Fearless

CHAPTER 1.

There weren’t always dragons in the valley.The pesky little things migrated here about six months ago. They're just like termites but the size of a squirrel and they turn your house into ash with their fiery breath. Just last week they burned the sheep farmer’s cabin to a pile of dust! Wood homes look amazing, but they're not very practical. Stone or brick is better.

“Shooo!” I said as I waved my basket towards a small pack of dragons who were in the way of me doing my chores. Other than the house scorching, they are harmless and quite beautiful to look at. They come in all different patterns and bright colors. A few even have scales that glitter.

Coming to the bottom of the hill behind my family’s stone house, I faced a large pen meant for four unicorns. I dumped the kitchen scraps into a large bucket in the middle of the pen and beelined it back to the fence, almost slipping in a pile of dung. Just as I climbed the fence the unicorns came stumbling out of their shelter, running towards their breakfast like bees to honey. I don’t really like unicorns. Yes, they can be elegant, beautiful creatures when they get cleaned up, but they hardly stay that way. Unicorns love to roll in anything brown, especially dragon dung, which is very annoying because it’s the stinkiest and almost impossible to get out of their white coats and rainbow manes. It’s not just the mud that repels me, I’m quite used to that, it’s that unicorns will eat anything. Absolutely anything. Yesterday I caught Grumpy, the shortest one, eating a mushy apple that had worms wriggling inside it. I also saw Henry, the roundest one, and Cupcake, the youngest, fight over a moldy can! After taking care of unicorns for the past five years my conclusion is they are stubborn slobs. We only keep them because their manure is good potting soil and a big seller at the market.

I continued with my chores after glancing at Niki, the oldest unicorn, as she took a big bite into a decomposing pumpkin. Gross!

I walked over to the chicken coop next to the pen to collect the eggs. The hens are much more cooperative. They let me take their eggs without pecking my fingers to shreds like they did when my brother tried to collect them. I think they like me the best.

With six dozen shiny, golden chicken eggs in the basket I made my way back to the house and as I passed the giant beanstalk patch near the top of the hill, I turned on our watering system. I’m glad mom bought the Witches Magical Tool Systems, it’s been so much easier than watering the beans by hand and the apples too.

With morning chores completed, I closed the white picket gate that surrounds our house and walked through the back door into the kitchen.

“Good morning Teddy,” I said, patting our golden retriever on the head before letting him out. He’s not allowed inside because he tracks in dirt and bugs, or that’s what mom says.

“Morning, Mikey” I greeted my seven year old brother who I knew with one look, was the one who let him in here. I’d bet a hundred dollars that the dog slept in Mikey’s bed last night.

“MormingElleee” he said through a bitefull of pancake.

“Here are the eggs mom. Where’s dad?” I asked, placing them on our white and blue checkered counter.

“Thanks Elly. And your father already left for the market. He wanted to get the best spot. So can you bring him his lunch?”She handed me the paper bag.

My mother has warm brown hair with streaks of gold that shines in the sun, like now from the morning light that’s beaming through the window. My brother inherited her beautiful hair. I’ve got my father’s black, curly, wild hair that I can never tame.

“Yeah, sure. I was heading over there anyway to meet Elliot. I can bring the eggs too.” I offered, placing them in cartons making sure to leave one behind for us to use. I walked through the living room to the front entrance and started putting my blue sweater on.

“Great, thanks. Hey! Don’t you want any breakfast?” My Mother called.

“No thanks. Not hungry,” and I was out the door.

The sun was shining brightly and a slight breeze swayed the branches of the apple trees growing in wild rows in front of my home. As I walked along the dirt path to the main road Teddy came up to me and licked my hand. I bent down, grabbed the nearest stick and threw it as far as I possibly could. He took off like a shot.

I live on the outskirts of town where the farms are, but it only takes me 15 minutes to reach the square where the market is held since the town is so small. We have a population of around 820 beings, everyone knows everyone.

Our town is called Lillianberg. I have no idea why but it’s nice and quaint. People consider this town remote and quiet. They have the remote part right but the town is anything but quiet. There seems to be a constant humming of chatter and sometimes I picture the voices echoing all around in the valley, trapped. I can’t imagine what so many people have to say in a town where nothing particularly interesting ever happens.

Yes, Lillianberg is simple but it is beautiful. The mountains are majestic and can be seen from any direction. There’s also a small lake right beside it. It’s a very popular place in the summer for swimming when it’s really hot and skating in the winter when it’s very cold. I love the special cherries that grow in early fall too, they can be any color, even blue. They are the most delicious fruits you will ever eat. I love this town.

“Watch out!” Someone yelled as I took my first steps into the busy square.I looked up and saw a bright red apple flying towards my head. Miraculously I caught the apple and chucked it back to the purple goblin who threw it at me in the first place.

I passed the sheep farmer, Billy, and the golden fleeces he sells.

“How’s business?” I heard Tom the satyr ask him. Tom sells animal food to many customers including Billy.

“Great. Better than usual.” Billy replied. Good, I thought, he needs the money to rebuild his home.

Next I went to Pony Treats, an amazing bakery.

”Jingle, jingle” the bell rang as I opened the door.

“Hey, Bruce. Have you seen my bag? I think I left it here yesterday.” I asked the green centaur working the cash register.

“Hello Elly. It’s hanging on the red chair. Oh, and thanks for your help with the deliveries yesterday.Here’s a treat on the house.” He placed one giant chocolate cupcake with sprinkles in a box.

“Thanks.” I said as I hung my satchel across my chest. My mouth is already watering.

“Do you mind telling Gorgey that we need some more brown sugar if you see her at the market?” Bruce asked.

“Sure, no problem.” I replied, taking the cupcake.

He gave me a toothy grin as I walked out the door,triggering the bell again. Some time ago Bruce and Gorgey got married and opened the bakery. They now run it together, making the most scrumptious sweets in the whole kingdom.

Looking up I see the square buzzing with life. There goes Ms Cherry with her tiny fairy wings, carrying her glittering fabrics, and Ralph the old sailor telling far fetched tales of his youth to anyone who would listen. The purple goblin from earlier, tripped over his long, green flippered feet and landed in a mud puddle. I passed Kiki the mermaid who sells fish from her mobile tank and made it to my dad’s stand.

Looks like he got the spot he wanted. His stand is in the middle of everything and is clearly visible from all angles, plus it’s shaded by the shadow of the motel that’s behind him. Buckets filled with unicorn manure were set up beside the table and baskets with red apples and giant beanstalks sat on the table. I placed the eggs I brought on a mini stand that my brother and I call Humpty Dumpty since it’s so old and always falling apart. I don’t know why my dad won’t part with it. He claims that it has a lot of sentimental value.

“Here’s your lunch, dad.” I said, plopping the paper bag down in front of him.

“Yum! Thanks.” He said smiling.

“I think mom made sandwiches. Anyways I’ll see you later.” I said.

“Bye, princess.” He called as I walked away. I hurried ahead a little embarrassed. Princess is the nickname he gave me when I was two and I’d prefer if he’d stop calling me that, at least in public I am 15 after all.

I sat down on the edge of the fountain that’s at the far end of the market, watching everyone go about their day.

Here goes another market day just like the one last weekend and the weekend before and the weekend before that. Things always seem the same. I’m not saying my life’s boring, just a little predictable. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for what I have. I love the valley that this town is cradled in and the beings that live here. I’m really lucky, but there’s still a small part of me that wants to go on an adventure, to do something daring and exciting. Maybe it’s just the adventure books talking.

I looked around, finally losing my patience. I’ve been sitting for fifteen minutes waiting for Elliot.

I’m just about to leave when an enormous bouquet of flowers are shoved in my face. I pushed them away, spitting out petals to see a boy of 15 with dark green eyes grinning at me.

“I’ve brought you flowers.” He says dramatically.

“Who rejected you this time?” I said warily. I knew those flowers weren’t meant for me, but for some other girl who he asked to go to the summer festival with, next week. He’s been at it for two weeks and everyone's said no.

It’s not his looks, he’s actually quite handsome with his sandy, blonde hair and square jaw, it’s that he can be really annoying. He’s been teasing and playing planks on the girls in town for years. I’m surprised there haven’t been mobs trying to hunt him down yet. He thinks it’s some big joke. He always tries to make everything into a farce which drives lots of people crazy. I’m the only one who can tolerate him, me and Jimbo too. We have all been friends since we were six.

“Who says I’ve been rejected?” Elliot asked.

“You’ve never given me flowers before and nor will you ever. Plus, you're not gentlemanly enough to give anyone flowers. So the fact that you have them at all must mean you're desperate. Why don’t you just come to the festival with me and Jimbo?” I asked as we walked down the graveled streets.

“We’ve done that for years. I wanted to try something new. Besides, you're no proper lady yourself.” He said and tossed the flowers into a pig pen.

It’s true I hate wearing dresses and going to those wretched social gatherings every other girl seems to want to organize. Instead I wear overalls and spend my time goofing around with this bozo walking next to me. I won’t say that I’m innocent of every prank that has been played in this town. In fact I might have been the mastermind behind a few, but I have to admit, Elliot has more skill in that area.

“Even if I wore skirts and had tea parties, I could beat you any time. We all know that I’m faster than you.” I taunted him.

“Oh ya?” He said taking the bait. “Race ya back to Pony Treats!” And he was off.

Grinning, I was in pursuit. He was nearly at my father’s stand when I passed him and I continued to pick up speed. I hopped over Ralph’s flipper feet and managed to dodge Ms Cherry as she chased after Mr stork, arguing about something. I landed in front of Pony Treats victoriously. Elliot was still trying to get past Ms Cherry and Mr Stork.

“Hey, I have an Idea.” I said, once Elliot was at my side.

“How about you ask Ralph to go to the festival? I’m sure he would say yes as long as you listened to how he single handedly destroyed the one eyed sea monster with a pin.”

“Ha, ha!” He laughed sarcastically.“I have a better idea. Why don’t we get something to eat?”

“Great, I’m starving.” As if to emphasize this my stomach growled. Bantering and joking around we walked towards the taco shop we loved.

“Oh look, there’s Jimbo.” I pointed him out.

“Hey, Jimbo!” Elliot called over the crowd. “Come here!” Jimbo spotted us and came hurrying over.

Jimbo is a bit of a nerdy kid. He has short baby blond hair and is really tall. He’s a half a head taller than Elliot and two heads taller than me. He sticks out above the crowd which sometimes bothers him because he’s a little shy.

“Do you want…” but Elliot was interrupted by the town’s emergency alarms blaring loudly. I covered my ears in surprise, the noise seemed to be coming from everywhere. After a few minutes it stopped and a broadcast began to stream. 3D figures made out of coloured fairy dust hovered above the square for all to see.

Everyone froze. No one made a sound. Worry and confusion were seen on all faces as a large, dark figure with bulky armour and a weird bug looking mask appeared. Something made me uneasy. Shivers were sent down my spine as he began to speak in deep, cold tones.

“People of this kingdom shall bow before me. Your Queen is missing, your Prince taken and your King beheaded.” The picture reformed to a man’s head still wearing the royal crown, on a steak. His mouth still held a scream of fear. Cold, dead eyes stared at me. Now everyone’s face showed complete terror. I wanted to run home to my family but I couldn’t move. I couldn’t break my gaze with that appalling, unreal image.

The picture transformed back to the creature as he said, “Your precious rulers have been destroyed in a single day. I will do the same to you if you resist me.” You could almost feel the hate rolling off him and hear the smugness of conquest in his voice as he said “I am now your Ruler!” The image disappeared.

All was still for a moment then panic ensued. Mine and Elliot’s eyes locked. I saw the same fear I was feeling on his face.I heard my dad calling me, but I couldn’t reach him because at that moment a cannon ball crashed into the motel. The whole thing crumbled down creating more chaos. Screams of horror filled my ears. I couldn’t believe what was happening. Things were normal just a few minutes ago and that’s when the pirates invaded.

Giant spears with thick ropes attached came whistling through the air from above. One barely missed me. They dug into the ground disarranging the streets. I looked up to see two monstrous ships. The sails were black and had classic white skulls on them. What really caught my attention though, were the giant, crow wings attached to the sides of the wooden hulls giving the sea vessels flight.

It was the war call of the pirates as they zip lined down the ropes that brought me into motion.

“We have to go!” I tried to yell over all the noise. I grabbed Elliot’s and Jimbo’s sweaty hands. At first I dragged them but quickly my abruptness brought them out of their shock and soon they were running with me.

We had to get out of here, but what about my family? I can’t leave them!

Elliot was in tune with my thoughts because just then he hesitated a little.

“What about our families?” He asked, sounding hoarse.

“I know!” I moaned. “But what use are we if we get taken too?” My throat felt clogged. I didn’t want to leave them behind. I wanted to find them and see if they were ok.

“Elly’s right.” Jimbo said. He was close to tears. I couldn’t blame him. I wanted to cry too but what use would that do me now?

By some miracle we managed to weave through the havoc, helping each other as we tripped along the way. I saw a pirate with two eye patches take Tom and tie him up. Vaguely, somewhere in the back of my mind I wondered how on earth could the pirate possibly know where he was going. The pigs got loose, we almost got trampled and the squeals they made were horrible. I saw Gorgey running toward Pony Treats, her legs were all bruised and cut up. I suddenly remembered that I forgot to ask Gorgey for the brown sugar Bruce wanted. That realization shocked me, especially with what’s happening.

We were all coughing and stubbing our toes on debris and dust. I stumbled over a broken stand, my knees got scraped but Eliot and Jimbo both had me. They got me up and we quickly began running again.

We were practically leaving the square when Elliot’s and Jimbo’s hands were violently ripped from mine. I looked around to see three pirates. One was handcuffing Jimbo. Another one with a rainbow bandana was beating up Elliot who was trying to fight back. I was just about to go help Elliot, his eye swollen and his lip bleeding, when the third pirate with a golden tooth stepped in my way.

My heart beat faster, my hand shook with rage. Why were they doing this to us? We did nothing wrong. The golden tooth pirate stepped closer and tried to snatch me. As hard as I could I kicked him in the gut. He doubled over in pain but recovered quickly. With all my might I punched him in the face. Time slowed as I watched his one golden tooth fall out of his mouth and tumble to the ground.

I enjoyed that sight slightly more than I should have but I was mostly stunned. I mean I never hit anyone before, I never really even considered it.

The pirate went down with a loud wump, bumping his head hard on the ground. He didn’t get back up. I turned away frantically looking for Elliot again when a pair of grubby arms wrapped around me. I wiggled and stomped on the toes of the person holding me. He let go and I squirmed away to find another pair of arms waiting to restrain me. Ugh! Would this ever end?

“ Arrr, this one has some potential.” I heard the pirate with the grubby arms say in a really bad pirate ascent.

I continued to wriggle.

“Ow, she poked me eye!” I heard him cry again.

“Don’t be a baby.” Said the guy holding me now. He had a deep, grumbly voice. I kicked his knee caps and he loosened his grip slightly but it wasn’t enough for me to get away. This pirate was much stronger and muscular.

“Ya right, I think this one will survive the ship well enough.”The grumbly guy said in my ear.

Grubby arms came at me with a sack and mercilessly covered my head.

“Hold still!” He complained, his voice muffled through the sack. That only made me fight harder. For a second I thought I could get free when one of the hands released me. I realized a second too late what that hand was actually doing. I felt and heard, as if from a distance, a big “Thwack!”

Everything went black