Chapter One:

It had been six years since the narrow escape of the mirror and not much had happened since then except the birth of the daughter to Princess Nicole and her husband Thomas. Nicki had married a wealthy nobleman when she turned sixteen and the two of them had ruled the kingdom for three years because of a very important reason. So someone could take up the throne until her brother could do so. Nick had remained unchanged except that he was supposed to be sixteen yet he was ten because of the form he had been in for six years. Thomas had been sent off many times with several men to find a cure for Nick’s condition but always returned empty handed. Nick even began to wonder himself if he ever meant to find a cure for him.

At the same time the people of the Kingdom of Debain didn’t even know about Nick’s secret. They all thought he was off on some trip and would soon return. However through all the changes going on around him one thing remained. He still had the best of friends he could ever hope for.

There was the Partha, the sweet ever loving princess who cared very much about Nick’s condition and despised Thomas because she also believed he wasn’t very serious about locating a cure. She had become even more beautiful and was sought after to marry but had turned down many suitors.

Then of course there was Vincent, the clever handsome prince and former ruler of the lands towards the west. At this particular time he was looking to rebuild it so he could rule a kingdom of his own.

Wise old Zacbar, who had helped Nick through his long depressing days with his encouragement and uplifting stories had stayed at the castle and was sought after bymany people to help them with their troubles.

And as for Dot the irrepressible fairy, Nick’s tiny energetic friend had changed into her dog form so Nick wouldn’t be lonely.

But who could forget the caring, adorable Justin who Nick had saved which was why he was inhisformal state to begin with. Justin was now ten years old so they were the same age and would often go play and run together in the fields on the outskirts of the castle.

Last but not least the most important of all, his sister Nicki whose love for him was stronger than any other brother/sister love in the world. She had kept his spirits up the past six years with calming words and affection.

It wasn’t that Nick was unhappy with the fact that he was a dog. Sometimes he rather enjoyed it. It’s just he thought that Sorin hadpromised him that one day he would find a cure and he wondered when that day would come.

The Quest for the Emerald

Hand of Challistania

Written by

shardingtoby

The winds rose up high on the grassy plains of Debain and on this particular day Nick had decided to sleep in. He had his own room of course, which Thomas thought was a little ridiculous considering his form. The room was decorated all in red and around the large bed; red curtains surrounded the entire thing. He was dreaming about being human again when in ran his four year old niece.

“Wake up Uncle Nick” she said shaking him.

“Gaby” he replied opening one eye and grinning, “I am trying to sleep.”

“But you can’t sleep on a day like this. It’s too bootiful” she said in her sweet voice.

“All right” he chuckled a little at her pronunciation of the word, “You talked me into it.

He yawned and continued to smile as he lifted his body off the bed, jumped down, and shook a little. He loved Gabriella like a little sister and she always managed to make him smile. She was a lot like her mother and even looked like her with the same long golden hair and bright blue green eyes. Gaby also always wore her hair in braids and Nick recalled the time when his sister wore hers the same way when she was young. Just as he stretched a loud knock sounded on the door and Nick could hear Telou’s voice on the other side.

“Master Nick! He’s arrived! He has returned!”

(Till Next Time)

Authors Note: Okay here’s the first chapter of the second book in the Castle series. Hope you enjoyed it!!