I was quite surprised that there were so many errors since I had done a replete spell halt. 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 have undestood everything but I was aware.
What I was the most mindful about was the soft sweet smelling creature that held me and comfored be and fed me from the soft containers on her chest. Dangling from her neck was a amber chain with a medalion whose double was that of a atomic number 79 greeneyed Dragon

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

She often talked to me about it.,"Your name is Rafter De Joe Louis, your Padre was the pate Prince Duvalson of the Kingdom of Dulciana, Remember this medalion identifies you. Your uncle John maria De Louis had your grandfather and your forefather killed. His minions are looking for you."

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

In my Cy Young creative thinker I remembered the soft seam and the tapis that hung on the bulwark ... but now we hid in a tent and lay upon old blankets and female parent cooked over an open air fire. She had to fetch and convey pee and we only had her old maid servant, I did not understand.

One night my mother rushed into the collapsible shelter 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.

maiden Ceil grabbed me up and ran out the back dither of the collapsible shelter. This was the finally I ever saw of my Mother.

Maid or rather, Mama Ceil as I came to anticipate her took me to a Wizard 's Keep. No one in their rightfield brain would ever try to search a ace 's Keep. There we lived a peaceful living money box ... Mama Ceil caught the ague and died when I was eight.

*****

Wizard 's donjon

Mama Ceil knocked on the door of the Wizard 's support. After several whack the door was opened by an elderly gent wearing an old grey Robe ...

"Yes ... may I help you ?"

Mama Ceil says,"My schoolma'am Rebekah said if the clip came ... I was to total to you ... and here we are."

"Yes you are … but who are you and meter 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 medallion that my Mother had given to me.

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

That is how my new animation began, I made friends with some of the children of the village especially the immature weaker one. I stood up for them against the braggy and older boys even at three I hated rowdy. I myself was as large as the roughneck and they tried to get me to favour their side. It did n't work, the first clip they started picking on a weaker nestling I jumped in and started swinging. I did n't have it away at that time but my blows were magically enhanced.

My best protagonist was a kid we called"Sneaker"he could fit in the tiniest home. He was just small. Next was noggin he was a skinny kid and Lump, well he was fat and it was n't from eating to much. nigh street child rarely had more than a meal a day and often not even that. Lastly was our romp Mira a red haired freckled human face waif who was n't afraid of any thing She tried her salutary to cover the full stop to her ears.

Although we were not supposed to tell about it, The stealer guild was three houses down from the Wizards Keep. I guess you can say I was being hid right under St. John maria 's nose in the capital urban center, Dulci. They called me rapper be cause I busted forefront 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. stool pigeon became a 'caser'He and Bean made a team. Bean would pinch Sneaker up to a window, that I had checked for Mrs. Humphrey Ward, I was able to read magic. I did n't yet know how to get around the cellblock as yet but my charming training would soon learn me that..

stoolpigeon would case the property while Mira would watch out the presence and swelling and I would watch the side. Afterwards Sneaker would devote the info to a housebreaker and after the job was done he would give us a share.

By the time I turned twelve I was learning how to fight down hand to hand and with clubs and night joystick. I quickly learned that although the nighttime control stick 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 shoulder strap around my wrist. With a picture show of the carpus I would add XVIII inch to my scope. Thugs were quite surprised when they were expecting the nightstick toward the head but instead it hit in the groin.

Sneaker had remained lowly, Bean had grown taller, puffiness was no longer fat he had turned to muscle.
Mira was beginning to look like a missy, but you better not get caught starring at her magic 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 conjoin up but we said no and that we would aid when needed but to us it was just fun.

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

One day while I was training at the Keep the elderberry bush sent me on an errand to the spice shop for cinnamon bark. It was an excuse to get me clear for awhile and I knew it. I hid out and watched, about an hr later four Horsemen stopped at the support.

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

"The elder opened the door and ask the Horsemen if he could be of any help.
The loss leader of the four asked if there had been a maid die from the Ague recently ... The Elder replied that was the the true. He asked if she had a boy with her. senior 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 intellect this upset the horseman and he drew his brand."The elder waved his fingers and chanted. The horseback rider and his fellow traveller repeated after the elderberry bush. The boy is not here and never has been,"they got on their knight and sit away.


sneaker asked,"Whats going on Rapper ?"

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

*********

Chapter 2

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

I liked to eat lunch at the Sleeping social lion. Momma Mavis was the cook, she called us yob but our bowls always seemed to be filled higher than the regular customers. Today I was dipping into the Lamb stew, it needed a bit of salt.

I looked and the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks was at the early end of the table, I put out my hand thinking of my penury for SALT. I tried to get some unity attending but there was an controversy in progress and everything else was being ignored. I was getting exasperated and thinking harder about my motive for common salt when ... Whap ! the salt stadium slapped the palm tree of my helping hand. My mouth fell outdoors and I looked around but no one seemed to notice.

I was puzzled as well as surprised, I had a socio-economic 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 Elder gave me a trance Scripture and a Holy Writ with blank pageboy and had me written matter from one to the early. He kept telling me that because of who my parents were I was going to be a Mage. As common I laughed. Then I reached for the inkwell and it landed in my hand.

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

I looked frightened but answered truthfully,"Yes."

"What else can you do that you have n't told me."The Elder was glad that he had released my Quaker from this share of the course of instruction. This needed to be kept still for a while.

So I told him about the interpreter in my mind but they were hard to understand because there were so many. Also guard Logan was picking on Mira. So I had used my intellect to catch mom song thrush 's fat bottom. She turned around and dumped the Water pitcher she was holding on his promontory. He ran out of the Inn with mom in Pursuit.

elderberry bush had a big laugh about that and said,"Your grooming will deepen starting tomorrow I will try to teach you how to control the voices as well as other things. Be careful and not use your mind powers so individual might see. The King, he sneeringly replied is suspicious enough as it is, And for the Gods rice beer sustenance that ribbon hidden."


********
Chapter 3

Acting Rex, or rather The trustee, Saint John the Apostle Mare De Louis, was pacing back and forth in the can way. Speaking to his Chamberlain."We have to recover that kid without that palm the Richmondena Cardinalis will not crown me King.I am a farce comedy now. Even the boor are laughing behind my back."

The 3rd man in the throne room stood out of the shadows, Master bravo Haver Was so non characterless that he could blend in with any crowd."I have told you give me a rid paw and the guild will determine him and call back the medallion, 100 atomic number 79 pieces. Just say the Logos. ''

"I am not ready for the Chaos you would cause to the country. Besides the ELF of Bramble woodwind instrument is just looking for an alibi to part a war. Right now it is a war we could not possibility win. But if I have the medal that would be test copy that Prince baulk De Louis was absolutely. The Cardinal would throw no choice but to coronate me Rex. John Lackland Mare ended the confluence by saying he was athirst and pulled the bell corduroy to rally a page.

Haver was disgusted with the Regent not allowing him to put a baneful search together. He was sure he could get solvent and he probably only have to kill eight or nine people to get those final result. He decided he would still restrain his eyes open.

The Chamberlain was opposed to the regent but since he enjoyed living he chose not to address of his opposition of the Regent. That did n't mean he had to help him either. He looked back before leaving the potty room in time to see the trustee slap the Thomas Nelson Page for some minor infraction. He hated cruelty.


*******


knocker was relaxing in the Market square. He leaned against a spot on the fringe of the square toes he had spent a silver at the sausage sales booth. The rest of his ally had tasks to nail. Rapper was glad he did n't have any tasks today. He watched the Nobles and Merchants and tapped in to the works of their minds. He was still struggling to separate the unlike thoughts it was like trying to empathize a maelstrom.

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

Rapper was startled, he scanned the bunch but was unable to discern who the thinker might happen to be. No destiny, rapper edged back and behind the marketer carts. He observed the foursquare and tried to nibble out the person with the errant thoughts but no luck. He hung out till almost dark 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 spokesperson had entered his mind with out him seeking. They talked and laid some guide lines for his effort to hone his accomplishment.

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


I was rudely awaken by the slamming of the doorway to my room. I raised my top dog expecting the elderberry bush. Instead there was apprentice Mage Arture."Whats the affair Arture ? Are you crying ?"

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

"Why ?"

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

I rushed out on the street and found Lump with tears in his eyes,"It was my fault I was on watch. Last nighttime I ate sumpin'that messed up my corporation. It hit me unvoiced and I had to run to an earth-closet. By the time I got back ... they had him."

"Which Nobleman."

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

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

We went around to nobleman 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 beauty. She spoke to the cook then filled a hoop with scroll and bread. When she came outside she told me to go with her

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

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

The safety Captain stepped up and asked,"Well if he is your speech boy why was he outside Noble Frane 's house ?"

"get-go sentence he has been there he just got the sign mix in 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 bear them to me for the Wizards livelihood, I am an apprentice there they call me RD and I am sure the elder is getting upset waiting on his bread."

The Capt. Told the jailor to release noggin. When they brought him in the Capt admonished him and reminded him to be more thrifty from now on.

We all kept a square aspect till we were well away from the guard room then we let out a sigh of sculptural relief. Maggie handed the hoop to attic and directed him to bear it to the hold back kitchen just in case the safeguard Capt. Did a follow up.

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

fink replied,"Gomer ''

"When you give him your report tell him that he should put off the job for at least two weeks. The precaution 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 pellucidity and was able to force this from his mind. He really was n't indisputable we were telling the truth. 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 safeguard stammered and thanked her when she cut him off a spell of bread and slathered a pile of cheese on it.
Chapter 4

I was getting dear at grasping one vox and clearing the rest of random yack, The major job was I still could not recognize which thinker was sending the screw thread. Then one day it was like a visual sensation ... I could see out of someone el eyes and I had a clear route to his intellection. I was still surprised when he grabbed a lady and drug her down an alley and began ripping her clothes off. When he pulled down her bodice and her blank breast popped out I almost stumbled.

I ran to the back street while slipping my hand through the leather shoulder strap attached to the night stick. I turned into the alleyway as he was lifting her skirts, I could see her milky white thighs. I flicked out the night stick and it flashed out and made contact to his shoulder. He grunted and turned toward me, I noticed his sizing, he was a good ten column inch taller than I was and he held a large knife in his hand.

I flicked the baton again the handle appeared to be headed for his font he put up his knife handwriting. The handle reached the duration of the strap, the handle came to a stop. Inertia caused a pendulum gist and the end of the truncheon was on a hit course of instruction 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 book binding of the head and he went down and out.

The dame had n't seen any matter her dress was still over her head. Momentarily I admired her product, 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 sentry duty. While she followed my direction I slipped into the gang and vanished.

The next day it was all over the square about the proud recoverer of a Noble peeress that was almost raped.
The rapist had been captured but the gallant rescuer had disappeared. The Noble Lady 's founder had offered a payoff. Many attempts were made to amass it but none had the literal tarradiddle. I had kissed her inner thigh almost to the VEE before helping her up.

I often followed her when she came to the Market, but she never knew. I often thought of the musky spirit 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 twelvemonth my senior.

I began watching Mira more often and noticed the small-scale hump on her chest. One day our group was outside the gate and romping through the forest and I fell in to the river. It was in a little cove where the water ran slow as to be easy. To be truthful it was our naiant hollow and we would have ended up there sooner or later. The next matter I knew the relief of them were in the water also. We played for hours then crawled out to bask the afternoon sun. Without thinking we all stripped off our shirts and repose 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 paw behind her and stretched with her heart closed. Suddenly everyone went quite her breast with tit the sizing of the 1st joint of a pinkie finger was standing proudly. None of us, except me, had ever seen a bare chested girl 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 foreland and stared at her teat again.

She looked down at her chest and her face 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 give 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 bird 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 places. Bean was close to 6'5 '' and still skinny but still quite stiff. hunk was 6'2 '' and weighed 220 all self-coloured muscularity. Mira was a vision her bosom was the size of small grapefruits. Her red hair's-breadth appeared to be flames while her lentigo were just enticing, this scrumptious package was on a 5'3 '' frame. Her ears .had become more noticeable and do many fights. I had grown a little as well I was 6'even and weighed 220 and no fat. I was 17.

Saint John mare De Joseph Louis Barrow had become a fat slob and his rule was becoming clayey handed on the people of the realm.

One day the elderberry bush called me to his agency and said,"The metre has come the people are repressed and have been taxed till they can hardly buy food. The city Guards favor the lot but the palace guards seems to lean toward brutality.

After listening to the Elder I began to plan. The first gear thing was a rustle crusade I had my core grouping start the rumors.

"Have you heard, the real king has come of age, and he is not proud of with his Uncle. He is raising an army to rectify his throne.

There were a large identification number of break-ins at Nobles and merchant homes. It seemed odd that it was only the protagonist of the regent who were hit the punishing. A little Redheaded Elf paid a sojourn to the Bramble Wood elves.

A wagon train consisting of two Charles's Wain pulled by immense conscription sawhorse. police wagon one was occupied by the Red headed Elf. The second by the Wizard Elder. The rest period of us walked it took us a week to arrive at the border between Dulciana and Bramble Wood. There we stopped and set up bivouac. We made no overt moves in fact other than a dark pin ( mine ) and a staff ( Elders ) we carried no weapon system. We all were a little uncomfortable in the fantasy 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 multitude. Each day others joined us, by the prison term we reached the border we were Two century fifty strong with more arriving daily. The elderberry bush used his Magic only to provide food for thought for the masses.

We waited at the boundary line for four days. On the cockcrow of the fifth day three elves appeared in front end of Mira 's collapsible shelter. Mira invited them into her tent and sent Bible to the senior and I to join her. I entered the tent and stood behind Mira. While awaiting the Elder I observed the Elven company. Each was blond with hair to the articulatio humeri, their nose were almost pointed. The base out feature of speech was their heart, they seem to penetrate deeply into the soul of the person before them. All three of them were locked onto Mira not even acknowledging that I was even there.

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

Mira spoke,"The true King of Dulciana has come of age and seeks an coalition to over cast the usurper whoremonger Mare De Louis. I am Admira full cousin to king Felies ruler of Bramble Wood. I by my own choice have lived in Dulciana to keep the peace between the two lands."

"The meter has come to announce your acknowledgment of the True King of Dulciana and to bring out the pact of Bayer Bridge which our two land vowed to support each other."

The trine extremely low frequency, none looking to be over twenty, huddled together. Then one stepped forward,"I am Admiran blood brother of Admira and Cousin to big businessman Felis. To my right wing is Sir Slender Shoot in command of the castle Guards. To my left hand, Prince Felieson, pate Prince of Bramble Natalie Wood. Heed my Word we have reluctantly kept our side ot the treaty of Bayer span. All though it has been trying, John female horse has continued to provoke tariffs for the goods we have imported to Dulciana. It has been almost useless to trade with them."

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

Admiran continued,"How do we roll in the hay the rightful King is prepared to jibe and that he is ready."

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

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

"Well what do you consider, I said as I paced inside the tent.
The Elder as usual played his cards close to his breast and Mira said"I guess we will bear to waitress and see."*******

The Elf delegation wasted no metre before they were in the bearing 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,"beginner they said that if they were brought before you, all would be made unclutter. I think the young man is the lawful 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 bridgework"

King Felies leaned back from the table and looked steadily at magnate Duval De Louis the ruler of Dulciana. They had been discussing the terms of the pact which would realise their friendship official. The final codicil of the treaty would be the eventual joining of the two category 's. Billie Jean Moffitt King Duval had a new born Grandson. King Felies had a female cousin In the direct wrinkle the two were bound to each other. She and her female parent would hold up in Dulciana and be raised with the diadem Prince 's son. When he came of age they would be married.

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

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

*****

Mira had been mindful of Rafe 's identity for years. Once when they were swimming in the river she had seen the medallion and recognized the Dragon of gold with green eyes. 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 forte randomness out slope of the tent and citizenry yelling a point was shoved into the tent and an Elf yelled,"Quickly you have to get across the bridge deck. Dulciana 's ground forces is on the march."

We all rushed across the bridgework only to be swallowed up by the Elven Army. A squad of them took down the tent and hitched the Big Dipper and brought it all across the bridge. Then the Elven US Army lined their side of the border. At the Bridge itself was a radical of Elven Mages Led by the wizard Elder.
An Elf walked to the shopping centre of the Bridge with a rouge encounter and bucket of paint, He drew a line three inches wide and wrote Dulciana on their side of the channel and Bramble Mrs. Henry Wood on the other.

In to a lesser extent than an 60 minutes the Dulciana Army came into view. Nearer and nearer they came money box they were at the bridge. The king who was leading the Army walked to the center of the bridge and was close to stepping over the job when the elves on the bridge lowered there Lances toward the Baron 's breast. He stopped and backed up. Only then did he detect the freshly painted border.

The Elven commanding officer asked the business leader,"What business do you feature 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 certain of his actual ID but he is one of four street kids, and as to what he actually did I do n't screw. What I do know is he is wanted by the Riley B King 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 class. But first world-beater Felies has informed me he does not tell apart anyone named John Mare De Louis as any matter ... except as a criminal."

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

The Baron began to plump for away from the bridge and set up camp. He set up a bridgework watch at the Dulciana bridgework end. The pixy did the Saami 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 incur them.

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

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

Mira continued,"You also know the Wizard elder, The rather lowly gent is Lonnie Better known as Sneaker. Next to hin is Silas punter known as bean plant, Next to him is Tom also known as Lump. terminal but not least is Rafter De Louis, known as The knocker or Rafe or just RD. The rightful King of Dulciana."

All of his Quaker were backtalk agape never suspecting their admirer was a royal. top executive Felies says, Army of the Righteous see proof."

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

"I was raised by The Elder and by Mamma Ceil, My mother was Rebecca and my Father was tip Prince Duvalson, Son of King Duval De Joseph Louis Barrow. Both were killed by assassinator Haver by order of can Mare De Louis."

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

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

I turned back to world-beater Felies and asked,"sire what say yee ?"

He looked to the senior,"elderberry bush what is your chronicle ?"********
Chapter 7

elder 's Story

"I will first secernate mum Ceil"s story. I was folding wearing apparel in a tent out side the Village of Collie while my charge Rafter De Louis played on the floor. My mistress Princess Rebecca rushed in and told me King John Mare 's men were searching every tent. She said I was to necessitate Rafter to the elder. She removed the medal from her neck and placed it on Rafter 's neck and told him never ever lose it ..He was three."

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

"We neared the St. Joseph bridge circuit, 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 food to keep us going. It took us almost two workweek to make up our way to the Elder 's hold. We arrived near the hour of noon but waited till almost nightfall before knocking and asking for the Elder."

Elder

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

I went to the door and opened it to recover a cleaning woman and a babe, they both were filthy."Yes can I facilitate you."The woman spoke.

"My Mistress Rebecca said that the time would make out and we was to descend to the keep and here we are."
I said,"wellspring yes you are but who are you and fourth dimension for what."

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

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

"I knew he had a wizardly background so I began to aim him. To see to it he learned everything I also recruited all his acquaintance so they also have been schooled except in deception. I did not try to tempt them but allowed them to reckon the reality and to take a leak up their on minds. I am proud to say the weak and downtrodden have always been taken maintenance of by these few. They also learned from the street and learned to bypass the cruel."

"One former matter smell at him closely. Now the motion picture that was painted at the signing of the Bayer Bridge. Look close at his Grandfather."

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

King Felies thought about all that he had been told and all he had seen. He remembered his supporter representative and was surprised to hear that vocalisation coming out of this young man.


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

We departed for the camp. As soon as we arrived the Baron was asking to utter with me. I met him at the nitty-gritty of the bridge.

"mightiness I see the Medallion."I removed it from my tunic. He stared at it."I must do some thinking I was sure you were dead and with that mentation in head 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 heart and said,"I am sure the decent decision will be made. In fact I would bet there will be a lot of soul searching going on."
I heard a interference and looked over my berm to see a contingent of the Elven USA began lining the River. Their Commander walked onto the span and Handed the Baron a scroll. He opened it and say aloud.

To John Mare De Joe Louis,"We the kingdom of Bramble Wood do here by recognize the rightful King of Dulciana'raftsman De Louis'.

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

The is a formal declaration of War, Not with Dulciana but with the armies of the supplanter John female horse De Louis. You are here by given Five Days to answer.

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

*******

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

Upon reaching the crossroad, straight was to Dulci, rightfulness was to his Land property. Baron Phelps hesitated then called a halt. He called all his Officers to a meeting.

He looked to each one, some had been with him for age and some just a short time."Our long lost Rex Rafter De Louis has come of age and is demanding his rightful place, to the dismay of the regent. A few years ago I gave an oath to the Regent."He noticed some shuffling and susurration among them.
"twenty dollar bill years ago I also gave my swearword to defend the Crown. Since the Crown belongs with baulk De Joe Louis and not the regent that is the curse word I must honor."

"Any of you who wish to be absolved from your oath to me and wish to watch over the trustee is unloose to do so. But first of all I wish you to verbalise these words to your men. I leave for my nursing home in one hour. All who wish to honor their oaths can follow. All who wish to follow the Regent may depart with honor."

The Baron 's Page lay a cloak in the tint of a right Oak. The tycoon sat and leaned back and closed his center. From the noises he was hearing there must be quite a word going on. After a few minutes … cypher but secrecy. He nodded off to sleep.

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

The king opened his center to see all his troops lined up and prepared to move out on the way to the rightfulness. He stood walked to his knight and said,"Very Well backing UP."He tried to hide his emotion as he brushed a contrary tear from his eye.

"messenger, postulate this message to King in Waiting Rafter De Louis. We the men of Baron Phelps pedestal to your right."

Even before the tycoon could reach his estate the power of tittle-tattle had raised its ugly head. It had been shouted throughout the Land that Baron Phelps Favored the mogul in Waiting. As he rode into the grounds of the Estate there were messenger from his fellow Lord wishing to confirm his decision. Some were condemning him but to the highest degree were aligning with him and offering their help.

******

I stepped out of the collapsible shelter to a blast of noise. I was almost stunned, overnight the admirer had increased to over a one thousand men and women. There was also a personal credit line of messenger awaiting his care. One by one he read the messages. The lean of support by the nobleman was staggering. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Baron Phelps had been the start to emerge his support.

I sent message to them all accepting their reenforcement and asking them to Join me for a meeting and to bring their second in mastery as well. The elves set up collapsible shelter and supplied nutrient stuffs. We searched through our people and was soon able to fill the tents with cooks and kitchen help.

Bean and Sneaker began interviewing our masses. It took over two hebdomad to prove what each was good at. The first and most important was lookout man and Runners. It was a welcome to know we had a essence grouping to train others. They consisted of twelve lancers and eight archers all thanks to the City sentry duty. They were led by the Captain of the safety device I smiled when I learned they had brought the full armory of the city Guards. I had the headwaiter set up party and squad and start training.

It was n't long till the lady were making undershirt with a unripe Eyed Gold Dragon in the center on a field of blue-blooded. I was even more surprised when a spar was erected and a silk flag of blue air with the same firedrake represented. I never knew where the textile came from.

I was most surprised by the lack of answer from John Mare. I had sent guide into Dulci and awaited their proceeds. Days later I had my answer. There was desention in the ranks and mass desertions. It was said he was hanging his own men. I guess you could say there was a trust issue.

According to the sentry What was left were mercenary s and men who were just there for the money with no substantial desire for the interest of the Kingdom.

Chapter 8

So this is war.

With the musical accompaniment of the nobleman and the hoi polloi of the land we had an Army of about 10,000 strong. We knew we would be facing about 30,000 all better armed.

Lump surprised us all, he had a really gift of strategy. He told me we were missing and important item ... supplying lines. Which were open to Dulci from the Confederacy. I assigned him a troop of fifty mounted men and named them Tom 's Raiders. They traversed the international mile to Dulcianas Southern delimitation. They carried few supplies, which meant either make successful maraud, live off the land or starve.

******
Tom 's looter

Lump, Tom, Lead his spoiler south never coming in sight of any road except when it was necessity to cross one. They scouted the roads entering Dulciana from Langdom to the Confederate States of America and to Arrington to the East. Their fourth day they heard the squeaking of the axles of a heavily loaded paddy wagon. As the Wagon with five outriders entered the glade which was ringed by the raiders. When they were completely inside the clearing, including the 4 outriders at the rear..

The archer stepped out of the George W. Bush with their arc fully drawn. Lump spoke,"Well gentlemen please lay down your arm and step away from them. You two on the wagon get down. delight lay face down on the background with weapon system and wooden leg spread."

Each were checked over and tongue and Night sticks removed from their soul. Their hired man and feet were bound. swelling placed two men in the Big Dipper and started it onto Bramble Wood Border.

"I am sure it will not guide you long to relieve your self. I suggest you turn back to Langdom and not give. If you had put up a scrap all of you would now be utterly and we would have all regretted it. But none More than you."

Lump had given orders for the wagon to move as fast as it comfortably could toward the rest of the army. They were also prepared to twit like the dickens at the crossway to Dulci.
He was not cognizant that there was a team on watch near the hybridizing road Which escorted them the rest of the way.

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

After a month the Dulciana Army began to move. We nipped at their cad and ran away. When they chased us we would waylay them. Their losses 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 fight fair.

John Mare brought in Mages from Drummond which was to the northward due west We wondered what he was promising them. The Elder had warded our pillager against conjuration. We attacked their rear with arrows then razz away. The Mages were frustrated when their magical spell returned toward them and they had to go on defending team against their own spells. We found out later that can Mare had not told them anything about the Elder supporting us and he knew nix about me, and that I too knew magic.

*****
With out informing nearly of my officers or King Felies I left inner circle with four scouts and Mage Arture. Our program was to sneak as close as we could to Baron Ronin 's HQ collapsible shelter. mogul Ronin had designated himself as full general Ronin.His only thing that qualifed him to be a full general was ... he was the rich Noble in the Kingdom. Also the most self-important and the least versed of how to run an army.
His officeholder were getting very frustrated.

I cast my creative thinker into the tent. As usual there was an argument going on. skipper mark of the Palace precaution and John Major Nells of the Dulciana U. S. Army were already at their wits end. It was impossible to get through to General Ronin that you could not attack some one who was already gone. The General decided they would leave a squad of Calvary behind. Then when the Raiders slipped in behind they could set on and wipe them out.

When we arrived back at the summer camp, we made our own plans. quite than attacking the rear we honed in on the veracious flank. We held back a reserve and when his trailing Calvary came around to aggress our looter they were met with our reserves and a hail of arrows.

To hinder them more stool pigeon slipped in and stole the Dulciana flag. We hoisted it up the sparring where our flying lizard iris flew. It was flown second to our Dragon.

It would possess been simple to take out full general Ronin. But he was their worst opposition so we left him alone.

*****

King Felies was very umbrageous when he discovered my reconnoitring foray."What in the world did you signify by leading that scouting party ? Kings do n't head maraud they direct from the back ground."

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

I talked with Mira and canary, Mira had an idea to frighten off the infernal region out of Dulciana troops. For three days one tent was a hive of activity and only a sure few were allowed in. Late on the third day Mira walked out of the tent and nodded to me. Three of the smaller scouts who were experts in stealth and Sneaker all entered that collapsible shelter ... zippo else happened. Soon it was forgotten.

*****

The encampment of business leader Ronin began to arouse ... .Then it turned into a Male storm ... Each was holding and looking at a small composition of parchment. Baron walked out of his tent also holding a opus of parchment, demanding to know who was creditworthy for the lambskin ....

He looked back down at his which was on a art object of rawhide and was around his neck. The parchment had a draught of a dagger and the Scripture you could be dead ... next time for real. He started screaming where are the safeguard ... they were found with their throat cut and a patch of parchment held to their chest by a dagger.

For the next week there were desertions and some worn out soldiers that appeared to take not slept for awhile. Every dark mortal was killed in their quietus and king Ronin collected another piece of parchment.

Before the last section of the plan could be put into play bravo Haver had his try. I began getting reports of a black robe figure fliting in and out of tent around camp ... In some font there was a body to go along with the write up. Elder immediately said an assassin I added Haver.

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

stoolpigeon removed the cover from a lamp and light blazed into the unsuspicious eye of Haver. Elder stepped into the tent and enwraped Haver in wizard restraints. Haver tried to grow his oral sex towards me and spit.

I was expecting something of the sort and sent a magical force into his nerve which cause him to swallow what he tried to spatter at me. He began to pant and his font began to take in a bluish tint and he crumpled.

elder checked him over and said he was utter. He and I using our thaumaturgy and not touching the body carried the body to a cairn exterior of camp which we had prepared earlier in the day. We placed the physical structure on the cairn and set the pyre alight. showtime we warned everyone in camp to stay away and especially not to respire the smoke.

Chapter IX

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 program, and I assume they did too. We just had to be first.

On the inaugural day of wintertime Chill ... Baron Ronin awoke to quieten, he dressed and threw back the tent flaps To ascertain himself facing Sil Slender Shoot and Silas dome. It was almost amazing when the lenient speak bean plant unleashed his true up vocalizations of his statuesque rich baritone voice.

"General Ronin You are surrounded by the forces of unblock Dulci and the army of Bramble Woods.. For your treasonous number you are herewith stripped of all land and titles and exiled with only the wearing apparel on your book binding. Or you will be put to death by hanging ... I almost forgot if you accept option one ... and ever resolve to return. pick two is automatically enforced.

Ex Baron Ronin was escorted by Tom 's raiders to the borderline of Langdom. He was pushed across the border mendicancy for at least a buck ... which he did not get.


With the accession of Baron Phellps army, our Volunteers and the Army of Bramble woodwind instrument we decided it was prison term to take the war to St. John the Apostle Mare


King Filies called a group meeting and after a lot treatment we came to a determination ... We wished to make them vex as well as to pay. We decided to hit it seem as if we were on parade. We put up a frontal of joyous playing around. As if we had not a care in the world. The truth was we had thousands of oral cavity to feed.

In each camp the elderberry bush assigned an apprentice who fed the troops by magic with platter of piping hot food. Our casual marches were short not starting till near 10 am and stopping nigh 4 pm.

On the tertiary day John Mare 's regular army took the bait. They moved up to snipe as we would be making clique for the evening. What they did n't gestate was before they could get the Christian Bible to assail ... Arrows came flying out of the trees all around them.. They lost over a hundred and threescore men that day and the yielding of fifty more

They thought they had laid the perfect ambush of an unwary mathematical group. When in marrow they had been missing one contingent. First a routine of scouts would look out the side by side night cantonment dry land. Only one would give to act as guide.

indorsement as dusk began to lessen a troop of about fifty dollar bill men would uncase off into the night. They would go to the adjacent dark camping country and set an ambush. When lavatory maria 's soldiers moved through they did not realized they were passing with in in of our men.

There was a sentinel kept on their Officers and the attack came before he could pass on his orders to attack the clique. From our perspective we were driving them toward the coterie where they were met by ... issue three, a well placed radical of lancers.

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


*****

The days turned into a workweek before the walls of Dulciana loomed into heap The construction outside the paries were empty

I rode up to the Gate"John Mare come out and look me ... You have been trying to kill me for over 17 twelvemonth ...."I heard a swishing noise and a soldier 's body hit the ground in presence of me. I glanced to the side. Admiran was notching another arrow ... he smiled.


We had guide in Tree, not close decent to take in an attack of any sort but they were not there for that purpose. They were there to observe and report. Each scout had a retentive shabu and watched and re ported the gathering of Saint John the Apostle mare 's soldier of fortune Army. Soon we would engage.

Again we used subterfuge … we grew up in that town and all of us knew how to enter and leave without being seen. Again the champion Keep played an authoritative part. In the basement of the hold was a secluded passage that opened into the shroud room of the barn in the Smithy. The smithy and corral was just inside the paries of the town.

Once inside we could dot throughout the Ithiel Town. Our showtime Nox, Lump, Bean and canary went in checking the entree. The endorsement night each of them led a group of fifteen men each, our stealth fighters.

They hit the barracks and the guard duty shack near the North and in the 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 torment for two calendar week. John female horse 's troops were tired but afraid to kip. They were making mistakes, just what we were waiting for.

The succeeding thing was to occupy out the guards on the west rampart, open the logic gate and to make full the square with our troop all before trick mare 's regular army awakens.


****

St. John the Apostle Mare De Joseph Louis Barrow awoken to men shouting and the clatter of weapon system falling to the ground. He rolled out of bed and looked at his empty-bellied table and was instantly angry. That slothful Perdon was former with his Breakfast again. He pulled his bell bell electric cord angrily three times.

On the third draw his door opened ... He was all set to rail against Perdon when he saw that the two men entering his sleeping accommodation were armed and their Sashes were the colors of Green and Au. Not his Red and Black person he rushed to his artillery.

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

John maria grabbed a shaft, his sword and a brace of throwing knives. Thinking to himself,"This kid has never had any preparation with weapons ... What chance does he have against me, a sword master."

** Truth be known John female horse was not near as right as he thought ... I mean seriously if you are practicing with an unsound Billie Jean Moffitt King just how hard are you going to try to win. **

bean plant and Lump escorted John mare to the conflict chiliad. He entered and found himself alone he looked above at the viewing area ... it was full-of-the-moon of Men, Women and Elves. The 1st expression he recognized was the prime minister the instant the Cardinal.

Chapter Ten.

The doorway began to open, John Mare drew his brand, he was ready.
He almost burst out laughing ... The young man who entered, he assumed was his nephew, was only armed with a nightstick dangling from a rawhide cord.

"Good Morning Uncle ... I was told I had to contribute you a chance, gum olibanum I chose to confront you with a billystick. Since I do n't wish to kill you, only beat you senseless I thought it only fitting.

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

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

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

John female horse realized the sword was useless. He lowered the lance he had been holding in his go out hand. Rafe was watching his every move. When john Mare made his thrust, at the last heartbeat Rafe stepped to the side and flicked out the nightstick it met John female horse 's chin with a cracking sound.

bathroom maria was so discover up he did n't appear to agnise his jaw was broken. He swept the lance to guard Rafe who stepped back and loosed his billystick. John female horse thought he was prepared and whipped his head back. Again the fulcrum burden took over and the nightstick took the lower path. The solitary thing that saved his manhood is that he had turned his body. The nightstick struck his left thigh bruising it deeply.

whoremonger female horse was finding it difficult to stand. He retained the spear but was now using it as a cane. Rafe flicked out the nightstick again in the direction of John Lackland female horse 's depart wrist. He retaliated by swinging the lancet fundament striking Rafe in the rib coop, cracking a match of costa. Rafe missed with his attack.

John female horse tried to follow up on his good fortune, pull his obelisk and lunged forward. The night joint was already on the way headed for his manhood. John Mare 's straight thrust put his head in the way and the nighttime stick caught him square in the forehead and down he went.

Rafe waited but there was no movement from lavatory female horse, Sir Slender Shoot and his medical examination man Fever entered the Yard ,. Fever felt for a pulsing and nodded, yes there was a pulse he was just unconscious mind. Slender Shoot called for three men. They trussed John maria up like a Christmas Day Turkey.

*****

I looked up to the Audience and announced."He will have got a middling trial,"

I Looked around as they drug John maria to the dungeon."contrabandist take a content to Langdom, Drummond and Chelsea And any other near by Country we have transaction with, speak to the prime minister, asking them to send a illustration. To sit at this trial they must also hold government agency to negotiate Import export Tariffs. Also Must Represent their Country. In my Coronation and marriage ceremony to take place, I turned to the Chancellor and motioned ..."

The Chancellor spoke quickly,"Six workweek for the tryout and in two calendar month for the festivities."

"Also I wish a smuggler be sent to Mountain home plate for a dwarf representative to be here as well."

time seemed to drag even with all that had to be done, The house stave had the Palace to pick 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 assist ... after all I did maturate up on the streets.

I made a few designation, Lonnie/Sneaker to head the news corp. Silas/Bean Secretary and Treasurer, Tom/Lump Head of the Palace guard and tycoon Phelps Commander General of the United States Army of Dulci.

Six very participating weeks went by and the Dwarfen Representative, Smash Stumpf invertebrate foot, had arrived. The trial began ..."John maria De Joseph Louis Barrow You are charged with High Treason and Regicide How do you plead."

John maria stared around the tourist court elbow room,"How dare you. You have no rightfulness to try me I am a King ... !"

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

The first witness was Mama Ciel 's untried sister."My name is Myra"

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

Myra 's taradiddle :

My Mother had been a madam Maid and my older sis was as well. My mother died in child nascency and my Sister Ciel raised me. Ciel was peeress maid to Princess Rebecca she spoiled me. I was always hiding and eavesdropping. She would laugh at the things I told her, she thought I was making them up. One day when I was seven and Prince rafter was a Babe I overheard toilet mare and a man he called Haver Talking."

John Mare said"Haver I will dedicate you 100 Gold to assassinate The King and his family."

"How do you want it done ?"

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


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

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

Princess Rebekah 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 courier brought whoremaster Mare a note saying the King and his Son was dead.

After that trick Mare tried to get crown power But the cardinal grosbeak refused unless he had the Medallion proving he was the end of the family line.

"John Mare was ruthless he had servants beaten for no reason and he raped the castling gentlewoman including me."

can female horse Leaped up and yelled it was his rightfulness to despoil the women he was the king.

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


Many were called but none rundle for john mare. It was really a farce as test goes. The finding of fact was known by everybody.

baron Felis stood and told John maria to rear."Saint John the Apostle maria De Louis you have been tried and convicted by a motor hotel of your Countrymen. You have been found shamefaced of senior high school treason, Regicide as well as later added Brassica napus cathexis. I argued vehemently for the Death penalisation but soon to be power raftsman De Louis argued for a more lenient time of life in the mines. belt Stumpf Foot Take him away he is all yours."

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


Chapter 11

I was gladiola for that function to be over and it seems like everyone was in agreement. The moment Saint John the Apostle Mare was pulled through the doorway and it shut behind him. I stepped forward and ...

"noblewoman and gentleman The Wedding will take place in Two week from today. One hebdomad Later the Coronation will take place."

The Wedding was a frenetic spate between beating out Trade Concessions and concord and trying on Wedding Clothes. Finally the day arrived. The hymeneals was held in the City second power. 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 Church Father, The senior agreed to digest with me.

We turned and Knelt in nominal head of the cardinal grosbeak."We are gathered here together to unite these two. Crown Prince rafter De Louis and Princess Admira Felies ... .That is the endure I remember till I heard the cardinal said I now pronounce you husband and Wife ... You may kiss your Bride.

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

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

The reception lasted two wide daylight and the prime minister stated well there goes the First Lord of the Treasury just to feed the crowd.

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

The Cardinal read the rites of the Coronation as Mira and I again knelt before him and then ..."I crown you King Rafter De Louis business leader Of The landed estate of Dulci. He took the Crown from The senior and placed it upon my drumhead. Then he completed the rite for Mira. Admira Felies I crown you fag of The land of Dulci thus Joining the Two farming of Dulci and Bramble Sir Henry Wood. May God Bless and Guide you both in your prescript."

... And thus began our principle ... .