1]
A Water Horse sat upon the water, enchanted by her, until it saw the Death Dog. The Kelpie dove quickly beneath the water and disappeared
Elan sang again, the haunting melody coaxing it back! A pair of Black eyes broke the pool of dead still water
The Death Dog stood forward, free of the Nights concealing presence. The Cat came out and stood by his side. They looked down at the
Kelpie.
Elan sang the Water Horse up above the water, once again enchanted by her song. They waited to see what would happen. The Kelpie’s eyes never left the Death Dog.
I need a ride to the castle Elan asked in a voice that haunted the Dog.
the Dog and I will travel by wind The cat announced
we will meet you on the Banks
She mounted the Kelpie, and held her breath as the Kelpie picked up speed under water. She came up quickly for air, and again she speed under the water. Elan was in awe
She wondered at this path that ran so quickly opposing the crush of the oncoming waters. But she heard the Kelpie speak to her, it is the Slipstream. It is just like those used in the Ancient World to travel to worlds without bother.
1
She smiled at the image, Slip-Streams where like the camomile that grew on the Paths made by mens feet if they all start walking the same way! Then a Path becomes a Way.
Thank you, for the lift Could you
wait for me? I am going to fetch a ..Sick Friend!
I can guess why you are here The Kelpie told her
and we are all glad to help you,
but first let me dry your cloths and hair
or you will leave a trail of dripping water
even if you are not seen!
The Kelpie blew warm air through her bellowing lungs and she was drying her very quickly, but still Elan had her eyes and ears peeked for signs of the Dog! She knew the Kelpie was too!
He is different now She told her as they were up the banks drying off Elan’s Hair that tumbled wet down her back
No, he is still the same the Kelplie replied
But the Dog did not have slipstreams to follow. He had to run. There was no time to waste, she knew. He could be like a shadow on the wind and follow at unreal speed.
Buts she had better not wait for him, she knew! But she did not like the Kelpie’s idea. She implied that the Death Dog would be waiting for her inside ready to give her up!
1
She pushed it from her mind as she felt her hair only damp now, and that would work. She pulled a small case from her pockets. She opened it carefully. What beautiful workmanship. Polished steel blades with the geometric designs
She pulled her hair back and up into a ponytail, then swirled it into a bun. Then she held the swirled roll in place with her throwing darts. It looked like an elaborate fashion.
Then she opened another small case and put on the most unusual brass ring as she slipped the band over her knuckles. She was not interested in killing, she never was, but safety was the first rule of recovery, she remembered!
She hated this part. It made her feel as though she were dressing for WAR! She knew she was! No one could stop her from freeing her friend
I won’t be long
(if I can help it),
Good Hunting Said the Kelpie
My Lady! And with that Elan was gone. The Elves Cape passed from sight, as the trees were all that was left with the Kelpie who was a thinking Creature, and had thoughts of her own!
Elan ran on a deer path she knew to be there. She was picking up speed when she felt more. Then saw that the trees had changed. They were the same trees, but she felt a cold malice in them she had never felt before!
1
Her mind wandered to the Kelpie, noo hee isss the sameeee! She had said she was confident in that. Stop it do not doubt your own judgment now! That is Evil at work! The Cat was with him.
You where raised to fight
that curse, cast over Humans!
Fear Doubt and Loneliness
are not a Human’s friends.
They stop you from thinking
and doing what must be Done!
But still she knew she was surrounded by Evil, and that the Castle of Knelsolawn were no longer safe! Evil had come to the Lands of Aledon, It broke her heart, but Stiffened her Defiance
She felt a spectre like her shadow follow her. When she saw a smile, she knew it was the Dog!
She slowed, and they meet. She pulled her cowl up over her head, and wrapped the cloak tightly around her body, she took on the stature of a man. She looked and walked like a male Elve! A Death Dog Marshal
I will walk in as a Marshal
with you at my side,
just keep a lookout,
until we get in!
She walked like the Death Dog’s Marshal by its side! The Dog was impressed with the changes she had made, she no longer even smelled like her!
2)
Myreal slipped behind her mum who was bringing up the last of the people baking to enter the Great Hall buzzing with excitement up in the Front there were people crowding to see a heated dispute going on. She quietly took a seat in the back out of sight, not her usual up front.
Tobar banged his mighty staff on the ground! The Alabaster Hall Rumbled. They all sat! All But Cayman, who was yelling to be heard above the din that had suddenly quit and disappeared, leaving him Yelling in the Silence like a Fool ALONE!
[ Cayman Was still protesting at the top of his lungs
You took the Ancient Tome when the staff hit the ground
before its Hour!!!
Tobar’s eyes searched for Myreal and though he was talking to Cayman everyone knew he was talking to Myreal
So you have said!
Tobar stood, head of the Dragon Clan his Indigo , midnight Blue to Purple Robes swirling. He looked like the Heavens! Stars Shining out! His Eyebrow up, He Politely ordered her to the Silver Podium
Myreal Please Join US!
She stood to her tallest Height, and took a good deep breath. She gathered her wits! She was ready! She was radiant, collected, and determined! With every eye on her,,, she knew!
She steadied herself and stepped out from her row like a bride. Everyone caught by her Radiant Beauty, her undeniable charm, as she sparkled in a teal and Aqua Gown that glittered, like watching moving water!
She walked up Front of the Hall. Cayman stood with his jaw hanging open, his eyes locked on his childhood friend, who no longer looked like a child! He no longer felt like a child. Caught up in the rare beauty she was!
She reached the Silver Podium and looked up. Tobar extended a hand in friendship, He raised her up to stand beside him
3)
Elan set out, anticipating the Death Dog was right
I hope you are right,
and they saw you!
To think a Death Dog
can roam the castle
unchallenged!
But if she was found She would demand a court hear her, and put on a show that Evil could not control or contend with! As an Irate Mum which she was, but if she is caught she had several venue left to her!
They passed the watch at the first gate. With every step she breathed a prayer! They walked past the century as the night skies darkened. The Guards had saluted the Dark Elvish Marshal with his Death Dog by its side. It made her feel ill!
She walked like a Death Marshal. she knew their ways! The Death Dog wondered where she had learned them! But he felt more than seen, what she had noticed.
She felt even the Trees of the March were watching them, with a menacing feel. Evil was spreading fast!
The Death Dog was sizing up the trees of the March, and wondered which was their leader? For the Dog had made it clear he was going to mark it with his urine . He was a Death Dog and knew how to behave.
But the hand signal snapped out before his eyes, and the Dog jumped back out of years of practice. For the Marshal had given the Marshal’s Signal,!
The Signal only a Marshal would know. The Dog was beginning to wonder, but held his questions for later and ignored the Trees of the March as ordered, and stepped back in stride with his Marshal, once again Just before the act was committed!
As the March Ended they closed in on the promenade to the Royal Doors of the Castle. She traversed more quickly, as though she was rushing, building up her steam to bully her way unannounced through to the Great Doors of the Castle.
3
She could feel every inch of the walk as she approached. The Death Dog began his smiling then looked them in the eyes, and a few small drops of saliva dripped from her terrifying muzzle!
let them pass
She could not believe the ease with which she entered the Castle! But she knew she was not yet below the Dungeons to the oubliette, a place to put those to be forgotten! A Vile, Dark Power at work all around her. She matched and pitched her mode to suit the Death Marshal she had become.
She snapped a signal to the Death Dog and headed to the Main Hall, then took a short turn. It was filled with Elves who looked like the were hiding! The Death Dog snapped and snarled. They backed up!
They had made it through the castle doors and she was heading past the Main Hall. She needed to be on the far side, so she could make it down the Long Hall! She knew they could be safe from there!
Where are When she heard the call. The Marshal slowed, but had
you going? not yet turned to answer
A haughty sounding Elve was making it his business to see what they were about, showing off his importance!
She wondered at this danger, then she heard a Royal call. He jumped and waddled off!
Quickly she headed for the far end of the long hall and slipped into a secret doorway that was hidden in the niche
Inside the secret ways, she heard a snotty voice yelling.
Where are you?! She and the dog stood stock still. His voice Revealed that he was angry but would be giving up. She waited.
When she heard a young serving Elve, female she thought, offer the Toad a drink from her tray before she returned to the Galley.
3
And with a hefty swallow she heard her voice sooth him, as they floated off forgetting what he had seen, the voices trailed off down the Long Hall
Had the Elve seen them also? But why then let me go, she wondered, while she searched the walls for a tile of a Dragon that would tell her where to go. In the hidden hallway she stood with the Death Dog and the Cat!
She found the tile she was looking for when she leaned to listen! The Symbol of the Dragon, showing her the way. The Dragon was pointing its muzzle to the North, but the eyes of the Dragon where looking behind it to where it had been!
She headed south down the secret passageway. They were quiet as they went. hearing every whisper the Castle and its mignons made. The Castle was built to funnel sound into the Hidden Ways, so people could listen and hear the truth behind the smiles people in power gave you.
She travelled fast with the dog, as they travelled the length of the Castle. But Just before they came to an End, there was nothing! No sign to show her the Way! As she walked closer to the wall to look for a subtle clue, she saw behind the wall that appeared solid, there was a gap in the wall big enough to slide through!
The Dog quickly followed as she stepped from sight, behind the hidden wall, to a tight short passage that came open to a large spectacular spiralling staircase that descended into an inky darkness they made her skin crawl!
The Shadow, that was the Dog, went ahead of her, then the Cat on the Staircase that wound straight down into the bowels of Hell! If there was trouble waiting at the other end, he would meet first in battle, before it could strike her down!
Down, Down, Down they went below the floors of the Dungeons all around them and still deeper and darker the staircase wound, down into the Pits of Despair! Down they went!
3
Their eyes were startled by the presence of pale light. Someone had left a door open ajar! They stood stock still, listening for the sounds of someone there!
They could just make out the door from its shadow! The Death Dog knew what to do! He walked down the rest of the staircase like he owned it, looking for who could be there. But no one was!
But someone had brought them a Key of sorts. She picked up the tool she knew so well. Someone had left her a tool to take the door off its hinges! She thought of the Elve who served the toad strong drink to take his attention from them! She felt she was right, and knew she needed to hurry!
She got to work! The Dog made the rounds. His eyes missed nothing, amazed at what daring and knowledge she had of the Castle. She knew how to get to the Anti-chamber, even he could not have found it!
The Cat spoke to the Queen inside, waiting for Elan!
We are here Elan explained
hold on, I am going
to take the door off its hinges!
Elan worked the hinges with the small tool she had. She was quick as she could be, but she was having trouble with one hinge.
There was a small pop, as it gave. She smiled and pulled the hinge side open! She went in quickly to unlock the lead manacles around the Queen’s arms and legs! The Lead was making her toxic, she was weak and so slight. She was like a waif!
She rubbed the hands and arms of the Queen trying to bring the colour to them, back to life. How long had she been here? She was so close to death! She had made a quick decision, one she had told herself she would never do, if she did not have to! And she did! She wrapped the queen tightly and fastened the plate over the Queen to protect her.
4]
Finsean had been talking to him but Squire had not hear a word. Finsean watched Squire intently. He saw patterns forming in his brain. He saw Squire’s mind ticking along! He became still,
It was the tune of a Rookery song, one the Roc had sung to him when he was freshly hatched. He started to sing along .
He sang along, adding new words. Ones Squire had forgotten. Working out exactly what each bit meant. It was the Riddle Song\
They had remembered all of it,
Every important detail
The Riddle Song – The Key to passing the Labyrinth of Fire and Ice Safely!
Anticipation raced through them.
Finsean was in high spirits, in a mood to tease The Roc
Can you hear that OLD BIRD?
I can hear him laughing at us.
His eyes are boring into my back.
Squire was laughing at himself. How foolish he had been. His Grandfather could not be there. Until now, he had not observed how similar they were.
Going over the Riddle Song until they felt they were ready for the Labyrinth – The Trial of Fire and Ice!
Together they started to sing The Riddle Song, doing what was needed To stay alive !
5]
When Elan plunged her hand in another pocket, she brought a Healing Draft and gave the Queen 3 drops on her tongue to bring back circulation and life! She was praying she was not too late .
We will take a different path,
Then pointed up for him to move out!
there is a long tunnel
to the banks of the River
not far from where the Kelpie is waiting
She moved a large solid block. It swung out like it had just been oiled! Once again someone had been helping them. She gave thanks in her thoughts as she moved to let the Dog through.
She slid the boulder back into place and looked down the long, long tunnel! Perfect for the Death Dog to run full out, she thought!
It was not tall enough for her to run down, for this was only a wind shaft for air! It was not truly an escape tunnel, but it would work. The Death Dog was just the right size! He could run like the Shadow of Wind without bumping the Queen on any rock!
Hurry She gave the Dog his orders. “Get the Queen to the Kelpie then back to Hart.” She would be too slow.
Run like the winds
in the shadows, she pleeded with her eye. The Cat went to aid him.
5
His answer to her was not heard, as he had disappeared down the long air shaft, running like he was the wind itself carrying precious life! !
She knew this air shaft had never been used, and it would be filled with rats, spiders, and things she did not want to know what they were – the tunnel was darker than dark – knowing it would be filthy.
She had no choice but pulled off all her clothes, leaving her throwing knives in her hair!
She bundled them best she could, tucking them all in the hood of her apron, then tied it to her back as she got on her hands and knees and made her way as quickly as she could.
for there was NO light now the block of dressed stone had been shut! As her mind remembered all the small dark places she used to crawl, looking for the dead and dying after a world shake, or Fire, or some other holocaust. She was just so thankful no one was killed in the Fall of the Great MT
She gave special thanks for Squire’s and Finsean’s lives!
6]
As they crawled out of the Labyrinth
How many times do we have
to face Certain Death ‘, Today? singed around the edges. Feeling half Roasted, dripping with a greasy Gritty Dirty Sweat, out of breath and gasping, Finseanstill jested with Squire.
Squire just wanted to lay down and Die! Bruised, and injured, frozen to the bone, now roasting and sweating scum from his skin, he fell on the ground, trying to breathe.
3 If this is all my doing?
Grand Finsean tried to laugh
Then by my count
we have fulfilled your 3 tasks.
Mate
Squire and Finsean stood quietly together. They were dehydrated, trying not to cough or make choking noises. Trying not to move, as they crawled out of the Labyrinth of Fire and Ice. They were no longer only battered and Frozen, but had added Broiled and singed to the growing list! Burnt on the outside, still Frozen in the middle, looking at the Hungry Dragon, they felt like jelly
I thought you said We were done
Squire teased Finsean
with the Certain Death
tasks
Squire stumbled forward on weak and wobbly legs, drawn in by its dazzling allure, the swirling mists in the Silver Glass were mesmerising
He could hear The words. Such a sweet sound it made. “Come closer.” He came closer. He came to the Edge of the Portal.
But He felt so awful, his one leg went weak, his balance lost for a moment, As Finsean reached to help him with an almost steady wing!
6
When Squire’s one leg slipped, he seemed to fall into a current, being pulled toward the Portal.
Before they could say anything to each other, Squire slipped from sight as his knee gave out and he fell through the silver mist! Finsean following fast on his heels through The Portal
They were in a swirling gray, a moving mist, a cloud so thick you could feel it. They were travelling. They could feel the rush of the wind, but they were so still. Squire knew he was not really moving.
Squire could feel Finsean was with him, but he could not see him through the mists. He was amazed at the light feelings he felt, as though he weighed nothing. No longer did he feel he was too heavy for his knee to hold him!
Finsean had found himself powerful! No longer did he feel at death’s door
Squire felt extraordinary. He felt like he could do anything. He felt he owned the World. He Felt his Grandfather again in the mist. The Mist cleared before Squire, and he stepped through the Gateway. He could not believe his Eyes. He stood in The Crystal Cavern.
Finsean came barrelling out, ready for War. He stopped short, in front of Squire, who was entranced by the Beauty of the Crystal Cavern
Blimey mate
Did you ever Think
We could be in such a place [Finsean said
This must be the Crystal Cavern [ SQUIRE said]
As the Riddle song says
I thought it had been lost
along with all that disappeared in
the mists of Avalon
7 ]
The Death Dog hurtled down the long and narrow tunnel. That was truly a large air shaft! He used his speed to aid the Queen, but he wondered how Elan was going to catch up. But That did not matter now, he had the Queen and Given Elan his vow to see her quickly to Hart! So that is what he did!
Elan was just wishing, as she stumbled along at an erratic pace, when her hand would come down on an unseen objets, like bones, or wonting flesh! She would halt her pace and pray that they were safely on their way to Hart to start the Healing! Then she would start up again!
Fear is not my Friend she said,
it stops you from thinking or acting.
To be still even for an odd moment
was a moment too long,
she told herself to hurry and be rid,
of this awful place!
For she could make it out, but she felt ill as she remembered all those dead bodies. Sadness came to her mind. All those people they were too late to save!
Enough of that Morbidness!, she heard the Voice!
You know Better than That!
You and your people were Heros to those who lived!
Could you have seen those mothers,
see their little ones and those they loved,
trapped in stagnant waters,
dead and bloating searching for them in the dark?
You did a kindness, child, that will never be forgotten.
Remember them in your words and thoughts
when the Time is right and you will know!
Yes the Way is Dark and cold and lonely,
Humans have Chosen this Path!
But you are not alone. I am here!
And I see light!
7
She saw the light and wondered if they had left, or if the Death Dog was dead or injured. What was wrong with that Kelpie, she wondered?
But she was sure the Kelpie would take the Queen to Hart, for she could trust her to do her job, when asked.
But again the vendetta with the Death Dog had her worried! But thought she would not betray her. She would take the Queen to Hart!
She hit her head on the top of the shaft, bringing her head up for a better look! But it also brought her mind back to what she was doing. She prayed they were already gone down the river to home. She was so excited to see light up ahead! She never thought of where it came from!
But as she got closer, she realized it was Night outside when she had started this venture, and was sure it was still night! Why could she see a Light?
Naked, on hands and knees, crawling with her clothing tied carefully to her so as not to get them dirty or damaged, she began to wonder who was out their with a Light? A Man!? For the shaft had been so dark – the absence of Light! She had forgotten she was naked.
Her hands went to her throwing knives she held in her hair for such times as these.
7
But as her fingers touched her hair, her skin crawled, her stomach turned over! Her hair was filled with spiders webs. She could feel them now. She prayed there were no spiders!
She backed up into the darkness to conceal herself her bare skin, only covered by her cloths tied up tightly abut her for their safety, she, knew the air shaft would be vile!
But now here she was moving backward, pulling herself away from the light that awaited her at the other end.
Someone is waiting with a light! She was naked! Are they friend or Foe? She tried to guess. Was there more than one? She thought not, but she knew to be cautious, for she felt that making friends while she was naked was an odd time!
Crawling naked through the pitch black air shaft filled with things she did not like, her hair felt like a spiders webs, though she tried to not think about it.
She felt an odd thing up ahead and did not know if she should fear it or not!
She was so excited to see light up ahead! She never thought of where it came from! Why could she see a Light!? It was the Dead of Night!
7 She used the sight. It was a Harpy. Her head stuck down in the tunnel like an Ostrich! Her eyes gave off such light Elan was surprised to see it. When she slowed, out of her reach, she stopped and held her ground!
I have been waiting for you,
I thought you might need the Light The Harpy said
Thank you said Elan, with caution, not moving.
would you like a ride ? The Harpy inquired
No Thank You,
your talons would
rip me to ribbons She was still holding herself back in the Dark. She had no want to fight a Harpy! She had no idea if she could fight one. She had never heard of it! But she was naked, and she was angry, and she did not want to set the Harpy Off!
I had seen you
when your were but a wee bit
and now I see you grown!
But you are still the same\
My Ladyyyyyyyy!
If you would like
to come out and dress yourself
we can get you home quickly
to help your sick friend
The Harpy was laughing now and it sounded odd. Elan and started to dress in the Dark, tight Air Shaft. It was awkward, but she was not going to be seen in the Flesh by anyone, if she could help it! Especially a Harpy that called her “My Lady” in such a way!
8
Squire’s eyes were seeking as much as he could see. Both Lads fell under the spell of silence!
Finsean wondered if this was the Dream again. Was he unconscious, or sleeping? Was he dead?
So he did something different than the usual Dream! He started to walk about and look for all those things he had remembered from the Old Stories.
It was all here like he had Dreamed of
so many times before !
But Finsean knew he was not Dreaming!
He was in the Crystal Cavern,
The Birthplace of his People
They say the First Sentinel
was created here, Mate.
Merlyn used a Raven and a Dragon
and mixed their blood
to make us the Sentinels – War Birds.
Finsean was so amazed. He chatted on to Squire, who heard every word and believed his story was true. For he had loved the Stories of the Changelings, all the Stories of the Wizards.
He believed the story, and he remembered something. Rollo had told him this one, he told Finsean.
But it was a bit different.
There was a changeling Squire
who looked like a Raven
when she was in the mood,
and a Dragon had fallen in love with her,
but they were not allowed to marry
outside their own kind,
even though they were in love.
Merlyn used both their magic,
and turned them both into large war birds.
The first of their kind,
and the start of a new people.
I have never heard it spoken in that way,
but that is what our story tells also!
Merlyn believed in diversity of life
as his Sacred Charge.
Finsean
And he knew what they were Up against –
the Dark they all knew was coming!
He was ready to shield the light
and save what knowledge they could.
Squire knew their journey was not over!
The Crystal Cavern was the
Home of the Legend of Heros
and Stronghold behind the Wall!
9 ] É
With her clothing twisted all about her, she did not feel like a Lady! Her gowns crossed under her legs like a diaper, all tucked up tight so she could crawl her way out of the opening.
She felt like someone who could be ambushed, and she felt like someone who did not want to make a mistake!
She did not want to fight when she did not have too, but she was ready for action, the moment she had seen it. She was ready to throw her darts if the Harpy turned on her!
She felt no malice and she felt no anger, just curiosity! So she crawled out to meet the Harpy, dressed best as she could manage.
How she wished this could be a different time, when she was not abducting the Queen of the High Elves from the Oubliette!
She had always wanted to meet a Harpy . She had longed to touch their Wings! She did not know why it was, but it had always been that way. She had always been curious about them!
As she stepped out into the night, the light from the Harpy’s eyes lighting the way.
É She stood on the lip of the opening. Not even a goat path up the steep wet banks, slippery from none use of the Whitewater River!
Loose soil on the banks beneath her feet fell away, as Élan began to tumble forward. The Harpy’s wings came out and caught her, like and Angel’s, as she steadied herself.
Élan had quickly gotten to the solid ground above her, then started to straighten out the mess she must of looked,!
She slide behind a Tree to stripe and redress, always ready to grab a dart, or the skindue in her sock, or her knuckle ring, or the short sword she had tucked down in her back strap.
She was a walking arsenal. She noticed she had her trusty Cross bolt strapped to her forearm, but this was a Harpy! And no matter how badly she wanted to touch those wings, Evil was about! First rule of recovery: Fear is not your Friend, but do not be stupid! Never start a fight you cannot WIN!
And do not let your Guard Down – EVER – it could cost your friends their lives!
We have met before, you and I,
but you were too tiny to remember!
I wanted to see you again,
to see for myself that you had not changed!
Older ,yes, but still the Same!
a Daughter of Life!
She hid behind a Tree. Her gowns she pulled off quickly, and redressed. She was such a bundle, she felt like a fool, but to be half dressed before setting out across the lands to home would call for everyone to look, and she wanted not to be seen by anyone!
When she looked out from behind the tree and saw such a sight. The Harpy was confabulating (i.e. a fantastic style of communication) with a Unicorn! It filled her with awe, a vision. She held her breath, as not to intrude.
But they had seen her!
They were done with their confabulations. They both turned their gaze to the eyes peering at them through the trees
Come closer child,
so we can have a better look
The Unicorn will take you Home!
Élan felt odd being in their Grace, as her head came out from behind the tree, but still her feet did not follow!
She felt she was becoming younger in their presence, she felt like a child. As she made her feet do as they were told, she focussed on them.
One foot
in front of the other
look down,
do not look HER!
in the Eye!
Do not challenge her She told herself
She was not sure what spell she was under for she knew she was becoming younger with every step, until she felt she no more the Two! She was shy in their Grace! She felt like a wee lass! So the Harpy volunteered and spoke first
You wonder why I am here
and do I plan you any harm?!
Perhaps?
Or ? is your wish
to touch my Wing?
what comes to your mind!?
She knew almost nothing at all about life she had suddenly realized in a revaluation of Love, How little she knew, about anything! It was amazing to her, the Passion these two felt! All Life is Precious, but until Now she had No Idea,! A Harpy and Unicorn!
The Unicorn, brought her head down over her shoulder and blew sweet nothings filled with love into her ears and cheeks.. The sweet breeze on a summers day, she felt safe and wanted and loved. As she heard the Harpy speak!
My attention was brought here by the Kelpie
This is not her waters, she was welcome yes,
but to wait, on the banks here was unusual
and as Unusual is the normal thing that now happens first
I thought I would have a Look!
Then I saw such a sight, I had
never thought I would see! A Death Dog came
out the tunnel and on the Kelpie back
before she knew he was there!
But things became interesting,
rather a Fight to the Death
The Death Dog told her to go,
he had the Queen strapped to his back
and she was fading fast!
As I watched this
I saw the Queen of the High Elves,
and she did not look like she would last!
This was the Queen, no one had looked for
put in the Oubliette! To be forgotten
now that her Heir had arrived!
so I stayed and waited for you,
I knew you would be coming
I felt your upset at finding my last Dinner
but if you would have told me you were coming
My Ladyyyyyy,
I would have cleaned the way for you!
And given you light, but you had not asked, so I waited!
Because I wanted to see you again, just as I had promised you
that next time we meet I would let you touch my Wing!
Do YOU REMEMBER!
She Did!
Sit up here on the Unicorn the Harpy said
you look tired
The Unicorn went down on one knee, and bent her neck for Elan to mount she felt like a child sitting on the softest cloud!
Sitting on the Unicorn her vison sharpened and she began to remember!
She was here on the other side of the causeway, but she had just been here playing, as her father met with a maiden in private.
Which meant under cover of the Trees and the Forrest, to become invisible , if found
She had become frightened of the maiden and run for the cover of the trees to hide herself. When she found herself under the legs. of the softest and kindest Mare
you had impressed me
with your ways for being so young.
Not much more then a wee barren
Yet you found yourself safely
between the Unicorns two front legs
looking out from underneath her
like one of her foals,
a frightened youth
you had not seen
that the two of us had been talking
when you found yourself safe
She Remember!
She saw the Elven maiden scribble in the margin, Squire One of the Beloved the Queen of the High Elves
the Queen blames herself!
10 ]
Tobar spoke with a kind voice, this was the first Gathering Myreal had ever seen, he wanted her to know she did not have to declare tonight, or even for decides if or when she would invoke her rites.
You do know that you have to decide yet,
you do not need to start your Journey,
at this Gathering?!
Yes I do know! She could not bear to look at Cayman now, she told him nothing of her plan and here he was still there by her side she tried to look at Tobar, she could get threw this, she knew!
Can you tell us why you wish to invoke
at this Gathering?!
No! Tobar looked down at Cayman, his pride grew for this powerful Lad, who stood so embarrassed before the Gathering, his eyes downcast because of Myreal
But still he stood!
Cayman could not see Tobar Implore him to speak
Cayman,
Can you shed some light on the subject?!
Refusing to look at Myreal Cayman glanced up at Tobar to read the eyes he felt boring into him
She is being drawn on a Journey,
of her own, or someone Elsies, I can not tell!
But I feel the Tension building, I smell the Danger,
that hangs about the air we breath
I can not let her face it Alone!
Tobar’s one eyebrow sat on his head like a Hat!
So she told no one of her intent!?
Cayman ears burned, his face stung.
She told no one, not even me
What she was about to do!
Everyone knew Cayman loved Myreal, more then just childhood friends. But Cayman had not yet seen this, until now!
Everyone talking, everyone with something to say. The Great Hall filled with Dragons speaking, and talking among themselves Tobar watched and listened and learned.
So that is why your name
does not come before hers
in the Ancient Tome?!
Tobar watched with curiosity, as two of the most powerful young Dragons he had ever known stood forward demanding they invoke, demanding their Ancient Rites, at this Gathering that had come
Great Hall filled with The Dragons speaking All ready to do their part
I will take these Brave Young Clansmen,
on their Journey to Truth,
for the Prophecy is at hand,
the Time we call of the Choosing
Known the Ancient Humans As The Reckoning
11
Hart had been getting ready, he knew the Queen of the High Elves would be in bad health, he wanted the Surgery ready ,, for when she arrives.
He had a Kettle over the fire, and a Caldron on the Boil, he was looking out the Surgery private entrance, he threw it wide, in case they came in a hurry, no need to wait to open a door!
He had the feeling he should go to the old gnarly Apple tree that hangs over the savage rushing waters! He felt he should hurry he could feel he was right
The surgery, was washed top to bottom, then he filled all the cabinets in the warmer with clean linen, and woolen blankets to get warm. He was getting ready for the worst. He went and got the backboard and took it to the banks of the savage and ruthless water,
he leashed tight the flat board to the rope so he could retrieve the Queen, when he felt a wind pick him up and it threw him, away from the river and the banks, as he tumbled back towards the private entrance he had left open
A Kelpei travelling at tremendous speed blew a massive wind to push Hart away from the edge of the water,
the Kelpi jumped up on the banks, with the Death dog, holding on for dear life,
And there strapped to the Death Dogs back under his chest plate worn backwards was the Queen of the High Elves who looked as though she no longer lived..
the kelpei was sliding all the way up to the Cottage. As close as she could get to the entry, Hart was close behind her catching up, Hear was running like the wind across the yard, on the Death Dogs tail!
A t the Cottage, the Kelpei could feel the Death Dog leap off Dashing threw the entrance to the warm fireplace
Hart unbound her from the Death Dog plating!
Touching and feeling for life , as Hart freed her from her bindings ,
Her cloths were filthy, she had been shackled in them! The signs were all there! Evil had been dealt the Queen but she Would Live!
Hart pulling the bindings away from her, and carrying her quickly to a warm soft bath, to clean and examine her many wounds.
he had draped a linen sheet over her
To peel her filthy cloths away
Even unconscious she was a Queen
with her dignity,
and he was a Healer, he knew how to bring back the soul to remember life! He got to work
The warm water to bring back her warmth
and circulation he tossed wet, filthy cloths in a bucket on the floor,
The Queen was washed, he dressed her wounds, she was cleaned, along with her skin and Hair ,when he lifted her like a tiny sleeping child, on the cot next to the bath.
Hart had placed the sheep skin fleece on the cot
for He had known she would be beaten and stricken
, he wrapped her in warm blankets from the Hearth! Set with warm rocks
He had given her an Elixir He felt for a pulse!
The Queen was alive ! But just!
As Hart watched her for signs of awakening
He closed his eyes, and with his hands above her felt for her spirit
The Queen was gravely wounded he knew,
but it was her Spirit, he could not reach,
he worried, had her sole been harmed!?
He felt she no longer had the fight left to Live!
Saddened His eye were drawn to her wet cloths
from the bucket on the floor. An inside garment fell oddly A lump in the fabric of her inner under garment
he picked up the inside garment
he felt an odd area over the small of her back
there was something stitched in between the fabric of the Queens personal under garment!
He looked at it as he held it up! It was the water that showed something between the layers like a stiffening but different!
He took a sharp instrument and tried to pick free the stiches, but there was an enchantment on it! This made it very interesting! As his ears perked up!
12
Élan had seen it all threw the help of the Unicorn, the Queen of the High Elves had written Squires name in the margin, and for that she had lost face, with Elan and Hart, she had put their son in harms way! Even thou the Queen had written it when she looked a wee lassie of 2. She was not sure the Squire she could see in her eyes would come to Eden..
The Heir, had stolen her parchment! But Elan understood more then before ,she had lost face, and could not look them in the eye! Elan was so pleased to have been showed this, with this knowledge she could help bring her back. She turned to the Harpy and spoke!
Thank you,
you have helped me
more then you could know, she smiled!
But we had better be off
if I am going to be any help!
The harpy laughed at her!
You are home!
And I will clean the air shaft
in case you will need it! And held her wing for the Human to touch!
To seal their bond of faith! For this Harpy would never talk orders from a Fury, no matter what colour it was
She slipped threw the open door, and was at the Queens side, where Hart was placing new hot stones at her feet!
Hart was so excited to see her, he needed her help! The Queen was slipping fast, he could heal all her savage blows and hateful injures, but he could not reach her spirit! Her pulse was such a thin thread, most would call her dead, but not Hart! He called for help!
Élan was still in the awe of those who had just left her ready to save the Queen filled with Love they had given her! She got to work!
She placed both hands about the glossy black hair that surrounded the golden brown skin of a High Elve. Caught by her stunning beauty she kissed her forehead as thou she kissed a sick child. To let her know she was there!
Circles within Circles within Circles
Life within Life within Life
my true name is Elan Vital
the Vital Life Force
and I invoke in YOU
the Will TO LIVE!
I know about the Parchment,
I hold you in no fault!
You took from me a burden, I can not Hold!
I am Elan Vital, and I am the Daughter of Life!
And I can not take the Rose Crown, and the Throne
with the Sword of the Covenant,
Ex-calabur strapped to my side
for I can not invoke Life at the point of a Sword!
We love you and need you more then ever before
the Heir is Evil!
Hart had a silver tool listening at her chest a mirror under her nose, When he saw a fine Mist, then a real Breath! Her Heart took up a rhythm She had come back to them
Hart checked and rechecked her pulse and vitals that told him so much! She was going to get better!
When he knew she was safe and out of danger he showed Élan what he had found. But not wanting to wake the Queen, they took it ti the study.
There she sat in the high back chair, the dog guarding the Door! Hart pulled the big kettle from the fire and made a large pot of Tea, then he lifted down a large bowl, the dog was on his feet as Elan played with the layers of fabric, it was an on place to put a stiffener, in her undergarment, but if it was a Vellum she wanted no one to see, her undergarment would work well!
13
A single candle shines alone in the dark
With the help of many small mirrors.
A single Flame becomes A Mighty Lighthouse
A single candle can save the lives of those in need
the Lighthouse
showed the way.
Squire yelled at his best mate, that shot a beam of light from somewhere
Finsean was reading the incaution out loud on a silver basin he had spied As he moved about holding the silver basin, and talking, a bit of light bounced off the basin’ then quickly shine on to mirrors ! It had caught Finsean and Squires attention
Squire encouraged Finsean!
try it again but slower
A Flash of light so bright
it was blinding and Finsean had to shield his eyes when he opened them to watch a beam of light direct them from place to place as it bounced all about the cavern. The mirrors in the Crystal Cavern came to life, and they could see many things that had not been there before
Squire followed the light from place to place as it bounced along Where it came to rest near a tiny pin hole in the solid rear wall!
The Pin hole was in the centre of a Geometric Design, the sign of Sacred Geometry.
We need a Key!
They both yelled at once, laughing at the other,
Squire looked about he felt enraptured, with what he saw, wondering how to find the key,
for the Crystal Cavern was the entrance to the Library of Stronghold behind the wall! And he was hoping they could find it! They had come so far!
14
Squire asked Finsean! to stand again with the silver basin ,to make it shin the light once again. But this time he took out his skindu from his sock in his boot, and caught the light on its very shiny blade and angled the beam of light into the tiny hole. It worked!
He could hear things moving and he waited, the centre of the wall
Rolled back to reveal Nothing!
Had it rolled back enough to show its secret Squire reached out to touch to push the wall back further when his hands disappeared
Wait for ME!
He pulled them back, they were fine, when he heard Finsean! yell
Together they stepped in to a space that was not there, with the use of mirrors,
And when they stepped threw they blinked and blinked, standing in Stronghold behind the Wall! They ran to look and see, and from the spy holes in the trees above them fitted with mirrors in ever direction. They could see forever. Then they ran from Chamber to Chamber looking at the most beautiful castle
They had ever dreamed up. Completely underground!
When they skidded into the Throne chamber. Where there was the Stone Table. Black Onyx, comply round, sliced into 12 pieces like a pie, with delicate groves in the stone. And 12 Chairs that looked like thrones. One form each area of land they keep Free! From Evil!
The Mystical Castle the World had searched for
Was the Magical Kingdom of Stronghold behind the Wall. Where Arthur ruled a Kingdom that all felt had Honour,.. Who’s service taught the way, it was spread threw the People. The Love of Life, with the 3 Gifts, would Free the World from the Evil of the White Fury
Does this mean that Camelot
was the Magical world of Stronghold
where the Pic’s ran court for over 4 hundred years
then one day they all Disappeared!
With out a Trace. The King of the Pic’s
was Arthur?
Finsean wanted to know? Squire just looked dumb found!
Just like those of
the Ancient Temple Mate!
Now you see it
now you don’t It was warm and inviting, and exotic. And the magic was still thick enough to taste it. The lads just looked at each other. Where they the first to find this!
Finsean looked out to the eternal symbol, and its unseen map. It was the Builders Symbol, the Protractor, as the Blade, the right angle on its tilt, as the chalice together like the Ancients Symbol of Life, but hidden in Symbols, of their own, The Builders Symbols for Educated Life, Enlightened Humanity! Stood over a door
They marvelled as they spoke at the detail of the Hewn rock in the Round Chamber.
It had Archways, Doorways, Gateways, Portals, Thresholds of every kind ! Each with a Unique Design, Each told a different story
They stood in a massive circular structure, with its amazing doom roof . Hewn from the Living Rock. The craftsmanship was like nothing he had ever seen before! Except in Rollo’s Tome.
He had seen these same walls a system of Geometric Designs that represented ideas! Marked the walls, as thou they were directions, for in the circular chamber. in Rollo’s Tome!
This was the Legend of Heros!
But as they looked they began to notice something odd, if this was the Library!
Where was anyone!? Where was
the Brotherhood of Builders?
It look’s as thou not even
they had been here! Finsean said
They walked about as thou they were in a crypt! Carefully walking as to not disturb the dead, the place felt too still! How long had it been since anyone Had come, yet there was no dust to speak of?. The Library had been empty so long the Halls had a forgotten look to them. A saddens he could feel!
It looked to Squire as thou he and his mate were the first to find the most amazing thing he had ever seen!
The Lost Legend of Heros!
Squire wondered what had happened here.?!
the Deep Magic he could feel here was Puzzling so complex so arcane! It had the mysterious and hidden Quality he found so profound so enigmatic!
There was a Heavy feel of Old Magic, Squire could almost taste as thou this place had been Sacred long before The Library
The old Spells, must have been very powerful for the Library showed a glimpse of the Greatness it was once was! But still the Lads were taken with its ancient Magnificent!
But strangely Squire felt a wave of relief as thou the Library itself had waited for them to come!!
Did He feel the Old Deep Magic Reawakening!?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Part 2 of Dragon Lore chronicles
1)
A Gathering had been called!
Preparations were underway as Myreal Wove between knots of people, with a large basket on her head. The warm smell of fresh baked buns, filled the air
The Alabaster Hall glowed a warm and welcoming, blush of colour threw the opaque stone. The glow from the blazing Fire that burned in the Hearth, shining threw the walls of such beauty In and out of the Great Hall. Life Was abuzz!
Friends Gathering standing in clusters to speak of times to come. But those who had come early were Talking of Life that had gone by since they had last met, Love filled the Air, as families reunited
Others with projects in hand smiled as she passed , their gaze drawn in by the inviting smell and the smile of a most Beautiful Lass
She made her way smiling and carrying, the basket wrapped in warm linen, to the The Alabaster Hall , for the Gathering feast. Always watching for her chance, and Cayman.
Myreal was on her toes, the mood was good, ! The love was so thick in the air, she could taste it like smell of fresh baked bread she carried
But she had other plans as she went in and out of the gathering crowd. Her eyes missed nothing, as she searched for Cayman
She was Going! She told herself, thought she had no idea why ? That was why she told no one. Not even Cayman, she could not explain.
She had known she was going? Even Before the Gathering, had been called. Searching for what she needed to go. until now she could not find it
She had seen it near the High Table. When she was sent to count the incoming tally, her mother did not want to be short on baked goods for everyone. So Myreal had volunteered to be their runner for the Day! Always watching for her chance, and Cayman.
She felt the Danger, she was young, not mindless. She could feel the Danger all about
Her, and as of this day, The day of her birth. she was old enough. She could make her own choice.
But she wished she knew why, and if it was her choice? In true she told herself.
She felt the need to go, like The Living Planet needs the Sun, she could feel it burning in her. She felt the pull to her Will, like the moon pulls the Tides, it had its grip in her. But still it was more!
Her will to Protect, had sparked, and it grew.
she would not hear the word No from no one, not even Cayman,! Fire twinkled in her eyes
Where was he? She felt the need of his endless courage. Then she thought of his eyes, and knew, it was better, she not see him.
She did not want to put those she loved in the Danger, she felt hover out of sight
But until she could find the Tome, she was staying, for it was the gateway she needed
And the Dragon Clan kept the Tome quite hidden. For she had looked, and looked and looked.
Her heart had quickened when she had seen it,
It was on the Silver Podium but the Great Hall was filled with People. It had been all day. Her eyes were searching for a way to sign it before the hour they take it back to its hiding place.
She entered the Great Hall As she had done a hundred times that day But this time it was Empty! No one about, No one looking She slipped threw the air at the speed of light tossing the basket on the High table like a stone
There it was. The Tome of Ancient Rites It had been brought out for the Gathering, she knew this was her only chance. She sprung up to the Silver Podium, where the Ancient Tome lay open to an empty page
Grabbing the quill like it Would save her life She filled the quill with ink Myreal quickly Scribbled her True Name In the Tome of Ancient Rites
She wondered what it was that made her so pleased to see the Gathering called. She had never been to one. Scribbling her True Name
she knew
Since her birth there had been no Gatherings, and the Dragon Clan kept themselves to themselves.
Now something was happening, she had felt like a fool, as she felt the driving need to go. now, the Gathering had been called. And the Tome was within her grasp! She signed it
Before anyone could see her she darted from the Silver Podium out of the Alabaster Halls Grand Doors Out the Great Hall, to the large Hedge bordering the Village, She stayed to the long shadows, Hidden and out of sight
She knew The Carillon the Ancient Tome Bell would ring out, The whispers would start! Whispers turn to chatter! Charter would turned to talk. She was not interested in talking
Myreal slipped behind her mum who was bringing up the last of the baking people to enter the Great Hall buzzing with excitement
Love is not week! Love has endured threw all time. Love is the Heart of Creation, and it burned in her heart! For there was a burning that had ignited into flames! She was going!
2)
Squires mum stood outside, in the glooming looking up at darkening Sky’s. She had goose bumps on her goose bumps. As a feeling of dread rose in her.
She felt eyes boring into her back she felt they were burning threw her. She was about to turn to face it, when the Shadow slipped by her un-seen hidden from sight. Suddenly she was facing Massive and deadly fangs. a large savage snarling muzzle filled with wicked teeth.
The shadow had solid teeth she thought. As her heart skipped a beat. A cold chill swept by her and she had a moment she thought she would be sick!
“I wish you would not do that!
You gave me such a fright!
She scowled then relaxed knowing it was Gamorg, though she knew she would have to wait for her heart to stop banging, and her stomach to turned right side out.
The shadow de-cloaked from the shadows he had been, but the smile was still on his face.
She looked at him, the massive Death Dog, Squire had carried home believing it had been a damaged Bear Cub, who had fallen off a cliff. He had never seen a Death Dog up close. Nether had his family who had healed him. It was his mum that discovered he was a dog!
He put his cold nose into her warm palm, to remind her he was a dog, the dog who’s life she saved. She petted his head and scratched his ears. He was sorry to have frightened her.
But he had followed the lad, and he was still alive! He could not stop smiling!
She could feel his cold nose pressed to her hand his life pulsing into hers, he was a dog she remembered at that touch, and Mans best Friend She watched as he tried not to smile, but he could not help his heart. Squire was well and he knew it. He was smiling
Its alright,
you can smile for me The Death Dog sat very close to her as
I feel like I want to cry! she searched the sky
Squire is well he told her.
For he had not forgotten how the lad had lifted him up, and brought him into the Light and his home to be healed. Nor did he forget that this women saved him with Hart as they had reset his broken bones and knitted his wounds, and pulled poison from his blood.
And when the time came and Squire had named him. A man from Afar had come! He told them All , he was a Death Dog, razed with malice and spite. They had never seen any mercy, so they gave none! He was a Death Dog came the cry, he must Die! Squire mum said No!
Now he felt the trouble, Evil wanted her dead, he could feel the danger she was in! She needed help! And he would see that she got it. For Evil wanted her He knew , But why he could not say, by her side he would stay. And he wanted her to know that if Evil came, it would have to get past him. If Evil Came HE would be Evils DOOM!
He stopped smiling and looked about him He looked to the barnyard friends who had gathered, Keep Up the Good Work, I Had Trouble Getting In!
Lets go inside
Quickly he said!
They are coming
He could still hear the voice of Evil, his old master whispered in his ear. But here he had No Master, here he had Humans that he loved, and he would protect as a Dog’s Sacred Charge
Hart who had been pouring over scrolls and volumes looking for something that would help! Got up from the chair in the study, he was angry, he was tired, he was livid beyond belief! When she came in with the Death Dog, and told him what the dog has said!.
Let them Come !
Let them Explain!
why a Mt has fallen on my SON!
His voice was pitched into the winds and carried! Back up the gorged out valley of the rushing waters, Amplified with the Pixies help, Harts grief and anguish was sent to the Castle of Knelsolawn advancing as it went! The Pixie wanted the Castle to think the Lads truly were dead, and nothing said it more then Harts Grief!
The Pixie could see his pain was for the Great Mt that had died! And his anguish over its fall on his son was real! And she used it!
Nestled down up in the Sacred Oak! Where she observed Harts wailing cry! The pixie had sent the winds that carried Harts Grief to the Castle She was a clever little fairy creature, even if she looked, as a wee lad-dy, of 3 or 4.
Then Quickly to the Castle of Knelsolawn where she knew the Heir was holding Court! She watched with intensity working her Pixie Magic The decision of who was to escort the Heir to Sanctuary?! To Arrest Squire and Finsean was becoming very amusing!
The Pixie made Harts wailing cry, caught up in the Wind! Building As the Lands of Aradon cried along with His grief, for those whom they had Loved were gone! As was their most treasured Mt!
Harts wailing cry, was heard by the Elves in their Court! As The Lands of Aledon cried along! No Elves would take the post,
But the Heir was demanding they take him until Now!
The Elves in their Court heard the Heart felt cries of a Man they had known! It sent a fierce chill down into the Merroo of their Bones! The decision was made the Heir stood alone!
None of them were going with the Heir to the Sanctuary, to arrest anyone!
The Heir could see them all back peddling He no longer wished to go to Sanctuary, Or see the Lads family face to face, and Alone! Or to try to seize them for Questioning
They must be Dead the Heir pronounced, with his Royal seal
And in the shadows was a wee chap, no one had seen or noticed ,the Hoydenish Little Pixie! In a fit of silent Giggles. Though she had never been more pleased, she did not tarry long! She was a busy little Pixie ,and she had work to do! She vanished!
3)
Tobar stood on the Scared Shadow Mts as the mists rolled in the Glooming, a curtain of privacy held, as he became lost in thoughts the Heavens filled with stars all tucked gently out of sight. He could not help but smile!
Tobar stood leaning against his old friend and asked what he thought?!
His friend was the silent type he knew, most trees had a thick Bark, but his friends kind had thin skin! And not much Bark at all But Tobar could feel a surge of Hope run threw him. Then heard
The Old Guard,
those of the Ancients
those who had more names
for Trees then trees themselves.
I had thought The Ancients,
were gone!
The Tree Was filled with Hope he was
Feeling something he had not felt for a very long time. As the Darkness grew, the Tree had begun to trembled at the thought
Evil has entered the lands of Aledon! And an ill wind blows for No Man, whispered in the Dead of Night. Manley Mt has fallen!
Dark Power now taints the once pure air. The scent lingers. They can taste it in the wind, as it carries the poison past their eyes. They felt drained unseen in the night as the Dark Power steals their Will Some feel uneasy, others quit ill! in the Dominion of Fear they pretend not to see Evil is Here!
Evil had breached the Boundary’s of the Dragons Teeth! How long would the Dark Power take to Destroy the Natural beauty that were the Lands of Aledon? Before it was to late!
Or was it to late already?! That is how they had felt just a fortnight before, when they Called for a Gathering
Or so we hope said his friend. Tobar who was as old as he was. Agreed Tobar did not have many friends outside of Dragons that could live as long.
He had a sad moment when he thought how short Human Lives are!
But the Strength of their Love
is Boundless, And I Felt Human Magic
Like I have not felt since
the Days of Merlyn!
Tobar had to agree! With a Wicked Smile
Humans were amazing. The Human Magic he had felt he Aided without thought Feeling the Love and the Will to Protect
He could do no less!
Tobar had missed his old Friends, The Old Guard! And like all Humans of this time, He had, thought the Old Guard were Gone, passed down to Legends and Myths, No Heros left in the World, Just Men, who want it all before their short time is up! For it had been but a blink in time, that Humans were killing the Living Planet, their Home!
But his friend had felt it too, Human Magic, that was formed with the 3 Gifts of Creation to Humanity! The Old Guard! The Tree Could Feel the Love! he told Tobar!
This is no mistake
Humans had fallen to the Dark Power
I know if a Human
caught sight of ME,
their eyes would glaze over with Desire,
as they Cut ME down, chopped me up,
and sold me for Gold or Power,
for I too listened to the winds
as they share’s the worlds news
I know that I am Now
the last of My Kind!
But that was Real Human Magic
the Power of Love, the Will to Protect!
And That was unexpected!
But Much Welcomed
the Sacred Mts can still feel it!
The Rock about my roots
tingles and twitches with the excitement of Love!
For they felt the Great Mt Manley Go,
Evil Tobar Evil!
But the wind told me a secret
that only you had known
On the Marker there were Wings?
Old Friend? The Tree asked again, hopeful!
Yes ! a Beautiful Set of Wings
to Match those of the Sword! Tobar Said with a wicked Smile!
4)
Hart had felt Evil pressing in all around them. In the Lands of Aledon , Edens last refuge. Hart could feel it! Evil had found its way here.
Born High Priest of the Ancients Everlasting~, he saw the people stumble in the Dark Power that was growing, lost to the Void that the Frightened them to give up their Free Will!
Hart was a Healer, and knew without the Will to live, Humans Die! Lost to the bleak Void of nothingness
Trapped into following a Prophecy that been altered
He heard in the back of his mind, Rollo, who would laugh, and said
“Remember the Trojan Horse.
Be weary of Greeks bearing Gifts!”
Hart remembered When Rollo had taken him to the People of the Sands. Where he found the crack in the wall just big enough to squiz threw, and deep under the ground he found the cut rock chamber.
He remembered the first sight of the painted walls they filled him with awe and wonder. Painted to move in the flickering light of the dancing flames. As he saw things he had only Dreamed of! There he saw what he had been seeking The Prophecy The Ending was missing;
The Reckoning, when Humanity awakens from the Evil curse cast like a Black spell over them . To Save the Living Planet!
The Nexus, The Next Us! When Humanity Joins the Heavenly Host, those who live among the Stars to a Celebration of Life at the End of the Heavenly Procession,
His eyes had been opened! He had found what he had been looking for all his life! The answer to why the Prophecy was so disturbing, like threats from an angry Man, not the Heralding befitting Life, Love, Creation, and the Human Spirit.
Hart Felt it So Profoundly The Reckoning was coming. The curse Evil cast upon Humans to forget, who they were. World Builders! Keepers Guardians, Champions for the Living Planet Evil could hid the 3 Gifts from Creation, threw the Dark Shroud that was growing.
But Evil could not take the 3 Gifts AWAY!
The Voice that Does Not Speak ! The Voice of Creation within us all, will never leave the Human Spirit alone to fight Evil . But together with The 3 Gifts
1) The Power to Know Right from Wrong!
2) The Power to Dream
3) The Power of Humans to
Build Everything they Dream
(Humans Build Even hell, if they are not in control)
The responsibly of Power
Hart needed to Re-Awaken the People of Eden to the Knowledge of the 3 Gifts in Humanity!
But How he wondered?
As he watched Elan as she closed and locked the Shutters then turned and latched the doors, He knew!
This was a Council of War!
5)
Élan went to the Hearth and picked out the largest teapot! She swung the Kettle’s arm back over the flame to boil, it was already hot, she pulled down a large bowl and 2 cups. The Death Dog broke out in a massive smile, they all winced even the cat!
The Death Dog was so excited, Squire was alive and he loved Tea with Milk and Honey!
He thought if he started his account now, he would be done just as his tea would be ready. He started
I am So pleased to report!
Squire is Alive!,
he has flown off with the Roc,.
Thou I thought I saw
them go over the Wall! ?
They are not in Danger
I can feel it!
I was on the far side by the Castle
I had followed,
Squire and his best mate
as they Flew off!
I can still hear the Voice of Evil
that called itself my Master.
I could smell the Evil taint the Air!
Following the smell of Evil,
as I heard my old master
talking to someone!,
I wanted to know who?
When the avalanche occurred,
I saw both lads
with my own eyes,
they were righteous
They set the Safety markers
for the fast moving Coaches both sides
Before they left
hidden by the mists
that came for them!
But since I was so close to the Heir
I thought it would be worth a wee look!
The Heir will be coming!
To see if the Lads are here
to Ashamed to show their faces
after Killing Manley Mt!
Not any more Purred the Cat, with a look of Satisfaction of one who knew all! It made the Death Dog angry, even known it was not truly a Cat until he told himself she was on Squires side! He listened, and began to smile wider!
The Pixie used Hart’s cry!
She pitched him Grief on the Winds
it grew on the way to the Castle!
Voices of Loss rang out over the Lands
the winds pitched the,
Wails that began as they turned to Blusters
Whimpers turned to cry’s of such Anguish!
Mewls Moans and Sob sweep up into a Squall
Blusters turned to Screams
A Storm Howled as the Voices transformed,
Shrieks, Shrill on the Winds
fired Squalls, at the Castle Walls
The Elves in the Castle heard the Warning on the Winds,
Not one would come to Sanctuary to Arrest the Lads.
Or take into custody
his Family for Questioning!
There was not a Elev who was not stricken to the Bone,
the cry’s of anguish, from a Human!
A Man they had all known,
As the Quiet Healer.
The Cat Gave Hart, an odd stair, as thou she saw him Dawn his Formal Robes High Priests of Ancients standing before her for the first time!
Then she laughed. With the Knowledge no one else had yet known! Hart felt suddenly exposed, and Naked
NOTE The full story of the Rock cut, is big has the Evil returned 1st Mummy made, Osiris the un-dead Not sure it goes here or later?
6)
Tobar remembered waking as the Ice Age was over in time to see it all! How Humans defeated the Evil, that Humanity faced. His friend was there he remembered,
The Queen of the Change, with such Love
Tobar knew this to be true, and until then, he would have said, that his friend had been right, Humans had fallen to Evil. And so quickly too! The Desire to take it all or destroy what the Living Planet! Was pure Evil
The two old friends talked with such hope in them, that neither had seen in long time! They spoke as old friends do when excited with a sudden event until it was time for Tobar to start the Official Council of the Gathering. But instead of feeling he was up against it, as he had. He had a grand thought! And smiled!
Evil was feeling strong It had the upper hand But Evil Must forgotten about the Dragons, for why Evil believed Dragons would live under ANY rule was Humorous! It seemed the Dragons would be helping the Humans after all!
Tobar leaning against his old friend stood His scales of midnight blue sparkled like the Heavens that were clearing behind him. The Dragon Clan had Gathered!
Tobar looked out among the Stars his grand and noble head thrown back as Thunderous and Savage Roar that sounded like a sudden storm upon the winds Rumbling as it cracked like Thunder across the Lands .
A Call to Life his Old friend had not heard since the day Merlyn had Tobar and Rollo plant him here on this spot,
And the Call to Life was Answered! He had declared War on Evil, to save the last of the Old Guard the Humans he had loved as his own, those who would Save the Living Planet. The Dragon Clan answered With a Sound his old friend had never heard!
The Dragon Clan had Gathered alive with surge of life, they were ready for War!
Dragon Clan Style
The Tree was vibrating with anticipation!
An Old Guard ,he hoped, and preyed. To bring back the Voice of Humanity, before it is too late!
7)
I had no trouble near the Castle.
I felt it worth a try I showed myself
The Death Dog had said.
I showed myself to 3 different Elves.
They were uncomfortable but tried not to show it,
so they looked away.
So I tried my hand and walking in the castle!
But all threw the castle I heard of only the Heir,
not the Queen of the High Elves!
So I walked down to the Dungeness!
There I did not see her,
they have placed her in the oubliette
I could not find a way in to her,
she has been placed there to be forgotten
but I talked to her threw the floor!
I told her I would bring help,
and told her to hold on.
She sounded so week!
But on my way out
I stopped off at the Heirs chamber,
and pulled one of these
from a pile he was hiding!
It is in my chest plate reach in and get it.
The Heir called it a Dollar
How can a Death Dog
walk into the Castle? Hart was broken hearted
The High Elves had no
use for something so Evil
Elan reached inside his chest plate,
when something shock her like lightening!
She pulled her hand out quickly her fingers were scorched!
Hart picked up a pair of tongs, from his tray of silver instruments put on his rubber gloves he pulled out a slip of parchment.
Her fingers still felt scorched! Her hand numb!
She watched as he placed the parchment on the table
The image of the All Seeing Eye! Sprang out at her
She became aware of nothing at all but feeling warm and hazy, then she felt it. The Evil dark creeping, as her consciousness was pulled to the Magic Rune’s on the back of the thing the Death Dog called the Dollar
We have our own Currency
Why would he value
foreign Currency Over our own,
that could topple the Lands in Chaos.
And in ancient rune’s. above the image of the EYE
Invoking ANNUIT COEPTIS:
HE HAS CHOSEN
OUR QUEST,
Below the image
Invoking NOVOUS ORDO SELORUM
THE NEW ORDER
OF THE AGES,
Hart was speaking but she had not heard, as her heart beet against her ribs, drum!
THE MAGIC RUNES CALLED FOR HUMANITY to forget about Eden, the living Planet and why they had come. It used its power to separate Humanity from the Lving Planet using doubt, fear, and loneliness;
Promising that if Humans gave their REVERENCE & allegiance TO THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR, the power of the money would be enough to keep them safe, happy, and whole. They could not see the Dark Power in the magic runes at work WHAT A DIABOLICAL PLOT!
But who had put it there? Rollo had promised her he had removed The Eye from Humans reach, for he knew better then anyone, its Evil power, and it wanted her Dead!
she had an odd thought. What was wrong with THE EYE?!
When the Eye drawn to her like a moth to a flame,
The Eye had found her! But so was the Fury inside
She ran to the hearth, and grabbed her silver chest she tossed her seeing stones in her apron pocket. Fear was not her Friend, she thought but she felt it!
The All Seeing Eye had found her! Hart dropped a large Volume over the sinister thing to stop it from seeing her!
Hart grasped the tongs, and slipped them under the Volume, and clasped the Dollar, pulled it quickly, then slipped it into the box, and slammed it shut!
He put the silver box on the table near the large volume They sat in silence for a moment taking stock before they spoke! Hart spoke first
We know the Queen of the High Elves
is in Trouble, we know the Eye
is behind this Evil that has come.
And I know things will only get harder! Elan agreed
I will go to the Castle, She told Hart
and free the Queen,
but I will need your help Gamorg! . He agreed
She had sent the Builders codex of the Castles true design, with the Hidden ways that showed the oubliette with Squire, but she did not need the Codex
She knew them by Heart!
She got up and put on the travel cloak the Queen of the High Elves had given her.! Elan filled her pockets with things she would need free her and to bring her to Sanctuary for Hart to help Heal her!
She had kissed Hart for luck When The cat pounced down ready to follow her out. The Dog waited at the door.
Elan slipped from the cottage and went out to the banks of wild and savage raging river. A large snake of a river, which was formed by the hundred rivers, in the days before, now a vast canyon of water, so swift, a fast running, rush of water, moving from the Wall threw the lands to divide the rugged peaks of such beauty
She slung a rope from the Tree Squire had used to dig clay from the banks But she hung dangerously close to the water! Even the Cat worried, not knowing what she was doing!
She began to sing an eerie haunting Whisper into the water it was a sound like nothing they had heard her
As she hung over the edge of the bank, so close to the rushing water, whispering an Erie song into it. When the water began to boiled and Bubbled
The Death Dog, watched from the shadows as the water broke with bubbles and froth as a Kulpi came up to see her. She had called a Kulpi a Water-horse! Even the Cat was supervised !
8)
The Roc slowed he came to a graceful landing
not a feather out of place.
Squire fell from the Roc Laying on the cool smooth floor He wondered when he would die ! Covered in rubble, roots, dirt Bashed and battered Frozen to the bone He lay on the cool smooth floor unable to move for he had never felt so Terrible In All his LIFE!
‘Welcome’ The Voice that dose not speak greeted
Finsean had followed, Flying like he had never flown before, he no longer cared where they were going, he just wanted to fly but he saw The Roc had flipped as he spiralling down
The Roc slipped from sight.
The closer he got the more he could see the massive Ice Formation was a Frozen Volcano DOWN, DOWN, DOWN he went
Finsean had begun slowing Down past the thick layer of Ice that was a Volcano
Down past the thick layer of Ice that was the Mighty Frozen Tundra Down under rock .
Knowing that he must slow or soon come out the other side maybe? He watched with intense interest As he plummeted threw molten Lava.
It gave off a warm and rosy glow behind the thick layer of Ice.
As he continued to slow he wondered. How the molten hot lava, stayed behind walls of frozen Clear Ice . Wizardry?
There was a sickening smack as Finsean hit the smooth Ice floor. That came up out of no where He felt awful Every inch of him hurt ,he had never felt this poor Finsaen caught sight of the ROC Not a feather out of place Unruffled, unflustered he stood beaming ,like a Cheshire Cat
Finsean was irritated Until he caught sight of Squire His irritation soften to good Humour when he saw Squire.
Squire trying to wobble on all fours! His arms and legs in a knot his face bulging green Squire was going to be sick! Finsean would have laughed but he hurt to much.
Squire gathered his wits And take back control of his body He struggled, but it was coming back to him . After a few moments of composer, he tyred to speak. Hoping to keep in what was in his stomach,
Finsean Being a large War Bird he liked open spaces like the sky Not tunnels deep underground walls of Ice holding back molten lava
‘Fire and Ice’
‘Where are we?’
Watch Listen and Learn!
Was all the Old Bird said then Disappeared
Squire stood baffled the Roc knew
The Ancients Proverb ?
Bruised, battered and filthy, covered with ground-in dirt, rock and roots
Tired, Starving and, now Frozen
They stood alone In the Labyrinth
The Trial of Fire and Ice!
Squire heard his Grandfather he was humming the Riddle Song! he tried to remember the words. He perked up Then took his bearings. Humming he endeavoured to remember the words to the Riddle Song his Grandfather had taught him
Squire had become rooted to the floor His eyes darting about as he remembered the words that would allow them to Navigate Safely threw Labyrinth.
And looking at the Labyrinth of Fire and Ice, he began to understand as he kept humming along He added a word or two along with the humming
Finsean had been talking to him but He had not hear a word
Well Mate’
We better not drop this Mt
I can not swim in Lava’
Can you’?
A Gathering had been called!
Preparations were underway as Myreal Wove between knots of people, with a large basket on her head. The warm smell of fresh baked buns, filled the air
The Alabaster Hall glowed a warm and welcoming, blush of colour threw the opaque stone. The glow from the blazing Fire that burned in the Hearth, shining threw the walls of such beauty In and out of the Great Hall. Life Was abuzz!
Friends Gathering standing in clusters to speak of times to come. But those who had come early were Talking of Life that had gone by since they had last met, Love filled the Air, as families reunited
Others with projects in hand smiled as she passed , their gaze drawn in by the inviting smell and the smile of a most Beautiful Lass
She made her way smiling and carrying, the basket wrapped in warm linen, to the The Alabaster Hall , for the Gathering feast. Always watching for her chance, and Cayman.
Myreal was on her toes, the mood was good, ! The love was so thick in the air, she could taste it like smell of fresh baked bread she carried
But she had other plans as she went in and out of the gathering crowd. Her eyes missed nothing, as she searched for Cayman
She was Going! She told herself, thought she had no idea why ? That was why she told no one. Not even Cayman, she could not explain.
She had known she was going? Even Before the Gathering, had been called. Searching for what she needed to go. until now she could not find it
She had seen it near the High Table. When she was sent to count the incoming tally, her mother did not want to be short on baked goods for everyone. So Myreal had volunteered to be their runner for the Day! Always watching for her chance, and Cayman.
She felt the Danger, she was young, not mindless. She could feel the Danger all about
Her, and as of this day, The day of her birth. she was old enough. She could make her own choice.
But she wished she knew why, and if it was her choice? In true she told herself.
She felt the need to go, like The Living Planet needs the Sun, she could feel it burning in her. She felt the pull to her Will, like the moon pulls the Tides, it had its grip in her. But still it was more!
Her will to Protect, had sparked, and it grew.
she would not hear the word No from no one, not even Cayman,! Fire twinkled in her eyes
Where was he? She felt the need of his endless courage. Then she thought of his eyes, and knew, it was better, she not see him.
She did not want to put those she loved in the Danger, she felt hover out of sight
But until she could find the Tome, she was staying, for it was the gateway she needed
And the Dragon Clan kept the Tome quite hidden. For she had looked, and looked and looked.
Her heart had quickened when she had seen it,
It was on the Silver Podium but the Great Hall was filled with People. It had been all day. Her eyes were searching for a way to sign it before the hour they take it back to its hiding place.
She entered the Great Hall As she had done a hundred times that day But this time it was Empty! No one about, No one looking She slipped threw the air at the speed of light tossing the basket on the High table like a stone
There it was. The Tome of Ancient Rites It had been brought out for the Gathering, she knew this was her only chance. She sprung up to the Silver Podium, where the Ancient Tome lay open to an empty page
Grabbing the quill like it Would save her life She filled the quill with ink Myreal quickly Scribbled her True Name In the Tome of Ancient Rites
She wondered what it was that made her so pleased to see the Gathering called. She had never been to one. Scribbling her True Name
she knew
Since her birth there had been no Gatherings, and the Dragon Clan kept themselves to themselves.
Now something was happening, she had felt like a fool, as she felt the driving need to go. now, the Gathering had been called. And the Tome was within her grasp! She signed it
Before anyone could see her she darted from the Silver Podium out of the Alabaster Halls Grand Doors Out the Great Hall, to the large Hedge bordering the Village, She stayed to the long shadows, Hidden and out of sight
She knew The Carillon the Ancient Tome Bell would ring out, The whispers would start! Whispers turn to chatter! Charter would turned to talk. She was not interested in talking
Myreal slipped behind her mum who was bringing up the last of the baking people to enter the Great Hall buzzing with excitement
Love is not week! Love has endured threw all time. Love is the Heart of Creation, and it burned in her heart! For there was a burning that had ignited into flames! She was going!
2)
Squires mum stood outside, in the glooming looking up at darkening Sky’s. She had goose bumps on her goose bumps. As a feeling of dread rose in her.
She felt eyes boring into her back she felt they were burning threw her. She was about to turn to face it, when the Shadow slipped by her un-seen hidden from sight. Suddenly she was facing Massive and deadly fangs. a large savage snarling muzzle filled with wicked teeth.
The shadow had solid teeth she thought. As her heart skipped a beat. A cold chill swept by her and she had a moment she thought she would be sick!
“I wish you would not do that!
You gave me such a fright!
She scowled then relaxed knowing it was Gamorg, though she knew she would have to wait for her heart to stop banging, and her stomach to turned right side out.
The shadow de-cloaked from the shadows he had been, but the smile was still on his face.
She looked at him, the massive Death Dog, Squire had carried home believing it had been a damaged Bear Cub, who had fallen off a cliff. He had never seen a Death Dog up close. Nether had his family who had healed him. It was his mum that discovered he was a dog!
He put his cold nose into her warm palm, to remind her he was a dog, the dog who’s life she saved. She petted his head and scratched his ears. He was sorry to have frightened her.
But he had followed the lad, and he was still alive! He could not stop smiling!
She could feel his cold nose pressed to her hand his life pulsing into hers, he was a dog she remembered at that touch, and Mans best Friend She watched as he tried not to smile, but he could not help his heart. Squire was well and he knew it. He was smiling
Its alright,
you can smile for me The Death Dog sat very close to her as
I feel like I want to cry! she searched the sky
Squire is well he told her.
For he had not forgotten how the lad had lifted him up, and brought him into the Light and his home to be healed. Nor did he forget that this women saved him with Hart as they had reset his broken bones and knitted his wounds, and pulled poison from his blood.
And when the time came and Squire had named him. A man from Afar had come! He told them All , he was a Death Dog, razed with malice and spite. They had never seen any mercy, so they gave none! He was a Death Dog came the cry, he must Die! Squire mum said No!
Now he felt the trouble, Evil wanted her dead, he could feel the danger she was in! She needed help! And he would see that she got it. For Evil wanted her He knew , But why he could not say, by her side he would stay. And he wanted her to know that if Evil came, it would have to get past him. If Evil Came HE would be Evils DOOM!
He stopped smiling and looked about him He looked to the barnyard friends who had gathered, Keep Up the Good Work, I Had Trouble Getting In!
Lets go inside
Quickly he said!
They are coming
He could still hear the voice of Evil, his old master whispered in his ear. But here he had No Master, here he had Humans that he loved, and he would protect as a Dog’s Sacred Charge
Hart who had been pouring over scrolls and volumes looking for something that would help! Got up from the chair in the study, he was angry, he was tired, he was livid beyond belief! When she came in with the Death Dog, and told him what the dog has said!.
Let them Come !
Let them Explain!
why a Mt has fallen on my SON!
His voice was pitched into the winds and carried! Back up the gorged out valley of the rushing waters, Amplified with the Pixies help, Harts grief and anguish was sent to the Castle of Knelsolawn advancing as it went! The Pixie wanted the Castle to think the Lads truly were dead, and nothing said it more then Harts Grief!
The Pixie could see his pain was for the Great Mt that had died! And his anguish over its fall on his son was real! And she used it!
Nestled down up in the Sacred Oak! Where she observed Harts wailing cry! The pixie had sent the winds that carried Harts Grief to the Castle She was a clever little fairy creature, even if she looked, as a wee lad-dy, of 3 or 4.
Then Quickly to the Castle of Knelsolawn where she knew the Heir was holding Court! She watched with intensity working her Pixie Magic The decision of who was to escort the Heir to Sanctuary?! To Arrest Squire and Finsean was becoming very amusing!
The Pixie made Harts wailing cry, caught up in the Wind! Building As the Lands of Aradon cried along with His grief, for those whom they had Loved were gone! As was their most treasured Mt!
Harts wailing cry, was heard by the Elves in their Court! As The Lands of Aledon cried along! No Elves would take the post,
But the Heir was demanding they take him until Now!
The Elves in their Court heard the Heart felt cries of a Man they had known! It sent a fierce chill down into the Merroo of their Bones! The decision was made the Heir stood alone!
None of them were going with the Heir to the Sanctuary, to arrest anyone!
The Heir could see them all back peddling He no longer wished to go to Sanctuary, Or see the Lads family face to face, and Alone! Or to try to seize them for Questioning
They must be Dead the Heir pronounced, with his Royal seal
And in the shadows was a wee chap, no one had seen or noticed ,the Hoydenish Little Pixie! In a fit of silent Giggles. Though she had never been more pleased, she did not tarry long! She was a busy little Pixie ,and she had work to do! She vanished!
3)
Tobar stood on the Scared Shadow Mts as the mists rolled in the Glooming, a curtain of privacy held, as he became lost in thoughts the Heavens filled with stars all tucked gently out of sight. He could not help but smile!
Tobar stood leaning against his old friend and asked what he thought?!
His friend was the silent type he knew, most trees had a thick Bark, but his friends kind had thin skin! And not much Bark at all But Tobar could feel a surge of Hope run threw him. Then heard
The Old Guard,
those of the Ancients
those who had more names
for Trees then trees themselves.
I had thought The Ancients,
were gone!
The Tree Was filled with Hope he was
Feeling something he had not felt for a very long time. As the Darkness grew, the Tree had begun to trembled at the thought
Evil has entered the lands of Aledon! And an ill wind blows for No Man, whispered in the Dead of Night. Manley Mt has fallen!
Dark Power now taints the once pure air. The scent lingers. They can taste it in the wind, as it carries the poison past their eyes. They felt drained unseen in the night as the Dark Power steals their Will Some feel uneasy, others quit ill! in the Dominion of Fear they pretend not to see Evil is Here!
Evil had breached the Boundary’s of the Dragons Teeth! How long would the Dark Power take to Destroy the Natural beauty that were the Lands of Aledon? Before it was to late!
Or was it to late already?! That is how they had felt just a fortnight before, when they Called for a Gathering
Or so we hope said his friend. Tobar who was as old as he was. Agreed Tobar did not have many friends outside of Dragons that could live as long.
He had a sad moment when he thought how short Human Lives are!
But the Strength of their Love
is Boundless, And I Felt Human Magic
Like I have not felt since
the Days of Merlyn!
Tobar had to agree! With a Wicked Smile
Humans were amazing. The Human Magic he had felt he Aided without thought Feeling the Love and the Will to Protect
He could do no less!
Tobar had missed his old Friends, The Old Guard! And like all Humans of this time, He had, thought the Old Guard were Gone, passed down to Legends and Myths, No Heros left in the World, Just Men, who want it all before their short time is up! For it had been but a blink in time, that Humans were killing the Living Planet, their Home!
But his friend had felt it too, Human Magic, that was formed with the 3 Gifts of Creation to Humanity! The Old Guard! The Tree Could Feel the Love! he told Tobar!
This is no mistake
Humans had fallen to the Dark Power
I know if a Human
caught sight of ME,
their eyes would glaze over with Desire,
as they Cut ME down, chopped me up,
and sold me for Gold or Power,
for I too listened to the winds
as they share’s the worlds news
I know that I am Now
the last of My Kind!
But that was Real Human Magic
the Power of Love, the Will to Protect!
And That was unexpected!
But Much Welcomed
the Sacred Mts can still feel it!
The Rock about my roots
tingles and twitches with the excitement of Love!
For they felt the Great Mt Manley Go,
Evil Tobar Evil!
But the wind told me a secret
that only you had known
On the Marker there were Wings?
Old Friend? The Tree asked again, hopeful!
Yes ! a Beautiful Set of Wings
to Match those of the Sword! Tobar Said with a wicked Smile!
4)
Hart had felt Evil pressing in all around them. In the Lands of Aledon , Edens last refuge. Hart could feel it! Evil had found its way here.
Born High Priest of the Ancients Everlasting~, he saw the people stumble in the Dark Power that was growing, lost to the Void that the Frightened them to give up their Free Will!
Hart was a Healer, and knew without the Will to live, Humans Die! Lost to the bleak Void of nothingness
Trapped into following a Prophecy that been altered
He heard in the back of his mind, Rollo, who would laugh, and said
“Remember the Trojan Horse.
Be weary of Greeks bearing Gifts!”
Hart remembered When Rollo had taken him to the People of the Sands. Where he found the crack in the wall just big enough to squiz threw, and deep under the ground he found the cut rock chamber.
He remembered the first sight of the painted walls they filled him with awe and wonder. Painted to move in the flickering light of the dancing flames. As he saw things he had only Dreamed of! There he saw what he had been seeking The Prophecy The Ending was missing;
The Reckoning, when Humanity awakens from the Evil curse cast like a Black spell over them . To Save the Living Planet!
The Nexus, The Next Us! When Humanity Joins the Heavenly Host, those who live among the Stars to a Celebration of Life at the End of the Heavenly Procession,
His eyes had been opened! He had found what he had been looking for all his life! The answer to why the Prophecy was so disturbing, like threats from an angry Man, not the Heralding befitting Life, Love, Creation, and the Human Spirit.
Hart Felt it So Profoundly The Reckoning was coming. The curse Evil cast upon Humans to forget, who they were. World Builders! Keepers Guardians, Champions for the Living Planet Evil could hid the 3 Gifts from Creation, threw the Dark Shroud that was growing.
But Evil could not take the 3 Gifts AWAY!
The Voice that Does Not Speak ! The Voice of Creation within us all, will never leave the Human Spirit alone to fight Evil . But together with The 3 Gifts
1) The Power to Know Right from Wrong!
2) The Power to Dream
3) The Power of Humans to
Build Everything they Dream
(Humans Build Even hell, if they are not in control)
The responsibly of Power
Hart needed to Re-Awaken the People of Eden to the Knowledge of the 3 Gifts in Humanity!
But How he wondered?
As he watched Elan as she closed and locked the Shutters then turned and latched the doors, He knew!
This was a Council of War!
5)
Élan went to the Hearth and picked out the largest teapot! She swung the Kettle’s arm back over the flame to boil, it was already hot, she pulled down a large bowl and 2 cups. The Death Dog broke out in a massive smile, they all winced even the cat!
The Death Dog was so excited, Squire was alive and he loved Tea with Milk and Honey!
He thought if he started his account now, he would be done just as his tea would be ready. He started
I am So pleased to report!
Squire is Alive!,
he has flown off with the Roc,.
Thou I thought I saw
them go over the Wall! ?
They are not in Danger
I can feel it!
I was on the far side by the Castle
I had followed,
Squire and his best mate
as they Flew off!
I can still hear the Voice of Evil
that called itself my Master.
I could smell the Evil taint the Air!
Following the smell of Evil,
as I heard my old master
talking to someone!,
I wanted to know who?
When the avalanche occurred,
I saw both lads
with my own eyes,
they were righteous
They set the Safety markers
for the fast moving Coaches both sides
Before they left
hidden by the mists
that came for them!
But since I was so close to the Heir
I thought it would be worth a wee look!
The Heir will be coming!
To see if the Lads are here
to Ashamed to show their faces
after Killing Manley Mt!
Not any more Purred the Cat, with a look of Satisfaction of one who knew all! It made the Death Dog angry, even known it was not truly a Cat until he told himself she was on Squires side! He listened, and began to smile wider!
The Pixie used Hart’s cry!
She pitched him Grief on the Winds
it grew on the way to the Castle!
Voices of Loss rang out over the Lands
the winds pitched the,
Wails that began as they turned to Blusters
Whimpers turned to cry’s of such Anguish!
Mewls Moans and Sob sweep up into a Squall
Blusters turned to Screams
A Storm Howled as the Voices transformed,
Shrieks, Shrill on the Winds
fired Squalls, at the Castle Walls
The Elves in the Castle heard the Warning on the Winds,
Not one would come to Sanctuary to Arrest the Lads.
Or take into custody
his Family for Questioning!
There was not a Elev who was not stricken to the Bone,
the cry’s of anguish, from a Human!
A Man they had all known,
As the Quiet Healer.
The Cat Gave Hart, an odd stair, as thou she saw him Dawn his Formal Robes High Priests of Ancients standing before her for the first time!
Then she laughed. With the Knowledge no one else had yet known! Hart felt suddenly exposed, and Naked
NOTE The full story of the Rock cut, is big has the Evil returned 1st Mummy made, Osiris the un-dead Not sure it goes here or later?
6)
Tobar remembered waking as the Ice Age was over in time to see it all! How Humans defeated the Evil, that Humanity faced. His friend was there he remembered,
The Queen of the Change, with such Love
Tobar knew this to be true, and until then, he would have said, that his friend had been right, Humans had fallen to Evil. And so quickly too! The Desire to take it all or destroy what the Living Planet! Was pure Evil
The two old friends talked with such hope in them, that neither had seen in long time! They spoke as old friends do when excited with a sudden event until it was time for Tobar to start the Official Council of the Gathering. But instead of feeling he was up against it, as he had. He had a grand thought! And smiled!
Evil was feeling strong It had the upper hand But Evil Must forgotten about the Dragons, for why Evil believed Dragons would live under ANY rule was Humorous! It seemed the Dragons would be helping the Humans after all!
Tobar leaning against his old friend stood His scales of midnight blue sparkled like the Heavens that were clearing behind him. The Dragon Clan had Gathered!
Tobar looked out among the Stars his grand and noble head thrown back as Thunderous and Savage Roar that sounded like a sudden storm upon the winds Rumbling as it cracked like Thunder across the Lands .
A Call to Life his Old friend had not heard since the day Merlyn had Tobar and Rollo plant him here on this spot,
And the Call to Life was Answered! He had declared War on Evil, to save the last of the Old Guard the Humans he had loved as his own, those who would Save the Living Planet. The Dragon Clan answered With a Sound his old friend had never heard!
The Dragon Clan had Gathered alive with surge of life, they were ready for War!
Dragon Clan Style
The Tree was vibrating with anticipation!
An Old Guard ,he hoped, and preyed. To bring back the Voice of Humanity, before it is too late!
7)
I had no trouble near the Castle.
I felt it worth a try I showed myself
The Death Dog had said.
I showed myself to 3 different Elves.
They were uncomfortable but tried not to show it,
so they looked away.
So I tried my hand and walking in the castle!
But all threw the castle I heard of only the Heir,
not the Queen of the High Elves!
So I walked down to the Dungeness!
There I did not see her,
they have placed her in the oubliette
I could not find a way in to her,
she has been placed there to be forgotten
but I talked to her threw the floor!
I told her I would bring help,
and told her to hold on.
She sounded so week!
But on my way out
I stopped off at the Heirs chamber,
and pulled one of these
from a pile he was hiding!
It is in my chest plate reach in and get it.
The Heir called it a Dollar
How can a Death Dog
walk into the Castle? Hart was broken hearted
The High Elves had no
use for something so Evil
Elan reached inside his chest plate,
when something shock her like lightening!
She pulled her hand out quickly her fingers were scorched!
Hart picked up a pair of tongs, from his tray of silver instruments put on his rubber gloves he pulled out a slip of parchment.
Her fingers still felt scorched! Her hand numb!
She watched as he placed the parchment on the table
The image of the All Seeing Eye! Sprang out at her
She became aware of nothing at all but feeling warm and hazy, then she felt it. The Evil dark creeping, as her consciousness was pulled to the Magic Rune’s on the back of the thing the Death Dog called the Dollar
We have our own Currency
Why would he value
foreign Currency Over our own,
that could topple the Lands in Chaos.
And in ancient rune’s. above the image of the EYE
Invoking ANNUIT COEPTIS:
HE HAS CHOSEN
OUR QUEST,
Below the image
Invoking NOVOUS ORDO SELORUM
THE NEW ORDER
OF THE AGES,
Hart was speaking but she had not heard, as her heart beet against her ribs, drum!
THE MAGIC RUNES CALLED FOR HUMANITY to forget about Eden, the living Planet and why they had come. It used its power to separate Humanity from the Lving Planet using doubt, fear, and loneliness;
Promising that if Humans gave their REVERENCE & allegiance TO THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR, the power of the money would be enough to keep them safe, happy, and whole. They could not see the Dark Power in the magic runes at work WHAT A DIABOLICAL PLOT!
But who had put it there? Rollo had promised her he had removed The Eye from Humans reach, for he knew better then anyone, its Evil power, and it wanted her Dead!
she had an odd thought. What was wrong with THE EYE?!
When the Eye drawn to her like a moth to a flame,
The Eye had found her! But so was the Fury inside
She ran to the hearth, and grabbed her silver chest she tossed her seeing stones in her apron pocket. Fear was not her Friend, she thought but she felt it!
The All Seeing Eye had found her! Hart dropped a large Volume over the sinister thing to stop it from seeing her!
Hart grasped the tongs, and slipped them under the Volume, and clasped the Dollar, pulled it quickly, then slipped it into the box, and slammed it shut!
He put the silver box on the table near the large volume They sat in silence for a moment taking stock before they spoke! Hart spoke first
We know the Queen of the High Elves
is in Trouble, we know the Eye
is behind this Evil that has come.
And I know things will only get harder! Elan agreed
I will go to the Castle, She told Hart
and free the Queen,
but I will need your help Gamorg! . He agreed
She had sent the Builders codex of the Castles true design, with the Hidden ways that showed the oubliette with Squire, but she did not need the Codex
She knew them by Heart!
She got up and put on the travel cloak the Queen of the High Elves had given her.! Elan filled her pockets with things she would need free her and to bring her to Sanctuary for Hart to help Heal her!
She had kissed Hart for luck When The cat pounced down ready to follow her out. The Dog waited at the door.
Elan slipped from the cottage and went out to the banks of wild and savage raging river. A large snake of a river, which was formed by the hundred rivers, in the days before, now a vast canyon of water, so swift, a fast running, rush of water, moving from the Wall threw the lands to divide the rugged peaks of such beauty
She slung a rope from the Tree Squire had used to dig clay from the banks But she hung dangerously close to the water! Even the Cat worried, not knowing what she was doing!
She began to sing an eerie haunting Whisper into the water it was a sound like nothing they had heard her
As she hung over the edge of the bank, so close to the rushing water, whispering an Erie song into it. When the water began to boiled and Bubbled
The Death Dog, watched from the shadows as the water broke with bubbles and froth as a Kulpi came up to see her. She had called a Kulpi a Water-horse! Even the Cat was supervised !
8)
The Roc slowed he came to a graceful landing
not a feather out of place.
Squire fell from the Roc Laying on the cool smooth floor He wondered when he would die ! Covered in rubble, roots, dirt Bashed and battered Frozen to the bone He lay on the cool smooth floor unable to move for he had never felt so Terrible In All his LIFE!
‘Welcome’ The Voice that dose not speak greeted
Finsean had followed, Flying like he had never flown before, he no longer cared where they were going, he just wanted to fly but he saw The Roc had flipped as he spiralling down
The Roc slipped from sight.
The closer he got the more he could see the massive Ice Formation was a Frozen Volcano DOWN, DOWN, DOWN he went
Finsean had begun slowing Down past the thick layer of Ice that was a Volcano
Down past the thick layer of Ice that was the Mighty Frozen Tundra Down under rock .
Knowing that he must slow or soon come out the other side maybe? He watched with intense interest As he plummeted threw molten Lava.
It gave off a warm and rosy glow behind the thick layer of Ice.
As he continued to slow he wondered. How the molten hot lava, stayed behind walls of frozen Clear Ice . Wizardry?
There was a sickening smack as Finsean hit the smooth Ice floor. That came up out of no where He felt awful Every inch of him hurt ,he had never felt this poor Finsaen caught sight of the ROC Not a feather out of place Unruffled, unflustered he stood beaming ,like a Cheshire Cat
Finsean was irritated Until he caught sight of Squire His irritation soften to good Humour when he saw Squire.
Squire trying to wobble on all fours! His arms and legs in a knot his face bulging green Squire was going to be sick! Finsean would have laughed but he hurt to much.
Squire gathered his wits And take back control of his body He struggled, but it was coming back to him . After a few moments of composer, he tyred to speak. Hoping to keep in what was in his stomach,
Finsean Being a large War Bird he liked open spaces like the sky Not tunnels deep underground walls of Ice holding back molten lava
‘Fire and Ice’
‘Where are we?’
Watch Listen and Learn!
Was all the Old Bird said then Disappeared
Squire stood baffled the Roc knew
The Ancients Proverb ?
Bruised, battered and filthy, covered with ground-in dirt, rock and roots
Tired, Starving and, now Frozen
They stood alone In the Labyrinth
The Trial of Fire and Ice!
Squire heard his Grandfather he was humming the Riddle Song! he tried to remember the words. He perked up Then took his bearings. Humming he endeavoured to remember the words to the Riddle Song his Grandfather had taught him
Squire had become rooted to the floor His eyes darting about as he remembered the words that would allow them to Navigate Safely threw Labyrinth.
And looking at the Labyrinth of Fire and Ice, he began to understand as he kept humming along He added a word or two along with the humming
Finsean had been talking to him but He had not hear a word
Well Mate’
We better not drop this Mt
I can not swim in Lava’
Can you’?
Part 1 of Dragon Lore chronicles
The Legend of Heroes
from Dawn of a New Age,
Vol. 5 of the Dragon Lore Chronicles
from Eden’s Story
Copyright © 2005 All Rights Reserved by E. M. S. Cohen
Movie Version Copyright © 2007 All Rights Reserved by E. M. S. Cohen
OPENING Scene
0.1
[ 1st image: The Vast Empty unknown Heavens]
Names and Titles twinkle on and off
during opening credits
Narrator:
“Deep, Deep into space, Past the Outer Rim,”
0.2
[ 2nd image: The Vast fantastic known Heavens]
Filled with awesome looking planets
Names and Titles twinkle on and off
during opening credits
Narrator:
“Wrapped in a blanket of Love,
tucked safely, out of harms way.”
0.3
[ 3rd image: The Vast fantastic known Heavens Closer Look]
Filled with awesome planets
Names and Titles twinkle on and off
during opening credits
Narrator:
The Living Planet’ called Eden
Hung in the Heavens like a Jewel’
0.4
[ 4th image: The Fantastic view of Our Planet]]
Names and Titles twinkle on and off during opening credits
Narrator:
‘‘
But the Evil that Hates and Destroys All Life,
That hides in the Black Hole’‘ had found her!
Scene ONE
[ Image 1.1]
Scene opens in the Singing Forrest where there are no real Trees, only Divas, some call the En-wives. They have made a clearing about THE Great Boulder, the only boulder in the Forrest that does not move..as Divas caught up in a moment of anticipation sing with Hushed tones!
Narrator:
Our Tale, begins on the Living Planet
at the Roll-Off in the Singing Forrest’
‘As a fast and furious game was being played.’
‘But as we look’
‘There is no one in sight!’
[ Image 1.2]
A large Granite Boulder broke from the Trees
hurling through the clearing,
Heading to the Great Boulder
[ no one in sight]
[ Image 1.3]
The Granite Boulder unfolded
Expanding at deadly speed as it rolled!
Becoming a Rock Troll
Bolting to the empty Great Boulder
Still No one else in sight
[ Image 1.4 ]
The Rock Troll ready to leap up to claim his Victory. His large stone hand, still resting on the Boulder where he was ready to spring up to the top, instead he just stood, Froze dead in his tracks with the look of Loathing in his eyes! As he witnessed, the Heir appear before him
’POOF’ upon the Great Boulder, holding the Royal Banner from the Castle.
[ Image 1.5 ]
THE HEIR;
“Victory!!”
The Rock Troll was filled with Resentment. As he watched the Heir announce ‘Victory!’ And wave his Royal Banner, in the air, as thou he were King! And it was his due!
[ Image 1.6
But a surprising look of excitement advanced across The Rock Trolls eyes, as he watched, the Royal Banner, float up out of the Heir’s hand and into the sky, as a mud soaked familiar bandana exploded, leaving the sodden rag laying on the Boulder, as a matching pair of mud soaked feet touched down attached to filthy Human Lad who cried out
“Is OURS!”
with a sense of satisfaction in his voice. And grinning like a Cheshire Cat
[ Image 1,7
THE HEIR to the throne of the Castle of Knelsolawn where the Queen of the High Elves Sat. Appeared Dressed in his finest, like a Dandy from Court, now splattered head to boot with mud. He sent furious looks at The Rock Troll. Looks that could have killed! If the Rock Troll had thinner skin it might have!
[ Image 1.8
‘Good Try Mate’
‘Excellent Game’
‘keeping everyone on their toes’ Squire whispered to the Heir. He had seen the Heir cheat just below him [as he hung from his Rigging he had placed in the Diva standing closely behind the Boulder] The Heir had appeared out of nowhere. Showing himself a bold charlatan. not even making the pretense of caring for the ancient custom of touching his marker to the Boulder to Win
[ Image 1.9
Boulders rolling in, unfolding into Rock Trolls
As the Elves begin to pouring into the clearing. All eyes forward on the Heir
Squire the Human Lad covered in dirt, mud and leaves tugged on his rigging. [ He set up in what looked like trees above the Boulder.
The Royal Banner came down gently and clean
un-splattered with mud, as he offered it back to the Heir. Politely
[ Image 1.10
The Heir who-would-be-King, refusing to look at the Human Lad. Refusing even to admit he was there.
A Silence Fell like a Hammer Blow! As both sides gathered to see what was going on. For this was no ordinary game, the tension felt heavy in the air. oppressive harsh and onerous
Squire, the Human Lad, turned his eyes down to Gronk to see what he should do. For he dearly wanted to punch the revolting, pompous little git! But he held his silence, and his fist!
[ Image 1.11
The Rock Troll was angry, his eyes ablaze turned to The Heir to see THE Royal Banner slide off the Bolder down into the Mud!
[ Image 1.12
Squire felt something cold and icy slither past his skin as he had been looking to Gronk
[the Commander of the Rock Trolls siding]
Squire turned to see THE Royal Banner down in the Mud!His face went HOT his ears burn his anger grew
[ Image 1.13
Squire looked straight into the eyes .of the Heir A shudder runs through him one Ice cold bead of sweat trickle down his spineIce water filled his veins he thought he might be sick! He lost track of Time! How long had he been starring, as he felt shiver afer shiver, puzzled he wondered if he could stop?
[ Image 1.14
The HEIR pulled back his gaze He did not like A Human standing equal to him! Or looking in his eyes!
THE HEIR; He spoke like a Warlord A Tyrant
‘We shall call this Giving Orders
a Cat’s Paw’
‘No One will win!’
[ Image 2.0
With an arrogant swish The HEIR leaped off the Great Boulder like a Peacock. But He failed to notice that all eyes were on the soiled, and soddened Royal Banner still laying in the Mud, Abandoned, and not on him
[ Image 2.1
The Strutting conceit of the HEIR swaggering across the clearing, unaware he was. Alone! Was repulsive to them all! No one was following, not even his own squad!
[ Image 2.2
They were all looking at the Royal Banner laying there soiled and abandoned. To lose face before the others, was more then the High Elves could endure! their leader had soiled their own flag! Gronk leap up onto the Great Boulder standing proudly by Squire Gronk’s passion ignites
[ Image 2.3
Gronk’s rugged voice rumbled livid.but controlled. His hatred growing with every argent step the Heir swaggered alone across the clearing. his back to them all! The Tension building as he thundered .
‘Elve -who- would be-KING!’
‘WE, The Rock Trolls,
THE SOLE KEEPERS,
OF THE GREAT GAME,
Denounce THOSE WHO DO NOT RESPECT
THE Royal BANNER
and once denounced
you may never participate in the Games again!
[ Image 2.4
The Heir slowed, Then turned with such contempt to find them all bring their eyes up from the mud, to see Gronk take up his Royal Rank as Keeper of the Great Game! He gave them all such an ugly look, they all knew was a threat! As the Heir realized he stood alone!
But he spoke only to Squire
THE HEIR:
‘ So, H-e-w-mann,
IF YOU THINK YOUR SO CLEVER,
PUT YOUR MARKER on Mt . Manley
Higher then mine IF YOU CAN!’
‘AFTER ALL, YOU ARE ---ONLY HU-MAN’
[ Image 3.0
Squire’s face burned with Humiliation as his anger grew. But still he held his tongue. He knew this was now personal. But he knew not to add it to the Rock Trolls problem with the Heir As he felt a burning take hold, he had never felt before
A blue mood fell over everyone For they all knew trouble was coming. Everyone waiting for the other shoe to drop
[ Image 3.0
The Heirs Squad gathered in Elvish style
They were devastated be the Heir’s conduct
The Elves asked The Rock Trolls and Squire to stay.They performed a Ceremony Burning The Royal Banner
It was a dignified Ritual [the Heir who would be King
[Now dead to the Elves of his Squad
[ Image 3.0
The Burning of the Banner meant Trouble ahead, they all knew! Thought the Heir could never be in a Roll-Off He was still The Heir! Who would be King! as he barked orders to the Court like a Warlord a Tyrant! Making Everyone jump! Out of Fear!
[ Image 3.0
Gronk looked about him. The Rock Trolls, his siding were ready he thought they were on there toes He wanted everyone’s input when they got on their home soil, The Heir had forced this Roll-off then he had openly cheated without remorse when caught. What was he up to? Something was going on! But What? He needed to learn
[ Image 3.0
Elves sang of the history of their
Royal Banner 10,000.years
Squire was sure
they sang every year He thought
As he stood in silence, his mind was thinking , he had known of Gronk’s plight. That was why he was playing, he was no Rock Troll. But they were one man short, and the Heir was forcing them to play,
[ Image 4.0
The Ceremony was Over. the Banner Burned! Everyone weary of what was to come Even the Divas were singing a blue song As the Forrest mewled a lament, all life seemed hushed and saddened
But Waiting for the ceremony to finally come to an end a War Bird Known as Sentinel signaled for a landing
Elves could lament forever,
I have A better end
to their Ceremony he had thought
[ Image 4.0
He Circled Alive with enthusiasm The near 6 feet tall Black War Bird landed doing His impersonation of the Heir. .
[ Image 4.0
He was marvelous.an amazing mimic. Finsean was Squires best mate and he had a look about him, the one that meant Something fun is in the works It had lightened the mood for anyone, the Elves were smiling,Finesan all but made them a vow..He would convince Squire, to give the Heir the comeuppance he deserved
[ Image 4.0
The Elves had burned the Royal Banner as is proper, for High Elves, it had been soiled but the Heir was now dead to them. There was trouble brewing in the Elves camp Squire could tell, but the High Elves held the Thrown and the Castle of Knelsolawn, it was starting to smell fishy. Not just Gronk had trouble with the Heir The list was growing quickly
[ Image 4.0
Gronk had come up to Squire Concerned for his Safety
Do not take this challenge!
There is a nastiness about the Heir
and all of his dealings!
[ Image 4.0
One of the Elves came in private to say Goodby
They had not known each other long, but there was a friendship building And the Elve felt the need to warn him as they were readying to leave,
‘This challenge feels Odious!
Squire, do not take it on!
[ Image 5.1
Finsen flying Squire home sailing threw the cool clean skies, cooling the burn with the wind on Squire face. Flying free Squire relaxed Heading for the Old Stone Bridge and home
Until he noticed they were circling Mt Manley
When he heard Finsean
Toss your soggy mud rag
OVER HIS marker ’[Finsen laughed]
Neigh’ Squire; retorted in jest!
LETS us Make One
THAT WOULD LAST THE TEST OF TIME!’
[[ Image 5.2
Finsean still circling the Great Mt. sealed the deal
A BARGAIN THEN’ he said
‘WHAT BARGAIN?’ SQUIRE; A BITE ANNOYED!
[ Image 5.3
THAT YOU MAKE A MARKER ‘THAT WILL
weather Threw the Ages’
I
FLY YOU UP TO THE TOP’
to plant it!
For I DO NOT LIKE THIS ANTI-HUMAN SENTIMENT
‘’IN THE HEIR’ THIS Pretender to the throne‘
I DO NOT CARE FOR his TYRANT WAYS’
He needs a Good Comeuppance Squire!
Who better to serve it up then YOU!!
Deal ! Squire said
Finsean flew like the wind was on fire, the deal now sealed, he wanted Squire at the forge, building a Marker!
[ Image 6.0
Nestled in Sanctuary Squire set the Forge
While his friend took off his Tethers putting them up on the work bench absorbed in what he was doing. Finsean got busy cleaning and repairing his gear.
[ Image 6.1
Squire went out to the banks of the Raging River of the White Water Runoff that surrounded the spit of land known as the Misty Village, home of Sanctuary where he lived.
[ Image 6.2
He set his rigging, about the ancient apple tree that grew strong and supple, at the edge of rushing water. The rugged beauty of the place always made him smile as he lowered himself over the bank. About half way down was a excellent source of the clay he needed
[ Image 6.3
Clay filled his rucksack, as he placed it on the stump seat, and took up the silver basin, on his way to the Pigeon Coop.
They all flew down to see him, cooing their warm thoughts. He greeted them with treats As they watched him measure their droppings in the silver basin.
[ Image 6.4
Silver basin in hand, rucksack slung over his shoulder, he headed to the cottage, ..... he placed the basin, rucksack, and items he needed outside the cottage entry on the bench
[ Image 6.5 his Mum making tea inside in the Galley
I see,’ ‘your making your Grandfathers
magic blacksmith paste’‘Anything special?!’
‘ Just making something’ he tried to sound nonchalant
[ Image 6.6
would you like me to mix the honey,
milk and flour for you? She said got out a jar of seed cakes, putting them in a basket
‘No, I think I had better do this all myself
’she looked at him with suspicion he always said yes,
And handed him the basket of seed cakes and smiled
[ Image 7.0
Back at the forge he inspected it with satisfaction, then he got to work
Finsean was watching him from the corner of his eye, as he mixed the flour, milk and honey, in the Silver Basin like an alchemist. Then he added the Pigeon Droppings, until a twinkle came to his eye, and he stopped.
Squire enthusiasm was starting to show.
[ Image 7.1
Finsean was watching him threw the open shutters now, he was standing at the shed, the front was swung wide, to show the lumps of metal stored there out of the weather, as his best mate selected the right piece.
Squire picked out a large lump of metal it had been left to him by his Grandfather It was a special lump of metal, he said. Made of a mix of things from this side of the Vail, and the other, Star Metal he called it a gift from the Heavens To Squire’s Young Delight
That would do splendidly
[ Image 7.2
Squire checked the forge with the skill of a master once again, everything going smoothly
Finsean was watching, pleased to see Squire was taking this challenge very seriously.
But what amused him most was the way, he best mate, kept turning to talk to his grandfather Who was not there as he worked the forge, and selected his metal.
[ Image 7.3
He heated the lump of Star metal in the forge, then beat out the lump to a flat rod He dressed the Star metal with paste
wrapped and baked it in wet sheep skin As he gauged the forges heat
Now to creat a design’
While I bake the metal’
this will make the metal shine
and be twice as strong [He told Finsean]
[ Image 8.0
Squire walked about collecting volumes from the shelves
then tools, charts as he layed them all out on the long table
his Nose hidden by parchment Squire studied the pages, his mind filled with idea after idea. They kept coming to him, as he drew one design after another Finesaen worked on his spotless gear As he watched carful not to disturb Squires train of thought
[ Image 8.1
Finesaen had jumped at the small chime set by Squire.
Time to turn the Star Metal wrapped nestled in the Forge
‘Your like an Sentinel
with an Egg’ he teased him
[ Image 8.2
‘Do not jest at magic
you do not know’
life is life, and if you want it
balanced even and strong
you turn!’
Squire was feeling a Bit unsure he had never done this alone Squire set the Chime once again, and went back to creating
[ Image 8.3
He doodled with charcoal, there was a Symbol at the back of his mind trying to work its way out he felt it pulling at his heartstrings.He knew he wanted the Symbol he just needed to get it right.
Or did the Symbol want him
Said his Grandfather. When he felt someone watching
His Grandfather? He wondered agin
[ Image 8.4
Squire rose and drew the shutters he latched them. He drew the doors closed and bolted them shut.
Finsean could not of been more excited Squire meant business
no one is to see!
Ready to Work the clay he had dug, he whispered to Finsean
[ Image 9.0
Locked away more then a fortnight, going on two. Squire worked the Forge. Baking the Star Metal, and folding the steel 300 times for strength, then forged a Marker
he could be proud of!
[ Image 9.1
The village had heard of the Rock Trolls plight They had seen the anti-Human sentiment in the Heir
Squire locked in the Smithy for long over a fortnight had developed a rhythmic hammering. A pleasant sound, it gave a smile to all, and a light heart.
As they hummed along, doing their work with a quick and smart step The Peaceful Misty Village glowed with pride Looking forward to the comeuppance the heir deserved!!
[ Image 9.2
Pickels’ had never known her lad, to be shut away for such a time, even when he was very ill, he always sneaked out to see her! Or unbolt his shutters so she could keep her head inside with him
She bumped the doors with her back hoofs Just to hear him- yell for her- to stop
I am still alive’
Stop knocking’
I will let you see first Picekls’
‘If you , would let me finish’
[ Image 9.3
But the tiny the village fell back into step, to a warm and cozy feeling of home, wondering about the marker As night came on Everyone Noticed The hammering had stopped! Squire had finished!
[ Image 9.4
Squire put his finished marker, upon the workbench. He could feel his Grandfather again, checking his work
A knock came from the back door Squires Mum bearing gifts a hamper of goodies and their favorite foods and a gallon of fresh pressed Apple
[ Image 10.0
‘Can I ?‘come in?’ she said nicely, as she came threw the door breaing gifts Squires horse right behind her, she whinnied with pride as all the creatures tried to come in behind her
[ Image 10.1
Inside the workshop she felt at home breathing in the smell of hot steel she loved the Magic of the forge, and the workshop.
[ Image 10.2
She was putting the large hamper on the table. turned Frozen in place as her eyes Caught sight of Squires Marker
Hand Tooled between 2 wings the Symbol to call a Gathering
Did he know? She wondered
[ Image 10.3
She felt her father in the workshop, But she knew he had passed on. Still she marveled at the Marker But she saw Squires Grandfather ‘s hand in this and she knew her father was somewhere about!
After all he was a Dragon who had changed his skin, and who knew what powers Dragons had
[ Image 10.4
The Symbol to Call A Gathering
And the words he engraved by hand she read aloud
Squire only Human
It was a vision to her eyes,
But did he know, the Magic he would invoke?,
Did he know what he was doing?!
This Magic was so strong, something was about to happen, and she was not sure if she was ready for what was to come!
She felt a hint of Foreboding
[ Image 10.5
She turned to look at Squire, she looked deep into his eyes as she asked him
Do you know
what you are doing?! Not surprised to here him say
NO!
But I am going!
[ Image 11.0
Squires Mum unexpectedly Walked over to the Marker
And looked at it so carefully, as thou she was listening to it speak then touched it!
Finsean was watching he did not know why ,she had done something to the Marker.! Some kind of protective charm, he was guessing if it came from Squires mum! Then he realized she was gone!
[ Image 11.1
Tired and hunger, they quickly washed up, to celebrate. As their barnyard friends held a small parade just for them, as they were leaving. The two lads watched with joy that grew to excitement, they were feeling ready and strong! Thou it left Squire wondering
[ Image 11.2
Finsean was putting on pompous airs for fun
Well ‘my lad,’
It seems to me’,‘ that this very night’
is a monummentus occasion’
‘ toast I say’
Toast’
[ Image 11.3
Finsean holding tankards High in the air to touch]
A toast to US this night, using a pompous voice
Well Remembered Down thru the ages,
Sung generation to generations to come.
The Night Squire and Finesean
set their battle plans to give the
nasty Little Villain, the Heir!’
His comeuppance
with Humans’Ingenuity To us! They sang out in Triumph,! Yet won!
They sang songs told tall tails of how they were Heros in the making They were Legends to come! Squire looked about him he was getting an odd feeling! He was getting that prickly feeling, he knew something was wrong !
Then he heard
The Voice that Does Not Speak
Danger’
Do you really want to do this?
‘ Think again!’
Danger’
[ Image 12.0
Squire had known that something was wrong not just because Gronk, or the Elve had warned him !
No, he had known the moment the cold slimy hand brushed his skin when the Heir had knocked the Royal Banner from his hand.
It was the empty pools of nothingness that were his eyes it made him shiver just thinking of it. It was like looking into a Black hole, a mans eyes are the window’s to there soles, he knew , and the Heir his sole were empty. There was no light on!
It was thou he was a walking , talking body but No One was there No Light in his eyes, No Sole in its home! Like a zombie the Empty pits of pure bleakness, even the thought of it, made his blood run cold! And shiver! in his minds eye, it made his skin crawl! He knew this Heir was Evil! But his anger had grown and his Pride had been hurt, so when he heard his best mate, bellowing!
On the morrow Lad’
We fly’
[ Image 12.1
Squire did not even Hesitate,
very much
as He tried to ignoring
The Voice that Does Not Speak
In his mind he spoke to the Voice,
The Marker
Has Been Made!
But to his best mate he Yelled
On the morrow ‘We fly’
[ Image 13.0
Later that night ,alone in his quarters, he put his head down on his pillow to sleep. Again Squire heard
The Voice that Does Not Speak
Danger
Think Again!
Do you really want to do this?
Danger!
It was the 2nd time he had ignored the Voice
He did not like the feeling. But He knew he had to be up and ready before the crack of Dawn to go .
What was he doing? he asked himself
He could not turn back now, plans were made! Deep in Squire heart he wanted to give the Heir the comeuppance he deserved
On the morrow ‘We fly’
[ Image 13.1
the Misty Village happily fell into a pleasant sleep they knew Squire and Finsean were up to something they approved of
[ Image 13.2
Squire had a restless night, he tossed and turned he had argued with his Grandfather all night in his dream
Squire kept trying to explain
He had no way to back out now
The Marker was made!
But he thanked him for the warning
He knew he was walking into Trouble
[ Image 13.3
Squires Mum had been in the study all night Compass, protractors, angles Chart, maps, scrolls, parchment
quill in hand She was looking for something!
She felt the Danger, that Squires Marker would bring!
Squire woke in the predawn He felt cold in the dark. When he crawled out of his warm wool blankets The moonlight had faded And the dawn had not yet come Squire put on warm clean cloths hung out by the hearth to warm
[ Image 14.0
He was not He thought, He had heard the Voice say Danger,
a complete fool .
Be ready !
even if he was ignoring the Voice
Better wear the suit of Armor
his grandfather had given him
and be ready for anything
[ Image 14.1
Squire sat to latch the ankle plates Remembering his Grandfather who he had been Missing. When he had a vision; his Grandfather working the Magic of the Forge , as a wee Squire watching.
The steady cadence of the The powerful old man hammering out a rhythm for Squires Heart to fallow watching the Magic of the Forge come to life ,with bright young eyes eager to learn
The old man, smiled it filled his face with such joy to give a Gift to the Lad His first Hammer and Anvil Made for his size!
The small lad, took the tools, they looked huge to such a tiny man His own Maccabe! The wee man said with such joy he had been given his first Hammer! And anvil!
[ Image 14.2
The Vision was over But his Armor started to glow tiny scales of metal so movable and light so unique, so strong was the Protection Finsean’s deadly talons could not cut threw But the unique Armor was glowing he looked about felling his Grandfather he wondered again at what was going on
Nonsense he told himself and finished getting ready
[ Image 14.3
Squire heard again for the 3rd time
The Voice that Does Not Speak
‘Watch Listen and Learn’
Your Grandfather’
taught you how to tell
right’ from wrong!’
DANGER he felt badly, he knew there was Danger and he was ignoring it
[ Image 15.0
Time to Deliver the
Heirs HIS Due!’
Finsean came in before the crack of Dawn Excitement ran threw him, he was ready to Fly, He was ready to spit in the Heirs eye, Finsean did not like this Tyrant giving orders. or his Anti-Human sentiment he spread
[ Image 15.1
But he realized staring at Squire Dressed in FULL BATTLE Gear! His Best Mate, was Armored from Helmet, to Boot
Did I miss something
are we going to war? But he could see by looking at Squire, something was wrong,,! He did not look eager to start!
[ Image 15.2
‘Lets get it over with’ Squire tucked his Hammer in his boot and strapped it down to fly he threw the Marker over his shoulder by a belt he had fastened about it no longer eager
They walked without noise, waking no one as they slipped out of Sanctuary’s gates they wanted it to be a surprise The Marker Up when everyone awoke
[ Image 15.3
They slipped up the walk, that lead, to the Old Stone Bridge both looking about to be sure no one was watching
and like always they would get the hebbie-jeebees just before they were coming near the edge
Squires eyes were drawn to the left, to the old cottage of Tobar’s Finsean’s eyes were drawn over to the right looking for the Thing that lurked! The Thing that he could feel, wanted to eat them! Once again, he thought he had seen a glimpse
There eyes diverted to opposite sides While they waited 2 steps from the Old Stone Bridge Standing waiting for Old Tobar the Guard to come and let them pass
But their eyes were quickly turned to the Old Stone Bridge as Tobar was their before them, He appeared Looming over them with his one eyebrow up like an ancient Spawk.
His mighty staff in hand he stood ready!
[ Image 16.0 They were surprised to see Old Tobar looming down over them. Shocked to see him holding his staff like a sword!
Deeply disturbed to see Old Tobar did not want them to pass! A no nonsense look, about him neither lad had seen before! They felt uneasy! DID HE MEAN IT!?
Tobar stared them down! Defying even one of them to speak or move!
Tobar knew the Laws of the Land of Aradon they were clear As soon as Squire’s Marker was on Manley Mt, He would be a Man by Law
No longer a lad with silly larks, and games, they would be accountable for themselves! He doubted that either lad had thought about that!
The prank would be very Funny, Yes! And the Heir most defiantly deserved it!
Everyone would laugh, but when the laugh was over the Heir would have the last laugh when they found out! They were no longer lads they were not ready for manhood! the last laugh would not be sweet
And if there was anything Old Tobar did not ever wont to see was the Heir getting an other one over on Squire
He was going to challenge their manhood and put it to the test. If they could get past him They could place the marker at the top!
[ Image 16.1
But Squire had been ready for Tobar after Arguing with his Grandfather all night he flipped the Marker over his shoulder In front of him to show old Tobar he meant it I am going to Manley Mt.
To place this at the Top’
[ Image 16.2
Tobar Froze! The Marker was a work of Art, a joy to behold it was the work of a Master Builder from the old code! When he saw the Ancients Symbol hand tooled between the two wings! Did Squire Know what it was he had built!?
[ Image 17.0
The Marker was a call to Begin a Gathering And a Call for the Ancients Humans known as the Brotherhood of Builders to remember who they were
But the sign to call a Gathering had been called! This very night the Dragon Clan Gathering Begins Did this Lad know? He doubted it, but he did not believe in coincidence
No Dragon Does
The sign of the Gathering Hand Tooled On The Marker
began to glow before his eyes! Tobar heard
The Voice that Does Not Speak
Tobar pulled himself up to his fullest height swelling with power old Tobar no longer looked old, he looked wise and mighty as his Dark Brown good wool tunic began to glow before their eyes for a brief moment Squire had seen woven in Tobar’s Tunic The Symbol of the Ancients
[ Image 17.1
Tobar’s glowed with pride at the lads No longer an old man that guarded the Old Stone Bridge He was a grand majestic figure , standing before them His regal charm came forth
His Mighty woven wooden staff in hand! Tobar stood more powerful then a King Tobar once again, used his staff as a sword
Kneel They did!
I pledge my steal to your campaign’
‘On your Journey,’ ‘that has taken
the name of Manhood’
I Pledge my steel to you and yours
New Men of Aradon’ Arise
[ Image 17.2
New Men of Aradon’
As they stood making the sign of the oath
they swore the oath as one
[ Image 18.0
Tobar stepped back in a grand and majestic motion to let them pass ,both lads in shock, They walked ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER both expecting to wake up or fall while walking across Tobar had sworn an Oath to them was all they could think One foot in front of the other keep walking they went
[ Image 18.1
Stepping off from the old stone and mortar that was the Bridge They stepped out on to the Road Their silence growing Relieved to be alone, as they stood on the Road, in the dark of the predawn! Squire felt like a Fool, Finsean was thinking out loud!
‘Not as I had planned’
‘But STILL’‘ Old Tobar ‘Is on our side
‘did you hear him’?
‘Lets FLY’
’New Man Of Aradon’
[ Image 18.2
Squire was feeling apprehensive Already to many odd events had transpired As a Wicked Wind picked up and made it sound as thou he were Yelling
’New Man Of Ardon’
You had better get used to it’
You swore your manhood to Tobar’
no more Laddy for you mate’ You do know this?’
WE PLEDGED OUR Manhood to Tobar’
[ Image 18.3
In the predawn cold still they stood, on the Road! Bewildered What had just happened?
Yes’
New Man’
‘I do know this’
Finsean was alive with Excitement,
‘But Tobar made and
Oath to Us’
‘Have you ever heard of such a thing’
‘ It is an Omen of the things to come’
‘I know’
‘ That disturbs me most’ Squire was feeling weary
[ Image 19.0
Never in his life, had he ignored the voice he loved! The Voice that had saved him over and over as wee lad,
the Voice of care and concern
Right from Wrong
When he heard for the 3rd time
The Voice that Does Not Speak
‘Watch Listen and Learn’
DANGER’
[ Image 19.1
Because of his pride [Not wanting to look week] he ignored The Voice that knew right from wrong
How many times now he had ignored it ?
That brought a sadness to his heart,
he was ignoring his friend,
one who had always had his best
interest, at heart
[ Image 19.2
the silver thread of Dawns light appeared in the East cresting Over the rim of the Shadow Mts. Finsean Took flight with 3 powerful thrusts of his massive wings they were off!
Finsean Flew North up the Deep Gorge carved out of the land when the Ice Age was over. As a massive Glassier thawed and broke lose, carving the Valley out and its Raging River known as The White Water Runoff. They flew in the predawn gloom as the morning light began to show Its Savage and rugged beauty!
They slipped threw the air flying like they had never done before , they flew between the winds at there backs pushing them forward, as thou someone was helping them along.
The Challenge of Manhood to all in the Lands of Aradon!
the Great Manley Mt come into view Squire’s heart skipped a beet ,when he caught sight of the light behind her like a hallow! It was a thing of such natural beauty the Great Mt. was The Promise of a New Day,
[ Image 20.0
But Squire felt the closer they came the more he could feel Something was dreadfully wrong! But he could not see anything that would make him feel this way, when he spied a small marker
It was made of tied knots, of straw ,tied to look like a wee man. As he wondered about it, so small, so close to the ground, the knots looked like someone was just learning.
Squire heard the Voice that Does Not Speek;
Surprised it was not warning him
See the small Human Marker,
barely off the Ground!
It was put there in support of you
Squire!
[ Image 20.1
Pleased to know the Voice would still speak to him
Who had put it there? when he asked a question
They call him
the Widows Son!
the Widows Son!? He filled with pride at the wee chaps courage
he thought it was time to get to know this lad
He was far to small to have even thought of climbing!
Heart, brains, and courage he knew they were destined to be friends
[ Image 20.2
Then his eyes rose up, up, up to the Heirs Marker
He felt disgust run threw him as it turned to rage!
The Heir had purchased it from the Silver City, made by the Dwarfs of the Silver Smith’s Guild for 3 and 6!
Had it purchased? came the Voice
Squires anger erupted Squire reached down and unlatched his mighty Hammer he reached for the Marker slung over his shoulder His anger turned to rage
His Marker in one hand His mighty Hammer in the other
Finsean turned to see his best mate Squire jumped from his tethers Squire Flying alone with no wings
[ Image 21.0
We never planned that! Mate Finsean banking hard, as he was yelling at Squire in the breaking light Squire fell threw the air To the Mt below
Flying alone the rage poured out of him we never planed that! Ringing In his ears
[ Image 21.1
Finsean was going to bank and circle Then Squire would signal and Finsean would land But something went wrong!
As he found himself watching in horrid fascination as Squire Yelled Flying alone with no wings
This Pretender,
this Heir filled with Malic
and Spite Shall Never be King!
I avouch! The Neo Moon shot
[ Image 21.2
Squire came down from above on the marker The moment the Hammer hit the steal .His feet touched down. The Great Mt gave a shudder
Then, gave out a haunting groan of anguish an
eerie sound filled his ears. Squire could hear the sound of something very large had just died it Broke his heart.
The sudden pounding of thunder so loud as it Roared
In his ears, he felt himself enter a new Dimension, he was and was a speck, a bit so small it could not be seen. He had become an atom. So small no one could ever see him or find him, he was so small his world, had changed like the small atoms that roll around crashing into each other
[ Image 21.3
Finesean had banked and turned back over where he had just been ,with his mate before he had jumped!
He watched in Horror, as he fought the sudden wind currants and pressure of the Crashing Thunder that broke loose under Squire, as he disappeared in the moving rubble that had once been the pride of Lands of Aradon.
[ Image 21.4
Noooooo!!! --- Finesean screamed
But the noise of the crashing rocks was unbearably loud
no one could be heard above it
[[ Image 22.0
Finsean heard the pounding of thunder to match his own heart, as the Great Mt. became boulders, rubble and grit
beneath him covering his friend. As he watched for Squire down in the Frey. Grabbing for anything that could have him
[[ Image 22.1
Squire was Below in the Mt. of flowing rock crashing down on itself In a rage Finsean flew into the Frey
His eyes, ears and nose filling up with dust and dirt
Still he flew and searched
[[ Image 22.2
Dirt flew into the air, billowing darkness and Boulders crashing like thunder Still Finsean searched
Squire was lost in the oncoming boulders
rock and rubble, dirt and debris He could not yell over the collapsing noise Finsean felt a rage take hold
[[ Image 22.3
His lungs filled with dirt
no oxygen to feed the muscles or the mind
his feathers felt like lead
No
its not too late -he scream
its not
[[ Image 22.4
Fighting to breath and see, he raked his deadly talons
threw the oncoming Mt. again and again, moving further down the slide when something caught
How long could any one live in that’?
Even with his Grandfathers Enchantment Armour
He latched his talons tightly to it and pulled it out of the on flowing rock it looked like a boulder or a tree trunk
[[ Image 22.5
he came down quickly on a neighboring ledge
thinking he would have to move fast, sure this was some sort of boulder or rock he dropped the boulder slightly, coming down to land preparing for another take off
,it rolled a bit
[[ Image 23.0
The Crashing Mt falling ,dirt billowing in to the air, in layers, the sound deafening as the boulders crashed like thunder!
It rolled again Finsean become excited as the rock unfolded like a Rock Troll BUT on four legs
It appeared like something From the Black Lagoon
Then it stood wobbly on two legs Finsean went wild ‘Bloody Hell Mate,
you gave me a fright
I thought you were died.
he tried to whisper, he felt unstable, returning to the land of the Living
‘I though t I was dead’
[[ Image 23.1
Ripped raw to the core Manley Mt was gone
‘I killed HER!’
Squire filled with grief at the sound of the Mt dying haunting his mind
What are you talking about?
Finsean filled with Rage at the Heir but he worried for Squire, he thought his brains had addled by the pounding they had just taken
[[ Image 23.2
Squire quickly come to his senses
Hurry he yelled
Take me down there
Take me down there someone might be hurt!
Squire was serious and was going
[[ Image 23.3
Finsean thought that Squire was safer flying
So he agreed, heading into the Frey once again
Back and forth they flew, looking for signs of life, as Squire reached out to find anything that had died of worst, still down there alive. Nothing! It struck him as most odd. Where were the animals, the creatures that lived on the Great Mt. Not even bits of fur, or feather to mark the passing of a creature’s life!
,
[[ Image 24.0
Squire saw a glint in the swirling dirt and rock
He jumped! AGAIN! Running on the top of the oncoming boulders like He had wings, flying across the moving rubble looking for signs of life Finsean looking in wonder!
[[ Image 24.1
He was hoping for something living as he dodged and flew across the Frey Squire saw a glint of something he reached in ....and pulled up ....his Marker! When Squire saw a Massive Wall of sand dirt, and grit coming at him, no where to run from it! He could not run over the top, like he had solid Boulders[ he discovered ]but he could not rise above the Wall of sand and grit!
The sound of crashing all about him He was done for!
This is it! He thought.
[[ Image 24.2
Finsean pulled up in a dive flying across the Frey
he swooped down with his deadly talons and grabbed hold
Lifting him out again being pelted with the after flow
Finsean flew Squire to safety in time !
Squire had been relieved, but to Finsean amassment because no one had been hurt in the Destruction of the Great Mt. He had found no evidence of even one creatures Death, he was so pleased! But it was also very odd!
They both looked at one another! The Great Mt, had also been a great home, of so many kinds of living things, you could not count the kinds.
And Yet, None had been pummeled to death. He knew what it was like, he still did not know why he was with the Living once again. He had become so small no one could ever have found him.
Not True came The Voice that Does Not Speak
He looked at his friend, he was moved . Finsean had saved his life two times he knew!
Thanx He said, and he meant it, he was not ready to be that small he thought
But it was very odd,
why was there no life,
on the Pride of their land? He was back to the subjects at hand
[[ Image 25.0
The Gret Mt was gone, spilling over the land covering the only road, with boulders the size of cottages, and endless dirt overflowing past the road into the Forrest of the Bards!
As they stood atop a neighboring MT. ledge, Squire felt as though he had killed the Great Mt, with one blow! He had delivered the killing Blow, he was filled with such Grief.
Finsean was livid, this was not his Doing!
Powerful you are mate
I will give you that!
And Talent to boot!
But not powerful enough
to kill the Great Challenge of Manhood
In the Lands of Aradon
No! This is not your doing!
The Great Challenge of Manhood
Fell to RUINS,
on the Queen of the High Elves WATCH
Without a warning?!
It is time the Queen of the High Elves
has much explaining to do.
[[ Image 25.1
What a mess Was all Squire would say, he had heard his friendAs They looked down at the Road No one would pass thru there They needed to mark the Road for safety For unsuspecting Travelers ,as morning had come! They both knew that the coaches filled with Gold, and Silver, near traveled slow, their teams always running at break neck speed!
[[ Image 25.2
They worked hard and fast marking the southern end giving plenty of warning for Gold Coaches to slow and stop or turn and go back. They went up to the North, the side that held the Castle. They were looking for signs that those around had also known, the Great Mt, was unstable! But his mind was filled with the image of the Widows Son, what if he had been down there! The tiny lad, was so brave
They were finishing up the north end When Squire felt he was being watched He gave Finsean a sign no one could see While Finsean continued working Squire disappeared in to the trees
[[ Image 26.0
He found himself in a clearing with not just one pair but hundreds All staring at Him as eyes peering from the shadows but he could feel no hostility in them, where they from the Great Mt?
[[ Image 26.1
A Mountain pony came walking out she looked so much like his girl. He smiled at her, she was so beautiful, though not as good looking as his girl. He blushed at that thought, wondering if she read his mind, like Pickles did. She Could, she gave a sweet laugh,
She is my niece, she whinnied softly,
and never be embarrassed,
that you think her the greatest pony in the world,
you should! For that is the Magic of Horses!
My I introduce my friend Laddy, she is the Hoydenish little Pixie , you may have heard of she make the challenge difficult for those who defraud. She has much to tell you,
But i would like to Thank You
for looking for us, we have gift for you!
A large Bear came forward into the light ,Fear shot threw Squire but still did not run A rabbit hopped out, birds came,
Wolfs, Coyotes, Large Cats Deer Moose Elk Every kind of creator Naiads, Dryads, a Centaur came out they that had All lived on the Once Great Mt even the snakes had come
Squire stood astonished
She had a Gift, they had found it, and they knew it was close to his heart, they felt him search for it in the rubble as they marked the road. it was a small straw man, made by small hands, not yet practiced at making knots.
The Marker of the Widows Son
Thank You He said
[[ Image 26.2
The Pixie had a sweet face encouraged to see Squire and his friend Finsean alive .She spoke from the pony’s back
‘‘Felicitations’ Squire had been charmed
[[ Image 27.0 He Felt no malic in her as she spoke
We who had lived on the Great Mt
have all felt you’re Great Heart
and we will never forget! You looked for US!
you value life! We can see this
But now we need you dead.
What?! Squire told her, Her charm quickly fading
[[ Image 27.1
Now Pixie’s are very sweet and devilishly charming but they can cause the worst kind of trouble! and this Pixie was cleaver very, very ,cleaver as she quickly told Squire her plan they set their agreement in a pixie way parting gifts of Good Faith! Squire was given his Hammer they had found
Squire covered with rubble and rock Roots and bits of debrea standing among them Holding his hammer as thou he had gotten back a loved one
I thought I would never see you again
my heart broke to think you were gone,!
Squire who had no gift to give her asked
Would you like to borrow this?
Squire gave her His Marker ,for it was of some use to her he could tell . She did
[[ Image 27.2
Clouds came rolling in, a Fog started a mist formed and Squire could not see a thing. Another Gift from The Pixie
the weather acting as a screen of defense, for it was the Pixies plan, that the two lads play dead, unseen, until they got answers from the Castel held by the Queen of the High Elves
[[ Image 27.3
Finsean waiting his head filled with Questions as he watched the heavy clouds and mist came rolling in
What Happened?
Squire could not see a thing
We need to take off head
,start for home,!
I will tell you in the air
The cloud cover is for us
but we had better be quick
People are awake and rising
the noise must have woken everyone
[[ Image 28.0
Flying home the Heavy clouds and mist Hid Finsean from sight, as they talked over what had just happened and the Pixie’s plan
I Like her plan To see who will side
with the Heir
But Tobar will know
we are alive when we return
Yes’
‘That is why the Pixie
will speak to him herself Squire explained the Heavy clouds and mist flying home
[[ Image 28.1
I Like This Pixie Finsean was pleased
Leaving nothing to chance
And keeping the secret between
just few that can be trusted
Smart very Smart
And she says all of Eden is in danger?!
Finsean had to use his radar, War Birds had the best
but it was built into every Bird.
They kept their voices to a whisper, as they flew with such speed. They flew along the ragging water below, knowing it would mask their voices they were sure no one heard! As their conversation was done for now.
Finsean’s Deadly talons touched softly down on the Road
The Heavy mist parted just enough to show them the step up to the Old Stone Bridge! They were surprised, to see they were expected.
[ Image 28.2
It felt creepy, something was watching them they could tell,
They looked about to see what gave them that feeling,
the Heebee Jeebees
Something over the edge of the bottomless crevasse tried to look at them, in the heavy cover of the clouds ,thick like pea soup. on the ground . But it stopped their view, even of the bridge itself, a few steps in front of them. It made what they saw only an arm. waved them over Seem like a trap!
Tobar’s Massive arm surrounded by the heavy mist as thou it hung in space alone! Without old Tobar’s unseen body,!
Made the lads think twice.
[[ Image 29.0
But the mist parted just enough to show them they could quickly cross the Bridge. They were on their toes, still feeling that this whole event was unreal! But Squire knew as they crossed the Old Stone Bridge, they were home and safe
They walked heads down and quickly trying hard not to be seen in the Mist They slipped into the gates of Sanctuary
Leaving the gates slightly open for a fast escape
But every creature Came running to see the Lads They had felt the Mt go, and were worried! Both still covered it dirt, but Squire, unrecognizable! His helmet, still covered with bits of roots caught in the tumble he had just had.
[[ Image 29.1
They slipped into Squires Quarters by his private back door
Squire standing at his desk trying to leave a letter for his Mum and Dad to explain. He was having trouble, his Quarters were filling up with all their barnyard friends
and his horse who wanted answers! As she stood by her lad, wanting to know All there was to know! She had worried ,she listened to Squire pleased
‘Listen it is secret
no one must knew
we still live!......
Finsean still trying to collect Squires emergency kits quickly for a fast getaway, felt they were getting harder to reach, Squires kits were hung in the corners already packed and ready to go. but the War Bird of near 6feet was having trouble getting about the small ones all crowed round fussing over him. it felt good , after what had Happened both lads felt better knowing they were loved
[[ Image 29.2
When all eyes turned to the door to the Cottage Hallway there stood Squire parents Trilled to see them both alive! His mum could barely see Squire under the layers of dirt, but the lads were alive that was all that mattered just then,
Finsean had felt sorry for Squire, who looked like a creature drug up from The Dregs of the Black Lagoon trying to look like nothing happened!
Hello’ He smiled his most charming smile,, they both did.
[[ Image 30.0
Until The Roc tapped on the door Finsean was Crest Fallen
We are in for it now mate!
The Roc’ was the Commander and Chief Of the Sentinels
He tried to walk in but Squires quarters where filled with life. He was Pleased to see how much everyone loved
Apologies for dropping by them! And pleased to see his horse was not too upset!
[[ Image 30.1
KEEP WATCH Everyone’s eyes on the Roc But Squire Mums, she looked about she felt something odd She whispered to those closest to her, and signal to Squires horse.The animals turned and left like a well train Melita The Roc watched them spread out He was impressed he was more then
This was, very curious’ impressed
he thought
[[ Image 30.2
The Roc had followed them like a cleaver old Bird and
seen every move they made and wanted Hart and Elan to know They could be Pleased For he too had spoken to the Pixie [unseen of course} with the lads skillThe Roc wanted them with him, and they had earned the right to see what was going on in their lands. The Killing of the Great Mt. was no accident, and the Queen of the High Elves who hold the Castle had a lot of explaining to do. Especially to the Lads
[[ Image 30.3
Hart and Elan overjoyed to see them alive beamed with a quiet pride that caught the Roc’s attention. The quiet smile of love and approval to know their son and his best mate were truly Men! As they listened to The Roc sing their praises. Love had filled the chamber, the Roc felt empowered to go on!
[[ Image 30.4 But the Lads could not understand They gave each other a look that meant HOW? how he had seen so much they had never known he was there
The Roc amused by the Lads look for their eyes had been locked on the Roc’s every word
Since the Lands of Aradon had began
The Great Mt the challenge of Manhood
has fallen to ruin in such a violent death
The Queen of the High Elves
has much explaining to do!
[[ Image 31.0
The lads Tone was Elated they were besides themselves with joy. They had been asked On a secret expedition with the Roc ! Their Dreams had just come true!
And I think New Men
you may find it very interesting!
I would like you both
To come with me
under a cloak of Invisibility
And Together we shall see!
What she really has to say.
[[ Image 31.1
The lads had everything they needed already, before he came in, and Finsean had lashed down the last of Squires kits as he looked up to see the Roc coming in!
When Squire mum went quickly running off, yelling back to them. Hart was talking to the Roc as they waited
You all look starved’
let me get the Hamper....
Hart was Hoping to find out more
[[ Image 31.2
Will you be able to The Lads were deep in conversation
be invisible when you get older?
No mate,
Sentinels do not have that power,
but it appears there is more to the Roc
Then we knew!’
[[ Image 31.3
Squires Mum Returned with packs of goodies and a very full hamper a Fortnight or TWO of good nourishing food
Let us
say our good byes quickly
To ensure your safe return she said But to Squire she signed a message for him alone
[[ Image 31.4
I will not ask you ,not to worry
for I know you , will be on your Guard
To a safe return!
All as One They Swore the Oath
[[ Image 32.0
Hart walked threw the Heavy Mists with The Roc.
Hoping to learn more, for he could feel Evil pressing in on the Lands of Aradon,.
One of The last refuges, of the Garden the world had. Lands still bountiful. Good air, Good water, Good soil
But for how long? The Symbol of Manhood had fallen. Was that an Omen? Was that a Sign?, He was starting to feel in his heart , Eden was in grave danger!!
[[ Image 32.1
The Lads were far ahead of them talking, pleased as they could be! They were going off with The Roc, on a Seceret Mission! They had forgotten they were dead. Squire was telling Finsean his mum had placed his Master Builders Hidden Manual he called it, When Squire received the gift from his Grand Father the one that showed all the secret passage ways, in all the Castles, and Fortress in the lands, they had to test it. So they already had known how to used the Manuel, to see if it was true! It was!! And his mum had sent it knowing they would be unseen, they could go in daylight, and listen in the real Throne rooms ! She signed
The one with all the hidden passages?
But better, we will be Invisible!
Invincible You Mean! Mate
We will BE Invincible you and me..... busy talking they did not see what happened next
[[ Image 32.2
Two massive hands come out of the Heavy Fog
Each hand grabbed a lad Hands So large They could have been Rock Trolls The Lads caught unaware could not breath They were suffocating! Panic shot threw them
The Roc’ cleared the mists slowly as he cawed a small warning Tobar had both lads so tightly pressed to his rib-cage. Strangling them
[[ Image 32.3
Tobar Quickly let them loose Then Cuffed them soundly about the head and ears Hart watching every move ,with a smile
What a scare you gave this old Fool
And that is so you do not forget!
[[ Image 33.0
Tobar’s eyebrow shot up as he looked down at the filthy Human, who should be dead And looked at his amour With a questioning look.Hart had been watching The Roc But now his eyes were drawn to Old Tobar who was inspecting his lads armor.
I heard you were pulled under!!
for quiet a lengthy Spell?
[[ Image 33.1
They beamed with triumph Squire and Finsean They could feel Tobar’s Power And he loved them! He worried for their safety! Standing on the Old Stone Bridge with Old Tobar, and the Roc, and Squires father they knew things would work out, with them on their side,
how could anything go wrong!
[[ Image 33.2
The Roc Stepped forward
I am going to the Singing Forrest
To Set a Guard
These two will be Under my wing
you could say Tobar’s Eyebrow went up again He parted the Mists. They walked up the center of the Old Stone Bridge the mists blocking the view on either side anyone who would spy on them could not see
.As the mist closed about them Hart waved a special sign, Squire knew it meant he loved him. And keep on alert!
The Lad smiled how could things go bad now, he thought to his father, , hoping he would read it in his eyes. He could the Lad was in Heaven! But he wanted his son to stay on his toes! He loved him, and he felt Danger!
[[ Image 33.3
Hart stayed to watch them disappear As He stood with
the Guard to the Old Stone Bridge, Tobar He had always reminded Hart of Squires Grandfather Rollo, so pleased to see old Tobar cared so for his lad
Tobar put his mighty hand on Hart strong shoulder for comfort Then turned to look at Hart. He felt the power of this quiet healer Tobar Always’s enjoyed this family but now wondered who these People really were?
That Lad of yours is extraordinary!
[[ Image 34.0
Hart was laughing to himself, and smiling at Tobar
Crafty old thing was just as inquisitive as Rollo too
As Hart asked him about their adventures to come.
,But Tobar asked more personal questions.
Does that grow in your family tree?
[[ Image 34.1
Finsean had already latched down Squires ready kits and was prepare to go but The Roc quickly told Finsean to get the climbing gear and hamper. He did quickly but he was annoyed, Squire was flying with the Roc. He felt like the 3rd wheel on a cart, not really needed any more.
[[ Image 34.2
Squire and the Roc had disappeared, and it was making Finsean feel angry and left out, until he heard the disembodied voice Of Squire
Wizards
You look just like the Roc!!
[[ Image 34.3
Finsean Strutted and walked about like a Peacock
To be The Roc’s decoy was a huge honor, he blossomed before their eyes
[[ Image 34.4
He stopped playing about ,and fell into step as The Roc
He even used his voice incase any, spoke to him
The Real Roc was extremely amused as he and Squire were astonished how good Finsean was
For the 2nd time that morning they were back on their way to the Great Manley Mt but this time only the Roc could be seen flying
[[ Image 34.5
They were silent, as they flew in morning for the dead! Their minds trying to untangled what had happened, trying to make new plans They Flew slowly, to catch anything off guard, but nothing showed itself to them. As they searched below them, flying, low and slow
[[ Image 35.0
They flew North up the Raging River, the White Water, a savage massive snake of a river, winding down to the seas. But flying against the currants when they caught sight of the Missing Mt! Squire felt sick, he remembered her scream! He remembered her dying words!
[[ Image 35.1
Looking at the view coming up; the Violence, so crewel
With such destruction the Great Mt Manley Shattered ,destroyed, ripped raw to the core, The Death of the Great Mt Was so Horrific Like a Blade threw their Hearts.
Ruin lay beneath them as far as they could see they scarily saw the markers they had posted ahead for Safety
Squire felt sick, as ice cold shiver ran up his spine Their Symbol of Manhood crushed before them, to painful to their eyes to see again!
[[ Image 35.2
Rock Trolls were moving boulders the size of cottages
Almost Everyone was out helping, Vail people, of all kinds like the Centaurs, even creatures like the Bears were looking for Squire and Finsean! As they cleaned away the rubble
[[ Image 35.3
The Rock Trolls spotted THE ROC, above them!
They rolled into a Formal Formation The others made neat lines An Official Salute to Fallen Friends and Comrades
It was heartfelt and touching. Squire felt his chest get tight and his throat hurt, and his eyes stung
Finsean flew a wonderful pattern as the Roc to Honor The fallen Friends As they flew searching for the disparity they felt
[[ Image 35.4
But there was something very wrong
And, it was not, the missing Elves
It was something so elusive, and powerful he asked
Can you feel that?
Yes But I do not know what it is!
The Roc was very concerned it felt Evil they flew searching
For its origins
[[ Image 36.0
Squire talking to the Roc As they flew searching for the feeling they both felt!
I heard her dying Groan’
‘When my hammer hit the steel’
‘ YOU’
‘Heard her? He had not expected to hear that!
[[ Image 36.1
[Squire talking to the Roc
‘ Worse’
‘I knew better’
‘I had heard the Voice that Dose Not Speak
3 Times and I ignored the warnings’
‘I let myself be baited, by that Demon’
‘Do you always listen ‘? He asked The Roc
[[ Image 36.2
The Roc was listening, thou not to Squire. The Roc was listening to the Voice that Does Not Speak
but it was unheard of It was unorthodox
And he knew the Voice was right
[[ Image 36.3
Squire,
What should we do? The Old Bird said instead
I Think it is time
to fade from sight
to WATCH, LISTEN & LEARN
Squire answered without thinking he had spoken the motto outside the Family
THE ROC sent Finsean a Sentinels signal only the War Birds can hear Follow Me & Keep UP
[[ Image 37.0
The Roc picked up speed flying quicker and quicker over The Singing Forrest, he flew so quickly, they had come to the steps, then they flew over the Boarders of their Lands known as the Dragons Teeth. And still they flew faster. Finsean Followed Climbing higher and higher above the Mt ranges they soared.
[[ Image 37.1
Then they banked and turned into an ill wind, it hit them with full force, like a wall of pressure that no one can see!
A strange weather front had moved in. The War Bird did not like the look of it. He banked again as he turned back toward the Castle
[[ Image 37.2
The Roc no longer cloaked Finsean wondering what was going on The air was getting thin, and cold , Finsean had never flown this high When Finsean saw The Roc flew faster higher
Finsean began to feel tired The air getting Thin his feathers felt like pound waits pulling his body down and the Roc was still going up
[[ Image 37.3
The Roc picked up speed, flying up, up ,up
The sheer Ice cliffs taller then the highest Mts.; the Wall!
The northen Boarder of their Realm Tundra, the Lands Of Aradan. With The Mighty Frozen
[[ Image 37.4
A clear slick Frozen wall of Ice Standing strait and proud the glistening Great Wall of Ice .The Wall No Man Zone
was known as, the Mighty Tundra Finsean’s heart sank in his chest as he watched the Roc shoot over the Wall, into No Man Zone, the frozen Abyss.
NO ONE EVER CROSSED THE WALL!
What was going on?
[[ Image 38.0
Sanctuary, closed it gates, the Black Banner hung. Heartsick with Grief ,they mourned with lose for the Great Mountain of Manhood! The Misty Village had settled into a sadness as the day went on.
Every Village, and Hamlet along the only Road following the Raging River flowing from the North to South. The Great Whitewater River as it surged Coursing down into the Sea, . Black Banners Hung! Squire’s mum so pleased to hear about how Loved these two Lads are, from the animals coming and going with news to those at Sanctuary
[[ Image 38.1
But she was feeling an odd sound in the air. She has been working hard to try and find it. The odd phoneme she could almost hear! It stuck to her mind, like spun floss candy on a stick . Working hard to find it, she stretches out her feelings to see if she can put a finger on what it was ‑ that feeling that is just past her reach.
[[ Image 38.2
She became aware of a familiar dark creeping trying to enter her consciousness. A familiar creeping, One she felt she knew, but not yet sure, as it was different too.
The Eye can feel her, like a Beacon in the Night, drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
[[ Image 38.3
She came to realize this as she felt that the phoneme was seeking her! Pulling back her consciousness, she no longer wanted to study this very strange harmonic. She felt the malignant touch reach for her. She was repulsed by its indecency. Evil was festering out of it, like a deep wound gone bad! Ooze from open sores,
[[ Image 38.4
she spoke the words:
"No man is My Master!"
"No man is My God!"
"Evil You have no power over me!"
"I will never follow Evil Blindly!
Free Choice and Free Will are mine to choose,
and I choose LIFE." With that she sent out her Love and Protection. Like a tempest gone wild! Strong, sudden, and fierce ‑ she blew away the malignant force that had been seeking her.
[[ Image 39.0
So Repulsed by The All Seeing Eye, for she knew it wanted her dead ! She repeated the mantra of fear for comfort, she knew this was only the beginning, the Eye had found her! She Knew!
Fear is not My friend
Fear will stop or slow your actions!
the bodies response!
Fight or flight!
Action has been called for!
the Body knows!
It sends adrenaline!
thru your system for you!
to sharpen your wits!
and ready the Body for defence!
Fear, Doubt, and Loneliness are Evils Devices
to Enslave Humans so they cam mo longer
fight Evil and win!
[[ Image 39.1
Tobar had added his own power to hers, not knowing what she felt, just feeling the Love and will to protect. He could do nothing less
He was thoughtful for a time, pondering what had just happened He had felt nothing, saw nothing, just the restless feeling that the wind had changed.
Had Élan been aware of his aid? He thought not.
He had been studying her, aware he could not read her. And what is odder still, is that he could NEVER read her, never knowing what she was thinking or, he smiled to himself, or what she would do next!
[[ Image 39.1
He watched her return to the cottage ,the animals come to life Squire’s mount knew her lad was in trouble The Family unsafe, With Brains and Courage to lead she did! She called for THE BLACK WATCH
Tobar sniffed the air an Unnatural Foulness Lingered as He watched the weather bain spin like a top An ill wind blew, in no ones favour The hint of Dark Power hung in the air, why was Evil After Squires family?
[[ Image 40.0
Tobar stood in amazement He looked to the Heavens He wondered about this quiet family with such Power!
A Gathering had been called forth from his own people The Dragon Clan! Evil has entered the Lands of Aradan,
And there on Squire’s Marker, the Ancient Human Symbol to call a Gathering!
But it seemed to Tobar that Evil did not want the Ancient Human Symbol on the Marker to stand before them. So it was pulled in, under the fallen mountain, as Squire had been
The Call for a Gathering had been foiled!
Weather the lad knew what he was doing, Evil did! Tobar stood in amazement that Squire had lived! Tobar gave a wicked laugh He would have to find out about this unusual family
[[ Image 40.1
He looked over Sanctuary, The Black Watch had began
looking about ,he felt all was safe for now he went into
tiny cottage and Disappeared
from Dawn of a New Age,
Vol. 5 of the Dragon Lore Chronicles
from Eden’s Story
Copyright © 2005 All Rights Reserved by E. M. S. Cohen
Movie Version Copyright © 2007 All Rights Reserved by E. M. S. Cohen
OPENING Scene
0.1
[ 1st image: The Vast Empty unknown Heavens]
Names and Titles twinkle on and off
during opening credits
Narrator:
“Deep, Deep into space, Past the Outer Rim,”
0.2
[ 2nd image: The Vast fantastic known Heavens]
Filled with awesome looking planets
Names and Titles twinkle on and off
during opening credits
Narrator:
“Wrapped in a blanket of Love,
tucked safely, out of harms way.”
0.3
[ 3rd image: The Vast fantastic known Heavens Closer Look]
Filled with awesome planets
Names and Titles twinkle on and off
during opening credits
Narrator:
The Living Planet’ called Eden
Hung in the Heavens like a Jewel’
0.4
[ 4th image: The Fantastic view of Our Planet]]
Names and Titles twinkle on and off during opening credits
Narrator:
‘‘
But the Evil that Hates and Destroys All Life,
That hides in the Black Hole’‘ had found her!
Scene ONE
[ Image 1.1]
Scene opens in the Singing Forrest where there are no real Trees, only Divas, some call the En-wives. They have made a clearing about THE Great Boulder, the only boulder in the Forrest that does not move..as Divas caught up in a moment of anticipation sing with Hushed tones!
Narrator:
Our Tale, begins on the Living Planet
at the Roll-Off in the Singing Forrest’
‘As a fast and furious game was being played.’
‘But as we look’
‘There is no one in sight!’
[ Image 1.2]
A large Granite Boulder broke from the Trees
hurling through the clearing,
Heading to the Great Boulder
[ no one in sight]
[ Image 1.3]
The Granite Boulder unfolded
Expanding at deadly speed as it rolled!
Becoming a Rock Troll
Bolting to the empty Great Boulder
Still No one else in sight
[ Image 1.4 ]
The Rock Troll ready to leap up to claim his Victory. His large stone hand, still resting on the Boulder where he was ready to spring up to the top, instead he just stood, Froze dead in his tracks with the look of Loathing in his eyes! As he witnessed, the Heir appear before him
’POOF’ upon the Great Boulder, holding the Royal Banner from the Castle.
[ Image 1.5 ]
THE HEIR;
“Victory!!”
The Rock Troll was filled with Resentment. As he watched the Heir announce ‘Victory!’ And wave his Royal Banner, in the air, as thou he were King! And it was his due!
[ Image 1.6
But a surprising look of excitement advanced across The Rock Trolls eyes, as he watched, the Royal Banner, float up out of the Heir’s hand and into the sky, as a mud soaked familiar bandana exploded, leaving the sodden rag laying on the Boulder, as a matching pair of mud soaked feet touched down attached to filthy Human Lad who cried out
“Is OURS!”
with a sense of satisfaction in his voice. And grinning like a Cheshire Cat
[ Image 1,7
THE HEIR to the throne of the Castle of Knelsolawn where the Queen of the High Elves Sat. Appeared Dressed in his finest, like a Dandy from Court, now splattered head to boot with mud. He sent furious looks at The Rock Troll. Looks that could have killed! If the Rock Troll had thinner skin it might have!
[ Image 1.8
‘Good Try Mate’
‘Excellent Game’
‘keeping everyone on their toes’ Squire whispered to the Heir. He had seen the Heir cheat just below him [as he hung from his Rigging he had placed in the Diva standing closely behind the Boulder] The Heir had appeared out of nowhere. Showing himself a bold charlatan. not even making the pretense of caring for the ancient custom of touching his marker to the Boulder to Win
[ Image 1.9
Boulders rolling in, unfolding into Rock Trolls
As the Elves begin to pouring into the clearing. All eyes forward on the Heir
Squire the Human Lad covered in dirt, mud and leaves tugged on his rigging. [ He set up in what looked like trees above the Boulder.
The Royal Banner came down gently and clean
un-splattered with mud, as he offered it back to the Heir. Politely
[ Image 1.10
The Heir who-would-be-King, refusing to look at the Human Lad. Refusing even to admit he was there.
A Silence Fell like a Hammer Blow! As both sides gathered to see what was going on. For this was no ordinary game, the tension felt heavy in the air. oppressive harsh and onerous
Squire, the Human Lad, turned his eyes down to Gronk to see what he should do. For he dearly wanted to punch the revolting, pompous little git! But he held his silence, and his fist!
[ Image 1.11
The Rock Troll was angry, his eyes ablaze turned to The Heir to see THE Royal Banner slide off the Bolder down into the Mud!
[ Image 1.12
Squire felt something cold and icy slither past his skin as he had been looking to Gronk
[the Commander of the Rock Trolls siding]
Squire turned to see THE Royal Banner down in the Mud!His face went HOT his ears burn his anger grew
[ Image 1.13
Squire looked straight into the eyes .of the Heir A shudder runs through him one Ice cold bead of sweat trickle down his spineIce water filled his veins he thought he might be sick! He lost track of Time! How long had he been starring, as he felt shiver afer shiver, puzzled he wondered if he could stop?
[ Image 1.14
The HEIR pulled back his gaze He did not like A Human standing equal to him! Or looking in his eyes!
THE HEIR; He spoke like a Warlord A Tyrant
‘We shall call this Giving Orders
a Cat’s Paw’
‘No One will win!’
[ Image 2.0
With an arrogant swish The HEIR leaped off the Great Boulder like a Peacock. But He failed to notice that all eyes were on the soiled, and soddened Royal Banner still laying in the Mud, Abandoned, and not on him
[ Image 2.1
The Strutting conceit of the HEIR swaggering across the clearing, unaware he was. Alone! Was repulsive to them all! No one was following, not even his own squad!
[ Image 2.2
They were all looking at the Royal Banner laying there soiled and abandoned. To lose face before the others, was more then the High Elves could endure! their leader had soiled their own flag! Gronk leap up onto the Great Boulder standing proudly by Squire Gronk’s passion ignites
[ Image 2.3
Gronk’s rugged voice rumbled livid.but controlled. His hatred growing with every argent step the Heir swaggered alone across the clearing. his back to them all! The Tension building as he thundered .
‘Elve -who- would be-KING!’
‘WE, The Rock Trolls,
THE SOLE KEEPERS,
OF THE GREAT GAME,
Denounce THOSE WHO DO NOT RESPECT
THE Royal BANNER
and once denounced
you may never participate in the Games again!
[ Image 2.4
The Heir slowed, Then turned with such contempt to find them all bring their eyes up from the mud, to see Gronk take up his Royal Rank as Keeper of the Great Game! He gave them all such an ugly look, they all knew was a threat! As the Heir realized he stood alone!
But he spoke only to Squire
THE HEIR:
‘ So, H-e-w-mann,
IF YOU THINK YOUR SO CLEVER,
PUT YOUR MARKER on Mt . Manley
Higher then mine IF YOU CAN!’
‘AFTER ALL, YOU ARE ---ONLY HU-MAN’
[ Image 3.0
Squire’s face burned with Humiliation as his anger grew. But still he held his tongue. He knew this was now personal. But he knew not to add it to the Rock Trolls problem with the Heir As he felt a burning take hold, he had never felt before
A blue mood fell over everyone For they all knew trouble was coming. Everyone waiting for the other shoe to drop
[ Image 3.0
The Heirs Squad gathered in Elvish style
They were devastated be the Heir’s conduct
The Elves asked The Rock Trolls and Squire to stay.They performed a Ceremony Burning The Royal Banner
It was a dignified Ritual [the Heir who would be King
[Now dead to the Elves of his Squad
[ Image 3.0
The Burning of the Banner meant Trouble ahead, they all knew! Thought the Heir could never be in a Roll-Off He was still The Heir! Who would be King! as he barked orders to the Court like a Warlord a Tyrant! Making Everyone jump! Out of Fear!
[ Image 3.0
Gronk looked about him. The Rock Trolls, his siding were ready he thought they were on there toes He wanted everyone’s input when they got on their home soil, The Heir had forced this Roll-off then he had openly cheated without remorse when caught. What was he up to? Something was going on! But What? He needed to learn
[ Image 3.0
Elves sang of the history of their
Royal Banner 10,000.years
Squire was sure
they sang every year He thought
As he stood in silence, his mind was thinking , he had known of Gronk’s plight. That was why he was playing, he was no Rock Troll. But they were one man short, and the Heir was forcing them to play,
[ Image 4.0
The Ceremony was Over. the Banner Burned! Everyone weary of what was to come Even the Divas were singing a blue song As the Forrest mewled a lament, all life seemed hushed and saddened
But Waiting for the ceremony to finally come to an end a War Bird Known as Sentinel signaled for a landing
Elves could lament forever,
I have A better end
to their Ceremony he had thought
[ Image 4.0
He Circled Alive with enthusiasm The near 6 feet tall Black War Bird landed doing His impersonation of the Heir. .
[ Image 4.0
He was marvelous.an amazing mimic. Finsean was Squires best mate and he had a look about him, the one that meant Something fun is in the works It had lightened the mood for anyone, the Elves were smiling,Finesan all but made them a vow..He would convince Squire, to give the Heir the comeuppance he deserved
[ Image 4.0
The Elves had burned the Royal Banner as is proper, for High Elves, it had been soiled but the Heir was now dead to them. There was trouble brewing in the Elves camp Squire could tell, but the High Elves held the Thrown and the Castle of Knelsolawn, it was starting to smell fishy. Not just Gronk had trouble with the Heir The list was growing quickly
[ Image 4.0
Gronk had come up to Squire Concerned for his Safety
Do not take this challenge!
There is a nastiness about the Heir
and all of his dealings!
[ Image 4.0
One of the Elves came in private to say Goodby
They had not known each other long, but there was a friendship building And the Elve felt the need to warn him as they were readying to leave,
‘This challenge feels Odious!
Squire, do not take it on!
[ Image 5.1
Finsen flying Squire home sailing threw the cool clean skies, cooling the burn with the wind on Squire face. Flying free Squire relaxed Heading for the Old Stone Bridge and home
Until he noticed they were circling Mt Manley
When he heard Finsean
Toss your soggy mud rag
OVER HIS marker ’[Finsen laughed]
Neigh’ Squire; retorted in jest!
LETS us Make One
THAT WOULD LAST THE TEST OF TIME!’
[[ Image 5.2
Finsean still circling the Great Mt. sealed the deal
A BARGAIN THEN’ he said
‘WHAT BARGAIN?’ SQUIRE; A BITE ANNOYED!
[ Image 5.3
THAT YOU MAKE A MARKER ‘THAT WILL
weather Threw the Ages’
I
FLY YOU UP TO THE TOP’
to plant it!
For I DO NOT LIKE THIS ANTI-HUMAN SENTIMENT
‘’IN THE HEIR’ THIS Pretender to the throne‘
I DO NOT CARE FOR his TYRANT WAYS’
He needs a Good Comeuppance Squire!
Who better to serve it up then YOU!!
Deal ! Squire said
Finsean flew like the wind was on fire, the deal now sealed, he wanted Squire at the forge, building a Marker!
[ Image 6.0
Nestled in Sanctuary Squire set the Forge
While his friend took off his Tethers putting them up on the work bench absorbed in what he was doing. Finsean got busy cleaning and repairing his gear.
[ Image 6.1
Squire went out to the banks of the Raging River of the White Water Runoff that surrounded the spit of land known as the Misty Village, home of Sanctuary where he lived.
[ Image 6.2
He set his rigging, about the ancient apple tree that grew strong and supple, at the edge of rushing water. The rugged beauty of the place always made him smile as he lowered himself over the bank. About half way down was a excellent source of the clay he needed
[ Image 6.3
Clay filled his rucksack, as he placed it on the stump seat, and took up the silver basin, on his way to the Pigeon Coop.
They all flew down to see him, cooing their warm thoughts. He greeted them with treats As they watched him measure their droppings in the silver basin.
[ Image 6.4
Silver basin in hand, rucksack slung over his shoulder, he headed to the cottage, ..... he placed the basin, rucksack, and items he needed outside the cottage entry on the bench
[ Image 6.5 his Mum making tea inside in the Galley
I see,’ ‘your making your Grandfathers
magic blacksmith paste’‘Anything special?!’
‘ Just making something’ he tried to sound nonchalant
[ Image 6.6
would you like me to mix the honey,
milk and flour for you? She said got out a jar of seed cakes, putting them in a basket
‘No, I think I had better do this all myself
’she looked at him with suspicion he always said yes,
And handed him the basket of seed cakes and smiled
[ Image 7.0
Back at the forge he inspected it with satisfaction, then he got to work
Finsean was watching him from the corner of his eye, as he mixed the flour, milk and honey, in the Silver Basin like an alchemist. Then he added the Pigeon Droppings, until a twinkle came to his eye, and he stopped.
Squire enthusiasm was starting to show.
[ Image 7.1
Finsean was watching him threw the open shutters now, he was standing at the shed, the front was swung wide, to show the lumps of metal stored there out of the weather, as his best mate selected the right piece.
Squire picked out a large lump of metal it had been left to him by his Grandfather It was a special lump of metal, he said. Made of a mix of things from this side of the Vail, and the other, Star Metal he called it a gift from the Heavens To Squire’s Young Delight
That would do splendidly
[ Image 7.2
Squire checked the forge with the skill of a master once again, everything going smoothly
Finsean was watching, pleased to see Squire was taking this challenge very seriously.
But what amused him most was the way, he best mate, kept turning to talk to his grandfather Who was not there as he worked the forge, and selected his metal.
[ Image 7.3
He heated the lump of Star metal in the forge, then beat out the lump to a flat rod He dressed the Star metal with paste
wrapped and baked it in wet sheep skin As he gauged the forges heat
Now to creat a design’
While I bake the metal’
this will make the metal shine
and be twice as strong [He told Finsean]
[ Image 8.0
Squire walked about collecting volumes from the shelves
then tools, charts as he layed them all out on the long table
his Nose hidden by parchment Squire studied the pages, his mind filled with idea after idea. They kept coming to him, as he drew one design after another Finesaen worked on his spotless gear As he watched carful not to disturb Squires train of thought
[ Image 8.1
Finesaen had jumped at the small chime set by Squire.
Time to turn the Star Metal wrapped nestled in the Forge
‘Your like an Sentinel
with an Egg’ he teased him
[ Image 8.2
‘Do not jest at magic
you do not know’
life is life, and if you want it
balanced even and strong
you turn!’
Squire was feeling a Bit unsure he had never done this alone Squire set the Chime once again, and went back to creating
[ Image 8.3
He doodled with charcoal, there was a Symbol at the back of his mind trying to work its way out he felt it pulling at his heartstrings.He knew he wanted the Symbol he just needed to get it right.
Or did the Symbol want him
Said his Grandfather. When he felt someone watching
His Grandfather? He wondered agin
[ Image 8.4
Squire rose and drew the shutters he latched them. He drew the doors closed and bolted them shut.
Finsean could not of been more excited Squire meant business
no one is to see!
Ready to Work the clay he had dug, he whispered to Finsean
[ Image 9.0
Locked away more then a fortnight, going on two. Squire worked the Forge. Baking the Star Metal, and folding the steel 300 times for strength, then forged a Marker
he could be proud of!
[ Image 9.1
The village had heard of the Rock Trolls plight They had seen the anti-Human sentiment in the Heir
Squire locked in the Smithy for long over a fortnight had developed a rhythmic hammering. A pleasant sound, it gave a smile to all, and a light heart.
As they hummed along, doing their work with a quick and smart step The Peaceful Misty Village glowed with pride Looking forward to the comeuppance the heir deserved!!
[ Image 9.2
Pickels’ had never known her lad, to be shut away for such a time, even when he was very ill, he always sneaked out to see her! Or unbolt his shutters so she could keep her head inside with him
She bumped the doors with her back hoofs Just to hear him- yell for her- to stop
I am still alive’
Stop knocking’
I will let you see first Picekls’
‘If you , would let me finish’
[ Image 9.3
But the tiny the village fell back into step, to a warm and cozy feeling of home, wondering about the marker As night came on Everyone Noticed The hammering had stopped! Squire had finished!
[ Image 9.4
Squire put his finished marker, upon the workbench. He could feel his Grandfather again, checking his work
A knock came from the back door Squires Mum bearing gifts a hamper of goodies and their favorite foods and a gallon of fresh pressed Apple
[ Image 10.0
‘Can I ?‘come in?’ she said nicely, as she came threw the door breaing gifts Squires horse right behind her, she whinnied with pride as all the creatures tried to come in behind her
[ Image 10.1
Inside the workshop she felt at home breathing in the smell of hot steel she loved the Magic of the forge, and the workshop.
[ Image 10.2
She was putting the large hamper on the table. turned Frozen in place as her eyes Caught sight of Squires Marker
Hand Tooled between 2 wings the Symbol to call a Gathering
Did he know? She wondered
[ Image 10.3
She felt her father in the workshop, But she knew he had passed on. Still she marveled at the Marker But she saw Squires Grandfather ‘s hand in this and she knew her father was somewhere about!
After all he was a Dragon who had changed his skin, and who knew what powers Dragons had
[ Image 10.4
The Symbol to Call A Gathering
And the words he engraved by hand she read aloud
Squire only Human
It was a vision to her eyes,
But did he know, the Magic he would invoke?,
Did he know what he was doing?!
This Magic was so strong, something was about to happen, and she was not sure if she was ready for what was to come!
She felt a hint of Foreboding
[ Image 10.5
She turned to look at Squire, she looked deep into his eyes as she asked him
Do you know
what you are doing?! Not surprised to here him say
NO!
But I am going!
[ Image 11.0
Squires Mum unexpectedly Walked over to the Marker
And looked at it so carefully, as thou she was listening to it speak then touched it!
Finsean was watching he did not know why ,she had done something to the Marker.! Some kind of protective charm, he was guessing if it came from Squires mum! Then he realized she was gone!
[ Image 11.1
Tired and hunger, they quickly washed up, to celebrate. As their barnyard friends held a small parade just for them, as they were leaving. The two lads watched with joy that grew to excitement, they were feeling ready and strong! Thou it left Squire wondering
[ Image 11.2
Finsean was putting on pompous airs for fun
Well ‘my lad,’
It seems to me’,‘ that this very night’
is a monummentus occasion’
‘ toast I say’
Toast’
[ Image 11.3
Finsean holding tankards High in the air to touch]
A toast to US this night, using a pompous voice
Well Remembered Down thru the ages,
Sung generation to generations to come.
The Night Squire and Finesean
set their battle plans to give the
nasty Little Villain, the Heir!’
His comeuppance
with Humans’Ingenuity To us! They sang out in Triumph,! Yet won!
They sang songs told tall tails of how they were Heros in the making They were Legends to come! Squire looked about him he was getting an odd feeling! He was getting that prickly feeling, he knew something was wrong !
Then he heard
The Voice that Does Not Speak
Danger’
Do you really want to do this?
‘ Think again!’
Danger’
[ Image 12.0
Squire had known that something was wrong not just because Gronk, or the Elve had warned him !
No, he had known the moment the cold slimy hand brushed his skin when the Heir had knocked the Royal Banner from his hand.
It was the empty pools of nothingness that were his eyes it made him shiver just thinking of it. It was like looking into a Black hole, a mans eyes are the window’s to there soles, he knew , and the Heir his sole were empty. There was no light on!
It was thou he was a walking , talking body but No One was there No Light in his eyes, No Sole in its home! Like a zombie the Empty pits of pure bleakness, even the thought of it, made his blood run cold! And shiver! in his minds eye, it made his skin crawl! He knew this Heir was Evil! But his anger had grown and his Pride had been hurt, so when he heard his best mate, bellowing!
On the morrow Lad’
We fly’
[ Image 12.1
Squire did not even Hesitate,
very much
as He tried to ignoring
The Voice that Does Not Speak
In his mind he spoke to the Voice,
The Marker
Has Been Made!
But to his best mate he Yelled
On the morrow ‘We fly’
[ Image 13.0
Later that night ,alone in his quarters, he put his head down on his pillow to sleep. Again Squire heard
The Voice that Does Not Speak
Danger
Think Again!
Do you really want to do this?
Danger!
It was the 2nd time he had ignored the Voice
He did not like the feeling. But He knew he had to be up and ready before the crack of Dawn to go .
What was he doing? he asked himself
He could not turn back now, plans were made! Deep in Squire heart he wanted to give the Heir the comeuppance he deserved
On the morrow ‘We fly’
[ Image 13.1
the Misty Village happily fell into a pleasant sleep they knew Squire and Finsean were up to something they approved of
[ Image 13.2
Squire had a restless night, he tossed and turned he had argued with his Grandfather all night in his dream
Squire kept trying to explain
He had no way to back out now
The Marker was made!
But he thanked him for the warning
He knew he was walking into Trouble
[ Image 13.3
Squires Mum had been in the study all night Compass, protractors, angles Chart, maps, scrolls, parchment
quill in hand She was looking for something!
She felt the Danger, that Squires Marker would bring!
Squire woke in the predawn He felt cold in the dark. When he crawled out of his warm wool blankets The moonlight had faded And the dawn had not yet come Squire put on warm clean cloths hung out by the hearth to warm
[ Image 14.0
He was not He thought, He had heard the Voice say Danger,
a complete fool .
Be ready !
even if he was ignoring the Voice
Better wear the suit of Armor
his grandfather had given him
and be ready for anything
[ Image 14.1
Squire sat to latch the ankle plates Remembering his Grandfather who he had been Missing. When he had a vision; his Grandfather working the Magic of the Forge , as a wee Squire watching.
The steady cadence of the The powerful old man hammering out a rhythm for Squires Heart to fallow watching the Magic of the Forge come to life ,with bright young eyes eager to learn
The old man, smiled it filled his face with such joy to give a Gift to the Lad His first Hammer and Anvil Made for his size!
The small lad, took the tools, they looked huge to such a tiny man His own Maccabe! The wee man said with such joy he had been given his first Hammer! And anvil!
[ Image 14.2
The Vision was over But his Armor started to glow tiny scales of metal so movable and light so unique, so strong was the Protection Finsean’s deadly talons could not cut threw But the unique Armor was glowing he looked about felling his Grandfather he wondered again at what was going on
Nonsense he told himself and finished getting ready
[ Image 14.3
Squire heard again for the 3rd time
The Voice that Does Not Speak
‘Watch Listen and Learn’
Your Grandfather’
taught you how to tell
right’ from wrong!’
DANGER he felt badly, he knew there was Danger and he was ignoring it
[ Image 15.0
Time to Deliver the
Heirs HIS Due!’
Finsean came in before the crack of Dawn Excitement ran threw him, he was ready to Fly, He was ready to spit in the Heirs eye, Finsean did not like this Tyrant giving orders. or his Anti-Human sentiment he spread
[ Image 15.1
But he realized staring at Squire Dressed in FULL BATTLE Gear! His Best Mate, was Armored from Helmet, to Boot
Did I miss something
are we going to war? But he could see by looking at Squire, something was wrong,,! He did not look eager to start!
[ Image 15.2
‘Lets get it over with’ Squire tucked his Hammer in his boot and strapped it down to fly he threw the Marker over his shoulder by a belt he had fastened about it no longer eager
They walked without noise, waking no one as they slipped out of Sanctuary’s gates they wanted it to be a surprise The Marker Up when everyone awoke
[ Image 15.3
They slipped up the walk, that lead, to the Old Stone Bridge both looking about to be sure no one was watching
and like always they would get the hebbie-jeebees just before they were coming near the edge
Squires eyes were drawn to the left, to the old cottage of Tobar’s Finsean’s eyes were drawn over to the right looking for the Thing that lurked! The Thing that he could feel, wanted to eat them! Once again, he thought he had seen a glimpse
There eyes diverted to opposite sides While they waited 2 steps from the Old Stone Bridge Standing waiting for Old Tobar the Guard to come and let them pass
But their eyes were quickly turned to the Old Stone Bridge as Tobar was their before them, He appeared Looming over them with his one eyebrow up like an ancient Spawk.
His mighty staff in hand he stood ready!
[ Image 16.0 They were surprised to see Old Tobar looming down over them. Shocked to see him holding his staff like a sword!
Deeply disturbed to see Old Tobar did not want them to pass! A no nonsense look, about him neither lad had seen before! They felt uneasy! DID HE MEAN IT!?
Tobar stared them down! Defying even one of them to speak or move!
Tobar knew the Laws of the Land of Aradon they were clear As soon as Squire’s Marker was on Manley Mt, He would be a Man by Law
No longer a lad with silly larks, and games, they would be accountable for themselves! He doubted that either lad had thought about that!
The prank would be very Funny, Yes! And the Heir most defiantly deserved it!
Everyone would laugh, but when the laugh was over the Heir would have the last laugh when they found out! They were no longer lads they were not ready for manhood! the last laugh would not be sweet
And if there was anything Old Tobar did not ever wont to see was the Heir getting an other one over on Squire
He was going to challenge their manhood and put it to the test. If they could get past him They could place the marker at the top!
[ Image 16.1
But Squire had been ready for Tobar after Arguing with his Grandfather all night he flipped the Marker over his shoulder In front of him to show old Tobar he meant it I am going to Manley Mt.
To place this at the Top’
[ Image 16.2
Tobar Froze! The Marker was a work of Art, a joy to behold it was the work of a Master Builder from the old code! When he saw the Ancients Symbol hand tooled between the two wings! Did Squire Know what it was he had built!?
[ Image 17.0
The Marker was a call to Begin a Gathering And a Call for the Ancients Humans known as the Brotherhood of Builders to remember who they were
But the sign to call a Gathering had been called! This very night the Dragon Clan Gathering Begins Did this Lad know? He doubted it, but he did not believe in coincidence
No Dragon Does
The sign of the Gathering Hand Tooled On The Marker
began to glow before his eyes! Tobar heard
The Voice that Does Not Speak
Tobar pulled himself up to his fullest height swelling with power old Tobar no longer looked old, he looked wise and mighty as his Dark Brown good wool tunic began to glow before their eyes for a brief moment Squire had seen woven in Tobar’s Tunic The Symbol of the Ancients
[ Image 17.1
Tobar’s glowed with pride at the lads No longer an old man that guarded the Old Stone Bridge He was a grand majestic figure , standing before them His regal charm came forth
His Mighty woven wooden staff in hand! Tobar stood more powerful then a King Tobar once again, used his staff as a sword
Kneel They did!
I pledge my steal to your campaign’
‘On your Journey,’ ‘that has taken
the name of Manhood’
I Pledge my steel to you and yours
New Men of Aradon’ Arise
[ Image 17.2
New Men of Aradon’
As they stood making the sign of the oath
they swore the oath as one
[ Image 18.0
Tobar stepped back in a grand and majestic motion to let them pass ,both lads in shock, They walked ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER both expecting to wake up or fall while walking across Tobar had sworn an Oath to them was all they could think One foot in front of the other keep walking they went
[ Image 18.1
Stepping off from the old stone and mortar that was the Bridge They stepped out on to the Road Their silence growing Relieved to be alone, as they stood on the Road, in the dark of the predawn! Squire felt like a Fool, Finsean was thinking out loud!
‘Not as I had planned’
‘But STILL’‘ Old Tobar ‘Is on our side
‘did you hear him’?
‘Lets FLY’
’New Man Of Aradon’
[ Image 18.2
Squire was feeling apprehensive Already to many odd events had transpired As a Wicked Wind picked up and made it sound as thou he were Yelling
’New Man Of Ardon’
You had better get used to it’
You swore your manhood to Tobar’
no more Laddy for you mate’ You do know this?’
WE PLEDGED OUR Manhood to Tobar’
[ Image 18.3
In the predawn cold still they stood, on the Road! Bewildered What had just happened?
Yes’
New Man’
‘I do know this’
Finsean was alive with Excitement,
‘But Tobar made and
Oath to Us’
‘Have you ever heard of such a thing’
‘ It is an Omen of the things to come’
‘I know’
‘ That disturbs me most’ Squire was feeling weary
[ Image 19.0
Never in his life, had he ignored the voice he loved! The Voice that had saved him over and over as wee lad,
the Voice of care and concern
Right from Wrong
When he heard for the 3rd time
The Voice that Does Not Speak
‘Watch Listen and Learn’
DANGER’
[ Image 19.1
Because of his pride [Not wanting to look week] he ignored The Voice that knew right from wrong
How many times now he had ignored it ?
That brought a sadness to his heart,
he was ignoring his friend,
one who had always had his best
interest, at heart
[ Image 19.2
the silver thread of Dawns light appeared in the East cresting Over the rim of the Shadow Mts. Finsean Took flight with 3 powerful thrusts of his massive wings they were off!
Finsean Flew North up the Deep Gorge carved out of the land when the Ice Age was over. As a massive Glassier thawed and broke lose, carving the Valley out and its Raging River known as The White Water Runoff. They flew in the predawn gloom as the morning light began to show Its Savage and rugged beauty!
They slipped threw the air flying like they had never done before , they flew between the winds at there backs pushing them forward, as thou someone was helping them along.
The Challenge of Manhood to all in the Lands of Aradon!
the Great Manley Mt come into view Squire’s heart skipped a beet ,when he caught sight of the light behind her like a hallow! It was a thing of such natural beauty the Great Mt. was The Promise of a New Day,
[ Image 20.0
But Squire felt the closer they came the more he could feel Something was dreadfully wrong! But he could not see anything that would make him feel this way, when he spied a small marker
It was made of tied knots, of straw ,tied to look like a wee man. As he wondered about it, so small, so close to the ground, the knots looked like someone was just learning.
Squire heard the Voice that Does Not Speek;
Surprised it was not warning him
See the small Human Marker,
barely off the Ground!
It was put there in support of you
Squire!
[ Image 20.1
Pleased to know the Voice would still speak to him
Who had put it there? when he asked a question
They call him
the Widows Son!
the Widows Son!? He filled with pride at the wee chaps courage
he thought it was time to get to know this lad
He was far to small to have even thought of climbing!
Heart, brains, and courage he knew they were destined to be friends
[ Image 20.2
Then his eyes rose up, up, up to the Heirs Marker
He felt disgust run threw him as it turned to rage!
The Heir had purchased it from the Silver City, made by the Dwarfs of the Silver Smith’s Guild for 3 and 6!
Had it purchased? came the Voice
Squires anger erupted Squire reached down and unlatched his mighty Hammer he reached for the Marker slung over his shoulder His anger turned to rage
His Marker in one hand His mighty Hammer in the other
Finsean turned to see his best mate Squire jumped from his tethers Squire Flying alone with no wings
[ Image 21.0
We never planned that! Mate Finsean banking hard, as he was yelling at Squire in the breaking light Squire fell threw the air To the Mt below
Flying alone the rage poured out of him we never planed that! Ringing In his ears
[ Image 21.1
Finsean was going to bank and circle Then Squire would signal and Finsean would land But something went wrong!
As he found himself watching in horrid fascination as Squire Yelled Flying alone with no wings
This Pretender,
this Heir filled with Malic
and Spite Shall Never be King!
I avouch! The Neo Moon shot
[ Image 21.2
Squire came down from above on the marker The moment the Hammer hit the steal .His feet touched down. The Great Mt gave a shudder
Then, gave out a haunting groan of anguish an
eerie sound filled his ears. Squire could hear the sound of something very large had just died it Broke his heart.
The sudden pounding of thunder so loud as it Roared
In his ears, he felt himself enter a new Dimension, he was and was a speck, a bit so small it could not be seen. He had become an atom. So small no one could ever see him or find him, he was so small his world, had changed like the small atoms that roll around crashing into each other
[ Image 21.3
Finesean had banked and turned back over where he had just been ,with his mate before he had jumped!
He watched in Horror, as he fought the sudden wind currants and pressure of the Crashing Thunder that broke loose under Squire, as he disappeared in the moving rubble that had once been the pride of Lands of Aradon.
[ Image 21.4
Noooooo!!! --- Finesean screamed
But the noise of the crashing rocks was unbearably loud
no one could be heard above it
[[ Image 22.0
Finsean heard the pounding of thunder to match his own heart, as the Great Mt. became boulders, rubble and grit
beneath him covering his friend. As he watched for Squire down in the Frey. Grabbing for anything that could have him
[[ Image 22.1
Squire was Below in the Mt. of flowing rock crashing down on itself In a rage Finsean flew into the Frey
His eyes, ears and nose filling up with dust and dirt
Still he flew and searched
[[ Image 22.2
Dirt flew into the air, billowing darkness and Boulders crashing like thunder Still Finsean searched
Squire was lost in the oncoming boulders
rock and rubble, dirt and debris He could not yell over the collapsing noise Finsean felt a rage take hold
[[ Image 22.3
His lungs filled with dirt
no oxygen to feed the muscles or the mind
his feathers felt like lead
No
its not too late -he scream
its not
[[ Image 22.4
Fighting to breath and see, he raked his deadly talons
threw the oncoming Mt. again and again, moving further down the slide when something caught
How long could any one live in that’?
Even with his Grandfathers Enchantment Armour
He latched his talons tightly to it and pulled it out of the on flowing rock it looked like a boulder or a tree trunk
[[ Image 22.5
he came down quickly on a neighboring ledge
thinking he would have to move fast, sure this was some sort of boulder or rock he dropped the boulder slightly, coming down to land preparing for another take off
,it rolled a bit
[[ Image 23.0
The Crashing Mt falling ,dirt billowing in to the air, in layers, the sound deafening as the boulders crashed like thunder!
It rolled again Finsean become excited as the rock unfolded like a Rock Troll BUT on four legs
It appeared like something From the Black Lagoon
Then it stood wobbly on two legs Finsean went wild ‘Bloody Hell Mate,
you gave me a fright
I thought you were died.
he tried to whisper, he felt unstable, returning to the land of the Living
‘I though t I was dead’
[[ Image 23.1
Ripped raw to the core Manley Mt was gone
‘I killed HER!’
Squire filled with grief at the sound of the Mt dying haunting his mind
What are you talking about?
Finsean filled with Rage at the Heir but he worried for Squire, he thought his brains had addled by the pounding they had just taken
[[ Image 23.2
Squire quickly come to his senses
Hurry he yelled
Take me down there
Take me down there someone might be hurt!
Squire was serious and was going
[[ Image 23.3
Finsean thought that Squire was safer flying
So he agreed, heading into the Frey once again
Back and forth they flew, looking for signs of life, as Squire reached out to find anything that had died of worst, still down there alive. Nothing! It struck him as most odd. Where were the animals, the creatures that lived on the Great Mt. Not even bits of fur, or feather to mark the passing of a creature’s life!
,
[[ Image 24.0
Squire saw a glint in the swirling dirt and rock
He jumped! AGAIN! Running on the top of the oncoming boulders like He had wings, flying across the moving rubble looking for signs of life Finsean looking in wonder!
[[ Image 24.1
He was hoping for something living as he dodged and flew across the Frey Squire saw a glint of something he reached in ....and pulled up ....his Marker! When Squire saw a Massive Wall of sand dirt, and grit coming at him, no where to run from it! He could not run over the top, like he had solid Boulders[ he discovered ]but he could not rise above the Wall of sand and grit!
The sound of crashing all about him He was done for!
This is it! He thought.
[[ Image 24.2
Finsean pulled up in a dive flying across the Frey
he swooped down with his deadly talons and grabbed hold
Lifting him out again being pelted with the after flow
Finsean flew Squire to safety in time !
Squire had been relieved, but to Finsean amassment because no one had been hurt in the Destruction of the Great Mt. He had found no evidence of even one creatures Death, he was so pleased! But it was also very odd!
They both looked at one another! The Great Mt, had also been a great home, of so many kinds of living things, you could not count the kinds.
And Yet, None had been pummeled to death. He knew what it was like, he still did not know why he was with the Living once again. He had become so small no one could ever have found him.
Not True came The Voice that Does Not Speak
He looked at his friend, he was moved . Finsean had saved his life two times he knew!
Thanx He said, and he meant it, he was not ready to be that small he thought
But it was very odd,
why was there no life,
on the Pride of their land? He was back to the subjects at hand
[[ Image 25.0
The Gret Mt was gone, spilling over the land covering the only road, with boulders the size of cottages, and endless dirt overflowing past the road into the Forrest of the Bards!
As they stood atop a neighboring MT. ledge, Squire felt as though he had killed the Great Mt, with one blow! He had delivered the killing Blow, he was filled with such Grief.
Finsean was livid, this was not his Doing!
Powerful you are mate
I will give you that!
And Talent to boot!
But not powerful enough
to kill the Great Challenge of Manhood
In the Lands of Aradon
No! This is not your doing!
The Great Challenge of Manhood
Fell to RUINS,
on the Queen of the High Elves WATCH
Without a warning?!
It is time the Queen of the High Elves
has much explaining to do.
[[ Image 25.1
What a mess Was all Squire would say, he had heard his friendAs They looked down at the Road No one would pass thru there They needed to mark the Road for safety For unsuspecting Travelers ,as morning had come! They both knew that the coaches filled with Gold, and Silver, near traveled slow, their teams always running at break neck speed!
[[ Image 25.2
They worked hard and fast marking the southern end giving plenty of warning for Gold Coaches to slow and stop or turn and go back. They went up to the North, the side that held the Castle. They were looking for signs that those around had also known, the Great Mt, was unstable! But his mind was filled with the image of the Widows Son, what if he had been down there! The tiny lad, was so brave
They were finishing up the north end When Squire felt he was being watched He gave Finsean a sign no one could see While Finsean continued working Squire disappeared in to the trees
[[ Image 26.0
He found himself in a clearing with not just one pair but hundreds All staring at Him as eyes peering from the shadows but he could feel no hostility in them, where they from the Great Mt?
[[ Image 26.1
A Mountain pony came walking out she looked so much like his girl. He smiled at her, she was so beautiful, though not as good looking as his girl. He blushed at that thought, wondering if she read his mind, like Pickles did. She Could, she gave a sweet laugh,
She is my niece, she whinnied softly,
and never be embarrassed,
that you think her the greatest pony in the world,
you should! For that is the Magic of Horses!
My I introduce my friend Laddy, she is the Hoydenish little Pixie , you may have heard of she make the challenge difficult for those who defraud. She has much to tell you,
But i would like to Thank You
for looking for us, we have gift for you!
A large Bear came forward into the light ,Fear shot threw Squire but still did not run A rabbit hopped out, birds came,
Wolfs, Coyotes, Large Cats Deer Moose Elk Every kind of creator Naiads, Dryads, a Centaur came out they that had All lived on the Once Great Mt even the snakes had come
Squire stood astonished
She had a Gift, they had found it, and they knew it was close to his heart, they felt him search for it in the rubble as they marked the road. it was a small straw man, made by small hands, not yet practiced at making knots.
The Marker of the Widows Son
Thank You He said
[[ Image 26.2
The Pixie had a sweet face encouraged to see Squire and his friend Finsean alive .She spoke from the pony’s back
‘‘Felicitations’ Squire had been charmed
[[ Image 27.0 He Felt no malic in her as she spoke
We who had lived on the Great Mt
have all felt you’re Great Heart
and we will never forget! You looked for US!
you value life! We can see this
But now we need you dead.
What?! Squire told her, Her charm quickly fading
[[ Image 27.1
Now Pixie’s are very sweet and devilishly charming but they can cause the worst kind of trouble! and this Pixie was cleaver very, very ,cleaver as she quickly told Squire her plan they set their agreement in a pixie way parting gifts of Good Faith! Squire was given his Hammer they had found
Squire covered with rubble and rock Roots and bits of debrea standing among them Holding his hammer as thou he had gotten back a loved one
I thought I would never see you again
my heart broke to think you were gone,!
Squire who had no gift to give her asked
Would you like to borrow this?
Squire gave her His Marker ,for it was of some use to her he could tell . She did
[[ Image 27.2
Clouds came rolling in, a Fog started a mist formed and Squire could not see a thing. Another Gift from The Pixie
the weather acting as a screen of defense, for it was the Pixies plan, that the two lads play dead, unseen, until they got answers from the Castel held by the Queen of the High Elves
[[ Image 27.3
Finsean waiting his head filled with Questions as he watched the heavy clouds and mist came rolling in
What Happened?
Squire could not see a thing
We need to take off head
,start for home,!
I will tell you in the air
The cloud cover is for us
but we had better be quick
People are awake and rising
the noise must have woken everyone
[[ Image 28.0
Flying home the Heavy clouds and mist Hid Finsean from sight, as they talked over what had just happened and the Pixie’s plan
I Like her plan To see who will side
with the Heir
But Tobar will know
we are alive when we return
Yes’
‘That is why the Pixie
will speak to him herself Squire explained the Heavy clouds and mist flying home
[[ Image 28.1
I Like This Pixie Finsean was pleased
Leaving nothing to chance
And keeping the secret between
just few that can be trusted
Smart very Smart
And she says all of Eden is in danger?!
Finsean had to use his radar, War Birds had the best
but it was built into every Bird.
They kept their voices to a whisper, as they flew with such speed. They flew along the ragging water below, knowing it would mask their voices they were sure no one heard! As their conversation was done for now.
Finsean’s Deadly talons touched softly down on the Road
The Heavy mist parted just enough to show them the step up to the Old Stone Bridge! They were surprised, to see they were expected.
[ Image 28.2
It felt creepy, something was watching them they could tell,
They looked about to see what gave them that feeling,
the Heebee Jeebees
Something over the edge of the bottomless crevasse tried to look at them, in the heavy cover of the clouds ,thick like pea soup. on the ground . But it stopped their view, even of the bridge itself, a few steps in front of them. It made what they saw only an arm. waved them over Seem like a trap!
Tobar’s Massive arm surrounded by the heavy mist as thou it hung in space alone! Without old Tobar’s unseen body,!
Made the lads think twice.
[[ Image 29.0
But the mist parted just enough to show them they could quickly cross the Bridge. They were on their toes, still feeling that this whole event was unreal! But Squire knew as they crossed the Old Stone Bridge, they were home and safe
They walked heads down and quickly trying hard not to be seen in the Mist They slipped into the gates of Sanctuary
Leaving the gates slightly open for a fast escape
But every creature Came running to see the Lads They had felt the Mt go, and were worried! Both still covered it dirt, but Squire, unrecognizable! His helmet, still covered with bits of roots caught in the tumble he had just had.
[[ Image 29.1
They slipped into Squires Quarters by his private back door
Squire standing at his desk trying to leave a letter for his Mum and Dad to explain. He was having trouble, his Quarters were filling up with all their barnyard friends
and his horse who wanted answers! As she stood by her lad, wanting to know All there was to know! She had worried ,she listened to Squire pleased
‘Listen it is secret
no one must knew
we still live!......
Finsean still trying to collect Squires emergency kits quickly for a fast getaway, felt they were getting harder to reach, Squires kits were hung in the corners already packed and ready to go. but the War Bird of near 6feet was having trouble getting about the small ones all crowed round fussing over him. it felt good , after what had Happened both lads felt better knowing they were loved
[[ Image 29.2
When all eyes turned to the door to the Cottage Hallway there stood Squire parents Trilled to see them both alive! His mum could barely see Squire under the layers of dirt, but the lads were alive that was all that mattered just then,
Finsean had felt sorry for Squire, who looked like a creature drug up from The Dregs of the Black Lagoon trying to look like nothing happened!
Hello’ He smiled his most charming smile,, they both did.
[[ Image 30.0
Until The Roc tapped on the door Finsean was Crest Fallen
We are in for it now mate!
The Roc’ was the Commander and Chief Of the Sentinels
He tried to walk in but Squires quarters where filled with life. He was Pleased to see how much everyone loved
Apologies for dropping by them! And pleased to see his horse was not too upset!
[[ Image 30.1
KEEP WATCH Everyone’s eyes on the Roc But Squire Mums, she looked about she felt something odd She whispered to those closest to her, and signal to Squires horse.The animals turned and left like a well train Melita The Roc watched them spread out He was impressed he was more then
This was, very curious’ impressed
he thought
[[ Image 30.2
The Roc had followed them like a cleaver old Bird and
seen every move they made and wanted Hart and Elan to know They could be Pleased For he too had spoken to the Pixie [unseen of course} with the lads skillThe Roc wanted them with him, and they had earned the right to see what was going on in their lands. The Killing of the Great Mt. was no accident, and the Queen of the High Elves who hold the Castle had a lot of explaining to do. Especially to the Lads
[[ Image 30.3
Hart and Elan overjoyed to see them alive beamed with a quiet pride that caught the Roc’s attention. The quiet smile of love and approval to know their son and his best mate were truly Men! As they listened to The Roc sing their praises. Love had filled the chamber, the Roc felt empowered to go on!
[[ Image 30.4 But the Lads could not understand They gave each other a look that meant HOW? how he had seen so much they had never known he was there
The Roc amused by the Lads look for their eyes had been locked on the Roc’s every word
Since the Lands of Aradon had began
The Great Mt the challenge of Manhood
has fallen to ruin in such a violent death
The Queen of the High Elves
has much explaining to do!
[[ Image 31.0
The lads Tone was Elated they were besides themselves with joy. They had been asked On a secret expedition with the Roc ! Their Dreams had just come true!
And I think New Men
you may find it very interesting!
I would like you both
To come with me
under a cloak of Invisibility
And Together we shall see!
What she really has to say.
[[ Image 31.1
The lads had everything they needed already, before he came in, and Finsean had lashed down the last of Squires kits as he looked up to see the Roc coming in!
When Squire mum went quickly running off, yelling back to them. Hart was talking to the Roc as they waited
You all look starved’
let me get the Hamper....
Hart was Hoping to find out more
[[ Image 31.2
Will you be able to The Lads were deep in conversation
be invisible when you get older?
No mate,
Sentinels do not have that power,
but it appears there is more to the Roc
Then we knew!’
[[ Image 31.3
Squires Mum Returned with packs of goodies and a very full hamper a Fortnight or TWO of good nourishing food
Let us
say our good byes quickly
To ensure your safe return she said But to Squire she signed a message for him alone
[[ Image 31.4
I will not ask you ,not to worry
for I know you , will be on your Guard
To a safe return!
All as One They Swore the Oath
[[ Image 32.0
Hart walked threw the Heavy Mists with The Roc.
Hoping to learn more, for he could feel Evil pressing in on the Lands of Aradon,.
One of The last refuges, of the Garden the world had. Lands still bountiful. Good air, Good water, Good soil
But for how long? The Symbol of Manhood had fallen. Was that an Omen? Was that a Sign?, He was starting to feel in his heart , Eden was in grave danger!!
[[ Image 32.1
The Lads were far ahead of them talking, pleased as they could be! They were going off with The Roc, on a Seceret Mission! They had forgotten they were dead. Squire was telling Finsean his mum had placed his Master Builders Hidden Manual he called it, When Squire received the gift from his Grand Father the one that showed all the secret passage ways, in all the Castles, and Fortress in the lands, they had to test it. So they already had known how to used the Manuel, to see if it was true! It was!! And his mum had sent it knowing they would be unseen, they could go in daylight, and listen in the real Throne rooms ! She signed
The one with all the hidden passages?
But better, we will be Invisible!
Invincible You Mean! Mate
We will BE Invincible you and me..... busy talking they did not see what happened next
[[ Image 32.2
Two massive hands come out of the Heavy Fog
Each hand grabbed a lad Hands So large They could have been Rock Trolls The Lads caught unaware could not breath They were suffocating! Panic shot threw them
The Roc’ cleared the mists slowly as he cawed a small warning Tobar had both lads so tightly pressed to his rib-cage. Strangling them
[[ Image 32.3
Tobar Quickly let them loose Then Cuffed them soundly about the head and ears Hart watching every move ,with a smile
What a scare you gave this old Fool
And that is so you do not forget!
[[ Image 33.0
Tobar’s eyebrow shot up as he looked down at the filthy Human, who should be dead And looked at his amour With a questioning look.Hart had been watching The Roc But now his eyes were drawn to Old Tobar who was inspecting his lads armor.
I heard you were pulled under!!
for quiet a lengthy Spell?
[[ Image 33.1
They beamed with triumph Squire and Finsean They could feel Tobar’s Power And he loved them! He worried for their safety! Standing on the Old Stone Bridge with Old Tobar, and the Roc, and Squires father they knew things would work out, with them on their side,
how could anything go wrong!
[[ Image 33.2
The Roc Stepped forward
I am going to the Singing Forrest
To Set a Guard
These two will be Under my wing
you could say Tobar’s Eyebrow went up again He parted the Mists. They walked up the center of the Old Stone Bridge the mists blocking the view on either side anyone who would spy on them could not see
.As the mist closed about them Hart waved a special sign, Squire knew it meant he loved him. And keep on alert!
The Lad smiled how could things go bad now, he thought to his father, , hoping he would read it in his eyes. He could the Lad was in Heaven! But he wanted his son to stay on his toes! He loved him, and he felt Danger!
[[ Image 33.3
Hart stayed to watch them disappear As He stood with
the Guard to the Old Stone Bridge, Tobar He had always reminded Hart of Squires Grandfather Rollo, so pleased to see old Tobar cared so for his lad
Tobar put his mighty hand on Hart strong shoulder for comfort Then turned to look at Hart. He felt the power of this quiet healer Tobar Always’s enjoyed this family but now wondered who these People really were?
That Lad of yours is extraordinary!
[[ Image 34.0
Hart was laughing to himself, and smiling at Tobar
Crafty old thing was just as inquisitive as Rollo too
As Hart asked him about their adventures to come.
,But Tobar asked more personal questions.
Does that grow in your family tree?
[[ Image 34.1
Finsean had already latched down Squires ready kits and was prepare to go but The Roc quickly told Finsean to get the climbing gear and hamper. He did quickly but he was annoyed, Squire was flying with the Roc. He felt like the 3rd wheel on a cart, not really needed any more.
[[ Image 34.2
Squire and the Roc had disappeared, and it was making Finsean feel angry and left out, until he heard the disembodied voice Of Squire
Wizards
You look just like the Roc!!
[[ Image 34.3
Finsean Strutted and walked about like a Peacock
To be The Roc’s decoy was a huge honor, he blossomed before their eyes
[[ Image 34.4
He stopped playing about ,and fell into step as The Roc
He even used his voice incase any, spoke to him
The Real Roc was extremely amused as he and Squire were astonished how good Finsean was
For the 2nd time that morning they were back on their way to the Great Manley Mt but this time only the Roc could be seen flying
[[ Image 34.5
They were silent, as they flew in morning for the dead! Their minds trying to untangled what had happened, trying to make new plans They Flew slowly, to catch anything off guard, but nothing showed itself to them. As they searched below them, flying, low and slow
[[ Image 35.0
They flew North up the Raging River, the White Water, a savage massive snake of a river, winding down to the seas. But flying against the currants when they caught sight of the Missing Mt! Squire felt sick, he remembered her scream! He remembered her dying words!
[[ Image 35.1
Looking at the view coming up; the Violence, so crewel
With such destruction the Great Mt Manley Shattered ,destroyed, ripped raw to the core, The Death of the Great Mt Was so Horrific Like a Blade threw their Hearts.
Ruin lay beneath them as far as they could see they scarily saw the markers they had posted ahead for Safety
Squire felt sick, as ice cold shiver ran up his spine Their Symbol of Manhood crushed before them, to painful to their eyes to see again!
[[ Image 35.2
Rock Trolls were moving boulders the size of cottages
Almost Everyone was out helping, Vail people, of all kinds like the Centaurs, even creatures like the Bears were looking for Squire and Finsean! As they cleaned away the rubble
[[ Image 35.3
The Rock Trolls spotted THE ROC, above them!
They rolled into a Formal Formation The others made neat lines An Official Salute to Fallen Friends and Comrades
It was heartfelt and touching. Squire felt his chest get tight and his throat hurt, and his eyes stung
Finsean flew a wonderful pattern as the Roc to Honor The fallen Friends As they flew searching for the disparity they felt
[[ Image 35.4
But there was something very wrong
And, it was not, the missing Elves
It was something so elusive, and powerful he asked
Can you feel that?
Yes But I do not know what it is!
The Roc was very concerned it felt Evil they flew searching
For its origins
[[ Image 36.0
Squire talking to the Roc As they flew searching for the feeling they both felt!
I heard her dying Groan’
‘When my hammer hit the steel’
‘ YOU’
‘Heard her? He had not expected to hear that!
[[ Image 36.1
[Squire talking to the Roc
‘ Worse’
‘I knew better’
‘I had heard the Voice that Dose Not Speak
3 Times and I ignored the warnings’
‘I let myself be baited, by that Demon’
‘Do you always listen ‘? He asked The Roc
[[ Image 36.2
The Roc was listening, thou not to Squire. The Roc was listening to the Voice that Does Not Speak
but it was unheard of It was unorthodox
And he knew the Voice was right
[[ Image 36.3
Squire,
What should we do? The Old Bird said instead
I Think it is time
to fade from sight
to WATCH, LISTEN & LEARN
Squire answered without thinking he had spoken the motto outside the Family
THE ROC sent Finsean a Sentinels signal only the War Birds can hear Follow Me & Keep UP
[[ Image 37.0
The Roc picked up speed flying quicker and quicker over The Singing Forrest, he flew so quickly, they had come to the steps, then they flew over the Boarders of their Lands known as the Dragons Teeth. And still they flew faster. Finsean Followed Climbing higher and higher above the Mt ranges they soared.
[[ Image 37.1
Then they banked and turned into an ill wind, it hit them with full force, like a wall of pressure that no one can see!
A strange weather front had moved in. The War Bird did not like the look of it. He banked again as he turned back toward the Castle
[[ Image 37.2
The Roc no longer cloaked Finsean wondering what was going on The air was getting thin, and cold , Finsean had never flown this high When Finsean saw The Roc flew faster higher
Finsean began to feel tired The air getting Thin his feathers felt like pound waits pulling his body down and the Roc was still going up
[[ Image 37.3
The Roc picked up speed, flying up, up ,up
The sheer Ice cliffs taller then the highest Mts.; the Wall!
The northen Boarder of their Realm Tundra, the Lands Of Aradan. With The Mighty Frozen
[[ Image 37.4
A clear slick Frozen wall of Ice Standing strait and proud the glistening Great Wall of Ice .The Wall No Man Zone
was known as, the Mighty Tundra Finsean’s heart sank in his chest as he watched the Roc shoot over the Wall, into No Man Zone, the frozen Abyss.
NO ONE EVER CROSSED THE WALL!
What was going on?
[[ Image 38.0
Sanctuary, closed it gates, the Black Banner hung. Heartsick with Grief ,they mourned with lose for the Great Mountain of Manhood! The Misty Village had settled into a sadness as the day went on.
Every Village, and Hamlet along the only Road following the Raging River flowing from the North to South. The Great Whitewater River as it surged Coursing down into the Sea, . Black Banners Hung! Squire’s mum so pleased to hear about how Loved these two Lads are, from the animals coming and going with news to those at Sanctuary
[[ Image 38.1
But she was feeling an odd sound in the air. She has been working hard to try and find it. The odd phoneme she could almost hear! It stuck to her mind, like spun floss candy on a stick . Working hard to find it, she stretches out her feelings to see if she can put a finger on what it was ‑ that feeling that is just past her reach.
[[ Image 38.2
She became aware of a familiar dark creeping trying to enter her consciousness. A familiar creeping, One she felt she knew, but not yet sure, as it was different too.
The Eye can feel her, like a Beacon in the Night, drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
[[ Image 38.3
She came to realize this as she felt that the phoneme was seeking her! Pulling back her consciousness, she no longer wanted to study this very strange harmonic. She felt the malignant touch reach for her. She was repulsed by its indecency. Evil was festering out of it, like a deep wound gone bad! Ooze from open sores,
[[ Image 38.4
she spoke the words:
"No man is My Master!"
"No man is My God!"
"Evil You have no power over me!"
"I will never follow Evil Blindly!
Free Choice and Free Will are mine to choose,
and I choose LIFE." With that she sent out her Love and Protection. Like a tempest gone wild! Strong, sudden, and fierce ‑ she blew away the malignant force that had been seeking her.
[[ Image 39.0
So Repulsed by The All Seeing Eye, for she knew it wanted her dead ! She repeated the mantra of fear for comfort, she knew this was only the beginning, the Eye had found her! She Knew!
Fear is not My friend
Fear will stop or slow your actions!
the bodies response!
Fight or flight!
Action has been called for!
the Body knows!
It sends adrenaline!
thru your system for you!
to sharpen your wits!
and ready the Body for defence!
Fear, Doubt, and Loneliness are Evils Devices
to Enslave Humans so they cam mo longer
fight Evil and win!
[[ Image 39.1
Tobar had added his own power to hers, not knowing what she felt, just feeling the Love and will to protect. He could do nothing less
He was thoughtful for a time, pondering what had just happened He had felt nothing, saw nothing, just the restless feeling that the wind had changed.
Had Élan been aware of his aid? He thought not.
He had been studying her, aware he could not read her. And what is odder still, is that he could NEVER read her, never knowing what she was thinking or, he smiled to himself, or what she would do next!
[[ Image 39.1
He watched her return to the cottage ,the animals come to life Squire’s mount knew her lad was in trouble The Family unsafe, With Brains and Courage to lead she did! She called for THE BLACK WATCH
Tobar sniffed the air an Unnatural Foulness Lingered as He watched the weather bain spin like a top An ill wind blew, in no ones favour The hint of Dark Power hung in the air, why was Evil After Squires family?
[[ Image 40.0
Tobar stood in amazement He looked to the Heavens He wondered about this quiet family with such Power!
A Gathering had been called forth from his own people The Dragon Clan! Evil has entered the Lands of Aradan,
And there on Squire’s Marker, the Ancient Human Symbol to call a Gathering!
But it seemed to Tobar that Evil did not want the Ancient Human Symbol on the Marker to stand before them. So it was pulled in, under the fallen mountain, as Squire had been
The Call for a Gathering had been foiled!
Weather the lad knew what he was doing, Evil did! Tobar stood in amazement that Squire had lived! Tobar gave a wicked laugh He would have to find out about this unusual family
[[ Image 40.1
He looked over Sanctuary, The Black Watch had began
looking about ,he felt all was safe for now he went into
tiny cottage and Disappeared
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