

## "The Quickening"

## The Bright Star Journals

## Number 4

## Byron C. Calhoun

## &

## Mercy A. Calhoun

## Copyright 2014 by

## Byron C. Calhoun

## &

## Mercy A. Calhoun

## Smashwords Edition

". . .whereunto ye do well that ye take head, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." II Peter 1:19

Dedicated to my wife Kathryn, my children-Paul, Daniel, Joshua, Faith, Mercy, and my Lord Jesus Christ to whom I owe all. Soli Deo Gloria!

Bright Star Journals #4

Chapter 1

The Quickening

"KABOOM," echoed across the back lawn as the fireworks ignited the night sky. The Fillingston children, Heather and Edward, stared up in the 4th of July night sky at their Grandparent Fillingston's house in Minnesota.

You might remember the children from their other adventures with the Bright Star, if not, you will meet them in their latest adventure. You will also make the acquaintance of Mercy Smithton, cousin to Edward, Heather; and me, the teller of this tale. My name is Paul Fillingston, cousin to Edward, Heather, and Mercy. I will share their wonderful story as they related it to me.

"Oh, that was lovely," breathed Heather watching the multicolored rockets explode overhead. "I do so love the 4th of July fireworks." Heather was a blond, green-eyed little lady with a passion for animals and adventure. She was ten years old now and somewhat of a tomboy.

"Yeah, sis, Granddad Fillingston always seems to find the best fireworks to launch off on the 4th," agreed Edward, Heather's brother. Edward, the older of the two was 13 years old now with brown hair and blue eyes. He loved odd old books and was the sort of person to have around in a tight spot. He was especially fond of his sister Heather and humored her enormously.

"I'm not so sure I like them. They are sooo boring," added Mercy the Fillingston's cousin from Illinois.

"But don't you just think the colors and lights make them wonderful? All the reds, purples, oranges, and greens just light up the sky," replied Heather.

"All the same, they are boring and they are not nearly as nice as the ones at home in Illinois at Chicago when they set them off over Lake Michigan by the Navy Pier," sniffedpouted Mercy.

The Fillingston children looked at each other and rolled their eyes. The summer holiday seemed trying with their cousin Mercy Smithton around. She did not like the old Fillingston house, the chores, nor playing all the indoor games. Mercy liked to run outside, climb trees, and ride horses. She came to spend the summer since her parents took a trip to the Middle East as part of an archeological expedition for their college employment. Mercy had been very put out that she was not allowed to attend, but, at nine years of age, was too young for such a trip. Her mother was Heather and Edward's sister so she was their first cousin.

Mercy possessed lovely blue eyes, thick blond hair, a quick wit, a lithe athletic build, and boundless energy. The lack of a horse to ride became her major topic of complaint. Her own horse "Star" stayed home in Illinois since her parents deemed it impracticable to ship the horse to Michigan for the summer. Mercy forever complained about the fact she could not ride at the Grandparent's home. Everything was "better" in Illinois and the Fillingston children with the Grandparents were "boring". Needless to note, Mercy's comments did not endear her to Heather or Edward.

"Well, then why don't you go back to Illinois and leave us alone," returned Edward.

"Ed, that wasn't nice," exclaimed Heather, "you need to apologize to Mercy."

"Not likely," snorted Edward who turned his back to the girls to watch the fireworks finish.

"Come on Ed, don't be such a pill," pleaded Heather who knew that Mercy would pout for several hours making Heather's life miserable.

"I don't want his old apology anyhow," huffed Mercy.

"Oh, alright. I am sorry I was mean," said Edward.

"Humpf. Not very convincing an apology," noted Mercy.

"Why you. . .," began Edward.

"Ed," warned Heather.

"I am very sorry that I was mean," replied Edward with a fake smile.

"Okay, but you really hurt my feelings," sniffed Mercy.

"Oh brother," murmured Edward under his breath.

Heather elbowed Edward and he became silent.

By this time the fireworks finished and the other adults began to drift to the drinks and snacks on the tables set up for the occasion. Grandfather Fillingston lit the citronella torches around the back patio to keep the mosquitoes at bay and everything took on a gay, party-like atmosphere. Grandmother Fillingston's special zucchini bread lay in thick slices on a plate along side her special sugar cookies she always made. Her sugar cookies tasted like the old fashioned kind because she followed a recipe from one of her more ancient cookbooks written before everyone thought butter and cream were evil. The cookies were full of fresh butter and eggs (from her own free running hens), whole cream from the local dairy (of "happy cows" from natural grass pasture fields according to Granddad), and real cane sugar. The cookies came out of the oven with just a slight hint of brown on top; soft, chewy in the middle; and the size of a small dessert plate. They never became hard and crunchy but stayed soft and chewy, melting in your mouth in a delirious burst of sweetness with a hint of tang. Grandmother said it was the cream of tartar that gave the cookies the special "tang". Neither of the Fillingston children could imagine a 4th of July, or any special occasion for that matter, without the sugar cookies in attendance. The zucchini bread was the "piece-de-resistance" only appearing in the summer when the zucchini was fresh and tender from Grandmother's garden. The zucchini bread recipe came from Grandmother's-grandmother who created the special bread during her life as a young woman back in Pennsylvania growing up on a farm.

Mercy took a piece of zucchini bread and bit into it with relish.

"Oh, this is gross!" exclaimed Mercy spitting out the bite. "It has little green thingies in it!"

"That would be the zucchini in the bread. Hence the name 'zucchini bread,'" noted Edward dryly.

"I can't believe you like this stuff! It's nasty and full of the vegetable junk!" returned Mercy with a sour face.

"We actually find it quite tasty and you not liking it just leaves more for me to eat," replied Edward cheerfully who could eat a whole loaf of zucchini bread in one sitting.

"Ed," warned Heather. "Mercy, why don't you try a sugar cookie instead? They are really yummy!" asked Heather.

"Hmph." Grumped Mercy. "We'll see if they are as good as our cookies at home." Mercy carefully lifted one of the cookies gingerly to her nose. "They smell alright." She gently bit into the edge of the cookie and her eyes widened in surprise. "These are really good!"

"We thought you might like them, didn't we Ed?" said Heather looking at Edward meaningfully.

"Oh, yes. We thought you would enjoy them a lot," answered Edward raising his eyebrows a bit in mock surprise.

"Well, what are we going to do now," began Mercy.

"I suspect we will talk a bit and then go to bed since we all have chores in the morning with work to do. Staying up too late just makes everyone tired and cranky," replied Edward.

"But I'm not tired yet and I want to do something. Isn't there anything we can do,"whined Mercy.

"It's a bit dark to think about doing much right now," said Heather. "I suppose we could go in and play a game."

"I am not interested in any old game. They can be sooo boring. How about having a game of hide and seek in the house?" asked Mercy.

"Hmmm. I suppose we could ask Grandfather if we can play inside," murmured Edward. "I'll find out if it is okay while the grown ups finish visiting."

Edward walked over to Grandfather Fillingston who stood by the punch bowel serving up the carbonated lemon-lime concoction Grandmother Fillingston always made for parties. Grandfather was chatting with the neighbor, Mr Odom who lived down the road.

"Excuse me Grandfather," began Edward politely. He did not want to be rude and interrupt Grandfather. "May I ask a question?"

"Certainly," replied Grandfather. "What may I do for you, Edward?"

"Well Grandfather, we would like to go spend some time inside playing hide and seek if we could."

"Really?" answered Grandfather with a twinkle in his eye. "You will be careful and not scare Mercy won't you?"

"Oh yes sir," said Edward. "We wouldn't scare her and we promise not to stay up too late since we have chores tomorrow."

"Very well. Go play but be careful, this house can be a little strange at night."

"Thanks Grandfather. We'll be careful," replied Edward.

Ed scampered off to join Heather and Mercy.

"Grandfather said it is okay to go play inside in the house," shared Edward excitedly.

In spite of working at being very level headed about playing hide and seek, Edward loved every opportunity to explore and play in the old house. The house actually was more of a mansion, having been built in the 1850's by our great, great grandfather Fillingston. He had been a steamboat captain and built the lovely home on the banks of the Mississippi he loved so well. The house with its beautiful grounds was called "Fairview". The house consisted of a brick outside with numerous cubbies and crannies to investigate. Grandfather told the children there were things about the house that not even he knew about. It seems their great, great-Grandfather Fillingston enjoyed secrecy and built so many rooms and passage-ways that Grandfather said no one even knew where they all were. At least that is what Grandfather Fillingston told them.

Besides, you never knew if you might end up on some totally unexpected adventure. Both Heather and Edward exchanged meaningful glances. Mercy did not notice the look but was excited as well. She had never had an opportunity to truly explore the house since her arrival. The children ran into the house through the back French doors.

"Where to first?" asked Mercy. "What should we explore first?"

"Well," began Heather. "There is always the library, the music room, or the sitting room. We can play in there."

"Naw, we have been there before. How about we head upstairs to play in the rooms on the third floor? It has lots more rooms and we never played there before," suggested Edward.

"I don't care where we play. Let's just get going. I don't want to sit and talk all night," said Mercy.

"Alright, alright. The third floor is where we'll play. But the rules are that you can't leave the third floor to hide. It is the only place you can hide this time," said Edward.

"I'll be 'it' the first time," volunteered Heather. "I will give you 3 minutes by my watch to hide and then I will come find you. If I don't find you in 20 minutes by our watches, then we start over with a new person as the seeker."

"Okay," agreed Edward.

"Fine," said Mercy.

"I'll stay here on the first floor so I can't hear where you go or see which way you went to hide," said Heather.

"Great! We're off then," replied Edward as he vaulted up the stairs.

"Wait for me!" wailed Mercy as she ran after Edward.

The two scurried up the stairs to hide.

Edward reached the top of the large, winding mahogany staircase first and turned to the right. Mercy vaulted up the stairs two steps behind Edward and went to the left. Both hurried to find the best place to hide in the short amount of time they had. Heather was a great hide and seek player. Edward knew he had to find a superb place to hide or he would lose. He hoped that his knowledge of the house gave him an edge over Mercy while hiding.

Mercy ran down the hall not knowing exactly where to go. She noticed a darkened room to her left and ducked into it. She could barely make out the contents of the room as she entered into it. Her sharp eyes saw a large old sea chest sitting in the corner. "Too obvious," she thought. To fool Heather she lifted the lid slightly ajar and ran into the closet. She pulled the clothes aside and saw a small door with a handle. She opened it a peered into a small room. She could barely see and felt for a light switch. There wasn't one. She could just make out the wood floor and some objects in the room. She made a quick decision. She pulled the clothes back in front of the door and slid a large picture carefully over the door handle. Mercy closed the door behind her but not completely. One ought never close a door behind themselves in a room that they don't really know about. It might lock behind them and they might not be able to get back out. Heather, felt her way along the left wall and found a small chair to sit upon. As her eyes adjusted to dim light, she noticed a small window at the end of the room letting in a dim amount of light into the room. The room seemed to be about 8 X 10 feet with a sloping ceiling toward the rafters. At its highest the room was about 6 feet high but sloped down to about 4 feet.

At the end of the room appeared to be a window. Funny, she did not remember seeing a window at this end of the house. As Mercy watched, the window began to glow with a bluish light. She stood up to get a better look. At first, Mercy thought she was imagining the window's increasing light but soon the light intensified and began to shine forth. The window's center seemed to grow and soon outlined a bright and golden appearing star. The rays burst forth and filled the room with the bluish-golden light. Mercy gasped and shielded her eyes.

As Mercy watched, the window grew even larger in size and suddenly enveloped the room. With a terrific tug Mercy felt herself pulled through the window in the center of the bright star!

Mercy later described feeling like she was falling "forever" like jumping off a high diving board into the pool, only in slow-motion. She burst through the sky and rolled onto a soft, green meadow. Mercy landed in a tumbled lump on the ground not sure what happened or where she was.

"Oomph!" exclaimed Mercy.

"Wwwhat happened and where am I?" she muttered.

The sun was shining, birds were singing, and the air possessed a lovely delicious smell of fresh grass warmed in the sunlight. Mercy blinked, rubbed her eyes, and just stared around. She had no idea what exactly had happened or where she now sat.

Mercy took her surroundings and noted she was in the middle of a small meadow with beautiful trees all around her. A breeze caressed her cheeks. She rose and began to walk across the grass. She trudged up a slight rise and reached the top. Mercy crested the small hill and saw a quaint little white stone cottage sitting at the forest's edge. There was a roof of thatch, neat round porthole windows, and a lovely carved wooden door with pictures of what Mercy thought were trees, dragons, and knights. Smoke drifted lazily from the chimney, and now, she caught the smell of what she thought was bacon. Mercy did not know what she ought to do next. She had not heard of or had anything to do with imagination or stories about wonderful storybook lands. Her school was "progressive" and taught mostly sciences and "reality" as her teachers called it. Faced with an adventure into a strange and new land, she did not know what to do.

Suddenly, the door of the cottage flew open and out stepped a gnome. Now, Mercy had never seen a gnome so she thought he was just an ordinary short person. Gnomes are not just short people but really a whole different race. But, this was Groundgood, the Grandson of Groundfirm from our previous adventures with Heather and Edward. Mercy was indeed in Logoland. But, she did not know that at the time. Groundgood stood about 4 ½ feet tall and was dressed in the traditional gnome clothes of a green cloth jerkin, knee breeches of brown, and thick wooly stockings with a pair of sturdy hobnailed boots. He had reddish beard and hair. On top of his head sat a green hat that was a cross between a beret and a tam-o'-shanter with a red ball on the top. The color of the balls distinguished the various gnome clans. Groundgood was a young gnome of 30+ years and not yet of marriageable age. Gnomes usually waited until they matured more in their 50's to marry.

Groundgood stepped out of the door with a wooden pail and moved over to the small wooden corral next to the cottage. Within the corral stood several, white wooly creatures. They were called keslo and resembled our sheep. The keslo were the size of small sheep but had a head and neck similar to a llama. Their wool was like an angora sheep's with long, soft silky wool. They provided milk, food, and wool to the gnomes. The gnome opened a gate and the creatures moved eagerly to nuzzle and greet him. He produced a miniature stool, sat down, and proceeded to milk the animals. Mercy looked on in fascination until Groundgood finished. At that moment, Mercy moved toward the cottage and hailed him.

"Hello there," shouted Mercy.

The gnome whipped his head around and nearly spilled his pail of frothy, warm milk. He saw Mercy and his mouth fell open.

Mercy strode purposely toward the gnome and Groundgood looked her over as she approached.

"Who be ye?" asked the gnome.

"I am Mercy Smithton from Illinois. Where am I, and, who are you?" asked Mercy with her hands planted firmly on her hips.

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance Lady Mercy," replied Groundgood with a small bow. "Ye be in Logoland at the cottage of Groundgood the gnome."

"Where is Logoland and why am I here," returned Mercy.

"Ah, that be a good question. I dinna know why ye are here, but it must be because the Bright Star has called ye. As for where ye are, well, ye be in Logoland of the Bright Star, guardian of the all worlds, and great high king over every land."

"Bright Star? I don't know any Bright Star and this Logoland thing is weird. I just want to go back to my Grandparents home. I was playing hide and seek with my cousins Heather and Edward, went into an attic room, flew through a window, and suddenly ended up here. Wherever here is."

"Did ye say Lady Heather and Lord Edward?" asked the gnome eagerly. "They be the most famous visitors ever to be sent by the Bright Star. And ye're their cousin? The Star sent ye to help us. We be in a very bad way right now. The Licentiousions have take over the kingdom and King Logosian XIV remains in hiding. At least that is what is last told. Ye have been sent to aid us in our time of trial."

"I don't even know you, the Bright Star, or any of these other people you talk about. I really do want to go home," emphasized Mercy with a slight edge to her voice.

"Weel, ye'll not be leaving until the Bright Star has accomplished what He sent ye here for, and, that is a fact," replied Groundgood solemnly.

"But, I don't want to be here," answered Mercy petulantly stamping her foot.

Groundgood eyed Mercy gravely.

"Well, as long as ye're here, would ye like to have some breakfast with me?"

Mercy realized she was hungry. Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad thing to have a bite to eat before she went home. The gnome did not look evil and seemed trustworthy. Besides, he did know her cousins. Plus, the bacon, or whatever it was, smelled marvelous.

Groundgood turned, opened the cottage door, and walked inside. Mercy followed him. She was stunned by what she saw. The cottage was octagonal in shape inside, consisted of three small rooms: a kitchen-dining area, a bedroom, and a small guest room; and had a spotless polished stone floor. The cottage had originally been a single room back in Grandfather Groundfirm's day but Groundgood's father Groundsteady had enlarged the cottage to its present three rooms while maintaining the special gnome shape of an octagon. The kitchen had a small metal stove, a stone sink, and generous wood cupboards. In the middle of the kitchen sat a table the size of a regular card table, only shorter and made of wood with stools. The living room contained a large rough field stone fireplace, hewn log mantelpiece, and a wooden rocking chair with a small pillow on the back. Over the mantelpiece there hung several portraits of gnomes of various ages and sexes. On the floor was an intricately woven rug made from keslo wool dyed with natural colors from the woods.

On the stove bubbled a pot of gribbich. Heather and Edward said that this grain cereal tasted unlike anything in our world. They thought it a mix of wild acorns, corn meal, and sweet clover honey. There was a small frying pan on the stove that held the cooking poc Mercy smelled outside. Poc was meat from the keslo smoke-cured like bacon, sliced thin, and often fried for meals. Mercy said it tasted a bit like beef jerky, bacon, and smoked chicken all rolled into a single flavor. She thought it her favorite breakfast food of all time.

"If ye'll help me set the table, we'll get this breakfast on the table," said Groundgood bustling around. "The place mats, bowls, and plates are in that cupboard and the spoons are in that drawer over there."

Mercy busied herself with getting the place mats, the plates, and utensils on the table. Groundgood put the bread on a breadboard on the table with a thick slab of kelso butter. He put a pot of fresh cabano preserves on the table beside the butter. The cabano fruit was native only to Logoland and grew both wild and cultivated on small bushes. When ripened it was a bright deep purple similar to our eggplant. The small round fruit was a cross in flavor between our mango, papaya, and tangerine. The preserves had a rich dark purple color. The gribbich was soon ready and the poc cooked to crispy perfection. Groundgood poured the steaming gribbich into a large crockery serving bowel and put the poc onto a wooden trencher to drain.

Mercy sat down with Groundgood and felt her stomach growl. Everything smelled absolutely delicious and looked wonderful. Groundgood bowed his head and prayed over the meal. Mercy bowed her head as she normally did at the Fillingstons. Groundgood dished up the gribbich into the smaller pottery bowels, poured the rich keslo cream on top, and added freshly harvested honey. He cut thick slices of bread for himself and Mercy. The butter was fabulous with a rich, creamy texture. As Mercy tasted the preserves, she thought the cabano fruit amazing. The complex mixing of the mango, papaya, and tangerine flavors gave the preserves the light, sweet taste of the mango and papaya with just the hint of the citrus of the tangerine. Mercy never remembered a more tasty or wonderful breakfast in her life. She found herself soon chatting with Groundgood like an old friend.
Chapter 2

What Heather and Edward Found Out

Meanwhile, Edward ran down the hall to the right and into the old servant living quarters. He knew of a crawl space camouflaged behind an old dresser. He dove under the dresser and found the hidden door. Edward discovered this door one day by accident when he noticed a small amount of whitish powder under the dresser. He could not see the door initially because it was cleverly hidden within the wallpaper pattern. Edward had spent several minutes feeling around the wall under the dresser and finally found the small irregularity of the door. It had popped open when he pushed on the small depression in the wall. The door was spring loaded on the inside and opened with a push on the latched edge. The opening had been cut into the wall when the upstairs plumbing had been installed in the early part of the 20th century. Not many people knew of the crawl space in the house or that it provided access to the upstairs plumbing.

As Edward entered the space he shut the door behind him. The darkness enveloped him but he was not concerned. He had a small pen-light in his pocket that he always carried for just such a situation. Edward also carried a Swiss army knife in his pocket for any emergencies. He knew Heather would never be able to find him and figured Mercy would be caught first and he would then escape his hiding place. His watch noted he had about 18 minutes left before the game ended. He shut off his light and settled in to wait out the time.

Heather finished counting and raced upstairs. She knew there were only a few places to hide on the third floor. She first turned right to look down in the old servant's quarters. She flew into the first room. Heather began opening wardrobe doors, looking under beds, and in the bathroom showers behind the curtains. Edward heard her enter his room and switch on the lights. He could see a little sliver of light in his hiding place. She finished in his room and ran down the hall to the other end of the floor.

Edward checked his watched again and saw he had about 15 minutes left.

Suddenly, he heard Heather shouting for him. Now what? Was she trying to trick him so she could catch him? No, this sounded real. He sprang from his hiding place and ran down the hall. Heather stood in front of the attic door where Mercy had been. Gleaming forth from the door was the pure blue light and it illuminated the whole room.

"Ed, something has happened to Mercy. Look! It is the golden-blue Star-light!" exclaimed Heather.

Sure enough the brilliant golden-blue light filled the attic room and the window with the golden star loomed before them.

"I don't remember this window being in here before," breathed Edward.

"That's because it wasn't here!" returned Heather excitedly. "What should we do, Ed?"

"Well, every time we see this light, we end up in an adventure," grinned Edward. "Let's see what the Bright Star has in store for us this time."

"Let's hold hands so we don't get separated. You know what happened before," replied Heather earnestly. Heather was brave but did not like being alone without her brother.

"Alright, let's walk into the room," said Edward.

They joined hands and began to walk into the glowing golden-blue light. Once inside they began to walk toward the window. The golden-blue light intensified and surrounded them blocking out the walls. If you have ever entered a tunnel, that is how Edward and Heather described it, except the tunnel walls were intense golden-blue light. They moved toward the window and the walls dissolved. Heather and Edward looked at each other, turned to face the window, and moved forward. The view opened up and they stepped into an alley. They heard the noise from the street as a distant murmur and then, become a loud clamor.

They walked down the alley to its entrance on the street and saw a most startling sight. In front of them was the hustle and bustle of a typical market day in the capital city of Sanctua in Logoland. They knew it was Sanctua because of the large clock tower looming ahead of them across the square. It stood in the city center near the market place so all would know the time. The markets opened at its boom at precisely at 8:00 in the morning and closed at precisely 5:00 in the evening. Then Heather glanced at Edward. His clothes were now a leather jerkin with blue hose, sturdy brown leather shoes, and a dashing cavalier type of hat of black. He had a sword by his side with a necklace of gold with a bluish star attached to it.

Heather looked at her own clothes and saw once again a lovely blue dress typical of Logoland. It had puffy sleeves, full length to her ankles, white lace at the collar and wrists, and cunningly wrought designs in pearls. She wore delicate shoes of black leather with crossing straps and pointed toes. She too had a golden chain around her neck with a small blue star. Her golden blonde hair was braided into a beautiful French braid and held in place with a golden comb with a star.

"What do you think we are doing here in Sanctua?" asked Heather.

"Don't know sis. I wonder if Mercy is here too?" replied Edward.

"We need to find her. She will be worried, confused and scared," said Heather.

Little did they know that Mercy was doing quite well in Groundgood's cottage and finishing a fine breakfast.

The duo stepped onto the cobbled street and memories overwhelmed them. They remembered happy days of wandering in the market buying fresh fruits and vegetables and haggling with the jolly merchants. Heather saw in her mind the wonderful trips to buy linens and serving pieces for the palace. She loved seeing the bolts of cloth and handling the silks, broad clothes, and cottons. Edward thought about time spent examining metals, testing swords, and buying armour.

As walked along, they sensed a change. Knights stood on the corners of the streets in a strange black and red color with weapons at the ready. Who were they and why were they there on the street corners? Sanctua never had armed knights in its streets. And these knights did not dress in the royal blue and gold colors of Logoland.

Edward glanced around and noticed people glancing at them furtively.

"Heather do you notice all the armed knights on the corners and how the people are looking at us," whispered Edward.

"I know, Ed," answered Heather calmly. "Let's just walk along this street and enjoy the sunshine of the spring day. If we pretend we belong here, most likely they will ignore us. If not, and they ask us why we are here, we are just visiting. If they press us, we will tell them who we really are: the Lady Heather and Lord Edward. We have great honor here and I don't think they will harm us no matter what happens."

"I'm not so sure, sis," began Edward. "These knights do not look very friendly nor are they Logolanders. We might be in the middle of an interesting situation."

"But isn't it exciting," replied Heather with an impish grin.

"I suppose so. And the Bright Star always protects us," smiled Edward back. "Right, then, milady. Let us onward into yon market."

The two clasped arms and nonchalantly began to stroll down the sidewalk toward the clock tower across the square. As they chatted gaily, the Logolanders gave them wide birth. Edward gallantly tipped his hat to the ladies with a wide smile and a pleasant good morning. Heather nodded to each person they met with a droll little smile. She was enjoying this stroll immensely. They crossed over on the side of square and walked to the clock tower.

"Where to next, Ed?" asked Heather.

"I rather fancy a trip to the palace to see if Barnabus VII is still reigning there," returned Edward. "It would jolly to be able to visit with him again."

Barnabus VII was often called "Paraplegion" because of his injury at birth which left him paralyzed from the waist down. You may learn of his adventures with Edward, Heather, and their other cousin Chauncy in another book about the Bright Star of Logoland.

"It would, wouldn't it?" answered Heather. "But might not there be another ruling since time in Logoland never seems to follow our time?"

"True," replied Edward thoughtfully.

"Have you noticed how quiet it is in the streets?" inquired Edward. "And there seem to be no animals here."

"You're right, the hustle and bustle is much less than normal. And there are no animals present at all," said Heather gravely. "What do you think is going on in Logoland?"

"That is what we are here to find out, sis," said Edward. "On to the palace!" rejoined Edward gallantly.

The two moved down the sidewalk of the wide boulevard toward the palace. The knights in red and black stared impassively down the streets. Their presence chilled the children casting a pall on a lovely sunshiny day. The two kept their courage up with gay talk but also noted the new military preparations. There were not only many knights but the streets had the lovely trees removed with only stumps remaining to give clear access to the streets. There were even archers on the rooftops.

"They look like they are preparing for a siege," murmured Edward.

"Yes, almost as though they don't trust the people of Logoland and expect an attack at any time," said Heather.

"Perhaps our reputations preceded us," joked Edward. "And they are afraid of us. I think if we just ask them to surrender, they will oblige us."

"Ed, be serious," chided Heather.

"Here we are at the front gate to the palace," observed Edward.

The children looked up at the palace gate. The whole gate was changed from its previous appearance. Gone from the gates was the golden star in the field of bright blue at the top of the arch. The elegant scrolled ironwork with delicate animals, flowers, and ivy had been replaced with thick, black iron bars of crude work. Guarding the gates were a large company of soldiers including archers, knights, and spearmen. As the children approached the gate, a large soldier blocked their way and demanded,

"Who are you and why do you seek entrance to the palace?"

With a sweeping bow while doffing his hat Edward said, "We are the Lord Edward and Lady Heather, servants of the Bright Star-His Royal Highness across the Water, the Most High King of the Western Lands and Guardian of the U-Knighted States."

"We know no so such King and serve no Bright Star," snarled the sergeant. "Now be off with you or I'll have you beaten from the gates."

"My good man, there is no need to be so rough with myself or my sister," answered Edward pleasantly. "We will be on our way as you wish. However, methinks that you and your men ought to be more courteous to visitors and ladies."

"Why, you young whelp! I'll have you whipped!" roared the guard.

Edward quickly drew his sword and placed it at the guard's substantial midsection. "I think not my dear sir. In fact, you should let us leave peacefully. I would hate to ruin your jerkin."

The other guards watched in obvious amusement. None offered to help the sergeant.

"What now Julius? The young pup has you overdrawn," quipped one.

"I'll have your heart," roared the guard.

"Your sword and dagger if you please," returned Edward pleasantly.

The sergeant complied reluctantly with murder in his eyes. The sword and knife clattered to the ground. Edward kicked them away while keeping the guard under his sword.

"We will now be off my good man. We thank you for your hospitality," said Edward with a slight bow.

The two children backed slowly away and hurried down a side street.

"After them," shouted the guard. "I want them both!"

No one attempted to help him. Instead they all laughed at the sergeant's discomfort of being overdrawn by a young boy.

"This is the part where we run like crazy down the old side streets!! Let's lose your long dress and run!" said Edward.

Heather quickly ripped off the lower hem of her dress to create a sort of skort.

"I'm ready," replied Heather. "It will be like the old times won't it!"

"No time for talking. We need to run, sis."

Heather and Edward took off at a smart run making their way along the various side streets and alleys. The shouts of the sergeant running after them soon faded. They took a short rest to catch their wind and to decide what they should do next.

"I suppose this means we don't get into the palace," remarked Heather drily.

"No, it just means we can't enter by the front door," grinned Edward. "I suggest we get out to town into the woods on the south side to rest up, find some food, and make a plan. I am really hungry after all that running."

"You are always hungry," said Heather rolling her eyes.

They trotted down the alley and into the small side street. Their stamina for running amazed them both. The very air of Logoland seemed to bring extraordinary vigor and strength. Both children could play all day in their own world but this jogging along was more than either could ever have done at home. As they exited the alley, Edward checked the up and down the larger street and they ran across. As they made their way to the south of town they talked briefly about what to do about getting into the palace.

"How will we get food, Ed?" asked Heather.

"I'm not sure. Do we have any money?" answered Edward.

"Let's check our pouches," replied Heather.

Both children rummaged through their pouches at their sides. Heather held up a small gold coin and exclaimed, "Here is a golden Logoland sovereign."

"I have several of them as well. The Bright Star really knows how to take care of his people," exclaimed Edward. "So at least we know how we will eat. What about a plan to get into the palace?"

"Remember the small garden gate near the riverbank that no one knows about except a few select people in Sanctua? Could we use that to gain entry into the palace?" wondered Heather.

"Hmmm. A good suggestion. We would have to wait for dark obviously; but it might work well. How will we know where the King is being held? The palace is large and he might even be in the dungeons. We will need to see if there are any of our old friends in the palace."

"Do you really think there are any of our friends left in the palace?" asked Heather.

"I hope so, Heather. Otherwise, we might have a tough time finding the King," said Edward.

The two carefully made their way out of the city into the surrounding countryside. On the south side they found a small market by the side of the road. Edward had Heather stay hidden in the bushes near the road. He purchased bread, cheese, butter, milk, and some cured meat. The storekeeper looked at him curiously but made no comments. The children went deeper into the woods to find a cool place to eat their late lunch. They found a large old wetern tree to sit beneath. Edward stamped down the grass for them to sit upon and spread his cape. Heather sat down gingerly on the cape. Edward brought out the bread and cheese, cut it with his knife, and gave Heather slices. He took small pieces of the meat for them to add to the bread and cheese. The milk they drank fresh from its leather bota-bottle. It tasted lovely, cool, and fresh. It was just the thing for their parched, dry throats.

"I forgot how lovely things tasted in Logoland," sighed Heather with a full stomach. "I am ready for our nap."

"I'll keep first watch, sis," replied Edward. "I'll wake you up in a few hours. We'll leave after dark, get to the river, and follow it to the palace gate."

"Alright," yawned Heather. "See you in a few hours."

Heather fell to sleep immediately. The excitement, exercise, and fresh air all together wore her out and she dropped into slumber. Edward watched her fondly. He would not awaken her for her watch. She needed her sleep far more than he would. It would be a long night for them both. Just how would they get to the gate? Did he even remember where it was? It seemed like such a long time ago. Once they were in the garden, then what? The guards would be on alert especially after their visit in the morning. Would any of their old friends be around to help them? He must think of the best place to start and best place to look for help.

"Bright Star, I really do need your help," began Edward. "Your wisdom must guide us to the friend we need to look for the King. Thank you Bright Star," finished Edward.

Edward soaked in the fresh, clean air of Logoland. It never failed to stir his heart and soul. He described the air as "so good you could almost eat it" with a richness unlike anything else he ever remembered. The best part of the air Edward said was its sweet smell hinting of lilacs, cedar, and pinch of the sharpness of citrus. The very breathing of it strengthened his heart; he knew things would work out. He looked around at the wetern trees, famous for their syrup and wood. There were cabano bushes in the distance with their small green fruit hanging from their limbs. He remembered the flavor of the cabnao fruit. The fruit was a cross in flavor between our mango, papaya, and tangerine. When ripened, the skin was a bright deep purple similar to our eggplant.

The sky of sapphire blue coursed overhead and a light breeze touched his cheeks. The birds sang sweetly fluttering overhead in darting flight. He even saw a small hardrin cautiously enter the small glade they sat near. A Logoland hardrin is an animal about the size of a reindeer, but a cross between a moose and an elk. The copse of trees hid them while the breeze blew away from them so the hardrin could not smell them. Edward enjoyed once more seeing the delicate, deer-like creature picking its way to the grass. He remembered their talking hardrin friend "Pureheart". Edward had met Pureheart the hardrin in his last visit to Logoland and rescued him from the "Knights of Utilitar" who sought to kill him. What wonderful days those were with Paraplegion (Barnabus VII), Heather, Groundfirm, and the others. He longed to see his old friends again.

Enough of the daydreaming. They needed a plan. Edward sat and thought about their various options, their need for disguise, and stealth. Their clothes would give them away for sure. They must get some plain clothing to wear. The roadside market would likely have such things.

It would take them about an hour or so to get to the palace making their way carefully along the river. The night would be dark with little moon. The phase of the double moons of Logoland was in the new phase or small sliver phase. The darkness cloaked movement but also made it more treacherous. The sun began to fade when Heather yawned and stretched awake.

"Ed, you didn't wake me up," said Heather accusingly. "I was suppose to help you watch."

"I know, sis, but I figured you could use the rest more than I could," replied Edward. "We need to go get some clothes for tonight, Heather. We can't use these clothes to get to the palace. I'll go to the market and get us some peasant clothes to wear. Any special color you would like?" smiled Edward. "Something in a heeled shoe with a nice hat?"

"Ed, you are so mean sometimes," giggled Heather. "You know what we need. Go get it while I wait. Two of us would definitely be more suspicious."

"I won't be long Heather. And I'll try to get something that at least fits you," replied Edward.

Edward carefully walked to the roadside market just as the owners were beginning to close up for the night.

"Do you have any sort of traveling clothes I might purchase?" asked Edward. "I need a set for myself and my companion."

"What we have is over there on that shelf. We have only common clothes over there young sir. Nothing fit for one such as you," began the elderly shopkeeper with a small bow.

"They look more than adequate shopkeeper," answered Edward.

"You are not from near here, are you, young sir?" inquired the shopkeeper curiously. "You wear the Star's design and none dare wear that now in these lands. How came you here and wearing that?"

Edward eyed the shopkeeper keenly without replying.

"Perhaps the young lord might feel more comfortable if he saw this?" began the shopkeeper pulling a pendant from under his shirt. The pendant glowed in the evening light with a golden hue with a star in the middle of the dark blue field. "We too serve the Star. Let us move inside our shop," said the shopkeeper looking about.

"I am called Wiseson. My wife, Philia and I run this small market since we were forced to leave Sanctua. Our store, home, and belongings were seized when the Licentiousions took control of Logoland over three years ago. They deposed King Barnabus X and removed his followers. We live here now, allowed to eke a simple existence. Now, how may we help you?" smiled Wiseson.

"I am Lord Edward and my sister Lady Heather is with me nearby. The Bright Star brought us here to help you. We are not sure how yet but we know we are here by the Star's will," responded Edward.

"Why the other clothes?" asked Wiseson.

"We were going to go to the palace to see if we could find the King," answered Edward. "And you say the new King is Barnabus the X. We knew his grandfather, King Barnabus VII or "Barnabus the Brawny" who we called "Paraplegion". Imagine that, Paraplegion's great-grandson is now King of Logoland. We did so want to see "Paraplegion" again. Unfortunately, that is how travel to Logoland works sometimes. We sometimes come back and many years have passed. It is a little hard to deal with sometimes. Now, how do you think we should approach the castle?"

"I do not think approaching the castle is wise. His Majesty is not at the palace and no one knows where he is. There have been many rumors but none have seen King Barnabus X for over two and half years. Many fear him dead and others fear him locked away in Licentia," informed Wiseson.

"Well, let me go get my sister and we talk further," said Edward.
Chapter 3

In Search of a King

"Heather, we have friends at the store," said Edward excitedly. "He sold us the clothes we need and is a servant of the Bright Star. I'm going to bring you with me so we can talk with him and his wife about what to do next."

"That is great news Ed," exclaimed Heather. "Let's go talk with them."

They walked to the store together. Edward knocked on the door. Wiseson and Philia answered the door together.

"Do come in Lord Edward and Lady Heather," said Philia.

"Heather, this is Wiseson and his wife Philia," began Edward. "They serve the Bright Star as well."

"How good to meet you both," returned Heather with a graceful curtsy.

"We are so pleased to meet you Lady Heather," said Wiseson with a bow.

"Indeed we are," chimed in Philia. "Come to the kitchen and let us chat over a nice cup of tea."

"That would be lovely," exclaimed Heather.

Philia bustled around the kitchen preparing the hot water for tea while Wiseson pulled four chairs around the table.

"Lady Heather, would you mind putting those cups and saucers with the flowers on them from the cupboard on the table," asked Philia. "Wiseson, please pull the biscuits from the breadbox so we may eat them with the tea."

"Right, Philia," returned Wiseson. "I'll get some butter and cabano preserves as well."

"Cabano preserves," asked Edward. "Real cabano preserves? That would be great! We haven't had any cabano since we last were in Logoland."

"These were picked right off our own bushes in the back," said Wiseson.

"The water is hot so let's sit down and enjoy the tea," said Philia.

Edward and Heather did not realize how hungry they were until they began eating the tea. Both ate biscuits with cabano preserves and butter until they felt they might burst.

As they pushed themselves back from the table, they settled in to discuss how to proceed with finding King Barnabus X.

"My sources at the palace say that the King is not at there. They fear he has been sent to Licentia to be kept as a hostage," started Wiseson. "The roads are all watched so we must go another route. The way less taken is often best. I think the road across the 'Desert of Doubting' makes the best sense."

"Oh dear! Are you sure my husband? It is a longer way and fraught with danger," said a worried Philia.

"I see no other way to make it to Licentia without notice. Lord Edward and Lady Heather will not go alone. We will send them with friends," answered Wiseson.

"As I remember, the 'Desert of Doubting' is a harsh, dry, and quite void of life or water," began Edward. "How do you suggest we proceed?"

"We believe the best way to cross the desert would be riding hardrins. They are fleet of foot, reliable, and need little water. A guide must go with you as well. We will send along Andrew the Armadillo to steer you rapidly to Licentia," said Wiseson.

"An armadillo?" asked Heather.

"Remember, we had a Tracker before when we needed help," said Edward.

Edward was referring to "Suretrail" the Logoland Tracker. A Tracker was similar to a ladybug in shape but instead of orange color with black spots; it was golden in color with blue spots and quite lovely. On a previous trip to Logoland "Suretrail" had guided the children to Sanctua.

"That is true. I suppose an armadillo shouldn't surprise me," grinned Heather.

"When do we get started?" inquired Edward.

"Tomorrow in the evening. We need to gather supplies, contact the hardrin, and set you on your way. You must travel at night since the temperatures are too hot in the day. Also, you will do well to hide in the daylight. Not all the birds are friends," said Wiseson.

"I see. We'll need gnome capes, water, food, stout clothing and a map," noted

Edward.

"How many days will it take to cross the 'Desert of Doubting?'" asked Heather.

"It usually takes 4-5 days if all goes well," said Philia.

"Let's get started then," said Edward.

The remainder of the evening went rapidly as they collected cloaks, put together

food and water, and reviewed maps to cross the desert. Each of them would be carrying a large pack with extra water bottles. The only water available on the route was at the "Oasis of Irene" which held the springs called the "Waters of Healing". The oasis sat roughly half way to Licentia hidden in a small canyon. Few knew of its exact location and even fewer ever had been there. This was where Andrew came into the picture. Armadillos in Logoland resembled our armadillos with the leathery armour-like skin with a long pointed snout. However, in Logoland they had 8 arms and legs like a spider. A full grown Armadillo like Andrew stood about 3 feet high at the shoulders. The two front appendages resembled arms and were used to hold things. The front arms were equipped with tough, broad claws that could be used powerfully for digging or even as weapons. When armadillos needed speed, though, the front "arms" became like legs to run upon adding extra power to an Armadillo's running. The Logoland armadillo's snout possessed an extraordinary sense of smell with an unerring sense of direction. It was said they could smell an enemy or water from miles away. Andrew was the logical and best choice for such an adventure.

Neither of the children slept well that night. They were far too excited about the upcoming adventure to get much rest. Both of them talked far into the night wondering what they would do when they reached Licentia, what the King was like, and if Andrew was really as good a guide as they said.

At dawn, Wiseson shook them both awake. Heather and Edward came groggily awake. They both groaned aloud; sorry they had not slept more.

"We should haven't spent so much time talking last night," moaned Heather.

"It will be alright, sis," reassured Edward. "Once we are on the trail we'll be fine."

"Good morning sleepy heads," chirruped Philia. "The table is set for breakfast so you need to wash up quickly."

Heather and Edward walked outside and splashed on the cold water. They quickly scrubbed up, dried off, and went back indoors. On the table sat a large bowl of steaming gribbich, a huge platter of hot, crispy poc, a warm loaf of bread, and a mound of butter. Beside the butter sat a large clay pot of cabano preserves. There was even cold keslo milk and hot tea to drink. After giving thanks to the Bright Star, everyone dove into the food. The children were fully awake now and talking excitedly about the trip.

"I can hardly wait to meet Andrew," said Heather excitedly. "I have never met an Armadillo before. Well, least not as a guide. We met one at a banquet on our last trip to Logoland."

"We need to go to the edge of the desert to meet Andrew tonight. The hardrin will not accompany us on this trip. We decided the desert would prove too harsh to them. Further, we need them to scout for us here in Logoland. We have quite a trip; so eat up. The journey will be slow because we need to avoid open spaces and spies. Andrew will meet us at the edge of the desert. My hope is to arrive by the early afternoon and allow you to have a nap before journeying tonight," said Wiseson.

They quickly finished breakfast and cleaned up the dishes. The children went back to dress and put together any last minute supplies. Heather received a bow and quiver from Wiseson. Edward had a fine short, gnome blade. A long sword would not be practical on such a journey. The children both wore the brownish colored jerkins common to Logolanders with stout shoes on their feet. Each carried a pack with about 30 pounds of supplies. Several large water bottles hung off the sides of the packs. The leather bottles resembled a bota bag and held about 1-2 quarts apiece. They knew they would have to conserve their water supply if they were to make it across the desert. On their heads were caps of gnome brown and over their shoulders hung gnome capes. Gnome capes were light, durable, and difficult to see even in the best of light.

Wiseson met them on the front porch and Philia gave him a tight hug with an affectionate kiss. He shouldered his pack and off they went into the woods.

"We'll not go the main path. There is a way to the desert's edge that does not go along the main route. It will take us a bit longer but we will be able to keep out of the sight of those who would try to harm us," said Wiseson.

The way seemed to have no discernable path but Wiseson wound his way unerringly through the trees. The day began cool, without any clouds with a light breeze. The children initially wore their cloaks but as they walked along the day began to warm in earnest. By the time the three broke for lunch, the day was becoming unseasonably warm. The trio finished their sandwiches of cured poc on thick slices of bread washed down with spring water they found nearby. They started off again through the trees. Wiseson stopped abruptly and motioned them to hold up for a moment.

"What is it," whispered Heather.

"I'm not sure," replied Edward puzzled.

"Hear that?" said Wiseson in a low voice.

"I don't hear anything," returned Heather.

"Exactly," said Wiseson grimly. "It is too quiet. There are no birds singing. There is someone nearby. We must be extremely careful and quiet."

The threesome began to carefully wend their way through the forest staying in the thickest of bushes and trees. As Wiseson pushed aside a cabano bush, they came face to face with a BOBCAT! The animal arched its back, bared its fangs, and HISSED horribly! The large cat crouched down to spring with murderous intent. A Logoland Bobcat resembled a bobcat from our world with similar brownish markings, large whiskers, and sharp claws but; they stood over two feet high at the shoulders and weighed over 80 pounds. If you can imagine a bobcat about the size of our mountain lion you get the idea. Also, they could talk like many of the animals in Logoland.

"Rooowwww, I'm going to stop you!" roared the Bobcat. It gathered itself and sprang forward. Wiseson, as first in the group bravely pushed Heather backward while flinging his gnome cloak over his right arm in front of his face as a shield. The cat sank his claws into Wiseson's cloak and arm. The cat growled and attempted to grab Wiseson by the throat with his teeth. Wiseson pushed the cat back and clutched its throat with his left hand. Down the two went into a whirl of screams from the cat and grunts from Wiseson. Edward shook himself free of shock and drew his gnome blade. Heather swiftly strung an arrow in her bow. Neither could get a clear shot as the two engaged in a deadly wrestling match. Finally, Wiseson gave a huge push and broke free from the Bobcat. An arrow sung out and the Bobcat screamed out. He launched himself at the helpless Wiseson who sat on the ground with his right arm cradled in his left arm. Edward leaped forward and caught the Bobcat in mid-flight. The gnome blade sunk deep into the chest of the cat. It gave a horrid shriek and went slack. In its final act it slashed Edward across the left arm.

"Oh Ed and Wiseson, you're both hurt!" exclaimed Heather.

"Tis but a scratch," murmured Wiseson. "I have had worse."

"I think I will mend," said Edward. "It hurts like bili-o but it will heal up. Besides, every guy needs some scars," joked Edward.

"We need to get them cleaned up right away so the wounds don't get infected," said Heather. "I know Philia packed some salve in this pack for just such an occasion," noted Heather as she rummaged through her backpack. "Ah, here it is," said Heather in triumph as she held up a small jar of ointment.

The three cleaned up their weapons, swept up the area, and hid the Bobcat's body. They walked a short distance to a small spring. Heather washed Wiseson and Edward's wound thoroughly with water, applied the salve, and covered the wounds with a clean cloth.

"Ouch," exclaimed Edward. "That stuff stings!"

"Quit whining and being such a baby," sniffed Heather. "It stings because it's good for your wound."

"I know," grumbled Edward. "It just took me by surprise."

Wiseson just smiled and did not flinch as Heather put on the salve.

"Thank you Lady Heather, the salve Philia gave us will keep us from becoming infected. Hopefully, you will not get an ugly scar Lord Edward," said Wiseson drily.

Unfortunately, this attack put them behind schedule and that meant picking up their pace. However, the Bobcat's attempt meant that someone knew who Heather and Edward were and maybe where they were going. So, they needed to be careful and quiet. The day began to heat up to the uncomfortable level. All of them were sweaty, hot, and becoming tired. There would not be much time to rest at the edge of the desert.

As they trudged along Heather became more and more tired. She began to stumble under the weight of her pack. Wiseson walking in front, noticed her fatigue. He dropped back next to her and gently removed her pack slinging it over his back. He winced as he did so with his injured arm. Heather tried to prevent him from taking her pack but smiled gratefully as Wiseson grasped in firmly putting it over his shoulder. Edward offered to take some of the weight from the pack but Wiseson ignored him moving forward.

While Wiseson, Edward, and Heather fought off the Bobcat, Mercy had been busy learning how to milk keslo and how to cook gribbich and poc. She had spent two wonderful days at Groundgood's cottage and had almost forgotten about getting home. As she and Groundgood cleaned up after breakfast, a white hardrin appeared at the open door. The door was open to allow the fresh air into the cottage. Groundgood noticed him and walked out to meet him.

"Good day Charis. What brings you to my cottage?" asked Groundgood.

"I bring news for the Lady Mercy, Groundgood," said Charis solemnly.

"You talk? How can that be and what do you mean news for me?" inquired Mercy. "What does a talking-deer want with me?"

"He is not a talking-deer. He is a hardrin," returned Groundgood.

A Logoland hardrin, as we previously described, is an animal about the size of a reindeer, but a cross between a moose and an elk. Their antlers were broad-shaped like a reindeer or a moose. At times of great need the hardrin would allow riders. Charis came to allow Mercy to ride to meet with Edward and Heather by the edge of the desert. Only a white hardrin ran swiftly enough to make the journey to rendezvous with the others.

"I am here my Lady to escort you to meet the Lord Edward and Lady Heather," said the hardrin.

"Great, let's get going," said Mercy.

"Do you know how to ride?" asked Charis.

"What do you mean ride? I don't see any horses around here," said Mercy curiously.

"Oh, you will ride me, milady," replied the white hardrin with a small bow.

"Ride you?" exclaimed Mercy. "Ride you how? There is no saddle, bridle, or anything."

"You will not need any of those milady. You will ride bareback. Most ride with their knees and hold on to my mane. But, if you wish, you may use my antlers as well," said Charis.

"Bareback on a deer? This is getting a little crazy. I can ride bareback without any reins. I do it all the time on my horse at home," replied Mercy haughtily. "I ride very well, thank you."

Groundgood grinned, "Well Lady Mercy, it is not quite the same on a hardrin but I am sure you will do splendidly. When do you need to leave Charis?"

"We must leave immediately. There is little time to waste to arrive at the appointed place to meet the others," noted Charis.

"Just let me put a small pack together for the lass," returned Groundgood. He bustled around gathering a water bota bag, bread, poc, cheese, and a gnome cloak.

"Lady Mercy, I am sorry I canna come but the Bright Star only asked for you to go meet with the Lord Edward and Lady Heather. Good travels," said the gnome.

Mercy shouldered her pack and looked at the hardrin. She did not know how she would mount the hardrin. Charis sensed her predicament and knelt down to allow her to mount him. Mercy walked up to the hardrin's right side, grabbed the hardrin's white mane, flung her left leg over Charis' back, and settled just behind his withers. She sat low over his neck with an easy seat of one who had ridden bareback a great deal. Mercy clasped her knees firmly around the hardrin's shoulders and Charis bounded off.

Mercy later described the ride as the "best of her life" and she wished it would never end. She had not ever experienced such speed or smoothness of movement. It felt more like flying at low altitude than riding. The wind rushed by blowing her blonde hair behind her in a flowing stream. Charis picked his way rapidly through the forest, across streams, and up hills. Mercy crouched low over the hardrin's neck so she would not be brushed off as they ran through the forest.

Meanwhile, Heather, Edward, and Wiseson continued the journey to the edge of the "Desert of Doubting" to meet Andrew. Heather did not ever remember a more wearying trip, even including her previous trips to Logoland. The sweat ran into her eyes and burned them. The bugs buzzed around her head and kept biting her on the neck and face. And the tension of being quiet and looking out for enemies of Logoland made her even more tired. Finally, as the sun almost touched the horizon, they saw a break in the trees.

"Tis the end of the forest and the beginning of the 'Desert of Doubting'," whispered Wiseson. "We must find Andrew, wait for the sun to completely set, and rest for the night."

"That suits me fine," said Heather as she found clump of bushes to sit under. "I need a short nap. Do you mind if I just have a little one here?"

"Go ahead sis. I'll stand guard and Wiseson will find Andrew," answered Edward

"No need Lord Edward," returned a voice.

They all started at the sound that seemed to come from a large clump of tall grass.

"I've been expecting you and I am glad you are finally here. It has become rather unsafe to trek in these woods," observed Andrew the Armadillo as he appeared from the grass.

The children eyed him curiously. Andrew appeared much like previously described with the leathery, layered armour like skin. His eyes were larger than our Armadillos with a bit wider face. His long snout ran between his eyes and he seemed to almost speak from his snout. But, really he spoke from his mouth under the snout. The Logoland Armadillo's snout functioned more like an elephant's trunk in our world. Andrew had a keen sense of smell and could even use his snout to pick up small objects when he curled it. The overall effect of the eyes, snout, and mouth gave Andrew a rather learned look. He stood a little over three feet at the shoulders but seemed taller because he was not using his front arms to walk with but rather placed them folded over his chest.

"Rest is a splendid idea for you both since we have quite a distance to cover in this night. We hope to make a little over 15 miles a night from dark to dawn," began Andrew.

"Fifteen miles a night in the dark? Are you sure we will be able to do that much distance in the night?" worried Heather. "I have never walked that far in my life!"

"We have to make that much distance in order to get to Licentia and rescue the King," answered Andrew. "With my guiding you, we will make the distance in the time allotted."

"Do you think we can make that much mileage in the dead of night?" inquired Edward.

"We really do not have a choice. The King's life may depend on our rapid journey to Licentia. If the Licentiousions now know the Lord Edward and Lady Heather are in Logoland, the King's life may be in grave danger. The Licentiousions daren't risk the King remaining alive if they believe that the two from the other world might rescue him."

"Then, we really must hurry," exclaimed Heather. "We do not want the King to die!"

"Right sis," said Edward.

"You must rest before the night journey," added Andrew. "The pace will be rapid."

The two children lay down under the bushes. Each one rolled up a gnome cloak up under their head for a pillow and was soon fast asleep. Andrew and Wiseson held counsel while the others slept. While they spoke, vultures flew overhead. Andrew and Wiseson kept hidden under the trees knowing the vultures took payment from the Licentiousions. Unfortunately, even in the night the travelers would not be safe. Certain species of bats worked for the Licentiousions as well. Andrew, however, knew how to confuse the bats. He carried an ultrahigh frequency whistle that would keep the bats from obtaining their location. Andrew merely needed to blow the whistle every few minutes while the bats flew and they would not find them. Andrew, with Wiseson, refilled all the water botas, checked the equipment, supplies, and packs. They would need every ounce of water and food to traverse the desert. Andrew sorted through the packs and discarded anything unnecessary. As the fiery golden Logoland sun sank into the horizon the sliver of the first moon of Logoland began to climb into the sky. The paler second moon would not appear for several more hours. Once the darkness settled, they would begin the journey. Wiseson awakened Heather and Edward. He gave them long draughts of fresh, cool spring water; the last they might have for some days, and gave them each a cold dinner of poc with bread.

Andrew walked over with the packs and water botas as the two finished their cold meal.

"It is time to go my Lord Heather and Lady Heather. The first moon rises and we must leave," said Andrew.

The trio shouldered their packs, their water, and set off across the sand.

"May the Bright Star be with you," said Wiseson.

"And also with you," returned Andrew waving to Wiseson.
Chapter 4

"Across the Desert"

As the three turned to go, they heard a commotion. Wiseson turned drawing his sword. Bursting through the brush came Mercy on Charis.

Heather squealed, "Mercy!" She raced over to her cousin and the hardrin.

Mercy slid off Charis and flung her arms around Heather. They hugged tightly both talking at the same time.

"Ed and I were so worried about you!" exclaimed Heather looking at her cousin.

Mercy's hair was windblown, her cheeks red, and her eyes aglow.

"I had the most wonderful time. I met the gnome Groundgood. I got to milk keslo. I had poc and gribbich. And I rode Charis the hardrin," said Mercy breathlessly.

"Whoa, whoa cousin," laughed Edward. "Slow down. We're really glad to see you. We were concerned about you."

"Oh were you?" noted Mercy with raised eyebrows and an impish look. "I thought you didn't have much use for me?"

"No, no. It's just that. . ." began Edward.

"Don't worry. I know I'm a pill sometimes. But Logoland is lovely!" returned Mercy.

"I hate to interrupt all this levity and reunion but we really need to go," mused Andrew.

"Who or what is that?" said Mercy pointing to Andrew.

"Andrew is a Logoland Armadillo," explained Edward. "He is guiding us across the 'Desert of Doubting'."

"Guiding us across the desert?" questioned Mercy.

"I will explain as we go," answered Andrew. "We really must go."

"Do we have enough food and water for Mercy?" asked Heather.

"We will take these extra bottles of water," answered Andrew. "They should be sufficient for us to reach the 'Oasis of Irene' which hold the springs the 'Waters of Healing'."

"Where exactly are we going and how will we get there?" inquired Mercy.

"Let us be off and all will become clear," said Andrew turning and walking off.

Mercy turned to Charis and threw her arms around his neck.

"Thank you Charis for the best ride of my life. Will I see you again?" asked Mercy.

"Open the small bag at my neck," answered Charis.

Mercy reached up and opened the bag. She looked in and saw a small silver trumpet.

"What is this?" Mercy asked.

"It is the 'Trumpet of Truth'. Blow it and help will come to you," noted Charis.

"Blow it and help will come? How?" asked Mercy.

"Help will come from the Bright Star," returned Charis.

"Mercy, we really do need to go," urged Edward.

"I'll never forget you, Charis," murmured Mercy hugging the hardrin once more.

She hurried off to join Edward, Heather, and Andrew across the desert. Mercy wondered where exactly this adventure would lead. She felt both excited and scared.

The "Desert of Doubting" did not consist of what is usually thought of in a desert. It was not piles of sand in the sun. It was mostly a wind swept red-brown stone, dry land, and some areas of sandy hills. There were a few clumps of scrubby bushes scattered here and there. The animal life was a few lizards, occasional desert birds, and insects. Andrew strode purposefully along occasionally glancing over his shoulder at the children. The three chattered on excitedly sharing each other's adventures to this point. Andrew smiled. He knew the children would need all the energy they possessed to make this challenging trip. Andrew fingered the gold whistle at his neck. Soon he would need to use it for the bats. They usually appeared in the later evening as the second moon of Logoland appeared. He hoped it would keep them safe from their prying eyes.

In the distance, he heard the howls of the "wild dogs of Logoland". Actually, the dogs were only "wild" to those who did not know them. The dogs served the Bright Star along with many of the animals in the land. The Licentiousions feared them and most of the Logolanders did not even know they existed. The wild dogs were keeping watch over the group as they traveled the desert.

"What is that noise?" asked Mercy anxiously.

"Merely the 'wild dogs of Logoland'," answered Andrew solemnly.

"Wild dogs!" exclaimed Mercy.

"Do not worry Lady Mercy. They are protecting us," said Andrew.

"Are you sure," asked Mercy doubtfully.

"Absolutely," said Andrew.

"Don't worry Mercy," began Edward. "Not everyone wants to hurt us. We do have friends in Logoland."

They traveled along at a steady pace set by Andrew. As the night wore on, the children fatigued. Both Edward and Heather had a long day with little sleep the night before. Mercy had spent a long day traveling without any sort of rest. Andrew allowed only short halts with water breaks. He knew they must reach the first stop before dawn. The second moon of Logoland appeared and the children saw the bats against its light.

"Time to use the whistle," said Andrew cheerfully. He seemed to rather enjoy the night journey with the adventure. He walked along puffing on the whistle every few minutes. Since it was ultrahigh frequency, the children could not here it. However, it confused the bats. Further, the 'wild dogs' heard it and found it somewhat unpleasant. They initially howled at its noise but soon there were only the sounds of the night with the children's heavy breathing. All three were too tired to talk much now. The group made its way across the terrain lead by Andrew's unerring sense of direction guided by his nose. As the first rays of the sun began to peak over the horizon, Andrew made a sharp turn into a cunningly hidden canyon. They stumbled into a small cave in the side of the canyon.

"We will rest here for the day so we can sleep. Everyone take a long drink and then to bed. I will keep watch first," said Andrew.

"Alright," replied Edward dropping on the cave's cool floor. Edward took a long drink of water, wadded up his gnome cloak for a pillow, and was soon fast asleep. The two girls did the same. All that Andrew heard was the soft sounds of heavy breathing. He smiled to himself and took up his position at the cave entrance. Armadillos could perform well without sleep for prolonged periods of time. If necessary, Andrew could nap one or two hours a day for up to a week and do well. He sat and thought about the next stage of the journey. It was the toughest stretch of the desert with mostly an uphill climb into the foothills of the area. After the next leg, the journey would be downhill. Plus they ought to reach the "Oasis of Irene" on the fourth day. The day grew brighter and brighter with the heat building outside the cave. All day the exhausted children slept while Andrew kept watch. As the heat built up, everything went quiet. All living things went into hiding to escape the blinding heat with temperatures into the 100 degrees plus even in the shade. Inside the cave, it stayed a comfortable 70+ degrees. The sun sank low into the edge of the world. Edward yawned, turned over, and stretched his limbs as he awakened.

"Did we sleep all day?" yawned Edward. "I thought we were sharing the watch?"

"I thought you needed the sleep more than I. We Armadillos function on limited sleep quite well. You must take water, food, and soon we will off."

"I'll wake the others," said Edward with a final stretch.

Mercy and Heather took some time to awaken. Both felt stiff and groggy.

"I wish I could sleep another day or two," grumbled Mercy.

"Me too," sighed Heather. "But we need to get up so we are ready to go when the sun finishes setting."

"Where is the bathroom?" asked Mercy.

"You must use the back of the cave Lady Mercy," answered Andrew. "There is no bathroom."

"Ewww, I don't think I can go there," said Mercy.

"There is no other option," replied Heather.

"Oh, alright," said Mercy crossly.

Edward and Heather busied themselves getting their gnome capes rolled up, packs put together, and food with water. The dried poc tasted great after a long sleep and a draught of water refreshing. Mercy reappeared to share in the quick meal with water. The rays of the sun just tinged the top of the canyon when Andrew advised them to get their packs and put them on their backs.

"By the time we reach the mouth of the canyon, the sun will be fully set. The journey this night will be the harshest and all up hill," stated Andrew solemnly.

"I am sooo sore," stated Mercy.

"Me too," replied Heather. "We'll loosen up our muscles after a short time."

The heat still radiated intensely from the desert floor. Soon they all were warmed up and sweating. The first moon of Logoland began to rise in the night sky dimly illuminating the path. Andrew strode purposefully along at a steady pace. He knew they must reach the second camp site before daylight or risk discovery. Meanwhile, unknown to the travelers below, the night hawks of Licentia flew high overhead. Their sharp eyes soon spied the group. With a high-pitched shriek, they swooped down for a closer look to identify who it was below. The leader, Hawkswing, dove down to see if the group was who they were looking for in Licentia. Hawkswing swept down and saw the four. He quickly recognized Andrew and noted the two female and single male fellow travelers. They must be the ones from the Bright Star sought by Licentia. How fortunate for Hawkswing and unfortunate for them! He flew rapidly away to report to his masters.

Meanwhile, the travelers had no idea they were discovered by the forces of

Licentia. As they made their way across the desert, the forces of evil gathered to

prevent their arrival in Licentia and the rescue of King Barnabus X. The captain of

the attacking force put together a group of knights on horseback, harpies, and

archers. A description of a harpy would help those of you who have never seen one.

A harpy is a ravenous, filthy, ugly monster having a woman's head and a bird's body.

The woman's head often had long, greasy, flowing hair with a beaked nose with

warts and bright, hungry eyes. Their cries resembled a shriek of an eagle or hawk

but ten-times louder and meaner. The very sound of the harpy made brave men's

blood run cold. The harpy's body resembled a large bird much like a vulture with

thick feathers that blocked all but the sharpest of arrows. It was rumored they had a

spot at the base of the neck where you could shoot or stab and kill them. At the ends

of their wings were large claw-like hands for ripping and tearing and their legs were

huge with razor sharp talons at the ends. So, you can see how these creatures meant

evil to our little brave group.

"Quickly men! We must intercept them tonight before they reach the 'Oasis of Irene'," shouted the Captain.

"Worry not my Captain," croaked the leader of the harpies. "We will attack them and leave none alive."

"I am not worried," replied the Captain. "They must not survive to rescue the King."

"Archers mount up. We will need you in the attack," finished the Captain.

Off thundered the knights and archers. The harpies leapt into the sky with fiendish shrieks winging their way ahead of the others.

At that moment, the group sat near a small outcropping of rocks taking a short break and drinking water. The three children were somewhat footsore but still in good spirits.

"We will rest for another 15 minutes and then be on our way," noted Andrew. "While you rest, I will scout the area."

Suddenly, they heard a howl in the distance, answered by another, echoed by another. Andrew drew himself erect listening intently.

"What is it, Andrew?" questioned Edward.

"We are discovered," hissed Andrew. "The nighthawks saw us and have alerted our enemies. The harpies will soon be upon us. We must prepare!" answered Andrew.

"Quickly now, behind the rocks."

"Heather, unsling your bow and prepare," said Edward.

"What do you want me to do?" said Mercy.

"You get under cover and let us fight this out," replied Edward.

"But why can't I help?" asked Mercy. "Isn't there something I can do?"

"The most help you can be is to get under cover and let us fight this out," returned Andrew.

"Hmph. Alright, I'll get under cover. Where do you want me?" hurrumped Mercy.

"Over in that group of rocks. Hide under the overhang of the big one," ordered Andrew.

The other three held a quick counsel of war. Heather would guard Mercy, Edward would take the smaller opening in the rocks while Andrew covered the larger opening. They each took a long drink of water and began the wait. Fighting is hot, dry work.

Soon, they heard the shrieks above the moon. "Over there," whispered Andrew pointing to the second moon of Logoland outlining the harpies. All three looked up as the harpies dove down into attack.

"Wait for my signal," warned Andrew.

Heather waited with her bow strung and Andrew drew forth a throwing stick. Armadillos used throwing sticks on their enemies.

Down, down, down went the harpies. As they approached the group, they let forth their murderous shrieks. The lead harpy flared her wings and bared her claws aiming at Andrew. Heather's bow sang, and with a loud shout, the leader of the harpies fell to the ground dead with an arrow in her neck. The others came in a cacophony of rage swooping and screaming. Andrew threw sticks fast and furious knocking down the harpies while Edward finished them with his sword. Heather's bow twanged again and again with deadly effect. One harpy managed to sneak through their defenses and now faced Mercy!

"I'll get you my pretty one," snarled the harpy.

I don't know if you have ever faced a really angry harpy or not, but Mercy did that night. She said she initially just froze up. Then, she thought, "no silly flying thing is going to hurt me"! As the harpy advanced, Mercy acted quickly. She possessed no weapon! Then, she had it, the "Trumpet of Truth"! She withdrew the trumpet and blew it. As the first note pealed forth from the bell of the trumpet, the harpy grasped her ears and howled. The "Trumpet of Truth's" notes rang out death to the enemies of Logoland. The harpy shrieked in pain, stumbled, convulsed one time, and then lay still. Mercy looked at the harpy, and then, the trumpet. She had no idea it was so powerful!

The battle still raged out amongst the rocks but seemed to be getting quieter. At last there was stillness. Mercy tiptoed to the edge of the rocks and took in the scene. Around her cousins and Andrew were a dozen harpies; all very still. In the distance they heard a trumpet call.

"It is a Licentiousion trumpet," muttered Andrew.

"Now what?" said Heather.

"The Licentiousions are coming," said Edward grimly. "It's not over yet."

"I am not sure how long we can hold out," countered Andrew.

"I don't think we need to worry," piped up Mercy. "I blew the 'Trumpet of Truth'".

"What does that have to do with anything?" said Heather.

"Charis said that if I blew the trumpet, help would come," replied Mercy. "And it did! The harpy couldn't survive its notes!"

"But we need more than that right now," added Heather.

"I know that," replied Mercy. "I don't think the trumpet is done yet."

As they captured their breath, the knights and archers of Licentia rode onward rapidly approaching the little group. Andrew and Edward pulled the dead harpies aside. Heather checked her quiver for arrows and tested her bowstring again. Mercy chatted nervously with Heather.

"Do you think there will be more harpies?" asked Mercy

"I'm not sure, Mercy," answered Heather. "We will need to be vigilant and wait out the night. We cannot flee in the dark in the open and make our way across the desert without being attacked."

As they finished talking, a noise appeared in the distance. A jangling of spurs tinkled through the night. All of their heads came up. Andrew looked grimly at Edward who motioned Heather to a defensive position by the rocks.

"What is it? What is that noise?" inquired Mercy anxiously.

"More company from Licentia," returned Heather quietly. "You need to take cover under the rocky ledge over there."

"What do you mean? Why can't I help?" asked Mercy stubbornly. "It was my trumpet that brought down the harpies"

"We know that Mercy. But we can't look out for you and fight as well," noted Edward matter-of-factly.

"Hmph," returned Mercy crabbily. "I'll go to the ledge but not willingly."

As the others positioned themselves at the rocks, each stared intently into the night. The second moon was not yet up and the light from the first moon hidden behind some clouds. Suddenly, the clouds moved from the moon and the bright light of the moon lighted up the whole desert. Mercy later said the light was like being in an early dawn except silvery and soft. Into the light rode the knights of Licentia now shining brightly. The moonlight glinted off spears, armour, and helmets. As the brightness hit them, they reined in their mounts. The Captain knew there would be no surprise now. He grimly pulled his visor down and motioned the knights into battle lines. The archers quickly dismounted and strung their bows with arrows.

"Under the ledges, lively now," exclaimed Andrew. "The archers ready their bolts for us. We must take cover now!"

Even as they dove under the stones, the whistle of arrows approached. Heather told me later that it sounded like the roar of a wave as the arrows flew over them. The arrows fell in a thick hail. With a shout, the knights spurred their horses forward in a deadly charge. Without warning, the shouts turned to screams of terror from the horses and shouts of dismay from the knights and archers. Snarls and yelps reached their ears and the arrows stopped. All four leapt up and looked over the boulders. What they saw stunned them speechless. In the silvery light, they saw the "wild dogs of Logoland" attacking the knights and archers. The dogs danced, barked, bit, chomped, and worried the knights and archers to distraction. They attacked the horses; who threw the riders. Once on the ground, the dogs dispatched the knights quickly. The archers were totally at the mercy of the dogs and soon overpowered. The fight happened so fast that none of the travelers even had time to enter the fray.
Chapter 5

"Oasis of Irene"

"I told you my trumpet wasn't done yet," said Mercy smugly. "I knew help would come."

"We must not tarry here. The evil ones will not stop with this attack alone. They will attack again," said Andrew somberly. "First, let us thank our friends the dogs."

"Good friend Longlegs. Thanks to you for rescuing us!" shouted Andrew to the leader of the dogs. Longlegs looked like all the other "wild dogs of Logoland" with a brownish coat, thick muscular body, and a black stripe on the chest. They most resembled a dingo in our world but larger. Longlegs weighed close to 120 pounds.

"Glad to be of service," returned Longlegs grinning with his tongue out. "It is not often we get the opportunity to catch the knights in the open and repay them for what they have done to my people. You must now move quickly. Others are sure to follow."

"You are right Longlegs. Edward, Heather, Mercy. Quickly now; gather your things so we may leave. We must reach the waters at the "Oasis of Irene" or we shall perish for lack of water," said Andrew.

"Won't the Licentiousions know that we need to go there as well?" inquired Heather.

"Certainly, but they will not know our place of hiding. It is known to few in Logoland and none in Licentia," answered Andrew. "Let us be off."

"We watch from afar," said Longlegs as he bounded off with his pack.

"Are we really going out into the desert tonight?" questioned Mercy. "Do you think it is safe?"

"Nope. It isn't safe cousin, but the alternative to stay here is even worse. There are bound to be more of the forces of Licentia coming when these knights and archers don't return. Besides, the nighthawks are bound to have witnessed the battle and are on their way to report to the Licentiousions. So, pick up your pack and let's get started," replied Edward with a sharp tone.

"Well, you don't have to be so short with me," complained Mercy. "I was just asking."

"Don't worry Mercy. Ed always gets snippy when he is worried. Right Ed?" noted Heather.

"I suppose so. Let's just get going. We don't have much time," rejoined Edward.

The small company shouldered their packs and began the trudge through the desert to the "Oasis of Irene". Initially, they were all still alert and active from the battle. Soon, however; all were weary from their fight and the excitement of the attack. Mercy tried to keep pace but she was the least used to such adventures and began to straggle. Heather tried to keep her spirits up with light-hearted chatter and compliments about the "Trumpet of Truth"; all to no effect. Mercy became crabbier and crabbier. Finally, Mercy refused to talk at all to her cousin.

"How much farther? My feet are sore, my back hurts from the pack, and I'm thirsty," complained Mercy.

"We will stop here for a short rest and some water," answered Andrew with a bemused look. "Is Lady Mercy always so disagreeable?" asked Andrew quietly to Edward.

"Only when she is talking," sighed Edward.

"Shhh, Ed. She'll hear you," said Heather earnestly.

"Hear what?" demanded Mercy. "Are you making fun of me again?"

"Perish the thought sweet cousin," added Edward dryly.

"You just like being mean to me! And after all I did with the 'Trumpet of Truth' with saving everyone!" said Mercy hotly. "No wonder I don't like you!"

"Now, now. We must not fight Lady Mercy and Lord Edward. There will be need of unity as we deal with the Licentiousions and other enemies of the Bright Star," soothed Andrew. "I apologize for my remarks Lady Mercy. I meant no offense. It is just that you seem somewhat unhappy as a follower of the Bright Star. Your attitudes fit more with His enemies than His followers," observed Andrew.

"Oooo, you both make me SO mad!" shouted Mercy flouncing off.

"Let us all rest and take water," said Andrew gently.

Heather walked over to Mercy and put her arms around her. Mercy stood crying quietly as Heather hugged her.

"We really do love you and are glad you are here. We need you to help us find the King and get through this adventure. Edward always lets his mouth engage before his brain. I'll chat with him and set him straight," promised Heather.

"It's not Edward. I don't want to be like I am. I sometimes just act badly. I want to be a part of what you and Edward are. Logoland is confusing and I don't know this Bright Star. . ." trailed off Mercy.

"Don't worry Mercy. Ed, Andrew, and I will stick with you. You will meet the Bright Star I am sure, but it is at His timing and His way," said Heather earnestly.

"Thanks, Heather," sniffed Mercy. "I will try to do better and not complain so much."

"I know you will. Let's go join the others and get a drink," smiled Heather.

Hand-in-hand the two girls walked back over to Edward and Andrew. They obtained drinks and chatted happily. Edward looked at Andrew and shrugged his shoulders. He would never understand his sister and cousin. One minute sad and mad, then suddenly, everything okay again. As long as the complaining stopped, he would be content.

In Licentia, Hawkswing the nighthawk, reported to the commander of the castle that the knights, harpies, and archers were defeated.

"They are all destroyed, my lord general," panted Hawkswing.

"How can this be?" said General Wrongdoing in a puzzled voice. "They are mere children with an armadillo?"

"They fought unlike any I have seen and the 'wild dogs' came to their assistance," returned the nighthawk.

"The 'wild dogs' assisted them," said the General chewing his lip. "This is most unfortunate. We need to send a stronger force. Lieutenant, call out the lancers, a troop of cavalry, and more archers. These miscreants from another world must be dealt with ever so severely," said the General grimly.

"To hear is to obey, my General," retorted the Lieutenant saluting smartly. The Lieutenant hurried off to gather the forces.

In a short time, the whole group was gathered together, armed, mounted, armoured, and on its way to the children and Andrew. There was a long, hard ride ahead of them that night. Grimly, the war party rode out to destroy Heather, Edward, Mercy, and Andrew.

As the Licentiousions rode to meet the company, our group picked up their packs and started on their way to the Oasis. Andrew picked up their pace. They fairly trotted through the night. There was no breath or strength for talking now. The four kept moving onward doggedly to the Oasis.

The shrieks of the nighthawks drove them faster into the moonlit night. Andrew knew the attacking force could not be far behind if the nighthawks flew overhead. He kept blowing his silver whistle to keep the bats from finding them.

"Not far now," panted Andrew leading them onward. The night was far spent and the first grey light of dawn began to show with the two moons of Logoland sinking into the horizon.

"Are we going to make it?" inquired Edward breathing heavily.

"Of course," replied Andrew with an armadillo grin. "We have come too far to fail at this time."

"I hope it is soon. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep up this pace," puffed Mercy.

"Keep it up, Mercy," encouraged Heather.

As the sun began to clear the horizon, Andrew sprinted toward a rock wall.

"Now what," wondered Edward to himself. "There is no opening. It's a rock wall."

Andrew ran up to the wall and just disappeared.

"Where did Andrew go?" asked Heather incredulously. "He just vanished!"

"There must be a hidden opening in the wall," answered Edward eagerly.

The three children ran up to the wall but could not find the opening. Suddenly, Andrew popped his head out of a cunningly made opening in the rocks. It was completely concealed and low to the ground.

"Watch your heads. The opening is low to keep out enemies," said Andrew.

The children followed Andrew's head but still found the opening with difficulty. Large boulders sat around the opening with thick bushes covering the area. The actual cave opening sat to one side of the entrance. The entrance was only about 4 feet high and all the children stooped to enter. It was surprisingly well light from the ambient light coming in from multiple openings in the ceiling. They heard the tinkle of the springs in the back of the cave and smelled the wonderful dampness of fresh water.

As they entered the cavern, which sat under the "Oasis of Irene", the "Waters of Healing" flowed into the back of the cave. The children ran to the back of the cave and began to drink of the cool, tasty refreshing water.

"How lovely that tastes," sighed Mercy. "I don't think I ever drank anything so wonderful."

"It sure does quench your thirst," agreed Edward.

"Shhh," said Andrew.

His sharp ears caught the sound of the approaching Licentiousions' company before the others were aware.

"We must keep very quiet. The Licentiousions approach the Oasis," noted Andrew in a whisper. "The openings in the ceiling may transmit our voices outside."

They all grew quiet as the faint jingling of harnesses, bridles, and stirrups reached their ears. Soon, the voices of the soldiers could be heard as well. Shouts came through the ceiling and they heard the horses' whinnies.

Would they discover them?

"They do not know of these caves. As long as we are quiet, they will not find us. But, we do not know how long they might stay here and wait for us. We are to meet our friends in Licentia the day after tomorrow. They will fear the worst if they do not hear from us on time," whispered Andrew earnestly.

"Do you think if we wait until nightfall, we will be able to slip away?" asked Edward.

"Perhaps," returned Andrew thoughtfully. "You children sleep. I will keep the watch. I do not believe harm will befall us in this place."

The Licentiousions in the meantime thoroughly explored the whole oasis.

"They are not here my Lord Lieutenant," reported a soldier.

"Either they have not arrived or they hide nearby. We dare not return without them or it will be our heads. The General will not tolerate failure," said the Lieutenant grimly. "We will wait out the day to see if these traitors appear."

Soon, all things grew still as the heat of the day built to a furnace-like intensity. The soldiers took refuge in the shade of the towering palm trees by the cool waters of the "Waters of Healing." The snores of the soldiers floated over the Oasis while the horses drowsed in the shady glen.

As the daylight receded, the Licentiousions shook off their woolen heads from their napping and prepared to set out across the Desert in search of our brave travelers. Andrew gently shook children awake.

"Our pursuers are now awake and preparing to set off after us," said Andrew in a low voice.

"What will we do?" asked Heather quietly.

"What is that strange blue-gold light at the back of the cave?" asked Mercy softly and began walking toward the light.

As Mercy moved toward the back of the cave, the others followed silently to the blue-gold light.Faintly at first, then written as if in tongues of golden fire, the following words appeared,"

"In our time of greatest need,

The King sent two of deed.

Boy and Girl to free the land;

Servants of the Most High's band.

Two there were, yet calls for more.

Three must now move through the door.

To uncover what is now hidden,

The trio ought do as the Star has bidden."

"The first stanza is the old rune that first brought us to Logoland. Remember, Ed?" exclaimed Heather.

"Boy, I sure do. It was in the old book in Grandfather's library. It brought us to Groundfirm's cottage and started our adventures here," replied Edward.

"Rune, Groundfirm, adventures? This is all so confusing," murmured Mercy.

Andrew spoke, "So the stories of the rune are true as they said. How wonderful to see the words written thusly!"

"But what does it all mean?" insisted Mercy.

Edward and Heather quickly explained how the rune took them to Logoland where they met Groundfirm the gnome, the Grandfather of Groundgood the gnome, who Mercy had met at the very same cottage several days earlier. The Fillingston children briefly (very briefly fort there was so much to tell) described their first adventures in Logoland and the restoration of Logosian as the true king in Logoland. If you would like to read more about these adventures I am afraid you will need to read the first book of the "Bright Star Journals".

"Alright, I get the first part of the rune but what does this part mean?" said Mercy pointing to the second stanza:

"Two there were, yet calls for more.

Three must now move through the door.

To uncover what is now hidden,

The trio ought do as the Star has bidden."

"Don't you see Mercy? It means the three of us need to do something the Bright Star has told us to do!" exclaimed Heather excitedly.

"Not so loud, sis. You want the Licentiousions to hear us?" urged Edward in a lowered voice.

At that very moment, the four heard a loud baying of doggy voices at the entrance to the cave. With them came the shouts of the soldiers.

"Over here! There is an entrance to a cave the dogs have found!" shouted a soldier.

The little band turned quickly to look toward the cave entrance.

"Oh no! What do we do now?" asked Mercy with a tremor in her voice. "We're

trapped in the cave with no way out!"

Edward glanced around to see if there was a way of escape. As if by command, the flaming words brightened, flared and illuminated a doorway to the right of the verses.

"Over here! I see a door by the rune!" shouted Edward.

"How can this be? There is no door in here," said a bewildered Andrew.

"No time to argue or wait. Run for the door!" yelled Edward grabbing Mercy and Heather's hands.

They all ran to the door. It was a large oaken type of door with a beautiful blue-gold star shining out from the middle. The words "Through me" were written in elegant golden-flaming script. The handle resembled the old time door openers with a huge metal ring hanging down. It appeared to be golden in color. Edward let go of his sister's and cousin's hands and began to turn the handle. As he did the baying dogs came running, barking and growling into the back of the cave followed by the soldiers and knights.

"You there, stop in the name of his majesty King Animosity or we'll. . ." began the Lieutenant.

Edward twisted the door handle and pulled with all his might. The heavy oak door flew open as the dogs lunged at children and Andrew.
Chapter 6

Through the Doorway

When Edward threw the door open, a blinding blue-gold light burst forth around the four travelers. The light hit their pursuers full in the face. The dogs howled once and fell silent. The pursuing soldiers and knights fell onto their knees blinded by the brilliance streaming into their eyes and face.

"Ahhh! My eyes! I'm blind! It is too bright! It feels as though it is burning me up!" shouted the soldiers and knights in anguish.

"Make is stop! Make it stop I tell ye!" cried out the Licentiousions.

The children and Andrew only hesitated a moment before plunging through the brilliant light through the doorway. Once all four were through the opening, the door swung silently on its hinges with a boom, shutting them off from their pursuers.

As the door shut, the four turned to face it. They heard the muffled sounds of shouts and dogs barking. The Licentiousions on the other side door began banging on the door trying to get through to the four.

"Bring that bar," shouted a voice. "Put yer backs into it ya lazy dregs!" urged the Lieutenant.

"Well, well," began Edward. "That was fun! I think we need to get going."

"No, my Lord. I will not be coming with you," said Andrew gravely.

"What?" exclaimed Heather. "Not going with us? What do you mean?"

"Did you not understand what the rune told us my lady?" replied Andrew gently.

"Two there were, yet calls for more.

Three must now move through the door.

To uncover what is now hidden,

The trio ought do as the Star has bidden."

"The rune makes it very clear that I am not to accompany you," said Andrew.

"But, how will we find our way without you?" said Edward.

"I think the Bright Star will provide you the way," returned Andrew pointing down the tunnel. "It looks as if you must go right and I must go left."

The children turned to look down the cave tunnels. To the right a blue-gold light shown in the right tunnel. To the left blue light shown in the left tunnel.

"But we don't want to leave you, Andrew," wailed Mercy. "We don't know the way from here."

"The Bright Star will guide you with his light and his help," said Andrew.

"Can we at least give you a hug?" smiled Heather sadly

"Of course milady. I would be honored," returned Andrew with a slight bow.

The three children walked over to Andrew and hugged him tightly. They stood for a few moments. Andrew gently unclasped their arms. He lined them up side-by-side and looked at each of them intently in the eye.

"The Bright Star be with each of you. I will await your return with eager anticipation," said Andrew. With that, Andrew turned and began walking down the left side tunnel.

"Were in for it now," began Heather. "Wonder where this tunnel leads us?" she said with a small smile.

"Only one way to find out," grinned Edward. "Let's go and see what we find."

"You guys are really enjoying this aren't you?" exclaimed Mercy.

"I guess we are," replied Heather. "We love the adventures even though they get scary sometimes. You wanted adventures this summer. Well, here you go!" smiled Heather.

"Let's get going. Wherever that may be," murmured Edward. He turned and began striding down the right tunnel. As they approached the dark tunnel, blue-gold light appeared 20-30 feet ahead of them. The floor sloped down gently and a cool breeze blew softly up from the tunnel.

"Where exactly are we going," inquired the ever curious Mercy.

"Don't know. Just following the Star light to see where we end up," said Edward over his shoulder.

"That's just great. First I get pulled into this Logoland, ride through the forest, cross a desert, almost get killed by a harpy-thingy, and now I am going into a tunnel to who knows where," complained Mercy.

"The Bright will show us where we are going when He is ready," assured Heather."Did you guys know that we can't go back either? The tunnel turns dark after we go by," notice Mercy with anxiety in her voice.

"Yup. Not to worry, we are suppose to go ahead, not back," noted Edward matter-of-factly.

"I just don't like," hurrumped Mercy.

The three of them walked for over an hour without talking. Downward, ever downward trudged the children. The air became warmer as they descended. The sides of the tunnel glistened with drops of water.

As they forged along, Mercy thought she heard Edward ask her a question.

"Will you serve me?" began the voice.

"What did you say Ed?" asked Mercy.

"I didn't say anything," replied Edward.

"Are you sure?" inquired Mercy. "I know I heard someone ask me a question."

"They cannot hear me Mercy," said the voice. "Only you may hear me."

"Who is talking to me?" asked Mercy.

"It is I, the Bright Morning Star. You have doubted me have you not?" asked the Bright Star in amusement.

"But, I don't even know who you are," said Mercy bewildered.

'I am the Bright Star and true ruler of Logoland," answered the Bright Star.

"What do you want?" asked Mercy in confusion.

"Just you dear Mercy," said the Bright Star gently.

"But, what do you want with me?" asked Mercy.

"You to trust me, and, help work to free the King," replied the Star.

"I am already helping rescue the King," protested Mercy.

"True, however, you do not trust or believe in me," responded the Star.

"It is really hard to believe in someone you cannot see," answered Mercy.

While this one-sided conversation took place, Edward and Heather looked on in puzzled silence. Obviously, Mercy was talking with someone. They just could not hear the other person. That it was the Bright Star who was talking to Mercy was obvious to them, but they could not hear the Bright Star speaking.

"Faith untested is really no faith at all," returned the Bright Star. "It is much easier to believe in something you can see rather than a thing unseen. You must learn to believe even when it is difficult to do so."

"What does that mean?" asked Mercy.

"When the time comes, you will know. You will have to choose to believe. Until that time know that I watch over you and your cousins," finished the Bright Star.

"Wait, I have more questions," exclaimed Mercy.

"You were talking to Bright Star, weren't you?" began Heather excitedly. "What did He say?"

"How did you know it was the Bright Star?" answered Mercy.

"Your face. It is always that way when the Bright Star meets someone. Their face changes and takes on a special sort of other world look," stated Heather authoritatively.

"So, what did the Bright Star have to say?" inquired Edward.

"He said I needed to help rescue the King and. . .to learn to trust him," noted Mercy in a subdued voice. "I really don't know what that means."

"It will all become clear at the right time," said Heather.

"This is weird for me. All the adventure and Bright Star stuff. I am not sure what to do," murmured Mercy.

"Both of us have had similar experiences Mercy. You just have to learn to trust the Bright Star," said Heather earnestly.

"True, sis," said Edward. "We need to keep moving though."

The three turned and began to stride briskly downward once more. They reached a flat area and walked for about 40 minutes. Gradually the route turned upward. They slowly worked their way back toward the surface.

"We need to reach a door soon or find some source of water besides these dripping walls," stated Edward. "As best I can tell we have been walking along for several hours and gone about 5 or 6 miles. It is hard to tell exactly with the down slope and now walking up hill."

"I hope we reach something soon. My legs are getting pretty tired," joined in Mercy.

"Mine too," added Heather.

"What is that ahead?" questioned Edward. "It looks like another door. Not far to it."

"Great news," murmured Mercy.

The door before them looked oaken with ornate writings embossed on the frame. As the three came to opening, the words flamed forth on the door,

"Enter all who would do my will

Faithful to the Bright Star still

Evil will try to impead

Hard the way to rescue leads."

"I guess that's us," breathed Mercy noisily. "How do we open the door?"

"I think we just go over and open it with the handle," said Edward cheerfully.

Edward walked over to the large door, grabbed the large golden ring handle, and turned it. The handle turned slowly with a creak. Edward pulled on the handle and the door began to slowly open. As it did, the bluish-gold light began to fill the tunnel with its brilliance. The children walked gingerly forward into the doorway full of light.

Edward, Heather, and Mercy stepped over the threshold of the door and found themselves in a sunlit dell. Across the little meadow a small stream gurgled and sparkled in the sunlight. A light breeze caressed their cheeks and smelled of warm grass with a light scent of flowers. The sun felt marvelous on their faces after hours of being in the tunnel.

"How lovely!" exclaimed Mercy. "Where are we?"

"Not sure Mercy," answered Edward. "I think we are in Licentia. But exactly where, I am not sure."

"I think we ought to get into the woods out of sight," began Heather. "We are really exposed here in the open."

"Right sis. Let's get into those wetern trees over there and we can chat," said Edward.

The three scuttled over to the edge of the forest and ducked into the heavy brush for cover. Safely out of sight, the three sat at the foot of a wetern tree to figure out what to do next. They took off their packs and sat down gratefully.

"Boy are my legs tired," shared Mercy. "It is great to sit."

"I'm glad to be sitting too," answered Heather. "What next?"

On the breeze they heard a tinkling noise.

"What's that?" asked Mercy.

"Not sure," whispered Edward. "Let's listen for a minute."

The tinkling noise came again and then faded. It rode on the breeze and teased the three to try and find it. They could not tell what direction the sound came from and in thick woods, sounds seem to come from everywhere.

"Let's be quiet and listen for awhile," shared Edward in a low voice.

They sat for some minutes just listening for the sound to return. There it was again. It seemed to drift from behind them. Edward got up cautiously and motioned for girls to settle quietly to hide under some brush by the wetern tree.

Edward carefully moved through the undergrowth without a sound, remembering his old wood skills from Logoland. As he circled around behind where the girls were, the tinkling increased in volume. Edward's heart beat faster and he felt the tightening in his stomach with anxiety. Whatever or whoever made the noise was nearby now. Step by step Edward stealthily approached. He held his breath as the tinkling sounded right in front of him. Pushing the leaves of the bushes aside, Edward saw. . .three horses! Not just three horses, but three Logoland horses of the finest breeding, with all the gear and supplies they needed to travel to find the King. But, where did they come from? Where were their riders and what were they doing out in the middle of nowhere? There appeared to be no one around but Edward dared not go into the open until he was sure no one was around. He took care to completely make his way around the horses. After a thorough reconnoiter, Edward approached the horses. He smiled as he edged gently toward the black stallion on the right. The horse snuffled and the stallion turned toward Edward with a welcoming nicker.

"Hey, how are you? How did you get here? Who brought you?" breathed Edward petting the horse's glossy neck. The big horse nuzzled Edward's neck as if he had known him all his life.

"You know who I am don't you? The Bright Star sent you to us," said Edward firmly. "The others will sure be glad to see you."

The stallion had a Logoland saddle on his back with side pouches over his haunches. The blanket was the bright Logoland blue with a gold star. Tied with the black stallion were two other horses: both a white and a brown mare. The mares were decked out with smaller saddles, dainty bridles, and blue blankets with gold stars. Both had pouches over their haunches as well.

"I suppose we must go back to Heather and Mercy with you and then on to save the King," said Edward to the stallion named Starsmane. Although, Edward did not know that at the time.

He gathered the reins of the three horses and started back to the girls. The horses followed quietly with Edward. As he appeared with the horses, the girls squealed with delight.

"O, what a lovely mare!" shouted Mercy as she threw her arms around the brown mare's neck. The mare softly pushed against Mercy and whickered.

"You look just like 'Dainty Foot' who I rode in my first adventure!" squealed Heather. In point of fact, this mare descended in a direct line from "Dainty Foot" and her name was "Dainty Hoof". Heather hugged the horse's nose and stroked her neck.

"What now, Ed?" inquired Heather. "Do you know where we go next?"

"Not really. I just found the horses tied up for us. I don't know where we are to go yet. We still have no idea where the King is being held as a prisoner," replied Edward.

"I'm not worried about where we are going as long as I don't walk there. It will be lovely to ride again instead of walking," joined in Mercy with a smile. She really loved to ride horses.

"The first order of business ought to be to go through our packs and the saddlebags on the horses. We need to rid ourselves of excess baggage and ride with the minimum we need," said Edward thoughtfully. "Keep all the food and water but get rid of excess clothing."

The children soon pulled out all their clothing from their backpacks and sorted through it. Next, they turned to the saddlebags. In the top of Edward's bag was a map!

"Look Heather and Mercy. A map! Wonder what it will show us?" said Edward excitedly.

"Does it have a route on it?" asked Heather.

"Yes, does it have a route for us on it?" inquired Mercy.

"Hmmmm. Let's see. There is a route mapped out for us to follow. I am not very familiar with Licentia, so we'll need to study it a bit. Also, it looks like we will follow the back roads. Wait, there is another sheet of paper. 'Remove the horses' blankets and replace them with the plain wool ones in the saddlebags, change the bits/bridles, and put on the plain clothing as well.'"

"Here are the clothes, the blankets, and bridles/bits in this saddlebag," said Heather rummaging through her mare's saddlebag. "Ed, can you help us pull our saddles off the horses and we'll change out these blankets with the Bright Star's markings?"

Edward helped Heather and Mercy remove their saddles, removed the "Bright Star" blankets, replaced them with the plain grey horse blankets, and re-saddled the mares. As Edward re-saddled his stallion, the ladies went into the bushes to change into their plainer clothes. After finishing putting the saddle back on his stallion, Edward changed into his new clothes. He studied the map while the ladies finished changing.

The map took them from the "Woods of Forgetting" which they now encamped, across the "River of Wrongdoing", into the "Mountains of Temptation", through the "Pass of Hopelessness", across the "Plains of Pouting" and into the "Hills of Hostility".

Chapter 7

"Into the Distance"

Heather and Mercy came out of the bushes giggling.

"Girls," Edward thought shaking his head. "They are always giggling about something."

They had changed into their plain traveling clothes. Edward had re-saddled their mounts with their saddlebags.

"What are you two laughing about?" inquired Edward.

"We were laughing about how we look in our new clothes," answered Heather.

"Yes, we thought we looked like a couple of ragamuffins in these plain brown skirts and tops," added Mercy

"Hopefully these plain clothes will help us keep from being discovered. Although our horses look a bit too fine for country bumpkins to be riding," added Edward ruefully.

"What next?" asked Mercy.

"The map has our route clearly marked upon it," said Edward. "Our first leg of the journey leads us through the 'Woods of Forgetting'. I am not sure exactly what lies ahead of us in the forests. We must trust the Bright Star to lead us along the way."

"What exactly is the 'Woods of Forgetting'?" asked Mercy.

"Where we are going," answered Edward.

"But what is it?" inquired Mercy again.

"The place the Bright Star wants us to go to start this journey to rescue King Barnabus X," said Edward simply.

"Let's get going then," added Heather impatiently. "The daylight is passing and I do not think we want to be in the 'Woods of Forgetting' at night."

The children mounted the horses and set off at a brisk walk. Each mount sensed the urgency of the mission and stepped off smartly with necks arched, nostrils a flair, and spring in their step. As they rode, Edward explained what he remembered of the "Woods of Forgetting".

"When we last were here in Logoland these woods held a deep enchantment. None wanted to enter for fear of the things that were alleged to happen. The stories said that those who went into the woods did not return. Anyone who did come back told of trees that spoke evilly and tried to keep them in the woods."

"Trees who talk and try to kidnap you?" asked Mercy. "I am not sure I like this adventure."

"As long as we do not stop or get caught in the woods at night, we should be fine," returned Edward.

"That will be easy enough," said Heather. "I am not interested in stopping in any dark woods."

The trio moved along across the meadow in front of them and entered the black woods. The edge of the woods sat dark, foreboding, seeming to swallow the very sunlight from the air. No breath of breeze shook the leaves even though the light wind blew across their faces. The trail disappeared into the trees. Onward they rode quietly entering under the dim canopy of the ancient forest. The very air vibrated with malevolence.

"This is really creepy," shuddered Mercy. "I don't like it."

"Neither do I," whispered Heather. "It reminds me of previous adventures when we had to deal with evil."

"We just need to keep moving and not stop," added Edward firmly.

The trees arched over the trail in an impenetrable cover. The gloom deepened as they traveled deeper into the forest. The queerest part of the journey was the uncanny silence. No birds sang, no insects vibrated, and no leaves rustled. Just a thick silence sat over the woods. Even the horses' hooves made no sound in the moss covered path.

"How long to get to the other side?" questioned Mercy.

"The map is a bit unclear in this part," said Edward. "I think it is roughly 15 miles through the woods. So, we ought to reach the other side of the forest before nightfall. We cannot be caught in the woods at night."

Soon the quiet, the increasing warmth of the day, and the rhythm of the horses began to lull the group into drowsiness difficult to fight. Mercy yawned first and began to slump. Heather nodded next. Edward fought the heaviness of his eyes valiantly. Finally, his head bounced up and down. All three gently slid from their mounts onto the mossy forest floor. As they did, the horses stopped. Soft snores crept from the children.

Mercy slumbered and descended into a deep sleep. As she slept, a dream took shape.

"Mercy, you must awaken now. You and your cousins are in great danger," the voice said.

"Can't, too sleepy now," mumbled Mercy.

"Arise now Mercy and obey!" the voice now insisted.

"Who is talking to me," whined Mercy.

"The Bright Star," remonstrated the voice.

"But, I want to sleep. So tired," complained Mercy.

"You must get up NOW," commanded the Bright Star.

"I just don't want to," replied Mercy.

"Have you forgotten already what I told you?" inquired the Bright Star.

"Not forgotten, just sleepy," muttered Mercy.

"You must choose," replied the Bright Star gravely.

"Sleep now. Talk later," sighed Mercy.

Unfortunately for the three of them, the day waned as they slept soundly. The trees rustled, sending the news that the three children slept in the "Woods of Forgetting". The word spread quickly across the forest until it reached the lair of the forest ogres.

"There are three children sleeping in the 'Woods of Forgetting,'" growled the ogre captain as he reported to the ogre king.

"Hmm, three children? Could these be the ones we seek? Go find them and bring them to me," said the ogre king with a rumble.

"Yes, my liege," answered the captain. "It shall be as you command."

The ogre captain rapidly gathered his men and set off to bring the children back to the ogre king. Meanwhile, the children snoozed unaware of their danger. The heavy magical enchantment held them in a deep slumber. Later, Heather and Edward described horrible nightmares about being chase through the dark woods with no one to help them. Mercy would never talk about her dreams in the woods. The ogres ran without stopping. Just as the sun touched the tops of the "Mountains of Temptation" on its way into the horizon, the ogres found the mossy trail leading to the children. The captain stopped short and held up the others. He put his noise into the air and sniffed deeply.

"They are this way. I can smell them," said the ogre captain pointing down the trail.

The ogres ran down the trail to find the children. Edward stretched, yawned and opened his eyes. As his mind focused, he leapt up and called to Mercy and Heather.

"Get up! We have fallen asleep! Quickly, to our mounts!" cried Edward.

Heather and Mercy started and sat up.

"Wwwhat?" exclaimed Mercy.

"Huh?" shouted Heather.

As if on cue, the sounds of the ogres came to them from behind them on the trail. The children heard the clank of the ogres' armor and grunts in the distance around the bend.

"Mount up now!" yelled Edward.

The girls jumped up, grabbed their horses' reigns, and threw themselves into the saddle. The horses whinnied as the children clapped their heels into their flanks to urge them onward.

"There they are!" snarled the ogre captain rounding the corner behind them. "After them you scurvey scum!"

"Ya!" yelled the ogres in unison. "Get them!"

"Haw!" shouted Edward. "Giddyup!"

The horses jump forward and began to rocket down the mossy path. The ogres ran after them in a mad rush. Weapons drawn and screaming, the ogres could run for miles without wearying. The darkness only increased their stamina. The sun would soon set and then the children would be unable to see the path. The horses ran rapidly with ragged breaths while the children looked over their shoulders at the pursuing ogres.

Mercy felt not only the terror of the pursuit, but burned with shame as well. She knew this mess was her fault. If she had only listened to the Bright Star! Instead, she just slept. Now the Star would never forgive her. What would Heather and Edward think? They would surely hate her.

Edward berated himself for not staying awake and letting the girls down. If they were captured, it was his doing. Heather was so scared she just wanted to get away.

The horses began to tire. The mares started to slow and fall back. Edward pulled Starsmane's bridle and dropped behind the mares. The ogres were gaining. An occasionally arrow flew past as one of the ogres tried to hit the horses and end the chase. The twilight deepened and Edward knew if they did not leave the woods, they were lost. Suddenly, ahead on the path perhaps a ½ mile way Edward saw the end of the forest path arched in silhouette against the dying sun.

"Just ahead. The forest ends. Run hard and I will block!" shouted Edward.

Edward then did a very brave thing. He pulled Starsmane up sharply and whirled around. As he did, he drew his gnome blade and shouted,

"For Logoland and the Star!"

Edward looked like an avenging angel as he swept down on the ogre captain. With cloak flapping, eyes ablaze, and gnome blade glinting in the sun, and running at breakneck speed over Starsmane's neck, Edward really did appear to be rimmed in a fiery ethereal glow. The captain of the ogres was so startled he stopped short and stared. Edward slew him with a single blow of his blade as he galloped by. Edward whirled Starsmane and returned. With his sword he smote another ogre and galloped on. The other ogres stared in stupefied confusion as Edward rushed off.

Starsmane stretched out his gallop to catch up with Dainty Hoof and Mercy's mare. As the stallion caught the mares, the three burst from the woods racing toward the "River of Wrongdoing".

"We must cross the river!" panted Edward. "The ogres cannot cross the "River of Wrongdoing'. The waters are fatal to them."

They swept onward to the river. The ogres did not pursue. The death of the captain took the fight out of them.

They yelled, "We'll get you!" at the edge of the "Woods of Forgetting" but did not move toward the river. The children slowed their horses' pace to a brisk trot as they reached the river.

"We must find a shallow place to ford the river and cross," said Edward.

"Look, over there Ed. It looks like a low place with gravel to cross," pointed Heather downstream to some ripples on the river's surface.

"You're right, sis," exclaimed Edward. "Let's get over before those ogres change their minds and come after us."

They urged their horses toward the river bank for the crossing. Down the gradual slope they moved picking their way to the gravel for crossing. Gingerly the horses entered the water stepping along the bottom. The river ran only a few feet deep with a gentle current at this spot. The horses each took a short drink on the way across. The group clambered up the other side. A path led across the plain leading to the "Mountains of Temptation".

"We probably ought to put some miles between us and the ogres. We will camp at the foot of the mountains," said Edward.

"I,I,I have something to confess," began Mercy.

"Confess what?" asked Heather curiously.

"The Bright Star talked to me in my dream and told me to wake up. But I did not. I just slept instead," said Mercy miserably. "I didn't believe and now the Bright Star will be angry with me."

"Oh no Mercy," returned Heather. "The Bright Star will always love you and never leave you. We all have done things to fail Him. He will give you another chance."

"That's right Mercy. Besides, it is my fault we were almost caught. I should never have fallen asleep," shared Edward earnestly.

Mercy just shook her head glumly with tears on her cheeks.

The sun set and they rode on in the wan light of the first moon of Logoland. It's dim lit their way without problems. Even in the faint light, the path shone as a silvery thread through the plain. The night sounds provided a welcome respite after the silence of the woods. The crickets chirruped and night birds sang. A balmy warm breeze flowed over them. The horses walked slowly after the exhausting chase. All three of the horses would need a rub down after the hard run. In the moonlight Edward saw a small clearing off to the right of the trail.

"I think we should camp here for the evening," said Edward motioning Mercy and Heather to the clearing.

"Great news, Ed. I am very tired," sighed Heather.

"Weren't not done yet. We have to rub down the horses and set up camp," returned Edward.

"Just great," muttered Mercy.

"Don't complain. We need to make sure the horses are taken care of and the camp made. If we are going to ride further, we need to make sure the horses do become lame so we make the city of Licentia," replied Edward.

"I'll help with the horses," said Heather. "I don't mind a bit. I'll rub down Dainty Hoof and help you with your mare, Mercy."

"I'll take care of my horse. I wouldn't ever not rub down my horse after a hard ride," said Mercy tartly.

"Enough, let's get the camp put together and the horses brushed. I'll get the saddles off the horses. Heather, could you see what is in the saddlebags to eat?" asked Edward.

"Sure, Ed. Let's see what the Bright Star gave us to eat," said Heather cheerfully.

Edward started taking the saddles off the horses for the night. He removed their bridles, placed picket line halters on them, and carefully inspected their hooves for any signs of tenderness or injury.

"While you look for food, I'll start rubbing down the horses," returned Mercy.

Mercy found two horse brushes in her saddlebag and began to rub down her mare. When you ride a horse, especially a hard days ride, you must make sure to carefully groom them. Mercy took a brush in each hand. Both brushes were made of stiff bristles with a leather strap to put your hand into to hold the brush. She began at the horse's head and neck with swift, sure strokes. The dirt, debris, and sweat came off easily with her firm movements. The mare stood with eyes half-closed at the pleasure of having her coat groomed. Mercy checked carefully on the mare for signs of any rubbing, hot spots, or sore areas due to the ride. She knew that she must carefully inspect for saddle sores. Mercy lifted her mare's hooves looking for swelling or sore spots.

Heather rummaged in the saddlebags for food. She found dried poc, gnome bread, fruit, and wetern sugar. Each horse carried water to drink. Heather took the dried poc, gnome bread and fruit out to eat. She spread a gnome cloak on the ground placing the food on it. The water botas she placed alongside the food.

Edward joined Mercy brushing the horses. He cleaned up Starsmane with the two brushes from his saddlebags. Then, he staked the horse out for the night. Mercy finished with her mare and began to groom Dainty Hoof. Edward walked over and helped Mercy. They soon finished and put the horses out on lines for the night.

"Dinner is ready," called Heather to Edward and Mercy. "We have dried poc, gnome bread, fruit and water. It's quite a feast."

"I'm hungry," said Mercy flopping down next to Heather.

"Use a little of the water to wash your hands," said Heather.

"Great," agreed Edward.

The two washed their hands quickly. The three thanked the Bright Star for the bounty. The first moon of Logoland's thin crescent shown brightly in the heavens as the second moon of Logoland started its ascent into the night sky. It made eating their meal easy and meant they did not have to start a fire. A fire would only make it easier for anyone to find them in the night. They made their beds in the edge of clearing.

"The horses will warn us if anyone comes close. Although, I don't think anyone will come around tonight. The ogres seemed to be the ones trying to get us on this side of the 'Mountains of Temptation'. I am not sure what awaits us in the 'Pass of Hopelessness' but the Star sent us and that is all that we need know," said Edward. "Let's get some sleep."

"I'm all for that," agreed Mercy with a yawn.

"Do you want me to keep the first watch?" inquired Heather.

"Nope. Like I said, the horses will watch over us," said Edward placing his gnome cloak on the ground with his saddle for a pillow.

"Ganight," said Edward.

"Night," responded Heather and Mercy in unison.

All of the children soon were fast asleep. Their steady, deep breathing were the only movements from the three. Starsmane the stallion doze fitfully keeping his ears open on watch. His line of horses came from the long line of warrior horses in Logoland. It was in their blood and heredity to be always on the alert. As warhorses, these animals possessed that instinctive sense of danger when it came nearby. Nothing stirred in the night to alert Starsmane.

In the moonlight, a small squirrel named Chatterkins jumped upon a limb over the children. He looked down on them protectively. Andrew had sent him to watch over the three. The smaller animals had remained loyal to Barnabus X. It would fall to him to watch over the children this night. Squirrels were sometimes flighty but fiercely loyal with a strong sense of duty. He would keep close tabs on the children all night to warn them of any danger. Chatterkins settled himself in the notch of a tree with a juicy nut or two to nibble on as a snack.

The night passed uneventfully and the children rose in the early sunlight stiff and sore from the previous day's adventure. Chatterkins made sure they were alright and scampered off to report back to Andrew the children were fine.

"Oh, my aching back," moaned Mercy. "My bottom is even sore."

Then Mercy remembered her disobedience to the Bright Star. How would she ever be able to face Him? Mercy would be restored in a most miraculous way. But, that is getting ahead of our story.

"I can't believe how sore my calves are," replied Heather rubbing her lower legs ruefully.

"I am just sore all over my legs and bottom," said Edward with a wry grin. "It won't take long to loosen up on the road. Anymore of that tasty bread left?"

"Sure, right in the saddlebags," answered Heather.

"Why don't the two of you get the breakfast food together and get the camp area cleaned up. I will go and find some water for the horses," said Edward.

Edward went into the woods to find fresh water. He knew there must be fresh water somewhere close by. A short distance in the woods and he heard the gurgling of a small brook. The water came freshly out of the ground from a spring. They could refill their own water botas and give the horses a thorough drink before they started up the mountain trail. He looked up over the trees and saw the path winding up the side of the hills into the heights of the mountains. Edward walked back to the others. They had the food laid out on the gnome cloak.

"There is a lovely little brook just through the trees over there," said Edward. "I'll take the horses after breakfast and we can also fill our water botas."

The three began to eat their dried poc, bread, and drank deeply of the water in the botas.

"I really like this poc with bread," said Mercy munching happily.

"It is pretty good," answered Edward with a half-full mouth.

"Really good," agreed Heather.

While Mercy and Heather cleaned up the campsite, including any signs of their presence, Edward took all three horses to get a drink while bringing the water botas to fill.

The horses took their time drinking their fill and nibbling at the fresh sweet grass around the spring. Edward had filled the water botas first. He let the horses drink their fill because he did not know when they might next have fresh water like this spring water. The horses all looked refreshed and ready to make the ascent up the mountains. He led them back just a Mercy and Heather were getting their horses' blankets and saddles ready.

"It's about time you got back," teased Heather. "We thought you were lost."

"Yeah, right. It is about 150 yards away and I'd get lost. Looks like you cleaned up well. Let's saddle up these horses and get going," responded Edward.

Mercy and Heather placed the bits on the horses. Edward put all the blankets on the horses and heaved the saddles up on each one. Heather and Mercy adjusted their own saddle straps, tightening them down firmly. They threw the saddlebags over the horses' backs along with the water botas. The three mounted up, settled in their saddles, and turned up the trail.
Chapter 8

"Into the Mountains"

Edward led with the stallion Starsmane, Mercy second, and Heather in the back. The day looked lovely with the sun clearing the woods behind them and shining brightly on the mountains in front of them. The snows were still thick on the mountain tops and would not disappear until late in the summer. The spring may even give rise to late snow storms trapping travelers in their grip. This day gave no hint of such weather. The sky above the children shown with the iridescent sapphire blue glow of a spring day. No hint of a cloud darkened the sky. The horses stepped out smartly following trail upward into the mountains.

"How far is the pass?" asked Mercy. "Will it take all day to get there?"

"I'm not sure," answered Edward. "The map was a little vague about the distances. It looked like about 5 or 6 miles up to the 'Pass of Hopelessness'. The Pass itself looks like it goes about a mile or so and then starts down on the other side into the 'Plains of Pouting'."

"Is it really called the 'Plains of Pouting'?" inquired Mercy.

"That is what the map calls it. I am not sure how it came by the name but reminds me of people I have known," grinned Edward.

"Very funny," sniffed Mercy.

"How high is the Pass, Ed?" asked Heather curiously. "Will we have to travel into some snow?"

"Not sure, sis. Most of these mountain passes have snow in them until late summer and we are still in the late spring in Logoland. I shouldn't be a bit surprised if we have to go through some snow," answered Edward thoughtfully. "We may even have to dismount and walk a bit."

The trio made excellent time as they rode along. The sun warmed their backs and shoulders with a slight wisp of breeze caressing their cheeks. Heather and Mercy chatted gaily as they trotted along. Edward lost himself in his own thoughts trying to imagine what the pass might hold for them. He did not want to worry the girls, but the snow might prove more of problem than he had shared. The snows in the mountain passes could be very deep in the early spring. Edward scanned the horizon to look for any weather changes. Not a hint of a cloud in the sky that he could see. He could smell no storm coming either. People would laugh when Edward said he could "smell" a change in the weather. He was usually right. All the Fillingston men had the "gift" as they called it. Grandfather Fillingston said it came from ancestors in the past who spent their days as sea captains on the open ocean. And the sense only became sharper in Logoland.

The path got steeper, narrower, and rougher as they climbed. The trees started out with broad leaves like the oaks, maples, wetern, elms, and hemlocks. Soon, they were entering the pines with the scent of their needles all around.

"Let's give the horses a rest and a drink from that stream over there," pointed Edward. "We can have a short break too and get some water."

"I'm all for that," said Mercy reigning in her horse. She jumped down, pulled the reins over her mare's head, and led her to get a good long drink. She checked the blanket and saddle to make sure there were no areas of rubbing. Mercy did not want her horse to get any sores.

Heather led Dainty Hoof over to the water for a drink. She checked her horse's blanket, saddle, and made sure there were no saddle sores. The mare took a long drink of water and made a snack of the fresh grass near the stream banks. Starsmane had his drink too and grazed beside the mares. Meanwhile, the children splashed fresh, cool mountain water on their faces and satisfied their own thirsts.

Edward smelled the air again. Still nothing in the atmosphere to make him think the weather might be getting bad. Yet, he could not help but feel something was going to happen on the way through the pass. Heather and Mercy each took a small snack of wetern sugar with long drinks of water. The wetern sap made a delicious brown maple sugar-like candy. It was especially nice to suck on like a sort of brown sugar cube. Edward nibbled on a small piece of the dried poc. He preferred it to the wetern candy.

After a short rest, they remounted their horses. The three continued the climb and the air took on a cooler and sharper tinge. Edward kept looking around at the horizon as the sun shone brightly over them. Mercy and Heather talked quietly as they rode. The trail became distinctly steeper and less clear as they climbed. Within an hour they could see their breaths and steam came off the horses.

"It's getting pretty cold," said Heather with a shiver. "I'm going to get my gnome cloak out to wear."

Heather reached back into her pack and pulled out a gnome cloak to wear. Mercy did the same. Edward just kept riding along and silently watching the weather. The sun gave no indication of losing its intensity nor did any cloud darken their way. Imperceptively, a wisp of fog came flowing out of the canyon to their right. At first, Edward did not notice its presence. Then, the fog thickened and flowed more rapidly. It came in whitish threads across the trail with tendrils of moisture reaching at them. Minute by minute the mist darkened, grew in volume and then, started to cover the trail. Soon, it was blowing over them so thickly that they could barely see each other.

"Quickly now! Draw together. We must tie ourselves together so we do not get lost," urged Edward.

"What is happening?" asked Mercy in a worried voice.

"I'm not sure," replied Edward. "We must not get separated. This fog has come too quickly to be natural. There is something behind this."

"What will we do, Ed?" asked Heather.

"Keep going," said Edward grimly. "We must get through the pass by the end of the day. I would not relish a night out in the open on the top of the Pass."

The fog grew thicker and thicker with each moment. Soon they could barely see the back of the person in front of them. Edward squinted to see the path ahead of them. He could barely make out the trail as it wound upward. The horses seemed uneasy as well. Starsmane's nostrils flared and his ears pricked forward in readiness. They came to a place where the trail forked in front of them. Each path seemed to lead upward but only one could be the right one.

"Whoa," said Edward.

"What is it Ed?" inquired Heather.

"The path looks like it forks here. I am not sure which one is the right one," answered Edward.

"So what do we do now?" asked Mercy.

"I'm sure the Bright Star will help us," returned Edward. "Now, which path would he have us take?"

"Mercy, take the right way," whispered the Bright Star.

"Who said that?" said Mercy with a start.

"It is the Bright Star, Mercy," answered the Bright Star.

"Edward, we need to take the right path," said Mercy eagerly.

"How do you know?" asked Edward skeptically.

"The Bright Star just told me," Mercy replied.

"Are you sure Mercy?" asked Edward skeptically.

"Yes, yes. He just told me we need to go to the right," answered Mercy.

"Let's go Ed. Mercy heard the Bright Star," responded Heather.

"How do we know it was the Bright Star?" replied Edward doubtfully.

"Ed, if Mercy said the Bright Star told her, then, we know it must be true. Let's just go," said Heather eagerly.

"Are we sure that she really heard the Bright Star?" said Edward.

"Ed, how can you say that?" asked Heather in a shocked voice.

"No, Edward is right. I messed up in the woods. He is right to doubt me," replied Mercy miserably.

"Well, Ed. What do we do then?" replied Heather.

"If Mercy says to the right, I think we ought to go to the left," said Edward.

"But why?" answered Heather. "I think we ought to go to the right like Mercy says."

"I say to the left and I am in charge of the expedition," said Edward stubbornly.

"You are not the only one who has heard from the Bright Star," said Heather somewhat hotly.

"Yes, I know, but since Mercy's last encounter with the Bright Star, we have some reason to wonder about her," said Edward.

"Ed, that was really mean!" replied Heather getting annoyed.

"I'm sorry but we are going to go to the left," said Edward.

Mercy felt miserable but could not blame Edward for questioning her about the Bright Star. What should she do? She decided she must stay with the others no matter what happened.

"We really should go to the right Ed, but, I will follow you to the left," said Mercy with resignation.

"Do not worry Mercy. I am with you. Well done listening to me," encouraged the Bright Star.

"But, Edward did not listen to me," said Mercy resignedly.

"Obedience is your part, not others. It will work out for all of your good. Never fear," finished the Star.

"Well, let's get on with it," replied Edward gruffly.

The party turned their horses to the left and began the ascent up the mountain. Unfortunately, the decision and ignoring the Bright Star's directions would prove uncomfortable for the three travelers. The way became colder and colder as they climbed upward. Soon, the frost began to settle on their clothing and tinge the horses' manes and tales. The path became rockier and rougher with fewer scraggly trees. Snow covered the sides of the path. It became somewhat harder to breath too as they gained altitude. The deathly unearthly stillness of the eerie fog seemed most ominous to all three. No birds sang, no wind blew, and no noises broke the silence. They felt encased in a blanket of silence.

"How much farther to the peak?" puffed Mercy with shortened breath.

"I don't know. Can't be too much farther now," answered Edward in gasping speech.

"I hope so," inserted Heather with shortness of breath. "I am worried we are not getting to the top and we cannot get caught up at the summit at night."

Suddenly, a light appeared in front of them and the fog began to clear. The blinding light of the mid-afternoon sun initially kept them from seeing their way. Once their eyes adjusted to the light, what they saw ahead greatly disturbed them. The path seemed blocked by a rockslide of large boulders with no way around or through it.

"Now what?" inquired Heather. "I knew we should listen to Mercy."

"It is not time to squabble," replied a chagrinned Edward. "We need to find a way around this or we'll have to go back to the fork."

"We can't do that," exclaimed Heather. "We would have to spend the night on the mountain. Besides, the fog has gotten even thicker."

"Let me see if we can find a way around this mess first," said Edward ruefully.

Edward dismounted and began to scout the area for a path around or through the debris on the path. The path seemed the only route with a narrow area between two steep cliffs. No other way looked open. Edward climbed to the side of the path searching for a way for them and the horses. Heather and Mercy talked as Edward looked.

"Mercy, I am so sorry for Edward's pig-headedness. He should have listened to you," began Heather earnestly.

"It's alright, Heather. I would not have listened either. That is what got us into trouble in the first place," said Mercy abjectly.

"Well, I should have insisted that Ed take the right pathway," replied Heather.

"We'll just have to find another way around this mess," sighed Mercy.

Edward found a path leading around the blocked path. But, it was steep and on the mountainside. The path was narrow with a steep drop off into a narrow canyon filled with sharp rocks. It was just wide enough for the horses to tread single file.

"I found a way around the landslide," shouted Edward to Mercy and Heather. "It is over here around the face of the mountain side."

"Is it okay for the horses?" asked Heather.

"It looks wide enough," yelled Edward. "Let's bring the horses up and try. There is no other way unless we try to go back through the fog and take the other path."

Edward climbed down the hillside and took Starmane's bridle to lead him around the obstacle. He and the stallion picked their way gingerly around the large rocks to the path along the mountain's side. The girls followed with their horses. As they rounded the hilltop, the girls gasped. The narrow path wound up around the mountainside with a sheer drop beside the path itself.

"You want us ride up that path and get over the mountain," blurted out Mercy.

"There seems to be no other alternative," replied Edward grimly.

"Are you sure?" asked Heather.

"Yup," answered Edward. "We need to get moving if we are going to beat the sun going down." As Edward spoke they all looked at the sun making its way toward the horizon. They had roughly 3-4 hours of daylight left to get through the pass.

"We'll lead the horses along the route and ride if we are able," said Edward.

The three took the reins of the horses and began the journey up the trail to the mountain top. As they climbed, they realized the breeze was picking up and they felt colder. Up ahead the tree line ended and the late spring snow covered the mountain top. The sun glinted off the icy surface of the snow adding to the brightness of the day.

"Be very careful as we go. The rocks on the path are loose and there are icy spots as well," said Edward.

Up they climbed slowly navigating their way along the pathway. The horses picked their feet carefully and steadily. They did not talk much since the altitude made them all short of breath. Each breath came out as a cloud-like puff as the temperature dropped. Mercy and Heather struggled bravely along as the course roughened. Sometimes Edward had to stop and clear their way of rocks and snow. It was painfully slow progress. As the sun began to reach the line of mountains on the horizon, they saw the summit ahead.

"There's the top ahead," panted Edward.

"Great," puffed Heather. "I'm really tired."

"Me too," gasped Mercy.

The three children wearily led the horses over the summit. What they saw caused their hearts to fall.

Below them lay a thick bank of clouds completely covering their descent. The course was open for about 100 feet and completely disappeared. The one positive aspect was that the path turned toward the center of the mountain away from cliff side.

"What now?" asked Mercy. "We can't see the pathway again."

"Not sure yet. But we need to get off the mountain's top and get lower so we can breath," said Edward with labored breathing.

As they worked their way down the breeze became a real wind with an icy grip. Each step became torturous as they stumbled downhill.

"At least we are going downhill," grinned Heather weakly. "Plus, we can soon ride again. Right, Ed?"

"Right sis," panted Edward.

As they approached the wall of clouds, the sun began to obscure and the path darken. The temperature dropped even more and a bone chilling cold settled over them.

"We are going to need to stop somewhere and make camp. We can't follow the pathway in the dark. We're in for a long cold night," said Edward.

"I'm all for stopping soon," replied Mercy.

"Will we get to have a fire?" inquired Heather.

"Can't risk it. Someone might see it in the night," answered Edward.

The three disappeared into the cloudbank's dankness and chill. The way became very hard to see but Edward thought they should continue as long as they could see the way. The horses felt the fatigue and altitude also with drooping heads and tails. The three doggedly kept at the trail as the sun fell behind the horizon. The only way they knew the sun was setting was the faint glow above the clouds began to fade.

"We'll need to stop before we lose all the light," said Edward. "Let's get those saddles off the horses, the horses brushed a bit, and then get something to eat."

Edward quickly removed the saddles while the girls brushed the horses down briefly. The three wearily took out some dried poc, a bite of bread, and water. They finished dinner quickly. They gave the horses each a full drink of water and spread gnome cloaks on the ground. Heather, Mercy and Edward all huddled together for the cold night's sleep.
Chapter 9

"Out of the Clouds"

As the three huddled together, the night became colder and colder. The wind picked up and made the night even colder. The horses bunched together for warmth. In the distance they heard the wind blowing through the trees making a rustling sound like those of a large flock of birds. The dankness of the fog settled on top of them making the air feel clammy and cool. Farther in the night came the screeching of night birds.

"What is that sound?" whispered Mercy.

"I'm not sure," replied Heather.

"Do you know what it is Ed?" asked Heather.

"I don't know either. Sort reminds me of a screech owl or something," said Edward thoughtfully.

"Its sound makes me scared," said Mercy.

"I don't like it either," agreed Heather.

"Do you think they found us?" said Mercy in a worried voice.

"Don't see how in this miserable fog," said Edward in a low voice. "I guess nothing is impossible. They won't be able to find us in the night and the fog. So, we're safe for now. Let's all get some sleep."

"Easy for you to say," muttered Mercy.

She pulled her gnome cloak tighter and snuggled closer to Heather. Heather squeezed her arm reassuringly. Finally Mercy fell into a troubled sleep. She kept dreaming of ogres running after her and harpies trying to capture her. Heather remembered no dreams that night but slept without any dreams she remembered. Edward dreamt darkly of shapes he could not identify or recall. He awoke troubled in the morning. Daylight came only too swiftly to the children. Edward woke first to find himself and the others covered with a hard, thick white layer of frost. He carefully climbed out from under the gnome cloak and walked stiffly over to the horses. They were covered in the frost as well. The horses shook themselves awake and nickered softly to welcome Edward. He took some oats from one of the saddlebags and fed all the horses. He then gave each one a long drink of water. As the horses finished the water, the girls were waking up as well. Heather and Mercy shook the frost off and got up slowly. Sleeping on hard rocks was not the best way to spend a night and they both were sore.

The weather did not improve over the night and the fog still lay thick over the ground. The trail was barely visible in the early morning light of the sun. The silence was complete this morning. No wind, no birds, and no sounds. As they stretched, Heather and Mercy pulled food from their saddle bags and set a picnic up on the ground with poc, bread, and water. After a quick breakfast, they saddled up the horses, mounted up and began the journey down the trail. As they started down the path, a brisk wind began to blow the fog away. The sun burst through the fog and melted the darkness.

"Wow, that's bright!" exclaimed Mercy.

"I can hardly see my way," joined in Heather.

"Let's let our eyes clear for a moment," said Edward.

Their eyes adjusted slowly to the sun. From behind the sun, a small cloud started to form. Soon, a billowing dark cloud pushed up behind the sun. It grew and grew climbing straight up into the morning sky. The wispy edges of the cloud gained volume and density while racing toward them. In a short time, the sun was obscured and the clouds filled the sky. Lightning flashed, thunder rolled and the wind whistled amongst the trees. A driving rain began in the distance with a solid wall of water pushing toward the trio.

Edward reacted first.

"Quick, to shelter in those rocks over there!" shouted Edward.

The three dashed with their horses to a large rock overhang big enough to shelter the horses and the three children. No sooner had the trio reached the rocks when large bolts of lightning crashed around them. The air sizzled with electric energy while bluish streaks lit the darkened sky. Thunder boomed with such intensity the ground shook. The horses reared frantically and tried to escape. Edward, Mercy, and Heather held them tightly and comforted them with soothing words. But, the horses continued to tremble.

The children described the sounds reminding them of a volley of cannon fire. The storm lasted for several hours with torrential rains falling so fast that a virtual river of water ran at the children's feet.

Finally, the storm blew through and stillness reigned.

"Is everyone okay?" said Edward in a subdued voice.

"I think I'm okay," replied Mercy.

"Me too," answered Heather.

"Are all of the horses fine?" mentioned Mercy.

"They look like they are doing well," said Heather.

With the storm passed, the horses immediately perked up. They were ready to move on and leave the "Pass of Hopelessness".

"Let's get out of here," said Edward.

"Yes, let's go," added Mercy.

The children climbed upon their horses and rode down the path. As they worked their way between the large stones the trail suddenly opened up. What confronted them thoroughly confused them. Instead of the "Plains of Pouting" they saw a huge forest in front of them. Where were the plains? How had they ended up here? Did it have something to do with them taking the left side of the trail instead of the right side of the trail?

"Where are we, Ed?" asked Heather in a worried voice.

"I ,I, I don't know, sis," stammered Edward. "We ought to see the 'Plains of Pouting' right now instead of this forest. We must have gone a different direction."

"What do we do now?" began Mercy.

"Well, we can't go back where we came from that's for sure," intoned Edward. "So, I suppose we go forward."

"Do we know we can get through these woods and to Licentia?" asked Heather.

"No, but I don't what other course we have," said Edward thoughtfully.

"Let's get going then," returned Mercy. "We are just wasting time sitting here."

The trip down the other side of the Pass went without incident. The grade was more gradual and the way less rocky. The trip took a little over 5 hours. The sun was at the mid-afternoon point when the children reached the base of the "Mountains of Temptation". The wood's edge sat about 100 yards from the mountain's bottom. A small meadow of grass separated them from the thick forest. There did not appear to be any opening or path into or through the woods.

"What do we do now?" asked Mercy. "Anywhere for us to go?

"I don't see one," returned Edward. "We'll just have to take a look around," said Edward cheerfully.

"How do you want look around?" inquired Heather.

"I thought I would start at one end and let you two start at the other. That way we could work more efficiently," shared Edward.

"Okay, we'll go over there and start. You head over that direction," stated Mercy.

"Right, let's get to work," replied Edward.

The girls went to the right and Edward went to the left. Each of them carefully checked the edge of the woods looking for any hint of a path. They searched thoroughly along the tree line. All three of them double-checked and found no evidence of a path through the woods. They met back in the middle and shared their findings

"There is no pathway out of here," said Edward thoughtfully.

"What now?" asked Mercy. "We can't just sit here and wait for something to happen. There must be a way out through the woods.

"None that we can see," replied Heather.

"We need to stop and think a bit," explained Edward rubbing his chin. "The woods are very thick with lots of underbrush. We could never cut our way out and the horses could never make it."

"I'm a bit hungry," stated Heather. "I suggest we have a bit of hot tea, some poc, and a slice of bread. A full stomach always makes things less dismal and brighter."

"Good idea, sis," sighed Edward.

Heather went over to Dainty Hoof, opened the saddle bags and removed the food for a snack. As she took out the food, Heather bumped against something. She pulled out the object and found her lyre! She had not seen it since her last time in Logoland.

"Look, Ed. It's my lyre," said Heather excitedly. "I wonder if it still plays?

Heather strummed the strings and the most lovely music came from the lyre. Mercy immediately thought of a warm spring day riding on the back of her horse "Star" back home. Edward saw in his mind a day at the ocean with clear blue skies, a warm breeze, and the smell of salt. The air hummed with magic. At the end of the song, no one spoke but felt a sense of expectancy like something special was about to take place.

In the distance, a shrill cry echoed off the mountains. The children turned and saw several objects coming over the mountain peaks to the west. Out of the sun the dark figures raced toward them.

"What is it, Ed?" asked Heather shading her eyes squinting to see.

"Not sure sis. I can't make out what it is. The sun is in my eyes," complained Edward.

"It looks like a large bird or something," responded Mercy.

"You're right Mercy. It is large birds," said Edward excitedly.

"I think it's eagles," added Heather excitedly. "I wonder if we know them? Remember Truefeather. Do you think it might be time?"

"That's right! It could be them," said Edward.

The eagles drew closer and closer. The shrill shrieks grew louder and echoed around them. Suddenly, the large birds dropped down from the sky plummeting toward the children. The eagles flared their wings and landed gently beside the children. The horses shied away at the eagles' presence.

"Greetings Lord Edward, Lady Heather, and Lady Mercy," shrieked True Tail. "We have come to take you across the mountains to the "Plains of Pouting" so you may get to Licentia and find the King."

"We thank you lord Eagle," responded Edward with a bow. "What is your name? How did you know we needed help?"

"We heard the lyre's summons and we came immediately," responded True Tail with a slight bow. "I am True Tail, grandson of Truefeather my Lord Edward.

"How wonderful! We knew your grandfather Truefeather in one of our last adventures. It is a great pleasure to meet you," replied Edward returning the bow.

"The lyre called the eagles?" said Heather with wonder in her voice. "The Bright Star helped us again."

"By the way, how are the eagles going to get us across the mountains?" asked Mercy innocently.

"We're flying," answered Heather matter-of-factly.

"Flying?" gulped Mercy. "Do you mean. . .?"

"Yes, Lady Mercy. We will fly you and your horses over the mountains to the 'Plains of Pouting'," returned True Tail.

"Flying with an eagle?" said Mercy looking sickly.

"It's actually a lot of fun," returned Edward with a grin.

"I bet," grumbled Mercy.

"My Lord and Ladies we need to prepare for the flight," shrieked True Tail. "We brought straps to carry the horses and seats for your use to ride."

Edward grabbed the straps the eagles brought. He unraveled them and began to place them over the eagles' middle. He carefully positioned them behind their wings and in front of their talons. The thick flat part of the strap went over the eagles' backs and were tightened into place with a strap much like a saddle belt under a horse's saddle. From each thick leather piece over the eagles' backs hung two large leather pieces on each side with a buckle. These four straps would be used to place under the horses so they could be carried by the largest eagles.

A description of the large Logoland eagles would help to understand how these birds might lift a full size horse. Each of the Logoland eagles stood over eight feet high from their talons to their wings at the shoulders. They were tremendously strong and tireless fliers. The most famous of these eagles, named "Grandfeather", was said to be able to lift over two thousand pounds on his own. The six eagles that would carry the horses were the strongest of the Logoland eagles. The three, including True Tail, would carry the three children in special saddles that sat upon the eagles' backs. They looked much like the horse's saddles with a set of stirrups and a belt under the eagles' chests'. The belt resembled the leather slings placed under the horses' bellies.

"We need to get rid of everything of any extra weight in the saddlebags. Take off the saddles, we can ride bareback when we land," said Edward.

The saddles came off, extra clothes were dumped, and the horses' loads lightened. They were quickly ready and none too soon as the sun began to approach the horizon.

"We must hurry," called out True Tail. "The sun in setting. Edward, here is a bow with a quiver of arrows from the Bright Star. We may have need of them," intoned True Tail grimly.

Heather and Mercy were boosted by Edward upon their eagle's and Edward checked the horses' gear one more time.

"It will be fine Starsmane. Just relax and let the eagle's carry you," said Edward hugging his stallion's neck.

The black horse nuzzled his neck with understanding. The two mares looked relaxed and understanding of their trip. The eagles took up the slack in the lines around the horses and readied themselves for the flight.

"Ready?" shrieked True Tail. "Off then!"

The eagles wings began to flap and the horses rose slowly into the air. The horses looked slightly scared but did not struggle. The children's eagles lifted off and circled overhead to wait for the horses. The journey began in earnest. It was a race against the setting sun. The night would make the eagles and children vulnerable to possible attacks from the enemies of Logoland. As the last rays of the sun touched the hills, the eagles flew faster and harder. On the rim of the sky, a darkness started to blot out the sun's light. Edward looked anxiously over his shoulder as the darkness began to grow.

"There is a blackness in the sun," whispered Edward to True Tail.

"I know my Lord Edward," gasped the eagle. "We cannot fly faster with the horses. We must drop back to protect the others. Prepare your bow and arrows Lord Edward."

Edward and the eagle moved behind the others. Heather and Mercy noticed the movement and looked back. The blackness now seemed to be moving quickly toward them. The sunlight was in its last stages with the purple-blue hues of the twilight.

"What is it?" shouted Mercy to Heather.

"I'm not sure," yelled Heather back to Mercy.

The black mass moving toward the eagles were the satanos who ruled the night in Licentia and had taken over the skies of Logoland at night now that Logosian X was missing. A satano hailed from Utilitar in the darkest mountains and closely resembled a flying gargoyle. They were hideously ugly with long naked necks, slimey brownish-green scales and sharp talons. Their wings spread ten to twelve feet and looked like bat wings covered with scales. Their heads resembled a hybrid between the gargoyle and a harpy. Their mouth opened widely to display long, spiked teeth with a forked serpentine tongue. The satanos flew high and very fast with murderous claws. A distant shriek split the night and the girls felt the eagles quicken their pace. The group must make the "Sanctuary of Light" on the edge of the "Plains of Pouting" or they would be in trouble. The horses were slowing them down but they could not leave them to the satanos.

"Heather," yelled Edward. "Play your lyre! I need light!"

"Ok!" screamed back Heather.

Heather grabbed her saddlebag and pulled out her lyre. She began to play and a beautiful golden-blue light covered them.

"What can I do?" exclaimed Mercy.

"Strap yourself on tight and get ready to let your eagle do his part?" shouted Heather.

"Strap on tight?" wondered Mercy. Then she understood. Her eagle would be meeting the satanos with its talons and she could get thrown. She tightened the leather piece in her hand, placed her feet firmly in her stirrups and tightened her knees leaning over the eagle's neck. She felt her eagle drop back by Edward and Heather. The three were now in a formation at the rear of the horses.

The satanos attacked in a rush coming in from both the rear, above and below. Heather's eagle plunged to attack the satanos below with razor sharp talons. Edward's bow sang out again and again. The satanos screamed in rage as they fell. Throughout the first assault Heather kept playing. The golden-blue light illuminated all the satanos as they came. There were 30-40 of them flying all around the children. The satanos seemed everywhere. Mercy's eagle tucked, rolled, and flipped to meet the satanos talon to talons. Mercy said later that it was like riding the wildest carnival ride or roller coaster in the world.

Edward shot as fast as he could reload. Then, as suddenly as they came, the satanos were gone. What had happened? Had they defeated them all? No, the harpies were coming in next.

"True Tail we must get to safety. I am almost out of arrows and the others are wearying," said Edward urgently.

"The 'Sanctuary of Light' is just ahead," panted the eagle. "We are nearly there."

The harpies uttered shrill cries with chilling laughter as they dove at the children, horses and eagles.

Chapter 10

"The Sanctuary of Light"

A half-mile in the distance, a pillar of golden-blue light shown straight up into the deepening gloom.

"Tis the 'Sanctuary of Light'!" panted True Tail. "If we reach it, we will be safe!"

"Will we get there in time?" asked Edward.

"The others must go forward while we fight the harpies," returned the eagle.

"Right," said Edward.

"Mercy, Heather. Go quickly! I will guard your back while you go to the light!" shouted Edward.

The harpies came swooping downward in a large group. Edward and True Tail wheeled to face them. A golden-blue light surrounded and illuminated Edward with a bright glow.

Edward drew his gnome sword yelling, "For Logoland and the Star!"

The harpies were so startled that they drew up short and fell back with hurried flapping of wings. Edward dove into their midst with his sword flashing. Harpies fell like acorns from a tree as Edward swept them from the skies. He looked over his shoulder and saw the others diving into the golden-blue light. Unfortunately, this caused Edward to lose track of one of the harpies. This harpy managed to fly into Edward slashing his left arm. With a cry of pain, Edward knew he was in trouble. The scratch of a harpy put the victim into a deathlike sleep with horrible nightmares. Even as the harpy cut him, Edward's gnome blade flashed and the evil one met an unhappy end.

"Quickly True Tail to the 'Sanctuary of Light'! I have been cut by the harpy," moaned Edward.

Edward felt himself losing consciousness as True Tail flew toward the "Sanctuary of Light". Edward began to slide from the eagle's back into a coma like sleep. Down, down flew the eagle desperately seeking to get Edward to safety. He slipped off the eagle's back. As Edward fell, the eagle did a barrel roll grabbing Edward gently in his talons. True Tail righted himself, hit the pillar of golden-blue light, and rocketed through the open window. Flapping his wings energetically, the eagle hovered with the limp Edward in his talons. Setting Edward down gently on the ground, the eagle released his talons. Heather and Mercy rushed over to Edward's prostrate form.

"Edward!" shouted Heather as she knelt by Edward's side.

Edward lay on the floor of the "Sanctuary of Light" in a halo of blue-gold light. As Heather rushed to Edward's side a tall, lovely, golden haired figure strode toward his prostrate form. This was "Irene the Good", the sister of "Old Abigail" who had met the children in a prior adventure. It was Irene who kept souls safe in the "Sanctuary of Light". She went forward to rescue Edward. Irene bent down over Edward examining his wounded shoulder which was already swelling and looking black in color. Edward by now was plunged into his deadly sleep with a grimace on his pale face. An occasional moan escaped his lips.

"We must move him quickly to the 'Fountain of Cleansing' and wash his wounds," said Irene musically.

Quickly, two centaurs gently picked up Edward and carried him down a long hallway to the "Fountain of Cleansing". Irene followed briskly in her flowing white gown. Both Mercy and Heather held onto Irene's hands moving toward the fountain. The two centaurs moved Edward into the room holding the "Fountain of Cleansing". The floor of the room was covered with beautiful, bright, blue tiles with a golden star pattern. Broad tile steps led down into the "Fountain of Cleansing". The centaurs slowly stepped with Edward into the fountain's warm waters cradling him in their arms allowing the waters to slowly lap around his body. Irene went into the fountain waters with the centaurs. Using her long, gentle fingers and cupping her hands, Irene methodically cleansed Edward's wound. As she washed the blood away, the blackness faded, the swelling resolved, and the color returned to Edward's face. He took a deep breath and smiled.

Irene turned to the two girls, "He will rest well now and recover. Harpy venom does not withstand the 'Fountain of Cleansing' from the Bright Star."

The most interesting part of the event was that as Irene, the centaurs and Edward left the fountain, no water dripped off of them. They all came out dry as if they had never even been in water at all. The girls never did learn why this was so.

The girls and Irene walked back to the "Sanctuary of Light". As they entered through the arched doorway, Heather and Mercy looked around the main hallway. The blue-golden walls stretched upward into an arched ceiling over 100 feet above them. The roof was supported by stone buttresses cunningly carved with scenes from Logoland: fauns, centaurs, gnomes, satyrs, animals, trees, vines, and at the top of each arch a large stone star with beams radiating from its center. The ceiling was covered with painted murals of clouds, sky, sun, and flying angels. The colors seemed to glow from the paintings themselves. Hanging from the ceiling were large candelabra full of candles adding a soft ethereal glow to the whole scene. Large tall windows of stained glass lined the walls of the hall. Each one depicted a scene from Logoland: the origins of Logoland, one of the Bright Star, depictions of animals, the mountains of Logoland, and "Old Abigail's House". The glass colors twinkled in various shades of blue, gold, red, russet, orange, purple, and green. On the floor of the hall were elaborate mosaics in various shades of golden blue in fantastic geometric shapes. The mosaics started in the center of the hall and flowed outward in a spiraling sort of circle resembling a spinning top or a whirlpool of colors.

"Wow!" exclaimed Mercy. "This reminds me of a cathedral only much more colorful."

"It looks like a picture of the murals on the ceiling of a church and the mosaics are really interesting," breathed Heather.

"So, you find my home fascinating," returned Irene with a bemused expression. "All is done to bring honor to the Bright Star and celebrate His creation of Logoland. Now, let us go to some refreshments. We have fresh keslo milk, water from the 'Springs of Faith', poc, gribbich, and fresh cabano fruit."

The girls realized after all the excitement how hungry they were. In fact they were practically famished. They followed Irene into the next room where a banquet was waiting for them. There were piles of fruit with plates of poc and bowls of steaming gribbich. Candles burned on the table set with lovely china plates, cunningly made silverware, and even cloth napkins. Each girl took a seat beside Irene. A blessing to the Star was made and they began the feast.

"How wonderful all of that was," sighed Heather.

"I am so full I could burst," groaned Mercy.

"Gluttony is still a sin," teased Irene. "I think it is time for bed for all."

"I agree," yawned Mercy.

Irene walked over to a side table and took a large candle.

"I will show you to your rooms," she said.

Heather and Mercy turned down a grand hallway lined with beautiful tapestries of knights and ladies with spectacular forest scenes. The knights jousted, the ladies watched over them, and the animals played gaily in fields of green. The tapestry's characters seemed to pulse with life. Irene stopped in front of a wooden door with carvings of wood nymphs and satyrs.

"Here is your room Lady Heather," said Irene. "Sleep well."

They walked short distance down the hallway to Mercy's room. Her door had carvings of wild horses and deer playing.

"Goodnight Lady Mercy. We will see each other in the morning," said the Lady Irene.
Chapter 11

"The Plains of Pouting"

Heather woke early in the morning refreshed and jumped out of the bed. Her bed had a soft goose-down ticking with satin sheets and plump pillows. The room had set of French doors opening onto a small porch. Heather pushed through the linen curtains and opened the doors. A soft whispery breeze blew around her hair with a sweet smell of flowers. She took a deep breath and stretched. She leaned over the railing and saw a plain in the distance. She knew it must be the "Plains of Pouting". A small shudder ran through her as she remembered the trip to the "Sanctuary of Light". Heather hoped the trip across the plains was not as dangerous. She also wanted to go see Edward and make sure he was okay.

Heather quickly dressed and walked out into the hallway. She was not exactly sure which direction to go to find Edward. She wandered down the empty and silent hallways. She chanced upon a hallway to her left that seemed promising. It was light filled and she thought she heard people talking. As she rounded the corner she encountered True Tail.

"Good morning Lady Heather," rumbled True Tail. "Did you sleep well?"

"I did True Tail. I am looking for Edward. Do you know where he is?" asked Heather.

"He is just down the hallway. I will show you myself," returned True Tail.

The two walked down the hallway and found Edward's room. Heather walked into the room. Edward was sitting up in bed and eating some breakfast.

"Oh, Ed! You're better!" exclaimed Heather.

"Not ready to dance yet but better than last night," answered Edward with a weak smile. "Irene says I'll be ready by tomorrow. We cannot afford to be delayed too long. The King needs us to rescue him."

"We need to make sure that you are well before we go on to get the King," returned Heather earnestly. "Besides, a day of rest would be really nice."

The two chatted for a few more minutes before Heather left Edward to rest and get better. She left the room and went down the hall to look for Irene. She found her sitting in the main hall reading quietly.

"Good morning Lady Heather. I trust you slept well?" inquired Irene with a brilliant smile.

"Very well Ms Irene," answered Heather. "And Edward looks much better this morning."

"The 'Fountain of Cleansing' never fails to heal those who bathe in its waters," replied Irene.

"Edward mentioned he would be well enough to travel tomorrow," said Heather skeptically.

"Yes, a day's rest here and he will be restored. Is the Lady Mercy awake yet?" questioned Irene.

"No, she is still sleeping. She was very tired last night and this whole adventure has really been hard for her. She is not used to this sort of thing happening to her," responded Heather thoughtfully.

"It is well she rests, then. Would you like to have some breakfast with me," asked Irene.

"That would be wonderful!" exclaimed Heather. "If you don't mind?"

"No, it would be an honor for me to dine with you, Lady Heather," returned Irene.

Irene rose from her chair, took Heather by the hand, and the two strolled to a small dining room. On a round table designed to sit four sat two place settings for a lovely breakfast. The china plates' rims' contained colorful scenes from Logoland's history with birds, animals, and people. Delicate china cups in saucers sat at the right side of the plates. Around the plates, there were steaming bowls of gribbich, fresh keslo cream, crisp poc, a large loaf of hot bread, a pot of keslo butter, and a jar of cabano preserves. To the side of the hot food sat a platter of all sorts of fresh fruits.

Irene helped seat Heather and then took her own chair. Solemn faced centaurs appeared with large silver pots of hot cocoa. They filled Heather and Irene's cups, served up the hot food, and cut thick slices of bread. Bowing regally, the centaurs left Irene and Heather to enjoy breakfast. The two chatted gaily while eating the sumptuous meal.

Mercy awakened slowly in her room. For a moment she forgot where she was as she snuggled into the thick pillows and satiny sheets. Her mind came slowly to consciousness and she opened her eyes. Over her head hung the canopy of the bed and Heather realized she was not at home in bed but in the "Sanctuary of Light" in Logoland. She recalled the horrible pursuit by the satanos from the night before and shuddered. She did not like some of this adventure and right now wished she were home in her own bed. But, she knew they still had a King to rescue and miles to go. With a huge sigh Mercy threw off the bedclothes and walked over to her window. She had French doors covered by large curtains very similar to Heather's. Mercy drew open the curtains and threw the doors wide open to the sunlight. A sweet balmy gust of wind swept over her face with a hint of lilac in its wake. She looked out over the valley and saw "Plains of Pouting" but for some reason they did not upset her now. Mercy knew with the Bright Star's help the three of them were a match for whatever might come their way. Even satanos.

She walked back into the room and dressed quickly. Mercy tapped gently on Heather's door but there was no answer. She must already but up and around.

Mercy, like Heather, was not sure which direction to go to find Edward to see how he was doing. She sauntered down the empty and quiet hallways. She happened upon a hallway to her left that seemed likely. She looked into a doorway and saw Edward sitting up looking much improved.

"Edward! You look almost all better," exclaimed Mercy.

"Hey Mercy. I do feel almost like my old self. Irene said I'll be ready to travel by tomorrow," said Edward.

Mercy walked in the door and asked, "Do you need anything? I'll be glad to get it for you."

"No, I'm fine. You might want to wander down the hallway and get some breakfast. The bread here is really incredible," responded Edward.

"Ed," began Mercy.

"I know. I was really scared last night too and thanks for everything you and Heather did for me," said Edward.

Mercy smiled and said, "Thanks Ed. I'll go ahead and have some breakfast."

She walked over to the bed and gave Edward a big hug. Edward blushed a deep red and hugged her back. He just never knew what to expect from these girls! Mercy released the hug and hurried out the door. Edward grinned and shook his head in bemusement.

Mercy hurried down the hallway to see about breakfast.

Heather and Irene strolled out into the main hall as Mercy burst from the side entrance.

"Heather!" exclaimed Mercy. "What have you and Irene been up to?"

"Mercy! We just finished up the best breakfast," replied Heather. "There is plenty left over for you. Do you want me to sit with you?"

"That would be great," answered Mercy with a smile. "I saw Edward and he looks good."

"Irene said he would be ready to travel by tomorrow. Is that right Irene," asked Heather."

"The Lord Edward will be ready in the morning," assured Irene. "This day of rest will do all of you good. Your friend Andrew will be rejoining you as well."

"Andrew?" exclaimed the two girls together.

"Is he here?" asked Heather excitedly.

"Not yet. But he will be here before you leave in the morning. It seems the Bright Star wants him to accompany you across the 'Plains of Pouting,'" said Irene earnestly.

"Great!" exclaimed Mercy. "It would be good to see him again."

"Mercy, are you ready for breakfast now?" asked Irene.

"I am. It would be good to have you sit with me Heather," replied Mercy.

"Okay, let's go eat," returned Heather.

The two sat at the table chatting happily and giggling over breakfast. Mercy took three helpings of hot cocoa and four pieces of toast with cabano preserves. They both wondered how the journey across the "Plains of Pouting" would go. The horses were with them and now Andrew had returned. But, they still did not know where the King sat imprisoned.

"Are you worried about the journey across the plains?" asked Mercy.

"A little bit," admitted Heather. "It's more not knowing what's ahead that concerns me. I wish we knew where the King's imprisoned. And we still have a long way to go across the plains and through the 'Hills of Hostility'".

"I thought you enjoyed these adventures, cousin?" replied Mercy with a grin. "You turning squeamish?"

"No. I just remember what happened before. Some things are unpleasant like our time with the satanos last night," answered Heather.

"Well, why don't we go explore some more and see what else Irene has here," said Mercy.

The two finished wiping their mouths, helped clear the table, and wandered out into the gardens. The "Sanctuary of Light" rested in the middle of verdant gardens with sweet smelling flowers along each pathway. The girls walked along brick and stone paths lined with small box wood like bushes. Tree limbs hung over the trails dappling the sunlit way with cool shady resting sites. Small benches dotted the paths for languid talks. Bees buzzed drowsily amongst all the blossoms of the flowers. The riot of color in the flowers included bright reds, brilliant yellows, iridescent purples, scintillating oranges, eye shocking pinks, and pure snow whites. The scent of the flowers mixed into a heady perfume surrounding the girls providing a powerfully calming effect. The two cousins walked comfortably hand in hand slowly admiring the flowers and trees. Around one corner they found a sweetly wrought fountain of stone showing two children walking holding hands with small water cans that produced splashing water into a large basin. The water sparkled and danced in the golden sunlight with a gentle gurgling sound.

"I wonder if it's safe to drink?" inquired Mercy.

"I would say yes," replied Heather. "I cannot imagine anything here to harm anyone. I'll try some."

Heather leaned over, cupped her hand and let the water run into her palms. She took a sip.

"The best water I ever tasted!" exclaimed Heather. "Try some Mercy."

Mercy took a sip of the water.

"Mmmm. It tastes great!" responded Mercy with a smile. "Makes my mouth all tingly and fresh. Sort of like gargling with bubbles."

After drinking their fill, the two walked down the pathways talking.

Meanwhile, Edward dozed fitfully in his room gaining strength for the journey in the morning with each passing moment.
Chapter 12

Across the Plains

The children made an early night of their last day in the "Sanctuary of Light". They felt subdued by the journey ahead even if Andrew went with them as their guide. The horses thoroughly enjoyed the rest with sweet clover and pure, fresh water. All of the horses enjoyed a good roll in the pasture and acted ready to go onward.

Edward awakened early in the day long before sunrise to prepare for the journey. His arm felt fine and he tested his shoulder. Only a hint of stiffness left. He put on his jerkin with the light chain mail over it. Strapping on his gnome blade, he cinched it tight. Edward picked up his shield testing the heft of the weight with his recovered left arm. No weakness. He put down his shield and walked out the room door.

Edward met Mercy and Heather with Irene in the breakfast room. After a somber meal, the three bid Irene farewell.

"Irene, we have not seen Andrew yet. Where is he," inquired Heather curiously.

"He mentioned he had preparations for your journey across the 'Plains of Pouting'," responded Irene.

"What did say he was doing?" asked Edward

"Andrew did not say. He only said he would join us as you departed," answered Irene evasively.

"Why so mysterious?" muttered Mercy.

"Let me give you your final warning about the 'Plains of Pouting'," began Irene. "You must not fall asleep or take a nap on the Plains. If you do, you will fall into 'pouting' so severe that you may actually try to hurt each other."

"Severe 'pouting'," giggled Mercy. "How horrible!"

"Do not mock Lady Mercy," cautioned Irene sternly. "Many others have not heeded the warnings and fell prey to the problems of the Plains."

As the trio entered the stables to saddle their mounts, Andrew appeared before them with a huge smile.

"Good morning, good morning my friends! Are we ready to begin the journey?" asked Andrew.

"Andrew!" they chorused. The girls ran up and hugged Andrew. Edward walked over and shook Andrew's hand.

"How will you keep up with us Andrew?" asked Edward.

"Don't worry about me, young ones. I will be riding yon pony," motioned Andrew.

Over on the other side of the stable stood a medium size male pony with a sturdy build. His coloring was brown and white spots like an appaloosa.

"He will carry me without any problems. Shall we depart?" urged Andrew.

The two girls hugged Irene and promised to listen to her warning. Irene placed saddlebags on each of their mounts. She packed fresh fruits, bread, cabano jam, and fresh water for their journey.

The group knelt and gave thanks to the Bright Star. Up they mounted and began the trek. The four rode through the gate of the "Sanctuary of Light" and paused in the early morning light. The gate opened at the top of a large hill with the Plains stretching before them.

The grassy plains stretched before them with undulating waves of movement as the light morning breeze caught the tips of the stems. The air brought a scent of fresh greenness of the land and the wisps of early morning fog rested in the lower rills that ran throughout the plain. The plain really consisted of a series of successively higher sets of knolls that rose up to meet the "Hills of Hostility". Here and there small clumps of low ako bushes grew. Their pale green shrubby leaves stood out in sharp contrast to the lush dark green grasses. The ako bush was a low growing shrubby plant native to Logoland and its surrounding areas. Just a hint of moisture hung in the air and the sun furtively peaked its rays over the "Hills of Hostility". Dew sparkled in a brilliant diamond like display turning each blade of grass into a twinkling diamond. The children wondered how such a wonderfully peaceful sight could harbor such danger.

The road through the plains wound ahead of them. Andrew, however; told them they would not be traveling along the road but instead wending their way along a less open footpath. The travelers went ½ mile down the road and Andrew cut off to the right. He headed his pony into the tall grass with ako bushes scattered about. The children followed closely behind. The grass touched the horses' bellies and reached to the pony's neck. The sun climbed higher as they wended their way toward the "Hills of Hostility" on the horizon. If they made good progress, they ought to reach the "Hills" by late in the evening. Andrew said they did not want to spend the night on the "Plains of Pouting" due to the temptation for the children to sleep there.

The heat grew as the sun rose in the sky with little breeze. The moisture from the dew on the grass enveloped the four. Drowsiness caused the children's eyes to grow heavy. Heather and Edward's eyes began to droop. Mercy chatted with Andrew keeping herself awake. The two cousins soon were snoozing on their horses with gentle snores. Mercy and Andrew did not notice them at first. Mercy finally looked back and saw her cousins slumped over their saddle pommels.

"Andrew! They fell asleep! Quick! We must wake them up!" shouted Mercy.

Andrew drew up his pony sharply and turned back to Edward and Heather. He galloped back. As he reached Heather and Edward, he shook them vigorously to awake them.

"W-w-what is gong on?" stuttered Edward.

"Leave me alone?" grumped Heather. "Why are you shaking me?"

"You must wake up! To sleep is to become 'pouty'," said Andrew sharply.

"What do you know? Who put you in charge?" returned Edward crossly.

"Right, Ed. I'm tired of this bossy armadillo!" sneered Heather.

"What do you mean? Andrew is our friend and guide," defended Mercy.

"So he says," snarled Edward. "I'm just tired of him! We should go on without him."

"But we can't do that. The Bright Star sent Andrew to help us to the city of Licentia to rescue the King," responded Mercy.

"I'm sick of Andrew and his control. Let's get away from him and Mercy if she won't follow us," stated Heather.

Mercy looked stunned and did not know what to say. Throughout the whole exchange Andrew never spoke a word. He just looked gravely at Heather and Edward.

"We will go on as the Star told us whether you join us or not Lord Edward and Lady Heather," stated Andrew.

"Very well. We will go this way and you can go yours," huffed Edward. "We could care less what you do."

With that, Edward and Heather spurred their horses and trotted off across the Plains.

"I can't believe they are just riding off without us," moaned Mercy.

"The 'Plains' have worked on them and they are now 'pouty'. We must go on to find the King. I know the Star will care for them," reassured Andrew.

Mercy and Andrew rode off to the right and the others rode off to the left. Heather and Edward disappeared over a hill top.

"We must go to the right toward the 'Hills of Hostility'", said Andrew. "The other way will lead to disaster. But, the Star will protect them."

Mercy rode along miserably in silence. She could not believe the Plains affected her cousins. Logoland could do such strange things to people. What now? Would Andrew and she be able to rescue the King?

The day grew very hot. The sun shone mercilessly on them and Mercy felt grateful to Irene for the lovely cool water from the fountain. A little of the bubbly fizz still tingle her mouth as she drank. The gnome cloaks came off and their mounts walked slowly.

"We must rest our animals for a short time. Let us draw close to the stream over in the next valley. The animals may drink their fill and regain their strength in the shade of those wetern trees," said Andrew turning their animals toward the water.

The horse and pony drank deeply of the cool water running in the small stream in the shallow valley. The leaves of the wetern trees provided a cool place for the animals to restore themselves. Mercy and Andrew drank the clear fresh water too. They refilled their empty canteens and felt much better.

Edward and Heather's journey took a much different course. The heat of the day beat down on them relentlessly. No shade trees marked their path and no water ran in their course. Plus, the 'pouting' became worse as they quarreled and fought with each other. Even the horses seemed skittish and hard to control.

"I'm hot and thirsty," whined Heather.

"You think I'm not?" replied Edward querulously.

"Well, I'm more thirsty!" returned Heather shrilly.

"Yeah, right. You are just more of a cry-baby," sneered Edward.

"You just are mean, Edward!" sobbed Heather.

"Whatever," shrugged Edward as he rode onward.

Heather rode snuffling behind him. The horses shuffled along slowly. The heat sapped their strength. Sweat ran into Heather's eyes stinging them making them even redder.

Edward sat in grim silence.

Mercy and Andrew, greatly refreshed and rested, mounted their animals. They chatted as they rode working on a plan to find and save the King.

"Where do you suppose the King is?" asked Mercy to Andrew.

"It is not exactly known where the King is kept," replied Andrew thoughtfully. "When we get to Licentia, we will work with friends to find the King and rescue him."

"Can we do that without Heather and Edward?" inquired Mercy.

"We simply must. No other path lies before us," explained Andrew.

Suddenly, with a shout both of them were surrounded by 15 armed knights of Licentia. Trapped with nowhere to go!

"And who might you two be?" roared the captain.

The two sat in stunned silence.

"Are you deaf?" shouted the captain.

"No, we are simple travelers on our way across the 'Plains'," replied Andrew quietly.

"I see," said the captain looking at them carefully. "A Logoland Armadillo in the 'Plains of Pouting'? That is an interesting finding. And with a young Lady as well. I rather think you ought to accompany us to Licentia."

"Oh don't trouble yourselves for our account," modestly responded Andrew.

"No trouble at all, especially if you are who you say you are," responded the captain. "Who might you be young Lady?"

Mercy looked at Andrew. He gave a slight nod of his head to answer the question.

"I am lady Mercy and accompany my friend across the 'Plains'", said Mercy quietly.

"Pleased to meet you, Lady Mercy," returned the captain with a touch of his visor. "Take their bridles men and we will escort them to Licentia."

Mercy's heart fell into her shoes. What now? They were prisoners of the enemies of Logoland. Throughout the whole conversation with the captain she remained silent. She knew if the captain found out she was a foreign traveler and related to Heather and Edward, it would be unpleasant.

The trip took several hours and Mercy remembered little of it. The path they followed wound its way through the "Hills of Hostility" which contained mostly rocks and sparse vegetation. The temperature felt much colder as they climbed up through the hills. A few scraggly trees tried to grow along the summits of the highest peaks. Thick, tarry pits of a black substance lined the sides of the road. The smell of sulfur burned Mercy's throat and made her feel sick to her stomach. On the downward side of the Hills, the wind picked up and Mercy felt cold. She thought this the low point of her whole time in Logoland.

While they descended, the sun reached the summits of the "Hills of Hostility". The sun streamed over the peaks of the "Hills" reflecting off the spires of Licentia. The rooftops of the city gave a chill to Mercy while the knights gave a rousing cheer.

"There lays our fair city," said the captain with a sweep of his arm. "We shall sup a warm meal this night! Onward, men!"

The knights urged the horses on and Andrew's pony hurried to keep up. The road turned sharply and straightened out to face the main gate of the city of Licentia. Torch lights surrounded the gate with soldiers standing guard. The knights rode up haling the guards.

"Hail George! We have returned with two travelers we found on the 'Plains'. Is the King in residence? I am sure he would like to question these two," said the captain.

"The King sits in the palace with the court," responded the guard.

"Excellent!" the captain heartily replied. "We will take these two to the King's residence and then we may enjoy a cup of ale."

The knights tugged on Mercy's and Andrew's bridles. The two entered the massive stone gates of Licentia. Mercy gawked at the gates and craned her neck to see the tops of the city's buildings. They loomed over her head and seemed to weigh down on her, crushing her spirit. The knights dragged the two of them along toward the palace. The building blazed in the daylight of thousands of candles. Mercy wondered what would come next. Andrew smiled at her warmly.
Chapter 13

"What happened in the palace"

The knights brought Mercy and Andrew to the front steps of the palace. Two knights took their mounts' bridles and led them away. There were so many candles burning in the palace it seemed like midday in the sun. Smartly dressed guards stood on either side of the doors with highly polished pikes glinting in the brilliant light. Their armor glistened twinkling in a blinding silver gleam. The helmets resembled those worn by Spanish conquistadors with a central ridge with scooped sides. From each helmet peak protruded a large black feather. The guards' jerkins and hose contrasted sharply with an intense red color finished by thick black boots reaching to their mid-calves. As the knights approached the palace doors, the guards snapped briskly to attention and opened each door.

From within came the loud sounds of music, dancing, laughter, and conversation. Mercy glanced at Andrew who looked ahead grimly.

"Come along, come along. We don't have all night. We want beer and meat!" grumbled the knights.

Greeting each guest as they entered the palace stood the door chamberlain. His eyebrows rose when he saw Mercy and Andrew.

"Who are these creatures?" sniffed the chamberlain.

"They are two we found on the 'Plains of Pouting' claiming to be innocent travelers," said the elder knight with a bow. "We have been told to bring them to the king."

"Leave them here with me," returned the chamberlain with cruel smile. "Guards, take these two and place them in the library under your surveillance. I will deal with them shortly."

The guards inside the door grabbed Mercy and Andrew roughly by the arms.

"This way you two," groused the guards.

Mercy and Andrew walked down a long side hallway in the front of the palace. The sounds of the party faded. They turned a corner to the left and stopped in front of an ornately carved wooden door.

"In you go," said the guards shoving the two inside.

"Sit down over there on that chair," motioned the guards.

"Andrew, what do you think they. . .," began Mercy

"Quiet! No talking!" growled the guard.

Andrew patted Mercy's hand reassuringly.

The two guards looked bored and talked amongst themselves. Obviously they would rather be at the party instead of babysitting two prisoners. They sat for about 30 minutes. The door finally opened and the chamberlain walked in to take the prisoners to the king.

"Come with me and bring these two with you. The king will see them now," explained the chamberlain.

The guards pulled Mercy and Andrew roughly to their feet. The chamberlain led the group through a twisting and turning path to a hidden room in the back of the palace. The chamberlain stopped in front of a plain wooden door. He knocked.

"Enter," boomed a loud voice.

The chamberlain turned the handle and opened the door. When the door opened, the two saw the King sitting in a large, cunningly and elaborately carved chair. The King needed a large chair due to his corpulent body with rolls of fat lopping over the arms of the chair. He was so fat he barely fit in the chair seat. Out of a round, moon shaped face burned two evil little pig-like eyes. The King licked his fingers noisily smacking his lips as he stared at the two adventurers.

"My lord, here are the two we spoke about," fawned the chamberlain.

"I can see that," rumbled the King. "Who are you two?"

"We are but poor travelers who your knights brought here my lord," replied Andrew with a bow.

"What were you doing on the 'Plains of Pouting'?" asked the King.

"Merely visiting the 'Plains' my lord," answered Andrew.

"Not spying were you?" inquired the King.

"No my lord," said Andrew gravely. "We are just travelers."

"I do not believe you!" shouted the King. "Perhaps time in the dungeons will loosen your tongue!"

"Guards, take them away!" said the King. "Chain the armadillo to the walls."

"The little one as well?" asked the guard.

"Of course, you fools. Where else would we put her?" asked the King sarcastically.

"Yes, my lord," returned the guard with a bow.

"Come with us you two," murmured the guards.

At spear point, Mercy and Andrew began the march to the dungeons. The guards walked them farther and farther into the back of the castle. They approached a large iron gate that was opened with a large skeleton type key. From the opening they felt a cool breeze with a musty and unpleasant odor. Dim torches lighted a stairway curving downward.

"Are we going down there?" whispered Mercy with wide eyes.

"I'm afraid so little one," replied Andrew.

"Quiet you two!" warned the guard.

He pulled Mercy roughly toward the steps and they began the long descent to the dungeon. The steps curved downward to the right. Along the walls water dripped, cobwebs crisscrossed overhead, and smoky residue hung in the air. Rats even scurried ahead of them with shrill squeaks. Mercy thought they might never reach the bottom.

At the bottom of the stairs, they guards pulled them to the right. They walked past four cells and opened the door of the 5th. The guards shoved them inside. One pulled Andrew to the wall and chained him to it. Mercy, they just pushed into a corner.

"Have a nice day," chuckled the guards meanly.

"Oh Andrew! Are you alright?" began Mercy rushing over to the armadillo.

"This is nothing Lady Mercy. I am actually quite comfortable," smiled Andrew. "Fortunately, they do not think you are a threat and so did not chain you up. That will be to our advantage."

While Mercy and Andrew went to the dungeon, Heather and Edward rode along in silence. As they exited the "Plains of Pouting", a small stream ran down in front of them.

"Water!" panted Heather spurring her horse onward.

"Careful sis, it might be a trap!" countered Edward.

Heather pulled up "Dainty Hoof" sharply and looked around. The two approached the water carefully and "Starsmane" the stallion sniffed the air carefully. Slowly they picked their way to the stream. No sounds reached their ears but those of birds and droning insects. Edward dismounted and motioned Heather to do likewise. Heather led "Dainty Hoof" to drink and knelt down to get a drink with the mare. Edward kept watch. Once Heather tasted the water, her mind cleared and she felt shamed about her pouty behavior. She turned to talk to Edward.

"Edward, I am so sorry I was pouty and whiny earlier today. I don't know what happened to me. It must have been the Plains," apologized Heather.

Edward took a sip of water as Heather apologized. His head cleared with the purifying water.

"I'm sorry too sis. Irene warned us of the 'Plains' and I'm afraid they made us really pouty," said Edward matter-of-factly.

"What now Ed?" asked Heather.

"We must cross the 'Hills of Hostility' and get to Licentia," replied Edward. "I only hope we may catch up with Andrew and Mercy."

Leaving Edward and Heather to make their way through the "Hills of Hostility" we return to Mercy and Andrew.

Remember, the Licentiousion did not even put Mercy in chains because she was small and only a child. Andrew and Mercy talked quietly working out a possible escape plan. As they whispered a dog barked loudly in the outer chamber. Mercy immediately got a splendid idea.

"Andrew," began Mercy excitedly. "If we can get the dog to bring us the keys, we may escape."

"How would we do that?" asked Andrew.

"When they bring our food we can use it to coax the dog to bring the keys," returned Mercy with a face bright with excitement.

"It is worth giving it a try," said Andrew thoughtfully.

Mercy could hardly wait for dinner to see if they could get the keys.

Finally, dinner arrived for Andrew and Mercy. It consisted of cooked meat, bread, fruit, and water. Mercy saved her meat to bribe the dog. The empty plates they slid under the bottom of the iron bars. Soon, a low snore could be heard in the hallway. Mercy gave a low whistle and the tapping of doggy toenails was heard.

"Here little fella. Come on over here. Would you like some meat?" cooed Mercy.

The dog, which resembled our German shepherd, only smaller, appeared outside the barred doorway. He whined quietly.

"Good boy. Have a chunk of meat. Isn't it tasty?" purred Mercy.

The dog warily took the meat and ate. He licked his chops and looked expectantly at Mercy. They had forgotten to feed him and he was hungry. Further, he detected no threat from this small human, only kindness. The meat smelled very good.

"Now smart doggy, go get the keys for us," whispered Mercy.

The dog cocked his head quizzically and looked intently at Mercy. For a few minutes Mercy cajoled the dog who continued to look at her. Finally, the dog understood and dashed off to secure the keys. He gently eased the keys off the table in front of the guard. He trotted back to Mercy and dropped them at her feet outside the cell. Mercy carefully took the keys and petted the dog. She gave him the last large chunk of meat which he gratefully ate.

Quietly Mercy unlocked Andrew's handcuffs and let his arms down. He rubbed them to restore the circulation.

"Well done my Lady!" said Andrew with a gleam in his eye. "Now, to open the door of the cell. Then, to look for the King to see if he is imprisoned here."

Andrew silently and carefully opened the cell door. As he did the dog wagged his tail and let out a small whimper. Mercy knelt down and ruffled the dog's ears. He licked her face. Andrew crept down the hallway inspecting the cells to see who might be imprisoned there. Looking in a cell through the bars on the door, he suddenly, he found the King of Logoland.

"Your majesty," whispered Andrew. "Wake up your majesty! We must flee now!"

"What, what, who. . ." began the King loudly.

"Shhh, your majesty. It is I, Andrew the Armadillo. I am here to free you," said Andrew in a low voice.

Andrew inserted the pass key to the door and gently opened it without a sound. He next released the King from his chains. Placing the King's arm over his shoulder Andrew led the King out of his cell.

"Wait, we must free all the others," murmured the King. "They will perish if we do not free them."

Andrew gave the keys to Mercy who quickly and silently let the prisoners out of their dank prison. Most were so surprised they did not even speak. Others were quickly silenced for the escape.

"How will we get past the guards?" asked Mercy quietly.

"Leave that to me," whispered Andrew.
Chapter 14

"Up and Out"

"Do you know a secret way out of here?" said Mercy with a questioning glance.

"It is the time of the late evening meal for the guards and with the grand party no one will be wandering down into the dungeons until the morning," Andrew said in a whisper. "Once we are out of the dungeons we will make our way out through the gardens. We are unlikely to be seen there."

Andrew directed the prisoners past the snoring guard. Each one tiptoed past him quietly. They had a scare as the guard snorted and shifted in his chair. He settled back into a deep slumber. The dog decided to follow Mercy out.

Mercy helped one of the older knights up the stairs. At the top, Andrew unlocked the iron door, gently pushed it open, and scanned the hallway. The music from the ball could be heard floating down the passages. Andrew motioned the group forward and led them into the small entry way. The king came forward.

"I will lead you out by the shortest route," offered the King.

"Of course your majesty," returned Andrew with a slight bow.

The king walked slowly to the hallway and peered around the corner. He looked both ways and started cautiously toward the royal gardens. Instead of taking the main halls, the King slipped into a side passage that ran parallel to the main halls. These side halls functioned as a way for the servants to bring food and supplies to the royal apartments. Progress was slow with the weak prisoners and Andrew kept hurrying them onward. He worried once they left the palace grounds they would have a difficult time escaping.

While Andrew, Mercy, and the King escaped, Heather and Edward rode hard through the "Hills of Hostility". They arrived at the outskirts of Licentia in the darkness. The lights of the city threw an eerie glow into the night sky as the second moon of Logoland rose.

"What will we do now?" asked Heather.

"Not sure, sis," answered Edward thoughtfully. "Let's rest our horses while we figure this out."

The two dismounted. The horses nuzzled the children gently. The two stood quietly not knowing what to do next. While they waited, they heard a shaking noise in a small ako bush. Edward drew his short gnome blade and faced the bush. Heather quickly notched an arrow and half-drew the string.

A small voice squeaked, "Don't shoot! It is I, Peripatetic the Pixic. I was sent by the Star to guide you to the Lady Mercy, Andrew, and the King."

A Pixic is a medium sized Logoland animal that looks like a cross between a tortoise and a horned toad. A Pixic has a shell like a tortoise with short, stubby legs and a long neck. The shell, however; had all sorts of ugly long spines and the head of the creature resembled the horned toad with lots of warty-like appendages and growths.

"A Pixic!" exclaimed Edward. "What do you know? Remember Pedantic from our other visit?"

"I sure do!" responded Heather. "Are you related to him?"

"No, but we know of his story as it is told by our people," said Peripatetic. "We must go quickly. There is not much time."

"As I recall, a Pixic does not move quickly," recounted Edward thoughtfully. "We will carry you on our horses as you guide us."

Edward scooped up Peripatetic, mounted Starsmane, and turned toward the city. Peripatetic whispered directions into Edward's ear as they carefully picked their way around the city.

"There is a hidden gate in the rear of the city by the King's gardens. It is there the Bright Star arranged for us to meet the others," said Peripatetic.

"What others?" asked Heather.

"Why the King and Lady Mercy," explained Peripatetic quietly.

"They're here!" whispered Heather excitedly.

"Of course. Why do you think I came for you as your guide?" answered Peripatetic.

As Heather and Edward rode around to the garden door, the King quietly took the others back through the gardens. They could see the lights of the party shining brightly with the sounds of music drifting to them. Fortunately, no guards were in the gardens. The going was slow due to prisoners' lack of strength. At last, they reached the back wall. Vines overgrew the whole wall with no evidence of a gate.

"Where is the gate?" asked Mercy.

"Hidden from all who are not true rulers of Logoland," replied the King. "There is a small notch in the stones just over here."

Mercy saw King Barnabus walk over beside a small fountain. In the wall sat a small statue of a lion's head. Barnabus reached beside the lion's head into a small cleft. He pushed a brick and a gate swung open on quiet hinges.

"Quickly now! We must make haste," urged the King. "Although how we will escape after this I don't know," murmured the King to himself.

They rapidly filed through the door. After they were all through the door, the King silently shut the door. The full rise of the second moon of Logoland shone over the land. It was almost the light of an early dawn. The King scanned the walls above looking for guards. He did not see any watching on the parapets.

Suddenly, the sound of a bridle clanking reached their ears. The King and Andrew motioned to lie down. Everyone threw themselves onto the ground. Mercy felt her heart beating wildly as she stared around looking for enemies.

The shadows grew closer and fell across the party. There were two horses with riders picking their way toward the group. As the riders came closer, Andrew and the King tensed. Mercy's eyes grew wider and her breath came in shallow gasps.

The moon light fell across the rider's faces revealing their features.

Edward and Heather!

Mercy jumped up and ran up to Heather.

"Heather!" squawked Mercy.

"Mercy!" replied Heather jumping off Daintyhoof.

The two cousins hugged tightly. Mercy was crying and Heather was laughing.

"QUIET!" hissed Edward. "You want to arouse the whole city."

"We're sorry! We couldn't help it. We're so glad to see each other," answered Heather in a subdued voice.

Andrew rushed up to Edward and clapped him on the back. King Barnabus introduced himself to Edward with a bow.

"My thanks to you, Lady Mercy, and Lady Heather for rescuing me," said the King softly.

"Our pleasure your Majesty. We must make haste to escape from this place. You look like you have some wounded with you," noted Edward bowing respectfully to the King.

"That is true. We have several who are not able to move quickly," said the King.

"We must then offer our horses to them," said Edward briskly. "Get the wounded up on our mounts."

Andrew and Edward help place 3 riders on each of the horses. The riders perched precariously on the horses. Heather and Edward took the reins to lead the horses. Mercy walked with Heather. Peripatetic stayed with Edward.

"We must take the path down toward the river. Once by the river we will cross over at the ford and make our way toward Logoland. We must go to the east of Licentia avoiding patrols and the Licentiousions. On the other side of the river, friends wait with provisions, care for the sick, and more horses. We must go swiftly," announced Peripatetic.

The group pulled themselves together and started toward the river. The pace was set by the slowest of the injured group. To Edward it was maddening because he knew that it was only a matter of time until the guards found out the King had escaped. Andrew walked at the back of the group encouraging stragglers and helping them along. The gurgle of the river reached their ears.

"Only a short distance left my friends," said the King.

"We still must cross the river," returned Edward grimly. "And we have several who must be carried across besides those on our horses."

The troupe reached the river bank. Edward scouted in both directions to find the shallowest spot to cross. He strained his eyes in the moonlight to find the signs of ripples on the river's surface from rocks. This showed the place where the depth of the river was lowest and easiest to ford. Edward waded out into the river to test the bottom. It was firm sand and easily crossable.

"Here is the best place to cross," motioned Edward to the group. "It is low and the bottom is sandy."

At that moment a trumpet sounded on the city walls and shouts could be heard.

"We are discovered!" hissed Andrew. "We must go now!"

Edward grabbed Starsmane's reigns and Andrew grabbed Dainty Hoof's. They rapidly led the horses across the river. The two girls followed after. The King splashed across with several of the knights. Andrew and Edward pulled the riders from the horses and went back to carry the last stragglers over the river. Moving with haste, the company pushed on down the trail. The King helped them rush on along the path. The noise from the city increased and it drove them onward. Rounding a bend, the escapees halted.

"We must go into that thicket on the right," shouted Peripatetic.

"But there is no opening?" questioned Edward.

"Pull the ako branches aside and you will find the way," replied Peripatetic.

"Very well," said Edward skeptically as he pushed the limbs aside.

To Edward's amazement a large path appeared before him.

"Through here guys!" motioned Edward.

Edward held the branches aside while everyone filed past. As the last traveler past, he let the bushes snap back. From the trail, no one could ever tell there was any path present. Moving swiftly along the trail, the whole group made progress toward their goal of food, care, and horses. It was also strangely quiet on the path. They could no longer hear any of the trumpets or the noise from the city.

"Just up ahead will be the camp we seek," grunted Peripatetic.

The only sounds present were the breathing of the prisoners as they struggled to keep up and the snorts of the horses while they walked along. The path widened and there were now lanterns hung along the trees.

"We're here!" declared Peripatetic.

From the shadows of the clearing came all manner of creatures. There were centaurs, bears, badgers, squirrels, armadillos, and even a few chipmunks. The prisoners started in fright but Edward and Heather rushed to meet them all. The King stood speechless. He did not know what to say. He could not believe there were Logolanders here to help them deep in Licentia.

"Welcome all!" greeted Truthful the Centaur. "We have plenty to eat, healers, and horses for everyone who will go on to Logoland."

"How good to see you, your Majesty," said Truthful bowing gravely to King Barnabus.

"The pleasure is mine Truthful. I thought I might not see you again," rejoined the King with a smile. "Will you see to all of my subjects who are hurt? Many need your salves and touch."

"It shall be done as you wish, your Majesty," returned Truthful.

"Enough talking!" grumbled Bearded Badger. "Let's get them all fed. We have far to go this night before all are safe."

"Bearded is right. We need to get everyone food, new clothing, and fresh horses," responded Truthful.

The animals helped all the prisoners dismount and all of them to the tables set with food. The injured went over to a tent set up by Truthful for those needing medical care.

Edward took Starsmane and Dainty Hoof to where the other horses stood. He carefully removed their saddles and blankets. He took clean clothes and thoroughly rubbed each horse down. Next he gave them long drinks of water. The centaurs brought fresh hay and oats to Edward and he fed each horse. He ended with a grateful pat to each animal who munched away happily on the food.

Heather and Mercy acquainted themselves with the bears. Mercy could not believe she was actually talking to a bear. How would she ever explain all this when she got home? She thought the chipmunks and squirrels were extremely cute.

Heather talked to the various animals without any hesitation or seeming affected in the least. Right now she was talking with a chipmunk.

"Quite right. I agree that we must return to Logoland immediately," said Heather.

"If me and my people might be of service Lady Heather, please merely ask us," earnestly chatted the chipmunk.

"Excuse me," interrupted Mercy. "We ought to get something to eat and drink before we leave."

"Right. Thank you for your offer of help Chippy. We will certainly ask for your help should we need it," answered Heather.

Heather took Mercy's arm walking her over to the table laden with food. There was fresh baked bread, keslo butter, cabano fruit preserves, smoked poc, and fresh water. Their mouths watered as the smell of the bread assaulted their nostrils. Both had not eaten well for two days. The thick slices of bread sat on the plates and the girls each took several slices. They lathered them with butter and topped them with preserves. Mercy munched happily on the smoked poc washed down with tall glasses of cold water.
Chapter 15

"Leaving Licentia"

Edward finished with the horses and went over to the tent of healing to see about the others. Truthful, with the other centaurs, stood cleaning wounds with warm water and soap. One centaur carefully applied an ointment made of the flowers of the ako bushes. The flowers, when crushed and boiled, were made into a healing ointment much similar to our aloe vera plants. Clean bandages wrapped up the wounds. Hot soups of nourishing broth were brought to feed everyone.

"How are our wounded doing?" inquired Edward.

"They will need some days to be able to travel safely Lord Edward. You, however; will not be able to wait for them," responded Truthful.

"I understand. We must leave as soon as the others have eaten and the horses are refreshed. Will you be joining us for the meal?" asked Edward.

"No, Lord Edward. I will stay here and work with the others to heal the sick and lame," replied Truthful.

"Alright. I will go and get some food. I know we are in for a long night," said Edward.

Heather and Mercy thoroughly enjoyed their reunion and simple meal. Nothing tastes quite as wonderful as food out in the fresh open air with good company. The girls especially enjoyed the meal because they could share each other's stories. Heather listened eagerly to Mercy's account of how Andrew and she were captured. Mercy's cleverness at using the dog to get the keys to the cells made Heather laugh. She wondered who the new friend was that sat at Mercy's side begging for scraps. The dog seemed to have adopted Mercy as its new master. He obviously did not miss the dungeons.

Edward walked over to the two and sat down next to Heather.

"Did you two leave any food for me?" he teased.

"Nope," mumbled Mercy with a mouthful of bread. "Nothing left for you."

"And who is this new friend?" asked Edward rubbing the dog's ears.

The dog whined pathetically looking for food from Edward.

"Oh, so no one is feeding you? You poor guy. Here, have a taste of poc," crooned Edward.

He took a chunk of poc and tossed it to the dog, who gulped it gratefully.

"What's his name?" inquired Edward.

"I don't know. He came from the King of Licentia's dungeons," replied Mercy.

"The dungeons?" exclaimed Edward.

"Yup. He helped us escape by getting us the keys to the cells," stated Mercy.

"You mean you got this dog to get the keys from the guards to let you out of the cells?" asked Edward incredulously.

"He sure did. I saved some meat and used it to get him to get the keys. Andrew didn't think it would work either. I knew the dog would do it," answered Mercy.

"And now he's adopted you?" asked Edward.

"So it seems. At least he followed us. He is a really nice dog," smiled Mercy patting the dog on the head.

"What is his name?" asked Edward.

"I don't know. What do you think Heather?" asked Mercy.

"I think that his name should be 'Trusty' since he was trustworthy to help you escape and loyal to you now," replied Heather.

"That is a splendid name! What do you think boy?" asked Mercy rubbing the dog's ears.

The dog whined happily and wagged his tail in agreement.

Edward surveyed the table and began to eat his fill. The bread was especially delicious with the fresh butter.

"Do we have a plan to get back to Logoland?" questioned Heather.

"I'm not sure, sis. We need to talk to the centaurs and the King. I'm certain they have a plan," answered Edward between bites of bread.

"Speaking of the King. Where is he?" asked Mercy.

"I think he is in the healing tent," replied Heather.

King Barnabus was indeed in the tent of healing talking to the centaurs. The discussion centered on how to best get safely to Logoland.

"My King, the best way to travel to Logoland would be in the night making your way around the city of Licentia. The woods will keep us hidden from prying eyes. However, the woods hold many dangers. We must reach Sanctua your Majesty in no more than 4 days or the Licentiousions will declare you abdicated and take your throne," shared Truthful.

"But what of the sick and wounded?" asked the King in a concerned tone.

"The Licentiousions will not find us here. Did you notice that no sound from outside penetrates this glade?" replied Truthful.

"I did notice no noises from the outside. How could this be?" quizzed the King.

"This place is one of protection provided by the Bright Star. The Licentiousions have no knowledge of this place and may not enter here," said Truthful.

"Place of protection. I see," mused the King.

"The others will be ready soon, your Majesty. You must get some food and drink to refresh yourself," said Truthful.

"Very well. I will go and have food with drink," said the King.

"I will see to the horses and supplies, Your Majesty," said Truthful.

The King made his way over to the tables and refreshed himself. Edward and the King spoke gravely of the need to gather everyone together and depart. They did not have much time to get to Sanctua before their four days were gone.

"Who will guide us Your Majesty?" asked Edward.

"The centaurs will lead us through the forests around the city of Licentia. Once through the forests we only need to make our way through the 'Slough of Sloth' and across the 'River of Resistance'. Once over the River, we will be in Logoland and close to Sanctua. Our enemies will not let us pass easily," spoke the King grimly.

"If everyone is finished eating, let us take our leave," finished the King.

Everyone pushed back their plates, rose from the table, and moved toward the horses. Five of the knights rescued would travel with them: Sir Goodfellow, Sir Heartsfirm, Lord Rightdoing, Sir Faithkeeping, and Lord Firmstand. The rest of the prisoners were too weak and ill to make the journey.

Edward helped saddle up Dainty Hoof, Mercy's mare, and Starsmane. The knights prepared their own horses, clothed themselves in light armor, and girded on weapons.

To muffle the noise of the horses' bridles and other equipment, they wrapped them in clothes to stop any noise as they traveled. The centaurs armed themselves with bows and short swords. There was little talk as each one prepared for the long journey to Logoland and Sanctua.

"Mount up," called out the King. "We journey a long way."

The children climbed upon their horses and fell in behind the King. The five knights: Sir Goodfellow, Sir Heartsfirm, Lord Rightdoing, Sir Faithkeeping, and Lord Firmstand followed closely and a group of centaurs brought up the rear. They headed toward the right side of the clearing. Pushing through a screen of wetern branches, Truthful the centaur brought them out onto a hidden trail. Through the trees overhead the second Moon of Logoland shown. Each leaf shimmered in a silver bath of light with shadows falling all around them. Off in the distance, the sounds from Licentia drifted on the breeze that ruffled the branches. All of them expected to be discovered at any moment.

"From this point there must be no talking," whispered Truthful. "We will need to reach the 'Slough of Sloth' by the morning."

Looking up and down the trail, Truthful turned to the left and trotted off. The whole group followed silently at the trot. The only sounds heard were the creaks of saddles, snorts of horses, and breathing of travelers. An occasional bird call echoed in the dark.

"That will bode ill for us," muttered Edward.

He knew not all the night birds favored the King. The night hawks served the King of Licentia. They already suffered at the night hawks' hands while in the "Desert of Doubting".

Truthful scanned the night sky and urged them on more rapidly. The trees closed over the path hiding all of them from view. The centaur hoped the night birds did not see them when they rode along the trail. Each rider sat lost in their own thoughts. The night began to turn colder with a damp chill settling on the riders. Heather and Mercy rode side-by-side exchanging low whispers. Mercy pulled her cloak closer and raised her hood over head.

"It's getting chilly," murmured Mercy. "I'm glad we have gnome cloaks."

"Me too," answered Heather. "Are you worried about getting to Logoland?"

"I'm not sure. These adventures sort of confuse me a bit. Just getting out the dungeon was plenty exciting for me," shared Mercy.

"We've got to get to the 'Slough of Sloth' by the morning. We dare not be caught traveling through the forest in the day. We must cross the Slough at night," replied Heather.

The dog Trusty trotted along at Mercy's stirrup. He padded along happily glad to be in the open air out of the dungeon. Trusty sniffed the air with his ears forward. He sensed no danger ahead of them. Mercy felt safer knowing he was there with them.

Suddenly, in the distance, the howls of dogs could be heard. Everyone's head popped alert and turned toward the sound.

"Tis the dogs of Logoland," grinned Truthful. "They will watch over us this night."

The travelers could no longer hear any noise from the castle.

"Perhaps they will not pursue us," said Edward.

"I would not trust in such a thing," replied King Barnabus quietly. "With my escape, they know their plans will become undone. They will search everywhere for me. Further, there are enemies in these woods. We are not in Logoland."

As the King finished, Trusty growled and bounded off into the ako bushes along the trail. From the bushes came snarls, squeals, and screams. Mercy jumped off her mare and raced to the noise.

"Mercy!" hissed Edward. "Stop!"

But Mercy ignored him and pushed the bushes aside. What she saw made her gasped. Trusty rolled on the ground with a large bobcat. The bobcat yowled in pain and rage. He had been spying on the group when Trusty found him. Now the cat fought desperately to escape so he could give information to the King of Licentia. Edward, Heather, Truthful, and the King arrived immediately behind Mercy. Heather and Truthful already had arrows in their bows. Neither could shoot for fear of hitting Trusty. The bobcat grabbed Trusty around the neck with his jaws and worked to choke the dog. With a powerful shake, Trusty flung the bobcat off. The cat flew into the air and smacked into a tree with a tremendous crash. The bobcat slid onto the ground stunned. Trusty sprang over the cat, grabbed it by the neck, and gave a sharp jerk. The bobcat gave a last shriek and fell still.

"Oh Trusty!" sobbed Mercy. "You saved us!"

The dog whined and limped over to Mercy. There were several deep scratches on the dog's back legs and cuts on his neck. Truthful drew some salve from a pouch and dressed the dog's wounds.

"Will he be able to walk?" asked Mercy earnestly.

"The salve will ease the pain, prevent infection, and allow him to walk with us," assured Truthful.

The knights covered the bobcat's body with leaves and brushed away the blood. The travelers pushed back onto the path and briskly moved on toward the "Slough of Sloth".

The remainder of the night passed uneventfully. The second moon of Logoland moved toward the horizon over the "Hills of Hostility". The pink of dawn brightened over to the east. The trees thinned and a small meadow opened before them. Truthful called a halt. He motioned Edward, Sir Goodfellow, and Sir Heartsfirm forward. The four skirted carefully along the edge of the meadow in both directions. As they reached the opposite side of the meadow, Truthful gave the all clear sign. The others scurried quickly through the grass. Reaching the safety of the woods, they plunged into the shade of the trees.

The "Slough of Sloth" was now only a mile away. The group made their way carefully to the edge of the "Slough". The sun struck the tops of the trees as the travelers settled in to sleep through the day. They must cross the "Slough" at night. Trusty dropped exhausted next to Mercy and soon was snoring softly. Heather flopped next to Mercy. She spread her gnome cloak on the ground, snuggled against Mercy, and felt her eyes closing in spite of her best efforts.

Andrew and Truthful took the first watch while the sun climbed into the sky. Birds sang, insects droned, and animals scurried around.

"Will the King's men find us?" inquired Truthful of Andrew.

"Well, he will not hear from at least one bobcat," returned Andrew dryly.

"That is true thanks to our newest member," smiled Truthful.

"The 'Slough' is very dangerous. It presents problems even in daylight. Crossing at night will prove to be a challenge," observed the centaur thoughtfully.

"I wouldn't worry. We have Pedantic to guide us and the second moon of Logoland ought to be quite bright tonight. The weather looks clear so we should not have clouds to hinder our light," said Andrew.

"You are right. I just will not rest well until we reach Logoland. The 'Slough' has other dangers as well as the water and quick sand. The plants are particularly dangerous," observed Truthful.

"I am going to walk over to the other side and check out the woods," said Andrew.

"Very good. I will walk around this side," returned Truthful.

The two separated and continued the vigilance over the rest of the group. Both knew the enemy would be out in force looking for them. It would only take a single spy or scout to find them. They must remain hidden from prying eyes. The hours passed slowly. Neither Andrew nor Truthful had the heart to awaken the others for watch. As we noted, Armadillos need little sleep and centaurs' stamina allows them to undergo lack of sleep without losing their strength.

The sun touched the horizon when Andrew and Truthful awakened the others. Quietly everyone stretched, ate a small meal, and drank water. The horses were rubbed down, given a good measure of oats, and watered. Trusty shook himself, licked Mercy, and trotted off to find a snack and water. He seemed singularly unaffected by his previous battle.

Mercy nudged Heather awake.

"It's time to get up sleepy head," encouraged Mercy. "We are going into the 'Slough'soon."
Chapter 16

"Slugging through the Slough"

Heather opened her eyes, rubbed them, and sat up.

"Time to get up already?" said Heather with a yawn.

"It sure is. You need to get up and get something to eat. Then, we will be ready to go," returned Mercy.

The whole camp was astir. The sun rapidly slipped behind the "Hills of Hostility". The red-purple light fanned out across the sky. Little noise came from the travelers. The only sounds heard consisted of occasional low comments, the jingle of belts or bits, and the rare stamp of horse feet. All knew the need for stealth and quiet. Even the animals seemed subdued by the somber mood.

After a cold, simple supper, Truthful gathered the company together.

Beginning in a low voice Truthful began, "The 'Slough of Sloth' contains many dangers. There are many pits of quick sand and quick mud. Those who enter them never escape. The Licentia swamp dandelions affect everyone, including animals, severely. Anyone or any animal eating of them becomes sleepy and lazy. They do not want to do what they are suppose to do or know they are to do. So, no one should eat of them. However, the dandelions also sing a very sweet song causing you to want to eat them. I have taken the precaution of getting earplugs for each person and animal. Please put them in your horses', dog's, and your own ears. Do not remove them until we reach the other side of the 'Slough'. Are there any questions?"

Hearing none, each individual approached and took a set of earplugs. The riders took earplugs for their horses and Mercy took a pair for Trusty. The horses and Trusty appeared to understand the need to keep the earplugs in place. Edward, Mercy, Heather, and Andrew carefully put in the earplugs. They all could still hear some sounds but the dampening was enough to prevent the dandelions from getting the group to eat them.

Truthful and Andrew took one more careful look around the woods and the edge of the "Slough" while the second moon of Logoland started its ascent from the horizon. Shadows reach out to caress the travelers. Everyone mounted up and Trusty sat by Mercy's stirrup looking expectantly into the "Slough". Silvery soft light cast over the swamp-like grasses and few short ako bushes. Here and there scattered depressions of darkness dotted the landscape. Straining their eyes, the group caught glimpses of the ill-defined path across the "Slough". Pedantic Pixic rode on Andrew's shoulders pointing the way. Pixic's see like our cats in the dark and Logosian armadillos smell the water-like quicksand. Between the two, the party progressed slowly.

In single file, the whole group followed gingerly after Andrew and Pedantic. The King followed Andrew. Mercy, Heather and Edward rode next in line trailed by Sir Goodfellow, Sir Heartsfirm, Lord Rightdoing, Sir Faithkeeping, and Lord Firmstand. The centaurs brought up the rear guard with Truthful last in line. The "Slough" brightened to the light of early evening. Rare wisps of clouds danced across the moon's face. A light breeze whispered over the "Slough" bringing a swampy, earthy smell.

Faintly at first, then louder, the children heard a sweet, sweet song.

"What is that lovely sound?" asked Heather dreamily.

"I don't know," returned a wide-eyed Mercy.

"Do you hear that?" questioned Heather turning to Edward.

"Yes. It's very nice," yawned Edward.

The whole line of travelers stopped and listened. Even Andrew halted and looked sleepily around. Edward took out his earplugs and jumped off his horse Starsmane. He walked alongside the path. In the bright moonlight Edward saw the appealing dandelions. The Licentia swamp dandelions grow tall with larger yellow blossoms than our dandelions. The blossoms waved gently in the breeze and seductively sang to Edward. He reached out to pluck a blossom. Placing the blossom in his mouth, Edward chewed contentedly. Soon, everyone was eating dandelion blossoms, but, not Trusty or the horses.

"I'm not going to Logoland!" exclaimed Edward. "I'm too tired to go on to Logoland. I'd really like a short nap."

"Me too!" joined in Heather.

"Maybe later," noted Mercy.

"Let's just stop and eat some more of these lovely blossoms," grinned the groggy King.

"We don't need to go to Logoland. That is too much work!" said Truthful dropping onto his front knees with a sigh. "I'm just going to sit here and rest."

All the knights agreed and plopped down on the ground nibbling on blossoms and chuckling at silly jokes.

The horses snorted in alarm. Ears forward and nostrils flaring, they knew something was wrong! The Licentia "Slough" dandelions had the group in their druggy grasp. Harsh measures were necessary.

Trusty looked at Starsmane who tossed his head with a horsy whinny. Trusty understood. He trotted over and gave a large chomp on Mercy.

"Ouch! Trusty what do you think. . ." began Mercy.

With the bite (that did not break the skin or hurt Mercy), Mercy suddenly came wide awake.

"What is going on here?" Mercy said with a start.

Around her, the whole group sat giggling, staggering, and dozing by the dandelions.

Mercy realized the trouble. The dandelions made them "lazy"! She needed to rouse everyone out of their stupor and get them going. Mercy ran over to Edward and shook him roughly.

Edward reacted with a start. "Mercy, have I been asleep?"

"No! The dandelions sang to us and made us eat them to get lazy! We have to wake up everyone else!" urged Mercy.

Trusty barked loudly and licked people awake with Mercy and Edward. The dandelions no longer sang. Instead they hissed at the travelers like snakes with ugly yellow tongues thrust forward.

"This place is really weird," stated Mercy. "There are even hissing dandelions!"

By now, all the travelers stood wide awake and alert. Some still shook their heads clear.

"Are all awake?" asked Truthful anxiously.

"All are awake and ready to travel onward," replied Andrew.

"Remount and move along the path. These cursed dandelions have no more affect over us," noted Truthful grimly.

The interesting characteristic of the Licentia swamp dandelions effects rests in their ability to only make people lazy once in a trip. The body and brain build up a tolerance or short term immunity to the "laziness" and singing of the dandelions that wears off gradually after a day or two. They would remain safe for the remainder of this trip but could be made "lazy" again if they re-crossed the "Slough" later.

The brightness of the night caused the whole party uneasiness. Progress came painfully slow. Pedantic and Andrew cautiously picked their trail around quicksand and quick mud. Clumps of swamp grass obscured the path. All of them toiled up small hills, skirted draws, and avoided long, sharp thorn bushes.

By now, the riders needed to dismount to lead the horses over the trail. Sweating away, Mercy wiped her brow with her sleeve. Around her, Edward and Heather struggled to march along the way. Abruptly, Andrew signaled them to take cover. Overhead, the moonlight disappeared in a black cloud. With the cloud came a chill over the whole company. A high-pitched shriek echoed in the dark. Heather shivered and grabbed Mercy.

"What is it?" whispered Mercy.

"I, I, I don't know?" stuttered Heather.

"Silence!" hissed Andrew. "Tis the night-stalkers!"

"What is a night-stalker?" wondered Heather.

"They are odious creatures who fly the night skies over Licentia looking for who they may slay. They use their razor talons to slash and cut. We must be still and quiet lest they find us," murmured Andrew.

The shrieking grew louder and louder. Mercy felt a scream rising in her throat. She knew she could not help screaming. The night-stalkers created so much fear in their victims that they often screamed out in horror. Mercy put her fist in her mouth and sobbed. Heather sensed the terror and enveloped Mercy in a big hug. The horses trembled and stirred. Edward and the knights calmed them with soothing words and pats.

A rushing sound came to their ears with the screaming. They all cowered lower hoping to avoid the night-stalkers. Like a freight train rushing by, the night-stalkers roar over our brave little band. The "Slough" emitted a gaseous substance that made seeing into the swamp difficult. This seems to be the only reason the night-stalkers did not see our friends.

After the noise, the quiet felt eerie. Andrew stood up slowly and signaled the advance. The rest of the night passed uneventfully. Not even the Licentiousions dared venture into the "Slough of Sloth". Any Licentiousions making their way into the "Slough" never returned. If not for Pedantic and Andrew, the buzzards would clean their bleaching bones.

Heather, Edward, and Mercy were never so glad to see trees as when they approached the forest on the other side of the "Slough".

"There's the trees!" said Heather triumphantly. "We are almost there."

"We still have the 'River of Resistance' to cross before we reach Logoland," rejoined Edward.

"That won't be bad. We've crossed lots of rivers," answered Mercy.

"Yes, but you never know what is going to happen," answered Edward thoughtfully.

The whole company clambered up the slope into the trees. They rapidly disappeared amongst the trees out of sight of prying eyes. The moon dipped below the line of the "Hills of Hostility". In the grey dawn they dismounted and dropped their packs. Trusty circled three times in the soft ferns, sighed, and settled comfortably into his bed. Edward pulled the saddles from their horses and rubbed down each animal carefully. None of them had sores or hot spots. He fed them oats and picketed them for rest. The centaurs knelt down and fell asleep. The knights all agreed to take turns at watch. Even Truthful and Andrew needed sleep this day. Andrew noted they only needed to make three miles to the "River of Resistance" and into Logoland. He told them this particular stretch of woods contained many enemies of the Bright Star and the King. Extra caution and vigilance would mark their journey.

The sun rose and our travelers slept in the dim, cool recesses of the woods. Wetern trees towered over them and ako bushes hid their presence. Only the little birds of the woods noted their camp. And they never told anyone. A deep stillness settled over the forest holding its breath for the inevitable trip ahead for the King and his guardians.
Chapter 17

"Out of the Woods"

The sun rotated to the horizon and slipped past the tops of the "Hills of Hostility". The knights quietly awakened everyone. The children snacked on gnome cakes and drank fresh water. Edward made sure the horses took a long drink of water and rubbed them down one more time before they left for the river. Long shadows stretched over the forest and the light began to fade fast into the purplish twilight before night. The travelers set off with Andrew and Pedantic in the lead as usual. The children came next, the knights with the King, and finally the centaurs. No one said much. They all felt anxious about the final leg of the trip to the "River of Resistance". Weak light from the second moon of Logoland twinkled through the trees. The trail narrowed somewhat and curved to the right. The children lost sight of Andrew and Pedantic as they rounded the corner. They trudged after the two guides.

Around the corner the children saw Andrew and Pendantic stopped before a wall of heavy white mist blanketing the trail.

"What is that?" asked Mercy.

"I don't know," replied Edward.

"It looks like a thick fog," joined Heather.

Andrew turned to look back as the King and knights rode up behind the others. Truthful trotted up beside the children and looked intently at the wall of mist.

"What is it Andrew?" inquired Truthful.

"I am not sure. It merely appeared in front of us as we came around this corner of the trail. We have not entered it yet. I feel it bodes evil for us," said Andrew grimly.

For a few moments they all just stared at the strange white mist in front of them. The wisps of the mist reached like the tendrils of a plant toward them threatening to grab them and pull them into the dark mass.

"We must go forward," decided King Barnabus firmly. "We have spent 2 days already and do not have enough time to retrace our steps and arrive at Sanctua in time. Whatever evil this is, we must face it."

"Aye, aye!" chorused the knights.

"I will go first," began the King.

"No, your majesty. I must go through first. The Star sent us to assist you and now we must do our duty," said Edward earnestly.

"But you can't go alone!" cried Heather.

"It's too dangerous for all of us to go into this mist. I have to go, sis," returned Edward gently.

"It's not fair!" sobbed Heather.

"Sis, I must go," answered Edward turning to go.

"Are you quite sure Lord Edward?" began Truthful.

"Yes. I need to go now before I lose my nerve," answered Edward.

With that, Edward checked Starmane's girth, tightened his sword belt, straightened his shoulders and walked toward the misty wall. Edward led the horse forward by his bridle while Starmane's ears stood forward with his nostrils wide. His intelligent eyes swept side to side as the stallion marched firmly at Edward's side. The company watched as Edward went into the mist and was swallowed up out of sight.

Walking into the mist Edward felt a terrible cold descend upon him. His legs felt weak and he could not see. Groping forward slowly he stepped gingerly along the path. The mist and silence became oppressive. If not for the crunch of the path beneath his feet, Edward felt he might be walking in the clouds. He did not know how long he walked. The others said he only was gone for 20-30 minutes.

Suddenly, he burst into a small clearing with brilliant moonlight. There, in the middle of the clearing, stood the Bright Star!

"Welcome Edward," said the Bright Star. "I have been expecting you."

"Where am I?" questioned Edward in wonder.

"In one of my gardens," said the Bright Star. "I have many gardens for my children and this is one."

"But, why am I here?" began Edward.

"For me to share with you the next part of your adventure," answered the Bright Star.

"You must go back through the mist and lead everyone onward. However, not along the path. There are those who wish to stop you along the path. Instead, you must guide them into the mist and around the enemies," commanded the Bright Star.

"How will I know the way?" asked Edward.

"You won't. Starsmane will. He is my servant also. Are you not my friend?" returned the Bright Star patting the stallion.

Starsmane answered by burying his muzzle into the Bright Star's chest and nickering softly. The Bright Star gently took the horse's head and looked into his eyes.

"Good stallion, you must find the path around the evil ones this night. I give you my love and power to do so. Go to Sanctua and serve your King," whispered the Bright Star.

"Starsmane will now lead you around the trap and to the 'River of Resistance'. You must make haste. King Barnabus must be in Sanctua the day after tomorrow, the 4th day," said the Bright Star earnestly.

"But, what about the rest of the journey? Do we have anything else to worry about?" inquired Edward anxiously.

"That is not for you to know. Edward, you only are allowed to know the story as it is revealed. Ride Starsmane and assist the King. I will see you again soon," ended the Bright Star.

The Bright Star turned abruptly and strode into the forest disappearing from sight.

"I guess we go back and do what the Bright Star says," noted Edward patting Starsmane.

Starsmane whinnied quietly in reply. Edward swung up into the saddle and pointed the stallion back toward the mist. The horse moved surely into the dark cloud and walked steadily back to the waiting party. The boy and the horse burst from the fog in front of the others.

"Ed!" exclaimed Heather throwing herself on him. "We were really worried about you."

"Where did you go?" asked Mercy

"Did you find the way," questioned Andrew.

"Whoa! One at a time," laughed Edward. "Starsmane and I met the Bright Star in a clearing up ahead. He said we must leave the path and follow Starsmane."

"Leave the path? How will we find our way in the dark and mist?" asked the King.

"The horse will lead us," replied Edward.

"The horse?" muttered the knight Lord Rightdoing. "How can a horse lead us through the woods in the fog at night?"

"The Bright Star never lies. We must do as He tells us," answered Edward. "We don't have much time. I suggest we move out now."

"Let's go then," urged Heather.

"We must do as the Star commands. We follow Starsmane to the River," rejoined Andrew.

Edward turned Starsmane around. He leaned back toward the others and waited for them to fall into line. Edward reigned in the stallion and walked toward the fog wall. The others came behind. Starsmane clove the mist and walked forward. The others kept in sight of each other. The horse turned abruptly to the left and pushed through the undergrowth. The darkness closed in deeper and colder. Heather drew her gnome cloak tightly around her to ward off the cold. Mercy snuggled deeper into her cloak and pulled her hood over her head and neck. No one spoke. An occasional twig snapped as someone stepped upon it.

Everyone knew they must make it to the River tonight or risk being too late to Sanctua. Starsmane marched on steadily without hesitation. It seemed he could see the way in spite of the fog and dark. Edward kept low over his neck to keep from being brushed off by a branch. He could not believe how the stallion picked his way surely along the way.

The travelers walked along for several hours without pause. Finally, Starsmane paused. Everyone stopped and waited on the stallion. Edward squinted and strained to see the way ahead. No hint of light or shape met his eyes. The horse stood with ears pricked forward, nostrils aquiver, and neck arched. Edward touched the flanks of the horse to gently coax him forward. Starsmane stood fast without movement.

"Do you see something boy?" whispered Edward.

The horse whinnied quietly but did not move. The others waited expectantly for Edward and Starsmane to move forward. But, the horse did not move. Everyone listened intently and tried to see ahead. The mist was too thick for them to see anything at all.

Imperceptively the fog began to lighten. Edward and the others at first thought they were imagining the mist was clearing. A light breeze tickled their faces and a savory odor touched their nostrils. The wisps thinned and separated as the breeze gained strength. Now all could hear the gurgling of water ahead. The moist smell of the River washed over them. The fog cleared and Edward saw the moon reflecting brightly off the "River of Resistance".

"There's the River!" noted Edward triumphantly. "Good old Starsmane. I knew you could do it!"

"Hurrah!" came the quiet celebration from the company behind him.

"Now all we have to do is get across it," thought Edward.

"We'll need to scout a place to ford," whispered Andrew coming up beside Edward. "Truthful and I will look down river. Why don't you and the King explore up the river?"

Edward and the King dismounted and handed their horses' reigns to others to hold for them. The four quietly broke off long straight branches to probe the bottom. Andrew and Truthful slowly worked their way into the shallows. They waded into the River while carefully testing the bottom. The best crossing would have a firm bottom of sand or small stones. A muddy bottom would trap the travelers. The King and Edward moved up the River pushing rushes and bushes out of their way. They warily slipped into the water. Each one meticulously stepped along the bottom of the shallows and moved into the River's bed. The bottom might hide treacherous drop off or pocket of deep water. Meanwhile the others sat expectantly on the shore. The second moon of Logoland sat low in the night sky. Dawn lingered only a short time away.

"They must hurry," worried Heather. "The moon is going down and the sun will be up soon."

"I sure don't want to be caught crossing the River in the daytime," offered Mercy.

The group on the bank started to get restive. From time to time, each individual glanced nervously at the second moon of Logoland. The moon seemed to race to the horizon and the sky ran to gray dawn.

At last, Andrew signaled with his branch he'd found a solid crossing. The whole group started to the water's edge.

"It is firm and solid with sand," said Andrew. "I will cross over first and let everyone else follow."

Andrew waded into the middle of the 'River of Resistance'. Suddenly, the silence was split by the shrieks of the black hawks of Licentia! The black hawks looked like our hawks only much larger. If you have ever seen a red-tail hawk in our world, you know how large they are. The black hawks of Licentia were even larger with a wing span of up to 6 feet wide. Their screams threw the group into a panic.

Down dropped the hawks onto the travelers, striking their helmets and shoulders.

Heather screamed and jumped from Daintyhoof. Mercy slid from her mare and dropped to the ground. The hawks struck the knights' on their helmets and knocked two of them to the ground. The horses bucked and whinnied running in terror. Blood flowed from several wounds and chaos reigned.

Amidst the confusion, Heather coolly strung her bow. An arrow flew and a black hawk fell to the ground. As a blur, Heather fired arrow after arrow with steady hand and keen eye. Before she finished she emptied her quiver of 12 arrows. Twelve black hawks of Licentia fell dead to the ground. The centaurs joined in the fray slaying the remainder of the black hawks. None escaped to report to the Licentiousions.

They quickly reorganized themselves and examined their wounds. None seemed serious but precious time was lost. The sun's rays shone in the sky and dawn was minutes away.
Chapter 18

"Whaling Along"

"Into the water! We must get across the River before dawn!" shouted Andrew.

The whole company waded down the river into the shallows splashing to the ford of the River. Andrew plunged in first with Truthful at his side. They urged the others onward. In the middle of the River, they both stopped to allow the others to pass. Soon, everyone entered the River making their way across.

All at once, the River's bottom opened up and dragged them down. Edward described it like riding a roller coaster when you feel the car drop off a steep incline. Shouts and yells split the air. Horses screamed. Heather and Mercy flew off their mounts into the now boiling River. The water tossed and turned so violently that no one could swim to the shore. Heads bobbed in the water strung along in a line. They all stood in danger of drowning and the evil 'River of Resistance' might just accomplish what soldiers and dandelions failed to do.

"Mercy! Heather!" shouted Edward. "Where are you?"

"Over here!" screamed Heather.

Edward struggled to swim toward the two girls. The River pushed him harder downstream with its violent current. Edward swam well but was no match for the River.

The knight's armour dragged them down preventing them from swimming. Not even the horses could fight the strong flow of the River.

In the distance a flourish of trumpets sounded. These were the brassy notes of the Licentiousion trumpets. Somehow, they must know our brave band were close by and crossing the River. Edward heard them and his heart fell. The King of Licentia's men must know where they were. The group would never escape in time if they did not all drown.

Suddenly, a huge shape burst out of the River. The shape crashed back into the River. Edward looked over his shoulder to see a huge mouth devour the King, the knights and Andrew. The animal, or whatever it was, disappeared into the River again. He swam harder toward the girls. The centaurs struggled bravely toward the River's banks. The animal surfaced again and Truthful with the other centaurs disappeared into the creature's mouth. Mercy and Heather fought desperately to keep their heads above water. Edward reached the two girls. He touched Heather's hand and was enveloped in darkness.

The three of them did not know what happened. One moment they fought for their lives in the River and the next moment, total darkness. Edward felt something solid under his feet. He still had Heather's hand.

"Mercy, where are you?" asked Edward urgently.

"I'm over here," came the reply.

They heard Mercy sloshing over toward them.

"Where are you?" Mercy asked.

"Follow our voices," urged Heather.

Mercy bumped into Heather and the two hugged tightly.

"Where are we?" asked Mercy.

"I'm not sure. But, I think we were swallowed by some animal or thing," replied Edward.

"You mean we were eaten by something?" replied Mercy doubtfully.

"So it seems," said Edward.

"Where's everyone else?" returned Heather.

"I think they all got swallowed too," replied Edward.

"Where are they then?" inquired Mercy. "And where is Trusty?"

"I'm right over here," came the reply from Andrew.

All three children jumped abruptly at the voice.

"Is that you Andrew?" asked Edward tentatively.

"It is Lord Edward. We are trying to establish a light right now," answered Andrew.

"Would matches help?" asked Edward.

"What?" replied Andrew.

"Matches. To help light a torch?" returned Edward.

"What are those?" questioned Andrew.

"A sort of portable fire device. Very similar to a steel and flint only better," said Edward.

"By all means Lord Edward bring the 'matches' over here. Follow our voices to us," replied Andrew.

Edward, Heather and Mercy all groped their way over to the others. Edward felt Andrew's hand. Heather and Mercy clasped hands with Truthful and hugged him close.

"What is that smell?" began Mercy after the hugging stopped.

"I think it is fish," responded Truthful.

"Fish?" asked Mercy. "Why fish?"

"We are not sure Lady Mercy," responded the King. "But it is rather strong"

"Has anyone seen Trusty?" asked Mercy anxiously.

"No my Lady," said Truthful gravely.

"He's just got to be here! Trusty! Trusty" shouted Mercy.

Meanwhile, Edward fumbled in his pockets. He hoped the "River of Resistance' had not washed his matches out of his pockets. He always carried a packet of water proof matches along with a small knife with him everywhere. Where were they? He reached into his top pockets without success. He found them in his right side lower pocket.

"Do you have something to make a torch out of when I strike the match?" asked Edward.

"It is right here," offered Sir Faithkeeping.

Edward pulled out the water tight cylinder that held the matches. Its screw on cap contained a small scratch cap to light the matches. He struck the match and illuminated the faces gathered around him. Each face was streaked with dirt and tightened with anxiety. Edward carefully lit the torch with the match. It sputtered and jumped to life. The glow revealed everyone staring at the three children. A more bedraggled group of people you could not imagine. Dirt, grime, and slimy material covered everyone. And the awful fishy smell. Edward lifted the torch higher to get a better look around.

"It looks like were in some sort of a cavern?" noted Edward with wonder.

"I think we are in the belly of some beast," said Truthful. "But exactly what I am not sure."

"This is most strange. Why didn't this beast chew us all up when it swallowed us?" asked the King inquisitively.

"Good question your Majesty," piped up Mercy.

"And why this fishy smell and awful stuff we are standing in?" asked Heather.

"Why don't we light a couple more torches and have a look around?" encouraged Edward.

"Very good," replied Truthful. "Let's split up into several groups and explore this place.

Edward lit several more torches and they began to slosh around the room looking for a way out. They soon found they were trapped in large cavernous room about 75 feet long and 50 feet wide with a height of over 20 feet. The water sat about 2 feet deep throughout the room. Floating in the water were small fish and alot debris.

They all met back in the middle of the 'room' to discuss their findings.

"Well, we're in some sort of room," began Edward.

"Or, maybe the stomach of some beast," responded Andrew thoughtfully.

"But why are we not dead?" questioned Heather.

"That is a really good question," said the King stroking his beard.

"There does not seem to be any escape," continued Truthful.

"We can't live here for long. We need food and water. Plus we don't know how long our air will last in here," responded Edward.

"Where is Trusty?" said Mercy with a tremor in her voice

They noted the air seemed closer and stuffier. All of them shifted uneasily. There seemed no escape.

Without warning the surface of the room lifted up and a large wave of water gushed forth pushing them all forward. Startled yells and frightened whinnies bounced around the room. The torches went out in a splash of water. The darkness descended and a topsy-turvy tumble began. Everyone banged into each other as the water roiled around them and they tumbled against the beast's insides. Head over heels Heather held her breath trying to keep from inhaling water. Mercy closed her eyes and smashed into several people and pinged off a horse.

Above them they saw a lightening of the water like the surface of a pond. With increasing velocity, they all flew toward the light. In a geyser of water and debris, they blew out of mouth of the animal and tumbled onto the grass banks of the 'River of Resistance'.

Flying out in a flood of water onto the ground, they all rolled over and over ending up in a tangled mass. Starsmane and Daintyhoof struggled to their feet and shook themselves spraying water in every direction. Edward untangled himself from Lord Firmstand and got shakily to his feet. All around him the group got up slowly and looked around in a daze. No one seemed injured, but the smell!

Edward laughed nervously, "I don't suppose we'll be fit company for awhile."

"Is everyone here? Anyone injured?" queried Truthful.

"No one seems hurt," responded Edward.

"Where is the beast?" asked the King anxiously.

Everyone looked around abruptly. They had forgotten about whatever had swallowed them. Over on the side of the River they saw it. A large whale sat resting lazily in the rushes.

"I trust you had pleasant journey. Although, I suspect you smell somewhat less than appealing after resting in my stomach," noted William the Whale.

"Who are you?" questioned Edward.

"I am William, a whale of Logoland," replied the beast. "I was sent by the Star to assist you."

"How?" asked Heather.

"I was minding my own business swimming in the ocean along the shore of Lologland as usual. It had been a good day of swimming and straining sea plankton to eat. Out of nowhere a large whirlpool appeared in front of me. These occasionally appear in the ocean so I was not concerned. I started to swim away toward calmer water but the whirlpool pulled me into it. No matter how hard I swam, it just pulled me deeper into it. I took a large breath through my blow hole and dipped under the surface of the sea. I know you will think me somewhat deranged, but, the whole whirlpool then lifted up out of the sea into the air. It flew me to the mouth of the 'River of Resistance' and dove deep into the bay. Once in the bay, the whirling water drew me to you in the River. The Bright Star told me to swallow you, so I did. I swam up the River to this place and vomited you up on the shore," finished William.

Everyone sat quietly for a moment taking in the story.

"I can't believe we were swallowed up by a whale like Jonah," muttered Heather.

"What a story!" exclaimed Mercy. "It was pretty cool except for the fishy smell part."

"Now what?" inquired Edward.

"On to Sanctua," responded the King.

"Let's get the horses together and move on to Sanctua," commanded Lord Rightdoing. "Do we have any saddles or bridles left?"

In all the whale adventure, the horses' saddles were lost and bits dislodged. They would be riding bare back without bridles. The supplies they carried were all lost as well. They managed to find a few swords. Heather and the centaurs had their bows but no arrows. Mercy still had the 'Trumpet of Truths' around her neck on its silver chain.

"What about you William?" asked Heather.

"I'll swim back to the ocean. Don't you worry about me. Just get the King to Sanctua in time. I have no desire to be ruled by the King of Licentia," rumbled William.

With a flip of his tail, William turned to swim off to the ocean.

"How far to Sanctua from here?" asked Heather.

"I am not sure exactly," replied Edward. "We are further up river than where we crossed at first."

"I think we are just a day's journey from Sanctua. We ought to arrive in plenty of time to stop the King of Licentia's plan," informed Andrew. "As I recall the trail to Sanctua lies in that direction near that stand of wetern trees."

As the party turned toward the trees, they heard a whimper. Out of the rushes limped Trusty!

"Trusty!" screamed Mercy rushing to the dog.

He had been swallowed by the whale and lost in the belly. When everyone else spewed forth, he flew out too. But, he had landed some distance away so he had to limp up to them. He licked Mercy's hand gratefully.

"Are you alright doggy?" asked Mercy in concern.

Trusty wagged his tail and woofed. He seemed uninjured except for some bruising.

"Good to see you Trusty!" exclaimed Edward.

"Yes! What a good dog!" added Heather.

Once the excitement of finding Trusty ended our travelers turned back to the meadow. Running along the edge of the trees they found a wonderful brook with sparkling water that gurgled and splashed in the sun. Everyone hurried to the banks of the stream. They drank deeply of the waters and made sure the horses' thirst was slaked. Trusty lapped thirstily as well. After drinking, Heather and Mercy rinsed off their faces and splashed water in attempt to remove some of the smell of fish from themselves.

"We mustn't take too long in the open. We still have some way to go to Sanctua. The enemies of the Star are still all about," noted Truthful.

"Yes, we must enter into the woods and rest for the day," said the King.

They hurried into the stand of wetern trees. The ako bushes provided cover for them to hide in for the day. After such a tough day, everyone felt exhausted. They all dropped onto the ground and immediately fell asleep. Truthful and Andrew would stand watch over them for the day.
Chapter 19

"On the Road Again"

Sleeping in the day and traveling at night seemed much easier as the time wore on. No one stirred in the day. All of them were so exhausted they did not awaken. Truthful and Andrew kept careful watch over them. They also discussed the plans of how to get to Sanctua safely.

"The road is not safe for us. There will be patrols and spies all around the city," began Truthful.

"Aye. We will have a difficult time getting into Sanctua. There is only one more day left to get the King to the castle," replied Andrew.

"What do you suggest?" mused Truthful.

"The trails through the woods are the safest. It will take us more time but we risk less opportunity for capture," said Andrew.

"Do you know the way?" asked Truthful.

"Very well. I have traveled theses woods since my youngest days," responded Andrew.

"Through the woods we will travel," finalized Truthful.

The day moved lazily along without any disturbances. The woods stayed strangely quiet as if holding its breath. A few birds called in the distance. Bees buzzed. A light breeze wafted over the party with the sweet smell of early summer flowers. The sun's long rays tinged the tops of the wetern trees signaling the coming of night. Truthful and Andrew walked quietly amongst the sleepers gently nudging them awake.

Heather stretched luxuriously and rubbed her eyes. She turned to smile at Mercy. Mercy groaned.

"It can't be time to get up already," complained Mercy.

"It certainly is you slug-a-bed," teased Heather. "We are almost at Sanctua. Only one more day."

"I'll be so glad to get into clean clothes and have a hot bath," sighed Mercy.

"Me too," said Heather dreamily.

"We won't get to Sanctua with you two lolly-gagging around," noted Edward drily.

"We are getting up. Don't worry, Ed," returned Heather.

"Good. Truthful wants us ready to go in 15 minutes," responded Edward.

Edward strode over to the horses and patted them.

"Ready to go Starsmane? You Daintyhoof?" asked Edward.

The horses whinnied in response and nuzzled Edward's neck gently. All around, the others readied themselves to travel to Sanctua. There was low talk with a few quiet laughs. Everyone was cheered they would soon be home in Sanctua. There was also uncertainty. No one knew exactly the reception they would receive in the city.

The three children walked over to Truthful, the King, and Andrew. Trusty trotted along beside Mercy.

"Welcome. We have waited for you to arrive," said Truthful. "We just were discussing our travel plans."

"Andrew thinks it best we go through the woods," began the King.

"Do you think the trails are too dangerous, even at night?" inquired Edward.

"Won't that slow us down?" asked Mercy.

"It will a great deal but we can't use the trails," said Andrew.

"What about the horses?" questioned Heather.

"We will have to lead them through the woods," responded Andrew. "But, we may still have to set them free if the woods become too dense."

"What weapons do we have?" queried Edward. "I lost my sword in the River along with almost everyone else."

"We centaurs have our bows and have made arrows to fit them," said Truthful.

"I guess I'll make do with a stout club," mused Edward.

"I have my bow if you will share arrows with me," said Heather.

"I still have the 'Trumpet of Truths'," shared Mercy.

"Well then, we are fully armed and ready to go," smiled Andrew. "The sun is nearly set. Let us start on our way."

The sky turned pink with the rays of the sun touching wispy clouds. The sun streamed toward the travelers with the promise of the night; the night that would hide them from the King of Licentia's men. Pink faded to purple hues with coolness to the air. A deep silence spread over the forest.

Andrew, with Pedantic on his shoulder, inspected the company to make sure all were ready to depart. Satisfied all was well, Andrew plunged into the forest. The children followed with the King and others. Trusty stayed a Mercy's side. With darkness falling, it became more difficult to see the person in front you.

"Stay close," whispered Andrew. "We do not want to lose anyone."

The second moon of Logoland rose but was dimmed by the clouds passing overhead. They stumbled along for several hours. Tensions mounted the longer they walked. Mercy said you could barely see the person in front of you. The horses had the toughest time trying to walk over and around fallen trees or pushing through the bushes. Sometimes thorns scratched the travelers, drawing blood.

At last, Andrew called a halt. The moon shown brightly now on a large meadow some 200 yards across and over 100 yards broad. A silvery stream ran down its middle with a small stand of trees near one end. Everyone stood frozen for some minutes. The silence remained unbroken. Not even a night insect sang. The moonlight cast eerie shadows in the grasses and the trees. The soft silvery light gave a deceptively peaceful appearance to the whole scene.

"I don't like this at all," muttered Andrew. "It is too quiet. We are very exposed in crossing this meadow."

Andrew passed the word softly for the King, Truthful and Edward to come forward. Silently they gathered around Andrew. He looked worried about their going onward.

"This silence makes me anxious that someone awaits us in this meadow or in the woods on the other side. The meadow is large. Further, the clouds have gone and it is now bright in the meadow," began Andrew.

"What do you suggest?" asked the King.

"Should we scout around the meadow," added Truthful.

Edward stood without speaking. He did not much like the idea of crossing the meadow or of scouting. The lack of night noises unnerved him. Something was not right. Trusty whined nervously.

A screech split the night and everyone jumped.

"Just an owl," reassured Andrew. "They hunt these woods at night."

"Who will scout?" queried the King.

"I will go," responded Edward. "I will check out the meadow and explore the edges of the woods. I will take Starsmane with me just in case I need to get back to you quickly."

"Are you sure Lord Edward," asked Andrew solemnly.

"I don't think I can stand waiting here and really would rather check out the meadow," said Edward earnestly.

"Very well. We will watch you closely from here. Wave your right hand if you think all is clear. If you sense or see danger, hurry back to us," finished Truthful.

Edward walked back to his horse.

"What's going on Ed?" asked Heather.

"I'm going to check out this meadow. It seems suspicious and I volunteered to go look," explained Edward.

"I'm coming too," said Heather stoutly.

"You can't. I need you here to keep watch with Mercy," said Edward.

"You just think I can't do it!" exclaimed Heather.

"No I don't either. I just don't want to have to worry about you with me," returned Edward.

"Mercy and I can both take care of ourselves! Can't we?" returned Heather heatedly.

"That's right!" chimed in Mercy. "Plus, Trusty is with us and he can protect us."

"I know. But you have to stay with the others. Please," requested Edward.

"Alright. But I don't like it!" finished Heather grumpily.

"Neither do I," replied Mercy stoutly.

Edward led Starsmane to the edge of the meadow. The stallion nuzzled Edward to let him know the horse understood Edward needed him to go into the meadow. Trusty walked beside Edward.

"No boy. You need to stay with Mercy and Heather. They need you to keep them safe," whispered Edward.

Trusty looked intently at Edward with his head to one side. He licked his chops and slowly went back to the two girls. He sat down at Mercy's feet and watched Edward carefully. Slowly Edward advanced into the knee high grass. The moon gave that unearthly glow to everything around. Edward always thought the moon gave an unreal appearance to everything it lit up. He thought of fairies and of the 'Cryer Trees' in Logoland. These trees resembled our willows with the same small leaves but they had a blue cast and silver bark. Their limbs were flexible and fluttering. When the children had been in Logoland last they had seen the Cryers awake. The trees were called Cryers because when the trees were awake during the good times in the land they left a trail of bluish leaves that fell from a soft, pensive, silvery bark faces. Edward missed them. The grass seemed like liquid threads of light and the trees almost looked alive with the radiance. The stream gurgled in the distance dancing happily over the small rocks running to the "River of Resistance". He gingerly crossed the ankle deep water.

No sounds met his ears except his and Starmane's soft steps in the grass. Edward scanned the meadow carefully looking for anything out of place. Perhaps a grassy depression, turned up earth, foot prints that trod down stems of grass, or a broken limb on a tree. He moved deftly to the stand of trees and inspected them. No signs of anyone around. Carefully, he approached the edges of the woods. No breeze stirred the leaves of the trees. He strained to hear any noises in the woods. Silently he and Starsmane walked deliberately along the edges of the meadow. Once he stopped abruptly. Was that something shining in the forest? He stared for a long time. Sweat rolled down into his eyes and he wiped it nervously away. It must have been a trick of the moonlight.

Edward turned and waved his arm to let everyone know they could cross the meadow. The group slowly made their way into the meadow. No one made the slightest noise. Even the forest held its breath.

Abruptly, the silence was shattered by the blast of a trumpet and the roar of voices! Out of the woods poured the soldiers of Licentia! Edward turned in alarm and saw the soldiers rushing toward him. A flurry of arrows flew over his head at the others. Edward threw himself on Starmane's back and rode furiously to his sister and Mercy. The shouts of the battle grew to a horrific din. The centaurs bravely set volley after volley of arrows at their attackers. The knights joined the battle with the few swords they possessed. Heather stood stoutly firing arrows that Mercy handed to her. Trusty flew at the Licentiousions in a whirlwind of teeth and snarls. Andrew handled his staff in a blur of activity. Licentiousion soldiers fell to his right and left as he clubbed to the ground. Edward pulled Starsmane to halt and dropped to the ground. He ran over to Andrew and grabbed a sword on the ground. He rushed to join the defense with his sister.

The attacking knights swarmed over the small party. Edward fought valiantly. Blows fell thick and fast. Edward met the blade of a large knight as the knight struck at Heather. Sparks flew with the impact. Edward felt himself being driven back by the superior strength of the knight. His situation looked desperate. His lessons in self-defense came to his rescue. He stepped inside the larger knight's legs and grabbed his arm. Edward then threw himself down on his back on the ground while pushing his feet into the man's stomach and rolled backward. The surprised knight flipped over Edward and landed on the ground on his back, stunned. Edward jumped up, thrust his sword in the joint of the knight's armour, and dispatched the knight. Sides heaving with effort and adrenaline, Edward looked at the battle raging around him. Truthful manfully protected Heather and Mercy from the murderous knights' attacks. Trusty had a knight by the sword arm. Edward ran to help Truthful defend his sister and cousin.

The situation had become desperate. Waves of knights poured across the meadow shouting hate at the servants of the Bright Star. The centaurs, the King, and Andrew gave ground stubbornly. They were being overcome by the shear mass of the Licentiousions. Swords crashed around Edward as he rushed to his sister, the screams of the horses rose above the sounds of battle, men yelled and cursed, and there seemed no hope.
Chapter 20

"What Heather and Mercy did"

Edward reached Mercy and Heather. The Licentiousions pressed upon them in a hailed of swords and clubs. In the confusion Edward heard the clear sounds of a trumpet. Mercy stood with the "Trumpet of Truths" pressed to her lips blowing a long melodious blast. The attackers paused, stood transfixed and motionless, and stared in wonder at Mercy as the trumpet's sound faded into the night. The captain of the Licentiousions shook off the spell and roared with rage. Immediately, the other Licentiousions renewed their attack with vicious fury. The little group seemed to disappear in a thicket of blows.

Out of the midst of the party burst forth a blinding blue-gold light. The rays shot everywhere driving the attackers back with screams of anguish and pain. With the light came the loveliest sound ever heard. Heather stroked her lyre pouring the sound of the hymn to the Bright Star. The Licentiousions howled in agony clasping their hands over their ears to try and shut out the sweet sound of the Bright Star's hymn.

The knights of Logoland: Sir Goodfellow, Sir Heartsfirm, Lord Rightdoing, Sir Faithkeeping, and Lord Firmstand, the centaurs, and Andrew stared in amazement as their attackers rolled on the ground in pain and ran in circles wailing.

In the distance, they heard a rustling and a rumble. All turned their eyes to the edge of the forest in expectation. Bursting from the forest's boundary, a wave of Logolanders charged to the rescue. Leading the group were the Cryer trees. These trees resembled our willows with the same small leaves but they had a blue cast and silver bark. Their limbs were flexible and fluttering. As the Cryers ran, they threw their limbs like clubs at the Licentiousions. In a hail of limbs, the Licentiousions fell like wheat before a scythe. The plains centaurs ran closely behind the trees slaying those that fell. Plains centaurs need further description. They were not like the usual centaurs. They were smaller with longer, more graceful legs. Their upper bodies resembled young boys and girls. They seldom grew taller than four feet at the shoulder, and the men stayed beardless throughout life. Their speed on the plains remains unmatched as they can run 35-40 miles per hour for up to one hour.

With the Cryers and the plains centaurs, rushed in the armadillos, badgers, and the wild dogs of Logoland. Like a tidal wave that washes over the shore, the wave of Logolanders swept up the Licentiousions. Those Licentiousions the plains centaurs did not dispatch, the armadillos and forest creatures captured and disarmed. The whole attack occurred so quickly and ended so rapidly that the travelers did not even join the fray. The beaten Licentiousions look around sullenly.

Heather finished strumming her lyre. The melody ended, drifting into the night. The blue-gold light faded slowly away and stillness settled eerily on the meadow. The panting of the fighters and the moans of the wounded were the only sounds heard. The knights looked at the Cryer trees and animals in wonder. A cheer rose from the King's ragged band.

"Hoorah! Hoorah!" shouted King Barnabus, the knights, the centaurs, Edward, Heather, Mercy, Truthful, Andrew and Pedantic.

"Where did they all come from?" asked Edward in wonder.

'From the 'Trumpet of Truth'," replied Mercy smugly. "I figured there wasn't a better time to blow it!"

"I'll say," replied Edward. "We were in big trouble until you and Heather stepped in together."

"We are quite a team," smiled Heather. "Fortunately, I didn't lose the lyre in the whale's belly. I almost forgot I had it until things went so bad for us."

"The 'Lyre of Logoland' does exist," breathed the King in wonder. "I heard of it as a boy but it has been lost for many years."

"It tends turn up in interesting circumstances," laughed Heather.

"What now?" questioned Edward.

"First we must bury the fallen, tend to the wounded, and deal with our prisoners. Then we will make our plan to march to Sanctua," said Truthful quietly.

The centaurs suffered horribly in the attack and all the knights had wounds. Edward's left arm had a gash and Andrew's back received a nasty sword blow. Heather and Mercy both remained unharmed. Poor little Pedantic was thrown from Andrew and nearly trampled in the melee. He was just bruised. Many of the Licentiousions lay in heaps on the meadow. The badgers went straight to work digging graves and the plains centaurs gathered rocks to place over the mounds. Even the dead of enemies received respectful burial in Logoland.

The work went rapidly and after an hour everyone sat ready for a council.

"Tis but a few hours to dawn and we still have miles to go," began Andrew.

"True, but now we have friends to help us travel without fear of attack," replied Truthful.

"Aye. We plains centaurs will carry the Lord Edward and Ladies Heather and Mercy," joined Augustine, the leader of the plains centaurs.

"What of the knights and King?" inquired Edward.

"We have horses aplenty and centaurs to accompany them," rumbled Bearded Badger. "Time's a wastin'. We need to get started."

"What about all these prisoners," began the King.

"You leave them to us your Majesty. We badgers will keep them occupied," returned Bearded firmly.

"No harm to them good Badger," warned the King.

"Oh no, your Majesty. We were thinkin' more like them helpin' put right all the damage they've done to the woods," returned Bearded with a twinkle in his eye. "Hard work is good for the soul."

"To Sanctua then!" shouted Truthful.

"To Sanctua!" they chorused.

The children mounted the plains centaurs. Augustine took Edward and two other centaurs took Mercy and Heather. The knights and the King mounted the fresh horses. Starsmane, Daintyhoof, and Mercy's mare would follow later after a good rest. Andrew would come with them along with Pedantic.

Thus began the night ride to Sanctua. The children thoroughly enjoyed the trip riding on the backs of the centaurs. Centaurs run powerfully and smooth. The children thought it more like gliding than riding. The moon was high, their spirits lifted, and the King would arrive in time.

The group made the outskirts of Sanctua just as the sun peaked over the trees. They pulled up at the edge of the trees along the city limits. The centaurs walked carefully along a small hillside. One by one they disappeared into a cavern hidden in the hillside. The children could not see the opening until they entered the cave. They had to lean over the centaurs' necks to keep from hitting their heads. The knights dismounted and led the horses into the large room inside.

"That was really neat!" exclaimed Mercy. "I like that kind of adventure better than being in a whale."

"Me too," responded Heather.

"Now what?" wondered Edward.

"First we must clean all of you up and get you new clothes. You smell quite ripe," observed Truthful dryly.

Within the cavern there were many rooms. Several of the rooms held natural hot springs with special areas for bathing and rinsing. The two girls rushed into the ladies bath area with squeals of delight. Loyal Logolanders met them and removed their tattered rags for burning.

"How will we ever get rid of this fishy smell?" wondered Mercy.

"Not to worry my Lady. We have soaps made of flowers from the wetern trees. They will take away the smell as you soak and wash. Then we have perfumes to anoint you with my Lady," responded the lady-in-waiting.

"A hot bath," sighed Heather. "How lovely!"

Heather and Mercy carefully plunged into the warm hot springs giggling.

"Oh, I can feel my sore limbs getting all better," sighed Mercy.

"This is wonderful!" murmured Heather with her head just above the water and bubbles.

The two girls soaked for some time. They used soft brushes to scrub off all the dirt and grime from the last several days. The ladies in attendance furnished thick towels to dry and wrap their hair up in as well. Each sat on a warm bench with a steaming cup of hot cocoa and fresh cookies.

"So, what is next?" asked Heather.

"The ladies are to put on these clothes and come to the main chamber," said the lady-in-waiting.

The two dressed rapidly and went to the main chamber. Edward, the King, Truthful, and the knights were already there.

"Do really think we can fool them?" asked Edward.

"Undoubtedly my Lord. It is a mask ball so everyone will be wearing a mask and costume," returned Truthful earnestly. "We need merely gain entry and we can seize them all without a fight."

"Sounds easy enough. Do you have costumes for us all?" responded Edward.

"Yes Lord Edward," assured Truthful

"Well your Majesty. We're all for it," announced Edward.

"Were you going to answer for us too?" teased Heather.

"At last you two! I thought you were going to turn into prunes in there in the water," laughed Edward.

"Very funny. Ha, ha," said Mercy. "You are just jealous because you didn't get any bath oils or bubbles.

"Of course we'll help Edward. It is not often we get to attend a fancy ball; especially a mask ball," grinned Heather.

"I suggest we all get some rest," yawned the King drowsily. "We will all need to be sharp tonight. They think we are beaten. We will show them what stuff real Logolanders are made of!"

"Here, here!" responded the knights enthusiastically.

"We have beds for you ladies in the inner chambers. If you will follow me, I will show the way to them," said Truthful.

"Real beds!" said Heather in wonder.

"That is the best thing I have heard all day!" joined Mercy.

The girls went after Truthful to a small door. He opened the door and inside sat two twin-size beds just right for Heather and Mercy. They ran to them and stared. There were real goose down pillows, soft mattresses, and silky sheets. The girl's eyes shown brightly as they thanked Truthful for the beds. He looked somewhat embarrassed as he backed out the door. On the foot of each bed hung a warm flannel night gown. Heather and Mercy donned the night gowns, snuggled under the covers, and were soon fast asleep. Trusty, who had accompanied them into the room, curled up on the floor by the bed closet to the door to guard them. Soon all that the sounds the room held were the snores of the girls as they slept.

Edward did not go to bed. He sat down with the King, Truthful, the knights, and the others loyal to the King. There were details to cover about how to get to the palace, who would be stationed where, and the signal for revealing the King. Messengers came and went while they pondered the map of the city and palace.

"I can't help but think we could use the secret door," began the King.

"It is too small and open to discovery. We would need too much time to get everyone through it. No, my King we must enter at different gates at different times. Then, I suggest we rendezvous outside the palace at various points. Once we are all inside the city we can slowly make our way into the palace," suggested Truthful.

"Tis wisdom in that your majesty," agreed Sir Goodfellow. "We cannot believe they will not be watching all the gates carefully for us."

"How shall we enter the city?" asked Lord Firmstand. "We are all well known and twill be difficult to hide our knightly visage."

"You leave that to me," said Truthful. "Our friends in Sanctua have arranged for us to enter the city in disguise. Once inside we will get our costumes and meet near the palace. Are we agreed then?" asked Truthful.

"Aye," they all answered.

"To rest and let us pray to the Bright Star for victory!" exclaimed Truthful.

"To the Bright Star and Logoland!" they shouted.

Edward felt a thrill as he looked around the shining faces. He knew he could trust each one with his life and they him. Fatigue suddenly overwhelmed him. He needed rest or he would not be much help. Edward stumbled off to a corner of the great hall. There was a heap of soft animal pelts in the corner. He burrowed into them and soon fell fast asleep. The next thing he knew, Truthful was shaking him awake.

"Time to rise Lord Edward. You will need something to eat and drink," said Truthful kindly. "After that, we will dress you for entering Sanctua."

Edward rubbed his eyes, threw off the skin, and walked over to a rude table piled high with keslo milk, poc, and fresh bread. Mercy and Heather already were eating.

"Finally decide to join us?" asked Mercy with a mouth full of food.

"Yup. Didn't your mom tell you not to talk with your mouth full," returned Edward with a smile.

"Only when I'm talking to polite people," Mercy replied tartly.

"Guess that counts me out," laughed Edward.

Edward dove right in and ate with gusto. From time to time he slipped bits of poc to Trusty who sat staring pathetically at Edward with warm dark eyes.

"You'd think you never got fed you silly dog," said Edward.

"Woof," replied Trusty with a doggy grin.

"Here you go. You'll need your strength too," cooed Edward.

Truthful walked up to the three with clothes slung over his arm.

"We think you three will make ideal peasant children," smiled Truthful. "Although, you don't smell fishy enough now to really fit the disguise."

"Maybe if we rub a little dirt on our faces we'll look alright," laughed Mercy.

The children finished their meal and went to change into their clothes to get into Logoland. They all hoped the Licentiousions were too busy celebrating to pay attention to peasant children.
Chapter 21

"Deception and Disguise"

The children looked at the clothes they gave to them. They were brown and green with hoods to cover their heads. Edward thought they were too clean. He took hand-fulls of dirt and rubbed them on their clothes.

"We need to put some dirt on our faces as well," he told Heather and Mercy.

"How are we going to get clean afterward," asked Heather.

"Truthful said there would be people to help us get clean once we were in the city," replied Edward.

"Remember to keep your head down and not look at the guards. They are used to the peasants being humble and scared," informed Heather.

"Okay. Are we ready to go?" answered Mercy.

"Let's get going. We have to get through the gates, clean up, change, and get to the palace," shared Edward.

They walked toward the cave entrance. Trusty tagged along side Mercy.

"You have to stay here, boy. We can't take you with us. Someone might recognize you," said Mercy.

Trusty whimpered pathetically but sat and stayed in the cave. The children ran after Truthful who moved down the path toward the city. From all directions the people streamed to the city. The followers of the Star all knew each by their secret sign. They steadily worked into the crowds mixing with everyone else. Heather, Mercy, and Edward all fell in line next to an old peddler pushing a handcart full of tin ware. He chatted with the children sharing how he hoped to sell all his wares at the King of Licentia's coronation. As they approached the gate, the guards glanced over them and waved them through without even a second glance. The crowds were so large that there was no way the guards could or would search everyone.

Edward looked around and pulled the two girls along with him. He guided them down the main avenue and up to the palace. Once he reached the square, he ducked into a side street. The others were gathering there as well. They all entered into a house of the loyal friends of King Barnabus. Inside, there was a mad rush to clean up, pull together the costumes, and get to the palace for the mask ball. Heather and Mercy ran over to the other ladies. They took them into the back room laughing at their dirty faces and peasant clothes. Edward moved over to the men's area.

In the women's room Heather and Mercy found their costumes. There on the door of a wardrobe hung the most beautiful dresses they ever saw. One sparkled in a blue splendor with small diamonds sewn into the fabric. The sleeves were long with cunningly stitched cuffs of purest white lace. The bodice came up high and around the neck a beautiful collar of golden thread encircled the neck. The dress swept to the floor at the ankles. Attached to the dress' hanger was a pair of the loveliest golden slippers ever made. They had small heels with slender straps that clasped at the ankles. This dress had Mercy's name on it.

The other dress made of golden material blazed with small diamonds. It's sleeves were ¾ length with lace cuffs of intricate design. The body of the dress went up high to the neck with a collar of large diamonds. The dress hung to the floor. A pair of black slippers were attached to the dress exactly like the one's on Mercy's dress.

Edward's costume consisted of a blue jerkin, golden hose, black leather boots, and a sharp gnome blade in a golden scabbard on a golden belt around his waist. He looked quite dashing according to Heather. With their costumes, they each had a blue colored sparkling mask with to wear. The girls' looked like a large pair of glasses with wings on top of a wand held in front of their faces. Edward's was a golden sparkling mask held in place by a piece of cloth tied behind his head.

"Let's get dressed and to the palace," said Heather. "How are we going to walk in those shoes?"

"We will take a carriage," responded the ladies-in-waiting.

"Great! Otherwise these shoes would be ruined!" exclaimed Mercy.

The girls took a little longer to get ready that Edward. Soon, however, all were ready to take the carriages to the ball. Everyone talked excitedly as they approached the carriages. They clattered down the main avenue en route to the palace. The palace stood ablaze at the end of the street. Every window held light and huge torches lit everything in a brilliance of daylight. The carriages rolled into the grand drive and swept to the front doors. Footmen opened the doors of the carriages and the children descended to the steps. The three marched up to the door with the masks in place. The doorman did not stop them but simply opened the doors to the palace. In they strode. The strains of music floated on the air from the grand ball room. Edward turned to the music, offered his arms to the ladies, and escorted them to the ball. Inside the ball room, dancers twirled, danced, and moved in a dazzling parade of color. The full string orchestra played a sweeping minuet. Men bowed while ladies curtsied and made turns in the complex pattern. The costumes shimmered, glittered, and flowed in the brilliance. Never had Mercy seen such unbelievable beauty. The sheer opulence of the dresses and jewels bedazzled her eyes. The dance seemed so splendid.

"I hope you don't expect me to dance like that," whispered Mercy fiercely.

"No, you just circulate with the crowd and find our friends," smiled Heather. "Edward and I will take a turn or two and see what we can find out."

"Shall we then, sis?" grinned Edward.

"Indeed, fair sir," returned Heather with a curtsy.

Edward took his sister's hand. Into the whirling mass of dancers they went. The two instantly remembered the intricate steps and movement. With measured step and grave countenance, Edward and Heather danced as though born to this music. Those around them took notice and wondered who this couple so fit to each other in splendid raiment might be. They nodded to other dancers and took stock of the room and worked toward the King of Licentia. He sat on a large raised throne at the end of the room surrounded by knights to protect him. His large body filled the chair to overflowing and hung over the sides. Not a particularly imposing sight.

Edward murmured as he bowed to Heather, "How many guards do you count? I see ten."

"I see ten around the throne but there are five more in the draperies to the side," added Heather.

"Now I see them," whispered Edward moving forward to Heather. "We'll need to make sure we account for all of them."

Mercy mingled with the crowd. She found several of the knights standing along the side of the ballroom. She recognized them by their costumes. She bowed gravely to them. At the tables of food, she saw more servants of the Star. They would all soon be in place. She glanced at the large clock over the King's head. In only 20 minutes, Logoland would be freed from the Licentiousions. She wandered along the ball room. She felt a tap on her shoulder. Mercy turned and looked into the mask of a young man with startling blue eyes.

"May I have the honor of this dance my Lady?" he inquired.

Mercy stood still in shock. Her eyes widened in fear. She could not dance.

"Uh no my Lord. I dance not," responded Mercy.

"Surely one as lovely as you must dance?" he pressed.

"No. Thank you for your offer," stammered Mercy turning and hurrying off.

What a close call! She must lose herself in the crowd and find the others. She scanned the crowd to find Edward and Heather. There they were! Over by the other side of the ball room. Mercy moved toward them in haste.

Heather and Edward stood to the side of the ballroom surrounded by the Licentiousions. Their dancing made people notice them. This was not part of the plan. Mercy sidled up to the edge of the crowd and tried to get Heather's attention. Heather saw her but dare not take notice of her cousin. Somehow she and Edward needed to get farther to the back of the ball room so the others could move forward to disarm the guards and capture the others. The music swelled in volume so talking was difficult. Heather and Edward excused themselves and pretended to move to the refreshment area. Mercy trailed discretely behind them. She glanced at the large clock again. Only 10 minutes now. They had to get into place.

Mercy worked her way next to Heather.

"We need to get next to the guards," muttered Mercy.

"We know," returned Heather. "Let's get going. There's not much time."

The three of them took separate routes to the throne. The others were already in place waiting for the signal. The King of Licentia planned on blowing a trumpet to announce his ascent to the throne at precisely 10:00 PM at the masked ball. At that time all masks would be removed to celebrate the King taking over Logoland.

Only one minute left to go. Mercy and Heather reached the right side of the throne. Edward went to the left. The knights of Logoland: Sir Goodfellow, Sir Heartsfirm, Lord Rightdoing, Sir Faithkeeping, and Lord Firmstand all stood near the guards around the throne. King Barnabus stood two men away from Edward.

The minute had swept to the hour. Mercy watched as the second approached 10:00 PM. The trumpeters lift their instruments as the orchestra stopped playing. Everyone turned to the throne as the fat King of Licentia stood for the blast of trumpets. Things seemed frozen. Mercy saw Edward standing still with his eyes on the King on the throne. Heather stared at the clock. Nothing moved. All held their breath waiting for the blast of the trumpets. In slow motion, Mercy saw the trumpets at the players lips. They took a breath, puffed their cheeks, and tensed to blow.

The trumpets sounded forth. The loyal Logolanders dropped their masks and unsheathed swords. The knights quickly disarmed all the guards. Heather reached down by the throne's base to fetch her bow and drew an arrow. Edward and King Barnabus leapt upon the throne with swords drawn. The notes of the trumpets faded away as a roar came over the ball room. Everywhere Logolanders were disarming the Licentiousions. A few minor struggles took place but the success was complete. They had completely overcome their adversaries. The King of Licentia squealed in terror as King Barnabus placed a blade at his fat abdomen.

"Don't kill me! It is not my fault! The vizier made me do it!" whimpered the King of Licentia.

"You mean this one?" said Sir Heartsfirm pushing the vizier at their feet.

The vizier looked like a trapped rat. His hair was disheveled and his clothes torn.

"I had nothing to do with any of the trouble here in Logoland! It was the King!" whined the vizier.

"What should we do with them your Majesty?" asked Sir Heartsfirm.

"First we ought to deal with the situation at hand," grinned the King Barnabus. "Good people of Logoland, I have returned to you! Let us all thank the Bright Star!"

"To the Star!" roared the crowd. "Long live King Barnabus! Long Live King Barnabus!"

The King held up his hands for silence.

"Let me introduce our friends of old: Lord Edward, Lady Heather, and Lady Mercy," announced the King. "They have once again come in our time of great need. Logoland is free again thanks to them."

"To Lady Heather, Lady Mercy, and Lord Edward!" shouted the happy crowd.

"Sir Heartsfirm, take these trouble makers to the dungeons along with their friends," said King Barnabus.

"Gladly sire," said the knight with a bow. "Come with me ye miscreants. See how you like a small smelly cell."

"Musicians, play. For this is a happy occasion! Let all who would enter do so! Food and drink for all!" laughed the King.

The doors to the palace were thrown open and church bells rang. The people of Sanctua joyfully came to the palace to honor the King. Mercy, Edward and Heather sat on the steps near the King. Each tried to talk at the same time. They were so excited they could not sit still.

"You were great Ed," said Heather.

"You weren't too shabby either sis," responded Edward.

"Are you two done congratulating each other?" sniffed Mercy. "I'm just glad this adventure is over. I'm not sure I could take a lot more."

"You loved it. Admit it Mercy," chided Edward.

"Maybe a little bit," smiled Mercy. "But I'm ready to get home."

"We can't just go home you know. The Bright Star has to send us home," answered Edward.

"You mean we can't go home?" asked Mercy incredulously.

"No, we just go back when the Star sends us," said Heather matter-of-factly.

"Well, I don't like that!" pouted Mercy.

"We usually get to have lots of parties and dress up," coaxed Heather.

"You can't just sit and complain. We have to celebrate the King's return," added Edward.

"You're right. Let's enjoy the party," sighed Mercy.

One of the wonderful things about Logoland was being able to stay up all night for special occasions like the return of King Barnabus. The children danced, sang songs, told jokes, and talked until dawn. The sun was well up in the sky when the party finally ended. The children finally fell into bed in an exhausted sleep. They slept all that day and through the night until the next dawn.
Chapter 22

"Home at Last"

One other good thing about Logoland parties was that no one made you get up early the next morning. The children all slept in until past noon. Mercy woke up first yawning. She stretched luxuriously and snuggled beneath the sheets. So much had happened in such a short time. From a rather spoiled and selfish girl, Mercy had started to develop into a mature young lady. She really liked her cousins now and could hardly wait to see what adventures awaited them today. The satin smooth sheets tickled her toes and she giggled. One more stretch and Mercy jumped out of bed. She grabbed the robe on her bedside table, wrapped it around her shoulders, and walked to the bathroom. There was no plumbing like we know but the Logolanders were clever. Through a series of aqueducts, pipes, and gravity feeds, the water ran into the sinks when the valve was opened. Mercy splashed the icy cool water on her face. Hot water could only be obtained by heating it in large kettles and pouring it into a bath. After her morning splash, Mercy carefully combed her hair out and thought about what to wear that day. She still could not believe the whole closet full of clothes for her in the room! Mercy walked into the closet and eyed the rows of dresses. She picked out a light blue dress with puffy half-sleeves, high waist, and knee length. She braided her hair into a French braid and added a gold comb with a blue enamel star in the center. Completing the outfit were blue slippers of soft leather with golden ties.

Mercy walked out of her room and sauntered down the hallway. She saw Heather's doorway and approached it. She knocked gently upon the door. Mercy listened intently for a sound. Hearing none, she decided to go on to get something to eat. Making her way to the kitchen, she found the cooks preparing for the evening meal.

"Good afternoon, Lady Mercy," said the head cook. "Could we offer you something to eat to tide you over until dinner?"

"That would be great!" replied Mercy.

"We have fresh cheese and bread, keslo milk, cured poc, and cabano preserves. We could fix you anything you might like," finished the cook.

"Cheese, bread, and keslo milk sounds great. And maybe some of the poc," grinned Mercy who had learned to really enjoy cured and smoked poc.

Mercy sat down at the rough kitchen table and thoroughly enjoyed talking with the kitchen staff. They knew all about everything in the castle and rejoiced greatly to have the true King of Logoland back in the land. As Mercy finished her breakfast, Heather came into the kitchen looking for food too. She rushed over and hugged Mercy tightly.

"Good morning!" said Heather with the hug.

"Glad to see you," Mercy replied. "Have some cheese and bread."

"Don't mind if I do," returned Heather dropping next to Mercy.

"Would you pass the bread, cheese, and the poc please?" asked Heather.

Mercy passed the food and the two ate, laughed and recounted the party from the night before.

"I could not believe that Andrew could dance," stated Heather.

"Who knew that armadillos danced so well? Andrew really put most of the knights and others to shame," responded Mercy.

"I know," laughed Heather. "He nearly danced my legs off!"

"The fireworks were wonderful too. The people were so happy to have King Barnabus back," continued Mercy.

"Not any happier than we were to be in Sanctua and no longer being chased," answered Heather.

Just then, Edward walked in and found them.

"It is about time you two got up. I've been up for hours," observed Edward.

"Well la-te-da," returned Heather. "It's not our fault you can't sleep in."

"Some of us have important work to do getting the kingdom back under the King's rule," sniffed Edward.

"Land sakes Lord Edward! Are you hungry? Sit right down and let me fix you a bite to eat," fussed the head cook. Edward was one of her favorites. She enjoyed spoiling him.

"Thanks Mrs. Stockton. A nice hot bowl of gribbich would be great," said Edward sitting down next the Heather.

"What do you ladies have planned for today besides sleeping in?" asked Edward

"We thought we might go do some shopping," began Mercy.

"That would be great!" chorused Heather.

"Ugh!" moaned Edward. "We barely out of danger and you are both thinking of shopping?"

"What were you thinking about?" snorted Mercy. "Jousting?"

"No. I thought we might spend a little time in the gardens just talking about what we have seen and done," returned Edward.

"That would be good too. We can always go shop later," answered Heather.

"It would be good to see the gardens in daylight and without people chasing us," Mercy drolly responded.

The three finished up eating. Arm in arm with Edward in the middle, they walked out of the palace into the beautiful formal gardens. The sun shone brightly in the west. All the birds sang happily and the flowers waved softly in the air. The flowers' wonderful fragrance wafted over them. The trio wandered happily along the gravel paths amongst the trees and bushes. They approached a small clearing with trimmed ako bushes and grown wetern trees. In the center of the clearing sat a small bench of stone in the shade of the wetern trees. The children decided to go sit on the bench.

As they sat on the bench talking about their adventure, they saw a golden-blue light glowing behind the trees to their right. They stood up and looked curiously toward the light. As the three moved to the golden-blue light, it became brighter and brighter. Out of the light stepped a figure. The light blinded them and they could not see who it was.

Heather recognized who it was! It was the Bright Star! She ran to hug him. He opened his arms wide and gathered Heather in a big crushing hug. Heather buried her head in the Bright Star's beard holding him close.

Mercy and Edward ran up to the Bright Star. He released Heather and gathered them all into his arms. The four hugged for some time. Finally, Edward wriggled himself loose.

"Why are you here?" inquired Edward.

"Because it is time for this adventure to end and for you to return home," said the Star gravely.

"Right now?" questioned Mercy. "I was just getting used Logoland. Besides, how are we going to get back?"

"That is usually not a problem," grinned Edward.

"You will go back the way you came," replied the Star.

"But how does that work. . ." began Mercy.

With a sharp pull all three children felt themselves dragged from the Star's presence.

"Whoa!" shouted Edward.

"Wait!" yelled Heather.

"Hey!" screamed Mercy.

The three tumbled and rolled for what seemed like many minutes but in reality was only a few seconds. A whirl of color, bright lights, and images of Logoland flew by them in rush. With a thump and a bump, the children tumbled through the open window into the attic room. They rolled across the floor and bumped up against the wall sliding onto the floor in a jumbled heap. The brilliant golden-blue light filled the room. Edward, Heather, and Mercy sat on the floor staring at the attic window as the light faded and the window slowly faded from view.

"Do you think we're back home?" breathed Mercy.

"It sure looks like the attic room," answered Edward.

"It's the attic room," replied Heather.

"Do you suppose they missed us?" questioned Mercy.

"I guess we'll find out when we get back down stairs," muttered Edward.

The three burst out of the room and rushed down the stairs.

"We're back!" shouted the children breathlessly running into the kitchen.

"Back from where, dears?" asked Grandmother Fillingston.

The children glanced quickly around and noted the party just as left it. It seemed like they had been gone only a short time even though they spent several days in Logoland.

"We're back from 'hide-and-seek'," finished Edward quickly.

"Yes, 'hide-and-seek'," added Heather.

Mercy looked at her cousins and smiled slowly at them without saying a word.

"That's lovely," returned Grandmother Fillingston. "It is nearly bedtime so you ought to think about getting ready for bed soon."

"Could we have a small snack before bed," inquired Heather.

"That would be fine. Just go and help yourself to what is on the table on the patio," responded Grandmother.

"How about some zucchini bread?" grinned Edward.

"That's a great idea," grinned Mercy back.

"But, you don't really like zucchini bread," began Heather.

"After what we just did, zucchini bread sounds great to me," replied Mercy.

"What are we waiting for? Let's get some milk and zucchini bread," said Edward.

The three linked arms and walked onto the patio to the food. As they walked, a large golden-blue star shot across the sky illuminating everything.

"Do you suppose. . .?" began Heather.

They all looked at the shooting star in wonder.

After some moments in silence, Mercy broke the spell.

"Should we talk to Grandfather?" she whispered to Edward and Heather.

"Maybe later. Right now I just want to get some zucchini bread and some of Grandmother's sugar cookies," answered Edward hungrily.

"Is that all you ever think of?" laughed Heather.

"Nope. Sometimes I think about sleeping," retorted Edward with a chuckle.

"What about Logoland?" teased Mercy.

"That too," smiled Edward. "That too."
(Chapter 22 began on page 203)

-The real Mercy said, "They get people in the city and castle who are for King Barnabus to disguise themselves like the Licentiousions. They sneak into the castle and palace. They take over the guards and the others. The King of Licentia is having a big dance (like a mask ball) and party. The children and the good Logolanders dress up for the ball, surprise them, and get King Barnabus his throne back. (10/26/05)

-The real Mercy said, "They try to cross the river, they think it's shallow but it's not. It is really deep and suddenly a big whale comes up and helps them get to land. They encounter a swamp with dandelions. You can't eat them, if you do you get lazy. . .and don't want to do what you are suppose to do." (10/1/05)

-The real Mercy said, "Mercy was captured and put in jail with the King. They did not even put her in chains because she was small and only a child. Mercy got the King's and her food to get the dungeon dog to bring the keys to her to get the King and her out. She coaxed the dog to get the keys. Then, she sneaked out with the King while the guards were eating dinner. Heather and Edward did not get captured but got away to stay with some people who were friends of the King. They helped the King and Mercy get away as well. (September, 2005)

-"Once through the forests we only need to make our way through the 'Slough of Sloth' and across the 'River of Resistance'. (second trip with King after city of Licentia)

-5 knights: Sir Goodfellow, Sir Heartsfirm, Lord Rightdoing, Sir Faithkeeping, and Lord Firmstand

-Chipmunk's name is Chippy

-Centaur named Truthful

-Stallion named "Starsmane"

-Mare named "Dainty Hoof"

-"Trumpet of Truths"-silver trumpet Mercy has on a chain on her neck when she blows it help comes

-Plains centaurs were not like the usual centaurs. They were smaller with longer, more graceful legs. Their upper bodies resembled young boys and girls. They seldom grew taller than four feet at the shoulder, and the men stayed beardless throughout life. Their speed on the plains remains unmatched as they can run 35-40 miles per hour for up to one hour.

-The wetern nut had a small smooth shell with meat like a filbert, and the ominsk tree had a nut that was covered with short spines and tasted like an English walnut, only more oily and strong in flavor.

-ako bush- a low, pale green shrubby bush native to Logoland.

-Pixic-It was a medium sized animal that looked like a cross between a tortoise and a horned toad. The animal had a shell like a tortoise with short, stubby legs and a long neck. The shell, however; had all sorts of ugly long spines and the head of the creature resembled the horned toad with lots of warty-like appendages and growths.

-Edward's remark gives us opportunity to describe a Tracker. They were lovely, small insects of a golden color instead of orange, and beautiful. Trackers had blue spots instead of black and were the shape of a ladybug.

Ipong roots were the roots of a small, pale green shrub that looked similar to a lilac bush. The roots were very starchy and nourishing, not unlike a cattail root.

-Spike of Logosian-This was a jagged peak that made the highest point in the Eastern mountain range.

-Cryer trees. These trees resembled our willows with the same small leaves but they had a blue cast and silver bark. Their limbs were flexible and fluttering. When the children had been in Logoland last they had seen the Cryers awake. The trees were called Cryers because when the trees were awake during the good times in the land they left a trail of bluish leaves that fell from a soft, pensive, silvery bark faces.

-The map took them from the "Woods of Forgetting" which they now encamped, across the "River of Wrongdoing", into the "Mountains of Temptation", through the "Pass of Hopelessness", across the "Plains of Pouting" and into the "Hills of Hostility".

-The real Mercy said, "If you fall asleep, you get really pouty. Edward and Heather fall asleep and get pouty. But not Mercy." (September, 2005)

Mercy got the King's and her food to get the dungeon dog to bring the keys to her to get the King and her out. She coaxed the dog to get the keys. Then, she sneaked out with the King while the guards were eating dinner. (September, 2005)

