| The king and queen both jumped up and embraced their daughter. The entire cave erupted in a controlled cheer of happiness and applause. The king and queen excused themselves and ushered their daughter to a back spot in the cave where they could talk. While the king and queen talked with Anna the cave was alive with action. Birds broke into groups that sent couriers between them. They exchanged plans for what each specific group was to do once the plan was put into action. Many of the birds of prey could be seen sharpening their claws and hooked beaks. Others were spending their time pruning their feathers, getting them ready for intense flight. Nightingales and Storks were checking their medical supplies to be ready to treat any injuries. “Father, tell me about the Dark Queen.” Anna asked. “Daughter, this is a story that is as old as magicland. I will let your mother tell the story but I will remind you that we grow older at a very slow rate. So while it is true everything your mother will tell you, keep in mind that it happened a long time ago and that the Dark Queen has been dark for almost as long as magicland has existed. Finally before I hand it over to your mother, be reminded that without magicland having its good side, the world which most call the ‘real world’, would not have Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, and all the other lesser-known characters that might be regional, such as Uncle Sam in the United States. All of them whether regional or world-wide, are representatives of good magic. Even the witches, goblins and other scary characters during Halloween, would not exist as fun things to dress up as; instead they would represent truly frightening creatures which would run rampant all throughout the year. next page |  Anna, Splash and eveybody else |