Peregrination - Chapter 1

No one knew what sort of power the three stones contained. Except possibly the faeries. However, even they didnt know the Sophia stones power's extent. What made these stones unique was the fact that they actually learned, allowing them to acquire unlimited power. By studying their opponents weaknesses and strong points, they weren't defeated easily. Oceanus, the blue powered stone, protected the European region, which was mainly surrounded by water. It kept mermaids, water nymphs, tsunami's, hurricanes, and other aquatic disastears from destroying the kingdom. Coppice, the green powered stone, protected the Oriental region, which was located in the middle of the great forest. It protected its people from evil dryads, plants, and animals. Lastly, the red power stone, Pyro. It protected the mountains in the Indian region. Preventing volcanos from eurpting, and goblins attacking the Dwarves and their mines. Those three regions together made up most of the world of Tarigot. However, there was one piece a land that wasn't appointed to any of these regions and that was the Taroole Desert. Nothing protected the desert because there was nothing there to protect. The only reason one would want the power of it was because of the secrets it contains and of the World Portal. Great Wyrms, Faeries, and the Enchantress were the only ones brave enough to live there. The Enchantress, lived in the world portal, but not by choice. She was stuck there. It was the punishment for stealing the stones, Coppice and Pyro. However because she was sent there, there was no way to get the stones back. So now Oceanus, was trying to protect Tarigot on its own, but was starting to fade with out being able to be connected to the other Sophia stones.

CHAPTER ONE

Serena Starfire, Dauphiness of the European region, protected by the quickly fading Oceanus, of the Sophia Stones, was tired of all chaos and havoc that was going on. Not only was the Asia and India regions affected by the disappearance of the Sophis Stones, Coppice and Pyro, but now was the European region. The hurricanes were getting worse and the sea predators were becoming more verocious, not allowing even the most experienced sailors to go out onto the seas.

With out the stones, keeping unity in Tarigot was nearly impossible. War has been going on, through out the whole land. Many wounded, even more killed. Even her own father on his near death bed. That was when she couldn't take it anymore, when she saw her father come in on stretcher with half his body covered in blood. From then on she vowed to herself she would find a way to make peace through out the kingdom. Now, 8 years later, at the age of 17, she decided it was the time.

"Father, I am going on a journey to retrieve the Sophia Stones and there is nothing you can do about it." Serena stated boldy when she bursted into her fathers chambers.

"Serena-! Are you mad? Have you been taken by a fever of some sort?" Said King Garmon, sitting up in bed, his face full of pain.

"No I have not! As soon as I'm able I will be departing to the desert."

"TAROOLE? No there is know way I'm going to allow it!"

"What are you going to do about it? All you do is lay here all day doing nothing!"

"You know if I could be out there on the front lines I would be! but I'm physically not able too!"

"Please- I honestly want to do this! I will take upon myself full responsibilty for this expedition."

"BUT-"

"I will let you know when I shall depart." Serena said exiting the chambers. Usually she would be more respectful of elders, especially her father. When her mom had disappeared all those years ago she had grown up amongst the Parliament. That made her strong and hardwilled.

She ran out into the courtyards where the knights were recruiting new young men to become knights and soldiers. All the young "men" were merely boys.

"Sir Laurie, I am in need of your assistances!"

A man about 6 1/2 tall turned around, he was balding with a fiery orange beard.

"How can I asist thee, Dauphiness?" Sir Laurie replied bowing.

"I need two young knights, as quickly as possible if you please."

"All our knights are in battle right now, however there is some of our knights in training. What do you need with them?"

" Peregrination. I'm off to Taroole's world portal."

"Dauphiness! If you please, that is unsafe!"

"Of course it is you imbecile, I need two knights... how well have these knights in training done?"

"They are the top in their class, ma'am." He said as he turned around and called out to two young men practicing their swordplay. "This here is Bard, he is a half breed, part elf, he has had 2 years of training and has succesfully came to the top of the jousting class. Now this here is Eric, he has a family history with faeries, that might come in use if you travel into the desert."

"Excellent, boys please come with me." Serena said as she turned and walked off nodding towards the stables.

Bard and Eric looked at Sir Laurie, who jestered them forward, then looking at each other shrugging they ran off after Serena.

"Excuse me-, erm Princess?" Bard panted as they caught up with.

"You shall address me as Dauphiness or Serena.. none of this princess crap. Please and thank you." Serena spit as she entered the stables.

"Well then.. Excuse me,.. serena?"

Sighing Serena turned around eyeing Bard. "Yes-?"

"What exactly are we needed for?"

"Peregrination. We are heading to Taroole's world portal. Eric- is it not?" She asked Eric who was catching up to them.

"Yeah.. (breathes) it's Eric." Leaning over trying to catch his breath while talk at the same time, unsuccessfully I might add.

"Well, Eric here is going to help us find the faeries's mountain. They are the only one's who know where the world portal is located and with Eric here," nodding to Eric. "Is going to help us. Because only those who have actually seen faeries or are one can find the mountain. Got it Bardy oh boy?"

"umm-yeah?"

"Good. Now I'll need both of you to be ready to set of this coming fortnight. By then my female companion will have arrived. Also you guys are gonna need horses. Jame's will help you find some that you may like." Serena said as she walked away to her horses stall.
~.~
"Spinnweather!" Serena cried as she went up to her horse. Spinnweather was a gift from her father on her 10th birthday. He was a knabstrup horse, that basically looked like a dalmation but in horse form.

"How would you like some sugar cubes? I know their your favorite!" She said putting her hand out which was filled with sugar cubes that she had snatched from the kitchen earlier that day. Spinnweather whinnied taking the cubes gratefully.

"Are you ready to go on a long trip? It's not going to be pretty, but it will help Tarigot." Serena said suddenly becoming quiet.. She said farewell to Spinnweather, then left lugubrious heading back to her chambers to ready herself.
~.~

Eric and Bard looked at each other shrugging.
"Well atleast we dont hafta stay and do trainging for awhile.. how long do you think this is gonna last?" Asked Bard.

"I don't know.. I have a bad feeling about this. But atleast I can get out of fighting in this pathetic war."

"My friend that is the truest thing I have heard all day." Bard said walking off toward one of the stable hands..
"Excuse me? Are you James? Dauphiness Serena said we were to talk to James about getting us a couple steeds for this Peregrination she keeps talking about."

"Yes I am he. Hmm I believe I have the 2 perfect horses for you. Your both knights in training am I right?"

"Yes sir" Replied Eric.

"Excellent, come this way." James walked off towards the arena. "Over here we have newly broken horses that might suit your taste. Pick one anyone!"

"Brilliant!" Bard said as he trotted down to a pinto horse. Eric stood there for a moment looking around.

"How about that black horse over there?"

"OH WOW.. hmm well if you really want him. He is our newly 'almost' broke horses." James said hesitantly.

"Yes, i'm positive." Eric said firmly, yet thoughtfully. As a young child his father always had put him down saying he needed to be a man and try to do hard things. Eric grew up the youngest of 4 sons. When he ran away from home he came to the castle hoping to become a knight. At first they rejected him because he was to young and scrawny. However, King Garmon had allowed him to live at the castle with the other pages and squires until he had been old enough. Now he felt that it was his duty to go on this expedition with the Kings daughter.