The Guardian

MFtS

Photo courtesy of Barbara W. Beacham at MFtS

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Few knew about the castle hidden inside the island, but Jim Rickerts knew. The Rickerts’ had always known.

His boys would learn tonight, all three of them.

They ranged in age from four to eight and it was time for them to meet the rest of the family and begin their training.

Sarah wouldn’t be too happy ‘bout them going away, but it had to be.

Jim Rickerts was many things. He was a lake tour guide using the paddle wheeler to keep watch over the island. He was the youngest of three brothers, and chief guardian of the castle. His brother John ruled the castle. His oldest brother Daniel had been killed in the coup when John had seized power.

John had no sons and his wife had passed on when the princess was born. That meant Jim’s boys were next in line. He supposed, at some point they would have to fight it out.

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