© Russduparcq | Dreamstime.com – The Oak Tree Photo

I’m going to assume the queen of an entire planet should be brave.  I mean, danger is part of the job.  You can’t be a leader without running into some opposition.  And lucky me, I’m not even the ruler yet, but I’m already being chased by these creatures called Palers.  I don’t know why they want to kill me.  But I’ll tell you this, being pursued by them isn’t my idea of a good time.

You see that picture?  That’s me on Forestaria.  Forestaria is actually a great planet in the Musical Galaxy.  It is full of trees, music, and friendly animals, including lions that don’t eat people.  It’s also the first planet where Hathor and I were actually able to take a break from all the “being pursued by the Palers” thing.  But as you guessed, the reprieve didn’t last for long.

The lion leapt to his feet and followed her behind the tree. Ann watched as the dragon continued to try to shake Hathor off its neck. Looking back at the lion, she wondered if they should make a run for it. She had no way of helping Hathor, and the lion was powerless against the beast, even if he did put on an impressive show of bravery when he bit the thing’s tail.  The dragon sent a blast of fire their way, and it burned the edge of her sweater. Well, that decided it for her. She would run.

***

But that isn’t the only threat I’m having to face.  There are other creatures that are coming after me for no other reason than because I happen to be in the area on a day they’re pissed.  And who knows why these things are pissed off?  It’s not like Hathor or I are looking for trouble.  But trouble seems to be looking for us.  For example, this happened on planet Olympia:

A loud shriek came from behind them. Covering her ears, Ann turned around. A green woman with snakes for hair and red eyes flicked her forked tongue at her. Ann screamed.

Letting out another shriek, the woman raised her spear and tried to stab Ann with it. Hathor stepped between her and the woman, and the two struggled for possession of the spear. Ann fell back, landing on the ground in yet another unladylike manner. Thankfully, Hathor had his back turned to her and couldn’t see her.

The lion roared and pounced on the green woman, forcing her to the ground. Ann saw the spear fly from the woman’s hand but froze. She knew she should grab it. It’d give her and Hathor a huge advantage, but she couldn’t seem to make herself move.

As if to relieve her of any action, the lion leapt forward and retrieved the spear. He ran over to Hathor who was dodging the woman’s attacks. Hathor took the spear from the lion and, in one swift motion, stabbed the green woman in the back.

Ann blinked to make sure she saw everything right. She’d never seen anyone act with so much grace when he fought as Hathor did. It was just like watching the movies, except this was really happening in front of her.

The green woman let out an ear-piercing shriek and made a move to strike Hathor, but he blocked the attack and stabbed her again, this time in the heart. She let out another agonizing scream before falling to the ground, blood dripping from her mouth.

Cringing, Ann quickly turned away from her, afraid if she didn’t, she might lose the breakfast she’d enjoyed on Forestaria. Hathor hurried over to her, but she was shaking too badly to get up so he had to help her to her feet.

Coming September 28!