

The Sword and the Seven Stones

Diamond

Other Books by Karen Rouillard:

Stasha's Legacy Series

Stasha's Cure

Franny's Way

A Mother's Love

Non- Series

Being Alive

Non- Fiction

Surviving Parenthood

The Sword and the Seven Stones

Diamond

Sword and Stones Series

By

Karen Rouillard

Copyright 2015 by Karen Rouillard

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to an actual person, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

All rights reserved.

Copyright 2015 by Karen Rouillard

Cover design by: Book Cover by Design

P.A: Scottia Rapp

Proof and Editing: RL Freelance Publishing

Photography: Chelsea Wilcox (Snapshots of Time)

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/Sword-Seven-Stones-Diamond-Book-ebook/dp/B017JB8R16

FIND KAREN ROUILLARD

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To my son Levis

You gave me the opportunity to take the story you started and

bring it to life.

I love you

She stood on the mountain top and watched in horror, tears falling down her cheeks. Walls were being built, people being separated. Families crying out for others who they would see no more. What was to come of Aries? Ashma turned and walked away. She could not stop was to become.
Chapter 1

Summer Solstice

Alman had this conversation with his father once before and he knew that it wasn't going over well now. It wasn't easy trying to converse with a King. "You want to do what?" his father shouted at him. "No one in the Kingdom has ventured through that part of our land." His father walked over to the window. From his private quarters he had the best view of his kingdom. The village below to the mountains in the distance. Turning to his only son, he tried to figure out what was going through his head. Could it have to do with the passing of his mother? No, it couldn't be. She had been gone for two years now. "Father, I will bring an army of men with me if that makes it any better. Alman watched as his father took a seat behind his desk. The weather was getting worse outside. The storm started to roll in just after noon. Now the skies were dark and the lightening spiked down. The rain was hitting the windows from the gusts of wind that seemed to get stronger with each passing hour. Nicholis looked at his son. "I forbid you to go. Not another word." when he saw Alman was about to say something else, he held up his hand and stopped him. "Now leave me. I have work to do." With the end of the conversation, a clap of thunder shook the castle walls. Alman got up from his seat. "I didn't come here for your permission. I came here to tell you that I'm going." With that, Alman walked out of the room. Nicholis sat back and watched as his son left. No one in the history of Maramar had ever ventured to that part of the kingdom. He threw his quill down and yelled for Gavin, his right hand man. Gavin heard the shout from the staircase and walked into the room. "Did I hear someone calling my name?" he said with a smile on his face. He took the chair that Alman had just vacated and waited to see what his majesty wanted from him today. "I need you to follow Alman. He has this idea to go to the west mountain." Gavin shook his head when he heard this. He knew why Alman wanted to go there. He had been trying to show his father that he was a man now for the last year. Unfortunately, his father was King first, then father. Gavin looked at his friend. "You know what you have to do, don't you?" Nicholis looked at his friend who had been by his side since they were babies. "Gavin, he is not ready yet. When he is, then I will make him King." Gavin stood up. "There may not be enough time for that." Nicholis looked at his friend. "I know but he doesn't need to know right know. There is still time." As Gavin left, he hoped for his friend's sake that there was enough time.

Alman got back to his room. Another loud clap of thunder shook the walls again. It seemed to get stronger with each one. He thought to leave in the morning but now with the way his father acted, he decided to leave right away. He swung the bag over his shoulder and left the room. He went down the service stairs and out through the kitchen. As he did, he filled a bag full of food because he knew it could take days to get there. As he left the kitchen, the stables were only a short walk from there. Walking into the stables, the stable boy rushed over to get his horse ready for him. He liked Alman. He was pretty good to him. "Here he is, sir," He said to Alman as he brought his horse out of the stall for him. Alman threw a couple coins in the air and the boy caught them and smiled. Alman mounted his horse and nudged him with his knees. It didn't take long after they were out of the stable and onto the road that would take them into the village.

It all began two weeks before. They went into the village because Harry wanted to go see his girlfriend and since he had nothing better to do, he went along. They tied their horses and Harry took a walk over to the water hole. A pretty girl smiled as soon as she saw him. Alman decided to walk down to the market to see if any of the craftsman had any new things displayed. As he walked by the blacksmith shop, he noticed someone new standing there. He held a piece of iron with prongs and placed it into the coals. "Hello there," Alman said to the man. As he got closer, he realized that the man was very old. The way he handled the hammer and used the fire, Alman knew he must have been blacksmithing for most of his life. "You're new here. What is your name?" The old man turned and looked at the boy who stood in front of him. "My name is Ishma. You are the reason I am here." He turned and walked over to the table and picked up the piece of leather that lay there behind him. Alman followed him out of curiosity. As he watched, the old man unveiled what was hidden in the wrap. Alman felt a sense of calm come over him. The old man's hands pulled back the worn leather and Alman looked down at the most beautiful sword that he had ever seen. Trailing his fingers over the hilt. The detail in the craftsmanship was something to envy. As his fingers crossed the stone, the diamond shone bright for an instant, then faded out. The old man smiled and then held the sword up. The steel gleamed. Alman took the sword from the blacksmith and he would have sworn it was made perfectly for him. The weight was precise and the swing was good. "How much for the sword, blacksmith?" The old man looked at the sword, then back at Alman. "This sword can be yours for free but it comes with a price. If you commit to the price then the sword is yours." Alman looked at the fine details interlaid in the steel. "How can it be free if there is a price, old man?" The blacksmith came around the table and leaned against it. "Bring me back an almond sapling from the clearing in the west forest by the new moon." Alman heard the stories of the west forest and knew that most men were afraid to go there but for this sword, Alman would do anything. "Once I commit to the deal, the sword is mine then?" The old man nodded and Alman put the sword in the wrap and shook the blacksmith's hand. "Then I commit to the deal." The old man went over to the coals and took the poker to them. "You will go through many trials when you search for the thing that you need. You must conquer them all to save those around you. Alman looked down at the wrapped leather, then looked up to see that the man was gone. Alman tucked the sword under his arm and looked around. He was standing in front of the only door to go out of, so the old man had to be in here somewhere. He looked in each room but no one. The blacksmith's dwelling was only three rooms plus the outside lean-to for working. The walls were done with river stone and clay. All the houses in the village were built in the same technique. He came out of one room and turned around quickly at the sound behind him. "Hello Sir, is there anything that I can do for you?" Burtis stood there in his apron holding the shoes in his hand that he had taken off one of the horses in the stalls behind him. "Burtis, did you see the older man I was just talking to? The new blacksmith. Burtis looked at him a little strange. Had he been into the cups already? It was past noon. "Sir, I am the only one here. Does your horse need to be done?" Burtis put the shoes down on the wood table. He would always do Alman's horse first. He was the King's son. Alman put his hand up. "My horse is fine. Never mind, Burtis." Alman walked out of the smith's shed and back to the water hole. Harry and the girl were still sitting there. He nodded to Harry when he finally got his attention. Harry kissed the girl's cheek quickly and then ran over to him. "Let's go get a cup and some food, then head back to the castle." They walked into the meeting place and sat down. It wasn't long before they were served by a beautiful waitress who tried to get Alman's attention. Harry just laughed and took a drink. Alman looked at him. He lowered his voice almost to a whisper. "I went into the blacksmith's just now and talked to an old man there. I didn't realize Burtis had someone new working there. This guy pulls out a beautiful sword and told me that if I went into the west forest, and brought something back, I could have the sword. I shook with him that I would, because Harry, you haven't seen a sword like this." He took a drink of his beer. "I turned around for less than a minute, then looked back. Harry, the guy was gone." He told Harry how he searched the whole place and he wasn't to be found. Harry thought the best thing they could do at that moment was to get Alman and the sword out of this place. If anyone were to overhear them, they could get ambushed after they leave. He said as such to Alman so they left the pub and got on their horses.

Soon as they got back to the palace, Harry followed him up to his room. They shut the door as soon as they were there. The fire in the fireplace kept the room comfortable, with the dampness from the mist that occurred almost daily. Placing it on the table, Alman unwrapped the leather. Harry reached his hand out to touch it but before he could, Alman grabbed his arm. Harry looked up into his friend's eyes and noticed something strange about them.

"What happened to you while you were gone?" Harry pulled his arm from Alman's grasp. Alman looked down to see that he was holding Harry's arm, then let go of it. "I just went up the street to the blacksmith's, got this, and then came back." He walked over to the window." I'm going to the west forest, Harry. You coming with me?" Harry and Alman had been friends since birth. Harry's mother was best friends with Alman's mother and Harry lived at court with them since his birth.

The rain was coming down hard as he thought back to what his father said and what happened two weeks ago. He knew this time, like so many others, he would disobey his father. This time it wasn't out of fun though. This was out of need. There was something inside him that was letting him out of this. As the storm rolled over their heads, their horses spraying mud behind them, Harry and Alman knew that the travel will not be easy but Alman knew he committed himself to a higher force and he knew that he couldn't turn back now.
Chapter 2

"What do you mean he left? I told you to do one thing and that was to keep him here until I could talk him out of this. Gavin was so angry right now. If he didn't find Alman, then friend or no friend, Nicholis would have his head for this. The guard informed him that they left three hours ago.

When Gavin got to the stables, his horse was already there waiting for him. His four best men would go with him. Nelvil, Jordan, Churil, and Reed. He had never been close to this part of the land but he heard the stories that some men would talk about when they were into their cups. Gavin wasn't born into a rich family but was born to a lady's maid of the Queen's. She was from a proper family but had no riches. As the King grew up, Gavin was there by his side. Nicholis made him head of the King's army. He knew his friend did that so that he could have a title.

Grabbing the reins, He put his foot in the stirrup and threw his other leg over his horse's back. As he turned the horse around, he noticed that his men were waiting on their steeds. All five of them looked so menacing. He could only hope that they would find Alman soon.

Alman and Harry stopped at a cave for a while, to get out of the rain. The storm had gotten worse over the last hour. They had been riding for five hours straight and the horses were tired. They were glad that the cave was big enough to bring the horses in. This way, they wouldn't get spooked from the lightening. Harry found some kindling and dried moss and started a fire. They decided to stay there for the night. The horses were spent anyway. Harry got a good fire going and Alman took out some food that he packed from his bag. He knew eventually they would have to hunt for food but for now, they could eat the cheese and bread that he took from the kitchen on the way out. "Okay, so you get to keep the sword if you find this guy an almond tree? Why don't you just cut one down from around here? There are hundreds of them," Harry asked him as he took another bite from the sandwich he made out of his portion. Alman thought the same thing but for some reason when they guy told him where to find it, he knew that he couldn't substitute it with another. The old guy would know. "No, I thought of that too but I have a feeling that I'm being sent on a quest for some reason. It isn't even that I want to go to that part of our land. It is a need inside me that I have to get there. The sword is what is pulling me there. Harry, the first time I lifted the sword in my hands, I felt it had become a part of me. I know it doesn't make sense." Alman shook his head. He didn't know if he was explaining it right to his friend. Harry wanted to believe him but a sword becoming a part of someone was ridiculous. He heard that men form a special bond with their swords but they didn't become part of them. Plus, how could a sword give out feelings? For a minute, he thought his friend may have drank something in the village to make him go a little strange. The only reason why Harry came with him was to make sure he was safe. Alman would be the next King one day. It was his duty to remain by his side. Harry finished his sandwich and rolled up his bag to make a pillow out of it. "Well friend, I'm going to sleep. We can set out in the morning." Alman knew that it sounded crazy but it was true. Something happened when he held it for the first time. Rolling up his bag, he went to sleep too. He knew the fire would keep till the morning and the horses finally settled down. He hoped the storm would be gone by morning also. It was only a couple of hours later that they woke to their horses breaking through the entrance of the cave. Alman and Harry stood up to do battle. Backs against each other, they both watched as the walls started to close in. As they inched their way to the mouth of the cave, they suddenly felt that they wouldn't make it. "Run!" Alman screamed out to Harry and as they did, the floor beneath them opened up. The fall seemed endless, yet it was mere secs. They both fell with a large splash into a pool of crystal clear water. Swimming over to the side, Alman and Harry climbed up the bank and sat there, catching their breaths. "What the hell was that about?" Alman said as soon as he could talk. Harry stood up and looked around. "I don't know but your sword is glowing. Bring it out so we can see where we are." Alman took it out of its scabbard and held it up. It lit the whole underground cave up. "Where are we?" he asked Harry who had gone over to one of the entrances leading to somewhere and turned to look at his friend. "We must be in one of those underground caves. I heard of these. You could walk for miles through a mountain." Well, Alman thought to himself, I would rather be on the other side of the ground, as he got closer to Harry. "Which one do you want to check out?" Harry asked him. Alman pulled his compass out of his coat pocket. "We were headed north today. Let me see if this will work down here." As he flipped the lid open, the compass spun around and then finally stopped on a direction. It showed that out of the two entrances, they would have to take the left one. Alman stood in front and used his sword not only for protection but to light the way.

Gavin knew that they wouldn't be able to go on. They had been riding for hours and the horses were getting tired and the storm had become vicious in the last hour of riding. Branches were getting ripped off the trunks of trees. He knew that they had to find some shelter for the night. "Let's stop up ahead. Do you see that overhang, up there? " He shouted to the men. The wind had grown furious. It wasn't going to let go anytime soon. On the side of the mountain, they got to the large overhang. At least it would get them out of the rain. This was just the first mountain that they would have to go over. Another four or five still lay between where they were and where Alman said he wanted to go. Churil tied the horses up and while Reed went to go find some dry wood, Nelvil took a walk and came back with a couple rabbits. They would be eating little tonight. Gavin took a seat against the rock wall. At least the wind was to their backs. They would stay a little drier. Churil had the rabbits gutted, skinned, and roasting over the fire that Reed got going just moments before. He had found some small bits of dry moss and some wood along the rock wall. With his axe, he split some of the wood to make kindling, then threw some larger pieces on it. Gavin took a seat next to the fire. They were all drenched from riding in the rain. Jordon came back from walking the perimeter around them. They were in the clear from what he would see. "Alman has just a few hours on us, I'm sure of it." He looked at the others as he took a piece of rabbit from Churil's knife. The others nodded. Gavin had never ventured onto these lands. No one did. There was an evil to that area. Many men tried because of stories of finding great wealth on the other side. Nicholis and he use to talk when they were children about going there and fighting what demons kept everyone at bay. After hearing the stories in the pub while into cups, Gavin realized that it was no myth but truth. His own uncle went there and they never saw him again. He boasted that he would take on whatever evil lay there and reclaim what was theirs. He took an army of men and not one came back. As Gavin threw his bag between him and the wall, he looked over at the men he had with him. He knew with these men behind him, he might be able to get to Alman in time. After the King lost his wife, the kingdom was unsure if he was fit to rule. It took a lot of work but with the help of his loyal friends, they brought him back around. If he didn't bring Alman back to him safe and sound, Gavin knew that he would never be able to bring Nicholis back twice. He could only hope that the both of them got to a safe area and out of the storm. Gavin closed his eyes and thought back to the night that Rosemele died. Gavin had never seen so much grief pass through the palace. She died from a fall down the stairs. She lost her footing. It was just a freak accident. How many times did they all run up and down those stairs growing up? Nicholis and Rosemele had been in love from the moment that she came to court. It was a match signed from birth. When she had Alman, the Kingdom rejoiced. She had lost so many before. She was a strong woman but after the birth of their son, she couldn't give the King any more children. Nicholis didn't want her to try anymore either. He was so in love with his wife, that he feared that he would lose her too the next time they tried. When she fell down the stairs, she was rushing to meet her husband at the door. They had gone to the east side of the mountain to hunt and as she put her foot down upon one of the stairs, it turned the wrong way and she fell down the rest. The screams could be heard through the large wood door. Nicholis heard the scream and ran in to see his beautiful Rosemele land on the marble floor. The blood ran from behind her head. Nicholis knew she was gone the moment he brought her into his arms.

Gavin needed to get Alman to him before something happened. He would never forgive himself if he got Alman back in time to only watch his father die. He hoped that they would have more time together. Looking over at their horse, he was glad that they would be able to move faster than Alman and Harry. Their horses weren't the same as the ones Gavin and his men rode. Alman's horse was from amazing stock. He had speed and he was a strong horse but Gavin looked over at the five horses he and his men rode. They were close to twenty hands high, and built like rock walls. These were war horses. They did battle, keeping the kingdom of Maramar safe.
Chapter 3

They had been following the compass for what felt like hours when they finally came to an opening in the cave. Walking towards the opening, Harry smiled and patted Alman on the back. "Finally, we have sunlight. Alman saw the shadow move before he had the chance to grab his sword. The force threw them both in the air, back into the cave. Alman shook his head and then turned to see what had struck him so hard. The cat was big. The fangs dripping of saliva. The beast's eyes were like glass. Alman knew looking into them, that they were to be this beast's next meal. Harry took out his sword from the sheath and held it up. Alman watched as the beast looked back and forth between the two of them. Alman finally got up and moved very slowly towards Harry. Before he could get to his friend, the cat sprung from his place and jumped right on to Harry. Without thinking, Alman took his sword out and brought it down, plunging into the back of the cat. The scream from the huge beast was deafening and vibrated off the walls of the cave. Alman watched as the cat slumped over to the side. Harry got out from underneath it and scrabbled over to the side of the cave wall. "Where did that thing come from?" he asked as he tried to get his breath back. Alman took his sword out and cleaned it against the cat. He felt the ground move, grabbed Harry and starting running for the cave's entrance. He was pretty sure that the one he killed was the sentry. He was supposed to make sure they didn't leave. They ran into the sunlight and listened as the screams came from behind them. As they ran down the hill, Alman realized that they weren't being followed. He called out to Harry. "Stop, I don't think they can leave the cave." Harry grabbed onto a tree and looked back at his friend. Bent over, his breathing finally slowing down. "What do you mean they can't come out of the cave?" Alman leaned up against the tree with his back against it. "I heard of them in tales but never did I think that I would actually see one." Once they both got their breaths back, they started to walk down the mountain. When they reached a point where the river split, Alman knew that they needed to start walking west. Looking down at his compass, he starting walking in that direction. He told Harry about one night at the palace. "We had a guy come into the palace one, night talking to my father about these huge cats. He said that when he left the cave, he fell and turned in time to see the cats' eyes get burned from the sun. My father told him it was nonsense because he had never seen one before." Alman told him how his father sent men out to see if they could find the beast this man talked about but they found nothing.

They made their way along the river, which Alman knew they needed to follow since they lost all their things plus the horses when they fell through to the cave. Harry knew they would have to eat soon with the hunger pains already gnawing at his stomach. He took the hook and string out of his coat pocket and fashioned himself a fishing pole using a branch from one of the trees beside him. Going to the water's edge, he threw the string in and kept watching it as they walked along the river bank. He had been fishing like this since he was young, so Alman knew they would be eating today. It wasn't long before he had three fish on the string. Alman set up the fire from whatever dry wood he could find. He had it going well when Harry came up with the fish ready to go. He tossed both on the coals and then flipped them after a few minutes. Harry loved to be outside. He hated being cooped up in the palace all the time. He would get Alman in trouble with his nannies a lot when they were young. All the two of them wanted to do was be outside. Sun, rain, snow, it didn't matter. Harry put the fish on an oversized rock when it was done. As they picked out the meat from under the skin, Harry looked at Alman. He knew this sword was causing something in his friend to act so strange. He would never have suggested to go to the west forest. When they were back at the cave, he noticed the diamond in the sword glowed bright as he was bringing it down upon the beast. He didn't know if Alman had seen that.

Nelvil saw the first one go up in the air, then the second. He took out an arrow and placed it on the bowstring and pulled back. The arrow flew through the air and as it took off, another was released. Both birds came down with a thud. He walked over to the birds and picked them up by the necks. Reed had gotten up for his turn at watch when he was leaving the shelter. When he got back, everyone was up. He gave the birds to Churil and with swift cuts and pulled feathers, the birds were cooking over the fire within minutes. They ate big in the beginning of the day because the hunting was better by daylight. They didn't need to kill big game to eat. Reed and Jordon tended to the horses and they were ready to leave as soon as they were done. "Which way do you want to go today? We can continue over the mountains or follow the river. Nelvil knew that Gavin had probably thought of those two options all night. When he was sent out to do something, Gavin made sure he covered every possibility.

Gavin thought about going over the mountain. It would save them a day's ride for sure but if he was correct, he thought Alman would follow the river. Once he found him, he would bring him back to his father. They finished with their meal and put out the fire. "Okay men, let's find them and get them home. We will go the way of the river." Gavin gripped the reins a little stronger to keep his horse from talking off. Gavin knew that the horse was getting excited to go. He turned and started down the mountain to the river below. He hoped that Alman and Harry weren't too far ahead. He didn't have much time to get him back.

As they made their way through the trees, Gavin held up his hand to stop the men. He got off his horse slowly and walked over to the two horses that were standing by a tree. The horses turned in his direction and then backed away from Gavin. Gavin held his hand out for scent and Alman's horse recognized him. He walked up to Gavin and then Harry's horse did the same. They were nervous and scared. They had never been out of the stable all night. The only thing that worried Gavin right now was where the riders where. He took both the reins and handed them to Jordon. He was in the back so the other two would follow them. "I want you to look everywhere. We have two horses without riders. Let's hope they aren't hurt." As they made their way closer to the river, the men keep looking all around them to see if they could find them. The men knew that when they found a horse without a rider, there were two things that came to mind. The first one would be that the rider was killed and the second would be that he got knocked off and is lying somewhere with injuries.

When they got to the river, the sun was beating down on them. The day was going to get hotter. Summer solstice was almost upon them. They got off their horses and let them go for a drink at the edge of the river. Gavin looked around for any tracks while he took of his jacket. He noticed some footprints in the mud as he walked up a little way and saw the birds gathered atop a large rock. All trying to get to whatever pieces that were left of the fish. Reed noticed the spot where they made a fire and that it was still warm. Gavin knew that he would find him this day. He ran over to his horse and threw himself into the saddle. The river's edge was filled with river stones that made it treacherous for the horses to walk on, so they walked in the shallow parts of the river.

Gavin knew that they should be coming up on the two of them soon. It had been over two hours since they left the spot where Alman and Harry had their breakfast. The water started to ripple all around them and the horses started to move around in a panic. As his men tried to get control of their horses, Gavin got to the side of the bank and then turned just in time to see Harry's horse go under. Jordon struggling with the reins in his hand, almost got pulled off his horse. The reins of both the horses got tangled. He let go just in time. He tried to get the other horse out of the water but before he could, it screamed out in pain and then was taken below the water.

Gavin had never seen anything like it. All of them wondering what it was. "I never would have believed someone if they told me that something like that existed," Churil said after he finally got his horse to settle down. It wasn't a fish and it wasn't an animal. The tentacles had piercing claws on them. It wrapped itself around its prey like a snake and Gavin could tell there was no getting out of that grip. It swallowed the horse whole. There was nothing left. Gavin needed to follow the tracks but he knew that any one of them could be next. He led them away from the water and then kept going along the tree line. "Eyes everywhere, men," he said to them. He didn't know what to tell Nicholis when he got back. He was the one that sat next to his friend and laughed at the stories that would come to the King. Now he would be one of those men.

Alman and Harry heard the scream from the horse and stopped in their tracks. They had been following the river for over four hours and they were still headed west. Alman didn't want to come into contact with whatever made that noise. As the thought went through his mind, a tentacle reached out for his leg. Harry saw it come out of the water and took his sword, slicing it in half before it could reach Alman's leg. Alman turned to look at Harry, as he saw another tentacle reach out for him. He grabbed his sword and waved it in the air, slicing through it. They both made their way up the embankment. "Alman, the closer we get to this forest, weirder stuff is happening. Do you just want to turn around?" Alman wanted to do just that but he knew that he had to go on. He had to bring back that sapling. He knew that this was just not an adventure now. He really was set out to save others but what did he have to face to get there? Wiping off his sword of the gel-like substance left behind from the creature, he turned to look at his friend. "Harry, I'm going. I have to. If you want to go home, then go. I won't judge you." Harry knew he spoke the truth but would judge himself if he let his friend do this alone.
Chapter 4

It was getting dark and Gavin still wasn't close to finding them. They followed the river till it came to a huge water fall. It was magnificent. Looking at the beauty that laid before them. The vegetation around them was lush and full. It was like walking into another world all together. Gavin led the men down a path that would take them to the base of the falls. He hoped that Alman and Harry were on this same path. It would be getting dark soon from the position the sun was in. This would be the second day that Alman was out here. He could only hope that the two of them didn't encounter the same beast that they did at the river. He knew the horses and the men were getting tired. He would find somewhere to camp at the base soon.

Alman and Harry made it down to the base of the falls just before the dinner hour. They took off their clothes and jumped in. The water was so cool. The day had grown hot and the sweat stuck to them both. When they came upon the falls, Alman had never seen anything so vast in beauty. Harry found a path and they decided to take it down to the base. It didn't take them long to jump in. Harry came up and whipped his hair out of his face as he broke the surface. Alman swam to the other side. "Hey Alman, I don't think it would be a good idea to stay in here long. Remember the river?" Alman swam back over to where Harry was and scrambled out of the water as soon as he could. Putting his clothes back on, he went to check out the surrounding area. Harry got out and dressed to. He went to find firewood and while doing that he would find some supper. By the time he got back, Alman had a stack of wood there too. At least tonight they would get some sleep. After falling through the cave last night, they were exhausted. Harry fished while Alman tended to the fire. They hadn't eaten since that morning and both were feeling the gnawing at their stomachs. They had packed previsions that should have lasted them at least a week but they were left in the part of the cave that didn't collapse. Both had always had the luxury of having food whenever they wanted. They weren't trained for this type of adventure. Harry threw his line in one more time and snagged a very big fish. It would do the two of them for supper. As he brought the fish over to Alman and the fire, Harry thought back to what happened earlier that day. He still wanted to turn back but there was no way he could leave his friend. Alman had the fire going pretty good by the time he made his way over there and Harry threw the fish on the coals. He sat down and kept turning them to make sure they didn't burn. "Alman, why such the need? It is just a sword? You can have any sword you want. You are going to be the next King of Maramar." Alman knew his friend spoke the truth but it was the moment that he touch the hilt that a surge went through his body. When the old man spoke to him, he had already committed to the quest. The old man said he would need to save others. Who did he need to save other than Harry, twice now? The questions kept going through mind. "The old man said that I would save the lives of others. You see Harry, I can't quit now. There are lives that could be in peril." Harry put the fish on the rock that sat between them. As they picked at it, they discussed the best way to get there. Harry wouldn't let his friend go alone.

Gavin saw the fire from the path. Finally he hoped he had caught up to him. If Alman was his son, he would ring his neck for doing something so stupid. Especially because he was the future King. When they got to the camp where Harry and Alman were, they found the fire going and the two of them asleep. He shook his head as he got down from his horse. The horse made its way to the water and drank from it. Gavin walked over to Alman and kicked him with his foot. He stirred in his sleep and then turned over. Gavin couldn't believe what he was seeing. He walked over to his horse and took out a bag and filled it with water. Walking back to them, he took the water and poured it overtop the both of them. They woke up sputtering and cursing. "What the hell did you do that for, Gavin?" He looked up at the man who had been like an uncle to him since he was born. "You little fool. You are very lucky that it was us and not someone who would have killed you for your boots." Alman pushed his wet hair out of his eyes. "Sorry. You're right," he said as he stood and looked at the men that stood behind him. He knew then that his dad had sent them to take him back home. "I'm not going back so if that is why you came here then you can turn around and go back." Gavin looked at the future king and thought that maybe this would be a good thing for him after all. If he was to be King one day then he would have to learn how to take care of his people. His father waited too long for him to learn the things he needed. Gavin sat down and stoked the fire. Nelvil had already gone to get some food. "Okay, if you are determined to make this trip then we will go with you to make sure you stay alive." Alman looked over at Gavin. Why did he give in so easily? He watched as the men set up camp. As they sat around the fire, Nelvil came back with a wild pig. Churil took the pig and had it on a spit within a half hour. As they waited for it to cook, Alman told them what had happen to them so far. "You didn't see our horses did you? They got spooked just before we fell into the cave." Gavin looked at the young prince. "We found them but they didn't make it. He told them what happened at the river and Alman told him about the same creature that almost took them. "We will get some sleep tonight and then in the morning we will take you on our steeds with us. Get some sleep now. My men and I will take turns watching out. Alman knew that it was up to him to get this done but he welcomed Gavin and his men for protection. Twice in one day, getting attacked by strange creatures was enough for him. Reed was going to take the first watch. After Harry and Alman fell asleep, Gavin sat with the others and made out a plan to get the prince out to the west forest, get the sapling and then bring them back.

Jordon walked the perimeter around the camp. Everyone was asleep around the fire. He heard a rustle to his left and looked in that direction. His sword already out and waiting. Alman woke from a sound sleep to completely being wide awake. He stood up and looked around and then he heard the same noise Jordon heard. "Get up!" Jordon shouted to his others. All of them had their weapons in their hands before Harry could even get to his feet. Alman drew his sword and the diamond shone fierce in the night.

Standing in a circle formation, they had the fire at their backs. The huge cats strode toward them. Gavin looked at the black cats and noticed their eyes. Reflective mirrors that seemed to reach into your soul. As Churil moved an inch towards Reed, light from the fire streaked through and the cat that stood before them backed up. Gavin saw the reaction the cat took to the light. "They can't look at light. Grab a piece of wood and use it as a shield. All of them reached down and picked up a branch. The cats let out a roar so deafening that caused Harry to cover his ears. In doing so, he dropped the branch that he was holding on to and the cat sprung. Nelvil reached for his arrow and it flew through the air, impaling the cat before it could reach him. The cat that had Nelvil in his sights took this as his chance and jumped through the air towards his target. Harry sliced through the neck of the cat with his sword but didn't even do damage to the animal. The cat fell to the ground but got back up. He looked between the two of them and jumped at Harry this time. Alman sliced his sword through the air, cutting the head right off. The cat fell with a hard thump to the ground. The last one looked at them and then turned. Gavin ran to his horse and started to chase it. Alman ran after him until Jordon grabbed his arm. "What are you doing?" Alman looked at Jordon holding his arm. "We have to go help him." Jordon knew what Gavin was doing. "Sir, I'm sorry to hold you but Gavin had gone to make sure that one does not get away alive. That cat would bring back more if he doesn't kill it. We can't let that happen." The men heard the piercing scream of the cat and hoped they would be long gone before anymore could come. As they cleaned up the camp, Gavin came back with the head. He threw it on the ground with the rest of them. "Let's move. The sun will be up shortly and that will give us some time to get as far enough away from them as possible. Alman climbed up behind Gavin and Harry got up behind Nelvil. As they left the camp behind, the sun came up over the horizon.

It had been two days since Alman and Gavin left. Nicholis hadn't been able to sleep since he had left that night. Why didn't he just give him the men? Gavin had told him that he coddled the boy but he had just lost his wife. Now he knew that he should have been stronger on the boy. Looking out the window, Nicholis hoped that Gavin had his son safe. The storm hadn't passed but the rain had stopped for a brief time. The lightening still lit up the sky and the thunder still shook the wall of the palace. Some of the villagers' houses had been washed away from the storm so the men he sent out to help them brought them back to the palace. With this lull in the rain, he could see others patching up their roofs in case it started again. He could see in the distance, the sun was coming up in the horizon. Maybe the storm would move on. He walked over to the chair that sat before the fire and coughed into a cloth he held in his hand. Spots of blood sprinkled onto it. He knew what this meant. He had an uncle with the same condition. The poor man didn't last more than six months once it started. Nicholis knew that it had been four so far since the first day he noticed it. His breathing had become harder too since then. He knew he was dying. Gavin needed to bring Alman back soon. He needed to tell his son everything before he died. Alman had to know what happened years ago. He laid his head back against the chair and closed his eyes.
Chapter 5

Gavin knew that there were two other towns in the kingdom but he never had never been to either. Riding into town, they made their way over to the stables. When he heard the horses, the man at the furnace looked at the seven men approaching. He knew by the crest, they were the Kings men. Putting the cold set hammer down, he walked over to the entrance. "How can I help you men?" he asked. Alman looked at the blacksmith and knew this man was the one he would need to speak with. Alman got down and walked up to the man. Gavin was about to get off his horse but Alman told him to stay where he was. Alman walked up to the man. "Where can we speak?" The man turned and swept his arm aside to allow Alman into the blacksmith's quarters. Alman took a seat at the table as the old man took a seat across from him. Alman looked at this old man in the eyes. They were crystal blue and he had seen them once before. "You said I have only till the new moon to bring back the sapling or people will die. Who will die, old man? Who will die?" Ishma got up and walked over to the fireplace and threw another log on the fire. Turning around, he looked at the young man who sat there in front of him. "Life closest to you will peril if you do not complete this." Alman ran his hand through his hair out of frustration. He looked up and the old man was gone. Alman walked out of the blacksmith's home. The men were still there. Alman walked up to Gavin. "We will stay here tonight and then leave in the morning," he told him. Gavin didn't know what happened in that shack but the boy he witnessed going in was not the person who exited.

They found two strong horses that would be suitable for the distance they needed to go. Alman left the money in the shack and a note with them. He knew the man he spoke to was not the real blacksmith, but he would not cheat the real one. He noticed the inn across the street. Alman went over to inquire about rooms for the night while the others tended to the horses. The bar keep recognized him as he walked in. Alman walked up to the bar, "Barkeep, are there rooms to rent for the night?" the barkeep knew that no one would believe that the Prince of Maramar stayed in his inn. "Yes Sire, I have rooms for you and your men. " Alman paid him with some gold coins that would cover the rooms plus drinks and food. He walked back over to the blacksmith's and told Gavin the plan. "Let's sit down over some food and think about our next step." Gavin agreed and they all went into the pub and got a cup of beer while the barkeeper's wife scrambled to freshen the rooms for the young Prince and his men. They finished their beer and a table full of food when the woman came back into the bar in a rush and whispered into her husband's ear. Alman looked over and smiled at her. She blushed and smiled back. The barkeep went over to the table. "Sire, your rooms are ready for you. There is also fresh water for you all if you want to wash up. Alman thanked the man and got up. He walked up the stairs and opened the door to his room. It was simple, a double bed against the wall and a chair by the window. There was the stand that held the water pitcher and the bowl. Alman washed up the best he could, thinking about everything that had gone on so far on this trip. He bent his head over and ran water through his hair. Taking the cloth that was on the side of the stand, he dried off and then sat down on his bed. The forest and the cave, the cats and the monster in the river. Sitting on his bed, he realized that he didn't even know that this town existed. How was he supposed to be King if he didn't know what he was to rule? Going over to the window, he looked down at this town that seemed to survive out in the middle of nowhere. Growing up, he wasn't interested in learning about the kingdom. He had many friends and they did whatever they wanted. The palace also had many beautiful young ladies that would catch his eye. He never had to care about anything. He knew his father was frustrated with him because he would rather get into cups and cards instead of learning about what would be his one day. He remembered how it was after his mother died, his father basically forgot he had a son. He would walk right by him and not even know that he was there. His father grieved so hard for the woman he had loved all his life. It was only in the last year his father told him that he would need to attend the meetings of the councillors but he brushed them off. He walked into a village today that he didn't even know the name to. A knock at the door and he turned to see Harry walk in. "You ready to go downstairs to have something to eat?" He smiled at his friend and nodded. "Good, I'm starving." Alman patted his friend on the back and smiled. "You, my friend, are always starving."

Gavin and the other men were already downstairs. The food was just being brought to the tables by some very pretty bar wenches. The red head smiled at Harry. Alman laughed, knowing that his friend would not be sleeping alone tonight. The blonde one grazed her breast against his shoulder and he looked up and winked at her. She smiled a saucy grin before going to get the other food. Gavin and the other men laughed at the two young men. As they ate, they discussed the best way to get to the west forest. Alman didn't know why but he knew they were only a few days away from the forest. The barkeep told them that the quickest way would be to go over the mountains. They would have to be careful of the cats. They all knew now that the cats couldn't get near them if they had a fire going. The cats won't bother you if you can get to the bottom of the mountain." Gavin looked at him puzzled. "Why would they stop following us?" The barkeeper wiped his hands on the cloth that hung from his belt. "Once you get to the bottom, you will be in the west forest. The cats won't go in there." "And how would you know that, barkeep?" Churil said as he sliced through the beef with his biggest blade. The barkeep looked around then leaned down so only they could hear him. "There is one guy that went in a few years ago and came back." Nelvil, not looking at anyone in particular said, "Barkeep, I think it would be a good idea if you went to get this man." His demeanour not giving the man a choice. He nodded and went into the back. A few minutes later, he walked a young man out the door. He came back to the table. "I have sent my eldest son to get Saunders for you." Alman thanked him. As they waited, they ate more of the food the girls kept bringing out and drank a couple more beers. Gavin knew that the barkeep was right. They would have to go over the next mountain if they were to get there before the next new moon. Alman looked out the window and noticed people coming out of their homes and lighting candles. Now he knew why. Their host did the same, then went around to each window and locked each one up. "Barkeep," Alman asked him, "How long ago did the cats attack this village?" The man walked over to their table. "Every night it storms, we get attacked. The candles won't stay lit, so it doesn't keep them away." Innocent people died before but over the years, the people in the village learned and built stronger buildings. He finished with the windows then went on as if it was an ordinary evening. Alman looked over at Gavin. "Did you know about this village?" Gavin took a drink from his cup and then nodded. "We knew it was here and your father sent someone every year to see how they fared. The reports came back with no problems so your father never sent us out." Alman remembered the one night a man came to the palace and told his father about the cats. He was mad now because he now knew that the men that were sent to check on these villages lied to the King. "When we get back we are going to find out why these people needed the King's help and never received it. He talked to Harry about it later in his room. "Wow that is horrible. What do you want to do?" Harry sat down in the chair and tipped it back on the back legs. He knew by the look on Alman's face that he would find a solution for this until he could come back with an army and destroy the cats. He hoped that the next few nights stayed clear for these people.

Ishma watched the others put their candles to flame. He looked at the young man through the window across the street. They waited centuries for this one person and he could only hope that he would be able to complete this task. He turned and closed the door behind him knowing that if he did, it would be many years before they could try again.

Alman got up the next morning to the blonde beauty leaving his room. He walked over to the wash stand and took some water in his hands and washed his face. Taking the cloth off the rack, he wiped down and looked into the mirror. He looked like he aged overnight. His hands didn't feel soft anymore. After just three days away from home, they were blistered and callouses were starting to form. Running his fingers through his hair to get it off his face, he looked around for his clothes. He needed to get down to the blacksmith's to talk to him one more time.

When Alman finally reached the table where the others were eating the breakfast that was put out for them, Alman took a seat beside Gavin. "I want to go to the smith's shack before we leave." As he reached for a piece of beef he told him what he had been thinking about last night before the blonde beauty showed up at his door. "I think I have found a way to help these people until we can come back and kill every one of those cats." Gavin nodded and slapped him on his back. The force would have thrown the prince off the bench a few days ago but this time it didn't even budge him. Gavin didn't know what was going on but when he saw the prince come down the stairs, he didn't look the same.

Alman finished his breakfast and left the men to get ready to move out when he got back. He walked across the street to the blacksmith's shack and knocked on the door that was left open. "Come in," a younger voice said. "I will be right with you." Alman looked around and it all seemed the same from the day before. He turned to see a man about his age or a little older walk around the corner. "Hello Sir. How can I help you?" Alman picked up a plate of steel. "You got the money for the horses that I got out of your stables?" The blacksmith nodded and thanked him. "Can you fashion anything from steel?" The young man puffed up his chest a bit more and took the steel from Alman's hands. "I can do anything with this. What is it that you are looking for?" Alman took the quill and paper and showed the blacksmith a design.
Chapter 6

Sanders walked up to the men getting ready to head out. He was not what they expected at all. He was small in stature and reed thin. He walked over to the men and asked who Alman was. Gavin turned around at the gruffness of the voice. "Sir, this is the future King that you are looking for. I insist that you treat him accordingly." Sanders backed up a bit. "He will be back soon. He just went over to the blacksmith's." No one told him it was the prince that he was coming to talk to. He would have cleaned up a little bit more. He saw the tall man walk out of the blacksmith's shack. Alman saw the little man standing by Gavin and walked up to him. "So you're the man who went into the forest and came back out alive. We have much to talk about. Did you bring your things for the trip?" Sanders backed up a bit. "What do you mean, for the trip? Even for you sir, I will not go back into that forest." Gavin went to cuff the man across the back of the head but Alman held up his hand. Gavin turned, disgusted that this man dare to say no to his next King. "Well, let's go inside and you can tell me what to expect." Sanders was so glad that he wouldn't have to go back in there. That experience would last him a life time. As they took their seats at the table, the barkeep brought over some cups of beer. As Alman watched, the man downed his in one swallow. He gestured for the barkeep to bring more. "So, can you tell me what you experienced and why you won't go?" Sanders picked up his second cup. "I went because I was tired of the cats. Every night we have to light the candles and then one night it rained hard. My wife went out to light the candle but it just went out each time. It was getting dark fast and my son went out to help her. I heard the cats before I saw the one come into the yard. He was making his way over to my son and my wife moved in front of our boy to protect him. The cat took her and that was the last that I saw of my wife. She was a good woman. Beautiful and kind. My son has never been the same since. Not right in the head after watching his mother get taken away by those huge monsters. I went after them to kill them but by the time I got to the bottom of the mountain, I noticed that they didn't come beyond that. As much as I taunted them, they would not budge. As I made my way through the forest, it didn't look so scary but the more I made my way into it, things happened that I couldn't even explain to anyone. I was lost for days then I came to the wall and thought if I could only climb it but I couldn't even get two feet from it. There was a force that kept me back. I turned and came back home and the cats didn't bother me as I did. I thought for sure I was going to join my wife. I don't know how I made it back alive." Alman listened to everything this man said. He felt bad for him that he lost his wife and in a way, his son. "She was a very brave woman to do that. Saving a life and sparing your own is a very high honor." Sanders nodded. He knew it was but he would rather have her than her high honor. "Are you sure you won't make the trip with us?" Sanders looked at the future King and knew he should go. "I have no one to look after my boy. I can't risk not coming back. I hope, sir that you can understand this?" Alman did and as he stood up, he patted the man on the shoulder.

Gavin was standing with the other men when he came out. "So, what the barkeep said is true." He told all the men. "The cats cannot go beyond the bottom so we have to make it through the night without getting eaten and then it won't be too far from there." Gavin grinned, as did the others. They were up to the adventure. Harry stood there looking at how his friend had changed overnight. Alman knew that maybe the best place for Harry would be to stay right here till they got back. Walking over to him, Alman looked at his friend. "Harry, you can stay here. You don't have to go too." Harry knew what Alman was doing. He was giving him an out but Harry would have none of it. "You're my best friend, King or no King. I would have your back always." Alman smiled then walked over to his horse. Getting onto it, he felt the difference right away. His last horse he had from foal. They had a bond. The one who replaced him was a stronger horse but Alman could already feel that the agility was not there. As they walked down the street, people stood watching from the side of the road, their windows, and their door ways. Alman knew that he would come back to this place and save these people from the hell they have had to live with.

It had been three days since Alman had been gone. Nicholis was feeling weaker as each day passed. He couldn't understand what was happening around them. The guards were on watch. The skies remained dark and the lightning and thunder had not stopped. Looking out the window, he watched as the clouds rolled across the sky. He had never seen a storm like this in his lifetime. The rain had almost washed out most of the village. The men who live there worked alongside with the soldiers and guards from the palace to save it. They bagged dirt and made a wall to divert the water away from the village that started to raise above the river banks. There were no differences in the men as the worked side by side. Turning, he walked over to the chair that sat in front of the hearth. Looking into the fire, he thought back at all the times that he could have spent with his son. Instead, he thought he should be carefree and enjoy life. He should have had him training, learning from a young age. Gavin hadn't come back either so the only thing he could do was hope that his son was still alive.

Gavin rode next to Alman as they made their way towards the next mountain. They were going to go as far as they could while they had light, then build a fire before it got dark. It was the only chance that they had. They also had to give Nelvil time to go hunt and time to eat before they each took watch throughout the night. Around noon, they stopped at a river and Harry fished for them all. He was showing Reed how it was done. He tied the string to a branch and with one hand holding the branch and the other with the string, he whipped the string so it just hit the water and the fish would snap at it. He got one almost every time. Reed was very impressed with this. While Reed was learning a new skill, Jordon got the fires going. He had one at each corner so they would sleep within the square. Alman leaned against the tree and looked out at the mountain that they had to cross. It was in the distance and he knew that the timing was going to be very close in getting there. He thought back to the conversation that he had with Sanders. How did he do it, alone? After the night with the cats, he wasn't looking forward to tonight. Churil skinned the rabbits that Nelvil had brought back. Reed tried getting the fish ready and was doing a good job of it. Harry got the others done in the time Reed had his completed. They ate well and sat around until they had to take their turn at watch. It was about an hour later that they heard the first rustle. The horses were in the square with them but seven horses and seven men in a small area was never a good idea but they had no choice. They didn't want to risk losing them to the cats again. As Churil and Reed settled them down the cats would start all over again. They weren't coming into the perimeter but the horses could smell them and wanted no part of it. All night they would take turns, two with the horses, three sleeping and two keeping watch. A couple hours later, the cats left but the men still kept watch.

Another couple hours and day break would be upon them. Gavin thought back to the day before and how he watched as Alman took over the men. He wished that Nicholis was here to see the transformation that his son took on this journey. He would be very proud of him right now. There was also a need for Alman to get to the west forest that Gavin couldn't understand. He walked over to where Harry was sitting and sat down next to him. Gavin took a drink then passed the canteen over to Harry. Harry took it and took a little sip and started choking. "What the hell is that?" Gavin started to laugh and then patted him on the back so he could get his breath back. "Rye, from the grain plant. One of the villagers was playing around with the plant we cropped last year and came up with this. Very tasty, no?" Harry felt a warmth spread over him as he looked over his shoulder at Gavin. Gavin knew that when Harry was in his cups, he would talk. Whenever he needed to know what Alman was up to, he would seek out Harry. As Gavin leaned back against the tree, he asked Harry. "Why such the urgency with Alman?" Harry looked over at his best friend. He was undecided whether to tell Gavin or not. Harry thought about what had happened so far to them and if Gavin knew the truth, then they might have a better chance to protect the two of them. On the other hand, Alman may not want him to say anything to Gavin. Taking another sip of rye, he decided to take his chances and told Gavin what happened when they went into the village two weeks ago. Then what happened in the cave. "When the cats come, watch the sword." Harry told him how it glowed when they came near. Gavin could see Alman going around to each of his men and talking with them, asking them questions. Gavin just hoped that they would have the same luck as Sanders and get back out of here alive. Gavin took another sip and then noticed the sword that hung from Alman's hip. The stone glowed bright. He jumped to his feet and looked around. Harry was on his feet just as fast. "Men, we have company." Gavin said in a neutral voice. The other men took their weapons in their hands and took their stance. Alman noticed his sword. The steel reflected the mirrored eyes from the cats as they moved slowly around the square. The horses started to panic and as Reed and Jordon ran over to help, Jordon tripped over a branch coming out of the ground and Reed reached out to grab him but missed. Reed went down along with Jordan. One of the cat's paws reached out and snagged Reed's vest and pulled him out into the darkness. Gavin grabbed Alman's arm and held him back as he started to go after Reed. "We can't help him now." He understands that." Alman didn't understand but went over to help with the horses. The cats kept them busy for the next two hours and then everything went quite. They got on the horses and started toward the next mountain. The nights were going to be long and the days were going to be longer.
Chapter 7

They started out a couple hours later. The cats didn't let up until the dawn. They were all exhausted and as Jordon put out the fires, Nelvil and Churil cleaned up the campsite. No one spoke as they got all their things together. Reed was gone and Gavin and the men were still trying to get it in their heads that he wouldn't be riding with them. Alman felt the most responsible because it was his quest that he had to complete and as he looked down at the sword, he now knew that it wasn't about the sword at all. He now knew that he was sent on this quest for a reason. The old man said that someone close to him would die. Was that Reed, his father, or Harry? Gavin brought his horse up to ride alongside of him. "It's not your fault. We go into situations knowing our lives may be in jeopardy. This is what we train for. It was a freak accident. You can't take the blame." Gavin rode with him for another half hour, then went back to see how Jordon was doing. Reed and Jordon had been as close as brothers. He knew that he would be taking it hard but Gavin knew that because Jordon tripped, he felt even more at fault because Reed reached out to get him but he got caught by the cat instead. Gavin didn't say anything but just stayed by his side.

Jordon watched as Alman and Gavin talked. Reed wouldn't have died if they hadn't been on the quest to bring the prince home. They were told bits and pieces but there was more to the truth that he needed to know. His best friend was gone. They had been friends since they were kids and they always wanted to be guards for the palace. When they were picked by Gavin to be guards of the King, both Reed and he celebrated. They always thought that the best they could do was lower guard. Their families were so proud. They had been guards for almost ten years. They suffered the battle scars but they usually laughed about them after. Now he was traveling to the west forest and he didn't even know where the cats took his friend. He didn't even have a body to bring back to the family. Gavin came back and rode beside him. Jordon knew that it was a possibility to die in battle but he really never thought they would actually die. He always thought that one day they would both be sitting down, telling their children of the fierce battles they fought together. He didn't even realize that Gavin had rode back to be with him. "Jordon, how are you doing?" Gavin asked. Jordon just nodded and looked straight ahead. He could still hear the screams in his head from Reed as the cats took him away. Gavin looked back at Churil and Nelvil. He knew that they would take care of him. He went over to Harry. "Are you okay?" Harry had seen the cat's paw reached out and grab Reed's vest. Reed didn't have chance. The power of the cat took Reed off his feet and then it took him. One second he was there, reaching for his friend and the next he was gone. Harry had been a pampered friend to the prince and never had to see the violence that others had talked about. Now he was front row to it. Now he thought back to the stories the men would have in the great hall and at the time he thought he was worldly because he sat with these powerful men but now that he witnessed firsthand what they were talking about, he knew that they were not telling everything in those stories. He looked over at Gavin and Gavin felt sorry for the young man. It wasn't a nice way to make your way into manhood. Harry's choice to stay with his friend was also a choice to put his own life at risk.

As they rode up the mountain, Nelvil pointed out to the many caves that jutted out from the rocks. Alman knew the cat's lair was in those many caves. It was like the mountains were filled with them.

They traveled for most of the day, trying to get in as much distance as they could. Alman hoped for this day to be over so they could reach the bottom of the mountain before anyone else got hurt but he knew that they would have to spend another night with the cats. They were all exhausted from not getting any sleep the night before and now to have to go through another night, Alman didn't know if he could do it. He looked around at the land that would one day be his. It was beautiful. The grass within the trees had a mystical quality to it. With everything that had been going on, he never had a chance to really see his land. Going into some of the open areas, Alman was able to look at the vast land before him. He knew that there were tales of years ago when there were no walls. They were put up to stop the wars. To control the violence and make sure that people lived in peace. Sure, they had some people who would try to start something and the lower guards would be dispatched to clear the situation. The higher guards were for the King's protection. His father talked of the walls; everyone did but no one would dare to venture too close to the west forest. Men lost their lives trying to find a way through it, never to be seen again. Alman knew that on the south side they had a leak in the wall and it had been fixed but by the time it was noticed, the people who got through had blended in with everyone else.

Alman looked down to where the west forest began. From his vantage point, he thought the trees actually looked black from where he stood. He looked at Gavin. "Let's stop for the night. We are all exhausted. If we find food and set up the fires earlier, then we can figure out a way to keep the horses safe and get some sleep before evening comes. "Gavin knew that it would put them behind a few hours but he was in agreement with Alman that they were exhausted and if they were to get through another night alive, they would need their wits about them.

Harry tied up his horse to the tree. They picked a spot that this time they hoped would work better for the horses. The area was open and it was covered in creeping thyme. They put a line of fires on each three sides and the trees where the horses were tied, there was a cliff drop behind them. Gavin took a look down and he didn't think that the cats would be able to get up there because of the sheer face of it. They were not going to take any more chances with the men. Nelvil took Harry out to look for food. Harry was still in a state of shock after what happened the night before. Nelvil was a giant of a man but underneath he was gentle to others, especially children. Jordon sat down on a rock and took out his stone and started to sharpen his sword. With each stroke he took, his eyes seemed to get darker and darker. It was as if something took hold of him and he wanted vengeance. Gavin knew they would have to watch him tonight. Alman and Churil decided to take a walk around the perimeter together and as they did, they came upon a pool of water. Walking over to the pool, they could see right to the bottom and in the next moment, they were jumping in. Clothes tossed off and left on the embankment. The water felt so refreshing. Alman scrubbed his hair and under his arms. Going back under the water, he held his breath and looked around. He couldn't believe how clear the water was. The pools around the palace were murky. He made his way up to the surface when something came out of nowhere and wrapped itself around his leg. It kept pulling him farther and farther down. He turned in time to see Churil pull his knife out and slice whatever was holding him down. As soon as he was free, he made his way up to the surface. He swam over to the bank and climbed out. Churil was right behind him. Just as Churil stepped onto the bank, the creature's tentacle came out of the water and wrapped around Churil's arms and chest to pull him back into the water. As the beast raised itself out of the water, Alman had never seen anything so horrifying. It had the shape of an octopus but the head was separated by a neck that made it almost look human. The eyes were huge and black and the small teeth that ran along its lips looked razor sharp. As it looked at Alman, another tentacle came around and almost had him. It looked like the same monster that tried to get him and Harry at the river the second day but on a larger scale. "Run now," Churil screamed out to the prince. Alman grabbed his sword that glowed bright from the stone and swung it through the air. It sliced through the tentacle that was meant for him. He kept swinging, trying to avoid getting caught himself but Churil knew that eventually he would get tired. He urged the prince to run to safety. The scream the monster let out was deafening. The last slice he took was a big one and he thought for sure that it would let go of Churil but it held him tight. Alman grabbed their clothing and boots and ran. He looked back but only heard the splash of the water as the beast took Churil with it. He got to the camp, his hair still dripping water. Gavin took one look and pulled his sword. "What happened? Where did that scream come from?" A few moments later as Alman sat on the ground trying to catch his breath, Gavin noticed that Churil wasn't with him. He squatted down and looked at Alman. "Where is Churil?" Alman shook his head. "The beast came right out of the water. It had me and Churil cut me loose but it wrapped around him and I couldn't get him free. I kept cutting it over and over but it wouldn't let him go." Gavin rose and called out to Jordon and Nelvil. "Stay here and keep an eye on him." Nelvil told him that he thought it would be a good idea if he went with him. Gavin nodded. Harry was putting the rabbits they killed on a spit. Gavin figured by the time they got back, the food would be ready then they would have to get some rest. Jordon had finished sharpening his sword and stood up. "Nelvil, stay here. I will go with Gavin." Gavin knew that Jordon wanted to fight anything. He was mad that he lost his friend. "Now is not the time, my friend. Save that anger for tonight when we may need it. I need you to stay here and keep an eye on both of them. Gavin picked up their canteens. He would fill them up from the spring that they passed by just a few minutes from the campsite. Jordon resented that he couldn't go. He needed to expel the anger that had built up in him. He looked over at Alman and he could see that he was still shaken up. Jordon nodded then walked outside the perimeter and gathered enough wood to keep the fires burning all night. Harry left Alman alone. He hoped that his friend would see what a stupid thing this quest was and turn around and go home.
Chapter 8

Gavin had gotten back a couples of hours later. There was no sign of Churil. Jordon walked over to the tree by the horses and sat down. He was losing his friends to this quest. Gavin walked over to him after seeing that the others were busy taking the rabbits off the spit. "This is not a time to allow your emotions to get the better of you. Reed could have died in any fight over the years and you would still be going through this. Churil also knew what the perils were. This is your job. Your personal feelings don't matter when it comes to protecting the King and his family." Gavin knew that Jordan was taking the loss of his friend very hard. Jordan stood up quickly and looked at Gavin in the eyes. "He dies because our Prince is spoiled and took on a fancy to go to the forbidden forest. It was not a worthy cause that he died for but a spoiled brat's adventurist nature. How many times have we pulled that child out of a situation so his father wouldn't find out? A glorified babysitter we are, not soldiers. Reed lost his life trying to save me." Jordon turned to look off the cliff's edge. He couldn't talk anymore about it. He hated the Prince at this moment. Gavin could understand why he came to that conclusion. Looking back at Alman, Gavin knew that something had changed on this trip. Alman wasn't the spoiled kid anymore. Something happened the last time he spoke to that blacksmith. When Alman walked out of the shed, Gavin knew something was said to make this boy become a man quickly. He left Jordon to himself. Jordon needed more time to get his head together. He knew that if he gave Jordon a direct order, he would follow it so he didn't have to concern himself with the safety of the Prince. He walked over to the fire and sat down. Nelvil passed him some rabbit. The juice ran down his fingers as he tore another part off the bone. It was so good and eating only once a day, they were lucky that Nelvil was good with his arrows. He never missed a shot. Jordon came over too and sat down. Nelvil passed him some meat. As he took it, Jordon looked over at Alman. "So since two of our friends have died on a quest we really know nothing about, would you mind filling us in?" Jordon said through bites of the succulent meat. Alman looked over at Jordon. He knew he was angry at him for the loss of Reed. He had thought about telling them since they caught up to him and Harry, but something held him back. He wasn't sure if he could talk to them about it. Would they even believe him if he did? He ate his meat and then took a drink of water from the canteen. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he leaned back against the rock that was at his back. "I know I am the last person that you want to be around and I'm sorry for the loss of Reed and Churil, I really am. I didn't walk into the blacksmith's shed in our village to go looking for a quest. It found me. I know you won't understand this." He pulled the sword out of the sheath and held it up. "This sword picked me. I couldn't stop now, even if I wanted to." He put the sword back into the sheath. He stood up and grabbed some more wood. Throwing it on the fire, he knew that he would have to tell them everything. Everyone had finished eating by now. Alman was upset by what Jordon had asked and he knew it was time to tell them all what was going on. "You may think I'm nuts. Gavin you have seen the sword's diamond glow when the cats come near. The old man that I talk to was never the blacksmith but he dresses as one. He told me that I needed to bring back a sapling from a certain almond tree. If I do this, many people will live. If I don't, then many people will peril, especially my father." Alman sat back against the stone and put his bag under his head and closed his eyes. That was all the explanation that they were going to get tonight. He thought about his father and how he wished he could go back in time and tell him how sorry he was for all the foolish things that he had done over the years. That he should have listened when he father tried to show him things about the Kingdom. He couldn't stop thinking about the old man who sent him on this dangerous journey but after talking to him in the last village, he knew that he was picked for a reason. Gavin told Harry and Jordon to get some sleep. Nelvil and he would take first watch. They were all exhausted but if they slept now, everyone would get some sleep in before the night was upon them. They knew they were getting closer to the bottom where the cats would not be able to get them so he had a feeling that they would be in for the fight for their lives tonight. He walked around the perimeter and added more wood to the fires that were going low. Nelvil checked on the horses, making sure they were fed and watered. They had two extra horses now, as he looked over. He thought about letting Alman's and Harry's go but he would send them out to slaughter if he did that. He would wait till there were at the base and then let them go. Alman and Harry could have Reed and Churil's horses. They had another two hours before the cats would be back. Adding a few more sticks to the fire by the horses, he walked up to Nelvil. "How are they today?" Nelvil noticed a scratch on Reed's horse's left hind quarter. It was just a scratch but it looked really infected. He hadn't noticed it that morning. He cleaned it the best he could but he didn't think that the horse would recover. The green/yellow pus that was leaking out was telling him that an infection had already set in to the blood stream. Gavin took a look and swore. The flesh around it was hot to the touch. It was festering and he figured that the cat that scratched him must have had some venom in the claws. He had hoped that they could keep these ones and get rid of the weaker ones but now looking at it, he knew that it was a poison that leaked from the injury. It had a rank smell to it and looking into the horses eyes, he knew he was suffering. "Take him, Nelvil and make sure it is clean. He wouldn't wait for the cats to finish the job. He wouldn't make the horse suffer any more than it had already. As he watched Nelvil take the horse away from the campsite, Harry was coming awake. Gavin sat next to him. "You should try to sleep for a bit longer." Harry shook his head. "Every time I close my eyes, I see Reed going through the air and then the screams that came after that." Harry pulled out his small knife and started to whittle at some wood that was laying on the ground. "How do you men do it? You go into battle with excitement on your faces." Harry cut another piece off the wood and then looked into Gavin's eyes. Gavin knew that each battle was exciting for them but they went into them knowing that they would give their life for their King. It was how they were brought up. Harry would never understand but Gavin and his men where the reason why he and Alman got to live such a pampered life. "We go into battle excited, yes. We have trained our whole lives to make sure the kingdom is safe. The west side, no one had ever been able to come through there but the south, north, and east have to be watched all the time. The walls were built to maintain peace. They were built hundreds of years ago. We have to make sure that peace remains." Harry nodded.

Alman and Jordon woke at the same time. Jordon got up to take a walk around and Gavin and Nelvil took their turns sleeping. It would be dusk in another hour. Harry got up and put more wood on the fire. Looking over at Alman, he watched as his friend took out the sword and looked at it. Alman got up when he saw Jordon walk into the camp. He walked over to him. "I just want to say I'm sorry for what happened." In the next instance, Alman was on the ground. Jordon swung and smashed him in the face with his fist. Jordon felt the satisfaction run through him and he wanted to continue but knew that he couldn't. Gavin heard the commotion and opened his eyes to see Jordon stand over the Prince and Alman on the ground holding his jaw. Gavin closed his eyes and went back to sleep. He knew that they would work things out on their own. "That you deserved for bringing us out here." He put out his hand to help Alman up. "Thanks," Alman said as he got to his feet. He brought his hand up to his jaw and checked it to make sure nothing was broken. "I would never bring someone on a quest so they could die. Seriously, after the first day I knew it wasn't an adventure anymore. This man that I have been speaking with just appears. I have no way to summon him. He is of the world Arie. I don't even know where that is." Jordon didn't want to hear it. He walked away from the Prince. Alman knew he had to make him understand. He knew this had to be done. He walked with Jordon as he checked each fire. "Look, you can hate me but I have to do this. More people will die if I don't. You can, help with this or go home. I can't have someone around me if I can't trust them. So do I have your trust?" Jordon looked at the man before him. He couldn't even count on both hands the times that he and Reed pulled him out of something before things got too crazy. This man before him was not the same man. He was grown, he also looked older, which in the time span of five days didn't make sense. Was there witchery happening? Jordon couldn't be sure. He had heard the stories about the west forest. They all did from birth but could there be some truth to it? He wondered now. He had pledged his allegiance to his father and that meant it carried over to the family. He knew he had to let Reed go. It was going to be hard but he had to do it so he could keep Alman safe. The Prince was his job and he was good at his job. He walked to the edge of the cliff. Looking out over the vast area, he knew what he had to do. He turned to Alman and took a knee. "I swear with whole heart and soul that I will protect the man before me with my life if need be. This you have my oath." Alman stretched out his hand and helped Jordon up. "Thank you. This means a great deal to me."

Gavin knew that things would right themselves. He was glad that Alman stood up and talked to Jordon. If he was to be King one day, he would have to learn to rule with an iron fist but have an open heart.
Chapter 9

Gavin awakened and looked around. The fires were still going and Harry was sitting by himself, leaning against the rock he left him at about an hour before. He was making something of the wood in his hand. Jordon and Alman were walking the perimeter. Gavin punched Nelvil in the shoulder to get him up. Nelvil opened his eyes then stretched. He had been in the field many times to protect the Kingdom. To get an hour in was a great accomplishment. He got up and got his bow on his back and checked to see how many arrows he had left. When he ran out, he would still have his sword but he preferred things of this nature to be as far away from him as possible. Jordon and Alman made their way back to the fire. Gavin stood there talking to Nelvil when a piercing scream went through the night air. It was only dusk so they knew that they were going to have company soon. Jordon had already prepared his sword while the other two had slept. The blade was so sharp that it could slice a fine piece of hair in half. Harry stood up and walked over to the fire. He wasn't going to sit by himself close to the perimeter fire. He was determined to stay close to the middle one if he could. He didn't know how much more he would be able to take. Right now as he looked beyond the fires, he wished he was sitting in the village square, still whispering sweet words into the ear of the sweet ling that met him at the fountain every other day. As he whittled with the knife he now had in his front belt, he thought about what had transpired so far. Was this a test that they were supposed to conquer? He thought about the days past just the week before. He and Alman had a private party in his suites at the palace which lasted for days. Being out here for five days now, he realized now how spoiled they were. His best friend would be King and he knew that he would be standing beside him. They had talked about it before. They hadn't learned a thing and doing this quest was not his preferred way of learning. The night settled in and as soon as the last light of day disappeared, the cats were there. The cat with the piercing scream kept taunting them as he walked along the side of the perimeter. Two others walked around in different directions, always trying to make sure one of them was along the path should they try to run. The horses were getting agitated and Harry turned in that direction to see one paw hook itself from the cliff's edge. Harry ran over there and swung his sword down upon the paw, slicing it off. The cat flailed in the air then dropped. Jordon ran over there and swung his sword to get the next one that tried the same thing. Both cats fell to their deaths upon the rocks that jutted up from the earth below. Jordon turned to see one of the three jump over the fire. Nelvil took him down with an arrow through the heart. Gavin stood back to back with the Prince. Alman watched as the lead cat watched him through the fire. Gavin saw the other run into the night, only to return as it soared through the air over the fire. The cats were determined to kill them this night. Gavin swung his sword and the cat swung his lethal claws through the air. Gavin hit the claws and the steel against them rang as if he just hit metal bars. The cat snarled at him and then reared up on his back paws to pounce down on his victim. Just as the monster rose up to over ten feet, it let out a scream that would deafen anyone. As the cat slumped to the ground, Gavin looked to see Harry standing behind the cat.

The one that kept his eyes on Alman as he walked back and forth didn't seem as the others. He watched Alman closely. Every step he took, the way the sword moved, his eyes moved with it. Nelvil hollered out as another tried to come over the cliff where the horses were. As Nelvil looked over the side, he noticed that the claws of the cats penetrated the rock on the side of the cliff as if they were climbing a tree. He couldn't believe how sharp those claws really were until he watched as they sank into the rock as if they were going into soft mud. He took aim and carefully waited for the cat to turn and look at him and shot the cat through the skull. He knew he would run out of arrows soon. Alman watched as the big cat watched him and moved in the same motion he did. He wanted Alman and as the fires started to die down, he had a feeling that would be when this big cat would make his move. The cat's large muscles moved with fluid motion as he sized up what he wanted to do with his prey. This cat watched as each of the others made an attempt to kill them. "I think my friend in front of us is the ring leader," Alman said to Gavin, who was still at his back. Gavin looked over a couple of times and had seen how intently the cat was watching the Prince. He knew that Alman had made a very wise observation. He stationed himself at Alman's back, protecting him from any that dared to jump the fire but Jordon and Nelvil seemed to be able to keep them at a distance. Alman looked into the cat's eyes. He had seen those eyes before, but where. As Nelvil and Jordon took care of the ones that kept trying to reach the top of the cliff, Harry stood back in shock. Alman turned to look at his friend and in that instance, the cat took flight and soared through the air. Alman turned back in time to see the black cat jump the flames. Alman's sword grew as bright as day. The cat walked around him, its fangs dripping and Alman could feel the evil radiate from the cat. The eyes shone back Alman's reflection and the growl that it maintained would make any man run but Alman didn't have a choice. It was kill or be killed. The cat took a swing at him and Alman avoided it and when the cat leaped at him, he slid underneath the giant beast. He plunged upward with his sword right into the beast's heart. While he held the hilt of his sword, he felt a pulsing energy go through him. The hilt got warmer and the diamond grew even brighter until a flash shattered through the darkness. As fast as it happened, it was over. He took the sword out of the cat and then watched as the cat dissolved in front of him.

Nicholis sat in the grand hall of the palace. The villagers had been coming all day with requests. They needed to go to the north forest to get wood to build again. He assigned ten guards to go with them so they could have the protection from the wildlife and any stranglers that may have gotten through. The rain hadn't let up and the villagers were losing their crops. He watched as a young boy came into the hall with firewood piled in his small arms and tossed it into the fireplace. Nicholis turned back to the man in front of him. He knew things were going to get worse if the rain didn't stop. Gesturing to the guard to the side of him, the guard came over and bent down so the king could whisper something in his ear. The guard turned and picked up the cage that the woman before had given him. In it was three laying hens. The small boy turned in time to see his father thank the King. He waited with a smile as he watched Nicholis give the hens to him. He knew his mother would be very happy. Nicholis looked at the boy and when William looked in the King's direction, his smile faded and he stood straighter. "Sir, is that your young boy?" he asked the man in front of him. The father bowed and told him it was. "Yes sire, this is William. He is my youngest." Nicholis waved the boy over. William swallowed hard and walked over to stand in front of his king. "William, why would you bring wood for my fire when at home you have little?" William looked at his father and then at the king. He stood up a little taller and spoke clear. "Sire, I chopped that down with my axe and when I brought it home, my father asked me where I got it." Nicholis could see the sweat start to form on the small boy's forehead. William swallowed fast, hopping not to get sick in front of his king. His belly was so nervous. "When my father asked me where I got it, I told him from the south forest. He told me that it was the king's wood and that I must bring it to you. That was the first load." As he pointed to the wood that was in the fireplace, crackling from the heat and flames. "There is about ten more I am to bring. Sire, I only cut one tree because we have none. Our trees were swept away when the river expanded." The father looked alarmed, holding the hens that the king had just given him. He looked down at his son and told him to have respect for his king. Nicholis admired the honesty of this young boy. "How old are you, William?" William looked his king straight in the eyes. "I am thirteen, sir." Nicholis was very impressed with this child. He turned his attention to the father. "Sir, what is your name?" The father of the boy looked worried but in a low voice told the king his name was Edwin. "Edwin, would you do me the honour of allowing your son to become my personal page. As you know sir, it is a grand honor to have this placement." William looked up at his dad to only see worry in his eyes. He turned back to the King. "Sir, I would be honored to be your page if you help my family. I am the only boy so if I were to move here, then my father would need help on the farm and my three sisters would need a place at court to have the chance at a good match." He stood there as a bead of sweat ran down the side of his face. Nicholis sat back and drummed his fingers along the armrest of his chair. The father looked in shock to have his son demand something from his King. Nicholis only ever knew one other person besides this boy who stood in front of him and demanded something and that was Gavin. Everyone in the hall heard what this small boy had dared to say to their king. Nicholis rose out of his chair and pulled his sword from the sheath. A hush came over the crowd as they waited to see what their king was going to do next. "Kneel, William so I may anoint you with my sword." William dropped to his knees in relief. When he saw the sword come out of the sheath, he thought for sure that his head would be the next to go. As he felt the sword grace the top of his head, he heard the words that made him one of the most important people in the Kingdom. He could breathe easier. Once the King was done, he told William to go home and say good bye to his mother and bring his sisters back to the palace. His father stood there with shock and pride for his son. He had gotten a position at the palace and helped his sisters also. He would never have to worry that the girls would make a good match with someone who could take care of them.

William stood up and bowed to his king and Nicholis saw for just a moment a look in the boys' eyes that told him that he picked well. He watched as William helped his father leave the grand hall.
Chapter 10

As Jordon and Gavin looked over the horses for any scratches, Nelvil went over to check on Harry and Alman. They were still trying to get their bearings back from what had just happened. Nelvil knew they were dealing with magic once he saw the cats dissolve. Alman looked down at the pile of ash at his feet. As soon as he killed the leader, the other cats ceased to exist. Gavin looked around and couldn't believe what had just happened. The five of them stood for a moment after the cats dissolved. "You must have killed the one in charge. That's why they aren't here now," Harry yelled to Alman as he looked around. Jordon wouldn't have believed it but after the sword that Alman carried pierced through the large cat, the others dissolved to ash. They just fell to the ground.

Looking over the horses now, Jordon asked, "What do you think of this, Gavin? Do we have magic in our midst?" Gavin looked at Jordon, then again around at the campsite. He didn't know what to think. Harry was talking to Alman and Nelvil started to walk around, picking up the arrows that lay on the ground now. Gavin continued to check over his horse. He didn't know what to make of it. He watched the sword come to life. The sword's stone glowed as if it were day light. The steel looked like ice and when it pierced the cat, it was like water and fire colliding. Now that there were none to be found and the morning wouldn't be upon them for another three hours, he was worried. What else would try to ambush them through the night? Jordon looked over the other three horses. He wasn't going near Nelvil's. He would swear to anyone that he trained that horse to bite only him. Gavin called Nelvil over. Gavin told him that one more horse had to be put down. Nelvil took it to where he took the other and shot one arrow. Nelvil hated to do it but he knew that the poison in the scratch would be a more painful way for a horse to die.

Nelvil walked back to the camp about twenty minutes later and that was when he noticed all the piles of ash that laid on the outside of their perimeter. There was one for every foot. They wouldn't have had a chance if Alman hadn't killed that big cat. The first thing he saw when he walked back into the campsite was Jordon checking the other horses and knew it wasn't too often that he got a chance to do this and whistled to his horse. A moment later, Jordon was flying through the air. Nelvil laughed as Gavin smiled and shook his head. It took the tension out of what had happened. Alman and Harry walked over to them. Alman smiled as he reached a hand out to Jordon who was still lying on the ground, trying to get his breath back. "I guess you have had this happen before?" Alman asked him. Jordon took his hand and the help up. Bent over, still trying to regain his breath, he spoke out, "that I have, sire but he will not turn his back too fast now that he has started." Jordon looked up with revenge in his eyes. Gavin put a stop to anything going much farther between Nelvil and Jordon. "Okay men, let's get things to right here and maybe we might get a few hours' sleep before the sun comes up." They all agreed and put more wood on the fires and got the horses settled for the rest of the night. Alman and Nelvil would take the first watch. Gavin and Jordon joined Harry at the fire. They were asleep in minutes. After the fight tonight and the night before, it wouldn't take anyone long to fall asleep. Alman took the first walk around the perimeter. As he walked around, he looked out across the valley when he got to the cliffs edge. He couldn't see much at this time of night. He did notice that the air was cleaner here. It wasn't until this moment that he realized that as soon as they got into the forest at the first mountain, there had been a rancid smell to the air. Over the days, he guess they just got used to it. He finished by checking the horses one more time, then joined Nelvil at the tree where he sat. Alman sat down next to Nelvil. "If you ask me what happened, I couldn't tell you." Nelvil did have it in his mind to ask him. He saw the sword glow bright and he wanted to know more. Alman took it out and as they looked at it, the only nice thing about the sword was the gem in the hilt. Nelvil reached out then stopped when he saw the anger build in Alman's face from that one small gesture. He backed his hand away and continued to look at the sword. "You said that you got this from a blacksmith called Ishma?" Alman nodded as he held the sword up to the light. "Yes, he said that I have to bring him the sapling before the next new moon if I wanted it. It wasn't until we stopped at the last village that he told me that people will die if I don't. Then he was gone." Alman took the rag from his pocket and wiped down the sword. There was not a drop of blood on it from the cats but the ash had gotten into the crevices. Nelvil believed in the world of magic. His parents believed in the winter and summer solstice and his father farmed by the moon. When he watched the sword glow, he knew that magic was with them that night. He was in awe as he watched the knife plunge into the cat. He heard stories from hundreds of years before them that magic was in this world where they lived. These mountains were filled with them at one time until greed took them over. His grandmother was the one that would sit in front of the fire and tell him and his siblings about Arie. She told them about the beauty of the lands and how everyone prospered until unknowns came. Seven men came with armies behind them and put up the walls. They built kingdoms where people of Arie were trapped to stay unless they could find a small crack in the wall. The walls were always watched by the guards and protected those who lived within. His grandmother told him of a small part that walls could not be built upon. The word had spread, she told him, and a body would never get close enough to walk through. Now he knows of the dangers that his grandmother talked about. He knew that they were traveling in that direction. As he threw another log on the fire, he realized just how much he loved her stories. Now he was sure that they weren't just stories. She had been telling them the truth about what happened all those years ago. Nelvil got up and decided to take a walk around the perimeter. He had to think about everything that had happened so far. Nelvil walked around and couldn't believe that he was actually in the grasp of magic. He had always had the burning inside of him to experience it. He was the only one out of all the children in his family that would ask his grandmother to tell him more. He didn't talk to others about this, especially when he was the size of a tree. He knew that if he had, he would have only been laughed at. Now he would swear on his grave that the cats were mystical creatures. They would not have vanished in a pile of ash if they weren't. These questions kept going through his mind over and over. He went over to the horses and he was glad that they had finally settled down from the approach of the cats. Checking the horses over one last time, he noticed a small nick just on the hind leg of one of them. He could only hope that it wasn't from the cats or he would experience a lot of pain soon. He cleaned it as best he could and would look at it again in the morning. The other horses were fine. Walking towards the fire where Alman stood looking into the flames, he noticed that Alman had changed. He was no longer the young buck that they had to pick up and dust off. He showed courage and strength when the cats showed up this time. Nelvil was prepared to shoot the large cat as it jumped through the air but when he saw the look on Alman's face, he knew the cat's fate had been decided on.

Alman had gotten up and stretched. He knew it wouldn't be long till day break. Sitting back down, he leaned back against an old oak tree. As he wiped the last of the cat's ash off the sword, he hoped the rest of this journey would be a little easier than what they had gone through so far. Looking over at his friend who was sleeping soundly, he wished that Harry had not come. Harry had been trained in the same course as he had been but this was beyond him. He fought hard tonight and Alman could see the strain that it put on his friend. They chased girls and drank cups with their friends at the local bar. They didn't fight in wars. He just hoped he could get Harry back home alive. Alman put the rag away and put his sword back in its sheath. They only had a couple more days before the new moon was upon them. What if he didn't make it in time? Would he get back to the palace and find his father had died because of him? Would the Kingdom fall because he couldn't get there in time? Where would the old man be when he found this sapling? He never gave Alman a name or a place to be once he had it. How many more of them had to die to get this sapling and how many would die if he didn't? He watched as Nelvil made his way over to the cliff's edge. The fog came out of nowhere. It swirled around him and wrapped him in a cocoon of mist. He turned to look at Alman and then he was gone. Alman screamed out, which had both Jordon and Gavin up in seconds. Alman pulled out his sword as he ran over. He looked down and couldn't see anything. Gavin had his sword out and ran over to the edge and looked around. The horses hadn't moved. Jordon and Harry joined them at the cliff's edge. "What happened?" Gavin walked back to the fire. Alman shook his head as he walked over to Gavin. "I don't know what happened. He walked over to the edge and then he was gone." Gavin didn't like this. Something was around them. He could feel the cold penetrate his skin. The fog moved in and surrounded them. Alman stood with his back to the flames, sword in hand, waiting to see what was going to come from this. Jordon had Harry behind him, not taking any chances that he got wounded. Over the last few days, Jordon watched over Harry. The fog wrapped around all of them, including the horses and within minutes, it was gone and the only thing that remained in the clearing was the fire that was left burning.
Chapter 11

William walked to the front of the house while his father took the hens around back to the barn. His mother was in the kitchen making supper out of the little food that was left. They had to kill one of the two chickens that they had left. His father walked in behind him, walked past him, and took a seat at the table. "William, tell your sisters to come down here." His wife turned around to see William walk back down the hallway to go tell his sisters to come down. "What did the king say about the wood? What is going to happen to us?" Edwin smiled and told her to come have a seat at the table. Elizabeth smiled at her husband as he kept smiling but she knew something was going on. Madeline, Alyssa and Megan came into the room. They took a seat at the table. William stood in the doorway and looked at his family. He would do anything to keep them safe. Even leave them. Edwin told them what happened at the palace and how shocked he was at William. Edwin got up out of his chair and stood behind his son, putting his hands on Williams's shoulders. "Your brother has secured a place at court for all three of you," He told them. All the questions flew at once. "Why do I have to go to court?" asked Madeline. Alyssa and Megan started to talk at the same time and William could see that they we're very happy about going. He looked at his mother and she knew what he had done. She got out of her chair and William walked over into her open arms. "Why would you do this?" William stood back and looked at his mother. "The king asked and I couldn't say no. Mother, it will be okay and my sisters will have a good chance at a good life. He turned to see his oldest sister run out of the door as the younger two went to pack what clothes they had. Edwin told William to get his things together. William looked at his mother and then left the kitchen and went up to his room in the loft. He knew his mother wasn't going to like this.

Elizabeth walked over to the sink and looked out the window. The rain kept coming and they hadn't seen a blue sky or sun for days. "Here I thought our son was going to the box for what he did and he comes home to tell me that he is the king's personal page. How does that happen?" Edwin was at a loss for words. She looked at her husband and then went out back to find Madeline. Madeline sat amongst the flowers and cried as the rain fell down upon her. Elizabeth walked over to her. "Come into the house. Getting sick won't change anything." Madeline looked up at her mother with her long black lashes. Her long black hair looking like silk as the rain poured over it. Her tears washed away by the rain that ran down her face. "I won't go!" she yelled to her mother. Elizabeth held out her hand. "You don't have that choice. If the king has given you the opportunity at court, you have to go." Elizabeth knew that she was in love with John and if this hadn't have happened, then Madeline probably would have married him. Madeline got up and walked into the house. She went upstairs and gathered her clothes into a satchel. Ten minutes later she was coming down the stairs to join her sisters and brother. The guards were at the door moments later to take them back to the palace. As each of his sisters were helped into the carriage. He got a hand up and sat upon his horse the king sent for him. They started towards the palace and William looked back at his parents once more. His mother buried her head into his father's shoulder and wept for her children.

Nicholis just finished his supper when the four of them had been shown into the grand hall. William walked up and bowed. "Sire, I would like to introduce my sisters Madeline, Alyssa, and Megan. Each of the girls curtsied as their names were called. Nicholis looked at the girls and they were soaking wet. He stood up and said to the guard who stood to his right, "Please show each of them to their chambers and make sure they get a bath. It is starting to get cold out there and the rain isn't helping. William, once you are washed and changed I expect to see you in my council chambers. One of the guards will show you the way." He sat back down and watched as they walked away. The tall one with the black hair turned to look back at him. Her violet eyes caught him and held him there for a moment. Then it was gone and she left the room.

Madeline walked into the chambers that would be hers' until the king married her off. The tapestries were exceptional. They hung from ceiling to floor. The ones over the windows kept the wind and cold out. The wooden shutters locked against the elements. Madeline put her bag down on the four poster bed and walked over to the window. Opening the shutters, she looked down on the village that she had just left and the one who owned her heart as well. The wind had died down but the rain continued to pour. The lightening was a spectacular show across the sky. She turned at the knock at the door and watched as two men brought in a big metal tub. She had never seen anything like it. Following them were more men who filled the tub with hot water. At the end, a young girl waited until the men left. She made sure the door was closed, then walked over to Madeline. "Hello, my name is Isabella and I am to be your lady's maid." She curtsied and then walked around Madeline and started to undo her strings. It was a simple frock and as soon as she had them undone, it fell to the floor. Madeline slipped out of her undergarments and then walked over to the tub. Reaching down, the water was perfect. Getting into the tub, she let the water envelope her. All the while, Isabelle was talking about court gossip. Madeline finally realized it when she started to speak of Alman. The king's son did what? She couldn't believe the fool would go out to the west forest. Nobody ever came back from the west forest. Isabelle got her to sit up and scrub her hair with a wonderful oil and then rinsed it off. She continued to talk about this person and that person. Madeline couldn't keep up. Madeline told her that she just needed a few minutes to let all this sink in. Isabelle stopped and looked at her. "You are one lucky girl that is all I can say. To be brought up from the village and have the king make you a match. A lot of girls in the village would kill to have that opportunity." Isabelle left shaking her head. Didn't this girl understand how much power she could have? Madeline heard the door shut, then let herself go under the hot water. She had been cold for days but they had been conserving the wood until the rain stopped. Coming back up for air, the king stood on the side of the tub, looking down at her. Madeline grabbed the cloth from the side table and covered herself the best she could. Nicholis sat down in the chair facing her. She looked at him with astonishment. "Sire, what are you doing?" Nicholis looked at this young woman and knew he made the right choice. "I wanted to get to know you without everyone bothering us." Madeline didn't like that he was in her chamber. She looked over to her right and Isabelle stood there with her eyes settled on something on the ceiling. Well, she was glad that she had come back. It would have ruined her on her first day if everyone thought that she had slept with the king. "Sire, could I please get dressed before we talk?" Nicholis got out of the chair and walked over to the window. The rain was starting to let up a bit but the lightening in the distance said that it wasn't going to stop any time soon. Thinking it was enough time, he turned around just in time to see Isabelle tackle the strings to the dress that he had brought in. It was beautiful on her. "My wife had many fine dresses made for her. You and your sisters are welcome to them." Madeline looked on the bed to see piles of them. Was she so hearing impaired that she didn't hear all this while she was under the water. She turned around and faced her king. With her hair still wet and dripping down her back, Madeline put up her chin a bit in defiance and looked at him. "What is it that my sire would have of me?" Nicholis knew she would be perfect for him. He wanted to get to know her better and told her just that. "I don't want you for myself, Madeline. My wife Rosemele was the only woman who would grace my heart and my bed. I am old and will not be around forever and want to make sure my son marries the right woman." Madeline looked at him in shock. What did he mean 'his son?' As he walked towards the door, he told Isabelle to have her ready to meet him in the great hall within the hour. Isabelle curtsied and told him she would.

Isabelle closed the door behind him and then came running over to Madeline. "Oh my goodness. You and the king's son. You are so lucky." She kept talking but Madeline was still in shock from hearing it from the king's lips. She sat down in the chair in front of the dressing table and watched as Isabelle brushed out her long black hair. "We won't have time to dry it so I will put a couple of clips in it and then we will get those beautiful curls into shape." Isabelle knew that her station at the palace just went from the bottom to the top. When asked who would take his new charges on, she stepped forward when Madeline's name came out. Now she would be able to lord it over them all. She was going to be the next queen's ladies maid.

Down the hall, William got out of the bath and put on the new clothes that was left on the bed for him. He knew the king wanted to talk to him privately so he didn't want to make him wait too long. He tied his belt and put on his shoes and then walked out the door where one of the guards waited in the hall to take him. William looked around as they made their way to the court chambers. As the doors opened the heat in the room was overwhelming. He looked at the King sitting in his shirt and pants, his robes thrown on the chair beside him. "William, come over here and sit down." He walked over to the chair beside the king and sat down. The king coughed into the handkerchief and William noticed the blood that was left behind. Nicholis saw him looking over and folded the handkerchief up and put it back in his pocket. "William, you are going to be my eyes and ears around the castle. I need someone I can trust. Will you do this for me?" William knew that the king didn't need to ask him this. William looked over and nodded his head. "Yes Sire, I will do whatever you need." Nicholis nodded. He knew he picked the right one out of all the villages' children. He needed someone he could trust because the grown men he knew could not be trusted. A child's innocence is where trust could be had. He would be the King's page but to the others he was still staff at the palace. They would talk around him. "Go downstairs and get something to eat and we will talk later. Your sisters should already be down there." William did as he was told and then stopped at the door. "Sire? Are you coming to get something to eat?" Nicholis nodded and then watched as he left. It had been five days and he still had no word from Gavin or Alman. He had sent out a rider a day and they didn't return. Looking out the window, he could only wonder if his son was alive or dead.
Chapter 12

Laying in the clearing, the fog dissipated and the morning sun was starting to come through the trees. Gavin was the first to awake and looked around. The horses were standing by a pond, drinking the crystal clear water and the mountain that they were on last night was behind them now. As he stood up, he noticed the other three were stirring from the deep sleep they had been put under. Alman opened his eyes and turned his head to look at Gavin. "What the hell happened?" Gavin shook his head as he looked around the clearing. What kind of fog can lift a man and bring him thousands of feet from where they were? He didn't like the unknown. Jordon, Nelvil, and Harry started to wake also. Nelvil stood up and stretched. "I'm starving so I'm going to see if I can't find something for us to eat. He grabbed his bow and went out to look for some food. "I'm coming with you. You told me you would show me how to shoot an arrow," Harry shouted as he went running after him. Jordon walked over to the pool where the horses took their drink from to fill the canteens with water. If a horse drank from the pool then it would be safe for humans. Horses were fickle creatures and if the water smelled bad, they wouldn't have drank from it. Looking down, he could see all the way down to the bottom of the pool. He kneeled down and took some water into his hands and brought it up to his nose and smelled it first before trying to drink it. As the cool liquid ran down his throat, he had never tasted anything so refreshing. The horses had their filled and were now grazing in the field. As he looked into the water, he noticed something that was very odd. There was no life in the waters. No fish swam around and no other water life could be seen. Gavin was still looking around when Alman finally got up. The prince felt like he had slept for days. Shaking his head, he was still trying to figure out what happened. He remembered watching Nelvil go over the side of the cliff, screaming out because he hadn't been close enough to him to grab him before he went over the side. Then the fog came in and the feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket had come over him. Waking up lying in the field with the sun shining and the day clear from it being nighttime in what felt like seconds ago, was very strange. What kind of magic had its hold over this area? Nelvil came back with Harry following him. He had a huge grin on his face. Harry walked into the camp site and threw down two rabbits. "Nelvil let me use his bow and I got them both with only one arrow each." Alman walked over to Harry and slapped him on the back. "Did you bother to tell Nelvil that you almost killed our instructor when it came to the bow?" Nelvil looked up surprised at this information. Jordon came walking back over with some wood in his arms. "Let's set up a fire and cook these. I'm starving since we haven't eaten since last night." Or was it still night? He didn't know. Everything was strange since they entered the mountains. Nelvil took out his blade and started to skin the rabbits. It took him minutes where it took Churil a little longer to do. Harry fashioned a spit and they had the rabbits tied and cooking over the fire Jordon had going strong. Gavin went over to the horses. He noticed Jordon's horse was limping. He put his hand to the war horse's nose and then gave him a rub on the side. He moved slowly down with his hand rubbing the horse as he went to his hind quarter. He knew never to rush a war horse. They could kill a man with one hoof. No one wanted to be the person under one of these huge beast. Gavin had seen in battles the strength that these horses had in them. As he noticed the puss coming out of the scratch. He was relieved that it was not poisonous but he had to stop the infection from getting any worse. He took some aloe out of his bag and applied a small amount to the scratch. The horse turned his head toward Gavin. "Don't worry, big guy, your life is spared today." Jordon came over to see what Gavin was doing to his horse. When he saw the scratch, Gavin told him that his horse was fine and that it would heal in a few days. Jordon nodded and let his horse graze as he went back to join the others. Everyone took a seat around the fire, waiting for the rabbit to finish cooking. "So what is the plan now?" Nelvil asked. Alman knew that they had to get through the forest that lay on the other side of the field. "We have to go through the forest and the sapling is supposed to be within there. Once I find it, I have to bring it to the old man." Alman knew time was running out. They only had a few more days till the new moon. He didn't want to be the cause of all his father's people dying. It wasn't even about the sword now. He needed to save lives and one, being his father. "Well let's eat and then get on our way. We should use as much daylight as possible," Gavin told them. He wanted to get back to the palace before anything else wrong could happen. Nelvil tore pieces of the rabbit off for each of them. They ate until they were full and then Jordon and Harry brought the horses over. Harry would ride with Nelvil and Alman would be with Gavin. Jordon didn't want to chance the extra weight on his horse with the injury. They started towards the forest when the clouds moved in and the rain started.

It was almost an hour before they reached the treeline. Gavin didn't think it was that far but it seemed as they traveled towards it they weren't making too much headway. The trees were old and stood tall. The ground beneath their horses' hooves was soft, which made it tricky for the horses to keep their footing. Jordon got off his horse and walked beside him instead. He didn't want to take any chances of having him get injured any more than what he was. "How far do you think we have to go before you find this tree?" Jordon asked him. Alman couldn't tell him that answer. He knew that he would find it when it was time. Nothing seemed to go the way he wanted it to go anyway, with large cats trying to kill them and the water creatures coming out of the water. He could only hope that this part of the journey will be uneventful. As they came to another watering hole, they decided to break for a bit to give the horses a rest. Harry jumped down and the ground seemed like a spongy moss. He bent down to touch it and the moss came up and took hold of his hand. The horses spooked as he let out scream as the needle like prongs set into his hand. Jordon took out his sword and buried into the soft earth and the prongs let go. Harry stumbled back and landed against a tree. Gavin and Alman had gotten down off the horse as soon as he got the beast back under control from Harry yelling. "Let me take a look at it," Gavin told Harry. From what he could see, there was only two puncture wounds. As he started to take the aloe out of his bag to put on the wound, he noticed a blood stain on the side of Harry's shirt. "What happened here," as he moved his jacket out of the way. Harry looked down and noticed the blood. "One of the cats must have gotten me." Gavin knew Harry would have felt the cat do this to him. The scratch was about two inches long. It was enough for the poison to seep in. He also noticed that Harry didn't look as refreshed as they had when they woke up that morning. This wound must have been the cause. Gavin didn't know what to do about this. It was one thing to take a horse aside and kill it and in some instances a man too but Harry was a young man that he had watched grow up beside the prince. He could just tell Nelvil to take him out to the forest and leave him there. No, he couldn't do that either. They would just have to keep an eye on him. He hoped with the amount of aloe he applied to it that it would do the trick. Gavin got up and stood there while he explained everything to Alman. "We will have to see how he is doing in the next few hours. Since the cats vanished into ash, maybe the magic that was within them may have vanished too." He could only hope so. He could only imagine what a horrible death it would be. It took Harry an hour or so to feel up to moving on. Alman wasn't going to leave his best friend behind so they waited for him. Harry started the quest with him and he was determined to make sure that Harry finished it with him too. They got him up on the horse behind Nelvil and Alman jumped up behind Gavin. The hours went by and even though he knew they were going in the right direction, it seemed like they were making no headway. Harry pointed out the same tree three times. Gavin got off his horse and took his sword to make a nick in the trunk. If they were going in circles then he would know. An hour later, they ended up at the same tree. The daylight was setting and evening would be upon them soon. Alman walked to the tree and sat his back against it. As soon as he did, the ground opened up and he slid down. Gavin saw the ground open and before he reach out to him, Alman was gone. They took turns leaning against the tree but nothing happened. Gavin walked away, putting his hands though his hair. The king was not going to be happy to know that he lost his son. Harry had starting sweating an hour earlier. Jordon went to the pool of water and gathered some up so that he could clean the wound on Harry's side. As he gave Harry some to drink, the heat flush that had been in his face started to dissipate. He took a cloth and put some on the rag and then applied it to the wound. Within minutes, the scratch started to heal. Nelvil came over to look at what was happening. He knew it had to be another form of magic.
Chapter 13

Luc walked up to the entrance where Ishma said he would be coming through. Hundreds of years have pass since that eve when Arie was lost. Now Ishma says that it will be free again. He heard the tales as years went by. He knew that they lived in a magical world. But to have this one man bring it back when so many others failed. Why him? As he rounded the corner, he noticed that their guest had already arrived. Alman looked at the strange man walking towards him. At first he thought it was a shadow and that he would eventually get bigger but he didn't. "Who are you and where am I?" Luc looked at this young man. He shook his head then bowed to him. "I am Luc. I am the chancellor to the dwarf king. Come with me so we can get you cleaned up. Can't have you being introduce to King Duclar like this. Alman stood up and couldn't believe that he could do so in such a small space. "What about my men? I need them with me." Luc was looking at Alman and knew from his clothes that this person beside him was of royalty. The way he walked also gave him an authorative air about him. "They will be brought down and kept aside for the time being. The king needs to speak to you alone."

Alman looked around while this strange little man took him through tunnel after tunnel. Just as he thought they were heading down yet one more tunnel, the way opened to the most beautiful place he had ever seen. The grasses were lush and the trees vibrant with color. Within the mountain side, a break in the wall poured fresh spring water, making a waterfall. He followed Luc along the path that brought them to a door. Luc turned the handle and Alman followed him through. Life was abundant all around him. A large city was within the mountain. The sun shone through from cracks in the mountain and Alman was impressed with what he had seen so far. As they walked the cobblestone path to the centre square, many of the other dwarfs said hello and Luc stopped for a minute to talk to one then the other. They looked at Alman in curiosity. They had seen the larger people before but always stayed out of sight. Luc took him to a house where Alman was supplied a bath and his clothes cleaned. As he lay in the bath, he realized that when they walked up to the house, he had to bend way down to get thought the door but when he stood up, the room got bigger. The rooms were big and the tub was normal size. It was as if the house adjusted to his size. He got out of the tub and dried off. He noticed his clothes were clean and put on the bed. He got dressed and then went in search of some food and drink. He walked into the dining area and the table was set. He didn't know where Luc went off to and hadn't seen anyone else since they got there. Alman noticed that there was four other place settings at the table. Who was joining him? He took a seat at the table and waited to see who was coming for supper. He poured himself some beer from the pitcher on the table and decided to sit back and wait. Gavin, Jordon, and Nelvil came into the room and took the other chairs. Alman smiled because they had also had the chance to get cleaned up. "Where is Harry and how is he doing?" Before he could get all the words out, Harry walked into the room. Alman looked at him with shock. The last he saw of his best friend was that he had been scratched and that he was going to die. Now looking at him, he looked healthier than he ever had been. "What happened after I left?" Dwarfs were coming to the table now and bring platters of food for them. As Jordon explained what happened with the water, Alman noticed that they all looked in great health. "I hope you bottled some of that. The way this trip is going, we may need to tend to more wounds." Gavin told him that after he went through the ground at the tree base, they tried everything to move the tree but it didn't budge. After exhausting hours trying to find a way in, they decided to wait till first light since they couldn't see anything anyway. "Jordon and Nelvil were the first to go down as they leaned against the same tree as you. Harry and I went down as we laid in front of the fire. A dwarf almost lost his life as he walked towards us. Nelvil had his arrow set but waited. The little guy didn't know what to do." They all laughed as Nevil shrugged his shoulders. As they ate, more serious questions started to arise. Alman didn't have any answers for them. He was just as lost as they were now. He was meeting with the Dwarf King as far as he knew. He hoped he would see Luc before they retired for the night. He had a lot of questions for him. The men ate their fill and then sat back while Gavin, Nelvil, and Jordon told the young men about battles that they fought together. Trying to finish the pitcher of beer that didn't seem to end, Alman stood up and told the others he was going to turn in. They all decided it would be the best thing to do. Alman walked to his room and took off his clothes. He climbed into bed and not knowing how tired he really was, he was asleep before his head hit the pillow.

The next morning, the others were still sleeping by the time Alman had gotten dressed and went into the kitchen. Luc was sitting at the table, eating some type of meat with potatoes and ham. "Sit down and the girl will bring you a plate." Alman did as he was told and as he bit into the meat, he couldn't believe the taste of it. It was woodsy as if from a deer or moose but rich like a Cornish hen. Alman dug in because he was tired of the rabbit and fish that they had been eating for the last few days. Once he was finished, he wiped his mouth with the napkin and threw it on the plate. "What time are we meeting your king?" Luc still couldn't believe that this young man was the one they sent to do this. How he got this far was a feat in itself but to do the rest, he was a little unsure of. Well Ishma knew what he was doing so he was just going to do what he was told. "King Duclar will be in the square for the morning, then he will retire in the afternoon. No one sees him after that." Alman got up when Luc did. He wanted to get back on his journey because he knew time was running out and he wouldn't have much time left to get the sapling to Ishma. As they left the cottage, Alman looked around at the village that was busy with life. Sunbeams were coming through the cracks of the ground from above. Luc noticed Alman looking up. "We have teams of men who go up on the surface to make sure the cracks stay open. We get our rain barrels filled by the springs that come from the walls." He pointed out to two huge barrels that were catching the water as it flowed out. Alman was impressed how they made a city underneath the ground. The dwarfs were really friendly towards Luc but were still weary of him.

As they got closer to the square, Alman noticed the dark haired dwarf sitting there, holding court. Duclar looked up to see Alman walking towards him. "Ah, our guest had finally arrived." He motioned for one of the dwarfs to bring a chair over for their guest. Alman sat down and looked over at this dwarf with questions racing though his head. Was this a part of the journey that he was supposed to go through? Did these people have something to do with where he would find the sapling? Duclar finished holding court, then waved his hand to tell the ones waiting that they would have to return later. The dwarfs walked away from their king and drinks were brought over to them. Taking a sip, he asked, "What is this that you have given me? I have never tasted anything so fine before." The liquid swirled in the glass as if it were liquid gold. Duclar took a healthy drink, then put his glass down. "That, young man, is what everyone covets from us. It is made from the finest grape. Gold in color and when fermented properly, it has the potency of a hundred proof. You are wise to sip it. "Duclar got up and started to walk away. Alman put down his glass and started after him. He had to watch so he wouldn't trip over the king dwarf's robes as they trailed behind him. "Ishma told me that you would be here a couple days ago. We thought that you had gone the way as many others before you." Duclar stopped and turned to look at him. "I was very impressed when I was told you killed the cat." He turned and started walking again. "I lost many of my people to those blasted cats. We tried everything and then we had to move." Alman looked around as he followed his host to where they were going. "What do you mean move? Where were you before?" he asked the dwarf King. They walked towards a door in the side of a dirt wall. Two guards stood on either side and one opened the door as their king walked through. Duclar continued to talk as Alman watched as the room grew larger. "We were in the mountains and then the cats moved in. We were lucky to have so many who escaped with their lives. The mountains were our home for hundreds of years. We hunted and grew food. Now we are or I should say, we were stuck down here." Smiling, he took a seat at a large table. Alman sat to his right and took another drink that the king offered. Sipping at the glass of gold liquid that he tasted in the square, he looked over at this small man to his left. He could see something was going through the dwarf king's head. "I know there is a reason why we are down here. Is this where I get the sapling that I have to bring back?" Duclar looked over at this prince who was from above the ground. He got down off his chair and walked over to a shelf in the wall. He whispered a few things, which Alman couldn't hear exactly, and the shelf turned and a rolled parchment lay on the other side. Duclar picked it up and brought it over to the table. Once he got back up into his chair, he untied the leather strap that held it and rolled it out. "This map is where you have to go." Alman looked at it. Duclar showed him where he was now and the route they would have to take to get to the sapling. "The tree only gives out one sapling every hundred years. If you don't get it, then they will have to wait another hundred years for another chance." Duclar then realized what he said. Alman caught it also. "Who is they?" Duclar rolled up the map and tied the leather around it. "We are done. The guards will show you out." He went to get off the chair and leave but Alman grabbed him by his robe. "Sire, I asked you a question." Small guards came running to their king's defence but he held up his hand to stop them. He looked Alman in the eyes. "It is not my story to tell. If you want to save the ones you love, you must accomplish this. Now before I release them upon you, take your hand off my robes." Alman let him go and then ran his hand through his hair. "I apologize. Forgive me but to have my horses and good soldiers die, and fighting giant cats is not a normal occurrence for me. I am not used to this magic that is afoot." He took the map off the table and turned to leave. The guards stood aside and allowed him to walk past. As he passed through the door that led out of the city, he had this feeling that something was not as it should be.
Chapter 14

Madeline walked into the great hall and looked around. Alyssa and Megan were already there talking to a couple of young men. William was still not down. She went to the side board and grabbed a glass of red wine and a slice of cheese. She hadn't eaten since that afternoon and she was starving. Walking over to the doors on the side of the hall, she walked out onto the balcony. Looking down into the village that she had just left, she could see the destruction that had happened so far. The clouds still hung over the whole city and the lightening still flashed furiously. She took a drink from the beautiful bounty that filled her glass. She had worked in the grape fields as a kid. Her father gave whatever time he could to the king. She never tasted anything like this before. Her long hair blew away from her face. Isabelle wanted to pin it up but the weight of it always gave her a headache if she pinned it on top of her head. "Isn't it a terrible thing to have happen? Those poor souls in the village. I heard many are dying now from sickness. Better there than here where we are, wouldn't you say, beautiful?" He grabbed her arm and turned her around, only to see her look back at him with death in her eyes. Madeline couldn't believe what she was hearing and when he turned her around, the first thing she wanted to do was punch him. Then she thought about throwing her wine at him but didn't want to waste it on this fool who smiled at her as he blocked her way to the great hall. "Sir, I don't know who you are but I will give you two seconds to get out of my way." He stood aside and as she walked by him, she looked him in the eyes. "There are good people down there dying, sir. Remember those who work hard to bring you comfort." She strode past him and walked over to where her sisters where. The gall of that man. Once she reached them, she looked back and noticed the King talking to the man who just insulted her and her family.

Nicholis had seen Madeline walk over to the balcony and when Davin followed her out, Nicholis went to stop anything from happening. What he heard made him smile. At that very moment he knew that he made the right choice. She would be very good for Alman. As she walked past him, Davin walked out after her. "Davin, I have already picked her for Alman. You will have to look elsewhere. If she is touched by any other than my son, I can promise you that the man will die a very painful death." He knew by telling this young buck, the word would get out very quickly. Being King, he knew who to use and for what measures.

Madeline looked back at her sisters and joined in on the conversation they were having with the two men who seemed to be interested in both the girls.

William was sitting at the table and he really couldn't believe how people talked around him. Even though they knew he was the king's page, they just continued saying things while he stood or sat by them. He almost choked on the piece of meat he had been chewing on when one of the men started to talk about his sister and the King. One of the men, a guy William had seen in the village chasing some of the girls, was there. His name was Haunis and he was not a nice guy. As William sat there in the corner eating, the two men kept talking. "What do you think our old king is going to do with a village girl?" His friend took a drink, then put his glass down. "If she was mine, I would keep her in bed for a long time. I heard our Sire say to Davin though that she has been promised to the prince." William took one more bite then wiped his hands and went in search of his sister.

Madeline couldn't stand the people that were gathered in the hall. They were selfish people. One of the girls that joined them could only talk about the men that were in the room. Which one had a title and which one didn't. Who to watch out for and who was the catch. Madeline just wanted to go home to John but she knew that would never be now. She decided to leave these people and walked back to her room. She just wanted to get out of the confines of these clothes and go to sleep. She passed people in the halls and then turned down a corridor. Looking around, she wasn't sure if this was the right way. She tried to remember some of the things that she had passed on her way to the great hall. When she left her room, she had been furious that the King could just pass her off to someone she didn't even know. Of course she, like any other girl in the village, had seen the prince come to the village pub. She couldn't say he was horrible looking but he wasn't her John either. She turned another corner and an arm reached around her waist and pulled her against a strong, firm chest. She looked down and the hair on the arm was wet and dark. She knew she would not get out of the hold. "Sir, I think the best thing you could do is unhand me." He turned her around and kissed her. Madeline put her arms around his neck and kissed him back. John held her in his arms. As soon as he found out that she had been taken to the palace, he found a way to get in. Just as he was going to look for her, she came around the corner. Looking down into those beautiful violet eyes, he held her close. Madeline closed her eyes and breathed in the smell of the man she loved. "Follow me. We can leave and not come back. I have a way out of the wall. We can start somewhere else." Madeline knew that she loved him and before someone came, she wanted him to leave. She backed out of his arms and looked up into the face she has loved since she was a girl. "John, I can't go. If they catch us, you will be killed and I couldn't ever live with that. I love you but you must go." He took her hands in his and brought them up to his lips. Looking down, he looked at the girl that was his, not the King's. "I will die for you. I don't care because without you, life is not worth living." Madeline knew he would too but she could never live with the fact that he died because of her. Holding his hands, the tears poured down her cheeks. "Because I love you and only you will hold my heart, I could not bear to look out these windows and know that you are no longer there in the village. Please, if you love me, you will go." He didn't want to leave her here with these people. He was about to tell her that he wasn't going to leave her here when two guards grabbed him. Madeline looked in horror as they turned and took him away. She wiped her tears away and went to find the King. She knocked on his door and the door opened by her brother. William looked as his sister walked past him and directly up to the King. One of the guards came in just as she was about to speak. "Sire," he said as he stood by the door. "This woman was found in the hall with a man from the village. We have taken him down to the cages. Madeline looked back at Nicholis and tears were still running down her cheeks. "Leave us. I will be down soon to deal with him." He sat down in his chair in front of the fireplace. He had left the great hall because he was feeling weaker today. "Madeline, come and take the seat beside me." She did as she was asked. "Sire, please let him go. I told him that it could never be and he was going to leave." She got up and walked over to the fireplace. Looking down into the embers, she thought back to the look on John's face as they took him away. Turning back to her King, she lifted her chin and looked at him. "I will do whatever it takes to trade for his life." Nicholis looked at this young woman and was very happy to see the strength she had. "Madeline, take a seat. I will not kill the man you loved but you are right. It will never be for you and him. More and more I now know that I made right choice for my son." He looked at the woman beside him. "I will spare his life for you but if you ever cross me, he will be the first to die." Madeline looked into the green eyes of the man that held her life in his hands. "I promise never to cross you." She got up and curtsied to her King and left the room. Before she left, she hugged her brother and then walked back to her room. She knew that was the last time that she would see John. When she got back to her room, she grabbed the first thing that she could grab and threw it against the wall.

Nicholis walked down the stairs to the cages. It was damp and the smell of feces and urine was always very strong. The guards opened the door as he approached it. John got up and knelt down in front of Nicholis. "Sire, I have loved her since we were children. Can you not choose from the others in the village for your son?" Nicholis told him to get up. "The only reason why you live is because of her. I am having my men bring you back to the village and remember if you try to come near her again, I will take my own blade and slit her throat. The blood that will drain from her will be because of your foolishness." Johns face went white and he believed every word that the king was telling him. He hung his head in defeat and nodded. He could never be the cause of Madeline dying. As Nicholis left, he told the guards to take him back to the village.

As Nicholis walked back to his room, the coughing started and he quickened his pace. He didn't want the people at his court find out that he was weakening. He grabbed the cloth and coughed into it. As he pulled the cloth away from his mouth, the stain of red blood was left on it. It was much more this time. He couldn't let anyone know and he needed his son to come back soon. He really didn't know how much time he had left.
Chapter 15

Alman walked through the door and Gavin and the rest of them were sitting at the table eating. Harry looked well as he shoved a piece of bread into his mouth. He took a seat and put the map on the table. "How many days do you think we have before the new moon? Gavin had been watching the night sky and knew that it was getting close. I would say four days at the most." Alman untied the leather and rolled out the map. "From what the dwarf King told me, we are here." He pointed to the mark on the cloth. "We need to go here to get the sapling." He pointed to the other side of the map. He looked up at the men that he had left with him. "Eat what you can now. We will ride out in an hour." Alman rolled the cloth back up and tied it. He took it with him as he left the room. Gavin was right behind him. They didn't say anything until they got to the room Alman had used. Once the door was shut, Gavin turned towards Alman. "What is going on? Do you truly think that we are going to make it in time?" Alman had the same feeling when the dwarf opened the map. "The dwarf King mentioned 'they' when I spoke to him. I tried to get it out of him but he said it was not his story to tell." Alman grabbed his bag and started to make sure all his things were packed within. "I don't know about magic or even believed in it up until five days ago. Giant cats and things coming out of the water to eat a man whole." He turned to look back at the man who has saved his father on a number of occasions. "The only thing I am concerned about right now is getting this plant to this guy named Ishma and saving my father's life.

An hour later, they were on their way out from underneath and surfaced through a doorway in the side of a hill. Luc had walked all the way with them. As they got to the doorway, Luc walked out with them. "Sire, as much as I don't want to leave my home, I know that if I go with you, I can cut the time in half. There are areas that you will never know about that would speed up your time." Luc stood there, half wishing that this man before him would just tell him thank you and leave but he would never be able to live with himself if they didn't make it in time. Alman looked down and wondered for a minute if he would be a help or hindrance. Just by traveling through the underground, they had made over an hour leeway where it would have taken a few hours above ground. "Okay Luc, we could use your help. You will ride with Nelvil." As they mounted the horses, Alman looked back to see Nelvil throw Luc through the air as he tried to put him in the saddle. "Sorry, little man," he said, running around the horse to help him up." Luc stood up, brushing the leaves and dirt off of him. Nelvil lifted him up this time and put him on the horse. Looking at the others as they laughed, Nelvil started to laugh too. "How was I supposed to know he only weighed like a small rock?" Luc was the only one who didn't think it was funny. The forest that they had to travel through was just ahead of them now. Luc looked around at everything. He hadn't been to the surface in a very long time and could never really believe that at one time, his ancestors lived up here. He was pointing out things and Nelvil was telling him what they were. Alman couldn't fathom living underground for so long that a person wouldn't know what a real tree looked like or how high they could grow. Luc's eyes had finally adjusted to the light and he couldn't believe the life around him. He had been to the surface only a few times. Nelvil told him how big the cats were that they fought and Luc could not believe something that big could be real. He had only heard the stories of them. He watched birds fly around them and as they passed a pond, Nelvil picked him up and threw him in, then ended up jumping in after him because he couldn't swim. Luc looked like a drowned rat as Nelvil carried him out of the water. Jordon told Harry to get off. "I think it would be safe for the dwarf if you ride with Nelvil. Harry laughed, "Yes, before Nelvil kills him and we can't find this place. Jordon laughed too as he walked his horse over to Luc. "Come up with me if you want to survive this trip. Nelvil likes to have too much fun at our expense." Luc stood there soaking wet. He took his bag that Nelvil had untied from his horse and took the hand that Jordon extended to him. Harry climbed up behind Nelvil. "I will not have you throwing me into ponds, okay. I prefer to remain dry." With a chuckle, Nelvil picked Harry up and threw him into the same pond. Nelvil was laughing so hard, he didn't see Harry as he grabbed his vest and pulled him in too. Gavin and Alman turned to see Nelvil go in. He came up sputtering and wiped his bushy hair out of his eyes. Gavin laughed but had to tell them, "Okay, we don't have any time to waste. Get on your horse and let's get some distance in. We are running out of time." Nelvil picked up Harry and put him on the saddle. Both of them dripping wet but they would dry up fast. It was mid-day and the sun beamed hot down on them.

It was a few hours later that they came upon a clearing and decided it would be a good spot to take a break and eat something. The house lady where they stayed the night before had packed enough food to feed an army. Alman and Gavin took a seat on a log. As Harry and Nelvil took the food out, Luc came over to them and looked at the map that Alman had just unrolled. He went to touch it and Alman grabbed his arm before he could. This map that laid before them had never seen the light of day. Looking down at the map, Luc knew exactly where they had to go and also remembered the stories he heard as a youth about the dangers. "We are here," he said as he pointed to the map. "There is a short cut here that will bring us out here or here." He was pointing at two different spots on the map." Alman looked at where he pointed. "Why is there two different ways to come out?" Luc didn't know either but on the map it gave them two different exits points. "Okay, so after lunch we will head out this way," Gavin pointed to the field to the right of them, "and take the short cut. We can't waste any time now," he said as he took another bite from the chunk of cheese he had in his hand. They had four days to get it and get this wizard or fairy Ishma to undo whatever spell was put on the king. Alman agreed and rolled up the map and put it back in his bag. Luc took a piece of meat and looked at the men he decided to help. Nelvil, he didn't like at all. He was still drying from the dip in the pond. Jordon was very quiet, and Harry was the opposite. He never seemed to stop talking. Gavin was a very large man and Luc could see in his eyes that he watched everything. He could also tell that he had been a man of war for a long time. Alman, he knew was the prince from above. They had heard that the king was a good man but his son was reckless. Could they have been talking about the man in front of him? Yes, he was young but he carried himself with authority. He respected his men, which to Luc meant a lot. Dwarfs were all hard workers. There wasn't anything they couldn't do.

It was two and half hours later that they came to the tree that was shown on the map. Jordon got off his horse and gave Luc a hand down. The dwarf walked into the trunk of the tree. When Luc turned and noticed that no one followed him, he walked back out. "Are you coming or not?" Jordon took the horses and let them loose. "If we can't take the horses, I hope that these short cuts will save some time." Just as he finishing saying that, lightening out of nowhere came out of the sky, which until a few minutes before was clear. Striking down by the horses, they immediately took off. All of them watched as everything that they carried with them left. "Well, let's go. We don't have to worry about the horses now," Nelvil said as he tried to whistle and have his comeback. They were gone. Luc turned back around and started into the tunnel that would bring the underground again. Walking along, Gavin looked at the strange drawings that marked the walls. Each drawing had cats in it. Scripts of writing littered the walls too. Alman stopped at one pic and looked at the giant cat and the fork in the tunnel. He noticed that the others had left him standing there so he ran to catch up to them. As they walked, the tunnel never got darker. "Back when the dwarfs lived above, they had the fairies to help them. When the walls went up, it destroyed Arie. Before that, we lived in prosperity and wealth. We were very peaceful in Arie. Your ancestors and the others killed what we loved." Alman could hear the distaste he had for Alman's ancestors in his voice. "They built the walls that broke our kingdom down. The only thing your ancestors could not take was what lived underground. The closer to the mountain you get, the more likely you were going to die trying to. You," Luc looked at Alman, "are the first to get this far. We have been waiting and when Ishma told Duclar that you were coming, we were all very pleased." As he walked down another flight of stairs that took them deeper, he ran his hands over the drawings that followed them down. "My ancestors did these drawings. This was just after the walls were built." Looking down at the ground, he shook his head. "So many of them died. The cats were vicious and we couldn't stop them. They went down underground to survive but the cats followed them. No one has been in these tunnels since. The dwarf city that we have now was the only way to survive. We have hunters who train to find food and bring it back but usually one doesn't return. Duclar's grandfather was the one that started the city and until you killed the cats, we lived underground. Now we can live life like we should.

Alman couldn't fathom living underground for so long. To not ride out under a blue sky or feel the wind or rain. He felt he should apologize for the past mistakes of his ancestors. "Luc, this never should have happened and if there is anything that we can do to make this right, we will do so but right now my one object is to get that sapling back to Ishma. I have to save my people." Luc knew that Ishma was right. This was the man that would finally free Arie and they could finally live again. Alman made this dwarf a promise and he planned to follow through. Once he had the sapling and his people were safe, he would right the wrong that had been done.
Chapter 16

William ran down the stairs as fast as he could. He had to find the doctor. The grand hall was filled with people and as he stood on the stairs, he spotted the man he needed. Running through the people on the floor was a little difficult but he finally made it to where the person he needed most at that moment still stood. He waited patiently for the men to stop talking to each other. When he noticed William standing beside him, he knew something was wrong. He excused himself and followed William up to Nicholis' room. Herbel smelled the foul odor as soon as he opened the door. The room was too warm. He walked across the room and opened the windows. He instructed the two guards that followed them to get some boiling water and some fresh water to drink. He pulled the covers back and the King's skin was red and filled with blisters. Blood trickled from his nose and his eyes were bloodshot. He turned to William. How long has he been like this? William shrugged his shoulders. "I woke up and found him like this." William didn't know what happened to his king. He told the doctor about the blood he had seen yesterday when he had coughed. Herbel walked over to William and grabbed him by his shirt collar. "You are not to say a word of this to anyone. If some of the people here at court were to find out that our King was this ill, there could be unrest. You don't want to be the cause of that, do you?" William shook his head and the doctor let him go. There was a knock at the door and William ran over to open it. The guards walked into the room with the water. The doctor gave them the same speech that he gave William but at the end of theirs, he added that they would lose their heads.

William watched as the doctor looked at the blisters that were all over Nicholis' body. Some were oozing pus and others were oozing blood. He had never seen anything like this and didn't want to be around this now. William had never liked this man that stood by the king's bed. He had seen him a number of times coming to the village for this or that. The way the doctor dressed and his black hair and eyes, made him evil looking. William kept a close eye on the doctor as he examined Nicholis. Herbel told the maid that came with the guards to wipe down the king so he could get a better look. He didn't want to risk his life for a dying king. She did as she was told and after touching the cloth to his head to wipe away the blood, she fell to the floor dead. The doctor jumped back in horror as did the guards. The guards wrapped her in the carpet immediately that had laid in front of the fireplace and brought her out of the room. Herbel wanted nothing to do with this. He knew that Nicholis was dying way before the rains came. It was in his lungs. He wasn't going to sacrifice his life. He told William that he would need to get a few things out of his room and would be right back. He closed the door behind them and ran to his room. He gathered up everything he could and left the palace.

William waited for over a half hour and then heard the hoofs from a horse going over the bridge. He looked out the window just in time to see the doctor look back at the palace. William looked over at the king and knew he had to find someone who could take care of him. Isabelle just finished tying the back of her dress when William barged into the room with the guards following him. Madeline turned just in time to see one of the guards grab her brother by the collar and pulled him off his feet. Madeline rushed over to William." Let my brother go! Now! You dare to touch the king's page?" The guard's face went white, knowing that this small act could cost him his life. He put William on the ground and let go of him. He stepped out of the room and stood outside at his station. Madeline slammed the door after him. William stood up and looked at his sister. Coughing a little, he smiled. "I almost made it." She helped him off the floor and told Isabelle to leave them alone. William took the drink that she mixed for him. "Here, drink this and then tell me why you came running into my room." William drank the concoction that she put together for him then told her about what had happened to the king. Madeline didn't waste any time. She grabbed her satchel from under her bed and she followed William to the King's chambers.

So many people were at court and she wished she could just pass them all without acknowledging them but she couldn't. She nodded and waved and finally got past the great hall and then both of them quickened their pace.

Madeline could smell the odor even before William opened the door. There was no point of keeping her brother out because whatever the king had, her brother had already been exposed to it. "William, I need you to get some new bedding and cloths. Run and get them for me now." William did as he was told. He had gone with his sister many times to help with people who were sick in the village. She and their grandmother would use herbs to heal them. He hoped she could help the king.

Madeline rolled up her sleeves and reached out to strip the King of the night shirt that he was wearing. She would apply a paste to his skin to dry up the blisters. Taking the shirt off him, she threw it into the fireplace. He would never wear that again. She was glad to have the fresh water and the boiled also. At least the doctor did something right, even though he ran. She walked over to the table where she placed her bag. She took out the dried Chamomile and added it to the warm water. William came in and shut the door. He put the bedding aside and brought the cloths over to his sister. She smiled down at her brother and then added two cloths to the mixture. She took out another bag and made a poultice out of Mallow. This will soften the lesions and get to whatever infection this man had and draw it out. They moved the table over closer to the bed and Madeline climbed the steps so she could get closer to the king. William had helped her a couple times in the village when she didn't have anyone else around. "I need to wash it down with this first." She pointed to the cloths that were soaking in the Chamomile. "Then once we get this washed off, we need to change the bedding. William, make sure to rinse the cloths in the tub I set up here next to the bed before you put it back in the Chamomile." William nodded. He had just noticed that the king was stripped down. "Madeline, the maid that came in with the guards fell dead as she touched the king's brow but you stripped him of his clothes, yet here you are." Madeline shrugged it off. She had been around so many sick over the years that she thought she was probably immune to everything by now. She took the towel from William and started to wash down Nicholis. They exchanged cloths over the next hour. Madeline had never seen anything like this. The blisters started to finally respond to the Chamomile. "Get the bedding for me. We will have to turn him onto his side after I get this poultice cloth on him." William did as she bid. As she rolled him onto his side, she grabbed the corners of the bed cloth and rolled it right up to his side in front of him. William positioned the clean bed cloth and Madeline pulled it into place. She let him roll onto his stomach and then they took the rest of the soiled bedding off and started to clean the back part of him. Another hour later and Madeline finally got the poultice cloth on him and closed the windows. They would need the heat to help them get through this. It was past mid-day and she was surprised that no one came to see how their King was doing. She washed her hands and wonder what kind of illness this poor man had. He wasn't lucid but he had moaned once or twice while she cleaned the blisters. William went to get them something to eat while she cleaned everything up. She put another log on the fire and then sat down and looked at the man lying on the bed. William had told her that he had noticed blood after he had been coughing. She had seen that illness before and most people didn't last too long afterwards. She wiped the sweat from her brow and wished she could just sleep for a couple of hours. She hadn't slept since John left. She cried for him and the life that they would have had one day. Now she was in the room of the man who took everything she ever wanted away from her. As much as she would love to just leave this man to die, she also remembered that this man was going to be her father-in–law. She smiled as William brought in a huge plate of food for the two of them. He set it on the table between them. Madeline took the glass of wine he had brought for her. She took a sip and enjoyed the robust flavor as it sat upon her tongue. As soon as she got home from helping someone, she always sat down after and had a glass of wine. William must have remembered. They ate the bread and meat. She took a small piece of cheese and got up to stretch her legs. Walking over to the window, she looked down at the village that was holding on by a thread. The rain still hadn't let up and the despair of the people down there was so great. While people in the great hall ate well and drank the best of wines, people were starving in the village. Nicholis moaned but this time he fell into a deep sleep. Madeline smiled and then looked over at William. "He will be fine now. I am going to lay down for a bit. Come get me if he changes at all, okay?" William nodded and watched as his sister left the room. William brought his chair closer and curled up into it. He was asleep in minutes.

Madeline got back to her room and told Isabell that she needed the bath brought up. She would not be able to sleep until she washed the sickness off her. She thought about what had happened the last three hours. How could a doctor just leave a man in that condition? As they brought in the tub and filled it with hot water, Madeline thought back to her grandmother. She had gone with her when her grandmother would go to the sick and help her as William did for her today. Madeline had learned so much from her and when she died, the villagers knocked on her door when they needed help. Her grandmother was always patient with everyone who needed her help, even the ones that she didn't like. Madeline heard the door close. Isabelle came up behind her and started to untie her strings. "Shandra saw you go into the king's room. Is he okay?" Madeline didn't answer her. She knew that if she did that it would be around the palace within minutes. Madeline waited till she was done and listened as the door closed behind her. She stepped into the tub and submerged herself under the water. She came back up and laid her head against the back of the tub. She thought back to a couple of times when Nicholis had opened his eyes and looked right at her. All she saw was a tired old man within those eyes. That was why she kept going. She wasn't helping the king but the old man within those eyes. She closed her eyes and went back under.
Chapter 17

Harry was the first to hear the rocks fall. At first it was just one or two small pebbles. Nelvil was next to notice them. "Men," he shouted to the ones ahead of them. "I think we have a situation." He got the last word out of his mouth as the walls started to cave in behind him. "Run!" Alman and the others turned to see what Nelvil was yelling about and when they saw what was happening, they all started to run. Gavin grabbed Luc and hung on to him as they tried to beat the walls. "The fork is coming up ahead," Luc shouted out to them. "Well, which way do we go, dwarf?" Gavin said through his teeth. The dwarf was small but he was a heavy one. "I don't know." It was the words Alman really didn't want to hear at this crucial time. They were about to die from walls coming down on them. When they got to the fork in the road, Alman noticed the pictures to the right way continued. The left had nothing on the walls. A spirit of light flashed past them and went to the left. "Left, we have to go left." Just as Nelvil made it to the left corridor, the rocks filled the entrance. They listened as it carried on through the other passageway until they couldn't hear it anymore. Hands on knees, both Harry and Alman tried to regain their breath. "What the hell was that about? Gavin shook his head and Jordon was talking to Nelvil. "Let's hope you picked the right one," he said as he put Luc back on the ground." Alman looked past Gavin and watched as the same light flew around. He pointed to show Gavin what made him pick it. "On the walls as we were walking, the pictures on the sides had the fairies in them. Small people that would fit in the hand of a dwarf. This," he held out his hand, "is what helped us escape today with our lives." The small fairy stood in the palm of Alman's hand. A small male fairy. He flew out of Alman's hand and flew to the front of them, urging them to follow him. Harry was still doing great so they started down the only corridor they had left. The fairy's light was so powerful that they weren't walking in the dark.

It was an hour later that they came to a pool of water. It was crystal clear like the one in the clearing. Jordon went to the edge and brought his hand down to the water. He took a drink and then sat back and smiled. It was the same water. He filled their canteens. The passage had been widened to accommodate the pool. Luc looked into the clear water and didn't see anything. Nevil and Harry took out some food. They had been walking for hours and since they couldn't figure out whether it was nighttime or daytime, they decided now would be a good time to eat. Alman took a piece of meat from Harry and put it in between two pieces of bread. As he took a bite, he could see the fairy standing on the edge of the pool. He pointed it out to Gavin. "Is he expecting us to go into the pool?" A soon as he said it, the fairy turned and Alman knew that was exactly what he wanted them to do. Once they were done eating, they packed up all their stuff and walked over to where the fairy stood. The fairy turned and flew up and then came back down with so much speed. The circular motion above the pool turned the calm water into a whirlpool. The vortex was so strong that it was pulling them closer and closer to the water. Jordon walked over and jumped in. Gavin and Alman followed Luc with Harry and Nelvil jumping into the water last. They were moving through a tunnel, the water not even hitting them as it swirled around them. Harry went to reach out but the force of the wind kept his hands at his side. Then there was air underneath them and each one fell into another pool of water. Coming up to the surface, all six of them swam over to the side. Climbing out of the pool of water, the fairy stood on the side once more. "Before you send us through another vortex, can we at least catch our breaths?" He looked up from where they fell and watched the water as it stayed suspended above them. He thought they would be able to rest for a minute but just as the thought went through his head, the fairy got up and started again. As soon as the vortex was ready, they each jumped in. This one was longer and as he went through, he could see animal life that lived within the water. These were animals that he had never seen before. Then just as he thought it was over, a white paw came out of the water and swiped at him. Then he noticed what he was looking at. "Cats, white cats. Be careful," he shouted and hoped that they heard him. As they fell through the air one more time, there was only five splashes. Nelvil had his head in his hands. "I couldn't reach him. The paw came out and snatched him right out of the vortex." Alman walked away. He felt like someone had just kicked him in the stomach. Harry was gone? How could this be? Alman looked up at the water that stayed suspended from the ceiling. He looked at the fairy and asked him, "How do I get him back?" The fairy shook his head. He was gone. Alman was so angry that he had just lost his friend that he didn't see the glow start from his sword. The fairy took off behind some rocks and Luc's eyes went wide as well. From the shadows, a large white cat appeared. His eyes the color of the pools they had just emerged from. The white of his coat, the same as snow that would fall when it got cold. The fangs that were showing now were not out of happiness. Gavin, Jordon, and Nelvil prepared to fight the beast but Alman told them to stand back. "This one is mine." Both man and beast walked in circles, sizing each other up. Blue liquid fell from the fangs of this great beast. As Alman held out the sword, heat radiated from the blade. He recognized the giant paws and knew this must have been the one to take his friend. Someone he had grown up with. The friend that stood by him when things were going rough after his mother died. Harry had always kept his spirits up. He was the only one that Alman could count on and because of this beast before him, he would never see him again. As the cat roared out, so did Alman and they engaged in a battle to the death. The cat's paw came out and took a swipe across Alman's chest and the razor sharpness of the claws sliced through his skin without any feeling at all. Alman didn't even know that he had been wounded. Each swing that Alman took, sliced the cat and blue liquid ran from the wounds. Alman didn't know how much longer he was going to be able to fight this beast. His arms were getting tired but he knew that if he didn't kill it, they would all perish. Alman took a huge breath and as the cat clawed through the air at him, he took the opportunity to jump up and landed right on its back. As the cat reared up, Alman took the sword in both hands and brought it down right in the center of its skull. As the sword sunk down to the hilt, a gush of water exploded underneath him and he fell to the ground. The cat was gone. Alman got up and looked at the others. Gavin came over to him but he put his hand up to stop him and walked away. He couldn't talk to anyone right now. He looked down at his chest and the blood still trickled from the wounds. He was either going to die from them, if they had the same poison that the black cats had, or he would heal. He didn't know but time would tell. Gavin watched him leave. "Luc, did you know about the white cats?" He looked at Gavin and was at a loss for words. He knew about them. He knew that the white cats lived in these tunnels. The black ones were in the caves in the mountains. The white ones were the ones who tried to take over the tunnels that this ancestors created. Luc looked at the others. "Yes, I knew but when you said that you had killed the cats, I thought you meant the white ones too. I really didn't even think that they would still be alive." He looked over to where Alman had walked to. Gavin knew that even if they were prepared to face another set of cats, it still wouldn't have saved Harry.

Alman couldn't breathe. He looked up and saw Jordon standing there. "Here, put this on your wounds." He handed him the canteen and Alman did as he was told. The wounds started to heal right away. He took a drink and the pain receded as soon as he swallowed the cold liquid. "We did the same thing to Harry when we found the wound on him. You had already gone underground." Alman didn't know how he would go home to tell Harry's mother that he lost her only son. He got up and looked at the others. Walking over to them, he put his hand on Gavin's shoulder. "I suggest that we keep moving. I don't have much time to get this tree." They got up and waited for the fairy to start turning the water but he just stood there. "What is wrong with him, Luc?" Luc walked over to the fairy. As they watched, both Luc and the fairy seemed to be in an argument. Luc walked back over to Alman and the others. "Apparently, you killed the wrong cat." Alman put his hands through his hair. "What do you mean I killed the wrong cat?" Luc looked back at the fairy and then back at Alman. "That wasn't the lead cat. That was just a sentry." The fairy started to fly upwards and then swirled around the pool above them. "Luc, what the hell is he doing?" It didn't take long for them all to find out. The vortex got bigger and bigger until Alman and the others saw what was coming through. First one paw and the then the other. Then the rest of the body and the other two paws followed. Gavin and the others pulled their swords. Alman stood in front of everyone else and his sword shone the brightest he had ever seen. The steel seemed to meld into his hands. The eyes looking back at him were like glass. The beast opened its mouth and Alman ran forward, sword raised.
Chapter 18

This was the second day she was spending with the king. As she opened the door, the room smelled fresh and clean. William was wiping down everything in the room. The windows were open to let in fresh air and it would also help with the blisters drying up. Nicholis was finally in a nightshirt and sitting up in bed. He watched while Madeline went over to the wash basin and washed her hands and arms. William handed her a cloth and she dried herself off. "William, can you please go fetch me a hot mug of water for the king please?" Nicholis watched as his young page did as he was told. Madeline took out the satchel from her pocket and started to mix a few different herbs together, lungwort and plantain leaf. William got back just as she finished crushing the herbs. Nicholis watched everything she was doing. He had heard that she was the healer in the village. Another reason to have her close. "Where is my own doctor?" Madeline turned. Walking towards him as she stirred the concoction she made for him, she told him. "Your doctor is a coward and at the first sight of you, he got on his horse and left." She handed him the drink which he drank. "What is this? And what is all over my body?" Madeline didn't know what it was or why but she was happy that the poultice she had been applying and reapplying had done the trick. She brought back the covers and as soon as he was done drinking the herbs, she took the mug from him and told him to lay back. "I don't know what happened to you, sire but I have been bathing you in Chamomile and the poultice is Mallow. You have responded well." Nicholis looked down and couldn't believe that all the marks where the blisters were, were already drying up. William told him what happened the day before. How he had found him. She had William start another Chamomile bath for the king. It would make a vast improvement to his health. William headed out to get the guards to bring the tub and hot water. "What was it that you gave me to drink?" Madeline looked into this man's eyes. "William told me about the blood. He saw you coughing and then the red spots on your cloth. I am giving you two herbs that will slow down the process. It will not save you but make it easier in the end. You will have more time but I cannot reverse the damage to your lungs." She got up as the guards brought in the tub and started to fill it. As soon as they were done, they started to leave and the chancellor walked in. "So is this the reason why you have been holed up in your room?" He looked Madeline up and down. "I thought you were saving her for Alman." He took a seat beside the bed. Nicholis looked down at the man who would take care of everything in case he or Alman were not around. "Madeline dear, how long have I been in this room?" Madeline knew where he was going with this. "Sire, you have been in here over twenty-four hours." Nicholis looked over at his chancellor, "and how many times has this man come to see how I am?" Madeline could see the bald, skinny man sit up a bit more, a worried look coming over his face. "None, sire." Nicholis motioned for the guards to come forward and then stopped them. "Take him down to the cage. Rein, you were supposed to always have my back. You are always supposed to make sure that my health remains at its best, but I was told that the doctor had taken flight." He looked at the guards. "You can take him now and when you're done, go find the doctor that left me for dead." They nodded and grabbed the chancellor. He didn't go quietly. He screamed the whole way. Madeline shut the door and then helped him out of bed and stripped him of his nightshirt. She helped him in the tub and he felt the instant relief as soon as his body was submerged. She sprinkled some Chamomile in to the water. "William, could you be a good lad and get me some food? I'm famished," Nicholis asked him. William nodded and went to do his bidding. Madeline picked up the cloth and motioned for him to sit up. She took a small piece of soap from her bag and lathered the cloth. She washed his back, arms, and chest. She had him submerge and then when he came back up, she had her hands lathered with soap. She washed his hair and Nicholis was actually starting to feel better. He went under once more to get rid of the soap and then leaned back against the tub. He watched as Madeline stripped the bed. The blood and pus on the bedding was a large amount. "What happened to me? I remember going to bed early because I couldn't keep my eyes open and then I woke up this morning feeling better than I have in years. What have you done?" Madeline threw the dirty bedding into the corner. She would have the maid take them away. "I couldn't tell you what came over you. I had not seen the likes of that before. Blisters covered you and when the doctor had the maid wash you down because he didn't want to touch you, she fell to her death." Nicholis couldn't believe what he was hearing. "So why didn't you fall to your death? Apparently you touched me. "She finished with the bed and then turned to face him. "I don't know why I was spared. Maybe I have come across this before and that was why I wasn't affected. I couldn't tell you. My brother came to get me when he noticed the doctor riding away. I came because of him and also for the mercy you showed a couple days ago." She grabbed the huge drying cloth and as he stood up, she dried him off. He got out of the tub and she made sure that his feet were dry too. She grabbed the clean night shirt off the chair and put it over his head. He was still weak from being in bed the whole day. William came in with some hot soup and bread. Madeline had just got him settled into bed and brought the pillows up so he would have more ease at sitting up. As William brought the food forward, being extra careful not to spill it, Madeline brought up the bedding and then took the tray from William. "Thank you, love. Why don't you go get washed and then something to eat?" William left, knowing his sister would be there to take care of him. She placed the tray on the King's lap and watched has he ripped a chunk of bread off. He dipped it in the soup then popped it into his mouth. As he ate, Madeline straightened up the room then called the guards to take the tub away. By the time she sat down, Nicholis had finished everything on the tray. He took the hot concoction that she had made up for him and drank it. He hadn't coughed all morning which was a surprise since he usually couldn't even talk till he coughed for about an hour. "So why did you come when William went to you for help? I know you said it was for the mercy that I showed but you know as well as I that you would have been better off if I were dead. You could have left me to die." Madeline looked at him and then got up to take the tray off his lap. "My brother believes in you and you saved the life of the man I have loved for all time. I couldn't leave a snake to die so why would I let you go if I could save you?" Nicholis looked shocked for a moment that someone could be so bold but then laughed out loud. "I knew from the moment that I saw you that you would be perfect for my son." Madeline closed the door after giving the tray to one of the guards outside the room. "You should be happy to have my brother as your page. If it were not for him, you would have perished. As for myself, I couldn't leave someone who was sick. My grandmother said that you can hate someone with all your being but if you are a true healer, when the time comes, you don't see hate but a person in distress. You sire, were in distress. I couldn't leave you in that shape even if I wanted to." William chose that time to come back into the room. He was washed up and in clean clothes. "How are you doing, William?" William was happy to see him sitting up. "You look good, sire. Better than yesterday. What do you want me to tell the people that are in the hallway?" He looked at William. "What do you mean, people in the hallway?" William grabbed the chair on the other side of the bed and pulled it closer to the king's bed. "When the guards took the chancellor out of the room, he begged some of the court gents to help him. One had asked him what he had done. He told them you were sick. They are coming to see how you are." Nicholis knew that if anyone knew how sick he really was, he could have some that would try to take the kingdom away from him. He looked over at Madeline. Madeline knew the conflict that would be going through his head right now. She was going to make it easy for him and got up and went to the door. Leaving it open so some could see that he was well and sitting up, she called out to those that couldn't see him. "Our king just has a mild malaise and will be well after a few days' rest. He appreciates the inquiries into his health and would appreciate the quiet you have given him to get the rest he needs. He should be back in the great hall within the next few days." With that, she shut the doors and went back to sit down. Nicholis smiled at her. "You, my dear, are a very cunning woman. By giving a few the ability to see me gives the reassurance that I am indeed doing better. This will spread to the others quickly. Thank you." Madeline inclined her head. "You're welcome." They passed the day playing cards and William seemed to beat them every time. Madeline kept the lungwort and plantain leaf infused tea coming all day. If anyone were to walk by the room, all they would hear would be the laughing that came from within. A hard knock on the door startled them all. Nicholis could not imagine who would be so bold. "Come in," he called and waited to see who this person was. William got up and stood by Nicholis. His head guard, Noman walked in and then looked at Madeline sitting by the King. He knew she was already spoken for and given to the King's son. Too bad, she was a beautiful woman. "Sire, the rains have stopped and we want to send some riders out to find your son." Nicholis had known Noman for years. He knew that he wouldn't have knocked so harshly if this was all he wanted. "Madeline, would you and William give me a few minutes please." Once they left the room, Nicholis motioned for him to come closer. "What news of my son do you have?" Noman hated to give him this news. "The rider came back this morning and he had your son's saddle off his horse. It was ripped to shreds. He didn't find anything to say that the prince was hurt so I would like to take a team of men and see if we can't find him." Nicholis' heart sank in his chest. He couldn't lose his son too. "Go, and Noman, don't come back till you have him with you."

The door was open a crack and Madeline heard what they said. After spending the last two days with him, she found him to be a good person. She knew he would kill if he had to but she realized that a King doesn't get to have feelings if he wanted to remain in power.
Chapter 19

Alman's sword grew brighter and brighter the closer he got to the cat. The eyes pierced through his soul. Fangs dripped with saliva, knowing he would have his next meal. One paw went up then swept across the air and knocked Alman out of the way. Gavin and the others waited to see where the cat would move to. The beast circled them, looking to see who he would eat first. As he approached his next meal, his head threw back and a piercing scream came out of his mouth. Alman had put his sword through its back leg. Blue liquid spewed from the gash he left there. The cat turned and faced him again. Alman knew the only way to kill a beast this size would be through the brain or the heart. Before the paw could reach him again he, jumped out of the way. He brought the cat away from the others. The fairy was in flight, fluttering in front of the cats face. He was trying to give Alman the chance to get into place but after the third fly by, the cat had enough and swatted the fairy. He landed against the rocks and laid limp. Luc went over to him and picked him up and put him in his coat. Alman couldn't take his eyes off the cat to even notice.

As soon as Alman saw the fairy fly through the air, something inside him let loose. Harry was gone and now the fairy was harmed. He needed him alive since he was the only person who could get them out of here. "Stand down, men. I need you all alive. This one is mine. This one is for Harry." With that, he ran towards the cat and at the last minute jumped up on top of some large boulders and then landed right on him. Gavin and the men got out of the way as the cat tried to get Alman off his back. Each time Alman tried to position his sword, the cat reared up and Alman almost lost his hold. On the third attempt, the cat went up again and Alman lost his hold and rolled to the ground, the cat's paws almost hitting him on the way down. His sword flew to the side out of his reach. The cat looked at the sword as it slid across the ground, then back at Alman. He moved slowly, each paw making the ground move as he walked closer. Alman looked over at his sword, then at the cat. He knew he had to get to it before the cat had a chance to get him. Gavin and Jordon started to yell at the beast but nothing was going to take his focus off what he wanted. Alman inched closer and closer to the sword and watched for his moment to move. It didn't take long. The fairy took off out of Luc's coat and started to fly in front of the cat again. In a split second, the cat looked at the fairy and Alman made his move. The cat let out a scream and swung at the fairy but this time it didn't make contact. Alman had just gotten to his sword as the paw came around to swipe at him again. This time he was ready. He jumped up on the boulder and then again onto the cat. Lifting his arms up, he brought the blade down. The piercing scream vibrated off the walls of the tunnel. The first blow deflected because it could go through the bone. He held on as the cat moved to get him off. Alman waited for the chance once again. For a split second, the cat gave him enough time to bring the blade back up and then it hit its mark. The blade sliced through and the cat stood for a minute before falling to the floor. Alman jumped clear as the others did. As it hit the ground, the ground underneath them moved. Cracks formed and the ground beneath their feet let go. They all tumbled down. The water was ice cold and as they surfaced to the top, the cat sank to the bottom. Getting out of the pool, Alman watched as the cat sank deeper to the bottom. He looked at the fairy who watched beside him. "Was that the right cat?" The fairy looked up at him, his brow furrowed. He nodded his head. "So we shouldn't be worried about any others now?" he asked him. The fairy shrugged his shoulders. He knew the one that sank to the bottom was the right cat. He hoped by killing that one that they should be ok now. Alman waited for him to confirm. Shrugging his shoulders was no answer any of them wanted at this moment. "Fairy, tell me was that or was that not the last of them." The fairy backed away from the pool and shook his head. Alman looked at the pool of water and the face that looked back at him was the largest he had ever seen in an animal. It slowly came out of the water. Fangs the size of a man, eyes the mirrors of their souls. Empty and cold. Alman grabbed the fairy and Nelvil picked up the dwarf and they all started to run. Even though his sword was shining, Alman didn't think he had a chance with this one. The tunnels got wider and taller as they ran. The ground moved with every step the cat took. This one wasn't white or black. This one was gray. This one was hungry and determined to not allow them to reach their destination. Just as they rounded a corner, they stopped in their tracks. They were at a dead end. The cat was getting closer and closer. Gavin figured the cat knew they couldn't get out. That's why it didn't try to catch up to them. It knew that they would come to a dead end. Alman looked at the fairy. "If there is anything you could do, now would be a great time to get at it." The fairy thought for a minute then flew out of Alman's grasp and checked out all the walls. There was a small leak in the one wall and water trickled down. The fairy started to move in all directions and the leak grew and the water started to pour through now. The cat was still coming in their direction and just as he was about to reach them, the fairy urged them into the crack. They ran forward and just as the fairy got through, a large paw tried to force its way through. The fairy then began to seal the leak. The paw started to get crushed and the roar that was let out was enough to make a man go deaf. Alman held on to the fairy because the force he used to close the crack was drawing him closer to it and he wasn't about to lose the only thing that could get them all out of here. Just as he thought he would not be able to hold on anymore, the cat pulled out its paw and the crack sealed. They could hear the pounding that the cat was doing to try to break down the wall that separated it from them. Alman looked down and the fairy laid limp in his hands. It was so dark where they were that he couldn't tell if he was breathing or not. Luc reached out his stubby little hands and Alman placed him carefully down. Luc put his ear to the fairy's chest and then looked back up to Alman. "He breathes. He must have used everything he had to save us." Alman looked at the others. "Well, let's start walking to see where this will lead to. We have to find a way topside. We have to be closer or they wouldn't be trying to stop us." They hadn't heard anything from the cat since they left. The pounding had stopped. He hoped that they wouldn't run into it anytime soon. Jordon and Nelvil walked ahead so they could scope the area. When they came to a clearing with no water in sight, they decided to make camp for the night. All of them were tired and they needed the fairy to help them get back out. Gavin looked down at the tired thing. He was still out cold but as long as his chest rose with each breath, then he wasn't worried. He would hate to make it this far and not get there now. Luc took off his coat and then laid the fairy within. Jordon came over and gave drops of water to the fairy that he had taken from the pool. The first drop hit his lips and seeped through the cracks. The second, brought his eyes open. He sat up and looked around. Luc looked down and smiled as the fairy sat up and shook his head. He tilted his head back and waited for more. Jordon dropped a few more into his mouth and then the fairy jumped up and flew around the clearing. Alman laughed with the others as he came back down to the ground looking healthier than ever. Luc spoke to the fairy then. It was a language that none of them had heard before. At least this time they weren't fighting. Nelvil pulled out the last of their food. "This is it, boys. We have enough for tonight but we will need to be top side by tomorrow if we are going to eat. They were glad that the food that was left was able to be eaten cold. They would smoke themselves out if they were to have a fire going now.

A half hour later the food was gone and everyone had settled down for the night. Just as Gavin was falling asleep, he watched as the fairy got up and looked around. Gavin closed his eyes just far enough so he could watch him. The fairy took off down the tunnel. Gavin got up quietly and followed him. Just as he rounded the bend, he looked first to see if the fairy was still there. He couldn't believe his eyes. The fairy was in full conversation with the cat that they just ran from. The cat laid on the ground, licking the paw that was wounded while the fairy walked back and forth in front of it. The cat had no interest in what the fairy had to say. Gavin backed away. He couldn't believe what he saw. He walked back to the clearing and laid down. How could he set them up like that? Luc said the fairies worked with them. Did that meant that Luc was in on it too? He looked over at him sound asleep. They needed the fairy to get them out of there but would he get them killed before they do?"
Chapter 20

Nicholis got out of the bath and looked at his body in the mirror. Not a scar or rash remained. He got dressed and decided today would be the day that he joined the others downstairs. Yesterday when the guard came in and brought his son's saddle to him, it was torn and ripped. He couldn't believe a creature could do so much damage. He needed to go search for him because the only thoughts that have been going through his mind since he saw the saddle is that his son was laying somewhere dying. He looked out the window and was happy to see that the rain had finally stopped. Madeline told him that many perished from the flood and that she would be spending the next few days with her parents, tending to those who would need her. He knew that he could trust her now. She would do her duty to his son but right now he had to make sure that his son would come home first. He walked to the door and opened it. William stood there, waiting for him. "William, how are you today?" William smiled, glad that his king was feeling a lot better. "I am fine, Sire. How are you doing this fine day? Did you see that the sun shines bright today?" Nicholis rumpled his hair. "Yes William, I am glad that it finally does." They made their way down to the great hall where others were already taking in breakfast. Nicholis was starving and not eating for the last two days, he couldn't wait to eat. William took the seat beside him. After spending two days alone with both him and his sister, Nicholis decided that he only wanted those he could trust by his side. A plate of eggs, sausage, and potatoes was put before him. He attacked it and enjoyed every bite. Noman came into the hall. Nicholis saw the look on his face and knew that the news was not going to be good. Noman didn't want to tell the king what he found out but there would be no other time to do this. Two of his guards had brought the remains in of Churil and Reed. He already had the burial setup but the king would need to see it for himself before the family could put them to rest. Noman came up behind him and whispered in his ear. William heard the conversation and knew that the king would now be worried about his son. William hadn't seen the saddle so he wouldn't know that the king already had that thought in his mind. Nicholis hit the table with his fist and William jumped as well as any other that sat close to them. "Leave us now!" he shouted to all of them. People got up from their tables and left their food behind. "Bring them in." He didn't know how he was going to feel. The guards brought what was left of them into the hall. Nicholis got up and walked over to the bodies that they placed on the ground before him. Noman brought the cover back and as William looked at was left of the two men, he felt his breakfast come back up and ran from the room. Nicholis watched as he left the room. He would never expect a boy that young to look upon something this horrifying and not react. He looked back at the bodies. The pain that these two must have endured and knowing that he was the one to send them to their deaths. "Bring them to their families and make sure they have whatever they need. Noman nodded and the guards wrapped up the men and took them out of the hall. He walked out onto the balcony and looked over the damage that had happened with the storm. People had died. As suddenly as the storm came upon them, it left. He looked out towards the mountains. He still didn't understand what made Alman so determined to go there. He wished now that they hadn't argued with him, that he could have talked with him and found out more of why he had this need to go there. Alman had heard the stories, had witnessed men leave and never return. Why would he put himself in that kind of situation? Did he not know that without him the kingdom would fall? After Rosemele died, he knew that he would never marry again. Even if he were to save the Kingdom, he would let it fall but he never had to let that thought crossed his mind because he had Alman. He never doubted that his son would become his predecessor to the throne. Looking over the devastation that came to their world in the last seven days, he had to wonder if he would ever see his son again.

William watched from the doorway. Over the last two days he found that his king was actually just a man like others he knew. That he held the power over everyone in the kingdom was something that he was born into but as they played cards while he recovered from his illness, he laughed like any other and talked about the stories from the past like a parent would to a child. He was a good king and William wanted to make him happy. He knew what he had to do to make sure that happened. He left and went to his room. He took his bag out and started to fill it with clothes. He had to give back to the king what the king had given him. As he left his room, he knew exactly how to do it.

Madeline had been up for the last twenty four hours. So many people to bury and more with sickness. Her mother was so happy when she had opened the door and saw her oldest standing on her doorstep. At first her mother thought she was there to stay but as she sat down and had a bite to eat before going out to see to the people in the village, she explained what had happened so far. Her mother cried but Madeline told her that she was okay with it. John would have his life and she loved him so much that she would do as the king bade. She told them what happened with the king and how while treating him, she got to know him. Her mother told her that she should have let him die. Then she could have come home. Madeline got up and walked over to her mother. Looking down at the worried face that had gone through so much, Madeline wished she could take it away for her. "Mama, I am okay with the decision now. He is really not as bad as everyone perceives him to be." Her mother hoped, for her children's sake, that she was telling her the truth. Her father looked on and was very happy that things worked out well. Madeline sat back down and finished her food then went to her shed in the back yard and looked to see how much damage had been done. She hoped that her herbs survived. When she looked at the shed, she noticed that not one piece of stone had moved and the thatch roof was just as sound as the rest of the building. It was as if the storm just went around the whole building. She opened the door and was so happy to see everything as she had left it. She walked over to the bench and pulled out the stool. Sitting down, she reach up and started to take dried herbs down. She knew she would have to bring enough with her so she didn't have to make many trips back home to replenish. As she got everything packed up, she turned to see John Standing in the doorway. "Someone told me that you were here. I ran right over. Have you come home? Did he let you go?" He walked over to her and pulled her into his arms. He couldn't believe it when one of the guys he had been working with to restore some order back to the village, ran over to him to tell him that she was back. He dropped everything and came straight to her. Looking down at her, he couldn't believe how happy he was. Madeline's heart broke more for the man she would never be able to love. "John, the king allowed me to come help the people here because he knew how much they mean to me. I am going back and I will be marrying his son. It is the only way that I will know that you will be alive. Nothing has changed." She took a step back out of his arms. She knew saying the words would hurt him but she had no choice. She loved him too much not to. She saw the anger come over his face. She knew that this was not going to be easy. John turned away. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He ran his hand through his hair and tried to gain some composure before turning back around. Madeline knew that she was breaking his heart all over again and she wished she didn't have to. John looked back at the woman who stood before him. She was beautiful in all ways, from the inside out and since they were young, he knew that she would be his. In a matter of days, his life was turned upside down and now she stood here and told him that she would rather be with the king's son. He couldn't believe this was her. He loved her and looking into those beautiful eyes, he knew that she was doing this for him. She was making the ultimate sacrifice. He didn't care what the king would do to him. He walked over to her and took her in his arms. "I will always love you." He bent his head and kissed her. Madeline felt her heart swell with the love that John had for her. He felt her heartbeat against him and felt like he was dying inside. He stepped back slowly and turned and walked out the door. Madeline let the tears fall down her cheek. She turned back to her table and wiped her tears away. She couldn't dwell on him right now. Even though her heart was breaking for the man that she has always loved, others needed her more. She filled her satchel and walked out the door.

William had slipped past most of the staff but when he turned one of the corners, one of the maids walked right into him. "Where are you off to, young William?" Lilimae was one of his favorites. She was always kind and when he had to get something for the king, she would help him since he was new to the palace. He smiled up at her. "The king has a taste for berries, so I was going to get some for him. I know where the biggest ones are." Lilimae didn't have any doubt not to believe him so she told him he best get on it then because he doesn't want to anger his king. William smiled as he went down the stairs. As he walked out the front door, he made his way over to the stables. The guards stood up and stopped him before he could enter. "This is not the place for a boy. Go back to the castle." William knew that this would be the hardest part. "My King wants berries and the only way I can get to them and be back for the meal time, is to ride. Would you deny your king one simple pleasure? I will go back and tell him that you will deny him this." He turned to go back to the palace and the guards looked at each other. The way the King had been acting lately, they didn't want to be on the other side of his wrath. "Wait boy," one of the guards called out. "Come, I will help you saddle." William smiled and turned back around and followed the guard into the stable.
Chapter 21

Gavin didn't sleep a wink the whole night. He watched as the fairy made his way back and tucked himself into Luc's coat. He didn't dare sleep in case the cat came back or the fairy planned something else for them. As each of them woke up, Gavin waited to see what the fairy would do. As he woke up, he sat up in Luc's coat and stretched. Luc was happy to see that he would be fine. Gavin could see through him now but he couldn't say anything until this thing brought them to the surface. Until then, he had to wait to see what was going to happen. Alman took the canteen he was offered and then walked over to Luc and the fairy." We need to get to the surface today. Tell him that he has to get us up today." Luc nodded and then turned to the fairy. They started talking in the weird language they used between them. At one point, Gavin could see the anger come over Luc's face. "We need to find out what they are talking about." Gavin turned to Alman. Alman watched as the conversation got worse and he walked over there. "What is happening here? Are you not taking us to the top?" Luc looked over at the prince. "He said that it is too dangerous to go up today. That we have to wait till tomorrow." Luc looked back at the fairy and the fairy said some more things that got Luc angry all over again. "Wait a minute, fairy, how do you suppose that we eat if we stay down here? We are out of food and will be lucky to make it to the top before we starve to death." He shrugged and walked away. Luc walked the other direction. Gavin walked over to Alman and Alman couldn't believe that they were putting their lives in the hands of something that could fit in his. He turned and walked back to the men. "Since the fairy is not going to help us, we will need to find our own way out. Let's pack up. There is no sense in wasting anymore time here." As they packed up, part of Alman hoped that the fairy would make his way back to them but he never returned. As they left the clearing, Gavin told him what he had witnessed the night before. Alman couldn't believe what he was hearing. He stopped and turned to Luc. "Did you know about this?" Luc did know but only until this morning when he had the argument with the fairy. He kept telling him that siding with the cat, he would die but the fairy believed that he could control the beast. The last thing he told Luc was that these people won't last too much longer and that he should come with him. Luc couldn't believe what he was hearing and was trying to show him how wrong he was. That was when Alman had walked up to them. Alman couldn't believe what he was hearing. "And when were you going to let us all in on this, since it does affect each and everyone one of us?" Gavin knew that Alman had been thrown into this and he never had the training like the rest of them had gotten. Now they had to find their own way out and there was a cat that couldn't wait to kill them all. Well, they would have to be extra careful now. Luc walked behind them and knew exactly how Alman felt. He had never had a fairy go bad on him before. He was the one who brought them down here and it would be his job to find a way out. He took out the map that Duclar had given him just before they left. He stopped and looked at the tunnel they were walking in now. There would be a fork coming up. If they went one way, they could get up easier but they would be too far away to get to where Alman needed to be to get to the sapling in time. If they took the other way, it would bring them almost upon the sapling but there where areas where they would have to be very careful. Should he tell them about this or should he try to get them as close as he could? Luc owed it to them all to get them to where they needed to go but he also knew that he couldn't keep this from them. He would tell them when they stopped. Then they could all decided on what they wanted to do. As they walked through the tunnel, each were on high alert. They didn't know what the fairy had in mind for them. Each crack of water that came through the walls made them stiffen, waiting for the paw to come through. Alman figured they had been walking for a few hours and they needed to take a small break. If they kept going, then they would be too exhausted to defend themselves if the time came. They sat down and drank some water that Jordon got from the pool before they left. He was the only one that had been going to the pools and didn't experience anything from them so they voted last night that he was the one for the job. Gavin told him that they could go days without food but they wouldn't last three if they didn't have water. As they passed the canteens around, they could feel their stomachs cramp at the need for substance. Luc pulled out the map. They were going to come up to the fork soon and they would need to decide what to do. "Ah, the map, right, I thought I lost that when we went through the second pool. Why didn't you tell me that you had it all this time?" Luc didn't answer him. He knew that it would only lead to another fight and they really didn't have time to do that. "This is where we are right now." He pointed at the map. "The forks in the tunnels will be coming up soon. One will take us right up but we will never make it in time to get to the sapling. The other way will take us a half a day away from the sapling but the dangers are high in this direction. I can't defend myself against these things and I don't want to spend the rest of my life here either. I didn't know that the fairy was going to do that to us. They have always helped the dwarfs. There was a decree signed between the two of us and he turned against us. I want to help." Alman looked at the dwarf. He had helped them so far and looking into his eyes, Alman could tell that Luc spoke the truth. Gavin listened to the story and as he watched the others believe what this dwarf said, he was going to wait and see. He wouldn't trust him yet. They discussed all of the pro and cons. The only option that they had was to go the harder of the two ways. They devised a plan so that if they did run into the cat again, they would position Alman in the right place so he could use his sword to kill the thing. After everyone agreed with the plan, they got up and started toward the worse tunnel of the two.

Two hours later, they came up upon the fork. It was darker than the other tunnel. They would have to use their sense of feel and hearing to get through. No one talked as they started into the tunnel. They were so intent on listening to every sound that they didn't smell the gas until it was too late. It engulfed them and Alman grabbed the dwarf as the others started to run. He didn't know if he would be able to get through it before he passed out. He took three more steps and couldn't hold it anymore. He threw the dwarf through the air and followed him. He couldn't hold his breath anymore and opened it. When he thought that he would be breathing in the gas, he breathed in clean air instead. The others had stopped and were coughing just as much as he was. Luc got up off the floor of the tunnel. If he was on his own he would have died for sure. They kept walking, anticipating for the next thing to happen. They knew that they didn't have much time left. They had been down there for over a day as far as they knew. Each of them sore and breathing in the gas didn't help them either. It was as if the tunnel was breaking them down. The walls felt like they were getting narrower and it got to the point where they were walking single file. Gavin had a bad feeling and kept the dwarf and Alman between him as he walked in front and Jordon and Nelvil in the rear. Just as the feeling went over him, he heard a scuffle in the back of them. "Run!" was all Nelvil said. Gavin and the rest didn't hesitate. Alman lifted the dwarf once again and started to run. There were loud noises and then a muffled sound. As soon as they figured they weren't being chased anymore, they slowed down. "Nelvil," Gavin shouted back. Jordon couldn't hear him behind him anymore. The walls squeezed in closer and Gavin figured out that was how whatever was chasing them was going to take them. They couldn't avoid whatever was at their back. Luc remembered on the map that there was a pool coming up. He hoped that the area would be big enough for them to move freely. "The next pool is up ahead. If we reach it we may have a chance." As soon as they reached the pool, they stopped dead in their tracks. The pool glowed blues of every shade and the walls looked like the roots of trees flowing along the sides of the tunnel. The cat sat in front of the pool. The fairy by his side. Luc wanted to strangle the fairy. He knew that he brought the cat through the water. The cat's fangs were dripping in the anticipation of the feast it would have. The blue glass eyes never gave anything away. "Why would you risk the wrath of your king to do this?" Luc asked the fairy. The fairy walked around the cat with ease. He said something to Luc and Luc kept shaking his head. Alman had had enough. "What is he saying?" Luc looked up at Alman. "The cat has promised him his own kingdom. He is stupid enough to believe him. I told him that once we are gone, the only thing that cat is going to give him is death. He doesn't believe me." Alman knew at this point that he would have to trust the dwarf. The fairy walked away and the cat advanced. Now that they were down one more man, since Nelvil didn't follow them after the scuffle, they would have to make sure that they did this right. The cat took a swipe at Gavin, it knew that it had to get the others out of the way so he could get his prize. Gavin swung his sword through the air and sliced through the arm of the cat. As soon as it sliced through, the cut disappeared. Alman took out his sword. It glowed and as he watched for the chance to kill this cat, he had to wait for the perfect moment. One after the other, the cat tossed them out of his way. Alman knew he would have to do this himself. He didn't want to see anyone else die because of him. Alman waited till the cat was close enough. As the others kept the cat's attention off him, he took the chance and slid underneath the cat's belly. With everything he had, he took his sword and thrust upward. The cat stopped in its tracks. Just as Alman took the sword out, he ran out from underneath the cat and watched as it slid to the ground. "Is everyone okay?" He asked them. They called out to tell him they were fine and then Gavin shouted, "Alman, look out!"
Chapter 22

William couldn't believe how easy it was to get out of the palace. The guard saddled and placed him on the horse. He would have to find something to step on if he needed to get off and on. He rode through the village and waved to a few as he went by. He was pretty impressed with how the people in the village looked at him on top one of the king's steeds. Most looks were of astonishment. He had heard the king talk a lot about the west forest so he knew that was the place where he had to go. As soon as he got through the village, he let the horse have its reins. The horse didn't waste any time and took off through the felid.

Madeline was exhausted. She had been up all night tending to the ill. The list of dead was growing more by the hour. Crying could be heard with every step that she took. She told people to check their cupboards for rats and mice. They always go to higher ground and if they got into their food supplies, then they could spread a sickness across the village. She needed to go back to her shed to fill up on more supplies. She opened the door only to find a young child sitting there waiting for her. "Little one, what can I do for you?" The child didn't speak. She just looked at Madeline. "Honey, I can't help you if you don't tell me what is wrong." The child got up out of the chair she had been sitting on and walked over to Madeline. The child started to cry a she looked up at her. "Your brother is in grave danger. A fairy came to tell me. You must go to protect him." Madeline couldn't understand why a child would come and tell her something like this. William was safe up at the palace. Fairies were mystical creatures in the stories told by their parents at bedtime. They weren't real. "Honey, where are your parents?" Her long brown hair was matted and the dirt on her must have been there for days, the way it had dried. It wasn't the first child that Madeline had come across that was in this condition. "My parents and baby brother floated away." That was all it took for Madeline to grab the little girl into her arms and hold her. She felt the tears against her neck and held her even closer. She took her into her parent's house. Madeline knew that mother would tend to her. Walking in the back door, her mother turned at the sound of the door. "Madeline, you brought a child home?" Madeline sat down with the child now sitting on her lap. "No mother, the child was in my shed." She wasn't going to tell her what the child had said to her about her brother. It would only worry her mother. She would check that out once she got back to the palace. Her mother came over to the girl who couldn't have been more than six years of age. Madeline told her mother what the child said about her parent's and sibling and she could see her mother's heart open within her eyes. She knew that her mother would take care of her now. Her own children, in a way, had been taken from her. "Come here, sweeting, you are not alone anymore." The child went willingly into her mother's arms. "Tell your father to heat some water." Madeline smiled as she watched her mother take the child into the other room. Her father was outside in the front of the house. He was clearing the debris that had floated in from the flood. "Father?" she called out as soon as she opened the door. "Over here," he shouted back. He was on the side trying to get a tree branch out from under the house. "If I can't get it out, I will just cut it off. Here, give your father a hand." Madeline walked over and the two of them together grabbed onto the branch. "One, two, three, pull." They both gave it all they had and just as they thought it wasn't going to budge, it came free, sending the both of them into the mud. The branch went flying and landed with a thump on the ground. Her father sat up and wiped the mud from his face while Madeline tried to stand. As soon as she looked at her father, she fell back down and started to laugh. It felt good to let it out. She couldn't remember the last time she had laughed this hard. Her father helped her up. "Go get in the house and I will bring water in." She was trying to regain her breath when she started all over again. "That was what I was sent out here for, to tell you mother wanted you to bring in water." She turned and went into the house. She was thankful that she didn't take all her clothes with her. She went to her to room and poured some of the water that still remained in her pitcher into the basin. She took off her clothes and pushed them to the side. With the sponge, she washed herself down. She filled the basin twice more before she had removed all the mud from her. She took a dress off the peg and slipped it over her head. It felt wonderful to be back into her own clothes. Combing out her hair, she twisted it and tied it at the end. She knew that it would dry eventually. She went to check on her mother and small child. She looked in and she could see the pure bliss that spread across her mother's face. She didn't realize how much it affected her when they left. "How are we doing in here?" she said as she walked into the room. Her mother looked up and smiled at her. "We are doing a lot better." The child was clean and dressed in one of her sister's old dresses. Her mother sat in the chair, rocking her like she had done to each of them. The child sleeping in her arms. "Mom, are you okay to take care of her? She has no one." Madeline smiled when she saw the look of astonishment cross her mother's face. "Why in the world would you ask me a question like that? How could I give this sweeting up to the streets?" Madeline nodded. "Okay, I just wanted to make sure because I could have her sent to the palace with the other orphans." Her mother shook her head. Madeline considered the subject closed then. She kissed her mother's forehead and then turned and left the room. Her mother would fill her father in later about all of it and Madeline knew he was the type of man that would do anything to make sure his family was happy. She grabbed her shawl off the peg by the door and went back out to the shed. She grabbed her bag and a weird feeling went through her when she remembered what the child said about her brother. She would go back to the palace to check on him.

William finally got the horse to slow down. He came to the first mountain around mid-day. He needed to find water for the horse and he was feeling the hunger pains in his stomach since he didn't get to keep his breakfast down. He started towards the mountain. He had heard people in the village talk about a river at the base. He would stop there to eat something and let the horse get a drink. The sun shone high in the sky by the time they reached the river. William found a log to use to get down off the horse. He led it over to the river and held on to the reins. He couldn't afford to lose the horse when he was so far away from home. He waited till the horse drank his fill, then led him over to the log that he used to get down. He tied the reins around the tree beside it and sat down to eat. He had gone to the kitchen on his way out. He knew that he would need food, that it wasn't a day trip he would be taking. He took out a small piece of cheese and a piece of meat. He could hear noises around him but for some reason, it didn't bother him. The horses head perked up and William saw a blue light fly pass him. Was he seeing things now? Had he gone too long without food? He put the rest of the food back in the bag and decided it was time to move on.

Madeline left her parent's house and instructed the guard that was told to remain with her to go back to the palace to check on her brother. He told her resentfully, "I'm sorry, but I was told to remain with you at all times." He didn't want to babysit this woman. He was better than this and wished he was assigned a real job. The nagging feeling she had in her stomach was growing stronger. "Sir, if something happens to my brother and you disregarded my order, I will personally see that the king beheads you first." The guard knew that she was promised to the King's son and he also knew that she took care of the king while he was ill. Could she have that much power? He wasn't going to take any chances. He nodded to her and walked over to where his horse was being stabled. He got on his horse and rode to the palace. Watching him ride towards the bridge, she would feel better once she knew her brother was alright, safe behind those huge stone walls.

William had been riding for over an hour when he started to see all the caves in the sides of the mountain. The blue light flew passed him a number of times now so the horse didn't bother with it anymore. It was as if it were showing him the way. He had tried to ask it questions but it didn't answer him. A couple of times, it tried to get him to go into the caves but William didn't feel right and steered the horse around them. The blue light continued to lead him. It was starting to get dark and he needed to find shelter for the night. The fairy again tried to coax him into the cave. William didn't like it but knew that if he wanted to get out of the wind, which would turn colder as night fell, he would need something good and the cave would be the best place. He brought the horse in with him. Now that he felt the horse was loyal to him, he let the reins fall so he could move around. He stayed closer to the cave entrance but back enough to keep the wind from them. As soon as he got his blanket off the back of the horse, he folded it and laid it on the ground. The wool would keep the cold from the ground off his body while he wrapped the other part around him. William saw the blue light coming from the darkness of the cave. He looked to the horse and knew it must have been what was leading them throughout the day because the horse didn't even flinch. He dug into his bag and took a carrot out for the horse. The horse walked over to him and took the carrot out of his hand. William chewed on a stale bun and some cheese. He knew that it would satisfy his hunger. He watched as the blue light came closer and closer. When he finally saw what it was, his eyes opened larger. "Are you a fairy?" He had heard of them in stories but never in his wildest dreams did he think he would ever meet one. Wavoon nodded to the child. It was easier to approach a child then an adult. He knew that he had to get back into the good graces of his King. When fairy king found out what he had done, he gave him two options. Be clipped, which meant he would never fly again or save a life. He knew that he couldn't go back to Luc and the men because they would never trust him again. He found the child and knew that he was going after the ones he just did wrong to, so he chose to save the child. Every time he tried to get him to go in to the caves so they could take the shorter way, he refused. He was getting very annoyed now. He knew that he would have to show himself to this child to gain any trust. Wavoon sat down and started to draw in the dirt. He hoped the child would understand what he was going to try to tell him. William watched as the fairy drew perfect pictures for him. He realized that the fairy was actually with the prince at one time. "Why did you do that? Why didn't you protect them?" The fairy sat there and shook his head. The fairy drew the whole story out for William and then in the end, it showed William going back to the palace. "I will not go back until the prince is with me." With that, he put his food in his bag and put the bag under his head. He brought the other side of his blanket around him and closed his eyes. Wavoon didn't think the kid would be so hard to convince. He nestled into the folds of the blanket. While lying there, he thought that maybe he should have tried his luck with the men again.

Madeline had been out all day again and the evening was coming upon them. The winds had picked up and it was turning colder. Men had been working in the village helping everyone who needed it. She saw her father going to other people's houses, asking if there was anything he could help them with. Men had been taking debris away and the King had sent extra carts and guards to help with the removal. Women from the palace brought fresh bread and meat to everyone in the village. Madeline knew in that gesture alone, that Nicholis was a good man under all that armor that he held up in front of him. Madeline watched as women sliced the meat thin so it would dry out and last them a lot longer. Their storage bins had been in the ground, to keep their meats cold. They lost everything when the mud filled them. They would have starved if he had not sent the food. Everyone came together as they always did in this small village. The sun had finally gone down and just as she thought about her brother, she realized that she hadn't heard from the guard she sent back to check on him. An hour later, he came back into the village. She turned to see a worried look on his face. "How is my brother?" The guard got off his horse. "Miss, your brother left the palace this morning. He told a maid that he was going to get berries for the King. No one questioned him. One of the guards even saddled a horse for him. Madeline's heart fell. What if the little girl was right? Her grandmother and she talked of the fairies. They were tales from a long time ago. Now she knew they must be true. She grabbed the reins from the guard and climbed up onto the massive horse. She knew where he would go for berries but was that the real place he was off to? One small kick to the belly of the horse and she was gone.
Chapter 23

Alman heard Gavin shout out and turned just in time to see a claw come through the air. The impact threw him against the wall hard. Sword still in hand, he raised it in defense of the attack that was being bestowed on him. The cat wasn't using his claws to hurt him. It was like a cat with a ball and Alman was the ball. He finally got back on his feet and as he avoided another attack from the beast, he took his chance and ran towards the far wall. The curve gave him the ability to get up to where he needed to be and as he ran up the wall, he flipped over and landed on the back of the cat. "You are going back to where you came from once and for all!" He lifted the sword up and as it glowed, he brought down into the skull of the cat. The cat stopped instantly and as if in slow motion, its body made its way down to the ground. Alman jumped off on the way down. Gavin, Jordon, and Luc stood to the side. This had not been their fight. Their swords were nothing to this beast and the only hope they had was for Alman to kill it. His sword was the only thing that could send it back to where it came from. "Okay, let's get out of this place. I am done with animals for the rest of my life. Let's get to the top. Luc, how far do we have to go before we get there?" He told Alman it would be a couple of hours and that they would receive help once they got there. "Well let's go then." Just as they were leaving, a green light flashed in front of them. They raised their swords but Luc shouted out to them. "No, don't hurt it!" He ran in front of it. It was a tree fairy. He didn't think that he would see it until they got to the place where they would venture to the top. He looked at the map more closely last night and figured out that they would meet up with one at some time. It was the only way they could get out now. Luc turned around and told her what had happened. She told him that the fairy king knew and had banished Wavoon. He would have to save a life if he wanted to come back. Luc didn't think that would ever happen. He would never trust him again. After she finished explaining to him everything that had happened, Luc walked back to the men and told them what was going on. Once he finished, he turn back to see Tresha open up the earth. Stairs made out of the roots from the trees from above formed in front of their eyes. They followed the fairy as she took them to the top. The closer they got, they could smell the fresh air. The sun started to shine through and the fairy turned and Luc listened intently to what she was saying. He nodded and then turned back to the others. "She needs to cover our eyes. We have been down too long and if we surface now, our eyes will burn from the inside out." Alman wasn't sure if he wanted to trust another fairy but he didn't think they had a choice. Either they let the fairy do whatever magic that was needed or she would stop taking them to the surface. Gavin told him that it did have a lot of logic to it. He had heard of men who had been blinded by flashes of light. They had been down there for over twenty four hours and to come back up to the top without protection from the sun could be harmful to the eyes. Jordon stepped up and the fairy waved her hand over his eyes. He could still see but with a faint light green color clouding his vision. Each took their turn and then they carried on. It was over an hour of climbing before they got to the surface. Alman couldn't believe how far down they had really been. Jordon felt the sun on his face and smiled for the first time in days. As soon as all four finally had grass under their feet and fresh air around them, they finally felt so much better. Gavin just wanted to get the stupid tree and get Alman back to his father. He had enough of mystical creatures to last him a life time. Nicholis had a lot to tell his son and he couldn't wait to get him back home so his friend could do so. Alman turned to Luc. "Do you remember from the map if we are too far away?" Luc looked at Alman and the others with a smile on his face. He shook his head and pointed to the right of him. "Just beyond that is a clearing and in the middle of the clearing you will find the sapling." Alman wasn't going wait to go. As he started forward, Tresha frantically started talking to Luc again. Luc listened and then turned back to Alman. "Tresha says that you can't pick that sapling until the night before the new moon. To pick it before, it will wither and die within minutes in your hands." Alman stopped. He looked at the tree line that kept him from the thing he need most. To get through that and then find the thing he was sent for, knowing that it was only a small distance from where he stood at that moment, was frustrating to him. He turned and looked at the fairy and Luc. "Why?" Alman shouted at the fairy. "Tell me why I am a mere distance to what I seek to save many and you tell me that I can't have it until the day before I have to present it." Gavin walked forward. "Can you ask the fairy when the next new moon is? I have lost track since being down there." Luc turned back to the fairy. She was getting agitated now with them. She threw her hands in the air as she tried to make Luc understand what was happening. Gavin wasn't sure that Luc was telling them everything. " She said the next new moon is in two nights and that if it is not done properly then the next time this sapling will be at its peak will be another hundred years." Alman walked over to the tree and took a seat. He raked his hands through his hair and shook his head. He couldn't believe how much this sword had cost him. He made a commitment that he had to keep but why didn't the old man tell him how much would be lost before he saw the sword. The haze was starting to fade and he looked around. It was really nice to see the sun again. He couldn't understand how the dwarfs could live underground so long. "Okay, let's camp here tonight and then in the morning we will go through the small forest and get the sapling. I am hungry, tired, and I don't want to think about any more fighting right now." Gavin agreed. Alman never really trained for any type of combat, yet in the last seven days he had grown into the one that they depended on to get them home. "Yes, Alman is right. We will rest here tonight and in the morning we will set out and get this tree." The fairy started to fly around Luc once again, screaming at him and pointing over to them. Jordon had been quiet since they started out but after watching his two friends die, he wasn't going to be quiet any more. "Dwarf! What are you not telling us because that fairy wouldn't be flying about like this if you told us all of what she has been saying to you?" As he said that, Tresha stopped flying and stood there in front of Jordon with her hands on her hips, one toe tapping with impatience, looking at Luc. Luc looked at Alman. "It must be you to take the sapling." Alman nodded. He knew that. Luc had to tell him more. He walked up in front of Alman. "We can't go with you. You and you alone are the only one that can go through those trees." Gavin looked at Alman, as did the others. "I can't let you go in there alone. Your father will have my head if I don't come home with you." Alman got up and walked away. The question kept going through his mind this whole trip. "Why him?" He didn't have the haze anymore in front of his eyes. They were now adjusted to the brightness around them. He looked out to where the palace would lay if he could see through the mountains. This was his land and he would fight for it. Fighting for it meant fighting for the people that lived within it. He stopped and closed his eyes and lifted his face to the sun. The heat of the sun is what he needed right now. Everything that he had done in the last seven days was something he never thought he would ever have to go through in his lifetime. At first he was a spoiled boy who wanted the sword but now it wasn't about the sword. He opened his eyes and looked back at the people who were left. Now he did it for them and the ones who lived across his lands. He would give anything to make sure that they survived. He walked back to them. "Tomorrow morning I will go alone. There is no room for discussion on this. Let's get some food and have a feast tonight because tomorrow will seal our fate." Alman decided to go with Jordon and seek out some animals. He needed time to get away from everyone there. He knew that Jordon wouldn't question him like Gavin would. Once they left, Gavin took the opportunity to talk to the fairy. She didn't like him very much but they didn't have a choice. As a child, he heard about the fairy magic but so did many others and no one that he knew had ever encountered one. "Okay both of you, over here. Luc, I want to know what's going on now. I will not let my friend's son walk into a trap with no one at his back." Luc looked at Tresha and they both walked over to where Gavin was and sat down. Luc starting talking.

It was another hour before Alman and Jordon came back. They had seven rabbits and they were big too. They would eat their fill tonight. Jordon took his knife out and had them skinned in no time. Luc had fashioned a grill on top of a fire out of long rocks so they wouldn't have to wait so long to eat. As the rabbits sizzled over the flame, they talked about the trip so far. They finally had the time to mourn Churil, Nelvil, Harry, and Reed. Alman still couldn't believe that his best friend was gone. Now he knew how Jordon felt when Reed was taken. He remembered the years of stupid things that they had done together. The times they stood in front of his father and took the punishment that his father had bestowed upon them both. Harry wasn't just his friend but his brother. He was always there waiting to do something outlandish that Alman would have thought of for them to do the night before. He told the group how one time they went into the village and nailed the door shut on the local pub. They had thought of a way to nail it shut with wooden pegs that would make it impossible to get them out. They sat there the next day and watched at how many of the men struggled to get the doors open. Even Gavin laughed at that one. He remembered that day. Some of the villagers came to the palace to complain to the king that there was someone in the village doing damage to their lodgings. Nicholis knew that there wasn't someone in the village doing harm to their own people's buildings but he did find out who it was. Gavin told them how Nicholis had the boys brought before him. Alman smiled at what Gavin was going to say next. "He had Alman and Harry sit down at his table. A guard had brought a bottle of whiskey in and Nicholis poured both boys a shot. After about three shots, both of the boys started to talk. Nicholis didn't even have to ask them anything. They spilled it all." Alman and the rest of them were laughing. He remembered that too, well not after the third shot. His father got them so drunk that they thought they wouldn't have a stomach left after they vomited all night long. Then he sent them down to the village to help construct with a new door. The guards who went with them had to report back to his father so they had no choice but to do whatever the villagers need them to do.

The rabbit was cooked and they concentrated on eating instead. As the evening wore on, they traded other stories with each other. Laughter rang through the air as nighttime fell. The fire was big enough to keep them warm throughout the night. Everyone found a spot to settle down in. Luc took Tresha and placed her within his jacket. Tomorrow was a big day for everyone. Alman laid on his back, his hands behind his head and stared up at the stars above him. He was nervous about tomorrow. Did he have more to go through to get through the forest? Would there be more things he would have to fight? He knew that he could lay here all night and wonder a hundred different scenarios or he could sleep and get rested. He would need to make sure he could get though what the day would bring him. He decided on the latter.
Chapter 24

Madeline jumped off the horse and ran straight into the palace. As she made her way to the great hall, she could see people talking about her as she walked by. Nicholis looked up and he could see the panic in her eyes. "Madeline, I have men that are almost ready to leave to search for him." She looked round. She had hoped that he had made it back but after hearing what the king just said, it meant that he hadn't. "Why did it take so long for anyone to notice?" Nicholis shook his head. He had been so wrapped up with the death of his men that he didn't notice until he told one of the guards to go get William for supper. He knew that he threw up his breakfast so he let him be for the day. Now he wished that he had checked on him sooner. Madeline walked out of the great hall and went upstairs to her room. She packed some warm clothes and a fresh supply of herbs. She didn't know if he was okay or had harm come to him. She looked around the room and believing she had everything she would need, she made her way down to the kitchen. She wanted to make sure that she had enough food to sustain her a few days. She wasn't coming home until she had her brother in her arms. She walked out the back door and made her way over to the stables. The guard at the door stopped her. "The king said that we were not allowed to give you a horse. You are to remain at the palace until they come back with him." She was not going to let one guard stand in her way. "Sir, you will move or the next time you take a bite of any food, you better hope that I hadn't gotten to it first." He had heard how she worked with herbs and how she saved the king from impending death. He didn't want any part of witchery and moved aside. Madeline looked over all the horses and then one walked over to her. He was a beauty. His gray coat felt like velvet as he allowed her to run her hand down the side of his neck. He was a big boy and as she walked over to the stool, the horse followed her. She took the blanket and saddle and draped each onto the horse's back, all the while he stood perfectly still for her. He opened his mouth for the bit and she draped the reins over his head. She tied both her bags to the back and then got into the saddle. The horse didn't need any encouragement. As soon as he felt that she was in position, he bolted out of the stable. She passed the guard, and as she did, she heard him shout out, "you can't take the King's horse." She smiled as the horse made his way over the bridge and to the mountains that would hopefully bring her to her brother.

The wind had picked up through the night and William shivered under his blanket. He hadn't gotten much sleep. He didn't think it would be so cold at night and wasn't prepared at all. The spring winds still had a bite to them. The morning had finally come and he hoped it would start to warm up soon. He couldn't get the shivering to stop. Wavoon knew something wasn't right. The boy didn't look good. The night had been extremely cold and he knew the days were just on the verge on transition. It was that time of year. He tried to tell William to stay where he was by drawing in the dirt again but William wouldn't give him his attention. He was too busy getting his horse ready for another day of riding. Finally, the fairy knew what he must do. Just before William could tie anything on the horse, Wavoon flashed a light in front of the horse which spooked it. The horse took off with William running after it. William came back into the cave. "Why would you do that? I need to save the prince. The king needs him at home." The fairy drew more in the dirt. William saw what he was drawing. "I never get sick. I am the toughest person I know when it comes to illness plus I help my sister a lot when she treats people. I would know what to do." The fairy had to give the kid credit. He was willing to die out here in the cold to bring someone back that as far as Wavoon knew, was already dead. No one could have survived the cat. As soon as he was banished from his kingdom, he couldn't see the future anymore. William grabbed his blanket and his bag and walked out of the cave. He stood there for a moment trying to see which would be the best way to go. He knew that the sun came up in the east and he knew that for him to go to the west forest he would have to go north first. He shuddered at the thought. After last night, he wasn't sure if he could take anything colder than that. He would have to make sure that he got wood for a fire this time. The fairy walked beside him. He knew he had no choice but to help this boy. If he wanted to go home to Fashima, he would have to prove himself.

Madeline had been traveling for most of the day. She knew she couldn't stop but she had to rest the horse. He was such a gentle ride even when he took the lead. They came upon the river where William must have stopped. She looked around while the horse drank from the river. Just as she turned around, she saw the tentacle come out of the water. She drew the sword she had strapped on before she left the castle and brought it down to slice it in two. The horse backed away and just as he did, another tentacle came out of the water. This one tried to wrap itself around Madeline. She took her sword and turned, swinging it through the air. The tentacle dropped to the ground. She ran up the embankment and sat down, trying to catch her breath. She had never seen creatures like this before. What were they? She dug into her bag and pulled out a very strong herb. She would use the tiniest of dust particles when she would need to clear a well of unpurified water. She brought it with her in case she could only find dirty water to drink. She grabbed a handful and brought it down to the water's edge. "Whatever you are, may you go back to where you came from." She brought it down to the water and gentle, to make sure all went in, she submerged her hand into the water. Opening up her hand, the herbs swirled within the water. Madeline took a step back and watched as the water turned a bright red, then all of a sudden the beast came out. A sea creature that she had never seen before rose before her. The water turned, making a whirlpool and the beast screamed out in pain. Madeline covered her ears. She watched it rise, higher than anything she had ever seen and then she watched as it went back under the water. The sound gone. A few seconds later the river was a crystal clear blue.

William heard the scream from the beast but he thought the animal was following him. He started to run. He didn't know what it was but he didn't want to get eaten by it. He was running down the hill when his feet picked up momentum. He knew that he would need to slow down or he would fall but the hill kept getting steeper and steeper. A root sticking out of the ground was William's undoing. As much as Wavoon tried to slow him down, he couldn't. He watched as William fell head over heels down the side of the mountain. By the time he stopped, William had hit his head on a tree stump and laid still. The fairy looked on and knew he didn't have the magic it would take to help him. He had been stripped of most of his by his king. He looked down at William and knew he needed to find help now. He took the blanket and covered him the best he could. He would be back but he didn't want any other animals finding him first. Wavoon turned and flew towards the sound they had heard. It wasn't a wild animal that was chasing them. It was one dying and that meant someone killed it. Madeline walked up to the embankment and sat down with her back to a mossed covered rock. She needed to take a few minutes before starting again. Just as she was about to get up, she heard a strange noise over at the river. Peeking from behind the rock, she saw a small blue light fly this way and that way. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Her Grandmother told her they did exist but she never in her lifetime thought that she would see one. She came out from behind the rock and stood there. "Who are you looking for, fairy?" Wavoon stopped and felt relief flood his small body. He flew over to her and started talking. He shook his head because he remembered that humans couldn't understand them. He dropped to the ground and started to draw in the sand. "Fairy, why did you stop telling me what you know? You said my brother was hurt. Can you take me to him?" He flew up to her so he could see her at eye level. He was amazed that she could understand him. He was told that humans would never be able to understand them, yet this woman understood every word he said. "You have to follow me. William has taken a great fall and I don't think he will make another night out here." Madeline threw her bag over the horse then mounted. "Take me to him, fairy." The horse needed no encouragement to follow the fairy. They took two shorts breaks so the horse could get water but then carried on. Even though time wasn't on her side, she had to take care of the horse because she would need him to get them both back home. It was mid-day by the time they reached William. Madeline looked at the small figure that lay so still under the blanket. His shoe sticking out of the end of the blanket. The adrenaline took over and she jumped from her horse and ran over to her brother. "William," she called out as she kneeled by his small frame. She knew that she had to put her emotions on hold. She couldn't think of him as her brother but as another small boy who was hurt. She ran to the horse and grabbed the bag and water skin. She took out a piece of leather and put it on the ground. She took out two bags and a cup. Mixing the two with some water, she gently raised her brother's head and gently coaxed the liquid into his mouth. As soon as that was done, she looked over his head and found the wound. It was a deep cut and William had lost a lot of blood. She washed the wound and then stitched it. She gathered all her things and tied them to the horse. She grabbed her brother and carried him over to the log. The horse then came over. She climbed on with some difficulty but got them both on the horse. She grabbed the reins, keeping her brother between her arms. "We need to get back to the castle as fast as you can. Can you do this?" The horse looked at her then at the boy that lay limp in her arms. He brought his head down to let her know that he understood. The fairy flew beside them the whole time. Madeline stopped twice to check the wounds and give him some more herbs. She was going to ride all night if she had to.

The next morning, trying to keep her eyes open, she could see the palace in the distance. William had still not woken up and she was worried she had found him too late. She didn't want to go through the village because she didn't need anyone seeing him this way, especially her mother and father. They went through the field until the last possible minute and then they got on the bridge. The guards opened the doors and Nicholis looked up and started to walk toward her. Madeline stood there with William in her arms. Just as he reached the both of them, he caught Madeline in his arms as she fainted from exhaustion.

Madeline opened her eyes and looked around. She was back in her room. "William," she thought and sat up in bed. She turned to see Nicholis sitting by her bed. "Where is my brother?" Nicholis got up and poured her a glass of water and brought it back to her. He took his seat again and leaned back against the chair. "William is in his room doing fine." The door opened and her mother came rushing in. "Madeline, how are you?" Madeline put her arms around her mother and held her. "Why are you here?" Madeline sat back against the pillows and her mother took the chair beside her. Holding her hand, she explained that when Madeline got back, that she fainted and the king had caught the both of them. "With you being the only healer he knew, he figured you learned it form somewhere. He sent for me." Madeline never knew her mother was a healer. She had seen her mother help people but it was always her grandmother and her that healed them. She saw the questions going through her daughter's eyes. With a smile, she patted her daughter's hand. "You weren't the only one my mother taught. When you came along and wanted to learn, I stepped back. I didn't criticize because I knew how hard it was." Madeline laid her head back and closed her eyes. If she thought back now she could remember those small times when her mother offered her advice or how she knew how much to mix with what. "How is William?" With those words, her brother opened the door with a loud crash and came running toward the bed. Climbing up, he hugged his sister. "I'm so sorry, so sorry." William took both of his hands and held his sisters face between them. He had done that since he was small to get her attention. "I will never do anything so foolish again, I promise" He laid down beside his sister and as she ran her fingers through his tousled hair, she knew that was a lie.
Chapter 25

Alman woke up. He had gotten very little sleep the whole night. He sat up and looked around at all the others. They were still sleeping. He stood up and walked for a bit on his own. He had thought about all the pros and cons and for the large number of cons it all came down to the one pro he could think of. His father. It was the only reason why he needed to go alone and do this and bring this to an end. He wanted to go back home and tell his father of this adventure and how it changed his life. He was glad that Gavin was here with him because of all the stunts he and Harry pulled over the years, his father would never believe him. As he looked over the land that lay so perfect in front of him, he would have laughed at any man that said he would be doing something this courageous. He liked to have fun but courage wasn't a part of it. Now he stood here not thinking like the boy eight days ago but a man who had seen more in such a short time then others had seen in a lifetime. To fight for something worth keeping, not for the pure joy of having. To watch as men died fighting the fight he started. He took the sword out and looked at it in the sunlight. Etchings had been starting to grow down the blade of the sword. It was as if each time he passed a different obstacle, another etching would crawl down the blade. The tip of the sword was the only space left. He knew he had to get through one more before the sword was complete. He turned, sword raised at the sound behind him. Once he saw that it was Gavin, he lowered his sword. "Rough night?" he said to him as he approached Alman. He stood beside Alman, looking out over the land. Alman looked at the man who had always been a constant in his life. He kept his father from falling apart when his mother died and never had anyone gainsay his trust to the kingdom. "I want to apologize for this. At first it was about a sword. Something brought me to it and when I touched the steel it was as if my fate had been sealed. I want you to tell my father if I don't make it back that his lessons were heard. If I could take back all the stupid things that I did and spent more time with him, I would have. I lost him after my mother died. She was his whole world. I found life without him and resented when he thought he could intrude on it. Now I know that he was only trying to get back in and I wouldn't let him." Gavin could see that the words he spoke were true. The anguish in his eyes told it all. "Alman, I don't think you were all to blame. Any man would have reacted the same way. It is not who you were but who you are today. You must find the strength in you to do this. I will not go back to my friend without you." Alman nodded and watched Gavin as he walked back to where the others were. When he finally had himself in check, he walked back over to the group. Tresha waited for him and then took him off to the side. She asked him to close his eyes and when he did, he heard a small voice. It was the fairy, she was speaking to him, but how? He couldn't understand her before. "The road is not hard that you must follow but what you bring with you must be pure. You will need to find the strength within to save those who you love. You must be willing to give what must be given or all will be lost. You will only be able to take the sapling on the twentieth hour the day before the new moon. If it is taken before or after, it will die. You cannot touch any of the roots. It has to stay whole and when you hand it to Ishma, you will have to have the answer to his question he will ask of you. Are you prepared to make this journey?" Alman had thought about it all night. He was ready. When he opened his eyes, he noticed that the fairy was gone. She wasn't with the men and she wasn't anywhere around him. She had done what she was supposed to do. Alman walked over to the others. It was mid-day and he wanted to set out. He didn't know how thick it would be to cut through the overgrown part of the forest and get to the center. He knew it wouldn't be easy. He took the bag that Luc offered him and set out down the mountain to the forest that circled another. Gavin and the rest watched, worried that it would be the last time they saw the King's son alive.

It was another hour before Alman made it to the forest. As he got closer, he noticed that it looked more like a thicket bush with its thorns ready to take on whoever dare to pass. As he tried to push one bush aside, the razor sharp thorns sliced across his hand. Lifting it to see what damaged transpired, he took a rag from his bag and wrapped it around the gash to stop the bleeding. He took his sword from his side and sliced through. It sang as the blade cut the branches away as if it had come home. It wasn't easy but after another four hours, he stood in the clearing. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he was amazed at what he could see. In the middle, a tiny sapling stood bright with the sun, beaming down upon it. Alman had never been so happy but he knew from what the fairy said, he couldn't take it until the twentieth hour. He swung around when he heard a noise behind him. It was Ishma, standing there in robes of cream coloured wool. He didn't look young but he wasn't old either. Ishma smiled as he walked up to Alman. Looking at the boy who came to him that day just a few weeks ago, to the man that stood before him, he knew that he had chosen the right man. Or was the right man brought to him? "If I saw you tomorrow in the village and offered you the sword again, would you take it?" Alman stood, looking at this man who had sent him on this wild journey. Would he have taken it again knowing what he knows now? There was no doubt, he knew he would do it all over again but not for the sword but for the people the sword represented. That would be who he would do it for. Alman noticed that there were no walls where he was. The mountain that many wanted to travel on stood right in front of him. "Ishma, why me? I am but the King's son and as long as he lives, I have no say on how things are run. Ishma was a little put out that the guard didn't tell him the truth but he would do so now. "Alman, your father is dying and when he does, we need you to be there when it happens. The sapling is a symbol and many have tried to get it but only the true person could obtain it. The cats were placed in your way as a protection for us. We needed to know that you were the man to do this." Alman was getting fed up with all of this. He had lost friends and good men to those cats and whatever creature that was in the river. They traveled for days and then when he finally got here, this guy tells him his father is already dying. Why would he tell him that he needed get the sapling to save him and the ones he loved? His father was already dying? He walked away, thinking of everything they had gone through to get here. Harry was gone and the others didn't have to die either. Alman walked over to the sapling as Ishma looked on. The fairy told him to make sure that when he took the sapling out that it had to be whole. He didn't know why but he measured the sapling with his hand and then measured the ground and took his sword and started to cut the earth. The sword glowed bright with each plunge into the earth. Ishma watched as this boy who had turned into a man in a short time did exactly what he needed him to do. When he had walked into the blacksmith's shed, he was unsure that this boy would be the one. So many years had gone by and they only had one time every hundred years to get the sapling. As the sword plunged in one last time, Alman could only hope that he didn't hit any of the roots. He put his sword down and gently pulled it from the earth. The fairy also told him that if he did hit any of the roots, that it would wither and die and they would have to wait another hundred years to try again. The sapling stood tall and the earth around it showed no signs of any roots. He stood up and brought the sapling over to Ishma. "I hope that with this, whatever you are trying to achieve, that it is done." Ishma held out his hands and smiled at Alman. "This is just one small step but now that we know that you are one of the ones needed, it will all come together." Alman walked over to his sword and picked it up. "Okay, you have your tree and now since you have been nice enough to tell me that my father is dying, I would like to make the journey home." Ishma, holding the sapling in his hand, smiled at Alman. "This is not over yet. You have to talk to one more person before we can let you leave." Alman drew his sword and with the point ready to draw blood, he looked the old man in the eyes. "I am done. I did what you asked and now I am going to go home. If my father is dying as you say, then I need to be there by his side." Ishma smiled and looked beyond Alman. "It is about time you got here." Alman turned around to look who stood behind him, sword still positioned at Ishma's throat. "Who are you?"

The Sword and the Seven Stones

Ruby
Chapter 1

Liiam looked out the window. The rain finally stopped but it was too late. He looked over at the bed and looked at his wife and daughter laying there so peaceful. He brought them to his father's castle to try to save them but instead he would be burying them today. He was too late. Three years ago he left the castle behind. His father thought that he was crazy to leave this all behind for this woman that now lay still, no breath coming from her body. The baby lying next to her, still as her mother. "Dad?" he felt the tug of his pants. "When is mommy and Lila going to wake up?" The sun is shining and I know mommy would love to see it." Looking down at Waine, he didn't know what to say to his small son. He picked him up in his arms and held him close. He turned to the windows and told his son. "Son, mommy and Lila will not be waking up again. We will take them to the hill and place them beside Nana and Papa." Waine looked over again at the bed. "I don't want her to go to the hill. I want her to wake up." Liiam's throat closed with emotion. The door opened and his father walked into the room. Liiam put Waine down and the child stepped behind his father, using him as a shield. Waine didn't know this man and he heard him say mean things about his mama. Liiam looked at his father. He wanted to be able to grieve and thought his dad would understand how he felt since his own wife died while giving birth to his sister. "It is time, son." He said it without any emotion. He had always been like that with him. He brought Waine into his arms and held him as the guards brought the women in that would wrap both his wife and daughter. Liiam went over to the bed and looked down. Catilina was everything to him. He remembered the first day he met her. She had been walking in the field behind the castle as he was out there playing with his dog, the only companion that he had. She was beautiful. Her long blonde hair trailed behind her and when she was close enough, her eyes were a crystal blue. Her smile reached right into his heart and from there, there was no going back. He took every chance he could to see her. When he went to his dad to ask his permission to marry her, his dad denied him. He couldn't let her go so as he walked out of the castle, he father shouted after him. "If you leave now, you will be giving everything up. You will not rule when I'm gone." He didn't care and walked out the door. They had a simple life in the village and as the first child was born, to Liiam life couldn't get any better. Looking at his daughter while his son rested his head on his father's shoulder, he remembered how happy they had been when she told him that she was pregnant again. They had tried for years and thought that they would only be blessed with their son. When Lila was born they had never been so happy. She was everything a father would want in a daughter. She never cried and smiled every time he walked into the room. Now they were getting ready to be buried. The sickness came upon them quickly. He tried everything he could before he brought them to the castle. His father supplied him two maids that helped him bathe them both and clean up after they were sick. His father hadn't come near the room until today. As they carried both of them out of the room, he walked behind them carrying his small son in his arms. He was the only one going to the hill from the castle. He heard that friends of theirs would be joining him at the hill as he laid the both of them in the ground. When they arrived at the hill, he was overwhelmed with the amount of people who were there to pay their respects. Catilina was loved by all in their village. She was the sweetest person who would go beyond to help others out. She showed the good in things to him and that was why it was easy to leave the castle behind. The service was short and as they walked back to the village, one of their friends told him they had food back at their house and everyone was going there. Liiam didn't want to go back to the castle yet. He didn't want to face his father and the words that he knew would spew forth from his mouth. Once they reached the house, he took Waine and laid him down. He had cried himself to sleep while they buried his mother and sister. He walked back down the stairs of Trina's house. Trina was Catilina's best friend. Liiam looked at his wife's friend. The girls had grown up together and there wasn't anything they wouldn't have done for each other. "I need to take a walk and get away from everyone for a bit. Can you watch over Waine for me please?" Trina hugged him and told her it was no problem at all. Liiam walked down the muddy streets. The rain was ferocious when it came and then it just stopped but many were taken from them. He walked up to his house and notice a candle burning. Who could be in his house? They had been at the castle for the last week. He picked up a branch that lay in the front and opened the door slowly. Walking into the sitting room, he looked at the old man standing there with his back to him. "Who are you and why are you in my house?" Liiam asked the old man. Ishma turned around, a carefully wrapped piece of leather lay across his hands.

