Chapter Fifteen:

The goddess stared at the other woman with absolute rage as she began to glow as bright as the sun.

“Very well Venomina. You made your choice” a lightening bolt flew up to the sky from her staff and the giant golden mirror appeared and landed in Sorin’s hands, “This is the only thing that you have truly ever loved and now it’s the only thing that you will ever have.”

“No!!!!” Venomina screamed as her form was sucked into the mirror and then the mirror disappeared, never to be seen again.

The goddess turned around and looked down somberly at the small puppy.

“Little prince” she replied, “Are you all right?”

“You saved my life Nick” Justin said wrapping his arms around him, “You’re the bestest friend I could ever have.”

“Your Excellency” he replied slowly, “Can you help me?”

“Nick” Sorin, said looking at him directly in the eye, “It’s true my powers are great but I’m afraid the only power I have no control over is restoration of a human form. I am ashamed to say that it is a dark power and Ionly can prevent those things not undo them.”

“I see” Nick lowered his head.

“But someday” she replied making him lift his head, “Someday you can find the cure and when you do you will never have to be what you are now ever again. Unless you want to of course. I’m sorry I can’t help you. After all you did well young one” she patted his head, “I’m proud of all of you!” she added and with that last sentence she disappeared.

They all stared sadly at Nick as he stood to his feet. Telou moved slightly forward.

“Princess Nicole” he spoke.

“Hmm? Telou?” she said back surprised.

“I have done many terrible things and I don’t expect you to forgive me, but all I’ve ever wanted was to serve royalty. Would you let me make it up to you by becoming your personal guard? Yours and your brothers?” he bowed his head.

“Are you sure that you don’t want to be free Telou?” Vincent asked.

“No I am certain. I am most happy serving a master then being a master myself.”

Nicki looked at her brother and then walked over and stood before him with a smile.

“Then your wish is granted. Return to Debain, take some men with you, and begin to rebuild it. And all of you our friendsshallcome with us” she added turning to them to which they nodded appreciatively.

Telou bowed his head and departed at once to gather his men. Nicki returned to her brother’s side and patted his head.

“Nick are you okay?” she asked as the others watched.

“Yea” he nodded, “We’re together again. That’s all that matters.”

“Well then!” Dot said piping up and flying near them, “Let’s go home!” she tinkled.

They all laughed and then Nicki, Partha, Vincent, Justin, Dot, Zacbar, Oron, and Nick began their trek towards Debain. As they walked they all dreamed of a life of peace and happiness and as for the young prince he was certain of one thing. He knew someday he would be human again. He was sure of it.

(THE END)

Authors Note: Well that’s the end of the first book of the Castle Series. Look for the start of the second, The Emerald Hand of Challistania sometime tomorrow! See you all later!!!