The Tuléan Chronicles

Chapter 1

There weren't always dragons in the Valley of Sparkling Waters on the planet of Tulé. There was a time, before their arrival through the portal, which had been peaceful. The Valley of Sparkling Waters, located within the country of Lákentash, was called the most beautiful land in all of Tulé. This valley was known not just for its rare beauty, but also for the water’s healing powers. Although Lákentash had many rivers, lakes, and waterfalls amidst its mountains, hills, and valleys, only one valley contained the famous sparkling waters that healed all wounds and illnesses. Oh, how those waters glistened in the sunlight, and at night, the lakes shone like the stars. As if someone had plucked the very lights from the heavens and poured them into the waters of that valley’s lakes.

That is not to say Lákentash’s colored forrest wasn’t a sight to see all by itself! Its beauty rivaled that of the sparking waters. It was indeed a glorious vision to behold with every color imaginable in every direction you looked. The land of rainbow colors. Any color you could name was there, in both the flowers and the trees — blue, red, white, purple, pink, fuchsia, green, yellow — I simply cannot name all of the wondrous colors for you here. Some say the colored forrest existed only because of the magical waters in those lakes. Regardless of how it came to be, it was beautiful. Well, before the Great War of the Royals — which had been fought over many generations between the Ishmäels and the Isáics. Before the portal doorway to the planet of Dragónia opened. Before the dragon fire burned everything black generations ago.

Even after the dragons attacked this wondrous valley, the silvery lakes with their tiny shining lights in the rippling waves never lost their glory. The dragon fire was snuffed out each time it touched the surface of the sparkling waters. It was in this very valley that the Tuléans fought their last battle over control of their world. The valley treasured above all others was where they accepted their final defeat. Tuléans from every country across their beautiful world were forced to flee their homes.

They scattered across the universe blending in with the local inhabitants of other worlds. Our story began not in the Valley of Sparkling Waters on Tulé, but on just such a world where one of the royal families had chosen to hide.

This adventure started on planet Earth, in the large country of America, in a small town in the state of New Mexico called Truth or Consequences.

Yes, as silly as it sounds, that really is the name of this small town. Even sillier, is how the town received its foolish name. It won a national contest to rename itself after a popular game show in the year 1950. Such a ridiculous way to name a town! Now, let’s get back to our story.

Isabella Maria Sheraré preferred to be called Bella. Not, Belle, Bells, Isa or any other derivative of her given name. Just Bella. She was tall for her age at 5’6” with green eyes and thick, curly, dark auburn hair which bounced on her shoulders as she walked. Bella turned thirteen today — no longer was she a mere child. Finally she was a teenager, and she felt as if her whole life was only now beginning. She had been waiting an eternity for this day. Well, at least that was how long it had felt to Bella.

Bella’s thirteenth birthday was special for a another reason as well. A secret reason. Bella had discovered that she was to become — a Keeper. None of her family knew that she had learned their secret. Abuelita Mercy and Aunty Lish had thought their secret safe. But it was a year ago this very day, her twelfth birthday, when Bella had secretly overheard her Aunty Lish and Abuelita Mercy talking about Bella and their family ancestry. Bella had fallen asleep in the window-seat alcove behind drawn curtains as she read her favorite book, The Hobbit. As usual, Bella was hiding from her six brothers in order to have uninterrupted reading time. So, Aunty Lish and Abuelita did not know she was in the library.

Alisha Salazar - Bella’s Aunty Lish - was neither tall nor short at 5’5”. Her father’s Hispanic-American Indian genetic influence was present in her thick, long, black hair, skin tone, and facial features. While Her mother’s Irish-Italian heritage was prominent in her emerald green eyes. Alisha had some of the same features as her grandmother, Mercedes Salazar, only Mercedes was shorter, very thin, had amber eyes, and her hair had a pretty salt and pepper look. Since Bella’s mother was not born into the Salazar family, Mercedes was a step-great-grandmother to Bella. Bella never really thought about her in that way, she was simply Abuelita.

“It seems that Bella really is a blood relative.” Mercedes said.

“I don’t understand, Abuelita. Letty is my step-sister —”

Mercedes interrupted, “—No. No. It is not through Letty. It is through Braden. Letty is not related to us except by your father marrying her mother. But, Braden Sheraré, is my sister’s secret grandson. Maria was in love with a young white boy. Papa didn’t approve. Frank died as they eloped. A car accident.”

Abuelita’s sister, Maria, had died in a boating accident when she was eighteen. All the family knew the tragic story. Bella was stunned to learn that Maria was really her great grandmother. Why hadn’t she been allowed to raise her child? Such a huge revelation. But then, Aunty Lish and Abuelita said the most wondrous and amazing things! Bella couldn’t stay focused on the first revelation, because the shocking truths kept rolling like an avalanche right out of their mouths.

Their ancestors were from the Royal Isáic family line — from another world called Tulé! She was an alien princess!

“I’m — an alien and a princess?” She shouted to herself silently.

She could hardly believe her ears! If it had been anyone else speaking, anyone but Abuelita Mercy, she wouldn’t have believed it. Bella knew Abuelita wouldn’t joke about something like this. No, never! Bella sat up straighter and listened more intently to the voices on the other side of the curtains. She moved slowly — quietly. Bella was afraid they would stop talking if they knew she was there, and she wanted to hear more.

Now Abuelita was talking about having to hide from the evil Ishmäels who wanted to steal the Quantum Heirloom Necklace. Suddenly, Bella realized about which necklace they were talking. The one Abuelita kept hidden in the secret compartment of her wardrobe.

It wasn’t that Bella meant to spy on Abuelita. Bella had been hiding from her annoying brothers that day, and the room had been unoccupied when Bella hid under the bed. Although Bella should have let Abuelita know she was there the moment Abuelita entered the room, — that would have been the proper thing to do in such a situation — she kept silent as her youngest brother came running into the room asking if Abuelita had seen Bella. Even after he left, Bella stayed quiet as she didn’t want to be found. Then Abuelita took out the beautiful silver necklace with flowers, shining stars, and one large purple stone in the shape of a flower. Bella was stunned silent by its beauty. Because of that one event, Bella understood to which necklace they now referred.

“All the women in our family have been Keepers. We have to protect this powerful gift — bestowed upon our ancestral grandmother, Queen Sarí Abrams — in every generation. I just don’t know when we should tell Bella. It would be so hard for her to know about Maria.”

“I know, Abuelita. But, we will have to tell her at some point. She has to know it is what allows the Keepers to access portals and jump through time, across space, between worlds, and to different realities. She will need to train, just as we all have, starting on the first day of our thirteenth year. She also needs to know of the danger out there — the other Tuléans who want the necklace for the powers it bestows upon any Tuléan who wears it.”

That was why her family was hunted by other royal and noble families from Tulé. They sought the Heirloom Necklace and the powers it gifted. That was why her family was hiding on planet Earth where magic didn’t usually exist.

“I know, mija. The powers it gifts are so magical —”

Bella didn’t hear another word that was spoken that day. Not after hearing she would get magic abilities as well as traveling time! She couldn’t wait to become a Keeper. She spent the next year dreaming. She would sneak into Abuelita’s room when no one was looking, put the necklace on, and then pretend to fight off evil sorcerers and fire breathing dragons and other such fanciful heroics.

She dreamt all the time, much to the consternation of her parents and teachers. She couldn’t stop herself. Her mind always drifted to far away lands and worlds, no matter where her body happened to be — in school, at home, or on the bus. She was constantly dreaming. She dreamt of what it would be like to control the weather and the elements — like fire, water, and lightening — or heal wounds, or make plants grow, or any of the other many gifts the Necklace might bestow. She dreamt of traveling through time and space to other worlds or to different realities of her own world. About the only time Bella didn’t dream at all was when she was barrel racing in a rodeo or show jumping with her prize stallion, Poofy.

Abuelita always said that dreams were like wishes. “Mija, be careful what you wish for in these dreams, for one day those dreams may become real.”

Bella thought this would be the best thing that could ever happen, if her dreams somehow became a reality.

And one day that is exactly what happened.

It was on Bella’s thirteenth birthday, after her party and after all her friends had gone home, that our story truly begins. She kept waiting for Abuelita to confide in her about their history, being a princess, the necklace, and that she would one day be a Keeper. Only, Abuelita never said anything. Bella eagerly pulled Abuelita aside and away from the rest of the family as she hugged her fiercely. She was sure that Abuelita was waiting until they were alone, and now that they were, Abuelita would tell her.

But she didn’t.

Abuelita hugged her back, “Happy birthday, mija. Te amo.” She kissed Bella’s head and then went to join the other adults in the kitchen.

Bella stood stunned and hurt as she watched Abuelita walk away without saying a word about Bella being Tuléan and becoming a Keeper. Bella wasn’t going to start training today after all. Her disappointment left a bitter taste in her mouth.

She didn’t understand why they were keeping it a secret from her? It wasn’t fair! All the women in her family began training at 13. That’s what they had said. So, why couldn’t Bella? It wasn’t fair to keep this from her. Bella felt slighted, her anger was building up like magma in an active volcano about to erupt.

Abuelita Mercy may have decided not to teach Bella how to use the powerful heirloom, but Bella knew she needed to practice. “Well, I will just have to teach myself. I will start practicing today—even without Abuelita’s help.” Bella announced defiantly. She turned away and headed upstairs.

Her brothers weren't home yet and the adults were in the kitchen washing the dishes, drinking coffee, and chatting. It was the perfect time for her to borrow the necklace and learn how to use it. She once again snuck into Abuelita’s bedroom, silently closing the door. Turning towards the large ornately carved wardrobe in the left hand corner, she tiptoed across the room. She opened the wooden door to the wardrobe as quietly as possible. In a hidden compartment, on the bottom right side, was the heirloom case carved with purple flowers and bright silver stars shining like diamonds in sunlight—even with the dimness inside the wardrobe they shone brightly. Like magic.

Bella sighed. She looked fondly at the jewelry box where the Tuléan Quantum Heirloom Necklace was safely stored away. She ran her hands gingerly and reverently across the container. Oh, how she loved this beautiful box and the treasure hidden within it. Her most favorite thing in all the world!

She reached into the hidden compartment and felt along the back wall, three fingers from the right side, and pushed open the small hidden drawer. She lifted out the key which would open the jewelry box. Gripping the head of the key, which was shaped like the necklace, she inserted the large, old-fashioned bit portion into the key-slot opening in the middle of a carved purple flower which looked exactly like the purple stone flower in the necklace.

She turned the key to the right as she lifted the lid, revealing the Quantum Heirloom Necklace resting in dark purple velvet. Her heart skipped a beat as butterflies danced inside it. She unhooked the straps holding it in place and lifted out the precious heirloom. Her smile stretching across her face, she looped the necklace around her neck and locked it in place. She tucked it inside her shirt and buttoned the topmost button to hide the necklace.

She quickly and quietly closed the lid, secret drawer, hidden compartment, and the wardrobe. She tiptoed back across the room and put her ear up to the door, checking for sounds of someone in the upstairs hallway. Silence. She quietly opened the door and slipped into the hallway making her way to her own bedroom where she filled her backpack with needed supplies for her adventure and changed into her riding clothes.

Bella had never worn the necklace out of the house. This was the first time, and if she was being honest with herself, she had to admit she was a little nervous about it. As she looked at her reflection in the mirror she straightened her back and lifted her shoulders with confidence and defiance. “I will be fine. Nothing to worry about. I will be a Keeper!” Her auburn curls bounced happily as her green eyes shone with fierce determination.

She grabbed her backpack and admonished herself to stop worrying. Today was an adventure. Her first adventure as a teenager. She smiled. She liked being a teenager very much indeed. She glanced out her window to the trail she and Poofy would take across the river to Turtleback mountain and smiled down to her toes. This was Abuelita’s favorite mountain in their home town. It looked like a turtle was sleeping at the very tippy top of the mountain.

Bella took a deep breath and headed downstairs. She popped her head into the kitchen to tell her parents she was going for her birthday ride and would be back in a couple of hours as she reached her arm around the door and grabbed her picnic lunch off the kitchen counter.

Her handsome father turned towards his daughter. His dark auburn hair and green eyes matched Bella’s. “Would you care for some company on your ride this year? I could use some time away from KP duty.” Braden’s father had been a Colonel in the military, and Braden was always using military jargon such as KP when he teased Bella’s mother about doing chores.

“Thanks for asking, Dad. But, you know it’s tradition for me to ride alone on my birthday. I take a book, and a picnic It is my designated alone time.”

Mostly, she went alone to get away from her brothers. All six of them were with their paternal grandparents at the shooting range right now, including the youngest, Colton, who was barely six years old. Her brothers were fun — some of the time. More often than not, they were obnoxious, loud, and annoying. Colten followed her around like a little lost puppy. She was hardly ever alone in this big family of hers. Aloneness was a precious commodity.

Bella’s mother looked over her shoulder. “Do you have your cell phone? And, fully charged?”

“Yes, mom. I do. And, I will be careful. I will wear my helmet. I know the rules. Stay within sight of the house while riding. See ya later!” She let the door close behind her before her parents could say anything else, or worse, convince her to let one of them join her.

Her parents weren’t ogres or miserable to be around. Most of her friends’ parents were divorced and unhappy. Her parents, however, still laughed, joked, and — unfortunately — kissed all the time. Even in front of the kids! Ugh!

Bella simply wanted to be alone — to practice.

She headed towards the barn where she could see Poofy saddled and ready for her birthday ride. Uncle Nicky — who wasn’t really an uncle, just her grandfather’s friend — had gotten Poofy ready as he always did. Bella looked around to thank him, but he wasn’t in the barn. She would thank him when she got back.

Bella stroked Poofy’s neck as he nuzzled against her. His intelligent blue eyes communicating with her that he was ready for their upcoming adventure. He was a muscular white stallion and very tall. More than 15 hands tall. Putting her left foot into the stirrup, she climbed onto the western saddle. Her rodeo saddle. When she did show jumping, she used the English saddle without the horn at the front. She gently knocked her heels into Poofy, “Are you ready for an adventure, my friend?”

Poofy snorted and nodded his head as if he could understand Bella. They had bonded instantly the day he was born — when Bella had named him Poofy after the many white poofy clouds in the sky. Perhaps not the best name for a prize stallion, but Bella was only seven, after all, when she named him.

Bella talked with Poofy as if he could understand her like any other human being. Strangely, she seemed to understand him as well. Her uncle called Bella a horse-whisperer. Really, she was that way with all creatures — big and small — not just horses. She had a gift of communicating with animals. Unexplainable as it was.

They began their adventure at a walk. Soon Bella felt Poofy straining at the slow pace. He loved to run. “Alright, my friend. Have your way. Run like the wind!” She whispered.

And he did. Her quiet words spoken to him were all he needed. He took off running as if in a race for the Kentucky Derby. Bella could see through the trees up ahead to the bridge they would use to cross the Rio Grande River.

Bella’s imagination jumped into overdrive, running away with her as quickly as her horse was moving beneath her. “There it is, friend! Our bridge to another world where adventure awaits. Hurry, Poofy, hurry.” Bella thought of her ancestral home world, Tulé, and wondered what it would be like there now, after all these years. She wished she could go there. To see it for herself.

Poofy seemed to sense her desire and ran faster still. They had never run so fast in all their six years together. Bella touched her right hand to the necklace briefly, thinking about her ancestral home world. Poofy’s hooves hit the wooden planks of the bridge without slowing. As they crossed the river, a bright light flared from out of nowhere blinding Bella momentarily.

When her eyes cleared and focused, she pulled at the reins and guided Poofy to a stop as they turned about in a circle. What she saw was not normal. No, not normal at all.

In one direction was a dark purple forrest, and in another was a sparkling lake that looked liked diamonds floated in it. Another direction was a valley floor filled with flowers in beautiful colors like a rainbow. Back across the bridge were the remains of a small village which looked like it had been plucked out of time — or out of the pages of her favorite book, The Hobbit.

“I don’t think we are in New Mexico anymore, Poofy — I don’t think this is Oz, either.”

Poofy neighed and nodded his head stomping his feet and then rearing up onto his hind legs as if pointing to the sky. Bella looked up and stopped breathing.

A large scaly beast was flying above and breathing fire on the village. A wooden bridge just like the one back home. Across which, two people were now running towards them and yelling at her to run and hide. She was having a hard time focusing on what she should do.

This wasn’t supposed to have happened today. She was supposed to practice accessing her latent abilities. She wasn’t supposed to travel to another world yet! She wasn’t ready for this! She didn’t even know how to control the necklace! How had she gotten here?

The running blonde boy was now carrying the smaller girl with him as he ran towards them, “Are you crazy? Run and Hide! Do you want to be roasted by the dragon?”

Bella realized he was correct. They needed to get out of there and fast! She reached down as he got closer, “Get on my horse. We can cover more ground than you can running.”

He tossed the young girl up to Bella, and then using Bella’s hand as a support, he jumped up behind her. “Reese, climb between us. That’s right. Now, let’s get out of here! PLEASE!”

“Right—Hold on! Poofy, my friend, run like the wind!”

Poofy jolted into a run so fast the world was a blur as they passed by. The two villagers were holding on tightly as they all bent forward to make less of a drag against the wind for Poofy, allowing him to run faster more easily.

“Head for the forrest to the right. There are caves hidden in the midst of them where we may hide.”

She guided her horse as directed. They weaved in between tree after tree. Poofy never slowing his pace. Bella guiding him skillfully. It felt like days had passed within the forrest, although, it had only been an hour. I find time seems to slow down when you most want to get somewhere quickly. This was exactly how Bella felt as Poofy ran through the dark purple forrest.

The ground was rising steadily now, and soon they were at the foot of a mountain covered in trees. “To the right.” The young man said loudly so Bella could hear him above the horse’s clomping hooves amongst the brush and bramble.

“There — on the left — up ahead. Do you see it?”

“Yes!” Bella answered as she pulled Poofy’s reins in once more guiding him to a walk. They entered the mouth of the cave and came to a stop. A large crowd of people approached them calling out to Bella’s companions happily. They had feared the worst. Apparently, the young man’s name was Johnny Lákentash. Reese was his younger sister.

Bella slid off Poofy as she watched the others pull her companions into strong group hugs—one after another. This must be their family and friends, she thought. She patted Poofy’s neck as she walked him towards the front of the cave and back to cool him down. She heard the whispering and knew they must be asking about her. Who was this stranger? Why was she here?

Johnny stepped towards Bella as she and Poofy began the walk back. “Thank you, umm… I didn’t get your name?”

“Bella. My name’s Bella.”

“Thank you, Bella.” He said sincerely.

“Thank you, Bella.” Reese said sweetly as she ran up and hugged her.

“Miss Bella.” A woman corrected. Bella thought this must be their mother. They all shared the same golden blonde hair, blue eyes, and olive colored skin. Their oval faces and slim noses were similar as well. Definitely family. Their mother was in a purple velvet gown with silver threading making circles and flowers across the bodice.

“Bella, I would like you to meet my family. My parents, The Duke and Duchess of Lákentash. My brother, Sam and his wife Margarete. Their children, Isaiah, Hannah, and baby Micah. My eldest brother, Gordae and his wife, Kerrin. My sisters, Camille, Whitney, and you already know Reese.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you all.” Bella said formally and rather awkwardly. She suddenly felt shy and very out of place. Perhaps it was her outfit that made her feel so uncomfortable. Her pants were tucked into knee length black leather boots, and her riding helmet was still secured snuggly on her head. She was the only woman in the cave not wearing a dress. It was as if she had gone back in time to the middle ages or the times of King Arthur of Camelot.

The Duke wore the same purple as his wife, his pants tucked into his knee length boots, with a cape over his shoulders held together on one side with a silver jeweled pin. His presence was commanding and more than a little intimidating. When he spoke, though, he was not unkind, “You have saved my children, and I am in your debt, young Bella. To what village shall I send word that you are well and with us here? Who is your father?”

Bella looked at the Duke and then his family. How on earth was she going to explain where she was from? What was she going to say? If she told them the truth, they would think her mentally unstable.

They waited for her to speak, but she couldn’t. She didn’t know what to say. Johnny spoke with his father quietly. The Duke seemed stunned — his eyebrows rose as his son whispered in his ear. The Duke turned to observe Bella more closely. His eyes taking in her clothes, her horse, and the backpack secured to the saddle.

“My son says that you seemed to appear out of thin air on the river’s bridge. One moment it was just the bridge before them, and the next you were there with your white steed running across its wooden planks.”

“It’s true, Papa. It was magic!” Young Reese explained with awe in her voice as she held onto Bella’s hand.

More whispers among the crowd.

“How came you to Tulé, young Bella? What is your full name?” The Duke commanded. His voice was soft, not angry, with the tone of a man used to having people answer him when he asked a question.

“I’m…I’m sorry, sir….Did you say Tulé? I’m on the planet of Tulé?” Now Bella was staring at all of them as if they were crazy.

“Our world is called Tulé. You are in the country of Lákentash. From what place do you hail?”

Bella swallowed down the fear rising up her throat. “My name is Isabella Maria Sheraré — and, well, this is going to sound a bit crazy — but — I am from a world called Earth.” She paused as she watched their expressions change into surprise. “And, I am not entirely sure how I came to be here.” She answered softly. She wasn’t sure why she had told them all the truth. It had come out of her mouth before she even knew she was saying it.

More whispering among the Tuléans.

Should she tell them her ancestors were from here? Should she tell them she was from their Royal Family — a direct descendant of Queen Sarí Abrams?

Nope. Nope. Definitely not.

She decided it was best to hold onto that little nugget of information until she learned more about who they were. Were they part of the Ishmäels that hunted her family? Would they steal the necklace if they knew she wore it?

Suddenly, Bella felt very unsafe. She was not only among people she didn’t know, but, in a different galaxy far, far away from her home on Earth. And she didn’t know if these new acquaintances were her friends or her family’s enemies.

Bella’s defiant side flared up within her as she said to herself, “If Abuelita had trained me like she should have, I wouldn’t be in this mess!”

Bella forgot she had snuck into Abuelita’s room and taken the necklace without permission. Abuelita didn’t even know Bella knew about the necklace, so how could she train Bella today?

Bella didn’t think about how her own decisions and actions were responsible for her current predicament. She was still too upset with them for not trusting her enough to begin her training on her thirteenth birthday, like the rest of the women in the family.

The Duke brought Bella’s thoughts back to the cave, “Are you the Princess from The Prophecy?”

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