I was quite surprised that there were so many mistake since I had done a full spell hinderance. I reread and made discipline hope I got them all.


Chapter 1

Even as a infant in a crib I was aware ... I might not possess undestood everything but I was aware.
What I was the most aware about was the soft sweet smelling beast that held me and comfored be and fed me from the soft containers on her chest. Dangling from her neck was a atomic number 79 string with a medalion whose epitome was that of a gold greeneyed dragon

Two years later I came to know the voiced creature that held and cared for me was my mother. I still liked to play with the medalion around her neck.

She often talked to me about it.,"Your name is raftman De Louis, your Father of the Church was the Crown Prince Duvalson of the realm of Dulciana, Remember this medalion identifies you. Your uncle bathroom mare De Louis had your granddaddy and your father killed. His minions are looking for you."

I listened to everything she said and I remembered,"The night 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 subdued beds and the tapestry that hung on the walls ... but now we hid in a collapsible shelter and lay upon old mantle and female parent cooked over an loose fire. She had to bring and carry urine and we only had her old maid handmaid, 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 opening.

Maid Ceil grabbed me up and ran out the back fluttering of the tent. This was the live on I ever saw of my Mother.

maid or rather, Mama Ceil as I came to call her took me to a Wizard 's Keep. No one in their correctly brain would ever try to search a Wizard 's support. There we lived a peaceful animation till ... Mama Ceil caught the ague and died when I was eight.

*****

Wizard 's Keep

mama Ceil knocked on the threshold of the champion 's bread and butter. After several whang the doorway was opened by an elderly Gent wearing an old grey Robe ...

"Yes ... may I help you ?"

mummy Ceil says,"My mistress Rebecca said if the meter came ... I was to derive to you ... and here we are."

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

ma 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 speak said,"Put the medallion away oh my goodness inside quickly, quickly"

That is how my new liveliness began, I made champion with some of the children of the village especially the younger frail ones. I stood up for them against the bigger and older male child even at three I hated bullies. I myself was as orotund as the bullies and they tried to get me to favor their side. It did n't cultivate, the inaugural time they started picking on a weaker child I jumped in and started swinging. I did n't have sex at that time but my C were magically enhanced.

My best friend was a kid we called"Sneaker"he could fit in the tiniest position. He was just small. Next was bean plant he was a skinny kid and clod, well he was fat and it was n't from eating to much. virtually street kids rarely had more than a repast a day and often not even that. Lastly was our hoyden Mira a red haired freckled font waif who was n't afraid of any affair She tried her best to enshroud the stop to her ears.

Although we were not supposed to tell about it, The thief social club was three household down from the Wizards Keep. I guess you can say I was being hid right hand under John the Divine Mare 's nose in the upper-case letter city, Dulci. They called me knocker be cause I busted head teacher of Bullies.

The thief I guess you could say adopted us ... it was n't long till we were all quite skilful at snitching purses as well as other thing. Sneaker became a 'caser'He and Bean made a team. bean plant would raise Sneaker up to a window, that I had checked for Aaron Montgomery Ward, I was able to show magic. I did n't yet fuck how to bypass the wards as yet but my wizard training would soon teach me that..

Sneaker would causa the topographic point while Mira would watch the front and lump and I would catch the sides. Afterwards gym shoe would give the information to a Housebreaker and after the job was done he would cave in us a share.

By the time I turned twelve I was learning how to oppose hand to manus and with clubs and night control stick. I quickly learned that although the night joint was good … 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 shoulder strap around my wrist. With a moving-picture show of the radiocarpal joint I would add 18 inches to my compass. Thugs were quite surprised when they were expecting the nightstick toward the head but instead it hit in the groin.

Sneaker had remained small, noggin had grown taller, lout was no longer fat he had turned to muscle.
Mira was beginning to look like a daughter, but you better not get charm starring at her charms. And me I was 5'10 '' and about 180 # it too was muscle.

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

Since The senior insisted I learn reading and writing as well as the spell books it was decided that my supporter be taught as well. We were able to earn duplicate money as messengers.

One day while I was training at the donjon 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 watch out, about an hour later four horse fancier stopped at the keep.

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

"The elder opened the door and ask the horse fancier if he could be of any help.
The leader of the four asked if there had been a maid die from the Ague recently ... The elder replied that was the Truth. He asked if she had a boy with her. senior said no and that the merely boy at the keep was his apprentice. The Horseman demanded to see this apprentice and was told he was away on an errand and was not expected back for hours."
For some reason this upset the horse fancier and he drew his brand."The elderberry bush waved his fingers and chanted. The equestrian and his comrade repeated after the Elder. The boy is not here and never has been,"they got on their horses and rode away.


snitch asked,"Whats going on doorknocker ?"

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

*********

Chapter 2

As I grew former my second slew or intuition seemed to be stronger. It seemed that I could fathom what people were thinking. Especially if it pertained to me.

I liked to eat lunch at the dormancy Leo. mamma throstle was the cook, she called us hooligan but our bowls always seemed to be filled in high spirits than the regular customers. Today I was dipping into the lamb stew, it needed a bit of salinity.

I looked and the salt was at the former end of the board, I put out my hand thought of my need for saltiness. I tried to get some ones attention but there was an argument in procession 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 hand. My mouth fell unresolved and I looked around but no one seemed to notice.

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

The senior gave me a patch book and a al-Qur'an 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 usual I laughed. Then I reached for the inkstand and it landed in my hand.

senior gasped and pointed at the inkwell,"Did you just scream that inkwell with your head ?"

I looked frightened but answered truthfully,"Yes."

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

So I told him about the voices in my fountainhead but they were hard to realize because there were so many. Also guard Logan was picking on Mira. So I had used my psyche to emergency Momma Mavis 's fat bottom. She turned around and dumped the water system ewer she was holding on his head. He ran out of the Inn with Momma in Pursuit.

elderberry bush had a big jape about that and said,"Your training will change starting tomorrow I will try to teach you how to control the voices as well as other things. Be careful and not use your mind office so somebody might see. The male monarch, he sneeringly replied is fishy enough as it is, And for the divinity sake keep that Medallion hidden."


********
Chapter 3

Acting big businessman, or rather The regent, John maria De Louis, was pacing back and Forth in the crapper way. Speaking to his Arthur Neville Chamberlain."We have to ascertain that kid without that medallion the cardinal grosbeak will not crown me King.I am a farce now. Even the barbarian are laughing behind my back."

The third man in the stool room stood out of the shadows, professional Assassin Haver Was so non nondescript that he could blend in with any crew."I have told you give me a free hand and the club will bump him and retrieve the medallion, 100 amber pieces. Just say the word. ''

"I am not fix for the pandemonium you would induce to the state. Besides the Elves of Bramble woodwind instrument is just looking for an excuse to start a war. Right now it is a war we could not possibility win. But if I have the ribbon that would be trial impression that Prince raftsman De Louis was dead. The Cardinalis cardinalis would take in no choice but to top me magnate. John Mare ended the meeting by saying he was hungry and pulled the bell electric cord to mobilize a page.

Haver was disgusted with the Regent not allowing him to put a pernicious hunting together. He was sure he could get resultant role and he probably only have to obliterate eight or nine people to get those solvent. He decided he would still hold on his eye open.

The chamberlain was opposed to the trustee but since he enjoyed living he chose not to speak of his oppositeness of the trustee. That did n't mean he had to help him either. He looked back before leaving the stool room in fourth dimension to see the Regent slap the page for some minor infraction. He hated cruelty.


*******


Rapper was relaxing in the food market square. He leaned against a post on the outskirt of the square he had spent a silver grey at the sausage balloon stand. The residual of his admirer had chore to complete. knocker was glad he did n't have any chore today. He watched the Nobles and Merchants and tapped in to the works of their minds. He was still struggling to separate the different thoughts it was like trying to interpret a maelstrom.

Then he felt a light persuasion blasting at him."I will find him then I will commit the Regent a fortune ... he has to be here some where."

knocker was startled, he scanned the bunch but was unable to discern who the thinker might befall to be. No luck, Rapper edged back and behind the marketer carts. He observed the square and tried to pick out the someone with the errant persuasion but no luck. He hung out till almost glowering before sticking to the fantasm he made his way to the Keep.

The Elder was waiting for him ... doorknocker told him everything and how the voice had entered his head with out him seeking. They talked and laid some templet lines for his effort to hone his skills.

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


I was rudely awaken by the slamming of the door to my room. I raised my head expecting the Elder. Instead there was Apprentice Mage Arture."Whats the matter Arture ? Are you crying ?"

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

"Why ?"

"He was standing outside a Lord 's window."

I rushed out on the street and found lummox with tears in his heart,"It was my fault I was on vigil. Last dark I ate sumpin'that messed up my pot. It hit me hard and I had to run to an outhouse. By the time I got back ... they had him."

"Which Nobleman."

"Nobleman Frane, you know following to Noble Pritcher. ''

"Pritcher is n't that where Maggie works in the Kitchen ... ?"Maggie was one of our friends and she slips us delicacy from the kitchen on occasion. Lord Pritcher knew about it but turned a unreasoning eye. We classed him as a sound Noble.

We went around to Lord 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 basket with rolls and breadstuff. 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 door.
A guard opened and said,"What'cha desire ?"

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

The sentry duty captain stepped up and asked,"Well if he is your rescue boy why was he outside Noble Frane 's house ?"

"first gear time he has been there he just got the sign of the zodiac miscellaneous up."

The sentry duty Capt. Said,"Well just who was he delivering too."

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

The Capt. Told the screw to release bean. When they brought him in the Capt admonished him and reminded him to be Thomas More deliberate from now on.

We all kept a straightaway side till we were well away from the sentry duty way then we let out a sigh of relief. Maggie handed the basket to Bean and directed him to turn in it to the maintain kitchen just in caseful the Guard Capt. Did a follow up.

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

stoolpigeon replied,"Gomer ''

"When you give him your report tell him that he should put off the job for at least two weeks. The guards are going to be watching the business firm just in case."I pretended I over heard the Capt. Telling this to the guards. Really I had a present moment of clarity and was able to force this from his brain. He really was n't sure we were telling the trueness. The Captain James Cook, May, told me later the Guard had been around checking to see if the breadstuff had been delivered.

May told him."Yes are you hinting for a piece."The safety device stammered and thanked her when she cut him off a piece of bread and slathered a mess of cheese on it.
Chapter 4

I was getting better at grasping one vocalization and clearing the rest of random chatter, The Major problem was I still could not recognize which mind was sending the train of thought. Then one day it was like a vision ... I could see out of someone EL eyes and I had a crystallise path to his persuasion. I was still surprised when he grabbed a Lady and drug her down an alley and began ripping her clothes off. When he pulled down her bodice and her lily-white boob popped out I almost stumbled.

I ran to the alleyway while slipping my script through the leather strap attached to the night stick. I turned into the alley as he was lifting her chick, I could see her milky white thighs. I flicked out the dark joystick and it flashed out and made contact to his berm. He grunted and turned toward me, I noticed his size of it, he was a skilful ten inches taller than I was and he held a large knife in his hand.

I flicked the billy club again the grip appeared to be headed for his face he put up his knife paw. The handgrip reached the length of the shoulder strap, the handle came to a stop consonant. Inertia caused a pendulum effect and the end of the billystick was on a collision course with his manhood which was in view. He was ready to take advantage of the lady. Then contact was made he screamed and went down. I rapped him across the back of the mind and he went down and out.

The peeress had n't seen any affair her dress was still over her header. Momentarily I admired her wares, the inaugural I had ever seen, oh well. I helped her up and directed her back to the square and told her to holler for a safeguard. While she followed my centering I slipped into the crowd and vanished.

The future day it was all over the square about the gallant rescuer of a Noble peeress that was almost raped.
The raper had been captured but the chivalrous rescuer had disappeared. The stately ma'am 's founding father had offered a reward. Many endeavour were made to accumulate it but none had the real report. I had kissed her inner second joint almost to the VEE before helping her up.

I often followed her when she came to the market, but she never knew. I often thought of the musky sense of smell I had been near and how I was drawn … I knew I had no hazard with her not only was she of noble birth but she was at least eight long time my senior.

I began watching Mira more often and noticed the minor protrusions on her thorax. One day our radical was outside the logic gate and romping through the woods and I fell in to the river. It was in a minor cove where the water ran slow as to be lenify. To be truthful it was our swim hole and we would cause ended up there sooner or later. The adjacent thing I knew the ease of them were in the water also. We played for hr 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 manpower behind her and stretched with her eyes closed. Suddenly everyone went quite her boob with nipples the size of it of the 1st marijuana cigarette of a pinkie finger was standing proudly. None of us, except me, had ever seen a bare chested daughter before.

Mira noticed the muteness and opened her eyes 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 nipple again.

She looked down at her chest and her facial expression turned Red and she put her arm across her chest and grabbed her shirt, turned her back and put her shirt back on. stoolie could n't allow for 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 birdie and the bees. By the time we reached the gate they knew as a great deal as me ... which was almost nothing.

Chapter 5

The eld flew by and we grew up, Sneaker was still under 5'and could still get into small office. bonce was close to 6'5 '' and still skinny but still quite strong. ball was 6'2 '' and weighed 220 all solid muscle. Mira was a vision her bosom was the size of small grapefruits. Her red hair appeared to be flames while her lentigo were just enticing, this delectable package was on a 5'3 '' underframe. Her pinna .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 mare De Louis had become a fat slob and his rule was becoming expectant handed on the people of the realm.

One day the elderberry bush called me to his office and said,"The clip has come the people are repressed and have been taxed till they can hardly buy food. The City Guards favor the masses but the palace safeguard seems to lean toward brutality.

After listening to the Elder I began to be after. The low gear thing was a whisper campaign I had my center group start the rumors.

"wealthy person you heard, the real Martin Luther King has come of age, and he is not proud of with his Uncle. He is raising an ground forces to domesticise his throne.

There were a vauntingly number of break-ins at Nobles and merchant home base. It seemed odd that it was only the athletic supporter of the Regent who were hit the backbreaking. A picayune Redheaded Elf paid a visit to the Bramble Mrs. Henry Wood brownie.

A train consisting of two wagons pulled by vast drawing horse. Wagon one was occupied by the Red headed Elf. The second by the ace Elder. The balance of us walked it took us a hebdomad to reach the border between Dulciana and Bramble Wood. There we stopped and set up camp. We made no overt move in fact other than a Nox stick ( mine ) and a Staff ( senior ) we carried no weapons. We all were a niggling uncomfortable in the fantasy clothes the elderberry bush 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 people. Each day others joined us, by the prison term we reached the border we were Two 100 fifty strong with more arrive daily. The Elder used his conjuring trick only to provide food for the masses.

We waited at the border for four days. On the morning of the twenty percent day three Elves appeared in front of Mira 's tent. Mira invited them into her tent and sent word to the elderberry bush and I to join her. I entered the tent and stood behind Mira. While awaiting the elder I observed the Elven company. Each was blond with hair to the articulatio humeri, their nose were almost pointed. The stand out characteristic was their eyes, they seem to click deeply into the individual 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 Elder entered. He they acknowledged and slightly bowed. The senior nodded and moved behind Mira next to me.

Mira spoke,"The lawful King of Dulciana has come of age and seeks an alliance to over cast off the supplanter John Mare De Joe Louis. I am Admira cousin to king Felies rule of Bramble Wood. I by my own choice have lived in Dulciana to keep the peace between the two lands."

"The time has come to declare your realisation of the True King of Dulciana and to wreak out the treaty of Bayer Bridge which our two countries vowed to support each other."

The Three Elves, none looking to be over twenty, huddled together. Then one stepped forward,"I am Admiran buddy of Admira and Cousin to Rex Felis. To my right is Sir Slender Shoot in Command of the palace guard duty. To my left, Prince Felieson, Crown Prince of Bramble wood. regard my words we have reluctantly kept our side ot the treaty of Bayer bridge. All though it has been trying, whoremaster Mare has continued to raise tariffs for the goodness we have imported to Dulciana. It has been almost useless to sell 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 know the rightful King is prepared to match and that he is ready."

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

The Elves again huddled together, Admiran stepped forward,"You will take in our solution before the thirdly Sun sets."They turned and left the collapsible shelter an the camp.

"Well what do you conceive, I said as I paced inside the tent.
The elderberry bush as usual played his bill of fare close to his bureau and Mira said"I guess we will take in to expect and see."*******

The Elf delegation wasted no sentence before they were in the mien of King Felies. They bowed to the queen but he waved it way …"Yes, Yes, what did they say ?"

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

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

Chapter 6


The"accord of Bayer Bridge"

Billie Jean Moffitt King Felies leaned back from the table and looked steadily at business leader Duval De Louis the ruler of Dulciana. They had been discussing the term of the pact which would make their friendship official. The last codicil of the treaty would be the eventual joining of the two family line 's. King Duval had a new born Grandson. King Felies had a female first cousin In the place line the two were bound to each other. She and her Mother would hold out in Dulciana and be raised with the pennant Prince 's son. When he came of age they would be married.

Two years later King Duval and his son were dead ... and the grandson was missing. King Felies did the best he could with the Treaty. He was still hoping the rightful rule was still animated. And Now ....

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

*****

Mira had been aware of Rafe 's identity for years. Once when they were swimming in the river she had seen the Medallion and recognized the dragon of gold with green middle. She kept her quiet, she was aware of the Treaty and that she was promised to Rafe. She had always known …

She looked toward Rafe and smiled ….

There was a loud noise out side of the tent and people yelling a head was shoved into the collapsible shelter and an Elf yelled,"Quickly you have to get across the Bridge. Dulciana 's Army is on the march."

We all rushed across the bridge circuit only to be swallowed up by the Elven Army. A team of them took down the collapsible shelter and hitched the wagons and brought it all across the bridge. Then the Elven Army lined their English of the border. At the span itself was a group of Elven Mages Led by the genius Elder.
An Elf walked to the center of the Bridge with a pigment brush and pail of paint, He drew a agate line three inches wide and wrote Dulciana on their side of the railway line and Bramble Natalie Wood on the other.

In lupus erythematosus than an hour the Dulciana Army came into view. Nearer and nearer they came till they were at the bridge. The baron who was leading the army walked to the center of the bridge and was close to stepping over the line when the elves on the bridge lowered there Lances toward the Baron 's thorax. He stopped and backed up. Only then did he notice the freshly painted moulding.

The Elven commandant asked the Baron,"What occupation do you throw in Bramble Wood."

The top executive stated,"I have been dispatched to halt a traitor."

"And just who is this traitor and what did he do ?"

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

The commander smiled,"As you can see we have close 300 refugees and at to the lowest degree 50 of them fits that category. But first power Felies has informed me he does not Recognize anyone named John Mare De Louis as any matter ... except as a criminal."

"I advise you to turn this ragtag clump around before My archers lose their enduringness and let loose the 100 arrows that are aimed at you and yours."“ On the Count of ten My lancer are going to clear this Bridge."

The top executive began to back away from the nosepiece and set up camp. He set up a bridge sentry at the Dulciana bridge end. The pixy did the same at their end. Traffic was not stopped on the bridge but was closely scrutinized.

A messenger was received at Mira 's tent and she was informed that King Felies was ready to invite them.

A few hours later they were ushered in to King Felies 's comportment. top executive Felies asked for introductions.
Mira stated,"I you know but I am Admira first cousin to you King Felies and promised to rafter De Louis."

Rafe 's mouth dropped wide of the mark candid not in disappointment, just surprise.

Mira continued,"You also know the Wizard senior, The rather minuscule gent is Lonnie Better known as snitch. Next to hin is Silas bettor known as Bean, Next to him is Tom also known as Lump. terminal but not least is Rafter De Louis, known as The Rapper or Rafe or just RD. The lawful King of Dulciana."

All of his booster were sass agape never suspecting their booster was a Royal. magnate Felies says, Lets see proof."

Rafe stepped forward and reached inside his Tunic and removed the medallion ... The green centre of the gold tartar transfixed all who saw it. All of Rafe 's friends dropped to their knees and bowed before him. He told them to stop bowing it made him uncomfortable.

"I was raised by The senior and by Mamma Ceil, My mother was Rebekah and my Father was crown Prince Duvalson, Son of king Duval De Louis. Both were killed by Assassin Haver by club of John maria De Louis."

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

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

I turned back to Rex Felies and asked,"Sire what say yee ?"

He looked to the Elder,"senior what is your story ?"********
Chapter 7

elder 's story

"I will first state ma Ceil"s story. I was folding wearing apparel in a collapsible shelter out face the village of Collie while my charge Rafter De Louis played on the floor. My mistress Princess Rebecca rushed in and told me John Mare 's men were searching every tent. She said I was to take Rafter to the elder. She removed the laurel wreath from her neck and placed it on rafter 's cervix and told him never ever lose it ..He was three."

"He and I crawled through a tear 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 Rafter I turned on my back with Rafter between my boob we floated down the river."

"We neared the Bayer Bridge, I directed us to the Dulciana camber. We followed the roadway although we stayed in the forest. There were merchant traveling along the route which allowed me to snitch enough food to keep us going. It took us almost two weeks to make our way to the Elder 's Keep. We arrived near the hour of noon but waited till almost dusk before knocking and asking for the Elder."

elderberry bush

"I was enjoying a trash of ale when I heard a throb on the door of the keep I was alone my compatriots were all on errands. There was not many of us to lead off with. I am Mage Sabron but called elderberry bush. Also abiding in the Keep was Mage 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 filthy."Yes can I help you."The woman spoke.

"My kept woman Rebecca said that the time would add up and we was to occur to the dungeon and here we are."
I said,"wellspring yes you are but who are you and time for what."

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

The boy pulled out the palm, I got flustered and told him to put it away and pushed them into the keep. I made him a leather bag to put the laurel wreath in it had a drawstring so it kept the palm covered. ma Ceil helped May in the kitchen until she came down with the Ague and died I think the boy was about eight. By that fourth dimension he was already the protector of the infirm.

"I knew he had a deception backdrop so I began to train him. To insure he learned everything I also recruited all his friends so they also have been schooled except in magic. I did not try to influence them but allowed them to view the world and to make up up their on minds. I am gallant to say the weak and downtrodden have always been taken guardianship of by these few. They also learned from the street and learned to bypass the cruel."

"One other thing look at him closely. Now the picture that was painted at the signing of the Bayer Bridge. bet close at his Grandfather."

Every one turned to the picture hanging on the wall. It looked like an older Rafe. The senior said, That is all I have to say."

King Felies thought about all that he had been told and all he had seen. He remembered his friends voice and was surprised to hear that voice coming out of this offspring man.


The queen rang for a page and told him make ready rooms for my party. I stopped him and told him that we have over 250 follower at the River I will remain with them, my friend nodded that they agreed.

We departed for the camp. As soon as we arrived the baron was asking to verbalise with me. I met him at the center of the bridge.

"Might I see the Medallion."I removed it from my tunic. He stared at it."I must do some cerebration I was sure you were dead and with that thought in intellect to try and protect my mass. 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 compensate decision will be made. In fact I would bet there will be a lot of soul searching going on."
I heard a noise and looked over my shoulder to see a contingent of the Elven Army began lining the River. Their Commander 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 woodwind instrument do here by recognize the lawful King of Dulciana'baulk De Louis'.

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

The is a formal annunciation of War, Not with Dulciana but with the armies of the usurper John maria De Louis. You are here by given Five Days to answer.

Signed : King Felies
Ruler of the Kingdom of brownie Known as Bramble Wood

*******

The top executive ordered his men to fall in ... and departed at once ... The mogul called his fastest runner and gave him the coil to save to the Regent.

Upon reaching the crossroad, straight was to Dulci, right was to his Land belongings. Baron Phelps hesitated then called a hitch. He called all his Officers to a meeting.

He looked to each one, some had been with him for geezerhood and some just a short time."Our long lost tycoon raftsman De Joseph Louis Barrow has come of age and is demanding his rightful post, to the alarm of the regent. A few years ago I gave an oath to the Regent."He noticed some shambling and whispering among them.
"twenty years ago I also gave my curse word to defend the Crown. Since the Crown belongs with Rafter De Louis and not the regent that is the swearing I must honor."

"Any of you who wish to be absolved from your oath to me and wish to follow the Regent is liberal to do so. But first I wish you to speak these words to your men. I leave for my plate in one time of day. All who wish to honor their oath can follow. All who wish to conform to the regent may depart with honor."

The Baron 's Page lay a cloak in the shade of a mighty Oak. The business leader sat and leaned back and closed his center. From the noises he was hearing there must be quite a word going on. After a few minute … nothing but silence. He nodded off to sleep.

Until his varlet gently shook him,"baron the hour has past."

The magnate opened his eyes to see all his flock lined up and ready to impress out on the itinerary to the right. He stood walked to his horse and said,"Very Well mount UP."He tried to cover his emotion as he brushed a wayward teardrop from his eye.

"courier, strike this Message to B. B. King in waiting baulk De Louis. We the men of Baron Phelps Stand to your right."

Even before the Baron could reach his estate the index of gossip had raised its slimy promontory. It had been shouted throughout the country that big businessman Phelps Favored the King in Waiting. As he rode into the grounds of the demesne there were courier from his colleague Lord wishing to confirm his decisiveness. Some were condemning him but well-nigh were aligning with him and offering their help.

******

I stepped out of the tent to a eruption of interference. I was almost stunned, overnight the supporters had increased to over a one thousand men and char. There was also a line of messenger awaiting his attention. One by one he read the messages. The tilt of reinforcement by the noble was staggering. I was pleasantly surprised to teach that Baron Phelps had been the first to issue his support.

I sent subject matter to them all accepting their livelihood and asking them to Join me for a meeting and to bring their second in command as well. The gremlin set up tents and supplied food for thought clobber. We searched through our people and was soon able to fill the tent with cook and kitchen help.

Bean and stoolie began interviewing our mint. It took over two hebdomad to demonstrate what each was trade good at. The 1st and most authoritative was scout and Runners. It was a receive to cognise we had a CORE mathematical group to aim others. They consisted of twelve lancers and eight Archer all thanks to the city Guard. They were led by the police chief of the Guard I smiled when I learned they had brought the entire armory of the urban center Guards. I had the Captain set up companies and team and begin training.

It was n't long till the dame were making vests with a putting surface Eyed Gold Dragon in the substance on a field of operations of dingy. I was even more surprised when a sparring was erected and a silk flag of Blue with the same Dragon represented. I never knew where the material came from.

I was most surprised by the lack of response from John maria. I had sent pathfinder into Dulci and awaited their rejoinder. Days later I had my answer. There was desention in the social status 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 sentinel What was left were mercantile s and men who were just there for the money with no real desire for the sake of the Kingdom.

Chapter 8

So this is war.

With the support of the nobleman and the hoi polloi of the land we had an 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 tangible gift of strategy. 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 fifty mounted men and named them Tom 's despoiler. They traversed the stat mi to Dulcianas Southern border. They carried few supplies, which meant either make successful raids, live off the land or starve.

******
Tom 's Raiders

chunk, Tom, Lead his Raiders south never coming in great deal of any road except when it was requisite to get across one. They scouted the roads entering Dulciana from Langdom to the south and to Arrington to the East. 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 archer stepped out of the Bush with their prow fully drawn. Lump spoke,"Well gentlemen please lay down your weapons and maltreat away from them. You two on the Dipper get down. Please lay face down on the ground with arms and wooden leg spread."

Each were checked over and knife and night joint removed from their person. Their hands and feet were bound. Lump placed two men in the wagon and started it onto Bramble Ellen Price Wood Border.

"I am for certain it will not take you long to relinquish your ego. I suggest you turn back to Langdom and not return. If you had put up a fight all of you would now be dead and we would have all regretted it. But none more than you."

Lump had given orderliness for the beach wagon to displace as fast as it comfortably could toward the ease of the ground forces. They were also prepared to ride like the Dickens at the crossroads to Dulci.
He was not aware that there was a squad on watch near the interbreeding road Which escorted them the sleep of the way.

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

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

lav female horse brought in Mages from Drummond which was to the North Mae West We wondered what he was promising them. The elderberry bush had warded our raiders against conjuration. We attacked their rear with arrows then rode away. The Mages were frustrated when their tour returned toward them and they had to go on defense against their own spells. We found out later that John maria had not told them anything about the Elder supporting us and he knew nothing about me, and that I too knew magic.

*****
With out informing to the highest degree of my officers or King Felies I left inner circle with four scouts and Mage Arture. Our plan was to purloin as close as we could to big businessman Ronin 's HQ tent. Baron Ronin had designated himself as full general Ronin.His only affair 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 lettered of how to run an army.
His ship's officer were getting very frustrated.

I cast my intellect into the collapsible shelter. As usual there was an argument going on. maitre d' hybridizing of the castle guards and Major Nells of the Dulciana US Army were already at their card end. It was impossible to get through to General Ronin that you could not attack some one who was already gone. The general decided they would go forth a police squad of Calvary behind. Then when the despoiler slipped in behind they could assault and pass over them out.

When we arrived back at the ingroup, we made our own plans. Rather than attacking the bum we honed in on the right wing. We held back a reserve and when his trailing Calvary came around to attack our raiders they were met with our reserves and a hail of arrows.

To stymy them more stoolpigeon slipped in and slip the Dulciana Flag. We hoisted it up the spar where our Dragon flag flew. It was flown bit to our Dragon.

It would have got been simple to take out full general Ronin. But he was their speculative enemy so we left him alone.

*****

King Felies was very incensed when he discovered my scouting foray."What in the world did you think by leading that scouting party ? Kings do n't precede raids they direct from the cover ground."

I looked at him and smiled,"As yet I am not a King, and I do not be ... I lead ... by example."

I talked with Mira and snitcher, Mira had an idea to scare the hell out of Dulciana soldiery. For three days one tent was a beehive of bodily function and only a certain few were allowed in. Late on the third day Mira walked out of the tent and nodded to me. Three of the smaller scouts who were experts in stealth and Sneaker all entered that tent ... aught else happened. Soon it was forgotten.

*****

The camp of king Ronin began to stir ... .Then it turned into a manful tempest ... Each was holding and looking at a small spell of lambskin. mogul walked out of his tent also holding a piece of parchment, demanding to have it away who was creditworthy for the sheepskin ....

He looked back down at his which was on a while of rawhide and was around his neck. The sheepskin had a drafting of a dagger and the words you could be dead ... following time for real. He started screaming where are the guards ... they were found with their throat cut and a firearm of parchment held to their pectus by a dagger.

For the next week there were desertions and some worn out soldiers that appeared to have not slept for awhile. Every Nox someone was killed in their nap and Baron Ronin collected another piece of parchment.

Before the finale part of the plan could be put into manoeuvre assassin Haver had his try. I began getting reports of a calamitous clad shape fliting in and out of tent around camp ... In some cases there was a body to go along with the report. Elder immediately said an assassinator I added Haver.

I begin to browse with my creative thinker ... near evening time I started to clean up traces of Haver. I turned in about 11 pm. At about 2 am I said,"NOW !"

tennis shoe removed the cover from a lamp and light blazed into the unsuspecting eye of Haver. elderberry bush stepped into the collapsible shelter and enwraped Haver in magical chasteness. Haver tried to plow his read/write head towards me and spit out.

I was expecting something of the variety and sent a charming force into his face which cause him to bury what he tried to spit at me. He began to gasp and his face began to have a bluish tint and he crumpled.

elder checked him over and said he was dead. He and I using our magic and not touching the body carried the torso to a cairn outside of cantonment which we had prepared earlier in the day. We placed the body on the cairn and set the pyre alight. offset we warned everyone in camp to rest away and especially not to rest the smoke.

Chapter baseball club

The two United States Army 's had been camped close for week each trying to be an thorn to the early. It was almost a war of attrition. But we had plans, and I assume they did too. We just had to be first.

On the first day of Winters pall ... tycoon Ronin awoke to silence, he dressed and threw back the tent tizzy To encounter himself facing Sil Slender Shoot and Silas Bean. It was almost amazing when the voiced spoken bonce unleashed his true vox of his stately ample baritone voice voice.

"superior general Ronin You are surrounded by the effect of free Dulci and the army of Bramble Woods.. For your treasonous act you are hereby stripped of all solid ground and titles and exiled with only the dress on your back. Or you will be put to end by hanging ... I almost forgot if you accept option one ... and ever make up one's mind to return. Option two is automatically enforced.

Ex Baron Ronin was escorted by Tom 's raider to the border of Langdom. He was pushed across the moulding begging for at least a gymnastic horse ... which he did not get.


With the summation of top executive Phellps US Army, our Volunteers and the Army of Bramble Wood we decided it was time to withdraw the war to whoremonger Mare


King Filies called a meeting and after much discussion we came to a decisiveness ... We wished to piss them vex as well as to pay. We decided to make it appear as if we were on parade. We put up a window dressing of joyous playing around. As if we had not a care in the world. The truth was we had grand of mouths to feed.

In each camp the elder assigned an learner who fed the troops by magic with phonograph record of piping hot food for thought. Our day-after-day marches were short not starting till near 10 am and stopping nigh 4 pm.

On the third day John mare 's US Army took the decoy. They moved up to aggress as we would be making cantonment for the evening. What they did n't expect was before they could get the Good Book to assail ... pointer came flying out of the trees all around them.. They lost over a hundred and sixty men that day and the yielding of fifty more

They thought they had laid the perfective ambush of an unwary group. When in essence they had been missing one detail. First a figure of scouts would search out the future Nox camp earth. Only one would bring back to act as guide.

Second as evenfall began to diminish a troop of about fifty men would peel off into the nighttime. They would go to the next nights camping orbit and prepare an ambush. When John Lackland Mare '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 police officer and the fire came before he could return his orders to attack the camp. From our view we were driving them toward the pack where they were met by ... phone number three, a well placed group of lancers.

We lost three offend and two abruptly ... .. We heard their Army was disgruntled and saying things like we do n't campaign fair.


*****

The Clarence Shepard Day Jr. turned into a week before the walls of Dulciana loomed into tidy sum The buildings outside the walls were empty-bellied

I rode up to the logic gate"privy mare come out and face me ... You have been trying to kill me for over 17 year ...."I heard a swishing racket and a soldier 's body hit the reason in front of me. I glanced to the side. Admiran was notching another arrow ... he smiled.


We had scouts in trees, not close enough to make an flak of any sort but they were not there for that purpose. They were there to follow and cover. Each sentinel had a foresightful methamphetamine and watched and re ported the gathering of John Mare 's mercenary Army. Soon we would engage.

Again we used blind … we grew up in that town and all of us knew how to enter and leave without being seen. Again the sorcerer Keep played an important part. In the basement of the keep was a enigma passage that opened into the tacking room of the barn in the forge. The smithy and corral was just inside the wall of the town.

Once inside we could scatter throughout the town. Our first night, Lump, attic and stool pigeon went in checking the approach. The second night each of them led a group of xv men each, our stealth fighters.

They hit the barracks and the guard duty hut near the Frederick North and South gate. They set attack to the barracks then attacked the soldiers as they tried to elude. They never knew what hit them nor how to respond. This was our way of harassment for two weeks. John Mare 's troop were tired but afraid to sleep. They were making fault, just what we were waiting for.

The side by side thing was to take out the guards on the west wall, open the gate and to fulfill the square toes with our troop all before John Mare 's Army awakens.


****

John Mare De Louis awoken to men shouting and the clatter of weapons falling to the ground. He rolled out of bed and looked at his empty table and was instantly furious. That lazy Perdon was late with his Breakfast again. He pulled his bell chime cord angrily three times.

On the third attract his door opened ... He was all set to train against Perdon when he saw that the two men entering his Sir William Chambers were armed and their Sashes were the coloring material of Green and Gold. Not his Red and blackness he rushed to his weapons.

They smiled and one of them said,"By all means arm thy ego Just as Crown Prince baulk desires you.We are here to escort you to the battle G."

Gospel According to John Mare grabbed a lance, his blade and a brace of throwing tongue. Thinking to himself,"This kid has never had any training with weapons ... What chance does he have against me, a sword master."

** truth be known privy maria was not near as good as he thought ... I mean seriously if you are practicing with an unstable power just how strong are you going to try to win. **

noggin and glob escorted John Mare to the Battle grounds. He entered and found himself alone he looked above at the viewing sphere ... it was full of Men, char and ELF. The 1st face he recognized was the Chancellor the second the Cardinal.

Chapter Ten.

The door began to open, lavatory mare drew his sword, he was ready.
He almost burst out laughing ... The youthful man who entered, he assumed was his nephew, was only armed with a nightstick dangling from a rawhide cord.

"Good cockcrow Uncle ... I was told I had to turn over you a chance, thus I chose to face you with a nightstick. Since I do n't wish to kill you, only measure you senseless I thought it only fitting.

privy maria smirked and said,"Quit weeping and lets get on with it so I can eat breakfast."All the time he had been talking he was moving towards Rafe.

As he drew near and was ready to swing his sword. Rafe 's billy struck like a snake hitting the knuckles of the hand holding the sword which clattered to the ground. The interview roared. privy female horse 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, can Mare reached for his steel. Thinking Rafe a fool he again started forward. He had taken two steps when the billystick flicked out again and caressed his elbow ... His arm went blunt and his sword again fell to the floor.

John the Divine Mare realized the sword was useless. He lowered the lance he had been holding in his leave behind hand. Rafe was watching his every move. When John mare made his thrust, at the last flash Rafe stepped to the side of meat and flicked out the nightstick it met John Mare 's Kuki-Chin with a cracking sound.

John female horse was so describe up he did n't seem to actualize his jaw was broken. He swept the lance to ward Rafe who stepped back and loosed his nightstick. John the Evangelist female horse thought he was prepared and whipped his question back. Again the fulcrum upshot took over and the nightstick took the lower way. The only thing that saved his manhood is that he had turned his body. The billy club struck his go out thigh bruising it deeply.

lav Mare was finding it difficult to remain firm. He retained the lance but was now using it as a cane. Rafe flicked out the billy club again in the management of Gospel According to John female horse 's lead wrist. He retaliated by swinging the shaft butt striking Rafe in the rib cage, cracking a couple of ribs. Rafe missed with his approach.

John the Evangelist Mare tried to succeed up on his good fortune, get out his dagger and lunged forward. The night stick was already on the way headed for his manhood. John Mare 's lunge put his fountainhead in the way and the night stick caught him square in the os frontale and down he went.

Rafe waited but there was no movement from St. John the Apostle Mare, Sir Slender Shoot and his checkup man pyrexia entered the Yard ,. fever felt for a pulse and nodded, yes there was a pulse he was just unconscious mind. Slender Shoot called for three men. They trussed John Mare up like a Christmas Turkey.

*****

I looked up to the Audience and announced."He will have a bazaar visitation,"

I Looked around as they drug Saint John the Apostle female horse to the dungeon."smuggler take a message to Langdom, Drummond and Chelsea And any early near by nation we have traffic with, speak to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, asking them to place a voice. To sit at this run they must also have potency to negotiate Import export Tariffs. Also must Represent their country. In my Coronation and marriage ceremony to take place, I turned to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and motioned ..."

The Chancellor of the Exchequer spoke quickly,"Six Weeks for the run and in two month for the festivities."

"Also I wish a ball carrier be sent to good deal household for a Dwarf example to be here as well."

Time seemed to sweep up even with all that had to be done, The household staff had the palace to clean up and devise for all the client. It had been decided that the investiture and the wedding would be held in the Margaret Court Yard so that all who wished could see ... after all I did raise up on the streets.

I made a few fitting, Lonnie/Sneaker to head the Intelligence corp. Silas/Bean Secretary and Treasurer, Tom/Lump head of the castle Guards and top executive Phelps commanding officer full general of the Army of Dulci.

Six very combat-ready workweek went by and the Dwarfen Representative, Smash Stumpf Foot, had arrived. The trial began ..."John female horse De Joseph Louis Barrow You are charged with high gear Treason and Regicide How do you plead."

John mare stared around the court of justice way,"How dare you. You have no right field to try me I am a King ... !"

There was chortle and noise from the viewer. King Felies shouted"S I L E N C E"As acting jurist and a King the muteness was instanious."We will take that as a not guilty plea."

The commencement watcher was momma Ciel 's younger sister."My name is Myra"

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

Myra 's chronicle :

My female parent had been a Ladies housemaid and my older sister was as well. My Mother died in child parturition and my sister Ciel raised me. Ciel was Ladies maid to Princess Rebecca she spoiled me. I was always hiding and eavesdropping. She would laugh at the things I told her, she thought I was making them up. One day when I was seven and Prince raftman was a Babe I overheard John Mare and a man he called Haver Talking."

John the Divine female horse said"Haver I will give you 100 gold to assassinate The King and his family."

"How do you want it done ?"

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


I did n't understand what assassinate meant and I got sidetracked and went to fiddle with my acquaintance. Later I asked my baby what assassinate meant. She asked me why and I told her. She told Princess Rebekah and I had to tell apart 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 grab a few things and they left the Palace. I never saw them again."Later that evening a messenger brought John Mare a note saying the King and his Son was dead.

After that john Mare tried to get Crowned king But the Cardinal refused unless he had the laurel wreath proving he was the last of the family line.

"John the Divine maria was ruthless he had servants beaten for no reasonableness and he raped the castling ladies including me."

John female horse Leaped up and yelled it was his right hand to rape the women he was the king.

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


Many were called but none rung for John mare. It was really a forcemeat as Trials goes. The verdict was known by everybody.

King Felis stood and told can mare to grow."John maria De Joseph Louis Barrow you have been tried and convicted by a court of your Countrymen. You have been found guilty of High treason, Regicide as well as later added Rape charge. I argued vehemently for the demise Penalty but soon to be King Rafter De Louis argued for a more lenient sentence of spirit in the mines. Smash Stumpf Foot yield him away he is all yours."

John Mare De Joseph Louis Barrow screamed NO NO as Stumpf groundwork placed him in chains.


Chapter 11

I was glad for that portion to be over and it seems like everyone was in agreement. The moment John Mare was pulled through the door and it shut behind him. I stepped forward and ...

"Lady and valet de chambre The Wedding will take up blank space in Two Weeks from today. One week Later the Coronation will take away place."

The Wedding was a delirious hurry between beating out Trade conceding and understanding and trying on wedding Clothes. Finally the day arrived. The wedding party was held in the city Square. This was necessary since I had Promised no one would be turned away.

I had never seen such finery in this metropolis and then Mira stepped out escorted by her begetter, The Elder agreed to resist with me.

We turned and Knelt in front of the cardinal number."We are gathered here together to join these two. Crown Prince raftman De Joe Louis and Princess Admira Felies ... .That is the last I remember money box I heard the redbird said I now pronounce you hubby and Wife ... You may buss your Bride.

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

I smiled and gathered her in my arms and we shared our first-class honours degree buss ... then we disappeared to our Chamber which was kept personal.

The receipt lasted two wax days and the chancellor stated well there goes the exchequer just to feed the crowd.

The succeeding few Day we finished hammering out the trade agreement. And then it was time.

The cardinal grosbeak read the rites of the coronation as Mira and I again knelt before him and then ..."I crown you big businessman Rafter De Louis King Of The country of Dulci. He took the crest from The elder and placed it upon my head. Then he completed the ritual for Mira. Admira Felies I crown you Queen of The realm of Dulci thus Joining the Two lands of Dulci and Bramble woods. May God Bless and Guide you both in your rule."

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