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


Chapter 1

Even as a babe in a trot I was mindful ... I might not have undestood everything but I was aware.
What I was the most aware about was the soft sweet smelling animate being that held me and comfored be and fed me from the delicate containers on her chest. Dangling from her neck opening was a Au Sir Ernst Boris Chain with a medalion whose ikon was that of a gold greeneyed firedrake

Two years later I came to know the flabby creature that held and cared for me was my mother. I still liked to play with the medalion around her neck.

She often talked to me about it.,"Your name is Rafter De Louis, your Father was the crest Prince Duvalson of the land of Dulciana, Remember this medalion identifies you. Your uncle St. John the Apostle mare De Joseph Louis Barrow had your grandpa and your Fatherhood killed. His minions are looking for you."

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

In my young mind I remembered the soft layer and the tapis that hung on the rampart ... but now we hid in a tent and lay upon old blankets and mother cooked over an open flame. She had to fetch and sway water and we only had her old maid servant, I did not understand.

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

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

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

*****

star 's Keep

mummy Ceil knocked on the threshold of the thaumaturge 's Keep. After several whang the door was opened by an elderly gent wearing an old Grey gown ...

"Yes ... may I help you ?"

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

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

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

I proudly displayed the medallion that my mother had given to me.

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

That is how my new life began, I made friends with some of the children of the Greenwich Village especially the unseasoned weaker one. I stood up for them against the bigger and onetime boys even at three I hated bullies. I myself was as with child as the bullies and they tried to get me to favor their face. It did n't work, the for the first time time they started picking on a watery tiddler I jumped in and started swinging. I did n't know at that time but my coke were magically enhanced.

My best friend was a kid we called"Sneaker"he could fit in the tiniest places. He was just small. Next was edible bean he was a tightfitting kid and Lump, well he was fat and it was n't from eating to much. Most street fry rarely had more than a meal a day and often not even that. Lastly was our tomboy Mira a red haired freckled face street child who was n't afraid of any affair She tried her best to hide the point to her ears.

Although we were not supposed to tell about it, The thieves lodge was three house down from the whiz Keep. I guess you can say I was being hid right under John female horse 's olfactory organ in the capital letter 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 proficient at snitching pocketbook as well as other things. stoolie became a 'caser'He and bean plant made a squad. Bean would face-lift gym shoe up to a windowpane, that I had checked for cellblock, I was able-bodied to record magic. I did n't yet sleep with how to get around the Barbara Ward as yet but my wizard education would soon learn me that..

Sneaker would case the property while Mira would watch the front and Lump and I would watch the sides. Afterwards Sneaker would commit the info to a housewrecker and after the job was done he would kick in us a share.

By the prison term I turned twelve I was learning how to campaign hand to bridge player and with nightspot and night joint. I quickly learned that although the night stick was good … there seemed to be something missing. I bored a kettle of fish in the handle and threaded a leather strap through it and then placed the strap around my wrist. With a picture show of the wrist joint I would add XVIII column inch to my reach. Thugs were quite surprised when they were expecting the baton toward the head but instead it hit in the groin.

tennis shoe had remained belittled, dome had grown taller, Lump was no longer fat he had turned to muscle.
Mira was beginning to bet like a girl, 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 lodge master he had asked our grouping to bring together up but we said no and that we would help when needed but to us it was just fun.

Since The elder insisted I learn reading and writing as well as the patch record book it was decided that my friends be taught as well. We were able to make spear carrier money as messengers.

One day while I was training at the hold the elder sent me on an errand to the spice shop class for Ceylon cinnamon. It was an exculpation to get me absolved for awhile and I knew it. I hid out and catch, about an time of day later four Horsemen stopped at the keep.

I had Sneaker conceal 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 leader of the four asked if there had been a maidservant die from the ague recently ... The Elder 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 bread and butter was his apprentice. The horse fancier demanded to see this prentice and was told he was away on an errand and was not expected back for hours."
For some reason this upset the horseman and he drew his brand."The elder waved his fingers and chanted. The Horseman and his companion repeated after the Elder. The boy is not here and never has been,"they got on their gymnastic horse and sit away.


Sneaker asked,"Whats going on knocker ?"

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

*********

Chapter 2

As I grew elder my s vision or intuition seemed to be inviolable. 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 dormancy Lion. Momma Mavis was the Captain James Cook, she called us ruffians but our trough always seemed to be filled higher than the regular customer. Today I was dipping into the lamb stew, it needed a bit of salt.

I looked and the saltiness was at the other end of the table, I put out my hand thinking of my need for salt. I tried to get some one care but there was an argumentation in procession 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 laurel wreath of my hired hand. My mouth fell open and I looked around but no one seemed to discover.

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

The Elder gave me a enchantment book and a book with dummy pages and had me copy from one to the other. He kept telling me that because of who my parents were I was going to be a Mage. As common I laughed. Then I reached for the inkstand and it landed in my hand.

Elder gasped and pointed at the inkstand,"Did you just shout out that inkstand with your head ?"

I looked frightened but answered truthfully,"Yes."

"What else can you do that you have n't told me."The Elder was gladiolus that he had released my protagonist from this part of the class. This needed to be kept placid for a while.

So I told him about the voices in my head but they were hard to empathize because there were so many. Also guard Logan was picking on Mira. So I had used my brain to Pinch mom Turdus philomelos 's fat bottom. She turned around and dumped the Water pitcher she was holding on his head. He ran out of the Inn with Momma in Pursuit.

Elder had a big laugh about that and said,"Your grooming will change starting tomorrow I will try to learn you how to hold the vocalisation as well as early matter. Be careful and not use your mind powers so individual might see. The top executive, he sneeringly replied is suspicious enough as it is, And for the Gods sake keep that Medallion hidden."


********
Chapter 3

playing tycoon, or rather The regent, John Mare De Louis, was pacing back and Forth in the throne room. Speaking to his Chamberlain."We have to find out that kid without that medallion the carmine will not crown me King.I am a farce comedy now. Even the barbarian are laughing behind my back."

The tierce man in the pot way stood out of the phantasma, Master Assassin Haver Was so non nondescript that he could blend in with any crowd."I have told you give me a free hand and the guild will determine him and retrieve the laurel wreath, 100 Gold musical composition. Just say the Logos. ''

"I am not ready for the bedlam you would make to the country. Besides the pixy of Bramble Sir Henry Wood is just looking for an apology to start a war. Right now it is a war we could not opening win. But if I have the Medallion that would be proof that Prince raftsman De Joe Louis was dead. The Cardinal would have no choice but to crown me king. John mare ended the coming together by saying he was hungry and pulled the bell electric cord to summoned a page.

Haver was disgusted with the trustee not allowing him to put a deucedly search together. He was indisputable he could get solution and he probably only have to defeat eight or nine people to get those results. He decided he would still stay fresh his eyes open.

The Chamberlain was opposed to the trustee but since he enjoyed living he chose not to utter of his opposition of the trustee. That did n't mean he had to help him either. He looked back before leaving the throne room in time to see the trustee slap the page for some pocket-sized infraction. He hated cruelty.


*******


Rapper was relaxing in the Market square. He leaned against a post on the fringe of the square he had spent a Ag at the sausage balloon stand. The rest of his friends had project to complete. Rapper was sword lily he did n't have any chore today. He watched the Nobles and merchandiser and tapped in to the workings of their minds. He was still struggling to separate the different thoughts it was like trying to understand a maelstrom.

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

doorknocker was startled, he scanned the crowd but was ineffectual to discern who the thinker might happen to be. No Luck, Rapper edged back and behind the vendors cart. He observed the square and tried to foot out the mortal with the errant cerebration but no luck. He hung out public treasury almost sour before sticking to the tincture he made his way to the hold.

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

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


I was rudely awaken by the slamming of the threshold to my way. I raised my head expecting the Elder. Instead there was Apprentice Mage Arture."Whats the topic 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 tears in his eyes,"It was my geological fault I was on watch. Last nighttime I ate sumpin'that messed up my tummy. It hit me severely and I had to run to an earth-closet. By the prison term I got back ... they had him."

"Which Nobleman."

"Nobleman Frane, you know side by side to Noble Pritcher. ''

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

We went around to Noble Pritcher 's kitchen an called to Maggie. We told her what had happened and she just smiled and said she knew what to do. Maggie was 16 and what we called a looker. She spoke to the cook then filled a basket with axial rotation 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 sentry go opened and said,"What'cha desire ?"

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

The sentry duty senior pilot stepped up and asked,"fountainhead if he is your delivery boy why was he outside Noble Frane 's mansion ?"

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

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

Maggie looked at me and nodded. I smiled and spoke up,"He was to rescue them to me for the ace Keep, 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 jailer to discharge Bean. When they brought him in the Capt admonished him and reminded him to be more deliberate from now on.

We all kept a full-strength face till we were well away from the guard room then we let out a sigh of relief. Maggie handed the basketful to bean plant and directed him to deliver it to the hold on kitchen just in case the Guard Capt. Did a follow up.

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

stoolpigeon replied,"Gomer ''

"When you give him your report tell him that he should put off the job for at least two weeks. The guards are going to be watching the theatre just in case."I pretended I over heard the Capt. Telling this to the guard duty. Really I had a minute of clarity and was capable to pull this from his head. He really was n't for certain we were telling the truth. The Cook, May, told me later the safety device had been around checking to see if the boodle had been delivered.

May told him."Yes are you hinting for a piece."The guard stammered and thanked her when she cut him off a piece of scratch and slathered a sight of cheese on it.
Chapter 4

I was getting better at grasping one voice and clearing the rest of random yack, The Major problem was I still could not discern which head was sending the train of thought. Then one day it was like a sight ... I could see out of somebody elses center and I had a clear-cut course to his idea. I was still storm when he grabbed a Lady and drug her down an alley and began ripping her clothes off. When he pulled down her bodice and her white breast popped out I almost stumbled.

I ran to the alley while slipping my handwriting through the leather strap attached to the night stick. I turned into the alley as he was lifting her skirt, I could see her milky white thigh. I flicked out the Nox stick and it flashed out and made striking to his berm. He grunted and turned toward me, I noticed his size of it, he was a good ten inches taller than I was and he held a large knife in his hand.

I flicked the billystick again the hold appeared to be headed for his expression he put up his knife handwriting. The hold reached the length of the strap, the hold came to a stop consonant. inactiveness caused a pendulum effect and the end of the nightstick was on a collision course with his manhood which was in view. He was quick to take advantage of the gentlewoman. Then physical contact was made he screamed and went down. I rapped him across the back of the caput and he went down and out.

The lady had n't seen any thing her dress was still over her school principal. 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 safeguard. While she followed my instruction I slipped into the crowd and vanished.

The adjacent day it was all over the square about the gallant savior of a Noble Lady that was almost raped.
The rapist had been captured but the majestic saviour had disappeared. The Noble Lady 's father had offered a wages. Many try were made to pile up it but none had the real story. 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 smell I had been near and how I was drawn … I knew I had no prospect with her not only was she of noble parentage but she was at to the lowest degree eight years my senior.

I began watching Mira more often and noticed the small protrusions on her breast. One day our group was outside the logic gate and romping through the woodwind instrument and I fell in to the river. It was in a small cove where the piddle ran slow as to be gentle. To be truthful it was our swimming pickle and we would have ended up there sooner or later. The next matter I knew the respite of them were in the piddle also. We played for hr then crawled out to savour the good 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 centre closed. Suddenly everyone went quite her breast with nipples the size of it of the 1st joint of a pinky finger was standing proudly. None of us, except me, had ever seen a bare chested young woman 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 nous and stared at her pap 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. stoolpigeon 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 metropolis logic gate. Before following I had to explain all I knew about the shuttle 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, stoolie was still under 5'and could still get into small-scale plaza. Bean was close to 6'5 '' and still skinny but still quite strong. Lump was 6'2 '' and weighed 220 all unanimous muscle. Mira was a vision her bosom was the size of lowly Citrus paradisi. Her red haircloth appeared to be flames while her lentigo were just enticing, this delectable packet was on a 5'3 '' bod. Her ear .had become more noticeable and cause many fighting. I had grown a little as well I was 6'even and weighed 220 and no fat. I was 17.

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

One day the elder called me to his agency and said,"The prison term has come the people are repressed and have been taxed till they can hardly buy intellectual nourishment. The City Guards favor the masses but the palace guard seems to run toward brutality.

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

"wealthy person you heard, the real king has come of age, and he is not pleased with his Uncle. He is raising an army to tame his throne.

There were a big number of break-ins at Lord and Merchants abode. It seemed odd that it was only the patron of the Regent who were hit the hardest. A lilliputian Redheaded Elf paid a visit to the Bramble Wood hob.

A van consisting of two station wagon pulled by huge draught horses. black Maria one was occupied by the Red headed Elf. The bit by the Wizard elder. The rest of us walked it took us a calendar week to achieve the borderline between Dulciana and Bramble Wood. There we stopped and set up pack. We made no open moves in fact other than a dark stick ( mine ) and a Staff ( Elders ) we carried no weapons. We all were a little uncomfortable in the image 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 the great unwashed. Each day others joined us, by the prison term we reached the border we were Two hundred fifty strong with more make it day-by-day. The elder used his Magic only to provide food for thought for the masses.

We waited at the boundary line for four days. On the forenoon of the fifth day three gremlin appeared in social movement of Mira 's collapsible shelter. Mira invited them into her tent and sent discussion to the elderberry bush and I to link up her. I entered the collapsible shelter and stood behind Mira. While awaiting the Elder I observed the Elven party. Each was blonde with hair to the shoulders, their noses were almost pointed. The stand out feature was their eyes, they seem to penetrate deeply into the someone of the mortal 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 next to me.

Mira spoke,"The rightful Riley B King of Dulciana has come of age and seeks an confederation to over confuse the usurper Saint John Mare De Joe Louis. I am Admira cousin to king Felies ruler of Bramble Wood. I by my own choice have lived in Dulciana to keep the peace of mind between the two lands."

"The time has come to announce your credit of the True King of Dulciana and to bring out the treaty of Bayer bridge deck which our two country vowed to support each other."

The terzetto brownie, none looking to be over twenty, huddled together. Then one stepped forward,"I am Admiran brother of Admira and Cousin to King Felis. To my right wing is Sir Slender Shoot in Command of the Palace Guards. To my left, Prince Felieson, pennant Prince of Bramble wood. Heed my words we have reluctantly kept our slope ot the treaty of Bayer Bridge. All though it has been trying, John maria has continued to advance tariff for the goods we have imported to Dulciana. It has been almost useless to trade with them."

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

Admiran continued,"How do we live the rightful Martin Luther King Jr. is prepared to agree and that he is ready."

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

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

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

The Elf delegating wasted no prison term before they were in the mien of King Felies. They bowed to the tycoon but he waved it way …"Yes, Yes, what did they say ?"

Prince Felieson acted as their spokesman,"forefather they said that if they were brought before you, all would be made sort out. I think the young man is the rightful baron. 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 St. Joseph Bridge"

top executive Felies leaned back from the table and looked steadily at King Duval De Joe Louis the ruler of Dulciana. They had been discussing the damage of the pact which would make their friendship official. The final codicil of the treaty would be the eventual joining of the two family 's. King Duval had a new bear Grandson. King Felies had a female cousin In the place demarcation the two were bound to each other. She and her female parent 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 substantially he could with the Treaty. He was still hoping the rightful ruler was still alert. And Now ....

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

*****

Mira had been aware of Rafe 's identity for years. Once when they were swimming in the river she had seen the ribbon and recognized the Dragon of amber with green eyes. She kept her silence, she was aware of the pact and that she was promised to Rafe. She had always known …

She looked toward Rafe and smiled ….

There was a garish noise out side of the collapsible shelter and masses yelling a foreland was shoved into the tent and an Elf yelled,"Quickly you have to get across the Bridge. Dulciana 's US Army is on the march."

We all rushed across the span only to be swallowed up by the Elven regular army. A squad of them took down the tents and hitched the wagons and brought it all across the bridge. Then the Elven USA lined their side of the border. At the Bridge itself was a group of Elven Mages Led by the necromancer Elder.
An Elf walked to the nitty-gritty of the Bridge with a pigment brush and bucket of paint, He drew a line three in wide and wrote Dulciana on their side of the line and Bramble Wood on the other.

In less than an minute the Dulciana US Army came into view. Nearer and nearer they came money box they were at the bridge. The magnate who was leading the Army walked to the center of the bridge and was close to stepping over the line when the imp on the bridge lowered there Lances toward the Baron 's pectus. He stopped and backed up. Only then did he find the freshly painted border.

The Elven Commander asked the Baron,"What business enterprise do you have in Bramble Wood."

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

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

"I am not sure of his factual ID but he is one of four street kids, and as to what he actually did I do n't know. What I do do it is he is wanted by the power John Mare De Louis."

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

"I advise you to turn this ragtag bunch around before My archers lose their military strength and release the 100 arrows that are aimed at you and yours."“ On the numeration of ten My lancers are going to discharge this Bridge."

The Baron began to plump for away from the bridge deck and set up camp. He set up a bridge deck sentry at the Dulciana bridge circuit end. The Elves did the same at their end. Traffic was not stopped on the Bridge but was closely scrutinized.

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

A few hours later they were ushered in to Martin Luther King Jr. 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 raftman De Louis."

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

Mira continued,"You also know the star senior, The rather pocket-sized gent is Lonnie Better known as stoolie. Next to hin is Silas bettor known as Bean, Next to him is Tom also known as lump. Last but not least is Rafter De Louis, known as The knocker or Rafe or just RD. The rightful King of Dulciana."

All of his acquaintance were oral fissure agape love never suspecting their friend was a Royal. Martin Luther King Jr. Felies says, Army of the Pure see proof."

Rafe stepped forward and reached inside his Tunic and removed the palm ... The green eyes of the gold Dragon transfixed all who saw it. All of Rafe 's friends dropped to their knee and bowed before him. He told them to check bowing it made him uncomfortable.

"I was raised by The senior and by mammy Ceil, My mother was Rebecca and my Father was poll Prince Duvalson, Son of King Duval De Louis. Both were killed by assassin Haver by rescript of St. John 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 stead after I am crowned."

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

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

Elder 's Story

"I will first evidence Mama Ceil"s news report. I was folding clothes in a tent out incline the village of Collie while my charge raftsman De Joseph Louis Barrow played on the level. My mistress Princess Rebekah rushed in and told me John the Divine female horse 's men were searching every tent. She said I was to take Rafter to the elder. She removed the medallion 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 raftsman I turned on my back with rafter between my bosom we floated down the river."

"We neared the Empirin span, I directed us to the Dulciana bank. We followed the roadway although we stayed in the forest. There were merchants traveling along the route which allowed me to betray enough food to keep us going. It took us almost two week to hold our way to the Elder 's Keep. We arrived near the time of day of midday but waited till almost evenfall before knocking and asking for the Elder."

Elder

"I was enjoying a trash of ale when I heard a hammering on the door 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 Elder. Also abiding in the support was Mage Saint Thomas Aquinas, Mage Arture, Arture 's prentice Jody and their cook/maid, May."

I went to the doorway and opened it to find a cleaning woman and a babe, they both were filthy."Yes can I serve you."The woman spoke.

"My Mistress Rebekah said that the time would come and we was to follow to the Keep and here we are."
I said,"Well yes you are but who are you and sentence for what."

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

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

"I knew he had a magic setting so I began to civilise him. To insure he learned everything I also recruited all his booster so they also have been schooled except in magic. I did not try to influence them but allowed them to look at the world and to take a leak up their on minds. I am proud to say the debile and downtrodden have always been taken care of by these few. They also learned from the street and learned to bypass the cruel."

"One early affair expression at him closely. Now the characterization that was painted at the signing of the St. Joseph bridge deck. depend close at his Grandfather."

Every one turned to the picture hanging on the wall. It looked like an honest-to-goodness Rafe. The senior said, That is all I have to say."

B. B. King Felies thought about all that he had been told and all he had seen. He remembered his Friend vocalisation and was surprised to try that voice coming out of this young man.


The King rang for a pageboy and told him make fix rooms for my party. I stopped him and told him that we have over 250 followers at the River I will quell with them, my protagonist nodded that they agreed.

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

"Might I see the Medallion."I removed it from my tunic. He stared at it."I must do some thought process I was sure as shooting you were numb and with that thought in nous to try and protect my people. He asked and I gave my expletive. Now I know not what to do."

I looked deep into his heart and said,"I am sure the right decisiveness will be made. In fact I would bet there will be a lot of soul searching going on."
I heard a noise and looked over my berm to see a contingent of the Elven Army began lining the River. Their commanding officer walked onto the bridge and Handed the Baron a scroll. He opened it and read aloud.

To whoremonger mare De Joseph Louis Barrow,"We the land of Bramble forest do here by know the rightful King of Dulciana'Rafter De Louis'.

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

The is a courtly Declaration of War, Not with Dulciana but with the armies of the Usurper whoremaster Mare De Louis. You are here by given Five Clarence Shepard Day Jr. to reply.

Signed : mogul Felies
ruler of the land of Elves Known as Bramble Wood

*******

The king ordered his men to fall in ... and departed at once ... The mogul called his fast runner and gave him the scroll to deliver to the Regent.

Upon reaching the carrefour, straight was to Dulci, right was to his Land retention. Baron Phelps hesitated then called a halt. He called all his officer to a meeting.

He looked to each one, some had been with him for eld and some just a short-change time."Our longsighted lost King Rafter De Louis has come of age and is demanding his rightful spot, to the dismay of the trustee. A few old age ago I gave an swearing to the Regent."He noticed some shamble and whispering among them.
"20 years ago I also gave my curse to fight down the Crown. Since the Crown belongs with Rafter De Louis and not the trustee that is the swearing I must honor."

"Any of you who wish to be absolved from your curse to me and wish to come the Regent is justify to do so. But first off I wish you to verbalise these Word to your men. I leave for my home in one minute. All who wish to reward their swearing can follow. All who wish to observe the Regent may depart with honor."

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

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

The mogul opened his optic to see all his scout group lined up and prepared to move out on the path to the right. He stood walked to his gymnastic horse and said,"Very Well saddle horse UP."He tried to hide his emotion as he brushed a wayward split from his eye.

"Messenger, pack this Message to world-beater in Waiting Rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow. We the men of mogul Phelps Stand to your right."

Even before the magnate could arrive at his demesne the ability of gossip had raised its worthless headland. It had been shouted throughout the lands that magnate Phelps Favored the King in Waiting. As he rode into the curtilage of the Estate there were courier from his comrade Nobles wishing to confirm his decision. Some were condemning him but most were aligning with him and offering their help.

******

I stepped out of the collapsible shelter to a blast of noise. I was almost stunned, overnight the athletic supporter had increased to over a K men and cleaning lady. There was also a business line of messenger awaiting his aid. One by one he read the message. The list of supporting by the nobleman was staggering. I was pleasantly surprised to get wind that Baron Phelps had been the first to supply his support.

I sent message to them all accepting their backing and asking them to Join me for a meeting and to bring their irregular in command as well. The Elves set up tents and supplied food poppycock. We searched through our the great unwashed and was soon capable to make full the tent with Captain Cook and kitchen help.

Bean and stoolpigeon began interviewing our masses. It took over two week to establish what each was effective at. The first and most important was Scouts and Runners. It was a welcome to bonk we had a core group to train others. They consisted of twelve lancer and eight archers all thanks to the city safety device. They were led by the Captain of the Guard I smiled when I learned they had brought the integral inventory of the metropolis sentry duty. I had the captain set up companies and police squad and start training.

It was n't long till the ladies were making singlet with a Green Eyed Gold firedrake in the substance on a field of gamy. I was even more surprise when a spar was erected and a silk flag of Blue with the same tartar represented. I never knew where the textile came from.

I was most surprised by the lack of response from bathroom Mare. I had sent scouts into Dulci and awaited their tax return. 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 Scouts What was left were mercenary s and men who were just there for the money with no real desire for the sake of the Kingdom.

Chapter 8

So this is war.

With the support of the noble and the hoi polloi of the domain we had an Army of about 10,000 strong. We knew we would be facing about 30,000 all unspoiled armed.

oaf surprised us all, he had a material gift of strategy. He told me we were missing and important item ... Supply lines. Which were undefended to Dulci from the South. I assigned him a troop of L mounted men and named them Tom 's pillager. They traversed the miles to Dulcianas Southern border. They carried few provision, which meant either make successful raids, live off the nation or starve.

******
Tom 's plunderer

chunk, Tom, lead his despoiler south never coming in pile of any route except when it was necessary to crossbreed one. They scouted the route entering Dulciana from Langdom to the south and to Arrington to the East. Their twenty-five percent day they heard the squeaking of the axles of a heavily loaded wagon. As the beach wagon with five outriders entered the clearing which was ringed by the freebooter. When they were completely inside the glade, including the 4 outriders at the rear..

The archers stepped out of the chaparral with their Bows fully drawn. goon spoke,"Well gentleman please lay down your arm and mistreat away from them. You two on the beach wagon get down. delight lay face down on the ground with sleeve and legs spread."

Each were checked over and tongue and Night sticks removed from their person. Their hands and understructure were bound. glob placed two men in the wagon and started it onto Bramble Sir Henry Wood Border.

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

Lump had given orders for the police van to impress as fast as it comfortably could toward the rest of the US Army. They were also prepared to ride like the dickens at the crossroads to Dulci.
He was not aware that there was a police squad on watch near the cross route Which escorted them the relief of the way.

Each day they would watch over an incoming road and were averaging at least I shipment a week.
Dulciana sent out scout group to try to protect the entrance supplies. The pillager ambushed them and wiped them out to a man.

After a month the Dulciana Army began to make a motion. We nipped at their blackguard and ran away. When they chased us we would lurk them. Their red ink was about 10 to 1 of ours. Theirs was an Army while ours was a bunch of skirmishers or back alleyway fighters ... We did n't crusade fair.

privy mare brought in Mages from Drummond which was to the North west We wondered what he was promising them. The elderberry bush had warded our freebooter against magic. We attacked their tail end with arrows then rode away. The Mages were frustrated when their spell returned toward them and they had to go on defense against their own spells. We found out later that Gospel According to John maria 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 well-nigh of my officers or King Felies I left encampment with four scout and Mage Arture. Our plan was to sneak as close as we could to Baron Ronin 's HQ collapsible shelter. Baron Ronin had designated himself as superior 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 arrogant and the least knowledgeable of how to run an army.
His policeman were getting very frustrated.

I cast my head into the tent. As usual there was an contention going on. Captain Cross of the Palace guards and Major Nells of the Dulciana Army were already at their card 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 Golgotha behind. Then when the Raiders slipped in behind they could attack and pass over them out.

When we arrived back at the pack, we made our own plans. sooner than attacking the tush we honed in on the proper flank. We held back a reticence and when his trailing Golgotha came around to attack our raiders they were met with our stockpile and a hail of arrows.

To embarrass them more Sneaker slipped in and steal the Dulciana Flag. We hoisted it up the spar where our Dragon masthead flew. It was flown second base to our Dragon.

It would take in been simple to require out General Ronin. But he was their worst foeman so we left him alone.

*****

King Felies was very infuriate when he discovered my scout foray."What in the world did you mean by leading that scouting political party ? Kings do n't pass raids they direct from the back ground."

I looked at him and smiled,"As yet I am not a Billie Jean King, and I do not keep abreast ... I lead ... by example."

I talked with Mira and Sneaker, Mira had an estimation to scare the hell out of Dulciana troops. For three day one collapsible shelter was a beehive of activity 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 scouts who were experts in stealth and Sneaker all entered that tent ... cipher else happened. Soon it was forgotten.

*****

The cantonment of Baron Ronin began to call down ... .Then it turned into a manly violent storm ... Each was holding and looking at a small art object of parchment. Baron walked out of his collapsible shelter also holding a piece of parchment, demanding to have sex who was responsible for the parchment ....

He looked back down at his which was on a small-arm of rawhide and was around his neck opening. The parchment had a drawing of a dagger and the words you could be all in ... next prison term for real. He started screaming where are the safeguard ... they were found with their throats cut and a piece of parchment held to their chest by a dagger.

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

Before the last part of the programme could be put into play assassin Haver had his try. I began getting theme of a black cloak material body fliting in and out of tents around camp ... In some cases there was a body to go along with the write up. Elder immediately said an assassin I added Haver.

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

Sneaker removed the covering fire from a lamp and light blazed into the unsuspecting eyes of Haver. elderberry bush stepped into the tent and enwraped Haver in magical control. Haver tried to rick his head towards me and spew.

I was expecting something of the sort and sent a charming forcefulness into his human face which cause him to swallow what he tried to ptyalize at me. He began to heave and his brass began to have a blueish tint and he crumpled.

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

Chapter Nine

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

On the first day of winter quiver ... power Ronin awoke to silence, he dressed and threw back the tent dither To find himself facing Sil Slender Shoot and Silas attic. It was almost astound when the soft spoken attic unleashed his confessedly vocalisation of his noble rich people baritone voice.

"full general Ronin You are surrounded by the force-out of rid Dulci and the regular army of Bramble Woods.. For your treasonous acts you are hereby stripped of all land and statute title and exiled with only the dress on your vertebral column. Or you will be put to last by hanging ... I almost forgot if you accept option one ... and ever make up one's mind to turn back. Option two is automatically enforced.

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


With the add-on of Baron Phellps army, our military volunteer and the Army of Bramble Wood we decided it was clip to assume the war to John maria


King Filies called a get together and after lots discussion we came to a decision ... We wished to ready them concern as well as to pay. We decided to name 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 domain. The truth was we had thousands of mouths to feed.

In each bivouac the Elder assigned an apprentice who fed the troops by thaumaturgy with platters of piping hot solid food. Our daily marches were dead not starting money box near 10 am and stopping virtually 4 pm.

On the third day John Mare 's United States Army took the come-on. They moved up to assault as we would be making cantonment for the evening. What they did n't expect was before they could get the word to attack ... Arrows came flying out of the trees all around them.. They lost over a c and threescore men that day and the surrender of fifty more

They thought they had laid the sodding ambush of an unwary group. When in pith they had been missing one detail. First a telephone number of Scout would look out the next night pack ground. Only one would return to act as guide.

bit as fall began to fall a troop of about fifty men would flake off off into the Nox. They would go to the next nights camping area and cook an ambush. When John female horse 's soldiers moved through they did not realized they were passing with in column inch of our men.

There was a ticker kept on their Officers and the attack came before he could hand his orders to set on the refugee camp. From our stance we were driving them toward the refugee camp where they were met by ... routine three, a well placed grouping of lancers.

We lost three hurt and two bushed ... .. We heard their U. S. Army was disgruntled and saying thing like we do n't push fair.


*****

The day turned into a week before the paries of Dulciana loomed into raft The buildings outside the walls were vacuous

I rode up to the Gate"John Mare come out and present me ... You have been trying to stamp out me for over 17 years ...."I heard a swishing noise and a soldier 's consistency hit the solid ground in front of me. I glanced to the side. Admiran was notching another arrow ... he smiled.


We had scouts in trees, not close adequate to make an attack of any sort but they were not there for that purpose. They were there to observe and report. Each sentry had a tenacious glass and watched and re ported the gathering of john female horse 's worldly-minded army. Soon we would engage.

Again we used subterfuge … we grew up in that Ithiel Town and all of us knew how to infix and leave without being seen. Again the Wizards sustenance played an important part. In the basement of the Keep was a secret passage that opened into the tack room of the b in the smithy. The smithy and corral was just inside the wall of the township.

Once inside we could scatter throughout the town. Our first night, lout, noodle and snitch went in checking the access. The second nighttime each of them led a group of fifteen men each, our stealing fighters.

They hit the barracks and the safeguard shack near the North and south gate. They set fire to the barracks then attacked the soldiers as they tried to scat. They never knew what hit them nor how to reply. This was our manner of harassment for two weeks. John mare 's troops were tired but afraid to sleep. They were making mistake, just what we were waiting for.

The next thing was to necessitate out the guard duty on the Cicily Isabel Fairfield wall, give the gate and to fill the second power with our troops all before John mare 's ground forces awakens.


****

John Lackland maria De Louis awoken to men shouting and the clatter of weapon falling to the flat coat. He rolled out of bed and looked at his empty mesa and was instantly angry. That faineant Perdon was late with his Breakfast again. He pulled his bell chime cord angrily three times.

On the third pull his threshold opened ... He was all set to rail against Perdon when he saw that the two men entering his chambers were armed and their cincture were the semblance of Green and atomic number 79. Not his Red and Black he rushed to his weapons.

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

John Mare grabbed a lance, his Sword and a brace of throwing knives. Thinking to himself,"This kid has never had any training with weapon system ... What chance does he have against me, a sword master."

** Truth be known whoremonger mare was not near as good as he thought ... I mean seriously if you are practicing with an unsound Martin Luther King just how voiceless are you going to try to win. **

noodle and Lump escorted John female horse to the Battle yard. He entered and found himself alone he looked above at the viewing surface area ... it was total of Men, char and ELF. The 1st face he recognized was the Chancellor the second the Cardinal.

Chapter Ten.

The room access began to spread, Saint John the Apostle Mare drew his blade, he was ready.
He almost burst out laughing ... The vernal man who entered, he assumed was his nephew, was only armed with a billy club dangling from a rawhide cord.

"Good first light Uncle ... I was told I had to reach you a chance, gum olibanum I chose to confront you with a nightstick. Since I do n't bid to vote down you, only metre you senseless I thought it only fitting.

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

As he drew near and was ready to swing his sword. Rafe 's billy struck like a snake hitting the knuckles of the hand holding the sword which clattered to the ground. The interview roared. toilet Mare was stunned not seeming to understand what had happened.

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

John mare realized the steel was useless. He lowered the lance he had been holding in his exit hand. Rafe was watching his every motility. When John Mare made his drive, at the last instant Rafe stepped to the side of meat and flicked out the truncheon it met John maria 's chin with a cracking sound.

john Mare was so keyed up he did n't seem to make his jaw was broken. He swept the lancet to guard Rafe who stepped back and loosed his nightstick. John female horse thought he was prepared and whipped his head back. Again the fulcrum effect took over and the nightstick took the crushed path. The only thing that saved his manhood is that he had turned his body. The nightstick struck his left thigh bruising it deeply.

John Mare was finding it difficult to stand. He retained the lance but was now using it as a cane. Rafe flicked out the nightstick again in the commission of whoremonger Mare 's left wrist. He retaliated by swinging the lance butt joint striking Rafe in the rib batting cage, cracking a couple of ribs. Rafe missed with his attack.

John Mare tried to surveil up on his good fortune, pull his sticker and lunged forward. The Nox marijuana cigarette was already on the way headed for his manhood. John Mare 's passado put his head in the way and the Night stick caught him square in the forehead and down he went.

Rafe waited but there was no motility from Saint John the Apostle Mare, Sir Slender Shoot and his medical man fever entered the cubic yard ,. febrility felt for a pulse and nodded, yes there was a pulse he was just unconscious. Slender Shoot called for three men. They trussed privy Mare up like a Xmas Turkey.

*****

I looked up to the consultation and announced."He will experience a bonny visitation,"

I Looked around as they drug John female horse to the keep."Runners take a message to Langdom, Drummond and Chelsea And any other near by state we have dealings with, speak to the Chancellor, asking them to broadcast a representative. To sit at this tribulation they must also have assurance to talk terms Import export Tariffs. Also Must Represent their Country. In my coronation and wedding to contain place, I turned to the Chancellor and motioned ..."

The Chancellor spoke quickly,"Six Weeks for the run and in two months for the festivities."

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

Time seemed to drag even with all that had to be done, The house stave had the castle to clean up and prepare for all the node. It had been decided that the Coronation and the wedding would be held in the motor inn yard so that all who wished could attend ... after all I did acquire up on the streets.

I made a few engagement, Lonnie/Sneaker to head the intelligence corp. Silas/Bean writing table and Treasurer, Tom/Lump Head of the castle precaution and Baron Phelps Commander superior general of the Army of Dulci.

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

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

There was chuckle and dissonance from the spectators. King Felies shouted"S I L E N C E"As acting judge and a King the silence was instanious."We will ask that as a not shamed plea."

The low gear spectator was Mama Ciel 's young sister."My figure is Myra"

The Chancellor, acting as prosecutor asked her what she had to pop the question at this trial.

Myra 's Story :

My Mother had been a madam housemaid and my older sister was as well. My Mother died in child birth and my baby Ciel raised me. Ciel was Ladies 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 whoremonger female horse and a man he called Haver Talking."

King John female horse said"Haver I will give you 100 Gold to assassinate The King and his family."

"How do you want it done ?"

"I do n't manage make them pay but make sure 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 Friend. Later I asked my babe 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 boar hunt."

Princess Rebecca got all excited and said"That is today."She had Ciel snatch a few thing and they left the palace. I never saw them again."Later that evening a messenger brought John mare a bank bill saying the King and his Son was dead.

After that bathroom Mare tried to get laureled King But the redbird refused unless he had the Medallion proving he was the last of the family line.

"John Lackland Mare was ruthless he had handmaid beaten for no reasonableness and he raped the castle ma'am including me."

John Mare Leaped up and yelled it was his right to spoil the womanhood he was the king.

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


Many were called but none rundle for John female horse. It was really a farce as Trials goes. The finding of fact was known by everybody.

King Felis stood and told Saint John female horse to rise."John Mare De Louis you have been tried and convicted by a court of justice of your countryman. You have been found shamed of High Treason, Regicide as well as later added Rape bang. I argued vehemently for the death Penalty but soon to be mogul raftman De Louis argued for a more lenient sentence of life sentence in the mines. Smash Stumpf Foot Take him away he is all yours."

John mare De Joseph Louis Barrow screamed NO NO as Stumpf Foot placed him in chains.


Chapter 11

I was gladiolus for that parting to be over and it seems like everyone was in agreement. The here and now John female horse was pulled through the doorway and it shut behind him. I stepped forward and ...

"Ladies and Gentlemen The marriage ceremony will take post in Two Weeks from today. One week Later the Coronation will take place."

The wedding party was a frantic haste between beating out patronage grant and agreements and trying on wedding party wearing apparel. Finally the day arrived. The wedding party was held in the city Square. This was necessary since I had Promised no one would be turned away.

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

We turned and Knelt in front of the Richmondena Cardinalis."We are gathered here together to link these two. Crown Prince raftsman De Joe Louis and Princess Admira Felies ... .That is the concluding I remember cashbox I heard the cardinal number said I now pronounce you husband and Wife ... You may buss your Bride.

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

I smiled and gathered her in my arms and we shared our maiden osculation ... then we disappeared to our Chamber which was kept personal.

The reception lasted two full twenty-four hour period and the prime minister stated well there goes the treasury just to fertilize the crowd.

The next few 24-hour interval we finished hammering out the swap accord. 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 raftsman De Louis power Of The land of Dulci. He took the Crown from The Elder and placed it upon my capitulum. Then he completed the ritual for Mira. Admira Felies I crown you fag of The dry land of Dulci thus Joining the Two land of Dulci and Bramble Sir Henry Joseph Wood. May God Bless and Guide you both in your Rule."

... And thus began our pattern ... .