Queen Iris again descended from her kingdom in the treetops and hovered above the youngsters.
“I’d now ask that you present to me your leader, that I may honor that person with one final gift.”
All eyes immediately fell to Daniel, who stood and stepped forward from his cushion.
He hesitated before announcing, “I am Daniel, son of Troy. I have the honor of leading this clan.”
“Very well, Daniel,” Queen Iris continued. “I would like to bestow on you this artifact as a symbol of our recognition for what you have done. I pray you understand the significance of that which is being offered.”
With a deep curtsy, the queen glided away as a group of six fairies descended from above. They held a scepter, elegant in its design and shimmering in the glow of the forest. The fairies placed it carefully in Daniel’s outstretched hands. Raising it in front of him, four empty slots were apparent in the crown that ornamented the top.
“Do you know what you hold in your hand?” the queen inquired, gliding slowly back to Daniel.
Daniel stared in disbelief. “I…I think it’s the…it can’t be,” he stammered. “Wasn’t it destroyed when Argyle took over?”
“The jewels were removed and sent back to different lands as a reward to the mercenaries they provided. The Scepter was removed from the altar and cast into the Styx River. It eventually made its way back to us, compliments of Kyrie, the Queen of the Lake.”
Daniel glanced back at the others, searching for some clue as to how he should answer.
“This gift was given to you humans once before, a long time ago, when Javi stepped in during our time of need. He saved our colony just as you did today. This is the Scepter that was given to him. It was a blessing from my ancestors. It brought peace and prosperity to your lands, which formed the foundation of the Kingdom of Castiglias. That tranquility has since been destroyed, as has the magic carried in the Scepter, by King Argyle.”
“Just Argyle,” Aidan interrupted. “That devil is no king of mine.”
“Well spoken, young Aidan,” the queen remarked. “That magic was destroyed by Argyle when he removed the stones. Without them, this golden staff is but a memory of a better time. A time when all men were free and lived in harmony with fairies. Take it, as a wish that the days ahead of you and yours are filled with serenity. May your lives be long and joyous.”
Daniel ran his fingers down the smooth surface of the Scepter, admiring its beauty, even though it was missing its four stones.
Aidan stood. “But what if we found the stones?” he asked. “What if we found them all and put them back in the Scepter?”
The queen’s eyes blazed. “What if?”
~
If you enjoyed Scepter and would like to read more about the adventures of Daniel and Aidan, Book Two will be available soon. Get updates on this and the author's other current projects on his Facebook page (Scott L Collins).
About the Author
Scott Collins was born and raised in Southern California but relocated to the Denver area following the birth of the first of his two sons. Days’ End was his debut novel and now Scepter is the first in a middle grade fantasy series. In addition to writing, he enjoys spending his free time (with two kids that’s not much time) running and cycling. Please feel free to visit his website at www.scottlcollins.com or connect with him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scott-L-Collins/112391803709.
Table of Contents
The Zombie Chronicles Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
About the Author
Books by Chrissy Peebles
Vulgarian Vamp Acknowledgments
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Epilogue
About the Author
Phantom Bigfoot Strikes Again Chapter 1 Duane Dexter, Guardian of the Forest
Chapter 2 Zola the Naughty Bigfoot
Chapter 3 Polly & Wally Doodle’s Big Surprise.
Chapter 4 Sheriff Lou Harper Blues
Chapter 5 You’re Welcome to My Big Furry Beaver
Chapter 6 Chief Mocking Bird Listens In
Chapter 7 Breakfast at Annie’s
Chapter 8 Agents Tuckerwood & Merlot
Chapter 9 Duane’s Head Job
Chapter 10 Big Trouble at Little Beaver
Chapter 11 X Marks the Spot
Chapter 12 Meet The Brugers
Chapter 13 Zola Wuvs Boo
Chapter 14 The Bigfoot Babe Blues
Chapter 15 Home Sweet Home
Chapter 16 Teena & the Blonde Bigfoot Babes
Chapter 17 Like Father, Like Son
Chapter 18 Here Come the Feds
Chapter 19 Welcome To Big Beaver
Chapter 20 The Feds Have Entered the Building
Chapter 21 The Big X
Chapter 22 The Feds Meet the Spaceman
Chapter 23 Zola, Lies & Videodisc
Chapter 24 Run Zola Run
Chapter 25 MB’S Old Indian Legend Saves the Day
Chapter 26 The Guardian Goes Man-o-Man
Chapter 27 Duane Does the Bigfoot Boogie
Chapter 28 The Guardian takes a Long Trek
Chapter 29 Lou is Lost in Translation
Chapter 30 Virgil Gets a Big Bigfoot Hug
Chapter 30 Phantom Bigfoot Strikes Again
About the Author
Seventh Mark Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
** FREE CHAPTER EXCERPT OF PART 2 OF SEVENTH MARK **
Scepter Dedication
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 Waiting
Chapter 2 Tales
Chapter 3 Aidan’s Denial
Chapter 4 Introductions
Chapter 5 Preparations
Chapter 6 The Journey Begins
Chapter 7 Wake Up Call
Chapter 8 A Tough Road Ahead
Chapter 9 Hurry
Chapter 10 An Early Arrival
Chapter 11 Reunited
Chapter 12 A Bold Decision
Chapter 13 A Cold Welcome Home
Chapter 14 A Time for Healing
Chapter 15 The Hunt is On
Chapter 16 Wet dog
Chapter 17 Back to Work
Chapter 18 Making Friends
Chapter 19 Near Death
Chapter 20 Night Journey
Chapter 21 Get Moving
Chapter 22 Try Again
Chapter 23 A Pivotal Battle
Chapter 24 A Fairy Party
About the Author
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