aaron and Bobby Culp the 3rd