Forest & Kingdom Balance Read Online Free Page A

voice had not lost a decibel. Her
mind was spinning as she began to realize that this too was her
Froggy. “To think of all the times.” She paused. “I was right, you
are a rogue and a scoundrel. Wait a moment, I let you swim in my
bath, lots of times, while I was in it!” Her voice took on a
whisper, “I told you secrets. Oh no, I told you about my
lovers!”
    “My Lady,” Froggy took advantage of the brief lull
in the verbal storm, “perhaps you would be more comfortable
discussing my many short comings over lunch. Shall we? Oh and
before I forget,” he turned to Catherine, who had been politely
watching the grass grow during her highness’ tirade, “Catherine, be
a dear and see to our other guest would you?”
    “Of course Caretaker.” In a single graceful
movement, Catherine started to run toward Foil while slipping off
her dress, her sleek, well toned body moved with a feline grace.
Suddenly, in a burst of brilliant white light, she disappeared and
was replaced by a magnificent white mare whose mane was interwoven
with pastel flowers.
    “Catherine?” The Princess inquired, in a flat,
stunned voice.
    “Catherine.” Froggy replied.
    “Nice mare.” The Princess commented, her expression
wide eyed and frozen.
    “Yes, and friendly too.” Froggy added with a
chuckle. “She’s always inviting me to ride her.”
    Dionara grasped for anything she could understand,
“Wait, did she call you Caretaker.”
    “Yes I know, it’s more of a title than a name, isn’t
it, but that’s how I’m known here. However, I am honored by the
name you have chosen for me and I hope that you will continue to
call me Froggy regardless of my form.” He offered his arm to the
somewhat bewildered Princess. “All your questions will be answered
my Lady. Shall we dine?”
    Unable to decide on which of her many recent
revelations to comment, Dionara allowed herself to be guided toward
a large oak in the meadow. As they walked, a high-pitched whinny
came from behind them. They turned to see Catherine gently nuzzling
Foil’s neck as he stood stone still with his head lowered. The
Caretaker stopped for a moment and gazed into the distance.
Suddenly, Catherine darted off toward the open fields with Foil in
close chase, head raised and legs flashing.
    “What was that about?” Dionara asked, though a bit
distracted by the wonderful sense of calm serenity that colored her
very being. The Caretaker took her arm and once more set a
leisurely pace in the direction of the ancient oak.
    “Foil was still afraid you were going to keep your
promise my Lady.” Froggy’s playful amusement was evident, “I
assured him that I would never let that happen. Then Catherine told
him of a field where the grass was moist and green, and dared him
to catch her.”
    “Promise? What promise?” She said, her voice having
lost every trace of anger.
    “Princess, if you’re not going to remember the
promises you make, you are going to have a hard time ruling a
kingdom.”
    “Okay,” she thought, “you may look different, but you’re still the
same old Froggy.”
    She felt the strong, hard muscles of his arm beneath
the delicate fabric. As they neared the tree she could see the
circular table that awaited them in the shade. It was laden with
bowls, plates and platters, all overflowing with bounty. Dionara
surveyed the feast. There were peaches, pears, apples and plums all
huge, ripe and perfect. She eyed the strawberries in cream, but was
distracted by the fragrance of freshly baked bread. Suddenly she
was ravenous.
    “Wine, my Lady?” Froggy’s voice spurred her to
action and she began to sample the delicacies.
    “Why yes, thank you.” She said, slightly embarrassed
as peach juice dripped down her chin.
    The flavors were like nothing she had ever tasted,
familiar but somehow richer, more complex. The greatest fair of her
court paled by comparison, as a sketch would pale next to the
living form of the model. She looked to her host as he