Chapter 1.

In a land far, far away, there lived a royal family, the Copeland family. The Copelands were the rulers of the Regal Nation. They lived in a great, big bronze castle, on top of the steep heel of Johnston Town. The members of the family were Queen Copeland, King Copeland, and their only son, John Copeland. Finely dressed in royal blue garments, they governed the land, townspeople, and animals of the Regal Nation. Their rulership extended beyond a lavish lifestyle, but rather a generous one, in which they provided abundant and easily accessible resources to the people who lived on the land.

The Queen, Viola Cherelle Copeland, and the King, Richard Earle Copeland, were kind, caring, and generous. They prioritized leading the people of the Regal Nation from the love in their hearts. Queen Viola oversaw social and community relations, ensuring peaceful socialization, communication, and harmony between all local and regional organizations, people, and societies of the nation. King Richard oversaw the safety and civil relations, sustaining peaceful ties and unity between the Regal Nation and other neighboring kingdoms, to uphold the physical well-being of the people. Together, Queen Viola and King Richard maintained a nation full of happy and joyous people.

Their son, John Prior Copeland was a loyal and kind hearted prince, who spent his days amusingly conversing with the townspeople, playing numerous rounds of the ball toss game with children outside, and distributing royal invitations to people of the land, to annual and monthly social gatherings, such as grand balls, afternoon teas, jousting tournaments, athletic competitions, theatrical performances, musical acts, and so much more. John was a generous young man who took a sincere interest in understanding the lives of others and actively contributing to bettering their lived experiences within the Regal Nation. For this, the townspeople adored and loved John. Regularly, they would reassure him that one day, he would be one of the greatest kings, in addition to reaffirming his and their mutual belief in maintaining harmony, love, and peace for all people of the Regal Nation.

Johnston Town, a large region of Regal Nation and home to the Copeland family, was a stunning historical site to see and was filled with a continuously growing community of beautiful, happy, and peaceful people. All meals, garments, and coins were rationed amongst all people of the lower and middle social classes. In this town, no one would go without a meal, no one would go without a home, no one would go without garments, and everyone was cared for. This town was the place where everyone was at ease and at peace. There was never a day that went by without someone smiling afar to brighten a neighbor’s day, skipping down an alley while holding hands with a best friend, or playing a fun game of ball toss with new friends.

However, one of the most fun days was the third Saturday of every month. On this day, the Copeland family would host a large grand ball for the townspeople. Everyone, no matter their social class or background, would attend. Due to the joys of laughter, amusement, and fellowshiping amongst the people, the event became known as the “Grand Fellows Ball.” This was a vibrant celebration of unity, love, and peace amongst the townspeople, and they all treated the event as if it were a monthly holiday.

Memories, friendships, and unforgettable experiences were created at the “Grand Fellows Ball.” Guests would enjoy an array of nightlong festivities, including step dancing, songs sung by the local choir, participation in chant music, a large feast of rich foods stacked like mounds, and more delightful entertainment - such as ballerinas, jugglers, contortionists, freak showmen, cat show hosts, stunt horse riders, jouster competitions, and fencing tournaments.

All people from Johnston Town and some people from neighboring cities within the nation would attend the “Grand Fellows Ball” in their finest attire. Ladies would showcase their mesmerizing dresses and adorn themselves in delicate jewels. Gentlemen would wear their finest suits or national uniforms. To top it off, everyone would wear big smiles on their faces and have heaps of energy to enjoy the experience. From the youngest children decorating cookies with their favorite icing flavor to elders dancing quadrilles with their best friends, everyone was welcomed at the “Grand Fellows Ball.”

To the everyday person, the celebration felt like an everlasting moment of happiness. To the Copeland family, it was a time to give back to their community, showing respect and generosity to the citizens for trusting them and allowing them the honor of serving the Regal Nation as the designated rulers of the kingdom.

During one-third week in March, the weather was unusual and not behaving nicely. Outside, the rain fell down rapidly. Tornadoes harshly shook the trees and grass back and forth. Fog made it almost impossible to see anything. No matter how bright the lights from the chandeliers shined through the windows, the darkness outside would take over. The guests at the monthly “Grand Fellows Ball” became frightened. The dancing stopped. The music stopped. The chatting amongst all of the people came to a stop. Their faces appeared helpless and scared as they looked towards the Copeland family for answers. Before King Richard could speak, the thunder from outside rumbled loudly, and a stroke of lightning hit the castle, causing the lights to flicker on and off. Massive balls of smoke shattered through the glass windows, arrows flung through the ceiling destroying the main chandelier, and smoke machines blasted through the front doors. Marked with an uneasy presence and arrogant facial expressions, men dressed in black leather vests, pleated skirts, and huge fur coats showed themselves. Their leader, unarmed, walked slowly, but confidently towards King Richard. His co-leader aimed an arrow headed gun, made of fire, directly at King Richard’s neck. Their followers aimed smoked bows and arrows at the guests, entertainers, and party servants.

Call me Mustack, leader of the Cruel Nation,” the leader spoke as he pointed to his followers. “We do not come in peace.” Mustack grinned and continued to speak. “It has come to my attention that our land is being mishandled. No one touches the territory of the Cruel Nation.”

John looked confused. He glanced at his parents… Queen Viola looked confused. She glanced at King Richard… King Richard’s face was scrunched. He looked guilty.

“Father,” John questioned. “What is he speaking about?”

The co-leader aimed the arrow headed gun closer to King Richard’s neck, pecking at his skin. “Speak,” he yelled and spat in his face.

King Richard replied, “For the past few years, our population of people has continued to grow tremendously, even so, unexpectedly fast. The growth rate of our population is definitely beyond the expected amount. So, I commanded our brick builders and construction workers to expand our territory so that we could build homes, schools, and parks for the newest generation. It turned out successful, considering that everyone now has a home and education. No one will have to turn to the street to seek refuge or food.”

“Evil,” Mustack angrily blurted.

“This is a great explanation. Richard did not mean any harm,” Queen Viola reassured Mustack.

“How dare you speak! I am only talking to a fella,” Mustack aggressively shouted as he stared into Queen Viola’s eyes.

“I am not sure why you and your men are here, but if you would like to address this in private, without aiming weapons at my family, friends, and guests, then I am sure we can most definitely handle the situation in a civil manner with diligence, moral, and integrity,” King Richard reassured Mustack and his soldiers.”

“Yeah, I have none of that… and neither do any of my men… We love a good fight.” Mustack continued to speak. “You may think that you and your men have done nothing wrong, but you all have! Our land has been invaded. Due to your brick building and construction work, our land size has decreased. Our 500,000 square acres of land has downsized to 499,987 square acres. Now, what if we were to just walk on your property and do whatever we like?”

“I meant no harm,” King Richard confessed. “I did not believe that anyone lived on the land. With the help of our royal guards and search dogs, my men and I searched the neighboring land for inhabitants, but unfortunately, we did not find anyone… But we did find darkness and emptiness. We came to the conclusion that the land was desolate.”

“Well you thought wrong,” Mustack got angrier.

King Richard calmly replied, “If you and your men truly live there, like you claim you do, then you all must be hibernating.”

Mustack and his men sarcastically giggled, and fumed with anger as they arched their thick eyebrows. Mustack replied, “Yeah. We are some big, old bears that bite, kick, and win every time.” Mustack confirmed those allegations.

King Richard swallowed his pride, “However, I can completely understand that property ownership is very important to you, as you are a man with a strong stance on tyrannical leadership, territorial domination, and physical strength. I’m sure we can come to an agreement. I have plenty of expensive garments, the finest delicacies, and golden coins shipped from our neighboring friends at the Golden Nation. I could give you anything that your heart desires.”

“We are not golden girls,” Mustack said. “What is a piece of material supposed to do for me or any of my men?”

“Mustack,” King Richard continued to speak. “I am begging you. Let’s come to a peaceful agreement for the safety and sanity of both kingdoms involved.”

“Why don’t we not!” Mustack spoke in a deep, serious tone. “The soldiers of Cruel Nation have never accepted hand-outs or bribery, and we will not start now. Tear down all of your homes, schools, and parks that reside on our land. Kick your people off our territory, or we will break your land, destroy your facilities,...mmh… and take your precious son as a captive.”

After the heated exchange of words, Mustack and his followers marched out of the castle, leaving imprints of their large, combat boots on the floor tiles. They also left the glass windows, chandeliers, and doors as remnants, that were heavily destroyed. Some of the townspeople left the “Grand Fellows Ball” in anger, ready to revolt against the Cruel Nation, and others left in tears as they moped their way home.

Concerned, John spoke, “Father, what will we do?” If we take down the homes, our people will have to live on the streets. Our people will not have access to local schools. The children will not have activities to enjoy themselves.”

King Richard replied, “I’m not sure, but we will have to figure something out.”