Brave 2: Curse of a Princess

Chapter 1: The Spark

It was a beautiful first day of spring and Merida was in the courtyard practicing with her sword. Her father, King Fergus, was there helping her with techniques. Merida was about to give another swing at the practice dummy when she heard some laughter behind her and she turned to see her brothers, Hamish, Hubert, and Harris, hiding behind a barrel as they saw her turn.

"Watch your stance lass, an unbalanced fighter is an easy target." Advised Fergus.

"I'll show you what an easy target is." Giggled Merida as she dropped her sword and ran for the barrel her brothers were hiding behind. The boys ran in opposite directions causing Merida to stop in her tracks to decide which one to go after first. She didn't have to wonder long because Hubert came up behind her and jumped on her back and tackled Merida to the ground while Hamish and Harris joined in on tickling her.

"Alright, alright, you got me, you wee birthday devils." Chortled Merida as the boys jumped off her.

"Aye, I almost forgot. Here are your present's boys." Fergus smiled as the triplets opened their presents with glee. Hamish got a sling-shot, Harris got a small dagger, and Hubert got a quarter staff. They all looked at their gifts in awe. Today Merida's brothers turn nine and they were very excited. Who wouldn't be? Thought Merida, It's their big day, so let them have it. The doors to the courtyard open and Queen Elinor stepped though with a big cake in her hands and smiled warmly at her sons. The boys dropped their presents and ran behind Merida the look of uncertainty in their eyes.

"What is it boys? Do you not like your cake? You love cake!" exclaimed Elinor with the look of concern in her eyes.

"Mum, remember the last time they ate cake? You should know very well." Nervously laughed Merida.

"Yes, I do, but this cake isn't cursed or anything. Boys do you think I'd curse you? It's not like I'm a witch." asked Elinor. The boys shook their heads and smiled. They ran for the cake and dove in, cake splattered everywhere getting cake and icing on everyone.

"Boys!" yelled Fergus. The triplets stopped immediately and looked at their father. "Save some for us." He laughed. Everyone got a piece of cake that wasn't smashed and ate by the ledge of the tower.

"This view is grand, don't you think mum?" asked Merida as she looked out over the kingdom.

"Aye it is, my darling." Elinor placed a hand on Merida's head, and squeezed her into a hug.

"Mum, I can't breathe." Merida tried to tug away from her mum, but she wasn't letting go.

"Fergus. What is that?" Elinor asked fearfully as she let go Merida. When Merida pushed her hair back into place she saw a bolt of green lightning headed straight for them and fast. Her mum must have been in shock because she wasn't moving. Merida had to think quickly or the bolt would hit her mum, so she did the only thing she could do. She shoved her mother out of the way just in time and it hit her instead. With an explosion of green, the jolt threw her back into her father and knocked him down.

"Merida are you alright dear?" he asked worried.

Merida got to her feet and shook her head to get the dizziness out and placed a hand on her head. She started to stumble, but her brothers steadied her. She looked at them standing on each other's shoulders; they hopped down one by one. Merida felt a squeeze around her middle she turned to see her mother hugging her tightly with tears in her eyes. Then, the world went black.