Book Summary:
They only have one chance! Prince Dustin and Clara have until the full moon rises. If they fail, the lands Deep in the Black Forest will be overtaken by the Dark Forces. Wizard Herr Drosselmeyer was able to contain the wicked and ghastly creatures for a century. However, his spell has now been broken, and the dreadful monsters have been released.
The Snow Queen soon realizes that their dark magic is even more powerful than Drosselmeyer’s. The noble queen is out of options to defeat the Dark Forces. 13-year-old Clara, Prince Dustin, and Princess Sugar Plum, a tree fairy, will have to battle a sinister and haunting power before they can save the kingdoms in the forest. However, it might already be too late.
Prince Dustin and Clara … a classic tale of fantasy and adventure!
Excerpt © Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
Deeper in the Black Forest, far away from the Land of Sweets and Land of Snow, evil lurks in every shadow. Far away from sugar plums and candy canes, gingerbread, and apple strudel, eerie creatures roam and wander.
Scary monsters, sorcerers, wild animals, and giant beasts dwell in this forsaken place. The land is full of enchantment and magic but seldom a happy ending.
◊◊◊
"Do you have any questions about your orders?" The Commander of the Trolls said. His deep voice echoed off the walls of the cave like the clap of thunder.
"Sir, your orders were clear," the lead troll replied. He then shot a glance at the other troll.
"No questions, Sir," the second troll remarked, avoiding eye contact with the Commander. Although he stood as straight as he could, his back was still slightly hunched.
The Commander continued, "Serihilda must be handled tonight." His voice was monotone, utterly void of any emotion. And his black eyes looked like pools of darkness on his huge head.
"We will take care of her before the sun rises," the lead troll responded.
"Do you know the consequences if you are not successful?" The Commander glared at the trolls—one then the other.
The lead troll replied with confidence, "Your orders will be carried out. We will make it back by dawn, Sir."
The second troll looked down, appearing deep in thought. "Yes, Commander, we know the consequences."
The Commander sniffed hard. Green ooze that had dripped down his face from his nostrils was sucked back up into his nose. The Commander then spat the green glob out of his mouth onto the ground.
SPLAT!
With a dismissal wave of his hand, the Commander of the Trolls turned and walked away. Both trolls listened to the sound of the Commander's heavy footsteps.
"We must depart now." The eyes of the lead troll glimmered.
Daniel Lee Nicholson was born and raised in the Midwest. He has been a performer and ambassador of the performing and visual arts ever since his first performance as a soldier in The Nutcracker in Chicago. Nicholson performed in various productions of The Nutcracker ballet spanning 10 years. He currently resides with his wife in the Los Angeles area and works in the Media and Entertainment industry.
With over 35 years of strategic planning, fundraising, public relations and arts marketing experience, Acting Executive Director Silvino da Silva is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan of The Ruth Page Center for the Arts, the well-respected and nationally recognized center for dance in Chicago. Among Mr. da Silva's leadership duties is to energize and engage volunteers, partners, and funders. Prior to his position as Acting Executive Director in 2021, he was The Center's Director of Marketing and Communications (2000-2021), guiding and promoting the organization's unique combination of artistic programs that impact over 40,000 children and adults annually.
