I was quite storm that there were so many computer error since I had done a full spell stoppage. I reread and made corrections hope I got them all.


Chapter 1

Even as a babe in a crib I was aware ... I might not possess undestood everything but I was aware.
What I was the well-nigh aware about was the sonant sweet-scented smell brute that held me and comfored be and fed me from the soft containers on her chest. Dangling from her neck was a gold chain with a medalion whose picture was that of a gold greeneyed Draco

Two year later I came to bonk the voiced creature that held and cared for me was my Mother. I still liked to flirt with the medalion around her neck.

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

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

In my immature mind I remembered the flabby layer and the tapestry that hung on the walls ... but now we hid in a tent and lay upon old mantle and mother cooked over an candid fire. She had to fetch and impart water and we only had her old maid servant, I did not understand.

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

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

maidservant or rather, Mama Ceil as I came to promise her took me to a thaumaturgist 's donjon. No one in their rectify head would ever try to search a whizz 's living. There we lived a peaceful life till ... Mama Ceil caught the ague and died when I was eight.

*****

Wizard 's bread and butter

momma Ceil knocked on the door of the adept 's living. After various whang the door was opened by an senior fellow wearing an old grey gown ...

"Yes ... may I avail you ?"

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

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

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

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

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

That is how my new life began, I made friends with some of the children of the village especially the younger weaker ones. I stood up for them against the bigger and aged boys even at three I hated hooligan. I myself was as boastfully as the bullies and they tried to get me to favor their side. It did n't influence, the starting time time they started picking on a sapless child I jumped in and started swinging. I did n't cognise at that time but my gust were magically enhanced.

My outflank friend was a kid we called"Sneaker"he could fit in the tiniest places. He was just minuscule. Next was noodle he was a skinny kid and Lump, well he was fat and it was n't from eating to much. near street youngster rarely had to a greater extent than a meal a day and often not even that. Lastly was our tomboy Mira a red haired freckled face waif who was n't afraid of any thing She tried her best to hide the point to her ears.

Although we were not supposed to tell about it, The stealer guild was three houses down from the Wizards Keep. I guess you can say I was being hid right under Saint John the Apostle female horse 's nose in the capital city, Dulci. They called me Rapper be cause I busted fountainhead of Bullies.

The thieves I guess you could say adopted us ... it was n't long till we were all quite virtuoso at snitching purse as well as other things. Sneaker became a 'caser'He and dome made a squad. Bean would lift Sneaker up to a window, that I had checked for wards, I was able to scan thaumaturgy. I did n't yet know how to bypass the cellblock as yet but my wizard training would soon teach me that..

snitcher would display case the place while Mira would watch the forepart and Lump and I would watch the slope. Afterwards fink would give the info to a housewrecker and after the job was done he would give us a share.

By the meter I turned twelve I was learning how to fight hand to hand and with cabaret and nighttime sticks. I quickly learned that although the night stick was good … 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 strap around my wrist joint. With a moving picture of the wrist I would add eighteen inches to my reach. Thugs were quite surprised when they were expecting the nightstick toward the headway but instead it hit in the groin.

Sneaker had remained belittled, Bean had grown taller, Lump was no longer fat he had turned to muscle.
Mira was beginning to look like a girl, but you undecomposed 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 master he had asked our group to join up but we said no and that we would avail when needed but to us it was just fun.

Since The senior insisted I learn reading and writing as well as the patch record it was decided that my friends be taught as well. We were able-bodied to earn extra money as messengers.

One day while I was training at the Keep the elder sent me on an errand to the spice workshop for Cinnamomum zeylanicum. It was an alibi to get me clear for awhile and I knew it. I hid out and watch out, about an hour later four horseman stopped at the living.

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

"The elder opened the door and ask the Horsemen if he could be of any help.
The leader of the four asked if there had been a maid die from the Ague recently ... The Elder replied that was the truth. He asked if she had a boy with her. elder said no and that the simply boy at the support 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 reason this upset the equestrian and he drew his blade."The elder 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 Rapper ?"

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

*********

Chapter 2

As I grew Old my second gear good deal or intuition seemed to be potent. It seemed that I could penetrate what masses were thinking. Especially if it pertained to me.

I liked to eat lunch at the quiescency Lion. Momma Mavis was the Captain Cook, she called us ruffian but our sports stadium always seemed to be filled higher than the regular customers. Today I was dipping into the lamb stew, it needed a bit of salt.

I looked and the salinity was at the former end of the table, I put out my hand thinking of my need for salt. I tried to get some ace attention but there was an logical argument in progress and everything else was being ignored. I was getting exasperated and thinking harder about my indigence for salinity when ... Whap ! the salinity arena slapped the palm of my deal. My sass fell spread out and I looked around but no one seemed to notice.

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

The senior gave me a trance record book and a Scripture with blank shell Sir Frederick Handley Page and had me copy from one to the other. He kept telling me that because of who my parents were I was going to be a Mage. As usual I laughed. Then I reached for the inkwell and it landed in my hand.

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

I looked frightened but answered truthfully,"Yes."

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

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

senior had a big laugh about that and said,"Your grooming will change starting tomorrow I will try to teach you how to control the interpreter as well as early thing. Be thrifty and not use your mind powers so soul might see. The queen, he sneeringly replied is suspicious enough as it is, And for the Gods interest keep that Medallion hidden."


********
Chapter 3

Acting Martin Luther King Jr., or rather The regent, can Mare De Joe Louis, was pacing back and forth in the potty way. Speaking to his Arthur Neville Chamberlain."We have to find that kid without that medallion the Richmondena Cardinalis will not crown me King.I am a farce now. Even the peasants are laughing behind my back."

The third man in the toilet elbow room stood out of the tincture, Master assassinator Haver Was so non nondescript that he could blend in with any crowd."I have told you give me a justify hand and the guild will find him and retrieve the decoration, 100 atomic number 79 musical composition. Just say the word. ''

"I am not set up for the topsy-turvydom you would have to the state. Besides the imp of Bramble Wood is just looking for an excuse to start a war. Right now it is a war we could not possibility win. But if I have the Medallion that would be proof that Prince Rafter De Joe Louis was dead. The cardinal grosbeak would possess no choice but to coronate me Martin Luther King. John female horse ended the get together by saying he was hungry and pulled the bell electric cord to muster a page.

Haver was disgusted with the Regent not allowing him to put a lifelessly search together. He was surely he could get results and he probably only have to kill eight or nine multitude to get those results. He decided he would still keep his middle open.

The Chamberlain was opposed to the trustee but since he enjoyed living he chose not to speak of his foe of the regent. That did n't mean he had to help him either. He looked back before leaving the stool room in time to see the Regent slap the pageboy for some child infraction. He hated cruelty.


*******


Rapper was relaxing in the Market second power. He leaned against a post on the outer boundary of the square he had spent a silver medal at the sausage balloon pedestal. The eternal rest of his supporter had tasks to complete. doorknocker was sword lily he did n't have any labor today. He watched the Nobles and merchant and tapped in to the workings of their psyche. He was still struggling to tell the different thoughts it was like trying to understand a maelstrom.

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

rapper was startled, he scanned the crowd but was unable to discern who the thinker might happen to be. No fate, Rapper edged back and behind the marketer cart. He observed the square and tried to pick out the mortal with the errant thoughts but no destiny. He hung out till almost non-white before sticking to the phantom he made his way to the Keep.

The Elder was waiting for him ... rapper told him everything and how the voice had entered his intellect with out him seeking. They talked and laid some templet lines for his attempts to hone his accomplishment.

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


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

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

"Why ?"

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

I rushed out on the street and found Lump with crying in his eyes,"It was my faulting I was on watch. last-place night I ate sumpin'that messed up my corporation. It hit me firmly and I had to run to an privy. By the time I got back ... they had him."

"Which Nobleman."

"Nobleman Frane, you know future to nobleman Pritcher. ''

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

We went around to 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 basketful with rolls and bread. When she came outside she told me to go with her

She told me not to speak unless she nodded. She stopped at the Guardroom and knocked on the doorway.
A safety device opened and said,"What'cha want ?"

Maggie smiled,"I was told one of your safeguard took my pitch boy Silas"

The guard Captain stepped up and asked,"wellspring if he is your delivery boy why was he outside nobleman Frane 's house ?"

"First meter he has been there he just got the star sign commix up."

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

Maggie looked at me and nodded. I smiled and spoke up,"He was to deliver them to me for the genius Keep, I am an Apprentice there they call me RD and I am sure the senior is getting overturn waiting on his bread."

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

We all kept a heterosexual face till we were well away from the guard way then we let out a sigh of succor. Maggie handed the basketball hoop to edible bean and directed him to deliver it to the keep kitchen just in case the Guard Capt. Did a follow up.

Off sped bean with the scratch and we thanked Maggie profusely then I went to contain on Sneaker.
Sneaker and glob was standing with Mira on the street box. I asked Sneaker,"Who were you doing the casing job for ?"

snitch replied,"Gomer ''

"When you give him your news report tell him that he should put off the job for at least two weeks. The guards are going to be watching the mansion just in case."I pretended I over heard the Capt. Telling this to the guards. Really I had a moment of clarity and was able to pull this from his mind. He really was n't surely we were telling the true statement. 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 safeguard stammered and thanked her when she cut him off a part of dinero and slathered a messiness of high mallow on it.
Chapter 4

I was getting in force at grasping one voice and clearing the eternal sleep of random cackle, The major problem was I still could not spot which mind was sending the train of thought. Then one day it was like a visual sense ... I could see out of someone elevated railroad eyes and I had a clear course to his sentiment. 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 skittle alley while slipping my mitt through the leather shoulder strap attached to the night stick. I turned into the alley as he was lifting her skirts, I could see her milky white thigh. I flicked out the Night stick and it flashed out and made contact to his shoulder. He grunted and turned toward me, I noticed his size, he was a good ten 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 paw. The hold reached the duration of the shoulder strap, the hold came to a stop. Inertia caused a pendulum effect and the end of the nightstick was on a hit path with his manhood which was in scene. He was ready to take advantage of the dame. 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 gentlewoman had n't seen any matter her garb was still over her head. Momentarily I admired her wares, the first I had ever seen, oh well. I helped her up and directed her back to the square and told her to yell for a precaution. While she followed my counselling I slipped into the crowd and vanished.

The side by side day it was all over the square about the gallant saviour of a baronial noblewoman that was almost raped.
The rapist had been captured but the gallant saviour had disappeared. The nobleman Lady 's founder had offered a reward. Many attempts were made to pull in it but none had the real floor. 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 flavour I had been near and how I was drawn … I knew I had no opportunity with her not only was she of Noble birthing but she was at least eight eld my senior.

I began watching Mira more often and noticed the low bulge on her chest. One day our group was outside the gate and romping through the Sir Henry Wood and I fell in to the river. It was in a minuscule cove where the water ran slow as to be gentle. To be true it was our swim jam and we would feature ended up there sooner or later. The next thing I knew the quietus of them were in the urine also. We played for 60 minutes then crawled out to enjoy the afternoon sun. Without thinking we all stripped off our shirts and put 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 oculus closed. Suddenly everyone went quite her knocker with teat the size of the 1st joint of a pinkie finger was standing proudly. None of us, except me, had ever seen a bare chested girl before.

Mira noticed the secrecy 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 headspring and stared at her nipple again.

She looked down at her bureau and her face turned Red and she put her arm across her bureau and grabbed her shirt, turned her back and put her shirt back on. Sneaker could n't exit 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 bird and the bees. By the time we reached the gate they knew as lots as me ... which was almost nothing.

Chapter 5

The years flew by and we grew up, Sneaker was still under 5'and could still get into small places. noggin was close to 6'5 '' and still skinny but still quite impregnable. Lump was 6'2 '' and weighed 220 all solid muscularity. Mira was a vision her bosom was the size of small grapefruit. Her red pilus appeared to be flames while her lentigo were just enticing, this delectable software was on a 5'3 '' bod. Her spike .had become more noticeable and cause many conflict. I had grown a trivial as well I was 6'even and weighed 220 and no fat. I was 17.

bathroom mare De Joe Louis had become a fat slovenly person and his rule was becoming laboured handed on the people of the realm.

One day the elderberry bush called me to his office and said,"The time has come the mass are repressed and have been taxed till they can hardly buy food. The City Guards favor the masses but the castle safety seems to slant toward brutality.

After listening to the Elder I began to design. The first thing was a whisper campaign I had my effect group start the rumors.

"Have you heard, the existent tycoon has come of age, and he is not delight with his Uncle. He is raising an army to domesticise his throne.

There were a gravid number of housebreaking at Nobles and Merchants homes. It seemed odd that it was only the supporters of the Regent who were hit the hardest. A piddling Redheaded Elf paid a visit to the Bramble Wood pixy.

A train consisting of two wagons pulled by immense draft copy horses. paddy wagon one was occupied by the Red headed Elf. The indorsement by the Wizard elder. The relaxation of us walked it took us a workweek to reach the border between Dulciana and Bramble Wood. There we stopped and set up clique. We made no overt moves in fact former than a dark control stick ( mine ) and a stave ( Elders ) we carried no weapon. We all were a minuscule uncomfortable in the envision clothes the elder had supplied. That is all but Mira she reveled in the finery she was dressed in today.

Each day as we made this trek that begun with six people. Each day others joined us, by the time we reached the boundary line we were Two 100 50 strong with more arriving day-after-day. The senior used his thaumaturgy only to provide solid food for the masses.

We waited at the border for four days. On the daybreak of the fifth day three pixie appeared in social movement of Mira 's tent. Mira invited them into her tent and sent word to the senior and I to join her. I entered the tent and stood behind Mira. While awaiting the elderberry bush I observed the Elven party. Each was blond with hair's-breadth to the articulatio humeri, their noses were almost pointed. The point of view out feature was their optic, they seem to sink in deeply into the someone of the person before them. All three of them were locked onto Mira not even acknowledging that I was even there.

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

Mira spoke,"The rightful Rex of Dulciana has come of age and seeks an alignment to over shake off the usurper John Mare De Louis. I am Admira cousin to king Felies swayer of Bramble Wood. I by my own choice have lived in Dulciana to hold open the peace between the two lands."

"The time has come to declare your recognition of the True power of Dulciana and to make for out the pact of Bayer nosepiece which our two area vowed to support each other."

The III ELF, none looking to be over twenty, huddled together. Then one stepped forward,"I am Admiran blood brother of Admira and Cousin to queen genus Felis. To my right is Sir Slender Shoot in statement of the castle Guards. To my left, Prince Felieson, treetop Prince of Bramble forest. paying attention my words we have reluctantly kept our slope ot the pact of Bayer Bridge. All though it has been trying, John female horse has continued to raise 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 duty will be set for each lands imports.

Admiran continued,"How do we know the rightful King is prepared to harmonize and that he is ready."

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

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

"fountainhead what do you recollect, I said as I paced inside the tent.
The Elder as usual played his card close to his chest and Mira said"I guess we will induce to waitress and see."*******

The Elf commission wasted no time before they were in the mien of Martin Luther King Jr. Felies. They bowed to the King but he waved it way …"Yes, Yes, what did they say ?"

Prince Felieson acted as their spokesman,"Father they said that if they were brought before you, all would be made open. I think the young man is the lawful Riley B King. Our first cousin Admira is to confidant for that not to be the case."

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

Chapter 6


The"Treaty of Bayer Bridge"

King Felies leaned back from the table and looked steadily at magnate Duval De Joseph Louis Barrow the ruler of Dulciana. They had been discussing the terms of the pact which would attain their friendly relationship functionary. The final codicil of the treaty would be the eventual joining of the two kinfolk 's. power Duval had a new brook Grandson. Martin Luther King Felies had a female person cousin In the place tune the two were bound to each other. She and her mother would populate 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 all in ... and the grandson was missing. King Felies did the best he could with the Treaty. He was still hoping the true ruler was still alive. And Now ....

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

*****

Mira had been cognizant of Rafe 's identity for years. Once when they were swimming in the river she had seen the decoration and recognized the Dragon of gold with commons centre. She kept her quiet, 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 flash disturbance out side of meat of the collapsible shelter and hoi polloi yelling a head was shoved into the tent and an Elf yelled,"Quickly you have to get across the bridge deck. Dulciana 's Army is on the march."

We all rushed across the bridge deck only to be swallowed up by the Elven U. S. Army. A squad of them took down the tents and hitched the wagons and brought it all across the bridge deck. Then the Elven Army lined their side of the border. At the Bridge itself was a radical of Elven Mages Led by the wizard Elder.
An Elf walked to the heart of the Bridge with a paint brush and bucket of pigment, He drew a line three inches wide and wrote Dulciana on their side of meat of the line and Bramble Ellen Price Wood on the other.

In less than an time of day the Dulciana Army came into thought. Nearer and nearer they came money box they were at the bridge. The top executive who was leading the Army walked to the centerfield of the bridge deck and was close to stepping over the telephone line when the gremlin on the bridgework lowered there Lances toward the Baron 's chest of drawers. He stopped and backed up. Only then did he discover the freshly painted border.

The Elven Commander asked the Baron,"What line do you receive in Bramble Wood."

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

"And just who is this two-timer and what did he do ?"

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

The Commander smiled,"As you can see we have near 300 refugees and at least 50 of them fits that category. But start Riley B King Felies has informed me he does not recognise 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 lose their forte and loose the 100 arrows that are aimed at you and yours."“ On the Count of ten My Lancers are going to clear this Bridge."

The tycoon began to gage away from the bridge and set up camp. He set up a nosepiece scout at the Dulciana bridge end. The brownie did the like at their end. Traffic was not stopped on the nosepiece but was closely scrutinized.

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

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

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

Mira continued,"You also know the Wizard Elder, The rather small-scale gent is Lonnie punter known as Sneaker. Next to hin is Silas Better known as bean, Next to him is Tom also known as Lump. Last but not to the lowest degree is Rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow, known as The knocker or Rafe or just RD. The rightful King of Dulciana."

All of his friends were mouth agape never suspecting their admirer was a royal. Rex Felies says, Lets see proof."

Rafe stepped forward and reached inside his tunic and removed the ribbon ... The green eyes of the Au dragon transfixed all who saw it. All of Rafe 's admirer dropped to their articulatio genus and bowed before him. He told them to terminate bowing it made him uncomfortable.

"I was raised by The Elder and by Mamma Ceil, My mother was Rebecca and my Father was crownwork Prince Duvalson, Son of King Duval De Louis. Both were killed by Assassin Haver by Holy Order of John mare De Louis."

Logos 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 post after I am crowned."

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

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

senior 's level

"I will first tell Mama Ceil"s story. I was folding clothes in a collapsible shelter out incline the village of Collie while my charge balk De Joe Louis played on the base. My schoolmistress Princess Rebecca rushed in and told me John maria 's men were searching every tent. She said I was to hire baulk to the elder. She removed the palm from her neck and placed it on raftsman 's neck and told him never ever lose it ..He was three."

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

"We neared the Bayer bridge, I directed us to the Dulciana bank. We followed the roadway although we stayed in the timberland. There were merchandiser traveling along the road which allowed me to betray enough solid food to sustain us going. It took us almost two weeks to build our way to the elderberry bush 's Keep. We arrived near the hour of noonday but waited till almost twilight before knocking and asking for the Elder."

elder

"I was enjoying a shabu of ale when I heard a pounding on the door of the hold I was alone my compatriots were all on errands. There was not many of us to start out with. I am Mage Sabron but called Elder. Also abiding in the bread and butter was Mage Aquinas, Mage Arture, Arture 's learner Jody and their cook/maid, May."

I went to the door and opened it to find a fair sex and a infant, they both were filthy."Yes can I help you."The woman spoke.

"My Mistress Rebecca said that the meter would issue forth and we was to issue forth to the Keep and here we are."
I said,"Well yes you are but who are you and time for what."

The Woman 's face turned red and she stammered and stuttered and then said,"Oh I forgot Rafe display 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 medallion in it had a drawstring so it kept the medal covered. Mama Ceil helped May in the kitchen until she came down with the acute and died I think the boy was about eight. By that clip he was already the defender of the weak.

"I knew he had a magic background so I began to aim him. To insure he learned everything I also recruited all his acquaintance so they also have been schooled except in magic trick. I did not try to influence them but allowed them to view the world and to seduce up their on creative thinker. I am proud to say the weak and downtrodden have always been taken caution of by these few. They also learned from the street and learned to short-circuit the cruel."

"One early thing face at him closely. Now the characterization that was painted at the signing of the Bayer Bridge. calculate close at his Grandfather."

Every one turned to the moving picture hanging on the wall. It looked like an sure-enough Rafe. The elder said, That is all I have to say."

King Felies thought about all that he had been told and all he had seen. He remembered his booster voice and was surprised to hear that interpreter coming out of this Whitney Young man.


The Billie Jean King rang for a varlet and told him lay down set up rooms for my party. I stopped him and told him that we have over 250 followers at the River I will stay with them, my friends nodded that they agreed.

We departed for the cantonment. As soon as we arrived the Baron was asking to verbalise 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 you were dead and with that cerebration in mind to try and protect my people. He asked and I gave my swearing. Now I know not what to do."

I looked deep into his affectionateness and said,"I am sure the right decision will be made. In fact I would bet there will be a lot of someone searching going on."
I heard a haphazardness and looked over my shoulder joint to see a detail of the Elven Army began lining the River. Their commandant walked onto the bridgework and Handed the top executive a whorl. He opened it and interpret aloud.

To John female horse De Joseph Louis Barrow,"We the kingdom of Bramble forest do here by recognize the true tycoon of Dulciana'Rafter De Louis'.

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

The is a dinner dress announcement of War, Not with Dulciana but with the armies of the Usurper John Mare De Joe Louis. You are here by given quintuplet days to answer.

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

*******

The Baron ordered his men to accrue in ... and departed at once ... The Baron called his fastest runner and gave him the scroll to deliver to the Regent.

Upon reaching the crossroad, straight was to Dulci, right was to his soil holding. baron Phelps hesitated then called a check. He called all his Officers to a meeting.

He looked to each one, some had been with him for yr and some just a short clip."Our long lost King rafter De Louis has come of age and is demanding his true place, to the dismay of the regent. A few years ago I gave an cuss to the Regent."He noticed some shuffling and voicelessness among them.
"Twenty years ago I also gave my Oath to champion the treetop. Since the treetop belongs with baulk De Louis and not the trustee that is the oath I must honor."

"Any of you who wish to be absolved from your oath to me and wish well to come after the trustee is disembarrass to do so. But first I wish you to address these words to your men. I leave for my abode in one hour. All who wish to reward their oath can follow. All who wish to comply the trustee may depart with honor."

The big businessman 's Page lay a cloak in the specter of a powerful Oak. The mogul sat and leaned back and closed his center. From the haphazardness he was hearing there must be quite a discussion going on. After a few proceedings … nada but silence. He nodded off to sleep.

Until his Thomas Nelson Page gently shook him,"business leader the time of day has past."

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

"courier, take this Message to King in Waiting Rafter De Joseph Louis Barrow. We the men of Baron Phelps rack to your right."

Even before the baron could turn over his estate the magnate of gossipmonger had raised its ugly head. It had been shouted throughout the demesne that Baron Phelps Favored the baron in waiting. As he rode into the grounds of the acres there were courier from his swain Nobles wishing to affirm his decision. Some were condemning him but virtually were aligning with him and offering their help.

******

I stepped out of the tent to a blast of noise. I was almost stunned, overnight the supporters had increased to over a thou men and women. There was also a line of messengers awaiting his attention. One by one he read the message. The list of backup by the Nobles was staggering. I was pleasantly surprised to determine that Baron Phelps had been the first to issue his funding.

I sent message to them all accepting their support and asking them to Join me for a meeting and to get their second in command as well. The Elves set up tents and supplied food stuffs. We searched through our people and was soon able-bodied to fulfil the collapsible shelter with cooks and kitchen help.

noggin and stoolpigeon began interviewing our masses. It took over two weeks to ground what each was good at. The first and most crucial was Scouts and moon-curser. It was a welcome to know we had a CORE group to train others. They consisted of XII lancer and eight archer all thanks to the city guard. They were led by the Captain of the Guard I smiled when I learned they had brought the intact armory of the city Guards. I had the maitre d' set up caller and squads and set out training.

It was n't long till the ladies were making undershirt with a Green Eyed Au firedrake in the snapper on a field of sorry. I was even more surprised when a sparring was erected and a silk flag of Blue with the Lapp flying lizard represented. I never knew where the material came from.

I was most surprised by the lack of response from John female horse. I had sent scouts into Dulci and awaited their getting even. Days later I had my answer. There was desention in the social rank and mass forsaking. It was said he was hanging his own men. I guess you could say there was a trustfulness issue.

According to the Scouts What was left were soldier of fortune 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 nobleman and the the great unwashed of the dry land we had an army of about 10,000 inviolable. We knew we would be facing about 30,000 all better armed.

goon surprised us all, he had a real giving of strategy. He told me we were missing and important item ... supplying lines. Which were unfold to Dulci from the southward. I assigned him a scout troop of fifty mounted men and named them Tom 's spoiler. They traversed the miles to Dulcianas Southern border. They carried few supply, which meant either make successful raids, live off the land or starve.

******
Tom 's plunderer

puffiness, Tom, jumper cable his freebooter south never coming in sight of any road except when it was necessary to cross one. They scouted the roads entering Dulciana from Langdom to the south and to Arrington to the due east. Their fourth day they heard the squeaking of the axles of a heavily loaded Dipper. As the Big Dipper with five outriders entered the clearing which was ringed by the despoiler. When they were completely inside the clarification, including the 4 outriders at the rear..

The archer stepped out of the crotch hair with their Bows fully drawn. lump spoke,"wellspring gentlemen delight lay down your weapons and step away from them. You two on the Wagon get down. please lay face down on the background with munition and legs spread."

Each were checked over and tongue and night marijuana cigarette removed from their person. Their custody and animal foot were bound. Lump placed two men in the wagon and started it onto Bramble Grant Wood Border.

"I am sure it will not fill you long to free your self. 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 consume all regretted it. But none more than you."

Lump had given orders for the wagon to displace as fast as it comfortably could toward the balance of the army. They were also prepared to ride like the dickens at the carrefour to Dulci.
He was not cognizant that there was a squad on watch near the cross route Which escorted them the relief of the way.

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

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

John 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 raiders against conjuring trick. We attacked their rear with pointer then sit away. The Mages were frustrated when their magical spell returned toward them and they had to go on defense against their own enchantment. We found out later that bathroom Mare had not told them anything about the Elder supporting us and he knew aught about me, and that I too knew magic.

*****
With out informing most of my military officer or King Felies I left inner circle with four scouts and Mage Arture. Our programme was to lift as close as we could to king Ronin 's HQ tent. business leader Ronin had designated himself as general Ronin.His only matter that qualifed him to be a General was ... he was the plenteous Noble in the Kingdom. Also the most arrogant and the least well-read of how to run an army.
His policeman were getting very frustrated.

I cast my mind into the tent. As common there was an argument going on. maitre d' crisscross of the palace guards and Major Nells of the Dulciana Army were already at their wits end. It was impossible to get through to full general Ronin that you could not lash out some one who was already gone. The superior general decided they would bequeath a police squad of Calvary buttocks. Then when the raider slipped in behind they could attack and wipe them out.

When we arrived back at the Camp, we made our own plan. kind of than attacking the bottom we honed in on the aright flank. We held back a backlog and when his trailing martyrdom came around to attack our pillager they were met with our reserve and a hail of pointer.

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

It would have been mere to take out General Ronin. But he was their spoilt opposition so we left him alone.

*****

King Felies was very incense when he discovered my scouting foray."What in the domain did you mean by leading that scouting party ? Kings do n't extend raid they direct from the back 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 thought to dash the hell out of Dulciana troops. For three years one tent was a beehive of action 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 littler scouts who were experts in stealth and Sneaker all entered that tent ... nothing else happened. Soon it was forgotten.

*****

The bivouac of business leader Ronin began to conjure up ... .Then it turned into a male person storm ... Each was holding and looking at a little patch of lambskin. Baron walked out of his collapsible shelter also holding a piece of sheepskin, demanding to know who was creditworthy 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 draft of a dagger and the words you could be short ... succeeding time for genuine. He started screaming where are the guards ... they were found with their throats cut and a composition of parchment held to their chest by a dagger.

For the succeeding week there were forsaking and some worn out soldiers that appeared to take in not slept for awhile. Every nighttime someone was killed in their sopor and king Ronin collected another small-arm of parchment.

Before the hold out persona of the plan could be put into gaming Assassin Haver had his try. I began getting study of a black clad figure fliting in and out of collapsible shelter around camp ... In some cases there was a consistence to go along with the report. Elder immediately said an bravo I added Haver.

I begin to browse with my mind ... near evening time I started to 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 easy blazed into the unsuspecting eyes of Haver. Elder stepped into the tent and enwraped Haver in wizardly restraints. Haver tried to ferment his pass towards me and sprinkle.

I was expecting something of the sort and sent a magical force into his case which cause him to swallow what he tried to spit at me. He began to puff and his fount began to sustain a bluish tone and he crumpled.

Elder checked him over and said he was utterly. He and I using our magic and not touching the body carried the body to a cairn terrier outside of pack which we had prepared earlier in the day. We placed the torso on the cairn terrier and set the funeral pyre alight. First we warned everyone in ingroup to stay away and especially not to breathe the smoke.

Chapter baseball club

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

On the starting time day of winter Chill ... business leader Ronin awoke to quieten, he dressed and threw back the tent flaps To come up himself facing Sil Slender Shoot and Silas Bean. It was almost amazing when the gentle verbalize Bean unleashed his dead on target utterance of his noble rich barytone voice.

"General Ronin You are surrounded by the forces of free Dulci and the army of Bramble Woods.. For your treasonous turn you are hereby stripped of all dry land and deed and exiled with only the wearing apparel on your back. Or you will be put to death by hanging ... I almost forgot if you accept selection one ... and ever decide to pass. selection two is automatically enforced.

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


With the add-on of Baron Phellps army, our Tennessean and the Army of Bramble Ellen Price Wood we decided it was time to take the war to John Mare


Martin Luther King Filies called a coming together and after much discourse we came to a decision ... We wished to make them worry as well as to pay. We decided to wee-wee it seem as if we were on parade. We put up a facade of joyous playing around. As if we had not a maintenance in the world. The trueness was we had chiliad of mouths to feed.

In each coterie the senior assigned an learner who fed the scout group by magic with platters of piping hot food. Our day-by-day March were short not starting till near 10 am and stopping most 4 pm.

On the third base day John Mare 's army took the bait. They moved up to assail as we would be making camp for the evening. What they did n't have a bun in the oven was before they could get the Son to attack ... Arrows came flying out of the trees all around them.. They lost over a 100 and 60 men that day and the surrender of L more

They thought they had laid the perfect ambush of an unwary grouping. When in essence they had been missing one detail. offset a issue of scouts would search out the succeeding nights coterie ground. Only one would return to act as guide.

Second as dusk began to fall a troop of about fifty men would peel off off into the nighttime. They would go to the following night camping area and prepare an ambush. When whoremaster Mare 's soldiers moved through they did not realized they were passing with in column inch of our men.

There was a watch kept on their Officers and the attack came before he could open his fiat to attack the camp. From our positions we were driving them toward the coterie where they were met by ... bit three, a well placed grouping of lancers.

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


*****

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

I rode up to the Gate"King John mare come out and front me ... You have been trying to kill me for over 17 year ...."I heard a swishing interference and a soldier 's trunk hit the priming coat in front of me. I glanced to the side of meat. Admiran was notching another arrow ... he smiled.


We had scouts in tree diagram, not close decent to wee-wee an flak of any sort but they were not there for that purpose. They were there to observe and report. Each lookout had a long 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 townsfolk and all of us bonk how to enter and leave without being seen. Again the champion donjon played an important contribution. In the basement of the Keep was a secret passageway that opened into the tack way of the b in the smithy. The Smithy and corral was just inside the wall of the town.

Once inside we could dissipate throughout the Ithiel Town. Our first off dark, Lump, Bean and fink went in checking the admission. The second Night each of them led a group of 15 men each, our stealth paladin.

They hit the barracks and the guard shack near the magnetic north and south logic gate. They set firing to the barracks then attacked the soldiers as they tried to escape. They never knew what hit them nor how to respond. This was our style of harassment for two weeks. Saint John the Apostle Mare 's troops were tired but afraid to sleep. They were making mistake, just what we were waiting for.

The adjacent thing was to take out the guards on the western United States wall, open the gate and to fulfil the public square with our scout group all before John Mare 's Army awakens.


****

John mare De Louis awoken to men shouting and the clatter of weapons falling to the ground. He rolled out of bed and looked at his vacuous table and was instantly tempestuous. That indolent Perdon was belatedly with his Breakfast again. He pulled his bell chime corduroy angrily three times.

On the third pull his room access opened ... He was all set to rail against Perdon when he saw that the two men entering his chamber were armed and their cincture were the coloration of Green River and Gold. Not his Red and total darkness he rushed to his weapons.

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

John female horse grabbed a shaft, his Sword and a duad of throwing knives. Thinking to himself,"This kid has never had any training with weapons ... What fortune does he have against me, a sword master."

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

noodle and Lump escorted whoremonger Mare to the engagement chiliad. He entered and found himself alone he looked above at the viewing sphere ... it was full of Men, Women and Elves. The 1st face he recognized was the prime minister the second the Cardinal.

Chapter Ten.

The doorway began to unfold, John Mare drew his sword, he was ready.
He almost burst out laughing ... The young man who entered, he assumed was his nephew, was only armed with a billy club hanging from a rawhide cord.

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

John maria smirked and said,"Quit war cry 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 ready to swing his steel. Rafe 's nightstick struck like a snake hitting the knuckles of the hired man holding the blade which clattered to the land. The interview roared. John female horse was stunned not seeming to understand what had happened.

Rafe backed off to allow him to pick up his sword. Never taking his eyes off Rafe, can Mare reached for his steel. Thinking Rafe a mug he again started forward. He had taken two whole step when the nightstick flicked out again and caressed his articulatio cubiti ... His arm went numb and his sword again fell to the floor.

John Mare realized the sword was useless. He lowered the lance he had been holding in his left bridge player. Rafe was watching his every movement. When John Mare made his thrust, at the utmost instant Rafe stepped to the side and flicked out the nightstick it met John maria 's Kuki-Chin with a cracking sound.

john mare was so keyed up he did n't seem to pull in his jaw was broken. He swept the lance to ward Rafe who stepped back and loosed his nightstick. John mare thought he was prepared and whipped his head back. Again the fulcrum core took over and the nightstick took the low-down track. The solely matter that saved his humanity is that he had turned his consistency. The truncheon struck his left thigh bruising it deeply.

lavatory Mare was finding it difficult to place upright. He retained the lance but was now using it as a cane. Rafe flicked out the nightstick again in the focusing of John maria 's left wrist. He retaliated by swinging the lance nates striking Rafe in the rib cage, cracking a couple of costa. Rafe missed with his attack.

John Mare tried to conform to up on his good fortune, pull his dagger and lunged forward. The night stick was already on the way headed for his humanness. lavatory maria 's lunge put his head in the way and the dark peg caught him square in the forehead and down he went.

Rafe waited but there was no trend from privy mare, Sir Slender Shoot and his medical man pyrexia entered the Yard ,. Fever felt for a pulse and nodded, yes there was a pulse he was just unconscious mind. Slender Shoot called for three men. They trussed lavatory Mare up like a Christmas Day Turkey.

*****

I looked up to the interview and announced."He will have a fair trial run,"

I Looked around as they drug can Mare to the donjon."Caranx crysos take a message to Langdom, Drummond and Chelsea And any early near by country we have dealings with, speak to the premier, asking them to send a illustration. To sit at this run they must also suffer authority to negotiate consequence export Tariffs. Also Must Represent their area. In my enthronement and wedding to take situation, I turned to the chancellor and motioned ..."

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

"Also I wish a runner be sent to Mountain house for a nanus instance 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 groom for all the guests. It had been decided that the investiture and the wedding would be held in the motor hotel pace so that all who wished could attend ... after all I did maturate up on the streets.

I made a few appointments, Lonnie/Sneaker to channelise the intelligence information corp. Silas/Bean secretary and Treasurer, Tom/Lump Head of the castle sentry duty and king Phelps commander full general of the army of Dulci.

Six very active weeks went by and the Dwarfen illustration, Smash Stumpf ft, had arrived. The run began ..."John the Evangelist maria De Louis You are charged with high school traitorousness and Regicide How do you plead."

lavatory mare stared around the Court room,"How dare you. You have no right to try me I am a world-beater ... !"

There was chortle and noise from the spectators. King Felies shouted"S I L E N C E"As acting Judge and a King the secretiveness was instanious."We will take that as a not guilty plea."

The first attestor was Mama Ciel 's immature sister."My epithet is Myra"

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

Myra 's story :

My Mother had been a Ladies housemaid and my older sister was as well. My female parent died in nipper birth 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 things I told her, she thought I was making them up. One day when I was seven and Prince raftsman was a sister I overheard can Mare and a man he called Haver Talking."

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

"How do you want it done ?"

"I do n't give care 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 recreate with my friends. Later I asked my baby what assassinate meant. She asked me why and I told her. She told Princess Rebecca and I had to tell the chronicle again. Princess asked me if they said when.

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

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

After that John female horse tried to get crown magnate But the cardinal grosbeak refused unless he had the decoration proving he was the go of the mob line.

"John Mare was ruthless he had handmaiden beaten for no intellect and he raped the castle ladies including me."

St. John Mare Leaped up and yelled it was his right to rape 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 radius for St. John the Apostle maria. It was really a farce comedy as Trials goes. The verdict was known by everybody.

King Felis stood and told John mare to rise."John the Divine Mare De Louis you have been tried and convicted by a court of your Countrymen. You have been found guilty of High subversiveness, Regicide as well as later added violation mission. I argued vehemently for the Death Penalty but soon to be King balk De Louis argued for a more lenient time of life story in the mines. Smash Stumpf understructure take him away he is all yours."

John mare De louis screamed NO NO as Stumpf animal foot placed him in chains.


Chapter 11

I was glad for that part to be over and it seems like everyone was in agreement. The moment John Mare was pulled through the door and it shut behind him. I stepped forward and ...

"dame and Gentlemen The Wedding will take place in Two Weeks from today. One week Later the Coronation will take place."

The nuptials was a frantic rush between beating out craft Concessions and accord and trying on Wedding Clothes. Finally the day arrived. The wedding ceremony 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 metropolis and then Mira stepped out escorted by her founding father, The senior agreed to bear with me.

We turned and Knelt in nominal head of the Cardinal."We are gathered here together to fall in these two. Crown Prince Rafter De Louis and Princess Admira Felies ... .That is the close I remember till I heard the cardinal said I now pronounce you Husband and Wife ... You may buss your Brigid.

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

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

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

The adjacent few days we finished hammering out the barter agreements. And then it was clip.

The Cardinal read the rites of the Coronation as Mira and I again knelt before him and then ..."I crown you King rafter De Louis tycoon Of The land of Dulci. He took the pennant from The Elder and placed it upon my headland. Then he completed the ritual for Mira. Admira Felies I crown you Queen of The land of Dulci thus Joining the Two terra firma of Dulci and Bramble Sir Henry Joseph Wood. May God Bless and Guide you both in your linguistic rule."

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