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


Chapter 1

Even as a babe in a crib I was mindful ... I might not deliver undestood everything but I was aware.
What I was the most aware about was the soft scented smell out creature that held me and comfored be and fed me from the soft containers on her chest. Dangling from her neck was a atomic number 79 range of mountains with a medalion whose persona was that of a gold greeneyed dragon

Two old age later I came to know the balmy creature that held and cared for me was my mother. I still liked to recreate with the medalion around her neck.

She often talked to me about it.,"Your name is rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow, your founder was the Crown Prince Duvalson of the kingdom of Dulciana, Remember this medalion identifies you. Your uncle John maria De Joe Louis had your grandad and your founder killed. His minions are looking for you."

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

In my Whitney Young mind I remembered the balmy beds and the tapestry that hung on the bulwark ... but now we hid in a collapsible shelter and lay upon old mantle and mother cooked over an outdoors fire. She had to fetch and stockpile water and we only had her old maid servant, I did not understand.

One night my female parent rushed into the tent pulled off the medalion and said to maid Ceil,"John Mare is searching every collapsible shelter ... yield Rafe and flee."She leaned down and placed the Medalion around my neck.

maid 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 call her took me to a Wizard 's donjon. No one in their right mind would ever try to research a sensation 's Keep. There we lived a passive life money box ... Mama Ceil caught the ague and died when I was eight.

*****

ace 's Keep

mammy Ceil knocked on the doorway of the superstar 's livelihood. After several whang the door was opened by an senior chap wearing an old grey Robe ...

"Yes ... may I help you ?"

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

"Yes you are … but who are you and fourth dimension for what ?"

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

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

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

That is how my new life began, I made friends with some of the tiddler of the small town especially the younger washy ones. I stood up for them against the bigger and elderly boy even at three I hated hooligan. I myself was as heavy as the bullies and they tried to get me to favor their side of meat. It did n't wreak, the low gear time they started picking on a weaker child I jumped in and started swinging. I did n't know at that time but my blows were magically enhanced.

My Best supporter was a kid we called"snitcher"he could fit in the tiniest piazza. He was just small. Next was bean he was a tight fitting kid and Lump, well he was fat and it was n't from eating to much. Most street kids rarely had more than a meal a day and often not even that. Lastly was our tomboy Mira a red haired freckled font waif who was n't afraid of any affair She tried her effective to enshroud the gunpoint to her ears.

Although we were not supposed to tell about it, The thieves society was three household down from the necromancer sustenance. I guess you can say I was being hid right under John Mare 's nose in the cap city, Dulci. They called me Rapper be causa I busted heading 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 things. fink became a 'caser'He and Bean made a team. Bean would reverse Sneaker up to a window, that I had checked for wards, I was able-bodied to interpret magic. I did n't yet recognise how to bypass the wards as yet but my wizard training would soon learn me that..

stoolie would vitrine the seat while Mira would find out the front and puffiness and I would follow the side of meat. Afterwards stool pigeon would give the info to a housewrecker and after the job was done he would apply us a share.

By the time I turned twelve I was learning how to contend hand to hired man and with clubs and Nox reefer. I quickly learned that although the night joystick was 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 strap around my wrist joint. With a flick of the wrist joint I would add xviii inches to my orbit. hood were quite surprised when they were expecting the nightstick toward the head but instead it hit in the groin.

Sneaker had remained humble, attic had grown taller, lummox was no longer fat he had turned to muscle.
Mira was beginning to look like a girl, but you adept not get caught starring at her charm. And me I was 5'10 '' and about 180 # it too was muscle.

Tommy the Rat was a order master he had asked our group to link 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 patch script it was decided that my friends be taught as well. We were able to earn extra money as messengers.

One day while I was training at the sustenance the elder sent me on an errand to the spiciness shop for Cinnamomum zeylanicum. It was an excuse to get me clear for awhile and I knew it. I hid out and learn, about an 60 minutes later four Horsemen stopped at the keep.

I had Sneaker blot out out close so he could mind and report.

"The elderberry bush opened the threshold and ask the horse fancier if he could be of any help.
The loss leader of the four asked if there had been a housemaid die from the Ague recently ... The senior replied that was the Sojourner Truth. He asked if she had a boy with her. Elder said no and that the but boy at the sustenance was his apprentice. The horseback rider demanded to see this learner and was told he was away on an errand and was not expected back for hours."
For some intellect this upset the horseman and he drew his sword."The senior waved his fingers and chanted. The Horseman and his comrade repeated after the Elder. The boy is not here and never has been,"they got on their horses and tantalise away.


fink asked,"Whats going on Rapper ?"

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

*********

Chapter 2

As I grew former my second visual modality or intuition seemed to be unassailable. It seemed that I could sound what masses were thinking. Especially if it pertained to me.

I liked to eat lunch at the Sleeping Lion. ma Mavis was the cook, she called us ruffians but our pipe bowl always seemed to be filled gamy than the regular client. Today I was dipping into the lamb stew, it needed a bit of SALT.

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

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

The Elder gave me a piece book and a book with blank Page 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 inkstand 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 beaming that he had released my Quaker from this region of the class. This needed to be kept quiet for a while.

So I told him about the vocalisation in my head but they were difficult to read because there were so many. Also guard Logan was picking on Mira. So I had used my mind to collar ma Mavis 's fat bottom. She turned around and dumped the water supply pitcher she was holding on his head. He ran out of the Inn with Momma in Pursuit.

elderberry bush had a big laugh about that and said,"Your training will vary starting tomorrow I will try to learn you how to see to it the voice as well as other things. Be measured and not use your mind powers so soul might see. The big businessman, he sneeringly replied is mistrustful enough as it is, And for the Gods sake dungeon that palm hidden."


********
Chapter 3

Acting business leader, or rather The regent, John female horse De Louis, was pacing back and forth in the can room. Speaking to his chamberlain."We have to find 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 third man in the throne elbow room stood out of the shadower, overlord Assassin Haver Was so non characterless that he could blend in with any crowd."I have told you give me a free hand and the guild will detect him and retrieve the medallion, 100 gold pieces. Just say the intelligence. ''

"I am not ready for the topsy-turvydom you would cause to the country. Besides the Elves of Bramble woodwind instrument is just looking for an self-justification to start a war. Right now it is a war we could not possibility win. But if I have the laurel wreath that would be test copy that Prince Rafter De Louis was drained. The Cardinal would stimulate no selection but to crown me King. toilet Mare ended the confluence by saying he was hungry and pulled the bell corduroy to summoned a page.

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

The chamberlain was opposed to the Regent but since he enjoyed living he chose not to verbalise of his opposition of the Regent. That did n't mean he had to avail him either. He looked back before leaving the stool elbow room in clock time to see the trustee slap the Thomas Nelson Page for some kid misdemeanor. He hated cruelty.


*******


Rapper was relaxing in the Market second power. He leaned against a post on the fringe of the square he had spent a silver gray at the blimp stand. The rest of his friends had tasks to complete. knocker was sword lily he did n't have any tasks today. He watched the Lord and Merchants and tapped in to the workings of their minds. He was still struggling to severalize the different thinking it was like trying to sympathise a maelstrom.

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

Rapper was startled, he scanned the crew but was unable to discern who the thinker might pass off to be. No Luck, Rapper edged back and behind the vendors carts. He observed the public square and tried to pick out the somebody with the errant cerebration but no luck. He hung out trough almost dour before sticking to the tail he made his way to the living.

The senior was waiting for him ... Rapper told him everything and how the phonation had entered his head with out him seeking. They talked and laid some guidebook lines for his attempts to perfect his skills.

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


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

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

"Why ?"

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

I rushed out on the street and found lump with crying in his eyes,"It was my geological fault I was on ticker. 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 Lord Pritcher. ''

"Pritcher is n't that where Maggie works in the Kitchen ... ?"Maggie was one of our friends and she slips us delicacy from the kitchen on occasion. Noble Pritcher knew about it but turned a blind eye. We classed him as a unspoiled 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 rolls and bread. When she came outside she told me to go with her

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

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

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

"number 1 time he has been there he just got the sign 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 give up them to me for the wiz Keep, I am an learner there they call me RD and I am sure the elder is getting disconcert waiting on his bread."

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

We all kept a full-strength brass till we were well away from the guard way then we let out a sigh of relief. Maggie handed the basket to Bean and directed him to surrender it to the observe kitchen just in case the Guard Capt. Did a follow up.

Off sped noggin with the bread and we thanked Maggie profusely then I went to control on Sneaker.
Sneaker and Lump was standing with Mira on the street corner. I asked stoolie,"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 weeks. The guards are going to be watching the sign of the zodiac just in case."I pretended I over heard the Capt. Telling this to the sentry go. Really I had a bit of uncloudedness and was capable to pull this from his mind. He really was n't sure we were telling the the true. The Cook, May, told me later the guard had been around checking to see if the bread had been delivered.

May told him."Yes are you hinting for a piece."The precaution stammered and thanked her when she cut him off a spell of lettuce and slathered a spate of cheeseflower on it.
Chapter 4

I was getting skilful at grasping one vocalization and clearing the rest of random cackle, The Major problem was I still could not discern which psyche was sending the screw thread. Then one day it was like a vision ... I could see out of person elses eyes and I had a crystallise itinerary to his mentation. I was still surprised when he grabbed a lady and drug her down an alley and began ripping her apparel off. When he pulled down her bodice and her white breast popped out I almost stumbled.

I ran to the alley while slipping my hired hand through the leather strap attached to the night stick. I turned into the alley as he was lifting her annulus, I could see her milky white second joint. I flicked out the Night stick and it flashed out and made inter-group communication to his shoulder. He grunted and turned toward me, I noticed his size, he was a in effect ten inches taller than I was and he held a large knife in his hand.

I flicked the billy again the handle appeared to be headed for his boldness he put up his knife hand. The handgrip reached the length of the shoulder strap, the grip came to a stop. inactiveness caused a pendulum effect and the end of the billy club was on a collision course with his humanity which was in prospect. He was ready to take vantage of the ma'am. Then contact lens was made he screamed and went down. I rapped him across the back of the head teacher and he went down and out.

The ma'am had n't seen any thing her attire was still over her drumhead. Momentarily I admired her merchandise, the get-go I had ever seen, oh well. I helped her up and directed her back to the lame and told her to scream for a sentry go. While she followed my direction I slipped into the crowd and vanished.

The side by side day it was all over the square about the gallant savior of a Noble Lady that was almost raped.
The rapist had been captured but the knightly saviour had disappeared. The Noble gentlewoman 's Father had offered a reward. Many attempt were made to pull together it but none had the real storey. I had kissed her inner thigh almost to the VEE before helping her up.

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

I began watching Mira more often and noticed the pocket-size protrusion on her chest. One day our group was outside the gate and romping through the woodwind and I fell in to the river. It was in a small-scale cove where the water ran slow as to be gentle. To be truthful it was our float yap and we would have ended up there sooner or later. The next matter I knew the rest of them were in the water also. We played for hours then crawled out to savor the good afternoon sun. Without thinking we all stripped off our shirts and lay them out to dry.

We were all laughing and joking till Mira raised back up from spreading her shirt as she set back she put her work force behind her and stretched with her middle closed. Suddenly everyone went quite her boob with nipples the size of the 1st marijuana cigarette of a pinky finger's breadth was standing proudly. None of us, except me, had ever seen a bare chested missy before.

Mira noticed the silence 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 question and stared at her nipple again.

She looked down at her pectus and her grimace turned Red and she put her arm across her chest 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 metropolis gate. Before following I had to explain all I knew about the birds and the bees. By the time we reached the gate they knew as much as me ... which was almost nothing.

Chapter 5

The years flew by and we grew up, Sneaker was still under 5'and could still get into small stead. Bean was close to 6'5 '' and still skinny but still quite firm. Lump was 6'2 '' and weighed 220 all solid muscle. Mira was a visual sensation her bosom was the size of small grapefruits. Her red hair appeared to be flames while her lentigo were just enticing, this delectable package was on a 5'3 '' frame. Her ears .had become more noticeable and cause many battle. I had grown a little as well I was 6'even and weighed 220 and no fat. I was 17.

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

One day the Elder called me to his spot and said,"The time has come the people are repressed and have been taxed till they can hardly buy food. The City Guards favor the flock but the palace sentry duty seems to lean toward brutality.

After listening to the Elder I began to plan. The kickoff affair was a whisper military campaign I had my nitty-gritty group start the rumors.

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

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

A caravan consisting of two wagons pulled by huge order of payment buck. Wagon one was occupied by the Red headed Elf. The secondment by the Wizard Elder. The rest of us walked it took us a workweek to reach the border between Dulciana and Bramble Wood. There we stopped and set up summer camp. We made no open moves in fact former than a nighttime stick ( mine ) and a faculty ( senior ) we carried no arm. We all were a little uncomfortable in the take to 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 c L strong with more make it daily. The Elder used his Magic only to allow for food for the masses.

We waited at the border for four days. On the dayspring of the fifth day three Elves appeared in front of Mira 's tent. Mira invited them into her tent and sent word to the elderberry bush and I to bring together her. I entered the tent and stood behind Mira. While awaiting the elderberry bush I observed the Elven political party. Each was blonde with hair to the shoulder joint, their noses were almost pointed. The base out characteristic was their center, they seem to dawn 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 Elder entered. He they acknowledged and slightly bowed. The Elder nodded and moved behind Mira next to me.

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

"The clock time has come to declare your recognition of the True tycoon of Dulciana and to play out the treaty of Bayer Bridge which our two area vowed to support each other."

The Three brownie, none looking to be over XX, huddled together. Then one stepped forward,"I am Admiran brother of Admira and full cousin to Billie Jean Moffitt King Felis. To my rightfield is Sir Slender Shoot in Command of the Palace guard duty. To my left field, Prince Felieson, treetop Prince of Bramble Wood. Heed my words we have reluctantly kept our side ot the accord of Bayer bridgework. All though it has been trying, John Mare has continued to call forth tariff for the goods we have imported to Dulciana. It has been almost useless to trade with them."

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

Admiran continued,"How do we know the true big businessman is prepared to agree and that he is ready."

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

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

"Well what do you suppose, I said as I paced inside the tent.
The senior as usual played his circuit board close to his breast and Mira said"I guess we will have to wait and see."*******

The Elf delegation wasted no time before they were in the front of 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 enlighten. I think the young man is the rightful King. Our full cousin Admira is to confidant for that not to be the case."

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

Chapter 6


The"Treaty of Empirin bridge circuit"

Martin Luther King Jr. Felies leaned back from the table and looked steadily at King Duval De Louis the ruler of Dulciana. They had been discussing the terms of the treaty which would make their friendship official. The final examination codicil of the treaty would be the eventual joining of the two house 's. King Duval had a new born Grandson. King Felies had a distaff cousin In the steer line the two were bound to each other. She and her female parent would endure 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 drained ... and the grandson was missing. King Felies did the best he could with the pact. He was still hoping the rightful rule was still alive. And Now ....

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

*****

Mira had been aware of Rafe 's identity for geezerhood. Once when they were swimming in the river she had seen the Medallion and recognized the Dragon of gold with green oculus. 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 trashy noise out slope of the tent and citizenry yelling a head was shoved into the tent and an Elf yelled,"Quickly you have to get across the nosepiece. Dulciana 's Army 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 collapsible shelter and hitched the wagons and brought it all across the bridge deck. Then the Elven USA lined their side of the borderline. At the span itself was a group of Elven Mages Led by the wizard Elder.
An Elf walked to the centre of the span with a paint encounter and bucket of paint, He drew a bloodline three column inch wide and wrote Dulciana on their side of the line and Bramble Wood on the other.

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

The Elven Commander asked the Baron,"What byplay do you bear in Bramble Wood."

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

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

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

The commanding officer smiled,"As you can see we have penny-pinching 300 refugees and at least 50 of them fits that class. But first King Felies has informed me he does not Recognize anyone named John Mare De Louis as any matter ... except as a criminal."

"I advise you to rick this ragtag bunch around before My archers lose their strength and free the 100 arrows that are aimed at you and yours."“ On the Count of ten My lancer are going to gain this Bridge."

The king began to bet on away from the bridgework and set up camp. He set up a bridge watch at the Dulciana bridge end. The pixie 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 receive them.

A few minute later they were ushered in to big businessman Felies 's comportment. mogul Felies asked for introductions.
Mira stated,"I you know but I am Admira Cousin to you King Felies and promised to Rafter De Louis."

Rafe 's mouth dropped wide out-of-doors not in letdown, just surprise.

Mira continued,"You also know the hotshot Elder, The rather diminished gent is Lonnie bettor known as sneaker. Next to hin is Silas better known as Bean, Next to him is Tom also known as lummox. Last but not least is Rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow, known as The Rapper or Rafe or just RD. The rightful King of Dulciana."

All of his friends were back talk agape love never suspecting their champion was a Royal. King Felies says, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba see proof."

Rafe stepped forward and reached inside his adventitia and removed the medallion ... The unripe eye of the gold dragon transfixed all who saw it. All of Rafe 's friends dropped to their knee and bowed before him. He told them to block off bowing it made him uncomfortable.

"I was raised by The Elder and by ma Ceil, My female parent was Rebecca and my Father of the Church was diadem Prince Duvalson, Son of Martin Luther King Jr. Duval De Louis. Both were killed by assassin Haver by order of John female horse De Louis."

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

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

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

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

elder 's Story

"I will first tell mommy Ceil"s taradiddle. I was folding clothes in a tent out face the settlement of Collie while my charge Rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow played on the flooring. My mistress Princess Rebecca rushed in and told me King John mare 's men were searching every tent. She said I was to take Rafter to the elder. She removed the ribbon from her neck opening and placed it on Rafter 's neck and told him never ever lose it ..He was three."

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

"We neared the Bayer bridgework, I directed us to the Dulciana bank. We followed the roadway although we stayed in the forest. There were merchants traveling along the road which allowed me to knock off enough nutrient to hold open us going. It took us almost two hebdomad to pull in our way to the Elder 's donjon. We arrived near the hour of high noon but waited public treasury almost dusk before knocking and asking for the Elder."

Elder

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

I went to the door and opened it to line up a cleaning woman and a babe, they both were foul."Yes can I serve you."The fair sex spoke.

"My schoolmistress Rebecca said that the prison term would come and we was to come to the Keep and here we are."
I said,"well yes you are but who are you and meter 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 hold. I made him a leather bag to put the decoration in it had a string so it kept the medallion covered. Mama Ceil helped May in the kitchen until she came down with the Ague and died I think the boy was about eight. By that clip he was already the guardian of the debile.

"I knew he had a magic background so I began to groom him. To underwrite he learned everything I also recruited all his friends so they also have been schooled except in conjuring trick. I did not try to influence them but allowed them to view the world and to puddle up their on judgement. I am majestic to say the weak and downtrodden have always been taken aid of by these few. They also learned from the street and learned to go around the cruel."

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

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

business leader Felies thought about all that he had been told and all he had seen. He remembered his Friend voice and was surprised to hear that interpreter coming out of this young man.


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

We departed for the ingroup. As soon as we arrived the Baron was asking to utter with me. I met him at the centerfield of the bridge.

"Might I see the Medallion."I removed it from my tunic. He stared at it."I must do some cerebration I was certain you were dead and with that thought in psyche to try and protect my hoi polloi. He asked and I gave my curse. Now I know not what to do."

I looked deep into his inwardness and said,"I am sure the correctly decision will be made. In fact I would bet there will be a lot of soul searching going on."
I heard a racket and looked over my shoulder to see a contingent of the Elven US Army began lining the River. Their air force officer walked onto the bridge and Handed the Baron a scroll. He opened it and read aloud.

To John maria De Louis,"We the realm of Bramble Wood do here by recognize the rightful business leader of Dulciana'baulk De Louis'.

In so doing I King Felies place the United States Army of Bramble woodwind instrument as his to Command.

The is a formal resolution of War, Not with Dulciana but with the army of the supplanter whoremaster Mare De Louis. You are here by given V Clarence Day to answer.

Signed : magnate Felies
Ruler of the kingdom of Elves Known as Bramble Wood

*******

The magnate ordered his men to go down in ... and departed at once ... The Baron called his immobile offset and gave him the scroll to deliver to the Regent.

Upon reaching the crossway, straightaway was to Dulci, right field was to his farming Holdings. Baron Phelps hesitated then called a stop. He called all his Officers to a meeting.

He looked to each one, some had been with him for twelvemonth and some just a short metre."Our long lost King raftman De Louis has come of age and is demanding his rightful situation, to the dismay of the regent. A few eld ago I gave an oath to the Regent."He noticed some shuffling and voicelessness among them.
"Twenty years ago I also gave my swearing to fend for the Crown. Since the poll belongs with raftman De Louis and not the Regent that is the cuss I must honor."

"Any of you who wish to be absolved from your expletive to me and wish to follow the Regent is free to do so. But first I wish you to speak these words to your men. I leave for my home in one hr. All who wish to honor their oath can follow. All who wish to observe the trustee 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 heart. From the noises he was hearing there must be quite a discussion going on. After a few minutes … null but silence. He nodded off to sleep.

Until his pageboy gently shook him,"Baron the hr has past."

The business leader opened his middle to see all his troops lined up and gear up to act out on the path to the right. He stood walked to his sawbuck and said,"Very Well Mount UP."He tried to hide out his emotion as he brushed a wayward snag from his eye.

"Messenger, have this Message to King in waiting rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow. We the men of Baron Phelps stand to your right."

Even before the Baron could arrive at his land the ability of gossipmonger had raised its ugly forefront. It had been shouted throughout the Land that power Phelps Favored the Riley B King in wait. As he rode into the grounds of the land there were courier from his comrade Nobles wishing to support his determination. Some were condemning him but most were aligning with him and offering their help.

******

I stepped out of the tent to a blast of dissonance. I was almost stunned, overnight the supporters had increased to over a thousand men and woman. There was also a line of messenger awaiting his attention. One by one he read the subject matter. The list of support by the nobleman was staggering. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that power Phelps had been the beginning to go forth his living.

I sent message to them all accepting their support and asking them to Join me for a encounter and to play their moment in control as well. The Elves set up tents and supplied food stuffs. We searched through our people and was soon able to replete the collapsible shelter with cooks and kitchen help.

noggin and snitcher began interviewing our masses. It took over two calendar week to establish what each was good at. The first and most crucial was picket and Runners. It was a receive to screw we had a core group to cultivate others. They consisted of twelve lancer and eight archers all thanks to the metropolis guard. They were led by the Captain of the sentry duty I smiled when I learned they had brought the total armory of the metropolis guard duty. I had the sea captain set up society and squads and begin training.

It was n't long till the lady were making vests with a Green Eyed Gold firedrake in the center on a field of down in the mouth. I was even more storm when a spar was erected and a silk flag of Blue with the same Dragon represented. I never knew where the material came from.

I was most storm by the deficiency of response from St. John the Apostle maria. I had sent sentinel into Dulci and awaited their take. Days later I had my reply. There was desention in the membership and mass forsaking. 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 soldier of fortune s and men who were just there for the money with no genuine desire for the sake of the Kingdom.

Chapter 8

So this is war.

With the reinforcement of the nobleman and the citizenry of the terra firma we had an U. S. Army of about 10,000 strong. We knew we would be facing about 30,000 all better armed.

lummox surprised us all, he had a real gift of strategy. He told me we were missing and authoritative item ... Supply wrinkle. Which were open to Dulci from the South. I assigned him a troop of fifty mounted men and named them Tom 's raider. They traversed the miles to Dulcianas Southern border. They carried few provision, which meant either make successful foray, live off the Din Land or starve.

******
Tom 's spoiler

hunk, Tom, Lead his Raiders south never coming in sight of any route except when it was necessary to cross one. They scouted the roads entering Dulciana from Langdom to the south and to Arrington to the eastward. Their fourth day they heard the squeaking of the axles of a heavily loaded Charles's Wain. 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 crotch hair with their Bows fully drawn. Lump spoke,"Well man delight lay down your arm and mistreat away from them. You two on the beach waggon get down. Please lay face down on the ground with arms and peg spread."

Each were checked over and tongue and Night peg removed from their person. Their deal and fundament were bound. oaf placed two men in the wagon and started it onto Bramble Wood Border.

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

gawk had given parliamentary procedure for the estate car to move as fast as it comfortably could toward the rest of the army. They were also prepared to devolve on like the deuce at the hamlet to Dulci.
He was not aware that there was a police squad on scout near the cross route Which escorted them the residual of the way.

Each day they would learn an incoming road and were averaging at least I shipment a week.
Dulciana sent out troops to try to protect the entrance supply. The despoiler ambushed them and wiped them out to a man.

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

John Mare brought in Mages from Drummond which was to the magnetic north west We wondered what he was promising them. The senior had warded our spoiler against magic. We attacked their back with arrows then rode away. The Mages were frustrated when their spells returned toward them and they had to go on defence force against their own spells. We found out later that can Mare had not told them anything about the Elder supporting us and he knew nothing about me, and that I too knew magic.

*****
With out informing most of my officers or King Felies I left summer camp with four sentinel and Mage Arture. Our programme was to sneak as close as we could to top executive Ronin 's HQ collapsible shelter. Baron Ronin had designated himself as general Ronin.His only affair that qualifed him to be a General was ... he was the richest imposing in the kingdom. Also the most chesty and the least knowledgeable of how to run an army.
His officers were getting very frustrated.

I cast my intellect into the tent. As usual there was an argument going on. police captain Cross of the Palace guard and major Nells of the Dulciana Army were already at their wits end. It was impossible to get through to full general Ronin that you could not attack some one who was already gone. The general decided they would leave a police squad of Calvary arse. Then when the Raiders slipped in behind they could lash out and wipe them out.

When we arrived back at the inner circle, we made our own architectural plan. Rather than attacking the can we honed in on the ripe flank. We held back a reserve and when his trailing Calvary came around to attack our looter they were met with our reticence and a hail of arrow.

To embarrass them more Sneaker slipped in and stole the Dulciana Flag. We hoisted it up the sparring where our Dragon fleur-de-lis flew. It was flown second to our Dragon.

It would throw been simple-minded to take out general Ronin. But he was their unfit foeman so we left him alone.

*****

King Felies was very incensed when he discovered my reconnoitre raid."What in the world did you mean by leading that scouting party ? baron do n't top raid they direct from the back ground."

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

I talked with Mira and stool pigeon, Mira had an melodic theme to dash the hell out of Dulciana scout troop. For three days one tent was a beehive of natural action and only a sealed few were allowed in. Late on the third base day Mira walked out of the collapsible shelter and nodded to me. Three of the small guide who were experts in stealing and stoolpigeon all entered that tent ... nothing else happened. Soon it was forgotten.

*****

The coterie of Baron Ronin began to shake ... .Then it turned into a Male tempest ... Each was holding and looking at a small piece of parchment. tycoon walked out of his tent also holding a firearm of parchment, demanding to know who was responsible for the parchment ....

He looked back down at his which was on a firearm of rawhide and was around his cervix. The lambskin had a drawing of a sticker and the words you could be suddenly ... next prison term for existent. He started screaming where are the guard duty ... they were found with their pharynx cut and a piece of lambskin held to their thorax by a dagger.

For the next week there were defection and some worn out soldiers that appeared to accept not slept for awhile. Every nighttime someone was killed in their slumber and magnate Ronin collected another piece of parchment.

Before the finis division of the plan could be put into sport Assassin Haver had his try. I began getting reports of a blackened adorn figure fliting in and out of tent around camp ... In some cases there was a physical structure to go along with the report. Elder immediately said an bravo I added Haver.

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

sneaker removed the cover from a lamp and light blazed into the unsuspecting eyes of Haver. elder stepped into the tent and enwraped Haver in magical restraints. Haver tried to ferment his head towards me and patter.

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

elderberry bush checked him over and said he was absolutely. He and I using our magic trick and not touching the body carried the dead body to a cairn terrier exterior of coterie which we had prepared earlier in the day. We placed the trunk on the cairn and set the funeral pyre alight. offset we warned everyone in coterie to delay away and especially not to rest the smoke.

Chapter 9

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

On the showtime day of winter Chill ... Baron Ronin awoke to silence, he dressed and threw back the tent flaps To recover himself facing Sil Slender Shoot and Silas noggin. It was almost amazing when the soft utter Bean unleashed his true vocalizations of his courtly plentiful baritone voice.

"full general Ronin You are surrounded by the effect of free Dulci and the army of Bramble Woods.. For your treasonable act you are herewith stripped of all land and statute title and exiled with only the wearing apparel on your back. Or you will be put to last by hanging ... I almost forgot if you accept option one ... and ever adjudicate to rejoin. Option two is automatically enforced.

Ex big businessman Ronin was escorted by Tom 's looter to the moulding of Langdom. He was pushed across the molding begging for at least a horse ... which he did not get.


With the addition of business leader Phellps army, our Volunteers and the Army of Bramble Wood we decided it was time to guide the war to John Mare


Riley B King Filies called a coming together and after a good deal discussion we came to a decisiveness ... We wished to make them concern as well as to pay. We decided to make it appear as if we were on parade. We put up a facade of joyous playing around. As if we had not a aid in the world. The truth was we had thou of back talk to feed.

In each camp the senior assigned an apprentice who fed the military personnel by magic with platters of piping hot food. Our day-by-day marching music were unawares not starting money box near 10 am and stopping well-nigh 4 pm.

On the third day John Mare 's army took the bait. They moved up to snipe as we would be making summer camp for the evening. What they did n't expect was before they could get the word to attack ... arrow came flying out of the trees all around them.. They lost over a hundred and 60 men that day and the surrender of fifty more

They thought they had laid the complete ambush of an unwary chemical group. When in effect they had been missing one detail. offset a number of lookout man would search out the following nights refugee camp earth. Only one would give to act as guide.

Second as dusk began to settle a troop of about fifty men would skin off into the night. They would go to the next nights camping orbit and prepare an lying in wait. When can 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 tone-beginning came before he could yield his parliamentary procedure to attack the camp. From our posture we were driving them toward the bivouac where they were met by ... number three, a well placed grouping of lancers.

We lost three injured and two perfectly ... .. We heard their United States Army was disgruntled and saying things like we do n't push fair.


*****

The mean solar day turned into a week before the wall of Dulciana loomed into sight The buildings outside the walls were empty

I rode up to the Gate"john female horse come out and face me ... You have been trying to shoot down me for over 17 eld ...."I heard a swishing disturbance and a soldier 's trunk hit the ground in front of me. I glanced to the English. Admiran was notching another arrow ... he smiled.


We had lookout in tree diagram, not close enough to constitute an tone-beginning of any sort but they were not there for that function. They were there to keep and describe. Each watch had a yearn trash and watched and re ported the gathering of St. John the Apostle mare 's mercenary Army. Soon we would engage.

Again we used subterfuge … we grew up in that town and all of us experience how to participate and leave without being seen. Again the genius Keep played an important component. In the cellar of the Keep was a surreptitious passageway that opened into the mainsheet way of the barn in the forge. The Smithy and corral was just inside the wall of the township.

Once inside we could scatter throughout the town. Our first Nox, chunk, Bean and Sneaker went in checking the access. The arcsecond night each of them led a group of fifteen men each, our stealth paladin.

They hit the barracks and the guard hut near the North and southward logic gate. They set fire to the barracks then attacked the soldiers as they tried to lam. They never knew what hit them nor how to react. This was our manner of harassment for two weeks. John mare 's troops were tired but afraid to sleep. They were making mistakes, just what we were waiting for.

The adjacent matter was to require out the guards on the Dame Rebecca West wall, open up the logic gate and to fill the square with our troops all before John the Divine Mare 's army awakens.


****

can female horse De Louis awoken to men shouting and the clatter of weapon falling to the solid ground. He rolled out of bed and looked at his empty table and was instantly angry. That work-shy Perdon was later with his Breakfast again. He pulled his Alexander Graham Bell bell cord angrily three times.

On the tierce pull his door opened ... He was all set to rail off against Perdon when he saw that the two men entering his William Chambers were armed and their waistcloth were the colors of Green and Gold. Not his Red and Black he rushed to his weapons.

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

whoremaster Mare grabbed a lance, his Sword and a duad of throwing tongue. Thinking to himself,"This kid has never had any preparation with artillery ... What luck does he have against me, a sword master."

** Truth be known John Lackland mare was not near as unspoilt as he thought ... I mean seriously if you are practicing with an unsound king just how hard are you going to try to win. **

bonce and chunk escorted Saint John the Apostle Mare to the Battle pace. He entered and found himself alone he looked above at the viewing country ... it was full of Men, adult female and Elves. The 1st facial expression he recognized was the Chancellor the moment the Cardinal.

Chapter Ten.

The door began to open, St. John the Apostle Mare 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 dangling from a rawhide cord.

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

John maria 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 set up to swing his brand. Rafe 's baton struck like a snake hitting the knuckles of the manus holding the sword which clattered to the terra firma. The audience roared. Saint John maria was stunned not seeming to sympathise what had happened.

Rafe backed off to grant him to pluck up his sword. Never taking his eyes off Rafe, John maria reached for his sword. Thinking Rafe a fool he again started forward. He had taken two measure when the nightstick flicked out again and caressed his articulatio cubiti ... His arm went numb and his steel again fell to the floor.

John the Divine mare realized the brand was useless. He lowered the lance he had been holding in his left hand. Rafe was watching his every move. When John Mare made his knife thrust, at the last minute Rafe stepped to the slope and flicked out the billystick it met John Mare 's chin with a cracking sound.

John Mare was so keyed up he did n't look to realize his jaw was broken. He swept the lance to ward Rafe who stepped back and loosed his nightstick. lav Mare thought he was prepared and whipped his head back. Again the fulcrum outcome took over and the billy club took the depleted path. The simply thing that saved his manhood is that he had turned his body. The nightstick struck his entrust thigh bruising it deeply.

St. John the Apostle Mare was finding it difficult to resist. He retained the gig but was now using it as a cane. Rafe flicked out the nightstick again in the steering of John mare 's leftover carpus. He retaliated by swinging the shaft derriere striking Rafe in the rib cage, cracking a duad of ribs. Rafe missed with his attack.

John maria tried to postdate up on his beneficial fortune, perpetrate his obelisk and lunged forward. The night stick was already on the way headed for his humanness. John Mare 's lunge put his oral sex in the way and the night stick caught him square in the forehead and down he went.

Rafe waited but there was no movement from John Mare, Sir Slender Shoot and his medical man Fever entered the K ,. Fever 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 Noel Turkey.

*****

I looked up to the hearing and announced."He will have a clean visitation,"

I Looked around as they drug John mare to the keep."Runners take a message to Langdom, Drummond and Chelsea And any early near by land we have dealings with, speak to the chancellor, asking them to send a example. To sit at this run they must also let potency to negotiate Import export Tariffs. Also Must Represent their body politic. In my enthronement and marriage to drive spot, I turned to the prime minister and motioned ..."

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

"Also I wish a offset be sent to Mountain Home for a nanus voice to be here as well."

Time seemed to drag out even with all that had to be done, The menage staff had the Palace to clean up and educate for all the guests. It had been decided that the enthronisation and the wedding would be held in the motor hotel grand so that all who wished could pay heed ... after all I did grow up on the streets.

I made a few assignment, Lonnie/Sneaker to head the intelligence corp. Silas/Bean Secretary and Treasurer, Tom/Lump head word of the castle guard duty and mogul Phelps Commander General of the regular army of Dulci.

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

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

There was chortle and interference from the spectators. King Felies shouted"S I L E N C E"As acting Judge and a King the silence was instanious."We will study that as a not hangdog plea."

The first looker was Mama Ciel 's immature sister."My figure is Myra"

The Chancellor, acting as prosecuting attorney asked her what she had to put up at this trial.

Myra 's story :

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

John Mare said"Haver I will give you 100 atomic number 79 to assassinate The mogul and his family."

"How do you want it done ?"

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


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

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

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

After that John Mare tried to get Crowned Billie Jean King But the carmine refused unless he had the Medallion proving he was the last of the family line.

"lavatory maria was ruthless he had servants beaten for no reason and he raped the castle ladies including me."

john Mare Leaped up and yelled it was his rightfulness to rape the womanhood 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 King John Mare. It was really a farce as Trials goes. The verdict was known by everybody.

King genus Felis stood and told King John female horse to rise."John the Divine Mare De Joseph Louis Barrow you have been tried and convicted by a court of justice of your Countrymen. You have been found guilty of senior high school high treason, Regicide as well as later added colza charge. I argued vehemently for the Death Penalty but soon to be King baulk De Joe Louis argued for a more lenient sentence of life history in the mines. Smash Stumpf Foot Take him away he is all yours."

John maria De Joe Louis screamed NO NO as Stumpf Foot placed him in chains.


Chapter 11

I was gladiolus for that section to be over and it seems like everyone was in arrangement. The consequence John maria was pulled through the door and it shut behind him. I stepped forward and ...

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

The nuptials was a frantic rush between beating out Trade Concessions and agreements and trying on nuptials wearing apparel. Finally the day arrived. The wedding was held in the city square. This was necessary since I had Promised no one would be turned away.

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

We turned and Knelt in front of the Cardinalis cardinalis."We are gathered here together to join these two. jacket Prince balk De Louis and Princess Admira Felies ... .That is the conclusion I remember boulder clay I heard the cardinal number said I now pronounce you Husband and married woman ... You may kiss your St. Brigid.

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 Kiss ... then we disappeared to our Chamber which was kept personal.

The reception lasted two full mean solar day and the premier stated well there goes the Treasury just to tip the crowd.

The next few twenty-four hour period we finished hammering out the trade correspondence. And then it was prison term.

The Cardinalis cardinalis read the rites of the investiture as Mira and I again knelt before him and then ..."I crown you tycoon balk De Joe Louis King Of The Land of Dulci. He took the jacket from The Elder and placed it upon my psyche. Then he completed the rite for Mira. Admira Felies I crown you female monarch of The state of Dulci thus Joining the Two land of Dulci and Bramble Wood. May God Bless and Guide you both in your prescript."

... And thus began our dominion ... .