Chapter 2: Marcus and Snow Get Their First Job

"This is your camp?" It was small. Just a tent with a cooking pot dangling over a fire, held up by sticks. It was exactly what Snow had imagined a camp to be. "Yup!" said Marcus proudly. "Well, if we have to move we better start packing." Marcus began to take down the tent, while Snow packed up the blankets, supplies and food. When all was put into a few large satchels, they set off. "The Kingdom we're going to isn't very far away. We'll contact your kingdom through a messenger. I shall tell them I'm sorry I had to leave, and I saw their daughter get killed." said Marcus. "It is no longer my kingdom." Snow said proudly, "I walk alone now." "But you are not alone. We will have each other's backs." Snow smiled. "I promise I will."


Over the trees, Snow could see the top of a castle. "Can you see the castle?" asked Marcus. She nodded. As they got closer, she could see more of the castle. It was large. Bigger than her old home, but less elegant. It stood there saying, "You WILL listen to me. I AM better than you." "This is the Kingdom of Rain. It is a large kingdom. The king, King Thomas, is known best for his unusual requests and laws." "You seem to know a lot about this kingdom Marcus." "I always research the kingdoms I travel to."

They walked up to the guards at the entrance to the castle. "Good day kind sirs." said Marcus respectfully, "I am Marcus. I cone around to kingdoms to take care of odd jobs. This is my partner, Lydia. We have come to help your king." The guards nodded and guided them inside. Lydia? Mouthed Snow. Marcus shrugged. They came to a large room that looked as though it were made entirely of gold. Everything, from the floor to the thrones were shining with a golden glow. The king sat on the largest throne. He was enormously fat, and wore what looked more like a jester's clothing. He had a small pointy beard, and the largest crown you will ever see. It stretched up to the ceiling, and was adorned with many jewels.

He smiled and laughed as they walked in, making the fat on his stomach move in strange ways. Snow felt like she was going to throw up. Marcus on the other hand, smiled and walked up to the throne to shake hands politely with the King. "Marcus my boy! Welcome back! How have your travels been?" "I have been enjoying my travels as always Thomas." "That is good to hear." he turned to Snow, "And who are you dear lady?" She stood up straight, "I am a long, lost cousin of Marcus's. My name is Lydia." Now it was Marcus's turn to be shocked. "I did not know you had a cousin, dear Marcus?" "Neither did I." he said glaring at her. "Ah, yes. You did mention that you did not know her for some time. Let's get. to business now shall we?" Marcus and Snow stood before the king. "I need some help. The animals living in my castle do not like there living conditions. Your job is to find out what their natural home is, and create that in my home." Snow was speechless. "We shall do it dear King Thomas." said Marcus giving Snow a hard stare, though she had a feeling that Marcus had about as much of an idea as she had.