From CHAPTER ONE
A Visitor in the Barn

Christopher Jordan ran as fast as a tiger through the frosty autumn leaves. He had to tell somebody what he had just seen, though he could hardly believe it himself.

The eleven-year-old boy raced through a field of tall dry grass as he hurried away from the deserted barn on Mrs. Halloways property. A cool breeze whistled by, whipping up falling leaves from nearby trees into mini cyclones. The setting sun cast thin wobbly shadows across the landscape.

Christopher dashed across the road to his house where he spotted his younger sister Molly playing harvester on the side lawn as she always did in October. He thought himself too old for that game now, but Molly was only eight and still enjoyed it.

Molly! Youll never guess what I just saw. Never in a million years! he said, panting like a tired dog. He pulled off a ski cap, revealing a mop of light brown hair that nearly matched the color of his eyes.

Molly frowned at her brother. I wont guess until you stop walking all over my tomato plants. Youre squishing them, Chris. How can I harvest squished tomatoes?

Christopher took a quick step to one side. Better?

Now youre in the squash patch! Ill never finish my gardening with you around. Molly took her brother by the hand and led him where it was safer to stand.

If you cant harvest squished tomatoes, youll never be able to pick squished squash, Christopher joked.

Very funny, Molly said, trying not to laugh, though she couldnt conceal a grin. She wore a purple sweatshirt jacket with the hood tied tightly about her head, but two blond ponytails still managed to peek out. Now stay over there while I gather some beans and tell me whats so important.

I saw something in Mrs. Halloways barn. Something amazing! he said. Christopher puffed air into his hands to warm them as the last rays of sunlight soaked into the ground. Guess what it was?

Molly shrugged. I dont know. She and her brother occasionally used the barn as a secret hideout, though it was quite out in the open near an apple tree and not very secret. Molly stopped harvesting and put her fingers to her chin as if in deep thought. You saw a dinosaur! she guessed, then burst out laughing.

No! Thats not a real guess, Molly. Try again, and be serious this time.

All right, Chris. Molly thought for another moment. I bet you saw some hay and an old wheelbarrow! she said, bending over in a fit of giggles since she knew very well that those items were inside the barn.

Christopher smirked. Youre not even trying to guess, Molly.

Oh, just tell me what you saw, Chris, if its that amazing.

All right, I will, he said, then went dead silent, hoping to build suspense. But Molly just tilted her head and clicked her tongue impatiently, so Christopher finally gave in. I saw a king!

You saw a what?

A king. You know, like as in king and queen?

Molly sighed and went back to work in her imaginary garden. Thats a fib, Chris Jordan, and you know it. Remember what Mom and Dad said about lyingdont!

Im not lying, Molly. I did see an actual king. Hes in the barn, pacing back and forth. He looks really worried about something.

And what makes you think this person is a king?

Because hes wearing a crown and has a sword at his side, Christopher explained. He looks exactly like the pictures of kings Dad showed us at the museum.

Molly looked at him sternly. Suppose I run inside and tell Mom and Dad. Then youll probably say I made up the whole story to make me look silly.

No I wont, Molly, because Im telling the truth. Christopher marched off then slowly turned around. If you dont believe me, come over and see for yourself.

Youre not going to scare me with some spider or dead mouse you found, are you?

Oh, your hood must be tied too tight! Of course not. Follow me and Ill show you a real king.

Molly couldnt resist the temptation any longer. So in the lingering twilight she and Christopher trudged through the field by Mrs. Halloways house toward the old barn. A full moon climbed in the east behind a grove of pine trees that stood tall and proud like soldiers.

Quieter, Molly, her brother whispered. Youre making too much noise swishing those leaves around. Youll scare the king away.

I suppose thats the excuse youll use when we dont find anybody in the barn.

The breeze grew stronger as they approached the double barn doors in frontold, weather-stained and nearly falling off their hinges. Molly stayed close to her brother but wouldnt admit she was a little frightened. The smell of damp grass danced thick in the air.

Im cold, Molly whispered. Maybe we should go back before it gets too dark.

Dont chicken out on me now, Christopher said, nearing the doors. Molly reluctantly followed.

He carefully opened one of the barn doors and the two slipped silently inside. The darkness smelled of hay and rotting wood. Slowly their eyes adjusted with the help of moon rays filtering in through a window near the roof. Molly looked at the familiar surroundingsa few bales of hay, a broken-down wheelbarrow against one wall and rusty nails sticking out of the rafters. Some weeds had pushed their way up through cracks in the floor, and several wooden crates stood piled near the doorway. And off at the far end of the barn below the moonlit window, Molly sawa king!

The old man paced frantically about, unaware of the children. A brown traveling cloak was draped over his shoulders, and on top of his head of silver hair rested a delicate crown of gold. A sword hung lifelessly at his side. Molly stared with her mouth wide open until she could no longer contain her excitement.

There is a king! she burst out. A real live king! Her voice echoed loudly and startled the stranger.

Whos there? he snapped. Make yourself known!