Chapter Five: First Day of School

        It was my first day of school, and I had yet to get used to the idea of being royalty.  It was time for 

 class to begin, but Ivory and I were standing around at the back of the class waiting for it to begin.  

About that time, a chubby-faced fellow with a pipe in his hands said, "Prince Michael, whenever you 

and your familiar would like to take a seat in King's Row.   The rest of us can sit down, and class will 

begin."

      I did not understand at first that he meant me.  Ivory, however, did and took human form so as she

could lead me (like a little child) to King's Row.  There she sat me where I belonged so that class could 

begin.  Unbelievably to me, after I was seated, the rest of the class sat down too.  The instructor 

thanked Ivory and me for sitting down so that classes could begin. 

      He then started teaching on the monarchy and how it worked.  The chubby instructor named 

Thimplethorp stated, "The late heir to the throne is Prince Michael Darwin.  To be King of the Witches,

however, he must first prove himself by being set on fire and saying the Lord's Prayer as King George

of Salem, Massachusetts did.  This happened many years ago, and upon that day, the Land of Magic 

began. 

      "To say the Lord's Prayer alone may be learned by any heir.  The trick, however, is to say it after 

being set on fire. I say that for the magic is in the fire.  For the fire and the Lord's Prayer are not only 

magical, but have the power to anoint one king." 

       After class, I asked Ivory if she thought I might be related to King George?  Her reply was "Ask

the king a question like that, but I suppose you could be.  I also think you might be late for our next 

class if you don't hurry up and get there. "

        I just looked at Ivory with a quizzical look, and then said, "Gadzooks, a witch and their familiar,

 and away we go."

                                                                            POP

          The next thing that I knew, Ivory and I were in class.  I think it was just in time, for I heard

                                                                          SNAP    and a bugle play.  The bugle was playing

the royal music, which I found was played whenever royalty entered the room.  In this case, the royalty

was Ivory and me.

          Peter Pimpleboots, a jolly ole' cyclops, was taking the role as he saw Ivory and me slide into 

King's Row.  He then said, "The rest of you may now be seated." 

          Mister Pimpleboots stated, "In this class, we will learn how to work with our familiars.  If you are

lucky enough to have slaves, I couldn't care less what you did with those, but please be kind to all 

creatures, both great and small.  As for the familiars, first and foremost, be kind to them.  For by being 

kind to them, you are most likely to make them your friend.  As is true with anyone you want to be 

your friend, be kind to them first.

         "Now there will be some in Magic Land who are shy and standoffish.  Those, you just have to 

work a little harder at being your friend.  Now, do we have any of those shy types amongst us?"

         I raise my hand to say I am shyer than everyone else, which makes Ivory blush.  Mister 

Pimpleboots just says. "Well, you are younger than everybody else, too.  We will help you grow out of

your shy stage in life.  You are also royalty, and what you do not grow out of society will push you out 

of.  It is not a good thing for a royal member to remain shy."

       After class, I ask Ivory if I am kind to Peter and her.  Ivory said, "Well, of course, you are silly.

I have been your friend for quite a long time.  You are kind to Peter even though he is to do as you 

please.  Overall, Michael, you are kind to all creatures both great and small, with some exceptions." 

       Michael had other classes too, and they may appear later, but for now, Michael and Ivory will just

magically appear at home.  Peter was somewhat nervous. Michael said, "If I go to magic school, I 

should be expected to learn a little magic while there, shouldn't I?"

        I said, "Oh, that is easy for a witch, you just think where you want to be, and you are there."

        Then Peter said, "What about Ivory? She is just your familiar?" 

         To which I stated, "Ivory is my familiar, yes, a witch's companion, what of it?  If I took you on

 some of my journeys, what of it?  After all, Mr. Pimpleboots said to be kind to all creatures, both great

 and small.  Afterall you are mine to do with as I please."

          Ivory gave me a hug, reminding me that Mr. Pimpleboots did not care what we did to our slaves.

          I laughed and said, "No, but I do, he could be a relative of Mr. Pimpleboots.  Furthermore,

there is a limit to what you can do with male slaves."

          Peter scoffed and said, "I doubt that very much....why, some have even used us for sexual

purposes."

           I laughed at that one and said, "As if I were to have sex with you.  I might touch that beautiful

body of yours, but that is where it would end.  After all, there are the following things wrong with us 

having sex: 1.)We are both male. 2.)You are half horse. 3.)Most importantly, we are both too young.

4.)You will never bring the subject up again!"

           Peter was embarrassed but was still willing to do my labor.  I asked him if I was related to King

George, the King of Salem.   Peter said, " I'll have to do your family tree on both sides and get back

with you. 

Paul D. Eccles