Lords of Kerballa

Book excerpt: The Master of Darkness is the tyrannical ruler of the western coastal city of Kerballa. In an attempt to extend his rule inland, he has kidnapped the Princess of Time and is holding her prisoner in his castle until she agrees to marry him. The young knight, Red John, is in love with the Princess. He sets out on a quest to free her accompanied by his friend Morduc, an Elven Prince. As they are crossing a river, John is swept away by a flash flood. Morduc continues on their quest alone. During that journey he meets his own true love Marianna, learns to speak Froggan, and survives a trip through dark and dangerous caverns beneath the mountains east of Kerballa. Meanwhile, a jungle tribe far downriver has saved John from the flood. He returns the favor by saving the tribe from the Monkey King. As a reward, he is offered the chief’s daughter and royal rule, but declines, remaining faithful to the Princess. With Palla Nad and Yanibo, two new jungle friends, he arrives at the southern port city of Imbal where they all sign on as performers with a travelling circus. The circus docks at Kerballa on the very same day that Morduc enters the city disguised as a seedy old street magician. Both are eventually invited to perform at the castle. During their performances they succeed in rescuing the Princess just as lightning bolts begin to rain down upon the castle. The Master of Darkness is presumed dead and buried beneath the smoking rubble. Red John is elected the governor of the newly free Kerballa. In a festive wedding in the town square Red John marries the Princess, and Morduc marries his beloved Marianna.