I was quite surprise that there were so many computer error since I had done a full enchantment arrest. 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 receive undestood everything but I was aware.
What I was the most aware about was the cushy gratifying redolent creature that held me and comfored be and fed me from the soft containers on her chest. Dangling from her neck was a gold chain with a medalion whose image was that of a amber greeneyed dragon

Two class later I came to know the soft creature 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 Louis, your Father was the jacket Prince Duvalson of the land of Dulciana, Remember this medalion identifies you. Your uncle St. John mare De Joseph Louis Barrow had your grandpa and your father killed. His minions are looking for you."

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

In my young judgment I remembered the soft beds and the tapis that hung on the bulwark ... but now we hid in a collapsible shelter and lay upon old blanket and mother cooked over an out-of-doors firing. She had to fetch and comport water system and we only had her old housemaid servant, I did not understand.

One night my mother rushed into the tent pulled off the medalion and said to maid Ceil,"john Mare is searching every tent ... Take Rafe and flee."She leaned down and placed the Medalion around my neck.

housemaid Ceil grabbed me up and ran out the rearward tizzy of the tent. This was the last I ever saw of my Mother.

maiden or rather, Mama Ceil as I came to call her took me to a genius 's dungeon. No one in their right field mind would ever try to seek a Wizard 's Keep. There we lived a passive living cashbox ... Mama Ceil caught the ague and died when I was eight.

*****

Wizard 's Keep

ma Ceil knocked on the threshold of the Wizard 's livelihood. After several knocks the room access was opened by an senior blighter wearing an old grey Robe ...

"Yes ... may I help you ?"

mummy Ceil says,"My schoolmistress Rebekah said if the time came ... I was to fall to you ... and here we are."

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

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

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

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

That is how my new life began, I made Friend with some of the baby of the village especially the younger weaker single. I stood up for them against the bigger and older son even at three I hated bully. I myself was as large as the bullies and they tried to get me to favor their side. It did n't work, the for the first time time they started picking on a weaker child I jumped in and started swinging. I did n't eff at that clip but my puff were magically enhanced.

My in effect friend was a kid we called"Sneaker"he could fit in the tiniest situation. He was just belittled. Next was Bean he was a tightly fitting kid and Lump, well he was fat and it was n't from eating to much. almost street kids rarely had more than a meal a day and often not even that. Lastly was our tomboy Mira a red haired freckled face waif who was n't afraid of any affair She tried her expert to hide the distributor point to her ears.

Although we were not supposed to tell about it, The stealer lodge was three theatre down from the whiz hold. I guess you can say I was being hid right wing under John Mare 's nose in the capital city, Dulci. They called me doorknocker be cause I busted brain of Bullies.

The thieves I guess you could say adopted us ... it was n't long till we were all quite virtuoso at snitching handbag as well as other things. Sneaker became a 'caser'He and bean plant made a team. Bean would lift Sneaker up to a window, that I had checked for wards, I was capable to read thaumaturgy. I did n't yet jazz how to bypass the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward as yet but my wizard training would soon instruct me that..

fink would case the place while Mira would watch over the front and stumblebum and I would view the side of meat. Afterwards Sneaker would make the information to a Housebreaker and after the job was done he would have us a share.

By the time I turned twelve I was learning how to fight bridge player to hand and with social club and dark marijuana cigarette. I quickly learned that although the night stick was respectable … there seemed to be something missing. I bored a hollow in the hold and threaded a leather strap through it and then placed the strap around my articulatio radiocarpea. With a flick of the wrist I would add eighteen inches to my scope. Thugs were quite surprised when they were expecting the nightstick toward the caput but instead it hit in the groin.

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

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

Since The Elder insisted I learn reading and writing as well as the while Word it was decided that my friends be taught as well. We were able to garner spear carrier money as messengers.

One day while I was training at the bread and butter the elder sent me on an errand to the spice shop for cinnamon. It was an excuse to get me acquit for awhile and I knew it. I hid out and ascertain, about an hr later four Horsemen stopped at the bread and butter.

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

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


fink asked,"Whats going on Rapper ?"

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

*********

Chapter 2

As I grew older my second pot or suspicion seemed to be hard. It seemed that I could penetrate what people were thinking. Especially if it pertained to me.

I liked to eat lunch at the quiescence social lion. ma song thrush was the Captain James Cook, she called us tough but our bowls always seemed to be filled high than the regular client. Today I was dipping into the Lamb lather, it needed a bit of salt.

I looked and the salt was at the other end of the table, I put out my hand intellection of my demand for common salt. I tried to get some 1 attention but there was an argument in progress and everything else was being ignored. I was getting exasperated and thinking harder about my need for salt when ... Whap ! the salt bowl slapped the palm of my hand. My backtalk fell unfold and I looked around but no one seemed to note.

I was puzzled as well as surprised, I had a class with the Elder necromancer after lunch 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 spell book and a book with vacuous pages and had me written matter 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 call 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 gladiola that he had released my friend from this part of the course of study. This needed to be kept quiet for a while.

So I told him about the voices in my head but they were hard to understand because there were so many. Also guard Logan was picking on Mira. So I had used my mind to tinge Momma Mavis 's fat fanny. She turned around and dumped the water pitcher she was holding on his head. He ran out of the Inn with mummy in Pursuit.

Elder had a big laughter about that and said,"Your breeding will switch starting tomorrow I will try to learn you how to control the voices as well as other things. Be thrifty and not use your mind business leader so someone might see. The King, he sneeringly replied is suspicious enough as it is, And for the Gods saki keep that Medallion hidden."


********
Chapter 3

playacting Martin Luther King, or rather The regent, whoremaster female horse De Louis, was pacing back and forth in the throne room. Speaking to his Arthur Neville Chamberlain."We have to find that kid without that decoration the cardinal grosbeak will not crown me King.I am a farce now. Even the churl are laughing behind my back."

The thirdly man in the throne room stood out of the shadows, headmaster assassinator 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 observe him and retrieve the medallion, 100 Gold pieces. Just say the password. ''

"I am not ready for the Chaos you would cause to the commonwealth. Besides the Elves of Bramble forest is just looking for an excuse to jump a war. Right now it is a war we could not possibility win. But if I have the medallion that would be proof that Prince rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow was dead. The Cardinal would receive no choice but to top me King. privy Mare ended the coming together by saying he was thirsty and pulled the bell cord to summon a page.

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

The Arthur Neville Chamberlain was opposed to the Regent but since he enjoyed living he chose not to speak of his enemy of the trustee. That did n't mean he had to aid him either. He looked back before leaving the Throne elbow room in time to see the Regent slap the Sir Frederick Handley Page for some child violation. He hated cruelty.


*******


Rapper was relaxing in the grocery lame. He leaned against a post on the interference fringe of the square toes he had spent a ash gray at the blimp stand. The rest of his ally had undertaking to discharge. Rapper was glad he did n't have any task today. He watched the Nobles and Merchants and tapped in to the workings of their intellect. He was still struggling to separate the unlike thought process it was like trying to interpret a maelstrom.

Then he felt a bring in thought blasting at him."I will find him then I will blame the Regent a fortune ... he has to be here some where."

doorknocker was startled, he scanned the crowd but was ineffective to distinguish who the creative thinker might happen to be. No Luck, knocker edged back and behind the vendors carts. He observed the square and tried to nibble out the soul with the errant thoughts but no luck. He hung out trough almost benighted before sticking to the shadows he made his way to the Keep.

The senior was waiting for him ... Rapper told him everything and how the voice had entered his psyche with out him seeking. They talked and laid some guide lines for his attempts to hone his skill.

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 room. I raised my head expecting the elderberry bush. Instead there was learner Mage Arture."Whats the matter Arture ? Are you crying ?"

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

"Why ?"

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

I rushed out on the street and found lump with snag in his eyes,"It was my fracture I was on lookout. finish nighttime I ate sumpin'that messed up my tum. It hit me backbreaking and I had to run to an outhouse. By the clock time I got back ... they had him."

"Which Nobleman."

"Lord Frane, you know succeeding 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 social function. Noble Pritcher knew about it but turned a blind eye. We classed him as a serious Noble.

We went around to Lord Pritcher 's kitchen an called to Maggie. We told her what had happened and she just smiled and said she knew what to do. Maggie was 16 and what we called a watcher. 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 babble unless she nodded. She stopped at the Guardroom and knocked on the room access.
A guard opened and said,"What'cha need ?"

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

The safety sea captain stepped up and asked,"fountainhead if he is your deliverance boy why was he outside nobleman Frane 's house ?"

"First sentence he has been there he just got the houses mingle 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 deport them to me for the Wizards support, I am an learner there they call me RD and I am sure the elder is getting trouble waiting on his bread."

The Capt. Told the jailer to release bean plant. When they brought him in the Capt admonished him and reminded him to be to a greater extent deliberate from now on.

We all kept a square face till we were well away from the precaution room then we let out a sigh of embossment. Maggie handed the basket to Bean and directed him to fork up it to the keep kitchen just in compositor's case the Guard Capt. Did a follow up.

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

gym shoe replied,"Gomer ''

"When you give him your report tell him that he should put off the job for at to the lowest degree two week. The guards are going to be watching the sign just in case."I pretended I over heard the Capt. Telling this to the safety device. Really I had a moment of clarity and was able to pull 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 sentry duty stammered and thanked her when she cut him off a musical composition of moolah and slathered a mess of cheeseflower on it.
Chapter 4

I was getting better at grasping one voice and clearing the rest of random cackle, The major problem was I still could not spot which mind was sending the thread. Then one day it was like a vision ... I could see out of someone EL eyes and I had a shed light on path to his persuasion. I was still surprised when he grabbed a lady and drug her down an skittle 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 alley while slipping my hand through the leather strap attached to the night marijuana cigarette. I turned into the alley as he was lifting her skirts, I could see her milky Caucasian 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 size, he was a good ten inches taller than I was and he held a bombastic knife in his hand.

I flicked the nightstick again the handgrip appeared to be headed for his face he put up his knife hand. The handle reached the length of the strap, the handle came to a point. Inertia caused a pendulum outcome and the end of the nightstick was on a collision trend with his manhood which was in view. He was ready to take reward of the lady. Then contact was made he screamed and went down. I rapped him across the back of the mind and he went down and out.

The lady had n't seen any affair her clothes was still over her head. Momentarily I admired her product, the foremost I had ever seen, oh well. I helped her up and directed her back to the second power and told her to hollo for a guard. While she followed my steering I slipped into the crowd and vanished.

The next day it was all over the square toes about the gallant saviour of a Noble Lady that was almost raped.
The rapist had been captured but the clotheshorse deliverer had disappeared. The Noble lady 's Father had offered a advantage. Many attempts were made to pick up it but none had the veridical story. I had kissed her inner thigh almost to the VEE before helping her up.

I often followed her when she came to the grocery store, but she never knew. I often thought of the musky 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 to the lowest degree eight years my senior.

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

We were all laughing and joking till Mira raised back up from spreading her shirt as she set back she put her hands behind her and stretched with her eyes closed. Suddenly everyone went quite her breast with tit the size of the 1st roast of a pinky finger's breadth was standing proudly. None of us, except me, had ever seen a bare chested young lady before.

Mira noticed the silence and opened her eye 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 pass and stared at her nipples again.

She looked down at her bureau and her typeface turned Red and she put her arm across her bureau and grabbed her shirt, turned her back and put her shirt back on. sneak 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 urban center logic gate. Before following I had to explain all I knew about the birdie and the bees. By the clip 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. dome was finish to 6'5 '' and still skinny but still quite substantial. Lump was 6'2 '' and weighed 220 all solid muscle. Mira was a vision her heart was the size of small grapefruits. Her red hair appeared to be flames while her freckle were just enticing, this delectable package was on a 5'3 '' frame. Her ears .had become more noticeable and have many fights. I had grown a little as well I was 6'even and weighed 220 and no fat. I was 17.

toilet female horse De Joe Louis had become a fat slob and his rule was becoming laborious handed on the people of the realm.

One day the elder called me to his office and said,"The time has come the people are repressed and have been taxed till they can hardly buy food. The metropolis Guards favor the masses but the castle guards seems to incline toward brutality.

After listening to the senior I began to plan. The first base thing was a susurration drive I had my core mathematical group start the rumors.

"rich person you heard, the actual B. B. King has come of age, and he is not proud of with his Uncle. He is raising an USA to tame his throne.

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

A wagon train consisting of two station waggon pulled by huge draft cavalry. Wagon one was occupied by the Red headed Elf. The second by the Wizard senior. The rest of us walked it took us a week to reach the border between Dulciana and Bramble Wood. There we stopped and set up cantonment. We made no overt moves in fact former than a nighttime control stick ( mine ) and a stave ( Elders ) we carried no weapons. We all were a little uncomfortable in the illusion 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 moulding we were Two hundred fifty strong with more arriving daily. The Elder used his conjuration only to provide food for thought for the masses.

We waited at the border for four mean solar day. On the morning of the fifth day three Elves appeared in front of Mira 's collapsible shelter. Mira invited them into her tent and sent word to the Elder and I to join her. I entered the tent and stood behind Mira. While awaiting the Elder I observed the Elven political party. Each was blonde with hair to the shoulders, their noses were almost pointed. The stand out feature was their optic, they seem to penetrate deeply into the psyche 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 senior entered. He they acknowledged and slightly bowed. The Elder nodded and moved behind Mira future to me.

Mira spoke,"The rightful King of Dulciana has come of age and seeks an alliance to over contrive the usurper John maria De Joe Louis. I am Admira cousin to king Felies ruler of Bramble Grant Wood. I by my own option have lived in Dulciana to keep the peace between the two lands."

"The clip has come to hold your recognition of the True King of Dulciana and to bring out the treaty of St. Joseph Bridge which our two state vowed to support each other."

The Three pixy, none looking to be over XX, huddled together. Then one stepped forward,"I am Admiran brother of Admira and Cousin to King genus Felis. To my right is Sir Slender Shoot in bid of the castle Guards. To my left wing, Prince Felieson, Crown Prince of Bramble Natalie Wood. Heed my Holy Scripture we have reluctantly kept our side ot the pact of Bayer nosepiece. All though it has been trying, lavatory female horse has continued to get up tariffs for the goodness we have imported to Dulciana. It has been almost useless to merchandise with them."

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

Admiran continued,"How do we have it away the rightful King is prepared to agree and that he is ready."

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

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

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

The Elf relegation wasted no sentence before they were in the mien of world-beater Felies. They bowed to the big businessman but he waved it way …"Yes, Yes, what did they say ?"

Prince Felieson acted as their spokesman,"Father they said that if they were brought before you, all would be made clear. I think the Edward Young man is the rightful big businessman. 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"Treaty of Empirin bridgework"

King Felies leaned back from the table and looked steadily at King Duval De Louis the rule of Dulciana. They had been discussing the damage of the treaty which would stimulate their friendship official. The final codicil of the treaty would be the eventual connexion of the two family 's. business leader Duval had a new have a bun in the oven Grandson. King Felies had a female cousin In the channelize line the two were bound to each other. She and her Mother would live in Dulciana and be raised with the Crown Prince 's son. When he came of age they would be married.

Two years later King Duval and his son were 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 active. And Now ....

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

*****

Mira had been aware of Rafe 's identity for eld. Once when they were swimming in the river she had seen the palm and recognized the Dragon of gold with green eyes. She kept her secretiveness, she was cognisant of the accord and that she was promised to Rafe. She had always known …

She looked toward Rafe and smiled ….

There was a loud noise out side of the collapsible shelter and the great unwashed yelling a head was shoved into the tent and an Elf yelled,"Quickly you have to get across the bridge circuit. Dulciana 's United States Army 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 collapsible shelter and hitched the station wagon and brought it all across the bridge. Then the Elven Army lined their side of the molding. At the bridgework itself was a group of Elven Mages Led by the wizard Elder.
An Elf walked to the center of the bridge with a paint brush and pail of paint, He drew a parentage three inches wide and wrote Dulciana on their incline of the line and Bramble Wood on the other.

In less than an 60 minutes the Dulciana Army came into sight. Nearer and nearer they came cashbox they were at the bridgework. The Baron who was leading the Army walked to the center of the span and was close to stepping over the line when the elves on the bridge lowered there Lances toward the power 's dresser. He stopped and backed up. Only then did he point out the freshly painted mete.

The Elven air force officer asked the power,"What business do you have in Bramble Wood."

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

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

"I am not sure of his literal ID but he is one of four street kids, and as to what he actually did I do n't know. What I do know is he is wanted by the King john mare De Louis."

The Commander smiled,"As you can see we have near 300 refugees and at least 50 of them fits that category. But first King Felies has informed me he does not make out anyone named whoremonger mare De Louis as any thing ... except as a criminal."

"I advise you to change state this ragtag and bobtail bunch around before My archer lose their strength and loosen the 100 pointer that are aimed at you and yours."“ On the Count of ten My lancer are going to earn this Bridge."

The Baron began to back away from the bridge and set up ingroup. He set up a bridge watch at the Dulciana bridge end. The pixy did the same at their end. traffic was not stopped on the bridgework but was closely scrutinized.

A messenger was received at Mira 's tent and she was informed that King Felies was gear up to receive them.

A few 60 minutes later they were ushered in to King Felies 's presence. King 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 open not in dashing hopes, just surprise.

Mira continued,"You also know the Wizard elder, The rather diminished gent is Lonnie better known as gym shoe. Next to hin is Silas Better known as Bean, Next to him is Tom also known as lump. Last but not least is Rafter De Joe Louis, known as The doorknocker or Rafe or just RD. The rightful mogul of Dulciana."

All of his friend were mouth agape never suspecting their friend was a Royal. business leader Felies says, Army of the Righteous see proof."

Rafe stepped forward and reached inside his tunica and removed the medallion ... The fleeceable centre of the amber dragon transfixed all who saw it. All of Rafe 's friends dropped to their genu and bowed before him. He told them to block off bowing it made him uncomfortable.

"I was raised by The Elder and by mamma Ceil, My mother was Rebekah and my Father was poll Prince Duvalson, Son of Martin Luther King Jr. Duval De Louis. Both were killed by bravo Haver by parliamentary law of Saint John maria De Louis."

Christian Bible has been sent to the cardinal grosbeak 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,"father what say yee ?"

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

elder 's taradiddle

"I will first tell Mama Ceil"s story. I was folding clothes in a tent out incline the village of Collie while my bearing Rafter De Louis played on the floor. My mistress Princess Rebecca rushed in and told me trick Mare 's men were searching every collapsible shelter. She said I was to drive Rafter to the elder. She removed the ribbon from her neck and placed it on baulk 's neck and told him never ever lose it ..He was three."

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

"We neared the Bayer span, I directed us to the Dulciana cant. We followed the roadway although we stayed in the forest. There were merchants traveling along the road which allowed me to snitch enough food to keep us going. It took us almost two calendar week to ready our way to the senior 's sustenance. We arrived near the hour of noon but waited cashbox almost dusk before knocking and asking for the Elder."

elderberry bush

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

I went to the doorway and opened it to see a woman and a babe, they both were filthy."Yes can I facilitate you."The char spoke.

"My schoolma'am Rebekah said that the sentence would derive and we was to occur to the Keep and here we are."
I said,"Well yes you are but who are you and time for what."

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

The boy pulled out the ribbon, I got flustered and told him to put it away and pushed them into the keep. I made him a leather bag to put the medallion in it had a string so it kept the ribbon covered. Mama Ceil helped May in the kitchen until she came down with the ague and died I think the boy was about eight. By that time he was already the protector of the weak.

"I knew he had a legerdemain background so I began to civilise him. To check he learned everything I also recruited all his friend so they also have been schooled except in trick. I did not try to work them but allowed them to view the world and to make up their on minds. I am majestic to say the rickety and downtrodden have always been taken concern of by these few. They also learned from the street and learned to get around the cruel."

"One former thing Look at him closely. Now the word-painting that was painted at the sign language of the Bayer bridge deck. Look close at his Grandfather."

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

Martin Luther King Jr. Felies thought about all that he had been told and all he had seen. He remembered his ally interpreter and was surprised to hear that voice coming out of this untried man.


The top executive rang for a page and told him micturate ready rooms for my party. I stopped him and told him that we have over 250 followers at the River I will ride out with them, my friends nodded that they agreed.

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

"Might I see the Medallion."I removed it from my tunic. He stared at it."I must do some thought process I was surely you were dead and with that thought in brain to try and protect my multitude. He asked and I gave my oath. Now I know not what to do."

I looked deep into his heart and said,"I am sure the right decision will be made. In fact I would bet there will be a lot of person searching going on."
I heard a noise and looked over my shoulder joint to see a contingent of the Elven Army began lining the River. Their air force officer walked onto the span and Handed the Baron a scroll. He opened it and scan aloud.

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

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

The is a formal proclamation of War, Not with Dulciana but with the army of the usurper John maria De Louis. You are here by given fin solar day to answer.

Signed : King Felies
Ruler of the Kingdom of extremely low frequency Known as Bramble Wood

*******

The Baron ordered his men to settle in ... and departed at once ... The magnate called his fast moon-curser and gave him the scroll to surrender to the Regent.

Upon reaching the intersection, straightaway was to Dulci, right was to his Land Holdings. magnate Phelps hesitated then called a stop. He called all his military officer to a meeting.

He looked to each one, some had been with him for years and some just a short meter."Our long lost King baulk De Louis has come of age and is demanding his rightful place, to the dismay of the regent. A few old age ago I gave an cuss to the Regent."He noticed some make and whispering among them.
"twenty dollar bill years ago I also gave my curse word to defend the Crown. Since the treetop belongs with rafter De Louis and not the trustee that is the curse word I must honor."

"Any of you who wish to be absolved from your cuss to me and wish to follow the trustee is free to do so. But low gear I wish you to speak these words to your men. I leave for my home in one hour. All who wish to honor their oaths can comply. All who wish to keep an eye on the trustee may deviate with honor."

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

Until his page gently shook him,"Baron the 60 minutes has past."

The tycoon opened his eyes to see all his troop lined up and educate to move out on the itinerary to the right. He stood walked to his horse and said,"Very Well mount UP."He tried to hide his emotion as he brushed a wayward split from his eye.

"Messenger, take this Message to big businessman in Waiting rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow. We the men of top executive Phelps Stand to your right."

Even before the tycoon could reach his estate the power of gossip had raised its despicable heading. It had been shouted throughout the lands that Baron Phelps Favored the King in Waiting. As he rode into the grounds of the estate there were messengers from his colleague nobleman wishing to affirm his conclusion. Some were condemning him but most were aligning with him and offering their help.

******

I stepped out of the collapsible shelter to a blast of noise. I was almost stunned, overnight the jockstrap had increased to over a thousand men and women. There was also a line of messenger awaiting his attention. One by one he read the substance. The listing of backup by the noble was staggering. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that king Phelps had been the beginning to issue his bread and butter.

I sent subject matter to them all accepting their support and asking them to join me for a meeting and to bring their second in control as well. The ELF set up collapsible shelter and supplied food stuffs. We searched through our people and was soon capable to sate the tent with Captain James Cook and kitchen help.

bean plant and Sneaker began interviewing our mass. It took over two week to build what each was full at. The first and most authoritative was Scouts and Runners. It was a welcome to know we had a core radical to take aim others. They consisted of 12 lancers and eight archers all thanks to the city Guard. They were led by the Captain of the Guard I smiled when I learned they had brought the full armory of the metropolis sentry duty. I had the police captain set up companies and squads and begin training.

It was n't long till the ladies were making singlet with a Green Eyed amber Dragon in the mall on a domain of blue. I was even more surprised when a spar was erected and a silk flagstone of Blue with the Same Dragon represented. I never knew where the material came from.

I was most surprised by the lack of response from King John maria. I had sent scout into Dulci and awaited their restoration. Days later I had my answer. There was desention in the rank and file and mass desertion. It was said he was hanging his own men. I guess you could say there was a combine issue.

According to the picket What was left were mercenary s and men who were just there for the money with no actual desire for the sake of the Kingdom.

Chapter 8

So this is war.

With the support of the Nobles and the peoples of the terra firma we had an US Army of about 10,000 strong. We knew we would be facing about 30,000 all in force armed.

ball surprised us all, he had a literal gift of strategy. He told me we were missing and important item ... provision note. Which were open to Dulci from the Confederacy. I assigned him a troop of fifty mounted men and named them Tom 's plunderer. They traversed the miles to Dulcianas Southern borderline. They carried few supplies, which meant either make successful raids, live off the land or starve.

******
Tom 's freebooter

Lump, Tom, leading his Raiders south never coming in sight of any road except when it was necessity to foil one. They scouted the roadstead entering Dulciana from Langdom to the South and to Arrington to the East. Their one-fourth day they heard the squeaking of the axles of a heavily loaded wagon. As the wagon with five outriders entered the glade which was ringed by the despoiler. When they were completely inside the clearing, including the 4 outriders at the rear..

The archers stepped out of the bushes with their Bows fully drawn. glob spoke,"Well man please lay down your weapon system and tread away from them. You two on the Wagon get down. Please lay face down on the ground with arms and legs spread."

Each were checked over and knife and nighttime sticks removed from their person. Their hands and animal foot were bound. Lump placed two men in the wagon and started it onto Bramble Wood Border.

"I am sure it will not take you long to unloosen 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 deadened and we would let all regretted it. But none more than you."

Lump had given orders for the wagon to run as fast as it comfortably could toward the eternal sleep of the army. They were also prepared to ride like the Dickens at the hamlet to Dulci.
He was not mindful that there was a squad on watch near the cross road Which escorted them the sleep of the way.

Each day they would ascertain an incoming route and were averaging at to the lowest degree I shipment a week.
Dulciana sent out scout group to try to protect the incoming provision. The pillager ambushed them and wiped them out to a man.

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

John Mare brought in Mages from Drummond which was to the North west We wondered what he was promising them. The Elder had warded our plunderer against conjuration. We attacked their rear with arrows then turn on away. The Mages were frustrated when their spells returned toward them and they had to go on defense against their own trance. We found out later that John 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 officer or King Felies I left camp with four scouts and Mage Arture. Our design was to snarf as close as we could to tycoon Ronin 's HQ tent. Baron Ronin had designated himself as General Ronin.His only thing that qualifed him to be a superior general was ... he was the richest imposing in the Kingdom. Also the most arrogant and the least knowledgeable of how to run an army.
His ship's officer were getting very frustrated.

I cast my mind into the tent. As usual there was an argument going on. police captain mark of the Palace guards and John R. Major Nells of the Dulciana Army were already at their wits end. It was inconceivable to get through to General Ronin that you could not attack some one who was already gone. The full general decided they would entrust a squad of martyrdom behind. Then when the pillager slipped in behind they could round and wipe them out.

When we arrived back at the Camp, we made our own plans. sooner than attacking the rear we honed in on the right flank. We held back a second-stringer and when his trailing Calvary came around to attack our raiders they were met with our reserves and a hail of arrows.

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

It would have been unsubdivided to acquire out General Ronin. But he was their pip foe so we left him alone.

*****

King Felies was very incensed when he discovered my reconnoitering foray."What in the world did you imply by leading that scouting party ? tycoon do n't lead foray they direct from the back ground."

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

I talked with Mira and stoolpigeon, Mira had an mind to scare off the inferno out of Dulciana troops. For three years one tent was a beehive of activeness and only a certain few were allowed in. Late on the third day Mira walked out of the tent and nodded to me. Three of the smaller scout who were experts in stealth and Sneaker all entered that collapsible shelter ... nil else happened. Soon it was forgotten.

*****

The camp of baron Ronin began to stir ... .Then it turned into a male storm ... Each was holding and looking at a lowly while of parchment. business leader walked out of his tent also holding a piece of parchment, demanding to roll in the hay who was responsible for the sheepskin ....

He looked back down at his which was on a bit of rawhide and was around his neck. The lambskin had a drawing of a dagger and the word of honor you could be dead ... following time for rattling. He started screaming where are the sentry go ... they were found with their throat cut and a piece of lambskin held to their breast by a dagger.

For the adjacent week there were desertions and some worn out soldiers that appeared to have not slept for awhile. Every dark soul was killed in their sleep and Baron Ronin collected another small-arm of parchment.

Before the last-place section of the plan could be put into play assassinator Haver had his try. I began getting account of a inkiness clad form fliting in and out of tent around pack ... In some cases there was a body to go along with the report. Elder immediately said an assassin I added Haver.

I begin to browse with my judgement ... near evening clip I started to pick 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-headed blazed into the unsuspecting eye of Haver. elder stepped into the tent and enwraped Haver in charming restraints. Haver tried to deform his head towards me and spit.

I was expecting something of the kind and sent a wizard 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 let a bluish shade and he crumpled.

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

Chapter Nine

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

On the first day of Winters shiver ... Baron Ronin awoke to silence, he dressed and threw back the collapsible shelter pother To get himself facing Sil Slender Shoot and Silas Bean. It was almost amazing when the soft verbalise dome unleashed his on-key phonation of his stately plentiful baritone voice.

"superior general Ronin You are surrounded by the personnel of spare Dulci and the army of Bramble Woods.. For your treasonous act you are hereby stripped of all landed estate and titles and exiled with only the wearing apparel on your spine. Or you will be put to death by hanging ... I almost forgot if you accept option one ... and ever decide to return. option two is automatically enforced.

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


With the addition of Baron Phellps ground forces, our Volunteers and the Army of Bramble Wood we decided it was time to necessitate the war to John maria


King Filies called a get together and after much discussion we came to a decision ... We wished to make them worry as well as to pay. We decided to make it seem as if we were on parade. We put up a window dressing of joyous playing around. As if we had not a aid in the world. The verity was we had thousands of oral cavity to feed.

In each camp the senior assigned an learner who fed the troops by legerdemain with record of piping hot food for thought. Our daily marches were short not starting trough near 10 am and stopping nigh 4 pm.

On the third day lavatory female horse 's army took the sweetener. They moved up to attack as we would be making camp for the evening. What they did n't expect was before they could get the word to aggress ... pointer came flying out of the trees all around them.. They lost over a hundred and sixty men that day and the surrender of fifty more

They thought they had laid the perfect ambush of an unwary radical. When in core they had been missing one detail. start a issue of pathfinder would search out the next nights camp ground. Only one would repay to act as guide.

Second as dusk began to decrease a troop of about fifty men would discase off into the night. They would go to the next nights camping area and set an trap. When lavatory 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 officer and the attack came before he could break his orders to attack the inner circle. From our military position we were driving them toward the refugee camp where they were met by ... Number three, a well placed group of lancers.

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


*****

The days turned into a workweek before the walls of Dulciana loomed into sight The building outside the bulwark were hollow

I rode up to the Gate"John female horse come out and face me ... You have been trying to kill me for over 17 class ...."I heard a swishing stochasticity and a soldier 's body hit the earth in front of me. I glanced to the side. Admiran was notching another pointer ... he smiled.


We had lookout man in tree diagram, not close enough to make an attempt of any variety but they were not there for that purpose. They were there to observe and report. Each spotter had a farsighted glass and watched and re ported the gathering of john maria 's soldier of fortune United States Army. Soon we would engage.

Again we used subterfuge … we grew up in that town and all of us eff how to get in and bequeath without being seen. Again the Wizards Keep played an of import part. In the basement of the Keep was a secret passage that opened into the tack room of the b in the Smithy. The forge and corral was just inside the bulwark of the town.

Once inside we could scatter throughout the town. Our foremost night, Lump, Bean and stoolpigeon went in checking the access. The minute night each of them led a mathematical group of XV men each, our stealth fighters.

They hit the barracks and the guard shack near the North and due south gate. They set fire to the barracks then attacked the soldiers as they tried to break loose. They never knew what hit them nor how to respond. This was our style of torment for two weeks. John maria 's troop were tired but afraid to slumber. They were making mistakes, just what we were waiting for.

The next affair was to take out the guards on the Cicily Isabel Fairfield wall, give the gate and to satiate the second power with our troops all before John maria 's regular army awakens.


****

Saint John the Apostle mare De Joe Louis awoken to men shouting and the clatter of weapons falling to the basis. He rolled out of bed and looked at his empty mesa and was instantly angry. That lazy Perdon was late with his Breakfast again. He pulled his bell chime corduroy angrily three times.

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

They smiled and one of them said,"By all substance arm thy self Just as Crown Prince rafter desires you.We are here to escort you to the fight yard."

John the Evangelist Mare grabbed a lance, his Sword and a brace of throwing knives. Thinking to himself,"This kid has never had any breeding with weapon ... What hazard does he have against me, a brand master."

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

bean plant and Lump escorted John female horse to the Battle K. He entered and found himself alone he looked above at the viewing region ... it was broad of Men, fair sex and imp. The 1st typeface he recognized was the Chancellor the second the Cardinal.

Chapter Ten.

The door began to open, John Mare drew his sword, he was ready.
He almost burst out laughing ... The immature man who entered, he assumed was his nephew, was only armed with a nightstick hanging from a rawhide cord.

"Good break of the day Uncle ... I was told I had to give you a chance, Thus I chose to face you with a nightstick. Since I do n't care to kill you, only heartbeat you senseless I thought it only fitting.

Gospel According to 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 steel. Rafe 's billystick struck like a serpent hitting the knuckles of the hand holding the brand which clattered to the ground. The interview roared. John mare was stunned not seeming to interpret what had happened.

Rafe backed off to grant him to blame up his blade. Never taking his eyes off Rafe, St. John mare reached for his sword. Thinking Rafe a fool he again started forward. He had taken two steps when the nightstick flicked out again and caressed his elbow joint ... His arm went numb and his brand again fell to the floor.

St. John the Apostle maria realized the sword was useless. He lowered the fishgig he had been holding in his left script. Rafe was watching his every motion. When John Mare made his driving force, at the terminal instant Rafe stepped to the position and flicked out the nightstick it met John the Evangelist mare 's chin with a cracking sound.

john mare was so keyed up he did n't look to recognise his jaw was broken. He swept the spear to guard Rafe who stepped back and loosed his nightstick. John maria thought he was prepared and whipped his straits back. Again the fulcrum event took over and the nightstick took the lower path. The alone affair that saved his manhood is that he had turned his body. The nightstick struck his left thigh bruising it deeply.

St. John Mare was finding it difficult to brook. He retained the lance but was now using it as a cane. Rafe flicked out the billy club again in the instruction of John maria 's left wrist. He retaliated by swinging the lance butt striking Rafe in the rib cage, cracking a match of ribs. Rafe missed with his onslaught.

John Mare tried to follow up on his right chance, pull his obelisk and lunged forward. The Nox stick was already on the way headed for his humanity. John Mare 's lunge put his principal 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 trick female horse, Sir Slender Shoot and his medical man Fever entered the Yard ,. Fever felt for a pulse and nodded, yes there was a pulse he was just unconscious. Slender Shoot called for three men. They trussed lav mare up like a Noel Turkey.

*****

I looked up to the Audience and announced."He will suffer a fair trial,"

I Looked around as they drug bathroom Mare to the dungeon."blue runner take a message to Langdom, Drummond and Chelsea And any other near by Country we have dealings with, speak to the Chancellor, asking them to send off a representative. To sit at this trial they must also have office to negotiate signification export Tariffs. Also Must Represent their Country. In my Coronation and wedding to hold blank space, I turned to the Chancellor and motioned ..."

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

"Also I wish a runner be sent to Mountain Home for a Dwarf congresswoman to be here as well."

Time seemed to drag even with all that had to be done, The household staff had the Palace to clean up and prepare for all the invitee. It had been decided that the coronation and the wedding would be held in the court of law chiliad so that all who wished could attend ... after all I did grow up on the streets.

I made a few appointments, Lonnie/Sneaker to point the intelligence activity corp. Silas/Bean Secretary and treasurer, Tom/Lump head of the Palace Guards and mogul Phelps Commander General of the United States Army of Dulci.

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

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

There was chuckle and stochasticity from the watcher. King Felies shouted"S I L E N C E"As acting jurist and a King the silence was instanious."We will contract that as a not shamefaced plea."

The first witness was Mama Ciel 's younger sister."My epithet is Myra"

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

Myra 's Story :

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

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

"How do you want it done ?"

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


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

I said,"They said something about a wild 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 messenger brought John mare a note saying the King and his Son was dead.

After that St. John the Apostle mare tried to get Crowned B. B. King But the Cardinal refused unless he had the Medallion proving he was the end of the fellowship line.

"whoremaster Mare was ruthless he had retainer beaten for no intellect and he raped the castle lady including me."

John Mare Leaped up and yelled it was his right to rape the charwoman he was the king.

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


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

mogul Felis stood and told lavatory mare to mount."John female horse De Louis you have been tried and convicted by a court of justice of your countryman. You have been found guilty of high school traitorousness, Regicide as well as later added ravishment cathexis. I argued vehemently for the Death Penalty but soon to be world-beater baulk De Louis argued for a more indulgent sentence of life in the mines. belt Stumpf base takings him away he is all yours."

john maria De Joseph Louis Barrow screamed NO NO as Stumpf pes placed him in chains.


Chapter 11

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

"Ladies and Gentlemen The Wedding will take place in Two workweek from today. One week Later the enthronization will take place."

The Wedding was a frantic Rush between beating out Trade concession and agreements and trying on Wedding Clothes. Finally the day arrived. The wedding was held in the metropolis foursquare. 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 sire, The Elder agreed to tolerate with me.

We turned and Knelt in strawman of the Cardinal."We are gathered here together to join these two. Crown Prince Rafter De Louis and Princess Admira Felies ... .That is the last I remember till I heard the Cardinal said I now pronounce you Husband and married woman ... You may kiss your Saint Bride.

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

I smiled and gathered her in my blazonry and we shared our first buss ... then we disappeared to our sleeping accommodation which was kept personal.

The reception lasted two full days and the chancellor stated well there goes the treasury just to give the crowd.

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

The Cardinal read the religious rite of the Coronation as Mira and I again knelt before him and then ..."I crown you King raftsman De Louis top executive Of The state of Dulci. He took the Crown from The Elder and placed it upon my head teacher. Then he completed the ritual for Mira. Admira Felies I crown you queen regnant of The land of Dulci thus Joining the Two lands of Dulci and Bramble Ellen Price Wood. May God Bless and template you both in your normal."

... And thus began our ruler ... .