It was spring in King Baladear's kingdom and everyone was celebrating. People danced and sang in the streets, greeting strangers with a friendly handshake and a friendly smile or greeting friends with warm hugs and even greater smiles. Presents were given to one another and parties were thrown all over. Everyone put aside their work, for a day of play and celebration.

Fine pastries were baked and eaten, wine bottles were popped and poured into empty wineglasses. People held up their cups, looking up towards the large grassy hill with the large, grand castle on top and toasting to the king and queen and the baby that was going to born any minute. People ran to the shops to buy presents for the king and queen, then to await the news so they may bring them their gifts. They talked about how great and handsome the baby would be if it were a boy, or how beautiful and polite the baby would be if it were a girl. No matter, the baby would bring joy to the kingdom and continue their prosperity.

But things up at the castle were a different story. The looming halls that were normally bustling with servants were now quiet. Only a few candles were lit every so often, leaving the castle dark and gloomy. King Baladear sat on the floor, his head in his hands. He was praying that the baby would come and be healthy. Queen Victoria had already had two miscarriages, one almost costing her life. How much they wanted a child and this might be their last try. Tears streaked down his cheeks from his almond eyes and into his bushy, black beard.

A scream was heard from the room next to him. He rushed to his feet and went to open the door to see what was happening to his wife, but it was locked. He sadly sat back down on the floor, trying to listen to what was happening inside the room. The door swung open and a small girl, no older then eight, came out and scuttled down the hallway, not even noticing the king. She had closed the door behind her, so Baladear couldn't even sneak in. Soon, the small girl came back with a pile of white towels and a bowl of water. She rushed back inside and locked the door.

The room grew silent and there was much scuffling. Then, the door slowly opened and an older servant came out. Her arms were wet and her sleeves were rolled up high. Her hair was tied in a ponytail that was now messy, but in her arms was a bundle. She smiled and handed the bundle to King Baladear.

"She's here sir. Perfect and healthy, same with the queen." the servant said. Baladear looked down into the bundle where a bright, happy, baby girl laid. She looked up at her father with bright brown eyes that glimmered with joy and she smiled at him, as if glad to see him. Baladear began to cry again, but this time from happiness.

"I shall call her Epona." Baladear said and he kissed Epona, his first child, on the forehead.

An announcement was proclaimed all through the kingdom of the happy and healthy Princess Epona. More cheers were heard and people were happier then ever now. The streets were crowded with commoners, walking up towards the castle to present the princess with their gifts and maybe get a glimpse of her beautiful face.

All the way up to the castle, people sang, danced and sang some more. More wine was poured and as more wine was poured, the happier people became. It was a very festive day and everyone was happy, everyone except the wicked wizard Yelon who lived just outside the kingdom on a looming mountain. He was Baladear's younger brother who learned evil magic when he found out he would not become king, but his brother would. He planned on getting his revenge on his older brother, but when he heard they might not even have children, he began to celebrate. Now, Epona was born and he would never become king, so his fury grew greatly.

Yelon paced through his house letting his long, brown beard drag along the ground. His cold, blue eyes were pointed downwards with fury and his face was splotched with red anger. Evil thoughts raced through his head as he thought of ways to gain his revenge, but some were too messy or too difficult. He started getting mad at himself, so he scrambled through his books until he found one that read Great Revenge Spells. Yelon crackled to himself when he found the book, the flipped quickly through the tattered pages.

Finally, his finger came across the perfect spell. The spell was set on a child of the person you wanted to gain revenge on. It was cast so that the person would adore their child and love it more then any other child they ever had. That was easy enough, Baladear already loved Epona more then anything else. But as Yelon read further, he realized it got better. When the child was sixteen and one day, they shall shrink to the size of a fairy. The only way they can become unshrunk would be if Baladear found their small child before the sunset of the third day they had been shrunk. If not, the child would remain that size for all eternity and Baladear's heart would be broken forever.

Yelon cast the spell, crackling horribly at the thought of Baladear's pain and when Yelon was done, he crept back inside his house for sixteen years and one day.

Over the years Epona was given the best nanny from their kingdom whose name was Alcair. She was a happy woman, about in her mid twenties when Epona was born. Alcair had long golden hair and bright blue eyes that would brighten anyone's day. Epona loved her nanny from the very first day and Alcair loved Epona as if she was her own daughter. As Epona grew, Alcair would take her on wonderful adventures outside of the castle walls to show her the wonderful things beyond her world. Epona loved adventure and could never sit still and Alcair expanded her mind to these wonderful new things.

One day, Epona was running about in the playroom, anxious to go outside. Being inside dulled her, no matter how many pretty books and wonderful toys were given to her. Epona was only three and her younger sister Catherine wouldn't fall asleep for her nanny with Epona running around.

After lunch, Epona was even more hyper then before, bouncing off the walls, running and yelling through the hallways. Alcair couldn't even settle her down for a nap. Alcair was forced to finally take Epona outside before the fat nanny of Catherine screamed at Alcair. Epona settled down as Alcair started putting on her over coat and shoes. Finally, they reached the outdoors, which was a little chilly, since it was the beginning of fall. The two crunched through the fallen leaves, but did not head out through the main entrance of the castle gate. Instead, they went around the castle and through the long maze. Epona loved the maze, but it too lost her interest very fast. As they walked through, Epona grew grumpy, wanting to leave the bushes that enclosed her freedom. Alcair just would laugh, but pushed her farther through the maze, knowing that she would love what she was about to show her.

The two never finished the maze, but stopped right at a dead end. Alcair searched through her dress pocket and brought out a tiny, sliver key. Epona looked at it with amazement, wondering what it was.

"This is the key of secrets Epona. You must never tell anyone about what you are about to see. Cross your heart?" Alcair asked. Epona nodded and watched with amazement as Alcair pushed aside a tangle of vines to reveal a keyhole. She slipped the key into it, unlocking the door. Alcair then swung the door open to reveal a long field of tall grass. Epona's excitement returned as she ran inside to explore everything. She sat on the sticky grass, pulling at her shoes. Alcair knelt down and unlaced them, slipping them off her feet. Epona then raced through the fields, chasing after wonderful butterflies of all colors.

Alcair watched for a while then scooped up the small princess and walked her through the field. Soon, they came to Alcair's destination, and she put Epona down. A small rustle of grass was heard near them and Alcair just laughed.

"It's only me you silly. I have brought Princess Epona, that one I've been telling you about." Alcair said softly. Epona became confused, but suddenly there were two small eyes behind the grass peeking out.

"Alcair?" it seemed to say. Then, it came out of hiding. It was a small fairy, with tattered cloths and long stripped stockings. She had soft golden hair, woven into a ponytail. The fairy flew around Epona, studying her, then finally whistled and soon many fairies came out to study Epona. Epona could only watch in amazement as these tiny winged people buzzed around her.

Epona was soon introduced to all the fairies and they all soon became fast friends. Almost every other day, Epona and Alcair would wander through the maze and into the grassy fields, going to play with the fairies. Epona knew them all and knew the way to them by heart. Alcair was glad to see that Epona was handling this fine, not telling anyone. Epona had her favorites which consisted of the first fairy she met whose name was Grothel, the fairy of spring and her son Paul who was only two years older then Epona. Paul taught her about Brix, a fairy game which consisted of a large ball and wooden sticks while Epona taught Paul about things human's did for fun. Life was great for Epona.

It was until one sad, gloomy day that Epona's world was turned upside down. Epona was now eight and had two siblings. Catherine who was now a fat, spoiled five year old who was fattened by her nanny so she'd shut up and her baby brother Juan who was not even a year old.

Epona wandered through the great halls of the castle, searching for Alcair who had not shown up at the proper time that morning. She asked everyone where she was, but they would just ignore Epona and keep walking. Frustrated, Epona ran up to her room where she sat and cried for her beloved nanny.

Soon, King Baladear walked through the door, his sparkle in his eye gone when he saw his much-loved daughter, sitting on her bed, crying because of something he had done. When Epona saw her father she raced into his arms and sobbed louder.

"Where is Alcair father? I miss her so much!" Epona cried out. King Baladear kissed Epona's head gently and smoothed out her long, curly hair. He grabbed her small hands and forced her to look at him.

"I'm so, very, very sorry Epona. Alcair cannot be your nanny anymore." Baladear said.

"WHY!? Why can't Alcair be my nanny?" Epona screamed out. She began to scream out, louder then she ever had.

"Epona, listen to me! She's a witch! Alcair is a witch!" Baladear proclaimed.

"What? Alcair… a witch? But why?"

"She has been seen doing witch craft around the kingdom and I just don't want someone like her around this kingdom. She is now in jail while I think for what to do with her Epona, but I'm afraid to say you may not see her, ever again."

"She's not a witch! She's not a witch! I can prove it!" Epona screamed out, crying even more now knowing Alcair would be killed for witchcraft. Baladear tried to comfort her in his arms, but she just pushed him away from her and ran through the castle. She ran and ran until she found her favorite hiding spot, which was a hidden door in the wall behind a statue of armor. She crawled inside and entered a small room, just big enough for her to fit in comftorably. Alcair was the only one who knew about her hiding spot, but now, no one did. Epona sobbed softly, muffling her cries in her skirt. She bashed her hand on the ground with fury, when she hit something. It was cold and hard, so Epona searched for it in the darkness. When she picked it up, she knew what it was from the way it felt. It was a key. A small, silver key that Alcair used to get to the fairies. Alcair had put it there for Epona to find and now it was up to Epona to hold the secret of the fairies.

Epona sat next to the blazing fire in the dusty library, letting the sparks of fire twirl in her soft, whispering strands of almond hair that twisted and turned with grace and beauty. Her eyes were large and a beautiful shade of crimson and contained much knowledge past her years. Her skin was fare while her lips were thin and red, matching her rosy cheeks. She was tall and slim, a beautiful sight, and she seemed to float when she walked. She was turning sixteen tomorrow and a grand feast was going to be thrown in her honor.

But, for now, Epona was enwrapped in the book she was reading. It was a fantasy myth, containing fairies, dragons and dwarfs. She loved nothing more then to imagine living in such an exciting world, compared to her dull, boring town. It was always sunny there and dragons, dwarfs or wizards hadn't been seen in those parts for over seventeen years. Only Epona knew of the fairies still hidden behind the walls of the maze, and Epona meant to keep it that way.

"Oh Princess Epona! Don't sit so close to the fire like that! You'll get covered in ash and soot then ruin your hair!" said her nanny Beth. She was also Catherine's nanny and was round and stubby. She favored Catherine much more then Epona since Epona was still very fond of her first nanny Alcair. Epona rolled her eyes and stepped away from the fire without lifting her head from the book. "Are you reading that fairy trash again?" Beth proclaimed again. She walked over and grabbed the book from Epona's hands and closed it.

"Hey! I was reading that!" Epona screamed out.

"Beth says fantasy stories are for dumb, ugly people. She says I'm perfect and beautiful. Much more beautiful then you since you read those stupid stories." Catherine, Epona's younger sister proclaimed. Catherine was somewhat a resemblence of Beth. She was short and round. She had a mop of brown curls propped on the top of her head and her eyes were small and beedy. She was a very spoiled child and rather abnoxious. Epona hated her the most out of her siblings.

When Catherine said this, Beth patted her on the head then slipped her a chunk of chocolate. Catherine shoved it in her mouth greedly, then ate it rather rudely. She smiled at Epona, trying to make her jealous, with a circle of chocolate encircling her mouth. Epona could only turn in disgust and flopped herself down on a chair. She twisted the small chain necklace around her neck, which hung the small, silver key that allowed Epona to visit the fairies. She visited them everyday ever since Alcair's death. They were her only friends, other then her father who was gone often, but today he was suppose to return home, just in time for his favorite child's birthday. No one knew why King Baladear favored Epona so much more then the rest of his lovely children, but it was quite obvious that he did. He always wanted the best for her and always gave her the best. Some believe it was because she was the "miracle" child. The one that saved the kingdom and gave the kingdom prosperity. This especially made Catherine jealous of Epona and was always in competition with Epona ever since they were little girls.

Suddenly, a loud trumpet was heard announcing the arrival of King Baladear in the kingdom. Epona's eyes lit with joy at the sound of this and she jumped from her seat and raced out of the library to greet him. Catherine tried desperatly to follow, but she could not run quite as fast. Epona ran through the stone halls and through the dark staircases. She raced past the servants putting up decorations in the grand hall and almost knocked into a large punch bowl set out for the party. Soon, Epona reached the front doors and the doorman opened it just in time so she ran outside instead of right into the door. She raced down the many steps and down onto the platform where her father just arrived on his great white horse. He stepped off the horse and smiled greatly at the sight of his beloved daughter.

"Epona! How wonderful it is to see you!" Baladear proclaimed, enwrapping Epona in his arms. She hugged him back, nuzzling her nose into his fury beard.

"Father, I've missed you so much! You have no idea! You must tell me of your journey!" said Epona. She looked up at her father, now wearing down in his old age. His skin folded in and out in several spots, but his eyes were still merry and young.

"Yes, just as soon as I tell you some grand news! But first, where are the rest of my children?" Baladear asked. Just then, Catherine rushed out of the front doors and slowly walked down the many steps to the platform. Behind her, three other children ran out quickly, almost knocking over Catherine when they raced past her. One was a young boy with choppy blond hair and mystical brown eyes. He was tall for his age and in his smile there was a large space between his front teeth. Another was a girl who was younger then the boy. She wore her light brown hair in pigtails and many teeth were missing in her mouth. The last was a boy no older then three who was still a little chubby, but was the most darling thing you ever saw. Together, the three raced down to embrace their father. Then, lastly, Catherine reached her father and stuck out her hand for him to kiss, which he did.

"A proper princess greets people by allowing them to kiss her hand. Not by leaping into their arms and sputtering out things that make no sense." Catherine said towards Epona, but Epona paid no attention. She only watched her father, awaiting his great news, but suddenly, a gray horse walked up from behind her father's horse and on it road a young man who had sleek blond hair and cold, hazel eyes. He was tall and buff, but stood with a high athority. He had no smile on his face, but meerly looked down at all of the children.

"Who is that father?" the little girl asked quietly, hiding behind Epona.

"I am Bernard Hempiton Gerald Foxworth the third. Prince of Fernar. I am here for the lovely Princess Epona." the man said sharply.

"You are here for me?" Epona asked curiously.

"Ah, this is the great news I was about to tell you Epona. Prince Bernard has asked me for your hand in marriage and I have accepted. I have decided that you two shall be married the day after tomorrow." Baladear proclaimed. Bernard stepped off his horse and walked towards Epona, lifted her hand and kissed it.

"Princess Epona, you are more beautiful then the stories I have heard of you." Bernard stated.

"Why, thank you Bernard, but I am sorry I have not heard anything of you before." Epona replied, trying to smile polietly. Bernard nodded.

"Prince Bernard, my servant Wendy shall show you to your room. My stable boy will take care of your horse." Baladear said. Bernard nodded again, then went up the stairs and into the castle, followed by the three, curious princes and princess.

"Father! What nerve you have to give my hand in marriage without my cassent!" Epona yelled out.

"Epona darling. I thought you would be pleased. He comes from a very lovely and rich kingdom and he will be a fine husband. He will take care of you Epona." Baladear stated.

"Father, I don't care about his wealth or his kingdom. If I'm going to marry someone, I would like to marry someone for the reason of love, not money. I'm sorry, but I don't even know this man!"

"In time you shall come to know him and you will love him eventually, but until them, you will have to deal with it."

"You are not being resonable father. I do not wish to marry this man."

"I'll marry him father!" Catherine butted in.

"Catherine, go into the castle and make yourself useful." Baladear snapped. Catherine did as she was told and when she was gone, Baladear spoke to Epona.

"You shall marry him Epona. If you refuse, they may start war with us. Fernar is a very noble kingdom and never accepts no as an answer."

"Well, I guess this will be the first." Epona belowed, crossing her arms.

"No it will not Epona. You will marry him and that is that!" Baladear snapped again. Epona just shook her head, turned and ran behind that castle quickly before her father could follow. She ran to the maze where she twisted and turned until she reached the same dead end she had gone to everyday of her entire life. She took the necklace off her neck and pushed aside a strand of leaves until she found a small, rusty keyhole. She slipped the small, silver key inside and turned it until it unlocked the door which slowly opened. She walked inside and closed the door behind her, then looked out at the field in front of her. It was of tall grass with a few splatters of flowers here and there and one tree in the middle of it all.

Epona ran towards the great tree with large, green leaves. She was welcomed by the shade and looked into a small knot inside the tree. Inside, there was a small bed made of leaves and grass, a small lantern, a tiny watch that had once belonged to Epona's father, a purple ball and a wooden stick. It was the room where her best friend Paul slept. He was the Prince of Spring even though he hated the title. He sat on the bed, with his shoulder length, black hair hanging in his blue eyes. He was playing a wooden flute and the music was beautiful. Epona loved fairy music and hummed to the song. He stopped when he heard her and looked up with a smile.

"Epona! You're here!" Paul said joyfully, fluttering out to meet her. Epona smiled sweetly, glad Paul was happy to see her...