Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Chapter 19 the First Half

Okay, so I started Chp. 19 and then had this horrible revelation that I will probably have to go back and rewrite the entire story because of the character of holly being too flat for her eventual purpose. And teh thought of having to rewrit eliterllay eveyrthing except for Ivan made me so despondant I produced a slue of dreary emo poetry and stopped working on the story all together. I even started writing several short stroies instead.

So right now I'm not sure if I'm even going to keep working on this book...
And on that note here is Chpater 19... the possible last chapter. Or should I say half chpater...

Chapter 19

The small company rode ahead of the larger Albian force down the white chalk path. The early morning sunrise was warming their backs and the waxing white moon was still lingering on the blue horizon. The large forest of dark green evergreen trees on the one side of the company echoed with birdsong and the gurgling of a small creek somewhere. On their other side a green meadow stretched out, small white flowers dotting the landscape.

Nicholas and Ivan rode behind the rest of the company, neither speaking a word. The early morning air was crisp and chill and their breaths smoked as they breathed the biting air. Ivan had pulled his old scarf, the one he always carried with him, out and had wrapped it several times around his neck. His goggles in his hair caused it to stand at all angles and was desperately trying to read a book while riding the horse, and failing miserably.

Nicholas was in deep thought. He kept feeling like someone was watching him, or was ready to jump out and attack him. The nervous anxiety that spread through his bones and drained his marrow caused his hands to shake ever so slightly. He tried gripping the reigns tighter but he felt like he didn’t even have the strength to do that.

Ivan had given up trying to read the text and after putting it into his bag, he looked over and noticed that Nicholas wasn’t looking too good. His head hung low, his dark brown curly hair looking almost black in the dawn light. His down cast eyes were encircled by dark rings while his normally tan skin looked pasty and pale. Even his dark purple cowl that Master Oronus had given him so long ago was looking almost black. He had never seen his friend like this before.

“Hey, Klaus. Are you okay?” Asked Ivan, leaning closer so they could talk.

“Yeah. I, I just have a lot on my mind.” Came Nicholas’ reply. He smiled weakly as he realized that Ivan had called him by his old name. “I just had a bad dream.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” Asked Ivan, still trying to cajole the story from Nicholas.

“It’s hard to explain.”

They rode on in silence for a few moments, the tocking of horses hooves on the hard stony ground echoing around them. Then just as Nicholas was about to say something, he spotted something white on the horizon. It was moving too fast to be a cloud.

“Swan!” Came the call from the scouts. And they were right, the swan had returned.

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The group made camp in the small depression made by the green hills next to the white chalk rode. Cooking fires had been lit and soon blue smoke waived up in the morning air in smooth tendrils reaching for the heavens and carrying the flavor of the fire across the area. While everyone wanted to know what the bird had to say, Liam had seen how weary it was from the back and forth flights and so they had waited while it had rest and drank some water from a nearby pool.

“So, you were telling me why you’re so down today…” began Ivan trying to worm it out of him again.

“Fine.” Said Nicholas, not having the energy to withstand against Ivan’s inquisitive nature, “But I can’t tell you… I’ll have to show you…”

“Show me? What are you babbling about?” Asked Ivan was raised brow.

“here, close your eyes and go to sleep.” Said Nicholas, and it being early morning Ivan had no difficulty falling back to sleep.

He felt the warmth of soft grass beneath him, like large living fur rug that was coiling and moving as if on top of a mountain of serpents. Then the furry ground began to move together and come together and as he opened his eyes he saw he was on top of a large beast. Its muscles bunched as it sprinted along a river of ice. Then a hand grabbed his shoulder.

“Ivan!”

The next instants he was pulled through a flashing light then darkness with spinning lights all around him. Then with another bright flash he was inside a bright white room. Nicholas was standing next to him, holding onto his shoulder. His body shook as he clawed his way up Nicholas’ leg until he was standing up right again.

“W-what, what just happened!?!” Ivan yelled as his heart beat ten times as fast as usual.

“Sorry, I forgot you’re not a regular dream leaver.” Nicholas said with his crooked smile.

“T-that! That back there! I could use a little warning next time!” Yelled the angry boy until he was completely out of breath.

They stood there in the silence for a few seconds before Nicholas asked, “Do you feel better now?”

“Yes actually I do.” Then as if first noticing where he was his mouth dropped open as he saw the walls expanding and retracting with Nicholas’ breaths. “Where are we Klaus?”

“Ivan, welcome to my dreamplane.” Said Nicholas with a smile as he saw the other boy begin scientifically examining the room. “What I have to show you isn’t quite here though… well it is, but it isn’t at the same time.”

“Yes, and you are making absolutely no sense.” Said Ivan as he rolled his eyes.

“Okay just watch.” Nicholas retorted, “You might find here not all things makes sense.”

And with wave of his hands they were both standing upon a large cliff overlooking the aquamarine sea and the setting sun far in the west. Next to them were several old stone ruins, and a few wild conneys were playing in the derelict buildings. Ivan was so close to the edge he nearly fell off.

“Easy there. What I want to show you might hurt a little so I need you in one piece when it happens.” Nicholas said as he grabbed Ivan’s arm as he was precariously balanced on the lip of the cliff.

Then Nicholas sat him down on an old stone bench and seated himself next to Ivan. The small rabbits ran from them towards an old garden where pomegranate and grape vines had escaped and now grew wild among the few surviving lettuce seedlings. A lark sailed over to her nest that was bursting with pale blue eggs. This imaginary world seemed more alive than even the real world.

“Now Ivan.” Said the boy in the cowl seriously. “You are about to see the past. Do not fear it because it can’t harm you. At least, I don’t think it can.”

“Oh, your confidence is so reassuring.” Ivan replied with a smile, “Lets do this. What ever it is.”

“Alright, here goes. This was my dream.” And Nicholas closed his eyes.

Ivan sat and waited. He looked around and saw nothing unusual. It was beginning to grow awkward sitting on the bench with the silence enveloping them. Ivan opened his mouth to say something when he saw Nicholas fly over the lip of the cliff.

“Hahaha!” he cried as he landed softly on the soft most covered ground.

“Nicholas!” called Ivan, but his friend didn’t hear him. He got up but as Nicholas approached him he walked right through Ivan. Ivan gasped as he saw the other Nicholas sit down next to the real Nicholas. They were indistinguishable.

“Well, well. I see we have learned how to play.” Came a sneering voice from the ruins behind the two, causing the past Nicholas to jump up and spin around.

“Who’s there? Show yourself!” Called Nicholas.

From out of the shadows stepped a woman in a long scarlet cowl with a hood over her face. The hood tapered to a point that was caught by the breeze that had picked up with her arrival. Nicholas raised and then slowly lowered his arms and caused the dreamplane to melt away into the room again but the figure did not. She was no dream. She was real.

“Oh, very clever. Try this trick!” She called as she raised her hands over her head, twirling them like ravens acending into the sky after a bloody feast.

The dreamplane around her began to fold and dark cracks appeared as a loud, chanting could be heard all around. Wisps and tendrils of smoky blackness crept across the translucent dreamplane. Ivan grabbed the real Nicholas, who was frozen in place, and dragged him away from the darkness that was creeping closer.

“Stop!” Called the past Nicholas as he extended his hands up and brought them down suddenly with great force, sending the figure crashing against the ground as several large tree-sized filaments of glass fell on her. With her down, the dreamplane seemed to revert back to normal.

“Hahaha!” cried her loud mocking cackle. “Impressive little worm.” And as she said it she threw her arm up and all of the large piece of glassy firmament that covered her floated about her, compressing into large balls. Nicholas backed up slowly as she began hovering in the air in front of him. “But if you wish to battle in dreams you will have to do better than that!”

Ivan saw what was happened and couldn’t help himself crying out, “Nicholas! Watch out on your left!”

But it was too late and one of the large balls swooped forward and crashed into Nicholas, sending him sprawling across the room. He barely managed to get back up before a second one was nearly on top of him. Luckily he brought his arms up this time and as he did, glassy filaments from the floor had covered him in a shell like a turtle.

“Ha! Is that the best the “great one” has to offer?” The woman in the cowl shrieked with fury as she sent another one against the shield, cracking it slightly.

Seeing the small amount of damage she inferred, the crimson robed clapped her hands above her head, causing the two glass balls on each side of her to collide and send a beam of lightning at Nicholas’ shell. It shattered and he rolled out of the small crater. The next instant Ivan felt himself beginning to sink into a large and rolling ocean.

He still had the catatonic Nicholas in his arms and so splashed his way to an ice sheet that was floating nearby. Struggling to get himself and the deadweight up was hard but finally they were on top of the island of ice. Ivan lay on his back breathing hard as he rolled over and scanned the horizon to see if he could see the two combatants anywhere.

The next moment he saw a red blur flash by him towards a large iceberg in the distance. On top of the iceberg stood Nicholas. She sent another beam of lightning at him, but he blew towards it and it shot sideways into the distance. Then she threw the glass balls towards him, but as they collided with him, they became powder and blew away. That’s when she realized his irises were glowing golden-green light.

“What-” Was all she had time to say, before it happened.

Several large icebergs shot up out of the water to encase her inside a frozen prison. Then large dark brown vines that looked like flexible trees grew out of the sea around the encased witch and began wrapping around the iceberg. Finally, Nicholas brought his hands together, palms pressed against one another, and a column of fire erupted form the sky and engulfed the entire prison of the witch.

As the fierce burning heat dried Ivan and the still unmoving figure, he watched his friend in the past, collapse on the iceberg, and the fire receded. The vines were charred away, and the icebergs melted, but what had happened to the witch, Ivan wondered. He then saw his past friend walk down from his iceberg slowly and trudged right up to where they were. He slowly lay down on the exact spot Nicholas was.

The next instant Ivan opened his eyes. Before him he saw the small cooking fires just being lit, while Liam was still busy giving the swan a drink of water. Had the entire dream taken only a few seconds, he wondered. Nicholas sat up next to him and looked at him with those same weary eyes he had before. Ivan now understood why he was acting the way he was.

“So now you see.” Was all Nicholas could think of saying.

“Is this… was this the first time something like this happened?” Asked Ivan, scratching his chin as he thought.

“Yes, well, no. There has been one time when I was dragged out of my dreamplane. By a black vine or tentacle thing.” Nicholas responded as the rear guard of the Albian troops trudged up on the path and settled in the camps.

“Well, if it’s any consolation, you whipped her butt!” said Ivan, jumping up and imitating her with a high, nasally voice, “‘Oh, if you want to beat me you’re going to have to do better than that!’ Ha! Well you showed her a thing or two!”

“But that’s just the thing Ivan… What if I killed her?” Nicholas spoke almost in a whisper as he stood and turned away in shame, “I-I know you could call it self defense, but still… if I kn-… I wasn’t even in control of myself when I… I just saw her and did everything like it was a dream.”

“That’s because it was a dream!” Called Ivan as he turned Nicholas to face him. “Listen. You had a bad dream. You did something bad in your dream. That doesn’t mean you did it in reality. Come on Klaus! You know I’m always right.”

Nicholas smiled at his friend’s remark to which Ivan responded, “Okay, but I’m right most of the time… or at least some of the time. Er! Fine! I’m often wrong but still… I know I’m right about this. Don’t worry Klaus. The day your dreams happen in the real world, then we’ll worry about it. For now, I think we’re gonna have another riddle to solve.”

He motioned and Nicholas saw Liam walking towards them with a parchment and quill, and several people trailing behind him all talking animatedly and excitedly. They joined the group and everyone went to the large main fire to talk. Nicholas and Ivan walked in the back and as they neared the fire pit Nicholas nodded and smiled at Ivan and gave him a silent ‘Thank you’.

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As the group was seated around the fire pit Holly found herself next to Jack on one side and a large, fat, greasy Albian cook on the other side. He gave a loud, putrid belch and so she turned from him. As she did she saw Jack, while fixing his hair, smile and give her a wink, saying,

“Albains! Ha, no breeding whatsoever.” Then scooting closer to her, he leaned in and whispered, “You know, I’v heard the most horrible stories of the Albians marrying cousins and sisters, terrible, I know.”

“Okay…” said Holly, not sure what point Jack was trying to make, “Thanks for the information.”

“You’re welcome.” But just as she thought he was done he continued while stretching, “You know, it does truly take an intelligent person to spot another. And you’re defiantly one of the most intelligent women I have ever encountered. And pretty too. A rare combination indeed.”

Holly went rigid as she felt his arm come down behind her neck. In the next instant she had grabbed his writs, whipped him around, and was holding him in a vicelike grip by his thumb, rendering him immobile. “Hands. Off. Pretty boy.”

And as she released him against the hard stony ground, she got up and went to sit next to Silver on the other side of the fire. Jack was rubbing his painfully agitated limbs as the fat, greasy cook turned to him and a loud fart escaped. And just as Jack was turning away with disgust, his ears turned red as he saw Holly and Silver in her Dray form, laughing as Holly pointed to him and whispered in Silver’s ear, causing more laughter.

Then Liam got up before the council and called out in a loud and clear voice,

“Alright friends, if I could have your attention.”

The entire crew along with several of the head Albians under Angus were gathered round the fire while Liam cleared his throat before continueing,

“Friends, this is unfortunately where our paths must separate. Cigna, our swan friend, has brought us not only our next riddle but has also brought instructions. Only five will go find the next part of the book. Edric and I will be going to the Gathering at Brannon, accompanying Angus and his men. You, the crew, will go with Dare and prepare to sail when we send word.”

“So whose going?” Asked Ivan as he couldn’t resist interrupting.

Liam smiled as he replied, “Well, Ivan I was about to get to that. You, Holly, Nicholas, Silver, and Jack have all been assigned to go find the book.”

“Yes!” Cried Ivan who had instantly gathered Holly and Nicholas in a hug, yelling, “It’s the old crew again!”

“Erm!” Came Jack’s voice, “What are we, chopped sharkmeat?”

“Don’t even joke about that stuff!” called several crew members and soon the morning was full of laughter as Tal defended his cooking and he and several crew members were soon rolling in the dust. Liam smiled, glad that the parting would take place on such a light note. He realized, as only a few did at that time, that there was a very likely chance that this would be the last time many of them would see each other alive.

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The End

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Puck's Last Song

Puck’s Last Song

The moonlit night shone cool and eerie
The world was bathed in light so dreary,
The words were soft and spoken clearly,
Come hither my child, draw near.

Young Puck of the woods was flying over,
The bonny hills decked with grass and clover,
And heard the words from the woods of Dover,
Come hither my child, draw near.

The boy-sprite smiled with rosy cheeks,
Great mischief spread he, these last few weeks,
Hearing new prey the sprite now seeks,
Come hither my child, draw near.

He flew to the forest so decked in shade,
And beheld a sign of mankind made,
“Be warned all travelers, the whisp’ring glade,
Come hither my child, draw near.”

He thought naught of the warning dire,
And calling forth some blue elven fire,
He followed the voice and the lyre,
Come hither my child, draw near.

Puck followed the voice and the song,
Upon the winding moss trail that went long,
The sweet whisper ever grew strong,
Come hither my child, draw near.

The woodland boy skipped on his way,
And upon his panpipe he began to play,
And being weary found a glade to stay,
Come hither my child, draw near.

And as the music spread in the forest dark,
Creatures came to him: hind, rabbit, and lark,
And lay at his feet his own miniature ark,
Come hither my child, draw near.

And flowers opened in the music’s wake,
Glowing mushrooms ripe for the boy to take,
While the ivy crept closer like a snake,
Come hither my child, draw near.

The boy sat resting neath an old oak,
And made himself merry with his clever joke,
And heard while resting by the tree’s leafy cloak,
Come hither my child, draw near.

The vines of ivy had grown all ‘round Puck,
And began tickling the boy full of pluck,
And his laughter leapt forth like a buck,
Come hither my child, draw near.

Then the grasping hands of the ivy vines,
Took hold round his wrists like strong lines,
And against the tree the ivy Puck binds,
Come hither my child, draw near.

The sprite-boy cried out with great fright
And fought the foliage with all his might,
Wilts the words echoed through the night,
Come hither my child, draw near.

The leafy rope circle round his head,
Silencing him like one of the dead,
And again the whisper filling him with dread,
Come hither my child, draw near.

The vines and leaves grew ever faster,
The old tree groaned, their wicked master,
Reeling in his catch, the green line caster,
Come hither my child, draw near.

Suddenly the tree’s wood veil did part,
And the boy was drawn deeper by its art,
Then it closed when he reached the green heart,
Come hither my child, draw near.

The moonlit night shone cool and eerie
The world was bathed in light so dreary,
The words were soft and spoken clearly,
Come hither my child, draw near.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The Way I See Them

Dimples, freckles, messy heads of curly hair,
Big smiles, big hearts, small fingerprints everywhere
In the mud, in the sun, in your own land of pretend,
Trusting heart, helping hands, why must this springtime end...

The bloom of spring has been buried, deep in their old eyes,
Look, He says sadly, my children pretending to be all grown,
I see them, not as they seem but as they truly are, and were.
Can you, with eyes of love, see the blossom under all life's snow

Tearful eyes, broken hearts, sorrow pouring in dry tears,
Where's mommy, where's daddy, My heart breaks with you my dears,
Hungry souls, thirsty hearts, such an empty cavity
No hand envelops yours, as you walk across the street.

Oh My children, how I have yearned, over and over again,
To gather you all tightly, within My steady arms of love,
As a mother hen, covers her brood neath her soft warm wings,
Then He says to me, can you see, that the way I see them, each and everyone.


So today was a very active day... that would be positive speak for tiring! But as I was on my way home, riding the streetcar, max, and bus, I began to speak to God. And he spoke this to me. Not exactly in those words, but somewhat along those lines. And he asked me if I could look with the same eyes of love and see the people around me as He saw them. That the bag lady with her bulging eyes and stringy gray hair will always be his little fairy princess who played tea party out behind the house. That the dirty drunk, with his yellowed teeth and grizzly beard will always be the little bright eyed boy who wanted to be an astronaut like his uncle when he grew up. God really opened my eyes to how He really sees everyone, as His children. As He was speaking I just took this snapshot of what he was showing me. I'm not even sure myself which parts of this is suppose to be me talking and which are God's voice, but in the end, if we are his bride and the husband and wife are one then it doesn;t really matter anyway. So yeah, just thought I'd share my orientation day revelation.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Heaven's Eyes

So I totally wok eup this moning with this song stuck in my head. And I don't know if it's the devil trying to drive me mad or the Lord trying to tell me something... oh well thought I'd share it eitehr way.

Heaven's Eyes
A single thread in a tapestry
Through its color brightly shine
Can never see its purpose
In the pattern of the grand design

And the stone that sits on the very top
Of the mountain's mighty face
Does it think it's more important
Than the stones that form the base?

So how can you see what your life is worth
Or where your value lies?
You can never see through the eyes of man
You must look at your life

Look at your life through heaven's eyes


A lake of gold in the desert sand
Is less than a cool fresh spring
And to one lost sheep, a shepherd boy
Is greater than the richest king
If a man lose ev'rything he owns
Has he truly lost his worth?
Or is it the beginning
Of a new and brighter birth?

So how do you measure the worth of a man
In wealth or strength or size?
In how much he gained or how much he gave?
The answer will come
The answer will come to him who tries
To look at his life through heaven's eyes

And that's why we share all we have with you
Though there's little to be found
When all you've got is nothing
There's a lot to go around

No life can escape being blown about
By the winds of change and chance
And though you never know all the steps
You must learn to join the dance
You must learn to join the dance


So how do you judge what a man is worth
By what he builds or buys?
You can never see with your eyes on earth
Look through heaven's eyes
Look at your life
Look at your life
Look at your life through heaven's eyes


LOL, so see if you can figure out what it's from. First person gets something special on facebook *winks*.
:)

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Dear Jacob...

Here's two more of the letters...

April 10, 1834

My Dear Emily,

Since you have requested to be informed of the happenings and dealings of William let me relay them to you in full. I wanr you though, it is a truly gruesome tale and I would advise you to instead read only the final paragraph of my letter and spare yourself the innumerable heartaches that will surely arise from it.

William arrived in Stockholm a forthnight before us. He stayed at the Redderic Lodge and from there began to introduce himself into the social circles of the rich and decantant lives of the nobles here in Stockholm. You know that a man of William’s appearance and baring could not be overlooked for long and soon he had all the ladies of the court admiring him and all the men of the court counted him in good company. All of this he did as to gain access to the inner sanctums of the rich, for he could feel the Stone’s presence here in the city.

But alas, not four night before our arrival to assist him in his search, he was strolling out in the gardens of the Duke’s Riviera when he and the two ladies with him were assaulted by Walkers. And these were not your average Walkers either. Each one was as tall as a man and a half and carried with them blades that dripped with blood, and were covered in large black cowls.

Having no other option he defended himself in the only way he knew how. As you can understand this meant the use of that which we have all sworn to forsake until the stone has been located. The Walkers were finally defeated but by that time, the two young women were so fearfull at having witnessed William’s power and the Walkers of the Night that they were screaming of monsters.

Many men came with hounds and torches and began scouring the riverside for ‘the beast’ as they called poor William who had fled into the undergrowth. You recall that it does take some time for us to return to our normal state. Unfortunately William did not have enough time and soon the hounds were upon him. He was so weakened by the Walkers’ attack that he could not defend himself and was torn and bitten many times before he reached a derelict church.

He fled inside, bolted the door, with the hounds still barking and menacing the outside of the small chapel. Within he crept up to the rafters and there he lay upon a support beam of the roof. The men came. The door was broken down. William who had not yet taken his regular form tried in vain to hide within the upper darkness. They spotted him.

They pelted him with stones until he fell down. He was taken, beaten, and imprisoned with wild animals in a small building on the south side of the warfs. Within his cell he did not get any sunlight and felt himself begin to die. So with his own blood from his many wounds he wrote his tale upon the walls of the cell. Of course he wrote in our tongue and the other people could not comprehend its meaning. However he left no clue to where he would go, and we fear if he did escape he may have been too weak and have fallen to Walkers.

I am sorry to have to inform you of our dear cousin’s fate. However there is still a small hope. Also, Mr. White and I both have felt last night the stone’s presence closer than ever before, save the day we all made the vow. Oh if Mr. White still had his power of old and we could go back to that day to stop ourselves from ever proceeding in her confidence. But alas, we must first find the stone. And we will.

Affectionately,
Jacob


April 30, 1834

My Dearest Jacob,

I am sorry for not writing back sooner. I have moved to my new home, in a quite green countryside. There are woods nearby that remind me of our home of old, and it should for I am not four and twenty leagues from where we once lived. Three nights ago I visited our old home. I know you must think me daft for going but I had to. Do not fear. The Walkers have all left, they know we would no dare return. I placed flowers on Mariah, Benjamin, and Yvonne’s graves. I know they would have been pleased.

I am glad to have heard William’s tale. It gives me fresh hope for our kind. But enough of this melancholy. I must relate to you the most strange occurrence, for not the evening of my excursion but the one before, I was visited by none other than Madame Green herself. Yes, you can imagine my surprise. To have her of all people show up at ones doorstep is not an everyday occurrence.

We spoke and she told me that the reason we have been unable to obtain the stone is that it has been separated. This was most troubling news. She also told me that William is still alive and living in Master Cerulean’s secret palace, regenerating until he is able to rejoin us. So let not your hearts fret. But strangest of all she, who has not lost even a fraction of her power to the stone, had forseen that I shall soon be with child, but that she could not perceive the child’s future or purpose. This is strange in deed, for she has always perceive both human and our kind’s destinies before they are born. I shall reflect on this longer before I write again.

Until that time.

Sincearly,
Emily


So yeah, thats all O have transposed until now... I haven;t had time to do the rest. I might later but since I'm notgetting any feedback on this I might just not post them at all...:(

Saturday, September 20, 2008

My Dear Emily...

Yesterday I found a pile of old papers from way way back (when I was 12). In this small decimated forest I found what could be called my first book ever written. It was a story made up of a series of letters written between a few people. I thought I might as well post the letters since it shows my evolution as a writer. Plus now I can finish the story (I was 3/4 of the way done when I stopped). let me know what you think.

March 21, 1834

My Dear Emily,

Today we arrived in the city of Stockhom. The town is bursting at the seems and busy and I'v been so bustled and bruised in the streets that Mr. White and I have decided to only travel by carraige from here on. The towering cathedrals and palaces of the royal district have proven fruitless in our search. We will look to the mercantile district instead.

I regret to inform you that our companion has still not been found. I fear that he may be lost to us for good. While it pains me to inform you of this situation I will at least spare you of the horrible details by which they attempted to eradicate him when they discovered his secret, the secret we all share.

But enough of these dreary thoughts. This is the price we must pay for the choice we made and we must simply endure it for now. Mr. White seems extremely confident that we shall locate the item before the end of the lunar cycle. If his predictions prove true it will be helpful indeed.

Well, I must depart. We go to speak to a Jewess that lives on Kaaskrakker St. and who seems to have recognized the drawing of the item that Thomas showed her. I will write to you as soon as I can. Until we depart you can reach me at the Hotel de Stockholm, Suite 63.

Dearly,
Jacob

____________________________________

March 30, 1834

My Dearest Jacob,

You cannot begin to imagine how my heart beat when I received your letter. For many moonless nights I have watched the stars for a sign of your return but none has come to me. It saddened me indeed to hear of the news concerning William. But I am a resolute woman, you known this is true, and I wish to know how William was treated. I must so that I may in those final moments, share with him in his pain.

Now, concerning the item, that deplorible stone that we are all seeking so desperately, I have news of a somewhat troubling nature. Recently the Walkers of the Night have begun drawing closer to the house. I believe that my location may have been comprimised. It is sad for I have come to love my home here in Virginia. But as Charity has taught me, just as summer goes into fall, winter into spring, so also each season of our lives must end for a new one to begin.

Dearest Jacob, be careful, for my sake and the sake of the family. I do not think I can bear loosing another brother. Tell Mr. White that I wish him the best of luck and Godspeed on his quest and that I dearly do hope that we shall all dine together neath the midsummer moon soon. Until that time.

Affectionately,
Emily


So thats the first letters. It is meant to grab your attention and hopefully spark your curiosity. Let me know what you think. And if you guys are intrested in the story I can post more of the letters later on.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Do you ever...

Do you ever get that feeling like you just want to scream?

Do you ever get that feeling like you can do anything yet nothing you can think of sounds good enough?

Do you ever get that feeling like you should do something, write something, but all you see is the blinking cursur line telling you the obviously blank page is still obviously blank?

Do you ever get the feeling like you want to describe your emotions but there aren't words for them?

Thats what I feel like right now. I just came back from the Worship, Prayer, Presence night. It was great. It was unbelievible! It was like being back in a Pentacostal Church. It was like coming home. Thats the best way I can express my turbulently serene emotions at this time. I'm very glad I was forced to go. It was a good night. Meybe tomorow I'll write some more about it. Or I could just post Chapter 19...

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Chapter 18

Well even though a certain promise from a certain someone was not fullfilled I though it unfair to punish the whole world. Instead, I'm just going to kill her character in the next chapter. :)

So some reasons this chapter took so long:
1) The accents, they were fun but I had to reread them five or six times to make sure they were right.
2) I finished the chapter but it was all written in my notebooks and so I had to copy it all verbatim which took a while.
3) I've been busy filling out paperwork for school and for my immigration status so I won't get deported. :)


Chapter 18

The blue ocean was calm and playful. It lapped melodically against the side of the wooden boat that was traversing the depths of the Rish Bay for the third time. After a long night spent anchored at the mouth of the bay, the ship had set sail and was going steadily up the bay. Dale was at the helm, feeling the grain of the ship’s wood against his bare hands. It was an amazing feeling being in control of the large vessel, piloting it around obstacles.

“Good morning me hearty!” Came Tal’s voice, disrupting any feelings of grandeur Dale may have been entertaining, “How are we this morning crabby legs?”

“Crabby legs?” Asked Dale.

“Yea! I’m trying to make up nautical nicknames for everyone!” Tal grinned from ear to ear.

“And crabby legs was the best you could come up with?”

“Hey! Be grateful I didn’t call you barnacle bottom!” Dale rolled his eyes at Tal’s remark, but that didn’t stop him, “You know, you’re no fun anymore!”

“Well, maybe that’s because I actually have a job to do. I have to be responsible for everyone on board.”

“Yeah, yeah. But you don’t have to grow up so quickly. We’re the youngest here, we deserve to be a little childish.”

“Shh!” Dale shushed him, “Do want everyone to find out how we snuck into the school even though we’re not old enough? Do you want them to send us back to the orphanage?”

“There you go again. Worrying. It’ll be fine! Here’s your breakfast by the way!” Tal said as he scooped a bowl full of greenish jiggling goop into a bowl and handed it to Dale. “There you go crab legs, enjoy.”

Tal left the scowling Dare at the helm and made his way down to the deck. There he found Coniglio busy tying some line around one of the small cannons they had gotten from Liam.

“Morning Lio, you…lobster…um…lungs!” Tal said, stuttering as he was looking for the right word.

A string of babble came out of Lio’s mouth. “Lobster Lungs? Why would you call me lobster lungs. Is it because I talk too much? Or because I look like a lobster lung? Wait. Do lobsters have lungs?”

Tal seemed to have to think for a few seconds before he could answer, “I don’t. Um, here’s your breakfast.” And he scooped another bowl of the green goop that reeked of squid and anchovy.

“Oh…you…made…breakfast…” Lio gulped nervously.

“Oh yea, and I know that with your energy you need extra helpings so here you go. Another scoop.” And with that Tal was off, dragging the small black cauldron behind him, green goop splashing out and burning through the deck timbers.

He went and gave some to Silver, who nearly passed our from the fumes, and Oronus who sprinkled some herbs on top, took a sip, and then dumped an entire bag full of herbs in it. Next Tal cornered Wick below deck in the engine room. Wick actually gladly accepted a bowl and thanked Tal. Tal was pleased with himself until, on his way out, he spotted something.

“Hey! Is that some of my sea urchin casserole from yesterday all over the gears?”

“Oh, no! Um, ya see. That there’s high grade… sea urchin… gear lubrication… it looks very similar.” Wick said nervously.

“Oh, okay.” Tal smiled before heading in search of his next victim.

In the main cabin, Ivan and Edric were talking while standing over several charts that Ivan had spread out over the desk, matching some so their edges lined up and created coherent pictures. He motion to boundaries and areas of bare table as he spoke.

“So you see, I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find a complete map of all the lands we have visited and how they line up. We have this one here of the Wreath Confederacy, and that one there of Insular, but then there’s this big gap here where Alexandria should be, and then over here, there isn’t even any forest on the map!”

“You’re right.” Edric said smiling at his friend’s antics.

“So, I have decided that I will make one! A universal map to all the lands we visit. In fact, I’ll go and start right now.”

“Great. And when we get back to my Aunt Eilinor, we can use the Castle Archives to make sure you have all of the Insular charts right.”

Just then the door burst open and in walked Tal. “Good morning to you sirs! Captain Turtleface and Weatherer Whalebelly!”

Ivan and Edric both spoke at once.

“Turtleface?”

“Whalebelly?”

Then Edric noticed the cauldron and the small bowls and spoons. He smiled and shook his head a little as he spoke, “Oh, I fancy it must be breakfast already.”

“Aye captain!” Tal responded enthusiastically, “And it’s Seaweed Surprise with curdled Seahorse milk!”

“Oh, that sounds…very fancy.” Said Edric who took a bowl and a small taste, “Mmm. It’s kind of stringy with a crunchiness scattered within.”

Ivan had to force himself not to grimace as he said, “Well, I’m actually not hungry. Besides, I have to shake off my…um… whalebelly.”

“Alrighty, but you’re missing out!” Tal called as he left.

As Tal stepped out, he passed Dare, the dark, muscled figure with the imposing scar. He was about to offer some to him when he heard the low, guttural growl coming from Dare, and decided that maybe he wasn’t interested. A few seconds later Jack was heard retching while he leaned over the side of the deck. One by one, bowls of Seaweed Surprise were delicately and secretively emptied over the side of the deck, and soon a trail of dead fish could be seen behind the boat as they rose belly up in the water.

High above the hullabaloo, Liam sat in the crow’s nest. His sat with his back against the mast, his knees up with his arms crossed against them and his forehead resting against his arms. He sighed and spoke without looking up.

“So Skree, my good friend, what do your eyes see as you fly over the world?”

The bird who had landed without a sound seemed surprised that Liam had know it was there. It could tell that something was bothering it’s master and so it laid its soft feathery head against Liam’s. Liam looked up and the falcon did too. He smiled at his bird and gently placed his hand on the feathered head.

“I’m alright. I just have a very difficult problem to solve.” The bird nodded and he continued, “I always thought that once I got the key everything else would be easy. But it’s not. The book was divided. The part we have…it’s basically useless. It doesn’t even mention the Sacred Treasure.”

The falcon kept nodding and Liam smiled as he spoke in bird, “Your understanding of human tongues improves daily.”

The bird answered, “My master, let not the book and what is to come trouble you. The present has enough troubles to bear. Hark, I have gone to and fro as you commanded and have seen a great evil. Master, daily more dreams go out and farther the Void spreads.”

“Then we have not a moment to waste.” Said Liam firmly.

><><><><><><><><><

It was afternoon when they were back at the castle. They sat along the large table in the main hall which was looking much better. It seems that having the youth in her home had invigorated the aged queen as well. The group however did not have time to notice the change as they sat in the council of war.

“My friends. Yesterday, with some supernatural help, we retrieved the Book of Treasure Lore.”

Everyone except Edric and Wick threw their hats in the air and gave a loud cheer.

“However, it was only a part of the book. And unfortunately its contents are not very helpful. At least not yet.”

Here he motioned to High Master Oronus who held the piece of the book and read:

“The Book of Treasure Lore
This is the compilation of the wisdom and traditions of the great sages and seers of the encircling forest, and was compiled and put down by, the descendant of the first seer, one Mercius the Lorekeeper.


In the old days, long before the kingdoms of man, and elves, there was the age of the sorcerers and the dragons. In this time, great light and great darkness was in turmoil across the earth and the sorcerers, keepers of nature, desired to destroy all evil from the earth. They therefore chose three guardians to find darkness where ever it may be, and to eradicate the dragons, the progenitors of shadow.

Three were chosen to bare the burden, and a heavy burden it was, for the sorcerers delved deep, harnessing ancient powers that they were never intended to discover or use, and created the three cursed treasures. These were to aid the three guardians in their quest to destroy the deamons.

The first treasure was a dagger, created from all the seven known elements combined, and the five unknown added as well. The dagger took the form of a long, pointed, glass dirk, the blade as long as a man’s forearm. The handle was made from the bronze found at the core of the earth, and glowed with its warmth. It was said that if anyone unworthy of the dagger where to lay hold of it, they would scorch their hand. It could, with a single swipe, summon hurricanes, blizzards, earthquakes, and raise the very fire from the depths of the earth. The dagger was so mighty that it could destroy an entire army without even using any of its elemental affinities, and so was named the Dagger of Destruction.

The second treasure was a cloak, which was woven from the very fabrics of the Void itself. It was dark like the emptiness of the dreamscape, and time and space itself were wrinkled within its dark folds. It could take the wearer anywhere in an instant, and could let them relive the past, as well as see some of the routes a decision could take in the future. When traveling a man would be seemingly consumed by fire, ice, and leaves as nature itself abhors the presence of the void. If anyone unworthy of its awesome power were to place it upon their shoulders, they would be consumed by the Void, and would suffer eternal darkness and dreamlessness. Only one who had a strong mind, will, and spirit could stand against the power of the Void. It was mightier than the dagger, for its power was older and fiercer, and it was named the Cloak of Emptiness.

The third and final treasure made by the sorcerers was a mask, plain and simple. It was carved from ordinary wood, some say of the chronodendron tree. It had no carvings, no painting, no ornamentation for its beauty. It was plain, the size of a man’s face, with a hollow area for the nose. It had two eye slits, deep set, which casts the wearer’s eyes in darkness, and a similar mouth, carved to show neither joy, nor sorrow, nor fierceness, nor fear, simply being. This was the most powerful treasure, endued with the forbidden knowledge, the ancient magic that the sorcerers had been blinded to, yet that they sought out and found. If anyone except the chosen guardian or his descendant placed it on their face, they would die instantly, in body, spirit, and soul. This was the Mask of Immortality.”

“So there you go.” Said Liam as he faced the group.

“So…. Wait.” Said Lio scratching his head, “Which of the three treasures are we looking for?”

“None.” Said Silver, a tabby cat once again as she strode across the table, her long tail flicking as she spoke, “These are the three cursed treasures. They are not what we seek. No, we seek the Sacred Treasure.”

Just then Queen Eilinor walked in and motioned to Edric and Liam. The two got up and she held a whispered conference with her. After a few seconds they came to the table and she sat down at the end as she spoke.

“Good guests of my home. I welcome you all with open arms, and offer you all the greatest hospitality that I can. However, I must ask a great request of you. This evening I received word that a large force from Albia has crossed our northern border at the Serpentine Wall. My scouts say that they are headed for the Northern Bridge to Tara.”

Here Liam stood and spoke, “We must go out and ask them to leave, and if they won’t… to make them leave.”

There were nods of consent all around the table and fresh horses were immediately called for. Weapons were sharpened and the group was soon ready to set off. They rode all night long, stopping only for short breaks. It wasn’t until a few hours before dawn that they finally stopped to sleep. Holly, Liam, and Silver didn’t. They knew they would be more refreshed and better focused if they stayed awake.

The next morning the group set off. The crew, Ivan, Nicholas, and Oronus all were even more weary then when they first set out, but the three from the previous evening set the pace and weren’t slowing down. It was still before noon when they reached the Albians.

The force was larger than expected. There were enough men to outfit a small army, all wearing shining breastplates and wool kilts. They all carried large long bows and quivers full of sharp arrows and had small barrettes pulled over their left eyes. And on each shoulder was perched a fiercesome bird of war.

“Who is your leader?” Called Liam as he rode forward.

“Ah ahm laddy. An ya best ba fear’en Wield Angus McBrahndypants!”

><><><><><><><><><

The large horde of Albians sat encamped on the green hill that sloped down to a white chalk road that wound like a snake through the greens. Up at the top of the hill stood an old gnarled oak, with hardly a leaf left on it’s bare branches. Beneath its skeletal canopy was a large mossy boulder and five wicker chairs had been set up in front of it. Liam, Edric, Nicholas, Ivan, and Holly sat on the wicker chairs in front of Angus McBrandypants on the boulder, a pipe peaking out between his thick short red beard.

“So, ya wee lads an lasses were sent by tha Queen o’ Gwaylen. Whiel now, she must ba mighty desperate if yur all she’s got ta rely on.”

“Either way sir.” Spoke Liam with his cold blue eyes, “if you are planning an invasion we advise you turn back. We may be few and young but we will all fight like a hundred men each.”

Angus gave a long, hearty laugh that shook his entire frame before speaking, “Ah laddy! Thos ar awefully bieg words for one sah young. But Ah leik yer spirit! By mha gret auntie’s wiskers ifen Ah had twenty men wit yur confidence Ah could be king o’ tha whole Insul’r nouw. Dun’t be afearen. Ah aint plannen on invaden, ye ken. In fahct, yew could say Ah’m dune da opposite.”

“I don’t follow.” Said Liam, motioning for him to continue.

“Wiel nouw. It must ha ben tow nights bahk. Whe hada greand auld war co’ncil in Ahlb’a an decided ta attend the gather’n at Brannon, ta try far a peaceful accord with thos Dray. Everyone an’ there auntie seemed to like the idea except for tha Wren Clan. I decided ta keep an eye on ‘em. Good thing tow, cuase they crossed yur border last night an are headed far Tara.”

“Which route are they taking? The northern highroad or the southern goatpath?” Asked Ivan, pulling some charts and maps from his pocket and beginning to examine roads and paths.

“Are ya daft boy? Ah sed wer after tha Wren. They rarely ever trav’l ba foot. They’ll ba flying. Do ya ken.”

“Are you tracking them?” Asked Liam as he gave a blow on his silent whistle.

“Oh aye. They’re encamped at tha foet o’ tha southern hiells, just pahst tha Serpentine Wall, o’er to tha eastern sied.” Angus said, giving his pipe a few thoughtful puffs.

“But why did they cross into Gwaylen.” Said Holly as she squinted at Ivan’s map. “It would have been much easier to meet the Dray by simply heading northeast across the Tara-Albian border. Going Southeast means they’ll have to come all the way around…”

“…and end up coming up directly behind them. They aren’t starting a war. They’re starting a fire.” Nicholas said as he connected the dots.

“Like they did in southern Tara.” Whispered Edric looking down.

“Thaht’s what we figured too. ‘An thahts why we haf ta stop them. If they set fire to tha forest in tha north there’s no dought weil be face’n a whar.”

“So we must stop them crossing into Tara. We must defend the bridge.” Liam spoke standing up as Skree landed on his shoulder.

><><><><><><><><><

The afternoon sun was past it’s zenith and was slowly starting the journey to the western edge of the world. Across the western shores of Insular, further west than Glassiere, in a strange and hostile land there was a figure in a long white cloak whose face was hidden by the low brim of the cloak’s hood.

A white swan fluttered out of the east, newly arrived from Insular after delivering the message from her mistress. She descended in slow circles and alighted on a small pool next to her mistress. She bowed her head as she spoke in bird tongue.

“Mistress Cikara. I have done as you commanded.”

“Were the owls a problem?”

“No, it is as you foresaw, they protected me from the owls.”

“That is good.”

“Mistress, why did you not simply tell them where the other parts are?”

“I have faced the same riddles they face, and have seen two of the parts of the Book. But I cannot solve the final part. It is the most important mystery and is doubly guarded. The last part requires a ship to find it and a miracle to understand it… But maybe this one Larson spoke of, maybe he is the miracle I need. He might be the next seer, the next sage, or maybe something even greater. That is why I am seeking their aid. I have sent you, dear Cigna, to carry my messages so that it will help them recognize me as a friend. But I cannot tell them directly. They must go on this journey, the same one we went on, and they must learn the lesson that we had to learn. They must learn to have mercy or their group will be torn apart when the betrayal comes.”

“What betrayal mistress?” asked the white swan as it floated on the water.

“Soon you will see. For now, I have a second message for you to deliver to them.”

><><><><><><><><><

“We’ve spotted the Wren encampment!” called a scout as he returned.

Every weapon was at the ready. All the Albians had their hawks, ospreys, and kites on their shoulders, wings outstretched and ready to take off at a moment’s notice. The birds all had their beaks and talons sharpened by the master and were ready for battle.

Ivan had summoned Zephyr and was already floating above the ground. Holly had loaned two dirks from the Albains and was mounted on top of Silver, who had taken her griffon form again. Nicholas and the crew had not come with them, none really being able warriors.

As the small army marched forward they crested the green hill and from the top they saw the Wren for the first time. Ivan had never seen anything so strange. It seemed like there was an encampment of scarecrows sitting around small fires all at the bottom of the hill. Their clothes were shades of faded blue, violet, and grey with large brown patches on them. They all wore large felt hats with long brims and grey-violet gloves with no fingers. Everything about them seemed tattered and torn.

Angus, Liam, and Oronus walked out to meet the leader. He looked no different from his men except that his cheeks seemed more sunken, his blue-grey eyes had dark rings of sleeplessness below them, and his blue-grey hair seemed oily and stringy.

“Angus McBarndypants, Ah should da known thaht yewd try an stohp us!”

“Duncan O’Day! Yew’v gotta stohp! This won’t solve enething!”

“On tha contr’ry! Ah, aint aimen ta solve ene thing! Ah intend ta start sohmething! A war!”

And as he called out he raised his hands and all his men did as he did. Their long grey cloaks billowed out and burst into wings in an explosion of blue-grey feathers. Then with a flapping they all took off, each with a burning torch in hand.

“Stop them! They must not set fire to the forest on the other side of the bridge!” Called Liam.

“Ya herd tha lad! Let ‘em fly!” Called Angus in full battle fury.

And the small army of birds took to the skies. They came around and for a brief second everything was silent. Then the crash of bodies, the calls of birds and men alike, and the sound of blade upon beak echoed through the morning. The Wren, though outnumbered, were doing great damages with their short swords.

“Archers! Let’s give em somthan ta chew on!” Called Angus as he raised his own longbow with his men. “Let loose!”

A volley of arrows flew into the swarming melee, felling a few Wren instantly and wounding dozens more. Silver and Holly had risen up and were doing their own share of damage. After about fifteen minutes of fighting it seemed like the tide was turning in their favor and that the battle would be won fairly quickly.

Then a loud screeching was heard. From the Southeast twelve large black Stryx, with smoking wings, were flying towards them. Ivan and Zephyr kept bumping into Angus’ birds and he spat out the fifth mouthful of feathers he had received that day. He flew a little ways off from the battle and didn’t see the Stryx before it was too late.

Holly saw Ivan dropping out of the sky. She quickly motioned and Silver swooped in to catch him. He was dropped next to Oronus who applied a hasty poultice to revive the boy. Meanwhile Silver and Holly flew back up to join the battle, both roaring their war cries as they fought the Wren.

The Stryx were aiding the Wren, but just when it looked like it was lost, the trees on the other side of the Bay began to move. They stood up, dirt falling from their roots and began running across the bridge. They changed as they ran, becoming more human. Their skin was dark and rough like bark, their hair green and prickly like pine needles, and their eyes were dark tree knots. These were the male Dray and they were being led by Nicholas and the crew.

“Nohw! They’re coming to uhs. Let’s finish what we staerted. Let tha forrest burrn!” Called Duncan as he led the charge towards the Dray that were standing on the stone bridge.

The Dray began reaching deep into the masonry and pulling massive boulders from the bridge and throwing them at the Wren, felling many. Meanwhile, Silver had grabbed a Stryx in each talon and was throwing them against the incoming missiles from the Dray. Holly jumped off of Silver’s back and onto a Stryx, cutting it’s throat and leaping onto the next one.

The Wren had reached the trees and began circling the small forest that had accumulated in the middle of the stone bridge. As they circled they began setting them on fire, screams of anguish and pain coming from the Dray as their flammable skin began to blaze. Several shot out their long, thin, branchy arms and plucked Wren out of the sky, shaking them until their bones were all broken and throwing them into the Bay.

The war birds were circling in the opposite direction of the Wren and the two groups were continually jousting each other in the air, the blood of Wren and birds dripping onto the burning trees below. The Dray were animalistic and acting on instincts. They were killing friend and foe alike as they bellowed and roared in pain.

“Pull bahk!” cried Angus above the battle din.

“But we have to help them!” called Edric as he fired another arrow.

“Dohna question me lad! It’s all part o’ their plahn! Just fall bahk! Nohw!”

The birds and the archers all pulled back onto land while they watched the Wren and the Dray continue fighting. Silver and Holly brought the last Stryx down then landed next to the group. Holly wiped black blood from her cheek, while Silver cleaned her talons on the grass. They all just stood there watching the Dray and the Wren as they fought for almost an hour more. The Wren were now setting themselves on fire and falling into the middle of the Dray, causing havoc. The flames were also beginning to spread along the roots of the burning and dead Dray back to the forest on Tara.

Then it happened. The last Wren fell into the burning forest on the bridge. The forest seemed to roar one last time. Then there was the loud crack. The weakened bridge made a few more cracking sounds and then Dray and Wren alike fell into the Bay as the entire bridge collapsed. The Battle of the Northern Bridge was over, but as Nicholas viewed the floating bodies of Dray, Wren, birds, and men he couldn’t help but wonder who had won.

><><><><><><><><><

The army of MacBrandypants had encamped in the old ruins of the Serpentine Wall. The Wall, in its older glory days had run from the Eastern Shores to the Rish Bay, with many forts and towers along the way, guarding the Albian border. Now there were only bits and pieces left to mark what had once been the greatest monument to Albian engineering.

They were camped in an old citadel that was still relatively intact and stable. A large bonfire was made and fiddles, pipes, and drums were brought out as the soldiers laughed and played around the campfire. The Albian cooks did not disappoint, and with the meager rations they had and a few boars the soldiers had killed there was soon a feast laid out fit for a king.

“So ends tha clan o’ the Wren.” Called Angus with his horn raised, “Another branch o’ Ahlb’a shorn off. They mey hahv been our ahdversaries toeday. Bhut they were ahll, everi one o’ them, a tru warrior. To ar worthy ahdversaries!”

There was a resounding “aye!” and then the feasting began. After a few songs were played and jigs dance, Angus, with a strange smile on his face, called for order and he motioned to his two assistance that followed him everywhere. They both walked forward then burst out of their long black capes to reveal themselves as two jesters.

The first was a young woman or older girl, dressed as a horse of some kind. Half of her outfit and face was painted white, the other half was painted black. She smiled and skipped into the middle of the stage, then looked around with a smile and a wink. “Me name is Shisu!”

The second was a young man, dressed as a lizard of some kind, maybe a dragon. He cart wheeled forward, and then backward, and then forward again and yelled at the top of his lungs, “And I’m Windu-Washa! You can call me Winn! I love sugar! And caramels! And sugar!”

Then they began their new routine for the lads. Shisu pulled a jug of water from out of nowhere. Then Winn threw his cape over the jug and sat underneath it too. Shisu tapped the top a few times and then pulled the cape from Winn and the jug. It was empty. As Winn made more cartwheels Shisu held up the jug calling,

“And nows, so yous can see dat it reel magik.” She titled the jug and gave it flick of her wrist. But instead of being empty, a large amount of water flew out and splashed all over Winn, who looked up shocked and dripping.

“Hey, what yous do that for!?!” He asked cross.

“You beeg fathead! Yous were suppose to drink water while under cloak.” Then realizing what she had said, Shisu’s hands flew up and covered her mouth, “Oops! Okay, you wait here and I go get more water.”

While she left, Winn pulled out a bean bag. He tossed it from hand to hand and then foot to hand and then foot to foot. He added a second and then a third bag and soon he was juggling seven, some spinning in front, others behind, and one even over his head and between his legs, all at the same time. Then Shisu came running up with her jug of water, tripped on her costume and soaked Winn again.

The night went on with laughter and joy. Shisu sang a funny ballad about her sister marrying a crab, and Winn did a funny dance involving squatting, kicking, and hoping at the same time. The group laughed until their sides were sore. Angus’ jesters kept them entertained for hours and the long day ended with a good laugh and sweet slumber. Except for one person whose slumber was interrupted by a dream.


End Chapter


Okay so this one was actually about a page and a half shorter than usual but I had reached a good stopping point so I stopped. Let me know if the whole battle on the bridge thing was too rushed, or if the accents were too hard to understand. Also if Angus and his men weren't developed enough. Oh and what did you think of the jesters? They came in at like 12:34 in the morning so I can't vouch for their sanity. :P

Sunday, September 14, 2008

What I Love...

Okay, so I felt really convicted after that last post because one of the major things God has been speaking to me lately has been loving and being positive. So here goes, I'll try and be... positive. :/

1)Early mornings... hahaha, that was a joke. No, seriously, though I love God because of all the obvious reasons like him giving me breathe, intelligence, love, and all, but I really love him for making every day a new day, so in a way, I do love early mornings. Besides, the best coffee is always the cup you drink when you most need it, e.g. early mornings.

2)Little finger prints. I found them all over my toys when I was four, all over my homework when I was ten, and now all over my room. I love kids, their innocence, their joy, their love, their trust. Being around them reminds me that, God sees all of us like them, and when I see everyone as little kids with smiles and dreams and finger paint finger prints, I find I can love people a lot easier. Little finger prints are my way of loving people.

3)Ice cold water on a hot sunny day. Sweet Ambrosia of Life. Nough said.

4)Symphony of Reading. The sound of a crackling fire as I sit next to it curled up beneath a throw with one of my favorite books (I AM THAT IS)as the rain beats gently against the glass window pain in accompaniment while a tea kettle calls in response. Bravisimo.

5)Mind Games. What Can I Say? It must be the devil in me but I LOVE messing with people, especially the ones that react well like a certain opposite of the Post Meridean. :)

6)All my friends. Just the other night I was lying in bed when for no reason what so ever I began going through everyone I knew and telling myself why I loved them. For some it was funny reasons and personality quirks(you know), for others it was very personal and saddening (my messy haired friend). And for a few my only reason I could find was "because God says I have to" but they were far and infrequent... But its true, I do love all my friends, and thats not something everyone can say. I must just be lucky enough to have great ones... :)

Thats enough positivety for now. Oh, and BTW this is probably my most inside jokey post ever. I counted 17 refrences or inside jokes in this post that were intentional. Here's a test to see hwo well you know me... How many did you get?

What I hate...

01) Cars (you have to pay insurance even if you don't ever drive them)
02) Wars ( No matter what you say no one ever wins! Especially the civilians that ALWAYS get involved and have no choice about being in it!)
03) Cubism (sure it's art...)
04) Cars (they're noisy, smelly, and no matter what anyone says... ugly!)
05) Money ( yeah it sounds dumb, but the whole concept of money is dumb, so there!)
06) Lengthy Paperwork (like applying for SSN, school, or aforementioned insurance)
07) Country Music (If they could only sing about something other than their pickup truck, shotgun, and dead dog!)
08) Cars (Not worth all the trouble they cause e.g. deaths, carbon monoxide, carcinogenic waste products, having to get insurance, having to pay for gas, etc.)
09) Politicians ( Read: liars)
10) Satan ( not as bad as politicians but pretty darn close.)

So, that's the top ten things I actually dispise with all my soul. And yes, they are in decedning order, with most dispised thing at top and going down. But then again, that's just my opinion. :)

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Poetic Punctuation...

I don't believe, in punctuating, poetry.
A poem, has, a natural flow.
If you, punctuate or; if, you don't.
It's all about syllables, don't you know.

A Poem. Is About. Syllables.
And of course. strESSES. Too.
focusing on Capitalization, or syntax,
And Punctaution may very well ruin you.

A good poem. iT can be wirtten without,
gud speling, syntax, even grammer
punc,tuation, caPitals, or logisism
needn't be hammered.

A marvelouse poem moves like a stream
Divine inspiration breathing near
And in order to read such glorious poetry
In your heart all you need is an ear


.........................................

try reading that out loud!

Friday, September 12, 2008

1-1-0-5-1-5

It will begin.

So this is the weirdest dream I've ever had. I dreamt I was at Powells and picked up a book that was titled "1-1-0-5-1-5: It will begin." As I read it I was inside it nararating the story. And the story was the chilling part...

It began as any other day for twelve people on six continents. And a day of dread for one. On November 5th, 2015, nearly 1 billion people across the globe don’t show up for work. Most of the world’s top security departments and government agencies have been compromised, troops sent to obscure locations to fight each other. All of the public and private secondary schools and colleges are empty, all except for one high schooler, who refuses to talk.

Nations are blaming each other, and a terrorism ring known as Red Ironforge is thought to be behind the mass drugging of the billion people that didn’t show up for work, and the kidnapping and possible murder of the students.

As several individuals move closer to finding the answer concerning Red Ironforge, an even more sinister scenario becomes visible. Red Ironforge was merely a cover to hide the secret meetings and messages that had been relayed across the World of Warcraft games as well as MySpace and Facebook. The message was simple but clear, on 09-05-15, the revolution would begin.

The five years before, a new drug had been introduced in the schools across the globe, called Clarifix. It s acted as a neuro-stimulant, used to help students stay awake and focused. The neuro-stimulant caused grades to rise and some of the best and brightest students ever seen rose through the school systems. But it also came with a cost.

Smarter students begin to ask questions that had never been asked before. They begin to question the status quo, and realize that their parents are either apathetic, complacent, or dependant when it comes to the governments of their countries, allowing the governments free and unchecked reign. They decide that it’s been long enough. They decide to incite a revolution.

Across the spectrum, poor, middle, and upper class students all begin to plan. They are led by a coalition of leaders, the sons and daughters of kings, presidents, and ambassadors, who attend the Leaders of Tomorrow Academy in Switzerland. The plans begin to circulate through the use of World of Warcraft, MySpace, and Facebook. After several years of planning the day comes. But there is one problem.

His name is Phillepe Sanchez, and he refuses to participate. He is one of the few students that were at a level of competency high enough that he did not have the Clarifix administered. His father was one of the few in the scientific community that disagreed with the mainstream findings that Clarifix was beneficial. His research led him to isolate a protein compound in the neuro stimulant that acted as an inhibitor blocker and testosterone enhancer, leading cause for the sudden rebelliousness of the students.

Phillip’s girlfriend, Sophie, who he met over MySpace, is part of the revolution. If he gives up any information, either the revolutionist will kill her, or the governments will when they find her. So he is intent on remaining silent.

Only one adult knows what’s going on. His name is Professor Vito Allegro. He is a professor at Cambridge in England, and occasional guest speaker at LOTA. There he is the one that first inspires the students to form the coalition, and opens their eyes to their potential and power. He is also the brother of the owner of Claricorps the manufacturer of Clarifix, and once the revolution begins, he is able to reroute a substantial amount to the revolutionist until they are able to begin importing from the drug cartels in South America.

Sophie is caught up in the ideas of the revolution. After beginning Clarifix treatments three years back, Sophie has begun to realize that she has no future if things stay the same. She also feels the pressure to go with the flow, since everyone else is part, if she isn’t she’ll be picked off. Her boyfriend Phillepe has refused to take part, but promised that he would give nothing away as long as the revolutionist kept her safe. At the same time she is also attracted and scared of the revolutionist leader of her region, Guy de Lemar, who is making advances towards her.

Guy de Lemar is a student who had ADHD. He was given a double treatment of Clarifix along with a new drug for ADHD which resulted in him becoming very aggressive and rebellious. He is smart and unlike many people he realizes the potential of power found in the student population. He is also the one who first contacts the drug cartel that begins manufacturing “whites”, the new, stronger Clarifix supplement. In the end, when the revolution is stopped, he is executed as the leader, sacrificing himself as a scapegoat so the coalition will remain safe.

The closing lines of the book were as follows:

“This revolution of yours is over. You lost! Now tell us who were the real leaders!” yelled the Interpol Interogator.

The Detective felt unnerved by the young prisoner’s unblinking stare. He knew something. Something that even now kept him ardent and firm and that something was what scared the Detective. Then Guy began to laugh.

“You honestly believe you have stopped us? Ha! How do you know you have even done anything? How do you know that this, all of this, you, me, Phillepe and Sophie, that it wasn’t all just part of a plan? You think you have stopped the revolution? No… the real revolution is coming. They know now that they have power. And the signal has already been given. Did you honestly think 1-1-0-5-1-5 was just a date?”

Did you get goosebumps, because I did! so that was the shortened form. The actual story from my dream followed an Interpol detective (the one at the end) and an American CIA agent as they try to figure out what happened and where the kids are while they are dragging Phillepe along. The parents of the kids throughout teh diffrent nations, being pushed into a crazed grief based anger, storm government centers and begin exicuting governmnet officials. It was scary!

Oh! So to clarify if you didn't already get it...

-teh troops are sent to obscure locations (antarctica) so they won't be able to intervene.

-the smartened studenst are teh ones who hack and comprimise the security systems.Think kids who are already geniuses now on smart juice!

So that was my story dream. Pretty bizaar. The scary thing is that if anyone ever did get all the kids in the world to organize there really isn't anything any government agency could ever do against them. I mean you can't lock up or exicute veery kid in the nation. There goes your work force. Maybe I shouldn't eat artichoke before bed...

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Come Away With Me

Come Away With Me

Come away with me,
Across the clear blue sea.
Where pain is but a memory,
Come away with me.

Come away with me,
O’er plains of gold’n barley
Neath green mistletoe and holly,
Come away with me.

Come away with me,
Quick as you can be,
Let’s leave instantaneously,
Come away with me.

Run away with me,
To our secret cherry tree,
We’ll relish just being free,
Run away with me.

Won’t you stay with me,
I’ll miss you vehemently,
Here’s my heart and it’s key,
Please, won’t you stay with me.

Come away with me,
Run away with me,
Oh, won’t you stay with me,
And come away with me.

I'll wait for you,
No matter what you do,
Or what we may go through,
Forever, I'll stay with you.

Healer

Things to Learn from the song "Healer"

+That a song should never be about who wrote it. Instead a song should be assessed on the truth of the words, the relevance of the music to the purpose of the song, and annointing of the spirit on it. This is one of the big issues that revolve around this song. For too many people the song was just about the person who wrote it, and when his confession came out suddenly the song was now irrelevant and sacriligious.

+What happens when a good person does bad things. This song is powerful because it acts as a perpetual reminder of the cost of unrepentant and secret sin, especially when it's found in a person of influence.

+That it is never my place to judge, and always my place to love and forgive.

+That God can take what the enemy intends for evil and use it for good. Look at the bad situation with this song. It seems that the song could only carry bad memories and shame with it, but really there are many good things we can learn from it and be reminded of when we listen to it.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Chapter 17

Okay! So here's the next chapter. Sorry it took so long but I had a hard time figuring out what was coming out of the mists at the begining. And several otehr complicated things. Well, you get the idea. :)

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Chapter 17

Holly woke instinctively; her eyes snapped open as her piercing gaze quickly swept over the environment. Something did not feel right. The early morning sun had not yet risen and the world was in the blue hour between night and day. In the singed forest to her left, several robins, jays, and sparrows called to each other, their strange whistles and clucks filling the eerie silence with a haunting echo. The river rushing and gurgling along side the encampment looked dark and grey in the dawn light, and a cool breeze was rising from it. The breeze ruffled the hair of the dark lumps lying in a circle, bodies rising and falling gently as they slept deeply, an occasional snore coming from Ivan.

It seemed like everything was fine, yet she still felt the nervous stress on her neck and shoulders, the feeling that there was something very wrong. She sat up and swept her gaze around. In all directions small hillocks, looking dark and green in the blue morning light, went as far as the eye could see. Small rivers and streams ran everywhere disappearing in the whitish grey mists that hid the distant borders of the land. Everything seemed fine. Yet she knew it was not.

It ate at her, a gnawing, knowing, fear of the unknown. Finally she voiced her thoughts, the silence swallowing her words,

“There’s something foul in the mists.”

Her sharp viridian eyes scanned a few seconds longer, then she rushed over and shook Ivan and Nicholas awake. They both sat up groggily, squinting at the blue morning light and looking about perplexed. She pulled them both on their feet and over to one of the hillocks. They reached the top and a stronger breeze caused her dress and hair to billow out, while chilling them all to the bone.

“What’s going on Holly?” Asked Nicholas, feeling the same uneasy feeling she felt.

“I-I don’t know. There’s something…something that isn’t right.” She said as she continued to scan the misty curtain at the edge of the world.

Ivan gave a large yawn, “What are you two babbling about? I’ll tell you what isn’t right, being up even before the sun is up. You’re both just a little stressed. Let’s go back to sleep.”

As he turned to go, Holly’s hand shot out and grabbed him by the shirt collar. The next instant he was jerked back next to her and held fiercely in place. No body said anything; they all just stared at the silvery wall. The sky was getting more colorful by the second, heralding the approach of dawn. Ivan looked and saw nothing. They just stood there in the silence for a few seconds longer, and he was about to say something when it happened.

The morning sun peered over the lip of the world and cut through the mists almost instantaneously, burning a hole through the white curtain that then slowly dissipated as if the mists were fleeing from the light. And with the mist gone they saw them.

Four large birds were flying towards them. They were so massive that they could be seen clearly from far away. They were immense black owls. Their beaks were white and their eyes were large, silver orbs in their dark faces. Smoke seemed to be coming from their eyes and wings. Holly and the boys were transfixed for a few seconds when they suddenly realized what was going on. They turned and ran to the camp yelling for everyone to wake up.

Several sleepy heads bobbed up and looked with squinting eyes at the early morning sky, wisps of pink and orange appearing on the blue sky. Liam and Silver jumped up immediately and ran to the three, Silver changing into her Griffon shape again.

“Hurry! Get up here! We have some black owls heading our way!”

Silver reached the top of the hill first, followed by Liam who had already called to Skree. They all looked out and saw the four ominous birds in the distance. And in front of the four smoke wreathed owls was a single white swan.

“Skree!” called Liam, and his hawk was in the air immediately. It sailed quickly and fiercely, Silver, now in eagle form, right behind it.

They slammed with tremendous force into the first two owls. There was a mass of struggling as feather, claws, and beaks struck and fell as the two pairs of combatants plummeted towards the ground. Silver pulled away first, her attacker falling lifeless to the green hillock. The large black feathery body thudded dully against the moist earth.

Skree and its owl were falling faster and beginning to spin as they neared the ground. It seemed like the two were going to impact the other hillock when Skree disentangled at the last second and shot out horizontally, going parallel with a small river. The owl tried doing the same, but its wings were larger and it took longer, and before it could fully spread them, it slammed with tremendous force into the soft, wet ground. An audible crunch reached the onlookers on the hill.

As Silver and Skree turned around, the swan and the other two owls had already passed by them and were nearly at the camp. From nowhere, Holly had pulled a large bow and had notched an arrow. She waited a few seconds and breathed out as she let loose her arrow, the strong ash shaft flying strong and true through the clear morning air before embedding itself squarely in between the large smoking eyes of the owl.

“Ivan! We need that last owl alive!” called Holly.

Ivan had finally come to his senses and quickly played a trill on his piccolo. A few seconds later Zephyr lifted him up into the sky. He soared up as he watched the two birds nearing him. Then he quickly sounded a low note and he dropped to the ground, stopping just short of hitting it. At the same time Zephyr blew the owl with tremendous force against the ground.

Edric and Master Oronus joined the group on the hill as Skree landed on Liam’s shoulder and Silver landed with a graceful gallop next to the group. The white swan circled overhead once before alighting on the stream next to Liam. Master Oronus approached the large dark owl that was writhing under the constant constraint of Zephyr.

“My goodness. I never thought one as wise as an owl could be turned to the darkness.”

“He’s no wise owl.” said Liam, standing up from where he had been squatting by the swan. “He’s a Stryx. See, he has no horns, no ears. That’s why he, and the others, fell so easily.”

The creature was screeching and foaming from its hooked beak, its sharp talons clawing the ground as its feathers were dirtied by the constant writhing and wriggling in the dust. Liam looked down at it with contempt in his cold blue eyes, then turned around, Skree looking expectant for some kind of signal, moving from one foot to the other with anticipation. But before anything could happen, Master Oronus motioned to Nicholas, who stepped forward.

“Now, I have yet another test for you, my boy.” came the old man’s deep words, “Keep your hand on the creature’s head. Fear not, I will sedate it, just keep your hand in place and enter your dreamplane. From there, follow your instincts. Go on.”

After a quick tap from Master Oronus the creature became calm and peaceful. Then Nicholas stepped forward hesitantly and placed his hand on the large feathery forehead. He felt the oily, sticky, feathers beneath his hand give a little before he was actually touching its forehead. Then he closed his eyes and entered the dreamplane.

He was in his white room, the clear glass all around him, and the light filling his senses. His arm was extended in front of him and his hand was wreathed in a smoky, hazy, darkness. He stepped back and the smoke took the form of a doorway. As he continued stepping back a man in a black robe, whose face was hidden from Nicholas was stepping forward out of the doorway. Nicholas’ outstretched hand was pressing firmly against the pale palm of the man’s hand.

“You cannot interfere with my work, boy! Leave me before I harm you.”

“Who are you! What are you doing here?!”

“Well, you obviously have no idea who you’re dealing with or even what you’re doing. As amusing as it is, you are still interfering with my control of this animal. Now, release your entrance to its mind!”

Nicholas wasn’t sure what to do. But he felt that it wasn’t right for the man to be controlling the animal in this way. Master Oronus had said to follow his instincts. So he took a deep breathe and spoke plainly and clearly.

“No.”

“No?”

“You shouldn’t be controlling this animal like this. Not in this way. Are you the one who made it fall to darkness?”

“Ha! Me? All these poor, stupid animals came to me. They desired meats to fill their belly eternally and so I granted it to them. There was only a small condition but they were too dumb to even take notice. They were their own demise into shade.”

“Leave them alone!”

“I’ve had enough of your babble, peasant! If you will not stop interfering then I will be forced to do something…unpleasant.”

Just then, Nicholas felt his body begin to buzz, like it had done when he had been in the dreamscape. He felt electricity running and skitting over his body, his hair beginning to prick up. Then he clenched his hand firmly around the pale hand of the man’s, the droning inside of him becoming more and more audible.

“What are you doing?” The robed man asked concerned. “I am the one with the authority here!”

“You have to leave, now! You won’t have any more control over this owl!”

And with a mighty push, his mind straining, Nicholas felt all the light directed through his body to his arm and into his hand. There was a loud flash and the figure flew back through the smoky door, which closed with an explosion of light and sound. Nicholas felt the familiar floating feeling and knew he was being woken up.

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In a distant land, far across the ocean of ice, the frozen sea, and the land of the Snow Trolls, a pair of blue eyes, light and sharp like midwinter’s eve’s deepest frost snapped open. The figured brought a pale white hand, like freshly fallen snow out of the long silvery robe. In a haunting voice that sounded neither male nor female, young or old, angry or sad, the ivory lips spoke.

“So, after alluding us for nearly twenty years you have finally been found. Well, we won’t make the same mistake twice.”

The sharp blue eyes closed again, but the cold lips kept moving silently as if they were still in deep conversation. Things were being moved into place that would soon shape the destinies of many and the blue eyed one would make sure that all would fall in favor of the Silver Tower.

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Nicholas’ eyes snapped open in the real world, where only a few seconds had passed. He looked over to the owl beside him, and as he did, he removed his hand. Beneath his hand was a white mark, a hand print left by him. From there it spread out across the owl’s head to his body and eventually the bird was entirely white. Two deep purple eyes opened and looked at him quizzically. Then it uttered a hooting cry that caused all to cover their ears.

“He says thank you for freeing him. The man in black had taken a hold of him and his brothers and sisters almost three moons back. They did not know what was happening until it was too late.” Said Liam from behind Nicholas.

“Wait did you just talk to that bird?” asked Ivan, then backing away slowly he said, “Liam I think you need to rest. The stress from the last few days has obviously worn you down.”

“Ivan!” Holly yelled. “Hold your tongue!”

“Actually Ivan.” Edric said smiling goodheartedly, “My cousin Jullian’s grandmother was from the Northern Kingdom of Albia. They have the gift of bird tongues. He inherited it from her.”

“Mmm. Okay then, what’s the bird saying now.” Ivan asked, squinting and trying to look analytic.

“Nothing, he’s just listening to you.” Liam said with a laugh.

“Hey where’s he going?” Said Ivan as the big white owl gave a few powerful strokes of its wings before taking off. “Humph. That’s some gratitude for you! You save the thing and he just flies away, no helpful information or anything.”

“Um actually Iv.” Said Nicholas, pointing to the swan, “I think that we’ve got all the information we need.”

Liam squatted by the graceful white bird again, whispering soft cooing and clucking sounds into its ears. The swan seemed to nod a few times before it gave several loud honks and trumpets, then there was a much softer, rustling, chuckling sound that came from its crop.

“Well, that’s interesting. The swan says she was sent by someone known as Cikara Brea. Cikara will lead us to Larson, but wants to make sure we are truly Larson’s friends, so instead of telling us where Larson is, the swans will bring us clues that will lead us to him, without exposing his location to his enemies. The swan gave us a riddle. She said that Cikara said only Larson’s friend would be able to answer it.”

“Okay, give us the riddle.” Nicholas said as he fervently tried to recall everything he had learned from Larson.

“In Forest Green
Oh sage and thyme
Near things unseen
Ah riddles and rhyme.”

“Yes, keep going.” Said Ivan as he was taking notes and thoughts down on a piece of parchment he had pulled from his pocket with a charcoal stick, “I think I may be on to something! What’s the next part!?!”

“Actually that was it. Sorry to disappoint you Ivan.” Said Liam with a smile.

“Well that’s less then helpful!” Ivan said as he threw the paper behind him.

“What do you make of it Master Oronus?” Asked Holly, purposefully stepping in front of Ivan before he could continue his dramatic display.

“Hmmm. Well, the inclusion of the herbs sage and thyme stand for female power and courage. In forest green, well that I haven’t the foggiest.”

“Well, I know that there isn’t any forest greens left on Insular.” said Edric as he pointed up to the singed forest few leaves that were left, “They’re all broadleaves here, that means they’re not green all year round. Forest green must mean an evergreen forest.”

“But that’s even less than helpful!” said Ivan as he ran his hands through his hair, snagged his goggles and caused them to smack against his face, “Ow! That could be anywhere!”

“I-F-G-O-S-A-T-N-T-U-A-R-A-R. If…go…sat… in… to…a..rar. Arar? Hour? Does that mean anything to anyone?” Asked Nicholas hopefully.

“Where’d you get that from?” Asked Liam smiling again as if he already knew.

“The first letter of each word.” Said Nicholas.

“Well, I don’t know about anybody ‘sitting in to an hour’, but I do think you may have helped us get to the next part of the riddle.” Liam said with a twinkle in his eye. “Try the first letter of each line.”

“I-O-N-A. Iona?” Asked Nicholas confused.

“You own a what?” Ivan said frowning as he tried making sense of the message. “I don’t get it.”

“Not ‘I own a’… Iona!” Said Edric beaming, “I should have seen it from the start!”

“What’s Iona?” asked Holly.

“Iona is one of the Holy Islands of Insular, the Southern to be precise. We should head back to Gwaylen and from there we can sail to Iona.” Said Liam with a skip to his step, “I should have known that Nilrem would have placed it in the Scriptorium Catacombs for safe keeping.”

“Taken what?” Asked Nicholas trying to catch up with Liam’s long legs and brisk steps.

“You’ll see when we get there. For now we must make haste! Quick everyone to their horses!”

Soon everyone was on their horses with their belongings and ready to set off. Ivan leaned over after he noticed Holly’s bow and arrows on her back.

“Where’d you get that?” He said acting secretive as he looked from side to side.

Holly rolled her eyes then spoke sarcastically, “I found it lying around.” Then she began trotting away.

“No you didn’t! …Did you?” Ivan wasn’t sure if he should believe her or not and followed after her calling for her to stop and answer him.

At the edge of the stream, while everyone else was peering at Liam’s dated map, Nicholas turned and saw Edric away from the group. His usual cheerful smile was gone, and he had a pained look on his face. He stood still on his horse, staring across the riverbank. On the opposite side Nicholas saw Gillea next to a tree, the enveloping dark brown hood of her cloak making her seem like a face in the forest. She was staring back at Edric. The two just stood there, speaking with their eyes and their hearts. Then there was a call, everyone cheering because Ivan figured out the map. As everyone began leaving Nicholas saw Edric begin to trot in pursuit, giving one farewell glance towards Gillea. And so they set off back towards the Stone Bridge of Tara-Gwaylen.

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It was nearly evening when the Cuttlefish finally made it out of the Rish Bay. It had taken a while to get back to the boat and then it had taken even longer to track the whole crew down. When they finally sailed out into the open ocean the sun was just dissolving in the western sea, its color filling the world with warm orange light.

The island was small, large enough only for the monastery, a few gardens, and a dock. The ship pulled along side of the dock and Coniglio and Tal hopped out, tying the Cuttlefish to the pier. Then everyone else came ashore. There was a small stone path, over grown with moss and weeds, that led up to the monastery.

The path led past the gardens, all of which were bursting with fruits and vegetables. The monks didn’t seem to be lacking in sustenance. They continued on the path and came to a large stone symbol. Strange designs and runes were engraved on it and painted with bright red paint that hadn’t faded since the day it was placed on the magical stone. There were forty all together, surrounding the monastery completely like some protective hedge against evil.

The group tried stepping past the stone, but Silver, Holly, Nicholas, and Jack could not pass the stone for some reason. They told everyone to go on without them, and that they would simply go wait on the ship. And so Liam, Ivan, Oronus, and the whole crew went up to the large pointed wood door and knocked.

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“My my my! What a delight! That the venerable descendant of our great and illustrious founder, St. Colm of Gwaylen. What a delight! What a delight!” The fat abbot in his long brown cowl and his many chins said as his jiggling form swayed to and thro as he escorted the company down the nave of the monastery.

Inside there was a single nave or aisle, warm dark brown stone covered in crimson and purple carpets fringed with golden thread, that ran down the centre of the monastery. The last of the sunlight was pouring through the large lancet stained glass windows that nearly covered the entire wall, flooding the long nave of the monastery with multicolored light.

“It has been a long time since you have come here to visit your family. Why it must have been at least four years back.” Liam didn’t respond, instead he just kept walking forward, and so to break the awkward silence, the abbot continued, “And what charming friends you have here? May inquire to their names?”

After they had all introduced themselves and their places of origin, a few getting lengthy questions about their ancestry, the abbot beamed with delight as he continued talking without pause, “Well, well now! Fancy that. A descendant of one of our greatest abbots, Abbot Wickman the Wise, how very fortunate!”

The ships’ engineer just walked behind the abbot blushing as he muttered embarrassingly about having no idea. The group saw pensive monks peaking out from behind their ambulatory doors as the curious group of sailors and dukes passes the many small doors on the side of the nave. The group finally neared the end of the nave, and turned into the left of the transeptial hallway, where they entered the abbot’s guest quarters.

There they sat around the large, simple yet elegant table of the abbot and told him of their journey so far and of where they were headed. The abbot seemed long in thought after they had told them and said he would have to meditate upon their words for a few hours, and meet in concilium with the other heads of the monastery. In the meanwhile he invited them to dine while he was gone.

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Back on the ship, the small sickle moon had risen over the ship and its occupants. They four sat solemnly on the wooden deck. Jack had gone down to the ships hold and retrieved several large, wide, yellow candles that they placed in the middle of the wooden deck, creating the feeling of sitting around a campfire.

“So why are we here anyway?” asked Jack as he pulled a grey woolen blanket closer around his shoulders.

“It’s clear.” Said Silver, now in her cat form, purring as she sat next to Nicholas who was scratching her behind her ear. “He’s here for the book.”

“What book?” Asked Holly, as everyone sat forward with interest.

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“Erm, excuse me. Sir Duke.” Came a humble monk from behind the wooden door.

Liam and Edric both stood and followed the monk out of the door. The entire monastery looked very different in the foreboding darkness. There were small altars with candles casting very faint yellow light at certain intervals of the nave, but it was so faint that it barely illuminated the large chamber. The monk spoke in a hushed voice, afraid of awakening his brethren.

“Sir, the abbot has decided to allow you your request, as long as you are able to fulfill you promise of returning the book, whole and completed.”

“Yes, I will.” Said Liam.

This seemed good enough for the monk who then entered their room quickly. He came back out with Wick their engineer and a candle for each of them. They lit their candles from the one he already carried and soon they were off. They had only to go down the nave a bit further to reach the apse, the very end of the nave where the entire long aisle ended in a rounded nook. In this large area was many candles, lit brightly, along with incense braziers hanging all around. At the very center was a colossal statue of white marble. It was of a man, dressed as one of the monks, with a long beard falling from his face and almost reaching the ground. In his left hand was a thick tome, and in his right was a pen.

“Beyond this point, only those descended from the great abbots of old may pass.” Said he as he indicated the group that was now with him. Then he stepped towards the large statue and placing his hand on a stone near the base, he opened a secret door hidden in the floor next to it. “Make haste. We must be back before day break.”

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“The book is the ‘wisdom’ that Larson came seeking in Insular.” said Silver as she stopped purring and sat up next to the fire, her eyes shining in the reflection of the flames as she seemed to be thinking back in time.

“It would now be almost a thousand and three hundred years since Mercius the Lorekeeper first expressed his wish to create it. The book. He said it was to be a magnificent tome to preserve for all generations the knowledge of the past. He said that we would forget if he didn’t do it. Only later in life, did he truly realize how much it had costs him…and his family.”

“But you can’t trust history books. They make so much stuff up, you couldn’t possibly know for sure what this Mercius had thought.” Said Jack skeptically.

“I know, what I know, not from any book.” Came Silver’s cryptic reply, then after looking away from the group and giving a sigh of resignation she said, “He was my brother.”

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The group of descendants were following the monk down the small stone steps, their candles not giving nearly enough light. When they finally reached the bottom of the steps they looked around but could barely see anything.

“Hurry, we must make haste.” Came the monk’s soft reply.

They journey through the large dark room, a sweet, pungent, mildew odor surrounding them. As they walked Edric used his hands on the wall to guide himself better. He came in contact with some smooth wood. It was circular. Then a second one was underneath his hands. He figured they must be barrels. Then next instant he felt his hand graze over something sticky.

He brought his hand to his face and saw the sticky redness on them. He sniffed it and took a small taste. The sweet fruity flavor of the dark wine rolled on his tongue. He realized they must be inside some kind of wine cellar. They walked until they reached the end, where the monk lifted a rough trap door on the floor. A gilded metal ladder went down into the depths of the darkness below them. They all bit their candles between their teeth as they began climbing down.

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“But that would make you…” Holly began.

“Almost a thousand and four hundred years old.” Said Silver giving a cattish grin.

“Well, I must say, for someone that’s nearly a millennium and a half old you look great.” Said Nicholas with a teasing smile.

“Anyway, I was there the day Mercius first decided to create the book, known as the Book of Treasure Lore.” Said Silver as she began extending her claws into the ship’s rough wood. “I told him not to, that we were so close to defeating the darkness that it wasn’t worth the risk yet. But he insisted that that was the reason the book should be made, because we were so close. But then things didn’t go according to plan.”

“So, how is this book supposed to help us against the witches?” Holly asked as she was thinking, “I don’t see how the past can help us against the present.”

“That’s just it. The book is what motivated the witches. The book is how they found out about Bella, the heir of Alexandria. If Bella is the key to the Sacred Treasure then the Book of Treasure Lore is the map. We have the key, but without a map to help us find the treasure we are no better off then the witches.” Said Silver as she circled the candle-fire passing behind everyone where they sat. “I never saw the book myself. They killed my brother and then later when his apprentice, Liam’s ancestor Colm of Gwaylen, finished it, I was already on a different quest.”

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When they finally reached the bottom of the ladder they were surprised to see it led to a very small room. The room was pitch dark, but Liam, having been here before, knew where the door handle was and opened the doorway. Before them was a long hallway, as large as the monastery above them. It was illuminated by many torches of scented oil that burned continually all along its length.

As they began their journey Edric and Wick noticed the large statues along the way. They were all dressed in the cowls like the monks and had various implements in their hands, like the larger one of Abbot Colm in the apse above. They were about a third of the way to the end of the hallway when the monk and Liam both stopped before a statue of a young man that resembled Liam. At the base were carved the words,

“Kings of Gwaylen, blessed of the bloodline of St. Colm of Gwaylen. Forever find your rest in this sacred place.”

“Liam.” Came Edric soft reply, “Your…parents?”

“We have no time to stop.” Said Liam as he took a deep breath and continued on towards the end of the chamber of crypts. “Please, sir monk, when we are done, return and light a candle for my mother and father.”

The other two bowed slightly as they passed the younger statue of St. Colm and continued after Liam, while the monk only nodded and continued after them. They went to the end of the chamber, and then down more stairs, leaving behind them the last resting place of the abbots of Iona and their descendants.

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“So, what happened when your brother made the book?” Asked Nicholas knowing that it would be a difficult question for her to answer.

“My brother Mercius was commanded by the Council of the White Walls to abandon his mission. He however began compiling it in secret. None of us knew, though I must admit there were times when I suspected. When he was almost finished, the witches found him. He threw his work into the fireplace, and all they could recover was a small piece of parchment that contained the prophecy.”

“And Mercius?” Asked Holly solemnly.

“He was found the next day, scattered across what you now know as Alexandria, Stocken, Koal, and Hestia. When they reassembled him, it became apparent that he had been sacrificed to a wyrm, a dark deamon dragon from the Void.” Came Silver’s solid reply. She had clearly worked through all her emotions and grief centuries before as she now seemed almost peaceful, “It was a terrible way to die. But he made his own choice, he reaped his own consequence. As horrible as it was, he died and was honored as a hero, and his memory has persevered even until now. And now, the tale told of him is much different. I guess in the end he did truly triumph because he was remembered generations later.”

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“We’re almost there.” Said the monk in the hood.

They had been climbing down stairs for nearly fifteen minutes without stop. There had been three landings so far and Wick did some sums in his head to come up with a rough idea of how far down they had climbed.

“I reckon by my figur’n that we’re just about five monastery heights below ground now. That means each stair case is about as high as the monastery.”

“Here we are. Time to check your measurements Wick.” Smiled Liam as he opened another large wooden door.

They were in a massive cavern beneath the monastery. All around the walls had been plastered and covered with richly decorated frescoes. The paint had faded slightly with age but the images were still clear. The walls were covered with images of monks hunched over next to desks where they were hurriedly copying as someone dictated to them. And against the far wall of the massive cavern, true to Wick’s estimation almost three times the size of the abbey, was a colossal statue of St. Colm, two fingers extended as if blessing the ones entering his domain, or as if he were explaining something to the many scribbling monks.

“This is the scriptorium of St. Colm’s catacombs. Every monk you see painted on these walls is actually an entrance to a tomb to one of the writers of the Book of Treasure Lore.” Said the monk, his voice echoing around the vast chamber.

“Then one of them leads to the resting place of the book?” Asked Edric as his eyes scanned the many ledges and walkways that led to the hundreds of paintings.

“Yes, but all are sealed with pressurized iron salts. If you were to open them you would be melted.” Said Liam with caution.

“Correct. I am forbidden to reveal the location to you. You must choose wisely.” Said the monk, who then withdrew out of the light of the candles into the darkness.

“So what do you guys think?” Asked Edric.

“Well, it’s simple.” Said Wick as he began drawing on the soft sandy floor. “Any pressurized chamber’s gonna have a slightly buckled wall and possibly even some cracking along the very center of the plaster, so all those on the far wall o’re there are out.”

“Okay, but what about the rest?” Liam said as he motioned to the ones around them.

“I reckon that the monastery was built first, but this whole chamber was only added later, after thy brought the book here. So, then we are looking for the oldest plaster and the most faded picture. The ones closest to the ground have to be older.”

“But the rest are all faded about the same.” Edric observed, then he noticed Liam looking intently at the statue of St. Colm.

“Wick, would you say this statue looks somewhat solid?” said Liam as he tapped the solid statue.

“Yep. As far as I can see.” Then Wick he walked over and began to closely study it. “Hold on a second. It looks solid, and feels solid, but… there’s something not quite right here.”

“That’s because there’s magic blocking our eyes!” Said Liam as he raised his hand over the large statue and made a motion that resembled the sign-stones outside.

The entire statue began to fade, as if it had been mists on the morning air until it was completely gone. Instead, before them was a small wooden door. They entered and found themselves in a small shrine. Before them was yet another statue of the Saint, and all around were candles, though none were lit. Resting on a pedestal before the stony Saint was a large metal box.

“The inscription says that none but the Saint himself can open the box.” Said Liam as he read the inscription.

“That is true.” Said the monk behind them sending a chill down their spines. “And for a long time the box had been kept shut by the enchantment placed upon the door. But now finally I have been able to return to my book.”

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The night air had gotten cold and no one said anything as they thought about what Silver had revealed to them. Suddenly a chill went down their spines. From far away several crows were calling in the night and the moon seemed very bright. Then it happened. Everyone jumped back as the candles on the deck suddenly shot forth into a pillar of fire.

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At the sound of the monk’s voice all the candles in the room suddenly burst into flame. A cold wind was in the room and everyone felt their hearts beating in their chest. Everyone, that is, except the monk who passes by the three noiselessly. He waved his hand over the box and as he did, the lock clicked opened, the chain fell off, and the lid opened.

Then he turned to the group and spoke with great sadness, “I made a grave mistake many centuries ago. My master Mercius had warned me about the power of the book, but I ignored him and after his death, remade the burnt book. And then I placed the most powerful protection on it so that it may never be destroyed. I even bound my life to the book and so I have been here, trapped from my rest, ever since. The book could not be destroyed, but instead was divided up after my death, into three parts. This is only the first. Each seer was given a part, the Seer of Forest, you knew him as Nilrem, kept his here. You must find the Seer of Fire and the Seer of Ice, and retrieve theirs as well. Only then will you have the map you desire, to find the treasure. But be forewarned, the key needs a map, but the map also needs a key.”

And with that the monk floated early over to the statue and faded into it. The candles died down, and the room became warm and stifling again. The three exited quickly and made their way up out of the Scriptorium and its catacombs. That same night they awoke the crew and slipped back to the boat quickly. They set sail from the Holy Island of Iona before early morning vespers as quickly as possible. It wasn’t until they were out to sea that they stopped shaking and looked at the book.

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End Chapter

Whew! That was long. So yeah, lots of plot points begining to surface, unravel, and come together. What worked for you and what didn't? I have begun to reveal Silver's past, but still not completely until the end of this section (chapter 30). Okay, so there is also the whole Albian bird-speak thing, in the next few chapters I'll explain that more. The swans were important. The stryx are too. The riddles are hopefully all going to flow together and actually means something in the end, but we'll see. Don't expect to see Gillea any time soon, and I may even kill off a crew member soon in one of the battles. Maybe Jack. :P