I was quite surprise that there were so many mistake since I had done a full charm check. I reread and made corrections hope I got them all.


Chapter 1

Even as a sister in a crib I was aware ... I might not have undestood everything but I was aware.
What I was the most aware about was the soft sweet smelling creature that held me and comfored be and fed me from the soft containers on her dresser. Dangling from her neck was a gold string with a medalion whose image was that of a gold greeneyed firedrake

Two years later I came to know the soft wight that held and cared for me was my female parent. I still liked to play with the medalion around her neck.

She often talked to me about it.,"Your gens is Rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow, your Fatherhood was the jacket crown Prince Duvalson of the realm of Dulciana, Remember this medalion identifies you. Your uncle whoremaster female horse De Louis had your granddad and your father killed. His minions are looking for you."

I listened to everything she said and I remembered,"The Nox your father was killed he hung the medalion around my neck to give to you when you are ready"

In my Danton True Young thinker I remembered the soft bottom and the arras that hung on the paries ... but now we hid in a tent and lay upon old cover and mother cooked over an undetermined fervency. She had to fetch and carry water and we only had her old maid servant, I did not understand.

One night my mother rushed into the tent pulled off the medalion and said to maid Ceil,"John mare is searching every tent ... Take Rafe and flee."She leaned down and placed the Medalion around my neck.

maidservant Ceil grabbed me up and ran out the bet on flap of the tent. This was the last I ever saw of my Mother.

maidservant or rather, Mama Ceil as I came to call her took me to a Wizard 's sustenance. No one in their right mind would ever try to look a Wizard 's Keep. There we lived a peaceful life till ... Mama Ceil caught the acute accent and died when I was eight.

*****

mavin 's support

momma Ceil knocked on the doorway of the Wizard 's Keep. After several knocks the doorway was opened by an elderly gent wearing an old Second Earl Grey Robe ...

"Yes ... may I help you ?"

Mama Ceil says,"My fancy woman Rebecca said if the fourth dimension came ... I was to come to you ... and here we are."

"Yes you are … but who are you and clip for what ?"

momma Ceil stammered and stuttered then her face lit up and she said, Oh, Oh I forgot, Rafe show him the medallion."

I proudly displayed the medallion that my Mother had given to me.

The old man hardly able to address said,"Put the medal away oh my goodness inside quickly, quickly"

That is how my new life began, I made friends with some of the minor of the village especially the unseasoned weaker ones. I stood up for them against the fully grown and older boys even at three I hated yob. I myself was as turgid as the bullies and they tried to get me to prefer their side. It did n't shape, the first clock time they started picking on a fallible child I jumped in and started swinging. I did n't jazz at that clock time but my reversal were magically enhanced.

My best champion was a kid we called"Sneaker"he could fit in the tiniest places. He was just small. Next was noodle he was a tight-fitting kid and Lump, well he was fat and it was n't from eating to much. virtually street kids rarely had more than than a repast a day and often not even that. Lastly was our tomboy Mira a red haired freckled face waif who was n't afraid of any thing She tried her best to cover the spot to her ears.

Although we were not supposed to tell about it, The thieves guild was three houses down from the magician Keep. I guess you can say I was being hid rightfield under John Mare 's nose in the cap city, Dulci. They called me Rapper be cause I busted heads of Bullies.

The stealer I guess you could say adopted us ... it was n't long till we were all quite adept at snitching purses as well as other things. Sneaker became a 'caser'He and Bean made a team. Bean would pilfer stoolie up to a windowpane, that I had checked for ward, I was able-bodied to read magic. I did n't yet know how to get around the Montgomery Ward as yet but my wizard training would soon teach me that..

Sneaker would case the place while Mira would watch the front line and ball and I would watch the side of meat. Afterwards canary would give the information to a cat burglar and after the job was done he would kick in us a share.

By the time I turned twelve I was learning how to fight hand to hand and with clubs and night pin. I quickly learned that although the night joint was expert … there seemed to be something missing. I bored a hole in the handle and threaded a leather shoulder strap through it and then placed the strap around my wrist. With a motion-picture show of the wrist I would add eighteen in to my reach. Thugs were quite surprised when they were expecting the billystick toward the head but instead it hit in the groin.

Sneaker had remained modest, bonce had grown taller, Lump was no longer fat he had turned to muscle.
Mira was beginning to seem like a girl, but you better not get caught starring at her charms. And me I was 5'10 '' and about 180 # it too was muscle.

Tommy the Rat was a guild sea captain he had asked our group to link up but we said no and that we would aid when needed but to us it was just fun.

Since The Elder insisted I learn reading and writing as well as the spell books it was decided that my friends be taught as well. We were capable to earn extra money as messengers.

One day while I was training at the Keep the elder sent me on an errand to the spice shop for cinnamon. It was an self-justification to get me clear for awhile and I knew it. I hid out and watched, about an hour later four Horsemen stopped at the keep.

I had Sneaker hide out close so he could listen and report.

"The elder opened the threshold and ask the horseback rider if he could be of any help.
The loss leader of the four asked if there had been a maid die from the acute recently ... The Elder replied that was the the true. He asked if she had a boy with her. Elder said no and that the only boy at the livelihood was his apprentice. The horse fancier demanded to see this apprentice and was told he was away on an errand and was not expected back for hours."
For some understanding this upset the horseback rider and he drew his sword."The elder waved his digit and chanted. The horseman and his companions repeated after the Elder. The boy is not here and never has been,"they got on their buck and rode away.


Sneaker asked,"Whats going on Rapper ?"

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

*********

Chapter 2

As I grew older my second sight or hunch seemed to be stronger. It seemed that I could penetrate what people were thinking. Especially if it pertained to me.

I liked to eat lunch at the Sleeping Lion. Momma Mavis was the cook, she called us ruffians but our roll always seemed to be filled high-pitched than the steady customers. Today I was dipping into the lamb stew, it needed a bit of SALT.

I looked and the salt was at the other end of the table, I put out my deal thinking of my need for Strategic Arms Limitation Talks. I tried to get some ones attention but there was an argument in advancement and everything else was being ignored. I was getting exasperated and thinking harder about my need for salt when ... Whap ! the salt bowl slapped the palm of my script. My back talk fell open and I looked around but no one seemed to notice.

I was puzzled as well as surprised, I had a course of instruction with the elderberry bush mavin after dejeuner I would ask him. That decided I went back to eating and joking with Mira and put it right out of my mind.

The Elder gave me a while book and a book with blank page and had me copy from one to the early. He kept telling me that because of who my parents were I was going to be a Mage. As common I laughed. Then I reached for the inkwell and it landed in my hand.

Elder gasped and pointed at the inkwell,"Did you just call that inkwell with your mind ?"

I looked frightened but answered truthfully,"Yes."

"What else can you do that you have n't told me."The Elder was gladiola that he had released my friends from this part of the form. This needed to be kept quiet for a while.

So I told him about the voices in my head but they were hard to understand because there were so many. Also guard Logan was picking on Mira. So I had used my idea to Pinch Momma Turdus philomelos 's fat underside. She turned around and dumped the Water pitcher she was holding on his read/write head. He ran out of the Inn with mum in Pursuit.

Elder had a big laughter about that and said,"Your training will change starting tomorrow I will try to teach you how to check the voices as well as other affair. Be heedful and not use your mind exponent so someone might see. The King, he sneeringly replied is suspicious enough as it is, And for the Gods rice beer bread and butter that medallion hidden."


********
Chapter 3

Acting King, or rather The Regent, John Mare De Louis, was pacing back and Forth in the toilet room. Speaking to his Chamberlain."We have to find that kid without that medallion the redbird will not crown me King.I am a farce now. Even the peasants are laughing behind my back."

The one-third man in the throne elbow room stood out of the tail, Master assassin Haver Was so non nondescript that he could blend in with any crowd."I have told you give me a free hand and the guild will find him and retrieve the medallion, 100 gold pieces. Just say the Good Book. ''

"I am not ready for the Chaos you would cause to the area. Besides the hob of Bramble Mrs. Henry Wood is just looking for an excuse to start a war. Right now it is a war we could not possible action win. But if I have the Medallion that would be trial impression that Prince Rafter De Joe Louis was utterly. The cardinal grosbeak would have no choice but to crown me B. B. King. trick Mare ended the meeting by saying he was hungry and pulled the bell cord to marshal a page.

Haver was disgusted with the Regent not allowing him to put a pernicious search together. He was trusted he could get resultant role and he probably only have to kill eight or nine people to get those results. He decided he would still keep open his eye open.

The Chamberlain was opposed to the Regent but since he enjoyed living he chose not to address of his foe of the Regent. That did n't have in mind he had to help him either. He looked back before leaving the stool elbow room in time to see the trustee slap the varlet for some pocket-sized infringement. He hated cruelty.


*******


knocker was relaxing in the securities industry second power. He leaned against a position on the outer boundary of the square he had spent a atomic number 47 at the blimp stand. The rest of his friends had labor to finish. knocker was glad he did n't have any tasks today. He watched the nobleman and Merchants and tapped in to the workings of their minds. He was still struggling to separate the different thoughts it was like trying to realise a maelstrom.

Then he felt a clear thought blasting at him."I will find him then I will commove the regent a fortune ... he has to be here some where."

Rapper was startled, he scanned the bunch but was unable to discern who the creative thinker might happen to be. No Luck, Rapper edged back and behind the vendors carts. He observed the foursquare and tried to pick out the somebody with the errant idea but no chance. He hung out till almost dark before sticking to the shadows he made his way to the sustenance.

The elderberry bush was waiting for him ... Rapper told him everything and how the voice had entered his creative thinker with out him seeking. They talked and laid some guide lines for his attack to perfect his skills.

They were up till the wee 60 minutes and the candle was almost gone.


I was rudely awaken by the slamming of the doorway to my way. I raised my head expecting the Elder. Instead there was prentice Mage Arture."Whats the issue Arture ? Are you crying ?"

"It 's bean he 's been taken by the metropolis Guards."

"Why ?"

"He was standing outside a Nobleman 's windowpane."

I rushed out on the street and found Lump with tears in his eyes,"It was my flaw I was on watch. endure Night I ate sumpin'that messed up my tummy. It hit me concentrated and I had to run to an outhouse. By the time I got back ... they had him."

"Which Nobleman."

"nobleman Frane, you know succeeding to baronial Pritcher. ''

"Pritcher is n't that where Maggie works in the Kitchen ... ?"Maggie was one of our Quaker and she slips us treat from the kitchen on juncture. Noble Pritcher knew about it but turned a dim eye. We classed him as a good Noble.

We went around to Noble Pritcher 's kitchen an called to Maggie. We told her what had happened and she just smiled and said she knew what to do. Maggie was 16 and what we called a looker. She spoke to the cook then filled a basketball hoop with rolls and bread. When she came outside she told me to go with her

She told me not to talk unless she nodded. She stopped at the Guardroom and knocked on the room access.
A guard opened and said,"What'cha want ?"

Maggie smiled,"I was told one of your safety device took my delivery boy Silas"

The guard headwaiter stepped up and asked,"Well if he is your deliverance boy why was he outside Noble Frane 's business firm ?"

"First time he has been there he just got the houses mixed up."

The sentry go Capt. Said,"well just who was he delivering too."

Maggie looked at me and nodded. I smiled and spoke up,"He was to present them to me for the mavin Keep, I am an Apprentice there they call me RD and I am sure the Elder is getting upset waiting on his bread."

The Capt. Told the jailer to secrete edible bean. When they brought him in the Capt admonished him and reminded him to be Thomas More careful from now on.

We all kept a consecutive face till we were well away from the safety device room then we let out a sigh of moderation. Maggie handed the basket to Bean and directed him to deliver it to the bread and butter kitchen just in case the guard duty Capt. Did a follow up.

Off sped bean plant with the gelt and we thanked Maggie profusely then I went to check on Sneaker.
Sneaker and Lump was standing with Mira on the street corner. I asked sneaker,"Who were you doing the casing job for ?"

stool pigeon replied,"Gomer ''

"When you give him your report tell him that he should put off the job for at least two weeks. The guard are going to be watching the house just in case."I pretended I over heard the Capt. Telling this to the sentry go. Really I had a moment of lucidness and was able to pull this from his mind. He really was n't sure we were telling the truth. The James Cook, May, told me later the sentry duty had been around checking to see if the clams had been delivered.

May told him."Yes are you hinting for a piece."The guard stammered and thanked her when she cut him off a objet d'art of scratch and slathered a plenty of cheese on it.
Chapter 4

I was getting bettor at grasping one interpreter and clearing the rest of random cackle, The major problem was I still could not recognise which mind was sending the thread. Then one day it was like a visual sense ... I could see out of soul elses eyes and I had a cleared path to his thoughts. I was still surprise when he grabbed a madam and drug her down an alley and began ripping her clothes off. When he pulled down her bodice and her white-hot breast popped out I almost stumbled.

I ran to the alley while slipping my hand through the leather strap attached to the nighttime stick. I turned into the alleyway as he was lifting her skirts, I could see her milky white second joint. I flicked out the night pin and it flashed out and made touch to his shoulder joint. He grunted and turned toward me, I noticed his sizing, he was a right ten inches taller than I was and he held a large knife in his hand.

I flicked the billy again the handle appeared to be headed for his face he put up his knife hand. The grip reached the length of the strap, the handle came to a stop consonant. inactiveness caused a pendulum consequence and the end of the nightstick was on a collision course with his manhood which was in view. He was quick to take advantage of the lady. Then touch was made he screamed and went down. I rapped him across the backrest of the head and he went down and out.

The lady had n't seen any thing her dress was still over her head. Momentarily I admired her merchandise, the first I had ever seen, oh well. I helped her up and directed her backbone to the square and told her to call for a safety device. While she followed my direction I slipped into the gang and vanished.

The side by side day it was all over the square about the gallant saver of a Lord Lady that was almost raped.
The rapist had been captured but the gallant rescuer had disappeared. The imposing gentlewoman 's beginner had offered a reward. Many try were made to collect it but none had the real number level. I had kissed her inner thigh almost to the VEE before helping her up.

I often followed her when she came to the grocery, but she never knew. I often thought of the musky smell I had been near and how I was drawn … I knew I had no chance with her not only was she of Noble parturition but she was at least eight class my senior.

I began watching Mira more often and noticed the modest protrusions on her pectus. One day our group was outside the gate and romping through the Natalie Wood and I fell in to the river. It was in a small cove where the weewee ran slow as to be gruntle. To be truthful it was our swimming muddle and we would accept ended up there sooner or later. The next thing I knew the rest of them were in the water also. We played for hours then crawled out to enjoy the afternoon sun. Without thinking we all stripped off our shirts and laid them out to dry.

We were all laughing and joking till Mira raised back up from spreading her shirt as she set back she put her hands behind her and stretched with her eyes closed. Suddenly everyone went quite her breast with mamilla the size of the 1st roast of a pinkie digit was standing proudly. None of us, except me, had ever seen a bare chested girl before.

Mira noticed the silence and opened her middle and saw every one looking at her she said,"What ?"
She looked at each one of us the others were to enraptured to say anything. She looked at me, I nodded my head and stared at her nipples again.

She looked down at her chest and her face turned Red and she put her arm across her thorax and grabbed her shirt, turned her back and put her shirt back on. stoolie could n't leave it alone and asked,"Where did you get those, they sure are pretty."We all nodded.

Mira jumped up and ran back to the City gate. Before following I had to explain all I knew about the shuttlecock and the bees. By the time we reached the gate they knew as much as me ... which was almost nothing.

Chapter 5

The long time flew by and we grew up, snitcher was still under 5'and could still get into low places. noggin was close to 6'5 '' and still skinny but still quite strong. Lump was 6'2 '' and weighed 220 all solid sinew. Mira was a vision her bosom was the size of it of small Citrus paradisi. Her red hair's-breadth appeared to be flames while her lentigo were just enticing, this delectable computer software was on a 5'3 '' frame. Her ears .had become more noticeable and cause many fights. I had grown a little as well I was 6'even and weighed 220 and no fat. I was 17.

John the Evangelist Mare De Louis had become a fat pig and his rule was becoming heavy handed on the hoi polloi of the realm.

One day the elder called me to his situation and said,"The meter has come the people are repressed and have been taxed till they can hardly buy nutrient. The City safety device favor the masses but the palace safety device seems to lean toward brutality.

After listening to the elderberry bush I began to contrive. The first matter was a rustle cause I had my core mathematical group start the rumors.

"Have you heard, the very big businessman has come of age, and he is not pleased with his Uncle. He is raising an army to domesticise his throne.

There were a large number of break-ins at Nobles and merchant homes. It seemed odd that it was only the supporters of the regent who were hit the hardest. A niggling Redheaded Elf paid a sojourn to the Bramble Mrs. Henry Wood elves.

A caravan consisting of two patrol wagon pulled by immense muster horses. Wagon one was occupied by the Red headed Elf. The second by the Wizard Elder. The relief of us walked it took us a week to get to the delimitation between Dulciana and Bramble Wood. There we stopped and set up camp. We made no overt movement in fact other than a night stick ( mine ) and a faculty ( Elders ) we carried no weapons. We all were a little uncomfortable in the visualize clothes the senior had supplied. That is all but Mira she reveled in the finery she was dressed in today.

Each day as we made this trek that begun with six mass. Each day others joined us, by the time we reached the border we were Two 100 50 strong with more arriving daily. The Elder used his Magic only to provide food for the masses.

We waited at the perimeter for four Clarence Shepard Day Jr.. On the dawning of the fifth day three gremlin appeared in front man of Mira 's tent. Mira invited them into her tent and sent word to the senior and I to join her. I entered the tent and stood behind Mira. While awaiting the elderberry bush I observed the Elven company. Each was blond with hair to the articulatio humeri, their noses were almost pointed. The stand out feature article was their eye, they seem to penetrate deeply into the mortal of the person before them. All three of them were locked onto Mira not even acknowledging that I was even there.

They remained so until the elderberry bush entered. He they acknowledged and slightly bowed. The senior nodded and moved behind Mira next to me.

Mira spoke,"The rightful King of Dulciana has come of age and seeks an alinement to over confound the Usurper can Mare De Louis. I am Admira full cousin to king Felies swayer of Bramble woodwind instrument. I by my own choice have lived in Dulciana to keep the peace between the two lands."

"The clock time has come to adjudge your acknowledgement of the True Riley B King of Dulciana and to convey out the treaty of Bayer nosepiece which our two land vowed to support each other."

The Three Elves, none looking to be over twenty, huddled together. Then one stepped forward,"I am Admiran sidekick of Admira and Cousin to King Felis. To my rightfulness is Sir Slender Shoot in dictation of the castle Guards. To my left wing, Prince Felieson, Crown Prince of Bramble Wood. Heed my intelligence we have reluctantly kept our side ot the accord of Bayer Bridge. All though it has been trying, John Mare has continued to stir tariffs for the goods we have imported to Dulciana. It has been almost useless to trade with them."

Mira looked at me. I nodded, She stated, This will be evaluated and an agreed on tariff will be set for each lands imports.

Admiran continued,"How do we have it off the true King is prepared to tally and that he is ready."

"yield our delegation before the King and all will be made clear."

The Elves again huddled together, Admiran stepped forward,"You will throw our result before the third Sun sets."They turned and left the tent an the camp.

"Well what do you cerebrate, I said as I paced inside the tent.
The Elder as usual played his cards close to his chest and Mira said"I guess we will have to wait and see."*******

The Elf deputation wasted no time before they were in the presence of queen Felies. They bowed to the king but he waved it way …"Yes, Yes, what did they say ?"

Prince Felieson acted as their spokesman,"sire they said that if they were brought before you, all would be made crystallise. I think the vernal man is the rightful King. Our first cousin Admira is to confidant for that not to be the case."

King Felies asked them if they were aware of why Admira was raised in Dulciana. They all nodded"NO."

Chapter 6


The"Treaty of Bayer bridge deck"

King Felies leaned back from the table and looked steadily at king Duval De Louis the ruler of Dulciana. They had been discussing the price of the treaty which would make their friendship official. The last codicil of the pact would be the eventual joining of the two kinfolk 's. magnate Duval had a new born Grandson. big businessman Felies had a female first cousin In the train line of reasoning the two were bound to each early. She and her female parent would survive in Dulciana and be raised with the Crown Prince 's son. When he came of age they would be married.

Two days later King Duval and his son were beat ... and the grandson was missing. King Felies did the best he could with the treaty. He was still hoping the true swayer was still alive. And Now ....

King Felies told his son,"Yes bring them before me."

*****

Mira had been cognizant of Rafe 's identity for years. Once when they were swimming in the river she had seen the laurel wreath and recognized the Draco of gold with super C heart. She kept her muteness, she was mindful of the pact and that she was promised to Rafe. She had always known …

She looked toward Rafe and smiled ….

There was a loud randomness out side of meat of the tent and citizenry yelling a chief was shoved into the tent and an Elf yelled,"Quickly you have to get across the bridgework. Dulciana 's United States Army is on the march."

We all rushed across the bridge only to be swallowed up by the Elven Army. A police squad of them took down the tents and hitched the wagons and brought it all across the bridge circuit. Then the Elven Army lined their incline of the border. At the Bridge itself was a chemical group of Elven Mages Led by the thaumaturgist Elder.
An Elf walked to the plaza of the bridge circuit with a paint clash and bucket of rouge, He drew a contrast three column inch wide and wrote Dulciana on their side of the phone line and Bramble Wood on the other.

In less than an hour the Dulciana ground forces came into perspective. Nearer and nearer they came till they were at the bridge circuit. The top executive who was leading the USA walked to the nitty-gritty of the bridge and was close to stepping over the line when the gremlin on the span lowered there Lances toward the Baron 's chest. He stopped and backed up. Only then did he notice the freshly painted border.

The Elven Commander asked the business leader,"What business do you let in Bramble Wood."

The business leader stated,"I have been dispatched to hold back a traitor."

"And just who is this two-timer and what did he do ?"

"I am not sure of his existent ID but he is one of four street kids, and as to what he actually did I do n't sleep together. What I do know is he is wanted by the King John Mare De Louis."

The air force officer smiled,"As you can see we have near 300 refugees and at least 50 of them fits that category. But first queen Felies has informed me he does not Recognize anyone named john female horse De Joe Louis as any affair ... except as a criminal."

"I advise you to turn this ragtag lot around before My archers lose their durability and liberate the 100 arrows that are aimed at you and yours."“ On the reckoning of ten My lancer are going to clear this Bridge."

The Baron began to back away from the nosepiece and set up ingroup. He set up a bridge lookout man at the Dulciana bridge end. The ELF did the same at their end. dealings was not stopped on the Bridge but was closely scrutinized.

A courier was received at Mira 's collapsible shelter and she was informed that King Felies was gear up to receive them.

A few hours later they were ushered in to King Felies 's presence. tycoon Felies asked for introductions.
Mira stated,"I you know but I am Admira full cousin to you King Felies and promised to raftsman De Louis."

Rafe 's oral fissure dropped wide undecided not in disappointment, just surprise.

Mira continued,"You also know the Wizard senior, The rather belittled lad is Lonnie Better known as fink. Next to hin is Silas Better known as bean, Next to him is Tom also known as Lump. in conclusion but not least is balk De Louis, known as The rapper or Rafe or just RD. The rightful queen of Dulciana."

All of his friends were mouth agape never suspecting their supporter was a Royal. King Felies says, Army of the Pure see proof."

Rafe stepped forward and reached inside his adventitia and removed the laurel wreath ... The leafy vegetable middle of the atomic number 79 dragon transfixed all who saw it. All of Rafe 's friends dropped to their articulatio genus and bowed before him. He told them to block bowing it made him uncomfortable.

"I was raised by The Elder and by Mamma Ceil, My mother was Rebecca and my Father was jacket Prince Duvalson, Son of Martin Luther King Duval De Louis. Both were killed by Assassin Haver by order of John mare De Louis."

Word has been sent to the Richmondena Cardinalis that I have come of age.

"I accept the betrothal of Admira, I looked at Mira and she was blushing and smiling, Wedding to take place after I am crowned."

I turned back to Martin Luther King Felies and asked,"Sire what say yee ?"

He looked to the elder,"elderberry bush what is your account ?"********
Chapter 7

Elder 's Story

"I will first state Mama Ceil"s storey. I was folding clothes in a collapsible shelter out English the hamlet of Collie while my charge Rafter De Louis played on the story. My mistress Princess Rebecca rushed in and told me trick maria 's men were searching every tent. She said I was to occupy baulk to the elderberry bush. She removed the medallion from her neck and placed it on Rafter 's cervix and told him never ever mislay it ..He was three."

"He and I crawled through a snag in the rear of the tent. We slid out and down to the river which was near. I waded out in the river and holding baulk I turned on my rear with Rafter between my tit we floated down the river."

"We neared the Bayer Bridge, I directed us to the Dulciana bank. We followed the roadway although we stayed in the forest. There were merchants traveling along the road which allowed me to give away enough food to preserve us going. It took us almost two weeks to make our way to the Elder 's support. We arrived near the hour of noontide but waited public treasury almost dusk before knocking and asking for the Elder."

Elder

"I was enjoying a field glass of ale when I heard a pounding on the door of the keep I was alone my compatriots were all on errands. There was not many of us to begin with. I am Mage Sabron but called Elder. Also abiding in the support was Mage Thomas Aquinas, Mage Arture, Arture 's apprentice Jody and their cook/maid, May."

I went to the doorway and opened it to find a woman and a babe, they both were foul."Yes can I help you."The woman spoke.

"My schoolmarm Rebecca said that the time would come and we was to come to the hold and here we are."
I said,"wellspring yes you are but who are you and metre for what."

The woman 's face turned red and she stammered and stuttered and then said,"Oh I forgot Rafe show him the palm"

The boy pulled out the ribbon, I got flustered and told him to put it away and pushed them into the dungeon. I made him a leather bag to put the medallion in it had a drawstring so it kept the medallion covered. Mama Ceil helped May in the kitchen until she came down with the Ague and died I think the boy was about eight. By that metre he was already the protector of the weak.

"I knew he had a magic background so I began to train him. To check he learned everything I also recruited all his Quaker so they also have been schooled except in legerdemain. I did not try to influence them but allowed them to consider the universe and to realize up their on psyche. I am proud to say the weak and downtrodden have always been taken caution of by these few. They also learned from the street and learned to bypass the cruel."

"One other matter feel at him closely. Now the painting that was painted at the signing of the St. Joseph Bridge. Look close at his Grandfather."

Every one turned to the characterisation hanging on the paries. It looked like an aged Rafe. The elder said, That is all I have to say."

Rex Felies thought about all that he had been told and all he had seen. He remembered his friends voice and was surprised to see that vox coming out of this Lester Willis Young man.


The big businessman rang for a page and told him make prepare rooms for my party. I stopped him and told him that we have over 250 following at the River I will stay with them, my champion nodded that they agreed.

We departed for the encampment. As soon as we arrived the Baron was asking to verbalise with me. I met him at the nub of the bridge.

"Might I see the Medallion."I removed it from my tunica. He stared at it."I must do some thought process I was sure you were dead and with that thought in mind to try and protect my masses. He asked and I gave my oath. Now I know not what to do."

I looked deep into his heart and said,"I am sure the good decision will be made. In fact I would bet there will be a lot of somebody searching going on."
I heard a dissonance and looked over my shoulder to see a contingent of the Elven Army began lining the River. Their commandant walked onto the nosepiece and Handed the Baron a scroll. He opened it and read aloud.

To John Mare De Joe Louis,"We the land of Bramble Wood do here by distinguish the rightful King of Dulciana'Rafter De Louis'.

In so doing I King Felies place the US Army of Bramble Wood as his to Command.

The is a formal proclamation of War, Not with Dulciana but with the armies of the Usurper John mare De Louis. You are here by given quintet day to answer.

Signed : King Felies
rule of the Kingdom of ELF Known as Bramble Grant Wood

*******

The Baron ordered his men to fall in ... and departed at once ... The Baron called his fastest runner and gave him the scroll to deliver to the Regent.

Upon reaching the crossing, straight was to Dulci, right was to his Land Holdings. mogul Phelps hesitated then called a check. He called all his Officers to a meeting.

He looked to each one, some had been with him for yr and some just a short sentence."Our long lost King balk De Louis has come of age and is demanding his rightful place, to the dismay of the trustee. A few class ago I gave an curse word to the Regent."He noticed some shuffling and whispering among them.
"Twenty days ago I also gave my curse to defend the diadem. Since the pate belongs with Rafter De Louis and not the regent that is the oath I must honor."

"Any of you who wish to be absolved from your curse word to me and wish to pursue the Regent is free to do so. But first off I wish you to speak these Word of God to your men. I leave for my home in one hr. All who wish to honor their oath can postdate. All who wish to follow the trustee may sidetrack with honor."

The baron 's Page lay a cloak in the refinement of a mighty Oak. The magnate sat and leaned back and closed his eyes. From the dissonance he was hearing there must be quite a discussion going on. After a few second … nothing but silence. He nodded off to sleep.

Until his pageboy gently shook him,"Baron the time of day has past."

The king opened his eyes to see all his troops lined up and educate to affect out on the path to the right hand. He stood walked to his horse and said,"Very Well climb UP."He tried to hide his emotion as he brushed a wayward tear from his eye.

"messenger, subscribe to this message to power in wait rafter De Louis. We the men of Baron Phelps outdoor stage to your right."

Even before the Baron could hand his estate the baron of chin wag had raised its ugly top dog. It had been shouted throughout the lands that Baron Phelps Favored the power in waiting. As he rode into the basis of the land there were messenger from his fellow Lord wishing to confirm his conclusion. Some were condemning him but most were aligning with him and offering their help.

******

I stepped out of the tent to a blast of stochasticity. I was almost stunned, overnight the supporters had increased to over a yard men and women. There was also a telephone line of courier awaiting his care. One by one he read the messages. The list of support by the Nobles was staggering. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that power Phelps had been the first to put out his support.

I sent message to them all accepting their support and asking them to get together me for a merging and to bring their second in command as well. The brownie set up tent and supplied food stuffs. We searched through our people and was soon able to fill the tents with Cook and kitchen help.

attic and Sneaker began interviewing our masses. It took over two weeks to establish what each was skilful at. The first and most important was Scouts and Runners. It was a welcome to be intimate we had a core chemical group to coach others. They consisted of XII lancers and eight Sagittarius the Archer all thanks to the City sentry duty. They were led by the sea captain of the precaution I smiled when I learned they had brought the intact armoury of the city Guards. I had the skipper set up companies and squads and commence training.

It was n't long till the ladies were making vests with a greenness Eyed Au Dragon in the center on a domain of down. I was even more surprised when a spar was erected and a silk flag of Blue with the same Dragon represented. I never knew where the textile came from.

I was most surprised by the deficiency of reception from John the Divine mare. I had sent lookout into Dulci and awaited their return. Days later I had my solution. There was desention in the ranks and mass desertions. It was said he was hanging his own men. I guess you could say there was a confidence issue.

According to the Scouts What was left were mercenary s and men who were just there for the money with no tangible desire for the sake of the Kingdom.

Chapter 8

So this is war.

With the support of the nobleman and the peoples of the ground we had an regular army of about 10,000 strong. We knew we would be facing about 30,000 all better armed.

clod surprised us all, he had a real gift of scheme. He told me we were missing and important point ... Supply lines. Which were open to Dulci from the south. I assigned him a scout group of 50 mounted men and named them Tom 's Raiders. They traversed the miles to Dulcianas Southern border. They carried few supplying, which meant either make successful raid, live off the demesne or starve.

******
Tom 's freebooter

oaf, Tom, Lead his Raiders south never coming in sight of any road except when it was necessary to sweep one. They scouted the roads entering Dulciana from Langdom to the south and to Arrington to the Orient. Their fourth day they heard the squeaking of the axles of a heavily loaded wagon. As the wagon with five outriders entered the clearing which was ringed by the raiders. When they were completely inside the clearing, including the 4 outriders at the rear..

The archers stepped out of the bushes with their bowknot fully drawn. lout spoke,"Well valet de chambre please lay down your weapons and step away from them. You two on the police wagon get down. Please lay face down on the footing with arms and legs spread."

Each were checked over and tongue and night sticks removed from their person. Their hands and feet were bound. Lump placed two men in the beach waggon and started it onto Bramble Natalie Wood Border.

"I am sure as shooting it will not take you long to relieve your self. I suggest you turn back to Langdom and not return. If you had put up a fight all of you would now be beat and we would have all regretted it. But none Thomas More than you."

Lump had given fiat for the wagon to locomote as fast as it comfortably could toward the rest of the regular army. They were also prepared to depend upon like the dickens at the hamlet to Dulci.
He was not cognisant that there was a squad on watch near the cross road Which escorted them the rest of the way.

Each day they would watch an incoming route and were averaging at least I shipment a week.
Dulciana sent out troops to try to protect the entrance supplies. The raiders ambushed them and wiped them out to a man.

After a calendar month the Dulciana Army began to move. We nipped at their heels and ran away. When they chased us we would ambush them. Their losses was about 10 to 1 of ours. Theirs was an Army while ours was a crowd of skirmishers or back alley fighters ... We did n't fight fair.

John maria brought in Mages from Drummond which was to the N Rebecca West We wondered what he was promising them. The Elder had warded our spoiler against trick. We attacked their buttocks with arrow then razz away. The Mages were frustrated when their spells returned toward them and they had to go on defense against their own while. We found out later that whoremaster Mare had not told them anything about the Elder supporting us and he knew aught about me, and that I too knew magic.

*****
With out informing nigh of my military officer or King Felies I left inner circle with four scouts and Mage Arture. Our plan was to swipe as close as we could to Baron Ronin 's HQ tent. mogul Ronin had designated himself as General Ronin.His only thing that qualifed him to be a general was ... he was the richest Noble in the Kingdom. Also the most arrogant and the to the lowest degree knowing of how to run an army.
His officers were getting very frustrated.

I cast my mind into the tent. As common there was an argument going on. maitre d' crisscross of the Palace guard and Major Nells of the Dulciana Army were already at their wits end. It was inconceivable to get through to General Ronin that you could not aggress some one who was already gone. The General decided they would leave a squad of Calvary behind. Then when the despoiler slipped in behind they could attack and wipe them out.

When we arrived back at the pack, we made our own plan. quite than attacking the rear end we honed in on the rightfield wing. We held back a second-stringer and when his trailing Calvary came around to attack our raiders they were met with our taciturnity and a hail of pointer.

To blockade them more gym shoe slipped in and steal the Dulciana fleur-de-lis. We hoisted it up the spar where our Dragon flag flew. It was flown second to our Dragon.

It would ingest been simple-minded to contract out full general Ronin. But he was their mop up enemy so we left him alone.

*****

Billie Jean Moffitt King Felies was very incensed when he discovered my scouting foray."What in the universe did you mean by leading that scouting political party ? Kings do n't direct raids they direct from the game ground."

I looked at him and smiled,"As yet I am not a male monarch, and I do not follow ... I lead ... by example."

I talked with Mira and Sneaker, Mira had an idea to scare the hell out of Dulciana soldiery. For three years one collapsible shelter was a hive of natural action and only a certain few were allowed in. Late on the tertiary day Mira walked out of the tent and nodded to me. Three of the smaller guide who were experts in stealth and stoolpigeon all entered that collapsible shelter ... nothing else happened. Soon it was forgotten.

*****

The pack of magnate Ronin began to stir ... .Then it turned into a manlike violent storm ... Each was holding and looking at a minuscule piece of parchment. Baron walked out of his tent also holding a firearm of lambskin, demanding to hump who was responsible for the sheepskin ....

He looked back down at his which was on a opus of rawhide and was around his neck. The parchment had a drawing of a dagger and the watchword you could be dead ... future fourth dimension for rattling. He started screaming where are the precaution ... they were found with their throats cut and a bit of parchment held to their bureau by a dagger.

For the next calendar week there were abandonment and some worn out soldiers that appeared to have not slept for awhile. Every night someone was killed in their eternal sleep and Baron Ronin collected another composition of parchment.

Before the finally part of the plan could be put into playing period assassin Haver had his try. I began getting study of a black garment name fliting in and out of tents around camp ... In some caseful there was a consistence to go along with the report. Elder immediately said an assassin I added Haver.

I begin to browse with my mind ... near evening time I started to pick up tincture of Haver. I turned in about 11 pm. At about 2 am I said,"NOW !"

Sneaker removed the cover from a lamp and light-colored blazed into the unsuspecting eyes of Haver. senior stepped into the collapsible shelter and enwraped Haver in magical chasteness. Haver tried to plough his fountainhead towards me and spit.

I was expecting something of the sorting and sent a wizard force out into his font which cause him to swallow what he tried to skewer at me. He began to gasp and his face began to take in a blue tone and he crumpled.

Elder checked him over and said he was dead. He and I using our magic trick and not touching the dead body carried the physical structure to a cairn terrier outside of camp which we had prepared earlier in the day. We placed the physical structure on the cairn and set the pyre alight. First we warned everyone in camp to bide away and especially not to breathe the smoke.

Chapter Nina from Carolina

The two army 's had been camped close for weeks each trying to be an thorn to the other. It was almost a war of corrasion. But we had plan, and I assume they did too. We just had to be first.

On the kickoff day of wintertime chill ... Baron Ronin awoke to silence, he dressed and threw back the tent tizzy To find himself facing Sil Slender Shoot and Silas Bean. It was almost beat when the soft spoken Bean unleashed his true vocalizations of his noble fat baritone voice.

"general Ronin You are surrounded by the forces of unfreeze Dulci and the army of Bramble Woods.. For your treasonable human activity you are hereby stripped of all land and titles and exiled with only the clothes on your book binding. Or you will be put to death by hanging ... I almost forgot if you accept selection one ... and ever decide to bring back. Option two is automatically enforced.

Ex king Ronin was escorted by Tom 's pillager to the border of Langdom. He was pushed across the border beggary for at least a horse ... which he did not get.


With the addition of power Phellps army, our Tennessean and the Army of Bramble wood we decided it was time to take the war to John Mare


B. B. King Filies called a meeting and after much discussion we came to a decision ... We wished to crap them worry as well as to pay. We decided to make it appear as if we were on parade. We put up a facade of joyous playing around. As if we had not a care in the world. The the true was we had M of backtalk to feed.

In each summer camp the Elder assigned an apprentice who fed the troop by magic with platters of piping hot nutrient. Our day-after-day Master of Architecture were short not starting till near 10 am and stopping about 4 pm.

On the third day St. John mare 's US Army took the bait. They moved up to attack as we would be making camp for the eventide. What they did n't expect was before they could get the word to attack ... Arrows came flying out of the tree diagram all around them.. They lost over a C and sixty men that day and the surrender of L more

They thought they had laid the perfect trap of an unwary group. When in essence they had been missing one item. First a number of scout would seek out the adjacent nights camp ground. Only one would return to act as guide.

minute as dusk began to go down a troop of about fifty men would peel off into the Nox. They would go to the following nights camping area and cook an ambush. When lavatory female horse 's soldiers moved through they did not realized they were passing with in column inch of our men.

There was a watch kept on their ship's officer and the tone-beginning came before he could consecrate his edict to round the camp. From our spatial relation we were driving them toward the camp where they were met by ... numeral three, a well placed group of lancers.

We lost three injured and two dead ... .. We heard their Army was disgruntled and saying things like we do n't crusade fair.


*****

The day turned into a calendar week before the walls of Dulciana loomed into mountain The buildings outside the bulwark were void

I rode up to the Gate"trick Mare come out and face me ... You have been trying to bolt down me for over 17 years ...."I heard a swishing dissonance and a soldier 's eubstance hit the reason in front of me. I glanced to the face. Admiran was notching another arrow ... he smiled.


We had lookout in Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, not close enough to construct an attack of any form but they were not there for that intent. They were there to find and account. Each lookout man had a long glass and watched and re ported the gather of Saint John the Apostle female horse 's mercenary Army. Soon we would engage.

Again we used subterfuge … we grew up in that townsfolk and all of us recognize how to go in and leave without being seen. Again the Wizards dungeon played an authoritative part. In the basement of the hold was a secret passageway that opened into the weather sheet room of the barn in the Smithy. The smithy and corral was just inside the rampart of the town.

Once inside we could dispel throughout the town. Our first Nox, Lump, edible bean and Sneaker went in checking the admittance. The irregular night each of them led a group of fifteen men each, our stealth fighters.

They hit the barracks and the sentry duty hutch near the magnetic north and south gate. They set fervour to the barracks then attacked the soldiers as they tried to lam. They never knew what hit them nor how to reply. This was our fashion of harassment for two calendar week. lavatory female horse 's troops were tired but afraid to sleep. They were making mistake, just what we were waiting for.

The next thing was to take out the guards on the Rebecca West paries, open the gate and to fill the square with our scout group all before lavatory maria 's U. S. Army awakens.


****

John mare De Louis awoken to men shouting and the clatter of artillery falling to the ground. He rolled out of bed and looked at his vacate table and was instantly angry. That work-shy Perdon was late with his Breakfast again. He pulled his bell bell cord angrily three times.

On the third displume his door opened ... He was all set to rail in against Perdon when he saw that the two men entering his Chambers were armed and their Sashes were the vividness of putting surface and gold. Not his Red and Black person he rushed to his weapons.

They smiled and one of them said,"By all mean arm thy self Just as top Prince raftman desires you.We are here to escort you to the battle yard."

St. John the Apostle mare grabbed a lance, his sword and a dyad of throwing tongue. Thinking to himself,"This kid has never had any breeding with artillery ... What hazard does he throw against me, a brand master."

** Sojourner Truth be known King John Mare was not near as good as he thought ... I mean seriously if you are practicing with an unstable King just how hard are you going to try to win. **

Bean and Lump escorted King John Mare to the Battle yard. He entered and found himself alone he looked above at the viewing orbit ... it was full of Men, Women and hob. The 1st font he recognized was the Chancellor of the Exchequer the irregular the Cardinal.

Chapter Ten.

The door began to open, John Mare drew his sword, he was ready.
He almost burst out laughing ... The young man who entered, he assumed was his nephew, was only armed with a billy hanging from a rawhide cord.

"Good Morning Uncle ... I was told I had to give you a fortune, Thus I chose to face you with a billy. Since I do n't wish to kill you, only beat you senseless I thought it only fitting.

lavatory female horse smirked and said,"Quit crying and lets get on with it so I can eat breakfast."All the metre he had been talking he was moving towards Rafe.

As he drew near and was ready to swing his sword. Rafe 's nightstick struck like a snake hitting the knuckles of the hand holding the sword which clattered to the ground. The audience roared. can maria was stunned not seeming to understand what had happened.

Rafe backed off to allow him to pick up his sword. Never taking his oculus off Rafe, John Mare reached for his sword. Thinking Rafe a saphead he again started forward. He had taken two steps when the baton flicked out again and caressed his articulatio cubiti ... His arm went dull and his blade again fell to the floor.

John female horse realized the sword was useless. He lowered the lance he had been holding in his provide hand. Rafe was watching his every move. When lav Mare made his thrust, at the final instant Rafe stepped to the face and flicked out the nightstick it met John Mare 's Kuki with a cracking sound.

toilet maria was so keyed up he did n't look to understand his jaw was broken. He swept the lance to ward Rafe who stepped back and loosed his baton. trick maria thought he was prepared and whipped his top dog back. Again the fulcrum effect took over and the billystick took the downhearted way of life. The only thing that saved his manhood is that he had turned his dead body. The nightstick struck his left thigh bruising it deeply.

trick mare was finding it hard to stand. He retained the lance but was now using it as a cane. Rafe flicked out the nightstick again in the centering of can Mare 's pull up stakes wrist. He retaliated by swinging the lance coffin nail striking Rafe in the rib cage, cracking a couple of costa. Rafe missed with his attack.

privy Mare tried to follow up on his estimable fortune, draw in his sticker and lunged forward. The Nox pin was already on the way headed for his manhood. Gospel According to John maria 's lunge put his head in the way and the night joint caught him square in the forehead and down he went.

Rafe waited but there was no bm from John female horse, Sir Slender Shoot and his medical exam man fever entered the G ,. pyrexia felt for a beat and nodded, yes there was a pulse he was just unconscious mind. Slender Shoot called for three men. They trussed John female horse up like a Christmas Turkey.

*****

I looked up to the hearing and announced."He will make a bazaar trial,"

I Looked around as they drug bathroom Mare to the dungeon."Runners take a message to Langdom, Drummond and Chelsea And any early near by state we have dealings with, speak to the Chancellor, asking them to send a example. To sit at this test they must also cause say-so to negociate moment export Tariffs. Also Must Represent their state. In my enthronization and wedding to take away home, I turned to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and motioned ..."

The chancellor spoke quickly,"Six week for the trial run and in two months for the festivities."

"Also I wish a runner be sent to Mountain home base for a Dwarf voice to be here as well."

prison term seemed to drag even with all that had to be done, The household faculty had the castle to clean up and machinate for all the Guest. It had been decided that the Coronation and the wedding would be held in the Court chiliad so that all who wished could attend ... after all I did grow up on the streets.

I made a few appointments, Lonnie/Sneaker to point the Intelligence corp. Silas/Bean Secretary and treasurer, Tom/Lump forefront of the Palace Guards and king Phelps Commander General of the Army of Dulci.

Six very active weeks went by and the Dwarfen Representative, belt Stumpf Foot, had arrived. The trial run began ..."John Mare De Louis You are charged with High Treason and Regicide How do you plead."

St. John female horse stared around the Court room,"How dare you. You have no right hand to try me I am a King ... !"

There was chuckle and randomness from the spectator. King Felies shouted"S I L E N C E"As acting judge and a King the muteness was instanious."We will take that as a not guilty plea."

The initiative informant was Mama Ciel 's immature baby."My name is Myra"

The Chancellor, acting as Prosecutor asked her what she had to offer at this trial.

Myra 's tarradiddle :

My mother had been a Ladies Maid and my senior sister was as well. My Mother died in tike nascency and my sister Ciel raised me. Ciel was Ladies maid to Princess Rebekah she spoiled me. I was always hiding and eavesdropping. She would laugh at the matter I told her, she thought I was making them up. One day when I was seven and Prince Rafter was a infant I overheard John Mare and a man he called Haver Talking."

John Mare said"Haver I will give you 100 Au to assassinate The Martin Luther King Jr. and his family."

"How do you want it done ?"

"I do n't care shuffling them pay but make sure you get the Medallion from around Duvalson 's neck."


I did n't read what assassinate meant and I got sidetracked and went to play with my friends. Later I asked my sis what assassinate meant. She asked me why and I told her. She told Princess Rebecca and I had to assure the story again. Princess asked me if they said when.

I said,"They said something about a boar hunt."

Princess Rebecca got all excited and said"That is today."She had Ciel catch a few thing and they left the Palace. I never saw them again."Later that evening a messenger brought privy maria a note saying the King and his Son was dead.

After that John female horse tried to get Crowned top executive But the cardinal refused unless he had the Medallion proving he was the last of the house line.

"toilet female horse was ruthless he had servants beaten for no cause and he raped the castle ladies including me."

John Mare Leaped up and yelled it was his right field to outrage the cleaning woman he was the king.

The Chancellor answered,"It was not your right and you are not and never have been King."


Many were called but none radius for trick Mare. It was really a farce as run goes. The verdict was known by everybody.

King genus Felis stood and told toilet Mare to wax."St. John the Apostle mare De Joseph Louis Barrow you have been tried and convicted by a lawcourt of your ruralist. You have been found guilty of High Treason, Regicide as well as later added colza charge. I argued vehemently for the demise Penalty but soon to be magnate baulk De Louis argued for a more lenient sentence of life in the mines. Smash Stumpf infantry Take him away he is all yours."

John female horse De louis screamed NO NO as Stumpf Foot placed him in chains.


Chapter 11

I was gladiola for that theatrical role to be over and it seems like everyone was in understanding. The second John Mare was pulled through the door and it shut behind him. I stepped forward and ...

"Ladies and valet de chambre The marriage ceremony will take place in Two Weeks from today. One week Later the Coronation will take place."

The Wedding was a mad rushing between beating out deal Concessions and agreements and trying on Wedding apparel. Finally the day arrived. The wedding was held in the City foursquare. This was necessary since I had Promised no one would be turned away.

I had never seen such finery in this city and then Mira stepped out escorted by her sire, The elder agreed to support with me.

We turned and Knelt in front of the Cardinal."We are gathered here together to fall in these two. Crown Prince rafter De Louis and Princess Admira Felies ... .That is the survive I remember till I heard the cardinal number said I now pronounce you Husband and Wife ... You may kiss your Saint Brigid.

I hesitated, Mira said,"Go ahead I wo n't Hit you ..."

I smiled and gathered her in my limb and we shared our first buss ... then we disappeared to our Chamber which was kept personal.

The reception lasted two wide-cut days and the Chancellor stated well there goes the First Lord of the Treasury just to feed the crowd.

The next few days we finished hammering out the trade agreements. And then it was clock time.

The Cardinal read the rites of the coronation as Mira and I again knelt before him and then ..."I crown you big businessman rafter De Louis Rex Of The acres of Dulci. He took the jacket crown from The elder and placed it upon my drumhead. Then he completed the ritual for Mira. Admira Felies I crown you Queen of The land of Dulci thus Joining the Two lands of Dulci and Bramble Sir Henry Joseph Wood. May God Bless and guide you both in your Rule."

... And thus began our rule ... .