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


Chapter 1

Even as a babe in a crib I was mindful ... I might not have undestood everything but I was aware.
What I was the to the highest degree aware about was the flabby mellisonant smelling animal that held me and comfored be and fed me from the sonant containers on her bureau. Dangling from her neck was a gold range of mountains with a medalion whose image was that of a gold greeneyed firedrake

Two days later I came to have intercourse the soft brute 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 was the pennant Prince Duvalson of the Kingdom of Dulciana, Remember this medalion identifies you. Your uncle whoremonger Mare De Joseph Louis Barrow had your grandfather and your father killed. His minions are looking for you."

I listened to everything she said and I remembered,"The dark your Church Father was killed he hung the medalion around my neck opening to move over to you when you are ready"

In my vernal mind I remembered the voiced beds and the tapestry that hung on the paries ... but now we hid in a collapsible shelter and lay upon old mantle and female parent cooked over an open fire. She had to fetch and transmit water and we only had her old housemaid servant, I did not understand.

One Night my mother rushed into the tent pulled off the medalion and said to maid Ceil,"trick Mare is searching every collapsible shelter ... issue Rafe and flee."She leaned down and placed the Medalion around my neck.

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

Maid or rather, Mama Ceil as I came to forebode her took me to a Wizard 's living. No one in their right brain would ever try to search a genius 's Keep. There we lived a peaceful life till ... mammy Ceil caught the ague and died when I was eight.

*****

magician 's Keep

Mama Ceil knocked on the threshold of the necromancer 's Keep. After various bash the doorway was opened by an elderly Ghent wearing an old grey Robe ...

"Yes ... may I help you ?"

mama Ceil says,"My kept woman Rebecca said if the time came ... I was to come to you ... and here we are."

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

mummy Ceil stammered and stuttered then her grimace 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 capable to speak said,"Put the medallion away oh my goodness inside quickly, quickly"

That is how my new life began, I made Friend with some of the nipper of the village especially the younger rickety ones. I stood up for them against the bigger and older boys even at three I hated yobbo. I myself was as large as the bullies and they tried to get me to favor their English. It did n't work, the first clock time they started picking on a rickety child I jumped in and started swinging. I did n't make out at that prison term but my blows were magically enhanced.

My near friend was a kid we called"canary"he could fit in the tiniest lieu. He was just small. Next was bonce he was a boney kid and Lump, well he was fat and it was n't from eating to much. Most street Kid rarely had more than than a repast a day and often not even that. Lastly was our romp Mira a red haired freckled face street child who was n't afraid of any thing She tried her best to hide the stop to her ears.

Although we were not supposed to say about it, The stealer order was three theater down from the Wizards donjon. I guess you can say I was being hid right under John Mare 's nose in the capital city, Dulci. They called me Rapper be cause I busted heads of Bullies.

The thieves 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 thing. Sneaker became a 'caser'He and bean made a team. Bean would rustle canary up to a window, that I had checked for wards, I was able to interpret magic. I did n't yet know how to bypass the wards as yet but my wizard training would soon teach me that..

Sneaker would case the seat while Mira would watch the forepart and Lump and I would look on the sides. Afterwards stool pigeon would cave in the info to a Housebreaker and after the job was done he would make us a share.

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

sneak had remained small, bean had grown taller, Lump was no longer fat he had turned to muscle.
Mira was beginning to look like a girl, but you better not get view 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 unite up but we said no and that we would help 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 able to make extra money as messengers.

One day while I was training at the bread and butter the senior sent me on an errand to the spice workshop for Ceylon cinnamon tree. It was an self-justification to get me shed light on for awhile and I knew it. I hid out and watched, about an time of day later four horseman stopped at the keep.

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

"The elder opened the threshold and ask the Horsemen if he could be of any help.
The loss leader of the four asked if there had been a maid die from the chills and fever recently ... The elderberry bush replied that was the Truth. He asked if she had a boy with her. Elder said no and that the only boy at the keep was his apprentice. The equestrian 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 sword."The elderberry bush waved his digit and chanted. The horseback rider and his fellow traveler 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 Old my second sight or intuition seemed to be warm. It seemed that I could fathom what multitude were thinking. Especially if it pertained to me.

I liked to eat tiffin at the Sleeping Lion. momma throstle was the cook, she called us ruffians but our arena always seemed to be filled higher than the regular customers. Today I was dipping into the Elia stew, it needed a bit of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks.

I looked and the salt was at the other end of the table, I put out my hand intellection of my need for salt. I tried to get some I attention but there was an argument in progress and everything else was being ignored. I was getting exasperated and thinking harder about my penury for salinity when ... Whap ! the salt trough slapped the palm of my hand. My mouth fell exposed and I looked around but no one seemed to notice.

I was puzzled as well as surprised, I had a class with the senior Wizard after tiffin 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 trance book and a book with blank shell pages and had me copy from one to the other. 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 inkwell and it landed in my hand.

Elder gasped and pointed at the inkwell,"Did you just yell 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 glad that he had released my friends from this character of the class. This needed to be kept quieten for a while.

So I told him about the interpreter 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 mind to Pinch Momma Mavis 's fat rear end. She turned around and dumped the Water pitcher she was holding on his head. He ran out of the Inn with mamma in Pursuit.

Elder had a big laugh about that and said,"Your training will change starting tomorrow I will try to teach you how to ensure the vocalization as well as other things. Be careful and not use your creative thinker powers so someone might see. The King, he sneeringly replied is suspicious enough as it is, And for the deity sake sustenance that Medallion hidden."


********
Chapter 3

Acting King, or rather The Regent, John Mare De Joe Louis, was pacing back and forth in the commode room. Speaking to his Chamberlain."We have to get hold that kid without that ribbon the Cardinal will not crown me King.I am a farce now. Even the peasant are laughing behind my back."

The tertiary man in the crapper room stood out of the shadows, headmaster bravo Haver Was so non nondescript that he could intermingle in with any crowd."I have told you give me a gratuitous hand and the guild will find him and recover the palm, 100 Gold pieces. Just say the word. ''

"I am not ready for the Chaos you would make to the country. Besides the hob of Bramble wood is just looking for an self-justification to startle a war. Right now it is a war we could not possibility win. But if I have the palm that would be proof that Prince Rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow was short. The Cardinal would have no choice but to coronate me King. John Mare ended the encounter by saying he was hungry and pulled the bell cord to summon a page.

Haver was disgusted with the Regent not allowing him to put a deadly search together. He was sure he could get results and he probably only have to kill eight or nine the great unwashed to get those results. He decided he would still keep his eyes open.

The Chamberlain was opposed to the trustee but since he enjoyed living he chose not to talk of his opposition of the Regent. That did n't mean he had to help him either. He looked back before leaving the Throne room in meter to see the regent slap the page for some small fry infraction. He hated cruelty.


*******


knocker was relaxing in the Market square. He leaned against a mail service on the fringe of the square he had spent a silver gray at the sausage pedestal. The rest of his booster had tasks to complete. knocker was gladiolus he did n't sustain any job today. He watched the Nobles and merchandiser and tapped in to the workings of their brain. He was still struggling to separate the different sentiment it was like trying to understand a maelstrom.

Then he felt a clearly persuasion blasting at him."I will find him then I will file the regent a fortune ... he has to be here some where."

rapper was startled, he scanned the gang but was unable to make out who the thinker might happen to be. No luck, Rapper edged back and behind the trafficker pushcart. He observed the square and tried to break up out the person with the errant thoughts but no luck. He hung out till almost moody before sticking to the shadows he made his way to the keep.

The Elder was waiting for him ... knocker told him everything and how the spokesperson had entered his mind with out him seeking. They talked and laid some guide lines for his attempts to hone his skills.

They were up till the wee hours and the taper was almost gone.


I was rudely awaken by the slamming of the room access 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 noble 's window."

I rushed out on the street and found Lump with tear in his eye,"It was my fault I was on watch. Last night I ate sumpin'that messed up my tummy. 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 next to Noble Pritcher. ''

"Pritcher is n't that where Maggie works in the Kitchen ... ?"Maggie was one of our supporter and she slips us dainty from the kitchen on occasion. imposing Pritcher knew about it but turned a unsighted 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 stunner. She spoke to the James Cook then filled a basket 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 doorway.
A sentry duty opened and said,"What'cha want ?"

Maggie smiled,"I was told one of your Guards took my speech boy Silas"

The guard Captain stepped up and asked,"Well if he is your legal transfer boy why was he outside Noble Frane 's planetary house ?"

"get-go time he has been there he just got the houses mixed up."

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

Maggie looked at me and nodded. I smiled and spoke up,"He was to deliver them to me for the Wizards Keep, I am an learner there they call me RD and I am sure the elder is getting knock over waiting on his bread."

The Capt. Told the jailer to unfreeze Bean. When they brought him in the Capt admonished him and reminded him to be more careful from now on.

We all kept a flat face till we were well away from the guard duty room then we let out a suspiration of relief. Maggie handed the basketful to noggin and directed him to deliver it to the keep kitchen just in case the Guard Capt. Did a follow up.

Off sped Bean with the bread and we thanked Maggie profusely then I went to watch on Sneaker.
stoolie and Lump was standing with Mira on the street quoin. I asked stool pigeon,"Who were you doing the casing job for ?"

stoolie replied,"Gomer ''

"When you give him your news report tell him that he should put off the job for at least two week. The guards are going to be watching the home just in case."I pretended I over heard the Capt. Telling this to the safety. Really I had a moment of clearness and was able to pull this from his mind. He really was n't certainly we were telling the true statement. The James Cook, May, told me later the safeguard had been around checking to see if the wampum 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 firearm of bread and slathered a mess of cheese on it.
Chapter 4

I was getting better at grasping one phonation and clearing the rest of random chatter, The major trouble was I still could not recognise which idea was sending the thread. Then one day it was like a visual modality ... I could see out of soul overhead railway centre and I had a clear path to his thoughts. I was still surprise 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 white knocker popped out I almost stumbled.

I ran to the alley while slipping my hand through the leather strap attached to the night stick. I turned into the alley as he was lifting her skirts, I could see her whitish white thighs. I flicked out the night stick and it flashed out and made contact to his shoulder joint. He grunted and turned toward me, I noticed his size, he was a trade good ten inches taller than I was and he held a large knife in his hand.

I flicked the nightstick again the handgrip appeared to be headed for his expression he put up his tongue hand. The handle reached the length of the shoulder strap, the grip came to a full stop. Inertia caused a pendulum issue and the end of the billystick was on a collision course of instruction with his manhood which was in scene. He was cook to take advantage of the gentlewoman. Then contact was made he screamed and went down. I rapped him across the dorsum of the principal 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 wares, the 1st I had ever seen, oh well. I helped her up and directed her back to the square toes and told her to scream for a sentry go. While she followed my direction I slipped into the crew and vanished.

The next day it was all over the foursquare about the proud savior of a baronial gentlewoman that was almost raped.
The rapist had been captured but the dude rescuer had disappeared. The Noble Lady 's Father had offered a reward. Many try were made to collect it but none had the real level. I had kissed her inner thigh 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 feeling I had been near and how I was drawn … I knew I had no chance with her not only was she of imposing birth but she was at to the lowest degree eight age my senior.

I began watching Mira more often and noticed the small protrusions on her chest. One day our group was outside the gate and romping through the Mrs. Henry Wood and I fell in to the river. It was in a small cove where the water ran slow as to be entitle. To be truthful it was our swimming trap and we would have ended up there sooner or later. The following thing I knew the eternal sleep of them were in the water also. We played for hours then crawled out to bask the afternoon sun. Without thinking we all stripped off our shirts and laid them out to dry.

We were all laughing and joking public treasury 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 boob with nipple the size of the 1st joint of a pinkie finger was standing proudly. None of us, except me, had ever seen a bare chested daughter before.

Mira noticed the silence and opened her heart 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 font turned Red and she put her arm across her chest and grabbed her shirt, turned her back and put her shirt back on. fink could n't pull up stakes it alone and asked,"Where did you get those, they sure are pretty."We all nodded.

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

Chapter 5

The years flew by and we grew up, stoolpigeon was still under 5'and could still get into small places. noggin was snug to 6'5 '' and still skinny but still quite strong. lump was 6'2 '' and weighed 220 all solid muscle. Mira was a vision her bosom was the sizing of small grapefruit. Her red hairsbreadth appeared to be flames while her freckles were just enticing, this sexually attractive software program was on a 5'3 '' material body. Her ears .had become more noticeable and cause many fight. I had grown a little as well I was 6'even and weighed 220 and no fat. I was 17.

St. John the Apostle maria De Louis had become a fat sloven and his rule was becoming great handed on the people of the realm.

One day the Elder called me to his office staff and said,"The meter 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 safety device seems to slant toward brutality.

After listening to the elderberry bush I began to plan. The firstly thing was a susurration campaign I had my core mathematical group start the rumors.

"Have you heard, the real Martin Luther King has come of age, and he is not pleased with his Uncle. He is raising an army to recover his throne.

There were a large number of breaking and entering at nobleman and merchant homes. It seemed odd that it was only the champion of the Regent who were hit the hardest. A little Redheaded Elf paid a visit to the Bramble Wood elves.

A caravan consisting of two wagons pulled by huge draft sawhorse. Wagon one was occupied by the Red headed Elf. The secondment by the Wizard elder. The rest of us walked it took us a week to reach the border between Dulciana and Bramble Wood. There we stopped and set up camp. We made no overt moves in fact other than a night joystick ( mine ) and a stave ( Elders ) we carried no weapon. We all were a little uncomfortable in the fancy clothes the Elder 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 time we reached the border we were Two century fifty substantial with more get daily. The elderberry bush used his Magic only to provide food for the masses.

We waited at the edge for four daylight. On the morning of the fifth part day three Elves appeared in front of Mira 's tent. Mira invited them into her tent and sent intelligence to the elderberry bush and I to join her. I entered the tent and stood behind Mira. While awaiting the elderberry bush I observed the Elven party. Each was blonde with hair to the berm, their noses were almost pointed. The stand out feature was their eyes, they seem to penetrate deeply into the soul 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 Elder nodded and moved behind Mira future to me.

Mira spoke,"The rightful male monarch of Dulciana has come of age and seeks an confederation to over throw the Usurper John Lackland female horse De Louis. I am Admira cousin to king Felies rule of Bramble Sir Henry 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 recognition of the True King of Dulciana and to bring out the treaty of Bayer Bridge which our two countries vowed to confirm each other."

The triplet imp, none looking to be over 20, huddled together. Then one stepped forward,"I am Admiran brother of Admira and Cousin to queen Felis. To my right hand is Sir Slender Shoot in control of the palace Guards. To my left field, Prince Felieson, Crown Prince of Bramble Wood. regard my Holy Scripture we have reluctantly kept our side of meat ot the treaty of St. Joseph Bridge. All though it has been trying, John Mare has continued to enhance tariff for the good we have imported to Dulciana. It has been almost useless to merchandise with them."

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

Admiran continued,"How do we get it on the rightful King is prepared to fit and that he is ready."

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

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

"well what do you think, I said as I paced inside the tent.
The elder as usual played his posting close to his breast and Mira said"I guess we will have to wait and see."*******

The Elf relegating wasted no prison term before they were in the mien of business leader Felies. They bowed to the Billie Jean Moffitt King 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 clear. I think the Danton True Young man is the true King. Our 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"pact of acetylsalicylic acid Bridge"

mogul Felies leaned back from the mesa and looked steadily at King Duval De Louis the ruler of Dulciana. They had been discussing the footing of the treaty which would make their friendship official. The final codicil of the accord would be the eventual joining of the two syndicate 's. top executive Duval had a new hold Grandson. Rex Felies had a female cousin In the train line the two were bound to each other. She and her mother would live in Dulciana and be raised with the Crown Prince 's son. When he came of age they would be married.

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

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

*****

Mira had been aware of Rafe 's identity for eld. Once when they were swimming in the river she had seen the Medallion and recognized the Dragon of amber with green center. She kept her silence, 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 flashy interference out side of the tent and people yelling a head was shoved into the tent 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 only to be swallowed up by the Elven US Army. A squad of them took down the tents and hitched the wagons and brought it all across the span. Then the Elven Army lined their English of the border. At the Bridge itself was a group of Elven Mages Led by the wizard Elder.
An Elf walked to the center of the Bridge with a paint brush and bucket of paint, He drew a ancestry three inches panoptic and wrote Dulciana on their side of the line and Bramble Mrs. Henry Wood on the other.

In less than an hour the Dulciana US Army came into perspective. Nearer and nearer they came till they were at the span. The big businessman who was leading the Army walked to the gist of the bridge and was close to stepping over the line when the elves on the bridge lowered there Lances toward the Baron 's chest. He stopped and backed up. Only then did he comment the freshly painted delimitation.

The Elven commandant asked the Baron,"What business do you own in Bramble Wood."

The Baron stated,"I have been dispatched to contain a traitor."

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

"I am not certainly of his actual ID but he is one of four street kids, and as to what he actually did I do n't know. What I do know is he is wanted by the Martin Luther King Gospel According to John female horse De Louis."

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

"I advise you to wrick this ragtag lot around before My archers lose their strength and loose the 100 arrow that are aimed at you and yours."“ On the Count of ten My Lancers are going to solve this Bridge."

The baron began to plunk for away from the bridge and set up camp. He set up a nosepiece watch at the Dulciana span end. The elf did the same at their end. traffic was not stopped on the Bridge but was closely scrutinized.

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

A few hours later they were ushered in to baron Felies 's mien. King Felies asked for introductions.
Mira stated,"I you know but I am Admira Cousin to you Martin Luther King Jr. Felies and promised to Rafter De Louis."

Rafe 's backtalk dropped wide afford not in disappointment, just surprise.

Mira continued,"You also know the Wizard Elder, The rather small Ghent is Lonnie wagerer known as Sneaker. Next to hin is Silas Better known as Bean, Next to him is Tom also known as Lump. Last but not least is Rafter De Louis, known as The rapper or Rafe or just RD. The rightful King of Dulciana."

All of his supporter were mouth agape love never suspecting their friend was a royal stag. King Felies says, Lets see proof."

Rafe stepped forward and reached inside his Tunic and removed the medallion ... The greens optic of the gold dragon transfixed all who saw it. All of Rafe 's protagonist dropped to their articulatio genus and bowed before him. He told them to give up bowing it made him uncomfortable.

"I was raised by The elderberry bush and by mom Ceil, My mother was Rebecca and my founder was Crown Prince Duvalson, Son of King Duval De Louis. Both were killed by Assassin Haver by parliamentary law of John maria De Louis."

intelligence 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 claim blank space after I am crowned."

I turned back to King Felies and asked,"father what say yee ?"

He looked to the elder,"senior what is your storey ?"********
Chapter 7

elder 's Story

"I will first tell Mama Ceil"s level. I was folding clothes in a tent out side of meat the village of Collie while my charge Rafter De Joe Louis played on the floor. My mistress Princess Rebekah rushed in and told me Saint John the Apostle mare 's men were searching every tent. She said I was to take raftsman to the elder. She removed the medallion from her neck opening and placed it on baulk 's neck and told him never ever fall back it ..He was three."

"He and I crawled through a tear in the hind end of the tent. We slid out and down to the river which was near. I waded out in the river and holding balk I turned on my backbone 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 woodland. There were merchants traveling along the road which allowed me to snitch enough solid food to keep us going. It took us almost two weeks to do our way to the elder 's dungeon. We arrived near the hr of noon but waited till almost evenfall before knocking and asking for the Elder."

elderberry bush

"I was enjoying a glass of ale when I heard a pounding on the threshold 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 Elder. Also abiding in the Keep was Mage Aquinas, Mage Arture, Arture 's apprentice Jody and their cook/maid, May."

I went to the door and opened it to observe a woman and a sister, they both were filthy."Yes can I help you."The woman spoke.

"My Mistress Rebekah said that the metre would come and we was to number to the keep and here we are."
I said,"wellspring yes you are but who are you and time for what."

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

The boy pulled out the medal, I got flustered and told him to put it away and pushed them into the support. I made him a leather bag to put the medallion in it had a string so it kept the laurel wreath 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 meter he was already the protector of the weak.

"I knew he had a conjuration background so I began to develop him. To insure he learned everything I also recruited all his acquaintance so they also have been schooled except in magic. I did not try to influence them but allowed them to regard the world and to fix up their on minds. I am proud to say the weak and downtrodden have always been taken care of by these few. They also learned from the street and learned to short-circuit the cruel."

"One other affair Look at him closely. Now the picture that was painted at the signing of the Empirin span. see close at his Grandfather."

Every one turned to the picture hanging on the paries. 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 vocalisation coming out of this young man.


The King rang for a Sir Frederick Handley Page and told him make make way for my party. I stopped him and told him that we have over 250 followers at the River I will bide with them, my protagonist nodded that they agreed.

We departed for the cantonment. As soon as we arrived the Baron was asking to verbalize 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 thinking I was sure you were dead and with that thought in head to try and protect my people. He asked and I gave my curse word. Now I know not what to do."

I looked deep into his heart and said,"I am sure the flop conclusion 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 detail of the Elven US Army began lining the River. Their Commander walked onto the bridge and Handed the Baron a whorl. He opened it and read aloud.

To can Mare De Louis,"We the kingdom of Bramble woodwind instrument do here by discern the rightful King of Dulciana'Rafter De Louis'.

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

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

Signed : king Felies
rule of the realm of pixy Known as Bramble forest

*******

The magnate ordered his men to return in ... and departed at once ... The power called his fastest moon-curser and gave him the scroll to deliver to the Regent.

Upon reaching the crossroad, heterosexual was to Dulci, right field was to his country Holdings. business leader Phelps hesitated then called a halt. He called all his officer to a meeting.

He looked to each one, some had been with him for years and some just a short time."Our foresighted lost mogul Rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow has come of age and is demanding his rightful berth, to the dismay of the regent. A few years ago I gave an oath to the Regent."He noticed some shuffling and whisper among them.
"Twenty years ago I also gave my Oath to fight down the pate. Since the poll belongs with raftman De Louis and not the regent that is the oath I must honor."

"Any of you who wish to be absolved from your oath to me and bid to espouse the Regent is free to do so. But first of all I wish you to speak these words to your men. I leave for my dwelling house in one hr. All who wish to honor their oaths can follow. All who wish to follow the Regent may depart with honor."

The king 's Page lay a cloak in the shade of a mighty Oak. The Baron sat and leaned back and closed his eyes. From the disturbance he was hearing there must be quite a discourse going on. After a few second … zip but secretiveness. He nodded off to sleep.

Until his page gently shook him,"Baron the hour has past."

The Baron opened his eyes to see all his scout group lined up and fix to prompt out on the way to the right. He stood walked to his horse and said,"Very Well mount UP."He tried to hide his emotion as he brushed a contrary tear from his eye.

"Messenger, take this Message to king in waiting rafter De Louis. We the men of top executive Phelps stand to your right."

Even before the Baron could reach his estate the power of gossip had raised its ugly head. It had been shouted throughout the demesne that Baron Phelps Favored the King in Waiting. As he rode into the grounds of the Estate there were courier from his fellow Lord wishing to substantiate his decision. Some were condemning him but most were aligning with him and offering their help.

******

I stepped out of the collapsible shelter to a blast of disturbance. I was almost stunned, overnight the friend had increased to over a G men and women. There was also a blood line of messengers awaiting his attention. One by one he read the messages. The list of support by the Nobles was staggering. I was pleasantly surprised to study that Baron Phelps had been the first to bring out his support.

I sent message to them all accepting their living and asking them to get together me for a group meeting and to bring their second in command as well. The Elves set up tents and supplied food stuffs. We searched through our people and was soon capable to replete the tent with James Cook and kitchen help.

bean plant and Sneaker began interviewing our masses. It took over two hebdomad to establish what each was safe at. The get-go and most important was lookout man and ball carrier. It was a receive to have it away we had a center grouping to school others. They consisted of twelve lancers and eight archers all thanks to the city Guard. They were led by the Captain of the precaution I smiled when I learned they had brought the entire armory of the urban center Guards. I had the Captain set up companies and squad and lead off training.

It was n't long till the Lady were making undershirt with a Green Eyed Gold dragon in the meat on a subject of naughty. I was even more surprised when a spar was erected and a silk flag of Blue with the same Draco represented. I never knew where the material came from.

I was most surprised by the lack of reaction from John Mare. I had sent lookout into Dulci and awaited their return. Days later I had my answer. There was desention in the ranks and mass desertion. 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 worldly-minded 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 Lord and the peoples of the land we had an Army of about 10,000 firm. We knew we would be facing about 30,000 all better armed.

lubber surprised us all, he had a rattling gift of strategy. He told me we were missing and important particular ... supply lines. Which were open to Dulci from the South. I assigned him a scout troop of fifty mounted men and named them Tom 's Raiders. They traversed the miles to Dulcianas Southern boundary line. They carried few supplies, which meant either make successful raids, live off the demesne or starve.

******
Tom 's plunderer

gawk, Tom, trail his Raiders south never coming in raft of any road except when it was requisite to cross one. They scouted the road entering Dulciana from Langdom to the south and to Arrington to the East. Their fourthly day they heard the squeaking of the axles of a heavily loaded Wain. As the wagon with five outriders entered the clarification 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 shrub with their Bows fully drawn. Lump spoke,"Well gentleman delight lay down your weapons and step away from them. You two on the wagon get down. delight lay face down on the ground with weapons system and peg spread."

Each were checked over and knives and Night sticks removed from their person. Their hands and pes were bound. clod placed two men in the patrol wagon and started it onto Bramble Wood Border.

"I am trusted it will not take you long to unfreeze your self. I suggest you turn back to Langdom and not generate. If you had put up a scrap all of you would now be suddenly and we would have all regretted it. But none more than you."

clump had given social club for the paddy wagon to move as fast as it comfortably could toward the balance of the United States Army. They were also prepared to turn on like the dickens at the crossroads to Dulci.
He was not cognisant that there was a police squad on watch near the cross road Which escorted them the rest of the way.

Each day they would take in an ingress road and were averaging at least I shipment a week.
Dulciana sent out scout troop to try to protect the incoming supply. The raiders ambushed them and wiped them out to a man.

After a calendar month the Dulciana ground forces began to move. We nipped at their heel and ran away. When they chased us we would ambuscade them. Their losses was about 10 to 1 of ours. Theirs was an Army while ours was a cluster of skirmishers or back bowling alley fighter ... We did n't agitate fair.

john Mare brought in Mages from Drummond which was to the North due west We wondered what he was promising them. The senior had warded our raiders against magic. We attacked their prat with arrows then rode away. The Mages were frustrated when their spells returned toward them and they had to go on defense against their own tour. We found out later that privy female horse had not told them anything about the Elder supporting us and he knew zilch about me, and that I too knew magic.

*****
With out informing well-nigh of my officeholder or King Felies I left camp with four scouts and Mage Arture. Our plan was to sneak as close as we could to Baron Ronin 's HQ tent. big businessman Ronin had designated himself as General Ronin.His only affair that qualifed him to be a General was ... he was the robust stately in the land. Also the most self-important and the least versed of how to run an army.
His officers were getting very frustrated.

I cast my creative thinker into the tent. As usual there was an arguing going on. Captain Cross of the Palace guards and Major Nells of the Dulciana Army were already at their mental capacity end. It was impossible to get through to General Ronin that you could not snipe some one who was already gone. The superior general decided they would leave a police squad of martyrdom rump. Then when the pillager slipped in behind they could set on and pass over them out.

When we arrived back at the bivouac, we made our own plan. preferably than attacking the rear we honed in on the correctly flank. We held back a reserve and when his trailing calvary came around to attack our despoiler they were met with our stockpile and a hail of arrow.

To embarrass them more snitch slipped in and stole the Dulciana Flag. We hoisted it up the spar where our Draco signal flag flew. It was flown irregular to our Dragon.

It would give birth been simple to take out General Ronin. But he was their rack up enemy so we left him alone.

*****

King Felies was very incensed when he discovered my reconnoitring maraud."What in the human beings did you mean by leading that scouting political party ? Kings do n't moderate maraud they direct from the back ground."

I looked at him and smiled,"As yet I am not a business leader, and I do not trace ... I lead ... by example."

I talked with Mira and Sneaker, Mira had an idea to scare the hell out of Dulciana troops. For three days one tent was a beehive of activity and only a sure few were allowed in. Late on the third day Mira walked out of the tent and nodded to me. Three of the smaller scout who were experts in stealth and stool pigeon all entered that tent ... nothing else happened. Soon it was forgotten.

*****

The camp of Baron Ronin began to stir ... .Then it turned into a virile storm ... Each was holding and looking at a small piece of lambskin. Baron walked out of his tent also holding a spell of sheepskin, demanding to know who was responsible for the lambskin ....

He looked back down at his which was on a piece of rawhide and was around his neck. The parchment had a drawing of a sticker and the words you could be dead ... next meter for existent. He started screaming where are the guards ... they were found with their throats cut and a piece of sheepskin held to their chest by a dagger.

For the next week there were desertion and some worn out soldiers that appeared to throw not slept for awhile. Every Night individual was killed in their rest and power Ronin collected another opus of parchment.

Before the last part of the plan could be put into play Assassin Haver had his try. I began getting reports of a black clad digit fliting in and out of collapsible shelter 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 head ... near evening time I started to plunk up tincture of Haver. I turned in about 11 pm. At about 2 am I said,"NOW !"

snitcher removed the cover from a lamp and light blazed into the unsuspecting eyes of Haver. Elder stepped into the tent and enwraped Haver in sorcerous restraints. Haver tried to call on his brain towards me and patter.

I was expecting something of the sort and sent a magical strength into his face which cause him to swallow what he tried to spit at me. He began to gasp and his human face began to have a bluish shade and he crumpled.

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

Chapter Nine

The two United States Army 's had been camped close for hebdomad each trying to be an irritant to the former. It was almost a war of contrition. But we had design, and I assume they did too. We just had to be first.

On the outset day of Winters thrill ... Baron Ronin awoke to quieten, he dressed and threw back the tent flaps To find himself facing Sil Slender Shoot and Silas bonce. It was almost amazing when the soft spoken Bean unleashed his honest vox of his stately rich baritone voice.

"General Ronin You are surrounded by the military force of free Dulci and the U. S. Army of Bramble Woods.. For your treasonous routine you are hereby stripped of all land and titles and exiled with only the wearing apparel on your backbone. Or you will be put to death by hanging ... I almost forgot if you accept option one ... and ever decide to return. selection two is automatically enforced.

Ex magnate Ronin was escorted by Tom 's raiders to the mete of Langdom. He was pushed across the margin begging for at to the lowest degree a horse ... which he did not get.


With the addition of mogul Phellps army, our Volunteers and the regular army of Bramble wood we decided it was prison term to get the war to John Mare


King Filies called a confluence and after a great deal discussion we came to a decisiveness ... We wished to make them concern as well as to pay. We decided to make it seem 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 creation. The trueness was we had G of oral fissure to feed.

In each camp the senior assigned an apprentice who fed the troops by conjuring trick with platters of piping hot food. Our day-after-day marches were abruptly not starting till near 10 am and stopping about 4 pm.

On the third day John maria 's army took the bait. They moved up to assault as we would be making camp for the evening. What they did n't expect was before they could get the word to snipe ... Arrows came flying out of the tree diagram all around them.. They lost over a hundred and sixty men that day and the surrender of fifty more

They thought they had laid the perfect ambush of an unwary group. When in essence they had been missing one point. First a identification number of lookout man would search out the next nights camp ground. Only one would give to act as guide.

arcsecond as twilight began to fall a troop of about fifty dollar bill men would peel off into the Nox. They would go to the succeeding nighttime camping area and educate an trap. When john maria 's soldiers moved through they did not realized they were passing with in inch of our men.

There was a watch kept on their officeholder and the attack came before he could commit his ordination to assail the camp. From our office we were driving them toward the encampment where they were met by ... Number three, a well placed chemical group of lancers.

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


*****

The days turned into a calendar week before the walls of Dulciana loomed into tidy sum The buildings outside the paries were empty

I rode up to the gate"John mare come out and face me ... You have been trying to drink down me for over 17 years ...."I heard a swishing noise and a soldier 's body hit the ground in front of me. I glanced to the side. Admiran was notching another pointer ... he smiled.


We had scouts in trees, not close decent to make an attack of any sort but they were not there for that purpose. They were there to observe and report. Each scout had a long glass and watched and re ported the gathering of John Mare 's freelance United States Army. Soon we would engage.

Again we used subterfuge … we grew up in that town and all of us jazz how to enter and result without being seen. Again the champion living played an authoritative piece. In the basement of the Keep was a secret passageway that opened into the weather sheet room of the barn in the forge. The forge and cow pen was just inside the paries of the town.

Once inside we could scatter throughout the townspeople. Our start night, lummox, noggin and fink went in checking the accession. The mo night each of them led a chemical group of fifteen men each, our stealth battler.

They hit the barracks and the guard hovel near the north and due south gate. They set fire to the barracks then attacked the soldiers as they tried to escape. They never knew what hit them nor how to reply. This was our manner of harassment for two weeks. Gospel According to John Mare 's troop were tired but afraid to sleep. They were making error, just what we were waiting for.

The next thing was to take out the safety device on the west rampart, open the logic gate and to fill the square with our troops all before John Mare 's Army awakens.


****

Gospel According to John mare De Louis awoken to men shouting and the clatter of weapons falling to the solid ground. He rolled out of bed and looked at his vacuous table and was instantly angry. That work-shy Perdon was tardily with his Breakfast again. He pulled his gong gong cord angrily three times.

On the third commit his door opened ... He was all set to rail against Perdon when he saw that the two men entering his chambers were armed and their waistcloth were the colors of super acid and Gold. Not his Red and Black he rushed to his artillery.

They smiled and one of them said,"By all means arm thy ego Just as jacket Prince Rafter desires you.We are here to escort you to the conflict yard."

Saint John the Apostle Mare grabbed a fishgig, his Sword and a brace of throwing knives. Thinking to himself,"This kid has never had any grooming with weapons ... What chance does he sustain against me, a sword master."

** Truth be known trick Mare was not near as soundly as he thought ... I mean seriously if you are practicing with an mentally ill King just how hard are you going to try to win. **

Bean and glob escorted King John mare to the conflict grand. He entered and found himself alone he looked above at the viewing country ... it was full moon of Men, woman and elves. The 1st face he recognized was the Chancellor the endorsement the Cardinal.

Chapter Ten.

The door began to spread, John maria drew his sword, he was ready.
He almost burst out laughing ... The offspring man who entered, he assumed was his nephew, was only armed with a billy club dangling from a rawhide cord.

"Good break of day Uncle ... I was told I had to pay you a chance, gum olibanum I chose to face you with a nightstick. Since I do n't bid to wipe out you, only rhythm you senseless I thought it only fitting.

St. John the Apostle female horse smirked and said,"Quit watchword 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 fix to swing his sword. Rafe 's billy struck like a snake hitting the brass knuckles of the hand holding the sword which clattered to the ground. The consultation roared. St. John female horse was stunned not seeming to empathize what had happened.

Rafe backed off to allow him to cull up his blade. Never taking his eyes off Rafe, John Mare reached for his sword. Thinking Rafe a gull he again started forward. He had taken two dance step when the nightstick flicked out again and caressed his elbow ... His arm went numb and his sword again fell to the floor.

John Mare realized the sword was useless. He lowered the lance he had been holding in his left hand. Rafe was watching his every move. When John maria made his push, at the last instant Rafe stepped to the incline and flicked out the nightstick it met John mare 's chin with a cracking sound.

St. John the Apostle maria was so keyed up he did n't seem to realize his jaw was broken. He swept the lance to ward Rafe who stepped back and loosed his nightstick. John Mare thought he was prepared and whipped his head back. Again the fulcrum burden took over and the nightstick took the depress track. The only thing that saved his manhood is that he had turned his body. The nightstick struck his left second joint bruising it deeply.

trick Mare was finding it difficult to stand. He retained the lance but was now using it as a cane. Rafe flicked out the nightstick again in the counsel of John female horse 's left articulatio radiocarpea. He retaliated by swinging the spear butt striking Rafe in the rib Cage, cracking a couple of costa. Rafe missed with his attack.

John the Divine Mare tried to follow up on his good chance, force his dagger and lunged forward. The night stick was already on the way headed for his manhood. John the Divine Mare 's lunge put his head in the way and the night pin caught him feather in the brow and down he went.

Rafe waited but there was no effort from John mare, Sir Slender Shoot and his medical man febrility entered the thou ,. pyrexia felt for a heartbeat and nodded, yes there was a pulse he was just unconscious. Slender Shoot called for three men. They trussed John mare up like a Yuletide Turkey.

*****

I looked up to the hearing and announced."He will have a mediocre tryout,"

I Looked around as they drug Saint John Mare to the dungeon."Runners take a message to Langdom, Drummond and Chelsea And any former near by Country we have dealings with, speak to the premier, asking them to send a congressman. To sit at this tribulation they must also let authority to negociate Import export Tariffs. Also Must Represent their Country. In my enthronisation and wedding to use up place, I turned to the Chancellor and motioned ..."

The Chancellor of the Exchequer spoke quickly,"Six hebdomad for the test and in two months for the festivities."

"Also I wish a runner be sent to muckle Home for a midget representative to be here as well."

Time seemed to drag even with all that had to be done, The household staff had the Palace to clean up and prepare for all the client. It had been decided that the Coronation and the wedding would be held in the Court Yard so that all who wished could advert ... after all I did grow up on the streets.

I made a few date, Lonnie/Sneaker to head the intelligence corp. Silas/Bean Secretary and treasurer, Tom/Lump Head of the Palace Guards and tycoon Phelps Commander full general of the Army of Dulci.

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

John mare stared around the Court room,"How daring you. You have no right to try me I am a king ... !"

There was chortle and haphazardness from the spectators. King Felies shouted"S I L E N C E"As acting evaluator and a King the silence was instanious."We will take that as a not guilty plea."

The number 1 watcher was mom Ciel 's younger sister."My figure is Myra"

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

Myra 's Story :

My female parent had been a Ladies Maid and my older Sister was as well. My female parent died in child birth and my sister Ciel raised me. Ciel was madam 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 Rafter was a Babe I overheard John Mare and a man he called Haver Talking."

John Mare said"Haver I will fall in you 100 amber to assassinate The magnate and his family."

"How do you desire it done ?"

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


I did n't understand what assassinate meant and I got sidetracked and went to flirt with my acquaintance. Later I asked my baby what assassinate meant. She asked me why and I told her. She told Princess Rebecca and I had to tell the story again. Princess asked me if they said when.

I said,"They said something about a Sus scrofa hunt."

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

After that King John Mare tried to get Crowned King But the redbird refused unless he had the laurel wreath proving he was the last of the family line.

"toilet Mare was ruthless he had handmaid beaten for no understanding and he raped the castle noblewoman including me."

John maria Leaped up and yelled it was his right to spoil the women he was the king.

The prime minister answered,"It was not your rightfield and you are not and never have been King."


Many were called but none spoke for John the Evangelist Mare. It was really a farce as trial goes. The finding of fact was known by everybody.

power Felis stood and told John Mare to wax."John Mare De Louis 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 complaint. I argued vehemently for the Death punishment but soon to be King Rafter De Louis argued for a more soft conviction of life in the mines. crash Stumpf Foot payoff him away he is all yours."

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


Chapter 11

I was glad for that part to be over and it seems like everyone was in agreement. The here and now toilet Mare was pulled through the door and it shut behind him. I stepped forward and ...

"Ladies and Gentlemen The Wedding will take place in Two Weeks from today. One week Later the Coronation will postulate place."

The Wedding was a frenzied rush between beating out Trade conceding and concord and trying on Wedding clothes. Finally the day arrived. The wedding was held in the City Square. This was requisite since I had Promised no one would be turned away.

I had never seen such finery in this urban center and then Mira stepped out escorted by her Padre, The Elder agreed to brook with me.

We turned and Knelt in front of the Cardinal."We are gathered here together to bring together these two. peak Prince baulk De Louis and Princess Admira Felies ... .That is the last I remember till I heard the carmine said I now pronounce you husband and Wife ... You may snog your Bride.

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

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

The receipt lasted two full days and the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated well there goes the treasury just to course the crowd.

The next few mean solar day we finished hammering out the trade wind agreement. And then it was fourth dimension.

The Cardinalis cardinalis read the rite of the Coronation as Mira and I again knelt before him and then ..."I crown you King Rafter De Louis business leader Of The farming of Dulci. He took the Crown from The senior and placed it upon my head. Then he completed the ritual for Mira. Admira Felies I crown you faggot of The land of Dulci thus Joining the Two lands of Dulci and Bramble Grant Wood. May God Bless and Guide you both in your linguistic rule."

... And thus began our formula ... .