Ever since I can remember, my parents have urged me to write things down in this little book. Even before I could write well, they had me draw pictures about the events I had experienced. I never thought it was important, just some weird "express yourself" thing, but then Mom and Dad disappeared.
I blame the Wigglehorns. They are always sticking their piggish noses and floppy ears where they don't belong and won't stop tattling everything they hear or see. That's how Her Royal Highness Sileena Sporthood gets a lot of her information. I suppose someone would have called Mom and Dad out eventually, but the Wigglehorns definitely aided in the discovery.
When I was ten, I learned of the family business. Not only was Mom a common herb doctor, she dabbled in Common Magic, not having been blessed (or cursed) with the Gift. Dad was a hunter and butcher who had his shop next to the house. He also worked in the dealing of Creatures and Beasts. One day, they went into town to visit the Taxman and pay the monthly taxes, and never came back.
Mom and Dad disappeared a year ago, on my 12th birthday. Now I'm 13 and alone. My only company is the family Camuffling, Eileena, and the Horsings in the pen out back. Other than that, the house by the Wood is silent, empty. I haven't even seen a spider or a mouse in months. It's just too quiet, like the Wood near the Fortress of Queens.
Bang! Bang!
Someone is knocking on the door...
YOU ARE READING
The Deeplands
FantasyAlexandra, has been alone ever since her parents disappeared on her 12th birthday. Her quiet, lonely life is interrupted when Her Royal Highness Sileena Sporthood's soldiers come knocking on her body. She is taken to the Fortress where she discove...
