Another Year

Nanowrimo is over.
I made ... 50k I made it!
Phew ... and I wasn't sure I would. It was a tough month with lots going on and flagging motivation. At any rate like last year I am posting my entire Nano novel in all it's rough uncut ugliness!
Enjoy!

Retaliation

Rhavidia paced. Her robes whipped about each time she turned around. The small creature at her feet had become adept at ducking the hard tips of the robes. It did have several welts across it's head where it had not ducked earlier.

She was angry. Where was Azeria? Why hadn't she reported in yet? Rhavidia stopped.

She was in the center of the room. Her steps echoed off into the cavernous depths of the room lined with with pillars. They stretched up into the darkness to a ceiling where light rarely penetrated. A thought occurred to her. She began to dismiss the thought and resume pacing, but then stopped again. She could not banish the thought.

The last time she had seen Azeria was as she left to spy on the small group of warriors that had escaped her attack on Warrior village. Something bothered her, but she couldn't quite wrap her head around what it was.

Finally she turned to the creature that was keeping pace with her. “Imp,” she ordered, “go back to the mountain peak and look for Azeria or her messenger.

The creature seemed relieved to be off. This also angered Rhavidia and she shot a bolt of energy at the fleeing creature. It exploded off one of the pillars, throwing sparks and glancing light throughout the room.

Rhavidia watched as the creature disappeared out of one of the windows and raced off toward the pass. It didn't glance back. It knew better.

She shot another bolt randomly into the air and stalked out of the room. She was tired of waiting.

She felt like all she did was wait. The throne was there. It should be her's by now. It would have been her's if Lucifer had been more ambitious in taking it. He refused. He said it was impossible and that she would only see her own end if she continued. The only end she would see as far as she was concerned was the end of the waiting.

Rhavidia slammed the door on the cavernous foyer. The corridor she was in, was dark. At her commanded the torches flared up into angry red beacons that matched her mood.

The corridor was lined with the rubble of her last angry moment, just a few days before when she found out that the band of warriors had discovered her ships and had set them on fire.

Where was Azeria? She asked the wall. Why had she not stopped the destruction of her ships? In the back of her mind, doubt and fear began to grow. These were unfamiliar thoughts for Rhavidia. She called the shots. She was in charge. She made the rules. She was the self proclaimed queen of the universe and Azeria was her daughter. Things were supposed to go her way, but lately it seemed things were turning Yaweh's way and she didn't know how to stop it.

She went back to her chambers. In the main room she had a smoked glass wall with which she could look at the Universe and see what was happening in various places. But it didn't work everywhere, and only in the places where she had placed a control device that the glass could pick up a signal. She had lost two of her devices. One just west of Midgaard village and the other in the witches forest deep inside the woods. She wasn't surprised about that one, but the one in the western woods did worry her.

Rhavidia needed action. She couldn't sit idle any longer. Her project deep in the heart of the mountain was nearing completion. The imp would stay away until he spotted Azeria coming up the pass. She decided to put Azeria out of her mind at the moment and headed for the heart of the mountain. At last something worth doing, something she could do herself without waiting.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

The Long Way

Brett was long past saddle sore. He was resigned to the endless hours in the saddle and the breaks where Burc and Corgan insisted on practicing sword play. He didn't complain anymore. He began to look forward to the sessions. It allowed him to release the tension that never seemed to go away. Those last few days in the underground of warrior village had changed something with Corgan and Burc. They weren't the helpful, jovial comrades they had been when he first met them. Brett blamed that on Bria.

Their first few days on the road she had acted like Brett had done something despicable to her and somehow Corgan and Burc believed her. He tried to defend himself, but seemed to lose every engagement. Bria just seemed so much more believable than him. He couldn't understand it. After awhile, the toll of a long journey on horseback made it easier to ignore all of them while he wallowed in his own personal pain of saddle soreness. Brett did something unusual, he quit talking. He would only speak when spoken too. At first he was sullen and reproachful, but as the journey dragged on he just became silent. For along time he plodded along on his horse asking the same questions over and over. Why me? What did I do to deserve this? No answers came and he tired of pondering them.

Then came the fights. As they traveled east toward the coast, hoards of creatures would attack them. At first Brett had been scared nearly senseless, but Burc and Corgan fought mercilessly and he was eager to show them he was not the useless twit that Bria had continued to make him out to be. She fought like a crazed demon. Brett, despite his dislike of her was nevertheless impressed. He was determined not to let her get the best of him if he could.

He was aware that his ability to fight, his stamina and his strength was improving with each skirmish. Now he looked forward to the stops and the practice sessions. What he didn't notice was that Corgan and Burc also noticed his gains in maturity. Bria however remained relentless and continued to plague him any way she could.

At first Brett would fight back with her, now he let her go on about his shortcomings and then turn and walk away without a word. She would continue to throw taunts and disparaging remarks at his retreating back. He had hoped that ignoring her would cause her to lose interest, but it just seemed to make her more determined. He began to think that Rhavidia would be a peach compared to Bria the crazy golden girl.

Bria just amused Corgan and Burc. She treated them with the utmost respect and docility as if she were a completely different creature when they were around.

They had been traveling for several weeks. Finally they arrived at a small coastal town. The town looked desolate when they first rode down the main street, but Brett could see people furtively watching them from the shadows. They stopped at a tavern near the warf. Brett was told to stand guard with the horses while Burc and Corgan went inside. Bria followed them. They had given up long ago telling her what to do, she would do whatever she pleased anyhow. Brett took the opportunity to examine the town.

It reminded him of the old western movies he watched as a kid. The roads were all packed dirt with wooden buildings lining the way. The only difference was that at the end of the road was a pier that lead into a harbor. The harbor then opened onto an ocean that lead somewhere Brett had never heard of.

He looked at the various building and realized that some of them looked as if they had been gutted by a fire. In fact, only the Tavern where he was standing in front and two or three other places even appeared to have occupants, let alone be open for any sort of business. Even the people seemed somewhat vacant, going about their business in an oddly mechanical sort of way.

Brett continued to watch the town. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a flash, like a piece of glass glinting in the sunlight. He turned his head in the direction of the glint, but could not see where it was coming from. As he turned to look back the other way it flashed again. This time Brett caught sight of a small greenish creature as it ducked away under the building just across a narrow alleyway from the tavern.

Slowly he edged his way in the direction he saw the creature disappear. He tried to walk about as if he hadn't noticed anything unusual. He got to the corner of the building and pretended to be idly looking about when he saw the creature poke it's head out from behind a board. Brett pretended he didn't see it and continued to look idly about.

The creature, thinking it was unseen edged it's way out from it's hiding place, began to sneak across the alley toward the Tavern wall. As it reached the wall it flattened its self against the wall. It's skin blended with the wall like a chameleon. This startled Brett. He had never seen a creature like this. Before it blended with the tavern wall, it had been greyish green in color. It had a small round head with pointed ears and a wide mouth full of sharp looking teeth. A small scrawny, sinewy looking body with two arms and two legs. A long pointed tail twitched around behind it, like a leathery cat tail. In fact it looked like an ugly hairless cat that moved on two feet and instead of paws had clawlike hands and feet. Brett was still trying to see the one that had blended with the wall when Bria grabbed his ear and yanked him level with her.

“Ow!” he protested, “what did you do that for?”

“Because!” she snapped, “You are supposed to be watching the horses, not looking around for skirts to ogle!”

He wanted to snap at her, no better yet he wanted to snap her. But instead he just shook his head and walked back to the horses. All thoughts of the strange little creature, vanished from his thoughts.

Burc and Corgan were consulting a map when Brett walked up. Neither one glanced at him but Corgan said, “If we can find him, then we can get to Onala bay before the winter storms begin.”

Burc grunted his assent.

Corgan looked up and scrutinized Brett for a moment. “I don't suppose you would be able to mind the horses a bit longer would ye?”

“Sure.” said Brett and “shall I polish the masters saddle while he is away too?” he muttered under his breath as Corgan and Burc turned away.

Corgan stopped in mid stride. With a wicked glint in his eye he pulled a rag from his pocket and tossed it at Brett, “Could ye polish Bria's saddle while we are gone? It's bit travel dusty!”

Startled Brett caught the rag in the face. It fell to the ground, where he left it. It was too much. Enraged he launched himself at Corgan. Corgan dodged him, but not easily. Brett had gotten quicker. He also underestimated what Brett had learned. As Brett flew past Corgan he managed to recover and throw a leg sweep at Corgan. Corgan went down and Brett was on top of him just that quick. Corgan was a big man, but Brett, quick, wiry and younger pinned him to the ground with a maneuver Corgan had himself taught Brett.

Surprise quickly faded and Corgan began to laugh. Burc meanwhile had stood by watching the two tussle.

Disarmed by the laughter, Brett sat back and let Corgan go. But he remained wary waiting for an attack. Corgan picked himself up and dusted off. He looked at Brett with the old look of friendship back in his eye. “Welcome back mate!” Corgan said. “It's about time you stopped letting that little wench get the best of you. I was wondering how far you would be pushed.”

Confused Brett glared at Corgan.

“Don't you see what was happening?”

Brett shook his head.

“Instead of standing up for yourself, you let that she-bitch run you ragged. Far be it for me to tell you. You had to figure it out for yourself!”

Brett shook his head. He thought back to all of Bria's childish taunts and abuses. He had been wrong when he thought Burc and Corgan approved her actions. All the disparaging remarks and looks had been for her, not him. He had been blind. How dumb. He looked at first Burc and then Corgan, then he looked over at Bria. She was pretending not to notice the exchange between the three.

Brett looked back at Corgan and started to laugh. He held out his hand and Corgan shook it. “I won't be making that mistake again,” he promised. He threw a wicked glance at Bria. She had been looking at him. She looked away, not meeting his gaze.

Corgan turned to Burc and growled, “enough of this time wasting! We have a boat captain to speak with.” He turned to Bria, “watch the horses wench, and if I see a hair out of place, you will find me a very unsavory sort to bargain with.” He turned on his booted heel, Brett and Burc right behind him.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Comes the light …

Margo was reaching for her mother. She looked so sad. Margo knew she was the cause of her mothers sorrow, but when she tried to touch her, a harsh noise cut her off. At first it seemed to come from her mother, calling for Margo in a voice that wasn't hers. Puzzled Margo looked at her, but her mother was fading away as if disappearing down a dark tunnel. Margo tried to reach for her, call out to her but then that harsh voice calling her name came back. Margo opened her eyes. Melebry's face and rasping whisper swam into view.

“Margo!” she urged, “you need to rise right now! That little whelp Amanda is gone!”

Margo rubbed the sleep from her eyes and tried to clear the dream of her mother from her thoughts. “How long ago do you think she left?” Margo tried to stifle a yawn but it came on anyways.

“Not long,” said Melebry quietly, she was trying not to wake the others. I was sitting next to her and turned to put a log on the fire. When I turned back she was gone. That was maybe ten minutes ago. We need to look for her. I woke you because I didn't want to leave the camp unattended.”

Margo nodded. She went to the fire as Melebry woke Piotr and Jan, the two young warriors of their group. They were twin brothers who did everything together and even finished each others sentences, when they spoke. Most of the time they remained quiet as a couple of stone pillars. They had been invaluable hunters, keeping the group fed. Melebry knew they could help her track Amanda like a pair of bloodhounds.

Margo moved to the fire and sat down. She wondered about the dream of her mother. She had the same dream night after night, but it didn't feel like a normal dream. She saw her mother sitting in a chair, next to a hospital bed. There was a window behind her with a beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay area and the Golden gate bridge. Her mother just sat sad and forlorn. She looked older as if life were leaching from her.

Despite the warmth of the fire, Margo felt a chill of foreboding. She looked around the camp. Nine refugees lay sleeping around the campfire. She believed that there were many more refugees that had found themselves in the cavernous dungeon. They question they all had was why them? And what was the purpose. All of them had a similar horror story of the dungeon and the rotting corpses. The two librarians had a theory that Rhavidia had abducted them to feed her monstrous army that was breeding in the depths of the cavern. None of them liked that explanation, but it seemed the most logical after the creatures that plagued them as they tried to flee the mountain. Eventually after several dead ends, they located a way out. They had trekked down a treacherously steep mountainside only to find themselves blocked by a deep fast rushing river. Thanks to the warriors that were with them, they were able to find a way across the river, but still no one knew where they were.

Tonight marked the sixth day since they had escaped the cavern. The mountain was receding into the distance, but they still found themselves in an unfamiliar forest. The librarians had a theory on that as well, but Melebry was getting impatient with their theories and wanted directions back to Midgaard village. Master Tiloc, for all of his earlier vitality fighting off the klikmols (that's what the warrior twins called the spidery looking monsters) seemed to be fading. Master Kumu spent much of his time tending to Master Tiloc. So basically it was left to Margo and Melebry to figure out what to do. Reyla, from the first had looked to Margo for leadership, especially after she nearly fell to her death when they were climbing down the side of the mountain. If Margo hadn't reacted quickly, Reyla and several others would have become a part of the rubble that slid abruptly down the mountain. Margo had no idea how she did it, only that first she sensed a slight shift with the ground and reacted immediately without thinking. As the ground under Reyla and the others began to slide, Margo somehow levitated the group and set them safely on solid ground.

Melebry had been beside herself with delight, telling Margo that such power was only prophesied and she had never hoped to witness the power Margo wielded. From then on Melebry took it upon herself to help Margo develop her skills. For that Margo was extremely grateful.

The way Melebry described it, Margo's power came from her, but was tempered by the elements. Margo frowned. She'd done very poorly in chemistry. She knew about the periodic table, but after that she was very fuzzy on the subject. When she asked Melebry about the elements on the periodic table, it was Melebry's turn to look mystified. Melebry had said, well perhaps where you come from you name earth, air, fire, and water differently but here we go but earth, air, fire, and water. Margo had laughed, partly out of relief, but also at Melebry's tone. Melebry, however had not been amused. She scolded Margo and launched into her lecture on how each element tempered Margo's ability and how adding subelements, such as metals, gems, light, gases and organic materials such as plants, wood, stone and soil would help her direct her energies further. As complicated as it initially sounded, it was fascinating to Margo that the world around her was one giant powerhouse that she could commanded. She still lacked the ability to call it up at will and could only bring the energy forth when she had a dire need. Melebry taught her exercises to help her distinguish power sense from her other senses of touch, taste, smell and hearing.

Rather it was another aspect of those senses in which she was learning to control her ability to wield great power.

Margo sat staring at the fire, not as she used to but with her power sense. She could “see” the complex patterns of the fire as the energy of heat and light came together to form the fire. She could envision the fire as something more than fire. Slowly she raised her hand and called to the fire. It began to twist toward her as if dancing for her. Without touching her a piece of the fire broke off and twisted and gyrated in front of her raised hand. She willed it to form a twisting helix above her palm, and then a figure eight. She curl the wisp of fire into a flaming hoop and made it spin.

So entranced with the fire, she didn't hear the footsteps until they were right upon her. Startled she released her will from the fire. It dropped back into the campfire with a reluctant hissing noise.

It was Melebry. She acted as if she hadn't seen Margo entranced with the flame. She just said, “we found the girl”

Margo stood up. “did you bring her back?”

Melebry shook her head. “No, she's … well you better see this. She found a rune grove.”

Startled, Margo shot her a glance. “A rune grove! But then that means we are due west of Midgaard village at the lost grove. Ti, told me of this grove and that it had long since been lost to Rhavidia.”

Melebry nodded. “I know the grove lore, but only as far as was required but us to know of it and our history. As far as the runes themselves, I lack any talent with them.”

Margo nodded. “Before we were kidnapped, Ti had me translating the rune posts. Apparently I have a lost ability for these rune posts and groves.”

Melebry grinned. “then lets go rescue this girl before she brings Rhavidia down on our heads!”

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Arrgh Matey!

The building on the wharf was hardly more than a ramshackle shed used to store debris. However according to the locals it was also the main office of the most notorious sea captain of Midgaard. Here they would find Captain Eirc the Sea Rat. Brett was extremely curious what kind of man would choose to walk around with a dubious title of sea rat.

They didn't have to wait long. A giant of a man strode up the pier. It wasn't apparent which vessel he had come from, but they soon forgot about that when they saw the grappling hook slung over one shoulder and a burlap bag dangling from his other hand. The bag was writhing and making all sorts of hideous noises. Brett stood and gaped with awe at the man coming towards them. He made Corgan and Burc appear weak and small. He stood at least a head taller than Burc who was by no means a small man himself. His hair was a mass of inky black corkscrews jutting out in every direction off his head. He wore a long black goatee that jutted to a point just below his chin and a bushy mustache covering his upper lip. He had small darting eyes and a bulbous nose that seemed to perch on top of his mustache. He wore no shirt, and scars criss crossed his torso. Some even looked fresh as if he had just come from a fight. He wore a brightly colored sarong which covered only to his knobby knees. Thick calves gave way to broad flat leathery feet protected by a pair of what appeared (in Bretts mind anyways) to be leather shower shoes or flip flops. As far as he was concerned, Brett thought this guy was the coolest thing he'd seen since arriving in Midgaard.

The pirate ( that was the only term Brett could think of) stopped in front of the shack and dropped the squirming bundle, which landed with and angry hissing thud. He glared at the three of them and then with a look of surprised recognition he swung a meaty fist at Burc's head. Burc growled at the man, ducked and dove at his midsection. In a matter of seconds they were intangled in brawl that threatened to bulldoze the shack.

Corgan pulled Brett out of harms way and stood back a safe distance. He crossed his arms and waited as if waiting in line for a clerk to assist him.

Brett looked with alarm at the brawl unfolding in front of him. “Corgan! Do something!” He shouted over the din.

“Oh Hell no!” shouted Corgan back. “There is no way I will get involved in a family greeting between Burc and his relatives. I'm liable to end up dead!”

Brett stared first at Corgan and then at the dueling relatives. “They're related?” he shouted.

“Yup,” said Corgan. “Eirc is Burc's oldest brother, err half brother I should say. They share the same mother, but Burcs dad was a human. Eirc's dad was a giant, or at least half giant. I can't remember. Burc has such a big family, I have a hard time keeping things straight.”

“Wow.” was all Brett could say.

Eventually the tussle between Burc and Eirc wound down. The two were laughing and cursing at each other.

Corgan nodded to Brett indicating they could approach with relative safety. The brothers stood trading insults and family gossip as Corgan and Brett approached.

“Corgan!” shouted Eirc, “It's good ta see ya matey!” He slapped Corgan on the back causing him lurch forward. Corgan recovered quickly and pounded Eirc on the back as well. He didn't even flinch. “and who have we got here?” Eirc in one giant step was towering over Brett and looking down at him as if he were a buyer inspecting livestock.

Brett looked up and squeaked out a hullo.

Eirc looked from Burc to Corgan, “what be ye training these days? This laddie looks as if he should still be with his mum! Not even a proper growth of hair on his face!” Eirc shook his head as if the world would end because of him.

Burc grunted his mirth as Brett colored in discomfort. “Aw the laddie is alright, soothed Burc. He has a ways to learn but he is fair in a fight and has held his own.”

Eirc grunted as he changed the subject, “Seen a fair few fights have ya?” he looked at Corgan and Burc with dire concern in his face. “That witch Rhavidia is taking a toll on us all.” he shook his head ruefully. “I've lost a fair few men to her likes and a ship or two as well.”

Burc's head went up with concern, “The Rhanna? Does she still sail?”

Eirc looked hard at Burc, “aye brother she sails, but its best ye get that vessel out of your head if you know what's good for you!”

It was Burc's turn to color. He remained silent, a look of relief on his features. Corgan searched his eyes momentarily and then turned to Eirc to discuss the business at hand. “To get to the point, we need passage to (Insert Name Here). Once there we will need horses and provisions and possibly a guide.”

Eirc looked hard at Corgan, softly he asked “and your purpose there?”

Corgan looked defiantly at Eirc, “I'm sure that you have guessed at our purpose,”

Eirc shook his head sadly, “ You are doomed before you even set out! They will never join you.”

Corgan smirked at Eirc, “Join me? You are right, they would never join me, but there is an oath they swore, and now is the time to collect on that oath.”

Eirc's eyes opened wide in surprise. “Who is the authority calling in the oath?”

Corgan smirked again, “Red is calling it in on behalf of Yaweh.”

Eirc nodded solemnly, “ah now there is a name I haven't heard in a long tides turning. Master Red,” said Eirc, memories playing across his face.

Brett, confused by the reminiscing of history he knew nothing of, chose this moment to pipe up and ask a question. “Is Red one of your relatives too?”

Burc, Corgan and Eirc all snapped their gazes to Brett, making him feel uncomfortable as if he had just been caught sneaking a cookie from the cupboard. Eirc started to chuckle. “Aye lad, Red is a big man, and would make a fine brother as well, but his clan hails from a different part of Midgaard. Nay brothers of blood we are not, but comrades in arms. Many a bloody skirmish has been won because of Red and glad to be on his side I am!”

Brett simply bobbed his head. He was still trying to figure out what made him speak in the first place. He was certain that if Eirc wanted to, he could snap Brett in half.

Brett followed the other three into the shack. Eirc had picked up the bundle that was now hissing and spitting. Once they closed the door, Eirc dropped the sack onto a crate and untied it. Two very damp and angry cats shot out of the bag and looked for a place to hide or escape. Once the cats had made a circuit of the room and decided there was no way out and no hiding spots, they huddled on a far wall and began to lick themselves as if a bath would remove the terror of water and the sack. As they groomed they kept a wary eye on the four men.

Brett sat on the floor and watched the cats. The other three discussed plans for traveling to (place to be named later) and raising an army from some oath bound group of people. Brett lost interest in all the talk. At first the cats took no notice of Brett as they meticulously licked every fur back into place. One cat was a black tortoise shell and the other was a gray tortoise shell. Then like a couple of women they groomed each other heads. Eventually they deigned to notice Brett. Eventually curiosity got the better of them and the went to inspect Bretts out stretched hand.

By the time Corgan,Burc and Eirc had ironed out their plans, they found Brett leaning up against the wall sound asleep with both cats curled up on his lap, sleeping also.

Eirc swore. “Now how am I going to get them to be mousers if he's gone and tamed them?” all three laughed. Corgan shook Brett, causing the cats to get up and flee back to the corner of the room. “Come on jr. I need you to go get Bria and the horses and meet us down on the pier.” As Brett got up, the cats looked at him expectantly. He clucked at them and they followed him as he went out the door and up the road to Bria.

Eirc shook his head and muttered, “now if that boy is not a wizard then I have just seen the damnedest thing!”

Burc and Corgan just laughed and followed the giant down to the ships.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** **

Here there are witches!

Calvin chaffed. He had been standing watch for the last three hours. He still didn't know what he was watching for. He hopped from one leg to the other, trying to keep warm. He felt so clueless. He looked at TC who was sitting on the hard cold ground next to him. Her fluffy fur coat had filled out for the winter and she didn't seem to be cold. He shook his head and said, “TC, you have to be about the most perfect being that lived. Smart, funny, full of energy and a nice fur coat that keeps you perfectly warm!”

TC looked up at him, her eyes sparkled with uncanny intelligence that Calvin had come to depend on. She turned her gaze back toward the unfinished bridge. All work had stopped on it for the night, but because of recent enemy activity in the area there had to be a round the clock watch to prevent further destruction.

Calvin, TC, Ginger and Violet had stumbled into the village nearly three months ago as a savage battle was taking place. During the battle the bridge over the gorge had been destroyed.

Calvin also found that he harbored a powerful force of magic within himself. When TC was threatened by a hideous winged beast, Calvin had defeated it without knowing where the power came from. Since then he had been helped by the village healer to learn to wield and control his magic. The only problem was, he had many questions, but the healer had very few answers unless the questions centered around herbs.

Violet on the other hand was able to help both Ginger and Calvin with knowledge of Midgaard, it's customs and history. They also came to the realization that TC's awareness was growing everyday and that she had learned better and better ways to communicate with them. In fact, there was a day during some particularly tricky work while reconstructing the bridge that TC and her dog senses noticed that something was wrong with some of the ropes the workers were attached to as they swung back and forth across the gorge.

Some of the ropes had gotten wet and had not been stored properly so the fibers were beginning to rot and weaken. TC's nose caught the scent and she was able to warn the workers by drawing a picture in the dirt of a broken rope. It was definitely a crude picture but she made it clear that the ropes were no good.

The only bad thing was that the work had to be halted for a few days while the ropes were replaced.

As much as the three enjoyed the comforts of the village, they were eager to get on their way. Violet was worried about her mother. Calvin, Ginger and TC just felt the need to be productive. Never mind, that they were quite busy from sun up to sun down in the village. They were all given jobs to do to pay for their room and board. Calvin and TC did quite a bit of guard duty and then they were also sent to haul things, like firewood, water and one horrible day they had to help muck the stalls of the villages live stock pen. Calvin felt like he had filled the wheelbarrow a thousand times with never-ending muck.

The next day they had to help move rubble from the construction site. They were all so exhausted at the end of each day that none of them had the energy to think about getting across the river and continue with their mission.

That had been their first few weeks in the village. Then they had a week of fall rain that halted work. The last few weeks the weather had been the crisp fall with the tree colors exploding into yellows, reds, oranges and brown. They helped with the harvest, and participated in the fall celebration. But as time marched on they knew their window of opportunity to cross the river shrank with each day. Once the snow began, they would not get far.

In the last few days however, the groundwork for the bridge had been laid and all that was left was to put the bridge in place and that seemed to be going quite smoothly. Everyday when it was time for Calvin's sentry duty, he marveled at the progress they had made from the day before.

As he and TC stood there, they heard footsteps approaching. Calvin turned to see who it was. He had hoped it was Ginger or Violet with a mug of hot cider, but it wasn't. It was just one of the men who was working on the bridge. He nodded at Calvin as he passed with a bucket of soup brought from the main house, for the workers.

Calvin sighed. Guard duty was just as boring as could be. He was in the middle of a yawn when TC jumped up and began to pace rapidly. Her ears were pointed forward as if she were listening for something. Soon Calvin heard what she had heard, Hoofbeats.

Calvin looked down the slope in the direction of the sound. He couldn't see anything yet because of the trees. The rider was going slowly but at an even pace, suggesting he would have gone faster, except that the trees made it difficult.

Suddenly, horse and rider burst from the cover of the trees. It was a grey warhorse and the rider wore the livery of Midgaard village. He had a messengers mantle. He rode up to Calvin and without dismounting asked him where the village headman was.

Calvin was startled and just gaped at the rider.

“Boy! Please I have urgent news, where may I find the headman? Calvin stammered, “Uh well,” he looked around, “the last I saw him he was over there seeing to the work on the bridge.” Calvin pointed back to where the workers were congregated around the fresh pot of soup.

The rider spurred his horse forward without another glance at Calvin or TC. Calvin looked at TC and said, “Go over and listen to what he says, ok. I can't leave here until I am relieved.”

TC nodded and bounded over to the where the rider had gone and dismounted.

Calvin grinned. He knew she was becoming more than just a dog. She was now a being just as intelligent as a human, and some times, she seemed even more than that. He smirked as he watched her play “dog”. Ginger (another super intelligence as far as Calvin was concerned) had recognized TC's abilities early on. She was the one who suggested that the three of them keep the knowledge to themselves and TC herself had vehemently agreed. Ginger reasoned that it could be an asset to them to have TC's intelligence aid them and also so it would not be used against them. Violet readily agreed and at first Calvin was disappointed, because he wanted everyone to know his dog was the smartest. But he soon came to realize that TC was her own being and not his. It took Calvin some time to get that and fortunately for him, TC's dog patience won out.

Now as he watched her, she schmoozed the rider to a point that as he told his tale to the leader he was also scratching TC behind the ears. The leader listened intently and then called to the job foreman. They argued heatedly for a few moments and then the foreman stalked off shouting for three men to follow him. Another man led the rider and his horse of to the main house. TC ambled back to Calvin, stopping to sniff at things along the way.

Calvin felt the usual impatience creep up and he hopped from foot to foot wishing she would hurry back so he could learn what she knew.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Timeless walk

For weeks George, Hiram and Ti searched the library for answers. Ti had entered so many books she once remarked that she was becoming a bookworm rather than a sorceress. She had yet to entice either George or Hiram to join her. After a while she stopped asking. One morning as they gathered around a table filled with books that they had sorted out from among a collection they were searching in, Ti threw up her hands and grumbled, “I can't believe I would ever see they day when I didn't want to look at another book! We have spent weeks pouring through books and I don't even think we know what it is exactly we are looking for any more.”

Hiram and George both looked up at her over the books they were each reading. Hiram just stared at her, for once at a loss for words.

George glanced at the book he was reading and then back at Ti. Slowly he closed it and laid it carefully back on the table. He looked over at Hiram and then back at Ti. “She's right,” he said. “we could have already found what we have been searching for and not know it. We might never know what we are searching for because we haven't or don't know the the right questions. I have to say, this is truly getting to be quite tedious.”

Hiram sighed and plopped his book down on the table as well. “So what do you suggest? Do either of you have any better ideas?” He challenged them with a pointed look.

Ti said, “we need a fresh angle. If nothing else just a fresh view or even a break from this might help. So yes, I do have a suggestion. Let's take a break. I think a ride out doors this afternoon will help to clear our heads and maybe give us new ideas.”

Hiram paled. He was a librarian for good reason, anything more physical than climbing a ladder to reach a high book, frightened him. A nice peaceful stroll in the garden would be lively and refreshing enough for Hiram. He went as far to say, “I really don't think with the way things are these days, more than a nice sojourn in the libraries gardens, would be safe!”

“Nonsense!” cried Ti. A good unfettered gallop on a horse gets the blood flowing and frees the cobwebs out of your skull!”

Hiram looked thoughtful for a moment and then said, “well if you are set on breaking your neck riding I horse I won't stop you,” he glanced at George, “either one of you. In fact, I too would welcome a break and I think for me a visit to the herbalist for some supplies I have been meaning to get will be a nice safe break for me. If you two want to ride, you can, but without me!”

George didn't know what to say, but he did relish the thought of getting out doors and seeing the country side by horseback. He said, “very well then this is what I propose. Ti I will gladly accompany you on a ride this afternoon. Then we can meet Hiram at the Inn for supper and then come back here and sort out a fresh plan.”

Hiram looked relieved and left out all at once. George gave him a friendly pat on the back as he stood up. “Enjoy the break Hiram and we will see you again in a few hours.”

Ti grinned happily. “Excellent! I really need this break. I just can't bear to look at another book right now, the thought of jumping in one positively makes me shudder!”

“alright,” said Hiram as he stood, “ I will meet the two of you at the Inn just after sundown. Hiram picked up the bag he carried everywhere and without a glance back disappeared between the bookcases.

Ti chuckled at his retreating back, “Even when we were kids he shied away from the rough stuff!”

George gave her a puzzled look. “When you were kids?” George asked.

Ti looked at George with surprise, “You mean he hasn't told you that he is my older brother!” Ti laughed. “Hiram was always funny about letting people know we are related.”

“That's odd.” said George, “Why wouldn't he want anyone to know you are his sister?”

“Well,” Ti blushed. “There was a period of my life when I could say I was impossible to be around. Hiram was always so proper, studious and did everything the right way, the proper way.” A note of exasperation edged her voice, but she quickly cleared her throat as if to remind herself she was only telling of the past, not living it. “Our family,” she went on, “was quite well known, in fact, if I had subscribed to our family's tradition I would have been known as Lady Tiarna dar Laybran, rather than sorceress Ti.” she laughed gaily as if it was an insane notion.

George didn't know what to say. He had learned something of the noble class in Midgaard to know that nobles ruled the land and hired magic users rather than being magic wielders themselves. There was the implication of a stigma that his family was part of the nobility. Perhaps that explained his crotchetiness.

George smiled at Ti and said, “This day will only get shorter the longer we stand here talking. I believe there are a couple of horses that need exercise. Shall we?” He gestured toward the door.

Ti, chuckled, gathered her skirts and swept out of the library, George in tow. Before long they were mounted and galloping out the gate as if boredom threatened to catch them. Once they reached the eaves of the forest, the slowed their horse to a gentle canter. They rode without speaking and just enjoyed the last vestiges of summer as is slid towards fall. Evidence of fall already apparent in some of the trees.

George was awed as ever by the vastness of the forest surrounding Midgaard village. The trees were so tall that you couldn't clearly see their tops. The air smelled so fresh and pristine and the lack of aircraft buzzing in the air continued to amaze him. A pang of sadness stabbed him as he thought of his kids. Of earth that was all that he missed. His breath caught every time he wondered how they were doing.

Fortunately, as his mind began to take him down that dark and lonely path, Ti whooped and spurred her horse to a sudden gallop. Startled, George and his horse instinctively followed. George just hung on. It was not immediately apparent what had set the unpredictable sorceress off. She disappeared around a bend in the path. George slowed his horse as they approached the curve. As they rounded it he saw her horse disappear around the next curve. He stayed about 20 paces behind her. When he finally caught up, he and his horse had plunged around one last curve to find the forest had opened into a vast meadow. Ti and her horse were racing to the end of the meadow toward a stone structure that seemed to rise up out of the earth.

Indeed, as George approached it really did seem that the structure was pushing up through the ground. It didn't take him long to realize that the ground was sloping upward and that the building was actually sitting below the rise. Ti had stopped her horse at the crest. It was absolutely amazing how the shape of the land could create such an illusion. The mystery of the illusion was revealed as he pulled up next to Ti. Her hair, normally bound up at the back of her head neatly pinned, had come loose and was flowing in a light breeze. She had a grin from ear to ear as if she had just gotten the best gift at Christmas.

Truly as George looked out over the land he was taken aback by the pristine beauty before him. From the rise a cobbled road of white stones led down and towards a building of stone just as white as the road. Shining pools of water surrounded the building and a large tree stood off to one side. The tree was an elegant weeping willow. It swayed dreamily as if a gentle breeze played through its limbs, but George felt nothing.

Ti turned to him and grinned. “We've found it!”

“Ok,” said George, “We sure did! Just what is it and I had no idea we were looking for it.” He didn't no what else to say.

Ti laughed merrily. She said, “We found the home of the wisest witch in Midgaard. You can only find her when you need her, but aren't actually looking for her.”

George frowned, “That doesn't make any sense! How can you find something you need if you don't know you are looking for it?

“Think about it,” said Ti, “what were we talking about before we left the library?”

“You an Hiram being relatives ...” said George.

Ti laughed again, “no before that. We were saying that we needed direction. We needed help to find answers we didn't know the questions to. Well here we shall get the help we need”

George didn't think Midgaard could continue to astound him, but just as he thought it couldn't, it always did. He followed Ti down the shining white path toward the stone cottage surrounded by pools of water. Curious he looked at the pools as he passed and found that the water was different in each. One was so clear he could see details on the bottom of the pool clearly. One was just the opposite that is was so murky he wasn't quite sure it could qualify for a pool. Some had different colors, one raged as if a hurricane blew across it's surface, another was so dry that the pool was hardly more than a puddle. One had odd little creatures swimming it. He could have explored each one but as the reached the end of the path a woman emerged from the cottage. She looked like any other peasant women, until George got closer. Her skin was tinged green and was scaled. Her eyes were emerald green and seemed to bore through a person.

To George she was a formidable looking woman, standing there as solemn and serene as a deep ocean. Ti on the other hand went straight up to her and greeted her as if she were a long lost sorority sister. (Later George would discover that the Serene witch was a childhood playmate of Ti's. As children neither one had dreamed that she would become The oracle of Midgaard.)

Ti turned to George and said, “George this is Elle, a very dear friend of mine from childhood.”

George bowed to Elle and said, “Madame, it's a pleasure to meet you.” Elle smiled at George. Then she said, “Ti it is a pleasure to see you. However the reason you seek me is a grave one. We haven't much time to talk. It won't be much longer before Rhavidia finds me. Unfortunately being an oracle tells me much of the future. Rhavidia hunts for me and once she does locate me I will have to answer all that she asks. It is the name of being an oracle.” sadness crossed Ell's face. “it seems I am to be the last oracle of Midgaard. I don't expect to survive Rhavidia's visit.” Elle's serene look gave way to sorrow.

Ti gasped in alarm. “But there must be something we can do!” she cried.

Elle shook her head, “I'm afraid there is nothing I can do to keep her out.”

“Can't you leave?” asked George.

Elle smiled a sad little smile. “When you are on your way back to Midgaard, have Ti explain how I came to be the oracle. Anyhow, we haven't much time, let me take you to the pool of Yaweh. There you will locate the answers and their questions, that you seek.” She led them on a small footpath that led around the cottage to a small pool underneath the willow.

There was a small wrought iron bench under the tree. On the tree sat a small dog. He barked happily when he say Elle and the other two come up to the pool.

“Hush!” said Elle as she patted the dogs head. “it's time for a reading.” The dog nodded to Elle and then issued a ear splitting howl. Before Ti and George, Elle transformed into a mermaid. She slipped into the pool. The pool was a light blue color with wisps of white floating through it. George imagined it look like a reflection of the sky, but the sky wasn't visible for reflection under the giant willow. Elle disappeared from their sight, so they sat on the bench with the little dog and waited.

They didn't wait long. Elle shot from the pool like a circus clown from a cannon, however she gracefully somersaulted in the air and landed delicately on two feet, having transformed while midair. Water droplets sparkled on her scaly skin like precious gems. Her face was expressionless as she issued the oracles words.

“You must find the tome of Yaweh. It is not in the library where you seek but in the hands of the meek. Rescue the bearers before it is too late!”

With that Elle shook her head and cleared her voice. “Ti as much as I would like to visit with you, your mission is urgent. Also my time here is short. Rhavidia will be here before the next moon rises. Go swiftly back to Midgaard village. You must retrieve the tome of Yaweh or all will be lost!”

George said, “Elle before we leave I have one piece of advice.”

Elle looked amused. Never had a supplicant asking for her help ever turned to off her help as well. “Very well, George, I would be pleased to hear advice for once rather than giving it.”

George blushed but proceeded anyways, “It seems to me that of you can't leave, perhaps you can make sure that there is nothing here for Rhavidia when she gets her.”

Elle looked thoughtful. “Thank you George. The answer was so close I couldn't see it. I don't expect to come out of this alive but if I do I will seek you out and let you know the outcome.”

George grinned, “I'm glad I could help!”

George and Ti mounted their horses and sped off back to Midgaard village.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Battle weary

Cecil tapped her on the shoulder and pointed toward the trees. Sierra turned her head in the direction Cecil pointed. Squinting her eyes against the brightness of the setting sun, she saw indistinct shapes moving about in the darkness of the foliage. She looked at Cecil and nodded. Neither one of them dared show on their faces what they really felt. Weariness, fear and desperation were luxuries they could not afford if they intended to survive another onslaught of Rhavidia's forces. Sierra often wondered where these monsters were coming from. They seemed endless. All the rangers were doing was holding back the flood. The dire part was that the ranger forces were dwindling. Rhavidia's force seemed to grow. At first they only attacked at night, and the rangers could use the daylight hours to rejuvenate, but Rhavidia was sending creatures that could attack in the daylight. So far the rangers had been pushed back almost to their mountain retreat. Soon they would be over run and Midgaard village would be destroyed.

Sierra watched as the sun steadily lengthened the shadows of the mountains behind her. She checked her bow and supply of arrows. She loosened her sword in it's scabbard and wished yet again for the firearm she used to carry when she was a beat cop. As the sun dropped below the mountains a ululating cry rose from the forest. It echoed up and down the valley. As many times as she heard it she could not control the fear that crawled up her spine and clenched her stomach in knots. Her training was good and she fought down the urge to run. She stayed where she was even though every fiber in her being was screaming for her to bolt, flee, hide! Indeed, many of their number would lose that fight. Many would flee. They wound up being the bait. That alone is what kept Sierra in her place. That and Cecil. He had become her best friend. They had saved each other numerous times. Aside from Dane and a couple of others, their entire unit was gone.

As suddenly as the raucous din started it stopped. This was the moment of abject terror. Suddenly like a damn breaking the hideous forces of Rhavidia burst from the cover of the trees. It was terrifying. Humanoid creatures, twisted beyond recognition, undead zombie creatures ripe with the stench of death, creatures from a twisted imagination brought to life by dark magic, demons, hell spawn and worst of all, men. Men who had been on their side, captured and now used as puppets to fight their own. The original person was no longer in control. Rhavidia took these poor captives and used hell spirits to invade them. No one knew if the original soul still existed with in the person.

Sierra and Cecil had made a pact that if either was captured they would try to free them somehow. Either by getting them back, or if it was too late they would behead the other. The fate of the captive if they died was to still fight as a zombie. The only way the captive became useless to Rhavidia is if they were beheaded. No one wanted to become a flesh eating undead zombie.

As the hell spawned army spewed out of the forest, the wizards attacked. Lightening blazed and arced over the waiting infantry. Trees lit up light giant torches as they and the motley creatures fell to the fireballs and lightning strikes of the wizards. Ballista fired behind the wizard strike. Next it was Sierra and her companions turns to fire blazing arrows into the firestorm.

As deadly and awesome as the Midgaardian forces were, Rhavidias hell spawn were worse. The giants came from behind to fell the burning trees and clear a path for Rhavidia's ghost force. They came screaming through the melee their cries turning the stoutest of hearts to quivering fear. The Midgaardian forces paused in their attack and fell back before the unholy onslaught. The possessed forces burst through on foot and on skeletal mounts slicing their way through Midgaards retreating forces. Sierra, Cecil and Dane also ran towards the mountain stronghold with the rest. As they ran a company of possessed caught them and caused the three of them to separate from the rest of the Midgaardians.

Suddenly they found themselves surrounded by men who had been captured by Rhavidia and conscripted into her possessed company. The commander ordered the other to capture them and take them back to the main camp. Sierra, Cecil and Dane struggled to get away, but were soon overwhelmed, tired up and being marched forcibly toward the Rhavidian main camp.

They knew the rhavidian army was large, but when they got to the armies main camp they were truly overwhelmed by the endless sea of hell spawned warriors. They were served by human captives, mostly women and children from the overrun villages. Sierra felt her hope ebbing away. It seemed only a matter of time before Rhavidia would have all of Midgaard and it's people under her rule. She was tethered behind Cecil and Dane behind her. As they had been led along, more captives had been added to their chain. When the reached the edge of the encampment they were given over to another keeper, who led them through the camp. As much as she despaired, a part of her still took note of all she saw. There was afterall a part of Sierra that hoped to prevail against these worst f all possibilities. She could see that Dane had given up. He had been through far too much, he had lost his entire family to this fight. Cecil, was injured and limped. She felt if they were to escape it would be up to her.

At that moment Sierra's defiance won out and no matter what she told herself that she would find a way out, she would survive.

They stumbled through the camp for nearly an hour before they were placed in a makeshift pen. Their captors separated them and chained them stakes. Large rings hammered into the ground with chain leashes attached to them. Several captives tied to them. Sierra searched the faces of the captives. There were many from the midgaardian army, she recognized their clothing, but there were no faces other than Dane and Cecil that she knew. Dane collapsed to the ground into an abject huddle. Cecil fell to the ground panting and clutching the wound on his leg. Sierra tried to help him, but one of their captors roughly pushed her away with a snarl. The brute was not human. He had a mans hands and body but his head was a misshapen mass that looked almost pig like.

Sierra had heard that Rhavidia also experimented with the headless bodies of those who had been decapitated to avoid joining her undead army. It was apparent she had been somewhat successful in reanimating the bodies with the heads of animals. Sierra was revolted and kept her eyes on Cecil. An old woman presently came around to check on the captives. She was apparently a healer of some sort. She examined the injury on Cecils leg. She cleaned the wound and bound it. After which he passed out. Sierra sat as close to him as she could without incurring the wrath of their pigman guard.

Dane also stayed close to them. He huddled with his arms wrapped around his legs. Sierra caught his eye once and despaired at what she saw there. His eyes were dead, nothing of Dane lived there anymore. He was a man who seemed to have lost everything, including his soul. Sierra shivered.

At some point weariness overtook her and she succumbed to exhaustion. She didn't know how long she was out, but when she woke the eastern sky was just beginning to lighten. She sat up quickly only to be knocked backwards. She lay back grunting with the pain to her head. She looked up to see the pig guard looking at her. This time she moved slowly as she sat up, keeping a wary eye on the guard lest she be knocked back again.

Once the guard was satisfied she didn't mean to cause trouble, he ignored her. Quickly she looked around and was relieved to see the prone figure of Cecil still breathing. She looked for Dane, but didn't see him anywhere. In fact the shackle that had been on his ankle the night before was empty. She knew with a sinking feeling that he had probably been added to the possessed forces by now. Presently, she was brought a crust of stale bread by one of the captive servant children. The child didn't even look at her. He just tossed the bread at her and continued on. He was dirty and wore little more than a rag. He had sores all over his arms and legs from scratching what appeared to be flea bites. She could only imagine the rampant pests that thrived in an army of this size. She shuddered and push that thought away.

She tried to look around and get her bearings as the light brightened into day. It was ironic that the sun should arise with a beautifully perfect day as she and the other captives huddled in an enemy camp, in fear for their lives or fear for the quality of their lives. She examined the shackles she wore and the rings they were tethered to. She made note of the direction of the sun and the mountains to get her bearings. She memorized the uniforms of the guards. She was mentally trying to store as much information as she could. Somewhere she felt there would be a way to escape. She was looking toward the eastern part of the camp when a hoarse voice called her name.

She turned toward Cecil, who was still laying curled up on his side facing her. Without making any fast or deliberate looking movements, she turned toward him and looked at him. His face was pale and pain spoke from his eyes. “Sierra,” whispered hoarsely.

“Shhhh” she whispered back. “I'm here.”

He nodded gratefully and closed his eyes again. He slept fitfully for quite awhile. Nothing happened in the camp. As most of rhavidia's army was nocturnal, the camp remained fairly quiet. Even the pig guard sat down and started to snore. When Cecil woke up the next time he actually seemed better. He slowly sat up and looked around.

Sierra gave him a rueful look. “where's Dane,” he whispered.

She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. Cecil looked at her with sadness. She nodded her sympathy. They sat quietly while he examined their surroundings. Cecil was a tracker. She knew if they could get away he could get them far away from here.

As they sat there for those longs hours wondering what would happen to them next, they communicate with each other through gestures, whispers and pictures drawn in the dirt and then wiped away.

They had decided that their best chance for escape was to wait for the army to pull up stakes and move forward. Surely with an army this size there would be chaos that they could lose themselves in. they also figured that if they could wait a bit, then it would allow Cecil's wound to heal a bit. They also agreed to sleep only one at a time so they could avoid getting taken to be possessed. As it was another guard took the place of the pig headed guard. Other than that, the healer woman and the stale bread urchin, no one else took notice of the captives. A couple had died of battle wounds and were dragged off, but mostly the captives sat like Sierra and Cecil, quietly huddled up and wondering at their fates.

In fact, it was several days before anything else happened. More captives were deposited and tethered to the stakes. These all appeared to be villagers from one of the mountain villages. Sierra and Cecil exchanged glances, wondering if the rangers had fallen yet.

Two days after that it rained with the first fall rain. It was miserably cold and wet. The ground became a sticky with mud. The only good thing, that sierra determined was that it loosened the stakes in the ground. When darkness fell and the rain continued to downpour, sierra and Cecil sat near their stake and began to work it loose. There were two other captives staked with them. They saw what their were attempting and took their turns helping and watching for guards.

At one point the guards did make rounds to check on the prisoners. Most of the captives were huddled together with their stake mates for warmth. The guards just ignored them and continued back to their tent to stay out of the rain.

Finally the stake worked free and all four of the captives sat and stared at it. There was no way to remove the chains from the ring. They would all four have to go together. Cecil held the ring and quickly explained what they were to do. The other three were to follow his lead exactly or none of them would make it.

Sierra was ready. The other two were boys barely older than thirteen. She hoped they could keep up. It was decided Cecil would go in front and she would bring up the rear. Cecil moved forward hoping not to attract the attention of the other captives. Sierra urged the boys along, keeping one eye on the guards tent. The darkness and the pouring rain helped, but it made the ground slippery and difficult to navigate. So far they managed to get some distance between them and the captive pen.

Cecil was crouched next to a tent Sierra was looking behind them when they heard voices coming from the tent. Sierra and Cecil looked at each other. They recognized the voices in the tent. They listened carefully. One of the voices belonged to Dane, the other incredibly to Master Kich!

“You're brother yet lives,” Master Kich was saying, “but if you continue to play the role of hero his life as you know it will be forfeit. Now, if you would be so good as to give us the secrets of the ranger stronghold.”

Dane growled, “My brother, aye indeed my entire family understands the nature of war. How dare you threaten me with his life when we swore an oath to die before we would give the enemy anything!”

They heard the thud of a fist connecting with flesh. The victim groaned in pain. Another thud and then the hiss and stench of burning flesh issued from the tent as Dane's scream rent the air. Kich, snarled, if you won't save your brother's skin perhaps you will think twice before having your own flesh burned from you as you watch!” Cecil ducked back against the tent as Kich strode out. They heard cunning chuckling coming from inside the tent as Kich's torturer spoke in hushed diabolical tones to Dane. “Oh I loves it when the makes master angry, the voice crooned. You will see, soon master will be back and I can continue my work with you!” a gleeful chuckle followed. Presently a hunched figure slunk out of the tent and went in the opposite direction of Kich.

Cecil turned to Sierra, “we can't leave him!”

Sierra nodded. “Quick, go in and free him, we will remain out here and watch for anyone to come back. Maybe you can find something that will cut these chains too,”

Cecil ducked into the tent. He was only gone five minutes, but it seemed like an hour. He came out nearly carrying Dane on his back. “He's in bad shape!” he whispered fiercely. Hold on to him there are a couple of things in there we can use.”

“Be quick,” she hissed looking furtively around. She held Dane up. He was a big man and very heavy. The two boys huddled together, fear so tangible in their faces she was sure they would panic and try to bolt.

Cecil was back out quickly with a bag that softly clanked. It looked heavy. “C'mon” he said, we will both have to help Dane. Here, you two hold the ring,” he said to the boys. “You two will have to follow. Keep lively and one of you watch behind the other keep an eye on us.” both nodded simultaneously. Dane came to somewhat and somewhere inside knew that he had to find the strength to move himself or all would be lost. He was able to move his legs at a stumbling pace while sierra and cecil on either side propelled him forward.

They had a a couple of close calls but managed to hide before they were discovered. The finally cleared the camp and now only had to worry about the sentries. The hurried on when suddenly they heard an uproar behind them. Certain that they had been discovered missing, panic took over and they rushed headlong into the forest. One after another they fell headlong into a gully, which invariably saved their lives.

Indeed they, or rather Dane had been discovered missing. The sentries had all been alerted and would have found them except for their unexpected misfortune of falling in the gully. It was steep sided and had a fast moving river at the bottom. They all fell in. Cecil kept his wits and managed to hold on to Dane as the current pulled them downstream. Fortunately for the tether they all remained together. Eventually they washed up against debris held fast by a tree that had fallen across the river.

They dragged themselves out of the river and climb up the bank on the opposite side of the river. All of them definitely worse for the wear. Sierra bullied them all into a thicket formed by brambles and a close growing trees, where they all collapsed exhausted, but free from Rhavidia's hoardes, at least for the moment.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Sea Worthy

They had only been at sea for a few days, but each of them experienced it in a unique way. Burc, took to the ship like it was home and indeed he had grown up on board a ship. But that was all Brett could find out about him. In fact, once aboard the ship he hardly ever saw Burc. Corgan didn't care much for being out to sea and spent much time below in his cabin reading, sleeping, or gaming with the sailors. Bria pretty much stayed in her cabin and never left, which pretty much left Brett to his own devices. At first he felt lost and somewhat board, but as he (and his two followers, the cats) roamed about, he began to pick up bits and pieces of the language of the sailors. He found their lives raucous and colorful. The sang a lot while they mended nets and riggings, scrubbed decks and even as they played games to while away free time.

Most of the songs were quite raunchy, and Brett suspected that was one of the reasons Bria stayed below. There were no other women on the ship. He had no idea that many sailors considered women onboard a ship was bad luck, nor did Brett know anything about the social structure that existed onboard a sea going vessel. It didn't really matter. He found that he enjoyed the atmosphere, completely unaware that it closely resembled the atmosphere of a frat house. There was sporting events, betting, ribald chatter, and an unwritten contest that involved bodily noises. Brett was in heaven and felt a stab of jealousy that Burc had gotten to grow up like this.

Everyday he explored a new area of the ship. He learned that the best way to get the crew to talk to him and invite him to join them in their entertainment was to help out. He found that he really enjoyed the work on a ship. He worked hard. In fact, he worked hard enough to gain the notice of Eirc. Not that Eirc showed any change in opinion since he first met Brett, he did come around more often to watch him work and practice his swordsmanship. Eventually he began to correct Brett as he practice even going as far as demonstrating techniques.

Eirc wasn't the only one that noticed. Another sailor watched Brett as well. He was jealous of Brett and his unusual manners. He would taunt Brett, criticize him mercilessly. Finally, Bretts patience wore thin. He turned to the sailor and said, “What is your problem?”

“I don't have a problem,” sneered the man.

Brett shook his head and turned away, as he did the sailor shoved him. Brett stopped. Anger flooded his awareness, he clenched his fists. He wanted to turn around and flatten the man. He knew he could. The sailor was older than him and smaller. Brett could see himself wailing on the guy. He took a deep breath on continued on his way.

The sailor continued to pelt him with threats and taunts. Brett ignored them, then Brett heard an angry screeching. He spun around. There dangling by it's tail in the sailors hand was one of the cats that had been following him around. The sailor had a knife out and was prodding the cat with it.

Brett lost all control. Deliberate cruelty to an animal, was something Brett could not tolerate. As quick as a cat Brett charged the sailor. The sailor was ready for him. He dropped the cat and wield his knife at Brett. Brett tried to dodge the knife as he dove for the man's midsection, it caught him in the shoulder, slicing a gash over his shoulder and back. Then Brett and the sailor went down. A crowd of sailors stood around them as they fought.

Brett has underestimated the smaller man. Before he knew it the sailor had him on his back the knife at his throat.

The sailor hissed at him, “You punk! You think you can just waltz on here and do whatever you want! You bring that bitch on here with you, bringing us all bad luck and then you think you can walk around untouched because you've bewitched a couple of cats to follow you about! You're nothing! I should throw you off this ship myself!” The man leaned closer, his foul breath making Brett nauseous, “what's to stop me from plunging this knife into you and tossing your corpse and the corpse of that wench overboard?” he asked menacingly.

Brett looked at the knife, the man was kneeling on his hands so he couldn't move them and the knife was at his throat, the tip pressed into the skin, biting him. He looked at the man. He wanted nothing more than to punch that insolent sneering face to a bloody pulp.

He glared at the sailor. In a low menacing voice he said, “get off of me now.”

The sailor laughed, spittle spraying Brett in the face. “The way I see it punk, you are not in any position to demand anything of me.” he pressed the knife a little harder into Bretts neck.

Brett winced. Suddenly he felt all his years of anger and frustration come to a head. He was tired of someone else taking control. His dad, his teachers, the basketball coaches that demanded and demanded. The ignorant English professor that wanted him to write an inane essay, Bria the very wench that had gotten him into trouble now! He was tired of it. He wanted to direct his life, call the shots instead of winding up under someone elses boot. Despite the knife in his neck and the knees that were digging into his hands He roared at the sailor, “GET OFF ME YOU STUPID BASTARD!”

Startled the sailor hesitated, as he did he felt invisible hands pick him up like a ragdoll and toss him backwards into the crowd that had formed around him and Brett. Angry Brett scrambled to his feet and advanced on the man. The others made way leaving the sailor on the deck cringing before Bretts wrath. He had lost his knife and was huddled his hands up to protect himself from the blows Brett was advancing on him to deal.

Bretts fist was cocked and ready to explode into the mans insolent face when a deep commanding voice issued behind him.

“ENOUGH! I will na have this on me boat!” demanded Eirc. Brett's anger vanished. He dropped his fist and turned with trepidation. Eirc towered over him, a look of extreme disapproval on his face. Next to him stood Burc, his face an unreadable mask.

Brett sighed. In trouble again, he thought. He just couldn't seem to shake it.

“Get below decks with ye!” Eirc growled at him. Burc just glowered at him. Brett sighed, but he refused to hang his head. He held Burc's gaze to let him know he had done nothing wrong. Burc just glared back.

Brett crossed the deck to go below. As he did he noticed the cats waiting for him. Strangely he felt comforted that they still followed him. As he went below he looked back and saw that the sailor wasn't faring as well as he did. Eirc had ordered the man chained to the mast and was pulling a large whip off his belt. Brett shuddered. As much as he had wanted to punish the man himself, he didn't wish that on anyone. Quickly he went below deck and headed for his cabin.

The corridor was narrow, the ceiling low, causing him to duck. He steadied himself with one hand on the wall as he made his way toward his cabin. The cats padded silently before him, like they knew where he was going. He passed a few cabin doors when he got to the one he recognized as Bria's cabin. He frowned. The thought of her annoyed him. It seemed like since he stumbled into her, she had been nothing but trouble for him. He was glad that since they had been onboard the ship, she mainly stayed out of sight in her cabin. Just as he was passing her door, he heard a thud on the other side. He paused and listened. He heard another thud, a regular beat, as if someone were throwing a ball at a wall. Curious he listened outside of her door. He thought he heard talking.

Listening carefully it sounded as if Bria was talking to herself. He pressed his ear to the door to better hear. She definitely was talking, but he also noted that she was …. sobbing! The thudding stopped. He heard no more and was about to walk away when Bria screamed. It was so piercing, he froze. Fear gripped him. All he could picture was her being brutally murdered.

Brett's first thought was to burst into the cabin, but as he lunged for the door he pulled himself up short. If she really were being murdered then he could be walking into serious danger and get himself killed before he could help her. Quickly and as stealthily as he could he opened the door a crack and peeked in. Bria sat on her bunk, her face in her hands. Her body shook with the force of her sobs. She didn't look injured, was Brett's first thought. He watched her for a moment more. He pushed the door open a bit more. She was alone. He opened the door all the way and stepped in.

She didn't see him enter. Knowing her temper and violent attitude he stayed by the door and knocked loudly on it. He didn't want to startle her and suffer an injury because she was surprised by him.

At the sound of his knock, she dropped her hands and turned toward the door. To his amazement, she didn't seem surprised to see him standing there. She just looked at him with large sad eyes and a tear drenched face.

In a low husky voice she said, “what do you want?” there was none of her derisiveness, no mocking, just a flat query.

“I – um – I heard you scream.” he said lamely. “it sounded like you were being killed.”

She sighed and turned her head toward the porthole. “if only,” she whispered.

Awkwardly he stood at the door. He had no idea what to say. “Um, well I am glad to see you're um ok. I will uh just leave you be then.” He started to back out the door when the cats darted in. One jumped up on the chair that was bolted to the floor in the corner, the other sat on the bunk next to Bria. They both looked expectantly at Brett. He clucked his tongue at them to get them to follow. They continued to sit and look at him. Bria looked at the cats. The one next to her rubbed its head on her elbow and started to purr. She turned her head towards the cat. It looked up at her waiting for it's ears and chin to be scratched. Brett didn't know what to do.

Bria, fulfilled the cats request and started petting it. She looked at Brett, her tears and her usual disdain for him forgotten momentarily. “How do you get them to follow you?” she asked.

Brett shrugged, “They do what they want. They just seem to like my company I guess.” as if in response, the cat on the chair meowed at him.

Bria smiled, “Well they do seem to have something in mind for you!”

Brett didn't know what to say. This was the most civil conversation he and Bria had ever had. He was wondering how long it was going to last when she said, “Um you can close the door and sit down. I guess I do sort of owe you an explanation.”

“Um, ok.” he said. He closed the door. The cat on the chair moved itself to the bolted table next the chair so that he could sit. “they are pretty smart,” he said.

Bria nodded. The cat on the bunk had moved to her lap as she continued to stroke it's silky fur. “It's amazing how clean they keep themselves, how soft their fur is.” she remarked.

Brett chuckled, “they should be clean, they spend most of their time grooming.”

Bria smiled briefly and then her face grew serious. “Truly I do owe you not only an explanation, but also an apology.” she looked down, shame, fear, anger playing across her features. “I was sent here to spy on you.” she said bluntly.

When Brett looked at her with surprise she hurried on. “I was sent quite awhile ago. At first there was only a rumor of you. It took me a long time to find you. By the time I did I was starting to have doubts about my mission, about why I was looking for you and the reason's for it. Then I found you, or rather you found me.” she paused, collecting her thoughts.

Brett again lost for words, just sat trying to sort out what she was saying. Who in the world would want to spy on him? Who was he to anyone, especially in this world. Oh ya there was some fantastic prophesy they all had heard when they first arrived, but so far none of it seemed to make sense or apply to him. He was the same guy whether in this world on on Earth and no matter how you dressed it up, the same things kept happening to him. Who in their right mind would be interested in some mediocre fighter following a couple of warriors around leading a couple of mouse chasing cats.

Brett chuckled as a thought occurred to him, “are you sure you find the right guy? I mean really, what in the world could anyone want with me? You've pointed out often enough yourself what an incompetent I am.”

Bria smirked, “True and to tell you the truth, I thought I had been given the wrong guy to follow myself. I also thought I was following the wrong guy, but then you came and got me with the cats following you. At that moment I knew you were the right one. The only problem for me at that point was that I was no longer sure of my mission.” she sighed, “despite my abuse of you, you were changing my mind. I began to wonder if the path I was on was not the wrong path. That maybe I was on the wrong side. Therein lies the dilemma I now face.” quietly she continued, as if almost to herself she was coming to a realization that could not be refuted.

Puzzled Brett looked at her. “so why were you following me? What do you hope to gain? I have really nothing to offer except maybe a couple of trained cats and some sketchy ability to work hard.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Outside of a basketball court I am pretty lame,” he said apologetically.

Bria now looked puzzled. “Basketball court?” she asked, “what's that?”

Brett chuckled. “Exactly,” he said, “What is basketball and what does it have to do with anything? It's just a game that where I come from, people pay lots of money to watch. Beyond entertainment, I am not entirely sure of it's value.” He shook his head. “It really doesn't matter, basketball doesn't even exist here, it would have no practical value here, so therefore, the one thing I am good at, that I excel at,” he sigh ruefully, “is completely irrelevant!”

Bria looked at him with sympathy. “I can sympathize with irrelevant. I too am beginning to feel that way about my mission, but not because of what I do, but because of the motivation behind what I do. I'm a tracker. I tracked you, I was to bring you in. OK so maybe I am more despicable than that, I'm a bounty hunter. And the bounty on you is quite large.” shaking her head she continued. “my conscience has never bothered me before. The people I usually bring in deserve whatever punishment they are being brought in for, but you? You defy logic. You are not a murderer, I haven't seen you steal anything not even a crust of bread. You are loyal to your friends at all costs and you can tame wild cats.” she smirked “I just don't know what to do.”

Brett shrugged. “Well at least you're not screaming anymore,” he said. “I find that an improvement.”

Bria stroked the cat on her lap, “I do feel better. It's nice to not have to keep this mission to myself anymore, although sharing it with you certainly won't do me any favors regarding that bounty I'll miss out on, not to mention the wrath of those who employed me.” Bria shuddered causing the cat to twitch it's tail with annoyance. Quickly she continued stroking it, to mollify it.

They say for a few moments lost in their own thoughts. Finally Brett stood up. “Well it was nice to get on a better footing with you. I like this better than the insults we throw at each other. You know I was worried people my think we were related to Burc and Eirc.”

Bria laughed. “You are just too funny,” she remarked. “I just can't turn you in for a bounty.”

Brett grinned, “Great! It really doesn't sound like something I would have enjoyed overly much.”

Bria grinned.

“Well I'm off,” he said. “I got into some trouble upstairs from some sailor that has had it our for me since we've been here.” He scooped up the nearest cat and scratched it's ears. “He tried to threaten the cats.” Brett contemplated for a moment. “You know,” he said. As I stood there afraid for the cats life, something odd happened. The sailor seemed to be picked up by a gust of wind and tossed backwards … what's even weirder, I had imagined it happening and then it did!”

Bria looked at him wide-eye. “That is strange. Hmmm” she said thoughtfully.

“Well anyways, I'm going to my cabin. I'll stop by later ok.”

“Sure,” said Bria, still thinking about what Brett had said. “Have a good evening. I'll be here later.”

Brett nodded, clucked to the cats and ducked out the door. The cats preceded him down the hall and waited in front of his cabin.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

More Lore

Margo and Melebry crept up to the rune grove. Unlike the groves near Midgaard village, this one had a wild look to it. The foliage was dense and choked the few trees still standing about the grove. Energy crackled in the air like unfettered static electricity. It poked the skin and made Margo's already unruly hair stand up. Margo felt like every nerve in her body was on edge and poised to erupt.

Melebery's hair was also floating about her head as the electric currents swarmed through the air. Every thing felt more than alive. Margo half expected the trees and plants to pull up roots and start dancing.

It was still dark, dawn was a few hours away. As they peeked through the foliage into the grove, they could see all the rune posts glowing with a faint luminescence. Their glow reminded Margo of the moon on a misty evening.

Margo was still examining the posts of the rune grove when Melebry hissed through her teeth. When Margo looked at her she was pointing to one edge of the grove. Barely visible was Amanda and she wasn't alone. The three dark shapes were only visible because light seemed to bend away from them as if repelled by their utter darkness.

Since the attack in the mountain tunnel, Amanda had alternated between a dreamy sort of fog, bouts of extreme agitation and severe exhaustion. Only twice had she been lucid enough to interact with anyone else. Reyla seemed to be the only one she felt comfortable talking to. Of course the first time she had spoken it was to Reyla. She had been sitting staring at the camp fire. No one was really paying much attention to her, because she had been in a catatonic state since the attack. Reyla had been talking to Margo and Melebry. They had been discussing their direction for the next day.

Suddenly Amanda had moaned, as if a great pain had rocked her body. She had slumped over. Reyla had jumped up and gone to her to make sure she didn't fall forward into the fire. She held the girl upright and leaned her head on her shoulder. Amanda had submitted and leaned on Reyla as if she could no longer support her own weight. Slowly she straightened up as if waking from a deep sleep. She had looked around in confusion. She didn't seem to recognize anyone at first.

She looked at Reyla in confusion, “Where are we and why are we here?” she'd asked. Reyla looked to Melebry for help. After awhile they were able to figure out that Amanda had no memory after the fight in the tunnel and what she remembered up to that point had been very little, if only a blur like a bad dream. Her last clear memory had been of going to her room and lying down in bed.

She did say that she remembered a woman's voice talking to her, but it had been a voice that was completely unfamiliar to her, yet seemed very familiar. She couldn't remember anything the voice said, but it was very demanding.

Amanda had been very hungry at that point. After she ate she had been very tired and went to sleep. No one knew what to make of her lucidity, and indeed it hadn't lasted. The next day as they continued on their way, Amanda drifted back into her trance-like state. They all took turns leading her on and making sure she wouldn't stray or get lost.

The next time she became lucid was as they were walking. She was with Margo this time. She said, “Oh! It's amazing how quickly the scenery changes! We were just coming to a river and now, here we are in a dark forest!

“Margo had just stared at her and said, “You really don't know what's happening do you? We passed the river three days ago!”

She looked shocked. “But I was … and where is,” she looked around, 'how did Reyla get all the way, oh,” she coughed,” never mind” she trailed off. She had stayed with Margo for a short while but then dropped back and let Reyla catch up. She still couldn't remember anything of where she had been, but she managed to remain lucid longer. The next time she dropped into her trance-state she was in the middle of a sentence. It was abrupt. Melebry had been talking to her at the time. She had stopped talking and was just staring, her eyes vacant.

Amanda appeared to be lucid, but yet not herself. As if she were animated by someone else who was not familiar with her body. Awkwardly she was gesturing to the three dark ones, as if giving them directions. They seemed to be arguing with her.

At one point she got angry and sparks flew from her. The shapes drew back in a huddle. Finally one drifted purposely into the forest, the other toward the center rune post and the third hovered by Amanda as if waiting for more instructions.

Amanda went to the Eastern post. As she touched it she began to glow in a dark light. Margo was mystified, because according to Ti, you were required to start at the post in the territory you were in. If you didn't bad things would or could happen.

She continued to watch with fascination. She had read the rune posts in the Sorceresses keep, however, the differences here were absolutely opposite to Margo's experience. As Amanda put her power into the posts the runes began to glow with a molten red light while a black glow (was that possible?) emanated from the post. The runes as far as Margo could tell, were all reversed. Instead of fearing what she saw, Margo wanted to understand what was happening based on her own limited knowledge of the runes. She had just been learning to decipher the posts when she was abducted. She had no idea the posts could be used in the way Amanda was using them.

As Margo attempted to fathom what was happening, Melebry was already looking for a way to stop Amanda and get her away from the darkness. Margo turned to Melebry to make a comment and saw that Melebry had moved toward Amanda. She hurried quickly over to Melebry, “What are you doing?” she hissed.

“We need to get that girl away from the posts before she harms herself and us in the process!” Melebry hissed back.

“You can't!” said Margo through clenched teeth, “If you try not only could you harm her but you could even wind up killing yourself!

“How do you know?” Melebry looked hard at her.

“Sorceress Ti was instructing me on the use of the runic groves, how to use them and how to make them work.”

Melebry grumbled, she couldn't refute Tiarna's wisdom on runes. “alright then, how do we get Amanda back? It seems I am out of ideas.” exasperated, she through her hands up in the air.

“I think the only way is for me to counter her. I notice that she is doing everything in the opposite direction from what Ti taught me. I think what I need to do is get in there and do the readings the right way.” she hesitated for a moment and watched Amanda. She was still on her first post. She said come on we need to get to the other side quick. No time to go around. I will need you to watch for attacks as I attempt to catch up to her.”

Melebry looked around. There was still one dark shape at the center post. The other two were with Amanda, she assumed one for lookout and one to provide Amanda with added strength. They decided if they could go as stealthily as possible it would be better even though the moment Margo lit up the post they could be assured they would be attacked.

Margo led the way as Melebry looked for sentries and other hidden dangers.

The wraith at the center post kept it's gaze on Amanda and failed to notice the two stealing around the outer perimeter of the runic grove. Nearly there and Margo tripped over a rock. She went down with a thud and an oof! Both of them froze. They still hoped not to be seen by the dark wraiths. When they decided they would not be disturbed, at least for a few seconds, they crawled low to the ground, like bugs. Margo was certain, that unlike bugs they probably sounded quite noisy.

They reached the post without further incident. Melebry stood nearby waiting to throw fireballs at any one that dared approach.

Margo when to the rune post and drank in the sight of the silvery moon glow that emanated from it. The glow was beautiful. She almost couldn't tear her eyes away to get melebry's attention.

Melebry her eyes still facing their perimeter, listened carefully to Margo. In addition to protecting her from attacks, Margo wanted her to be available should she need additional power. Margo began. Even though it seemed like it had been years since she was last in the rune garden in sorcerers retreat, it felt like she could read runes any day she chose.

Quickly she summoned her power and focused it on the rune like a surgeon with a laser scalpel. As she finessed the power to play across the post she was able to see the runes. Unlike the darkness produced by Amanda, Margo's post took on the silvery sheen of a bright full moon, just rising on the eastern horizon. One by one the runes began to appear and glow along the column, like the diamond glitter of stars on a cold winter night. As she continued to fasten the runes on the pillar and tried to tether her magic to them, she began to feel Amanda's consciousness. She felt the struggle between Amanda trying to assert herself and the demon which had possessed her. The darkness tried to seep in to the light generated by Margo. Margo felt the strength of the darkness. She knew she was strong, she was stronger than Amanda and the demon possessing her. But even she would need help to counter the forces Amanda was using.

Margo called on the eastern runes to bind with her power, she felt the runes respond. They intertwined with her power like a braided cable. As the last rune lit up and joined with the others, Margo felt a surge of power wash over her, like the tide washing up on the beach. It was soothing and invigorating all at once.

Her tether now securely fastened to the post, she moved on to the southern post. The Amanda demon was already at the southern post. She could hear the roar of the demon power as it enveloped Amanda. Melebry was in her own battle with one of the dark figures. Margo pushed these thoughts out of her head so that she could hold on to her tether, while creating a new one with the southern post.

The runes now guided her as she continued to awaken them. They warned her of the demon power. Normally she should move on to the western post, but the runes warned that the demon power would taint her power. She was not ready for that battle, for now she just needed to gain control of the grove and cast Rhavidia's demon from it.

As she finished the southern post she saw Amanda approaching the center post, the key to bind them all together. She must reach it first. The dark figure stood between her and the post. Margo concentrated, gathering in the power of the two posts. She extended both hands toward the dark figure as she moved forward toward the post. The figure unleashed a dark ball of hell fire at her. At the same time both Melebry and Margo struck. The hell fire ball imploded forming a dark hole in the air. The dark figure lunged away from Melebry's attack and fell into the hole it's scream nearly causing Margo to lose her tethers.

Melebry shouted something at Margo and then sent a wall of energy up between the Amanda demon and the post. Margo didn't wait, she focused her energy on the post. The Amanda demon broke through Melebrys wall like it was paper. It screeched when it saw that Margo already had the first set of runes and was moving on to the second.

The Amanda demon threw it's power at the post. Margo shuddered with revulsion and felt as if she were now holding on to an electrical current. She felt a drain on her power. She pulled more power from the tethers. The Amanda demon was slowly changing the first rune set to red. The runes Margo was tethered to warned her not to go back, but forced her to finish all five sets. The fifth being the most important.

She was on the third set when she saw the fifth set blossom with red fire. She began to despair. She finished the fourth set and prepared to start the fifth when the entire pillar blazed with fire. It alternated between the brilliant white from Margo to the flame red from the Amanda demon.

The fire immolated the pillar severing the black tether of the Amanda demon and the diamond tether of Margo. The force of the cut threw Margo backwards. She landed on her back. The force of the landing knocked out her breath. The abrupt withdrawal of her power, caused her head to swim. She saw crazy images. The fire on the pillar rose above the rune grove and exploded in the sky. She thought crazy thoughts about the fourth of July, the explosion deafened her and she couldn't hear anything. The brilliance of the explosion lit the sky like daylight. The resulting blackness as it went out seemed to even take the stars with it.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Dog Tales

“Well?” said Calvin, “What do you think?”

Ginger and Violet looked at each other. “Not sure,” said Ginger. “All we know for sure is the rider is from Midgaard village and that he's looking for a book. I really don't know what that has to do with us.”

“Well,” he said, “We are on a mission to look for something and we don't know what it is. Maybe it's a book.”

Violet rolled her eyes. “We don't even know what book he's looking for and why.”

TC woofed and they all looked at her. She indicated she knew what book he wanted. Ginger frowned at Calvin, “did you forget to get some information?”

TC woofed again. Calvin just glared at her and the girls.

TC paced a bit. She had no idea how to tell them with her limited communication skills, the book the rider was looking for. She went to Calvin and licked his face to let him know it was not his fault, she just didn't know how to tell him. He hugged her gratefully and glared at Ginger and Violet.

Violet said, “Maybe we can just ask the rider or someone else?”

Ginger said, “Or better yet, we can just sneak into his room and see if we can find out. We still don't want anyone to know we're doing anything but going to your Mother's home.” she was remembering the Harpy attack as they had started out.

The looks on Calvin and Violets faces showed they too remembered. They all sat quietly for a moment when Violet said, “The village is planning to have a feast tonight. Maybe we can wander around and get some information?”

Ginger nodded and then said, “You and Calvin go to the feast. Since everyone will be there then TC and I can go to the riders room and snoop around. TC can be my lookout.”

It was agreed.

Calvin and Violet went to the feast with the promise to bring some food back for Ginger and TC. Soon after they were gone, Ginger and TC snuck out. They waited in the dark for a few minutes while their eyes adjusted to the darkness. Ginger was grateful it hadn't snowed yet. As it was the ground was muddy from the recent rains. She took great care not to make foot prints.

Ginger and TC moved quietly towards the guest huts. All but the one were deserted. Ginger was about to go up to the door when she heard voices coming from the hut. Quickly she and TC ducked around the wall. The huts were simple and did not have windows. Cautiously she peered around the corner to see if anyone was around. Not seeing anyone she whispered to TC, "Keep your eyes open for me. I am going to listen at the door."

TC wagged her tail in acknowledgment. Ginger crept up to the door while TC paced about looking around and keeping alert.

Ginger put her ear up to the door. The voices were kind of quiet and hard to hear. she despaired of hearing anything, until a woman's voice rose to an angry pitch. The woman said, "I don't care! Why does it always have to be you? Why can't they send someone else for once. Why do you always get the dangerous jobs." her voice cracked and Ginger could hear her crying.

They were quiet for a while and then the man said, "You know it has to be me. Who else is there to send? Have you not heard what news I brought? Rhavidia's forces are a hairs breath away from overrunning the Ranger stronghold. That and the mountains are all that holds her back from Midgaard Valley from the East. Everyone that can be spared is on Border patrol. I am the fastest courier and I know the region they are sending me to. I know the people, I know the customs and the language. There is no one else." His voice was apologetic.

Her voice stronger now, as if she were able to strengthen her resolve, the woman said in a matter of fact voice, "I guess there is nothing more to say. We should probably hurry along to the feast, before anyone misses us."

Ginger barely scurried around the corner before the door opened and the rider and a local village woman left in the direction of the Village feast hall.

They waited until the footsteps receded into the night before creeping back around to the door. Carefully Ginger tried the door and found it unlocked. She crept in carefully, but immediately ran into an object. The room was completely dark on the inside. It wasn't the first time Ginger wished for electricity. Fortunately she had prepared for the darkness. She poked her head out the door and whispered to TC, “I'm going to light a candle so make sure no one gets close ok!”

TC responded by wagging her tail.

Ginger lit her candle and peered about the hut. She saw that she had run into a small square table that sat in the middle of the room. The bed was pushed up against on wall and a short dresser with a wash basin sat against the opposite wall. A chair that would have been used for the table sat in a corner, while the table had been pushed up next to the bed. Aside from the saddle bags sitting in the corner, there was nothing else to the room. Ginger looked at the saddle bags. She went over too them and carefully peeked inside. She could only use one hand. The candle in her other hand threatened to drip all over everything. She found nothing of interest in the saddle bags.

She looked around the room again. As she turned to go outside and report her inability to find anything, a small glittery flash caught her eye. Over by the foot of the bed poking out from underneath the bed frame was a small metal object. It was oval like a small egg and fit easily in the palm of her hand. Rather than feeling cold to the touch, it felt warm. Quickly she put it into her pouch. She looked around to see if she could find anything else. She blew out the candle and poked her head out the door. TC was still sitting there waiting for her.

She closed the door quietly behind her. TC glanced over her shoulder and saw Ginger walking towards her. She bounded over with an expectant look on her face.

“Well” said Ginger, “I found something, but I don't know what it is or if it even belongs to the rider. She pulled the object out of her pouch and showed it to the dog. TC sniffed it but didn't see anything special about it either. Ginger put it back in her pouch. They decided to head over to the feast hall and see what Calvin and Violet discovered.

As they approached the feast hall they heard laughing and singing from the hall. It was crowded inside. TC indicated that she wanted to remain outside. Raucous people that close would only trip over her or step on her tail. She wasn't crazy about large crowds.

Ginger understood TC's reservation. She wasn't very tall herself and risked being elbowed in the head or tripped over. Long tables with benches covered the floor of the hall at one end. In the middle the tables had been pushed to the side of the hall so that people could dance. Minstrels occupied a corner of the hall near the large fireplace and played lively tunes and sang ribald songs. People danced wildly in the center. Ginger searched for Calvin and Violet. She finally spotted Calvin sitting by himself next to the fireplace. He had a stick and was idly playing with some of the coals. Violet, on the other hand had joined in with a group of women who were laughing and talking. Oddly enough she was sitting next to the woman Ginger had seen coming out of the hut with the rider.

She watched the woman for a moment and saw that she sat but didn't really participate in the conversation or laughing, her gaze was fixed on the rider, who was sitting in the corner opposite of the minstrels, huddled with three other men. One man with bright red hair, that Ginger had only seen once or twice before, was talking and gesticulating passionately while the other the other three listened intently.

She looked at Calvin again and with satisfaction noticed that he wasn't as idle as he appeared. He was listening to the conversation of the men. Ginger smiled to herself. She looked around. There was a game of stones going on at one of the tables. A lot of the kids stood around watching and cheering their champions. Ginger decided to join this group. She climbed up on a bench behind the players where a group of girls stood.

Looking at the table and the players she asked, “Who's winning?”

One dark haired girl said, “Right now it's a tie between Unger and Popi. Popi is the favorite, he usually wins, but they say Unger has been practicing!” the girl grinned, “I think Unger will win it this time!”

Ginger watched with fascination at the intense game. She had no idea how it was played but it reminded her of chess or a fancy version of checkers. She had no idea how to play chess either, but as she watched she kept her ears open for interesting conversation.

The intense game finally ended with Popi overcoming the brutal challenge by Unger. Popi looked relieved that he had defended his title, if barely. Unger stood, his face red with anger as he declared, “You barely squeaked out this time Popi, but I'm on to you. Next we meet, I will win!” and with that he got up and stalked toward the crowd. Ginger watched him go. Something about his anger seemed put on. Another challenger for Popi had already sat down and the board was being cleared for the next round. Ginger climbed down off the bench and hurried in the direction of Unger. He wasn't hard to follow. He was a big man and the crowd parted before him like a boat in water, leaving a wake of disturbed people behind him. She slipped through the crowd and saw him standing before the laden table of food. He had already gotten a frothy mug of beer from one of the kegs perched on a stand at one end of the table. Some of the foam still clung to his beard as he piled food on a platter from the table. Ginger watched as he looked around for a place to sit.

She saw him looking at her so she quickly grabbed a platter and pretended to be intent on getting some food. She was just reaching for a roll when Unger said to her, “Get your food and follow me.” startled she nearly dropped her plate.

Without a word she nodded and followed the hulking man over to a table in the corner away from the rest of the crowd. He sat down with his back to the wall and indicated she should sit close. Ginger was nervous. She had no idea what he would say to her or what he thought about her following him.

Without looking up from his plate he said, “Look I have been watching the three of you since you arrived here. I know the witch that Violet claims is her mother. I know where she lives. I don't know what Violet has told you, but that witch has no children. I should know. She's my sister.

Startled, Ginger nearly choked on her food. She didn't know what to think. Who was lying? This man or Violet. She wanted to believe Violets tale. There was something not right about this guy. Something in his mannerisms suggested one thing while he said another.

She decided her best course was to continue eating, listen and say nothing. She would ask Violet later.

Unger looked at her. “I know you aren't being polite and not talking because you're eating. I just told you you're companion is a fraud. Doesn't that bother you.”

Ginger thought carefully, then she said, “I hear what you are saying, but who are you that I should take your word as truth? I mean I have spent a lot of time with Violet and so far have no reason to be suspicious. I have only spent a few moments in your company and you want me to believe something this far fetched? I hear your words, but it doesn't at this point change my course of action.”

He nodded and then said, “what about the metal sphere you found tonight? Do you know what that is?” he smirked at the astonishment on her face.

“Oh ya,” he said smugly, “I know all about you, the dog and where you kids came from.”

Ginger just looked at him. She hated that he knew more about her and she knew nothing about him, other than a gut feeling of uneasiness. She tried to hide the feelings from her face by looking at her plate.

She heard him chuckle. “I'm not the one you need to worry about. That boy over there listening to that hushed little conversation in the corner is going to get himself in trouble if they figure out what he is up to. So far he has been lucky, they are too engrossed in their conversation to notice him.”

Ginger had enough. She stood up, “thank you for the conversation but my friends and I need to get to bed, we have an early start tomorrow.” she turned to go when his big meaty hand grabbed her shoulder and whispered menacingly in her ear.

“Watch yourself girlie. You and your friends,” he sneered friends with contempt, “are dealing with forces bigger than you!” she shuddered and he laughed an evil guttural laugh, “I tell you I am the least of your worries. Get rid of the sphere. It will only harm you and the ones with you.”

She just wanted away from him. She ducked her shoulder and darted away. She went over to where violet and the other women were. The woman who had been with the rider was gone. She whispered in Violet's ear, “we need to get out of here now. I'll get Calvin, wait outside with TC for me.” she saw Violet nod as she slipped away and hurried over to Calvin.

He saw her coming. He looked at her with such a look of sorrow. As she approached she realized he had a rope tied around one ankle. He shook his head at her indicating that she shouldn't come any closer. Unger was right, he'd been caught eavesdropping. Her heart in her throat she locked eyes with him and tried to tell him that she would do what she could to help him. Then she turned on her heel and hurried out to Violet and TC.

The three didn't speak. They hurried back to their room. When they got there Ginger as quietly as she could told Violet all that had happened.

Violet said she had listened to the women. There wasn't much they talked about that was of any interest other than they did say that the rider was brave to show himself there. They said he had been in love with one of the village women. After he had left they had found her dead in her hut. No one knew how she died, but they all suspected that the rider killed her.

Ginger thought that was odd. She asked Violet if she had spoken to the woman who had been sitting next to her earlier. Violet looked at her. “what woman?” Ginger described her and Violet said she had not seen the women.

Ginger frowned. She said, “there truly are things here we know nothing of. My gut says we need to get out of here as quickly as possibly. We need to rescue Calvin. I fear for him, that they will harm him in some way.”

Violet shuddered. “The man you spoke to. Unger. I remember something my mother told me once, that didn't make any sense at the time so I disregarded it, but she spoke of an illusionist who had been in love with her. She spent time with him for awhile, before I was born, but he had tried to beat her and control her, so they eventually parted ways. My mother said she had to protect herself from him and never let anyone know about me for fear that he would try to harm me.” she looked at Ginger with fear. “I agree we need to get Calvin and get out of here quickly!”

TC had been sitting quietly next to the door. She began a low growl. Ginger and Violet glanced at each other and both grabbed their knives.

TC was becoming more agitated, she stood up her legs stiff in a defensive stance, her lips pulled back from her clenched bared teeth. The ruff on the back of her neck was standing up. Whoever was on the other side of the door would be sorry if they opened it. TC looked ready to tear whatever or whoever it was into pieces.

As they kept on eye on TC and the door, they finished packing their bags. Ginger went and kneeled next to TC. She had stopped growling and just stared at the door as if she could see through it. Ginger whispered to her, “Do you think we can go outside yet? Do you know what's out there?”

TC looked at her with plaintive eyes. She didn't know what was out there only that it smelled dangerous. Violet paced, agitation settled on her face. Finally TC stood up and pawed at the door. Ginger blew out the candle she was holding and so did Violet. She opened the door and TC bolted out looking every direction at once, teeth bared and growling menacingly.

Ginger and Violet followed carefully. Just outside their door, they found boot prints. They looked at each, both suspected Unger. Cautiously they followed TC. She was to lead them to where Calvin was being held.

“TC,” whispered Violet, “we need to get Calvins bag. Should we go there first?” TC changed course and headed to where Calvin had been staying. When they got there the door to his hut was open. TC sniffed cautiously around. There was no one there. Whatever they had been looking for they had either found or given up and left. Ginger went inside and left Violet and TC outside to watch. She lit a candle and saw that his room had been gone through. His pack and its contents were thrown about. Quickly she gathered everything up and stuffed it back in his pack. She quickly searched the room to make sure she hadn't left anything behind. When she was certain she had everything she went back outside. TC was pacing back and forth and Violet look so frightened that she look like she was going to be sick. Ginger didn't feel any better.

They followed TC through the village, staying close to the shadows and trying to move as silently as possible. She led them past the feast hall where people were still enjoying the festivities. They went around to the back. TC stopped before rounding the corner. They heard voices on the other side.

Ginger recognized the Riders voice. He was speaking angrily. “I told you I just saw Nanette today. She was with me in my hut. She was asking me where I had been and why I couldn't stay yet again. I did not harm her!”

Another man that Ginger recognized as the village leader was speaking, “You were the last to see her alive. After you left she was found in her bed, with her throat cut!”

“It wasn't me!” exclaimed the rider. “I swear to you she was with me earlier today in my hut. If that wasn't her then I don't know who it was. If she is truly dead, then my heart is no more!” the despair in his voice almost broke Gingers heart.

“Well if you didn't do it then who did?” asked another man.

“how should I know!” snapped the rider. “I was gone, remember? And if I did kill her, why would I come back if I knew you would be hunting me down for revenge!”

“That is a good point,” mentioned another voice.

“Very well,” said the leader. “It's up to me to decide what to do. At this point you are free to go, but I suggest you never come back here again. I may not be able to protect you a second time.”

“Thank you,” said the Rider, “I have no reason to come here again. Nanette, was all I cared about.”

The village leader said, “It's best this way, now what do we do about this young lad?” Ginger's heart leapt, she knew they were now talking about Calvin.

The rider said, “I discovered him listening in. I'll get him off your hands. He'll come with me.” They heard a whimper of protest from Calvin. They knew they had to follow the rider and get Calvin back.

The quickly hid behind a shed next to the feast hall. Three men stumped by on their way back to the celebration. The rider remained around the corner for a few minutes before heading off to the stable, leading a tethered Calvin behind him. His hands were bound by the rope and a gag had been placed over his mouth. He stumbled along behind the man. Ginger knew the fear he must be feeling. She herself was afraid for him as well.

Quickly the girls and TC snuck along behind them. The rider and Calvin disappeared into the stable. Violet and Ginger didn't know what to do. Once he got on a horse there would be no way for them to keep up.

They were startled when the rider and Calvin came back out with the horse. Since the rider was dragging Calvin along behind him without looking back, TC took the moment to run up to him and lick his hands. Calvin slumped a little more, this time with relief. She fell back from Calvin, hoping to keep out of sight of the rider. The rider was heading directly for the construction site.

They continued to follow and saw that the rider intended to cross the river. As they got to the beams crossing the river, the rider ducked behind the unmanned guard post, pulling Calvin with him. TC, Ginger and Violet all hurried up to the guard post and hid along the side listening for the rider to move on. Suddenly TC jumped up and bolted around the corner. Startled Ginger and Violet looked at each other, they didn't know what to do. TC poked her head around the corner and woofed softly, indicating they should follow.

Carefully they crept around the shack. Surprised, Calvin stood there his hands free and gag removed. The rider stood next to him and TC sat at his feet as if they were long lost friends.

The rider put his hand to his mouth indicating they should be quiet. He drew his sword and motioned all four of them to get behind him. He darted around the corner. A few grunts and snarls, and then a yelp and then silence. The rider came back wiping his sword. He waved to them to follow. They went down the embankment to the waters edge. The river was very wide and swift flowing. There was a punt attached to a guide rope that would ferry them across the river. All of them clambered on. TC sat at the far edge and Calvin helped the rider pull the rope. Violet and Ginger, wanted to talk but held their tongues and watched the shore recede. They were about half way across the river when the first of the wolves got to the edge. They could see they were hell hounds, their eyes glowing like burning embers. They began to emit unearthly howls. It was enough to make the stoutest heart beat with terror. Ginger and Violet clutched each others hands for support.

They stood like that watching the far bank until all they could see was glowing red dots pacing the bank looking for away across. By the time they reached the other side, they could no longer see the eyes or the shore. When they got off the punt, the rider lit it on fire and cut the cable that had been attached to it.

In a gruff voice he said, “I know you guys have questions, but we have a long way to go before we get somewhere relatively safe. For now, just keep up, I will answer all your questions later.

With that they turned, terror stalking their hearts and followed a stranger into the wilderness of witches wood.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Past Due Reminders

The last climb had been the most brutal. Sierra was certain that every muscle in her body had been damaged in the climb. She was grateful for the Ranger encampment in the mountains. She knew it could not hold against Rhavidia's unholy hordes for long, but at least they had a chance to fall back to Midgaard village before the Hordes could smash through the defenses. They would have to find the Rangers. The tunnel network, built by an ancient mountain dwelling clan was well known to the rangers. The clan had long since faded even from the Ranger Lore and quite possibly the only reference to them would be found in the great Midgaardian library.

Midgaard village. George, Margo, Sierra, Brett and the two kids. She hadn't thought of her earthen refugee mates in a long time. She wondered if they fared any better than she did. She wondered if Brett had matured yet or gotten himself killed. She hadn't thought of Earth in a long time either. Of course survival had been primary in her thoughts as she and the others had fought skirmish after battle after battle, for the better part of a year now.

She and her little band of refugees from the giant war camp of Rhavidia had stumbled up to the sentries late in the afternnoon. She was so grateful they didn't shoot first as instructed with possible zombie hordes. As far as she was concerned they were so exhausted and hungry that she wasn't she they were close to becoming zombies.

Now she felt somewhat rested, but beat up from hiking up the steep range. She went in search of the mess hall to get some food. As she made her way through the tunnels she noticed that other soldiers and Rangers were saluting her as if she were an officer. Puzzled she finally stopped the next person and demanded to know why she was being saluted. The man indicated her chest. Confused, she looked down. Sure enough, while she was out cold someone had sewn the symbol of crossed arrows on her breast pocket. Startled she wondered what that could mean.

Hunger continued to push her towards the mess hall while her sleep fuzzy brain mulled over the field promotion. The hall was full but quiet. The somber mood of the room proved that the war was going ill for the Midgaardians. She went over to the the counter where one of the mess hall workers was doling out rations. She was given a piece of fruit and a plate with what appeared to be eggs mixed with gruel. As unappetizing as the mixture looked, Sierra was, by now more interested in sustenance rather than anything that tasted good. She found a mug of coffee to add to her fare and then turned to face the benches. She really didn't know anyone. She was about to walk over to a random table and sit down when she heard her name. A smile spread across her face as she saw Cecil and Dane seated not far away. Cecil was hailing her.

She went over and sat down. Smiling at both of them. She appraised their health and saw they really weren't any worse off than her, other than the bruises on Danes face and the injury on Cecil's leg. She noticed that Cecil too sported a field promotion.

Cecil said, “It's good to see you conscious!” Dane wolfing down his gruel grunted in assent.

She replied, “I see they fixed you with a field promotion as well. Were you at least awake for your ceremony?”

Cecil shook his head. “You can blame Dane,” he glanced at the stoic ranger. Dane didn't even react but kept eating like he wouldn't eat again for a month. “after we got sent to quarters, he got sent to debriefing, his account of our escape and then the extra refugees we picked up along the way, earned us a promotion. As for Dane, well he turned down the desk job they offered him so he could continue to look after us, at least what's left of us.” Cecil finished ruefully.

Sierra tried to take it all in. “So what is next for us?”

Dane finished scraping his plate and set down his spoon. He took a big gulp of his coffee and then wiped his mouth on his sleeve. “Well,” he began, “it looks like our company has been reduced to the three of us.” Sadness echoed deep in his gaze. Sierra felt a catch in her throat as she thought of those she had fought and traveled along side. To know they were forever gone was almost unthinkable. Dane continued, “it appears we won't be slated for anymore all out battles. They are giving us a mission. North of Midgaard lies the polar region. We are to go there and recruit.” He looked at both of them. We will be given an entire team for this expedition, along with mounts, and provisions. You have been promoted as I am the Captain of this expedition, I wanted my lieutenants to be people I know and trust.” Dane let his words sink in.

Sierra felt a mixture of pride of earning Dane's trust and a sense of fear of what they would face. She looked Dane in the eye and simply said, “thank you. I would follow your lead to hell if I must.”

Cecil nodded, agreeing with Sierra.

Dane laughed ruefully, “Careful what you declare. It is possible that hell is one of our stops.”

Cecil and Sierra exchanged worried glances.

Dane said, “Come to the command center when you have finished your meal. We will have a briefing with the commander and then make preparations for our journey.”

Cecil and Sierra nodded. She watched Dane stride purposefully from the mess hall as if he had not just arrived from the enemy camps torture chamber and a grueling flight up a mountain, fighting monsters every step of the way.

They finished their meal, and got up. They left the mes hall in search of the command center. After a few tries and a few wrong turns, they finally found the command center. It wasn't actually in the center of the stronghold as Sierra had imagined it would be, but it was in a remote difficult location if you tried to get to it from outside. It was located near the summit of one of the mountain peaks. The outer surface of the mountain was attainable only by air. In fact, as they arrived they could see several winged creatures landing and taking. The center was truly a bustle of activity.

Looking around they saw Dane in an alcove that had a table and a few chair. He and a couple of others were head to head in deep conversation. Cecil and Sierra started to head in that direction when someone called out Sierra's name.

She stopped and grabbed Cecil's arm. She had recognized the voice, but she couldn't believe she heard it.

Cecil looked at her quizzically.

“Someone just called my name,” she whispered at him.

Puzzled Cecil looked around. “Who called your name?”

She looked at him, with a mixture of surprise and agony. She said, “I think ...” and she heard her name again, this time closer. Cecil heard it too.

In fact, he had spotted the person calling her. He said, “It's not anyone I recognize,” he said.

“No, you wouldn't,” she said. She had seen him too and thought she was staring at a dream of a fantasy world that didn't exist or only existed in her imagination.

“who is he?” said Cecil.

The man was walking up to them, grinning from ear to ear. He hurried over and grabbed Sierra in a hug. She gave a distressed look and Cecil who would never have dreamed of just giving another ranger a hug out of the blue was ready to pull the man away.

“hello Mark,” said Sierra. “I never expected in my wildest dreams to find you here!”

“Wow!” he said. “I can't believe it either. In fact, I still have no idea where we are and how I got here either. The last thing I remember was busting down the door of some crazy drug dealers apartment and the next thing I knew I was waking up in the middle of some freaky battle with people and creatures running all over the place. Some guy grabbed me and led me here.”

Sierra just stared at him. She couldn't believe he was here. She didn't know what to think. So much had happened to her in the last few years since she had left earth behind and embraced her life in Midgaard. To her relief Cecil said, “Sierra we can't keep the captain waiting.” She nodded at Cecil, grateful for his intervention. She felt bad leaving Mark there, alone and not really explaining anything, but she just couldn't wrap her head around her feelings and the strangeness of having him there.

She said, “Mark we will have to catch up later, I really am expected to meet with my captain and the commander. Perhaps you should find the mess hall and get a meal?”

Poor Mark, she thought. He looked so forlorn and lost like an abandoned puppy. She gave him a weak smile and then followed Cecil over to the alcove where Dane and the commander were waiting. She looked back once and saw Mark looking around as if unsure where to go next. With relief she saw another ranger walk up to him and lead him back towards the tunnels.

Throughout the briefing she was able to put him out of her mind and concentrate on the mission objectives. Apparently there were several tribes of people that lived a harsh nomadic life in the Polar lands. There they tamed fierce beasts to ride and fight for them. Sierra tried to imagine a beast that was fierce and rideable, but no one really gave a description of them and called them Boralon. All she could think of was mouflon. Aside from their large horns and the mating rituals, they didn't seem to be particularly fierce fighters. They certainly didn't have teeth that would make you have nightmares. She decided she would ask Cecil later.

As it was they spent several hours discussing the mission, the necessary supplies, the number of people who would go.

What they finally agreed to was that Dane, Cecil and Sierra with a unit of six rangers would provide tracking and protection for the three ambassadors who would do the recruiting. One of the ambassadors was a librarian from Midgaard village who had extensive knowledge of the Polar lands and the inhabitants. Another was a half breed who's father was a native of the polar lands and his mother a witch from witch woods. The third was a a trained negotiator. She came from Midgaard village on orders from Red himself. The negotiator and the half breed were present. They would meet up with the librarian on the way to the Polar lands.

Sierra was exhausted and hungry again by the time the briefing ended. In fact, she had completely forgotten about Mark. She and Cecil made their way back to the mess hall for the evening meal, discussing what they needed to do before they shipped out. They were being given 3 days to rest from their battle ordeal. They decided to get get up early the next more and resume their practice routine.

After they ate they parted ways and headed back to their quarters. Sierra was looking forward to just lying down and getting some sleep. She followed the torch lined passage way until she found her quarters. At first when she entered she didn't see him sitting there, but that had always been his specialty, stealth.

She jumped when he said, “Hello sierra.”

“You scared me!” she exclaimed.

“I'm sorry,” he said. “I didn't mean to. I just didn't know where else to go. They did give me a room, but I really wanted to see you and talk to you.” He looked so sad.

“Mark...” she started.

“Don't,” he said softly. “You already tore my heart out once, and I didn't come here for that. I need closure.”

Sierra nodded and sat down on the bed. He remained sitting on the stool that was in the corner.

He looked down at his hands for a moment as if gathering his thoughts. He looked up at her. His eyes clear and sad. “I don't know what happened that night. I was so certain that you would accept my proposal that it never occurred to me that you wouldn't. After I left the restaurant I walked the city. I can't even remember where I went. I just felt that if I stopped walking I would die right then and there. I found myself outside your apartment building. I saw you leave for your morning run. It made me angry to see you going on as if the night before had never happened!” he gasped as if reliving the anger and the pain of that night. His face reflected the rejection he had felt. His hands were clenched as if he wanted to wring the pain out of himself. Sierra sat stiff and straight, barely breathing, not sure what to feel. He took a deep breath and continued.

“ I waited for you to come back. When you didn't I was afraid you had seen me and was waiting till I left, so I did. I went to work and waited for you there. I really began to worry when you didn't show up to work. You didn't call. I knew something was wrong. I let everyone at the precinct know what had happened. Everyone was worried. You were well loved there.” at that point he looked up at her as if to say not only had she hurt him but her coworkers as well.

She just looked at him. She had no idea how to explain how she ended up here. Even her memory of arriving in Midgaard was a bit sketchy after all these years.

She nodded to him in acknowledgment, but said nothing. He continued. “we sent out the dogs and our best forensics teams. You truly left without a trace. The dogs were able to track you through Central Park, but in the middle of the park, nothing. They just kept sniffing in the same place. There wasn't even any sign that you had been abducted.” he sighed, “They finally closed your case last month.” he laughed dryly and looked around. You're family had written you off. They took the insurance money and never asked another question.

Sierra nodded. She felt nothing regarding this information. It truly was another life that she had put behind her and never expected to venture into again. As she thought about it a sense of peace stole through her. She knew beyond reason that she was where she was supposed to be. She knew deep inside her soul that her life was exactly as it should be.

She looked at Mark. He was the past. She felt he was brought before her to truly make that separation between her past and present so that she could truly accomplish what lay before her. She did not realize it until this moment that she had been at war within herself, trying to forgive herself the past. She had always felt she had abandoned Earth and mark and her life, but truly she was here because Yaweh needed her here. She was integral to his design at thwarting Rhavidia. It was time she embraced it.

“Mark,” she said quietly, “I have no idea why you are here. You have a path to follow that is unique for you,” she paused to consider her words. “I on the other hand, have a very clear vision of why I am here, what I must do and who I am. My life on Earth was only a stepping stone, a learning experience to serve me here. At the time that I rejected your proposal, I myself did not understand why I couldn't accept it. I tore my soul apart turning you down.” Her face shone with a fierceness, her voice low and husky, “I will not apologize for that night. I know deep within my soul that I did the right thing, not only for me, but for you and,” here she chuckled, “this is going to sound real hokey,” she said, “but I did it for God. Although here he is called Yaweh.”

she stopped and let her words sink in. The look on his face was unreadable. He just stared at her like he had never seen her before. She continued, “I don't know how long it's been on earth since I disappeared, but it has been four years here. This past year has been grueling as the fighting has intensified and the monsters get worse. I have seen many die. I have fought in more battles than I care to remember. I taught myself to sleep without dreaming, because my dreams are only nightmares now. I have seen people I care about, killed, tortured, mutilated and a lot worse. Life here is harsh, but for me it is far more real than the life I lived in New York. Again,” she said softly, aware of his uncertainty, “I have no idea why you were brought here. I can reasonably guess that on Earth your funeral is in progress. There is no return, at least none that I am aware of nor do I even care to return if there is a way. You're path, is yours to follow. I cared about you a great deal on earth. I can care about you here too, but not as we once were. Friends. Comrades in arms. Here the whole world battles for the existence of the universe there is only two sides to choose. Rhavidia, she who would destroy everything, or Yaweh the life bringer.”

Sierra stopped. Mark just sat. He was overwhelmed. Quietly she rose and placed a hand on his shoulder. He looked at her and saw the changes wrought in her features. There was a hardness about her that had only been hinted at before. It was as if she were passed through the fires of life's forge and the softness melted away leaving a sharp steel edge in it's place. She also seemed more alive than he remembered her, more focused, more sure of who she was. He felt small in her presence. She said, “I leave in two days time on a mission that I may or may not return from. Whatever I can do to help you find your way here in Midgaard, I will do. I was fortunate to arrive in friendlier times and had much help and support in finding my way.”

He stood and nodded. “I appreciate that,” he said softly. “I'm glad I found you. I'm glad you are well.” sadness etched around his eyes and mouth, and in his posture. He looked around her cave like quarters and attempted to lighten the mood, “I think your stalactites are larger than the ones in my room.”

Sierra smiled and pointed to the crossed bow insignia, in response she said, “and here I outrank you detective.” he smiled back. Both of them knew at that moment they would never go back, but they could exist together and appreciate what the future would hold.

“So what do I call you here?” he asked.

She grinned, “well unless I find you assigned to my unit you are fine to call me Sierra.”

He nodded. “very well then. Sierra. I will leave now and let you get your rest. You do seem tired and I am a bit overwhelmed myself. I am sure some sleep will only help my perspective.”

She said, “good night Mark, come see me tomorrow we will see where you fit here.”

He nodded and without another word he left.

Sierra plopped down on her bed and sighed deeply. She was glad that was over. Truly over in many ways. She took off her boots and crawled under the thick sleeping fur. Before she knew it she was sound asleep.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

The Unlikely Hero

Hiram muttered and fretted. Gallivanting across the countryside never did anyone any good, he groused to himself. Angrily he thrust his normally neat and tidy clothing into his satchel. They said bring cold weather gear. Cold weather?! Gear?! What business did a librarian have with gear of any kind?

For the tenth time that day he threw his hands up in despair. Heroics belonged in books. They belonged to those who sought adventure. Hiram's idea of adventure was to try a new pastry at the bakery shop.

Riding through the wilderness on the back of a beast, even a plodding well behaved pony was simply out of the question. He checked his satchel. Annoyed that he had packed so sloppily he dumped the contents and repacked with his usual impeccable sense of detail and tidiness. After he was done packing he sat on the bed next to the satchel and looked sadly about his bedroom. It was a cozy little room. He had a small wood burning stove in one corner, a big plump fluffy bed, an overstuffed chair with a small book shelf next to it and a dresser for his clothing.

This was his haven, his retreat. And now he was leaving it for the great open wilderness. To explore the polar lands. A frigid, inhospitable land covered in ice and snow. Why would anyone want to live there? He had read about it, studied it, but had never dreamed he would visit there. He hadn't even left yet and dejection set in like a bothersome chest cold that wouldn't quit.

Hiram stood up. He got on his hands and knees and looked under the bed. There covered with ancient dustbunnies was a long rectangular flat chest. He looked at it with contempt. He felt it should remain there, shrouded in the darkness and dust, forgotten and unused. He sighed and reached for the leather strap that was wrapped around it.

He pulled the box towards him. It scraped the wooden floor in protest, dustbunnies scattered and puffed up into the air. He sneezed once or twice, dispersing the dust from his face.

There in the full light of day sat the wooden box. It was intricately carved, a work of art in itself. Hiram pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and carefully wiped the thick dust off the box, like an anthropologist who has just discovered a valuable artifact.

Indeed the box alone would sell for Hirams weight in gold. The money would last well beyond his years of life. It was the contents of the box that frightened Hiram. It had been presented to him when he was a young lad. He remembered the day vividly.

There was war then too. He was very young, seven years old, Tiarna at the time was still a baby in their mothers arms. His older brothers, Roald and Avery were still out fighting the war, at least that was what everyone thought. Roald had been captured and hung by the enemy. Avery had disappeared.

The box and its contents had come to Hiram, at his fathers funeral. As he stood with his mother, he in his somber suit and she dressed from head to foot in black satin and lace, the pall bearers in full military dress slowly marched their father past. He lay on the bier, looking more asleep than dead. Surrounded by holly leaves, the red berries brilliant against the emerald green leaves and the paleness of his skin. Hiram remembered vividly the procession of his fathers body. The interment of his body in the family crypt. It had been very somber, and frightening. His father and brothers had been big strong men. They had always strode about larger than life with booming voices. To witness his fathers mortality had convinced the young Hiram, that heroics were futile.

As they had closed the door on his fathers crypt, one of the soldiers turned to Hiram and presented him with the ornately carved box. It was all he could do to hold the long flat heavy box. He wondered why at the time they would give it to him and not his mother. Later he found out that it was a tradition to pass it on to the oldest male member of the family. Hiram was the only one of his fathers sons present. Therefore it was presented to him. He had been horrified to discover what was in the box. That was the last time he had opened it. No matter where he lived the box was always hidden from sight. His or anyone elses. For a long time he managed to forget it.

Now, not only did he have to remember it, he had to take it with him. He unbuckled the leather strap that had held it securely closed all these years. The strap was hard and unyielding from disuses. It took him some time to wrest it open. The unoiled hinges protested as he opened the lid of the box. Like a miniature velvet lined coffin, there in the middle lay the object of death and destruction that Hiram abhorred.

Sheathed in a dark leather scabbard, stained with hard use was his fathers longsword. The pommel adorned with a simple red jewel, (ruby as Hiram remembered it.) surround by three carved holly leaves (the family's crest) capped the hilt which protruded from the scabbard at the crossguard. The crossguard was fashioned to look like a wooden holly branch. The hilt itself was wrapped in leather. Like the scabbard it was worn and stained with hard use. It occurred to Hiram that the hilt should be re-wrapped. He immediately frowned and pushed the thought out of his mind.

He tried to ignore the small boy in himself who had overall been frightened by the sword and what it could do, but who had also been fascinated by it. Reluctantly he remembered, the awe he had felt looking at the sword. As he had done then he had lifted the sword from it's velvet bed. Now as a man it didn't feel as heavy as it had when he was a boy. Trance like, feeling a sense of deja vu, the man and the boy simultaneously drew the sword from its sheath. He felt the power of the sword escape it's dark prison and race up his arm as he slowly pulled it from the scabbard. For a moment he felt the power and strength to drive off a horde of enemies. Suddenly his fear took over and he slammed the sword back into the scabbard and dropped it back into the box. He rocked back on his heels, panting as if he had run from the library to his room.

He glared at the sword and what it wanted from him. He cursed his family for having anything to do wars, sorcery and enchantments. He had never wanted any part of it. He had been dismayed when Tiarna started to embrace their families tradition. By then it was only the two of them. Their mother hadn't lived long after their father had died. She had died from grief, further cementing in Hiram's mind that war and heroics were something he never wanted to be tainted with. He had tried to keep Tiarna away from it all, but she was like their father. Finally he tried to wash his hands of her as well. She refused to let him, but she did let him live his life as he saw fit and never tried to impose the family traditions she embraced on him. She just insisted that the remain as close as possible.

He was still sitting in front of the sword when George knocked on his door. At first he was tempted to not answer in hopes that George would go away without him, but he sighed, closed the box and got up.

“Hiram” George greeted him with a jolly hand shake and an eagerness to be on their way. George, unlike Hiram was looking forward to the adventure. He and Tiarna had agreed to accompany Hiram on the journey, even though he was strictly told that it would only be him. They planned to ride with Hiram to the border, where they would meet the rangers then Ti and George would disappear into Ti's book that she lived in when she taught the young sorceresses. Hiram would carry the book in his belongings. This was somewhat comforting, but he wished (not for the last time) that it was he who would stow away in the book.

“Are you ready?” George asked, peering into the room. His eyes rested on the ornate box lying in the middle of the floor. Hiram could see the interest in his eyes and the questions. It irritated him, but he was relieved when George kept the questions to his eyes and simply said, “Is there anything I can help you with?”

Dejectedly Hiram said, “I'm as ready as I will ever be.”

George laughed, “Ahh such despair! Come on Hiram, don't take it so hard. Ti and I will be with you every step of the way! Aside from some cold weather and sleeping outside, it shouldn't bee too bad!”

Hiram glared at him, “easy for you to say you and Ti will be warm and cozy in her little forest cottage in a book!”

George's eyes twinkled. He hefted Hirams satchel and watched with interest as Hiram opened the box and pulled out the sheathed sword. He still didn't ask any questions, but Hiram could see that he wanted to know the story behind the sword. Hiram thought he would tell him sometime, but right now, he was so repulsed by it he didn't even want to talk about it. He took one last look at his cozy room and wondered if he would ever see it again. A dark corner in his mind piped up and laughed at him like an evil imp and shouted “this is your last look fool!”

Hiram closed the door on the room and the voice, locking the door behind him and mentally gagging the imp. Slipped the key on a leather thong which he wore around his neck inside his tunic.

George was already striding down the hall toward the foyer and out to the waiting ponies. Tiarna was sitting astride her favorite horse (she considered ponies too tame and only good for packing). The horse was a magnificent black destrier. Tiarna had named her Pandora. The horse was as spirited as Ti herself. A perfect match. George also had a horse. He was as mellow as George. A giant Roan that was as happy grazing in a meadow as he was running across the country.

Hiram looked with relief at the two ponies he would be using. Slow plodding shetlands sturdy and surefooted not taken to spooking or running.

One carried their provisions. Hiram tucked the sword into the baggage, the pony turning with one eye glaring balefully at him as if it knew the secret enchantments of the sword. Hiram patted the pony and spoke soothing words to it. He pulled a carrot from his pocket to remind the pony that rewards were available for solid uncomplaining work.

He went to the other pony. George and Tiarna were mounted and waiting on him. He clambered gracelessly up onto the ponys back. Barely in the saddle and he had a vision of the soreness he would feel at the end of the day. This only added to his dour mood.

“Lead on!” said Tiarna, her voice filled with excitement at the prospect of adventure.

Hiram followed George and his horse as they rode through Midgaard village. He looked at everything as if it was his last look. He tried to memorize every detail as if he would never see it again. As they passed through the gates he thought he saw the sentries look at him as if he was riding to his death. He turned his face toward the forest and the road that disappeared into it. So dark and foreboding it looked. He could almost imagine the monsters staring out from the cover of the trees, waiting until they were encased in the forest to attack.

And so started Hirams grand adventure.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Trust in Strangers

Ginger couldn't see anything but TC's tail. She kept following it, but couldn't remember why. All she could think was keep my eye on TC. She was so tired. Each step was harder than the last. Suddenly she realized that TC had stopped. Numbly she stopped too and just stared at the tail that now rested on the ground. Eventually it occurred to her that the noises she heard were people talking to her. She looked up and squinted at them. She knew they were familiar, but she couldn't remember who they were or why they were talking to her. She felt herself being pulled along. The dogs tail left her sight and for a brief moment she felt panic, as if the tail were all that tethered her to reality. Momentarily the panic slid away. She followed the person gripping her hand and that became her universe. A new tether, a new reality for a world that ha shrunk to minimal consciousness.

The next she knew was she was being made to lie down. Gratefully she complied. She curled up where she was and soon darkness came and she fled the conscious world and escaped to the realm of sleep.

Violet was tired too, but she was worried about Ginger. She sat next to the bed where Ginger lay and held her hand. She worried that the hand was so icy cold. The rider said they were in the best place for her to be healed, but Violet wasn't sure. She knew witch wood, but she had never seen this part of it before. Witch wood itself, was not a safe place for just any traveler, but since Violet had been born here, it's strangeness had always been the norm for her. But here, she looked around, here the trees seemed darker and more twisted. Things seemed eerie. She felt the spiritual power flowing about like an electric breeze. It buffeted her at times and then caressed her and then crawled up her spine like an electrical shock. It wanted her to wield it, control it or control her. She couldn't tell which. It felt wild and alive!

She jumped at the sound of footsteps. A witch entered the hut. She wore flowing robes that seemed to float on the power that swirled about.

The witch looked at Violet as if sizing her up as an apprentice or a piece of meat at the market. The witch glanced at the curled up form of Ginger and then drew her eyes back to Violet. “You are familiar.” said the witch suspiciously. “should I know you?”

Wide eyed Violet said in a whisper, “My mother is Anya of rustle wood.”

“Anya!” the witch exclaimed, her eyes narrowed and she gave Violet another scrutinizing. “I know Anya, and I know she has a daughter. Why would her daughter be here?” she said, but Violet got the impression she wasn't asking questions, rather she was trying to puzzle out a mystery.

Violet said softly, “she doesn't know I'm here. She thinks I'm at school.”

The witch chuckled and gave Violet a conspiratorial look. “Well she won't won't be getting the news from me then.”

“It's ok,” said Violet, “I am actually hoping to see my mother.” she gave the witch a sad look hoping to convince her that homesick was the reason Violet was seeking her mother.

The witch looked at her with narrowed eyes. “right, and I'm just a poor old lady begging for alms!” the witch chortled. “Nevermind,” she said, “These days it's best we keep our secrets and witches are known to be particularly good at that. But if you like I can send a messengers to fetch your mum.”

Violet nodded. She had forgotten how clever her mothers kind was.

She turned back to Ginger. The whole time the witch had been speaking she had also been brewing some sort of tea in a small pot on the stove. The fragrance was soothing. Violet sat in the chair next to Gingers bed. She suddenly felt the weariness of their quick trek from the river to the foothills and finally to the forest. The hell hounds hadn't pursued them from the river, but the rider wasn't certain what else would be coming after them so they pushed on. Once they got up into the hills above the river they looked back briefly at the village. It looked dark and quiet. Violet thought for certain she could still see the glowing red eyes of the hounds. The rider her told her that they had probably left already.

They had hurried on until the sun began to peek over the mountains. They could see the forest was not much farther. The rider said that once they were under the canopy of the trees they could look for a place to rest. They had to cross a meadow and risk being unsheltered for a short period of time. The rider led the way followed by Calvin Violet and then Ginger, TC took the rear position. They were nearly halfway across the meadow when the Harpies attacked.

Violet was ashamed by her fear, but the first Harpy attack she endured at the start of their journey had scarred her with fear. This time she froze. TC was barking at her and Ginger refused to leave her. She remembered it clearly as if it was just happening. Ginger was tugging on her arm shouting we have to run! Violet had watched as a Harpy swooped down behind Ginger. Violet had been screaming. She still remembered with vivid detail, the ugly twisted scorn on the harpies hag-like face, it's pointed ears tipped with poisonous spikes, it's scraggly hair whipping about as it's leathery wings beat the air. She saw it reach out with its talons and grab Gingers back. She saw it's tail whip about and stab Ginger in the side. The whole time it looked at Violet, it's gaze paralyzing her. It released Ginger and spat at Violet with it's raucous hissing laughter as it and it's unholy sister climbed back into the air. Moments later it issued a piercing death scream as one of the riders arrows pierced it through its black heart.

Violet just stared at Ginger. She lay there looking up at Violet with shock and surprise in her eyes. Violet thought she was dead, but then Ginger came to, and groggily with Violets sobbing help, got back on her feet.

The rider and Calvin were there and quickly they got to the tree cover. The rider spoke harshly to Violet, he told her she wasn't any help to anyone if she was going to just blubber. Violet was deeply ashamed and quickly stifled her sobs. From then on she stuck close to Ginger. She felt responsible for Gingers condition.

Ginger's stupor had slowed them down. Fortunately they had reached the cover of witch wood. Violet felt safer there. Witch wood was her home.

Now Ginger lay moaning and feverish. The harpy venom was said to cause hallucinations. Ginger was calling out the names of people. She was shouting, “Papa! Watch out for that car!”

Both Violet and the witch couldn't puzzle out what she was talking about.

The witch asked Violet to relay the details of the Harpy attack. She was puzzled as to why the harpy only attacked with it's tail. Typically they used the tail to immobilize their victim and then killed them with their ear spikes. But the way Violet described it the witch said it sounded like the harpy was toying with Violet. Violet shook her head. She couldn't imagine why a harpy would be interested in her at all.

The witch instructed her to sit behind Ginger and hold her in a sitting position so she could get her to drink the tea. Violet did as she was instructed.

She was amazed at how close of friends she and Ginger had become. She'd never had a close friend before. Amanda had been her closest friend and as far as Violet could tell it was a one way deal. It lasted only as long as Violet could be of use to Amanda.

The witch helped Ginger drink some of the tea. At first she just let it run back out of her mouth, but then something inside her seemed to kick in and she started swallowing the tea. Violet felt her tense and straighten up and then she slumped again.

Violet looked at the witch with worry in her eyes.

“You can lay her back down. She will sleep now, a dreamless healing sleep. Indeed as Violet looked at her face, her color was better and so was her breathing. The witch said, “now go on with you. You can't do any more for her now.” softly with great compassion she said, “you are a good friend, never doubt yourself. This harpy attack, it was not your doing. To feel paralyzed while a harpy attacks is part of their power. If they catch and hold your gaze, they can call up every fear you never knew you had and use them against you. Get your rest. When you wake come see me. I happen to know a lot about Harpies and can help you should they come after you again.” she glanced at Ginger, “I don't know anything about her. I sense that she is not Midgaardian. She is definitely not a witch, but there is definitely something about her that sets her apart. The same with the boy and dog you arrived with. Perhaps in exchange for the harpy knowledge you can fill me in on their stories?”

Violet smiled, “I believe I can trade my knowledge for yours.”

The witch grinned, “You're mother did a fine job of training you in our ways. Anya is among the most powerful of us. I look forward to seeing what her offspring is capable of.”

Violet blushed, she was proud that her mother was so well regarded, but sensed that it would only raise the expectations of her. She hoped she could measure up.

She took one last look at Ginger, satisfied that she was alright she left the hut. She looked around. The trees were dense in the village. The huts were hidden in and among them. There were paths, hardly more distinct than an animal path. The witches liked it that way. They lived harmoniously with nature, nurturing the environment around them. It camouflaged their village. Should an outsider stumbled into their midst they wouldn't see the village. TC and Calvin were no where in sight, but the rider leaned against a tree as if waiting for her. Unsure of what to do she just stood there. The last time he had spoken to her, was to chastise her about her inaction. She contemplated apologizing, but then considered the words of the witch. She decided to ignore him and go to the guest hut. As she turned to go, he called her name.

Violet turned slowly and looked at him. He strode up to her. He was a big man. She had to tilt her head back to keep her gaze on his face. “How is she?” he asked.

Violet looked toward the hut and then back at the rider. “The witch said the venom from the harpy's tail was used only to immobilize her. She said since the ear spikes weren't used she should be alright. She is sleeping peacefully now.”

The rider nodded. “The boy and the dog are asleep. I saw to them myself.” Violet was puzzled by his tone. He seemed to want to let her know that he was doing his part as well. She looked at him, nodded and was about to continue on her way when he said, “I know I was harsh with you. I had to be, it's the only way to break the Harpy gaze.”

She snapped her head around and looked at him. “You knew about the Harpy gaze?”

He nodded. “I know some about the harpies and other creatures and beasts of midgaard.”

She nodded, “I appreciate all that you have done for us from the village to here.” she was going to say more, but then decided she had said enough. As she thought about it, they knew nothing about him. She said, “I'm tired. Once I recover perhaps we can talk more?”

He nodded and bowed low to her. If it weren't for the solemn gaze he gave her, she would have thought he was mocking her.

She dipped her head to him acknowledging his bow and then turned toward the guest hut. Once inside her only thought was a bed and much needed rest.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Worlds Collide

The stars swirled over Margo's head. She felt weak and tired. She felt as if she were floating through space. Finally she realized her eyes were closed. Slowly she opened them. Through the haze she could make out a room.

Puzzled, the last thing she remembered, was powering her power into the pillars of the rune grove. There was something about about where she was now. The ceiling of the room was wrong. The light came from a fluorescent lamp over her bed. The bed itself was a hospital bed. She had an IV attached to her arm and leads attached to her body. She turned and saw someone asleep in a chair in the corner next to the window. It was her mother. She looked out the window and saw a view of the bay area. The lights shrouded in the ever present fog.

Before she could puzzle out what was happening she heard a rough voice calling her name.

Margo opened her eyes. Melebry's face floated in front of her eyes. It took a few more moments before she was able to focus. She groaned. She felt like a boulder had flattened her. Hoarsely she said, “what happened?”

Melebry said, “Amanda is gone. She disappeared in the blackness that she was calling up from the rune posts. You're power blasted her and those wraiths back where they came from.”

“Amanda's gone?” she said. She felt oddly relieved but also sad that Amanda could not resist Rhavidia's darkness.

She struggled to sit up. She felt weak and tired, not to mention sore all over. Melebry helped her stand. The eastern sky was starting to lighten lifting the fog. She turned her face toward the light. The morning was cold and crisp, but it felt cleansing. She shook the image of the hospital from her mind. It meant nothing, at least it didn't have anything to do with her mission here. She did feel a sharp pang of sadness when she thought of her mother, asleep in her vigil of watching over her daughter. How worried she must be. She pushed the thoughts aside. They wouldn't help her here, and for all she knew it was a vision created by Rhavidia to weaken her.

She looked over the rune grove. The evidence of the battle was scattered over the grove. Black lines from the posts Amanda had tethered to ended just short of the main post. The rune posts she had tethered to were a deep black obsidian. The ones that Margo had tethered had transformed to diamond. They glittered in the morning light like slick icicles. The black posts seemed to suck the light in. she was just grateful she had prevailed.

She went over to one of the black posts. She reached out with a small bit of her power. The force of the repulse nearly knocked her over. She shuddered. She felt sick to her stomach. The grove was going to have to be righted before they left. But she needed rest and food before she could even attempt it.

She told Melebry what needed to be done. They headed back to the camp.

When they got back, the camp was in disarray. Apparently they had been attacked by klikmols and other creatures. Marie had taken charge and had organized the non wounded to take care of the wounded. There were three combatants prone on the ground being tended by Marie and Reyla. The brothers, were just coming back from burying two had been killed.

Melebry sent Margo to Marie and Reyla for some healing tea, while she spoke with masters Kumu and Tiloc.

Margo briefly filled Margo and Marie in on the nights events at the rune grove. She told them that Amanda was gone. They both looked at her with the same mixture of relief and sadness on their faces.

Reyla, gave her some of the tea. Margo smiled weakly. She pulled Reyla aside and told her of the vision of the hospital. Reyla looked concerned. “Did you tell Melebry?”

Margo shook her head. “I'm not sure if it's a dream or a vision,” she said.

Reyla said, “it seems to be more than either of those. It seems you straddle two worlds.”

Margo looked at her, “Straddle two worlds? Is that possible?”

Reyla said, “I actually was reading about that. It was in a book of prophecy. It talks about a person that could stand in two worlds. It's part of the Rhavidia prophecies. Apparently there is a book out there that has been lost for many years that explains all the rhavidian prophecies. But one of the most intriguing ones was regarding the powerful sorceress who could stand between worlds. It says that the sorceress would battle and defeat rhavidia there.”

Margo felt her head swim. It was too much. After the night of power flowing in and around her and eventually knocking her flat, she just suddenly felt the weight of the universe on her and it was too much. All she wanted to do was sleep.

Reyla looked concerned. “you went pale,” she said.

“I'm exhausted Reyla. We have been on this crazy march for weeks now. Fighting weird creatures, running, walking, trying to take care of a possessed child. Wow! It's a lot and then last night. I truly feel drained, mentally spiritually and physically.”

Reyla glanced at her with sympathy. “drink the tea. It will restore some of your energy and help you sleep. It will take away the dreams.”

Margo gratefully swallowed the fragrant tea. She immediately began to feel the smoothing effects. Soon she felt sleep creeping up to her. She smiled weakly at Reyla and curled up to sleep.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Beasty Stowaways

Brett sat in his cabin contemplating his latest discovery. His discovery sat on the table and stared back at him with large green eyes. It looked so trusting and mischievous all at once. Brett wondered what it was. So far all he could determine was that it was a baby. It was scaly and silver and had little wings on it's ridged back. He had found it under his bunk where the cats had cornered it and were hissing at it.

The cats were now sitting on the bed and staring balefully at the little creature. Both had been singed when it had squeaked and spit fire at them. Granted the flame wasn't much more than freshly lit match, but the cats had pinned it down. One had a singed paw the other had a nice patch of belly fur removed. Neither one was hurt. Just woefully upset at the little creature.

Brett had no idea what to do with it. Since he had called off the cats, it had smugly followed him around like the favored pet. It stumped around on all four legs, but when it sat back on it's haunches it used its forelegs like hands and arms. Right now as it stared at him it was also eating a banana. Brett had never seen anything like it. It's ears moved and swiveled about as it sat. It reminded Brett of a bugs antennae although the ears looked more like the ears of a cat.

The little creature finish the banana. It ate the whole thing, skin and all. Brett didn't know what to do next. He was afraid to leave it alone with the cats. He was afraid his cabin would be scorched by the time he got back. He looked at the cats. They glared at him. He decided they needed to come to a peaceful truce with the little beast.

He clucked his tongue at the cats and held out his hand. Both looked at him suspiciously. He had named them only a few days ago. He got tired of calling them kitty or cat. So while petting them and talking to them he had said “you guys need names.” Like typical cats they had looked at him like he was an idiot. He had really looked at them and said, “When I was a kid I remember my grandma having a cat. Grandma was french. She called the cat Ticouse. I have no idea what that means, but I always liked it. So I will call you both Ticouse. Ticouse Gray and Ticouse black.” The cats had looked at him as if to agree and then went back to their constant grooming efforts.

Now as he tried to encourage them to come to him, their suspicious little natures were looking at him as if to say they didn't trust him. He sighed deeply and said, “Ticouses! Come here and get to know …” he looked back at the little creature who was patiently sitting on the table watching him at the cats with interest. Brett noticed at that moment that the creature seemed to be highly intelligent. More so than the cats.

He forgot about the cats for a moment and asked the creature, “Do you have a name?” for a moment it just looked him back in the eye and then slowly it nodded it's head. Brett sat back stunned. A million question raced through his head, but the one that popped out shocked him for its stupidity. “Are you a baby?”

The creature made a strange gurgling noise and bared it's teeth, then it nodded again in assent. It took Brett a few more questions to realize that the gurgling noise and bared teeth were a laugh and smile. It was disturbing at first. “Can you speak human?”

This stumped the little creature for a bit. It paced about the table before it turned to Brett with it's disturbing grin. It nodded, then held up one clawed hand indicating that it couldn't speak yet. “so how do I figure out what your name is?”

The little creature paced a bit longer. Then it turned to Brett and pointed at the ink well.

“You want to write your name?”

The creature looked puzzled. Shook it's head and pointed at the inkwell again.

“your name is ink?”

The creature gurgled its odd little laugh and then indicated there was more. It pointed to the inkwell and then bit Bretts finger.

“Ow!” exclaimed Brett. The creature was bobbing it's head and clapping it's claws. Brett said, “Ink ow? That's your name? Ink Ow?” The creature nodded and grinned and then held up it's hand indicating more.

Suspiciously Brett said “the rest of your name isn't going to cause me pain is it?”

The creature gurgled and shook it's head. It paced around some more. Apparently the rest of it's name wasn't as easy to do with charades.

The creature looked at him and shrugged its scaly little shoulders. It could not come up with a way to explain the rest of it's name. It pointed to it's toothy mouth and gave the wait sign. Brett nodded. “I guess if you don't mind we can just call you Enkou for now.

Enkou nodded and grinned. Brett grinned back at it. Then he remembered the cats.

They had been watching the antics with suspicious interest. When Brett turned back to them, they were both sitting on the bed watching Brett and Enkou.

Brett looked at Enkou, “If you are going to stay with me in my cabin, I have a few rules.” Enkou looked at Brett solemnly. “No spitting fire unless there is a real threat, like monsters are attacking the ship or a bad human is stealing from me.” Enkou nodded, glancing at the cats. Brett looked at the cats too. “The cats are not monsters, they are my cabin mates. There is room for all of us here.” He glared at the cats warning them that the chasing of Enkou would not be tolerated. “Now,” he said, “come up here and meet our new bunk mate.” The cats glanced at each other. Then Ticouse Black jumped effortlessly off the bed onto the table.

Enkou startled, squeaked and jumped back, flapping his leathery little wings in agitation. Smoke puffed from his nostrils, but he kept the flame to himself. He trembled and looked at Brett. Brett nodded to him and said, “It's alright. Ticouse won't hurt you.” Bretts voice was edged with dire warning for Ticouse's benefit.

Ticouse meowed at Brett as if to say, “don't be silly I wouldn't hurt a flea.”

Ticouse sat down in front of Enkou and just looked at him. Brett said, “hold out your hand so she can sniff it.” Enkou looked at Brett as if he had just asked to chop off his fingers. Brett sighed. He held out his hand to Ticouse, she sniffed his fingers and then rubbed her cheeks on them. Brett smiled and scratched her ears. Ticouse began to purr loudly. This startled Enkou as well.

Brett smiled. “It's nice when they purr, it means they are happy and content.”

Nervously Enkou grinned at Brett. He looked warily at Ticouse, memory of being cornered and seeing their teeth bared and growling hissing noises coming from them was still fresh in his mind. He tentatively held out his claw.

Ticouse regarded him curiously for a moment. She looked at him and then decided to sniff his claw. Ticouse gray tired of being alone on the bed leapt to the table at that moment. She startled both Ticouse black and Enkou.

Enkou snatched his claw back to safety and Ticouse jumped back. When she realized it was her sister she nipped at Ticouse gray and then licked herself as if to say she meant to startle. Ticouse Gray sat next to Ticouse Black and looked with curious interest at Enkou.

Enkou glanced with fear at Brett. Brett said, “It's ok. Go ahead and let Gray sniff your hand.” He glared at the cats, “No more intimidation do you hear me?”

The cats ignored him, but their ears twitched toward him indicating they understood his directive. Brett nodded encouragement to Enkou.

He again held out his hand. He trembled with fear as both cats sniffed his hand. Ticouse black, acting bored with the introductions sat back and pretended to ignore everyone as she began to furiously clean her haunches. Ticouse gray found Enkou extremely interesting. She over came her trepidation and moved closer to him. She crouched down so she wouldn't be taller than him and moved closer. Brett said, “I think she likes you.”

Enkou wasn't convinced. He held out his hand again. Gray sniffed it and then rubbed her cheeks on his claw as Black had done to Brett. “Go ahead and pet her. She likes around her ears scratched and the back of her neck.” Brett showed Enkou how to scratch Gray. She began to purr and closed her eyes. Her lips curled into a smile.

Enkou felt her fur. The softness intrigued him. He continued to pet her and scratch the back of her neck. Ticouse black looked from Enkou, to Gray to Brett. She sauntered over to Brett and insisted her pet her.

Brett was happy. His creatures seemed to be getting along.

Now he could go find Corgan and explained this little development. Plus he needed to get a bed for Enkou. Ticouse black finally wandered back to the bed. She'd had enough attention and was ready for a nap. She glanced at Gray who was curled up next to Enkou. Both were sound asleep. Brett got up. Both Gray and Enkou sleepily looked at him. He announced to the creatures in the room. “I'll be back in a bit”. Then he left in search of Corgan.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Snow Cakes

The collective breath from the shaggy ponies rose up into the air forming a misty cloud around the caravan. Sierra and Cecil rode silently side by side, shrouded in their own thoughts. It was difficult to talk with mufflers wrapped about their faces. Sierra was glad for the ponies warmth, although she still felt cold. It was a chill that just wouldn't go away. It lingered in her toes, her nose, her fingers and the pit of her belly. The only thing that remained hot were the thoughts spinning madly in her head. Not only was it unfathomable that Mark had found her in Midgaard, but now he was tagging along on the expedition as well!

She couldn't be too upset at him. He hadn't asked to come, he was made to come because she was the only one who knew him. They figured until he proved himself, she could keep an eye on him and help him out as he learned the way of Midgaard. Cecil was also upset with her. Not because of Mark himself, but because of her reluctance to help him. He just didn't understand how disturbing it was for her to see him. She really hadn't understood her feelings either.

Mark had always been good to her. So what was her reluctance? She assumed part of it was that she felt she had escaped earth for good and would never have to go back. Now to have it come to her. It felt creepy, weird, surreal. She didn't realize until now how much she had relished her new life. Somehow she felt mark threatened that happiness, almost like he would try to draw her back into the relationship she had literally bolted from.

It amazed her that she had felt so trapped by him. It was crazy, he was really a nice guy. She glanced over at Cecil. His head was down to minimize the amount of cold air that hit him in the face. She also felt a loyalty to Cecil that felt threatened.

She turned in her saddle and looked back. She couldn't see him. He had been made to ride with the supplies. For that she was glad. It gave her time to think. She faced forward again. They had been on the move for two days. They were expected to reach the meeting point tomorrow. She wondered what the librarian would be like. It seemed odd that on a mission this important that they would want someone who could at least wield a weapon. A librarian sounded like a liability.

Sierra just couldn't get a grip on what she was feeling. She felt like her thoughts and emotions swirled about like the mist and snow swirled in the eddying wind. She was afraid of this confusion. She hadn't felt it since she had arrived here in Midgaard. For her Midgaard had been an experience of challenge and focus. Marks arrival heralded those old feelings of confusion, lack of direction and disappointment.

She sighed. She wanted to make it Marks fault she felt like she did, but it wasn't. He was just a trigger. She felt like this, her small voice deep inside kept saying, because she hadn't dealt with it. She had imagined she'd left all the confusion on earth.

A small glimmer of a thought began to occur to her. No matter where she was. Everything she had ever felt or would ever feel would always be with her, especially if she didn't deal with it. Finish it. She looked over at Cecil again. He was still wrapped in his own world of cold and fog. She turned her horse and went to the back of the caravan where she would find Mark. She needed to close it, finish it for herself. She searched the caravan. The oxen which lumbered along pulling the covered carts ignored her and her pony as she passed by. She searched the carts for Mark. It was hard to see individuals, as everyone was bundled against the cold. She finally spotted him on the last cart.

She felt a twinge of guilt. He was in this miserable cold because she hadn't stepped up to vouch for him. He had been given supplies and clothing, but she had been given better because of her status as a ranking officer within the expedition.

She turned her pony and rode next to the cart he was on. He obviously didn't recognize her because only glanced her way briefly. Assuming she supposed that she was one of the rangers assigned to guarding the carts.

He looked cold. He was huddled under a large fur, his head down to keep the cold at bay. He had only been in Midgaard about a week, so his hair remained close cropped. It was a clean groomed look that he had perfected as a detective. It made him look respectable and engendered confidence when he was out questioning people regarding a case.

He really was a nice looking man. He really looked out of place. She glanced at his shoes. He was still wearing his work shoes. They must not have been able to find boots for him. She figured his feet were probably ice cold. Again a pang of guilt stabbed her as she realized she could have helped him more and not acted like he was a serial killer from her past. She looked around. She saw the officer in charge of supplies behind her. She dropped back until she was riding abreast of the man.

He looked at her, recognizing the insignia on her arm patch.

Sierra lowered her muffler and spoke quickly, not asking but telling the officer what she wanted. He inclined his head to her as she pulled her muffler back into place. She hurried her pony back to Marks cart. This time he saw her ride up.

He looked at her with surprise. They hadn't spoken much after the first time. She had shown him around a bit but had been cool and indifferent to him. Now here she was riding next to him.

For him it was a total role reversal. On earth, even though she had been an excellent cop and her career as a detective had only just begun, he had always been the superior one. Older, more senior on the job etc. she had looked up to him, leaned on him. An independent woman for sure, but there had always been a certain amount of need to her. Now, she was in her own element. Battle hardened. Leading troops. He even noticed a swagger in her step that only came with a certain amount of cockiness and self reliance.

He looked up at her. He was miserable. His clothing was completely inadequate for the environment. He had not asked for anything. In fact, he was completely unsure what to do. The people around him were friendly enough, but he seemed as foreign to them as they were to him. His skills as a detective allowed him to pick up on some of what was going on, but even so the questions to ask eluded him as he had no idea what was going on. He had hoped Sierra would help somewhat, but she had seemed so incredibly upset to see him.

Now to see her here. He really was unsure what to do, so he did nothing. He just rode on in silence. He didn't see her glance at him so he didn't see the guilt in her eyes. They rode like this for several minutes, until the supply master came up. Sierra directed him to provide Mark with the provisions and then dismissed him. He was surprised and quite delighted with the warmer gear. He thanked her with a cheerful salute.

She nodded briskly and then rode back up toward the front.

He watched her go, his feelings all mixed up. Finally the cold reminded him of where he was. He pulled on a pair of leather leggings and then replaced his work shoes with the more sensible fur lined boots. he had also been provided with a thick fur cloak and mittens.

He felt a lot better after receiving the gear. But remained puzzled.

Sierra fell back into place. It was impossible to talk because of the cold and the muffler. She would locate him when they camped and try to talk then. She was glad she was able to at least help him out with the cold weather gear.

She saw Cecil glance at her, but she couldn't see his expression. So she just kept her face forward and tried to keep as warm as possible. The light was beginning to fail and she knew they would be stopping soon.

As it was the terrain which had been quite woody was beginning to open up into a flat whiteness. Cecil was pointing off to his left and indicating what looked to be a white mound. As they turned the group towards it it began to emerge out of the whiteness as a large gray structure. Eventually Sierra could see that it was a large stone fortress. It was low to the ground and appeared quite sturdy. There were towers at regular intervals around the structure, but they were only slightly higher than the rest of the building. As they drew nearer, Sierra could see what looked to be low walls were actually quite high. Definitely not easily scaled from the outside.

There was one way in it appeared. Through a drawbridge that at the moment was down. Around the fortress was a most unusual moat. Rather than water, a mist swirled about the fortress. It somehow looked alive as it twisted and writhed. She could hear moaning and howling coming from the moat. She shivered, the sound was eerie and made her think of the haunted houses at the Halloweens of her youth.

Dane halted the caravan at the entrance of the drawbridge where he spoke with the sentry on duty. A runner was sent into the forest, Sierra assumed, to announce their arrival. The sentry waved them on. Dane held his mount to the side next to the sentry. He would make sure ever last member of his party were inside before going in himself. Sierra and Cecil reigned in next to him and watched as the caravan rumbled past over the drawbridge.

As the last wagon rumbled over the drawbridge, Dane, Cecil and Sierra turned their mounts to follow. Sierra looked back at the failing light. The edge of the forest was dark and silent. The mist rose up through the trees shrouding them in an eerie veil. Clouds formed over the tops of the trees, threatening a snow storm. She shivered and turned toward the fortress. It's forbidding walls were inviting. She was grateful to forgo another night outside.

The courtyard of the fortress was full of milling people and animals. As the drawbridge closed behind them, handlers separated the animals from their carts and wagons and led them away to stables lining the outer walls of the courtyard. The wagons had all been moved to one side and were in the process of being secured against the coming snowstorm. Sierra was about to dismount when Cecil waved her forward.

He had pulled his muffler from his face. We are to continue into the fortress with out mounts. He indicated Dane and the other officers. She nodded that she understood. She took one last look around for Mark, but could not see him anywhere in the confusion. She followed Cecil as he rode through the next gate into the inner courtyard. Gates clanged shut behind them drowning out the din of the outer courtyard. Here they dismounted. Sierra was awed by the beauty of the courtyard. Ice sculptures lined the walk ways. Giant evergreen trees stood like stately columns. The trees were adorned with strings of lights, or so Sierra thought at first but as she got close to one she realized the lights flitted about the trees. Gold and silver lights flickering about the trees were actually fairies.

Despite her exhaustion and worries, Sierra grinned broadly. These were the first fairies she had seen since coming to Midgaard. They were so beautiful, that for a moment she forgot where she was. Cecil stood beside her grinning as well. He said softly, “Fairies used to be abundant in Midgaard, but Rhavidia has all but exterminated them. This is a haven for them. Sadly though, not all fairies can survive the harsh cold of the polar lands. These are special. These are auroras. They and their kind kindle lights where darkness would rule. It is said that they created a special crystal with their collective lights. It is supposedly hidden until the beast warrior rises to battle for Midgaard.”

Cecil sighed, “It's an old tale told to children to help them sleep. Perhaps we can hear it while we are here.” He smiled at Sierra.

She grinned back at him. They turned away and followed the rest of the officers into the fortress proper. All of them had been enchanted by the fairies.

The fortress on the inside was brightly lit with fairie lights lining the walls, small crystal orbs that rested in simple sconces. The hallway was short and opened into a Great room. Cecil explained the room was used for assembling the inhabitants. A staircase led up to a center point above the room where a podium and a dais stood. Wooden doors lined the room at intervals. In each corner of the room were fireplaces, all lit with blazing cheerful fires. A giant chandelier hovered in the space above their heads, filled with hundreds of the fairy lights. Brightly colored tapestries covered the dark gray stone walls and fresh straw was strewn about the floor.

A small door opened behind the dais. To everyone's surprise Red strode out the door, followed by several fairies and two tall robed men. A small but very swarthy bearded dwarf also entered the dais. Dane was grinning. Red had always been someone Dane looked up to. To find him here pleased him.

Red looked down, his bearded face solemn. He spoke, his voice carrying through the hall effortlessly, “Commander Dane, I would like to welcome you and your company to the Polar skirt Fortress. I know you have only begun this journey and already it has been grueling. What lies ahead, promises to be more and more challenging. It is imperative that you succeed. Your task is but a part in host of tasks orchestrated by Yaweh. It is important. Each and everyone of you has been chosen specifically for this mission.”

As Red spoke, Sierra wondered how Mark fit into Yaweh's plan. He didn't even know who Yaweh was. She marveled at the small eddies and currents that swirled about in Yaweh's plans.

Red spoke very quickly. The dwarf at his side was from Polar mountain. He would be their guide as they navigated the mountain range to the Polar plains beyond. The librarian Hiram had not yet arrived, but was expected in the next day or two.

Fairies came and collected them and led them to their quarters. Sierra and Cecil actually had rooms next to each other in the same wing, and to Cecils great delight, near the kitchens.

Darkness had fallen by the time they got settled. Cecil and Sierra got a bite to eat. Then he wanted to explore the fortress but Sierra begged off. He looked puzzled.

Finally she broke down. “Cecil, I feel really awful about how I treated Mark. I am the only person he knows here. It is such a new strange place for him. I feel I should at least explain what is going on and maybe help him out a bit.”

Cecil smiled warmly at her. Then he said, “I remember when I woke up here in Midgaard. It's been many many years since it happened to me, but I can remember it like I just arrived. He does deserve some sort of explanation.” he paused for a moment and then said, “I'm not sure if he is truly part of Yaweh's plan. I think his desire to reconnect with you is what drew him here.” His eyes sparkled with emotion that Sierra wanted to comfort, but as they had never really spoken of their feelings, she wasn't sure what to say.

She reached out and took his hand, bringing it to her lips. Quietly she said, “I'm so glad you were here for me to find.” she looked up at him and said, “Your selfless kindness to me can only be repaid by me passing it on to another in need.”

He nodded at her, smiled and gently withdrew his hand. Lightly he said, “you know where to find me.” he winked at her and turned down the corridor. She watched him go. Before he ducked into his room she saw him look back. She waved and then he was gone. Her feelings still swirling around in her heart and soul she walked out of the great room and into the chill of the tree lined courtyard. In the dark of the night, the trees sparkled as if crusted with the stars of heaven. She walked slowly through the trees, savoring the beauty of the sight. Just to the side of the large closed gate was a small man sized door. She knocked on the door and a sentry, opened the door. She was shocked to see that it was a dwarf that manned the sentry post.

He didn't smile, but gruffly asked her business in the outer courtyard.

She said, “I need to speak with one of men that rode with our supply carts. Could you tell me where they are quartered?” The dwarf pointed to a row of low roofed buildings across from the stables there was one building that ran along the inner wall and another that faced it. “How do I know where to look for a specific person,” she asked. The dwarf shrugged.

She said, “to get back in what do I need to do?”

He looked at her quizzically.

Sighing she said, “Nevermind.”

Back out into the cold, she noticed that it had begun to snow. Large flakes drifted peacefully down out of the sky. The courtyard now that it was empty was silent. Only her footsteps, crunching on the packed snow from previous snowfalls, made any noise at all.

She went up to the nearest building. There was no indication of what the purpose of the building was so she went to the door, which was just a thick leather hide stretched across the door opening. She listened for any noise but heard nothing. No lights showed through the cracks either. She continued down the lane created by the two long buildings. She came to a hard wooden door in the building on her right. Light did show through the cracks of this door. As she put her head to the door she heard what sounded like music. Opening the door a crack she could see it was the mess hall. Soldiers, workers and handlers were sitting at benches and tables eating, drinking and laughing. She entered the room. At first no one noticed her, but then suddenly the room went quiet. Every eye turned to look at her. Some with hostility, others with fear, some with curiosity.

A man in an apron rushed up to her and bowed low. He was nervous, “Is there something wrong sir?” he asked.

Confused, she said, “There is nothing wrong, I am just looking for a man that arrived with us earlier today.”

The cook looked around, “who is he and we will send him to you immediately!”

Sierra looked around. She didn't see Mark anywhere. She looked up at the cook. “He's not here, perhaps you could tell me where the supply workers are quartered.” she could feel the discomfort in the room. She hoped she could leave quickly.

The cook looked around, he spied a man seated near the fire, “Pip! Come here quick. Take the officer to the quarters of her supplymen!”

Pip looked less than happy to be drug away from his warm spot by the fire. Sullenly he glared at Sierra and motioned for her to follow him.

Pip was a small man that looked like he had been ill used. He was skinny as if he never ate. His face was pimpled and red. His large nose was the first thing you saw and could not help staring at. It just did not fit the rest of his small features. He frowned at her when he noticed her looking at his nose. Quickly she looked away down the lane. He shuffled as if his feet were too heavy to pick up. And he walked bent over like an old worn out man. Sierra wondered how he got the name Pip. She thought slug would have been better.

She followed the shuffling complaining Pip back around the to the other side of the long low buildings. Facing the stables was a large square building. It was nestled along an outer wall built of the same stone as the wall itself. It appeared to be a mini fortress. A solid wooden door banded in metal stood closed. Pip went up to the door and rang a bell pull. She couldn't hear the bell. They did not wait long before the door swung open and another dwarf appeared. This one was unusual because his beard was very short and he seemed taller than the other dwarves. In fact his features were more delicate than the typical dwarf.

The dwarf greeted Pip with, “What do you want? I thought you weren't sposed to be here till later.”

Pip grumbled, “Got an officer here looking for one of her men.” He pointed a long slender thumb back over his shoulder at Sierra.

The dwarf looked around Pip and scrutinized Sierra, he stepped back into the building and grumbled at Pip, “Why didn't ya say so, we can't keep the likes of an officer waiting in the cold!”

The dwarf bowed low to Sierra and shoved Pip to the side. He said, “follow me” and led Sierra into a brightly lit room with a large fireplace and a few stout chairs. “Who are you looking for?” he asked.

Sierra said, “His name is Mark. He is the one who looks out of place from the others.”

The dwarf looked at her in surprise. “I know the one you be talking of.” Quickly he left the room. Pip was still there. He pulled a chair near the fireplace and huddled up on it trying to draw the warmth of the fire.

He ignored Sierra and sat humming to himself.

Sierra paced the floor. There were a hundred things she wanted to say, but she didn't know how she would begin. She supposed an apology would be a good start. She was beginning to think the dwarf had gotten lost when the Mark appeared in the doorway. He stood there, unsure of what to do. The dwarf pushed him into the room. He went over and shook Pip who had fallen asleep. Gruffly he said, “Get up you good for nuthing piper! The crowd is waiting for you!” Pip grumbled and lurched out of the room after the dwarf.

Both Sierra and Mark watched the door until their footsteps faded away. Sierra opened her mouth to speak, but quickly Mark said, “Thank you so much for getting the cold weather gear for me. I think I was coming close to hypothermia!” he said, trying to keep his voice light and friendly.

She nodded, guilt tying up her tongue. “It's the least I could do,” she said. He was about to respond but she held up her hand. “No let me finish,” she looked hard into his eyes. He was still the same soft sweet man she remembered. With a small amount of sadness she felt regret at having hurt him, but she also felt that she had done them both a favor. Looking at him, she knew that no matter how good and kind he was, he was still not her true love. If she had accepted his proposal they would have eventually been miserable. With that thought she proceeded.

“Mark, I hope you have never doubted that you are a good man and have always been. The downfall of our relationship was me. I wanted something that you couldn't give and I had no idea what it was at the time. I was fooling myself up until I rejected your proposal.” she paced a bit while she ordered her thoughts and then she stopped and looked at him again. He stood quietly and relaxed, his face blank of expression. She said softly, “You know this don't you.”

He nodded. “I knew it the first time I saw you here. You are Sierra Washington in looks only. And,” he smiled ruefully, “you look good, better than I would have ever dared imagine, but,” and he dropped his voice seriousness taking over again, “but you have changed. It's like you soft outer side has burned away. You have a hardness about you that was only glimpsed before.” he shook his head. “truly I am in awe of you. I only hope that somehow we can remain friends here. As it is, we are definitely in a different class.”

She nodded, “it is a hard life here. Our modern world has made us soft, even though you and I both know that working the streets of New York city as cops is not an easy job. I do truly appreciate my years as a cop. I feel like it gave me a leg up here. I have learned so much.” she frowned, “truly it hasn't been easy, and the horrors I have faced, I wouldn't wish on anyone, but I would choose this life over and over again. I have never felt so alive as I do now. Every breath I take here in Midgaard is magical to me. I have never looked back, although,” and here she permitted herself to chuckle, “there have been a couple of times I have wished for a rifle or my service revolver!”

Mark smiled. “Well if it's any consolation, I had mine, but it doesn't work. I wound up throwing it at the monster that tried to eat me. It swallowed it whole and all I can hope for is that it dies from serious indigestion!”

They both laughed. Sierra said, “You're right, I have changed. You will have to has well,” she looked at him pointedly. “It's a Darwinian thing, either adapt or perish. Unfortunately, you won't receive the benefit of training that I did. I was given time to learn Midgaards lore, and taught the weapons available here. Not that it was easy, but I had time. You will have to learn quickly. Fortunately, like me you spent your career as a cop. It truly is experience worth having. I will do what I can to help you, but as you have seen I do hold a position of authority, but quite a limited position, I delegate the orders that are given to me. So my freedoms are limited.”

Mark nodded. He said, “Look Sierra, really just don't forget me. I think I will be able to find my way. Once I finally got used to the fact that I am here and that I am not in a coma dreaming it I began to observe. The hardest part for me is being dependent and right now that is what I am because of my lack of knowledge. Any hints you can throw my way to help lessen any faux pas would be greatly appreciated.”

Sierra nodded, “well I can give you the history of Midgaard. It's a familiar tale I know you'll recognize, but I cannot tell in the way it was told to me, which was just one of many amazing experiences for me here.” she indicated that they should pull up chairs next to the fire. She told him all about her arrival in Midgaard and all that had happened to her up until the moment he arrived.

Mark tried not to interrupt, but he had many questions. Sierra tried her best to answer all the questions, but some things were still new to her as well.

It was late when she finished. She was exhausted. Mark offered to walk back up to the inner gate with her, but she declined. She told him to get some sleep.

She smiled at him, and for a moment a bit of the old Sierra flashed up. He reached for her to hug her, but saw her stiffen, so he patted her on the back, one warrior to another. He did feel much better having spoken with her, and her stories woke a dormant part of him that thirsted for adventure. He knew he had landed in one. And she made him realize that his quality of life would depend on utilizing every skill he had to his best ability. He thanked her for coming and watched as she disappeared into the snow covered night.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Panic Attack

Rhavidia was angry. Azeria was still missing. She hadn't heard from her. She couldn't locate her. Even her worthless father Lucifer hadn't heard from her, not that Rhavidia believed him anyways, he was the prince of Lies after all.

To make herself feel better Rhavidia decided it was time to attack again. She sent out another demon host to fight the ranger stronghold. As they screamed up and away from her stronghold, she turned to her latest prize. The young girl brought in a few nights ago by her dark wraiths. The girl was a sorceress. She fancied the dark powers and the reversed runes. Rhavidia saw an opportunity to use the girl. But first the girl needed to be healed. She had suffered a lot of damage when she fought the otherworld sorceress in the rune grove. She went into the room where the girl lay. She was missing an arm the lower half of both legs and the right side of her face. She was being kept alive by Rhavidia's will. It didn't matter if she died, she could just retrieve the girl from Lucifer's lair. She had the mark of Lucifer on her soul. She considered letting the girl die and reanimating a better body with her soul. However, eventhough the body was damaged she would still be recognized by her friends and family in Midgaard village. She had a sister that Rhavidia wanted to get to. The little witch that had now escaped her harpies twice, and the two she was with.

She cursed that the rider had found them. He was a beast master that could turn even her fiercest of natural creatures against her.

She paced in the girls room. She needed Azeria. Azeria was key to defeating the beast master. Where was she? She wondered for the hundredth time. Azeria had left two years ago to track down another beast master before he came into his knowledge. They wanted to turn him toward their cause and use him against the older beast master. The last report of Azeria had been by that old master from warrior village. Her best spy yet. Kich was his name. What a coup for her to turn a respected master toward her cause. She had promised the old fool immortality and vitality. Indeed, he had already felt the effects of Rhavidia's generosity. She had reversed some of the effects of aging and placed him back in his prime. What he didn't realize was that the effect would last only as long as Rhavidia found him useful. After that she would hand his soul to Lucifer. She looked down at the mutilated girl. It would be awhile before she was ready to do battle again. She called for her surgeons.

It wouldn't be pretty, but Rhavidia could ensure that Amanda would walk again and have another arm. The face would be the most problematic. She told the surgeons to concentrate on the limbs while she searched for a suitable donor for the face.

She left the girl in the more than capable hands of her surgeons. From there she headed to her mountain laboratory.

She stood on the ledge and looked down at the creature suspended above the abyss. Below molten lava swirled and leapt. Tentacles of the molten rock reached up, grasping for it's brother. The creature was not yet awake. When it woke it's wrath would be enormous. Rhavidia was it's master. She could harness it's power and use it for her will. The creature had no power over her. She was it's creator and therefore immune to it's destructive properties. She refused to think of herself as one of Yaweh's creatures. He would not be immune to her. She could destroy him and take his place. She smiled down at her creature. He was her greatest creation. He could devour creation its self. Astronesthes was his name. She had used Yaweh's favorite language to name him. She would unleash him at the end that way she could watch as he devoured first Yaweh's precious angels and then Yaweh himself. Then she would send Astronesthes back to the fires of his birth. Once she was the supreme ruler of the universe she would have the power of Yaweh's throne at her disposal. She wouldn't need a beast to do her bidding.

The thoughts of ruling from Yaweh's throne made her impatient. She wanted to go now. But she remembered past attempts. She had learned from her earlier failures. Apparently Yaweh hadn't otherwise he would have destroyed her. A small thought occurred to her. Maybe he hadn't destroyed her because he couldn't. She savored that thought and let it grow. She felt her invincibility grow. She knew she would be successful this time.

She gazed one last time at her sleeping volcano beast, her destroyer of angels and stars. Her heart was full of her power. Giddy with her thoughts she went to the stables where the winged serpents were and chose her favorite mount. She spent hours flying about, ravaging village and terrorizing the countryside. When she had finally worn out the serpent she returned to her mountain lair and continued her vigil for Azeria.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Rider Tales

Violet woke with a start. It was quiet and dark. The smells were familiar, but she wasn't sure where she was. It didn't look like her mother's hut. She sat up and looked around. She remembered they were in a witches village. She remembered that Ginger had been attacked and poisoned by a Harpy. She wondered how long she had slept. She pulled on her boots and picked up her pack slinging it over her shoulder. She shivered a bit. It was fall and the leaves had changed. She pulled her cloak tightly about her. She opened the door and looked around the quiet village. It was dark out, so she couldn't be sure if the night had just fallen or if it were near dawn. She went out towards the hut where Ginger was. At the door she could smell the remnants of the tea the witch had used on Ginger.

She slipped through the door. There was a fire in the little stove keeping the hut warm and cozy. There were several lit candles flickering about casting dancing shadows all around. Ginger lay curled under a fur. All that could be seen of her was he mop of shining curls. The witch was not there. She looked around. Ginger was alone.

Violet went over to her and checked her breathing. She breathed the deep slow breaths of peaceful sleep. Violet let out a long slow sigh. She was relieved to see that her friend was recovering. She sat in the chair next to the bed and set her bag by her feet.

“You should be asleep yourself,” the deep voice said softly from the shadows.

Violet jumped up with a squeak of fright and looked for the source of the voice. She knew it was the rider, but she couldn't see him.

“I'm right here in front of you,” he said.

Indeed he stood before her, a smirk on his face, as if she should have seen him the whole time.

Angry, she hissed, “what are you playing at? Why would you startle me like that!”

“Startle you?” he said, “you startled me. I expected you to be in bed asleep, yet here you are wandering about in the middle of the night!” his eyes twinkled as he scolded her.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, still upset.

“I could ask you the same,” he said.

“She's my friend I have a right to be here. You on the other hand, You are the bringing of misfortune!” as she said it she regretted her harsh words, but he only chuckled.

“I could see where you might think I bring only misfortune. Afterall, since you have known me we have pretty much been running for our lives.” he continued to smile at her with which she could only describe as smug.

She realized debating with him was futile, he would just continue to turn her words back on her. So she decided to ignore him. It wasn't t be that easy. He refused to be ignored. “You realize you have only had a couple of hours of sleep?”

She just nodded. She decided not to let on that she'd actually had no idea what time it was, nor that she woke up because of a dream she was having. She decided the less she told him, the better she would feel. She sat back down by the bed and ignored the rider. He sat down on the floor and cross-legged.

The rider began to hum to himself. It was an odd little melody. It captivated Violet even when she tried to ignore it. As he continued to hum, she noticed that creatures came and sat before him. Staring up at him with rapt attention. Intrigued, Violet looked at the creatures that had come into the hut. A rabbit, a couple of squirrels, an owl, three little finches, a few spiders and a raccoon. When he stood humming they remained looking at him as if waiting for instructions. He handed the owl a rolled up slip of paper. To the rabbit and raccoon it sounded like he chittered, but each left the hut as if on a mission. To the rest he just put out various bits of nuts and seeds for them to take away. As for the spiders he allowed them to crawl into his hand. Gently he blew on each one. They sent out strands of silk and floated away on his breath.

Violet was spell bound. Quietly with awe she whispered, “You're the beast master!”

He turned to her and grinned, “You've heard of me then.”

Violet nodded. Her eyes narrowed. “What was the message you sent with the owl and to whom did you send it?”

“If you must know,” he said with feigned exasperation, “it was a message in reply to a message your mother sent me.” he handed her a small slip of paper.

With surprise she asked, “you know my mother?”

“Indeed I do,” he said with that ever present twinkle in his eye. “and at my request she is on her way here.”

Violet's eyes went wide. She wondered how she would get word to her mother. Now she was on her way. Relief that her mother would be her was almost more than she could bear. She wept quietly.

The beast master looked at her with compassion. “It has been a hard road for the three of you. It will be a happy reunion when you see your mother.”

“Whose mother,” croaked a voice next to Violet.

Quickly Violet wiped away her tears and laughed. “My mother,” she said, and then she hugged Ginger, “I am so happy to see you alive and well!”

Ginger said, “I don't know about well, but alive I think I am. I can't imagine that I will hurt like this when I am dead!”

Violet said, “how do you feel?” she placed her hand on Ginger's brow. It felt cool and damp as if she had just broken a fever.

Ginger looked up at her, “Well my head is pounding and I am so hungry and thirsty I feel like my throat is as dry as a desert and my stomach is sticking to itself.”

The rider had gotten up and ladled some of the healing tea into a mug. Violet helped Ginger sit up. She winced as she moved and said he side felt as if her ribs were broken.

“Your ribs are fine,” said the rider. You are just feeling the bruising and venom of the Harpy sting.”

Ginger paled as she remembered the Harpy attack. She looked around with fear. “Calvin and TC? Are they...” she trailed off afraid to voice her fear.

“They're fine,” Violet assured her. “You know Calvin, he needs his sleep and TC never strays far from him.” Violet smiled, “of course the witch that took care of you had to shoo TC out of her with a broom. She only let me stay because my mother is a witch and I have grown up learning their secrets.”

Ginger nodded relieved. She looked at the rider and said, “I saw you shoot that Harpy. That's the last thing I remember. Thank you for saving us, again”

The rider bowed low to her and said, “it's a privilege to rescue you.”

Ginger smiled weakly. “we have a lot to discuss, you and I,” she said to the rider.

He nodded solemnly at her. “yes we do, but for now it's imperative you heal. A harpy sting is not a gentle ailment. You may have beat the venom but now it is up to your body to expel it and it is not an easy task.” he smiled ruefully, “I fear you have a few bad hours ahead of you, in which death will seem like a blissful alternative.”

Ginger nodded. “Unfortunately I got curious about Harpies, and read about this. Never did I imagine one would poison me!”

Violet looked at the both of them. “You mean the tea didn't cure her?”

The rider shook his head, “The tea stopped the poison, but she still has it in her body. Unless she expels it, it will eventually kill her. I sent the raccoon and the rabbit out for some herbs that will help her through the next hours.” he looked at Ginger, “If you like I will remain here and help you through it.”

Ginger nodded emphatically. Violet too said she wouldn't leave.

The rider said, “Until the animals come back you should get all the sleep you can. Drink some more of the tea, it will relax you and help you drift off. When next you wake your body will already be in the process of rejecting the venom. You will need all your strength to help it.”

Ginger drank the tea and handed the mug to Violet. Soon she was breathing deeply again. The rider excused himself and said he would return soon. “Violet sat in silent vigil by Ginger's bed waiting for the battle hours.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Great breaths of fire!

Brett couldn't wait to get off the ship. The weeks at sea were starting to wear on him. His cabin had become cramped with the two cats, the baby dragon who seemed to grow at least an inch a day and now the pelican. At first Corgan had been extremely upset with him harboring the baby dragon. It took Brett three tries to explain how the he had found the dragon. He had no idea where it had come from. And until the dragon could talk, they wouldn't know.

Then one day while Brett was in Brias cabin discussing the merits of dragon raising, they heard a commotion on the deck. Bria remained in the cabin, her experiences on the deck left her weak, tired and stressed. So she stayed below no matter what.

Brett on the other hand rushed up to see what was happening. An extremely large bird had gotten tangled in one of the cargo nets that was on the deck for repair. The bird was flapping about and squawking at anyone who got near it.

One of the sailors was going to kill the bird with a mallet and another was arguing with him that it was bad luck. He dodged the two tussling over the mallet and shoved the others out of the way. The bird was a pelican. It saw Brett coming and began to struggle harder. Brett stopped and in a commanding voice ordered everyone to back away. He then dropped to his knees a few feet from the Pelican and began talking to it, but imitating the noises it was making.

The pelican stopped struggling and cocked it's head and one eye in Brett's direction. Brett had no idea what noises a Pelican made, so he tried other noises that he hoped sounded like a bird. The bird answered back with a series of guttural noises.

Brett edged closer to the bird, carefully moving the net so that it could get free without harming itself. Eventually the bird let Brett come right up to it and gently unwrap the net from it. When the bird was free it didn't take off but stood and eyed Brett with what he thought looked like an understanding and respect. The bird bowed it's head to him and then hopped up on the ships railing. It squawked once at him and then launched itself from the rail.

One of the sailors came up to Brett and said, “Handled like a true beast master. Haven't seen anything like that in years.”

“Beast Master?” Brett looked at the sailor quizzically.

“Beast Master,” said Corgan as he walked up and clapped Brett on the shoulder. “You know, I wondered why Burc tolerated you!” he joked heartily. The sailors standing around laughed with him.

Burc merely grunted.

Corgan looked at Brett, “you know Burc, that does explain a few things we have been wondering about.”

Burc grunted again. “One thing we do know for sure … we should be seeing the Port in the next day or too. Pelicans don't stray far from land.”

Corgan nodded, “'Bout time too. I've about used up my sea legs. I am ready for some land and a horse. I'm also ready to sink my teeth into something other than ships rations.”

Burc chuckled, “Land lubber!”

Brett had ignored their banter. He was still stuck on Beast master. What did that mean? Would that explain anything? Yet another puzzle piece coming to him and instead of falling into place he was still trying to see if all the pieces belonged to him.

Brett sighed. How would he feed all these animals, if they were all going to come to him!. He wondered how much Corgan and Burc knew about beast masters.

He squinted out over the ships railing, but saw no sign of land.

However, a white speck was flying rapidly at him. It was the Pelican. Brett wondered why it was coming back. It landed gracefully on the railing (making Brett wonder how it got tangled in the net in the first place.)

The pelican bowed it's head to him and then opened it full beak. Inside it had several fish.

Corgan whistled softly. “looks like the Pelican is offering it's catch to you!”

“What do I do?” cried Brett staring stupidly at the pelicans open mouth.

The pelican, tired of waiting, hopped off the rail and dumped it's catch at Bretts feet. It bowed once more to Brett and then launched itself back into the air. It swiftly disappeared into the distance. Brett picked up the flopping fish and headed down to the galley.

He kept three small fish to take to the cats and dragon for a treat.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Cleanup Crew

Margo,Reyla and Melebry inspected the rune grove. The battle had wrought many changes not only on the posts but on the grove itself. The grass was seared in lines connecting the posts. Where Amanda had connected the posts the grass was burned to a black ash, at least that's what it first looked like, but when Reyla picked it up it wasn't ash but fine sand, made of obsidian. It was as if she used the power of a volcano to connect the posts.

Neither Melebry or Reyla felt anything when they touched the obsidian ash, but Margo felt heat radiating from it. She had the feeling that she would be burned if she held a lot more than the small bit that rested in her palm. Indeed small blisters began to form on her hand shortly after dropping the sand back to the ground.

Melebry thought that might be a bit of useful information. She created some little pouches from the hem of her already tattered robe and place some of the obsidian ash in the pouches. She was a great collector of magical artifacts and carried around in her field fashioned pack several objects she had collected along the way. She hoped to get back to her laboratory to study the items.

The lines created by Margos power was a fine diamond dust. Melebry collected this as well. She kept cursing because the dust was so fine it was hard to collect.

Margo had been avoiding the runic posts. She was just a little wary about the amount of power that could be generated using them. She decided to inspect one of the diamond posts. First she just looked at it. It sparkled and shimmered in the morning sunlight. It was highly polished with facets glinting in ever direction. It was very difficult to see the runes at all. Gently she nudged the post with her power. She felt it gently attach to the smooth surface. She imagined the runes to sparkle blue like the ocean and they did, deep dark blue runes appeared on the surface of the post. Margo was startled. They were not futhark runes. They were different. She called to Reyla and Melebry. They looked at the runes as well. Reyla who knew very little of runes couldn't tell they weren't correct, but Melebry gasped.

“I am not sure,” she said, “My training in runes is extremely rudimentary especially next to Ti, but if memory serves, these are Yaweh's runes.” she studied the post a moment longer and then said, “Is there a way you can memorize these?”

Margo smiled, “Apparently one of my gifts is to know and understand the runes and incorporate them into myself.” she frowned for a moment, “I have to admit though, with these I feel like I am reading a different language. I have a basic grasp of the language, but it's deeper meanings elude me.” she concentrated on the post for a few moments and then let her power slide back into her. “it's not a sharp memory like I have for the futhark system. It's more of a knowledge that I have on the tip of my tongue, yet I can't verbalize it. Meaning I can use it if I need it, but I can't explain it.”

Melebry nodded, “I understand what you mean. It's like explaining how you access your power to a person who will never have power to wield.”

“Exactly,” said Margo.

Reyla had continued to explore the rune grove while they spoke. She had wandered over to the edge next to the wall of foliage that encircled the grove. Suddenly she started shouting for them to join her.

Melebry and Margo hurried over to the excited Reyla.

She was peering down a hole when they got to her. She reached her hand in the hole and pulled out something shiny and metallic. It was a flat silver disk. When she placed it in Margo's hand, Margo stared at it with amazement. It was a quarter. She turned it over. Her skin prickled with an odd sense of unreality. The quarter was a California quarter.

She whispered, “two worlds.”

“What is it?” Demanded Melebry and Reyla.

Margo barked out a humorless laugh. “It's a coin from my world. It seems it's a reminder of where I come from. I wonder,” she trailed off her mind jetting back to the others she had arrived into Midgaard with. She hadn't thought of any of them in a long time. For the first time she felt that there was a connection between her, them and earth. She wondered if any of them had had any experiences with earth. She wondered if there was a way she could find to contact each of them.

Melebry brought her back to the present and the rune grove by shaking her arm. “I see there is a lot going on in that head of yours. Lets finish here and get back on our way to Midgaard. It looks like we have more questions than answers here and all of our knowledge is back in the Midgaard library.”

Margo nodded. She noticed Reyla now looking at her with awe. She wished she wouldn't. She had really enjoyed feeling close to people. Now she felt like she was on the other end of the feeling different pendulum. For the first time she wished her power wasn't so fantastic. She slipped the quarter into the neck pouch she wore. And went to the first obsidian post. She could feel heat radiating from the post. The runic letters stood out as a red glow from within the post. She just knew if she touched it with her power it would sere her. She also knew that she would see the runes as Yaweh runes, but they would be reversed. She needed to heal the grove, so that meant starting over. From the beginning post and tethering back to the center post and continuing to reverse the effects that Amanda had created.

She told Melebry what she intended to do. Melebry nodded and stood by prepared to assist if needed. Tethering to the diamond posts was smooth and easy, quickly she was able to work her way through the first few posts. She hesitated as she headed for the center post. It was wrapped like a maypole with bands of diamond interlaced with the obsidian. She began on the center post by touching a diamond piece and slowly allowed her power to touch the obsidian. She felt the heat of the obsidian, but the diamond muted it, like a protective shield. She slowly poured more of her power and drew power from the tethered posts to put into the center post. She could feel the obsidian weakening against the onslaught. With no one to wield the obsidians power it began to crack. As it cracked and came apart the diamond quickly filled in where it vacated. Soon the center post was clear of the obsidian.

Margo felt the purity of the diamond and in her minds eye felt the shift of the runes as the righted themselves from the reversed positions. Emboldened and feeling the power of Yaweh course through her from the centerpost, the Yaweh post as it was called, she next focused her power on the last post Amanda had claimed. At first the obsidian resisted blocking her power, but she concentrated and the diamond formed a crack in the obsidian by reversing one of the runes. She forced her way through the crack causing the rest of the post to crack and crumble and reform with the diamond.

Each successive post fell faster than the last. When she finally completed the last post the entire grove lit up in a flash of pure white light from the center post outward. The light washed through the grove erasing all traces of the obsidian blackness that had marred it.

Margo released her power from the posts. For a few moments the grove and everything in it shone with the brilliance of Yaweh's power. Then it faded leaving behind the scent of a fresh spring morning and a feeling of hope. The posts had returned to their former rough cut stone appearance. The scorched grass and earth had been cleansed and new grass grass had begun to appear. Margo leaned on the center post. She felt drained.

Melebry and Reyla were walking about the grove in awe. “Aside from the new feeling, You would never know that a battle had been fought here,” remarked Melebry, as she scrutinized the trees which had also suffered damage.

“It's too bad the stones had to return to stone,” said Reyla, “but then if they had remained diamonds, there are those who would have risked the wrath of Yaweh to steal them and sell them.”

Margo merely nodded. All she wanted was to rest. She felt like she hadn't slept in days. In fact, she slipped to the ground feeling faint. Melebry and Reyla hurried over to her to help her out.

Melebry said, “It is time we move on. Here Reyla lets get her back to camp and let everyone know that we will leave at first light.”

With Margo supported between them, they hurried back to camp. As they entered the foliage a little imp stepped into the grove. It shuddered as it was surround by the Yaweh posts and the recent power of Yaweh. Quickly it darted back into the foliage and launched itself back into the air to report to it's mistress.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Camping for the Weak

Hiram dismounted, or rather slid clumsily off the pony. Ti and George had already dismounted, removed the riding gear from their mounts and had nosebagged them by the time Hiram could fall of his pony, pick himself up and start removing his saddle bags. George came over to help him while Tiarna cleared a spot for a fire.

The farther north they had gone the colder and wetter it had gotten. The first few days of the journey could be considered pleasant compare to the last two days. They had ridden through a cold wet drizzle that wouldn't quit. Eventhough they had waterproof cloaks, they still managed to feel a damp and wet that just wouldn't go away. Hiram wanted Ti to take them all into her book, but she patiently explained for the tenth time that it was difficult enough for her to bring people in let alone a bunch of animals as well and they could just leave their horses and ponies alone in the woods. They might come out of the book only to find themselves stolen by a band of thieves or eaten by predators.

Hiram felt she was exaggerating, but it made sense that if something attacked while they were in the book, they could become trapped. Although trapped in a nice little cottage in a perpetually pleasant forest, did not seem so bad as what his present reality was.

Hiram was dreading the trek in the cold and snow. He was dreading the possibility of armed combat. He glanced at the sword as if it would come to life and make him wield it. But it just sat there, quietly, in it's scabbard not menacing anyone. Hiram looked away. He was sure the ghost of his father stood by the sword mocking him for taking a position in the library and reading about heroic tales rather than being the one the wrote about. Indeed there was an entire section devoted to Hiram and Ti's family and their heroic battle riddled history. Ti knew all of the stories. She had lived them by entering the books.

Her ability to enter books happened when she was a child. Her father had been alive then. He was fairly indifferent to books unless it was the books that had the family histories in them, but he knew his daughter loved them and would bring her books from the far away lands that he visited. Colorful books full of pictures. There was a book about treasures and pirates and magic carpets that Ti looked at so much that the binding was beginning to crack and the pictures were becoming worn out because she carried it everywhere.

One day they found the book lying open on the large pillow Ti used for reading, but she was no where to be found. Or so they thought. They searched everywhere for the better part of an hour, calling her name. No one in their wildest minds would have thought to look at the book. It just so happened that their father was standing an staring at the pillow with the book resting on it, wondering where to look next, when Ti popped out of the book.

He had been so startled that he shouted. Ti had giggled and laughed. She had no idea of the fright she caused. At first it worried her parents but then as they got used to it her father began to bring home treasure books. Ti could locate treasure for her father by entering books. He had been bringing a book home to her when he was killed. No one knew what the book was but she had a page from it that he had managed to get into his hand before the killer and thief made off with the book. He was sure she still had the page. Ti and their father were very close.

These thoughts swirled through Hirams head as he rubbed down his ponies and covered them with blankets. He fed and watered them and tethered them to the picket line with Ti and George's horses. The animals huddled together for warmth.

Hiram was cold, wet and his mood matched. He knew better than to say anything to the overly jovial George who seemed to thrive. In fact, Hiram looked at George. When they had first met, George was an older looking man, his hair on his head was sparse and white. He had a large belly and wrinkles. Now he was in very good shape, his hair had thickened and even had traces of black in it. His beard he kept neatly trimmed although Hiram had told him often enough that he wore the beard of a dwarf or pirate.

George seemed to be reversing in age, or at least the effects of his age had slowed to a point where he felt vitality return. Hiram grumbled and dismissed it. He was cold and wet and miserable. He couldn't understand how george and Ti could be having a light hearted conversation and laughing of all things.

Ti said, “Hiram, really you do need to lighten your mood! If you do I promise the inclement conditions really will lessen for you.”

Hiram grumped at her, “my mood has nothing to do with the weather. It is wet, cold and miserable. A nice fireplace, an overstuffed chair and a good book, with a steaming mug of tea would be more than enough to lighten my mood! Hell, I would take a simple shack with a nice warm blanket and a firepit at the moment if it meant I would be warm and dry!”

George laughed, “Well, I can offer a fire, a nice cheery blazing one at that, but the rest, well we will just have to make do without. Oh,” he said as if just remembering something, “I can also provide you with this.” he rummaged through his pack and drew out a ceramic mug and a small box of tea leaves. He pointed to the fire where the tea kettle was just beginning to heat up, “I hope this will make a fine cup of tea as well.” beamed George.

Hiram felt bad. George was doing everything he could to make Him feel more comfortable and all he could do was complain. He was determined to try harder. He took the mug and tea box from George and mumbled his gratitude. He said, “A cup of tea should go a log ways toward making me feel better. Thanks you George.” he said humbly.

George grinned, “My pleasure,” he chortled.

Hiram brewed tea for all three of them. Ti escaped into her book for about thirty minutes and returned with some piping hot scones and a hunk of cheese she broke off into equal parts for the three of them.

By the time they had finished their small meal, Hiram had to admit he did feel better. It was nice to not be sitting astride a pony. They had made camp under the shelter of some large pine trees so the wetness only got to them from the wind blowing it under the bows. The rain did continue to drizzle, but the large fire seemed to keep much of it back. Soon they all decided to get some sleep. Ti got Maddie from the book and had her sit watch while they rested. Hiram felt like he hadn't been asleep long when the horses began to panic. He had been in the middle of a dream and it took him a few moments to shake the sleep fuzz from his head. Ti and George had already lept up and were staring out at the dark. Maddie stood next to Ti, her teeth bared and a low growl issued from her throat.

Hiram sat up and looked for his sword. It was resting against his pack just out of arms reach. He went to reach for it when the beast jumped into the clearing between him and his pack. He fell backwards and raised his arms to cover his face.

Ti shouted something at George and sent a blast of her power at the beast. It was dark and all Hiram could see of it were it's red glowing eyes. He could smell it's breath which smelled of rotting carcases. Hiram felt the urge to retch. The beast jumped back when Ti loosed another bolt at it. George grabbed Hirams sword and tossed it at him. Hiram missed and the scabbarded sword hit him in the chest knocking him backwards again. George had drawn his own sword and was edging around the beast to attack it's flank while Ti tossed another firebolt at it. Her firebolts were fairly weak. Her strength was in leaping about books and absorbing knowledge. Combat was left to the others who could deliver powerful blows.

She didn't let that stop her but continued to harrass the beast with her firebolts so George could try to get an opening and stab it.

Hiram fumbled with his sword. He managed to stand up but dropped the sword. The beast seeing him struggle lunged in his direction. It missed him as he kneeled to pick up the sword. Ti threw another firebolt over the top of him singing his hair, but she managed to light up the beast so they could see what it was.

It looked like a twisted version of a wolf. Hiram had read about them. This was a hell hound. He yanked the sword out of the scabbard. It rang causing the beast to pause. The sword in Hirams hand glowed with a holy light. The beast yelped and backed away. Hiram scared to death, nevertheless advanced toward the beast and pointed the sword at it as if to run it through. The beast howled it's unholy howl and fled the clearing. Maddie chased it to the edge of the clearing, barking and growling at it as if she were the one to chase it off.

Tiarna stood panting. The use of her power draining her. George sheathed his sword and put and arm around Ti to hold her up.

Hiram just stood and stared at his sword. The light was fading rapidly from the sword, indicating he assumed that the beast was rapidly retreating.

George said, “Hiram help me. Ti fainted.”

Quickly Hiram dropped the sword and grabbed Ti and helped George lower her to her bedroll. They covered her with her cloak. Maddie went to her, licked her hands and face and then curled up next to her to keep her warm. George picked up Hiram's sword and handed it to him.

“That's a very useful sword there Hiram,” he said, “probably want to take better care of it.”

Hiram nodded. He was ashamed of his lack of ability with it. “Maybe I should get myself more familiar with it. The next hell hound might not wait to let me get it unsheathed.”

George nodded solemnly. “well where we're going, I am sure we will find plenty of others who will be happy to teach both of us how to better use our swords. Truly I am not in anyway comfortable with mine either.”

They exchanged worried glances. Hiram made some more tea and roused Tiarna. They gave her some tea and a bit of bread from their provisions. She said she had a headache and went back to sleep. Maddie still curled beside her keeping her warm and safe.

George and Hiram took turns watching while the other rested. Neither really got any sleep, their minds still contemplating the hell hound.

When the woods began to lighten they saddled the horses and pony and restowed their gear on the extra pony. This time Hiram buckled on the sword. He would keep it with him from now on. Tiarna felt better, but she said she still felt a bit weak. To weak to return maddie to the book, so Maddie rode up on the horse with Ti.

The continued with their journey, moving ever northward. The drizzle giving way to sleet and finally soft fluffy snowflakes. They spent the next evening huddled together near the horses. They didn't want to risk another hellhound so they didn't light a fire. Hiram missed the tea. Their only comfort now lost tothem. Ti continued to regain her strength, but she still couldn't return Maddie to the book. Hiram saw that she took comfort in Maddie and that was probably the real reason she didn't attempt to return her. He didn't mind, Maddie was a good source of warmth and an excellent watchdog. She also had a good sense of direction in the snow.

It was late on the third day when they emerged from the woods. The snow was blowing and the wind was howling. The storm hadn't quite kicked itself up into a blizzard yet and then could just make out the lights in the fortress tower. They headed towards the fortress. Which was slow going as the snow had become deep and soft. The horses plowed through with some effort, but the ponies were up to their necks in it. Hiram had to follow behind the horses as they blazed a path.

By the time they had reached the fortress, night was beginning to descend. The sentry had seen them coming and had delayed the drawing of the bridge. He ushered them through the gates up to the second courtyard. Unlike when Sierra arrived the courtyard was blanketed in thick snow. The fairies had all gone into hiding, so the large evergreens were shrouded in white with more falling upon them. The wind had picked up and was beginning to howl. Their mounts were lead away and a servant brought them into the fortress proper. They were given rooms and food. Hiram felt he was in heaven. A real bed, a fireplace and hot food.

He said goodnight to George and Tiarna and reveled in his good fortune.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Witch's Way

Ginger felt ghastly. She had never felt so sick in her life. Reading about the withdrawals of Harpy Venom from your system and actually experiencing it were not even close. Whoever wrote the book must have wanted to spare the reader. If she ever met the writer she would kick him or her.

She had no idea that some one could empty themselves of so much fluid from just about every oriface of their body. Now that she was on the other side of the detoxification, and she was alive all she wanted to do was feel better. Her muscles ached from cramping. Her nose mouth and throat were raw from expelling fluids. She felt hollow. She was afraid that if she looked in the mirror all she would see is an empty shell of what had been Ginger. The rider had sent both Calvin and Violet away at the worst of it. For that she was glad. Violet was already in emotional debt over her being stung by the harpy that she didn't want her to feel worse about something she wouldn't have been able to prevent in the first place. As for Calvin. She just didn't want him to see her like that.

TC on the other hand remained by her side. Beast master or not,even the rider couldn't persuade her to leave. Ginger was glad that the first face she saw when she opened her eyes after passing out, was the warm fuzzy muzzle of TC. Her big brown eyes smiling at her and he snout resting on the bed.

Ginger weakly lifted her hand and place it on TC's fuzzy head. He vision was still a bit blurry with sleep and exhaustion. She was even too tired to speak above a hoarse whisper. “I think I will make it TC,” she croaked. If you want you can go tell Violet and Calvin I will live. I just need to rest now.”

TC pawed at the blanket and then nodded her head as if to say, “I'm glad you're back with us, rest now.”

Ginger's lips curled into a faint smile. Before she drifted off she saw the rider as he waved something smoky over her.

The next time she woke she felt more refreshed, yet still weak. When she opened her eyes there was no one else in the hut with her. The fire had burned low in the stove and light poured in from the door that remained ajar to her room. She found that even though she was weak she could move. She felt a slight discomfort from her side where the harpy had nailed her with its tail, but it only felt like a bruise now, not like broken ribs. She sat up and rested. She felt light headed like she hadn't eaten in days. The hollow feeling had receded and the only emptiness she felt was from the pit of her stomach wanting food.

Her arms and legs felt rubbery as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and placed them on the floor. Next to the bed were her clothes, neatly folded. Slowly she pulled them on, the toughest part was the pants. He balance was off a bit and when she bent over she got dizzy.

She looked around and finally located her shoes peeking out from under the bed. Sthehe slipped those on and looked for her cloak. It was nowhere to be seen. She shuffled to the door. Her legs refused to pick up her feet just yet, and looked out. After the darkness of the room, the sunlight as weak as it was through the trees, still stabbed her eyes. Squinting she waited until her eyes finally adjusted. It seemed like she was going to have to do everything in slow motion for awhile.

She could only see trees and foliage surrounding her. The boles of the trees were enormous. They almost looked like giant round walls. The spaces between them were thin pathways that a large deer would be hard pressed to get through. The clearing was deserted. She wondered where everyone was. She assumed they wouldn't leave her and must have a good reason for being away. She decided that she would try to get better use of her body while she waited for them to come back. In the center of the clearing was a stump. It looked inviting as it was in a nice patch of sunlight. With some effort, a lot of stopping and resting and much panting she staggered over to the stump and plopped down. Her heart was racing, but she actually felt pretty good, like she was re-oiling her engine and getting the bugs worked out of it.

She was just contemplating the return trip to her hut when she heard voices. It sound like the whole village had left and was now returning.

She remained on the stump as the first group walked through the main opening between the trees. It looked like there were the regular inhabitants mixed with travelers. They came into the clearing in threes and fours, some in pairs. And they disappeared into the various camouflaged huts. Some of the huts she didn't even know were there until the residents actually opened the doors and went in. so far no one seemed to notice her sitting on the stump. She figured they didn't expect her to get up. She was beginning to think she was invisible, until TC bounded through the entrance and raced up to her. Ginger laughed, TC's ears flapped as she ran. Calvin ran to her as well. Then she saw Violet and the rider with a small slender almost elfish looking woman. Violet was grinning from ear to ear. She said something to the woman and raced after Calvin. They greeted her with hugs. TC licked her face. They were overjoyed to see her up and about as she was glad to see them. The rider and the woman walked over at a more sedate pace. Ginger stood and held on to Calvin and Violets arms as she was introduced to Violets mother, Anya.

Anya looked at her and smiled. “For the recipient of a Harpy attack you look pretty good,” she said.

Ginger laughed, “For the first time in days I finally feel something of myself”

Anya nodded. “Harpy attacks are brutal. As you can see if you have the right assistance, they are survivable. But for the rest of your life you must take care. Eventhough your body purges the venom, a bt will always remain with you. If you allow yourself to get too weak you could relapse with a Harpy fever. It is by no means the hell you just went through, but it will put you down for a few days with fever, chills and general sickness. I reminder I guess of the venom detox process.”

Ginger shivered. “That is something I never want to go through again.”

Anya smiled at her, “It's good you are young and strong. Your body recovers much easier, and your mind even more quickly.” her tone became much more serious, “there is one other side effect of the Harpy venom. It could make you barren. There is a very good chance that you will never be able to bear children.”

Ginger didn't know how to feel about that. She still felt like a child herself and the thought of having babies, just didn't seem like something she wanted at the moment. She smiled crookedly at Anya, “I don't know how I feel about that,” she said, “ at the moment having babies is about the farthest thing from my mind.”

Anya nodded, “from what I understand, in your world women don't consider having babies until they are much older. But here,” and Ginger saw her glance meaningfully at Violet who blushed, “they get married at your age or earlier.”

Both Ginger and Violet glanced at each other. Anya was making them both uncomfortable. Fortunately the rider and Calvin had walked away and had missed this part of the conversation.

Ginger held on to Violets arm and found that the walk back wasn't nearly as difficult as the walk to the stump had been. By the time she got back to the hut, not only was she very very hungry, but she was also worn out.

Violet and her mother left. Calvin, TC and the rider remained with Ginger and had a bite to eat. Soon after Ginger was ready for sleep again. The other witch had come back to check on her. She was soon fast asleep.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Rehash

It was an old argument, Violet wanted to be a normal person, her mother wanted her to be a witch. Violet felt herself losing the battle. She knew in her heart she would fall in with her mother an her mother's people. She would live a semi gypsy life and be regarded suspiciously outside of their community.

It was like they had to have the debate one last time before Violet succumbed. The argument didn't even get heated like it used to. Violet was the one who had changed. She knew it, she knew it like she knew that she would follow her mother. In a way she welcomed it. She was glad for the direction. She did feel sadness that she would never have the opportunity to get married and raise a family, but as she said good by to her childhood dreams, she began to sense a shift with in her. An awakening that would guide her as she became what she was truly meant to be.

The outsiders called her mother and the others of their community witches, gypsies or gypsy witches. It was fine for them, but within their own community they knew they were more than that. They were a sisterhood. They shared a bond like the trees they nurtured. They were all connected at the same source. There was one among them that they all branched out from. She was mother to them all. There would never be any males born to a witch. It was impossible. They just needed males, human or otherwise to begin the process of bearing a baby. There was very little else that men could provide to the community. Violet and her mother spent many hours preparing her for her rites. It was time for her to step fully into her birthright and complete the process.

Violet wondered how she would feel afterward. Things would change. Her name would change. Her looks would change. She wondered what would be left of her. She was afraid. Her mother said it was scary, not knowing what it would do to you. But she promised that Violet would embrace the changes that the rites brought about.

The next few days were spent preparing herself for the rites which would culminate in a meeting with the mother and then a celebration feast. Violet was the only remaining child of the mother. She wondered then if she would be like Ginger and unable to have children.

She didn't have long to dwell on it as she was expected to meet with all the others in the clan. There were a few who would not show. They had perished either long ago, due to Rhavidia's ravaging or they didn't survive their sapling status. This was the end of Violets sapling years. She would now move into the next stage which were called the Pole years. She would develop all that she had learned in her sapling years and become entrenched in the lore of her people. From there she would move into her mature years where she would produce her own children. For her kind they typically had only one child unless they were the mother tree themselves. Far into the distant future would be her old years. Typically everyone in the community lived as long as the mother. When she began to die, they all did. When that happened a great gathering of witches would begin and all the communities would come together to ease the passing of the dying community. It had never happened in Violet or her mother's lifetime.

Ginger, Calvin and the rider were all outsiders. Though they were made to feel welcome, they also felt a bit in the way. They were not to be included in any of the rituals or goings on. They were invited for the feast at the end but that was several days from now.

Violet came once to spend a couple of hours with them all to explain what was happening as best she understood it. She told them all that no matter what she became, that somewhere inside she would still be Violet. After that they didn't see her again. The witch that had helped heal Ginger was also busy. It seemed that before Violet went to visit the mother, she had to visit all the others. It could take days.

Ginger decided to use the time to explore the wood and regain her strength. So with Calvin, TC and the rider in tow, they spent their time getting to know witch wood.

Violet watch as her friends left for their daily excursion. Part of her longed to be with them, but another part of her was immersed in all that she was learning. She knew that there were rituals involved with the rite of passage her people went through, but she had no idea that it was so intense. Just meeting with each individual of the community was overwhelming.

She was intrigued to find that though she had not met some of them she still knew them. Her mother said it was through the connection with the mother that she knew each and everyone in their community. Finally three days later, it was time for her to go to the mother. By this time violet was sure she knew the mother, and perhaps that was why she had to spend time with everyone. Because each carried a piece of the mother within her.

As she walked up to the mothers hut, she felt the strength of the bond. It seemed almost tangible, like she walking in to see herself. The mother lived in a hollowed out tree. Her home was sparse and consisted of a small fire place, a cot like bed and cupboard for food. She did have herbs strung about the ceiling. The floor was covered with fresh rushes and the fire was lit with a cheery blaze. The mother sat in a comfy looking chair and a book laying face down on the small table next to her. Violet could see from it's condition that it was an old and much read book.

The mother stood as Violet entered. She was smiling and kindly looking. Not stern and old as Violet had imagine. Not that she wasn't old, because she did look old. Violet just expected to see a hag.

“Come in daughter,” the mother said with a pleasant voice. It sounded almost like a summer breeze rustling through a leafy canopy.

Violet felt as ease with the mother, but she also felt that something unexpected was about to happen. The mother indicated the chair Violet should sit in. she hadn't seen the chair when she walked in, but there it was next to the small table across from the mothers chair. As she sat so did the mother.

“Violet,” she smiled, “this won't take long. I know you have been preparing for your rites for days now and have talked to everyone in the family. I am sure you have learned a great deal, but then feel like you know next to nothing.”

Violet nodded, that was exactly how she felt.

The mother poured them both some tea and took a quick sip of hers. Violet looked at the tea, but suddenly felt reluctant to pick up the cup. She looked at it. It was normal enough looking, but the aroma was bittersweet. It held promise of a full bodied flavor, yet to drink it would fill you with both sadness and happiness. She looked at the mother.

“The tea promises all that your senses detect. But it is so much more than the mere senses can predict.” she looked at Violet, set down her teacup. “I know for a fact, because I know what each of my daughters and their daughters feel, think and know, that no one has even hinted the reason you speak to me now. None of them except my first daughters ever needed to see me before their rites. Indeed, they did not need to even speak to the entire community. Why do you suppose that is?”

Violet shook, she knew but she didn't want to know. She knew what was coming as surely as she had known it when she began her arguments with Anya. Meekly she said, “I am the last great mother. It is I who will be cut from you. It is I who becomes mother.” as she spoke these words she felt a force rise up with in her. She felt the collectiveness of her family begin to fade from her. She had to speak with them all so that she could take their knowledge, their wisdom and continue it while they passed on. She didn't need the tea to feel the sadness. “Mother,” she asked, “how long do you have?”

The mother laughed. It was a joyful sound. “A my cut daughter, I have at least the time of a human left. We cut you but do not leave you. You would perish. No we will be here when your first daughters are saplings. We will see your daughters grow their saplings and then you will be there, you and your daughters to aid in our passing. It is our way. It is long ago in our memories when I was cut. Drink the tea and begin where the rest of your family is ending. Our roots will always have memory of each other, but when we perish yet we will also live.”

Violet stood and moved in front of the mother. She kissed the mother on the forehead and picked up the teacup. “Before I drink the cup of severance, please mother, give me my Mother name.”

The mother smiled a joyful grin, “Go my daughter and for henceforth be known as Mother Ibolya.”

Violet smiled, “Ibolya,” she said. “I, Mother Ibolya drink the cup of severence. I will propagate my future with the memories and wisdom of my foremothers.” with that she drank. The tea was pleasant and sweet with a bitter twist. Joy, sorrow, longing, loss, accomplishment, victory all of it swirled through Ibolya. She closed her eyes savoring each bittersweet sensation. When the feeling subsided, she opened her eyes. Everything looked the same, but she felt an emptiness near her heart. For the first time in her life she felt as an individual. She felt alone. She looked at the mother. She could no longer see her with her soul. The tears came. She sobbed. The mother stood and wrapped her arms around her daughter. She too felt the pain of loss, but for her it was so different from the severing as a young one.

In her mind the mother thought, this is why we sever the young, they can handle it. If all my daughters were severed from me now I would surely wither and die. She held the girl in her arms, felt her sobbing, could feel her soft skin under her hands but no longer could she feel the pain, nor the joy. She had lost a daughters soul this day.

Finally Ibolya stopped sobbing and stepped back from the mother. She wiped her eyes. She smiled at the mother and said, “I guess I knew all along and have prepared myself in someway or another for this day. With everything happening, the Harpy attack, Rhavidia and the book quest I had pushed it all from my mind.” her voice apologetic.

The mother smiled at her. “It doesn't matter if the world is in perfect balance, the severing is still hard. But from the end that I have just experienced the severing, I think it is the harder to lose a daughter than to lose a mother. If I had to lose all my daughters today, I would surely weaken and die. Today by severing you, you will become stronger and stronger. Each of your daughters will make you stronger.”

Ibolya nodded. She said, “ I will make you proud mother.”

With that there was nothing more to say. Ibolya hugged the mother again. Then when she left the mothers tree hut she felt she was looking at the world not only with a new name, but a new consciousness. She felt potential energy wrapped up in her as if the severing had stopped the outward flow of her energy toward others and left more for her to use. At this point she didn't think she would ever feel like sleeping ever again!

She walked back to the guest hut where her mother was staying. She stood outside the door and felt. She always knew where her family was, where the people of her community were. She was always able to recognize members of the family through her bond with them. Now she didn't know if anyone was even in the hut. She knocked the door.

Her mother opened the door. Tears stained her cheeks. They fell into each others arms, loss freshly felt all over again. Anya touched her hair, her face. She clutched at Ibolyas hands. “this is the only way I can feel you now,” she whispered heartbroken. Ibolya nodded. Her heart felt like a rock in her chest.

“What happens now,” said Ibolya. Anya looked at her. They both looked so miserable that they laughed.

“Well I believe we have a ceremony and a feast to endure.” said Anya. You also have a few friends who would probably like to know where they are headed next.”

“Basically, I need to get my head and heart straight and get going.” she wiped the tears from her eyes and said, “Rhavidia doesn't care that I've been severed. And she won't wait for me to get my head straight.” Ibolya laughed ruefully. “Very well lets feast!”

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

The things you pick up

While Violet was overwhelmed with familial duties, Calvin, TC and Ginger took the opportunity to explore. It had been months since they felt like the could just do what they did best. Hang out and explore. They never worried about being able to find their way back because of TC's uncanny dog ability to find her way anywhere.

The witch wood was a lot different than the forest around around Midgaard Village. The trees weren't giant evergreens even though there were evergreens. Mostly these were trees like birch, elms, ash and oaks etc. Since it was autumn, these trees were displaying a rainbow array of colors. Ginger loved the trees. She enjoyed walking through them climbing them and just being around them. Calvin liked them too, but his mind was elsewhere.

He was actually thinking about Violet and her family ritual. Ginger who was still walking slowly and tiring quickly, had sat down on a fallen tree. She was chattering on about something, but he really hadn't been listening.

He was lost in his thoughts and wondering what rite of passage she was going through when Ginger's voice cut through his thoughts. “So what do you think?”

Puzzled he said, “about what?”

Ginger groaned and put her head in her hands. “You weren't listening were you?”

He looked sheepish, “No I wasn't I'm sorry.”

“Nevermind,” said Ginger, “I really was just chattering on about nothing. I guess I am just glad to be alive. I mean I feel so very alive.” she grinned. She couldn't stop grinning she felt so good. “so what was occupying your thoughts?” she asked.

He thought for a minute. “Alot of things really but mostly about Violet and her family. I mean, you and I came here and left family behind. We were both pretty young. I don't think either of us realized what we were missing, but now.” He paused, concern crossing his face, “I can barely remember what my Mom and Dad looked like. You know what I mean? The closest thing to family that I have is you and TC.”

Ginger smiled at Calvin, “Aww that's sweet of you,” she said.

Calvin flushed, “I don't know about sweet. I just know that without you and TC, I would be alone. It seems like all my life no one has really understood me like you guys have.”

Ginger nodded, “I know what you mean. And not just because we both come from earth. Really I do remember it, but like a back of the mind memory. I think I am so used to being here now, that I would be lost on earth.”

Calvin said, “Does that make us Midgaardians?”

Ginger said, “I think we would be considered legal aliens at this point.”

The both laughed. It felt good after all the running and hiding they'd had to do in the last few months.

TC had been out sniffing around. She came trotting back. She was panting as if she had been running the entire time, which she probably had. She laid on the ground at Gingers feet. Calvin went and scratched her ears. No matter how smart she was getting, she still loved typical dog things, like having her ears scratched and her belly rubbed.

They day was beautiful. They sat for a long time just listening to the forest noises. Ginger spoke up first. “What do you think of the rider?”

“I think it's funny we call him the rider,” said Calvin “I mean really the only time we saw him ride was when he came to the river village. Since then he has been on foot like us. What I wonder is why we haven't asked us his name and why he hasn't volunteered it.”

“hmm,” said Ginger, “excellent points. TC what do you think of him?”

TC stood up and barked. At first they thought she was responding to Gingers question, but then they heard footsteps coming up behind them. They turned around to see the rider coming towards them. TC was happy to see him. She bounded over to him.

He laughed as she cavorted around him. “You are truly unique for a dog.” he said.

She barked a few more times and he replied, “I see. Ok well then perhaps I should tell you all.”

Calvin said, “You understand what she says?”

“Of course, don't you?” he said.

“Not all the time,” replied Calvin defensively.

“Oh well then, she said you guys have been wondering what my name is. I thought you knew. Of course I was puzzled as to why you always referred to me as rider or the rider. Pretty much I walk every where. Horses do provide a nice ride, but I prefer not to ride unless absolutely necessary. A bit of a guilt thing I guess.” He smiled.

Calvin said, “Well the reason we call you rider is actually kind of dumb. The first time we saw you was when you were on a horse. We assumed you were bringing a message to the village leader.” Calvin reddened, “We err I sent TC to spy on you and see what you had to say.”

The rider sat down on the ground and looked up at them. “You know a lot has happened since we fled the village.”

Calvin said, “By the way, I haven't thanked you from rescuing me either.”

“Like I said, a lot has happened.” the rider paused for a moment, “when I rode into town that day I wasn't sure what I would find. I knew I was looking for three kids. I had no idea about TC. She wasn't mentioned, of course most folks discount the animals so needless to say I wasn't surprised. In fact, she managed to surprise me, but I wasn't expecting her. At any rate, I was on a mission. Not from Midgaard Village but from Red himself. He came to me and said that I needed to find the three of you and direct you to the fortress in the Polar North. You have no idea how long it took me to find you, and it seems I am not the only one looking.” he took a breath, “anyway, before I go much further,” he stood up, “Allow me to introduce myself, I am Beast Master Piotr.” He grinned and with a flourish, bowed low to them.

TC barked in acknowledgment.

“Beast Master?” said Calvin, “What's a Beast Master?”

Ginger nudged Calvin, “sounds pretty self explanatory to me,” she said.

“I guess on the surface it is as it sounds, but it is so much more than mastering beasts, it's mastering ones self to be in harmony with the beasts. For instance, I understand TC perfectly well, not only her sounds but her body language as well. But that's just the basics. It's an ability. As a matter of fact, there is only one other that I am aware of that has this ability, however, he may know of it yet. I do know that he arrived in Midgaard at the same time you guys did.”

Ginger and Calvin looked at each other and then burst out laughing. “Brett is a beast,” said Ginger. He couldn't even manage mastery over a butter knife!”

Piotr was laughing. “Be that as it may,” he said, “but eventually he will find his ability.”

Calvin and Ginger refused to be unamused by Piotr's declaration so he continued with his tale.

At any rate when I arrived in the village I found that you guys had been detained. They told you that the bridge had been taken out in a fight. There had been no fight. The village was keeping you there until Rhavidia's Harpies could take you away. They had all sorts of clever tricks. They tried to detain me as well. That night we escaped, Unger, the one you watch at the dice game, he is a shape shifter. But his real shape is as a hell hound. He and his pack is what chased us to the river. Fortunately hell hounds can't swim.”

“Sooo,” asked Ginger “I have a few questions about that night. “When TC and I went and searched your room … before we went in you came out with a woman you were speaking to. Who was she? And I found something in your room on the floor, in fact, I forgot all about it until now. Unger knew about it.”

“My room huh?” he looked concerned, “they didn't give me a room. I had hoped to get there, get you guys and leave, but they caught Calvin eavesdropping,” at that Calvin blushed. “ and then you and violet nearly got caught by a hell hound. I was able to draw it off. You know the rest of that part, but the object you found, where is it?”

Ginger said, “it's in my bag in the hut. It kind of looks like a small silver egg. It fits perfectly in my hand and is warm to the touch, not cold like regular metal.

“you acquired a truth egg. I don't think the hell hound really meant to part with that.” he chuckled. “I think he used it to attract you and then while you spoke it would compel you to tell the truth, but it has weird properties and will only work for the rightful owner. Looks like you claimed ownership of it.” he laughed. “Hell hounds aren't the smartest, but they are cruel.”

“Piotr, what are we to do now?” asked Ginger.

“Well, right now we are waiting for you to heal. You are still too weak for lengthy travel and we do have a ways to go. Red wanted us in the Polar lands at the fortress to meet up with the others, but I have received word that they are moving on any day now. He has new plans for us, but I haven't been told yet. I believe Violet is included in our plans, but she must pass through her rites and become a full fledged witch before she will be ready to continue.”

Calvin said, “I'm curious to know what exactly is happening with Violet.”

Piotr laughed, “I too am in the dark about the witches doings. It is a matriarchal society and men aren't exactly an integral part. We are tolerated and occasionally useful, but generally unnecessary.” he coughed.

Calvin looked uncomfortable. Ginger laughed.

They all sat in silence for awhile, each lost in their own thoughts.

Soon the air started to take on a chill and the sun began it's descent toward the west. They decided it was time to head back to the village.

** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Rites

By the time Violet had finished with the mother, Ginger, Calvin and Piotr had become quite familiar with the surrounding forest. Ginger had gained quite a bit of her strength back and was able to keep up with Calvin most of the time.

They were sitting on the stump in the clearing playing a game of I spy, when they saw Violet come back from the mothers hut. She looked upset. She stood outside the guest hut looking indecisive about going knocking or just going in. Eventually she knocked and her mother opened the door. She was only in there for a short while before emerging. She hugged her mother and hurried over to the hut she had been using.

Calvin and Ginger decided to go see her. TC looked at them and then at Piotr. Piotr waved them on. Violet and I will talk eventually, but for now she has many important things on her mind, and I am the least of those things.

TC decided to stay with Piotr as she too was caught up in the I spy game, of course it was new for her.

She had already disappeared into the hut so Ginger knocked on the door. Violet opened the door and looked out. Ginger could see she had been crying and now her face was a mix of sadness, happiness and serious determination. She seemed different as well. Ginger couldn't put her finger on it but she hoped Violet would explain.

She looked at them almost as if she didn't know them, but a moment later she seemed to snap out of it and said, “Wow! I am so glad you guys are here. It has been a real strange couple of days for me.” she stood there for a moment more and the said, “What am I doing, come in you guys!”

She pulled them in and shut the door behind them. Calvin couldn't wait any longer, “what happened to you? What are these rights? And why do you seem so different? You look the same but something is … missing” he stammered.

Violet nodded, “there is apparently a lot that I didn't know about my own family. I just found out that the mother is dying.”

Both Calvin and Ginger looked alarmed.

“Oh that's not the worst of the news she will live long past your short human lives, but I found out that I am the last of my family. Because I am the youngest and the most vital I was separated and now must start my own clan family.”

This was so far out of the realm both Calvin and Ginger knew that they had absolutely no useful advise to offer.

“Oh and by the way, my name is now Ibolya. My name was also severed and stays with the family.”

They both just stared at her.