Copyright © 2022 David L. Spiegel.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-6632-3304-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-3305-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-3306-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021924880

iUniverse rev. date:  12/10/2021

CONTENTS

Prologue

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

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

This book is

dedicated to Julie Spiegel.

PROLOGUE

T here I stood, frozen like a deer caught in headlights. I didn’t know what to say. A shy kid’s nightmare. My hands started to sweat as I stood there holding my index card with the topic I was sharing in front of the class. Everything was going great. I was in midstream sharing details about the many trips I took out to my grandparents’ farm when my teacher stopped me and asked where my grandparents came from. I looked at her and then at the faces of my classmates. I felt the blood rush to my face. I was so embarrassed because I didn’t know. The children pointed and laughed at me because I stood there frozen. I ran out of the classroom, almost tripping over the podium, and found myself running to the nurse’s office. I asked the nurse to call my mom.

My mom showed up with a worried look on her face. Oh, sweetheart, are you okay? she asked.

I’m okay, Mom. I just want to go home, I answered.

I thought you were supposed to share something about yourself in front of the class. What happened? You look so flushed.

I explained, I was sharing my memories of when I visit Grandpa and Grandma and how much fun I have on the farm, but the teacher gave a surprise question and asked me about where my grandparents came from. I froze, Mom. I really don’t know anything about where my family came from.

Oh, goodness, I thought your dad told you that your ancestors are from Europe, she said.

I was confused. I don’t remember Dad telling me that, but what else don’t I know? Like, what nationality are we? I asked.

I’ll tell you what: you should visit your grandparents. They’d love to see you, and I know how much your grandpa loves to tell stories. I remember your father told me that when he was little, his dad did the same thing. You could spend some time and sit down together, and he’ll tell you all about your ancestors and where you came from, answering all your questions, she explained.

That sounds like a great idea, Mom. Will you take me this weekend? I asked.

Oh honey, your dad and I have plans this weekend, but we can drop you off, and you can stay the whole weekend, she said.

When the weekend arrived, we took off to my grandparents’ house to see what I could find out. My grandparents lived on a farm about fifty miles away, and it was always fun to go to the farm because it was high in the hills and away from town. I could look down this long driveway and see the cars go by. They were so far away that they looked like little ants. I loved to play in the barn and with the chickens, but this trip would be much different. I was on a mission. I had so many questions and didn’t know how or where to begin. I hoped my grandpa would be willing to share everything with me.

Grandpa was sitting on the porch as we drove up, and he gave us a wave. I got out of the car, ran up to him, and gave him a big hug.

There’s my little man Hunter. My goodness, how you’ve grown since the last time I saw you. Let me take a look at this handsome young man, he said as he shook my hand like an adult. You’ve become quite the strapping fella. How much can you lift now? he asked.

Oh, Grandpa, I’m only ten years old, I said, giggling.

Well, that certainly can’t be. I bet you could help me with some chores while you’re here. You know, I’m not as young as I used to be, and it takes me longer to get things done, he said as he winked.

Dad, I’m sorry we’re not going to be able to stay. Hunter wanted to come see you, and he can stay all weekend. I’m sure Hunter would love to help you. I think you two have some catching up to do, praised Mom.

That’s real grand. I’d love that, Grandpa agreed. Why don’t you go inside and see your grandma? I bet she’s got some milk and homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Oh, yummy! Thanks, Mom, for bringing me here, I said as I ran to hug her goodbye.

You’re welcome, sweetheart. You have fun, but be a good boy for me, she requested.

I will, Mom, I promised.

My mom got in the car and drove off as I waved. When the car disappeared from sight, I went inside to the kitchen. There was my grandma taking the hot, delicious cookies out of the oven. My grandma made the best cookies. I ran to her to give her a big hug. She smelled just like cookie dough.

Hi, Grandma. I missed you so much, I said emotionally.

My little Hunter, you are such a sweet boy. I missed you too. Now, I know you want some cookies, but I just took them out of the oven, so they’re very hot, she explained.

But, Grandma, that’s when they’re the best. The chocolate is melted and all gooey, I countered.

I got some cookies and a glass of milk and walked back out to the front porch. Grandpa was rocking on his favorite rocking chair. He once told me it was the same chair his mother had sat in while rocking him to sleep when he was a baby. It has been restored several times due to the bad weather. It was one of the big, roomy rockers that could fit two people, but my grandpa was a tall man and needed all the space for his long legs. I sat down on the stoop and started eating my treat.

Well, little man, what have you been up to? I hope you’re keeping up with your studies, says Grandpa.

I am. We have been doing special projects in the classroom, I replied.

Your mother told me over the phone that you had a bad day the other day at school. Is that true? What happened, son? he asked.

Yes, Grandpa, that’s true, I said as I stopped eating my cookie and put my head down. We normally get to talk about anything we want when we stand in front of the class. The teacher asked about you and Grandma and where my family is from. I was prepared to talk about you and Grandma, but also about this farm—how I have so much fun here. I froze. I can’t explain it, Grandpa. I was so embarrassed. The other children laughed at me, so I ran out of the classroom. I started getting all flustered again just thinking about it.

My little Hunter, you shouldn’t worry so much about that. Other children can be cruel, but that’s because they’re jealous of you. You’re such a handsome and smart fella, and they wish they were like you. That is their way of trying to hurt you, Grandpa said with a look of proudness.

The teacher said I can make it up next week. Please, Grandpa, won’t you help me? I begged.

Grandpa gave me a big smile. He could see how important it was to me to learn. I had so many questions but didn’t know what to ask first. Grandpa stood up, patted me on my head, and said, Wait right here. I’m going to go get a cup of coffee and some of those wonderful cookies. The smell is making me hungry!

He went in the house and was back in no time. He sat back down on his rocker. I wanted to fire away with my questions, but he looked so solemn. Little did I know he was preparing to tell me the most exciting story.

Now, this is a good cup of coffee, and these cookies are definitely worth waiting for, he said.

Grandpa, what was it like when you were my age? I asked.

Grandpa said, It was definitely different. I grew up on this very land, as you know. The house was much smaller, and we had a lot more farm animals. I had many chores to do before and after school. It is not like how it is today for you young people. You know how important it is to do your chores and mind your parents, don’t you, Hunter?

Yes, sir, I do. I clean my room every day. I take out the trash. I set the table for dinner and help clean up after dinner, I proclaimed.

That’s my boy. Chores teach you a lot. One day you will move away and go to college. You will need everything that you’ve learned as a small lad when that happens, because you will have to take care of yourself. Until that happens, you listen to your mom and always do what she asks of you, Grandpa said.

I will, sir, I said.

Grandpa asked me to take our dishes to Grandma. I got up off the stoop, gathered the dishes, and took them into the kitchen.

Oh, thank you, dear, says Grandma.

I replied, Thank you, Grandma. The cookies were delicious.

You’re quite welcome. I made plenty because I knew you’d be here all weekend.

I went back out to the porch. It looked like Grandpa was asleep. I didn’t want to wake him, but I was so anxious to find out our family’s history. As I started to walk down the steps, Grandpa spoke up. Come pull up a chair, son. I’m going to tell you about our ancestors. Now, pay close attention to me.

I will, Grandpa. I really want to know everything, I announced.

Your father was told this very same story when he was about your age.

Then why hasn’t Dad shared it with me? I asked.

That’s a very good question. Your father wanted it to come from me. He said he isn’t as good at telling stories as I am. Plus, he knows how I enjoy it. I’ve waited for you to be the right age so you’d understand. I still remember the look on his face when I told him. Oh, he interrupted me with questions and disbelief. Some of it may be hard for you to believe as well, but it is all true, Grandpa said.

Please tell me everything, I said.

A long time ago—and I mean, a long time ago, in the medieval times—over in another part of the world known as Europe, that is where our ancestors came from. The medieval era was the period from the fifth to the fifteenth centuries. Your great, great, great, great-grandfather lived back then. By the way, that is who you got your name from. His name was Hunter, and he was well-known as the royal servant to the queen of Bonefairy Castle. The Bonefairy Castle was where the queen lived, and as far as I know, it is still there. Remember that this is back in medieval times, and things were very different back then. Hunter was very loyal to the queen. He was the leader of the Royalmen, kept everyone in line, and made sure that they all did what the queen wanted.

Wow, Grandpa, how do you know all of this? I asked.

This information was written on scrolls and was kept a secret, but it stayed within our family. However, no one knows where those scrolls are. You might want to write this down so you can remember, for when you share with your classmates, explained Grandpa.

What’s a scroll? I asked.

Scrolls were made of special paper. They were used for writing records of events. They were rolled up at each end to protect the written words. When you unrolled it, you hold the left side and open from the right so you can read the events in order, explained Grandpa. "Now, the story goes like this …

***

There was a long, brutal battle. The battles during the medieval era were very violent. There were many battles back then because that was the only way people owned any land. Lands were always subject to invasion, and there was the constant threat of war or land disputes. Castles were built to act as a power base. The largest of all castles was the Bonefairy Castle, and it was more than just a castle. It was where the queen of Bonefairy lived. Bonefairy was the name of the land that was just outside of the town of Harbor. It was a very large piece of land, and the Bonefairy Castle was built on the land by the queen’s fairies. The queen of Bonefairy had special powers. No one really knew what powers she had, but she was feared and honored at the same time. When you looked at the queen, you would wonder how such a beautiful woman could be so powerful. She looked so young. She had long, flowing blonde hair; very large white wings; and an extremely bright golden hue around her.

Hunter was a large, muscular man. He wore his armor proudly with his broad shoulders and chest. He was six feet five inches and strikingly handsome with dark European complexion, dark long hair and beard, and blue eyes. Hunter visited the queen of Bonefairy on several occasions, and he knew he should always abide by the queen’s wishes. The queen liked Hunter and knew he’d always be loyal to her. Hunter had fought many battles and defeated anyone who tried to hurt or take over Bonefairy Castle. The queen ruled Bonefairy Castle and the surrounding land. Hunter led the Royalmen when it came to fighting wars and battles. The queen would rely on him to make the right decisions, and the she knighted Hunter. That is how he became Sir Hunter.

CHAPTER 1

S ir Hunter couldn’t believe how long the battle lasted. He thought it would never end. At one time, he was worried that they wouldn’t be able to defeat their enemies. There was so much bloodshed. Everyone wanted to take over Bonefairy Castle. He had a feeling it wouldn’t be the last time people would have to safeguard the castle. He knew he and his men could not give up and let others conquer the castle. His men were very vigilant. He hated that he had lost many of his men, but that was a part of being a Royalman. They served and protected at all costs. Many good men died defending the Bonefairy Castle.

Sir Hunter and his men may have won the battle, but the threat wasn’t over. Going back home was going to be difficult, and there could still be other enemies threatening their journey back home. Many of the men were wounded, so it would slow down the travel back home, but Sir Hunter knew the men looked forward to being back home. It was his mission to ensure they got back safely.

There were many long days and nights when the fighting was so bad that the men didn’t know when one day ended and when the next started; the sun never came out. Eventually it was time for the men to take everything they had left from the battle and start their trip for home. They had many miles to travel.

Sir Hunter and his trusty friend, Wheels, packed up and started their journey home. Wheels was Sir Hunter’s big, strong horse, and they’d traveled the lands many times. Sir Hunter had enough water for the journey and should be able to find food along the way. What a day for the return home. Many of the men would not make the trip and had lost their lives in the battle, but Sir Hunter was glad it was over.

The queen would be happy when she learned that they had won, and there should be a great festival in town after everyone got back. Sir Hunter knew that it would take several days to make the journey back, so the news will have to wait. He told the men that they were allowed to head back to their homes and families. He told them that he would be in contact with them later. The battle was very hard for the men, and many families would never see their loved ones again. Sir Hunter wished he could be there to console them, but he had to head toward the castle.

As Sir Hunter started out, he could see that there was an opening in the forest ahead. He knew he must be careful. There could still be enemies out there who did not know the war was over. They could be slightly wounded but still able to attack. He’d have to be on his guard at all times. Enemies could be hidden in bushes, or anywhere. He decided to wait at the edge of the opening for a few minutes, just to be safe. The birds were singing. Birds were always aware of their surroundings and danger, so Sir Hunter guessed that it was all right to move on.

As the morning warmed up, Sir Hunter could see that there was someone ahead of him. It looked like one of his men had made it through the battle and was trying to make it back to his family. He didn’t look like he was going to make it without some assistance. Sir Hunter stopped to ask him if he was all right and if he could be of any help with his journey.

Sir Hunter said, Hello, friend, I see that we are traveling on the same path and going in the same direction. Can I assist you? You don’t look like you are going to make it, and your horse is worse for the wear. The battle we survived was very demanding and has taken a great toll on us both, but I have the time to give you a helping hand. Let’s rest for the night and continue tomorrow. I will build a fire and find some food for us. We can stay in the opening just ahead of us, if that’s all right. I will put our horses over there as well and give them water and food for the night. I know that a good night’s sleep will help us both for the rest of the trip. I understand that you know my name as Sir Hunter, and that I am the leader of the queen’s Royalmen. What is your name, friend?

Yes, I know who you are. My name is Xavier, the man answered.

It’s my great pleasure to know you. I’m heading home and then will meet up with the queen at the Bonefairy Castle to give my report on the battle. Where is home for you, Xavier? Sir Hunter asked.

I live just outside the town of Harbor. It’s just a few miles from the castle, he explained.

Yes, I know it well. I have been there many times. I will make sure you get back to your home safely. I will go to my cabin before continuing on to Bonefairy Castle, Sir Hunter responded.

As night came upon them, Sir Hunter felt good that he had met Xavier on the trail so they could look out for each other the rest of the way.

Do you have any food, Xavier? I don’t have much myself. I was going to hunt or fish a little as I headed home. If you don’t have anything, we can make do. After all, we just came through a rough battle. If we can make it through that, we can make it the rest of the way home, right? I’ll make a fire for the night. That should keep all the animals away. A fire is always something that I enjoy,

As they settled down, Sir Hunter saw Xavier having trouble. Let me help you, my friend, Sir Hunter offered. He took some of the old clothing that was attached to Xavier’s horse saddle. It was dirty and tattered, but it was better than sleeping on the hard ground. He spread it out next to the fire. There you go, Xavier. That should be more comfortable.

It didn’t take long for Xavier to fall asleep. He looked three times more exhausted than Sir Hunter. Sir Hunter gave the horses some water and food. As Sir Hunter laid down, he looked over at Xavier. He could see the tension drawing away from his face as the flames from the fire made dancing shadows.

Xavier, it is morning, and we need to get moving. I hope you were able to sleep. We need to put a few miles behind us before we need to stop and rest our horses. Did you get enough rest? Sir Hunter asked.

Well, yes, more than I’ve gotten in a long time, explained Xavier.

Yeah, I can understand that, Sir Hunter replied.

Sir Hunter, I do appreciate all that you are doing for me. I will never forget your kindness.

Well, I didn’t see any reason that we couldn’t help each other with the journey, if we were going in the same direction.

I’m glad that you came along when you did. Now I can truly believe that I will see my family again, thanks to you! Xavier said enthusiastically.

Glad I can help. Let’s get going! Sir Hunter replied.

Sir Hunter and Xavier packed up their belongings and began their day. There is a small river a few miles ahead of us, so we can let our horses drink and rest a little before moving on. I’m sure I’ll be ready to stop by then myself. I figure that we should be home in a few days—if we still have a home. It’s been six months since the battle started, and I know that there must be a lot that needs fixing up. Only time will tell, Sir Hunter said.

Xavier gave a thumbs-up and a big smile. The weather was to their advantage. There was a pleasant breeze, as well as a few clouds so the sun wasn’t shining strong upon them. There was debris everywhere, and they had to be careful where to walk the horses. The horses were already beaten up. Without their bravery and endurance, they probably would not have survived the battle. Wheels meant the world to Sir Hunter was the only family he had.

I see the river ahead of us. I’m ready for a break, Sir Hunter stated.

Yes, I’m ready also, Sir Hunter.

Okay, let’s stop over there under the trees. It’s time for a little food, right?

That sounds good to me, Sir Hunter. Let’s not make a fire now; we can do that later tonight, when we stop for the night.

Right! That makes a lot of sense to me. Glad we are thinking alike. Are you doing alright?

Yes, just need a little break, Xavier said exhaustingly.

They rested by the river under the trees. The horses were getting their fill of water. Sir Hunter took the opportunity to fill his canteens. The water was cool and refreshing. The river had a steady stream moving that came down from the springs flowing down from the top of the mountains. One couldn’t beat the fresh taste.

As a few days passed and their journey seemed to be coming to an end, as they could finally see the town of Harbor in the distance. Harbor was one of the biggest towns in the area. The town grew due to all the vessels and barges shipping goods to other towns or merchant ports. With the town being built near a river, it made it easy for the fishing vessels to come in and out. The river brought plenty of fresh spring water, allowing the townspeople to grow large vegetable gardens and fruit trees. The town of Harbor was also known for having a big shipyard, where they built vessels. The town was surrounded by mountains and