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


Chapter 1

Even as a babe in a crib I was aware ... I might not deliver undestood everything but I was aware.
What I was the near aware about was the easygoing cherubic smelling creature that held me and comfored be and fed me from the flaccid containers on her chest. Dangling from her neck was a amber chain with a medalion whose image was that of a gold greeneyed flying dragon

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

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

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

In my young mind I remembered the piano seam and the arras that hung on the walls ... but now we hid in a tent and lay upon old blankets and female parent cooked over an candid fire. She had to fetch and carry water and we only had her old maid servant, I did not understand.

One Nox my female parent 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 cervix.

maiden Ceil grabbed me up and ran out the back fluttering of the tent. This was the last I ever saw of my Mother.

Maid or rather, Mama Ceil as I came to call her took me to a Wizard 's Keep. No one in their right mind would ever try to search a wizard 's sustenance. There we lived a peaceful life trough ... Mama Ceil caught the ague and died when I was eight.

*****

Wizard 's donjon

Mama Ceil knocked on the room access of the sensation 's keep. After respective knocks the threshold was opened by an older blighter wearing an old grey Robe ...

"Yes ... may I assist you ?"

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

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

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

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

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

That is how my new life sentence began, I made ally with some of the nestling of the Village especially the younger weaker ones. I stood up for them against the bigger and aged son even at three I hated yob. I myself was as large as the bullies and they tried to get me to favor their side. It did n't work, the initiatory time they started picking on a weaker child I jumped in and started swinging. I did n't roll in the hay at that clock time but my reverse were magically enhanced.

My best friend was a kid we called"sneak"he could fit in the tiniest property. He was just pocket-size. Next was Bean he was a tightfitting kid and Lump, well he was fat and it was n't from eating to much. Most street kids rarely had More than a meal a day and often not even that. Lastly was our tomboy Mira a red haired freckled boldness waif who was n't afraid of any thing She tried her best to conceal the degree to her ears.

Although we were not supposed to tell about it, The thieves lodge was three house down from the star bread and butter. I guess you can say I was being hid right under bathroom mare 's nose in the capital city, Dulci. They called me Rapper be case I busted question of Bullies.

The thieves I guess you could say adopted us ... it was n't long till we were all quite mavin at snitching purses as well as other things. Sneaker became a 'caser'He and Bean made a team. attic would plagiarize sneaker up to a window, that I had checked for ward, I was able to read magic. I did n't yet know how to go around the Montgomery Ward as yet but my wizard preparation would soon teach me that..

snitch would shell the place while Mira would watch the front man and oaf and I would watch the sides. Afterwards Sneaker would open the info to a housewrecker and after the job was done he would give us a share.

By the clip I turned twelve I was learning how to defend hand to hand and with clubs and night reefer. I quickly learned that although the night joint was effective … there seemed to be something missing. I bored a hole in the handle and threaded a leather shoulder strap through it and then placed the shoulder strap around my wrist. With a moving-picture show of the wrist I would add eighteen inches to my reach. Thugs were quite surprised when they were expecting the billy toward the head but instead it hit in the groin.

snitch had remained small, attic had grown taller, clump was no longer fat he had turned to muscle.
Mira was beginning to look like a girl, but you meliorate 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 guild sea captain he had asked our radical to fall in 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 spell book it was decided that my booster be taught as well. We were capable to garner extra money as messengers.

One day while I was training at the dungeon the senior sent me on an errand to the spiciness store for Cinnamomum zeylanicum. It was an excuse to get me clear for awhile and I knew it. I hid out and watched, about an hour later four Horsemen stopped at the living.

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

"The elderberry bush 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 maid die from the chills and fever recently ... The elder replied that was the trueness. He asked if she had a boy with her. Elder said no and that the entirely boy at the keep was his apprentice. The Horseman demanded to see this apprentice and was told he was away on an errand and was not expected back for hours."
For some ground this upset the horseman and he drew his sword."The senior waved his fingerbreadth 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 rode away.


Sneaker asked,"Whats going on doorknocker ?"

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

*********

Chapter 2

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

I liked to eat dejeuner at the dormancy Lion. mommy Mavis was the 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 Strategic Arms Limitation Talks was at the former end of the table, I put out my hand thinking of my need for salt. I tried to get some ones attention but there was an argument in progression and everything else was being ignored. I was getting exasperated and thinking harder about my motive for salt when ... Whap ! the table salt bowl slapped the medallion of my hand. My mouthpiece 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 maven 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 charm book and a book with blank shell pages and had me transcript from one to the other. He kept telling me that because of who my parents were I was going to be a Mage. As usual I laughed. Then I reached for the inkwell and it landed in my hand.

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

I looked frightened but answered truthfully,"Yes."

"What else can you do that you have n't told me."The elderberry bush was glad that he had released my friends from this part of the class. This needed to be kept quiet for a while.

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

senior had a big gag about that and said,"Your training will change starting tomorrow I will try to teach you how to see to it the phonation as well as other things. Be careful and not use your mind index so mortal might see. The Billie Jean King, he sneeringly replied is wary enough as it is, And for the Gods sake keep that medal hidden."


********
Chapter 3

Acting world-beater, or rather The Regent, John mare De Louis, was pacing back and forth in the commode room. Speaking to his chamberlain."We have to encounter that kid without that medallion the Cardinalis cardinalis will not crown me King.I am a farce now. Even the peasants are laughing behind my back."

The third man in the stool way stood out of the shadows, captain Assassin Haver Was so non nondescript that he could blend in with any crowd."I have told you give me a free hired man and the society will find him and call up the ribbon, 100 Gold pieces. Just say the word. ''

"I am not ready for the Chaos you would stimulate to the land. Besides the extremely low frequency of Bramble Wood is just looking for an excuse to originate a war. Right now it is a war we could not theory win. But if I have the ribbon that would be proofread that Prince balk De Louis was abruptly. The Richmondena Cardinalis would consume no selection but to crown me King. lav Mare ended the coming together by saying he was hungry and pulled the bell cord to summoned a page.

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

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


*******


doorknocker was relaxing in the Market square. He leaned against a postal service on the fringe of the square he had spent a silver at the sausage balloon stand. The rest of his friends had tasks to fill in. rapper was glad he did n't have any chore today. He watched the Nobles and merchant and tapped in to the workings of their minds. He was still struggling to separate the different thoughts it was like trying to sympathise a maelstrom.

Then he felt a clear thought blasting at him."I will discover him then I will charge the regent a lot ... he has to be here some where."

rapper was startled, he scanned the crew but was unable to discern who the creative thinker might happen to be. No Luck, Rapper edged back and behind the vendors handcart. He observed the square and tried to pick out the someone with the errant mentation but no luck. He hung out trough almost sinister 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 judgment with out him seeking. They talked and laid some guide pipeline for his attempts to hone his skill.

They were up till the wee 60 minutes and the candle was almost gone.


I was rudely awaken by the slamming of the door to my way. I raised my promontory expecting the elderberry bush. Instead there was Apprentice Mage Arture."Whats the affair Arture ? Are you crying ?"

"It 's bonce he 's been taken by the urban center Guards."

"Why ?"

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

I rushed out on the street and found swelling with tear in his eyes,"It was my fault I was on watch. end dark I ate sumpin'that messed up my tummy. It hit me hard and I had to run to an outhouse. By the time I got back ... they had him."

"Which Nobleman."

"Lord Frane, you know future to Noble Pritcher. ''

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

We went around to noble Pritcher 's kitchen an called to Maggie. We told her what had happened and she just smiled and said she knew what to do. Maggie was 16 and what we called a looker. She spoke to the cook then filled a basket with drum roll and bread. When she came outside she told me to go with her

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

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

The guard skipper stepped up and asked,"wellspring if he is your delivery boy why was he outside Noble Frane 's menage ?"

"First fourth dimension he has been there he just got the houses meld up."

The guard Capt. Said,"fountainhead just who was he delivering too."

Maggie looked at me and nodded. I smiled and spoke up,"He was to turn in them to me for the whizz living, 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 release bean. When they brought him in the Capt admonished him and reminded him to be to a greater extent careful from now on.

We all kept a straight nerve till we were well away from the sentry duty way then we let out a sigh of backup man. Maggie handed the field goal to bonce and directed him to deliver it to the keep kitchen just in case the safeguard Capt. Did a follow up.

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

canary 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 business firm just in case."I pretended I over heard the Capt. Telling this to the guards. Really I had a second of limpidity and was able to pull this from his mind. He really was n't sure we were telling the truth. The Cook, May, told me later the guard had been around checking to see if the wampum had been delivered.

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

I was getting better at grasping one part and clearing the rest of random chattering, The major problem was I still could not discern which judgement was sending the thread. Then one day it was like a vision ... I could see out of someone EL heart and I had a clear way to his persuasion. I was still surprised when he grabbed a lady and drug her down an alley and began ripping her clothes off. When he pulled down her bodice and her tweed breast popped out I almost stumbled.

I ran to the alley while slipping my hand through the leather strap attached to the night peg. I turned into the alley as he was lifting her skirts, I could see her milky Patrick Victor Martindale White second joint. I flicked out the Nox marijuana cigarette and it flashed out and made physical contact to his articulatio humeri. He grunted and turned toward me, I noticed his sizing, he was a good ten inch taller than I was and he held a large knife in his hand.

I flicked the nightstick again the handle appeared to be headed for his face he put up his knife hand. The grip reached the duration of the strap, the handle came to a hitch. inactiveness caused a pendulum essence and the end of the baton was on a collision course with his manhood which was in persuasion. He was ready to take advantage of the lady. Then contact was made he screamed and went down. I rapped him across the back of the head and he went down and out.

The Lady had n't seen any matter her apparel was still over her capitulum. Momentarily I admired her merchandise, the first I had ever seen, oh well. I helped her up and directed her back to the lame and told her to scream for a guard. While she followed my direction I slipped into the crowd and vanished.

The next day it was all over the square about the proud rescuer of a Noble madam that was almost raped.
The raper had been captured but the gallant rescuer had disappeared. The Noble dame 's Father had offered a reward. Many try were made to collect it but none had the real number 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 place, but she never knew. I often thought of the musky olfactory modality I had been near and how I was drawn … I knew I had no chance with her not only was she of Noble birth but she was at least eight old age my senior.

I began watching Mira more often and noticed the minuscule protrusions on her chest. One day our 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 liquid jam and we would have got ended up there sooner or later. The future thing I knew the rest of them were in the water also. We played for hours then crawled out to savour the afternoon sun. Without thinking we all stripped off our shirts and set 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 heart closed. Suddenly everyone went quite her bosom with nipples the size of the 1st roast of a pinkie finger was standing proudly. None of us, except me, had ever seen a bare chested girl before.

Mira noticed the quiet and opened her eyes and saw every one looking at her she said,"What ?"
She looked at each one of us the others were to enraptured to say anything. She looked at me, I nodded my head and stared at her mammilla again.

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

Mira jumped up and ran back to the City gate. Before following I had to explicate all I knew about the birds and the bees. By the prison term we reached the gate they knew as much as me ... which was almost nothing.

Chapter 5

The class flew by and we grew up, Sneaker was still under 5'and could still get into small shoes. Bean was end to 6'5 '' and still skinny but still quite unassailable. Lump was 6'2 '' and weighed 220 all self-colored sinew. Mira was a vision her bosom was the size of small-scale Citrus paradisi. Her red pilus appeared to be flames while her lentigo were just enticing, this delectable packet was on a 5'3 '' frame. Her spike .had become more noticeable and induce many fights. I had grown a little as well I was 6'even and weighed 220 and no fat. I was 17.

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

One day the elderberry bush called me to his function and said,"The time has come the people are repressed and have been taxed till they can hardly buy food. The City Guards favor the masses but the palace guard seems to angle toward brutality.

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

"Have you heard, the real number big businessman has come of age, and he is not delight with his Uncle. He is raising an regular army to reclaim his throne.

There were a tumid number of break-in at Nobles and Merchants homes. It seemed odd that it was only the supporters of the Regent who were hit the hardest. A minuscule Redheaded Elf paid a sojourn to the Bramble Wood elves.

A van consisting of two wagons pulled by vast draught horse. Wagon one was occupied by the Red headed Elf. The second gear by the hotshot senior. The repose of us walked it took us a week to strive the boundary line between Dulciana and Bramble Natalie Wood. There we stopped and set up camp. We made no overt moves in fact former than a night stick ( mine ) and a Staff ( Elders ) we carried no weapon. We all were a little uncomfortable in the take to clothes the Elder had supplied. That is all but Mira she reveled in the finery she was dressed in today.

Each day as we made this trek that begun with six the great unwashed. Each day others joined us, by the clock time we reached the boundary line we were Two hundred 50 inviolable with more make it daily. The Elder used his Magic only to provide solid food for the masses.

We waited at the perimeter for four days. On the morning of the fifth day three Elves appeared in front end 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 party. Each was blonde with hair to the shoulder joint, their nose were almost pointed. The stand out feature was their optic, they seem to diffuse deeply into the someone of the soul before them. All three of them were locked onto Mira not even acknowledging that I was even there.

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

Mira spoke,"The rightful power of Dulciana has come of age and seeks an alliance to over drop the Usurper Gospel According to John female horse De Louis. I am Admira cousin to king Felies ruler of Bramble Wood. I by my own pick have lived in Dulciana to hold on the peace between the two lands."

"The time has come to declare your identification of the True power of Dulciana and to land out the treaty of Bayer bridge which our two nation vowed to support each other."

The triad imp, 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 is Sir Slender Shoot in Command of the castle Guards. To my left, Prince Felieson, cap Prince of Bramble Wood. attentiveness my news we have reluctantly kept our side ot the treaty of St. Joseph bridgework. All though it has been trying, John Mare has continued to raise tariffs for the goodness we have imported to Dulciana. It has been almost useless to sell 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 sleep together the true King is prepared to harmonize and that he is ready."

"Take our relegating before the Rex and all will be made clear."

The imp again huddled together, Admiran stepped forward,"You will have our answer before the thirdly Sun sets."They turned and left the collapsible shelter an the camp.

"well what do you think, I said as I paced inside the tent.
The Elder as usual played his identity card close to his chest and Mira said"I guess we will own to await and see."*******

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

Prince Felieson acted as their spokesman,"don they said that if they were brought before you, all would be made clear. I think the vernal man is the rightful business leader. Our cousin Admira is to confidant for that not to be the case."

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

Chapter 6


The"treaty of Bayer bridge deck"

king Felies leaned back from the tabular array and looked steadily at Billie Jean Moffitt King Duval De Louis the ruler of Dulciana. They had been discussing the terms of the treaty which would earn their friendship official. The concluding codicil of the pact would be the eventual joining of the two kinsperson 's. King Duval had a new natural Grandson. King Felies had a female cousin In the train pedigree the two were bound to each other. She and her Mother would live in Dulciana and be raised with the pennant 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 well 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 cognizant of Rafe 's personal identity for years. Once when they were swimming in the river she had seen the medal and recognized the flying lizard of amber with green eyes. She kept her silence, she was aware of the Treaty and that she was promised to Rafe. She had always known …

She looked toward Rafe and smiled ….

There was a gaudy noise out side of the tent and people yelling a heading was shoved into the tent and an Elf yelled,"Quickly you have to get across the Bridge. Dulciana 's Army is on the march."

We all rushed across the bridge only to be swallowed up by the Elven regular army. A squad of them took down the tents and hitched the beach wagon and brought it all across the bridge. Then the Elven United States Army lined their side of the perimeter. At the bridge deck itself was a group of Elven Mages Led by the whizz Elder.
An Elf walked to the sum of the bridge deck with a rouge brush and bucketful of rouge, He drew a railway line three in encompassing and wrote Dulciana on their side of the assembly line and Bramble Wood on the other.

In less than an hr the Dulciana ground forces came into prospect. Nearer and nearer they came till they were at the bridge deck. The Baron who was leading the Army walked to the eye of the bridge circuit and was close to stepping over the line when the elf on the bridge circuit lowered there Lances toward the Baron 's chest. He stopped and backed up. Only then did he discover the freshly painted margin.

The Elven commanding officer asked the Baron,"What business do you hold in Bramble Wood."

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

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

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

The commandant smiled,"As you can see we have go up 300 refugees and at least 50 of them fits that category. But for the first time queen Felies has informed me he does not acknowledge anyone named John Mare De Louis as any thing ... except as a criminal."

"I advise you to turn this ragtag bunch around before My Sagittarius the Archer lose their strength and unloose the 100 pointer that are aimed at you and yours."“ On the Count of ten My lancers are going to realize this Bridge."

The Baron began to stake away from the bridge and set up clique. He set up a bridge vigil at the Dulciana bridgework end. The Elves did the Saame at their end. dealings 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 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 exposed not in dashing hopes, just surprise.

Mira continued,"You also know the sensation Elder, The rather small feller is Lonnie better known as stoolpigeon. Next to hin is Silas bettor known as bean, Next to him is Tom also known as lubber. finis but not least is baulk De Joe Louis, known as The Rapper or Rafe or just RD. The rightful mogul of Dulciana."

All of his ally were back talk love feast never suspecting their protagonist was a Royal. King Felies says, net ball see proof."

Rafe stepped forward and reached inside his Tunic and removed the medal ... The unripened eyes of the gold dragon transfixed all who saw it. All of Rafe 's protagonist dropped to their genu and bowed before him. He told them to stop bowing it made him uncomfortable.

"I was raised by The elder and by Mamma Ceil, My mother was Rebecca and my begetter was Crown Prince Duvalson, Son of male monarch Duval De Joseph Louis Barrow. Both were killed by assassin Haver by order of John the Evangelist Mare De Louis."

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

"I accept the troth of Admira, I looked at Mira and she was blushing and smiling, Wedding to aim seat after I am crowned."

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

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

elder 's chronicle

"I will first tell mommy Ceil"s tarradiddle. I was folding apparel in a tent out side the village of Collie while my kick Rafter De Louis played on the floor. My schoolmistress Princess Rebekah rushed in and told me Gospel According to John Mare 's men were searching every tent. She said I was to take up balk to the elderberry bush. She removed the medallion from her neck and placed it on raftman 's neck opening and told him never ever lose it ..He was three."

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

"We neared the Bayer bridge, I directed us to the Dulciana money box. We followed the roadway although we stayed in the forest. There were merchants traveling along the road which allowed me to snitch enough intellectual nourishment to hold open us going. It took us almost two workweek to produce our way to the elderberry bush 's Keep. We arrived near the 60 minutes of midday but waited boulder clay almost dusk before knocking and asking for the Elder."

elderberry bush

"I was enjoying a drinking glass of ale when I heard a buffeting 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 Elder. Also abiding in the Keep was Mage Aquinas, Mage Arture, Arture 's learner Jody and their cook/maid, May."

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

"My schoolmistress Rebecca said that the time would come up and we was to come to the support 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 decoration, I got flustered and told him to put it away and pushed them into the living. I made him a leather bag to put the ribbon in it had a drawstring so it kept the medallion covered. Mama Ceil helped May in the kitchen until she came down with the Ague and died I think the boy was about eight. By that time he was already the protector of the unaccented.

"I knew he had a magic background signal so I began to civilise him. To ensure he learned everything I also recruited all his friends so they also have been schooled except in magic. I did not try to charm them but allowed them to look at the world and to make up their on thinker. I am gallant to say the watery and downtrodden have always been taken caution of by these few. They also learned from the street and learned to get around the cruel."

"One other thing flavor at him closely. Now the characterisation that was painted at the signing of the Bayer bridge circuit. Look close at his Grandfather."

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

King Felies thought about all that he had been told and all he had seen. He remembered his supporter voice and was surprised to hear that part coming out of this Danton True Young man.


The King rang for a page and told him attain ready rooms for my party. I stopped him and told him that we have over 250 following at the River I will abide with them, my friends nodded that they agreed.

We departed for the camp. As soon as we arrived the king 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 thinking I was sure you were deadened and with that thought in creative thinker to try and protect my people. He asked and I gave my oath. Now I know not what to do."

I looked deep into his nerve and said,"I am sure the correct decision will be made. In fact I would bet there will be a lot of soul searching going on."
I heard a noise and looked over my shoulder joint to see a contingent of the Elven regular army began lining the River. Their Commander walked onto the bridge circuit and Handed the mogul a gyre. He opened it and take aloud.

To John mare De Louis,"We the land of Bramble Wood do here by make out the lawful male monarch 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 annunciation of War, Not with Dulciana but with the armies of the Usurper John maria De Louis. You are here by given cinque Days to suffice.

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

*******

The tycoon ordered his men to fall in ... and departed at once ... The Baron called his quick offset and gave him the scroll to redeem to the Regent.

Upon reaching the crossroad, straight was to Dulci, right was to his Land belongings. Baron Phelps hesitated then called a freeze. He called all his Officers to a meeting.

He looked to each one, some had been with him for days and some just a short time."Our recollective lost King balk De Louis has come of age and is demanding his rightful place, to the dismay of the regent. A few eld ago I gave an oath to the Regent."He noticed some shuffling and whispering among them.
"20 old age ago I also gave my swearword to hold the diadem. Since the Crown belongs with raftsman De Louis and not the trustee that is the oath I must honor."

"Any of you who wish to be absolved from your swearing to me and wish to watch the Regent is justify to do so. But first I wish you to speak these words to your men. I leave for my house in one time of day. All who wish to honor their oaths can follow. All who wish to follow the Regent may depart with honor."

The business leader 's Page lay a cloak in the nicety of a mighty Oak. The Baron sat and leaned back and closed his center. From the disturbance he was hearing there must be quite a discussion going on. After a few minutes … zippo but silence. He nodded off to sleep.

Until his Sir Frederick Handley Page gently shook him,"Baron the time of day has past."

The Baron opened his centre to see all his troops lined up and prepared to move out on the path to the right. He stood walked to his sawbuck and said,"Very Well saddle horse UP."He tried to hide his emotion as he brushed a contrary tear from his eye.

"Messenger, postulate this message to male monarch in Waiting baulk De Joseph Louis Barrow. We the men of Baron Phelps point of view to your right."

Even before the power could reach his acres the index of gossip had raised its horrifying head. It had been shouted throughout the lands that tycoon Phelps Favored the king in waiting. As he rode into the grounds of the estate of the realm there were courier from his cuss nobleman wishing to corroborate 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 patron had increased to over a yard men and fair sex. There was also a rail line of courier awaiting his attention. One by one he read the messages. The list of support by the Nobles was staggering. I was pleasantly surprised to memorise that tycoon Phelps had been the first to emerge his support.

I sent message to them all accepting their support and asking them to conjoin me for a meeting and to bring their secondly in command as well. The Elves set up tents and supplied food stuff. We searched through our people and was soon capable to fill the tent with cooks and kitchen help.

Bean and snitch began interviewing our masses. It took over two workweek to lay down what each was ripe at. The first and most important was spotter and blue runner. It was a welcome to know we had a core group grouping to train others. They consisted of twelve lancers and eight archers all thanks to the City sentry go. They were led by the captain of the sentry duty I smiled when I learned they had brought the entire armory of the metropolis guard duty. I had the Captain set up companies and squad and begin training.

It was n't long till the ladies were making vests with a Green Eyed Gold Dragon in the center on a field of risque. I was even more surprised when a sparring was erected and a silk flag of Blue with the Saame Dragon represented. I never knew where the textile came from.

I was most surprised by the lack of reply from john mare. I had sent guide into Dulci and awaited their restitution. Days later I had my answer. There was desention in the rank and mass abandonment. It was said he was hanging his own men. I guess you could say there was a trustingness issue.

According to the spotter What was left were worldly-minded s and men who were just there for the money with no rattling desire for the interest of the Kingdom.

Chapter 8

So this is war.

With the bread and butter of the Nobles and the peoples of the land we had an Army of about 10,000 unattackable. We knew we would be facing about 30,000 all better armed.

Lump surprised us all, he had a real giving of scheme. He told me we were missing and important detail ... Supply lines. Which were open to Dulci from the South. I assigned him a troop of fifty mounted men and named them Tom 's raider. They traversed the miles to Dulcianas Southern perimeter. They carried few supplies, which meant either make successful raids, live off the body politic or starve.

******
Tom 's Raiders

stumblebum, Tom, lead story his Raiders south never coming in wad of any route except when it was necessary to cross one. They scouted the roads entering Dulciana from Langdom to the Dixieland and to Arrington to the eastward. Their fourth day they heard the squeaking of the axles of a heavily loaded wagon. As the wagon with five outriders entered the clearing which was ringed by the spoiler. When they were completely inside the clearing, including the 4 outriders at the rear..

The Sagittarius stepped out of the Dubya with their bowknot fully drawn. Lump spoke,"wellspring gentleman's gentleman please lay down your weapons and step away from them. You two on the patrol wagon get down. delight lay face down on the basis with sleeve and legs spread."

Each were checked over and knives and night reefer removed from their person. Their hands and infantry were bound. Lump placed two men in the wagon and started it onto Bramble Wood Border.

"I am sure it will not learn you long to disengage your self. I suggest you turn back to Langdom and not return. If you had put up a combat all of you would now be dead and we would have all regretted it. But none more than than you."

glob had given orders for the wagon to move as fast as it comfortably could toward the eternal sleep of the army. They were also prepared to sit like the dickens at the crossroads to Dulci.
He was not mindful that there was a police squad on watch near the crown of thorns route Which escorted them the rest of the way.

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

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

John Lackland Mare brought in Mages from Drummond which was to the North west We wondered what he was promising them. The Elder had warded our freebooter against magic trick. We attacked their back with pointer then hinge upon away. The Mages were frustrated when their spells returned toward them and they had to go on defensive measure against their own spells. 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 officers or King Felies I left camp with four pathfinder and Mage Arture. Our plan was to mouse as close as we could to Baron Ronin 's HQ tent. Baron Ronin had designated himself as general Ronin.His only thing that qualifed him to be a full general was ... he was the fertile 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 mind into the collapsible shelter. As usual there was an argument going on. Captain Cross of the castle guards and Major Nells of the Dulciana Army were already at their learning ability end. It was inconceivable to get through to superior general Ronin that you could not assail some one who was already gone. The General decided they would leave a squad of calvary ass. Then when the looter slipped in behind they could assault and wipe them out.

When we arrived back at the coterie, we made our own plans. instead than attacking the rear we honed in on the right wing. We held back a reservation and when his trailing Calvary came around to attack our raiders they were met with our reserves and a hail of pointer.

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

It would let been elementary to require out General Ronin. But he was their bad enemy so we left him alone.

*****

King Felies was very thurify when he discovered my reconnoitre foray."What in the populace did you mean by leading that scouting political party ? Kings do n't pass maraud they direct from the gage ground."

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

I talked with Mira and Sneaker, Mira had an idea to scare the nether region out of Dulciana soldiery. For three days one tent was a hive of activity and only a certain few were allowed in. Late on the third day Mira walked out of the collapsible shelter and nodded to me. Three of the smaller scouts who were experts in stealth and Sneaker all entered that tent ... nothing 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 small piece of sheepskin. Baron walked out of his collapsible shelter also holding a composition of parchment, demanding to bed who was responsible for the parchment ....

He looked back down at his which was on a piece of rawhide and was around his neck. The lambskin had a draught of a obelisk and the words you could be beat ... next time for tangible. He started screaming where are the safety ... they were found with their throats cut and a part of parchment held to their chest by a dagger.

For the next week there were abandonment and some worn out soldiers that appeared to let not slept for awhile. Every Nox soul was killed in their sleep and Baron Ronin collected another musical composition of parchment.

Before the last part of the program could be put into frolic bravo Haver had his try. I began getting reports of a black raiment image fliting in and out of tent around camp ... In some cases there was a physical structure to go along with the written report. Elder immediately said an assassin I added Haver.

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

stool pigeon removed the cover from a lamp and illumine blazed into the unsuspecting middle of Haver. Elder stepped into the tent and enwraped Haver in wizardly simplicity. Haver tried to turn his head towards me and spit.

I was expecting something of the sort and sent a wizard force into his face which cause him to swallow what he tried to spue at me. He began to gasp and his face began to induce a bluish tincture 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 torso to a cairn outside of summer camp which we had prepared earlier in the day. We placed the organic structure on the cairn and set the funeral pyre alight. First we warned everyone in camp to stay away and especially not to respire the smoke.

Chapter baseball club

The two army 's had been camped close for calendar week each trying to be an irritant to the other. 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 winter iciness ... tycoon Ronin awoke to silence, he dressed and threw back the collapsible shelter flaps To find himself facing Sil Slender Shoot and Silas Bean. It was almost amazing when the flaccid spoken bean plant unleashed his true up phonation of his stately deep baritone voice.

"superior general Ronin You are surrounded by the forces of free Dulci and the army of Bramble Woods.. For your traitorous enactment you are hereby stripped of all land and titles and exiled with only the wearing apparel on your binding. Or you will be put to destruction by hanging ... I almost forgot if you accept option one ... and ever adjudicate to return. Option two is automatically enforced.

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


With the gain of Baron Phellps army, our Volunteers and the Army of Bramble Sir Henry Wood we decided it was time to take the war to John mare


big businessman Filies called a group meeting and after a good deal give-and-take we came to a conclusion ... We wished to hold them care as well as to pay. We decided to bring in it seem as if we were on parade. We put up a window dressing of joyous playing around. As if we had not a care in the humanity. The accuracy was we had thousands of back talk to feed.

In each ingroup the senior assigned an apprentice who fed the troops by magic with disc of piping hot food. Our everyday marches were short not starting trough near 10 am and stopping nigh 4 pm.

On the third day whoremaster maria 's army took the come-on. 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 Son to attack ... Arrows came flying out of the trees all around them.. They lost over a hundred and 60 men that day and the surrender of fifty more

They thought they had laid the perfect ambush of an unwary chemical group. When in burden they had been missing one item. First a number of scout would research out the side by side nights camp ground. Only one would return to act as guide.

minute as twilight began to fall a troop of about fifty dollar bill men would strip off into the Nox. They would go to the following Nox camping area and prepare an ambush. When St. John the Apostle 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 officeholder and the blast came before he could generate his orders to attack the pack. From our placement we were driving them toward the camp where they were met by ... Number three, a well placed group of lancers.

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


*****

The days turned into a hebdomad before the wall of Dulciana loomed into mickle The buildings outside the rampart were empty

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


We had scouts in Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, not close enough to make an attack of any sort but they were not there for that purpose. They were there to celebrate and report. Each scout had a farseeing glass and watched and re ported the gathering of bathroom Mare 's mercenary USA. Soon we would engage.

Again we used subterfuge … we grew up in that town and all of us knew how to enter and leave without being seen. Again the virtuoso livelihood played an important part. In the basement of the Keep was a secret passageway that opened into the tack room of the barn in the smithy. The Smithy and corral was just inside the bulwark of the township.

Once inside we could scatter throughout the township. Our first night, Lump, Bean and stool pigeon went in checking the admittance. The second gear night each of them led a chemical group of fifteen men each, our stealth battler.

They hit the barracks and the guard shack near the Frederick North and south gate. They set flame to the barracks then attacked the soldiers as they tried to bunk. They never knew what hit them nor how to respond. This was our manner of harassment for two calendar week. toilet female horse 's troops were tired but afraid to sleep. They were making misapprehension, just what we were waiting for.

The following thing was to submit out the guard duty on the Benjamin West wall, open the logic gate and to fill the foursquare with our troops all before Gospel According to John Mare 's Army awakens.


****

lav female horse De Louis awoken to men shouting and the clatter of weapons falling to the ground. He rolled out of bed and looked at his empty board and was instantly wild. That faineant Perdon was late with his Breakfast again. He pulled his bell bell cord angrily three times.

On the thirdly root for his doorway opened ... He was all set to rail against Perdon when he saw that the two men entering his chambers were armed and their sash were the colour of putting surface and atomic number 79. Not his Red and inkiness he rushed to his weapons.

They smiled and one of them said,"By all means arm thy self Just as treetop Prince raftsman desires you.We are here to escort you to the battle grand."

John the Divine Mare grabbed a lance, his blade and a brace of throwing knife. Thinking to himself,"This kid has never had any education with weapons ... What chance does he throw against me, a sword master."

** true statement be known John Mare was not near as honorable as he thought ... I mean seriously if you are practicing with an unsound Martin Luther King Jr. just how hard are you going to try to win. **

Bean and Lump escorted Saint John the Apostle mare to the battle K. He entered and found himself alone he looked above at the viewing area ... it was entire of Men, Women and pixy. The 1st face he recognized was the Chancellor the endorsement the Cardinal.

Chapter Ten.

The room access began to open, John Mare drew his sword, he was ready.
He almost burst out laughing ... The youthful man who entered, he assumed was his nephew, was only armed with a billystick dangling from a rawhide cord.

"goodness morning time Uncle ... I was told I had to open you a prospect, gum olibanum I chose to face you with a nightstick. Since I do n't wish to kill you, only musical rhythm you senseless I thought it only fitting.

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

As he drew near and was quick to swing his sword. Rafe 's baton struck like a snake hitting the knuckle duster of the manus holding the sword which clattered to the land. The audience roared. King John Mare was stunned not seeming to understand what had happened.

Rafe backed off to give up him to pick up his sword. Never taking his centre off Rafe, John female horse reached for his sword. Thinking Rafe a sap he again started forward. He had taken two footmark when the baton flicked out again and caressed his elbow ... His arm went numb and his blade again fell to the floor.

lav female horse realized the steel was useless. He lowered the fishgig he had been holding in his left mitt. Rafe was watching his every motion. When John female horse made his thrust, at the last instant Rafe stepped to the side and flicked out the nightstick it met John maria 's chin with a cracking sound.

John Mare was so keyed up he did n't appear to pull in his jaw was broken. He swept the lance to ward Rafe who stepped back and loosed his nightstick. St. John Mare thought he was prepared and whipped his head back. Again the fulcrum effect took over and the nightstick took the lower path. The lone thing that saved his humanness is that he had turned his body. The truncheon struck his left second joint bruising it deeply.

John the Evangelist Mare was finding it difficult to stand. He retained the fishgig but was now using it as a cane. Rafe flicked out the nightstick again in the way of privy female horse 's impart wrist. He retaliated by swinging the lance butt joint striking Rafe in the rib coop, cracking a dyad of ribs. Rafe missed with his blast.

John maria tried to follow up on his good fortune, pull his dagger and lunged forward. The night stick was already on the way headed for his manhood. John maria 's straight thrust 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 movement from John female horse, Sir Slender Shoot and his medical man pyrexia entered the Yard ,. feverishness felt for a pulse rate and nodded, yes there was a heartbeat he was just unconscious. Slender Shoot called for three men. They trussed John Mare up like a Christmas Turkey.

*****

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

I Looked around as they drug John mare to the dungeon."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 air a representative. To sit at this trial they must also bear agency to negotiate Import export duty. Also moldiness Represent their nation. In my coronation and wedding party to consider situation, I turned to the prime minister and motioned ..."

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

"Also I wish a blue runner be sent to Mountain place for a Dwarf representative 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 ready for all the guests. It had been decided that the investiture and the wedding party would be held in the Court railway yard so that all who wished could serve ... after all I did grow up on the streets.

I made a few naming, Lonnie/Sneaker to head up the news corp. Silas/Bean Secretary and Treasurer, Tom/Lump forefront of the castle Guards and baron Phelps air force officer General of the Army of Dulci.

Six very alive hebdomad went by and the Dwarfen Representative, Smash Stumpf fundament, had arrived. The run began ..."John Mare De Louis You are charged with senior high school high treason and Regicide How do you plead."

Gospel According to John Mare stared around the Court room,"How dare you. You have no right field to try me I am a world-beater ... !"

There was chuckle and noise from the spectator pump. King Felies shouted"S I L E N C E"As acting evaluator and a King the silence was instanious."We will ask that as a not hangdog plea."

The get-go witness was Mama Ciel 's younger baby."My gens is Myra"

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

Myra 's account :

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

John Mare said"Haver I will give you 100 gold to assassinate The Riley B King and his family."

"How do you want it done ?"

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


I did n't understand what assassinate meant and I got sidetracked and went to take on with my friends. 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 wild boar hunt."

Princess Rebecca got all excited and said"That is today."She had Ciel grab a few things and they left the palace. I never saw them again."Later that evening a courier brought John female horse a note saying the Billie Jean Moffitt King and his Son was dead.

After that privy maria tried to get Crowned King But the Cardinalis cardinalis refused unless he had the Medallion proving he was the final stage of the family line.

"John mare was ruthless he had servants beaten for no intellect and he raped the castle Lady including me."

John mare Leaped up and yelled it was his right to spoil the women 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 female horse. It was really a travesty as tribulation goes. The verdict was known by everybody.

King Felis stood and told John mare to turn out."privy Mare De Joe Louis you have been tried and convicted by a royal court of your countryman. You have been found guilty of senior high lese majesty, Regicide as well as later added Rape care. I argued vehemently for the Death Penalty but soon to be King balk De Louis argued for a more lenient judgment of conviction of life in the mines. crash Stumpf Foot Take him away he is all yours."

John female horse De louis screamed NO NO as Stumpf pes placed him in chains.


Chapter 11

I was sword lily for that persona to be over and it seems like everyone was in accord. The minute John the Evangelist Mare was pulled through the threshold and it shut behind him. I stepped forward and ...

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

The hymeneals was a frantic rush between beating out trade yielding and agreements and trying on Wedding Clothes. Finally the day arrived. The wedding was held in the urban center Square. This was requirement since I had Promised no one would be turned away.

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

We turned and Knelt in front of the carmine."We are gathered here together to join these two. pate Prince Rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow 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 St. 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 get-go Kiss ... then we disappeared to our sleeping accommodation which was kept personal.

The receipt lasted two full days and the Chancellor stated well there goes the treasury just to fertilize the crowd.

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

The cardinal number read the rites of the Coronation as Mira and I again knelt before him and then ..."I crown you King Rafter De Louis King Of The state of Dulci. He took the Crown from The senior and placed it upon my head. Then he completed the ritual for Mira. Admira Felies I crown you fag of The commonwealth of Dulci thus Joining the Two res publica of Dulci and Bramble forest. May God Bless and usher you both in your prescript."

... And thus began our linguistic rule ... .