Gregory Orange and the Enchanted Kingdoms (Book II)

GREGORY ORANGE & THE ENCHANTED KINGDOMS (Book II)

BEARER OF NONE, BUT MASTER OF ALL

By Ursula Graetz

COPYRIGHT 2017 URSULA Graetz

Published by Ursula Graetz

Cover by Orphia Creative Solutions

License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.  This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people.  If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.  Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, especially the rights of translation, re-use of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without prior written permission given by the Author.

THE GREGORY ORANGE and the Enchanted Kingdoms series is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events, locals, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 - Finding a Clue

CHAPTER 2 - The Eagle at the Window

CHAPTER 3 - The Guardians of the Gifts

CHAPTER 4 - The Fairy Queen and Her Mighty Army

CHAPTER 5 - The Voice in the Shadows

CHAPTER 6 - Pallor Valley

CHAPTER 7 - The Dwarvensunsh

CHAPTER 8 - The Trap

CHAPTER 9 - The Island

CHAPTER 10 - The Land of Sorrow

CHAPTER 11 - The Fairy Queen’s Warning

CHAPTER 12 - Fluffens Galore

CHAPTER 13 - Kidnapped

CHAPTER 14 - The Rescue

CHAPTER 15 - Saved by the Fluffens

Further Books by the Author

CHAPTER 1 – Finding a Clue

The sun shone brightly in Jadeonia and the dazzling array of flowers in the castle gardens blossomed proudly, as enchanted butterflies danced around the luminously coloured petals. The flowing lawns were greener than ever and no matter how many times Gregory Orange gazed out over the colourful gardens of the castle, a place he now called home, the beauty of it still managed to steal his breath away.

As he gazed out the window, he spotted his fairy friend, Bee, sitting on one of the white garden benches near the fountain, staring into oblivion. Her face was not unhappy, but Gregory could detect her sadness. Even her wings seemed to droop. Fluffy, the adorable fluffen, sat contently at her feet curiously watching the butterflies at play.

Jadon, are you listening to me? Gregory’s father interrupted his thoughts.

Gregory turned and stared blankly at his father.

You haven’t heard a thing I’ve said, have you? His father frowned.

When Gregory simpered guiltily, the king just shook his head but smiled tenderly. During the past year, his son had learned how to run the Jadeonian Kingdom and had shown much promise, skill and talent. He even revealed that he had deep compassion for all living creatures. It was a good thing too, for compassion was a much-needed quality required to be a good king, and Jadon, who still liked to be called Gregory, would one day become the King of Jadeonia once he himself stepped down.

I was wondering how your studies were going along, the King inquired.

It’s going well, Father, but Gregory knitted his eyes together nervously before continuing, I was thinking – I know I still have a lot to learn about the Enchanted Kingdoms, and how to govern Jadeonia effectively, but wouldn’t it be more beneficial to learn from the enchanted creatures themselves?

He had been building up his courage for quite some time to confront his father about an important quest he wanted to undertake but wasn’t sure how to broach his father regarding the subject. There was a good chance his father might disapprove.

I’m listening. The king shifted in his chair to lean forward.

Gregory’s heart leaped in his throat. He swallowed hard before explaining. Well – if I could go on a journey to explore all the Enchanted Kingdoms first-hand, I could learn more than just what is written in books or what I’ve been told.

The king shook his head. That’s not a good idea. There are still so many dangers out there, my son, and there are several enchanted creatures that wish to harm you, the prince of Jadeonia. It would not be wise to send you out there. Not now anyway, the King demurred.

But I thought that our tree, Azul, was changing all that? Gregory protested, unhappily.

The king sighed deeply before replying. Azul’s positive energies are reaching many of the Enchanted Kingdoms, that’s true, but there are still negative forces out there that deliberately block out Azul’s peaceful and joyful energies. Some evil creatures have even erected shields to block out the energies. Then he frowned, wondering if he should tell Gregory everything. Look, son, I don’t want to alarm you, but I’ve sent many recruits to track down these culprits but to no avail. Sadly, many of them never returned. It’s like they’ve just simply vanished. I fear the worst. That is why I say, it’s far too dangerous out there for you.

For several minutes, Gregory remained silent, considering his father’s words before raising the subject further. There’s another reason I wish to leave Jadeonia, Gregory finally admitted. He held his breath while trying to read his father’s expression. When his father failed to respond, Gregory inhaled deeply and summoned more courage. I need to help Bee find her parents.

But if Adam and the other scouts have been unable to trace them, how are you going to be able to? the king asked.

I don’t know but sitting here doing nothing and feeling helpless about it is not going to help either.

When the king didn’t respond Gregory turned around and soberly stared out of the window again. His heart sank to his stomach and a knob formed in his throat. Bee’s so sad, father. If that was me, still wondering where my parents are, still...

Jadon, I know what you’re trying to do, but don’t. I understand that you’re worried about Bee. Trust me, I do sympathize with her, but put yourself in our shoes too, the king insisted. We’ve just found you, after all these years, and the thought of losing you again...

Gregory interrupted him. Nothing will happen to me. You need to trust me, Gregory beseeched him. I need to do this. I made a promise to Bee that I would help her find her parents, and a person who cannot keep his word has little value to add to any kingdom and will surely make a poor king.

You’re a tough little negotiator, the king responded with a sigh. He stood up, strode over to the window beside Gregory, and placed his hand on his shoulder.

Gregory’s mother walked into the private family lounge, carrying a tray of pink bubbly cold drinks and a plate filled with strawberry-creams cakes. You are just as tough a negotiator as your father, she said, smiling proudly as she handed them their glasses.

Both Gregory and his father sat down.

The king finally cleared his throat. Okay Jadon, I’ll make you a deal.

Gregory sat up, almost swallowing a strawberry cream whole. His eyes were wide open with anticipation.

You may go in search of Bee’s parents, on three conditions. His father paused and Gregory gnawed subconsciously on his lower lip, eagerly waiting for his father to continue. His heart was beating so fast that he found it difficult to sit still in his chair.

Firstly, you must find a valid clue before you leave on your quest, and then you need to formulate a plan of action. Secondly, your friends Ven, Wix, and Bee must go with you, he paused again, contemplating.

And the third condition? Gregory implored, anxiously.

The third condition is that you go as Gregory Orange, and not as Prince Jadon. It’s for your own safety as well as that of the Kingdom’s.

The third condition was a condition that Gregory was more than happy to oblige with. For twelve years, his name had been Gregory Orange, and having to answer to the name, Prince Jadon, this past year, had not been easy. Fortunately, there weren’t many who knew that Gregory Orange was also Prince Jadon. His parents had made sure of that. They had instructed those who knew his identity, to keep it a secret, especially since there were rumours going around that Gregory Orange was the chosen one, not Adam, and that he had saved the Enchanted Kingdoms from doom.

Gregory frowned. The first condition was a hard one. Where would he find a clue?

Is that a deal? his father inquired.

Gregory regarded his father thoughtfully and then looked at his mother, who sat sipping her tea watching them warmly. He was extremely grateful to have such loving parents, a mother who was gentle and kind, and a father who was as good as he was wise. A true king and queen.

"It’s a deal. I will find a clue," Gregory vowed, determination burning deep within him.

I don’t doubt it, my son. I don’t doubt it at all, the king professed, beaming proudly, even though he harboured concerns. He hoped he was doing the right thing. But how could he keep his son from doing that which he felt was right? It would only break down his self-confidence. He had to show a little faith in his son.

CHAPTER 2 – The Eagle at the Window

The following night a storm raged, rattling the castle windows, and sending howling winds down the castle’s hallways, as if in search of something.

Gregory woke up, but not because of the storm. There was an irate tapping sound at his window. For a minute, he lay on his bed, confused. What was that sound? When he could no longer ignore the irritating intrusion, he jumped out of the bed so fast that he painfully knocked his little toe against the bedside table. Ouch! With a limp, he hobbled towards the window.

Cautiously he opened the curtains, holding his breath in fear. To his surprise two yellow eyes greeted him. A large eagle stood outside the window ledge nudging at his window impatiently with its beak. It was almost as if it wanted Gregory to open the window and let him in. Hesitantly, Gregory contemplated whether he should comply. But the bird knocked on the glass again, and again until Gregory finally gave in. He opened the window, and the bird hopped in and then flew around his large room. Its wings were massive and imbued with dark-grey feathers and a long-barred tail, which it shook ferociously to the reprieve of the rainwater still clinging to them. Water sprayed everywhere. Not impressed, Gregory wiped the water off his face. Then he realized something. You’re the eagle I saw at New Lynn, aren’t you? Gregory asked as if expecting an answer. Then we also saw you flying with Agon’s army of warriors, last year. That was you, wasn’t it? Gregory pointed a finger of accusation at the bird. Just for a minute, Gregory was sure he noticed the eagle nod in agreement but immediately dismissed the thought as being absurd.

The bird landed on one of the armchairs and glared up at Gregory.

You don’t look enchanted. You’re just an eagle, right? You’re not from the Enchanted Kingdoms – or are you? Gregory was doubtful. Again, he was sure he noticed the eagle nod in reply.

Are you from the Enchanted Kingdoms? Gregory asked again, this time he closely monitored the bird’s response – it nodded again. Maybe the bird just had a bad habit of nodding its head. Then an idea occurred to Gregory. Are you from New Lynn? Gregory waited but there was no nod this time. Was it a mere coincidence? Are you enchanted? Gregory tested. This time, there was a definite nod. Okay, either I’m going crazy, talking to a bird, or you really are enchanted, and that would mean...? Gregory stopped talking. What would that mean? He jumped onto his bed, drew his knees up to rest his chin against them, and observed the bird thoughtfully. After several minutes of intense gazing at the bird and receiving an intense glare from the eagle in return, another thought occurred to Gregory.

If you were a spy, you wouldn’t be here, would you? This time the eagle shook its head. Ah, so it doesn’t just nod its head. So why are you here? Gregory asked, almost expecting the bird to answer him. The bird jumped off the chair and made its way towards the large, wooden door. Gregory followed the eagle and curiously opened the door to see what it would do next. To his astonishment, it left his bedroom and marched straight down the cold, candle-lit hall, stopping directly in front of Bee’s bedroom door.

You want to go into Bee’s room? Gregory was puzzled. The bird nodded.

Why? Instead of responding, the bird merely glared at Gregory as if it were waiting for him to comply with his wishes. Gregory was sure he detected a touch of impatience in the bird’s glare.

Fine, I’ll knock, but you must realize that Bee is probably fast asleep by now, Gregory warned. The bird nodded.

Gregory knocked on Bee’s bedroom door, softly at first. When there was no reply he knocked again, a little louder this time. A few minutes later they heard light footsteps approaching the door. Bee opened the door, rubbing her eyes frantically as she yawned.

Gregory? What’s wrong? she asked, sleepily.

Sorry I had to wake you, but the eagle insisted. Gregory pointed to the large bird that stood beside him, glaring up at Bee. She looked down at the bird with surprise.

What is it? Where did it come from? How do you know what it wants? she blasted him with an array of questions. She was wide awake now and her eyes were ablaze with curiosity.

As strange as this might sound, the bird knocked at my bedroom window insisting that I let it in. It’s an eagle. We have these birds back in the world I lived in for so many years.

The bird gazed at Bee for what seemed like an eternity. It then made its way into Bee’s room. Gregory and Bee followed it. It then turned around and dropped a shiny object at Bee’s feet.

What’s this? Bee bent down to pick up the object.

Gregory leaned in to get a closer look at the object she held in her hand. It was a necklace made of pure silver, so pure that he could see his own reflection in it. In the centre of its oblong setting was a royal blue stone.

What’s going on here? Ven beamed, storming into Bee’s candle-lit room. Can’t an old gnome get any rest around here? he grumbled angrily.

Sorry Ven, Gregory apologized. This eagle came knocking at my window and ... Gregory started to explain but Ven cut Gregory short when he spotted the eagle and then the necklace. Where in the kingdoms did you get that? His anger had instantly dissipated, and Gregory was sure he noticed a touch of fear flash in the old gnome’s eyes.

The eagle dropped that necklace at Bee’s feet. It’s as if he wanted her to have it, Gregory replied, almost defensively as if they were caught doing something wrong. He watched Ven’s expression closely.

Not good, not good at all, the old gnome mumbled, shaking his head worriedly. This can only mean one thing. His last statement sent shivers down Gregory’s spine. He waited anxiously for Ven to explain but the gnome just stood there regarding the necklace in silence. He held a faraway gleam in his eyes.

Finally, when Gregory could take no more of the suspense, he pressed Ven for an answer. What is it?

Ven looked up. Are you absolutely certain that the eagle insisted that Bee must have that necklace? When Ven spoke, his thick Scottish-like accent seemed more apparent than usual.

Yes. Gregory’s growing anxiety raged like wildfire.

You’re scaring us. Please tell us what’s going on, Bee pleaded.