Dream to Survive Part One

[Lammorra 0]

Dream to Survive Part One.

 

 

Dream to Survive

 

Chapter One

 

Sitting around a town campfire, an old wizard dressed in ivory coloured robes, with his hood pulled well down over his face, began to explain to a group of children what had happened in the years after the God's War. The wizard had glanced over to see the King of the Pixies standing and listening to what was being explained. His front door of his log type castle faced the campfire. "As His Majesty would say. 'The God's Wars left us in deeper trouble than we were when we first arrived on these Magical Isles. With all the fighting and use of magic, time on our Isles has changed. Once our time was exactly like the Forbidden Worlds (the world of humans), but now, due to the violent eruptions of our magic, it has sent our world into a terrible state. We are five hundred years in the past."

 

"High Master Red is right! Those who started the God's War had no respect for humans or us. That is why many on the Conclave of Wizards have placed a magical dome over our Isles. It is to protect us from the human world. I heared that High Master Red was given the assignment to spy on the humans for us. This is a most dangerous task. I have heard that the humans are fighting all over the world. Red will be joining the Canadian Forces to spy for the Isles." The king nodded his head for High Master Red to reply.

 

"Yes Your Majesty, I will be leaving in a short while to help protect our part of this world. Even though we are hiding from the human world, we are still part of Canada. Many of us were born here in Canada, therefore, we are Canadians. We must protect our lands and people. We have no idea how far this war will come towards our Isles. That is why I am leaving, to do my part as a Canadian." Master Red rose to his feet and straightened his robes, and then glanced over at King Moore.

 

"Master Comet from the School of Visions said that the Canadian Forces will be joining other world forces in England. I imagine that this will be the last time we will all see High Master Red for a while." Shuttering, King Moore flew over to Red, sat down on the wizard's shoulder. King Moore was a Dainty Pixie, and Head Ruler for all the Pixie Clans of which there were five. Most of the pixies in these clans stood only six to seven inches high in total height.

 

Feeling the king land on his shoulder, Red smiled at the king's daughter, Princess Joleen who was impatiently waiting for Red to finish his story.

 

"Master Red, it is impolite for you to talk business with father, while telling us your story." Joleen crunched up her nose and eyes as she scolded the High Wizard.

 

"Joleen, watch your manners!" Queen Tia entered the area and sat down beside her daughter on a rock to listen to Master Red's story. "Being a princess does not give you the right to be rude!"

 

"I am sorry!" Suddenly, Joleen spotted one of her friends. Her heart was heavy as she watched her friend nearing the campfire. She turned to face the wizard. "High Master Red, why have some of our families begun to grow taller than members of their own families? I heard that even some of the taller people have begun to shrink. One of mother's friends, Guardian Aqua, said that her sister has shrunk to the size of a Fairy Dragon. Will anything happen to our family?"

 

"The answer to your last question, is only the Gods know for certain. However, Guardian Aqua is right. Many have changed in size. Ember is the size of a Fairy Dragon and was banished from her clan because of it. Her mate, Flash is so upset that he spends most of his time in the tavern drinking. It is due to the misuse of magic. It destroyed my own family many years ago. My Grandfather and uncle were dueling with magic, when a terrible outside force suddenly struck Earth, and killed them both. This is partially why time is out of sequence. Many tiny folk like yourselves were changed into different species of pixies, fairies and even the dragons were changed. Some larger dragons are now being called Fairy Dragons, because they shrank in size from the blast, while the pixies, fairies and other races began to grow in height. Many of the elders were horrified and declared that these larger races of winged beings be dunked, their wings dissolved. However, the dragon people were banished from their clans."

 

It was very upsetting for Joleen, she began to cry. "That is not right! Father, why you not stop them." Joleen was only ten years old and did not understand. She thought that her father could do anything he wanted, because he was the king of all the pixie clans.

 

"I was told it was a Council that decided these fates of others." Looking for help, King Moore glanced over at Red's face.

 

"This council has gone too far. Not even the Gods that are healthy can help us. Even my master was badly injured in the God's War. I received a message that both of the twins will survive. They are still weak, but will help, if we need them. Yana and Venya, need rest to recover from their wounds." Red could see that certain frown on Joleen's face. "All right, enough talk of state."

 

An eighteen inch child sat down on the log beside Joleen's rock. He smiled at her and she kissed his cheek. "Where is Kyle? I come to say good-bye to him."

 

"Practising his swordsmanship. He was chosen as a squire to one of his uncles. What took you so long getting here?" Joleen waited for her friend to reply.

 

"We ran into some trouble. Grandfather and mother blasted those people with Wind Spells. Mother returned to stay with the other children on the farm. Grandfather returned to the home of the Immortal Royal Family. Papa is over there with some other men." The child turned to High Master Red.

 

"Father told me to tell you that things are getting worse on the roads. Ambushes are happening all the time now. Mother is really worried, I am not supposed to know, but our lives have been threatened, again. If this keeps up we will be splitting up our family. Mother told me that I was to go and live with Dant. It won't be for a few years, yet." The child felt Joleen cuddle against his cheek. "I have begun to grow like father did. They tried to dunk father, already to dissolve his wings. We just came here to tell you, that we won't be seeing each other any more. Tell Kyle what has happened. Okay! I really sorry! Mother has changed our first names. My name that I had when I was tiny is gone from the elders books. It is to save our lives. I just came to say good-bye. Tell Kyle that I love him. We will always be best friends. Joleen, I love you, too. I am going to miss you lots! Be careful! Promise me!"

 

"I will! Are you not staying for the festival this year?" Joleen hugged her friend's neck a she sat on his shoulder.

 

"No! We only stopped by to tell you of the dangers out there. I see that father is ready to leave. We are going to our own farm for a while to get our things, then we are going to Dants father's farm. It is a well kept secret and hard to find. The elders missed dunking father's wings, that is why we are on the run. I hate hiding like this - all the time." The child kissed Joleen's cheek. He pulled up his large hood that covered his entire face and hair, then drew his cloak around him tightly. He looked much like a dwarf child the way he was dressed.

 

Joleen had noticed that her father and the High Wizard were now talking to the child's father. She could hear what they were saying.

 

"Golden Thread is watching over the Forester Fairy Dragons, like she was told to. If she brings you the third child guard him well, for the orders came from the twins mother, herself." The king had spoken.

 

The child's father motioned to him as he started to walk down the road. "Farewell, I pray that the Gods all watch over us. We have hard times coming ahead. Guard the young." The child's father and his son walked off down the road, then vanished from sight.

 

 

 

Chapter Two

 

Ten human years had swiftly gone by on the Isles. Everything had changed for Joleen. She was so unhappy that they had moved back to the small Isle of Pixie, where she had been born. The only good thing about Pixie Isle was that Kyle was there for her. This day, Joleen had packed a lunch for them.

 

Kyle finally had a day off. They planned to spend the whole day together. "Joleen, are you ready, yet?"

 

"Just let me get my cloak. I can use my bow and arrows, and not strike father in the seat of his pants. I am studying my magic and soon will be under the apprenticeship of your mother. How is work?"

 

"It is not good! Joleen, let's go to our favorite place first, before we talk. It would not be good for our parents to over hear us talking." Kyle was a very sensible young officer now, with the title of Major. His love for Joleen grew more every day. He had even asked for her hand in marriage, but not yet received a reply.

 

Grabbing her cloak, Kyle helped Joleen fasten it securely, and then they flew off to their favorite place in the forest. Near a clearing, there was a stream nearby, it was a lovely place for their picnic. Kyle walked around to secure the place first. Joleen had been hiding in her Invisibility Spell. "It is all clear!" He watched her reappear, helped her spread out the tiny blanket on the grass, and then they both sat down. Joleen lay her pixie bow and arrows next to the blanket. Kyle laid his sword next to Joleen's weapon.

 

"It has been too long! The festival of Maiden Rites is to take place within the week. Kyle, where will we go to live after we are married?" Joleen watched her love shake his head.

 

"There is talk that the festival might not even take place. I do not know how to tell you this. Your father's younger brother, Byron has vanished along with your grandfather, and the rest of their clan. Your mother's brother, Cernation never stood a chance. His whole village was set ablaze. No one survived as far as we can tell." Kyle hung his head and held his love in his arms. "I am sorry to be the one to tell you!"

 

"That explains why mother and father are screaming at everyone. Have you heard from our friend from the Forester Clan." Joleen watched how she phrased her words for their were her personal guards around, and she trusted no one.

 

"They managed to get to their destination, which they left for the night they showed up here. However, we have not heard from them since then. There has been trouble in that region as well." Kyle reached into his pocket and withdrew a tiny golden spider. "Golden Thread sent this child to guard you. Keep him out of sight at all times. If you are in danger he will help you. I have a very bad feeling about the festival. I think that these raiders will wait until all the clans arrive then attack the village. I do not know what to do. My step-brother was seen with the raiders this very morning. I told our father what I had overheard. Father told me to tell you to stay in the old village where we use to live. It is only an hours flight to our home here."

 

"Father will be angry!" Joleen could see Kyle shaking his head. "Why?"

 

"It was your mother's idea! My step-brother told the others that the Festival of Maiden Rites would be the perfect time to attack. They plan to attack when you and King Moore are out gathering flowers. I will do my best to protect your mother. I filled the old castle with food and nectar for you. If I am wounded, I will come here and wait for you." Kyle handed her an engagement ring. "Your father said that no one of rank was higher than I am. I know that your father wants me as your husband. Please wear the ring."

 

"The gathering of flowers is tomorrow. What will happen to us?" Joleen began to cry, as she glanced over at her guards. "When I am with father, you are to guard Kyle and mother for me."

 

"Yes, Princess!" the guard bowed to his mistress. "We guards have heard rumours that there are prisoners being taken in these raids. If we can only find the prisoners, we would have the proof we need to bring in these killers."

 

"Kyle, find out where the captives are being held. Your brother has such a big mouth. Maybe, he will let it slip, if he thinks you will help him. Please be careful!" She handed him a Potion of Healing. "Keep it safe. If you do get hurt, come to this place."

 

For the rest of their time together, Joleen and Kyle just watched the clouds, birds and animals playing in the forest and meadow. Joleen could not believe that this was happening.

 

They returned to the castle, which was nothing more than an old log that had been hollowed out and decorated inside. Joleen moved Kyle over to an alcove and kissed his cheek. "Take care tomorrow. I love you so much!"

 

"I love you, my dearest love." Kyle returned her kiss and held her tightly in his embrace. "If anything does happen to me. Take all my things as your own. I go on duty in a hour. Bye, my dearest love!" Kyle marched off to the outside of the castle.

 

Joleen saw her mother approaching her. "Kyle told me everything. I will do as you say. I will try my best to survive."

 

"Your father will send you to the old castle. I have already talked to him. We will join you as soon as we can." Queen Tia moved towards her daughter, as she was handed a letter. "What is this?" Tia read the letter. "No! I have sent my servants to the old castle. Kyle's step-brother has been using it. I want you to go to the Branble Castle stay there until we come to get you. It is safe!" Hanging her head Tia began to softly speak in a whisper. "Within the hour, my maid was murdered by Kyle's step-brother. I will fly right away to Kyle and tell him. I will get him to put provisions in the Bramble Castle." Tia flew off leaving Joleen alone.

 

Joleen hurried to her room and moved all her belongings into a magical bag, that reduced everything placed inside it. She tied the bag to her waist. As she went to her dresser, she noticed two other magical bags tied to one of her favorite ribbons. She hid these bags as well. She knew that her mother had placed special items inside these bags.

 

As she went over to her bed, the tiny Golden Spider appeared before her. "What is it?"

 

"Some of my family have been sent here to help us. As we returned, one of my brothers told me to take you to the Bramble Castle. Joleen, there are so many raiders right here in the village that not even my brothers know what too do. I so scared."

 

"So am I!" She glanced down at the spider. "How come you can talk?"

 

"That big blast hit our mother and many others on the Isles. It sent everything into chaos. Even the tiny Black Spiders can speak now. They are still growing in size. Some are six feet in size. Some of us can change to different forms and will our bodies to grow large in size then reduce afterwards, if we have too. Even mother has changed. The Black Spiders are on our side and want to help protect others. They cannot leave the Underground, except after dark. So, they cannot even help us with the raiders, tomorrow. I will be here for you."

 

"Thanks!" Joleen changed her clothes and lay on her bed resting all night long. She could not sleep at all.

 

 

 

Chapter Three

 

Dorrian and his family had been chased all over the Isles. Dorrian and his son had managed to help his wife and other children get free from some raiders with Dant and his father's help. After that, Dorrian and his family finally found a very small farm, deep within a forest, where they stayed hidden and worked in the fields for almost ten years.

 

It was the day before his family was to leave home to take his eldest son to Dant. Dorrian, and his wife had been working in the fields, as they did every day. She did not want others to suspect that they were leaving. It was nearing the noon meal time, when Dorrian hurried over to his wife.

 

"All is in ready. Let us eat!" Dorrian hurried over to the area where they would both eat their meals with the others that worked in the fields.

 

"It is going to be a long night. I heard that raiders are coming closer every day. That was nice of True Grey to come and get our two youngest children. At least our daughter, Sarrie and son, Zar will be all right and safe." She sat down on a log, beside her husband.

 

Everyone was just finishing up their meal, when riders stormed the area, destroying the fields with fire. Everyone ran for their lives. Dorrian grabbed his wife and they hid under some boxes. After the raiders left, he glanced around to see his wife laying face down in the dirt. "No! Star, are you all right?" There was no answer from her, as he removed the boxes, and then knelt down beside her, gently rolled her over. She had been killed by the slash of a raider's sword. Falling forward, as he cried, Dorrian felt like all hope in the world was now gone. "Gods! Where were you? Why did you not protect my Shining Star?"

 

By now, other field workers helped Dorrian to his feet, and moved him away from his wife's body. He watched as the workers placed Star's body into the wagon. They led Dorrian and his wife back to their home. As always, Dorrian and Star's eldest son was on the front porch waiting for them to return home. Dorrian ran towards his son and swept him into his arms. "The raiders have burned the fields and killed your mother. Son, I am so sorry, but we could not stop the raiders. They were on us, too fast."

 

The child wiggled from his father's arms and ran over to his mother's body. He crawled up beside her on the wagon. "I will find out who did this, and bring them before the Gods to be punished." He noticed one woman take a necklace that belonged to his mother and place it around his neck. "Tanks! I will help look after father and the children. Mother, I love you. I will bring those killers to justice, even if it is the very last thing I ever do." He kissed her cheek and felt someone lift him to the ground.

 

Dorrian reached out and held his son back as the others helped to bury his wife. The child gathered up some of his mother's favorite flowers and placed them on her grave.

 

After all the workers were finished, Dorrian thanked them. "I will be leavin' this place. I do not know, if I will ever return here or not."

 

"We will watch over your wife's grave and keep the house for you. You will always be welcome here. Dorrian, take your son and these other orphans with you. It will help hide your son from those who want him dead. Now, get your things. This wagon will carry you far from the raiders, as they ride south. You ride north and stay out of the area." The foreman held Dorrian's hands in his. "Here is some gold for you and your children. Take these seeds with you. Dorrian, it was Gin, who led the raiders. I witnessed him killing Star."

 

Before Dorrian and his son could do anything, their friends had loaded the wagon. The foreman placed the child on the seat of the wagon. In the back of the wagon were the other eleven orphans. Dorrian was helped up and started to ride north with several of the workers following them.

 

The child just sat holding onto his mother's necklace, which was around his neck. "Papa, grandfather gave mother this necklace."

"Yes, son! Put it under your shirt and hide it well. It is like my clan ring. It will tell others who you are. You better hide it." Dorrian watched his son remove the necklace and placed it into his tiny pouch tied at his waist. His son then placed the pouch inside his boot in the pocket where many people kept a dagger. He moved his dagger to another pouch and tied it around his waist out of sight.

 

The friends that had followed Dorrian had each taken a child with them and were pretending to be Dorrian and his son. This was to lead the raiders off Dorrian's trail.

 

********

 

Gin was about ready to tear out his hair. "Find that child!"

 

"We have been searching for him all over these Isles. You killed the child's mother. Was that not enough." One of Gin's people felt a dagger strike his chest.

 

"Any more excuses!" Gin stared at his men as they hauled out the dead man. "I will be in Silkie. Find the child!"

 

The inn completely cleared of men. The barkeeper leaned forward after Gin had gone with his men.

 

"Father, I have to get word to Dant." The Barkeeper's daughter glared at her father.

 

"I will send you to town for supplies. Mentioned what has taken place here to the storekeeper's sister. She will get word to Golden Thread to warn Dorrian." The Barkeeper sent a message off with is daughter.

 

 

 

 

Chapter Four

 

 

"I want you to get an early start for the hunting fields." Staring at her son, Ember rose to her feet. "You are getting old enough to start taking on duties. Go! I will soon have another child to feed. Flame, you are to go and find a place of your own. First, I want you to go and bring me some supplies before you leave home." She turned around and walked deeper into her lair.

 

"Yes, Mamma!" He grabbed his collecting back and put it into his teeth. "I will get your favorite foods." Flame left his mother's lair and walked outside. He could see it was still dark, by the shadows and the stars in the sky it told him that it was about three in the morning. Knowing that this was a test, Flame hurried off. He glanced back at his mother's lair, then took wing over the forest and the hunting grounds. As he hunted, Flame wondered why his mother was willing to let him go off on his own at such a young age. Flame flew for an hour, and then landed in a heavily forested area with lots of old tree stumps and deadfall. Flame spent hours gathering up the best bugs and tiny grub morsels that his mother enjoyed eating so much. He filled the two large bags and flew for home. He was only ten years old in dragon years. Yet, in elfin years he would be five, and in human years he would be one year old. So, he was very proud of himself for having stayed behind to help his mother. Not many male dragons would have helped their mothers. He realized that getting such an early start would give him an advantage over others not yet awake.

 

The haze of morning was just starting to lift from the fields, as he carried the heavy filled bags. It would take Flame one and a half hours to fly home to his mother's lair. As he flew over the lands, he could see the terrain below. He had only flown over these lands with his mother. Yet, he seemed to know these lands below him. He knew that they were very dangerous. Many people had been killed down there. That was why his mother had taken her son away from these lands and into the mountains to live. It was about noon when Flame arrived back home.

 

Ember greeted him at the entrance of the lair. "You have done very well. Flame come inside. We did not leave our village area too soon. I have received word that our village was destroyed by those raiders that the elders are after. Your father is missing."

 

Pausing at the entrance, Flame could see a tiny dragoness hurrying towards him. "Father is missing? I have a sister?"

 

"Yes!" Ember watched, as her son lowered himself to the ground, and began to play with his sister. "You are certainly not like other male dragons."

 

"Mamma, I cannot explain it to you! I hate the way these dragons act, and always challenge each other. Mother, I have located a cave not far from here. I will set up my home there. If you need more food, let out a roar, and I will come to help you. I flew over the village where we use to live, the whole area is now in ashes. Don't return there at all. We have to stay together, or close by each other, if we are to survive. Why did father stay in the village? Raiders are everywhere. I will be able to see your cave from the entrance of my own." Flame turned to his sister. "I am up there. See that cave."

 

The tiny female stared up at the cave high on the mountain side. "Me call for help!"

 

"Good girl! With father missing, it falls to me to keep you safe." Flame turned back to his mother. "The elves and pixies are right we must keep our families together." He took wing to the air and flew up to the cave that he had cleared out several weeks before. He had stored some food inside for himself. He wanted to sleep, but he knew that there was no time for it.

 

After eating his fill, Flame curled up his deep purple coloured body into a ball, tucked his head under his purple wing, and went to rest. He only rested a short while. Flame had gained the trust and respect of many elves, fairies and other dragons. His mother was an Aquatic Dragoness and his father was a Fire Drake, that is how Flame ended up the colour purple. Blue and Red make purple, but this deep purple colour that Flame was given at birth, had endowed him with a wonderful new ability to hide in the darkness without using his ability of invisibility. He resembled a rock in the darkness of his cave. More than any other thing in his life, Flame loved to give a raider or robber a flame to the butt, or a hot foot.

 

*******

 

It was before dawn, when Joleen heard a tap on the door. She opened her door, there stood Kyle, covered in blood. "What happened? Are you all right?"

 

"I managed to get your mother's maid back to her for burial. There are more than a hundred raiders in the village already. Joleen, please slip this under your cloak. I know they are the clothes of a maid, but they may keep you alive. I have to go!" Kyle hurried off out of the stump castle.

 

*******

 

Dawn was just starting to break, as Flame lay low outside on his vantage point, guarding his mother's lair when he was approached by an elf friend. "You are up early?"

 

"There is something very different and almost scary about you. I have lived around here for a long time, and never have I met a dragon like yourself. I asked one of the elders from our village, if I could teach you magic. He was my master when I was learning elfin magic. When I said it was you that I wanted to teach, my master shoved this book at me, and said, 'you should be honoured to teach the nephew of one of the guardians.' That is when I realized that your uncle is Enchanter the Guardian. The most powerful guardian of all of them. It is a great honoured to be you master. However, we will have to keep this a secret. My master is a Conclave High Wizard. If you need help, you call me. Here is your apprentice ring of magic." Handing over the ring and book, the young master smiled at Flame.

 

After putting on his ring, Flame glanced down at his first spell book. "I know not what to say!" This elfin master had just offered to teach him some magic. "Master Eric! It is not you who should be honoured, but myself. I promise to practise hard to learn all I can." Flame was excited, as he began to practise his first spell. Flame's master left after giving him some instructions. Flame practised an hour near the mouth of his lair. He had heard a strange sound, went outside of his lair to investigate. He stared down at his mother's lair, when he sensed that someone was in their area.

 

"Uncle, I am up here!" Flame was delighted to see his mother's brother.

 

The old dragon flew up to where his nephew was living. "This is a good area. You picked a well protective region. Where is your father?"

 

"I returned from gathering food. I flew over the village. Uncle, it is completely destroyed. I searched for father, but could not find him. I tried to lift those heavy boards, but some were still on fire. When I returned home, mamma told me that she received a message that father was missing. This time of day he would frequent that tavern." Flame glanced over at the huge male dragon in his lair. "I know the truth. Mamma did not just leave our village on her own. Why did the others of our clan chase off my mamma and doom her to death. It was not her fault that she became so tiny. I am just like her. The elves and others say it is wrong the way we are treated. They banished mother. I am so angry, cause some elders are saying that we are not even dragons anymore. One even calls us Grubs."

 

"Yes, it is wrong! There is nothing that I can do. Someone has been telling lies to Yana. He believes every liar that speaks to him. Yana was told the blast that began to change others from large creatures into smaller beings was his punishment for disobeying the old gods. Venya was told that the smaller beings were changed into larger forms of life was a punishment for her family. These elders said it was because they interfered with this change in social order, from the Greater Gods of Creation. It is all lies! I do not care! Master Red was able to get these spell books for you. Study well, my nephew. I know that you will one day find a way to prove how strong in magic you really are. Take care of my sister. Master Red told me that he assigned a master to help you." The old dragon turned to leave.

 

"Uncle, mother has had another child. She is small like myself. That is why I have chosen this place to watch over them." Flame put his books up on some rocks.

 

"I will search for your father. Be careful! Watch who, and what you say to others. With your mother being so small now, it would be easy for these raiders to grab her and your sister. Take care of them and yourself. I will see if I can find someone to help you protect your mother and sister. If I can find help, I want you to go and stay with High Master Red. Eric is trying his best to protect Red, but others still get to him. I have told you the stories of Jilon. I need you to investigate that tower of Red's. I was told to tell you that you will be getting some help. I will be back before I leave for Moore's village." The old dragon took off and flew towards his village area. Some of the ruins were still smouldering. Most of the huts in the village had thatch roofs and were built of mud and grasses heavy packed together to form the side walls. Because of thousands of dragons dying, they began to band in small villages like settings for protection. Enchanter let loose with a Water Spell that drenched the whole area, before he landed. The sun hit Enchanter's side as he soaked the village. His golden scales glistened in the beginning rays of daylight.

 

After searching, the old dragon only found dead bodies. He spent hours burying the smaller and medium size dragon clan members. He was moving some boards when he saw something red moving in the rubble. The old dragon dug the red thing out, only to find that it was Flash dressed in his red robes, Flame's father. He was barely alive. Not waiting, the old dragon picked up Flash in his talons, and flew to his other daughter, Aqua's lair.

 

"Father what is wrong? Where did you find him?" Aqua grabbed Flash and hurried him to the straw bed on the floor where she would sleep. She used her magic to change to elf form and began to heal him.

 

"There is no one in that town left alive. Ember and Flame are north on the edge of Bulton's region. Ember has had another child. The child is small like her mother and brother. I will get the gods to change Flash to a smaller dragon as well." The elder dragon watched his daughter healing Flash. "I have to get back to Flame and tell him."

 

"There is not much I can do for him. I have called mother to take him to the Gods. It is his only hope. We cannot let Gretz take his spirit. Take this Golden Spider to Flame. It is to be his guard. Tell Flame that if he is found with the spider he is to pretend that he has been attacked by another type of spider and this golden spider rescued him. This one will help Flame to stay alive." Aqua watched as her step-father took off with the tiny spider webbed to the top of his head.

 

"Aqua... Tell Enchanter that it was terrible. They are using wyverns to attack and flame the villages first. The wyverns are being threatened by Takrus. I saw them arguing of destroying the village. Takrus said, 'destroy it or your families will become living dead. Orders from Gretz!' I think the wyverns wanted me to know who was doing it, that is why they picked a fight with Takrus. After Gretz kills these others off, she takes their bodies and makes them into undead. Apparently, these undead will be her forces later on. You have to find a way to destroy them. Gretz plans to kill off our magical world, and then go after the humans, and destroy them, their world as she destroyed the planets of Gander and Neton One."

 

"It would be like the wyverns to pick a fight to get a message to you. They are our friends and have been for years. I will send my father the message, immediately and I will contact Ember." Aqua closed her eyes and spoke to Enchanter. Just as Aqua finished her message, she glanced down at Flash, to see he was almost dead. She sent for the Gods to help her.

 

One of the gods arrived and captured Flash's spirit. "That was too close! Tell his family that he died. I will take him to Ske." The god picked up Flash's body and vanished from Aqua's lair. "She sent another message to her father. She could not reach Ember.

 

Flying a fast as he dare, the old dragon stopped outside Flame's lair. "I was told to bring you this. He is a friend to help guard you. Your father will be going to Ske. He has died. I found him in the rubble of the village. You were right, he was in the tavern under the burnt rubble. Everyone else is dead."

 

"Someone tried to grab my sister only moments after you left here. Mother has taken sister to Eir Bonesetter to be healed. Uncle, you heal me! Mother is moving her lair to the caves, above Roky Valley Gap. Bulton the Minatour said the would protect her. Sister will be living with Eir for a while." Flame glanced down at the spider. "I had too really flame that group of raiders to stop them from killing mother and sister. See, I got some cuts from the raiders swords. They said that they would be back."

 

The old dragon began to heal Flame's wounds. "If you can get to Master Red's Tower in Red Mule, I suggest you do. Work it out with your tiny friend here. I would not leave it too long. Too, many of us are dying. We found the kings from the Highlander's fairy and fairy dragons dead. Charles is missing or dead. Majesta is in Ske with the Gods. Majesta was badly beaten, and near death. I was made a Guardian, but the Gods give me all their dirty work to do. Your wounds are clean and I applied Healing Salve. Your little spider can help you to keep clean your wounds and dress them." Enchanter turned to Flame before leaving and told him what Aqua had told him. "So, the wyverns have been true to their word. I suspect that we have some battles ahead of us, just to stay alive. I have to go. I would have like to tell you something else, but it is forbidden. Flame, follow you fairy instincts. That was a hint! You know what our god are capable of." The mighty dragon took to the air and flew north.

 

"Mother tells me that it is Gin, Relle, and Marts causing all the trouble. Them even gots the Seeing Signet and her family working for them. Gretz and wyvern are with raiders to stop others from escaping. Poor Rahab thinks this is his daughter causing the trouble. It is double of Signet. Real Signet is blind. This one is able to see. She is big trouble for us all." The tiny spider tried to explain to his new friend. "Mother has spies watching this bad Signet."

 

"Then we will have to use our smarts to out wit this group of killers." Flame began to move further back from the cave entrance. "I am like my mother's niece. I see things happening before them do. We going to use this to help us. Have your mother send a gold spider to the child called Splat. I want you to write down all that I say when I go into trance."

 

"You sure you gots the name right?" The spider asked. "Who would call their child Splat? That is terrible name!"

 

"Yes, the child is on his way to the Merchant, Dant. He will arrive there in a few days. We have much work to do. Hurry! In the meantime, I will move some of my things down to mother's old lair, to throw the raiders off her trail. I want you back here before noon. I will be setting up some traps that the elves use to catch these raiders. They will not expect this from a little dragon." Flame set to work, as his spider went to help find a spider to send to the child going to Dant.

 

Flame had readied several traps and was returning to get some of his things when he spotted a raiding group heading towards his mother's lair. "They are back. Now, I will get you good! He checked the rocks over the lair entrance. Cut me, will you! I will use your heads as melons and smash them with my rocks." Flame could see a large brown bear coming closer to his lair. "Not now! I do not need trouble from you. I have trouble enough coming up the valley. Look down there!"

 

Suddenly, the bear rose up on his hide legs. "I was sent to help you. Golden Thread is very angry. Someone shot her in the leg with an arrow. She set word to me that you were in trouble."

 

"I thought you were a real bear, Changeling." Flame had seen this Changeling before. "I welcome all the help I can get."

 

"I see we have some fun!" The changeling changed to elf form, and then rubbed his hands together. "Rotten Raiders! This time I will get my revenge for them killing some of my family." Looking up above Ember's lair, the Changeling could see some rocks that would not take much to fall down on the raider's heads. "Can you cast a Fire Spell, yet?"

 

"You betcha! Where do you want it?" Flame could see the Changeling pointing to the log holding back the rocks above his mother's lair. "What is your name?"

 

"Ricket! A few in this group were with the ones that killed my father and brother." The changeling changed back to his bear form, and watched as Flame set fire to the log holding the rocks in place.

 

By the time the raiders neared Ember's lair, the fire had nearly burnt through the log, and the rocks began to shift. Ricket grabbed Flame and pulled him into his lair. Ricket changed to elf, pulled out from a sack he carried with him, a elfin long hunting bow and some tri-headed hunting arrows. Flame sat in the entrance to his lair, as Ricket sat beside him. They were waiting for the raiders to enter the lair. Ricket waited for the raiders to mingle around the front of the cave to attack. Suddenly, Ricket let loose with an arrow, which struck the log, freeing the rocks. The raiders screamed as they were being pounded by rocks. "Quietly, move to the edge of the ledge, and let loose with another Fire Spell."

 

"I am using my dragon breath, not spells. Why waste a good spell on that trash?" Flame let loose with two more volleys of flames. He was a small six-foot dragon from tip of nose to tip of tail, but his magic was that of the larger dragons. Flame had no problems hitting the front of the lair. Ricket grabbed Flame. The little dragon almost fell off the cliff, as they both started to laugh at the raiders being bombed by rocks and flames. Both young males were giving these raiders such a pounding that the group grabbed their friends and headed south. The rocks had sealed the entrance to Ember's cave, all but a tiny opening at the entrance above the fallen rocks. Two dead raiders were still buried in the rocks.

 

Ricket changed to a hawk form and looked over at Flame. "I have to follow these killers to their leader's hide out. Want to join me?"

 

"Sure will! It was these raiders that killed my father. I just received a mind link from my aunt that father is dead. I like to see them dance when the flames hit their seats and feet. They do not call me Flame for nothing." Flame grabbed a small bag of things and watched as six spiders entered his lair.

 

"We missed the fun!" The littlest spider scuffed his feet in the dirt of the cave floor, and acted disappointed that they had missed the fight.

 

"I want you five to remain here and guard both caves. I am going with Ricket to help him for a while. We have to find this leader's lair. I will take my first spider with me. You others divide into two groups and you two stay up here, you three protect my mother's lair below. See if you can find a way inside. If you cannot get those two dead out, then leave them for the vermin and bugs. If trouble comes you can web them. We will give them to your sister Spinner for her meal. We better get going." Flame grabbed his spider and watched the other five spiders do as he told them to do.

 

 

 

 

Chapter Five

 

Flame and Ricket flew toward the raiders camp. It took only an hours for the raiders to find the Raider's Leaders.

 

Ricket glanced over at his partners. "So, it is Relle and Gin. Where is that demon Marts?"

 

"Him over there! Seeing him getting ready to leave. I wonder where he is going?" The spider was listening to the raiders leaders talking.

 

"I told you, Relle that Boss would return, if he thought others were in trouble. Now, is your chance to take Boss's place in the human world, and start killing off all our people that escaped from the Isles." Gin turned his attentions to Marts. "You will remain here with me. When Boss shows up we will find out where he has stashed all his things, and steal them for ourselves. I will be staying here to wait for our people to find that child of Dorrians. Once I have the child, I can get control of the Genies. Blue must know where they are hidden. If I have Star's eldest child, then I will be able to gain control these Isles for myself. I know that the child is journeying to Dant's part of the area near Oakford. I will have to wait until Dant bring's the child south. Then I will grab him. Let's see Signet take over now."

 

"You know what Signet is like! If she finds out what you are up to. She will kill you on the spot where you stand." Marts glared at Gin. "Frankly, I want nothing to do with her at all. One of her ladies told me that Signet wants Earth for herself, even if she has to take over control of Gretz."

 

"That Demoness! That is why we are stuck here on Earth, hiding from others. If Gretz had only followed the plans in the first place. Oh! No! She had to go after the Emperor of Neton One. She knew what power he possesses and wants all for herself. To get rid of the military on the planet of Gander, she devoured the military forces and sent the energy plants into a state of chaos. This is what destroyed Gander and blew it to bits. Gin, you bring her here. We will both kill you, Right Marts?" A deep rumble came from Relle's voice as he spoke.

 

Ricket and Flame listened from the rafters of the house where Gin lived. They both just stared at each other in amazement, as they listened.

 

"How can you get to the last of the pixie kings and others of his kind?" Gin listened with delight as Marts began to explain his part of this plan.

 

"I have sent two wizards with a changeling that looks like Majesta. We will let these three kill off the ones they need to. The wizards will get the others to the mines as gas people. I have already been paid for this job. Uncle and two his brats are the other two people with the wizards. Moore will leave in two hours, with his daughter. The raiders will strike then. The brother of the Major has taken over the old castle where the royals use to live. He will grab the king them. The princess will be come the property of the Major's brother." Marts tossed his brother, Relle and the evil wizard each a pouch of gold. "It paid well. I will get Boss to return here. We only have one pixie king to get."

 

"We only have to kill off the High Wizard's son to get Boss where we want him. Then, I will get Rift to go after Bradley Bosnic's son, and bring the child to ourside. That will get Boss moving for sure. Signet has her hands full with the blind Goddess's children. That will keep her very busy." Gin stopped talking and shot a glance around the room. "I thought I heard something. Let's move out! I will see that Big Man and Wiz from this town are killed. Then this town will be ours." The three males walked towards the door and left in a hurry.

 

Ricket and Flame were still in the rafters staring at each other. "So that is their plans. Sounds like Signet, Gretz and this Gin want Earth all for themselves. We will have to seek out more information and get proof before we go to the God's Council."

 

"Why do not the Gods just blast these killers and their forces?" Flame could see his golden spider knew something. "What have you got to say?"

 

"Gretz holds many of the God's children and other family members as hostages. Not even the Gods know how to kill off Gretz. We cannot blast her with human weapons. This would increase Gretz armies and forces a hundred fold over twenty years. They use radioactivity to help their children to advance into adulthood. There are several of these super power plants all up and down the coast of the United States. I heard that some of the Gods tried to kill off Gretz. The Gods were pounded into the ground in nothing flat. Fire, lightning, gas, poison, and other chemical components have been tried to kill off Gretz. She just stood there and laughed at the Gods trying everything they had. Mother said that we will have fight her with brains and not brawn or spell." This little spider had seen the fight of the Gods and was very frightened to think that Gretz wanted Earth.

 

The three partners collected their thoughts and left Gin's hide out. They flew non-stop to Flame's lair. They told the others spiders what was really going on.

 

"I am leaving my lair after the child is taken by Gin. I will get to Red's Tower as soon as I can." Flame could see Ricket nodding his head in agreement.

 

"Joleen was given a spider to help her. I am sending her several others. I will get those spiders to watch Gin after he grabs the child. If we keep Gin stunned with our venom, then the child will stand a chance to survive." The little spider with Flame was getting very angry. "Too bad, our venom only stuns our prey. It is not like other spiders venom that dissolves their prey from within."

 

The tiniest spider turned to face Ricket and Flame. "I going to see Golden Thread. Maybe, she can send her her father to help Bradley and Carrie Bosnic. Nile and Rose mean a great deal to Red and his wife Emerald. I going to see they gets help, too." He vanished in a streak of light. There was a massive power surge as the tiny spider lef the lair.

 

"I thought grandfather had powers. That one is really mad. Look at trail him leave across the sky, it looks like jet vapour trail." The spider who had been assigned to watch Flame was staring at the others. "Oops!" He realized that he had let something of a secret slip.

 

 

"Well, I'm going to the Underground. I will tell Grik and Barcot what we heard and get help for whoever needs it. Flame, you act dumb! Give this message to Eric when you meet him. Tell him, I am please to see that he is alive. Mention to him that I will be sending him other messages of those in danger. He can relay them to Master Red for us." Ricket could see Flame shaking his head. "I am Eric's brother. I was told that my brother is dead. As far as anyone is concerned, Eric the changeling is dead. The same as Dawn, our cousin. Red rescued them years ago. They are now called Eric and Dawn Wolvershen. Red and Emerald adopted them years ago, and gave them the right to change to elf form. This hides them well. You see, Marts, Relle and Grik's are all the true sons of True Grey. Marts and Relle have turned into traitors and killed True Grey's brother, Jilon. Jilon was Eric's real father. We had different fathers, but the same mother."

 

"Now, I am starting to understand. Eric is my wizard master." Flame could see Ricket shaking his head. "Maybe, a little!"

 

"Jilon was the master of Red Mule Tower. He willed it to Eric, but Red Wolvershen has to keep it quiet and from the brothers. One day, Eric will take over a master of his father's tower." Ricket watched as Flame dropped to the floor. "There are many secret passages in that tower that lead to other parts of the Isles as well as the human world. Only Jilon knew of all of them. That is why Marts and Relle want that tower so bad."

 

"So, that is why Eric wants me to help him. How can one find all the secret passages?" Flame was handed a ring.

 

"Jilon gave it to me when he died. I never did get to give Eric the ring. Flame, use the ring to find all the secret passages and tell no one. Except, the Monarch of the Prophecy. The ring will glow when you find him. Again, tell no one, but the Monarch, himself. Confide in him what is going on. I heard that he will be very well educated." Ricket glanced down at Flame. "Please do not tell Eric I am alive. It would get Dawn and him killed."

 

"I have heard of spies! I just never thought that I was going to have the job dropped on my head. I will report to the Monarch as soon as he comes. I will write everything down in a journal for him." Flame was almost in tears, he had no idea what a real spy's life was like.

 

"Before I leave you. You must get Joleen to stay with Red. I will help her through her spider friend that was given her." Ricket touched Flame's talons, as he did the dragon felt a surge of energy pass through his body.

 

A strange expression appeared on the dragon's face. He shook his head as he tried not to see the horrors happening before his eyes. Ricket left before Flame could say anything. The dragon went to the entrance to the lair, dropped down staring out at his panoramic view of the Isles.

 

Flame felt his spider friend touch his shoulder. "We are all in grave danger. Can any of you write in the Elfish Language? If we give these messages to Red or Eric in Ricket's hand writing, Eric will know his brother is alive, and that would blow his cover."

 

"I can!" Flame's own spider nodded his head. "Mother taught me to write several languages. "Flame, you teach me magic."

 

"Sure! What have I done to deserve this job? I better name you first. I think that Snoop would be the best name for you. Now, what did you mean by 'Oops!' when your brother took off across the sky."

 

"It is a big family secret." Snoop scuffed his foot in the dirt like his brother had done earlier.

 

At that instant, there was a blinding flash of white pearlish light that filled the whole of Flame's lair. A large elfish woman appeared in the light and walked forward to where Flame and Snoop were standing. "Would you two like to explain to me how you little ones can get yourselves into so much trouble?" The woman straightened her pearlish white robes of Ske.

 

Snoop dropped to the dirt floor, and was shaking with fear. "It is Marts, Relle, Gin and the seeing Signet making all the trouble for others. Gretz is somewhere off and these others want her out of the way. They want to take over Earth and the Isles. We not doing it!"

 

Flame could not move. The energies from this woman were holding him in place. "Her powers are just like that spider that took off from here earlier today. What in the Gods of Ske is happening to everyone? Who are you?"

 

Snoop reached up to pull Flame's talon. "You crazy? You never ask goddess who she is. She say you go for swim, you go for swim. She say you jump to moon, you jump to moon. She is High Goddess Cela. She is Yana and Venya's sister."

 

"Thank you for the introduction. I happened to be covering Ricket's back when I heard and saw you helping him. I want to thank you for your help. Today, you have protected Ricket from those three killers. When you three were listening to the traitors talking, what none of you realized was that Gin can sense another changeling in the area. He is part changeling. With you Flame and you little one being on either side of Ricket, your scents and thoughts blocked Ricket from being discovered as a spy. You two work well together. I need a good set of spies that can get me the answers I need to help free the others. Gretz feeds off the fear of others. So, this Signet can see. That means she is a clone, or a doppelganger with something else in her. We call them Trirogs. They can drain the life from others in an instant." She waved her hand, and dropped into a chair, which suddenly, appeared under her. A glass of wine appeared in her hand. "Would you two like a glass of wine?"

 

"I do not touch the stuff." Flame started to move closer to the Goddess Cela. "Goddess, I have a question for you. If Gin is a changeling, then why does he smell like the seeing Signet. Their scent is the same. I have seen the seeing Signet at the shop in Oakford."

 

With those words spoken, Cela just sat stunned with her glass of wine touching her lips. She had not moved at all.

 

Cautiously, Snoop moved to the goddess and removed the glass from her hand when he noticed that her fingers were changing to a white colour from clenching her glass.

"Goddess Cela, are you all right? You do not look very well. Flame get that potion that your uncle left you. I think Goddess Cela needs it more." Snoop moved a stack of books over to the chair next to the goddess to use as a table. He covered the books with one of Flame's storage bags, so the books would not get wine spilt on them.

 

For over an hour Cela just sat there as her face began changing from one colour to another before the two little ones.

 

There was another flash of light and another woman appeared in the room. "What have you done to my daughter?"

 

"Goddess Bessa, we only told her what we have seen and heard." Snoop grabbed Flame and stood behind the little purple dragon for cover. "You better explain!"

 

"No need to!" Cela turned to face her mother. "I have been telling mother what you two have been doing."

 

"I can see that our spies here have just uncovered what is really going on. It was my mate and Yana that promised never to interfere with what was going on. Myself and the girls never promised or said a word to Gretz. Are they going to be angry when they discover who the real traitors are. Rahab will most certainly go after the seeing Signet to free his real daughter. What is not clear to me, who is Rift?" Bessa dropped into a chair that had instantly appeared.

 

"I do not know. When his name was mentioned in the house of Gin. I focused my mind on what these males, Marts and Relle have seen. I will explain what I have seen in my mind. The name Rift, brings forth the image of another male being, with bright yellow snake like eyes. His skin is a grey colour and his fingers are more like talons.. He stays hidden inside a building, letting his son, Rift do all of his bidding. A name comes to me. It is Jasper." Flame watched as Bessa dropped her glass of wine, as it smashed on the dirt floor.

 

"Who are your parents, Flame?" Bessa glanced over at her daughter rising to her feet. "Sit down! Flame is a true Visionary. Gretz did not kill them all."

 

"My father just died because of Gin's raiders. They killed him. His name was Flash. My mother Ember has gone into hiding. She is terrified because of her size. She is the sister of the Guardian Enchanter Highcastle. When all on the Isles began to change, mother was in the Underground and she was changed to a fairy dragon. My father Flash was a large red dragon." Flame could see Cela sitting down and Bessa was raising her hand. Flame told them about his father's dying words. "Aqua was witness to his death and his final words."

 

"You are like your mother's sister, Shine. She can also see things that others cannot. Tell me Flame, what else have you seen?" Bessa lowered her hand and looked down at the broken glass. She waved her hand and the broken glass vanished from sight. She motioned with her hand and another glass of wine appeared in it.

 

"I see the real Signet is being held in the old Highlander Tower next to the castle. The castle is in total ruins now. I also see the Monarch dying as soon as he comes back home. He is in the human world being trained. The Monarch never gets to learn his magic or to know that he really is a prince. I see the Isles dying and everything on them. I see the human world changing into a world like the Planet of Gander did." Flame felt Bessa pick him up into her arms. "If the Monarch dies, we all do. Gretz will take their spirits, and devour all spirits including their bodies. It was Gretz that devoured your world of Neton One, and all that did not escape it in time. To weaken Gretz, use her own family against her. Several are very angry with their mother. She has eight children, not four, like every one thinks." Flame had gone into a trance.

 

Snoop was madly writing down what Flame was saying. "Goddesses, what if we brought the Monarch home early. Would we all still die?"

 

Again Flame began to speak. "The Monarch will need at least three years to gain the knowledge of the Isles to make any difference. Four children will come willingly to help the Monarch. One is the pixie princess, the other is a fairy prince, the other is a being that only knows that he is human. He holds great powers within his body. His powers sleep for now. The fourth child is myself. I will bring our people a way of learning how to fight these Trirogs." Flame had no idea what he was saying.

 

Snoop dropped his quill in the dirt. "Will you stop doing that to me? First, you summon the goddesses of Dra-gon, and now you are predicting the future. I am going to be a nervous wreck, if you do not stop this!"

 

"I see Rell and Rift making a very bad mistake. They think that Boss is the Monarch's protector. Knowledge and wisdom will be these fiends downfall. Gretz has no idea which family was chosen the honour of having the true Monarch born amongst them . Get word to Boss that Gretz thinks that he has the Monarch hidden. Gretz might even go after Perry, Carrie or Brett." Flame's voice grew stronger in a vibrating sound.

 

"It is all right, little one. Flame is in a trance. He is only seeing what his mind is telling him. Cela, you will bring home the Monarch early as Flame says we should. He was supposed to be coming home when he is sixteen human years old. Tell me Flame, when will the Monarch be ready to come home?" Bessa listened to the young fairy dragon.

"Three years should be enough time to train the Monarch, yet I see him as a scholar at the age of twelve. This child will be far more than even the Gods have allowed him to be. Some old world knowledge will begin to awaken in the Monarch. This alone will drive him forward into completing feats of magic that of which, we have never seen before. He will be a fighter of high standing, so high that not even warrior Lammorra will be able to beat him in a fight." Flame felt himself coming out of his trance. He shook his head. "That was some weird dream I just had."

 

Snoop sat on the ground still writing. "Dream? Are you crazy?"

 

"Flame, you have been having visions, one after another. You will become one of Cela's spies from today on. No one is to know that Flame is a Visionary. You little one have been given a great gift." Bessa smiled and nodded her head to the little dragon, as she sat him on the floor. "One day, you Flame will bring forth what others have lost over the centuries. I see great and wonderful things coming to Flame. No God gifts will ever be able to touch the ones that Flame will learn in the future." Rising to her feet, Bessa nodded to Flame. "You will also be my spy, Snoop!" Bessa vanished leaving behind the chair that she was sitting in.

 

"Look what you have done to me!" Snoop began to turn to face Flame.

 

"Snoop, you and Flame are two of the best spies we have. I consider it a great honour to have found you both. Good luck, boys! I will see you both soon. Thanks, again, for everything." Cela vanish like her mother did and so did both chairs. The bottle of wine and two glasses remained behind.

 

Snoop dropped to the floor, he stared over at Flame. "That little one that took off in the energy blast was really my grandfather. He is called Ziptron. Never anger him, or you will not exist anymore. He is very dangerous, when angry. He disguises himself all the time to get information from others. Unless, you know what to look for, you will never see him."

 

"Snoop, is it really true that the gods can place other spirits within a person's body?" Flame had to know.

 

"Yes, the gods and goddesses do it to stop Gretz from devouring others spirits. Some of our spirits are placed in star shaped like crystal form. We call them Spirit Crystals. They say that my grandfather can remove the spirits from these crystals, and so can Goddess Bessa. The transfer of spirits is done to teach newborn children how to survive." Snoop could see that Flame was just nodding his head, as he was thinking.

 

"That is why I am so different!" Flame stared at the bottle of wine.

 

"You carry only half of a person's spirit. One night you will gain his full spirit. After a while, you will be freed of that spirit with in you. There is a reason for this method. If you were not given this part of that person's spirit, someone very dear to him will died as well, and it will change the future." Seeing he had just given Flame some very important information, Snoop closed his eyes for a few moments. "You will learn more after this person dies, and his full spirit joins with you."

 

Flame poured a little wine for them both. "We can try it!"

 

"If my elders can drink it, so can we." Snoop sipped the wine. "I like this stuff!

 

 

 

Chapter Six

 

Golden rays filtered down through the trees onto the forest valley below. Within the thick under brush, a small village was just starting to awaken. Many of the tiny inhabitants were already busy preparing for the days work ahead. For centuries, this small village had hosted a large reunion for all members of the village and their families. Many families would come from great distances for this five-day celebration. It was a time to register births and deaths. More important it was a time to rejoice and celebrate, because these celebrations were only held every ten years, Celebration of Maiden Rites to be Wed.

 

During the celebration, this village whose population was just over five hundred would be home for almost six thousand pixies, fairies, and fairy dragons. Many of the little people had already arrived, and more were said to be arriving within hours.

 

This would be Joleen's second celebration. She had been looking forward to it for many years. Her father was King Moore. He was king of all the Pixie Clans. For many years, he had planned this celebration as a special one. Joleen was to be married to one of the Highlander Fairies. What a celebration it would be?

 

Queen Tia rose early in the morning to make ready for the collecting of the special nectars, which would be used in the honey wines. Only the maidens of the village were allowed to pick these special flowers.

 

King Moore would himself go with his daughter to stand guard over her. It was a chance for the young males to see the females of the different clans and to put forth a proposal of marriage to their fathers. A young male had already asked for Joleen's hand in marriage. They had always been good friends. Now, however, she would have to wait to see, if anyone else wanted to challenge her young man, Kyle.

 

King Moore waited by the front door of his two-storey tree house. His home was in the large root of an old tree stump. He saw Joleen coming towards him. "Are you ready to leave now? I have been waiting here for a while."

 

Joleen hurried over to her father. "You have only been standing there for a short while! You know it! I am ready!" She kissed her mother and whispered. "I will do exactly as you told me. It was all Joleen could do was to leave her home.

 

Tia grabbed Joleen's arm. "Take care! Here take this with you." She handed her daughter her wedding bands and necklace. Keep them well hidden for me. We can only pray that we will see each other again." She wiped her daughter's tears. "Smile, don't let your father know what is going to happen. Remember, go to see Red the High Wizard. Tell him what we have learned. Here is a note from Kyle for the High Master. Go with your father! He was a little annoyed with me this morning when I told him to dress as one of his servants. His spiders are ready."

 

Joleen could see Kyle standing behind her mother as they walked out of their home. She blew Kyle a kiss, as she left. He was dressed in servants clothes as well. She looked down at her father's hands and could see that his Ring of State was no where to be seen.

 

Joleen followed after her father, as they left for the path towards the forest trail. "Father, have anymore boys come to see you, yet?" She had to pretend that nothing was wrong.

 

Moore gave his daughter a tap on the shoulder with his hand. "You should know better than to ask me! You will find out in two days." Moore chuckled to himself, for he had already made his decision on who would wed his daughter, only Kyle was of the right quality and class. Kyle?s father was one of Moore's generals and Kyle himself was eagerly trying to outdo his father. He only had several more ranks to go before he made general. Kyle?s father was one of the top clan leaders for the fairy clans.

 

They continued to move away from the village into the forest. Joleen and Moore picked some berries to eat first, and continued deeper into the woods. The berries would be their lunch.

 

"Where is your Ring of State?" Joleen reaching out her hand she held her father's hand in hers.

 

"It is in the bag that I left for you last night with that ribbon. This may be the last time we are together. I know all about what is to happen. As far as anyone is concerned, your mother and I are only Moore and Tia's servants. Kyle found two dead people last night after his visit with you. We exchanged our clothes for theirs. Joleen, you must work with us to get this information to Red. He is a very good friend of mine. This is going to be very difficult for you. I want you to stop acting like a princess. You have to, if you are to live. Think of a way that will stop these killers from going after you." Her father could see that impish expression in her face.

 

"I will try my best to act differently. I will have to see what happens first." Thinking about when she was a child, very few elders ever listened to her.

 

It was a good hours flight to the fields of nectar flowers. Upon entering the fields, King Moore, inspected the meadow first to see if it was safe. When her father gave her the all clear sign, Joleen began to pick the golden flowers, which held the special nectar. Moore sat under a small tree and watched his daughter intently. As the daylight turned into shadows, Moore called to Joleen.

 

"Joleen, it is time we left for home! It will be dark soon! We should get back." Moore smiled as she approached him.

 

"See, my baskets are full!" Joleen handed her father a flower. It was the hardest thing she could do.

 

Moore tasted the nectar in the flower. "The Honey Wine this year will be one of the best ever! These flowers are the best I have ever tasted. I am proud of your choice. Now, let's go home!" Moore kissed her softly on the cheek, and they started the journey home.

 

?I was so wishing that Carrie would come home for this years festival. I miss her. Misty had one of Red?s spider messengers deliver a letter from Carrie.? Sighing softly Joleen put her hand into the pocket of her outfit and rubbed the letter from her adopted sister.

 

King Moore was dressed in deerskin outfit that was especially made for him by one of the elfin clans many years ago. He saw it was much later than he first thought. They moved a little faster towards the village. Joleen was moving slower than her father for she did not want lose any of the flowers. Moore was a good hundred yards ahead of Joleen. That is when he spotted smoke coming from their village. He turned and hurried back to Joleen. She watched her father flying fast, coming directly towards her. He had his sword drawn, which was a sign of danger. Joleen immediately, dropped amongst the bushes. A deep sadness over came her. She pulled together all her inner emotions and bit down on her bottom lip as she clenched her fists together, even as she held her two baskets of flowers.

 

Moore landed near her. "Joleen, go to the old castle! Stay there! There looks to be trouble in the village. When the trouble passes, I will come and get you. Do not enter the village without me. Stay in the old tree house, until I come for you. If I do not return within a week, fly to Misty and tell her. You know where she lives. Tell her to contact Red. If you can find Red the Conclave Master, go to him, first. Joleen, I love you! May the Gods watch after you! Stay with Red!"

 

"I love you and mother very much!" She kissed his cheek, Joleen lowered her head as her father hurried off towards their village. She took her baskets, and moved quickly towards the old tree house in the thicket of brambles. Her parents had always made sure that this was a safe place to hide. It was located in an old tree stump, hidden amongst a very old and thorny blackberry patch. Only a pixie or fairy had the means to enter without being torn to ribbons.

 

The flowers Joleen had picked gave her a good supply of nectar drink. This time of year, there were plenty of sweet berries within arms reach of the old stump. Within the thicket of berries ran a small stream. She stayed in the old tree for almost a week. With no sign from her father or mother coming, she decided to go to the village to see what was going on. She cast her Invisibility Spell on herself, before leaving the thicket. She moved towards the village.

First, Joleen flew close to the ground in and out of the bushes around the outskirts of the village. It was far worse than she could have imagined. The ground was littered with dead fairies and pixies. She remembered her father's last words. ?Go to Misty's lair!? ?Find Red!? Joleen hurried to a special door, that led to Misty's lair. It was a private portal for her father. She tried to find her father's friends and discovered that Misty was not home. Joleen left a note on the wall of the entrance to the cave.

 

Two hours later, she returned to the village through the portal. Nothing seemed to have been touched, since Joleen had left. She entered her home to look for her parents. She saw nothing, but broken furniture. Even the stump that had been her home was uprooted from the ground. Searching through the entire house, turned up her father's blood covered sword and shield. An emptiness filled her heart.

 

She spent every waking hour searching for her parents, going from house to house. At night, she would hide in the roots of her upturned home. Joleen found the pixie crown jewels, and put them into her magical bag of storage. She collected all the valuables she could find throughout the village, and put them with her other things.

 

The first night alone in the burn out treehouse, she could only think of her love. She could only rest, and not sleep. So, just before dawn she went looking for Kyle. Some distance away from her home near an old tree Joleen found Kyle. He lay on the ground covered in blood. She knelt down beside him and turned his head to face hers. She heard him moan and kissed his cheek. Carefully she rolled him over and cradled his head in her lap. All her hopes and dreams for the future just faded as she sat holding him as she cried.

 

"My dearest love, you did find me." Kyle was barely alive. "We were right! It was my step-brother that was in with those three males. Joleen, tell Red that one other was involved. It was that fairy that worked for Flash at one time. The one everybody called Uncle. They have taken your parents and my father to the mines to be gas people. I tried to stop them, but my step-brother and Uncle attacked me."

 

Joleen pulled from her skirt pocket a vial of Healing Potion that she had found the night before. "Here let me help you drink this. If anything, it will help your pains. I will always love you."

 

Kyle placed his hand on her. "No, my dearest love. Save it for yourself. Uncle and my brother will return in a weeks time to raid the village of all its valuables. I heard them talking. You still have a few days. Gather what you can. Remember, my uniform and other gear. It is becom... I cannot see your face anylon... It is dark. You will always be my dearest love. I love you so..." His head drooped into her lap as she leaned forward and kissed him one last time.

 

It was so hard for her was shaking as she to dig a grave. She managed to loosen the grass from around the tree trunk root of the very tree where they would sit in private. It was their spot. Finally, she managed to lay him in his grave. As she knelt down, to pray for him, there beside his grave lay his fairy wings. They had fallen off after he had died. She took the note from her sister and carefully lay Kyle's wings inside the envelope. She put the letter into her pocket without the envelope. Joleen buried Kyle in their favourite place for watching the birds flying by. She knelt down at his graveside and cried. It was plain to see that Kyle and his troops had tried to follow after some of the others that were now missing.

 

At nightfall, Joleen returned to her hiding place after collecting some of Kyle's personal items. There was a dagger, magical robes and cloak, his clan and magical rings. She went to Kyle?s uncle?s home where he had been visiting and found her loves uniform. She put it and all his other military gear into her bag. Then as Joleen was leaving she spotted a tiny special printed picture of Kyle in his uniform. Gently, she lifted it up and put it into the bodice of her blouse. It was all she had left of him. She did as her love said and searched the village for other items of value. Into her bag, she placed them. She saw three shadows moving about the village and thought it was the uncle and Kyle's brother that had returned with their three friends. She made herself invisible and flew to her home. She found a place to hide where she could still look outside.

 

Joleen saw three larger people enter the village. They began to pick up the dead pixies, and take them to a grave. Joleen sat in her parent?s home, watching helplessly. All she did was sit and hug her father's shield with his sword placed inside her bag of magic. Wrapped in Kyle's cloak, Joleen rocked back and forth as she watched these three people bury what was left of her clan. Joleen was crying softly to herself as she watched the people fill in the graves.

 

Suddenly, she felt someone gently pick her up. It was one of the women. The woman was hooded. Joleen seemed to realize that it was hopeless to struggle. The other two people coming towards her, it was the older woman who reached out to wrap Joleen in a piece of clean cloth. She held Joleen like a baby in her arms as the male looked for her family marks.

 

"Princess!" The male rubbed Joleen's cheek. "You're safe now, little one." He turned to face the two women. "This is Moore and Tia's daughter. We better take her home to our place. She's in shock. That's why she didn't fight you, Mia. Emerald, let's get out of here!"

 

Emerald carried Joleen in her arms as the walked towards the main road. "You watch yourself. They could return at anytime."

 

"I will be calling Misty to help me. They want a fight, the Guardians will do just that. Enchanter and Aqua are on their way here. Misty's brothers are due to arrive at any time." Mia waved to them as Emerald and Red mounted their horses and rode off for home. Mia had stayed behind to finish cleaning up the village and bury the rest of the bodies.

 

The journey to Red's Tower would take over a week. The first night, they slept in a cave. It was a quiet night; Joleen just sat and stared into the campfire. Emerald walked over to Joleen and picked her up to feed her. Joleen ate very little. She would only shake her head. She had not spoken, nor cried, since they left her village. She just sat wrapped still in Kyle's cloak and hugging her father's shield.

 

Worried about the child, Red walked over and sat down. "Has she said anything, yet?"

 

"Not yet!" Emerald shook her head and gave Joleen little sips of honey wine. Emerald and Red had taken all the wines, raw nectar and flower juices they could find for her. "No! Joleen, eat a little more and take one more small drink. All she does is stare and hug that shield Red, can you remember, how old she is?" Emerald was worried about Joleen.

 

Red stroked Joleen's hair. "I remember, seeing her at the last celebrations, but not before. She told me last year she was ten years old. So, she would be about twenty years old."

"Joleen feels like she has lost everything." Emerald nodded her head. "The last time I visited Tia, she told me that Kyle Highlander had asked for Joleen's hand in marriage. That is Kyle's cloak she is wearing. Mia found a tiny grave with Kyle's name on a stick. Tomorrow, we will be in Visions. We better stay with Comet, and tell him what happened. Mia and I found a bunch of clothes for her. We packed them in my saddlebags. Do you think she will stay with you in Red Mule? How could this have happened? Where are all those pixies and fairies that are missing? Mia estimated that there were around three hundred dead in the village. She said that she found the remains of King Moore?s personal guards. I know that Kyle was one of those guards when he was in their village."

 

Red was having a very hard time himself getting use to the fact that Moore and Tia's village had been destroyed. "I have no idea! I don't want her getting herself killed. Joleen did leave a note for Misty. Mia said that Joleen was crying when she found her. First, the fairies disappear. Now, the pixies are being slaughtered. We never found Moore or Tia. There are a great many pixies that are still missing. There is more missing, than dead. It was ten years ago, today that Tia's brother's village was wiped out completely. Someone set fire to the entire village. I will have Mia move Kyle?s grave to the tower. We cannot have her going off to visit his grave."

 

"Mia said she would search the area and call the guardians and her brothers to help her. She wants us to tell Comet and my village what has happened. I think we should maybe get our things and portal ahead. It would be faster." Emerald began to pack up their possessions.

 

Red nodded his head and doused the fire with water. He opened a portal into the stables at Visions school, and then led the horses through. Red and Emerald stabled their horses and went to see Comet. With his hand inside his cloak, hiding the pixie, Red carried Joleen as they entered into Comet's study.

 

"Comet, we have a massive problem!" Red watched the Head Master jump to his feet. "This young lady is all that is left of the pixies on the Pixie Isles. We buried over two hundred pixies and fairies, and many more are missing. It was a bloody massacre! Bodies everywhere! First it was Cernation's Clan of Pixies who has been killed outright. Now, Moore's village! It took Mia, Emerald and myself almost two days to bury all the dead just on the outskirts of town. Mia found this little one in the King's house. This is Joleen, Moore and Tia's daughter. How she survived, we don't know?"

 

"Moore had invited us to their celebrations this year. We were riding on horseback, when we came across some lost children near the grotto north of Visions. We returned them to their village. Then we headed out, again. We were to meet Moore at the old village. We waited there for two days. No one came for us. So, we went looking for the new village. We met a centaur that told us of a village being set ablaze. We hurried, but only found what we all ready told you." Emerald gently stroked Joleen's hair with her finger.

 

Comet dropped into his chair put his elbows on the desk as he buried his head in his hands. "I just had another report of other fairy clans being massacred as well. Every one of those tiny dragons that Silver would watch over are all dead. Red, what is going on? Enchanter left here ready to kill someone!"

 

"I wish to Ske I knew! Can we leave the horses here? We must reach Emerald's village, before morning. We will portal. Send out search parties! Start right away! Misty and the other dragons have begun searching the Isle of Pixie. Why did Moore move back? Comet, send word to Dorrian about the trouble. Have him hide his children!" Trembling with upset Red gazed over at Joleen.

 

Comet rose to his feet and moved towards Red. "Don't let anyone know that you have this child. It is up to us to keep her safe and alive. Use my study to portal into your village. I would only tell Lammorra and your father. I will see your horses get home safely to Red Mule. Good luck! Red, Emerald, take care! Red, call and tell your master. He should be told. I will go and start searching for Moore's brother Byran. I just received word from Blaster that there has been another village on fire. Blaster is with Bulton. I promised to help them."

 

Emerald opened a portal to her village and they entered a small room in the leaders house. Red stayed in the small room with Joleen. Emerald went to see her sister, Lammorra. She was head of the village clans and many of the males hated her for it. Lammorra was shocked to see her sister there in the first place. Emerald was not much for coming to the village. Especially, coming with Red.

 

"Lammorra, Red and I must speak with you! In private! Immediately!" Emerald demanded.

 

Lammorra cleared the room completely and waited for Emerald to bring Red to her. As Red entered the room, Lammorra's stomach felt hollow inside, when she looked upon the pixie child in Red's arms. She saw the child was dirty and covered in dried blood. "Is she alive?"

 

Red sadly nodded his head. "Yes she is, but not two hundred others, we buried. Lammorra, we have no idea how many are missing. She was the only one alive that we could find. This is Moore and Tia's daughter, Joleen. She needs a healer. Can you send a healer to my tower? Try to find Breeze. We want to keep this quiet as possible. Start looking for her parents. They are amongst the missing. Red Mule is a quiet town. I will keep her there with me. We heard that many of the fairy clans are being killed as well."

 

Lammorra was almost in tears as she touched Joleen. "What did they do to you? I will get Breeze to come to your tower. Take her home, quickly! I will call the runners and send word about the massacres to the others. We will start searching at day break."

 

Red looked at Lammorra. "Misty is searching as well with the other guardians. Comet knows, too. No one is to know we have the child. If someone asks, just say you'll look into it."

 

Lammorra nodded and left to assemble her elves. Red and Emerald opened a portal and walked through into Red's Tower. Emerald carried Joleen into her quarters and bathed her. She dressed Joleen into her a tiny nightgown and made her a bed out of a box. Emerald laid the pixie in her little bed and covered Joleen over with a piece of cloth.

 

Joleen was awake, when Breeze entered the room. She looked at Joleen and helped her the best she could. Emerald sat and watched. "How is she?"

 

"I will stay with her for a few days. She's gone into shock. I have never seen this happen to a pixie, before. Whatever happened to her, we will never know? I have seen other people do this before, but not a pixie. Pixies fear nothing. Whatever happened was too much for her little mind to take. She has gone into a world of her own. If she comes out of it at all, you'll be lucky." Breeze helped feed Joleen and spent hours talking to her, as if nothing had happened.

 

"You can eat more than that. Two more spoonfuls!" Breeze coaxed Joleen to eat.

 

The next day, Emerald woke up to crying. She picked up Joleen and laid her on the larger bed beside her. Joleen cuddled up to Emerald and went back to sleep. Emerald and Breeze took turns watching Joleen.

 

 

Chapter Seven

 

Snoop and Flame had gone to town to get some supplies. As they went to enter the village, they could see everyone was frantically running around getting ready to leave. "What is going on?"

 

"King Moore's and Prince Byron's villages have been attacked. We are trying to find survivers. Not one person has been located alive. The store will be closing soon, you better hurry if you need supplies. You, little dragon, go hide in that box. It is too dangerous for you to be out here. Spider, go quickly to the store. I'll watch the dragon for you." The woman sat down beside the box and partially covered it with her shawl. "Stay very quiet!"

 

"You said that everyone was dead in those other villages?" Flame could hear the woman whispering to him.

 

"Yes. If my village were raided, I would want someone to help me. I cannot do too much for you. I will give you my only real treasure. Put this ring on your talon and do not remove it until you get to your lair. It will help you stay invisible to others." She put her hand into the box and handed the ring to Flame. She removed her shawl and tossed it over her shoulders. "I have to leave. Stay hidden. Here comes your spider friend. Take care!" She hurried off towards a wagon.

 

"Woman, where have you been!" the man snapped verbally at her.

 

"I finished loading the wagon and went to get some water from the barrel when I tripped and skinned my knee. I was having it healed. See, she showed the man her knee.

 

As Snoop and Flame walked by the wagon, she winked at the spider and could see Flame's footprints in the dirt. She shouted to the spider. "Too bad you cannot fly. You are leaving all sorts of foot prints in the dirt."

 

"I would love to learn to fly." Snoop could see that Flame had lifted off the ground. Snoop could feel Flame flying circles around him as they left town. "She us a good friend!"

 

By the time Flame was ready to answer, they were on the outskirts of town. "Yes she is

a good woman. Let's go to those bushes. You can return to your small size and ride on my back. I will fly through the trees and no one should see us."

 

"So, if they do, I will pretend to be learning to fly. I will say a woman gave me a flying ring." Snoop laughed as he carried the bags and pretended to fly through the trees.

 

They reached their cave and sat laughing like to idiots at what they had done. "How was I supposed to know that a drunk elf would be napping in the forest. Boy, did he ever run."

 

"He stunk so bad of booze. He will probably never take another drink." Snoop dropped to his stomach. "I have some bad news. Enchanter left it for us. No sign of Moore, Tia or their General. Joleen is with Red. She has lost Kyle. He was murdered. They are bringing his body home for burial. They don't want Joleen running off."

 

"Thank the Gods for that. I will contact Cela and tell her." Flame began to prepare their meals.

 

"I will call Cela and tell her. You are going to Red Mule. I will meet you there. Mother is coming later today to get you." Snoop glanced around the area. "Flame, someone has been in here. Where are my brothers?"

 

Flame watched as Snoop enlarged his size to almost four feet high. They could not find the brothers anywhere in the upper cave. Snoop called down to the other cave and could see his brothers were all right. They flew down to see the brothers.

 

"There were two men here. Trying to steal Ember's things. We have packed them all up. They are in that bag. Mother said that she would carry it to Red Mule for us. We are to meet her in the forest outside of Red Mule, near the tower. Joleen's spider has been reporting what was going on. Joleen is really sick, she has gone into a world of her own, inside her head. You know like that old man in the town of Dwarfdale. Joleen's spider told me that she was able to say good-bye to Kyle. He died in her arms, since then Joleen has not spoken. Mother has sent out our family to help with the rescue of the pixies. We know they are heading for the mines. What mines? We have no idea. We found a tracker for Mother. It is Drymar. He will meet mother at the Red Mule entrance to the Underground." The spider glanced up at the upper cave. "See! Those men are back!"

 

Flame and the six spiders ambushed the men, as the tried to steal Flame's things. Everyone of the spiders and Flame were having the time of their lives. They would attack and run back to the other cave, before the men could strike out. Flame was cut up by the men, when he went to get his spell books and other things that night.

 

The spiders helped Flame to take Ember's things and the little dragon to Red Mule Forest. They spiders were trying to heal Flame's cuts. "Hold still Flame! We knows it hurts!" They could see that he was very sore. They rested often, as they travelled. The spiders would clean and put the salve on Flame's sores like Enchanter had showed Snoop. It took them an extra day to reach Golden Thread.

 

"What happened?" She hurried to her sons. "Are you all hurt?"

 

"No, just Flame and Snoop. They went back for Flame's things and books. We got those men really good before we left. We sent them to Spinner and Webber." One of the spiders said, and everyone started to laugh.

 

"We gift wrapped them as Crab would say. Hope sisters do not get sick. These two are really bad ones." Snoop burst out laughing at his own joke. "Mother, you send sisters healing potion in case they gets sick."

 

Shaking her head Golden Thread could only laugh. "You are getting as bad as your brothers that live with Red and Emerald. Those four are always joking around. They said they should take shovels to the fights, to help them scrape Red up after being pounded into the dirt." Golden Thread watched as Snoop went to say something. "Not a word out of you."

 

"I was just going to say that these bad ones are really starting to bug me." Snoop felt Flame slap his back. "You liked that one?"

 

"You know that I use to eat small spiders." Flame watched as Golden Thread started to laugh at the look on Snoop's face. "Snoop, you asked for that one!"

 

"We are still looking for the pixies. Boss is coming home to help us track these kidnappers. Snoop, you stay here with Flame. Cela sent this ring for Flame. This way he will not be missed. She said to call her even if you need help. Stay close to Joleen. Try to get her to speak or come out of silent state. She is really bad. I have never seen a pixie do this before." Golden Thread had looked in on Joleen before going to see Flame. "I know you have a sense of humour. Use it to gain Joleen's trust. If we do not get her to talk or eat properly, she will die."

 

"I will do my best to help her." Flame glanced down at Snoop. "I should have said we will do the best to help Joleen. Snoop and me are partners."

 

It had been several days since, Red had arrived home with Joleen. He was in his study when he heard Emerald's two spider guards calling to him. "What is it?"

 

"We get word that someone try to kill little dragon that our family was told to guard. Mother is bringing little dragon to Red Mule Forest. We going to finds her. She wants to see you, too." Crab felt Red picked him up in his hand.

 

Mite and Crab showed Red to the area where their mother was waiting. Golden Thread handed over the little dragon. "I was told by Morgan to guard this little one. So, I have been! Here, Red! Take care of him. I must go. I have to deliver a message to someone else. My sons have told me all about the fairies and pixies. I will be on the lookout for these people. If I find any, I will have them brought here." Golden Thread left before Red could thank her.

 

Red returned to his tower and walked in with a small eighteen-inch long purple coloured fairy dragon that had been very badly injured. Red took the little fellow to Breeze and Emerald.

 

Joleen lay on the bed and opened her eyes, when she heard Red enter. She sat up and looked at him as he put the little dragon down, and went to see how Joleen was doing. Red sat down beside her on the bed. She looked over at Emerald and back to Red.

 

Breeze was trying to help the dragon. "Red, where did you find this one?" Joleen stood up and walked over to Red as he answered Breeze.

 

"Crab and Mite's mother found him in a web! He was about to be eaten by a giant spider. I think he has been stunned by venom." Red said and felt a little tug on his robe. "Yes!" Red looked down at Joleen. "I am Red of the Conclave."

 

Joleen remembered her father saying something about Red. She smiled at Red, as tears ran down her face. She flew to his shoulder and cuddled up against his neck. Red knew that she had finally recognized him. She sat on his shoulder and cuddled him for over an hour.

 

Red spoke softly to her. "Joleen, I have to go back to work! You be a good girl! Stay here with Emerald and Breeze. I will come and have dinner with you, tonight."

 

Joleen flew down to the bed and walked over to Emerald. She sat down on Emerald's lap and waved her tiny hand at Red as he left the room. Emerald used her magic to reduce the size of her hairbrush, which she kept in her pocket, and began to brush Joleen's hair. The pixie just sat, watching Breeze heal the little fairy dragon.

 

Flame could see that the fairy was very ill. Her skin was a very pale white colour. This meant that she had not been drinking her nectar, as she should, which would keep her alive. Trying to think of what to do. Flame glanced over at Snoop sitting on the top of the door jam. The spider pretended to be casting a spell at Breeze. Flame soon got the hint and took up the quest.

 

Joleen noticed the dragon was about to cast a spell at Breeze. Joleen flew at the dragon with her tiny fist clenched, and nailed him in the jaw, with a right cross. "NO! Bad dragon! No hurt Healer! You be good or me hit you, again." Joleen sat down and watched the dragon, while Breeze finished healing him. The little dragon began to tear off his bandages. Joleen slapped his nose. "No! You leave on!" Joleen tapped the little dragon's nose every time he tried to remove his bandages.

 

Finally, the little dragon gave up and lay down on the bed. He went to sleep and Joleen covered him over with a small blanket. She lay down beside him. The dragon would move away from Joleen. She would snuggle up beside him, again and go back to sleep. Breeze and Emerald watched, neither one of them said a word. The dragon was being chased all over the bed as he tried to sleep. Joleen wanted to cuddle up to the dragon, but he wanted no part of her cuddles.

 

All of a sudden, Emerald, Breeze and Joleen heard a scream as the dragon fell to the floor. Joleen peered over the edge of the bed. "Whatcha doin' down dere?" Joleen floated down to the floor.

 

"What I doin' down here? Look, you pushed me off the bed!" The little dragon yelled at her.

 

Joleen yelled at the dragon. "You stupid! You fall yourself! Me not even near you! Me help you up!" Joleen was trying to lift the little dragon up to the bed, when she slipped and the dragon landed on her.

 

"Get off Joleen! OUCH! Dat hurts!" Joleen was screaming at the dragon.

 

Emerald walked over, lifted the dragon and Joleen back on the bed. She sat down beside them. "Little dragon, have you got a name?"

 

Joleen walked over to the dragon and pried open his mouth. "He name, Flame. See dis mark here say dat! Him one of Highlander Fairies Dragons, this mark tells me that. Him about one or two years old. I hear of his father, Flash. Him was in King Highlander's court as a-de-camp to the king."

 

Emerald nodded to the pixie. "Joleen, what happened to you and your village?"

 

"Me not know about village. Father and me spend all day picking nectar flowers of celebrations. Father was flying ahead of Joleen, when him draw sword and come racing back staying low to ground. Joleen see smoke and fire near village. Father say him come back for Joleen. Father say Joleen to hide in old tree. Father says him return, but him never do. Joleen go looking, not find anyone." Joleen started to cry. "Me to be married! Them killed my, Kyle!"

 

"Kyle is dead!" Flame shot a glance to the doorway where Snoop was resting. "So, is my father, Flash. Mother has vanished with my sister, cause they were attacked."

 

Emerald picked her up and cuddled her. "It's all right Joleen!"

 

"No, Kyle told Joleen that is was him step brother and man called Uncle behind all those killings. It will never be all right again. Now, Joleen lose her true love." Crying even harder she cuddled in Emeralds arms. She pulled from her dress, a note and handed it to Emerald. "Kyle give Joleen this before him die."

 

?You too?? Flame walked over to Joleen. "My people all gone! I go out hunting for food. When I return. My village now only hole in ground. Dead everywhere! No one alive! So, Flame find small cave and been living there, until spider move in and try to eat me. Then big Gold Spider comes. She brings me to Wizard. She saves me. Just as spider going to bite me, again!"

 

?Dis not bery nice!? Joleen hurried over to Flame. "We both got no one, now."

 

"Just you and me. We only little ones left! I spend days looking for anyone little like us. Them all gone!" Flame grabbed Joleen and began to hug her as they both cried.

 

Emerald nodded her head at both of little ones. "You will both live here with Red. He will protect you. You will always have a home here!? Emerald read the note from Kyle and handed it to Breeze.

 

"Where could these mines be?" Breeze glanced down at Joleen.

 

?What we do? Me hear that people sent to mines vanish forever.? Flame was still hugging Joleen. "I going after them people."

 

?NO! You will stay here, where you are safe. I tell you what! You two can be a big help to Red, and the Conclave of Wizards. You can be Red's Towers spies and get information or tell Red if the evil wizards are not telling the truth. Wait until, after the meetings, and do it when Red is alone." Emerald was only trying to help the little ones deal with their grief.

"Joleen, never get to be wizard!? She was horrified at the very thought. ?No one around to test me!"

 

"What!" Flame shouted as he shot a frightening glance up at Emerald. "I learned all those spells for nuffin! Now, I not become wizard! Now, me gonna to find those killers and give them good blast of my fire spell."

 

Seeing the two little ones were both in shock at what happened. Breeze went over to Flame and Joleen. "Emerald, if you and Red adopt Joleen and Flame. They can learn elfin, fairy and some dragon spells. It would also keep them safer. I am sure that Mia can find some fairy magic books somewhere. Comet probably has some. I will get mother to see, if she can talk to Cloud the God of Elves."

 

Red had entered the room to see how the little ones were doing. ?I know one fairy who could get us books. I learned fairy magic from my master. I could test you both!? Red and Emerald did adopt Flame and Joleen that night to protect them. They had a small party to celebrate the little one becoming Wolvershen Clan members.

 

Flame and Joleen were given a room to share. He sat on the bed and grabbed a pillow, he began to jump up and down on the pillow trying to make a small indentation in the middle. "Joleen, come see. Me make bed for you." He was trying to help her all he could.

 

She flew over the pillow and lay down in the centre. "You do good job! Tanks!" Her tiny body started to tremble as she cried.

 

Flame sat down closest to her head and stroked her hair with his talons. "It be okay! Flame here to help protect you. Joleen, sleep now. Flame stand guard."

 

Waiting for the little pixie too go to sleep, Snoop finally made his way over to Flame and sat down beside him. "Mother is searching everywhere."

 

Mia?s family and Lammorra's elves searched the Isles, but could not find one pixie, fairy or fairy dragon. Joleen stayed with Red most of the time, except, when she got angry. Then she went to stay with Emerald. Kyle?s body was moved to Red Mule Tower where Eric, Red?s apprentice helped arrange a gravesite for Joleen?s love. One of Red?s guards would take Joleen to the gravesite every day so that she could visit.

 

Flame would stay inside Red's tower. He was pretending to be too frightened to leave the safety of his new home. He would study in the daylight hours to be come a wizard. At night, Flame and Snoop would prowl the tower, checking out every inch of that building looking for the secret panels and doors.

 

 

 

Chapter Eight

 

It took over six months, for Red and the others to check out all the lists of pixie, fairy and fairy dragon villages. Not one village could be found. Red had sent out Morgan to find the third child. Morgan could not find Dorrian?s son, and had been told the Dorrian had taken his family somewhere to hide, because his wife had been murdered. After Red had finished his investigation he decided to call Majesta.

 

Red left for the Town of Ease. He used his tunnel from his tower to enter his house in the Underground. He used his God?s Ring to call his master. "Majesta, please speak to me!" Red called out.

 

"Red, you seem upset," replied Majesta.

 

"We must talk. I'm in my home at Ease. Majesta, something terrible has happened. Please, help me!" By now Red was crying.

 

Majesta suddenly appeared. "What's the matter?"

 

"All the fairies, pixies and fairy dragons have either been slaughtered or are missing. Not one village remains intact. I have found only two survivors. One is King Moore's daughter and one male child of Old Highlander's fairy dragons. Not one fairy have I found alive. I even sent out Morgan to find Dorrian, but he has gone into hiding. Apparently, his wife was recently murdered. Morgan was so upset he sat crying as he told me. The ones we found had been all slaughtered. Morgan has sent out a message to Golden Thread to help search for Dorrian." Red saw the high god drop into a chair, which suddenly appeared under Majesta.

 

"You are sure!" Majesta saw Red slowly nodding his head. "You are coming with me!"

 

Majesta waved his hand and they both appeared in Yana's office. They told Yana what had happened. The god sat in his chair staring at Majesta. Yana was speechless and sat for over an hour shaking his head in disbelief.

 

"Oh, there is something else! Nile and Rose are dead. My grandson is with his aunt. I got word from Blaster that my parents homestead has been left in ruins. When I stopped by Morgan?s home to see him, all he could do was cry. He is blaming himself. Apparently, Morgan went to see how Ellisa was doing, for he had not heard from her in months. Her cabin was burnt to the ground! Morgan did find a note from Bassett. He managed to find Ellisa, and get her to Eir to be healed. Now, my parents and brothers have vanished. I just received a report that there were bodies laying all over Corndale. They were slaughterd like swine." Red closed his eyes as he swallowed hard. "Can't the gods do anything? I was told by some people that rumours have it the captured people are all being taken to the mines as gas people for the miners. Spot and Speck are calling out their people to help search the mines."

 

Yana left in a flash of light. Red turned to Majesta see the god wiping his eyes. "Just send me home! I have my family to protect. Which isn't much! The two little ones are staying with me. I must get back to work! Oh, I need some fairy magic books for the children. That is all they want to learn right now. It is their only way to stay in touch with reality and too keep busy."

 

A small stack of tiny books appeared in Red?s hands. ?I will give you these to start with. This pile is for the dragon, and that is for the pixie. Red you are my apprentice, therefore you will test these little ones when they are ready.?

 

With that, Red felt a surge of power, and he was returned to his home in Ease. He hurried up the tunnel to his tower. Red entered his quarters and sat down in his favourite chair. He leaned back and stared up at the ceiling.

 

"You tells us, if woman come and say she Setta, that we to come and tell you." One spider-elf handed a letter to Red. "It from lady!"

 

"Thank you!" Red opened the letter.

 

Red,

We managed to make it to your house in Ease, but have moved to your secret cabin near Elfstand for now. We had a few problems. We are all alive! No thanks to Tyran. Listen to me! We must discover who is doing these things to our family. Therefore, I am telling you this, now. According to everyone else in our families, we are officially dead. Red it must be this way, if we are too survive at all. Vaun and Karnall helped us get free from the mines, where we had all been taken. We were to be used as gas people. Listen to me! Do not go near the Homestead! Something very deadly is living there. It captured us with no warning at all from anyone of our guards. We saw all our guards were dead as we were invisibly carried off to the mines. Two spiders managed to get to Golden Thread, and she called Vaun and Karnall to help free us. Son, you were right about Tyran and that unscared Vinnin. They were near the mines as we were taken there. Both your father and I saw them. They were with the monster that captured us.

Nova has given us other forms to change into, if we are in danger. Stay away from Corndale. Only Buzzan and Rever are pretending that they survived the onslaught and that the rest of us are all dead. They will pretend to attack you, if you are being watched. Son, I beg you. Stay away! As Mel would say.

Love Always, Mom and Dad

 

Realizing his parents were right, Red jotted down a brief message to his parents, which his guards returned to Setta.

 

She sat staring at the message and gazed up at Randor.

 

"It reads. Nile and Rose have died. Emerald has taken over Eaglestep Tower, which was to be Nile?s Tower upon his return. Rose and Nile have had a son. He is doing as well as can be expected. Carrie is raising the child in the human world. I heard from Mel a few months back. He has been working hard and will send a letter to you through Cloud. Things are not going well for Mel at all right now. He has been sending me information on the research that he and his wife Maia have been doing with Bruce. They are still living in Cela?s secret hide-away. Maia is terrified to even venture into the human world. I am busy as usual. Use my cabins and lair if you want. My guards will do as you say. I pray that some day we will all be reborn into a new and wonderful world where we can live in peace. I hope you managed to get all your large horses to the Elfstand cabin and farm. He signs it H.M.R.W.R.M.T."

 

"Emerald and Talon both must be devastated with Rose and Nile?s death. We can only be thankful that Carrie had Rose and Nile?s child. It must be such a hardship for Red to be travelling from the Isles to the Forbidden World. We will all pray that our son and family are right. Well, we have much to do. Nova has given us several homes as our own. Let's get busy. I was so praying that Nile would have a son. He will be missed and so will Rose. I bet Aqua is furious." Randor watched, began to laugh, as the little spiders changed to elf form and sat waiting for orders.

 

"What we do?" One little spider-elf gave Randor a big grin. "We might be spiders, but we can change to elf form and do things just like you elves."

 

"Can you find others of your breed to help us? We will need two or three little ones for each of us." Randor watched as the little ones left in a hurry. ?Can you see that all of our horses are well cared for??

 

?We was told to guard all large horses from your clan and Bladerunner?s clan. All horses are at the big farm of master. We never let anyone touch them.? The spider turned to face Randor. ?I find you your own spider-elf force for you. I send other spiders to get you food and drink. I not think you like to eat bugs.?

 

Setta sat laughing as the spider-elf?s comment. ?Why do I feel so safe here??

 

?With our son?s little friends helping us it is no wonder that we did survive that capture. Look how many are dead from our village. Even Mel said that he felt safer with his little ones near him.? Randor sat down beside his wife and hugged her. ?I wonder what our great grandson looks like. You think we could sneak into the human world and take a quick peek at him??

?Cloud had closed the Isles. There is Gord?s Map Shop on Pixie Isles that would take us to the human world. The boys would have to remain here. We could use our human forms to check on Carrie as well.? Setta wanted to see her great grandson.

?I do not think it would be best at this time. We have to find Boss and get word to him about the people being held in the other mines. We have to try to rescue as many of the prisoners as possible.? Randor was still holding his wife tightly in his arms.

 

 

Chapter Eight

 

Yana had gone to see Cloud. "Did you receive the spirits of Randor and Setta? Red just told me that their homestead has been raided. All were killed and property was destroyed. Check it right now. I want those pixie, fairy and fairy dragon clans told to hide, if you can find any. Red says they have all been slaughtered!"

 

"No! This cannot be happening!" Cloud shouted to Yana.

 

"WELL, IT IS!" Yana dropped into a chair after yelling at Cloud. "Red has the only two little ones left. One is Moore's daughter, Joleen and the other is one of Old Highlander's Fairy Dragons called Flame. Red just told us that Nile and Rose are dead! Have you received their spirits?"

 

"Yes! I received their spirits within moments after they died. Streak has taken over for Silver. Our brother, Silver has gone to find out what is going on. I asked Streak this morning, why he did not come to dinner for the last three weeks. His reply was that there were too many dead arriving, and there was no time to eat. He said all evil has broken loose on the Isles." Cloud waved his hand and a drink of wine appeared that he downed in one gulp.

 

Suddenly, a flash of light landed and erupted into Cela standing there with her glowing yellow eyes. "What the blazes is going on? Electra called me and asked me to help list all the dead pixie, fairies and fairy dragons. I have been up for the last two weeks, with no sleep. Yana, what is going on?"

 

"Someone has been attacking all our fairies, fairy dragons and pixies. Randor and part of his clan are dead or missing. We cannot find them!" Cloud had called his people to check the lists. ?Randor's name was not on them. Neither was Setta's name or the boys. We only have their two girls on the death list. Maybe, they went into the Underground. Majesta, you go down, see if you can find Randor. Cloud, I want you to see if you can't find some of our little people. Venya and I will do a god's search for all of them." Yana had seen Majesta disappear from beside him.

 

Still standing there with her eyes glowing, Cela began to growl at Yana. "We have to grab the spirits from these dead. If we do not, Gretz will collect them. Maybe, that is why we cannot find Randor, Setta or the boys. You get out there and find those spirits."

 

*******

 

Majesta vanished and appeared on the Wolvershen homestead. He watched the townfolk going through the rubble. "Where are Randor and Setta?"

 

"There!" A woman pointed to ten bodies lying with blankets over top of them.

 

Majesta went over to the bodies. He saw Blaster tagging the bodies. "Blaster, is it true?"

Blaster pulled back a cloth. "The bodies are badly burnt. I don't know if it is them or not? I figure, if it isn't then the real Randor and his family may have gotten to the tunnels safely. I just finished burying seven thousand pixies, fairies and fairy dragons. Stop this chaos!"

 

"Blaster, who is doing this?" Majesta saw the male in elf form wiping his brow.

 

"Some of the fairies said that Volow is doing it." Blaster continued to work.

 

Being a very sensitive person, Majesta ran to the top of the hill. He was crying as he ran. He finally found a tree and sat down and put his head into his lap. "Father, why would you do such a terrible thing?" The god decided to confront his father.

 

Majesta left for Volow's hidden home in Vora. He appeared in the main room. Nothing was there. Majesta looked around the area and decided to call Marius. Closing his eyes Majesta called his young nephew. "Marius, where are you? What is going on?"

 

Suddenly, Marius appeared with Volow. "Takrus has found out from Signet that Henten and Snaken are dead. Tyran is not a true elf anymore. He was changed into one of Gretz?s priests. Tyran is undead. He was sent out to get anyone of the god?s family or friends he could. He was to collect their bodies and change them into undead warriors. Tyran went on a killing rampage. We only found out ourselves. Tell Blaster from Ott to burn all dead bodies. This is the only way that Tyran and his undead cannot take our family and friends. Some of Moore's people are still alive. We have others trying to rescue them. There is no sign of Moore or his family."

 

"Majesta, go to my tower and place a spell on our family tomb. We do not need Tyran going after our dead as well. Take all your things from my tower. Good Luck! We must go and help the others. Randor and Setta have been rescued and were sent to Nova." Volow hugged his son and watched him vanish.

 

Majesta hurried to his fathers tower and used his magic to remove the magic seal stopping others from entering. He did exactly as his father told him to do in the family tomb. Majesta cleared out his own room. He was going through the house collecting anything he could. He moved all the articles to Ske and his own office. He went into his father's office and found many containers, which once held Forgetting Potions. He searched for his father's diaries or journals, but they had vanished. Majesta left the tower with several of his own more powerful spells on it. The whole place had been turned upside down, as if someone had been searching for something. Majesta stood outside the tower and watched his magic spell becoming active.

 

 

Chapter Nine

 

Meanwhile, Cela had returned home. She entered the castle on the Plane of Dra-gon. She hurried into her quarters and came face to face with her brother. "What are you doing here?"

 

"I just got word that all chaos had broken out on the Isles. Where were you?" Her brother stood up and glared at his sister.

 

"I was with Yana. All, but one pixie and one fairy dragon have been slaughtered on the Isles. Thousands of dragon, pixie and fairy spirits have been arriving in Ske for the past two or three weeks." Cela watched her brother drop into a chair. "Majesta just sent word that some say it is Tyran's doing. You are the chronicler for the Isles and Dra-gon. Haven't you received word about any of this?" She waved her hand and cast a spell. Out of the air appeared a decanter of wine. "Drink this!" Cela knew her brother?s people had deceived her brother. "Rahab! It is not your High Priests doing all these things. It is Tyran and those others of his group. Zorran stopped me and told me that your priests are being blamed for every thing that Gretz is doing. He handed me this and asked me to give it to you."

 

"NO! This cannot be happening! It was not supposed to be like this! I am going down to find out what is going on. Cela call Comet at the school tell him I am coming for a visit. Find out who is doing these killings." Rahab vanished from Cela's chambers with that note from Zorran. Rahab glanced down at the bottom of the note, and read something about the humans being used as food for the dragons and hydras. "WHAT!"

 

It was several hours later, when Rahab appeared in the town of Corndale. He investigated the whole area. It took him almost a week for him to find Blaster. The young wizard only slipped Rahab a note and left without a word. Then Rahab went to Volow?s tower, only to find it in worse condition than when Majesta had left it. The spells had been removed and the place was in shambles. Broken furniture lay everywhere. Volow was nowhere to be found. Rahab had heard rumours about some of his people had formed another council. Rahab decided to investigate the rumours. He remembered the note that Blaster had given him, and began to read it.

 

Rahab

This is to inform you that your real daughter Signet is in grave danger. She is trapped inside Old Highlander?s Tower. Signet is being held there with some of her children. I received word that your daughter and some of her children were kidnapped and taken to the tower to be held there until you comply with this double?s demands. This double of Signet can see and had been destroying some of our family members lives. Old Blazemaster is in his lair. He will tell you what happened to him. See if you cannot get my grandfather Comet to help you free your real daughter. We have people constantly watching your daughter and her family, but we cannot get close enough to rescue them. If you could go after your daughter and her family, we will rescue them and send them into a safer area. Pretend to be after the clone of Signet. Do not let them know that you know the truth?

Blaster

 

Rahab was walking down the road and easily found Old Blazemaster's liar. Rahab found the old man had ghastly burns over most of his body.

 

"I tried to get word to you! Blazemaster, has taken over for me, he is using my name to help him get closer to Signet and her people. My son is trying to help stop Gretz and her people from killing others. Blazing Master and Vanessa were captured and held for years. When they returned, Blazing Master was crazy. Vanessa's twin, Snowcloud fled taking her four eldest niece and nephews with her. Gord and twin Lurker are staying on Pixie Isles trying to protect the forests there for Moore and his clans. Gord has opened up a map shop and is using it as a front." Blaze began to rub his arm with some salve. "It was that seeing Signet that did this to me. Rahab, at first we all thought that it was Signet working with Gretz. It was only recently that we did discover that your daughter Signet was being held captive. It was this Trirog Signet or her friends who attacked me. We know that your daughter is blind. This other Signet is not. Only last night I received verification that some of the Trirogs have your real daughter and her son Donet and daughter Sivet in old Highlanders Tower. Your family members are being held hostage. We cannot get them free! I was hoping that Blaster would get word to you." Blaze continued to tell Rahab about his son taking over there clan as Head Leader.

 

"Blazing Master is posing as me! He is playing a dangerous game! The real Vanessa and Blazing Master were tortured from what my other children have told me. Vanessa's sister Snowcloud took my older children into the human world to keep them safe. Larissa contacted me last month. Snowcloud has died. She was murdered. Larissa wanted me to know that Snowcloud was reborn somehow. Larissa will be watching her. We cannot trust her. Blazing Master only wants to die! He sends me letters all the time." Blaze handed Rahab a document. "I got this from some of our friends on your Council. They are trying to save lives and have sent my grandfather into Roky Gap to live near Bulton. My father, Comet is trying to stay out of it as a teacher of magic, but as the Hermit, he is seeing that the twins in Pixie get supplies regularly and so does the real Vanessa. She is hiding somewhere closer to the twins.

 

"That I heard about. Blaster did contact me. I also know that this Sivet with the seeing Signet is a Trirog. I discovered that quite by accident. She tried to get to Dra-gon a few months back. I went in person to see her. She never expected to see me. She fled into the city. She is the one that your son Blazing Master is really after. I do get around unseen. This Trirog of Sivet wants Blazing Master as his mate. He wants her dead." Rahab felt a paper drop into his lap. He read the note. "I must go! You take care!" Rahab vanished from Blaze's lair.

 

It was less than an hour when Rahab entered the school and headed right to Comet's office. As he entered, he watched as Comet rose to his feet. "All right, what the name of Yana is going on, Comet?"

 

"Rahab! You better sit down!" Comet had made a list of names of a few who had left Rahab's council to join Signet's Council. Comet gave the list to Rahab. "It is not your daughter! Your real daughter and family are being held in the old tower. I saw them myself. We tried all night to rescue them. Cloud has sent a doctor friend of Bruce?s to help us when we get your family out. We cannot even get close to them. He awaits us in Landor at Seena?s home.? Comet frowned when he saw that Rahab already knew. ?You heard that Nile and Rose have left the Isles for the Forbidden World. I received word that both Rose and Nile are now dead. Jasper?s son Rift killed Rose and Nile. Red has just lost his parents and all, but two older brothers. The Guardians have searched everywhere. Now, Yana has sent out the Gods to look for them. You know, of course, that Nile and Rose have had a son. I got to see him for a few minutes. Nile and Rose want the child protected. They made me his godfather!"

 

"I don't blame them for leaving! Congratulations on becoming a Godfather! I heard about Nile and Rose. Why does bad news always travel so fast?" Rahab was sitting down in a large chair reading through the list of names. "Who are some of the other troublemakers in that council? This cannot be all of them!"

 

"Can you distract these kidnappers long enough for us to grab your real daughter and her family? We can teleport them right to Landor where Seena is waiting. Bruce?s friend said that he would take them into the human world to keep them safe. One problem is that the Trirog Signet and some of her children are in the tower as well.? Comet could see a snarl cross Rahab?s lips.

 

?Eric has been appointed Chief Protector of Red by the Conclave. It was Bulton, Hort and Strogg who found your daughter Signet and her family. It is the spider-elves who are watching your family members. Two of Red?s tiny Wizard Guards have already opened a portal behind the wall in the next room to where your daughter is being held. They are ready to move in, as soon as I give the word. You have to pretend that your daughter is evil. Blast the evil ones as they escape from the back of the tower. It is like a fortress up there. The hydra's have others with them." As Comet watched Rahab rise to his feet.

 

"You are coming as a witness. I will drag those impostors out of my friend's tower." Rahab began to chant. Comet realized that Rahab had teleported them to the front door at Highlander's Tower. Rahab grabbed hold of the door, with one yank, he reef the entire door from its hinges. He roared out at the ones inside.

"YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES TO GET YOURSELVES OUT OF THERE! IF YOU DISOBEY MY ORDERS, I WILL BRING DOWN THIS ENTIRE TOWER, WITH YOU INSIDE IT!"

 

Comet backed up from the door to the foot of the steps. He wanted as much distance from these Trirogs, as he could get to make an escape. Rahab moved down the steps, but stayed near the bottom. He waited until he started hearing footsteps and sounds of men running. Comet saw Rahab wave him back even further.

 

The leader of the true Council of Seven turned to face Comet. "I want you to stand over by that tree and stay out of sight. NOW, MOVE!!"

 

Comet ran to the tree where there was a large cropping of rocks. He knew full well what Rahab's powers were like. Comet hid himself in the rocks and waited. He turned to see dozens of men, suddenly appear on the steps of the tower. Rahab gave a blood curdling battle cry, as he changed into a fifteen headed albino multi-headed dragon form. He stood well over thirty feet high, just staring down at the men exiting the tower. From Comet's view point, he could see the eyes of Rahab begin to glow and intensify with every second that went by. Never had Comet witnessed such powers. Rahab was actually absorbing these men's souls from their bodies.

 

As each man changed to hydra and ran to attack, one by one they would drop to the ground dead after giving out a death cry. The men continued to pour forth, and before the final man dropped, Rahab changed back to elf. He pulled down his hood over his face once again. "Come, Comet! This will teach them that Rahab will not tolerate anymore of their treason."

 

Just as Comet stepped from his hiding place, Rahab spotted the Trirog of Signet and her two sons running out the back door of the tower. Rahab shot lightning bolts, which would split into three different bolts, flying directly at the three Trirogs running for their lives.

"REMEMBER, I RAHAB WILL SEEK REVENGE IF ANYMORE OF MY PEOPLE DIE IN YOUR HANDS! SIGNET! YOU BETTER KEEP RUNNING! TELL TAKRUS, THAT WE WILL GET HIM IN THE NEAR FUTURE! BEWARE LADY! THE PROPHECY HAS STARTED AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO STOP IT! NOTHING WILL STOP THE PROPHECY FROM COMING TRUE!"

 

Signet and her two sons were struck by Rahab's bolts and dropped to the ground. Comet and Rahab stared at the three as they tried to get up. Rahab nodded his head and gave Comet a sly smile. "I could use a drink. I get rather thirsty after a battle." Rahab and Comet suddenly disappeared from the tower area and returned to Vision School in Comet's office.

 

?Well, did it work?? Rahab waited for Comet to finish talking to the others by using telepathy.

 

?Your family are in Landor. Bruce?s friend will see they are safe.? Comet replied and watched as Rahab vanished back to Ske. "You yanked their spirits from their bodies. You have Bessa's powers."

 

"Yes! Fifteen times stronger than hers. Comet, let those dead fall where they may. I will not tolerate anymore of this evil council's treason. They will try to stop me by having father and mother keep me on Dra-gon. This will stop me for a short while from entering the Isles, but not the human world." Quietly, Rahab used his magic to call forth two drinks. He had Comet enjoyed their time together.

 

 

 

Chapter Ten

 

"Hurry!" Seena helped Signet and her twins into the back area where they would not be seen. ?Donet, you go and sit down, until we heal your mother and twin sisters.

 

?I will rest until then! I am so tired!? Donet went to one of the upper bedrooms on the second floor to rest. He chosen a bed near the window and rested while he gazed out at the town of Landor. Terrified at being capture by someone who looked like his own mother, Donet did not know what to do, or who to trust.

 

The human who had been sent to help Signet and her family was not only a doctor, but also a naturalist and loved the outdoors. He had the nickname Old Bear. He had been shown the backdoor to the Isles by Cloud many years ago. To Old Bear these people were on the verge of extinction. He have such a love for nature that he felt, not even these people should endure being treated like they had been.

 

After tending to Signet and Sinna?s wounds, Old Bear went upstairs to see how Donet was doing. He tapped gently on the door. ?Donet, are you all right??

 

?I try to sleep! I so frightened! Where did that other horrible hydra come from? She looked like mother!? He moved closer to the window, for Donet did not even trust this man.

 

Sivet hurried into the room. ?Donet, it all right! Old Bear would never hurt you. He our friend! See, him heal my bad cuts.? She hurried over to her brother who was in elf form.

 

Donet move closer to his sister. ?Where are mother and Sinna??

 

?They are downstairs with Seena and other two brothers.? Sivet turned to face Old Bear. ?Seena sent me to tell you we have to leave soon. Her master just sent word he is coming home.?

 

Just then, Seena could be heard running up the back stairs of the house to the room where Old Bear was with the two children. ?Bear, here put on this cloak. Riders are coming up the hill. They are riding fast. It is my master the slaver. You must get these children out of here. Signet and Sinna are in no condition to travel. I have called Venya to help me move them to Ske. Get these other four out of here. Hurry!?

 

Bear pulled on the old cloak and wrapped Donet into a blanket. He tossed a blanket over Sivet and helped the children out the back door and into the woods. ?Stay here! I?ll get your brothers!? At risk to his own life, Bear ran back to the house and grabbed the two other boys. Being smaller than Donet, Bear was able to carry the two youngest boys in his arms at once. He ran back to the woods and hid the children in some leaves and deadfall. ?Stay quiet! It is all right! I saw Venya helping your mother and sister Sinna to the portal. Now, to get you four out of here!?

 

Bear waited nearly until midnight before the lights were all out in the house. He could see a dark figure standing guard near the house. ?If we move they are bound to see us. I must think!? The four children huddled close to Bear for protection. That is when they all heard the calling of some wolves.

 

The howling grew louder. ?This gives me an idea!? Bear carried a rifle and a bow with arrows in his gear. He ran his hand down his beard as he watched the frightened children cowering in the shadows. ?I want you to be very quiet and stay very still. I am going to have some fun with these killers. Now do as I say!? All four children watched in surprised as the human quickly grabbed his knife and snatched a mole from the underbrush. He slit the mole throat. Sticking the dead mole on the head of the arrowhead and pushed it?s body down the shaft of the arrow. Then Bears quickly slit the moles belly and shot the arrow into the air. The arrow with the mole stuck into the woodpile next to the house.

 

It was only minutes later that the pack of wolves picked up the scent of the dead mole and fresh blood. Bear could see the single guard move towards the woodpile to investigate. Bear aimed his next arrow at the guard. The arrow struck the guard in the leg. Before the guard could react, he was being attacked by the pack of wolves.

 

Bear grabbed the two smallest children and with the other two slowly walking beside him, he led them out of the area. ?Never run from a pack of wolves. Back away like we did. That guard will give us enough time to get you children out of here.?

 

Not one child let out so much as a sound as Bear led them to the safety of the exit to the human world. ?You boys will be going to live with my friends. However, with all the trouble this double of Sivet has caused, others may not be so forgiving to your sister. Sivet will be coming to live with me. I will protect your sister with my life. You young fellows will be going to stay with some of my friends and their families. We will all be seeing each other as often as you want.?

 

It took almost a month to walk out of the bush with the four children. They all had grown very fond of Bear and loved him dearly. He made sure that children liked their new adoptive parents before leaving. They all stayed in the same city and could visit anytime they wanted. They would receive letters from their mother and Sinna. Bear made sure the children were kept close to Larissa, her brother and her friends for safekeeping.

 

*******

 

Boss returned to the human world only to be summoned back to the Isles to help his friends rescue as many people from the evil Councils of Seven as they could. Boss had been injured in a fight and was taken to the healing area. ?Torik, I can?t thank you enough for the healing. That was a little too close. Barcot and Grik have gotten word that Gin is after the Whistler children. Where would he take them if he manages to grab any??

 

?Silkie, I would imagine. Gin has a cabin there on the edge of town. He is as evil as they come. Did you not apprentice under Old Wiz some time ago?? Wrapping the wounds, Torik could see Boss nodding his head.

 

?I think I will return to visit my old master. It has been a while. I was assured that the Whistler children would be safe. I will try to pick up the tracks of Gin.? There was a very worried expression on Boss?s face as he glanced over at Torik.

 

?Grik was unable to find Dorrian after Morgan the Dwarf warned them of the pending dangers. Dorrian took his family and left. He was spotted only a month or so ago near Oakford. We heard that Dorrian lost his wife. I would go to Silkie and wait there. Old Wiz may need your help, if Gin does return. Gin tried to kill Grik and Old Wiz a while back. I heard that one of Marts people is apprenticing under Old Wiz. I think Old Wiz could use some backup.? Torik handed Boss a pack full of healing supplies. ?Here, you may need them!?

 

?Thanks Torik! I will go to Silkie first. I wish I had not left my two large bodyguards in the human world now. Well, I guess I better get busy. Maybe, I can use my talents to overpower Gin.? As Boss picked up his pack, Torik caught the sleeve of Boss?s cloak.

 

?Gin is drunk almost all the time now; he was beaten by Relle and Marts. Grik told Met that! If I were you, I would wait and watch his habits for a few weeks. See Big Man in town and talk to him. It would not be hard to get rid of Gin while he is drunk. This way, Takrus cannot use the body as one of his undead warriors. See the body is burned and get Big Man to do it!? Handing Boss a dagger, Torik nodded his head. ?Use it on Gin. It has a blessing on it! It will stop his spirit from joining with Gretz.?

 

?Tell Grik, that I will rejoin him to hunt down the little ones when I am done with Gin.? Boss carried his bag as he left the Healing Temple. It was a long way to Silkie. Boss took the Underground passages to the town of Pire, and then following the narrow tunnel leading upwards to Silkie. The trip took almost three weeks. Boss hurried to see Big Man first and explained what was going on.

 

?Gin took off out of here in a hurry three months ago. I am sure glad you are here. Old Wiz is up in his house. Gin has people watching Old Wiz so that he cannot go to Red Mule to get the High Master from the Conclave. Old Wiz cannot even leave his house. I have tried to get him out.? Big Man was a huge being; after all he was a giant. ?Maybe with your help we can get him out! Or at least chase off these three servants of his.?

 

?Over the next few months we will work out something. I better go. I can get into the house easier that anyone.? Boss touched his ring and vanished from the giant?s home. What Boss could not figure out was who had summoned him back to the Isles to begin with. This meant that Perry only had his car club to help protect him. Quickly, Boss stopped at a tavern near Pixie Isle and went to see Lurker.

 

"Boss what are you doing here?" Lurker handed Boss a drink.

 

"I was summoned away. Can you get to Larissa? Have her guard Perry, Carrie and Brett for me. I think that Marts and Relle had Signet summon me here, so that they could go after my friends." Boss watched as Lurker threw some gold on the bar and ran from the tavern. Boss downed his drink and vanished from the tavern after rubbing his Ring of Teleportation.

 

Boss had his own quarters near Old Wiz?s house. It was once the old woodshed, but Boss did not mind. He waited until dark, and then quietly appeared in Old Wiz?s sleeping chambers. ?Master! It is me, Boss. I have come to help you!?

 

Old Wiz grabbed Boss and hugged him tightly. ?Son, thank you for coming. They will not let me leave! I have been a prisoner in my own house for several months. These men are after someone. They continually fight over who will get to kill the person that Gin has gone after. I cannot even help this person. I see you are still acting dumb as far as magic goes.?

 

?I have to! Oft and Stun are fine and in the human world helping my friends there to watch Relle. He returned the night before I was to come here. Larissa is doing well, and so are her brothers. I got married and have a son.? Boss pulled out a picture of his wallet to show Old Wiz. ?The evil in me sleeps during the day now. He gives me time to be with my wife, or did! Keep my son a secret. They want to kill my wife and son. I found Jasper. He has a son and kicked his wife out without her son. He sent someone after Karen. I sent some of my people to protect her. She is well hidden now. I just pray she stays put. Anyway, Torik sent me here to see if you needed help. Apparently, you do!?

 

?Your son looks much like you did when you were younger. Boss, if the fire beast inside you can help me kill off these others, I would really appreciate it. The servants sleep on the main floor. They gave me the attic.? Wiz sat down on his bed and patted the mattress beside him. ?Sit!?

 

?I am almost positive that Gin is after one of Dorrian Whistler?s sons. I hope it is the child we all have been looking for. If it is, I will see the child get to Red where he will be safe. Red, lost his son and Rose to Jasper?s son Rift.? Boss could see Old Wiz shaking his head.

 

?Venya knows. She is very upset! In the town of Pire, I overheard that more pixies and fairies were kidnapped. Barcot and Grik will know soon. I sent them messages. That?s all Barcot and Grik do is rescue people. They hand them over to me and I have been hiding them. I was given a really good area to hide people. I heard on my way up the tunnel from Pire that the tunnels were caved in again. The only way in and out is through the secret tree. It is well guarded.? Boss replaced the picture into his wallet.

 

?I was thinking about what you said the last time I was here. You were right. This body of Boss has given me better protection than I could have ever had with my human one. Since I began to rescue these people from the Isles from Gretz?s people, the beast inside me wants to help. He has stopped chasing Oft and Stun. He actually likes them now. At times Boss does get excited and wants to kill others, but on the whole he has been looking for friends to help us. This really surprised me. One of my good friends died the other night. Boss used his abilities to grab the man?s spirit, and it is with my spirit in this body now. At least, my friend will be safe now.? Boss could feel the beast inside him listening to him speaking to Old Wiz.

 

?Work with Big Man to set in motion to get Gin. If you can take out Gin then his men will run. I am sure of that!? Old Wiz watched as Boss handed him some healing potions. ?Keep them hidden. They search my room every night and day. Gin stole my ring that you gave me.?

 

?We will get it back for you. Do they check the back shed?? Boss could see Old Wiz shaking his head. ?I didn?t think they had. Just wanted to make sure. I think we will go with that plot, again. If Gin does have the ring that would explain why Relle went to the human world. Marts is somewhere out there. I need to find him and keep him under a watchful eye. Rift and Relle are the ones killing off all those ones from the Isles. As I said they killed Nile and Rose as well as a whole group of police officers and their wives. I think a few children have been killed as well. Ziptron is furious and has sent Strand his twin to help Carrie. Ziptron in now watching Blazing Master. Strand is with Carrie and Brett. Perry my son is with Larissa for a while. As long as Perry is away from Carrie, Relle keeps his distance. Larissa is protecting Perry. The town of Marsh has been completely taken over by Jasper. We have got too find a way to drag his sorry ass back here.? Boss handed Wiz a potion to drink. ?It will help heal your sores.?

 

?Tastes like one of Eir Bonesetters potions.? Wiz drank the potion. ?I have been hearing what I call verbal nightmares coming from my servants. These ones are not my real servants. These ones have replaced mine. I think my people are dead. I have no way of knowing.? Wiz was worried about his staff.

 

?I?ll check on the right now. You get some sleep! See you tomorrow!? Boss left in a flash of light.

 

Boss reappeared outside the house that belonged to Wiz?s servants. He made himself invisible and entered. Wiz?s suspicions were right. The people were all dead. He spent the night burying them out back in their own yard. Boss went to spend the night with Big Man. ?Wiz?s servants are dead. I buried them in the back yard.?

 

?That was kind of you. I got word from one of my spies that Gin is after one of the Whistler children. We will have to free him as soon as we can.? Big Man handed Boss a plate of food. ?How is Wiz??

 

?A little battered but he will be fine. After we rescue the child. I want you to tell him if anything goes wrong to go to the Red Mule Wizard. We have to get the child to leave here. Those three killer at Wiz?s home are going to grab the child.? Boss sat down and began to eat his food. ?I always enjoy your cooking.?

 

?You really think they will bring the child here?? Eating his dinner, Big Man could see Boss nodding his head as a ?Yes?. ?Then we had better be ready to stop him.?

 

?I thought we could play that you were dead! Like we did before. I need you to help me with some other things, after this is over. Ziptron said that neither he nor Venya have enough trusted people to help them. So, you get a new form and name. Venya wants you at guardian status by the time this is over. She wants you to go to Red Mule tower and see Eric. Tell him that Venya sent you. Use your disguise to help Red. He is in trouble as well. He will need some help. Most of his servants have been kidnapped. They are being kept as slaves. We have to free them. But first I must kill off this Boss. Then I will return and that will only make twice more that needs to be killed off before I am free of my curse. Not even the human doctors or priests can remove the ring. It keeps jumping from finger to finger, or hand to hand. It even went to my toes once. It refuses to release me, until I have done what I need to do.? Boss had told Big Man about this curse many times. ?Not even priests can remove it. It almost killed one priest that was human.?

 

?I am sick of the way these gods of ours use Red. I mentioned it to Flexer and True Grey. They intend to do something about it! It will take time.? Sipping his wine, Big Man poured Boss some more wine as well. ?Will Wiz be all right here by himself??

 

?He should be! The Innkeeper is after all the old mayor. Let him regain his town once again. He is a good man and will care for Wiz. It is this child I am worried about. If Gin hits him too hard the child will die. You know Gin!? Sipping his wine Boss leaned back. ?As always the meal was delicious. I was thinking that if we cave in the tunnels to Pire from Storm, Roche, Drop and Scroll then these men would not be able to run. This would protect Silkie from the other of Gretz?s people from returning here for good. Supplies will be brought in from Bonner. You know how Gretz?s people hate the light. I heard that Windrider now protects Wonder. Excellent work! Mortrona is there helping as well; I have spoken to her several times. She is living in Wonder?s old home, and keeps a close watch over him.?

 

?That reminds me! Here is that location of that cave you wanted with the three dragon children living with their mother. They are the only three young ones left on the Big Isle. Blazing Star is a Fire Dragon, but her two sons are both Earth Dragons like their grandfather was. The female child is a fire dragon like her mother. The female child was hurt years ago. Eir helped to heal her.? Big Man handed the map over to Boss.

 

?I have to get them to Red. He can have the Guardians hide them. I will help you with this task first. I must go and get Oft and Stun away from Larissa before they decide to make the human world their home. I have some other tasks to do as well. Tell Mortrona to keep the dragons in that cave. I will relocate them afterwards. I need some protection for my men. He human world have fire fighters who wear these fire suits. I will see if I can find some. Could take a few years, and I?ll need more help. One man with only a few good men under him cannot stop and army, but we can slow it down. By the way, I found Young Digger. He has been with the priests on Bless Mountain learning to become a healing priest. I have other plans as well. I know of an excellent police officer and he has several friends. One is also a nurse. She could take you down in one blow. We have to get her here. I would like to bring Stan and Doc here as well. They were friends of Nile and Rose. I?ll work on that! You get the information we will need to free Cap and his family. Seena and her family are also prisoners or slaves. Lyptus, Cap?s son is at Visions School the same with Vaun?s son Vale. I have several ideas and who can be trusted. I distrust so many here now. They have betrayed me for the last time.? Boss?s eye began to glow. ?The beast is awakening! Be careful!?

 

As Big Man rose to his feet he scooped some food on the plate that Boss had used, and waited for the Beast to fully emerge from Boss. ?Welcome Home!?

 

The snarl on his lips ceased when the smelt the food. ?You will always be my friend. Brad is playing it very dangerously lately. I have been listening. I can pretend to be asleep now and listen to what is going on around us. From now on I will call Brad, Boss. He is right. Even Rahab is furious and killed over thirty old Council members for double-crossing him. They joined Signet?s Councils of Seven. When I heard who these people were I sent spies to watch them. This is not Rahab?s daughter Signet at all. It is a killer and is going to go after anyone she wants. Venya has the real Signet and her daughter, Sinna. A friend of Boss?s managed to get the other children to the human world and to Larissa. She will care for them. It is Fire Sky?s children I am worried about.?

 

?We all are! You keep Boss safe! Thanks for grabbing his friend?s spirit. At least, he can be reborn later.? Big Man handed the Beast the pot to clean out. ?Here is some water!?

 

?You have always welcomed me into your home as my friend. I might be the spirit in the ring that Boss wears, but I will use my beast form to protect whoever I deem fit. Relle and Marts will get theirs soon enough. They have been posing as Boss to get to Boss?s people. I know this to be fact. Can you tell Boss for me? I see what he sees, but he cannot see what I do.? The Beast decided to go for a walk after his meal. The beast wore Boss?s clothes and walked much like Boss, but this animal was know as the beast for a good reason.

 

As he walked close to the town well, he noticed some movement in Gin?s home. It was one of Gin?s friends. The Beast grabbed the man through the window and ripped him from the very spot where he stood. The Beast pushed back his hood and stared at the man before him. ?You hurt my friends, now you will pay!? The Beast shot the man a fiery glance and watched as the man burst into flames. ?I will leave your ashes here for Gin to find.?

 

The Beast returned to his friend?s home and told him what he had done. ?Let the ashes be found by Gin. I left my mark burnt in the wall of the house.?

 

?One less monster to fight. Thank you!? Big Man was only three feet taller than the Beast. ?You should rest. You will be safe here. Have you learned to write? I was thinking that you could leave Boss notes in a book, if you can write.?

 

"I will do just that. Tell Boss what your idea is. I will leave him notes in a journal book. He can leave me notes as well." Nodding his large head, the Beast curled up beside the fire and went to sleep.

 

*******

 

Gin had hurried to the place where he was to meet his spies. "Well, did you find the child?"

 

"Yes, he is over there." The spy watched as Gin walked across the street and entered the old shop. He could see a child with an adult. He moved over to the child and could hear him speaking to his mother. The child was an elf.

 

Gin turned around and hurried off across the street, back to his spies. He grabbed both men around the neck at the same time. One hand on each man's throat. "I warned you never to cross me. I will find the child myself." Squeezing both his hands, Gin crushed the men's throats and watched them slither to the ground. "Where would that child be?"

 

For months, Gin would prowl the land of the Isles searching for the child that was known as Dorrian's heir. As he rode away from the town, Gin suddenly, had a very nasty idea. He would return to where Dorrian's wife had been killed and see if he could pick up the trail of his prey.

 

It would take him almost three months to reach the area. He went to the house where Dorrian had lived. A grave was out back of the run-down cottage. Gin was looking around when a child walked over to the grave and placed some flowers on it.

 

"Do you know where Dorrian is?" Gin asked the female child.

 

"No! He left here with his family a long time ago. I promised my mother that I would look after her best friend's grave. Star was my mother's friend." The child knelt down, said a prayer, she rose to her feet and walked over to another grave near-by, she placed some flowers on this grave also. "I have placed some of Star's favourite flowers on her grave. Mother, father is not doing very well these days. The raiders really hurt him this last time. I am going to stay with Dant's father. One of the other children will take over my duties of caring for the graves. I have to go. Bye Mother!" The child walked over to two horses that were waiting near-by. One with a man sitting in the saddle, holding the reins of the other smaller horse. The child mounted up and they rode off.

 

"I told mother that we would be leaving to live with Dant's father." The child talked to her father. "Did you take your potion?"

 

"Yes dear. I am getting so, tired. Let's be off. I want you to be safe." The man rode off slowly with his daughter.

 

Gin watched as the man and child rode off. Keeping his distance, he followed these two for days. Finally, they came to a valley that was well guarded. Gin could not enter, but the man and girl did. That is when he saw Dorrian in the fields working. Gin camped out on the hill overlooking the valley for several months, but no child ever came. Gin followed Dorrian around for many months when he left the valley. Dorrian would visit other children and young adults, but never his son. It was almost two years later, that Gin was told that Dant's father was dying.

 

That night, under the cover of darkness, Gin crept into the valley past the guards and into a shed. He watched from there as Dant and the child showed up. Dant and the child left right after the funeral. Gin had a harder time to get out of the valley than in. He lost the track of the child once again.

 

Gin was terrified to follow Dant too far north, because of the Trirog Sivet. Years before, she had gone after Gin for her mate. He wanted nothing to do with her. She always knew when he was in the area. She could smell him out. Gin would bide his time waiting in a small town near the entrance to the area where Sivet lived. To get through the area where Sivet lived Gin would have to pass through Blue Light Swamp. He hated that idea even more. So, he would wait at a rest area that Dant and Splat would frequently stay at overnight.

 

 

 

Chapter Eleven

 

Brett had been two years old when his parents had been killed. Brett would now be in the capable hands of his aunt. For Strand, there was not much to do at first. Carrie suggested that she fix up Rose and Nile?s living quarters for Strand. He had change himself to look human with no problems. So, Strand enlarged himself to the size of a teenager and aged himself to look the same. Carrie pretended to be Strand?s sister, so he could go to school.

 

For the next three years, Strand would come home and do his homework first, and then go to watch Brett and Perry play while Carrie went shopping or out with Allen. As Perry grew older he had his own group of friends from school. Brett became closer friends with Strand.

 

One of the police officers that helped Red with the funeral of Nile and Rose would help Carrie with different matters. Fred loved children and treasured every moment with the two boys. He would often come and take both Brett and Strand out for drinks.

 

One afternoon, Fred decided to tell Brett what he had done for Rose and Nile. Strand wanted to see the accident site. So, Fred drove the boys to the memorial site. As they walked through the grass, Brett held Fred?s hand. Brett was almost six now. It was Strand who surprised Fred the most.

 

As they neared the two memorial stones, Strand walked over to Nile and Rose?s and knelt down. He began to cry. ?I sorry I was not here to help you! I promise to forever guard your son. Brett is like my little brother. I Love him lots!?

 

Fred stood holding Brett?s hand for several minutes. Then the child ran into Strand?s arms and both boys began to cry.

 

?I will promise you this! I will find who did this!? Strand hugged Brett tightly. ?I have lost both my parents as well in the wars on the Isles. That is why I have come to help Carrie. I will not let those killers hurt you, like they have done to me.?

 

Fred moved behind the boys and placed one hand on each boy?s shoulders. ?I knew you were from the Isles. I will be here for both of you boys. Strand, I thought Carrie was your sister.?

 

No one realized that Strand's body held the spirit of Silver Sky. ?Actually she is my cousin. My mother, Shine and Carrie?s mother Aqua were sisters. Fred, this is a lovely idea you had. I think when I go home, I will do this memorial thing for my parents and siblings who were all killed. I have an older brother out there somewhere. Our father was one of the elders and had many priests working for him. My brother was sent away to study under the guidance of our father?s priesthood. It was because of all the fighting on the Isles that these priests took my brother away to be raised by them. My friends on the Isles were right the human schools here have much to offer. I am learning very fast.? Strand could see he had said something that made Fred frown. ?What did I say wrong??

 

?Nothing, Strand. I thought you were Ziptron?s twin. I guess the Isles don?t have schools like we do?? Fred was seeing if he could get any information. Fred also knew that Strand had not even acknowledged his brother. Yet, he knew that they were family.

 

?Fred, you might be hurt if I make it know that those two men who help you are my younger brothers. They are from my other set of parents. Yes, I can read your mind. Yes, Ziptron is my twin. We have schools, but not like you do here. We are taught the basic math and reading. We are also taught how to survive in our natural home life. We are all part of nature, a balance between chaos and nature, life and death. We live every day to the fullest. We are part of nature and it is part of us. My gifts are far beyond what you have seen Red do. I am like the little ones you have seen here on this very spot. Let me just say that I can see through the eyes of our Isles Gods into the hearts of others. I know that your son Andy lingers on in a coma. I agree with you. It is not fair at all. On the Isles, we have a saying. ?Our Gods do things for a reason. Sometimes, these reasons are unknown to us. Sometimes, it is hard to keep ones faith when you feel all around you if falling apart. Then when you least expect it something will happen to bring everything into a full circle. Have faith, Fred! I have spoken to my brothers. We speak telepathically to each other. It is safer that way. One day you will know exactly what I am talking about! I have foreseen hard times ahead for us all. Some on our Isles call me a Spiritual Guide. Maybe, that is why I was sent here. The four of us, including Carrie all need to be guided into the future.? Strand felt Fred?s hand on his shoulder.

 

?Your brothers asked me to give this to you. For as young as you look, you seem to have the wisdom of the ages. I can tell you are not like myself. We have known each other for almost three years now. You jump from school to school as if you were bored. Yet, you continue to learn our living styles and education. I know you have attended six schools in the past three years. I know you have completed grade twelve within that time and finished many college courses. I heard from a friend that you were now learning about computers.? Fred could see Strand start laughing.

 

?Computers! Now, I am finally getting to understand why Miracle shuts herself off. It is a protection program. Wait until I see my gram. Boy, is she going to get a blast from me - putting a protection program in my computer.? Strand began to grouch.

 

?Maybe she did it to teach you about policing programs. If your gram wanted to protect your Isles like Red does, wouldn?t she assemble that type of program?? Fred watched as Strand flew at him, and gave him a big hug. ?Your welcome!?

 

?Yes, she would do just that. One day, I will have to return to my own homelands, and find all the government documents. Our world was completely destroyed by these creatures my brothers are after. I really need you! I gots to find a way to bring you to the Isles as my assistant. The things you could teach me! My race of people takes many centuries to mature and grow up into adults.? Frowning again, Strand could see Fred was laughing.

 

?Yes, your brothers told me. What a pair we would make? You really do need guidance, and to learn to think more like humans do.? Fred began to laugh again. ?Strand, if you want, I could come by after work and teach you many things now while you are living with Carrie. I have discovered that learning to be a good officer, one must continue to learn new things. I often go to night school to learn other way of policing and to learn the latest way of catching criminals. I could start teaching you the basics of policing.?

 

?I would like that very much! We have been teaching Brett to read. I could be called home anytime to fight. So, I must learn all I can while I am here.? Strand walked back to the car with Brett and Fred.

 

?Uncle Fred, thank you for the beautiful angel on that stone for mommy and daddy. Strand is right! We must learn all I can before I return home. I know that our Isles are at war. Aunt Carrie told me that. Strand, has been teaching me to read our own languages.? Brett sat down in the car.

 

Fred drove to a spot where they could get some drinks. They went inside and sat down. As they drank their pop into the caf? walked Vaun. Strand?s mouth dropped open.

 

Vaun burst out laughing. ?What brings you here, Your Majesty?? Vaun bowed to Strand.

 

?Shhhhhhhhh! No one is to know I am here! Sit down! General Vaun what you doing in human world?? Strand shot a glance over at Fred. ?You not say a word!?

 

Fred nodded to Vaun. ?One of your people no doubt! Yes Strand, I know Vaun. He comes highly recommended for his expertise in warfare.?

 

?I think I was sent here for reasons unknown to me.? Strand stared at Vaun again. ?You know that Seena has been captured??

 

?Yes! She is fine where she is right now. Torik knows full well the dangers on the Isles. Red is having many problems right now. Some of our people have come to this part of Earth. I have been sent to spy on Jasper.? Vaun talked to Strand and the young man would nod his head in reply.

 

?So, they are here! I will finish this phase of my training and help Brett, before going home. Were you able to free those other family members in that hell hole?? Strand waited for a reply.

 

?Yes, the found children have new homes. The fifth is with her mother in the Underground Temple with Torik. Your mother saw they made it there.? Vaun could see that Fred was getting very confused. ?Strand has live more lives than just one, he retains all of his memories of his past lives. That is why he is like an Oracle or Spiritual Advisor to our people. He has live many lives and retains all his knowledge. A very wise young man, because as he gains knowledge from one life he passes it on to the others, a very devoted young man. Jasper thinks that he has found the Monarch of the Prophecy. But with others all around the child, it is hard for Jasper to tell if the child is the prince. We have learned one thing while here on Earth. That is how much we all love this world! I would give my life to see it is protected from people like this Gretz and Jasper.? Vaun ordered a glass of water and smiled at Brett.

 

?You know Strand for long time?? Brett asked.

 

?Yes! In some ways, Strand is older than I am. I am very old! Earth had given me many special opportunities to learn and grow as well. Well, fellows I have to get back to work. I will call if I need your assistance.? Vaun walked from the caf?.

 

Fred just sat staring at Strand for the longest time. ?It is very strange that we should even meet like this or have known each other. Your words at the memorial site were one spoken by the old or ancient people who have live for many years. To me I think of you as the protector of Brett and Carrie. Yet, you are also a very loyal man. Vaun called you, Your Majesty. I take it you are of royal blood. Well, that should never stand between friends. Even the best of friends have secrets, but I believe in you. Our friendship will never die, but only grow. I will teach you anything that I am capable of. I realize now that it was you who Vaun was speaking of as his first companion.?

 

?No, that was my father. He was a very close friend of Vaun on our homelands. I have lived many lives and remember them all. I have to protect the Isles no matter what. I have been sent here to help Brett learn some of the way of the Isles. Brett has certain abilities that not even Red knows about. It was one of my mothers who gave permission for Brett to obtain these abilities. I am much like Brett. I have my own abilities that I use to get my work done. Each time I am reborn, I receive another form to change into. I have several forms now. Ziptron is my twin brother. Strand is my first form and Silver Sky is my second. Because I am of royal blood, I can and do separate these two forms and assign them different tasks. Silver Sky is inside me right now and will stay there until Strand must leave. At this time, Silver Sky will take over for me and teach Brett what he knows. It would be like the division of a cell when a child is being developed. Our races of people are even more advanced in some ways than your human scientists. We have perfected cloning already.? Strand finished his drink.

 

"In there lies the problems. The creature we call Gretz, absorbs the spirits of other and learns what these others know. Now, she has created some creatures that she calls Trirogs. They hold three spirits within their bodies. On is either elf or human, another is lizard and we are not sure what the third part is. However, on the Planet of Gander, Gretz had an army of Utaras. I would be thinking that Gretz would use the Utaras spirit as the third. She lives off the spirits of others. Centuries ago, my grandfather on my mother's side fought Gretz and placed her inside a prison. She escaped and went after my grandmother on my father's side of the family. When Gretz destroyed my world of Neton One, Vaun and many other from my world and Gander came after Gretz. They followed her to Earth. Ziptron and myself saw something that no one else knows that is that Gretz is cursed right now. She is in a dormant state."

 

"What does this Gretz look like?" Brett wanted to know.

 

"I am not sure, for she can change her form as I do. She is being held prisoner by another creature that was protecting my grandmother when Gretz attacked. So, Gretz absorbed my grandmother's spirit and body." Strand could feel someone was near-by. He had felt that feeling before. "Fred, let's get out of here! One of those Utaras is very close by here. I can feel him."

 

"Can he sense you?" Fred waited for a reply.

 

"No! That is the strange part. He has no female to help him. They need to be a mated pair. He is the mate to the female on the Isles. He cannot reach her. Nor can she reach him. There is another male near the female, but he hates her. Gretz broke their bonds by moving the male away from the female." Strand could see that Fred was laughing. "Yes I am reading its mind. He is very lonely. He has been kept as a prisoner by Jasper."

 

"Cannot we free this Utaras?" Fred could see Strand's eyes growning larger. "That bad?"

 

"He could drain the life from you within a tenth of a second. He has certain powers that we could use to get the others to make mistakes. We have to bring Gretz and the others back to the Isles to battle them." Strand could see Brett nodding his head. Strand shuttered and turned to Fred. "It was the Utaras who thinks that he has found the prince. In a way he has fpund a prince of royal blood, but not the right one."

 

They returned home that night. Fred stayed with Strand at his home. ?I really want to help your people! As long as you are here to guard and teach Brett, I want to help you boys too. Strand, I do realize how dangerous it could be for me to come to the Isles right now. I can feel this special energy you have, and it is much stronger than Red or Vaun. I am after all an officer of the human court system. I am trained to notice the difference in people. I will do all I can to protect you and Brett while you are here. If you are a prince as Vaun says, then I will not say a word, for that will be our secret. I know that you want to stay close to Brett and be his friend. In order to help protect Brett, you need some special training on what to look for and how to protect our young friend as well as yourself. I would consider it an honour to help you in any way. Bye the way, thanks for moving us out of the enemies way that night. I could feel a surging of energy coming towards us.?

 

?That surging was someone trying to fry us that night. I do need to know what are the best ways to protect Brett and myself. How we going to do this?? Strand did not want to leave his post as he called it. "How did you know it was me and not Ziptron?"

 

"Your brother is more refined and acts like a monarch. I would think that he would be king one day?" Fred could see Strand was rolling on the floor.

 

"Ziptron on a throne. He is more likely to put me on the throne and he would escape into the human world to learn new things. Ziptron and myself pretend to be only part of him. They do not realize that we are twins. Where we come from, twins are killed. I appeared two days after Ziptron was born. So, mother thinks that I am part of Ziptron's body. Only our father's mother knew the truth. When the others see me, like Vaun did. He thinks that I am Ziptron or part of him." Strand could see that Fred partly understood.

 

"Twins even on Earth are double trouble. I am a twin. Frank and I think alike much of the time. Sometimes, we know when the other is hurt. For the next little while, I'll come and stay with you up here in Brett?s parent?s home. Your brothers have gone to live and work with Harrison. Their training is now complete. Carrie said that the welfare have been snooping around trying to cause problems for her. This will stop the welfare from bothering you and Carrie as well! From now on, you can call me uncle as Brett does.? So Fred moved in a small bag of his clothes and settled in, he lived with Strand on the top floor of Brett?s parent?s home, while Perry, Brett and Carrie lived below in the basement suite. Fred felt more at ease being with Strand. It was his calming nature that helped Fred through these rough time with his son Andy. Every weekend the three of them would drive to the hospital to see Andy. Strand would stand beside Andy's bed, praying for him to recover some day.

 

Fred would teach Strand all he needed to know about protecting others and some other different methods of police work. Strand would work very hard to get his training done. Fred taught both boys how to use fingerprint kits and some other indentifying types of technology, as Strand would call them and worked very hard. He had taught Brett how to read the glyph languages of the other clans from the Isles, as well as teach Brett to read other native languages. Fred taught Strand use bugs to determine the time of death of a person. This type of work Strand excelled in.

 

One afternoon, as they returned home, Strand had received word that things on the Isles were escalating, and that he would be called home very soon.

 

?Brett you are now almost eight years old. I want you to continue your studies. I had a talk with Allen, and he agrees with me that you and Carrie both need to learn karate or other forms of hand-to-hand combat. Allen is working on that idea. In the meantime, Fred will continue to help you with your fighting skills. He wants to teach you a little more than just hand to hand combat. He wants to teach you about street fighting. I will leave Silver Sky here to help guard you. Keep him hidden from everyone. I have given him a ring that will call Fred to your side if you are hurt. You have been with me on many occasions when Fred was teaching me my policing skills. He said he would help you to learn certain skills as well. Perry is only interested in things like cars and fixing them. Study your schoolwork and computer skill as hard as you can. I will be waiting for you at home.? Strand hugged Brett. ?We will be together sooner than you think.?

 

?I love you!? Brett threw his tiny hands around Strand?s waist and hugged his friend tightly. ?I will do all I can to help Uncle Fred. He is very depressed lately. Andy almost died the other night.?

 

?I know! You do as you are told! Don?t forget that science and medicine courses are very important for our Isles. Learn all you can about science and social structures of ancient and modern civilizations.? Strand could see that Brett wanted to say something to him.

 

?You not hear I already in grade four. Teachers say I too smart. I found spider in with father?s things the other day. I tried to move the spider, but him sat staring at me. In my mind I heard him tell me that I really special boy. Him there to protect my father and mothers things for me, cause them all mine now. Him been teaching me whole bunch of things when you with Fred. Little spider says I should help out Uncle Richard?s son Kevin at animal hospital. I can learn much from him. Maybe, I do it on weekends after I get to be eight or nine years old. That will be only two weeks away. I want to show Aunt Carrie, but little friend say that Auntie would freak out. So, I keep it a secret. Uncle Fred teaching us lots of good ways to catch bad guys. I will keep practising and learning all I can.? Brett watched as Strand sat down.

 

?Show me what you have learned.? Strand listened and watched as Brett showed his mentor what he could do. ?Very well done! Do not use these talents in front of humans, or your aunt. Only use them when you are with this spider, and Silver Sky. Practise hard. Take Care. I would practise using my mind reading on others. It will help to protect you.? Strand had picked up his bags, he put a tiny man on the bed beside Brett, and then in a surge of energy Strand vanished from Brett?s room.

 

Upon Strand?s departure, Brett moved closer to the tiny man on the bed beside him. ?Why did you come here??

 

?Venya send me to help you while Strand is away. That tiny spider on the bed was one of your father?s personal guards while he was on the Isles. I was assigned to guard and teach you both. I am really Silver Sky, but you call me Strand. This little one is called Temper. Other of my brothers is with your parent?s things in the basement. Him is called Little One. We are all Strand?s little brothers. I have been with Strand since him come here. I know just as much as he does. My English is getting better now. We have lots of work to do before you can return home. I can even change into Strand?s disguise and take his place so no one knows that Strand is gone home. It was Venya who called Strand home. You and me have special work to do. I have been with Venya?s mother many times. She is top Goddess for all the Isles. No one disobey her, if them do they get big blast and reborn on the spot. Venya said that I am to report to her once a week. I want to learn Karate, and more about computers. I was in same classes in school as Strand was. I have been here ever since Strand arrived to help you.? Strand began to open his bag and put his things away.

 

?How are we to explain this to Fred?? Brett being very young did not fully understand who this Strand was.

 

?Strand said I was to pretend to be him. So, I will do just that. Only we know that the switch has been made. Strand has many talents and abilities. He gave me some of his abilities to help him and you. So, now I will pretend that I am Strand.? Silver Sky did not know if anyone would understand what abilities he had been given. So he would continue to be Strand. ?I am like Strand?s twin.?

 

?I know what twins are. How can you change into those spider forms?? Brett could not understand this bit about shape changing.

 

?It is a natural ability that we have been given. All we do is think of what we want to be, and we become that person. Strand has met some very important people at the police academy since we have been going there. He has been receiving his officers training for the past six weeks and now he has to go home. I have learned the same things while I was in Strand?s body. I will be taking over as Strand. You and me have some very important things to do. One is we must help Fred move to Canada so he will be closer to the Isles. He has a twin brother, Frank who would also be an asset to us in the future. We can work on that later. Fred knows much about you and me. He only wants to help us in anyway he can. I received word from Vaun that someone is trying to kill Andy, Fred?s son. Our gods cannot interfere, but they will not stand by and see that child be murdered like his mother was. Vaun is going to have Andy put into an even deeper coma and moved away. They will tell Fred that Andy has died. So we must be here for Fred to help him from going crazy.? Silver Sky changed into Strand?s look a-like form of human.

 

From that day on, Strand and Brett kept their secret even from Fred. Together the three worked very hard to learn from each other. Silver Sky joined the same force that Fred was working with. Richard would have, whom he thought was Strand working in many undercover cases that had to do with schools. Strand began to work though many drug cases, and brought many of the drug dealers to justice. Strand would disguise himself as a student, enter the schools, and then seek out the dealers and pushers in that school. In the evenings, Strand would return home to Brett and teach him what he had learned that day.

 

Perry was usually nowhere around. He had met Strand years before, but was now giving up his schooling to work for some man called Relle. Strand tried to help Perry get away from this Relle. Then one day Strand was grabbed by Boss and taken to a warehouse.

 

?You have been protecting Carrie and Brett for many years. I am like you in many ways. I only want to protect my family. I promised Brad Bosnic that I would take care of his son. Relle is trying to lead Perry astray, but I intend to see that boy gets a proper education even if he doesn?t want to go to school. I have my own ways of teaching others. I will be working with several others from the Isles to protect Carrie?s son. So, I am asking you to back off. I found this information, and thought it would help you find more evidence on the real killers of Nile, Rose, Brad and even Fred?s wife. Study well this information and have Brett learn this as well. He has a very different and difficult role to play when he returns home to the Isles. Tell him that I Boss will be returning to the Isles and will do all I can to help Brett find the murderers of his parents. I will stay in contact with Vaun and send Seena messages if I cannot reach you upon your return to the Isles. I know about the Utaras. He is having a very rough time right now. He wants his mate, but she is nowhere around. I have told him that his mate will be freed some day like himself. He has offered to help us get closer to Gretz. There is one thing that Gretz has not realized. Mannza was the real creator of the Utaras, she is like their mother. The Utaras are very close to Mannza. The male here has vowed to get revenge on the death of Mannza. He is getting me information on his race and where the others are located. We will all work together to get Gretz. Be very careful! My bodyguards will see you arrive safely back at Carrie's home. Take care of our families.? Boss turned and watched as his two bodyguards escorted Strand from the room.

 

Upon arriving home, Strand told Brett what had happened. ?He will leave us information with Vaun or Seena. Brett, Boss is not who the others think he is. Here read this file.?

 

Sitting down, Brett read through the document and stared up at Strand. ?This says that Boss warned my parents to retreat and back off. He told them to go home to the Isles. Boss says here that he has found many people from the Isles living in this area. People from the Isles are being kidnapped, and sold here in this area to humans who have no idea what we are. Strand, what does this mean??

 

?Someone is kidnapping our people and selling them as slaves to these humans in this area. We will have to have a plan to follow before you return home. Boss says that he will send many of our people home and hide them from these evil kidnappers. We have to find these killers and work with Boss to do it.? Strand began to write Ziptron a letter and sent the information to him.

 

Boss was getting ready to move to another house when his two bodyguards returned. ?Listen, I received word that Gin has found the child. I am are going after Gin. I must return to help them. You two continue working here. I will be with Grik and Barcot if you need me. Barcot has found a whole settlement of wingless fairies and pixies in the mines. Bassett is keep those mines as training areas for his people. He has many of these wingless little people hiding in these mines. Still no sign of the General that guarded King Moore. Bassett said that he found two bodies of royality. He thinks it is Moore and Tia. I will call you both when I need your help. Vaun can contact these two men. Stay invisible as much as you can around the humans. You two are very noticeable in a crowd. Stay out of sight, but watch Jasper and Rift as always. Try to find out what Relle and Marts are up too. I am sick and tired of those killers. Remember that time on the Isles is different than here. I must send a message to Vaun that even the human world has been affected by the time changes on the Isles and in Ske. Listen to me, Brett is going on eight now, yet on the Isles he would be only two. Something has happened to the time continuum of Earth. I must contact Venya about this. You boys try to find out who or what was used to make these time changes.?

 

?Yes Boss! We know what?s to do! Vaun already tells us to see him if you not around. We be good Boss. You go and help little ones.? Oft handed a letter to Boss. ?If you stop by Secret Dell, gives this to Gorrvan for us.?

 

?I will! I have to go!? Boss rubbed a golden ring on his finger and vanished from the house.

 

Boss appeared back in Big Man?s home. ?Anything happen while I was gone??

?Gin was spotted just north of here. He is heading back to his home. I have been able to speak with Old Wiz and things are all set up on our end.? The Big Man handed Boss a drink of wine. ?Be careful! Gin has found the child.?

?I heard! Oh, Relle and Marts are definitely up to something and have been impersonating me while I am away. I have Oft and Stun watching them closely. Now, I must get some rest and get ready for Gin.? Boss hurried to his shed out back of Old Wiz?s home.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Twelve

 

It was a very hard life for many of the Isles people for they were always on the move trying to stay one step ahead of the raiders and kidnappers of children. One man was trying to come to grips with the death of his wife. He had returned home only to find that the raiders were closing in on his family. He had moved his family twice since his wife had been killed to keep them hidden from the raiders that haunted his dreams. He had found a small valley where not many knew that there was a small hamlet near by. He had found work in the fields, working as a hired hand. He started across the fields with his shovel and hoe resting on his shoulder.

Tears formed in his eyes when he saw his son on the front porch. Dorrian hurried to the house. "What are you doing here?"

 

The child jumped down from the porch and raced across the field towards his father. He was a small child with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. He resembled a very tiny elf with his pointed ears and long slender face. He stood only twenty-six inches high. That was very small even for a Cribber. His father was almost four feet tall, the normal height for an adult. Splat was almost twelve years old and should have been over three feet tall, at least. He smiled at his father.

 

"It is okay! I be here with Dant! We stopped by to see you and his father. His father is feeling much better these days." The child tried to comfort his father. His son took the shovel and hoe from his father and carried them home. As he set the garden tools down beside the shed, the hoe handle threw Splat off balance and his small frame fell against the shed door. The head of a nail ripped his tiny arm open. He looked at the gash and ran to the well. He quickly cleaned his wound and tied a scarf around it tightly to stop the bleeding. His father had been watching his son and went running outside.

 

"I be taking you to Dant! We go, now!" Dorrian picked up Splat and carried him as he walked down the trail. "Some man has been following me all over the place. He is after you. He killed three people who tried to trick him. I was given these spiders to give to you. Here." Dorrian glanced around and hurried off with his son towards Dant's home.

 

"Girl at house tell me that man follow her and her father." The child said as he held his arm.

 

His father held his son tightly in his arms. "Son, your brother and sister are safe now, so I want you safe as well." His father carried Splat to Dant's cottage and set his son on the porch. "You remember what I told you a long time ago. If you are in danger head for Red Mule and stay with the wizard there." Dant hear the ruckus and came outside to greet them.

 

"What have you done to your arm, Splat?" Dant asked as he reached down and picked up the child. "Splat will be all right!" Dant handed the gold coins to the old man. ?This should fool those people. We will help all we can. I talked to my cousin. She told me everything about Gin.? Dant could see the spiders sitting on the child's shoulder. "I see backup has finally arrived. You little ones know what to do?"

 

"Yes! We have been told what to do." The one spider glanced over at Dorrian walking away. "We will help your son."

 

Splat smiled bravely as he waved good-bye to his father. He noticed tears running freely from his father's eyes, as the old man walked away. Dant carried Splat into the cottage and put him down on a bed.

 

Dant turned to see one of the spiders enlarging himself. "Let's have a look!" Dant examined Splat's arm. "Let me see your arm."

 

Splat held out his tiny limb. Dant pulled off the child's shirt and began cleaning the gash. The child sat down and let Dant finish putting a bandage on his arm. The spider walked closer to the child.

 

"I had to finish some other work before I could get free to help you." Dant shook his head in disgust. "I do not like this idea at all. It is too risky. Splat, grab your blanket and pillow. We will be spending a few nights on the trail. The wagon is already loaded and waiting out back."

 

"If Splat is to survive he has to go through with this. You know where Splat will be." The spider could see Dant nodding his head.

 

Splat got his things together and he went outside to the wagon. The elf glanced over at the spider. "I have been told what to do." Many times, Splat had been accused of being a thief. Dant defended the child each time. There were so many Cribber thieves that no one really took heed to those who were not thieves. To many elves, Splat was just a thief. So, Splat would say he was a Once was Cribber. For in English folklore, a Cribber was another name for a thief. Splat was not a Cribber and wanted others to know it.

 

Over the next few day, Dant and Splat would travel south. They had been living happily in Oakford for many years. Splat got to see his father and siblings anytime he wanted. With Dant being a travelling merchant, it kept both he and Splat on the road much of the time.

 

It was nearing dusk as they pulled the wagon up to the spot they had used many times before. Splat was fast asleep in the wagon, under the seat, where Dant sat as he rein the horses. Dant jumped down and began to release the harness from the horses, as he always did.

 

Suddenly, a man, dressed in dark forest green robes and cloak came out of nowhere and stabbed Dant in the back. Splat woke up, when he heard Dant cry out in pain. Peering out from between the sacks in the wagon, Splat watched the man as he threw a flashing thing at Dant. Splat began to cry and struggled to get out of the wagon. The man grabbed the Cribber roughly throwing him back in the wagon.

 

"No! Don't! Dant! Dant!" Splat cried as he watched Dant trying to get up from the ground, but fell face first in the mud.

 

The man turned quickly, hitting Splat across the head. The little one collapsed to wagon floor. The spider moved closer to Gin and bit the wizard no the leg. As Splat lay unconscious for several hours, the spider would keep Gin back from his little friend.. When the man stopped the wagon, Splat pretended to be asleep. He watched the man until he thought the man was sleeping. Splat carefully crept from the wagon and into the forest. Splat quietly walked down a trail, which he had found.

 

The spider suddenly, appeared and stopped Splat. "You have to get away. But this is not the best time. I am here with you. We cannot leave Dant's horses by themselves." The spider knew that Splat really cared for the horses.

 

"I go back." Splat was teleported back to the wagon by the spider.

 

"You pretend to still be really hurt. Get down in the wagon. If that wizard hits you too much you will never make it to Red Mule." The spider helped Splat down in the wagon. The spider gave Splat a potion to help heal his wounds. Hours later, he woke up in the wagon, again. They travelled all day and night. Even the horses were very tired as they pulled into a town.

Splat tried to move, only to find he was tied up. He attempted to wiggle free. After about an hour, he managed to get one arm untied. The spider stood before Splat just as they both felt.an impending doom filled their heart. Suddenly, Splat turned just in time to see the man slowly materialize in the back of the wagon. Splat knew then the man was Gin.

 

The wizard began beating Splat, showing no mercy, but this time he spoke to the child. "Try to leave, again! You will die! Now, get down in that wagon and go to sleep."

 

"I's hungry!" Splat was having gnawing pains in his stomach.

 

The wizard turned around and glared down at Splat. "I will feed you, when I am ready!"

 

Splat curled up into a ball and cried softly to himself. He felt the wagon turn and go back to the inn. It had been two days since he had eaten. He remembered some bread in one of Dant's bags. Carefully, he whispered to the spider about the food. The little fellow inched the bags towards Splat. The spider helped the child find some pieces of stale bread and cheese. The spider showed Splat how to eat his food and drink. He tucked the food into his pockets and carefully broke off little pieces and popped them into his mouth, when the wizard was not looking. He found his own tiny water skin and tucked it inside his shirt. Then he curled up into a ball. The spider would change to elf and help clean Splat's wounds. It was all he could do at the moment for the child

 

The wizard stopped the wagon. "Get into this sack!"

 

Splat crawled on his hands and knees into the sack. The wizard tied the end. "Stay quiet and still," he demanded. Splat did as he was told and felt the wizard lift him up. They went into the inn. Splat heard the wizard order a room. He told the innkeeper to bring food and drink. Splat felt the wizard walking upstairs. Splat heard the innkeeper come in with food and drink. The wizard had put the sack on the floor. As Splat listened he heard the wizard eating and drinking. He curled into a tighter ball and he pulled out the water skin to take a drink. He then cried himself to sleep.

 

In the morning, Splat felt the bag being lifted up. He lay as still as he could. The wizard carried him out to the wagon. They travelled for a long time. Splat was hurting from his beatings and tried not to cry, but the pain was overwhelming. Splat had made a tiny hole in the sack, so he could see what was going on. Splat realized that he had to save and collect as much of his food and water as could hide from this wizard. For he knew that he may need it in the near future. Splat had wiggled his bag over to Dant?s sack. The child managed to cut the hole a little larger so that he could reach the rest of the bread and cheese. He remembered that Dant?s water skin was behind the other bag, but it was too far away. The spider waited until the wagon hit several large bumps, and would puch the sack closer to Splat. He would fill his tiny water skin from the larger one. Splat would pull the old blanket that Dant would use over the food and water.

 

It was dark, by the time they arrived at an old beat up house. The wizard grabbed the sack and carried it into the house. He dumped Splat out onto the floor in the cellar. "Now, be quiet! From now on you will call me, Master Gin. So, I hope you are willing to work for your food. Here is your blanket. If you are good, then you can eat!" Gin closed the cellar door and left Splat in the dark.

 

His eyes and face were badly swollen from his beatings. Splat could hardly see. He tried to move around in the cellar, but found out he could barely stand up. He hid his stale bread and water skin in a place only his small hand would fit. He grabbed his blanket and curled up under it. When Gin told Splat to feed the horses and chickens, the child would do exactly that. Then as time went on, Splat would take any extra eggs and hide them in his personal hiding places. Over the next few weeks, Splat managed to steal food and store it in his special places. His master would beat Splat every time he made a mistake. After several weeks of being in this cottage, Splat was moved to another town. He could see that Master Gin had put Dant?s two horses in the barn.

 

That night upon Splat's arrival, the spider hurried to find Boss. "Gin has the child. I have done all I can to help him. I will stay with the child. You get Gin. Then we go after his goons at Wiz's home. Splat cannot take much more. His eyes are swollen shut. I have been biting Gin, but he seems to have serveral potions for bites." The spider could see Big Man standing in the doorway. "Help the child. I have to get back."

 

Very early on the forth morning, before the others in town arose, Splat had gone to the well for water, filled his pail for the house and his water skin. His eyes were almost swollen shut. He lowered his head when he saw a Big Man across the road. By now, Splat knew his master was drunk and still sleeping of the ale from the night before. This gave Splat time to get his chores outside done and to hide any extra food he could find. But this day Splat found the ashes of a man just to the left of the front walk. Gin would always use the back door to come and go. On the second trip to the well, Splat came face to face with the Big Man.

 

The Big Man came over to the well. "Drink this potion! It will heal you! I know your master is cruel. Here, are two other potions hide them. If you need more, poke this stick through the cellar door leading to the outside. I will leave you the potions under the old rusty bucket beside the cellar door. Your master knows that the cellar door leading outside is rusted shut. I have freed several boards for you to get your healing supplies."

 

Splat hid the potions in his water pail and returned to the house. His master was still sleeping, so Splat hid his potions in the cellar. He returned and began his chores. Splat lived in the cellar and did his masters bidding. He had told his master about the ashes outside the front door.

 

Gin walked outside and inspected the ashes. ?Well, he got what he deserved.? He turned to Splat as he entered the house. ?You want the same as that man just cross me the wrong way.? Gin went to his bottle and began to drink.

 

On his own Big Man had tried to get Splat free several times. The giant finally went to find Boss. ?Gin has returned and has the child with him. The child is badly beaten. He really needs help. Gin has that protective spell on the house.?

 

?I will see what I can do! I will see Gin tonight. The child must leave this town for good and never return if he is to stay alive. We have to get the child to Red.? Boss glanced over at the doorway. ?Maybe, the beast can burn the house after Splat is freed of Gin.?

 

That night, Splat awaken to hear footsteps on the floor above his head and people yelling. Carefully, he peeked out of the cellar. He watched Master Gin and another man arguing. Splat could not believe his eyes when the other man suddenly struck Master Gin in the face.

 

?I?ll teach you to steal from my master. How dare you?? A fight broke out, but before Gin could cast any spells the hooded figure beat Gin down to the ground. ?Someone should have beaten you long before now.?

 

Gin pulled his boot dagger and tried to throw it at the man, but the man quickly grabbed the dagger and threw it across the room. Gin was beaten down again. Then the stranger?s eyes began to glow like fire and he reached out to Gin and grabbed him. There were two horrible cracking sounds as Splat watched his master fall to the floor. Splat waited, until the other man left. Splat called to his master, but no answer came back. Splat had been told to stay in the cellar, so he did.

 

Early the next morning, Splat saw his master still on the floor and went to see, if he could help. "Master! Wake up! It morning!" Splat shook his master. ?I need you to fire started! Wake up!" No movement or answer, so Splat went to the door and looked out. He saw the Big Man who had given him the potions. Splat knew that the man would help him. He had no idea who the man was or what he did. Splat waved to the Big Man as he came down the road and stumbled outside to the porch to meet him. "Master Gin hurt! Man hurt master, last night!" Splat called out to the Big Man.

 

The Big Man listened to Splat, and then they ran into the house. The Big Man examined at the cribber's master, and then turned to face Splat. "Your master is dead!"

 

"Him is! Now, I not get food!" Splat sat on the floor pouting.

 

The Big Man picked up Splat, sat him on a chair. "Your master was a bad man. He hurt many people. Here is something for you to eat. Now, I want you to stay on that chair, until I come back. Don't touch anything in the house."

 

Splat sat eating the food the Big Man had given him. The Big Man soon returned with other men, and began to take boxes of things from the wizard's home. The Big Man removed the body as well for Splat and had it burned.

 

Splat stood watching the men bury his master?s ashes out back near the barn. Taking his time, Splat looked around and saw what he was looking for. He walked over to a small patch of flowers and picked a small bouquet. He walked back to the grave and laid the flowers on top. ?You were a very mean man, Master Gin. I pray that you will find peace in your heart now. Even though you were mean to me, I never hated you. I pray that our gods bless you always.? Splat sighed as he walked back to the house and returned to his chair.

 

"Splat, once we are done cleaning out all Gin's belongings, this will be your home. We are only taking the bad stuff out, so you will not be harmed. Now, you are the master of your own home! You have been here for a while. You know what a rough town this can be. If for any reason you have to leave this town of Silkie, I want you to go to Red Mule Town and see the master wizard there. He is a good man and will help you!" The Big Man only wanted to help his little friend. ?If by any chance you find anything in this house that glows, come and see me, immediately. I do not want you harmed. Do not touch it!?

 

Splat waited for the men to leave. He started with his chores first. The animals had to be taken care of first. Then he began to clean his house and sang to himself as he worked. The Big Man showed Splat how to light a fire in the fireplace. Splat worked all that day and into the next without sleep.

 

"My house!" Splat looked around the living room and smiled. He had cleaned up the whole house, but Splat was still full of energy. He went outside to see if anything needed to be fixed. He worked for a while and was finally starting to get tired. The Big Man had showed Splat how to prepare a simple meal by cleaning some root vegetables and by boiling up with some eggs from his chickens in the hen house. He made himself something to eat, fed the animals and retired to his bedroom.

 

The next morning, after doing his chores in the barn. He walked into the back room of his house. He noticed a board was loose and began to fix it. Underneath he found several small boxes overflowing with treasure. Splat did not know what to do at first. He finally dragged a small carpet over the hole and pulled a chair on it. Splat hurried to the barn and grabbed one of the old feed sacks and returned to the boxes in the floor. Splat put the boxes into the sack and replaced the board. He dragged the carpet back over the board and left the chair on top. Splat thought that the chair would tell him if anyone tried to steal his boxes. Splat waited out on the porch for the Big Man to walk by.

 

A short while later, Splat heard someone coming. It was the Big Man coming to visit. "Well, I can see you have been busy around here!" The Big Man smiled. "I thought I would drop by to see how you were doing?"

 

"I's fine! Come in!" Splat said. "Tea! Wants some tea?"

 

"Splat, I would like that very much!" The Big Man said as he sat down. "You are truly amazing. I have never seen this place so clean before."

 

"I's gots to show you something. I find boxes. When master first die, you took out all the bad things for Splat!" Splat said as he ran into the backroom. Big Man followed. "See, in here I's finds these. Now, what Splat do?"

 

Big Man looked at the box and opened it! "WOW! Splat is a very wealthy little man."

 

"I am? But those not mine!" Splat said looking up at his friend.

 

"They are now! I have a better box for you. I'll be right back!" The Big Man hurried off and returned with a larger box for Splat. "This box will hold everything!" The Big Man helped Splat to place all his gold, gems and magical items into the larger box. "Splat, this is a magical box. I want you to lock it with this key. Then we will put the box in a better hiding place. Floorboards are always the first place Cribbers look." Big Man watched as Splat locked the box. "Now, we put the box into this magical bag so it is easy for you to carry. Give me all your shirts!" Big Man sewed a cord to all Splat's shirts. The man showed Splat how to tie his magic bag to the inside of his shirt for safekeeping. "You will never be without your treasures!"

 

Big Man had spotted several items that did not belong to Splat. "These belong to the wizard that lives up on that hill. See, up there!" Big Man pointed up at the hill out back of Splat's. "You should take this ring and these scrolls, go give it to Old Wiz. Explained to him what has happened."

 

Splat smiled and put the ring and scrolls away in his small bag. "I's go, after tea!"

 

Big Man smiled at Splat. "The master wizard is a nice man, but watch, his larger apprentice though. He is like your master was."

 

"Okay! Splat be careful!" Splat looked at a piece of paper. "Splat, almost forgets! I's need harness down from wall in barn. I's not reach it and bags of feed. I's too short." Splat read from his list.

 

Big Man laughed and messed up Splat's hair. "I will get them down for you. Splat, I will stop by later to see you. If you need me, I live three houses down and on this side of the street. My house has a green chair on the porch. I have chores to do, so I will be home later."

Splat and Big Man finished their tea. The Big Man went to the barn and helped the Cribber with his harness and feed for the horses.

 

Splat sat on the back of the wagon. He had planned going to get supplies later. He decided to put his treasure box magical bag into the feedbag, which was on the back of the wagon. Splat then realized that it would be better if he got his things ready for his trip to town, now seeing it was light. That way, if he was tired from his trip to the wizards, Splat would not have to still pack up his things. So, Splat prepared everything for his trip. Food, extra clothes, water and feed for the horses were all on the wagon. Splat's barn was set back in amongst a grove of trees. It could not be seen from the road at all. There was a private road that his master had taken to bring Splat back to the house unseen the night they arrived home after being kidnapped. Splat scouted out the road several times when his master had been sleeping after a night on the town.

 

Splat left shortly after and walked up the hill to the wizard's house. His little spider stayed close to his friend. The Cribber knocked on the door. "I's come to see wizard master!" Splat informed the apprentice.

 

The apprentice was about to turn Splat away. "Who is it apprentice?" Came a voice from within.

 

"I's Splat! I's come to see Master Wizard. Is him home?" Splat hollered as loud as he could.

 

"All right, young man. What is this all about?" The master moved forward closet to the door. He invited Splat inside and showed the Cribber to a chair. Splat handed the ring and scrolls over to the master.

 

"I's find this in floor and Big Man tell me it be yours! So, I brings them to you. Here!" Splat gave the master, his property. Splat told the wizard his story. After he was finished he rose from his chair and started for the door. "I's go now! Bye!" Splat found himself unable to move. "Hey! Lets Splat go!"

 

Old Wiz looked down at Splat. "That was some story you told me. I have never heard anything like it, before." The wizard began to cast a spell.

 

"There, now you may go. If I find out that you lied to me, your feet will stay that size. If you told me the truth I will remove the spell and give you a reward!" The master helped Splat to the door. "Little man, leave while you can." The master whispered.

 

Splat gazed down looked at his feet. They looked like giants feet. He stumbled his way home and hid in his house. He waited until dark. He was very happy that he had packed up bunch of stuff. He packed up the rest of his house that he could carry and put it on his wagon. The spider helped Splat to pack up as much as the wagon could carry. He got all his own things, as well as pots, pans, bedding, food, water, small side table and two rocking chairs. He checked box of treasure he buried it inside a bag of feed it was still there.

 

"We go way from here. We find place where Splat is liked! Big Man is right, this is rough place." Splat said to the horses. "I's feed you now and we will leave in morning." Splat put two small crates with six chickens each and one rooster onto the wagon. He filled up a small barrel with chicken feed and put it next to the crates. "I's going to see Big Man and say good-bye. I's will take you down the road. You two can wait there for me." Splat quietly harnessed up his horses and hitched them to his wagon. He fastened his stool to the side of the wagon. It was the stool that he used to reach the horses while harnessing them to the wagon. He led them down a back trail from his house. He went to see if Big Man was home and found the door open.

 

Splat's heart started to beat faster. "No! Big Man dead, too!" Before him on the floor was the Big Man. Splat did not even go inside. He stumbled his way to the wagon. Splat wiped his tears as he hugged one of his horse?s legs. He went to turn the horses towards home. He noticed something glowing near his home. From the shadows of the trees, Splat could see the wizard outside of his home. He looked at his house as raging flames shattered the windows and began to devour his home. Frightened, Splat hid in the shadow so the wizard did not see him. He took one last look as his house. It had collapsed into a flaming ball of fire. Tears ran down his face as he stumbled his way back to his horses. "We go now. That wizard burned my house. We go far away from here. Never come back." Splat quietly led his two horses a mile from the edge of town. Splat followed the road for miles that day. Near evening, he stopped to feed and watered his horses. He groomed them while they ate, and then fell asleep in the wagon. Splat tried to stay off the main roads at night. He would find a small wagon trail and pull off on it for the night, and then he would cover the wagon and horses with branches. He would travel steadily all day. His horses did not mind. They travelled like that for two weeks straight. The spider would act as a guard at night to protect the child. Splat never rushed the horses for they were his friends, his only friends next to his twelve chickens, which gave him fresh eggs every day.

 

It was the third night of the third week when Splat came to the crossroads north of Silkie Isle. He stopped. There were many signs pointing in all different directions. ?Which way to go? That road to the left goes to Longlog and Corndale. We can go Brycall, Landsnest. Hey, I hear of this place before. Remember papa say, something about Red Mule. So did Big Man. We go there. That okay with you?? Splat was talking to his horse, and they whinnied back at him in reply. ?Okay, Red Mule it is! Sure hope people friendlier there than in Silkie.?

 

"I heard it was a very nice place to live. Splat, you will like it there." The spider sat on the bench seat beside his friend.

 

It was a long trip by horse and wagon, through the mountains and valleys near Brycall. Splat could see there were many wagons on this road. He kept to himself, and would only travel during the day. Splat found that along this road were stopovers for wagon. Small areas guarded at night by giants or ogres. As he pulled his wagon into his first stopover an ogre walked over to help Splat into a shaded area. ?This is some place you gots here!?

 

?Master Red wants all people on his side to feel safe. There are cooking area! See!? The ogre pointed to a stone fireplace with a stack of wood beside it. ?These are free areas! Conclave Wizards pay us to guard you. Less costly that being beaten up! To hard to find Healer these days! Horse can be stabled if you wants, we got good oat and hay for them all. I get you chicken run, to let chicken get exercise. If you tired, you can see that giant over there. Tell him that Oroft sent you to get food for you. Tonight meal is wild boar or deer with root veggie. We buy them from Red Mule Wizard?s apprentice! Best gardens around to buy food from! Where you heading??

 

?Red Mule! Has had bad luck. First me get sold to man, but him nice person and treat Splat like son. Then Wizard Gin kidnaps Splat. I escape with just what you see there after other wizard gives me big feet, and burn down my house. Big Man dead, now, so I move away. I hear wizard of Red Mule really nice to little people.? Splat got down from his wagon and began to unbuckle his horses.

 

?You say that Gin is dead. Who kill him?? The ogre had to hear this.

 

?Not know! I told to stay in cellar, so I do. I peek out when I hear big fight. In morning, I find Wizard Gin dead. Big Man help me. Then him too dies few days later. Big Man tells me the Wizard Gin house mine, but other wizard burn it down. So, we go to Red Mule. Have no place else to go! Never seen so many mountains and valleys before. Really pretty around here.? Splat was enjoying talking to this guard. ?There now I get horses and chicken fed and watered first.? Splat cared for his animals first then went over to the giant. Oroft says I can get food here. How much it cost!?

?Nothing! It is part of the service. Here is your meal. Just return your plate and cup!? The giant gave Splat a hand carrying his meal to his campfire that Oroft had already started for the Cribber.

There was enough food on the plate to last Splat for four meals. Splat put the other food carefully away and sat drinking his ale. He cleaned his plate and cup and returned them to the giant. ?Thanks! You really good cook! Best meal I had in long time. I give you fresh eggs for morning for your breakfast. Share with Oroft. I going to sleep now.? Splat went over to his wagon and went to sleep. The spider sat guard on the bench seat watching the guards.

 

"The wizard Gin is dead?" Oroft sat down to question the spider.

 

"Oh, him dead all right. So, is his apprentice. It was apprentice that set fire to the house and killed Big Man. I was told by other spiders in the area. Send help for Old Wiz, him gets hurt and tries to find out if Cribber in fire of his home. Old Wiz is really bad. Boss is trying to help. It was the apprentice that killed Big Man. Boss killed the other two with the apprentice. Send healer to Inn or tavern." The spider spoke and told the giant and ogres about the others on the roads where they had come from.

 

Early next morning, Splat was helped to hitch his wagon and gather up his chickens. He handed Oroft the eggs as he waved good-bye. Then he drove off. He waved to the guards and shouted back at them. ?Thanks!? These rest areas were about every twenty or thirty miles from each other.

 

It was slow travelling the steep hills, but Splat would enjoy the scenery as they travelled. He stopped at Brycall and was told of a road leading to Red Mule, mainly merchants used it. Splat used the back road and even found a stopover on that road. As he worked his way along the forest trail, heading towards Red Mule Tower, he saw a sign directing him towards Red Mule town. The sign said forty miles to Red Mule. Splat spotted a small area where some travellers had camped the night before. He decided to use the same area, but his horses pulled the wagon off the main trail and into some woods, before stopping. ?Okay we stay here!?

 

That night, while Splat was bedding down the horses, he heard a funny noise. He went to take a look. It was a humanoid that appeared to be hurt. Splat could not see the being's face. That did not matter to Splat. What did matter was this person was hurt. Splat made his way over to the male being.

 

"What happen?" Splat asked the man.

 

"Am I glad you found me!" The man smiled at Splat. "I was attacked by some highway men."

 

Splat understood why his horses had moved from the other area. He helped the person up and over to his wagon. The being patted Splat on the back. "Thanks, young fellow! I am call Hornbull," he sat down on the back of the wagon. "Which way are you going?"

 

Splat looked up at the being. "I's never know! My horses and me travels round looking for nice place to live! Where no one gets killed! You know such place?"

 

Hornbull could see hurt expression in Splat's face. "I live in a nice town and our wizard likes everyone. Come with stay with me, until you find some place of your own."

 

Splat turned to face his horses. "Well, you two! What you think? We take Hornbull home and see?" Both horses whinnied at Splat. "Okay, we take you home. In morning, we all need sleep. Here blanket for you! You sleep at this end of wagon. That my bed up there." Splat went around to his horses. "Watch him! I's go sleep, now." Each horse lowered his head and Splat kissed each goodnight.

 

Hornbull covered himself with the blanket. He could feel his leg was hurt, but he would wait until he arrived home, before healing it. Hornbull, himself was a wizard. Splat tried four times to get up into the wagon, and on the fifth try he tumbled in. He massive feet caused him to trip over Hornbull. "Sorry! Nots mean to trip on you! Here is water and a clean cloth to wash sore leg with! I's got lots of water. Here use some of this salve Big Man gives me. You hungry? I's got cheese and bread. Here!" Splat handed the being, the salve, a clean piece of cloth for a bandage, food and water.

 

Hornbull cleaned off his cut leg, put on the salve and wrapped a bandage around it. "You are a Cribber?" Hornbull asked Splat.

"Once was! Not, no more! Splat just little man with big feet." Splat crawled into his bed.

Hornbull ate his food and drank some water. "Thanks for helping me! Not many people would have even stopped."

 

Splat did not understand why someone would leave an injured man like Hornbull. "Why?"

 

Hornbull lowered his eyes as he tried to lean up against the side of the wagon. "Because I am a minotaur."

 

"What has that gots to do with it?" Splat gave Hornbull a puzzled glance. "You hurt! So, me help! I's not care what you look like. Look at me!"

 

Proudly and in a firm voice Hornbull said. "I have never met a man like you before. Good-night, my friend!"

 

Splat rolled over and went to sleep. He kept waking up and would look over at the minotaur, then drift off to sleep, again.

 

Early next morning, Hornbull helped Splat with the horses. Hornbull sat in the wagon as they rode into Red Mule. When they rode into town, several men rushed over to Hornbull asking him what happened and who Splat was. Everyone thanked Splat for helping their friend.

 

Hornbull had asked the Cribber to stop at the inn. "Splat, come with me!"

 

Splat went into the inn with his friend. Hornbull called to a man. "Dryvas, come here!"

 

Seeing his friend was injured, the elf hurried over to Hornbull. "Are you all right?"

 

?Almost wasn?t!? Hornbull nodded his head and smiled. "Yes! Thanks to my friend here! Take his two horses to the stables, and give them food and water. Make sure they are bedding down with care and love. Put these chickens into the extra pen, beside my egg layers. See they get fed and watered as well."

 

Dryvas almost laughed, but could see that Hornbull meant what he said. Dryvas noticed Splat waiting for an answer. "I take it, those horses and chickens are special? I will care for them, myself."

 

"Thank you!" Splat said quietly. "They are my friends! We all live together! We are all family!"

 

Glancing over at Splat, Dryvas smiled then he walked towards the inn door. He did not even need to lead the horses. They knew Dryvas was taking them to the stables and followed after him. "You two are very smart horses. I see you are also very faithful to your little owner as well!" The large grey muzzled Dryvas, as if he understood. Dryvas could see something different in these horses. He cared for them and then went back to Hornbull. "Young man, those horses are very different from all others that I have seen. They are very intelligent." Dryvas was very impressed and that was not easy to do, especially, with an elf from the Underground. "The chickens are fed and watered!"

 

?Thanks!? Splat glanced over at Dryvas. "We have been through lots. Most bad things! I always care and love them. Every night we sleep together. We good friends!"

 

Dryvas had notice Splat's feet before he had bedded down the horses. He was wondering what Splat was going to live on. What work the little fellow could do? He knew that Splat was a Cribber and that those people were thieves.

 

Hornbull bought out some food for everyone to eat. As he set the food upon the table, a man walked over to him.

 

"Hornbull, the last time I was here, I lost a ring!" The man paused and thought for a moment. "You didn't find any ring, did you?"

 

"No! I checked that room after you left. Like I said I would." Hornbull rose to his feet. "You are always losing things!"

 

Splat had been listening to the man. "Hornbull, can I's see if I's can find it. I's be good at finding things."

 

"Go a head, Splat!" Hornbull showed Splat the room. ?People are always losing things in my Inn and Tavern. Splat, if you can find the ring. I will give you a job as my Finder." Hornbull, Dryvas and the other man watched Splat.

 

The Cribber began to walk around the room. Soon he was down on his hands and knees. He began searching the room. The others watched as Splat took out a knife. He began to dig in the cracks between the boards and where the floor met the walls, even the corners.

 

"I finding lots here. This like treasure room!" After only a half hour, Splat rose to his feet and put all seventy-three items he had found on the table.

 

The man laughed and patted Splat on the back. "Not only has he found my ring I lost, but he has found others belongings. It looks like this Cribber has a job."

 

Hornbull picked up the items and put them into a bag. "I think my friend is right, Splat. You will be my Finder for the Inn. How does that sound?"

 

Splat's eyes sparkled with joy as he began to look for more things. By the end of the day, Splat had found ten small boxes full of assorted items, which he set down in front of Hornbull on the table, before they ate their evening meal. "This is from all the rooms on the first floor. I do other two floors tomorrow and next day."

 

When Hornbull saw Splat crawling up the stairs to the other floor, the minotaur fixed up the old wood box for Splat as his own room on the main floor of the inn. Splat was very happy, even if the room was only a huge wood box off the kitchen. The wood box had been used for firewood at one time, but now it was Splat's new home. It was a huge box, and held over three cords of wood at one time. Nice and warm, dry and clean was Splat's new home.

 

Hornbull helped his little Finder get a cot and his table to use as a desk. Hornbull put up some shelves at Splat's level and gave him some books. Splat put his two rocking chairs into his new home. Dryvas helped Splat paint the outside and inside with whitewash. Dryvas even made a sign for the outside of it.

 

SPLAT - FINDER SERVICE

YOU LOSE - I'S FIND IT

IF NOT IN - LEAVE MESSAGE AT INN

 

Dryvas had the job of returning all articles that Splat had found the first few days. Hornbull had made a list of who had lost what. So, it was just a matter of returning the items. Dryvas was told many times to give Splat gold or other items as a reward. Splat would hide his rewards away from all.

 

Within a month, Splat had begun finding things others had lost. He was becoming very popular in the town of Red Mule and Copperpot. Splat loved his work even though he received small rewards for his efforts. Hornbull gave his Finder free food and drink, plus his box as Splat called his home.

 

One afternoon, Splat had arrived home, after being away for almost a week on Copperpot Isles helping True Grey find a special ring, which he had thought someone, had stolen. Both Splat and True Grey started laughing when the Cribber found the missing ring stuck in one of True Grey?s scales. True Grey paid Splat five gold for that find.

 

So, Splat was tired and went right to his home, only to find a lady elf waiting for him in his room.

 

?I?m lookin' for Splat!" The woman was dressed in very fine clothes.

 

"I's be Splat," he replied as he sat down in his chair.

 

The elf seemed upset, so Splat went to get her a glass of wine. He returned and handed the woman her drink. She sipped her wine, "Splat, I cannot find a friend of mine. He went to Brycall. He has not returned for weeks. I will pay you well, if you can find him for me."

 

Splat smiled and wrote down all the information. "I's leave tomorrow for Brycall. I's tired and just came back from other trip. I's find friend, you not to worry."

 

The woman smiled as she set her empty glass on the crate. "Splat, you are my only hope. Here is something in advance." She handed Splat three gold coins. "I will be waiting for you at the Inn."

 

Splat got himself something to eat and went right to bed. Splat told Hornbull where he was off to, as he went to the stables early the next morning and harnessed his team of horses to his wagon. It was a four-day trip to Brycall. He arrived early in the morning, and set right to work to find the woman's friend. He went to the inn, first.

 

"I's looking for an elf. He has scar on face, and he wears a black band with orange star on it, about his head. Have you seen man?" he asked the innkeeper.

 

"That man was here, last night. He was with a lady. She lives in the old house on the far edge of town," the innkeeper said. He had Splat do some finding work for him, and knew his little Finder very well. The Innkeeper paid Splat three gold coins plus free meals, drink and a room for his work.

 

Splat went to the woman's house to see if the man was there. He did not say a word to the man, but he watched the man for two days. He wrote down all the things man was doing.

On the third night, after the man went to bed. Splat gathered up all his things and headed for home. He arrived home on the eleventh night and went right to bed. In the morning, he went into the inn and saw the woman.

 

"I's find man for you. He still in Brycall. Him lives with another lady in old house at edge of town." Splat was not the smartest Cribber around. He handed the woman a list of the things the man had been doing.

 

The elfin woman's eyes grew large, while her face was turning redder and redder. "I will kill him!" She yelled and hit Splat's desk with her fist.

 

Splat jumped and hid under the box he used for a desk. "You only asked me to find him!" Splat squealed.

 

The woman looked down at Splat and realized that she had frightened him. "Not you, Splat! You did a good job! It is my husband I will kill! When he gets home! Thank you, Splat! Here is your pay!" The woman handed Splat ten gold coins. "A job well done deserves good pay! I have given you a bonus!" With that the elfin lady turned and left for her home.

 

Splat climbed out of his box and went to see Hornbull.

 

"Splat, what was all that yelling about?" Hornbull asked.

 

Splat answered innocently. "I's just tell lady, I's find her friend with other woman, but friend turn out to be husband of lady here. Maybe, Splat goof! I's gets twelve gold coins for this job!"

 

Hornbull and Dryvas sat laughing at the cribber's comments. Hornbull patted Splat on the back. "Splat, you did not goof. Her husband did!"

 

"You only did your job, Splat!" Dryvas could not help, but laugh at the little one. "That's all the woman asked you to do. You did not know it was her husband."

 

Splat sat and ate his meal. "I's going to take today off. Oh, that trip for True Grey. Him had ring stuck in him scale. All we do was laugh, True Grey says I best finder ever. Him going to tell Red Mule Wizard! Well, I go to river. I's must think. I's be back by night time."

 

Hornbull packed some food and drink for his Cribber, then watched as Splat waddled down to the path leading towards the river.

 

"Splat does not understand what goes on between men and women!" Hornbull could see just how naive Splat really was.

 

Dryvas could not help but laughed. "I do not think he ever will! In some ways he is so mature, but other times he acts, so stupid."

 

Hornbull nodded his head. "I know what you mean. He told me that his master would beat him. He was beaten really badly and still has many scars. Several of those scars are on his head and face. You know when a person gets hurt on his head they are never really the same after that. I told Eric about Wizard Gin being dead, and what Splat said about Big Man. Eric tried to investigate, but only found out that Big Man was dead. The whole town has gone on the defensive. Eric could not find Old Wiz at all. The innkeeper said his new apprentice had taken Old Wiz to a healer. Apparently, Old Wiz was badly burnt by a house fire. That is all Eric was told. I told Drymar to fly there and see if he could find out what was going on."

 

?I heard that Marts and Relle have vanished. The Conclave has been looking for them everywhere. Not a sign of them! Oroft has move closer to Horman?s Tower. Someone has been attacking others in that area. Oroft has his men trying to move out further from the Brycall and Longlog Crossing. It is dangerous, in Bonner and Silkie. Red is slowly moving his men out further into more dangerous areas. Red is not using the elves now, but only Giants and Ogres.? Dryvas listened to his friend. ?You know those three children that Red was told to protect? Well, I was told that Splat is the third child that Red was to protect. Guard him well!?

 

?I have talked to Eric already. I know who Splat is. I sent word to Dorrian that I have Splat with me. I met Dorrian a long time ago, when Splat was very tiny. They found Dant wounded but alive. He has been looking for Splat for months. Dorrian travels looking for his son. I sent word to Bulton to contact Dorrian or Dant. Eric told Red. We are to keep Splat here with us. Bulton has sent several of Splat?s brothers and sister to Copperpot Isle. Splat?s youngest brother, Zar is on Copperpot Isle and their sister. True Grey deliberately hid the ring to get Splat to his Island so he could see his brother and sister. Splat has not said a word. He is still very frightened. Zar found some papers at the attack site where Dant was found, that Gin was sent to kill Splat. He kidnapped him instead and kept him as a slave. Lucky for Splat!? Hornbull sighed as he passed Dryvas a drink of ale.

 

"There is that spider always around Splat as well. I have seen them many times at Red's Tower. The little spider stays in Splat's box and guards his things. He goes with Splat on these trips as well." Dryvas sighed as he looked out the window of the inn. "He is lucky to be alive."

 

*******

 

Meanwhile, Splat slowly tripped his way down to his favourite spot beside the river and spread out his blanket. He loved to lay and watch the birds and dragons flying in the sky. The birds were there, but he had not seen a dragon flying for months. He began to write in his book of things to do. Afterwards, he sat and read his notebook from beginning to end. "This not right!" Splat spoke out loud. "Dragons not fly in sky anymore. Why?" He lay on his back wondering about where all the dragons were? "Why they not fly?" After a while, Splat made some more notes, reminding himself to find out where dragons had gone. Being a Finder, maybe, he could find the dragons. As he rested and wondered, Splat must have drifted off to sleep. He woke up when he heard something. He looked around and listened. It sounded like someone was crying. He quietly got up and went to investigate. As he followed the sounds of the crying, he came upon a tiny fairy-like creature. He could see she was crying.

Splat waited and watched. She did not move from the spot, where she was sitting. Even when a spider tried to attack her, she cast a fire spell and watched as the spider went up in flames.

 

Splat moved a little closer. "Are you all right?"

 

She turned and looked at Splat. "No! Joleen hurt!"

 

"Can I's help?" Splat asked.

 

Joleen nodded her head. "Look at Joleen's foot and leg."

 

Splat walked over and could see a cut on her foot. The cut went up to almost her knee. He carefully lifted her into his arms and carried his little six-inch friend back to his blanket. He placed her down ever so gently. Then went to the river for some water. When he returned he washed off her cut placed a bandage on it.

 

"Where you live?" Splat asked.

 

"Joleen live with Wizard Red at tower. You take Joleen home?" She watched as Splat packed up his things and carried her to the inn.

 

Splat had wrapped Joleen in a piece of his blanket, which he had cut off his own. Splat always told Hornbull where he was going.

 

"Hornbull, I's take Joleen home. She hurt!" Splat began to explain.

 

The minotaur walked over to Joleen and Splat. "Let me see what she did!" He wanted to make sure that she would be all right going home.

 

Splat carefully unwrapped Joleen, and let Hornbull take a look at her foot and leg.

 

"This is a bad cut! Joleen, I better send for a healer. Then Splat will take you home!" Hornbull said as he looked in Dryvas direction. The elf immediately left and returned with in a short time.

 

Dryvas was a wizard and had gone to tell Joleen's people about her being injured. He had found Eric, Red's apprentice and explained what happened to Joleen. Red was away and would not be back for at least several weeks.

 

Eric had called a healer to go to the inn and see to Joleen's cut. The healer arrived shortly after Dryvas had returned to the inn.

 

Hornbull helped Splat move Joleen into his room, where the healer was tending to her wounds. Splat sat and watched the healer.

 

"Here you are, Miss!" The healer turned to Splat. "I want to see you for a minute."

 

Splat walked into the kitchen with the healer. The man turned to Splat. "She is not to be moved for a few days. Keep her quiet! Let her rest! I will return tomorrow and change her bandages."

 

Splat nodded his head and walked back into his box. He sat down beside Joleen. "Healer said you stay here with me for few days!" Splat told her. "I take you home after you better."

 

It was the second day that Joleen recognized Splat as one of her old friends. "You Dorrian's little son, Splat? I, be Joleen, King Moore's daughter. Them killed mommy and daddy! They even kill my Kyle! Him have grave at tower."

 

Splat explained how his mother had died and he was sold to Dant. Splat continued to tell Joleen what the bad wizard had done to Dant and himself.

 

Joleen stayed for almost a week with Splat. During that time they renewed their friendships. Splat drove his team of horses back to the tower. He and Joleen visited the grave of Kyle. As they stood there crying, Flame flew down to see what was going on. Joleen introduced Splat to Flame. This was the beginning of a three-person friendship that would last forever. Sometimes, Joleen and Flame would go as backup for Splat on his finding trips. They would travel all over the Isles on these trips. What the three did not know was that Drymar has been sent by Eric to protect all three little ones as they travelled. These two years went by quickly for all three of the little ones. They were great times. Joleen had finished her fairy magic book and loaned it to Splat so he could learn his magic as well. She would help by being his temporary master.

 

It was on one such trip home that Joleen and Splat began to notice that something strange was happening all over the Isles. It was while they were riding past a farm home, that they noticed the people were not there, anymore. Their farmer friends had just vanished along with their workers. Splat and Joleen had always been welcome to stay the night at this certain farm. They had pulled the horses up to the barn doors like they always did. Splat jumped down and ran inside the barn. The other horses and wagon were gone. He turned to Joleen. "I's go check house. You stay with horses!" Splat tripped his way to the farmhouse and knocked. No answered and the door was open slightly. He went inside, all the furniture, clothes; everything was still there, but not the people. Splat even found food and wine. This strangeness gave Splat the shivers and he went to the barn. "Joleen, we not stay here! Something be wrong!" Splat climbed up into the wagon and they left. "I see food still on plates and no one around to eat it. I nots like this feeling."

 

As they rode along, they found other farms just like the first. It was like that all the way to Frost. They stayed in Frost and in the morning they went to Red's Tower. Red was away on business, but they told Eric and Drymar what they had found.

 

"Eric, everyone disappearing! They take no food or clothes with them. We find nine farms like that. Something bad is going on! I's mark farms on my way for you!" Splat showed Eric the map. "See!"

 

Eric made notes and a diagram of the area. "Thank you! It is like this all over! Drymar has investigated several farms around here. All the people are missing. Even some livestock is gone!?

 

Joleen went to her room to rest. She was very tired from travelling around. Splat stayed with Eric and Joleen that night and headed to Red Mule in the morning. He was almost to his town when he decided to stop at the old mill to water his horses. He pulled up to the side road. That is when he heard a strange, whirring noise. He hurried his horses and made tracks right for town, without stopping. Once at the inn, he went inside and saw Hornbull. He told his friend what he and Joleen had found out.

 

Dryvas was interested in the noise. "Splat, can you show me where you heard those strange noises."

 

Splat took out his map and showed Dryvas where he had heard the strange sounds. "See right here! I's marked it! It was just as I started to go up hill to old mill! Drymar has been finding no one home on many farms. You think this is same thing involved?"

 

Dryvas studied the map. "Hornbull, I am going to see Eric. I will check out the noises on my return. I should be back before nightfall."

 

Splat and Hornbull went to the town and told the people to stay home. Everyone agreed, but one man. He left in a huff and slammed the door. Splat and Hornbull went back to the inn. It was getting dark and Dryvas had not come home.

 

Splat got some sleep and in the morning he went to Dryvas's room. His bed was not slept in. So, Splat told Hornbull, he was going out to look for their friend. He went to his house box and packed up his things. He put them in a pouch that was magic and always seemed bottomless. He left the inn with his horses and wagon. Splat rode a short way, and then walked along the road. He kept his eyes opened and listened for everything. As he approached the area where he had heard the noises. He remembered a cave not to far from the trail. He took his horses and wagon to the cave. Splat headed off on his own. He found a campsite, where someone had camped the night before. The ashes were still warm. He found a trail of something being dragged through the bushes, and decided to check on it.

 

It was surprising, how silently Splat could move in the woods, even with his big feet. He would crawl like a snake, slowly making his way through the brush and low laying shrubs. He stopped as he heard something. Looking around he saw a man tied to a tree. He was slumped over and the ropes held him up.

 

Splat slowly did an area check and found no one. He went to the man and cut him down. As the man fell to the ground, he moaned. Splat rolled the man over and saw it was Eric. His face was all swollen from a beating he had received. He tried to move. "Shhh!" Splat whispered. "Eric, it me, Splat! I's help you to the wagon. It in cave not far from here."

 

An hour later, of tripping and stumbling Splat managed to get Eric to the cave. "Eric, where Dryvas?" Splat was worried about his friend.

 

Eric opened his swollen eyes. "He is near the old mill."

 

Splat knew that he would need the wagon. He managed to get Eric onto the wagon and slowly walked his horses through the woods to the mill. He found Dryvas lying beside a pile of wood. Eric helped Dryvas onto the wagon. Splat drove his horses as fast as they could run back to the inn. Hornbull came running out with several others. They helped Splat with the two men. Dryvas just lay on the bed, and Splat knew that his friend was dead.

 

Splat sat beside Dryvas and began to cry. "Him dead!" Splat went to put his horses in the barn and bed them down for the night. He saw two men carrying out Dryvas's body from the inn as he entered. It was a long climb up the stairs to Eric's room. He saw Eric lying in bed as Hornbull cleaned his wounds. Eric moved his head and looked over at Splat.

 

"I am sorry, Splat!" Eric could see his little friend was very upset and was trying to comfort him.

Hornbull glanced over at Splat. "Go downstairs and watch the bar for me. I will be down as soon as the Healer comes."

 

Splat went down to the bar and helped the barmaid. He worked around the inn for the next few days. He gave Eric a ride home in his wagon. Eric was still very weak. So, Splat helped his friend into the tower. Splat went to find Joleen, but found two guards, and returned to Eric's room. "I not finds Joleen anywhere!"

 

Eric managed to call Emerald at her tower and tell her what had happened. "Splat helped me home! Joleen is missing! One servant said he had seen her leaving shortly after Red left. Where did Red go?"

 

"It is his time to be with Shadow. Eric wait until tonight! Then call Red! Call if you need help!" Emerald had closed her conversation.

 

Splat stayed until after dinner. He was about to leave when Red called Eric.

 

"Eric, I'll be home in a few days!" Said Red.

 

"Red, did Joleen find you?" Eric asked.

 

Red realized that Joleen had followed him. "No! Don't tell me! She might be lost! I'll watch for her! I will be heading for Talon?s Inn at Stayn. Call ahead and see my room is readied. I could take me at least two weeks to return."

 

As Splat's heart jumped into his throat. The little man left Red?s Tower and to head home. Eric shook his head as he saw Splat riding away on his wagon. Splat rode right to the inn and packed some things. He left Red Mule muttering something about a missing friend to Hornbull. The old minotaur ran after Splat, but his little friend was out of sight. Splat rode passed Red's Tower as fast as his horses pulled the wagon. He was headed for the Isle of Stayn. He soon saw the magical opening to Stayn Isle and walked his horses through. He stayed at Spruce that night, and in the morning he headed in the direction of Stayn. Splat had heard of an inn that Red's son, Talon owned. It was to this inn that Splat was heading.

 

All of a sudden, a medium size reddish brown dragon swooped down and grabbed Splat's horses. He and all his belongings fell from his wagon. Luckily for Splat, he landed in some trees, because the dragon swooped again and missed Splat.

 

There was no room for the dragon to land amongst the trees. Splat scrambled into the bushes and hid there for a while. After the dragon left, Splat limped out of the bushes and search around for his belongings and horses. After finding nothing, Splat limped his way along the road towards the town of Stayn. He arrived on the outskirts of town early next morning. He stumbled into town. People thought he was drunk and left him alone. He found the inn and stumbled inside. He put a coin on the table.

 

A tall male elf walked over and looked down at Splat. "What is it you want?" he asked?

 

?Food and drink!? Splat looked up at the elf with a beard. "Food and a drink of water."

 

The elf sat down after bringing the food and water to Splat. "Where are you from?"

 

"I's from Red Mule!" Splat gulped his food down. "I's Splat! I's lookin' for wizard!"

 

The elf smiled. "You are looking for Red?"

 

"Yup! Red! I's must find him!" Splat continued to eat.

 

"Red, will be here in a few days. I'm his son, Talon." The bearded elf told Splat.

 

Tired and very upset Splat looked up at Talon. "Here is for food, drink and room. I's stay the night!"

 

Talon held out his hand and Splat put two gold coins into his hand.

 

"Splat, this is too much! It is only one coin for a night and food. I don't charge for water!" Talon handed back a coin to Splat, and watched little one put his coin back into his bag inside his shirt. Talon sat with his little customer.

 

"Bad things happen out there! My friends, all gone! Poof! All gone! I find one friend Eric hurt and one friend Dryvas dead! Now, my two best friends gone! They are dead, too! My really best friend gone! She disappears! All me have is Hornbull, Flame, Eric, and me!" Splat buried his head in his hands as he cried.

 

"I have seen much of this these past days." Talon nodded at Splat. "Come, I will show you to your room."

 

Splat jumped down and stumbled his way across the floor. Talon looked down at the Cribbers feet, but said nothing. He helped the little fellow up to his room.

 

Talon hurried back to his own quarters and called Eric by the means of his communication cross. "Are you all right? Splat is here at my inn. He showed up no baggage or horses. We have had some trouble with a dragon in the area, lately. I think Splat ran into the dragon. Red will be here in a few days. I'll get him to bring Splat home. Tell Hornbull not to worry. I will see Splat is healed."

 

"Whoever is doing these things ambushed me and Dryvas. He is dead! They worked me over good. The servants here are really being a big help. I'm fine Talon. Breeze is here with me, now. She says hello. She is heading to see True Grey, and will deliver a message to Hornbull for you." Eric signed off.

 

Meanwhile, Splat stayed in his room that night and in the morning he rented a wagon. He went out to search for his two horse friends. He found what was left on their bloodstained harnesses and buried them. He found two of his bags of clothes, but they had been shredded. He went back to the inn, right to his room.

 

Talon had seen Splat enter and could see his little customer had been crying. He grabbed a bottle of wine from the bar and two glasses and then went upstairs. Talon knocked on Splat's door. He heard the Cribber call out in a soft voice. "Come in!"

 

"Looks like you could use a wine." Talon said as he entered the room and put down the glasses.

 

"I's found my friends harnesses and nothing useful. My clothes are all shredded." Splat cried. "I's buried it in the forest!" Splat sat with his pillow across his lap. "They were only horses to some people, but they were my family! All I had!"

 

Talon handed Splat a drink. "Red, should be here in a few days. I will get Mela, my sister to come up, and tell you when Red has arrived."

Splat looked at Talon. "I's think I's will go without dinner, tonight. I's just don't want anything. You got any healing salve?"

 

"Yes! Let me have a look!" Talon saw the hurt in the little man's face. "I will send up some meat, cheese and bread. You can snack on that." Talon helped Splat pull up his pant leg and could see the an arrow head caught in the skin of Splat's leg and pants. Talon removed the arrow head and cleaned the wound really good. He placed the arrow head in his money pouch and would talked to his father about this. Why would a dragon attack a cribber? Where did Splat obtain this arrow head? These questions did not sit right with Talon.

 

Splat lay down on his bed and buried his face in his pillow. Talon sent up some food for Splat. He put it in his new pack and lay on his bed. Splat had cried himself to sleep.

Talon went to the shop across the street and purchased some clothes for Splat and a new pack. He grabbed two of the giant guards and they left to find out what had attacked Splat. As the giants and Talon began to search the area, two other friends joined in the search. Talon and the other four discovered that Splat had been attacked not by the dragon, but someone else. There were arrow heads all over the place. They found another bag of Splats and it had two arrow heads in the lining of the fabric. There was very little horse blood around the area. Talon sent off the giants to investigate the area and look for the horses. He returned to his inn and tavern.

 

The next few days, Talon hired Splat to be his finder, mainly to keep the Cribber busy. Splat would go and do a few odd jobs around town while he waited for Red to return.

 

 

*******

 

Brett and Strand would work hard doing what their elders had told them to do. However in their spare time Strand had begun teaching Brett many things from the Isles, not only reading and writing of their languages, but fighting and even a few spells. Strand was going to make sure that Brett would be able to handle himself in any fight. After a few beatings from some of the gang members in town Carrie decided to learn Karate, and began to world at the school in place of free lessons. This gave Brett and Strand more time to work on their own plans.

 

After one such beating Brett was placed in hospital and met another person that he had heard of briefly from Uncle Fred. It was Richard Hamel's youngest son Ham. Brett and Ham began to strike up a conversation. When they both realized what was going on, Brett decided to play a long shot.

 

?I have been helping Uncle Fred to get information from Aunt Carrie about the Isles. I overheard that your accident and Kevin?s were no accident. It was Jasper?s son Rift who tried to kill you both. Uncle Fred has the evidence. At each of these sites of these murders or accidents, a component called Sulphur Spore was used. This stuff was found all over every site, as well as what we call Glyphs. They are an ancient type of writing. I have been teaching Uncle Fred to read these glyphs. They are warning signs that danger is near. My guard left three days ago. That is why I was ambushed. Ham can you get your father to help you get your drivers license and your private eye papers? You said that you want to help. Learn all you can about tracking others with your father?s equipment. I have heard of that truck of his. After all I helped to program that computer in the truck. I know your father wants you out of the way, because of the killings.? Brett leaned back and sighed as he watched Ham turn to face him.

 

?I get out of here tomorrow. I was only having some test run this time. Brett, you could be right. Father is terrified about something. He is moving us to Canada by months end. I believe Fred told you?? Ham watched as Brett nodded his head. ?I heard that you were leaving for Brandon Manitoba. Listen, there is a man there called Brandon Wilson. He was an instructor at the police academy, before he returned home to take care of his parents. His brother is Don Wilson. Brandon is in Manitoba. He is helping the police there as acting chief, right now. Fred has those files you wanted on all the murders and accidents. Fred said that he and father have quite the file on these different cases. Fred would probably give a copy to Brandon if you asked him. Have Brandon try to update the files us. I?ll come to Manitoba and be your bodyguard for a while. Father will think I am out of the way. We can work it out later on how I can come and join you.? Ham could see the door opening. ?BUSTED!?

 

?You got it!? Fred entered the room and shook his head. ?I heard you two talking. Your ideas are sound. These killers are from the Isles. If we are to catch them I will need to be there as well to help you two. I am moving to Powell River. Walter my friend in the police station there has offered me a job. I am going to take it. Charles and Kevin will leave in six months time for Vancouver. Don and Harrison will be staying here. Brett I have given Little One the files that I promised you. Brandon Wilson has his copies and will update the files. I?ll see that Ham here get the training he needs. I have talked your father into loaning the Monster Spy Truck to Brandon in Manitoba. Ham you will diver the truck from here. Are you able to do this work??

 

?By all means, I already have my drivers license. I have been studying those private eye courses and will receive my badge as soon as I get out of here to write my exam. Fred this is just a check up for me. I have had some dealings with Strand over the past few years. We have decided that I need to get to those Isles. Once I am there, Brett and I can get help to bring you and some others to the Isles.? Ham could see Fred start laughing.

 

?Brett day after tomorrow you will be going home. I have been assigned to watch over you as your bodyguard for a while. Why did you not fight those bullies back?? Fred could see Brett close his eyes.

 

?You know the laws of the Isles. Even I must obey the laws. You know what I can do with magic and my fighting skills. I am a brown belt in Karate. I will have to get help to bring or chase Jasper home before we can get him and his son. If I were to go after him here, you can only imagine the trouble we would all be in.? Brett took a sip of water. ?I know that Perry is to be released in two years time from the work farm.?

 

?That doesn?t give us much time at all. Brett, one of my person spies from the Isles gave me this for you. He wanted you to have it. Read it! But never tell you aunt the contents. It could get her killed.? Fred handed Brett a briefcase.

 

?Thanks Fred! The man that carried me to the hospital said that you would be delivering these papers to me. All I know is that this man wanted so much to help me. He said that he would try to help me as much as he could. He apologized for not getting to my parents soon enough. He voice was very strange, but I knew he would never harm me. There was something about that man. I thought I had met him before. It was like a dream! He wore a dark black cloak with a huge hood pulled down over his face. He had this strange green ring on his finger.?

 

?When he is ready to tell you who he is he will. Brett, I?ll come by tomorrow.? Fred turned to the boys. ?Get some sleep! Little One is here to guard you both. I have brought him from your home. Brett, Little One will remain out of sight unless needed.? Fred left he boys.

 

Turning to face Ham, Brett gave his friend a strange smile as he began to explain what was going on. ?Some years ago, one of my aunts friends came to stay with us. I am not really sure what is actually going on, but this is what I know. For centuries my homelands on these Isles have been at war. This war has spilt over into parts of the Pacific Coast. Some criminals are in the four different towns around where we live now. Other war criminals have fled to Canada. My aunt?s friend Strand was sent to help protect me while he taught me many things I must know when I return home to my homelands. Your father, Richard and Fred are the only two humans that I know of that have seen Strand in his true form as we call it. These people of Strands have the abilities to change shape into anything they want. Strand could change into a tiny humanoid form that he called his elf form. He could make himself invisible and spy on anyone taking pictures without them knowing it. A while ago, Strand left a friend and bodyguard Silver Sky to continue showing me what I must know. Just last month Silver Sky was called home. He left Little One to help guide and protect me. He was able to bite the man that went after me, but as you know the man was killed by one of his own friends.?

 

?Father said that there were things I would never understand or believe to be true. Father told me that he was furious when the man who went after you suddenly turned up dead.? Reaching for his small notebook, Ham began to write down some things that he had heard while going to school. ?I had to take my tests for grade twelve at the school with the others. There are plenty of rumours about a man called Relle being a hit man for Jasper. Relle had been at the school waiting for Rift to complete his exams; on the same day I wrote mine. I was waiting for Darren to pick me up after the tests when I saw Relle and Rift talking about some drugs they had to pick up. I told father and he told me to back off. It could easily get me killed. Kevin heard father warning me. Even Kevin told me never to cross the path of Rift. That is why I did not tell father or Kevin that it was Jasper in the car that ran us both over. Kevin received a broken leg. I was left like this. Brett, we are only children in the eyes of the adults.?

 

?You are both going to get in over your heads.? Came a voice from near Brett?s pillow. ?It is me, Little One. Brett, a man called Boss has been trying to keep Relle and Jasper?s people away from you and your aunt. We have almost completed our investigation here. Richard thinks that by sending Ham to the private detective course that this should keep him out of trouble. Richard wants to send Ham to stay close to you, Brett. Carrie knows more than she is telling the others. What Carrie does not know is that one of my relatives discovered something very dangerous to Brett. Carrie is being told that she and you Brett are moving to Manitoba. Ham, you will join Brett in six months. This will give you both a year and a half to find a way to get Ham to the Isles. My elders have already given permission. Ham, I was told to give you this little spy, him was called Flip. Him looks like spider, but is really Argon. We not suppose to know what we really are. Flip will help you.?

 

As Ham went to speak, he noticed a tiny spider with the face of an elf running across the sheets towards him. ?Me Flip! I not bite you! I bite others what beat you up. Fred has been training me to use police fighting skills. That is why I called Flip. I flipped Fred into the barn shaving where were practising out on an abandon farm. Fred gave me name. Fred takes five baths to get rid of stink!?

 

Both boys started to laugh at Flip?s comments. Brett shook his head. ?I would have loved to see that!?

 

?Me too!? Ham put out his hand and watched as Flip walked into his palm. ?I can use all the help I can get.?

 

?Flip and me can talk to Brett without saying words. We can teach Ham to do same as we do. We read minds. So we can talk to each other even when others are around.? Little One waved his tiny hand at Ham.

 

For the next few days, the four males began to work together. Ham was amazed with the abilities that these tiny people had. But he did not say a word to anyone. ?I am to go home tomorrow. Flip you are to stay out of sight of my sister and mother. They don?t like spiders. Flip, can stay in that tiny pocket that I have tied to my body brace. No one will find you there.?

 

?Good idea! Brett you and Little One stay in touch. I heard that my aunt is being very hard to get along with. Fred and your father have gone to see her. She is a martial arts black belt now for Karate. Fred has lined up a job in Manitoba for my aunt to teach at a school.? Brett could see one of the nurses coming with a wheelchair. ?I think Ham?s ride is here!?

 

Into the room walked Kevin. ?Mother sent me to get you. You will be staying with Charles and myself for a while. Father suggested it! Mother and father are packing up to move to Canada. Father just quit the police force. Heavens knows why? Even mother says that father is crazy about catching the people who tried to kill your parents Brett. Charles and I will be moving to Vancouver at the end of the year. Fred is moving in six months to Powell River. One of his friends has asked him to join the force. It will be for the best. You both know that Andy finally passed away. They held the funeral yesterday. I am going to miss my little friend. Brett you take care yourself. Ham will be attending that college in Fresno. I know you two want to stay friends. Here is the number where Ham can be reached, it is Charles?s home.?

 

Accepting the paper, Brett watched as Ham walked over and hugged him. ?I will stay in touch by phone. You take care!?

 

?Kev will make sure of that! Bye Brett!? Ham closed his eyes and began to think some words. ?Bye Little One. I will take good care of Flip! See you soon!?

 

Brett waved at his friend as Kevin wheeled Ham from the room. Silently, Brett began to speak with Flip. ?Tell Ham that we will be together soon enough. I will get the rest of the evidence we need.?

 

Little One sat beside Brett?s head and rubbed the child?s cheek. ?We will all be together soon. Time will go really fast.?

 

It was several weeks before Brett was allowed to return home. He entered the house to find his aunts instructor waiting to take her to work. ?I will be fine.?

 

?Allen will be coming to take us out to dinner and a show. Perry left yesterday to be with that car club man again. Perry left you a note in your room.? Carrie kissed Brett and left for work.

 

Brett went to his room and found the note from Perry.

 

Brett,

The information you have been looking for is in the box near your parents? personal items are in the basement locker. Good Luck! Boss is back and had been acting strangely. I don?t think it is the real Boss. I know the real Boss really well. I will escape if it is not the real Boss.

Perry

 

?I think my cousin could be in big trouble. You think he was discovered taking the files we need?? Brett hurried to the basement and grabbed the file. He sat on his bed and read the report. "Not one word about this file to anyone. Perry is in grave danger. I have to call Strand. Tell him immediately!?

 

Little One took off running through a tiny opening in the wall beneath Brett?s bed. He went to see Strand. ?Perry in boiling how water. Find Boss. Impostor is taken Boss?s place. Perry is to die tonight in shootout with police.?

 

?How do you know this?? Strand rose to his feet.

 

?I read Jasper?s mind. If Perry dead, then Boss does as him told.? Little One hurried home to Brett. ?Message delivered.?

 

?What did Strand say?? Brett could see Strand walking into his room. ?What took you so long?? Brett started to laugh.

 

?Smart one! Boss is on the Isles. I summoned him to come here. He will be here shortly. This will take some doing.? Strand waited until after Boss arrived to put a plan into action. Afterwards both men left.

 

Brett sat quietly reading the files. ?We have plenty of work to get done. Little One put this file into your things that you carry with you. I will show Ham once we get to Manitoba. It is far too dangerous here. I wonder what this key looks like? Why kill others over a simple key? Jasper must be crazy.?

 

?It could be key to secret door on Isles. There are many of them there!? Little One tucked the files away with the others. ?What was Richard doing with that other computer program??

 

?He was trying to program a game for Ham and I to play. He said that one day it would be finished. I cannot wait to try it.? Brett went to the door and closed it, then began to practice his karate and other fighting methods that Carrie and Fred had been teaching him. ?We have work to do.?

 

That night Perry was sent to jail. Allen and Fred tried to talk Carrie into moving to Manitoba. When Brett was beaten nearly to death, she agreed to move.

 

It was two months later that Ham arrived with his father?s big truck that they used for spying. Ham had Brett help him find a basement suite in which to live. It was just across the street from Carrie?s new house. From that day on, Brett and young Hamel were not to be separated for long. Ham would drive Brett to school and home afterwards. Carrie was working long hours at her new job. She enjoyed it very much.

 

Fred?s friend and fellow officer Don told his brother to help the boys all he could. Brandon became very fond of Brett and Ham. He taught them many police procedures and how to use them to the fullest. He gave Brett his own fingerprint set and a few other things to help him. Fred would write to Brett and call him at least once a week. Everyone in Brett?s group talked often to each other.

 

Brett sat on the porch of his aunt's new home and was reading a book. He could see Little One walking from the house. "What is it?"

 

"Temper just showed up. You better get in here." Little One hurried and returned to the house.

Brett entered the front room. "Where have you been?"

 

"I just escaped! Strand helped me to get here. After that first attack, when Silver Sky left, I was grabbed and taken to a cage. They held me there. Then I heard you were no where around. Someone said you was dead. I began to call anyone one I could using telepathy. Boy, did I get surprise. Vortex busted down the door and killed the person that had me in the cage. Vortex gave me this for you. He said that he had to free me. Boss helped me get to Larissa. She helped me to get home to Isles. I was packed up and sent here. I not even had time to eat. Vortex is really angry with Gretz. He have me write out this for you. Him promise to keep me up-todate on everything. Gretz tired to grab me. Vortex smashed her in the face with a plank from the boarded up mine where him living. Is him ever mad. Him has two spider sister with him for company and they can telepathically tell us what Gretz is up to." Temper hurried to Brett's side.

 

Brett hugged his little friend. "At least you are alive."

 

"Strand and Ziptron are ready to kill Gretz right now." Little One sat down beside his brother. "I glad to have you home!"

 

"Me too!" Temper just sat in Brett's hand for the longest time. "It is good to be home."

 

Brett and Little One told Temper about Ham and Flip. Temper handed over the files from Vortex

Edited August 15, 2007 by SCMike