By J.M.M. ADAMS

This book may not be reproduced in whole or part by any means without special permission from the Author. This is a work of fiction from the Author’s imagination. It does not reflect any living or deceased person. Copyrights reserved.

(Appearing in First String this year at the Indie Film Festivals in Asia, Europe, World Wide.)

This book is Dedicated to all Canines in the military, police dept., and other departments; keeping us safe from evil.

Sophia Anderson (From Hawaii, Port Townsend, WA and Luxembourg 2013) Nickname is Sophie.

Jennie (Sophia’s sister that disappeared in Egypt through time travel, Leila’s mother)

Lamorak (Knight of the Round Table, Knight that found Sophia, he was more famous than Gawain.

Perceval (Knight of the Round Table and brother of Lamorak)

Cundrie (Witch, Accolon’s wife, cousin to Lamorak and Perceval)

Accalon (Knight of the Round Table and husband to Cundrie)

“Kanani no! Come back!” Leila called too late. Susan and Leila watch Kanani vanish through the portal.

Sophia tumbled through darkness for a long moment, then landed awkwardly and tumbled to the ground. She didn’t know what had happened to her, so she looked around. She was on the ground beside a dirt road; across the road to her right was what looked like an English Pub. There was a bit of haze with the sun shining through and the air was humid, she could feel her hair starting to frizz around her face.

She thought to herself; did I just go through time? This is unbelievable. I thought I could do that in Egypt?

She struggled to her feet only to be knocked down again when Kanani tumbled from the portal, crashing into the back of her knees.

“Kanani, I’m glad to see you too and that you love me so much. I love you even more! Now can you please stop jumping back and forth over me?” She begged her German Shepherd as she struggled to stand back up.

I love you too Sophie, I’m just so happy to see you. Thought Kanani, as she licked Sophie’s face.

Sophia stood up and straightened out her jean skirt, dusting off her black t-shirt.

Look out Sophie! There’s a strange person approaching us. Kanani was barking warning Sophia.

Sophia heard a horse and looked up. Someone tall rode a big, black stallion towards them. As the rider drew near, Sophia caught the pale glint of sunlight off chain armor. He stopped in front of them and dismounted. He looked in his late twenties, about Sophia’s age. He took his helmet off and tucked it under his arm. His long sandy blond hair fell out from under it. He was about six feet tall with a muscular build and the most beautiful blue eyes She had ever seen.

“Yes, yes, I think so, thank you for stopping to ask.” Sophia stuttered as she continued looking around, still wondering where they were. It looked a lot like Cornwall, but not the Cornwall she was familiar with.

“I’m Sophia and this is Kanani, we were exploring caves with my friends and ended up here. May I ask who you are and where I am?”

“Yes, my Lady it is the year of our Lord, 1180, you are in the County of Devon and I am Sir Lamorak de Gales. I am a Knight of the Round Table in King Arthur’s court.

“May I pet your animal, Lady?” he asked without waiting for Sophia to answer him. He bent over to pet Kanani. Sophia was so glad Kanani didn’t bite him.

“I’ve never seen a dog like this and I have never seen anyone dressed like you.” Said sir Lamorak.

Yeah, we’ve never seen anyone dressed like you either buddy, Kanani was saying with her tongue hanging out of her mouth.

Here I was dressed like a person from my time, at least I had leggings under my shirt. My hair probably didn’t look bad, it was long, dark blonde and braided. Was I really standing here talking to a handsome knight? Sophia thought to herself.

“My dog is an Alsatian,” Sophia hoped that would be less confusing than German Shepherd.

“I’m from Luxembourg. But I’m from the year of our Lord 2013,” She whispered.

“Did you say 2013? Did you come here on purpose? I don’t understand how that happened.” He looked amazed.

“No, it was an accident. I’m lost and really want to go back now!” She was unsure of herself and looked back at the rock she and Kanani apparently came through. The portal was not visible to her now though.

Kanani looked too and walked over to the rock sniffing. Yeah, I can’t believe we came through that either. Sophie sure does some fun things.

“I do not know how to get you back.” He took note of dusk starting to fall. You must come to my Castle, I am not going to let a beautiful young lady and dog stand here all night for thieves to rob and kill.”

“Your Castle? I don’t have anything proper to put on for a castle visit,” She looked down her skirt again, at least she wasn’t in shorts!

“I’m sure my mother can find something for you to wear.” He said then bent over and gently took her hand, giving it a kiss. Wow, I’ll follow you anywhere. Sophia was thinking with a lump in her throat. She was still wondering how she would get back home. She felt a bit of dread in the pit of her stomach as he led her towards his castle.

“Yes, I will.” He turned to look at Sophia, “It’s almost dark, and we must hurry.”

Sophia grabbed her pack and took Kanani’s leash out snapping it on her collar. He walked leading his horse behind them.

Would Susan and Leila get Kimo and come find us? Oh, I shouldn’t have listened to Leila and I should have stayed home working on Grandpa’s notes in my library in Luxembourg.

Sophia was choking back tears. She was having a hard time letting go since John, her husband, had been killed almost a year ago.

“No, it isn’t, I have a lot of questions for you. Don’t worry. You will be safe in my care, my Lady.”

We’ll be ok Sophie, he’s ok and I’m here with you. Kanani was walking close to Sophie and looking up at her.

As they advanced down the road Sophia looked around, the countryside was green with rolling hills. She decided to try and enjoy her predicament, since she was on this adventure whether She wanted to be or not.

I don’t have anything to worry about. Susan and Kimo will take care of Leila and the house in Luxembourg. It is so beautiful here and looks very different from how I remembered it when Jennie and I came here on summer vacations with our Grandma and Grandpa. The farms and roads weren’t here now, it was untouched. Being summer, the weather was nice and Kanani didn’t seem upset by our recent experience. So, I might as well enjoy my adventure. It would be something else to write about when I got home. Sophia was telling herself.

After walking for about an hour Lamorak pointed at a castle and said with pride in his voice. “There’s my castle.”

“Wow, it’s gorgeous!” Sophia was getting excited forgetting her predicament. She was a bit anxious to meet his family though.

“She has been in my family many years. When my father was slain in battle it became mine, which was five years ago. I now take care of my mother, Lady Yglais.” He looked thoughtful.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for anyone to know where you have come from, at least not today. My mother will wonder if she sees the way you are dressed. I will put you into a spare bedchamber right away, and then go find her. I will mention I met you, but not tell Her where you came from.”

He was still talking, but he lost Sophia’s attention, because they had just entered the most magnificent castle she had ever seen! They were walking through the courtyard no one was about.

She followed him into the stables. He handed his horse over to a page. The page looked at Sophia with suspicion but didn’t say anything.

He pushed her gently in front of him to leave the stable. Then Kanani and Sophia followed Lamorak into the main hall of the castle. She tried looking around at everything without tripping, but had a hard time, because He was moving her rapidly to their room. They got there and He opened up the doors.

She looked around at the beautiful room; there was a bed, washstand and a window looking out over the moors.

Yahoo, this is a neat pad Sophie. Check out that bed! Kanani bounded into to the room jumping on the bed, and then jumped off.

“Make yourself comfortable and I will have some dresses and clothing brought in for you, my Lady. Don’t be frightened, are you?”

“Not so much frightened, as concerned if I will be accepted. Then there’s that little thing about how long I’ll be here.” She pinched herself, yep, she was awake, and this was not a dream. He saw her pinching herself.

“I don’t understand how you got here, but everything will work out. I am pleased that I was the one that found you. This will put some excitement into our lives,” he said with a bid of glee in his voice, and then he grinned turning around to walk out the door. He stopped remembering something, turned back to her around said; “I will escort you to dinner in two hours.”

“Doesn’t he suspect I were going to try and get back home?” She said to Kanani as she took off her backpack and looked inside to see what Susan had loaded into it that morning.

No, I don’t think so Sophie, but don’t worry this is fun. Kanani looked in the bag with Sophia. She found the phone Grandpa had given her for the planned time travel in Egypt.

She had planned on going back in time to try to find her sister and brother -in -law. Jennie had disappeared over a year ago while on an excavation trip with her husband and Leila. Leila had stayed behind in the camp that morning. They never returned to her. That’s how Leila had come to live in Luxembourg under Sophia’s care. Grandpa had told her this phone worked for time travel; well she was going to give it a test after getting cleaned up. She felt and looked grubby and dirty. She walked over to the basin of water and washed her face, then looked into the mirror sighing. Of course, she had no makeup in her pack. She was going to miss a lot of things. A knock at the door startled her.

The door opened, and a young maid walked in carrying ten gowns, then another one followed her carrying more clothes. They were gorgeous gowns; Sophia couldn’t believe it!

“Look at those dresses! I am so thankful; I don’t know what to say except thank you.”

“You’re very welcome Lady,” said the first maid. “I will hang them up in the closet; do you need anything else or help with anything my Lady?”

“Yes, I need to know what to wear to dinner tonight, and I need some face stuff to make me pretty.”

“Afawen,” she pointed to the other girl, “put some makeup over there for you by the basin, if you need other colors let me know. There is also some lotion with it, would you like some hot water to be brought in for a bath?”

“Ok, my name is Bryn and we will be back soon,” but instead of leaving she walked over to the hanging gowns and pulled one out. “This blue one would look very nice on you tonight.” She said holding it up for inspection.

It was the most gorgeous blue gown Sophia had ever seen. “Thank you. That one will do fine. It’s nice to meet you Bryn. My name is Sophia; my friends call me Sophie.”

“Your welcome, I will be here to assist you for your stay. Then she giggled, looking down at Kanani. May I pet her? She’s so pretty.”

“Yes, let me introduce you to Kanani.” Sophia walked over and knelt by her dog, then invited Bryn to come over and pet her.

“Thank you, my Lady,” then she stood up. “I’ll be back with your hot water very soon.” She turned and walked out of the room.

“What an endearing young lady.” Sophia said to Kanani and then sighed, “This might be fun, I’m going to try and call Grandpa.”

Kanani was looking around the room and thinking, Not bad for a place to stay. I wonder where we are? Yes, Sophie, this will be fun, Woof woof!

Sophia knew that Susan and Leila were probably frantic that she and Kanani had disappeared.

Picking up the phone She dialed the number Grandpa had given her. It rang only once to her great relief. She heard his voice on the other end of it.

“Hi Grandpa. Yes, it’s me and I want you to know that I am ok and it’s so nice to hear your voice!”

“It’s nice to hear your voice too, my dear. Susan and Kimo called telling me about your disappearance right after it happened. They were very upset, but I calmed them down. We’ll figure out how to get you home. What year did you land in sweetheart?”

“I landed in 1180 and I’m staying at Sir Lamorak de Gales castle in Devon, England. He is a knight in King Arthur’s court, can you Google him Grandpa, and let me know whatever you can find out about him?” She pleaded.

“Yes, dear I can do that for you. Are they treating you like the princess you are to me?” The warmth in his voice quieted her.

“Yes, Grandpa they are; I have ten beautiful gowns hanging in my wardrobe! Lamorak acts like I’m here to stay forever!”

“Well, sweetheart this is good for you to have a little adventure. I want you to start living again after your heartache of losing John,” he told her endearingly.

“I know Grandpa, but this is strange, oh, someone is knocking on my door; I’ll call you back tomorrow. Please let everyone know I’m ok. I love you Grandpa.”

Sophia tossed the phone in her pack and hurried over to open the door. The castle attendants were carrying her bath water, soap and anything else she needed. They filled the tub and as they were leaving Bryn walked in.

“Well it looks in place, my Lady. Can I be of help with your bath or help you dress?”

“Yes, could you come back in thirty minutes and help me with the dress? I would be grateful.”

“Yes, I can, now enjoy your hot bath my Lady and I will be back soon.” Bryn left closing the door behind her.

It looked like a lovely bath, Sophia peeled off her dirty clothes, folding them and placing them in her pack. Then she stepped into the hot inviting bath. It felt good on her aching muscles and she relaxed. Not having much time, because Bryn would be back soon, she got out and dried off. She was just slipping the dress on when there was a knock on the door.

“Good,” she helped button up the dress and apply face color. When they were all done Bryn looked at her.

Well, as long as she feeds me what I like, come on Sophie, tell her what I like to eat. Kanani was thumping her tail at Bryn.

“She can eat meat and needs drinking water. I would really appreciate that, thank you.” Sophia said.

“Thank you again Bryn,” then she left. Sophia hugged Kanani; she just cocked her and gave Sophia a look.

“We’re going to be ok, sweetie. Bryn will come back with your food and take you out for potty. I love you Nani!” Sophia buried her face into Kanani’s neck.

I love you too, don’t be gone too long. Kanani didn’t want her to leave at all.

Then there was a knock on the door, letting go of Kanani Sophia walked over and opened it up. Handsome Sir Lamorak was standing there!

“Good evening,” Sophia said, “do you like how I look now?” She asked him to twirl around.

Then she really looked at him, he was so handsome in his blue linen shirt and black pants. The blue shirt brought out the blue of his eyes. Oh, she could fall for him.

“You are very beautiful my Lady,” he replied, “I am honored to escort you to dinner.” Then he stuck out his arm for Sophia to take hold of. She looked back at Kanani and told her to be a good girl. That she would be back soon. Sophia was really nervous.

“Mother, I would like to introduce you to Lady Sophia of Luxembourg,” Lamorak stepped back to show off Sophia and introduce her to his mother. She was shocked he called her that, how was she going to pull this one off?

“It’s very nice to meet you as well, let me introduce you to everyone, my dear.” Lady Yglais continued. She pointed as she spoke, “The man to my left is my other son, Perceval; next to him is Accalon and then his wife Cundrie. Accalon is my nephew and both he and his wife are staying here with us for the time being. Why don’t you sit here next to me on my right, dear?” She patted the seat next to her.

“Hello, it’s nice to meet all of you,” Sophia said, then turned to Yglais, Lamorak’s mother, “I am honored to sit next to you my Lady, thank you.”

Lamorak pulled out the chair and she sat down. Sophia made it through dinner without any mishaps. Stories were told about the quests the knights had been on. Then she heard about how King Arthur had called everyone into his Kingdom for a festival starting tomorrow. Cundrie talked about what clothes to pack, Lady Yglais said that everyone should get up early, because the wagons needed to be packed up. Lady Yglais told Sophia that she was invited to go with them. Then the conversation changed and she asked Sophia if she loved children. Sophia told her yes, that she wanted to open a school someday. Lady Yglais thought that was a great idea. Sophia didn’t mean for her to think she was opening one here! They talked about that for a while. After dinner was over the Page, Iago came in and gestured for Cundrie to leave and talk to him. Sophia wondered what that was about. No one else seemed to bother about it, so Sophia let it go.

Lamorak and his mother walked Sophia back to her room talking about what she needed to take for the trip to Camelot.

Sophia was a bit anxious how Kanani had done without her. She opened the door to her room, turned to say goodnight and thanked both of them for the lovely evening.

“Good night my Lady,” Lamorak and his mother both said, then they turned to walk away.

THEY HEARD HER and Lamorak and ran back to Sophia’s room. He thrust the door open and grabbed ahold of Sophia. Looking around he saw what she was so upset about.

“Who did this?” Sophia cried, running over to her backpack. She started throwing everything out; my phone is missing!!!! All of my lovely dresses have been slashed, but that was nothing compared to losing my phone.” Sophia was devastated.

It’s ok; really don’t’ cry. I’m here for you. Kanani started kissing Sophia.

“What happened? We were just here half an hour ago! This is horrible! Let me go get some help and we will get this cleaned up for you, my Lady.” Then Bryn ran out of the room.

“Thank you,” Sophia called after her as she sat down on her bed, she was upset.

“How can we ever get in touch with Grandpa again Kanani?” Sophia talked to her dog.

After everything was cleaned up, Lamorak insisted on sleeping outside the door of her chambers that evening to make her feel safe.

“Remember, Sophia, we go to Camelot tomorrow and you have traveled along way today. You need to feel safe tonight. Try and sleep.” Then he closed the door and sat down on his cot to get comfortable for the night. If I could just survive until that time, I would be happy.

Sophia slept fitfully, tossing and turning. she couldn’t believe this was happening to her. Maybe when she woke up, she’d be back home in her own bed. Perhaps this was a bad dream. At least Kanani was here snuggling up to her.