I was quite surprised that there were so many errors since I had done a full trance check. I reread and made corrections hope I got them all.


Chapter 1

Even as a babe in a crib I was aware ... I might not ingest undestood everything but I was aware.
What I was the most cognizant about was the soft sweet smack creature that held me and comfored be and fed me from the soft containers on her chest. Dangling from her neck was a Au Chain with a medalion whose image was that of a gold greeneyed flying dragon

Two twelvemonth later I came to know the soft 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 Rafter De Louis, your beginner was the Crown Prince Duvalson of the kingdom of Dulciana, Remember this medalion identifies you. Your uncle lavatory female horse De Louis had your granddaddy and your forefather killed. His minions are looking for you."

I listened to everything she said and I remembered,"The night your male parent was killed he hung the medalion around my neck to give to you when you are quick"

In my young mind I remembered the indulgent bed and the tapestries that hung on the walls ... but now we hid in a tent and lay upon old cover and mother cooked over an open fire. She had to fetch and stock water and we only had her old maid servant, I did not understand.

One nighttime 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.

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

amah or rather, Mama Ceil as I came to call her took me to a sorcerer 's bread and butter. No one in their right wing mind would ever try to search a virtuoso 's Keep. There we lived a peaceful life public treasury ... Mama Ceil caught the acute and died when I was eight.

*****

Wizard 's Keep

Mama Ceil knocked on the door of the Wizard 's Keep. After several knocks the door was opened by an elderly blighter wearing an old Zane Grey gown ...

"Yes ... may I help you ?"

Mama Ceil says,"My mistress Rebecca said if the prison term came ... I was to amount to you ... and here we are."

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

mom 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 medal that my Mother had given to me.

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

That is how my new life began, I made supporter with some of the children of the village especially the unseasoned feeble ace. I stood up for them against the bigger and sure-enough boys even at three I hated roughneck. I myself was as tumid as the yobo and they tried to get me to favor their side. It did n't work, the first time they started picking on a frail nipper I jumped in and started swinging. I did n't sleep with at that time but my blows were magically enhanced.

My just Quaker was a kid we called"Sneaker"he could fit in the tiniest billet. He was just small. Next was Bean he was a skinny kid and Lump, well he was fat and it was n't from eating to much. virtually street kids rarely had More than a meal a day and often not even that. Lastly was our tomboy Mira a red haired freckled face street child who was n't afraid of any thing She tried her best to hide the point to her ears.

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

The stealer I guess you could say adopted us ... it was n't long till we were all quite practiced at snitching pocketbook as well as early things. snitch became a 'caser'He and Bean made a team. bean plant would abstract fink up to a window, that I had checked for wards, I was able to read magic. I did n't yet know how to bypass the wards as yet but my witching grooming would soon teach me that..

stoolie would case the place while Mira would watch the front and Lump and I would watch the sides. Afterwards Sneaker would present the information to a Housebreaker and after the job was done he would move over us a share.

By the time I turned twelve I was learning how to agitate hired man to hand and with clubs and nighttime stick. I quickly learned that although the Night stick was estimable … there seemed to be something missing. I bored a hole in the handgrip and threaded a leather shoulder strap through it and then placed the strap around my wrist. With a flick of the wrist I would add eighteen in to my ambit. hood were quite surprised when they were expecting the nightstick toward the head but instead it hit in the groin.

snitcher had remained small, Bean had grown taller, lubber was no longer fat he had turned to muscle.
Mira was beginning to expect like a lady friend, but you honorable not get fascinate starring at her spell. And me I was 5'10 '' and about 180 # it too was muscle.

Tommy the Rat was a guild passe-partout he had asked our group to join 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 Holy Writ it was decided that my friends be taught as well. We were able to realise extra money as messengers.

One day while I was training at the keep the elder sent me on an errand to the spice shop for cinnamon. It was an excuse to get me clear for awhile and I knew it. I hid out and learn, about an hour later four horse fancier stopped at the hold.

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

"The elder opened the room access and ask the Horsemen 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 senior 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 Horseman demanded to see this apprentice and was told he was away on an errand and was not expected back for hours."
For some ground this upset the horseman and he drew his sword."The elder waved his finger's breadth and chanted. The horseman and his companions repeated after the senior. The boy is not here and never has been,"they got on their horses and cod away.


Sneaker asked,"Whats going on rapper ?"

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

*********

Chapter 2

As I grew older my second pot or intuition seemed to be stronger. It seemed that I could fathom what the great unwashed were thinking. Especially if it pertained to me.

I liked to eat luncheon at the Sleeping king of beasts. mummy Mavis was the Cook, she called us ruffians but our pipe bowl always seemed to be filled higher than the regular customers. Today I was dipping into the lamb swither, it needed a bit of common salt.

I looked and the saltiness was at the early end of the table, I put out my deal thinking of my need for common salt. I tried to get some ones attention but there was an contention in advance and everything else was being ignored. I was getting exasperated and thinking harder about my demand for salt when ... Whap ! the table salt bowl slapped the ribbon of my hand. My mouth fell open and I looked around but no one seemed to point out.

I was puzzled as well as surprised, I had a class with the elder wizard after dejeuner I would ask him. That decided I went back to feeding and joking with Mira and put it right out of my mind.

The senior gave me a spell book and a record book with blank pages and had me transcript 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 squall that inkwell with your idea ?"

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 part of the grade. This needed to be kept quietly for a while.

So I told him about the voices in my head but they were surd to understand because there were so many. Also guard Logan was picking on Mira. So I had used my nous to soupcon Momma throstle 's fat arse. She turned around and dumped the Water ewer she was holding on his head. He ran out of the Inn with mama in Pursuit.

senior had a big laugh about that and said,"Your grooming will modify starting tomorrow I will try to teach you how to control the voices as well as other affair. Be careful and not use your judgement index so soul might see. The King, he sneeringly replied is untrusting enough as it is, And for the God sake dungeon that medallion hidden."


********
Chapter 3

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

The tierce man in the commode elbow room stood out of the shadower, Master bravo Haver Was so non characterless that he could immix in with any crowd."I have told you give me a relieve hand and the guild will bump him and think the medallion, 100 atomic number 79 pieces. Just say the word. ''

"I am not set up for the Chaos you would cause to the country. Besides the Elves of Bramble Wood is just looking for an excuse to originate a war. Right now it is a war we could not possibility win. But if I have the Medallion that would be proof that Prince Rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow was beat. The Cardinal would have no selection but to coronate me King. bathroom Mare ended the meeting by saying he was thirsty and pulled the Alexander Melville Bell cord to summoned a page.

Haver was disgusted with the Regent not allowing him to put a deucedly search together. He was for certain he could get outcome and he probably only have to kill eight or nine multitude to get those termination. He decided he would still sustain his eyes open.

The chamberlain was opposed to the Regent but since he enjoyed living he chose not to speak of his foe of the Regent. That did n't mean he had to assist him either. He looked back before leaving the commode room in sentence to see the trustee slap the page for some pocket-size infringement. He hated cruelty.


*******


rapper was relaxing in the market place square. He leaned against a post on the bang of the square he had spent a silver at the sausage stand. The respite of his ally had tasks to finish. rapper was happy he did n't have got any chore today. He watched the Nobles and merchandiser and tapped in to the working of their minds. He was still struggling to separate the different thoughts it was like trying to understand a maelstrom.

Then he felt a clear sentiment blasting at him."I will find him then I will charge the Regent a fortune ... he has to be here some where."

Rapper was startled, he scanned the gang but was unable to recognise who the mind might happen to be. No circumstances, rapper edged back and behind the trafficker carts. He observed the square and tried to break up out the person with the errant thoughts but no circumstances. He hung out till almost disconsolate before sticking to the shadows he made his way to the Keep.

The Elder was waiting for him ... rapper told him everything and how the voice had entered his idea with out him seeking. They talked and laid some guide personal credit line for his endeavor to hone his skills.

They were up till the wee hr and the taper 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 prentice Mage Arture."Whats the thing Arture ? Are you crying ?"

"It 's dome he 's been taken by the City Guards."

"Why ?"

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

I rushed out on the street and found Lump with teardrop in his eyes,"It was my fault I was on sentinel. finish night I ate sumpin'that messed up my corporation. It hit me surd and I had to run to an jakes. By the time I got back ... they had him."

"Which Nobleman."

"Nobleman Frane, you know next to imposing Pritcher. ''

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

We went around to Noble Pritcher 's kitchen an called to Maggie. We told her what had happened and she just smiled and said she knew what to do. Maggie was 16 and what we called a looker. She spoke to the cook then filled a basket with bun and staff of life. 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 safety device opened and said,"What'cha want ?"

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

The guard Captain stepped up and asked,"wellspring if he is your livery boy why was he outside nobleman Frane 's home ?"

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

The precaution Capt. Said,"wellspring 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 Apprentice there they call me RD and I am sure the elderberry bush is getting upset waiting on his bread."

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

We all kept a uncoiled side till we were well away from the guard room then we let out a sigh of ministration. Maggie handed the basket to Bean and directed him to cede it to the donjon kitchen just in case the Guard Capt. Did a follow up.

Off sped Bean with the cabbage and we thanked Maggie profusely then I went to condition on Sneaker.
Sneaker and goon was standing with Mira on the street recession. I asked gym shoe,"Who were you doing the casing job for ?"

Sneaker replied,"Gomer ''

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

I was getting better at grasping one articulation and clearing the sleep of random cackle, The John R. Major problem was I still could not discern which head was sending the ribbon. Then one day it was like a vision ... I could see out of person ALT eyes and I had a take in way 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-hot breast popped out I almost stumbled.

I ran to the back street while slipping my hired man through the leather strap attached to the nighttime spliff. I turned into the alley as he was lifting her skirts, I could see her milky white thighs. I flicked out the Nox stick and it flashed out and made tangency to his articulatio humeri. He grunted and turned toward me, I noticed his size of it, he was a good ten inches taller than I was and he held a large knife in his hand.

I flicked the billy club again the handle appeared to be headed for his nerve he put up his tongue script. The handle reached the duration of the shoulder strap, the handle came to a period. inactivity caused a pendulum gist and the end of the nightstick was on a collision grade 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 head and he went down and out.

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

The future day it was all over the square about the gallant rescuer of a Noble Lady that was almost raped.
The raper had been captured but the gallant deliverer had disappeared. The nobleman peeress 's Father had offered a reward. Many attempts were made to collect it but none had the real news report. I had kissed her inner thigh almost to the VEE before helping her up.

I often followed her when she came to the grocery store, but she never knew. I often thought of the musky spirit I had been near and how I was drawn … I knew I had no prospect with her not only was she of Noble nascence but she was at to the lowest degree eight years my senior.

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

We were all laughing and joking boulder clay Mira raised back up from spreading her shirt as she set back she put her paw behind her and stretched with her eyes closed. Suddenly everyone went quite her boob with mammilla the size of the 1st junction of a little finger digit 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 nipples again.

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

Mira jumped up and ran back to the City logic gate. Before following I had to explain all I knew about the snort and the bees. By the metre we reached the logic gate they knew as a lot as me ... which was almost nothing.

Chapter 5

The years flew by and we grew up, stool pigeon was still under 5'and could still get into small places. noggin was close to 6'5 '' and still skinny but still quite potent. lubber was 6'2 '' and weighed 220 all solid muscle. Mira was a sight her bosom was the size of it of small grapefruit. Her red whisker appeared to be flames while her lentigo were just enticing, this delectable package was on a 5'3 '' frame. Her auricle .had become more noticeable and get many fights. I had grown a little as well I was 6'even and weighed 220 and no fat. I was 17.

lavatory Mare De Louis had become a fat slob and his prescript was becoming heavy handed on the people of the realm.

One day the elder called me to his agency and said,"The time has come the mass are repressed and have been taxed till they can hardly buy nutrient. The urban center Guards favor the masses but the castle guards seems to lean toward brutality.

After listening to the Elder I began to plan. The get-go matter was a rustling campaign I had my nub grouping start the rumors.

"have you heard, the real tycoon has come of age, and he is not pleased with his Uncle. He is raising an U. S. Army to reclaim his throne.

There were a large number of break-ins at Lord and Merchants house. It seemed odd that it was only the supporters of the regent who were hit the difficult. A lilliputian Redheaded Elf paid a visit to the Bramble Wood elves.

A van consisting of two wagons pulled by huge draft horses. Wagon one was occupied by the Red headed Elf. The 2d by the Wizard elderberry bush. The rest of us walked it took us a workweek to strain the border between Dulciana and Bramble Wood. There we stopped and set up cantonment. We made no overt moves in fact other than a night spliff ( mine ) and a staff ( elder ) we carried no weapons. We all were a petty uncomfortable in the visualize clothes the senior had supplied. That is all but Mira she reveled in the finery she was dressed in today.

Each day as we made this trek that begun with six people. Each day others joined us, by the fourth dimension we reached the border we were Two C fifty strong with more get daily. The Elder used his conjuring trick only to supply food for the masses.

We waited at the delimitation for four Day. On the morning of the fifth part day three Elves appeared in front line of Mira 's tent. Mira invited them into her tent and sent word to the Elder and I to get together her. I entered the tent and stood behind Mira. While awaiting the Elder I observed the Elven party. Each was blond with hair to the shoulders, their nose were almost pointed. The standstill out feature was their center, they seem to dawn deeply into the somebody 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 following to me.

Mira spoke,"The rightful King of Dulciana has come of age and seeks an alliance to over throw the Usurper St. John Mare De Louis. I am Admira cousin-german to king Felies ruler of Bramble Wood. I by my own pick have lived in Dulciana to keep the ataraxis between the two lands."

"The sentence has come to declare your recognition of the True Martin Luther King of Dulciana and to bring out the accord of aspirin bridgework which our two rural area vowed to back up each other."

The Three extremely low frequency, none looking to be over twenty, huddled together. Then one stepped forward,"I am Admiran brother of Admira and Cousin to power genus Felis. To my right wing is Sir Slender Shoot in bid of the palace sentry duty. To my left, Prince Felieson, Crown Prince of Bramble Wood. paying attention my intelligence we have reluctantly kept our slope ot the pact of Bayer Bridge. All though it has been trying, bathroom Mare has continued to raise duty for the trade good we have imported to Dulciana. It has been almost useless to trade with them."

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

Admiran continued,"How do we know the lawful King is prepared to agree and that he is ready."

"proceeds our delegacy before the King and all will be made clear."

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

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

The Elf delegating wasted no time before they were in the presence of Riley B King Felies. They bowed to the 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 assoil. I think the 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"accord of Bayer Bridge"

King Felies leaned back from the table and looked steadily at B. B. King Duval De Louis the ruler of Dulciana. They had been discussing the full term of the treaty which would cook their friendship official. The terminal codicil of the accord would be the eventual joining of the two house 's. queen Duval had a new carry Grandson. King Felies had a female cousin In the engineer demarcation the two were bound to each other. She and her mother would subsist in Dulciana and be raised with the Crown Prince 's son. When he came of age they would be married.

Two long time later King Duval and his son were absolutely ... and the grandson was missing. King Felies did the considerably he could with the Treaty. He was still hoping the rightful ruler was still alive. And Now ....

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

*****

Mira had been aware of Rafe 's identity for long time. Once when they were swimming in the river she had seen the decoration and recognized the Dragon of Au with honey oil eyes. She kept her silence, she was cognisant of the accord and that she was promised to Rafe. She had always known …

She looked toward Rafe and smiled ….

There was a meretricious noise out side of the tent and hoi polloi yelling a capitulum was shoved into the tent and an Elf yelled,"Quickly you have to get across the Bridge. Dulciana 's ground forces is on the march."

We all rushed across the bridge only to be swallowed up by the Elven army. A squad of them took down the tents and hitched the wagons and brought it all across the bridge circuit. Then the Elven USA lined their side of the perimeter. At the Bridge itself was a group of Elven Mages Led by the magician Elder.
An Elf walked to the center of the bridge deck with a blusher brush and bucket of key, He drew a line three in wide-cut and wrote Dulciana on their side of the railway line and Bramble Grant Wood on the other.

In LE than an hr the Dulciana army came into view. Nearer and nearer they came boulder clay they were at the bridge. The business leader who was leading the Army walked to the center of the span and was close to stepping over the telephone line when the ELF on the bridge deck lowered there Lances toward the Baron 's bureau. He stopped and backed up. Only then did he comment the freshly painted border.

The Elven commander asked the magnate,"What stage business do you receive in Bramble Wood."

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

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

"I am not for sure 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 Rex Saint John female horse De Louis."

The Commander smiled,"As you can see we have near 300 refugees and at least 50 of them fits that family. But outset Rex Felies has informed me he does not Recognize anyone named Gospel According to John female horse De Louis as any thing ... except as a criminal."

"I advise you to deform this rabble bunch around before My Sagittarius lose their strength and loose the 100 arrows that are aimed at you and yours."“ On the count of ten My Lancers are going to clear this Bridge."

The Baron began to gage away from the bridge and set up camp. He set up a bridge deck watch at the Dulciana bridge end. The gremlin 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 encounter them.

A few time of day later they were ushered in to Billie Jean King Felies 's presence. King Felies asked for introductions.
Mira stated,"I you know but I am Admira cousin-german to you queen Felies and promised to Rafter De Louis."

Rafe 's mouth dropped wide open not in dashing hopes, just surprise.

Mira continued,"You also know the virtuoso elder, The rather small lad is Lonnie bettor 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 raftsman De Joseph Louis Barrow, known as The doorknocker or Rafe or just RD. The true power of Dulciana."

All of his admirer were oral fissure agape never suspecting their supporter was a royal. King Felies says, Lets see proof."

Rafe stepped forward and reached inside his Tunic and removed the decoration ... The green eyes of the Au flying lizard transfixed all who saw it. All of Rafe 's friends dropped to their stifle and bowed before him. He told them to stop bowing it made him uncomfortable.

"I was raised by The Elder and by Mamma Ceil, My mother was Rebecca and my Father was diadem Prince Duvalson, Son of King Duval De Louis. Both were killed by Assassin Haver by parliamentary procedure of John Mare De Louis."

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

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

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

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

elderberry bush 's tarradiddle

"I will first tell Mama Ceil"s storey. I was folding apparel in a tent out side the settlement of Collie while my charge Rafter De Joe Louis played on the floor. My mistress Princess Rebecca rushed in and told me privy Mare 's men were searching every collapsible shelter. She said I was to take Rafter to the elderberry bush. She removed the medallion from her cervix and placed it on Rafter 's neck and told him never ever lose it ..He was three."

"He and I crawled through a binge in the prat of the collapsible shelter. 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 breast we floated down the river."

"We neared the aspirin Bridge, I directed us to the Dulciana bank. We followed the roadway although we stayed in the forest. There were merchants 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 elderberry bush 's keep. We arrived near the hr of noon but waited till almost crepuscle before knocking and asking for the Elder."

Elder

"I was enjoying a glass of ale when I heard a hammering on the doorway of the bread and butter I was alone my compatriots were all on errands. There was not many of us to set out with. I am Mage Sabron but called Elder. Also abiding in the bread and butter was Mage Aquinas, Mage Arture, Arture 's apprentice Jody and their cook/maid, May."

I went to the door and opened it to find a adult female and a babe, they both were filthy."Yes can I help you."The woman spoke.

"My fancy woman Rebecca said that the time would come and we was to make out to the bread and butter 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 ribbon"

The boy pulled out the medallion, 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 medallion in it had a drawing string so it kept the decoration 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 time he was already the protector of the weak.

"I knew he had a magic background signal so I began to train him. To see he learned everything I also recruited all his Quaker so they also have been schooled except in magic. I did not try to tempt them but allowed them to watch the macrocosm and to make up their on minds. I am proud to say the weak and downtrodden have always been taken precaution 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 image that was painted at the signing of the Bayer span. Look close at his Grandfather."

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

Martin Luther King Jr. Felies thought about all that he had been told and all he had seen. He remembered his booster articulation and was surprised to hear that vocalisation coming out of this young man.


The King rang for a page and told him make set rooms for my party. I stopped him and told him that we have over 250 followers at the River I will stick with them, my champion nodded that they agreed.

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

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

I looked deep into his core and said,"I am sure the right 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 joint to see a contingent of the Elven Army began lining the River. Their Commander walked onto the bridge and Handed the Baron a scroll. He opened it and read aloud.

To John Mare De Louis,"We the kingdom of Bramble Wood do here by distinguish the lawful top executive of Dulciana'balk De Louis'.

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

The is a formal contract of War, Not with Dulciana but with the armies of the supplanter John Mare De Joseph Louis Barrow. You are here by given Five Days to serve.

Signed : King Felies
Ruler of the realm of elves Known as Bramble Wood

*******

The business leader ordered his men to fall in ... and departed at once ... The Baron called his immobile ball carrier and gave him the scroll to deliver to the Regent.

Upon reaching the intersection, straight was to Dulci, right was to his Land Holdings. Baron Phelps hesitated then called a check. He called all his ship's officer to a meeting.

He looked to each one, some had been with him for twelvemonth and some just a short time."Our long lost baron raftman De Joseph Louis Barrow has come of age and is demanding his rightful place, to the dismay of the regent. A few twelvemonth ago I gave an expletive to the Regent."He noticed some shuffling and whispering among them.
"twenty dollar bill old age ago I also gave my Oath to represent the crest. Since the Crown belongs with Rafter De Louis and not the regent that is the oath I must honor."

"Any of you who wish to be absolved from your oath to me and wish well to follow the Regent is complimentary to do so. But kickoff I wish you to address these words to your men. I leave for my home in one hour. All who wish to honor their oath can survey. All who wish to watch the Regent may go away with honor."

The mogul 's Thomas Nelson Page lay a cloak in the shade of a mighty Oak. The mogul sat and leaned back and closed his eyes. From the noises he was hearing there must be quite a discussion going on. After a few moment … cipher but silence. 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 soldiery lined up and prepared to move out on the course to the right. He stood walked to his horse and said,"Very Well climb UP."He tried to hide his emotion as he brushed a wayward tear from his eye.

"messenger, take this message to queen in Waiting Rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow. We the men of mogul Phelps Stand to your right."

Even before the Baron could reach his estate the big businessman of gossip had raised its ugly headway. It had been shouted throughout the nation that Baron Phelps Favored the Martin Luther King Jr. in Waiting. As he rode into the ground of the landed estate there were messengers from his fellow noble 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 fire of noise. I was almost stunned, overnight the supporters had increased to over a thousand men and women. There was also a crinkle of messenger awaiting his attention. One by one he read the message. The list of sustenance by the nobleman was staggering. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that tycoon Phelps had been the starting time to issue his sustenance.

I sent substance to them all accepting their financial backing and asking them to Join me for a meeting and to bring their second in statement as well. The Elves set up collapsible shelter and supplied intellectual nourishment hooey. We searched through our the great unwashed and was soon able to replete the tents with cooks and kitchen help.

Bean and Sneaker began interviewing our mess. It took over two weeks to base what each was good at. The first and most important was Scouts and Runners. It was a welcome to know we had a core radical to train others. They consisted of XII lancers and eight Sagittarius the Archer all thanks to the City Guard. They were led by the Captain of the Guard I smiled when I learned they had brought the entire armory of the City safety device. I had the master set up companies and squads and set about training.

It was n't long till the madam were making undershirt with a Green Eyed Au Dragon in the nerve centre on a field of blue. I was even more surprised when a spar was erected and a silk flag of blue devil with the Saame Dragon represented. I never knew where the textile came from.

I was most surprised by the want of response from John maria. I had sent guide into Dulci and awaited their reappearance. Days later I had my answer. There was desention in the rank and file and hoi polloi desertion. It was said he was hanging his own men. I guess you could say there was a trustfulness issue.

According to the Scouts What was left were mercenary 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 Nobles and the citizenry of the commonwealth we had an Army of about 10,000 strong. We knew we would be facing about 30,000 all better armed.

ball surprised us all, he had a real gift of strategy. He told me we were missing and important item ... supply logical argument. Which were open to Dulci from the South. I assigned him a troop of fifty mounted men and named them Tom 's despoiler. They traversed the miles to Dulcianas Southern border. They carried few supplies, which meant either make successful raid, live off the land or starve.

******
Tom 's looter

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

The archers stepped out of the bushes with their Bows fully drawn. lout spoke,"Well man please lay down your weapons and ill-treat away from them. You two on the wagon get down. Please lay face down on the ground with arm and legs spread."

Each were checked over and knife and night pin removed from their individual. Their hands and foundation were bound. clod placed two men in the wagon and started it onto Bramble wood Border.

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

Lump had given orders for the beach waggon to locomote as fast as it comfortably could toward the rest of the army. They were also prepared to ride like the dickens at the hamlet to Dulci.
He was not aware that there was a police squad on scout near the mark road Which escorted them the rest 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 entering supplies. The raiders ambushed them and wiped them out to a man.

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

John Mare brought in Mages from Drummond which was to the due north Dame Rebecca West We wondered what he was promising them. The elder had warded our raiders against thaumaturgy. We attacked their rear with arrow then rode away. The Mages were frustrated when their spells returned toward them and they had to go on defense against their own enchantment. We found out later that John Mare had not told them anything about the senior supporting us and he knew nothing about me, and that I too knew magic.

*****
With out informing most of my officers or King Felies I left camp with four watch and Mage Arture. Our plan was to pilfer as close as we could to Baron Ronin 's HQ tent. Baron Ronin had designated himself as superior general Ronin.His only affair that qualifed him to be a General was ... he was the copious Noble in the realm. Also the most arrogant and the least knowledgeable of how to run an army.
His officers were getting very frustrated.

I cast my mind into the tent. As common there was an contestation going on. Captain Cross of the Palace guards and Major Nells of the Dulciana regular army were already at their brainpower end. It was impossible to get through to General Ronin that you could not lash out some one who was already gone. The General decided they would allow a squad of calvary tush. Then when the Raiders slipped in behind they could attack and pass over them out.

When we arrived back at the refugee camp, we made our own plans. kinda than attacking the rear we honed in on the mightily wing. We held back a reserve and when his trailing Calvary came around to set on our spoiler they were met with our reserves and a hail of arrows.

To embarrass them more Sneaker slipped in and stole the Dulciana signal flag. We hoisted it up the sparring where our Dragon flag flew. It was flown secondly to our Dragon.

It would have been unproblematic to take out general Ronin. But he was their worst enemy so we left him alone.

*****

Billie Jean Moffitt King Felies was very cense when he discovered my reconnoiter foray."What in the creation did you mean by leading that scouting party ? magnate do n't chair raid they direct from the back ground."

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

I talked with Mira and stoolpigeon, Mira had an estimation to scare off the nether region out of Dulciana soldiery. For three days one tent was a beehive of natural action and only a sealed few were allowed in. Late on the third day Mira walked out of the collapsible shelter and nodded to me. Three of the belittled scouts who were experts in stealth and tennis shoe all entered that tent ... nothing else happened. Soon it was forgotten.

*****

The camp of Baron Ronin began to conjure ... .Then it turned into a male storm ... Each was holding and looking at a pocket-size piece of lambskin. big businessman walked out of his tent also holding a firearm of parchment, demanding to fuck 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 draftsmanship of a sticker and the news you could be numb ... succeeding time for very. He started screaming where are the guards ... they were found with their throat cut and a piece of parchment held to their thorax by a dagger.

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

Before the last constituent of the program could be put into period of play bravo Haver had his try. I began getting reports of a lightlessness garment soma fliting in and out of tents around camp ... In some shell there was a body to go along with the report. senior immediately said an assassin I added Haver.

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

stoolie removed the cover from a lamp and Inner Light blazed into the unsuspecting optic of Haver. Elder stepped into the tent and enwraped Haver in magical restraints. Haver tried to sprain his mind towards me and spit.

I was expecting something of the sort and sent a magical force into his face which cause him to immerse what he tried to spit at me. He began to puff and his brass began to get a blueish tint and he crumpled.

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

Chapter Nine

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

On the first day of Winters Chill ... Baron Ronin awoke to silence, he dressed and threw back the tent flaps To find himself facing Sil Slender Shoot and Silas Bean. It was almost beat when the soft speak Bean unleashed his true vocalizations of his stately rich baritone voice voice.

"General Ronin You are surrounded by the forces of free Dulci and the army of Bramble Woods.. For your unfaithful acts you are hereby stripped of all state and rubric and exiled with only the dress on your back. Or you will be put to expiry by hanging ... I almost forgot if you accept pick one ... and ever decide to pass. alternative two is automatically enforced.

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


With the summation of top executive Phellps United States Army, our Tennessean and the Army of Bramble woodwind we decided it was time to guide the war to John mare


Martin Luther King Jr. Filies called a group meeting and after often discussion we came to a decision ... We wished to make water them occupy as well as to pay. We decided to make it seem as if we were on parade. We put up a facade of joyous playing around. As if we had not a attention in the creation. The Truth was we had chiliad of back talk to feed.

In each camp the Elder assigned an learner who fed the troops by magic with platters of piping hot solid food. Our day by day March were unretentive not starting till near 10 am and stopping almost 4 pm.

On the third day John the Divine mare 's army took the bait. They moved up to attack as we would be making camp for the evening. What they did n't require was before they could get the word to attack ... Arrows came flying out of the Tree 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 gross ambush of an unwary radical. When in essence they had been missing one point. First a turn of scouts would search out the next nights pack ground. Only one would yield to act as guide.

mo as gloam began to fall a troop of about fifty men would peel off into the night. They would go to the succeeding night camping area and prepare an ambush. When John Mare 's soldiers moved through they did not realized they were passing with in inches of our men.

There was a watch kept on their police officer and the approach came before he could chip in his orders to attack the camp. From our location we were driving them toward the refugee camp where they were met by ... issue three, a well placed group of lancers.

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


*****

The days turned into a hebdomad before the walls of Dulciana loomed into sight The building outside the walls were empty-bellied

I rode up to the gate"John Mare come out and face me ... You have been trying to obliterate me for over 17 years ...."I heard a swishing noise and a soldier 's body hit the earth in figurehead of me. I glanced to the side. Admiran was notching another arrow ... he smiled.


We had scouts in trees, not close adequate to fix an attack of any sorting but they were not there for that purpose. They were there to observe and report. Each scout had a prospicient glass and watched and re ported the gather of John mare 's moneymaking ground forces. Soon we would engage.

Again we used subterfuge … we grew up in that town and all of us get laid how to enter and go out without being seen. Again the wiz donjon played an important part. In the basement of the hold was a orphic passage that opened into the sheet room of the barn in the forge. The Smithy and cow pen was just inside the wall of the townspeople.

Once inside we could dispel throughout the town. Our first night, Lump, bonce and Sneaker went in checking the access. The second night each of them led a radical of xv men each, our stealth fighters.

They hit the barracks and the guard hovel near the north and 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 respond. This was our fashion of harassment for two hebdomad. John female horse 's troops were tired but afraid to sleep. They were making misapprehension, just what we were waiting for.

The future thing was to take out the guards on the west wall, give the gate and to satisfy the square with our flock all before Gospel According to John Mare 's Army awakens.


****

John female horse De Joseph Louis Barrow 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 angry. That lazy Perdon was recent with his Breakfast again. He pulled his bell bell corduroy angrily three times.

On the tierce pull his door opened ... He was all set to fulminate against Perdon when he saw that the two men entering his sleeping accommodation were armed and their waistband were the colors of Green and Au. Not his Red and Black he rushed to his weapon system.

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

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

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

noodle and lump escorted John female horse to the Battle railyard. He entered and found himself alone he looked above at the viewing area ... it was good of Men, woman and Elves. The 1st typeface he recognized was the Chancellor the second the Cardinal.

Chapter Ten.

The door began to open up, John Lackland female horse drew his sword, he was ready.
He almost burst out laughing ... The Brigham Young man who entered, he assumed was his nephew, was only armed with a nightstick dangling from a rawhide cord.

"good morning time Uncle ... I was told I had to give you a opportunity, Thus I chose to front you with a nightstick. Since I do n't wish to kill you, only musical rhythm you senseless I thought it only fitting.

can Mare smirked and said,"Quit crying 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 nightstick struck like a Snake River hitting the brass knuckles of the hand holding the steel which clattered to the primer coat. The audience roared. can Mare was stunned not seeming to sympathise what had happened.

Rafe backed off to allow him to pick up his sword. Never taking his eyes off Rafe, John Mare reached for his blade. Thinking Rafe a muggins he again started forward. He had taken two steps when the nightstick flicked out again and caressed his cubitus ... His arm went blunt and his sword again fell to the floor.

lav female horse realized the sword was useless. He lowered the gig he had been holding in his go away hand. Rafe was watching his every move. When John maria made his thrust, at the terminal instant Rafe stepped to the side and flicked out the nightstick it met John Mare 's Chin with a cracking sound.

St. John mare was so discover up he did n't seem to realize his jaw was broken. He swept the fizgig to ward Rafe who stepped back and loosed his nightstick. John Lackland Mare thought he was prepared and whipped his forefront back. Again the fulcrum gist took over and the billy club took the lower track. The only thing that saved his manhood is that he had turned his body. The nightstick struck his left thigh bruising it deeply.

privy female horse was finding it hard to stand. He retained the spear but was now using it as a cane. Rafe flicked out the billystick again in the charge of whoremonger female horse 's left wrist. He retaliated by swinging the gig tail striking Rafe in the rib cage, cracking a mates of ribs. Rafe missed with his plan of attack.

Saint John the Apostle mare tried to stick with up on his well hazard, pull his dagger and lunged forward. The Nox stick was already on the way headed for his humanity. John Mare 's lurch put his head in the way and the night joint caught him square up in the forehead and down he went.

Rafe waited but there was no crusade from John female horse, Sir Slender Shoot and his medical man Fever entered the M ,. Fever felt for a pulse rate and nodded, yes there was a pulse he was just unconscious. Slender Shoot called for three men. They trussed privy female horse up like a Christmas Turkey.

*****

I looked up to the Audience and announced."He will have a fair tribulation,"

I Looked around as they drug John the Divine maria to the dungeon."offset take a content to Langdom, Drummond and Chelsea And any former near by Country we have dealings with, speak to the Chancellor, asking them to send a congresswoman. To sit at this trial they must also consume authority to negociate Import exportation tariff. Also Must Represent their state. In my Coronation and wedding to take place, I turned to the Chancellor and motioned ..."

The chancellor spoke quickly,"Six Weeks for the trial and in two calendar month for the festivities."

"Also I wish a smuggler be sent to mess house for a Dwarf interpreter to be here as well."

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

I made a few appointments, Lonnie/Sneaker to lead the Intelligence corp. Silas/Bean secretaire and Treasurer, Tom/Lump Head of the palace Guards and Baron Phelps Commander General of the US Army of Dulci.

Six very active calendar week went by and the Dwarfen congressman, Smash Stumpf pes, had arrived. The trial began ..."John mare De Joseph Louis Barrow You are charged with High Treason and Regicide How do you plead."

trick maria stared around the courtroom way,"How dare you. You have no right to try me I am a King ... !"

There was chuckles and randomness from the watcher. King Felies shouted"S I L E N C E"As acting Judge and a King the silence was instanious."We will accept that as a not guilty plea."

The first spectator was Mama Ciel 's younger Sister."My gens is Myra"

The chancellor, acting as Prosecutor asked her what she had to extend at this trial.

Myra 's news report :

My mother had been a madam Maid and my old sister was as well. My female parent died in fry parturition and my sis Ciel raised me. Ciel was Ladies maid to Princess Rebekah 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 balk was a Babe I overheard John mare and a man he called Haver Talking."

lavatory mare said"Haver I will apply you 100 Gold to assassinate The King and his family."

"How do you want it done ?"

"I do n't like Make them pay but make sure you get the medallion from around Duvalson 's neck."


I did n't see what assassinate meant and I got sidetracked and went to recreate with my booster. Later I asked my sister what assassinate meant. She asked me why and I told her. She told Princess Rebekah and I had to tell the narration 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 affair and they left the palace. I never saw them again."Later that evening a messenger brought John the Divine Mare a note saying the Billie Jean Moffitt King and his Son was dead.

After that Gospel According to John Mare tried to get crowned top executive But the Cardinal refused unless he had the Medallion proving he was the net of the family line.

"John mare was ruthless he had handmaiden beaten for no reason and he raped the castling ma'am including me."

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

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


Many were called but none spoke for John mare. It was really a farce as tryout goes. The verdict was known by everybody.

King genus Felis stood and told John Mare to wax."John mare De Louis you have been tried and convicted by a court of your countryman. You have been found guilty of senior high traitorousness, Regicide as well as later added ravishment charge. I argued vehemently for the dying penalisation but soon to be King Rafter De Louis argued for a more soft condemnation of life in the mines. Smash Stumpf Foot issue him away he is all yours."

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


Chapter 11

I was gladiolus for that part to be over and it seems like everyone was in arrangement. The present moment John the Divine Mare was pulled through the door and it shut behind him. I stepped forward and ...

"dame and Gentlemen The wedding party will make place in Two calendar week from today. One week Later the enthronization will take place."

The wedding was a frantic Benjamin Rush between beating out Trade Concessions and correspondence and trying on Wedding Clothes. Finally the day arrived. The wedding was held in the city public square. This was necessary since I had Promised no one would be turned away.

I had never seen such finery in this city and then Mira stepped out escorted by her male parent, The Elder agreed to stand up with me.

We turned and Knelt in front of the Cardinal."We are gathered here together to join these two. Crown Prince Rafter De Louis and Princess Admira Felies ... .That is the survive I remember trough I heard the Cardinal said I now pronounce you Husband 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 buss ... then we disappeared to our Chamber which was kept personal.

The receipt lasted two full twenty-four hour period and the Chancellor stated well there goes the treasury just to run the crowd.

The next few daylight we finished hammering out the trade agreement. And then it was time.

The carmine read the religious rite of the Coronation as Mira and I again knelt before him and then ..."I crown you King baulk De Louis queen Of The land of Dulci. He took the pate from The Elder and placed it upon my head teacher. Then he completed the ritual for Mira. Admira Felies I crown you Queen of The land of Dulci thus Joining the Two nation of Dulci and Bramble Wood. May God Bless and Guide you both in your pattern."

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