Meanwhile, outside the gates of Argol, beyond the Forrest of despair, and the Western field, past the eternal pit, which could only be crossed by a small, narrow, creaky, bridge, lay the Realm of Queen Amber. It was a horrible place, full of monsters, demons, volcanoes, including a large and quite dangerous one called Mount Peril. Mount Peril, was where Queen Amber practiced her dark magic.
Beyond all of this, on a jagged, rocky hill, was the Castle of Queen Amber. On a particularly dark and dreary day, Amber summoned her daughters to the throne room. Her guards opened the doors. The three children entered the castle and made their way up the long winding corridors to the throne room.
“What do you think it is this time? Has mother found another village for us?” Said Emmarus.
Ava just laughed. Emmarus looked up at her sister. In fact, she had to look far up. Ava towered over her by many feet.
“What do you think then little sister?” Asked Emmarus.
“Oh sister. You may be my elder, as you so subtly pointed out, but you still do not understand. Mother has summoned us because she has found The Crown.”
“The Crown of Hades himself? I don’t believe so Ava. Your size and lust for power cloud your judgement. The Crown cannot and will not be found. That is certain.” Emmarus responded.
“Both of you,” said Cassius “may be correct. But indeed it is a matter of grave circumstances. I fear that The Crown itself must be found soon. Each day we dally Mother looses her strength. We must move fast if we are to regain our power.”
The two younger siblings were quiet. Their sister always had a way of speaking in a way that created an ensuing silence. They finally ascended to the throne room. The entered and saw their mother sitting in her lava throne.
“My children. Come. I must speak to you.” They approached with caution. Queen Amber looked frail and sickly. Her hair had begun to change from a long dirty blonde mane to wispy, silver strands. Her power had been drained.
“What is your bidding Mother. We are prepared.” Said Cassius. The three bowed and went to one knee. Amber rose from her throne and began to walk toward a window, which only let in dark, volcanic light.
“You disappoint me, my children.” She said. “You have failed to retrieve the one prize that I requested. You must explain yourselves, and then you must find The Crown. Before it’s too late.”
Emmarus looked up. “But mother, we have tried. Those blasted Argols always-“
“Those puny weaklings! You should have foreseen this! They are a minor annoyance. Do not forget that your power was given in the depths of Mt. Peril. It can be taken away. Now, you will find me the Crown by sundown tomorrow. If you fail, I will die, and your power will be gone.”
The daughters rose and bowed. They exited and began their quest. Where do they go first?