Chapter One: THE SHADOW

There is a place where magic is reality and dreams come true, and physical laws no longer rule. It stretches far and wide across a fleecy cloud-covered landscape and magic teases the soul with every breath of its sweet, crystal air. Chimopotamia, the Kingdom is called, and the events that take place there are often as unusual as its name.

Deep in the heart of that Kingdom rises a castle, its golden towers reflecting the brilliant light of the sun. It is surrounded by gardens, grassy fields, and picturesque outbuildings, all set like fine jewels against the cottony background. An enormous stable complex, ringed by paddocks and pastures of emerald green, covers the surrounding acres with gleaming whitewashed buildings. Magnificent horses graze and frolic everywhere, their multicolored coats a living rainbow against patches of verdant grass.

Wrapped in daydreams upon the cool green carpet in the shade of an ancient oak, a stable boy and his princess were sharing a lazy afternoon. Not a word passed between them. There was no need to speak, for their minds were linked like a hand-hold. Rigel cast a casual glance toward the sun.

"Oh, No!" He catapulted to his feet, grabbed the pile of food wrappers and the empty canteen that lay beside him, and stuffed them into leather saddlebags. "And I had a mountain of work to do this afternoon."

Rigel's emotions rebounded off his bond-friend's thoughts, and were hurled back at him with a force that nearly toppled him into the grass. He turned to her with a frown.

"It's bad enough I'm late. I'd like to get there in one piece!"

Aury, half asleep where she lay in the golden sun a few yards away, rolled onto her side to face him. "Sorry, you startled me. What's the matter, anyway?"

"Look at the sun. We must have been here for hours."

He whistled for the horses. Two finely built mares interrupted their grazing and raised their heads, pointed ears turned toward him to catch the sound. Without hesitation, the azure Shooting Star and little opalescent Dreamdancer trotted obediently to his side.

"I'm supposed to work that Brightfire colt today, and I have to help my father with a breeding this afternoon. Stars--he must be furious."

The Princess was thrown from her drowsy comfort with a jolt. "You're right. And I was supposed to be in afternoon classes today--to make up for the lesson I failed this morning."

"Let me guess," Rigel teased, "It was the one about making sure you don't hit a mind that's linked to yours with full-force emotions."

Aury jogged to her pony and swung into the saddle. She turned to her friend, a scowl furrowing her forehead. "No, it wasn't. And I said I was sorry. Stars, I really do have to start paying attention in class--I could have hurt you. How can I be such a foul-up? My father is going to disinherit me."

Rigel flashed her a grin as they urged the horses into a brisk canter, and headed back toward the palace grounds. "Wouldn't that be great? If he cuts off your inheritance, we won't have to worry about all this class and status stuff anymore. We could enjoy our bond with one another without anyone getting upset or trying to stop our friendship. Even your father wouldn't care . . . if you weren't the heir to the throne."

Sarcasm colored Auria's tones as she said, "Yeah, it would be great all right. And I'd have to move in with your family. Wouldn't your father love that?"

"Afraid that would be impossible. We'd be evicted and banished from Chimopotamia after that. There wouldn't be a home to move into."

The two cantered side by side as the golden spires of the Royal Palace came into view. "Father wouldn't do that. He knows he could never find a horseman as good as your father. He's too proud of his horses, and of his StableMaster."

The boy turned to her, his handsome face lit with surprise. "You think so?"

"I know. I've heard him say so to mother. Remember that dressage competition in the Garlan system?"

"This past spring. Sure. Our horses took all the major awards hands down." Rigel's face shone with pride. He had ridden several of those prize winning animals himself.

"I was sitting right behind Father and Momma," Aury told him. "I never heard the King of Chimopotamia brag like he did that day. Some fat guy with blue skin tried to offer Father a small fortune to hire the services of the StableMaster Zale. Father told him to get lost."

Rigel laughed aloud as they approached the stable complex, swinging past whitewashed fences and long, neat buildings. They slowed the horses to a comfortable trot. "That makes me feel a little better. I didn't realize he felt that way."

Aury sighed and her expression saddened. "My father doesn't show his feelings very often."

Rigel's mind tickled her thoughts, sending a boost to her spirits. "Unlike his youngest daughter, who has no problem letting everyone know what's on her mind."

The Princess was still giggling when Dreamdancer whistled with fear and bolted sideways. The sudden movement shook Aury loose from the saddle. She landed with a thump on the fleecy spot the pony had vacated. Dancer pranced in fear, eyes rolling, and stared toward the shadows of the stable building they were approaching. Shooting Star joined her in a chorus of nervous whinnies, her silver-silk mane rippling like liquid as she trembled. The frightened mares fought the urge to flee, held back only by devotion to their riders.

Rigel was on his feet in a heartbeat, and at Aury's side. "Are you okay, starshine?" He used his private term of affection for the Princess and his emotions poured forth with the words. "Are you hurt?"

Aury shook her head and reached for his hand. "No. Look."

Rigel tore his worried gaze from his friend and followed the direction of her stare. In a deep shadow at the far corner of the next building, he thought he saw movement. Black became blacker in the center of the shade, and as he tried to focus on the darkness, it was no longer there. A chill ran down his spine, and he looped a protective arm around the youngest Princess of Chimopotamia.

A faint golden glow began to shimmer around Aury. Its warmth spread to engulf Rigel as well, and wrapped the bond-friends in defensive magic.

"What in the heck was that?" he asked in a muted whisper and felt her frightened spirit press into his.


***


The sun had progressed upon its daily trek, and was making its way toward the horizon. It threw blue-black shadows along the fleecy groundcover. A vermillion spark set a corner of the stable complex ablaze, where a young stallion circled a training paddock at an airy trot. The colt moved so lightly his delicate hooves seemed to barely strike the ground. He shook his head and the sunlight glinted off his flame colored hide. Upon his back, moving as one with the young animal, was Rigel. The brisk movement of horse and rider stirred the afternoon air, and tossed the stable boy's black hair into disarray. Dark, intense eyes gleamed with concentration in his chiseled face. His lips parted in a brief smile, as the spirited colt responded to the touch of his legs and the touch of his mind. With fluid motion, Brightfire shifted from floating trot into a canter. Boy and horse were one, as Rigel did his best to make up for the time he had lost by lounging in the sun with Aury.

In the shadows of the stable, leaning against the whitewashed wall with arms folded across his broad chest, stood a man. Zale's lips were pressed tight with lingering annoyance, but pride softened the lines around them. A rag dangled unused, dripping with saddlesoap, in his hand. The tack he was pretending to clean lay draped over a fence rail. Although he did not smile, his eyes sparkled and he nodded.

The rider asked for a sharp right-hand turn. The horse flattened his ears and took the bit between his teeth, his defiant streak moving him to disobey. Rigel's sharp mind cut the colt off-- brought him back into accord. The animal turned smoothly, and switched leads without missing a hoofbeat.

Rigel could not hide his surprise when his father's shout of "Well done!" reached his ears. The boy's eyes gleamed as brightly as the colt's, for Zale did not dole out praise lightly, and on this afternoon Rigel had not expected to hear any kind words from his father. He caressed Brightfire's gleaming neck and the colt's pleased response echoed in his mind.

Boy and horse were moving along as one, the training session a hard earned success. It had taken some time to gentle this obstinate creature, and for a while Rigel had begun to think the animal would never respond to his instruction. On this day, however, it was all coming together. The battle seemed to be winding down at last.

"Rigel, get me out of here."

The familiar voice that assaulted his thoughts snatched Rigel's concentration from his riding, and Brightfire instantly knew it. In a heartbeat, the colt's unruly nature took control and he reared. He spun mischievously, trying to unseat the boy. The animal dashed up against the corral fence, and only Rigel's instincts and lightening reflexes saved his leg from being crushed on the rails.

"Aury! Are you trying to get me killed?." The youngster sent his thoughts back to his friend, as he watched his angry father stride toward him. Brightfire danced in place, pulling at the snaffle that pressed gently against his lower jaw. Once again under control, he was held with the lightest touch of the boy's hands. The young stallion looked exceedingly pleased with himself.

Zale's voice hit Rigel's ears at the same instant Aury's thoughts returned to his mind. His attention was yanked back and forth between his father and the Princess.

"What in the stars is going on? Where's your concentration, boy?"

"Everybody's mad at me."

"What happened? You were going along great there!"

"Clarion gave me extra assignments because I was late, and told me Father is going to come and `speak to me' when I'm done with them."

"The next thing I know, the colt has control of everything, and you almost lose a leg--not to mention the fact that the horse could have been injured."

"Bring Dreamdancer and Star around and I'll try to sneak out when Clarion's back is turned."

"Not now, Aury. I'm in major trouble here." He cut her off, and turned his attention to his angry sire.

"Well?" Zale demanded. His jaw clenched with anger as he glared at the boy on the horse.

Rigel's mind darkened with defiance. "I was distracted for a second," he said, meeting his father's wrath head-on.

A cloud passed over the StableMaster's stern expression. "By what?"

"Aury."

Zale's black eyes flashed with annoyance. "I've heard enough of `Aury' for today. I've already had to postpone an important breeding because of `Aury'. You know this thing with the Princess is going to cause us trouble. You're her stable boy, Rigel. Her servant. You come from two different worlds. It just isn't decent."

"I can't help my bond with Aury, and I wouldn't try to stop it even if I could."

Zale snorted and shook his head. "You know how your mother and I feel about that."

"I know how you feel. I don't think Ma feels the same way." Anger welled up within Rigel's heart as the attack on his bonded friendship with the Princess progressed.

The StableMaster speared his son with a furious glare. "I don't believe the old legends. Bonding . . . it hasn't happened in Chimopotamia in centuries, if it ever really happened at all."

Rigel's heart in the matter was unyielding, and he said softly, "It happened eleven years ago, the day Aury was born, and I don't understand why everybody has such a hard time with that." The boy began to turn the colt's head toward the center of the ring. "Can I get back to my work now?"

Zale grabbed the bridle. "No. We're going to have this out once and for all."

Brightfire pranced, impatient with the interruption, and Rigel ran a soothing hand along the spirited stallion's flame-gold crest. "What's the use? I know what I know, and you'll never believe it anyway. Why don't people just let Aury and me be happy?"

Zale's mouth was set in an unrelenting line. "Our family has proudly held the position of StableMaster for the Royal Family of Chimopotamia for centuries. I, for one, would like to see that continue for many more centuries. Your stubborn friendship with the Princess has King Yrren looking down on us now. You know how he feels about his daughter being attached to a boy with no royal blood. It's just not the way the nobility does things, Rigel. Royalty befriends royalty; marries royalty."

"No one seems to mind that Altair is friends with Chartreuse!"

"Chartreuse is not the air to the throne, and your brother's friendship with her seems to be nothing more than that--a friendship. You and Princess Auria have the King worried about her future. After all, she's the heir to the throne. None of her sisters have the inborn power that she has, and he has no sons. In his eyes, you and his youngest daughter are putting his entire family line in jeopardy."

Rigel's face shadowed with echoes of his disappointment. Within, his heart was breaking. It was bad enough that King Yrren was fiercely opposed to his friendship with the Princess. Being together meant that Aury had to defy her royal sire, and suffer his wrath whenever he found out that she had disobeyed. Their friendship was the cause of frequent arguments between the King and Queen Aleia--arguments that would send Aury running to him in tears. The fact that his own father could not understand what it meant to be bonded by destiny to another soul only intensified Rigel's anguish.

Royalty and bloodlines meant nothing to Aury and him. Their union went far beyond position or lineage. Neither had any doubt that the bonding was real and permanent. He felt gently for her mind, drawing comfort from the fact that there was one that would always understand him; would always be there when he reached out.

"I'm sorry we cause so much trouble, Sir," he said. "Mind if I get back to training this colt now?"

Zale shook his head in exasperation. "Might as well, boy. I know there's no talking to you about this." He turned and left the ring, gathering the neglected tack from the rail, and walked slowly into the barn.


***


Hours passed before Rigel was able to respond to Auria's plea for attention. Stretching out his work-earned kinks in the dusk-light, the tall youngster headed up the cobblestone path to the classroom where the royal sisters took their daily lessons. He chided himself for not getting back to her sooner. Aury had always been bored by the training required to control her powers-- even when she wasn't in trouble. He couldn't blame her in a way. Her inherent magic was formidable. Rumor had it that no member of the royal line had been born with that much raw power in many centuries, but she was cursed with a restless mind.

He smiled to himself, thinking about the trouble the child's impatient nature had gotten her into. Even if they hadn't been tied by fate and magic at her birth, Rigel was certain that he and the Princess would have been best friends. Despite the three years difference in their ages, Aury was fun to be with. One never quite knew what antics she might pull, and Rigel loved a challenge.

Angry voices assaulted his ears as he came around the greenery-lined corner of the path. The double glass doors of the classroom were wide open to let in the sweet breeze, and Rigel knew he was about to witness yet another lecture. He crouched quietly in the shadow of a large flowering shrub, where he could see into the room without being noticed. Aury's mind touched his, knowing instantly that he had arrived.

"Where've you been? Was your father really angry?"

He sent back to her--told her not to worry. "You've never had the greatest timing," he teased. Her father's angry voice cut off whatever reply she might have made, and Rigel shifted position to get a better view of the classroom.

Auria was in the center of his line of view, her face cast in shadow as she stubbornly listened to the lecture. Behind her stood Clairvoyant, his indigo eyes shining softly in the light that beamed through the open glass doors. His face was expressionless, but Rigel could feel the support the young wizard-in-training was projecting toward the Princess. Rigel was thankful that she had an understanding friend present at this uncomfortable moment. The Queen Aleia sat at the head of the classroom, perched upon the edge of the desk used by the ancient sorcerer, Clarion. Clarion himself, wise and solemn, stood respectfully alongside the dominating figure of the King.

King Yrren, his platinum hair cropped short and neat, and held in place by the golden circlet he wore upon his brow, exuded impatience. His shoulders were squared, his jaws clenched in annoyance. He held his youngest daughter's gaze with his angry violet eyes. "You still haven't explained where you were this afternoon, Auria. Why were you late for that makeup session?"

The Princess shifted uncomfortably, and avoided her father's glare. "I went for a ride. Clarion let us take an early lunch, and I rode out to the greenvalley. I lost track of time."

Yrren closed his eyes and sighed. "You know you aren't supposed to be riding off alone. I know you handle a horse better than most, Auria, but you are far too reckless."

Aury said nothing. The telepathic link between the bond-friends tightened as the tension in the room grew. Their shared apprehension jangled Rigel's nerves. They waited for King Yrren to ask if Rigel had been with the Princess on that ride.

Aury's royal sire had other things on his mind.

"We'll deal with the issue of your tardiness later. I had planned to speak with you today as it was, and I want to address the original problem first. You failed a simple test this morning, Auria. It was the reason you were supposed to be in class this afternoon in the first place. You should have passed that test easily, and would have if you had been paying attention to the instructions Clarion gave you."

"But, Father. . . . "

The King ignored the interruption. "Young lady, you must try to apply yourself to your lessons. I grow tired of hearing Clarion's bad reports about your progress. None of your sisters seem to have trouble concentrating."

"But it's such a nice day, and. . . . " The eleven year old made a second attempt.

Annoyance vibrated along the strand of their bond and tingled in Rigel's mind. Aury was becoming angry--she was being ignored. The psychic itch intensified as a slow surge of power built inside the Princess, and Rigel sent back soothing thoughts to quiet her. King Yrren's face paled as the man felt the magic that resonated from his young daughter. The monarch ran a nervous hand through his hair and took a cautious step toward Aury.

"Auria, this is precisely what I'm talking about." He coughed to clear the apprehension from his throat. "With the amount of power you were born with, if you don't learn careful control, you could prove a danger to yourself and everyone around you. What kind of ruler would an out of control Princess make?" He took Aury's chin in his hand and forced her to meet his gaze.

His expression was stern, but his touch was gentle. The genuine affection she felt through that contact showed in the softening of the Princess's emerald eyes. "I'm sorry, Father," she said quietly, and the magical vibrations slowed and ceased. "I know I should try harder. I don't mean to cause trouble. It's just hard to sit still for so long."

Yrren released his daughter. He shook his regal head and turned to look at his wife, who sat smiling on the desk in the front of the classroom.

"I see you think this is all quite amusing," the King said to his Queen.

She shook her head, and her gold-silk hair shimmered as she moved, reflecting the summer sunlight.

Rigel's heart was warmed by the compassion in the look the Queen gave her daughter. He knew this was one person who approved of his union with the Princess. No matter what kind of trouble Aury managed to get into, Queen Aleia's reaction always flowed with an undercurrent of loving understanding.

"Not at all, my lord," she replied respectfully.

Her voice contained just the right tone; just the right inflection. He could see the King's shoulders relax slightly as his wife spoke her soothing words. Rigel felt gentle magic flow from the woman as she used her powers to try to ease the tension in the room.

"I realize that Auria is not applying herself to her studies, and that she must work harder to follow instructions." Her gaze shifted to the Princess. She raised a shapely brow. "You're not doing your best, Aury, and we all know that. You know that."

Aury nodded.

"But Yrren," the Queen went on, "Auria's impatience isn't all willfulness. She is an intelligent child whose mind never stops moving--seeking new things, new experiences. Perhaps we are being a little too strict with her. Maybe the hours of classroom lessons are too restrictive. Can we consider easing her schedule?"

The King's lips pressed tight in reluctant thought. "I'll have to think about it," he answered, but there was little promise of compromise in his expression. King Yrren was stubborn when it came to the old laws and traditions of his Kingdom. He was a man set in his ways.

Rigel felt Aury's hopes decline as she realized that her father was not about to relent. Any apologetic thoughts were washed away by the tide of the King's stubbornness. He sent her an affectionate psychic hug, and felt her answering squeeze. She leaned into him for support as she struggled to control her frustration.

Yrren scrutinized his daughter's features, and his mouth twitched with annoyance at the expression on her face. Her chin was held high, her shoulders squared, and she radiated an obstinacy that easily matched his own. He waved his hand to dismiss the issue.

"Meet me in my chambers after your break, Clarion," he instructed the wizard, who nodded in compliance. The King looked upon Clairvoyant, and after a moment of thoughtful silence added, "Bring your young assistant as well. He'll be taking over for you some day. He might as well begin learning all sides of the job."

"Yes, Majesty," Clarion said in a powerful voice that belied his age and frail appearance. His eyes darted to the those of his youthful trainee in a private exchange of affection and pride.

"Wife," the King commanded and held out his arm for Aleia to accompany him from the room. With deliberate strides, he departed, leaving the two youngsters alone with the ancient wizard.

The old man sighed.

"Little One," Clarion let his stern expression dissolve, and gazed fondly at the young Princess, who plopped into a chair as if exhausted. The old mage bent at the waist and took Aury's chin in his wrinkled hand. "You'll be the downfall of us all one of these days." The smile that flashed across his face was quickly replaced by a look of controlled displeasure.

Aury grinned in response. "I'll try harder, Clarion, I promise." The child grabbed the wizard's soft white beard in both hands and tugged his face closer, placing a kiss on the end of his nose.

He couldn't suppress his laughter, and shook his head in exasperation. "What will we do with you?"

Clairvoyant was chuckling softly, his impish smile reflecting the mischief that emanated from the Princess and floated around the room.

Rigel rose, stretched, and approached the garden doors. He halted when the inner door of the classroom began to slowly open.

A head of neat blond hair poked its way into the room, followed by large eyes of forest green. The face that contained those eyes was smiling with sticky sweetness, and Rigel wondered at the sincerity of the expression. Without knowing why, he stepped back into the shadows.

"Am I interrupting, Uncle?" A tall, powerful young man entered the room. His voice was soft and fluid--almost irritating in its smoothness.

Rigel reached out to grip the Princess's mind, inserting a question into the psychic embrace. Her face turned for an instant toward him, and their souls locked. Without words or spoken thought she told him that she was as surprised as he at the unexpected visit.

"Poseidon," Clarion called out gleefully. "What a surprise. We haven't seen you around here for some time, young man."

"I've been travelling." His smile was friendly and beaming with affection for his uncle. He crossed the room in three long strides, and clasped the mage's hand in a firm grip. Then he turned his smile on the youngsters.

"Hello, Clairvoyant. How is my uncle's favorite prodigy coming along with his training?"

Clairvoyant smiled and replied, "Very well, thank you."

The young apprentice's gaze darted to Aury's, and Rigel knew that he shared their feelings of curiosity about this overly-friendly relative of Clarion's.

Poseidon bent low, bringing his face down to Aury's level, and tousled her mother-of-pearl tresses. "How is our favorite little Princess today?" he cooed.

Aury made no effort to hide her distaste. Her mouth twisted and her nose wrinkled, as she replied, "Okay, I guess."

Poseidon straightened without hearing her answer and turned back to his uncle. "I've returned only recently, and have been thinking of you. The servants said you were about to finish with your afternoon classes. Do you have time for a short visit?"

Clarion beamed with pleasure. "Well, I have to meet with His Majesty shortly, but I can talk with you for a short while. Perhaps another day we can spend more time together."

"Fine, fine. That's wonderful." Poseidon laughed, and put a strong arm across the old wizard's shoulders.

His gaze shifted, glancing off Aury, and the furtive undertones of his expression caused Rigel to tense. The two men strolled, laughing and joking, from the room and the huge oak door banged shut behind them.

Rigel stepped from the shadows and strode through the open garden doors. "What's he up to?" he asked as the two youngsters in the room turned to greet him.

"I have no idea." Clairvoyant stared thoughtfully at the closed door through which the adults had exited.

"He is sort of annoying, isn't he?" Aury said.

Rigel shrugged his broad shoulders and perched on a desktop. "More than `sort of'," he said. "It seems he thought you were a puppy, Aury. Do you know this guy, Voy?"

"Not very well. I've met him a few times. Clarion likes him. He's his sister's only son, I think."

Aury sat beside Rigel, pressing up against his side with comfortable familiarity. "I suppose if Clarion trusts him, he's got to be all right," she mused.

"Mmm . . . I suppose . . . " Voy replied.

The skin on the back of Rigel's neck tingled apprehensively.