The Ankulen

by Kendra E. Ardnek

  “Well then,” I said, “you should know, what must happen to make the ending a Happily Ever After?” I opened one eye again.

  The thoughtful line appeared between her eyes. “Well, the prince has to defeat the Dragon or Evil Stepmother or break the princess' spell and then – oh! They have to get married!”

  “Precisely!”

  “Uh … Jen?” said Derek, apparently not liking my train of thought.

  “Oh, it doesn't have to be me, I'm only fifteen, after all,” I pointed out. “I'm sure that I can get some of my imaginary friends to volunteer. Chris? Tisha?” I turned my one-eye to them.

  “Oh, but Lady Jenifer …” Chris started to protest. Tisha's cheeks flushed bright red.

  “No buts,” I said, sitting up and shaking a finger at them. “I want that Happily Ever After ending, and I do believe that I'm in a position to get it.”

  “But he has to rescue her or something,” Megan suggested.

  I raised an eyebrow. “Which he has only done, what, three hundred and twenty four times? But of course, it's always better to be safe than sorry.” I tapped my Ankulen's gems.

  “What did you just do?” asked Derek.

  “What makes you think I did something?”

  “You just messed with your Ankulen. Every time you do that, you're doing something. So, what did you do.”

  “Mm, a logical assumption. Yes, I suppose I did do something.”

  On cue, a large purple dragon swooped into the valley, plucked up Tisha by it's talons, and flew away. I turned an eyebrow towards Chris. “Well, what do you plan to do about it?”

  Chris met my eyes for half a second, then sprang to his feet and leaped onto the back of a magnificent white stallion. (Who had conveniently trotted up while Tisha was flying away.) He was away before he could say, “I come to rescue you!”

  “Well,” said I, turning to my siblings, “what say the two of you to me giving the grand tour of my imagination while we invite everyone to the wedding of their new King and Queen.”

  “Wait … King and Queen?” repeated Derek.

  Nodding my head, I climbed to my feet. “Things are about to undergo some major changes. So, what say the two of you about the tour?”

  Megan was already on her feet, and she grabbed my hand. “Oh, it sounds wonderful! I'd love to meet all of your friends!”

  “What say you, Derek?”

  “I suppose I might as well,” said Derek, sighing and climbing slowly to his feet. “I'll admit to being curious about these friends who were so important, you were willing to be eaten by the Polystoikhedron rather than let them. Besides, it seems you just sent your personal protector off to chase a girl.”

  I laughed. “So I did. Well, we'll be glad to have you with us, and honored to have your protection.”

  Derek rolled his eyes. “One question, though. Are you going to make us walk the whole way?”

  “Do you want to walk?” I asked, my fingered poised to tap.

  “No.”

  “Well then, what sort of steed would you prefer? A horse? A buffalo? A giant three-legged stool?”

  “A giant …”

  “I can do anything here in my imagination. So … what will it be? I assume that Megan wants a dragon, but what color?”

  “I get a dragon?” Megan breathed.

  “Of course. I promised you one,” I told her. “Now, what color?”

  “Blue! It's always best to ride a dragon the color of your eyes. You'll understand each other better.”

  “Mm. Sounds good,” I said. I turned back to Derek, eyebrow raised. “And what about you, Soldier?”

  Derek returned the eyebrow. “How about a flying sting ray?” he said, trying to catch me off guard with the weirdest thing he could think of. (Or, at least, that's what he's since told me his intention was.)

  I didn't miss a beat as I touched the gems and closed my eyes. “A lovely choice, though I'm afraid sting rays are out of stock, so you'll have to settle for a manta. They're bigger, you know, and don't have annoying stingers that might hurt some of my imaginary friends.”

  After placing an order for their steeds – and a three-legged stool for myself – I opened my eyes. “They should be here shortly.”

  “Oh, goody,” exclaimed Megan, clapping her hands together. Derek looked like he was trying to decide whether or not I was serious.

  When the blue dragon (which was the exact same shade of blue-green Megan's eyes are), the manta ray, and the three-legged stool came flying down the nearest mountain, he realized that I was serious. “But …” he appeared to be having second thoughts.

  “It's what you ordered, isn't it?” I asked, as the creatures landed and I sat down on my stool. “Here at crazy-things-to-ride-on-R-us, we always deliver exactly what is ordered. If it's available. If not, we try to match it to the closest thing possible.”

  “Crazy things to ride on is right,” said Derek, placing a hand on the head of the manta ray. “Well, I guess I did ask for it.” A grin pulled at the corner of his mouth. “Thanks, sis.”

  Megan was already on the back of her dragon, her arms tight around its neck. “Oh yes, thank-you, Jen! I've never seen a lovelier dragon. What's its name? Is it a girl or a boy?”

  “You decide,” I said, spinning around on my stool. “I only came up with what it looked like.”

  “Oh.” The line appeared between her eyes again as she tilted her head to the side. A grin spread across her face and she announced, “Her name is Seawing.”

  “And what are you going to name your steed,” I asked, turning to Derek, who was now seated cross-legged on the back of his ray.

  “Black,” he replied without hesitation. “And don't tell me you named your stool.”

  “Alright then, I won't.” I concentrated, and Annabel, my faithful steed, rose into the air and started zooming up the nearest mountain. Black and Seawing weren't far behind and the tour was begun.

  I could tell you all the fun adventures the three of us had, but they are not important to this story. Everyone was overjoyed to see me, and meet Derek and Megan. Megan was thrilled with everyone she met, and Derek … well, he wasn't enthusiastic, but he didn't complain, either.

  Only one event stands out as important enough to warrant my inclusion here.

  We were on the top of the Mountain, overlooking my entire imaginary world. (I have it set up so that the only part of my imagination that can't be seen from the top of the Mountain is what's obscured by water.) We had already spoken with the Dwarves and Goatherds, and now we were just taking in the view.

  “I guess it's not the worst place to be willing to die for,” Derek observed.

  “It's Jen's imagination,” Megan retorted. “Of course she ought to be willing to die for it. I would die for it too, I'm sure …. if it's not as scary as the Polystoikhedron.”

  “Oh, no. You're not allowed to try to kill yourself like Jen did,” Derek ordered, giving her a severe look.

  “I'm pretty sure she won't ever be called to give up her life on the account of my imaginary world,” I said, sliding a comforting arm around her shoulders. “And hopefully, I won't be called to do so ever again.”

  “Just remember,” said Derek, turning his severe look to me, “if you ever are, I'm coming with you.”

  I smiled. “I wouldn't dream of doing anything dangerous without my big brother at my side.”

  We lapsed into silence, and just enjoyed the view for a few more minutes. A thought suddenly occurred to me.

  “I never named it.”

  “Never named what?” asked Megan, turning slightly to look at me.

  “My world.” I rubbed my Ankulen's band. “The people I named, the locations I named, but my world was always just that: my world.”

  “And that's a problem?” I had earned another eyebrow from Derek.

  “It wasn't when I was seven,” I replied. “But I'm fifteen now. It's time that I gave my world the dignity of a unique name. I'll be working with others now. They'll need a n
ame for my world.”

  “So what are you going to name it?” asked Megan.

  I tilted my head to the side. “I don't – wait. I have it!” Drawing myself to my full height, I solemnly placed my hand on the gems. The purplish-pink glow spread across the landscape as I prepared to give my edict.

  “Findwan,” I said. “I name you Findwan.”

  As the glow faded, I turned to my brother and sister. “Now, we really should get going. We still have to invite the Ugly Lump and the Singers. And then we need to set up the wedding.”

  Megan grabbed my arm. “That was so cool, Jen!”

  I grinned and patted her hand. “It was, wasn't it. I've never named my world before.”

  “And Findwan is a lovely name,” she added.

  “As is Seawing.” I pried her hand off of my arm and sat down on Annabel. “Onward!”

  Now I come to the wedding itself.

  I chose the beach for its location. I wanted the Merfolk to the attend, after all, so it had to be near water. It didn't take me long to build a pavilion sufficiently beautiful for the ceremony. I surrounded it with pews sufficient for every friend I had.

  Then I homed everyone.

  Since we were on the beach, the Merfolk were the first to arrive. I had them sit on rocks that I had placed in the shallows. Soon the Dwarves arrived, quickly followed by the Goatherds. Then Steve and Blue. One by one, group by group. Even the Old Woman came, seated on a flying carpet that I had given her while giving the invitation to the wedding. I sat her in the front row.

  Last to arrive were Sir Erran, Feathers the Falcon, and Fair Maiden Janessa upon his horse. Feathers and the horse were placed in the back with all of the other animals, but I had Janessa and Erran sit in the front row. I had something special planned for them.

  “Well, all of the guests have arrived,” I announced, turning to Derek and Megan, who stood with me under the pavilion. “Now all we have to do is wait for the bride and groom to arrive.”

  “And how long will that take?” asked Derek, giving me a bored look.

  “About as long as it will take for the two of you to walk that way and meet them,” I replied, pointing the aisle. “Megan, I want you to bring Chris up here immediately. Derek, you wait for my signal before you bring Tisha.”

  “Why do I bring Tisha?” asked Derek.

  “Because Tisha doesn't have a father, and therefore needs someone else to walk her down the aisle.”

  “But why me?”

  “Because you're my brother. Now go!”

  He raised an eyebrow, but seeing that I was serious, turned to Megan. “Well, you heard our sister, the high and mighty Anka, let's go.”

  Megan grinned and grabbed his hand. “Oh, it'll be fun, don't you worry one bit.”

  “And the only people who'll see you will be my imaginary friends,” I added, “and they already consider you their hero.”

  Derek grunted, but said nothing as he and Megan walked down the pavilion steps to do my bidding. I smiled and leaned against a post, closing my eyes as the excitement of all of my imaginary friends bubbled up within me. I wanted to laugh, but such merriment would ruin the moment.

  Soon Chris and Megan appeared at the end of the aisle. Megan walked a few steps ahead of him, waving to the crowds who strained to catch sight of them.

  “Nervous, Chris?” I asked, as he stepped up into the pavilion.

  “Not really,” he replied, surveying the crowd. “Tisha though, she's a nervous wreck.”

  “I know.” I pushed myself to tip toe and placed a kiss on his cheek. “I always dreamed of this day as a kid … but I had no idea what it would take to get here.”

  “Neither did I.”

  “But I can't say that I'm displeased with how things have played out,” I added, resting my hand on the Ankulen's gems. “Which brings me to my point. You're not dressed for a wedding.”

  The purplish-pink glow spread over him, and he bowed his head in acceptance of my decision. When the glow faded, the Robin Hood look was gone, and he was dressed instead in what you see princes wearing in Fairy Tales. The only difference was that he wore no crown. That would come later.

  A few seconds later, Derek and Tisha appeared, her arm hooked through his. I raised an eyebrow. That had taken some convincing, I was sure.

  “Oh, she's beautiful!” breathed Megan, her hand falling. Chris was speechless.

  “That was my signal,” I informed them.

  When I had changed Chris's outfit, I had changed hers as well. The sundress that she had worn all through our adventures was gone, replaced by a brilliant white gown with a train that extended several yards behind her. Her veil was almost as long. In her hand she carried a bouquet of rainbow roses.

  “Thank-you Derek,” I said as they entered the pavilion and Chris claimed her from him. Derek retreated to stand by Megan, and I took the bouquet out of Tisha's hands and placed it in my sister's safekeeping.

  “A new day has come to Findwan,” I announced, placing my hands on my friends' joined hands. “The Polystoikhedron is gone, and I must return to my world to take up my duties as an Anka. I will not be gone entirely, but neither will I be here as often as I once was.”

  I felt Tisha's hands tighten under mine. I shot her an encouraging smile.

  “In my place, I will leave a king and queen to rule over you and attend to your problems,” I announced. Chris and Tisha both turned me surprised looks. I hadn't informed them of that part of the plan.

  Smiling, I continued. “King Christofer and Queen Letitia were my first Knight and Fair Maiden, so I am sure that none will question my decision.”

  After waiting a moment and hearing no protest, I took a deep breath and continued. “Christofer, do you take this lady and your new position?”

  “I do.” Chris's answer was without hesitation or tremble.

  “And you, Letitia? Do you accept this man and your new position?” I asked.

  Her answer was immediate, but her voice trembled. “I – I do.”

  “Then, King Christofer, lift her veil and seal the promise with a kiss.”

  When they finished with that order, I gave them another. “Kneel.” They did so and I continued my speech. “I will no longer be called Lady, but Anka, for that is what I am. My brother and sister, should they visit again, you will call Lord Derek and Lady Megan.” I closed my eyes and touched my Ankulen's gems. Crowns appeared on Chris's and Tisha's heads. Golden bands set with gems the same purplish-pink as my Ankulen.

  “These crowns will function the same as the Queen's Necklace and the King's Trident,” I explained. “They will also have the ability to contact me if need arises. However …” a smile quirked one corner of my mouth. “Do not hesitate to ask the Old Woman, for she will speak with my voice. Rise.”

  They regained their feet, and I instructed them to turn and face the crowd. “Friends,” said I, “do you accept your new King and Queen?”

  The people erupted in a cheer.

  Smiling, I continued, in a softer voice, “And yet I know that the two of you will not always be able to be everywhere that you'll need to be, so I have provided a Knight and Fair Maiden for you to direct as you see fit.” I nodded for Sir Erran and Fair Maiden Janessa to join us in the pavilion. As they entered, I changed Janessa into a wedding dress that was almost as beautiful as Tisha's.

  “Sir Erran,” said I, as I placed them in the position Tisha and Chris were originally in and placed my hands over theirs, “do you accept this lady and your new position?”

  “If you wish it,” he replied.

  “And you, Fair Maiden Janessa, do you accept this man and your new position?”

  She blushed and whispered, “I do.”

  “Good.” I withdrew my hands and turned to Chris and Tisha. “They will serve you as they serve myself. Take it from here, my sibs and I need to get home for supper.”

  “About time,” Derek muttered.

  I ignored him and tapped the gems. “Take Derek, Megan and myself ou
t.” There was the usual flash of light and dizzy feeling in the pit of my stomach, and when I opened my eyes, I stood beside the stream. I glanced at my watch. It read 5:46 and it was still the twenty-second of June.

  “You live in the woods?” asked Derek.

  “No, but I have woods in my backyard,” I answered as I bent down to pick up the notebook,which was still exactly where I had left them that morning. (The pencil was, of course, already in my hair.)

  “Cool! Are they fun to explore?”

  “Lots of fun,” I replied, thrusting the pencil into my hair and standing up. “I'll show you tomorrow, but for now, it's time for supper.” I hugged the notebook to my chest and started walking. “Follow me.”

  Soon we arrived in the kitchen where we found Mom just about to pour the sauce into the spaghetti. “Well, I'm back. I left Tisha and Chris in charge of Findwan in my absence, but I brought Derek and Megan out with me.”

  Mom sat down the sauce pan and spun around. Her gaze fell on me for a moment, Derek for two moments, then came to rest on Megan.

  “You're the daughter I was supposed to have?” she asked.

  “She was,” I answered, putting a hand on Mom's shoulder. “What say you to me finishing supper while you get to know them?”

  Mom hugged me. “That would be lovely. And that pencil looks much better in your hair than the stick did.”

  I grinned. “I thought it'd make a better fashion statement.”

  The three of them sat down at the table while I took Mom's place at the stove. Soon they were deep in conversation. Even Derek opened up and called her Mom just as naturally as if he had been calling her that all his life. When I set the pot down in the middle of the table, I sank down into my chair, smiling. This was the Happily Ever After I couldn't have contrived no matter how hard I tried.

  “Jen, why don't you go call your father in?” Mom asked, noticing me.

  “Sure.” I stood up, walked out of the kitchen and to the front door.

  When I returned to the table, I sat down again and rested my chin on my hands, content to just listen to them talk. Soon Dad joined us, kissed Mom, and sat down at the head of the table. We joined hands and he asked the blessing, thanking the Lord for the beautiful day, and for each of his children.