 
JOHN BUCKLEY

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1

Jamce and Krowny were exploring the town of Marbou while Saycha and Baesar were working on spells at Baesar's villa. Jamce saw a store front that read," Games, steaks and barrels of booze come see Delber's shop."

" Hey, Krowny, let's see what this place has to offer," said Jamce as he walked up to the tan turnstile and went into Delber's.

" Where there's booze Krowny builds a house, I'm right behind ya, Jamce," said Krowny smoothly as he cracked his knuckles and followed Jamce into Delber's.

Inside Delber's there were 3 separate rooms filled with various games, tables, and antiques. There was a c shaped bar that had 3,000 different bottles of liquor on a 30 foot high wall with a machine that would grab them then move the bottle to Delber and he would pour shots in animal shaped glasses. On the front of the counter there were red skull shaped buttons that read," Have a seat," and thin leather cushioned bar stool would rise out of a secret compartment in the floor. There Caligaly men, Duness boards, and even the Prapeso game among many others were all over the room that anyone could play for a coin.

Prapeso was a fighting game where 4 players 2 per team tried to destroy another player's warrior as you fought your way into a cavern. The farther you went down the cavern's slope the more armor you

could put on your warrior. Also you got more armor and weapons by every 3 blows you landed on an opponent, with the 3rd blow making his eyes bulge out and showing you had won the new armor or weapons. As you descended there were obstacles and other creatures that would try to keep you from reaching the bottom that you had to fend off. Once you reached a certain level you could get an animatronic wagon that you could race to the bottom on. Once there you had to fight a 4 headed dragon and try to knock off all 4 heads. Once you did this the song," We'll finish the start of the race," by the Gleaming blades would play. Then the dragon would fall on its back and its stomach would burst open and you grabbed the golden Prapeso idol, and then that could be traded for booze, food, or coin. It looked like the games designer Dr. Harem Prapeso, who had a bulbous round head and silver rimmed glasses, with devious serious looking eyes and a sloping long nose that dipped down just above his lower lip. The idol showed him punching himself in the chin and smiling vacantly while he stood on one leg and his legs were crossed. Dr. Prapeso created the game after playing the game Bautol with a stranger. He made such a fine living from the sale of Prapeso that he quit his practice and moved into a large villa dn worked on new games to sell.

Krowny and Jamce walked up to the bar and then Delber turned around and asked," Is it a quick short thrill or a coffin and a smile, what'll it be?"

Delber was 6'0 tall and 200 pounds with large powerful forearms. He had dark thick brown long hair and a matching beard that grew down to his shoulders. He had one green eye and one red and large perfectly straight smile that made him look insane when he smiled. He was wearing a tan corduroy shirt with the sleeves rolled up and had one pocket on the left side with 6 Barky sticks sticking out of them.

Barky sticks were made from seasoned ground up Palant testicles and packed a massive wallop. He also had on a pair of round bifocals and a pair of brown corduroy pants and tan slippers and no socks.

" I'll have a coffin," said Jamce as he looked around the room.

" Make it 2 please, is this your place?" asked Krowny as he looked down and saw the red skull button and pushed it and a leather chair came right up underneath him and he sat down and said," now I know this is the right place."

Delber pressed the orange square button for the Save Yourself whiskey bottle and then the large blue hand grabbed the bottle from high up on the wall and brought it down to his hand. Then Delber began pouring their drinks and said," Yeah, I'm Delber and this is my sanctuary. There ya go try a pull of that," said Delber slyly as he handed Jamce and Krowny their Canto and Palant shaped glasses.

Then Jamce took a sip and said," Whoa now that is a little more than a nail in my coffin, that's the knife in my back."

Then Krowny took his and downed it and then coughed and said loudly," Hello mother's miracle of pain! That's got more kick than a prodded Durion, give me another Please."

" Of course and how 'bout you?" asked Delber as he poured Krowny another glass.

Jamce looked at his glass then drank the rest of its contents and whispered," Yeah, hit me again."

Delber smiled and then poured him another glass and then said," Ya know I've got a great selection of games here. Is that something you're in too?" asked Delber as he poured himself a glass of Save Yourself whiskey.

" Of course, Krowny, and I just won a Duness competition at Manrol's castle last week," said Jamce proudly as he patted Krowny on the back and smiled.

" That was you 2, I heard about that. You beat the reigning champs. Well, I've got Duness here if that's what you're looking for," said Delber then he took a long drink.

" Well Duness is fun, but I'd rather try a new one if you've got anything good," said Jamce implying a question.

" It's funny you should ask, are you familiar with Prapeso?" asked Delber then he lit up a black cigarette and took a drag and blew the smoke out of the side of his mouth.

" No, never heard of it, is it a team game or single player?" asked Jamce as he looked at Delber intently.

" Yes it's teams of 2 and the winner gets the Prapeso idol which is very valuable being made of pure gold and all. And if you find you like it and get to where you feel you're good at it, there's always men and women comin' in here to play for money," said Delber then he finished the last of his drink and crossed his arms and held his cigarette off to the side.

" Really, what kind of money are we talkin'?" asked Jamce then he looked over at Krowny and nodded and then back at Delber.

" As much as you can carry. And, I only take 3 percent for using my machine and the rest is yours. I also will referee the match and hold the wager in case anyone gets frisky. And if anyone tries to get ruff there's my friend Mroctos," said Delber then he pointed to Mroctos standing by the Duness game.

Mroctos was 7'6" 605 pounds and had 12 squares of blue hair on top of his head. He also had golden eyes and a 3 nostril nose with one in the center. His hands were enormous as were his feet size 34. He had on a black flowing robe with a white belt and a pair of purple shoes.

" Mroctos, I see there probably aren't too many who'd mess with him, well, that live anyway," said Jamce as he looked over at Mroctos and then at Delber and asked," so where is this Prapeso so Krowny and I can get started?"

" Follow me," said Delber brightly then he jumped over the bar and walked across the room past 2 dozen people playing all the other games and then stopped at the giant Prapeso game board and said," alright this is it. Now the object of the game is to get to the bottom and kill the dragon by knocking off all 4 of its heads. You use these joysticks at the top and when everyone is ready to start you press this green face inward and a Canto will run in front of your joysticks and off you go."

" O.K. it looks very similar to Duness just going down instead of up," said Jamce as he sat down in a leather chair that hooked to the game board.

The Prapeso game board sat on a pedestal and the cavern was 4 feet deep with 4 tan leather chairs around the outside of it with each player having his own side and his joystick and weapon buttons and weapon and armor upgrades in slots in front of him or her. There was also a holster for his drink and a plate for his dinner or snacks. The actual cavern was colored red and had small red torches that lined your path to the dragon. The actual bottom had a 2 foot area where you could maneuver and attack the dragon.

Krowny sat down and grabbed the joystick and began using the controls and then glanced at Jamce and smiled and then looked at Delber and asked," O.K. then who do we play?"

" Just sit tight and someone will be along shortly," said Delber then 2 men walked up to him and he said slyly," and here they are, have a good match."

" Hi, I'm Lexter and this is Domion. And you are?" asked Lexter as he sat down next to Jamce.

Lexter was 6'3 and very thin. He had blonde hair that was tied into a ponytail and parted to the side in the front. He also had large brown eyes and a thin nose. He was wearing a black t-shirt that had small red square patches sewn into the sleeves that had the Doopelk spells written on them with white thread.

The Doopelk spells were a series of 2 part spells that had to be cast back to back to form an even more powerful spell. There were only 30 of them in total.

He also had on a pair of black corduroy pants and a pair of tan interlocking shoes called Boes, that could be unhinged in the center and you could attach a different second half to the same shoe. Boes also had the ability to remove the soul of the shoe and fashion another using metal snaps.

Domion had dark brown hair that was long and had curls at the tips. He was 6'4" and very overweight with a large boulder belly. His eyes were silver and very odd looking in that you couldn't tell if he was looking at you. His nose was shaped like a lollipop and he was wearing a black short sleeve leather jacket that had the Compamain crystals in holsters on his chest.

The Compamain crystals were green and red diamond shaped spell carriers that could be smashed and then they would shout a spell. This gave a wizard the ability to cast a spell if a hand was over his mouth.

He also had on a blue dress shirt and black jeans, as well as red Boes dress shoes.

" Jamce and Krowny, nice to meet ya. You fellas up for a game, Krowny and I are only learning?" asked Jamce as he fiddled with his joystick.

" Well we can teach you how to lose," said Lexter slyly as he sat down.

Jamce smiled and said," well, you might just do that the first game, but Krowny and I are crafty and learn quick so I wouldn't count on the second," said Jamce then he took a sip from his whiskey.

" Alright, then we'll take it easy on ya the first game, but better be ready come the second," said Domion sternly as he grabbed hold of his joystick.

Meanwhile at Baesar's villa Saycha was practicing Doopelk spells in Baesar's garden out back. There were 6 rows of vegetables, fruits, and an assortment of flowers as well as dozens of statues in and around

them. There was also a marble fountain of Baesar being eaten by a fish with the water coming out of the tip of his staff in the center of the garden. The garden went for 300 yards and was 100 yards wide, with a 20 foot high stone wall surrounding it that had 100 three foot statues on top of it of famous wizards.

Saycha was wearing a white flowing robe and black Boes shoes, as well as a pair of white cotton gloves and holding the staff of Wrom as he stood at the far end of the garden and then he shouted," Vormas potpo for sesa!" and then a large red liquid snake appeared and headed for the fountain and then he shouted," Borflat redicus pain!"

And a pair of swords appeared and attached to the sides of the snake and began slicing the fountain to pieces as the snake slithered around it.

" Yes! Yes, Saycha, you've concurred your first Doopelk spell righteous!" shouted Baesar as he walked over to Saycha and patted his left shoulder and laughed loudly.

Baesar had on a red cotton jacket with one long sleeve and one short, that had the words," Be the power behind it all," written across it in black letters. He also had on a pair of yellow flowing pants and a pair of black sandals.

" I could feel the moment when the spells needed to merge it was amazing," said Saycha happily then he waved his staff over his head and then tossed it high up into the air and then snatched it as it fell.

" I see you getting command of your staff, someone's been practicing haven't we," said Baesar with a grin as he implied a question.

Saycha smiled and then said," The more I learn the more I want to learn an as fast as I can. I want to know it all, Baesar."

" And so the winds of god will carry you in your thirst for knowledge. We are getting close to where you'll need to be to save your friends, but we still need mastery or it's all for not, Saycha," said Baesar sternly.

" I'll do whatever I have to, to help my friends and especially Dorama get out of that horrible place," said Saycha boldly.

" We aren't far in a day or 2 we'll be ready, then comes the hard part, the actual journey to the Underworld. Saycha there are horrors there that can't be spoken of, but will challenge your resolve. I just want you to remember that your powers can defeat any foe as long as you are fierce and lightning with your delivery," said Baesar sternly and then he began to walk towards the villa and guided Saycha with his hand and then said," now, Saycha, tomorrow we'll get into a very dangerous form of spell called black magic. I want you to have every weapon at your disposal and this black magic is key to ensuring you safety if you're confronted by a black wizard, o.k."

" O.K., I'll learn it and I'll master it. Do you think they'll be many black wizards in the Underworld?" asked Saycha timidly as he stopped Baesar with his hand.

" Yes, Saycha, unfortunately there are many, but you have the power to wield the staff of Wrom which gives you a power they don't posses, so fear not," said Baesar then he walked over and laid down on the grass and said warmly," the rest of the day is yours, Saycha, fell free to take the wagon and go into town."

" Thanks, I think I'll go check on Jamce and see how he ended up," said Saycha then he waved and went around the house to the wagon.

At Delber's Jamce and Krowny had lost 4 straight games, but what Lexter and Domion didn't know is that Jamce and Krowny were losing intentionally, as they learned all the strategies of the game by watching how Lexter and Domion played. Then Jamce stood up after just losing again and asked as he let

out a sigh," Krowny and I want to take a little break and regain our composure, can you give us just a minute?"

" Of course, Jamce, take all the time you need to lick your wounds we'll save your seat for ya," said Lexter as he smiled and then laughed.

" Thanks, let me talk to you for a second alone, Krowny," said Jamce as he moved his eyes to show Krowny which way he wanted him to go.

" Alright, Jamce," said Krowny sadly then they walked over to the Duness game.

" O.K., Krowny, I've got this game mastered. Ya see when Lexter goes for his sword..." said Jamce as he put his hands on Krowny's shoulders.

" I know you stab his leg then hit his head when he bends over," said Krowny quickly.

" You saw that good, what about when he puts on his extra armor..."

" Stab him in the balls and he'll drop the armor. It's alright, Jamce, we can beat these guys easy," said Krowny plainly as he grinned at Jamce.

Jamce tried not to laugh and then said sternly," Alright, let's up the stakes and get a good wager on this next match," said Jamce and then he paced back and forth and said," 40 coin."

" Done," said Krowny smoothly as he half grinned.

Then they walked back over to the Prapeso game board and sat down.

" You guys want to play a little coin this time?" asked Lexter as he sipped his drink.

" Really," said Jamce then he squinted his eyes and looked over at Krowny and then said anxiously," well I don't know I mean, I've only got 40 coin on me."

" Perfect, that's plenty we've got that covered between the 2 of us unless your Larce?" asked Lexter as he smiled.

" O.K. then, we'll just play for the whole 40. And that should show you we ain't Larce, but we have to tell Delber about our wager it's house rules," said Jamce then he tried not to smile.

" Fine, I'll go get him," said Domion then he stood up and hurried over to Delber.

Then Delber looked over at Jamce and then he came over and asked," Are you sure you want to wager? Jamce, these guys are old hat at Prapeso?"

" It's alright, Delber, I think we have a chance at beatin' 'em," said Jamce calmly then he looked at Lexter and grinned.

" Fine, I'll hold the coin and act as referee. Start whenever you're ready," said Delber.

Then Jamce pulled out his 40 coin as did Lexter and Domion and they handed it to Delber. Then they grabbed their joysticks and hit the start button and the Canto ran in front of their joysticks and the game started.

Jamce's player shot at Lexter's player who went for his sword and Jamce stabbed him in the leg and then stabbed him in the head when he bent over.

" What the Underworld was that?" asked Lexter in disbelief.

" A bit of luck goes a long way dear, Lexter. Now I'm off for the dragon," said Jamce as he ran his player down the pathway and into the cavern.

As he raced down a thin ledge a Palant head popped out of the wall and Jamce stabbed it with his sword and it sent it back into the wall. Then he attached a chest protecting armor piece as he ran over a pit of spikes.

" Tippitoe and off I goho," said Jamce as he raced down the path.

Behind him Domion and Krowny were coming on fast. Krowny's player sliced Domion in the back and slowed him up, but Domion turned and stabbed him in the head 3 times quick. This earned him a longer sword as Krowny's player's eyes bulged out.

Up ahead Jamce ran into a sticky tree and was shaking his player side to side and then he escaped and shouted," A free man is a wise one I tell you!"

Lexter's player ran down the pathway and a Canto came out of the ground and took out his legs and he did a front flip and tumbled into some rocks and said sternly," This game's fixed, how could that happen!"

" Fixed my foot you just don't want to pay when we win," said Jamce boldly as his player jumped and did a flip over a pair of arrows.

Then Krowny's player ran past Lexter's and Krowny asked snidely," You tryin' to win or place?" and then he stabbed Lexter's player in the head.

Meanwhile Jamce was way ahead of everyone climbing a set of vines that swung from side to side. He jumped to the last vine and then swung over a tar pit and raced down the hill and shouted," The rich take what the poor man treasures," and then he said snidely," his pride and self respect."

" Very funny, but you haven't won yet there's still the dragon to beat," said Domion defiantly as his player ducked a swinging saw blade that came out of the left wall.

Jamce laughed and his player dove into a tube and flew head first forward and then came out the other side and did a forward roll then Jamce said happily," It's over Chieftain, dragon or no dragon."

Then Lexter's player fell into a pit of knife blades and couldn't get out and he shouted," This is ludicrous, I'm a better player than this!"

" Not really," said Jamce smoothly then his player jumped from one small box over a spinning machete and onto the level where the dragon was and then said boldly," I am getting rid of those ugly dragon heads for certain."

" Take care of him and I'll take care of Domion," said Krowny as he began stabbing Domion's player in the back and then stabbed him in the back of the head.

" Thank you, Krowny, that's all I'll need. O.K. dragon let's do a 3 step," said Jamce as he maneuvered his player slowly towards the dragon's platform.

The dragon whipped its tail at Jamce and knocked him onto his back, but he was able to roll left before it slammed its tail down on his head.

" That was close, Jamce, try to jump over the tail if he tries that again," said Krowny then he kicked Domion's player into a saw blade and it sliced his head off ending his game.

" I'll try, but he's faster than he looks. I'm gonna try Lexter's strategy and do a forward flip and then swing my sword wildly."

" Sounds like a good plan," said Krowny quickly as he went back to do in Lexter's player.

Then the dragon ran at Jamce, but he did a forward flip and sliced at one head and knocked it off completely ad he said boldly," Now we've got a match."

Then the dragon started to move faster and slashed with its claws at Jamce, but he fended him off with his sword. Then Jamce jumped onto the dragon's back and sliced 2 heads off at once and then back flipped off the dragon and said boldly," Whoaa fellas, I'm but one head from the win!"

Then the dragon shot at Jamce's free arm and tore it off, but he still had his sword arm. So he did a forward roll under the dragon's claws and stabbed straight upward and chopped off the final head and then Jamce said boldly," And then it was a victor's taking the prize from a fool!"

Then the song," We'll finish the start of the race," started to play as the dragon fell onto its back. Then its belly burst open and the Prapeso idol rose up out of it. Jamce grabbed it then stood up and ran a circle around the table flailing his arms above his head and saying," Who's a winner now, c'mon tell me who's a winner now."

Lexter stood up and slammed his fist on the table and then said sternly," We're not payin, I say you cheated and that wasn't a fair match so screw you."

Then Delber and Mroctos walked up next to Lexter and Delber said calmly," You won't be getting your coin back unless you want to dance with Mroctos and he loves to dance on people's heads."

Then Lexter looked up at Mroctos and then said nervously," Keep the money, you won it fair and square, I was just kidding."

" I thought you'd come around. Jamce, do you want your coin or what?" asked Delber as he watched Jamce running circles around him.

Jamce let out a shriek and then stopped and said calmly," Sure, Delber, I love coin everybody knows that."

Then Delber handed him the 80 coin minus his 3 percent and asked slyly," You sure there isn't anything you might like to buy from me?"

" You know, I'd like to buy this Prapeso game. How much would that run me?" asked Jamce as he looked at Krowny who nodded yes.

" I'll let you have it for 40 coin and I'll throw in a bottle of whiskey. How's that sound?" asked Delber warmly.

" Sounds like sale to me. We might need a hand in carrying it thou," said Jamce implying a question.

" Mroctos will take care of that. Don't worry about a thing. You know I really enjoyed watching you play, feel free to come back again sometime," said Delber brightly as he grinned and nodded.

" You got it and here's your 40 coin. We had a great time here, Delber, you're a gracious host," said Jamce as he handed Delber the 40 coin.

" Thanks, Jamce, I'll grab that bottle of whiskey and be back right quick," said Delber then he did a quick dance step and walked over to the bar.

Just then Saycha walked over to Jamce and saw Mroctos, Jamce, and Krowny about to lift the Prapeso game and asked," What's you win this time?"

" You're lookin' at it grab a side. We've got to get this out to the wagon," said Jamce as eh grinned and lifted the Prapeso board and Saycha lent hand.

They carried the game board out to Baesar's wagon and loaded it on. Then Jamce went back inside and got the bottle of whiskey. Then came back outside and asked," Hey, Saycha, why don't we drop this off then do a little exploring of Marbou?"

" Great, I'm up for it," said Saycha brightly as he boarded the wagon.

" Count me in too, these old bones need a young man's fire to heal 'em." said Krowny as he stepped up on the wagon.

" Then we're off and in need of some good times," said Jamce and then he started the wagon down the road.

They dropped the Prapeso game off at Baesar's then they traveled to the other side of Marbou and drove into the Pelme district, which was filled with 2 dozen large warehouses that had Cocula games inside. Cocula games were large mazes that you had to fight your way thru against obstacles and people dress as wizards and warriors and even disguised as rocks and walls. There were 8 starting points for 8 players and each player put up 10 coin and the first to get to the center and grabbed the Stalox staff was the winner. The winner got a dozen Xstepys, 2 bottle of bourbon and 40 gold coins along with a golden egg shaped helmet that had Cocula engraved on the side and d shaped blue emerald visor that stuck out of the side. It also had a pair of black sunglasses that slid down out of a secret compartment when you pressed a red button on the side of the helmet.

They drove past the warehouses that were shaped like cupcakes and all different colors and over a half mile long and Jamce was filled with a real good feeling. He thought about how different his life had become. He knew he never would have left Consey if Saycha hadn't been given the Medallion of Believe. He looked over at Saycha and smiled and Saycha asked," What is it, Jamce?"

" It's life, Saycha, what an amazing thing our lives have become. Think of it, we've been so many places and seen so many wondrous things, I marvel at it," said Jamce softly then he put his arm around Saycha.

" You're not the only one," said Saycha warmly.

" I know," said Jamce warmly and then he looked and saw Mr. Poptop's Cocula Extravaganza sign and said brightly," Now this is the place. Let's try her out and mingle with jingle."

Then they parked the wagon on the left side of Mr. Poptop's, right in between 2 other wagons in a mile long row of wagons. The building was shaped like a hamburger and was dark blue in color with dozens of y shaped red windows all around it on every side. It had a set of 8 round brown wooden doors on the front that were side by side. There was also a fountain out front that had a Palant eating a Canto with the water coming out of the Palants tail in a large spray. There was also a complimentary free Guros as you walked up to the doors that was given to you by a young woman named Dacee with blonde hair and wearing a red and white dress. The Guros were kept in an hourglass shaped wooden heater, so they were red hot after being warmed in a heated box of rocks. There were also fake green identical paper bushes that ran along the outside of the building that were all exactly 6'2" one inch shorter than Mr. Poptop was himself.

Everyone got down off the wagon and walked around to front and as they walked up to the front doors Dacee said happily," I've got a Guros for anybody who's tummy needs fillin.'"

" I'll have one my, darlin'," said Jamce warmly then Dacee handed him a hot Guros and he took a bit and smiled.

" Count me in too, little lady," said Krowny then Dacee took another Guros out of the wooden box and handed it to him.

" I'll have one too, they look delicious," said Saycha then Dacee handed him one and he took a big bite and said happily," now that is a good Guros."

Then they walked up to the doors and as they stepped on a black rubber mat it set off a trigger to open the door and they walked in looking at each other like what was that.

Inside there was a flurry of activity as people were going in every direction as there were hundreds of games that lined the outside of the Cocula maze. They had everything from Duness to Caligaly men to Prapeso and everything in between. There were torches every few feet lighting the room that gave a certain ambiance. There were also several suits of armor around the outside maze wall that were of wizards and warriors. The floor was covered with one continuous area rug that had Mr. Poptop's entire life sewn into it from his childhood to the building of his Cocula maze, as well as his 5 sons births. There was even his first kiss in his father's first wagon with Mortham Bomulberry his first love and now wife. There were glass cases on the wall that had his entire collection of wizard wardrobe, staffs, and Cassits on display.

" I say we try out the maze. What do you think about that?" asked Jamce as he folded his arms then spit on the carpet and rubbed in with his shoe.

" I'm all for mazes, maybe we can win a bit of coin," said Krowny as he watched a beautiful red headed woman walk by and smile at him and then said," and maybe a bit of kiss as well."

" Easy, Krowny, she's a tenth of your age," said Jamce slyly as he grinned.

" Age only has a use when you're eating birthday cake as far as I can tell. Boy are we gonna have some fun. I tell ya," said Krowny smoothly then another beautiful woman smiled at him and he looked around to see if anyone was behind him and no one was.

" You ain't kiddin', well let's try this baby quick," said Jamce then he walked over to the brown wood H shaped booth were you paid to play Cocula and asked," Is this where I lose my life savings?"

" It is indeed, it's 10 coin per person and the fun's for free, but the ache of losing is yours to take with you," said Bellbe as she ran her fingers thru her thick long blonde hair.

Bellbe was a Poptop sibling and had her father's height being over 6 feet. She was stunningly beautiful with light blue eyes and a gorgeous body. She had on a white cashmere sweater with a sewn in turtleneck. She also had on a black shirt and white heels and a gold necklace with the words," Kiss me or it's over," engraved on it.

Jamce grinned and then laughed and said slyly," That's o.k. I couldn't live with myself if I took your losing with me. It wouldn't be fair to you."

" Ya know that's nice of you. I could tell you were a great person, but what you shouldn't leave without is a bruised ego. Cause then I couldn't live with myself," said Bellbe slowly as she smirked.

" I wouldn't hear of it that belongs in your family. You go ahead and keep that bruised ego 'cause someday you'll need it to fall back on," said Jamce quickly as he folded his arms and then put his hand to his forehead and then said quickly," On second thought I'd like to give you a slice of humble pie by beating you at Cocula. How do you fell about that?" asked Jamce honestly.

" You're too kind, so you know what I'll do, I'll take you on and the loser owes the winner a case of bourbon," said Bellbe smoothly as she sucked in her cheeks.

" Well now we're getting somewhere and it's the road to your loss of self respect. I take your challenge and may the best man win," said Jamce smoothly as he grinned.

" Oh ho ho ho, best man is it, now it's personal let's go and see who's got the best of it," said Bellbe as she came out of the booth and walked over to the Cocula maze and then said," alright you and your friends need to take your starting spots."

" Sounds great," said Jamce calmly then he walked over to Saycha and Krowny and then said brightly," we are good to play, just take your starting spots."

" Great," said Saycha then he walked over to his starting spot as did Krowny.

Then a loud booming voice said," Starting is only the beginning of your journey of pain. Inside the Cocula maze are horrors of unspeakable treachery. So let's not speak of it. Start in 5 moments if you dare," and then 5 seconds later the voice shouted," first to the staff is the winner run for it now!"

Then everyone ran into the maze and instantly Jamce got grabbed by a man who was hidden in the wall and he started wrestling with him to get free. Then he kicked him in the balls and the man let go and Jamce ran off.

Meanwhile Krowny was negotiating a large 3 foot deep pit filled with an orange sticky goo that made it almost impossible to move, but then he found a rope in the goo and when he grabbed it, he was pulled across.

Saycha was also having his troubles as he was being bombarded with black rubber balls by guns in the walls. Each hit caused him to shout out in pain. Then he saw a blue lever and he pulled it and the balls stopped firing and a voice said," You may pass brave soul," and Saycha asked," Who in the Underworld was that?" and then he ran around the corner and was tackled by what looked like a grey rock, but it was a man instead.

Bellbe was getting beaten by fur covered sticks held by 3 women dressed as Canto's. And they tripped her and she fell face first and then said sternly," Watch it or you're fired, Doelene!"

" Sorry, I didn't recognize you, Bellbe," said Doelene anxiously then she stopped hitting Bellbe with the fur covered stick.

Jamce ran around a corner and got tripped by a rope and fell into a 2 foot deep pool of tar and got his face covered and then said," Who's gonna clean my clothes, it ain't me"

Krowny came to a glass elevator and he jumped on and it carried him up over a pool of sawdust and he said," This is easy."

Then the floor started to unfold and he looked around frantically for something to grab onto. Then he saw a black rope and grabbed it just as the floor disappeared, and he held onto it tight as the elevator flew over the entire pool of water. Then it stopped and started to go backwards and Krowny let go of the rope and said boldly," Oh no you don't."

Then he dropped and landed with only one foot slightly in the water and said happily," You can't get the Krowny."

Then 2 men dressed as Palants came out of the walls and threw buckets of water on Krowny and then ran at him and Krowny said nervously," O.K. maybe you can, but I've still got fire."

Then he front flipped over the 2 men and tore off into the maze. Saycha came to a large puzzle piece door that had a sign that read," Solve the puzzle or go no further."

" Oh great, just when I was going great," said Saycha then he let out a sigh.

But then he saw the puzzle and instantly knew how to arrange the pieces. So he ran up to the door and moved the pieces 'til they formed a picture of Mr. Poptop playing with his daughter Bellbe. Then the door swung open and Saycha said brightly," And we're going good again."

Then as he ran into the next room 2 dozen rubber swords came flying out of the wall and hit him repeatedly as he tried to get thru them then he dropped to his belly and scurried across the ground without being hit and then he was off again.

Bellbe was having her troubles as she climbed a slanted wall covered in water and with only a few grips to use. She got just past the middle of it then the wall tipped forward and she slid into a pit filled

with feathers and she asked," How could I be so stupid, and why dad do you keep changing the maze every day uhh?"

Jamce was in a star shaped rubber ball fight with 4 men dressed in rubber balloon costumes as he tried to walk a plank to the next room. He threw one and hit one of them right in the kisser and the man's lip started bleeding and Jamce said snidely," There's a mouthful for ya."

Then he ran and jumped off the plank and into the next room, which had the room filled with rubber men holding swords with a blue door at the other end and he asked," Why do I think you're not all fake, huh rubber men?"

Then Jamce started running thru the room and punching every rubber man in front of him out of the way. Then he punched one and it was an actual man and he fell backwards and Jamce said," Sorry 'bout that, but I'm not losin' to a spoiled brat today."

Then Jamce ran and jumped into the last 2 in the room and knocked them over, with one of them being a real man who got completely floored. Then Jamce darted around the corner and into a mini maze and said in disbelief," Isn't one maze enough for one day.

Krowny was going thru a spiraling twisting series of glass tubes as he got pulled thru by hanging onto a red rope with a handle at the end. And then as he fell down and twisted into a new spiral tube he said," I'm too young for this."

Then he came out of the last tube and saw a 20 yard pathway with the end of the Cocula maze at the end of it. So he started to run full speed and hoop and holler as he smiled wildly. Then he came into a hexagon shaped room and saw the Stalox staff up on a pedestal and he sprinted over to it and grabbed it with both hands and yelled," This ticker is quicker young pups!"

Then he pulled it out of the round socket and then a loud booming voice said," A champion has been crowned, kneel down and give him your blessings."

Then the whole maze filled with light and all the walls of the maze had men disguised as walls come walking out giving every player including Krowny a laugh. Then Jamce sprinted the last 20 yards and met Krowny at the end and said warmly," Krowny, you're a force of nature, well done."

" Thank you, thank you," said Krowny then he waved his staff like a king.

Then in came 2 other players with Bellbe right behind and she saw Jamce and threw up her arms and shouted," How could this arrogant wind bag have beaten me! It's not acceptable!"

" It's alright, but ah...you can go ahead and get that case of bourbon either quick or quicker, either way is fine," said Jamce slyly as he grinned.

" This disrespectful terror of a man," said Bellbe boldly as she paced back and forth and then said," you know you only won 'cause you got the lucky breaks. If you hadn't I would have beaten you badly."

" The lucky breaks, the skill, the superior brain power you're right I can't deny it. Ya know what I say?" asked Jamce warmly.

" What?" asked Bellbe quickly as she glared at Jamce.

" I say a case of bourbon would be great right n about now. I'm only sayin' it 'cause I'm a bit parched. So go ahead and run along," said Jamce smoothly then he waved his hands at Bellbe like you would a child.

" Ahhgh, fine, but I don't want to ever see your grinning face in here again," said Bellbe fiercely as she glared at Jamce.

" Just calm down a bit my dear. You need to see the humor in life or you'll end a joke," said Jamce as he looked at Bellbe and then turned to Krowny and said," ya know she might be wife material."

" Or the person who puts a blade to your neck either way she's a keeper," said Krowny slyly then he felt a tug on his arm and it was one of Mr. Poptop's staff who lead him to a straight corridor out of the maze.

Jamce was right behind him, but then Saycha ran into the end of the maze and asked," Where is my luck, did I at least get second?"

" Not even close Krowny beat us all by a mile, but no worries we get to share in his winnings," said Jamce as he put his arm around Saycha and then they walked out of the maze.

As they came out of the maze they saw Krowny with the golden Cocula helmet on his head and he was being given a dozen Xstepys, 2 bottles of bourbon, and 40 gold coins. Krowny smiled over at Jamce and Saycha then he pressed a button on the helmet and his sunglasses slid into sideways and Jamce laughed.

" We're all here, so be mindful!" shouted Valvorder as he ran without looking into the eyes of the Corshaw.

There were hundreds of hungry Corshaw trying desperately to make eye contact. Then a trio of Corshaw men pulled out daggers and started running beside Micavello and waving their blades in front of his face. Micavello could feel his heart beating right out of his chest. He thought of casting a spell and laying waist to a dozen of the Corshaw, but he decided to listen to Valvorder and just keep running.

Dorama was running full speed and had a Corshaw woman punching her in the back causing her to shout in agony. Then she jumped over a sand dune and the Corshaw woman intentionally fell on her face beside Dorama to get her to look down at her. Dorama didn't she kept her eyes on the sand in front of her.

Then a green spiraling vortex came out of the sky and grabbed a good 50 Corshaw and ripped them to shreds.

" Was that us?!" shouted Dlarm as he ran.

" It was someone else!" shouted back Valvorder.

Then another green spiraling vortex came out of the sky and grabbed another 60 Corshaw and decimated them. Then the rest of the Corshaw saw this and disappeared into the sand and their huts.

" Thank god they stopped chasing I almost gave in," said Dorama as she stopped running and caught her breath.

" But where did it come from?" asked Dlarm as he paced a few steps then bent over at the waist.

" It was I Radpat the wizard of the Cornstar Guild. I can grant you safe passage," said Radpat as he walked up to where everyone was standing.

Radpat was 5'7" 182 pounds and very powerfully built with large biceps and a barrel chest. He had dark red short curly hair that had Cassits weaved into it. He also had a scarred cheek that went right to the top of his chin. His eyes were dark blue and had a vacant look to them. His nose was slightly crooked and had a star tattoo on the left side that was the size of a quarter. He was wearing a seal black robe, with a black belt and black boots. He also had on a silver necklace that had the words," Ny shall I giveth my submission to anyone who breaths," engraved on it. He was holding a 7 foot long dark green staff, with a trio of Canto's sipping from a well at the top.

" Thank you, Radpat, we appreciate the kind gesture tremendously," said Valvorder softly.

" It's nothing to speak of, I must ask to as to why you are here?" asked Radpat warmly then he stuck his staff into the sand and clapped the sand off his hands.

" We are journeying to Pabstrum to help these 3 here get back there and so I can speak with the reincarnated Havermo Blemsink," said Valvorder calmly as he walked up to Radpat.

" Havermo is back, oh this is a fine bit of news. Yes, I think I will help you find your way back to Pabstrum. I would have many things to ask Havermo," said Radpat as he secretly thought of using

Saycha to free the Cornstar Guild's 10,000 black wizards from the Underworld so they could reek havoc on Pabstrum.

The Cornstar Guild had been thrust into the Underworld by and ancient spell cast by the very same Havermo Blemsink decades prior and had been unable to leave.

" Great you'll help us, how far is the journey?" asked Dorama as she looked intently at Radpat.

" Not far at all, all's we have to do is stop briefly at my castle, as I have to tell my friends of the news of Havermo and then I will bring you to the Microfic portals and you can maneuver your way back from there. I must warn you that the portals can bring great pain upon entering so be wary my friends," said Radpat warmly then he turned and began walking towards his green castle.

Everyone followed Radpat and then walked up to the Paslack tree lined stone walkway that led right up to the castle's front door. The castle was shaped like a sailboat that had beached itself. It had over a thousand gun shaped green windows all over it. And there was a 30 foot wide continuous white deck that ran along the middle of the castle. The front of it had 300 paintings of various black wizards that ruled over the Cornstar Guild arranged in a t. There was also a set of gradual black marble steps that led up to a pair of black wood x shaped doors. And one either side of them there was a blue flame torch coming out of the wall. There were also thousands of Mumo flowers growing in front of the castle.

Mumo flowers were red and green stripped and looked like microphones and grew exactly 5 feet tall and no taller.

As they walked up the steps Dorama asked," This is a nice place you have here, but why are you here in the Underworld?"

Radpat paused for a moment and then said," It was by choice, my friends and fellow wizards wanted to experience a new reality and a sanctuary. And we have gotten that and more here in the Underworld."

" Don't you miss Pabstrum at all?" asked Dlarm as he stepped up onto the stairs.

" Occasionally, but it was a choice to come here and as I will show you, we could very easily use the Microfic portals to go back and visit anytime we would like to," said Radpat coyly then he walked up to the front door and pointed his staff at it and said," thus be wide," and the door swung open ad he walked in calmly.

Inside there were a dozen staircases that went up and down and some spiraled into the walls. At the end of the room there were 6 black wizards sitting in a circle on black leather chairs facing a sun shaped table. There was a 6 person tobacco pipe that each of the wizards were smoking from. On the walls were written all of the Doopelk spells, as well as a long coat rack that had a hundred different colored robes on it. There was also a painting of Dames Poorshank, the most powerful black wizard and known as the Diart prince.

Dames Poorshank had silvery red hair and a dark red stripped silvery beard that had a Compamain crystal braided into it. He also had dark black eyes that never blinked and could stare thru anyone. His nose was perfectly round and had a dimple in the tip that had a silver ball inside. He was wearing a black round hat that had a canceling spell on it to strike fear into his adversaries. He always wore his pitch black flowing robe. He was rumored to have cast a 3 part spell which had never been achieved by any other wizard.

The floors were covered in different colored squares with different Gplat phrases on them like," I'll only steal what's yours," and," Death is where you and I part ways."

Gplat Morshaga was a famous prophet who was rumored to have found the meaning of life. His book," The endless Death, had over 10,000 phrases that were meant to give inspiration and sum up the experience of life. He also sold a half honey half Palants blood concoction known as Berge, that was supposed to heal and cure any ache.

Radpat walked into the room and thundered," Havermo Blemsink has been reincarnated in Pabstrum my brothers! His name is Saycha!"

Then Dozens of black wizards came down and up all the staircases and into the room and surrounded Radpat and then a auburn haired one asked," How do you know this?"

" These travelers have told me of it. He has risen and breaths greedy air once again. I will go and speak with him and catch up on old times," said Radpat proudly then all the black wizards cheered and laughed.

" I'm a little worried about this Radpat. I can't understand why he's so interested in meeting Saycha. It just feels a bit odd to me," said Dorama as she watched the black wizards embrace Radpat.

" I wouldn't worry about it. They seem to just be happy to talk with an old friend. I'm sure that's all that it is, fear not, Dorama," said Valvorder as he put his arm around Dorama.

" Yes, Dorama, Havermo had few enemies an many friends. I would think that virtually all wizards would want to catch his ear and talk spells. And I would be one of those myself," said Micavello then he smiled at Dorama.

" You're right, I was just thinking too much, but boy they look awfully happy at the news. It makes me wonder," said Dorama as she watched the black wizards lift Radpat off the floor and spin him around and hum as they did it.

Then Radpat walked over to Dlarm, Micavello, Valvorder and Dorama and asked," If you are ready to leave we can go anytime you like?"

" Now seems like enough time to wait if you ask me," said Valvorder smoothly.

" Then now it is, follow me," said Radpat then he walked thru the sea of joyous black wizards with everyone else quick behind.

They walked down the hallway and then took a gentle right hand turn into a field of red torches. There were popsicle shaped crypts of perished black wizards everywhere you looked, with a grass path thru the center of them all that led to a large orange colored pool of water. There was a small pathway that snaked thru the center and led to a large black rock.

As they walked across the pool of orange water Dorama looked into the water and saw grim faces looking back at her and she got startled. Then a feathery white hand reached out of the water and she hurried up the path as terror gripped her. She walked up next to Micavello and said nervously," Something is not right, Micavello, I feel like I can't take it."

Micavello just smirked and said sternly," You can do anything, you're braver than us all. Remember, Dorama, you're but a short way to being rid of all of this and back to where things make sense."

" You're right, I'll summon the courage to go on," said Dorama boldly.

Then they came to the giant 300 yard tall and 500 yards wide rock. It had a series of 6 dark blue Y shaped doors that had 2 door handles on each. Above them were the ending locations of each if you took it, like Marbou or Daster, which was located in the ice forest.

" Here is our way back to Pabstrum. All's I need to know is where do you think Havermo is right now?" asked Radpat sternly as he looked at Dorama.

" I'd say he would be home in Consey. Where else would he be," said Dorama anxiously as she hoped she was right.

Then Radpat looked at all the doors and then saw the one with Evare province over it and said," The Evare province door will get us close enough. So that is the one we will take. Please take my hand Dorama, as I will need you to guide me through."

" Of course, whatever it takes," said Dorama sheepishly as she took Radpat's hand.

Then Radpat walked up to the door and grabbed the handle.

Back in Marbou Saycha, Baesar, Jamce and Krowny were standing outside the Microfic portals outside of Marbou and then Baesar said sternly," We are ready, Saycha, we are power we are just. When we arrive in the Underworld have a Doopelk spell in mind o.k.?" asked Baesar as he walked up to the X shaped pink door.

" I am and I will, let's get our friends and family back where they belong. I will destroy anyone who stands in our way," said Saycha sternly as he stood beside Baesar with Jamce and Krowny beside him.

" That's right, little brother, you have the larger fight in you, that is for certain," said Jamce then he squeezed Saycha's shoulder and then nodded.

Then Baesar opened the door and inside they could see 100 outlines of a man in yellow light that went straight then down at an angle, with only black beneath it. Then all 4 of them stepped inside and started to float slowly forward and it gave them a warm soothing feeling all over their bodies and their minds were totally at peace.

Meanwhile Radpat, Dorama, Dlarm, and Micavello had just stepped inside their Microfic portal and were experiencing the same sensation. Then as they floated forward suddenly they started to fall at

unbelievable speed. Also thousands of furry hands grabbed hold of each of them and began pushing them backwards.

" Hold on tight, Dorama, or we won't make it!" shouted Radpat as he held tight to Dorama's hand.

" I'll try!" shouted Dorama.

Then small balls of liquid fire began pummeling them again and again. Then suddenly they were in a stone tunnel, that had carvings of every emotion a person could feel etched into the stone. Now everyone was standing and able to walk.

" We're thru the first part, but we must brave many challenges still ahead, stay close," said Radpat sternly then he started down the tunnel.

Saycha, Baesar, Jamce, and Krowny were in a dense jungle where all the vines were solid rock and a pathway of human hands holding them up.

" Don't be afraid, it's only a test of will. We will all survive," said Baesar as he walked gingerly on the hands.

" Old Jamce will keep breathin', but I'm worried about old Saycha hmm," said Jamce sarcastically then he gave Saycha a gentle shove.

Saycha smiled and then said," I feel fine, Jamce, my mind is clear."

Then there were Doaks lining the pathway. Doaks were a 4 foot tall half gorilla half tiger with 3 sets of large snarling fangs. They also had purple fur and pink eyes that stared uncontrollably at anyone who drew near them. Their upper torso was made of large powerful arms and chest and their lower torso was the same as a lion's hind quarters.

The Doaks snarled fiercely at everyone as they walked past. Jamce looked one in the eyes and it tackled him, but then let him go immediately. Saycha helped him to his feet and Jamce said," They're a lot stronger than they look and a bit on the quick side."

" But I notice they didn't destroy you. It's only for show, Jamce, we'll be alright trust me," said Saycha calmly then he patted Jamce on the shoulder and they kept walking.

They walked another 20 yards and came to a door of red flames and Baesar said sternly," This is the easy part."

Then Baesar walked thru the door of flames and Jamce saw this and said," There are reasons you shouldn't cook people and there are reasons I shouldn't be cooked."

" It's an illusion, Jamce, just walk up to it and walk right thru and you'll see. It's true, Krowny, just try it," said Saycha then he walked up to the door of fire and right thru.

Jamce looked at this and then Krowny and said," We just have to put the fear aside, so you first."

" The old always lead the way," said Krowny coldly then he calmly walked up to the door and thru it.

" If Krowny's goin' for it so am I," said Jamce nervously then he ran and jumped thru the flames and came out the other side and landed on Krowny's back and the 2 tumbled to the ground inside the Underworld right where Dorama, Dlarm, Valvorder, and Radpat had just been.

Dorama, Micavello, Dlarm, Valvorder and Radpat were still inside their Microfic portal and were in a dark room with thousands of glum and gloomy faces attached to spears of blue flames. Then the faces started shouting at them as they walked past and laughing at their reactions. Then the heads started to pass thru Dorama causing her pain and she shouted," I can't withstand this!"

" You will, so bear no fear of pain in here. It's hard on us all," said Valvorder sternly then the faces started to pass thru him and he buckled over in agony.

Then the room disappeared and they were standing in front of a brown round door that was slanted above them. Then Valvorder grabbed the handle and flung the door open. Then each of them climbed out of the door and saw they were on a gently sloping hill covered in green grass.

" Where are we?" asked Dlarm as he looked around.

" I don't know, it doesn't look familiar to me," said Valvorder as he scanned the countryside for a landmark or town.

" Wait, I've been here before, I know it. I can almost guarantee that this is Hevely hill," said Dorama proudly then she smiled.

" How far are we from Consey?" asked Valvorder quickly.

" It's just a short walk and we're there, follow me," said Dorama then she started down the hill and everyone followed.

Meanwhile Saycha, Jamce, Baesar, and Krowny were taking a look at the black wizards castle and Saycha asked," The Underworld has castles?"

" Bizarre isn't it, there's a lot about this place that most people couldn't fathom. They get spoon fed myths and fairytales about it from birth to keep them scarred enough to lead a proper life. It's horrific in a lot of ways, but it also has certain beauties," said Baesar as he looked at Saycha.

" Well my mind is blown I never would've guessed this was here. I honestly thought it was a realm for demons. Isn't that bizarre I'm in a bit of shock. And look at all the sand it's everywhere huh," said

Jamce then he bent down and grabbed a handful of sand and a hand of a Corshaw man grabbed hold of it and tried to pull him under and Jamce yelled," Help, I need somebody quick!"

Then Jamce got pulled halfway under and Saycha raised his staff calmly and shouted," Trugo my fista!"

Then a white liquid rope appeared and wrapped around Jamce's waist and then it pulled him out of the sand along with a Corshaw man. Then Jamce pulled his dagger and sliced his throat and the man fell backwards onto the sand then disappeared below it.

" That was close thanks, Baesar, for using your magic," said Jamce honestly as he shook off the sand from his clothes.

" It was Saycha who helped you, give him your thanks," said Baesar smoothly then he gestured with his hands to Saycha.

" Really, thank you, Saycha, you saved me," said Jamce warmly then he hugged Saycha.

" You've saved my life at least 50 times, so no thanks is necessary, Jamce," said Saycha.

" well, what's our plan of attack in finding them? This place looks vast and we can't cover it all," asked Krowny then he spit onto the sand beside him.

" Just ask around, there's a good chance that someone has seen them and let's face it, any new person down here would be noticed instantly," said Baesar Plainly.

" Then let's try that castle over there it looks like the logical choice," said Saycha then he began walking towards the orange water pool.

" And we're off and if we're lucky they'll be waiting for us inside the castle," said Jamce happily as he hurried after Saycha with Krowny and Baesar right beside him.

They came to the orange water pool and walked thru the center of it when Saycha said sternly," Stay away from the edges, there is trouble in the water."

" Alright, you don't have to tell me twice," said Jamce as he walked down the center of the path.

" What difference does it make?" asked Krowny as he walked near the edge then a pair of feathery white hands reached up and grabbed his leg and pulled him into the orange water.

Jamce saw this and shouted," Krowny!" as he jumped in after him.

" No, Jamce!" shouted Saycha then he looked over at Baesar in shock.

Beneath the water Krowny was wrestling with 2 half men half lizard pure white skinned men known as Boings. He punched one in the mouth, but it only startled the Boing briefly. Jamce swam down to Krowny and grabbed one of the Boings by the throat and stabbed him in the back, but then 4 more Boings came up from the depths and grabbed Jamce's legs and pulled him down. Jamce and Krowny frantically tried to free themselves, but they were running out of air. Then as Krowny felt like he was about to suffocate a swirling tube shot down from the surface and grabbed Krowny, Jamce and the 4 Boings and thrust them out of the water and set them down the pathway.

Then the Boings began to gasp for air and started to crawl towards the side of the pool and Jamce saw this and stood up and ran and grabbed one and held onto him and said snidely," Thirsty for the water are we. Maybe you should breathe a bit of our air first."

Then Krowny ran over to a Boing and kicked it in the butt and back into the water and said boldly," Take a dip you worthless cretins!"

Then the other Boings got safely back into the water and looked fiercely at Jamce as he held onto the one Boing as he gasped for air.

" That's right, this one's not gonna swim so well. A little present for ya trying to kill me and my friend," said Jamce snidely as he smiled from ear to ear and held onto the Boing.

Then Jamce let go of him and he started to turn into a white powder. And then the Boing crumbled into a pile of white dust and the other Boings disappeared beneath the surface of the water.

" Are you alright?" asked Saycha as he walked over to Jamce.

" Don't worry I feel fine, Saycha. How 'bout, Krowny, everything still work properly?" asked Jamce as he looked over at Krowny.

Krowny smiled and rubbed his arms and stomach and said wryly," If it ever was, it still is."

" Good to hear that, then let us get off of this pathway before we take another dip," said Jamce then he hurried across the poll and into the field of red torches and black wizards crypts and asked," can it get any weirder?"

" Questions like that always have unwanted answers I'd be careful what you say down here, this isn't home," said Baesar sternly as he walked beside Jamce with Saycha and Krowny right behind them.

They walked thru the fields of crypts and saw the back entrance to the castle. A pair of black wizards came walking out of the doorway and walked right up to Baesar and Jamce.

" Hello there, can we help you with anything?" asked Kralwes Caige as he looked over Baesar and Jamce.

Kralwes Caige had seal black short hair parted to one side with a golden Bonpire idol tied into the longest piece in the front.

Bonpire was a black wizard philosopher who wrote books about the power of not using magic called," The Tables of Restraint." He theorized that the less you used magic the less you would have to. He also introduced the theory of multiple forms, that explained that wizards could physically perish, but a part of them would always exist in Pabstrum and be alive.

He also had dark green piercing eyes and a clefed nose. He was 5'11" and very thin and he was wearing a dark green flowing robe and a black belt, as well as a dozen red and green Compamain crystal on a necklace around his neck. He also had on a pair of black slippers that had the words," we are the spark, you are the light," sewn into them in red thread.

" Yes, some friends of ours are here somewhere in the Underworld and we've come to take them back with us," said Baesar.

" What do they look like?" asked Kralwes ad he looked at Baesar and then he glanced at Saycha and then he looked at him sternly and asked," wait, wait a second is your name Saycha?"

" Yes it is, how did you know that?" asked Saycha as he looked at Kralwes perplexed and then at Krowny.

" Your friends are here with us, they're inside this very castle," said Kralwes brightly as his eyes opened wide, but he thought intently about maintaining the validity of his lie.

" Really, that's great news can you take us to them?" asked Jamce.

" Of course, just follow me they will be thrilled to see you," said Kralwes then he started to walk into the castle with everyone close behind.

Saycha walked into the castle and was thrilled and excited to see Dorama. Then he heard the door behind him close and he looked over his shoulder and saw a pair of black wizards behind him who smiled and nodded when he saw them. Then he remembered what the statue of Havermo had said and began to worry. Then he walked into the large room with all the staircases and looked down at the floor and read the Gplat phrase that read," I'll kill you for that thought," and his heart sank and he said boldly," Hey, Baesar, hold on a second, I need to ask you something."

Baesar stopped and turned and as he did the room began to fill with black wizards. Baesar saw this and then said softly," There's something wrong here isn't there."

" There is ,Havermo!" thundered the Diart prince himself Dames Poorshank as he came down a spiral staircase and walked up to Jamce and punched him in the face and knocked him to the floor and then said snidely," Your 3 fiends will be dead in a moment unless you utter 1 spell for me."

" What do you want and who are you?" asked Baesar sternly.

" I am Dames Poorshank and I will crush you to powder if you answer his questions again. Now," said dames sternly as he sneered at Baesar.

" I'm not scared of you, I have my own set of powers," said Baesar boldly as he gripped his staff tightly and stared down Dames.

" Please, don't trifle with me or you'll end up a rug in my second bathroom. Now, Havermo, let us talk of my demands, and remember I will not take no for an answer. If you cast the Trombath spell you and your friends may leave here and go about your merry lives. To cast it shout Pora Dol V finish, and we'll all go home, well," said Dames brightly as he looked at Saycha then looked at Baesar and shook his head.

" What of our other friends what is their fates?" asked Saycha then he looked over at Jamce as he got up off the floor and waved his hand to tell him not to try anything.

Dames looked away quickly then he took a few steps then turned and said," Their fate will be the same as yours. So then, Saycha, Havermo, whatever cast it!"

Saycha looked around the room at the anxious wizards and he felt ill at ease. Then he looked at Jamce and smiled as Jamce shrugged his shoulders. Then he thought of the spell that Dames had told him to cast and he began to search his memory to see if he could remember it and he couldn't.

" Saycha, I've got a bad feeling about this spell. I've never heard of it 'fore now," pleaded Baesar then he frowned and raised his right hand and shrugged.

" I've never heard of it either, but we've got no options. So the time for casting is now," said Saycha calmly then he raised his staff above his head and looked up at the ceiling and shouted," Pora Dol V finish!"

Then a missile shaped lightning bolt the size of a large boat shot out of the staff and went thru the ceiling and out the roof leaving a perfectly round hole thru the whole castle. It went up above the castle and smashed into the ceiling of the Underworld and kept on going until it was at Pabstrum. Where it came up thru the floor of a farmhouse and shot up into the sky and then turned into thousands of red glass balls that fell to the ground and cast thousands of different spells on anyone and everyone who was near. People were turned into furniture, others grabbed by large black hands and crushed into balls of flesh and bone and still others shredded by mini daggers that shot right thru their bodies and killed them instantly. Then the whole world of Pabstrum became covered in a thick dense blue cloud and then it started to rain buckets.

Beneath the ground at Dames's castle the black wizards, Saycha looked up the hole in the ceiling and said nervously," That was one spell too many."

" Thank you, Havermo, you've freed us from a hell unlike any other. Now your precious Pabstrum is a place many miles from what you remember. Right now every black wizard here and every one there is racing for their staffs. We are the type to hold grudges, so..." said Dames snidely as he raised his Staff.

" Wait, corka taste the Polam!" shouted Baesar as he raised his staff and then Dames and the other black wizards were blown back to the walls by a sonic explosion of sound waves and fire and stuck there with a black goo and then Baesar said boldly," Jamce grab onto Saycha, Krowny grab onto me. Saycha use a carry rocket spell.

" O.K. I've got it," said Saycha quickly then he shouted just as Jamce grabbed hold of him," Toto gorus we rise!"

Then a ball of red glass appeared beneath he and Jamce and they rocketed up thru the hole in the ceiling. They passed thru the farmhouse's floor and Saycha jumped off the ball as Jamce held onto him. There was an elderly farmer sitting in his rocking chair who saw them and asked," Is anything else comin' up thru that hole?"

" Yes, our friends," said Saycha as he looked at the man in disbelief.

" O.K. just askin'," said the old man then he nodded and kept on rockin' in his chair.

" Stand back from the hole, Jamce!" shouted Saycha then he grabbed Jamce by the shirt and pulled him away from the hole just a second before Baesar and Krowny came barreling out of the hole.

Baesar and Krowny jumped off their red ball and landed on their feet next to Saycha and Jamce.

" Is there any way to close the hole?" asked Saycha frantically as he looked at Baesar.

Baesar looked at Saycha and said plainly," No, they're comin' up whether we like it or not. We could cast a spell to slow them, but that spell you cast released them from what's called a holding spell."

" So, they don't specifically need this hole they could use the portals or just cat a spell to burrow a new hole?" asked Saycha.

" That's right, our best bet is to get far away from here and seek out the green wizards, the yellows, the blues, and the wizards of the Crimson way, because what we have now is an all out war for Pabstrum on our hands," said Baesar then he frowned and looked at Saycha.

" A war, but we're back, didn't we escape the Underworld?" asked Jamce hopefully.

" Jamce, things have changed and we've got to just accept it. We've got a battle to the death or there is no Pabstrum," said Saycha coldly.

Back in Consey Dorama, Valvorder, Dlarm, and Micavello had been asking around about Saycha. They went to every house and bar in town when suddenly the clouds turned blue and the rains started as they stood outside a small clay hut about to knock on the door and then Valvorder said happily," I think I've found him and I think he's with a few of my friends. My isn't this a wonderful day to be breathing."

" Where is Saycha, how do you know?" asked Dorama quickly.

" This is a glorious day, one I and everyone I know will remember for a million years. I hope it rains for a year straight," said Valvorder as he walked out into the road and looked around as his thoughts were of the black wizards amazing triumph.

" Where's he going?" asked Dorama then she looked at Dlarm.

" I don't know, but I sense something is amiss. Let us go from here," said Micavello as he watched Valvorder stumble down onto the road.

" I think you're right we should. I'm getting a nauseous feeling from this rain it's different for some reason," said Dorama as she watched Valvorder stumble down the road while he laughed loudly and threw up his arms.

" We must hurry our safety is in jeopardy. Quickly let's take this man's wagon and get to my villa," said Dlarm as he hurried over to the large 4 story dark blue wagon with Dorama and Micavello right behind him.

The wagon had a painting of Lord Beba and his family on it that covered all 4 sides. On the front there was a half moon deck, with 6 red felt chairs on it and a small red wood table in front of them.

Everyone climbed up onto the front of the wagon then Micavello started the Palant in motion and steered it up to the road. They drove past Valvorder who was laughing and talking to himself and barely noticed them at all. Then as they drove out of Consey they saw dozens of black wizards out in the rain, some laughing and dancing others shouting out spells and sending them up into the sky.

" What's happening, Micavello?" asked Dorama as she sat in her chair and looked at all the odd happenings around her.

" It's grim, Dorama, I suspect that there has been a breach in the barrier that was keeping the majority of the worst black wizards in the Underworld I fear now that today is the last day of the rest of our lives," said Micavello sadly.

" But there is still Saycha he has the power to rid Pabstrum of the black wizards," said Dlarm as he steered the Palant onto the road to Stachance.

" Only if he's been trained and only with a thousand wizards strength helping him. One spell will not suffice, but if we could find him it would be a start," said Micavello as he tried not to cry and gripped his staff tightly with both hands.

" Then finding him is our charge and our duty. Once we have him we'll need to bring all the wizards to a treaty of sorts and take our stab at vanquishing them," said Dlarm boldly.

" Yes, we can find him, I know we can. We just have to figure out where he could run too," said Dorama hopefully.

" Even then," said Micavello slowly then he looked at Dorama and said sternly," it will not be easy."

Baesar, Saycha, Jamce, and Krowny set out for Hafitdy, a large wizard community on the southern half of Pabstrum, but they knew they had to stop in Marbou first.

" We need to keep your face and head concealed, Saycha, or you might be spotted. Jamce, let me have your shirt, so that I can fashion it as a headdress," said Baesar as he stopped walking and put his hand on Jamce's shoulder.

" Alright, give me one second," said Jamce then he took off his coat and then his shirt and handed it to Baesar then put his coat back on and buttoned it up and said slyly," many a woman have gotten my shirt off, but never a man, nice work, Baesar."

Baesar smiled as he took the shirt then he did several folds and twisted it to look like a Larce birds forehead and put it on Saycha and said softly," we can handle trouble if we had to, but why go looking for it. There, now all's we need is transportation."

" What about using that coin that Jamce won to buy a small wagon?" asked Krowny.

" That's right, I do have that hey wait ah minute, Krowny, you've got 40 coin from the Cocula maze," said Jamce as he grinned at Krowny.

" I had completely forgotten, let's pool our money and hit the road," said Krowny as he handed Jamce the 40 coin.

" There's a town right over there that would be our best bet, but bear in mind we are at war now so anything could happen. So be ready and lethal and don't get separated from the rest of us or we are in serious trouble," said Saycha sternly then he started for the town.

" Well put, there's a different energy on people's faces now everything just feels different," said Jamce honestly as he looked at an old woman sitting on a black wood chair singing to herself in the pouring rain qu8ietly as they walked past a small hut.

" You can't hide a war from anyone, Jamce, it finds its way into their eyes eventually. This isn't even the worst of it. Wait 'til the Gloramus begins, then we'll truly be tested," said Baesar as he looked at Jamce as he walked.

" The Gloramus, my father talked of that when I was young. He said the green wizards killed 5 black wizards every hour until the war came to an end. He also said it was a time when men forgot their humanity for the greater good," said Jamce quietly as he thought of his father.

" That time will come for us soon, but maybe we will be able to again vanquish the black wizards," said Baesar.

Saycha felt the anxiety in Baesar's voice and he knew from it that a dark time was ahead. He could feel a powerful urge to cast a spell well up inside him, but he knew the time wasn't yet there, but would be soon.

They made their way into the town of Bawksam. It had a huge tree shaped colossal green wood building in the center of town where much of the town's folk lived. It had a hundred small houses stretched out on each of its 8 limbs, with a round trunk like center that had all of the town's shops and stores. At the base of it there were hundreds of wagons parked around it, as many stocked up on supplies and booze. Just beyond the parked wagons there were the H shaped Baney bushes covering the countryside.

Baney bushes had the darkest of greens leaves on them and grew 6 feet high. They also grew a large red berry on their branches known as simply Baney berries, that were filled with a sugary juice that would fill your belly with 2 bites.

Bawksam was founded by Gesero Bawksam the owner of half of the Brickos province. He created the town in the hopes of bringing more people to his milk and jam stand and it grew rapidly after he began selling his homemade whiskey and wine. Then he introduced a bit of gambling and the town took off. Then he built the Bawksam tower and merchants came and set up shop almost immediately. He was a burly man of 6'9" 407 pounds and covered in thick curly black hair on every part of his body, but his eyelids. He was well known to be a patient man, but if you did rile him up you'd wish you hadn't as he would tear you limb from limb. His wife Paties was a hulking woman at 6'6 298 pounds and once ate 12 pies after a steak dinner. They had 5 kids together and none of which were taller than 5'8". They lived in the very top of Bawksam tower and kept a close eye on their business.

" Let's ask around about a wagon, but if they ask why we're here or why we don't have a wagon, just say we were robbed as we were passing thru and that should cover it," said Baesar as he looked around at the different size wagons.

" Hey, Baesar, that wagon over there is only a one story. It should be right in our price range," said Jamce as he pointed over to a small blue wagon being dragged by a team of Durions.

" That's the one, we'll go over together and try to get it cheap because we still need supplies," said Saycha then he saw that there was a hole in the side of the wagon they wanted and then said," There's a hole in the right side, we should accidentally notice that when we make our offer."

" Good idea, let me handle it I've got the silvery tongue," said Jamce slyly then he walked up to the wagon and asked the grey haired elderly driver named Pott Beard," is this old wagon of yours beyond bein' sold?"

Pott Beard was 5'8" 129 pounds of wiry strength. He had dark yellow eyes and a thick black goatee. He had large hands and small feet. He was wearing a brown leather vest with a white shirt underneath. He also had on a pair of brown denim pants and ankle high boots, as well as a silver necklace with a small flask filled with 99.9% pure alcohol inside.

" She may be, but I couldn't part with her for less that she's worth. What'd you have in mind?" asked Pott then he stretched his jaw and spit on his own shoe.

" Well, I don't know she is pretty beat up," said Jamce as he pretended to look the wagon over.

" No, sir, she'd in perfect shape. Not a bit of a problem anywhere," said Pott defiantly as he got down off the wagon.

" Really, then what's this hole in the side here?" asked Jamce plainly as he pointed to the hole.

" Where?" asked Pott as he walked over to the hole then said anxiously," oh, well she's a bit scratched up I guess. I didn't mean to lead you astray that changes things. What's your offer?" asked Pott hopefully as he looked at Jamce.

" I'll give ya 20 coin," said Jamce quickly as he folded his arms and looked at the hole in the wagon.

" 20 coin, that's crazy she's worth 50. I can't take 20 I'm sorry," said Pott then he folded his arms.

" Well it's just, gee...I worry that she might start falling apart. I'd hate to get a week down the road and have her break into pieces," said Jamce slowly.

" Where are you headin'?" asked Pott warmly.

" My brothers and I are on our way to Marbou and we just had our wagon stolen outside of town. So you can see why I'm so concerned," said Jamce implying a question.

" Granted, granted alright I'll give it to you for 25 coin and, sir, that's the best I can do, I'm sorry," said Pott apologetically as he unfolded his arms.

" Alright, you've got a deal. Thank you we really appreciate the help," said Jamce then he counted out 25 coin and handed it to Pott.

" It's alright, no thanks necessary just let me grab a few personal items and she's yours," said Pott then he climbed up on the wagon.

Jamce climbed up right after him and sat down on the yellow cloth couch on the front and took a look around. Pott came back out of the wagon with a bottle of whiskey and a pipe and said brightly," She's all yours, enjoy."

" Oh we will, have a good day now," said Jamce as he patted Pott on the back then looked at Baesar and grinned.

Then Baesar said as he climbed up on the wagon," Remind me not to barter with any of you."

" Dually noted, now what's our plan of attack?" asked Jamce as he watched Baesar sit down.

" I think we need directions, I really have no idea where we are. And we also need to get supplies," said Baesar softly.

" I'll take care of the supplies. Why don't Krowny and I go inside and take care of everything," said Jamce warmly then he stood up and climbed down off the wagon.

" Sounds good, Baesar, and I will watch the wagon," said Saycha and then he smiled and said," make sure you get some Guros I'm starving."

" You're not the only one and I'm a bit parched as well. We won't be long," said Jamce then he and Krowny went inside the main building.

Inside there was a 2 story main room that stretched 300 yards, with the various counters on the first level where you placed your orders. And on the second level the actual goods that were dropped down on dumb waiters. The floors were covered in a thick blue carpet that had paths worn into it right up to the alcohol counter. The walls had a large continuous painting of Gesero Bawksam running and jumping off a mountain cliff.

" We gotta have booze and we gotta have food, but what is more important?" asked Jamce as he surveyed the room and watched all the bustling activity with Krowny standing next to him and doing the same.

" Booze, and second is directions and third is food," said Krowny.

" Food third?" asked Jamce in disbelief.

" We can always eat the Durions of we had to," said Krowny.

" Fine alright let's ask around," said Jamce then he walked up to the booze counter and asked," Can I get 4 bottles of whiskey and if you could directions to Marbou?"

" Sure," said Bharose Tellop and then shouted," 4 bottles whiskey!" and then she said," just give me one second, please."

Bharose was 5'9" with long blonde hair tied into a ponytail. She had turquoise eyes and thick red lips. She was very beautiful and was wearing a blue denim dress and a white cashmere sweater as well as red leather sandals.

" You got it," said Jamce smoothly as he admired Bharose's beauty.

Then Bharose watched as the dumb waiter came down with the 4 bottles of whiskey. Then she took them off the dumb waiter and set them on the dark brown wood circular counter and said," O.k. this is your whiskey and that's 10 coin," and then Jamce handed her the 10 coin and then she said," now to get to Marbou it's a day's ride out of the road behind this building. Take that road 'til it hits Paker Glove road and then take Paker Glove right to Marbou."

" Great, thank you and if I needed directions into your heart what would those be? Asked Jamce smoothly then he grinned at Bharose.

" O ho ho ho, well I can't tell you, you just have to know, but if you ever come back this way again we can talk about it and I'm Bharose by the way," said Bharose then she kissed Jamce on the cheek.

" My name's Jamce, but my father called me lazy," said Jamce then he smiled and Bharose laughed and smiled back at him.

" Really, well it's nice to meet you, Jamce, or should I say lazy. Have a safe trip," said Bharose as she handed Jamce the whiskey.

" Thanks, Bharose, I hope I do, bye now," said Jamce as he smiled then he and Krowny walked over and got some more supplies.

Then they went back out to the wagon and handed the supplies up to Baesar and Saycha and then Jamce said," This town's got a nice way to it. I'll have to come back some day in the future."

" What'd he flirt with a girl in there, Krowny?" asked Saycha as he grinned at Jamce.

" He did indeed and she was in a liking mood to his said advances, yes," said Krowny plainly as he puckered his lips and climbed up onto the front of the wagon.

" I figured as much, how'd you make out with the directions?" asked Saycha.

" We didn't make out, I wanted too she wouldn't and yes, I got the directions. We head out of here on the backside of this building. Then when we meet up with the Paker Glove road and that will take us to Marbou," said Jamce as he sat down and took the reins then started the wagon out around the building.

" I know that road, once we get there I can get us to my villa. How far are we from there?" asked Baesar as he grabbed a Guros out of the crate then bit into it.

" Bharose said it's a day's ride. So all's we have to do is stay alive for a day and we're home," said Jamce jokingly then he picked up a bottle of whiskey and popped the cork with his teeth and took a long drink.

" That may be harder than we think, look over there," said Saycha as he pointed to a group of black wizards who were dancing in the street and drinking wine.

" Saycha, get inside the wagon," said Baesar quickly as he kept his eye on the black wizards.

" I'm one step ahead of ya," said Saycha as he moved into the wagon.

Inside the wagon there were 6 brown wood beds lined up in a row 3 per side with quilts and pillows on each. There was also a small silver table and red wood chair at the end of the beds. It had a Piskin game on top and a 4 person pipe.

Piskin was a 3 person game where you had a sword and hammer fight at the start with the winner then going into the Diop tunnels, which were a 5 foot high intricate series of booby trapped tunnels that if you didn't make it to the end and destroy the Navos mirrors that were guarded by 3 gargoyles, then the other 2 players had their chance at it. Once someone had destroyed all 4 Navos mirrors the game board would prop itself up on stilts. Then you could reach in underneath it and grab the 3 gold coins inside that each player had put in the slot at the start. This while the song," I'm rich enough to pay attention," by the Midnight snacks played and swords came out of every inch of the mountain and it shook.

The Midnight snacks were a 6 piece comprised of 6 guitar players and 5 singers. Their lead singer Boxel Dope was a believer in the writings of Taape Coicol, an ancient prophet.

Taape believed that the spark of life was the only death a man ever felt and that pain was often confused as a contributor to death other than a part of living. He also wrote that if you were besieges by a wizards spell to laugh it into submission.

On the walls of the bedroom were 6 scrolls of beginner's spells and common usages. The ceiling had a black shiny paint on it that showed a candle dance when it was lit. There was also a pair of windows on either side that had dark blue curtains covering them.

Saycha walked over to the window on the right and pulled back the curtain slowly and peeked out. He saw the black wizards rejoicing and he also saw one eyeing the wagon intently. Then that black wizard threw down the bottle of wine he was holding and walked right in front of the wagon and raised his right hand for Jamce to stop.

" Oh great," said Jamce under his breath then he stopped the wagon.

The black wizard, named Bartifish Cile had dark blue short hair combed forward to the center of his forehead. His face was round and smooth and he had dark green vacant eyes. He was 6'4" 254 pounds

and looked like trouble. He had one a long flowing black robe with a dark green belt as well as a pair of dark green boots. He had a Tomyo potion in a flask on a necklace around his neck.

Tomyo potions when ingested or even touched to the skin caused blindness and eventually insanity.

" Hold it up there, sirs, I want to take a look inside your wagon," said Bartifish as he walked over to the stairs and smiled deviously.

" Look, we're kinda in a hurry we just received word that our father is dying alright," said Jamce sternly as he eyed Bartifish.

" Is that right, well I'll just be a minute," said Bartifish boldly then he climbed up the stairs.

" Now hold on there," said Jamce quickly as he stood, but Baesar nodded no.

Bartifish stood in front of Jamce and smiled and said snidely," See your little friend's got the right idea. You should mind your manners or I'd hate to think how bloody your wagon could get."

Then Bartifish put his hand gently on Jamce's chest and then he pushed him down violently. Then Bartifish smiled and laughed then he went into the wagon. He saw there was no one in the beds so he continued on into the next room where Saycha was standing facing him with his staff high and he shouted," Mamut pavoc your dust!"

Then a small tornado of red and green and blue Bayvets engulfed Bartifish and began to eat him alive.

Bayvets are small rat like creatures with black bodies and red wings and were about the size of a cat. They also had 2 heads and black eyes and large claws and fangs.

Bartifish's body was devoured by the Bayvets then Saycha shouted," Be this jafem for a!"

Then a hole opened up and sucked the Bayvets inside and then it disappeared completely. Then Saycha hurried up to the front of the wagon and poked his head out and said calmly," Everything is fine start the wagon moving and please be calm until we're clear of this place o.k."

" You've got it, Saycha," said Jamce smoothly then he started the Durions moving.

Dlarm was steering the wagon as Dorama and Micavello sat inside playing a game of Morbread in the living room. The room was oval in shape and had a white grand piano in the center with a black bench. There were also 2 black leather couches facing one another in the right corner of the room with the Morbread game in between them. The rest of the room was filled with antique dolls and a collection of wizards bears. The walls had gold leaf wallpaper on them, as well as 4 paintings in each of the corners of the Bopalbea conflict.

The Bopalbea was a 300 person wizard showdown that took place a century ago that was caused by the green wizards argument that they should rule over Pabstrum because they knew what was best for the people of Pabstrum. And they were defeated by the wizards of the Crimson Way in a huge battle that left only 20 green wizards alive on the battlefield.

Morbread was a 2 person combat game, with each player choosing a 3 foot tall warrior equipped with a shield and either a sword or a chainmail. Then there were attack buttons you pressed on a joystick in a series of 3, as well as defense commands you all choose in a series of 3. Then once both players had chosen their 3attacks and 3 defenses you each pressed the purple commit button and the 2 warriors would act out your selections. Now if you guessed correctly your attacks would be successful, as well as your defenses and no damage would be done to your warrior only theirs. The object of the game was to sever 6 body parts before your opponent. Then the losing player's warrior would explode and the base of the game would open up and shoot your wagered coins up into a silver chalice as the song," My times taken with nothin'," by the Goatee Generals played.

The Goatee Generals were a 4 piece with each member playing 2 instruments simultaneously. They were a popular group in the Zayerso province and all of the members lived and worked on a Palant farm.

" O.K. look, Micavello, I've seen the way you choose your attacks and I believe I've got you pegged this time," said Dorama slyly as she picked her attacks and defenses.

" I wouldn't count on it dear, Dorama, but if you're certain let's up the wager from the 14 coin we've already bet, to an additional 14 coins each," said Micavello smoothly as he reached into his pocket and pulled out 14 more coins and smiled.

" Really, big wager is it, well I'm all for it considering we found the 200 coin in whoever's this wagon belongs to in their bedroom," said Dorama wryly as she grinned and took another 14 coin and put it into the slot on the top of the game.

" I doubt they'd mind much," said Micavello slyly then he put the 14 coins in the slot.

" Are you ready?" asked Dorama as she put her index finger over the purple start button.

" Indeed dear, Dorama, let's see how we've guessed," said Micavello smoothly as he put his finger over his half of the button.

" Alright, now!" said Dorama boldly as she pressed the button and Micavello followed suit.

Then Dorama's warrior sliced off Micavello's warrior's right arm as he tried to block his head. Then Dorama's sliced off his head as he tried to block his legs. Then she sliced off his right leg as he tried to block his left leg and Dorama shouted," There is no shame in victory!"

" Please, don't get so hasty I still have my attacks," said Micavello defiantly as he rolled his left eye and looked at Dorama with his right intently.

" O.K. fine, we'll just see how swift your warrior is," said Dorama happily as she smiled.

Then Micavello's warrior sliced at Dorama's warrior's head and she blocked it with her shield. Then Micavello's warrior sliced at her leg and she blocked it again and Micavello shouted," Oh how could you guess that combination!"

" I am wise," said Dorama slyly as she watched Micavello's warrior slice at her warrior's shield arm and chopped it off and she said," alright, you got me once, but I'm still in the lead."

" Not for long my lovely, Dorama, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve," said Micavello slyly then he loaded in his attacks and defenses.

" Is that the sleeve on the arm that I chopped off or the other one?" asked Dorama sarcastically as she loaded in her attacks and defenses.

This time Micavello's warrior led out with his attack and he smashed at her right leg with his shield and she defended her head and it knocked it off and Micavello said snidely," Oh how sweet is the stench of surprise."

" I'm still ahead," said Dorama quickly.

Then Micavello's warrior tried to smash Dorama's warrior's head off, but she blocked it and Micavello shouted," There's luck and there's that!"

" Who needs luck I'm the best," said Dorama coldly.

Then Micavello's warrior tried to smash out Dorama's stomach and she blocked it and Dorama shouted as she stood up," Dreams happen when I wake up! Now that was pure genius!"

" There's no such thing, please sit down woman," said Micavello sternly as he held his head in his hands.

" Fine," said Dorama brightly as she sat down quickly and smiled and then said," Now for the win and the treasure."

Then Dorama's warrior stabbed Micavello's warrior in the stomach and he didn't shield it and his stomach popped out the back causing Micavello to sigh and then said," I've got a loser's feeling comin' on."

Then Dorama's warrior sliced off his left arm and Micavello defended the stomach and Dorama smiled and said," That loser's feeling getting any closer."

" Yes unfortunately," said Micavello sadly.

Then Dorama's warrior sliced off Micavello's warrior's left leg and Dorama shouted," And the mighty have fallen!"

Then Micavello's warrior exploded and then the 56 coins came popping out of the base of the game and into the silver chalice as the song," My times taken with nothing," began to play.

" Nice game, Micavello, but you messed with a Mospet and we rarely lose," said Dorama as she grabbed a handful of gold coins and shoved them into her pocket.

" Het there's a roadblock up ahead come out here," said Dlarm frantically as he walked into the living room.

" Really, is it black wizards?" asked Micavello as he stood up and walked towards Dlarm.

" It looks so," said Dlarm as he grabbed his staff off the grand piano's bench.

Micavello grabbed his as well and Dorama grabbed a dagger from the next room then came back and asked," Is this the fight for our lives?"

" Yes, so be ready," said Micavello sternly then he darted out to the front of the wagon with Dlarm and Dorama right behind.

They looked and saw 6 black wizards standing in front of a black and blue 6 story wagon that was blocking the road. They had their staffs in hand as well as a few red wizards tied up on the side of the road. Dlarm saw this and said," If we could free those other wizards, we could destroy them easily."

" You're right, but we must wait 'til we're close enough to cast a spell on the black wizards that won't get the others as well," said Micavello as he thought of his range of spells he could cast.

3 of the black wizards stood side by side with scowls on their faces. Then Dlarm pulled the reins and stopped the wagon just a few feet in front of them. The black wizard in the middle was named Bnife Horts.

Bnife had silver long thick curly hair that had small trinkets tied into the ends. His eyes were peach colored and very large. He had a long arching nose, with flared nostrils. He was 6'4" 214 pounds of pure malice. He was wearing a dark red robe with a hood and a black belt that had the image of Paragon Bromyth engraved on his belt buckle.

Paragon was a gold wizard of the highest order who discovered black magic and gave up his former craft and became a black wizard. After his death it was rumored that he became Drayne Sectis, seeing as Drayne became more powerful and even larger in size after his death. The black wizards hoped there would come a day when he would reveal himself again and become their leader.

He also had on dark red and black pointed toed boots with a pair of daggers attached to the sides of each.

Bnife glared at Dlarm then walked slowly over to the side of Dlarm's wagon and said," If you be wizards of the Crimson Way, admit it now or death will be your charge. We will allow you to live if you gladly surrender."

Then Dlarm looked dead at Bnife who was smiling a sinister grin and then at the other black wizards and then he shouted," Mara eno to lift your feet!"

Then 2 dozen blue fiery Larce birds appeared and descended upon the black wizards causing them to try to fend them off. Then Micavello and Dlarm ran over to the 8 tied up wizards and cut their bonds and then Micavello shouted," Domidus por like fire!"

Then a large circular beam of fire came out of his staff and he torched 2 of the 6 black wizards sending them screaming into the woods. Then Bnife shouted," Morgum be deadly!"

Then a 10 foot tall bear like creature with the head of a snake called a Morbat rose out of the ground and grabbed a red wizard and tore him in half and then the Morbat consumed his head and torso then screamed like a dying animal.

" We've got troubles," said Dorama nervously as she looked at the Morbat in shock.

" Fear not," said Dlarm calmly as the Morbat began to walk towards the wagon and then Dlarm shouted," Donba kiavo eat dust!"

Then a 12 foot tall man started to form out of the ground in a swirling vortex. Then he stood there made from solid rock with a huge chest and arms as well as tree trunk sized legs and he ran at the Morbat

and punched him in the head knocking him backwards. Then the Morbat tried to bite off his head, but it grew back instantly. Then the stone man wrapped his arms around the Morbat's waist and squeezed him 'til his arms crushed him right thru and into 2 separate bloody pieces. Then the stone man grabbed a pair of black wizards and crushed them to death in his enormous hands. Then Bnife saw this and ran and jumped on a Durion and sped away as he glared back over his shoulder. The remaining black wizard tore off into the woods without anyone noticing. Then one of the red wizards Pemeus Borgotten walked over to Dlarm and asked," You saved our lives how can we repay you brother?"

Pemeus Borgotten had dark purple long straight hair that had a gentle wave to it. He was not a handsome man, but his essence required respect. He had on a leather vest, a white cotton shirt with the crest of the Crimson Way on it, and a pair of brown leather pants and dark brown boots.

" Fight with us against the black wizards. I fear that we are on the verge of war, or possibly there already. We are on our way to Stachance and we are also looking for a friend of ours named Saycha have you seen or heard of him?" asked Dlarm sternly as he looked at Pemeus intently.

" We shall fight with you, but if the rest of the black wizards are freed from the Underworld we won't be enough against their numbers. As far as your lost friend I have heard that name spoken when I was at the Bawksam tower and I wonder what size is this Saycha?" asked Pemeus as he looked at Dlarm.

" He is here," said Dorama as she showed Saycha's height with her hand above her head and then said," this tall I would know because he is my brother."

" Then it very well could have been him. I couldn't say for sure because he had a headdress covering his head and face," said Pemeus.

Then Micavello began to pace back and forth and then said," That would make sense, because if they were aware of what was happening they would have to hide him or he'd be captured. O.K., where were they heading do you know?" asked Micavello sternly as he stopped in his tracks and looked at Pemeus.

" I saw their wagon go around the back of the Bawksam tower, which would mean they're probably heading for Marbou," said Pemeus.

" Why Marbou?" asked Dorama quickly as she squinted at Pemeus.

" It's the only town for 9,000 Gorman on that road," said Pemeus as he smiled.

Gorman was the distance from the tip of a Palants nose to the tip of its tail.

" Then that's where we're heading. What's the quickest way to get there from here?" asked Dlarm.

" Take this road you're on for 50 Gormans and there'll be a thin road on your right. Take that until it ends and then you'll be at the Paker Glove road. It's not far from there," said Pemeus smoothly then he ran his fingers thru his hair.

" Thank you, that is great news. You know you're welcome to join us if you'd like. Ya see the person we're going to get there has the power to end this war," asked Micavello.

" Only Havermo Blemsink himself could vanquish the black wizards," said Pemeus brightly then he looked at everyone's face and realized that he'd been reincarnated and then asked stunned," Havermo has come back is it true?"

" It is, he has reincarnated to become Saycha her brother. And there is no doubt, I have seen him myself wield the staff of Wrom," said Micavello plainly as he looked at Dorama then at Pemeus.

" Isn't that a glorious thing to have happened. In that case I must go with you, you will need my powers to aid you and Saycha. Let us leave this place and set out for Marbou," said Pemeus boldly then he went over to the black wizards wagon and drove it off the road.

Then Pemeus ran back and climbed up onto Dlarm's wagon and Dorama asked," What of those other wizards?"

" They will take the other wagon and follow us from behind," said Pemeus then he sat down.

" Then we are off for Marbou and none too soon I surmise," said Dlarm as he started the Palant in motion down the road.

Meanwhile Saycha was playing a game of Piskin with Baesar and Jamce as Krowny steered the wagon. All 3 of them had just entered their coins and had chosen their warriors with Jamce taking the black armored 2 foot high Canto faced warrior. And Saycha took the green robed wizard with red hair and green eyes. Then Baesar took the ogre that had 4 eyes and a bald head and then Jamce pressed the start button. The first to chop off 2 limbs and the opponent's heads was the winner of the first stage then they went into the Diop tunnels.

" And we're off," said Jamce as he stabbed Saycha's players head off and then said snidely," It's only just begun."

Then Baesar sliced off Jamce's Canto player's hammer holding arm and shouted," You won't lift much with that arm!"

Then Jamce maneuvered away from Baesar's player and Saycha came up behind Baesar's player and chopped off his head with his hammer and said proudly," That's a nice look, very popular."

Then Jamce chopped off Saycha's players left leg and laughed and said loudly," Legs, I've got 3 and they aren't worth a thing."

" Calm down, it's still early," said Saycha as his player began to swing his hammer wildly and then he knocked off Jamce's player's right leg accidentally and said calmly," that was lucky."

Then Baesar's player sliced off Jamce's player's head and shouted," I love a hat salesman, uh Jamce!"

" And an arm salesman," said Saycha as he sliced off Baesar's player's arm and then Jamce and Baesar's player's exploded into pieces and Saycha started the Diop tunnels and said brightly," I have to say you're both fun people to beat."

Saycha reattached his player's head and left leg then entered the first tunnel. He walked past a small torch then a large ox came out of the ground and swung at his head, but he saw it and ducked quickly. Then a pair of arrows came from opposite sides of the tunnel and Saycha pulled back on the joystick and both missed him completely.

" That was pure luck, you weren't even payin' attention," said Jamce slyly then he picked up the whiskey bottle and took a drink.

" Don't kid yourself, I'm always aware of my surroundings," said Saycha smoothly as he steered over a trio of spear filled holes.

" You'll never make it past the hammers," said Baesar happily as he crossed his legs and folded his arms and smiled.

Then Saycha's player came to a narrow ledge and then swinging hammers came out of the walls on either side and tried to knock him into a ravine. One hit him in the left arm and knocked it off, but he

kept his balance and hurried past the rest and then Saycha sighed and said," I almost lost it right there, that was nerve racking."

" I didn't think you'd make it, I really didn't," said Baesar as he watched Saycha steering thru a part of tunnel filled with Canto heads about to pop out of the wall if he stepped on the triggers.

" Careful, one false step, one untrue movement and you're a goner," said Jamce as he smiled.

Saycha gently maneuvered around the triggers then came to the last bit of the tunnel and he ran thru full speed and 20 arrows and saw blades come out of the wall as he ran past, but he was able to outrun them and then jump over the Palant mouth at the end and make it to the top of the tunnels.

There in front of him were the 3 gargoyles guarding the 4 Navos mirrors. He walked slowly up to the 3 gargoyles and then Jamce said boldly," Oh get on with the fun but quick."

" Patience, Patience I've got to do this right," said Saycha slowly as he grinned.

Then one of the gargoyles came at Saycha and he sliced its head off and slid out around its right side as its claws tried to grab him. Then he did a back flip and hammered the gargoyle's torso and smashed it to pieces. Then Saycha said coldly," You were only the first of my onslaught."

Then the second gargoyle did a forward roll and grabbed Saycha's player's sword holding arm and ripped it off and Jamce shouted," You got long ears!"

" He won't last long now," said Baesar confidently as he smiled from ear to ear.

" I wouldn't bet on it," said Saycha calmly as he maneuvered around the gargoyle.

" I would, I'll bet ya 3 coin you don't get to the mirrors," said Jamce slyly.

" Done, but that's thrown away money if you ask me," said Saycha smoothly.

Then Saycha stabbed the second gargoyle in the chest and its chest popped out and its head fell down onto its stomach and sat there precariously. Then Saycha jumped up and finished him off with a descending blow and the gargoyle exploded into pieces.

" Nice work of it, Saycha, that was a lethal move," said Jamce honestly then he nodded.

" If you're trying to butter me up like a Gudbun you...are...dreamin'," said Saycha slyly as he eyed the third gargoyle.

Gudbuns were 3 foot long baked loafs that had a sugar and butter glaze on each as well as a touch of cinnamon. They were cooked by Ma Gudbun a 154 year old mother of 20 in Consey inside her 2 century old oven. She sold each Gudbun for 2 coin.

Then the third gargoyle started going side to side then it darted at Saycha's player and he jumped at the last second and barely missed its claws. He landed behind it and quickly spun around and chopped off its right leg. Then Jamce sighed and said sadly," It looks bad, Baesar."

" It does boy am I happy neither one of us made any wagers," said Baesar sarcastically then he nudged Jamce and looked over at him.

" Yeah I sure am the gladdest dear, Baesar, but losing comes in the form of 2 I would gather," said Jamce then he nudged Baesar twice and smiled and nodded.

" Quiet please, I'm about to win it all," said Saycha sternly then he chopped the wounded gargoyles head off and then chopped its right arm off and said," and now the finishing blow," and then he sliced it down the middle and it exploded into pieces.

Then Saycha moved his player over to the 4 Navos mirrors and smashed the first 2 quick, then he looked over at Jamce and Baesar and smiled and nodded and Jamce said," Oh brother, worthless ilk please give us mercy."

" Alright," said Saycha quickly then he smashed the last 2 mirrors and then the song," I'm rich enough to pay attention," began to play.

Then the game board lifted up on stilts and revealed the 3 gold coins inside while swords came out of every inch of the game board and shook. Saycha reached in and grabbed the gold coins and just as he did the wagon stopped moving and Jamce said," That's odd, those Durions looked rested."

" They did," said Baesar anxiously as he stood up and walked out to the front of the wagon.

Baesar poked his head out and saw the road covered with dead Canto's for a good 10 miles. Jamce walked past him and asked," How on Pabstrum did this happen?"

" It's a sign of war, known as a Tasmao, it means that we have 3 days to prepare and then it's all out destruction. The black wizards aren't wasting any time this means they are strong," said Baesar as he looked at the Canto's.

Saycha walked out and said," This will get worse and may never get better than this."

After everyone had a good night's rest, Dorama awoke and went up to the front of the wagon to get the Palant moving as it had stopped. She stepped out onto the front of the wagon and saw the road littered with dead Canto's and shouted," Micavello, Dlarm, something has happened wake up!"

Then Micavello walked out onto the front of the wagon and said in shock," Tasmao, this is terrible."

" What's terrible?" asked Dlarm as he walked out onto the front of the wagon then saw the Canto's and said softly," The great reckoning is upon us."

" What does this mean?" asked Dorama as she looked at Micavello.

" It means we haven't much time until it's all out war. The black wizards have killed the Canto's to signal that the black death is near," said Micavello anxiously as he surveyed the scene in front of him.

" We will have to find Saycha sooner than later and that means clearing this road. Let me grab my staff," said Dlarm then he went back into the wagon hurriedly.

" How long do we have?" asked Dorama.

" 3 days and then we must destroy every black wizard we see or perish under their spells," said Micavello sternly.

Then Dlarm came back and then said," I can do a lot to clear this road, but the smell will persist I'm afraid."

" I'm fine, do what you have too," said Dorama then she got out of his way as did Micavello.

Then Dlarm raised his staff and shouted," Weverme pasu be blaze!" and then a large ball of fire appeared and then Dlarm shouted," Nacav for vision!"

Then the ball of fire went wherever Dlarm looked and he looked at all the Canto's on the road in front of him and they scorched to ash. The Palant started walking again and Dlarm continued to blaze the Canto's even far into the distance.

" O.K. his Doopelk spell seems to be working, as long as we can continue unabated we can reach Marbou by nightfall. I only worry that Saycha will have been captured before than or will have already left for a new hideout," said Micavello anxiously as he clutched his shoulder.

" Are you alright, Micavello?" asked Dorama in a concerned tone.

" Yes, I'm fine, it's just the enormity of the situation it's put me in a an odd mood. I just need a bit of breakfast for it to pass," said Micavello as he stared at the wagon's floor blankly.

" There are a Palant ribs in the icebox I'll go fry some up for ya," said Dorama brightly as she put her arm around Micavello and then said warmly," we've got each other and we can survive this."

Micavello looked over and said," Yes, yes you are right, but it will take some doing. I would love some ribs, Dorama, thank you."

" I'll be right back with a plate full. Just give me a minute," said Dorama quickly as she went into the wagon.

Dlarm continued to clear the road of Canto's as Micavello sat down and tried to put the situation out of his mind. He thought of the first spell he cast as a 10 year old. And then his teacher green wizard Momeva Retts. He thought of his days trying to master a single spell and the amazing joy he felt when he got his own staff. Suddenly he felt at ease and his anxiety cleared.

Dlarm stopped burning Canto's as he had cleared 39 miles of them in front of the wagon and then said," That should hold us for a while. The question now is what will they strike with first?" asked Dlarm as he sat down beside Micavello.

" It will be whatever they think we can't defend. So it's Doopelk spells and Compamain crystals. Then if we're weak they'll probably switch to swords and crossbows," said Micavello sternly as he stared off into the distance.

" And if we're really weak then it's Drayne to finish us off. Or they'll just throw all they've got at us and catch us when we're vulnerable," said Dlarm smoothly then he rubbed the sweat from his forehead with the back of his right hand.

" Like now, before we've aligned our forces. If they were to attack us before we find Saycha and before all the different colored wizards can come to an arrangement, then we would be destroyed and completely annihilated," said Micavello sternly then he stood up and took in a deep breath and exhaled.

Saycha, Baesar, Jamce, and Krowny were all wide awake and eating Guros in the living room. There was a round brown 8 foot wide table in the center with 5 black cushioned chairs around it. There was also a pair of paintings of Palants playing poker on either side of the room that in each opposite painting it showed a different round brown 8 foot wide table in the center with 5 black cushioned chairs around it. There was also a pair of paintings of Palants playing poker on either side of the room that in each opposite painting it showed a different angle of the same card game and revealed the other Palants cards. It

showed one Palant placing a bet and eating a Guros as the other 4 Palants salivated over the last Guros. Meanwhile the one eating the Guros had a pair of wizards, the best card, hidden under the table in the grasp of his tail. Beneath the paintings were matching green love seats and ottomans. On the floor was a tapestry of the wizard Paragon coming out of lake Cureiror completely dry. The ceiling was seal black and had a gargoyle statue affixed to each corner. There were also a pair of small 2 foot wide windows on the right side and a blue tinted 3 foot wide window on the left.

" Thos black wizards are getting ready right now for an all out war and as far as I can tell, we're still disorganized," said Jamce as he ate his Guros.

" Not as much as you think. I suspect that many are aware that something is about to happen. Now whether or not we can get all of my fellow wizards to fight together will depend on a bit of luck and us getting to Hafitdy before they attack," said Baesar as he licked his fingers.

" How far is it to Hafitdy?" asked Krowny as he took a swig off a whiskey bottle.

" Half a day from Marbou, which we will be at very soon," said Baesar calmly as he ate.

" We should be about there right now. I'll go take a gander and see if it's in sight," said Jamce then he stood up and walked up to the front of the wagon then he saw Marbou just over the hill and then yelled back," we're here, I can see it!"

" Really, that's a bit of good news. I think I'll go up front and make sure everything is still in one piece in old Marbou," said Baesar as he smiled and stood up.

" That is a good idea I'll come too," said Saycha as he finished his Guros in one large bite and then followed Baesar to the front.

When they got up front they saw dozens of houses and the castle in flames as smoke billowed out of them and Saycha asked," Is this Marbou?"

" What's left of it, the black wizards are doing prep work for the war. We'd best be mindful that they could be watching us right now. Saycha maybe you should go back inside the wagon," said Baesar softly as he tried not to tear up.

" Of course, but what of your villa?" asked Saycha as he ducked back into the wagon and stood just inside the doorway.

Baesar looked off in the distance and saw that his villa and the house around it were still intact and sighed and then said happily," It is still there thankfully, but it won't be for long, so we must hurry and he swift."

" We will be, don't worry about that," said Jamce sternly then he grabbed the reins and hummed loudly to startle the Durions into running faster.

" Oh Marbou, I should have never left you," said Baesar sadly then he sat down and wept.

Jamce looked over at him and said hopefully," They won't get away with this, Baesar. We bring a fight to them that they could never imagine, fear not."

Baesar looked up at Jamce and stopped weeping and nodded and said coldly," The stakes are as high now as they can get. The black had better be ready, because I won't stop fighting them until I am dead."

" That's the spirit and neither will the rest of us, no never," said Jamce as he looked at Baesar.

They rode down to the center of Marbou and saw dozens of people just wondering around in a daze. Some looked over at Jamce and Baesar and didn't even flinch. Others were lying on the ground bloodied and dying. They rode past them all and up to Baesar's villa and parked out front. Just as they got down

off the wagon a pair of black wizards came out the front door. Baesar felt an unstoppable rage well up inside him and he shouted," Krusished nanuk fro pain!"

Then thousands of flesh eating insects appeared and raced at the black wizards and began engulfing them. They shouted in agony as they were eaten alive. Then in only a few seconds only their bones remained in their steed.

" Nice trick, but there might be more of them inside," said Jamce quickly.

" I hope there are," said Baesar then he hurried into his house and took a look around the first floor and then he saw a black wizard lying asleep on the couch and he shouted," Tweig of poat for thy!"

Then a large fiery green saw blade appeared over him and fell down onto his waist. It split him and the couch into 2 pieces, but the wizard woke up looked at the blood on his stomach, then the 2 halves of his body and the couch separated and his eyes rolled back in his head and he perished. Then another black wizard came down the stairs and Baesar shouted," Porgasm for lesix!"

Then a lava rain fell from the ceiling above the black wizard with each lava rain drop burning clean thru him. One hit his eye as he looked up and went straight thru and out the back of his head. Then his hole riddled body collapsed to the stairs and rolled to the bottom, what was left of it.

Then a black wizard came in from the back yard with a small drawing he had done in his hands. And as he looked down at it he asked," Do you think this is lifelike?"

" Ovalu my fingrex!" shouted Baesar then a large spike filled mallet appeared above the black wizard and just as he looked up the mallet crushed him to a 4 inch thick mass and Baesar said coldly," It does now."

Jamce, Saycha, and Krowny were standing right behind Baesar watching him make quick work of the black wizards. Then Saycha walked in and saw a piece of a black robe just peeking out in the kitchen and he ran over and shouted as he did," Brackop be still!" and then as he turned the corner he aimed the spell at a black wizard hiding there and then the wizard was frozen solid into a block of human ice and Saycha kicked the wizard and he shattered into a thousand cubes of ice and he said brightly," we've got cubes for the whiskey now."

Jamce laughed as did Krowny then Baesar said," I'll get the coin and you three grab all the supplies you can carry. I'll only be but a minute."

" I've got the food, Krowny, you get the whiskey and, Saycha, you might want to bring an extra staff or 2 in case that one gets taken or broken," said Jamce quickly as he headed into the kitchen.

" You don't have to tell me twice. What was that again?" asked Krowny jokingly as he went down into the basement.

Saycha walked over to the staffs and grabbed 4 of them and said," You 4 should do the trick."

Then a few seconds later Baesar came down the stairs with a box of 1000 gold coins and said as he shook the box," We won't go hungry in this life or the next."

" Nice work, then that's it. I've got a box of food, you've got the coin..." said Jamce slyly as he came walking out of the kitchen.

" I've got the staffs," said Saycha quickly as he held up the staffs and smiled.

" And I've got the whiskey whowee. Let's hit the road running," said Krowny enthusiastically as he came out of the stairs to the basement with a crate with 30 bottles of red and white wine, with a big smile on his face.

" Then we're off," said Saycha as he headed for the door.

" Just one more thing," said Baesar as he set down the box of coins and pushed in a piece of the wall and grabbed a handful of Cassits and said," I never go into battle without a handful of these, lovely Cassits."

" Cassits huh," said Jamce as he brined.

" Why do you say that?" asked Baesar as he walked over to the front door with the box of coins in one hand and the Cassits in the other.

" A long story best kept for another time," said Jamce wryly as he patted Baesar on the back and headed outside.

They loaded up the wagon and rode down thru town and saw the people yelling at each other and old men muttering to themselves. They didn't see any black wizards anywhere which was a sigh of relief. They made their way out of Marbou and just as they were getting back on the main road to Hafitdy they saw a pair of wagons coming their way.

" Be ready and quick, they're probably black wizards back to check on their trophy," said Baesar as he gripped his staff tightly.

" I'm ready for them, let's see them try their powers now," said Saycha boldly as he eyed the first wagon keenly.

Then the wagons drew closer and a woman jumped off the side of the first one and began running towards Baesar's wagon and flailing her arms and Baesar said sternly," Be ready she could strike any one of us with a spell."

Then Saycha put his hand on Baesar's forearm and said," It's alright, it's Dorama."

" What?" said Jamce in disbelief then he took a second look and said brightly," it is, it's her stop the Palant."

Then Krowny pulled the reins in and Saycha and Jamce jumped off the wagon and ran and embraced Dorama and Jamce said happily," Oh dear, sis, we thought you might've died. It's so great to see you alive."

" You too, we've been searching for you and now we've found you," said Dorama as she fought back tears.

" How did you escape the Underworld?" asked Saycha as he held Dorama and smiled at her.

" A wizard, Valvorder was his name, helped us get to the Microfic portals. Then we just went thru and came out just outside of Consey in a cave inside Hevely Hill," said Dorama happily then she kissed Saycha on the cheek and said," I'm sorry I'm just so happy to see you."

" Hevely hill, wait ah minute that's where I first was given the Medallion of Believe. And it was in a cave just like the one you were in. How can that be?" asked Saycha as he looked at Jamce and Dorama anxiously.

" You don't think that, that person could've been from the Underworld?" asked Jamce.

" I don't think it, I now know it to be true. There's something going on here that we don't know about," said Saycha honestly as he tried to figure it out in his head.

" But why, how would he have any idea who you were or even could have known that you would be on that hill?" asked Jamce as he looked at Saycha perplexed.

Saycha pushed Dorama back from him gently and took a few steps quickly back and forth and then smiled and said boldly," It's not as hard as you think. I'd been over to that hill hundreds of times over the

years. And, if the right person who knew what to look for saw me. They would have instantly known who I was and who I would be. This whole time we thought this was an accident."

" And it was planned all the time. The black wizards needed you at full strength to free them from the Underworld , so they set this series of events in motion to give them their freedom. It was a lie from the start and they played us for fools," said Jamce then he slapped his hands together and let out a yell.

" We were duped, but we can still throw a crink into their plans. If only we could get enough wizards together at the right time our combined strength in a..." said Saycha boldly as he was cut off.

" Single 3 part spell would banish them to the Underworld forever. That's right, Saycha, but we'd have to dupe all of the black wizards into being at the same place at the same time for it to work," said Micavello smoothly as he walked up to Saycha.

" Use me as bait," said Saycha plainly as he stared at Micavello.

" What, Saycha, that's lunacy you could be killed," said Dorama sternly as she grabbed Saycha's shoulder.

" It would work, Dorama, and not in a small way. If the black wizards caught wind that I was at a certain place, they would all flock there to be the one that destroyed me," said Saycha calmly as he caressed Dorama's hands.

" I just find you and now you want to take on all of the black wizards yourself. Saycha, you would be destroyed, please don't do this," pleaded Dorama as she held Saycha.

" Dorama, your brother is the only hope of Pabstrum. If we try to do this any other way it could fail terribly and then the world of Pabstrum would fall into a blackness you could never imagine," said Micavello sternly as he looked at Saycha then at Dorama.

" He's right, Dorama, it's this or there is no Pabstrum. I wouldn't worry about my safety, Dorama, while you were gone I trained with Baesar for weeks. I now have command of nearly every spell you can imagine," said Saycha as he looked down at Dorama warmly.

Dorama looked at Saycha and could tell that he meant it and would be o.k. and then said," Then I won't worry, do whatever you have too. I believe in you, Saycha."

" Alright then, what's the plan?" asked Jamce quickly as he looked at Dlarm walking up and then said slyly," Dlarm, made it out alive, now that's a bit of news."

" Hello, Jamce, everyone," said Dlarm as he smiled.

" What is the plan exactly, Micavello?" asked Saycha as he stopped embracing Dorama and turned to Micavello leaving his right arm draped over Dorama's shoulder.

" Well, what has to happen is firstly we have to meet with the head of each color of wizard," said Micavello as he put his left hand to his forehead.

" We thought of that, we were going to go to Hafitdy and catch the ear of that wizard community," said Baesar quickly as he stood beside Saycha and looked at Micavello.

" Yes, Hafitdy, I hadn't thought of that. It will suit our purpose perfectly. Then what we need to do is think of a place that we could lure the black wizards too. Yet still be able to hide a thousand red, green, and what have you, without them seeing us or getting wise to what we're attempting. And that is no small feat," said Micavello anxiously then he nodded to Saycha.

" I've got the place and it's not far from here. Bawksam tower, it's perfect because you can put all of our wizards in the lower floors of the hotel. Then we just have Saycha walk out into the street and when he's recognized have him run back into the tower," said Jamce boldly as he smiled.

" Then the word will get around I'm hiding in the tower and all the black wizards from far and wide will race to Bawksam. And when they get there we unleash the 3 part spell and their time on Pabstrum will come to a crashing end, as it should," said Saycha snidely as he fought back a grin.

" That will work, but we still need a little bit more to keep them from getting wise. What about this, we fight them without you for 2 days and give them the impression that we've lost all hope. Then we unleash the trap, because then their bloodlust will be overflowing. Granted a few of ours will lose their lives, but if we use wizards who are of an advanced age and don't mind passing, it would work perfectly," said Micavello happily as he looked down at the ground then up at everyone who was now smiling.

" It's perfect," said Jamce boldly.

" It's beyond perfect, it is what they would never expect. Their egos will do them in. Now we must hurry to Hafitdy and speak with the wizard council," said Saycha then he smiled.

" The Cornstar Guild will hear us, but they may not listen," said Dlarm as he grimaced.

" They'll listen, let's hit the road and if we run into any black wizards come out spells blazing," said Micavello as he turned to go back to the wagon as did Dlarm, but saw Dorama not moving and asked," aren't you coming with us?"

" I need to spend some time with Jamce and Saycha if that's alright?" asked Dorama as she looked at Micavello and pursed her lips.

" O.K. that's fine, I'm just sorry I won't get to talk to you on the trip," said Micavello warmly as he wished that Dorama was more to him in her heart.

" Did you want me too or were you just asking?" asked Dorama as she realized he had feelings for her that she also secretly had for him.

" I wanted too, I would have loved it, but you're right you need to be with your family," said Micavello then he hurried away towards his wagon.

" What was that?" asked Jamce as he started for the wagon.

" I'm not sure something, but we've got miles to ride let's hurry," said Dorama as she longed for Micavello and watched him climb up on the wagon and glance over at her causing her to say," I love you," softly to herself as she put her hand to her chest.

Everyone climbed aboard their respective wagons and started down the road towards Hafitdy. Dorama and Saycha were sitting at the round table in the living room when Dorama asked," So you can do dozens of spells now?"

" Hundreds, I've committed them all to memory. Would you like to see one?" asked Saycha as he stood up and grabbed the staff of Wrom and smiled.

" I would, but don't blow the whole place up," said Dorama slyly as she smiled.

" Half the place, just kidding," said Saycha calmly and then he shouted," Paperis for legions!"

Then a few sheets of paper lying on the table started to glow red., then they began folding themselves into Durions and riders until there were 2 dozen of them. Then they began to ride up Dorama's arm and up onto her head. Then they jumped off her head and refolded themselves to have wings and flew out an open window.

" That was a miracle!" shouted Dorama as she watched them fly away and then said gleefully," I have never seen anything like that before wow, I am speechless."

" Yeah, I've got fun spells like that if I need to create a distraction. Then of course the larger spells if I need to do damage. Would you like to try to cast one, Dorama, or you, Jamce?" asked Saycha then he walked over and grabbed a different staff.

" Let's both try it, Jamce, it might be fun," said Dorama as she poked Jamce's arm.

" Fine with me, but if I turn you into a Palant biscuit blame Saycha," said Jamce slyly then he rubbed Dorama's hair and messed it up.

Then Saycha handed Dorama a blue 6 foot staff and it had a pair of sunken skulls on the top and the words," Take with invisible hands," written the length of it in red lettering and said warmly," Stand up and lift the staff up and shout bread wine and Dremoc. Then watch the table in front of you."

" Why does she get to go first I'm older," said Jamce in a defiant little boy voice then he pouted his face and pretended to cry.

" Oh grow up you half cooked Guros. Let me cast this baby," said Dorama then she raised the staff high and shouted," Bread wine and Dremoc!"

Then a dozen 2 foot tall furry teddy bears with 4 heads appeared on the table and began acting like they were eating dinner and drinking wine. Then 2 of them began to stumble around like they were drunk and one of them fell face first onto the table and winced in pain.

Dorama and Jamce howled with laughter at the sight. Then it dawned on Dorama that she had just cast her first spell. And then she became nervous holding the staff for fear she might accidentally cast a spell. So she handed Jamce the staff quickly and said," It's your turn now, Jamce, go ahead and give it a try."

" What, ah o.k. let's see if I can be the third Mospet to rule over the world of magic. Let's have a spell, Saycha?" asked Jamce as he shook his free arm and ran in place as he waited.

" Alright, Jamce, I want you to raise your staff and shout Neverit goinob ligh, and then move away from the spot you're standing in," said Saycha as he tried not to laugh at what Jamce was doing.

" Got it," said Jamce hopefully and then he raised the staff and shouted," Neverit goinob ligh!"

Then Jamce danced over to Saycha and Dorama and turned to see the spot where he was standing turn into a blue light filled hole. Then an 8 headed red fur Coplis popped out of the hole and began to do flips and spins and wild acrobatics.

A Coplis was a shallow water fish that was about 4 feet long and had red fur covering its body. It also had a head like a basset hound and a pair of large feet like a man, as well as a tiny pair of flippers. They tasted terrible and had inspired a popular joke," when I taste a mouthful of Coplis I'll know I'm standing in the Underworld."

" Now that little fella's got a bevy of fine moves. Must have studied me secretly," said Jamce slyly as he watched the Coplis.

Saycha laughed and then said," Here comes the crescendo."

Then the Coplis broke into 2 pieces and hundreds of tiny Coplis's poured out of the 2 halves. Then the tiny Coplis's ate the larger one and formed a pair of lines and ran and flipped into the blue light filled hole until there were none left. Then a red smoke ring came out of the hole and Jamce said proudly," That was me, that magic was mine."

" How can we all have this power I mean where does it come from?" asked Dorama.

" Well that's the thing since mum and dad died when we were so young, they never had a chance to tell us they knew magic or show us any, because we were too young. So I think if they had lived they would have eventually told us," said Saycha as he walked over and sat down at the table.

" You're right, it's a hard life to think about what could have been. What I think about, and I think about it a lot, is when mum came in from the outside the house and shouted, Jamce my aprons on fire, help me please!" yelled Jamce and then he said warmly," then she lay down on the floor and shook. And when I ran over to her and I saw she wasn't on fire and hadn't been. Then she said, you would've saved me ha ha ha ha and smiled that mum smile and laughed. That's mum for me and always will," said Jamce softly as he stood there with Dorama beside him smiling and Saycha looking at him.

" Why haven't we ever heard that story before now?" asked Saycha.

" Cause that's who she is to me, and that's mine. I only told you now 'cause I know she would have wanted me too. She gave me that day and she didn't have to give me anything else," said Jamce as she teared up.

" It's alright, Jamce, we all loved her. I asked her once which one she loved the best and she said whoever's right in front of me so right now it's you Dorama. That was mum," said Dorama as she put her arm around Jamce.

" What, I thought I was her favorite," said Jamce as he perked up and smiled.

" Now you're dreamin', she told me a hundred times that I was her favoripe," said Saycha.

" Famabolis favorite, she said it to me daily," said Jamce quickly as he laughed.

Saycha and Dorama burst out laughing and then Saycha said," Now that's mum."

" That's her," said Dorama warmly.

" For certain, hey maybe we should go find out where we are now. I haven't heard a word out of Krowny or Baesar," said Jamce happily then he, Dorama, and Saycha went thru the bathroom and out into the front of the wagon and Jamce poked his head out and saw the reason they hadn't heard anything.

" What is that?" asked Jamce as he looked at a gigantic green lightning storm cloud off in the distance.

" That's trouble," said Baesar coldly as he drove the wagon.

" Why's that, can't we go around it?" asked Saycha anxiously as he stared at the cloud.

" That's where we're heading," said Baesar then he turned and grimaced at Saycha.

" What's causing it ya think?" asked Dorama nervously as she sat down next to Krowny.

" I'll give you one guess," said Baesar and then he said sternly," we'll all need to be ready and strong because it's gonna take all we've got to get thru."

" Maybe we should pull off the road for the night and see if it blows over?" said Jamce implying a question as he and everyone else stared at the ominous storm.

" I think you're right I saw a sign back there a little bit that said Vrenselear town of misfits on the Conbras road which I can see up on the right there see it?" asked Baesar as he pointed to the big yellow sign and the road 300 yards ahead.

" I see it, let's take it the town of misfits worries me a bit, but what choice do we have it's the closest," said Jamce then he took the reins and said," I'll drive us into Vrenselear. I need the distraction."

" That's fine with me, I could use a drink," said Baesar then he went into the wagon to get a shot of whiskey.

Jamce drove the wagon up to the Conbras road and into it as it went sharply to the right. Then it went down slightly and into a black brick round tunnel. They rode thru the torch lit tunnel for half a mile and Jamce said anxiously as they rode," This doesn't seem better than the storm to me for some reason."

" I can't see the end of this tunnel which begs the question is it some sort of trap. Oh god let there be a light at the end of this tunnel," said Dorama nervously as she stared into the blackness ahead.

Then a half dozen Larce birds flew past the wagon startling everyone and then Jamce asked nervously," Maybe we should go back?"

" We can't the other wagon with Micavello is right behind us there's no room to turn around," said Dorama then she began rubbing her arms quickly as she looked wide eyed into the infinite blackness.

Then a white headed Durion faced pair of dummies fell from the ceiling of the tunnel onto each of the wagons scaring everyone into a shout. Then the wagons ran into and thru a black tarp and came out into a lush green beautiful town of Vrenselear.

It had six 100 foot tall barns and 6 small barns on either side of the road, with the words," You're welcome, but after supper you clean up," painted on the fronts of the 6 barns. There were also 70 green hot dog shaped 50 foot long houses in a row just as you passed the barns, that had triangle shaped yellow windows along the sides of each. And each house had a cookie shaped side and front doors with different homemade statues on either side that were made of metal and wood and covered in vibrant paint. Then you passed under six 300 foot tall statues of Lord Pandast Marrimone the ruler of the Pudingpun province.

Lord Pandast Marrimone was 6'3" and 403 pounds of chiseled physique with narrow shoulders and huge tree trunk legs. He had a face like a puppy, with doey eyes and a charismatic smile. He was the son of Baam Pafha a beloved storyteller and writer of the book of jokes," Get away from me my humor's contagious," that was sold all over Pabstrum and had the famous joke," If I love you and you love me, who's gonna build the barn." It was Baam's enormous wealth that led to the people of Pudingpun anointing him lord and he passed the title to Pandast. Pandast himself had created the Pandast 3, which

were 3 sentences that should be spoken each day," 1. I love you, but you're itchy. 2. I lied about you being itchy. 3. I think I found the secret to life, but there's only 2 bottles left.

Then they came to 100 large wagons parked in a star formation around a pair of 10 foot wide and 8 foot tall hand shaped brown doors in the middle of a large circular patch of grass with a stone walkway leading up to them. There were dozens of people going in and out of the doors with smiles on their faces and crates of food and whiskey in their hands.

" Now this is the center of weirdsville," said Jamce coldly as he looked at the bizarre sight.

" Population us welcome to town," said Dorama as she read a blue sign above the 2 hand shaped doors and then said hopefully," well at least they know I just hope this doesn't end up a malay."

" We'll find out soon enough I'm parking right here," said Jamce as he pulled the wagon into a spot and parked and then started to climb down off the wagon and said brightly," If there's booze there's life. Let's take a walk around."

" I'm with you," said Krowny then he spit in his hands and slicked his hair back only to have it go right back the way it was.

Then Jamce, Krowny, Saycha, and Dorama walked over to the 2 hand shaped doors and then they swung open and 2 beautiful brunettes came walking out giggling and everyone walked inside. There was a sign that read on the back side of the door," Our goodtime is your goodtime so have a goodtime," in black large burned in letters. There was a spiral staircase made of black and green rubber in front of them, that had paintings of Lord Pandast lining the walls as you descended.

" Well it seems normal so far," said Dorama as she walked down the stairs beside Krowny.

" I've seen weird places and this ain't it," said Krowny smoothly as he looked at a painting of Lord Pandast painting himself out of a corner.

" Well we can always hope," said Saycha sarcastically as he looked over at Krowny and smiled while Krowny let out a laugh.

" Please, it couldn't get weird enough for me my son. I've seen it all naked and with its guard down. Let us have the festive festivities," said Krowny robustly as he danced with his hands smoothly.

They came to the end of the stairs and saw a large mouth shaped red door with a door handle shaped like a tooth and painted yellow. Jamce grabbed the door handle and opened it and saw a huge 2 mile long room filled with every game, food, drink, couch, chair, statue, and person within a hundred mile radius. There was a small smooth 20 foot round red wood counter on your right as you first walked in with a young looking man wearing a green leather vest and green trousers who asked as you walked in," It's 5 coin each and then you can eat drink whatever you want."

Jamce looked over and smiled and said in disbelief," Really, now that is a fair price. I'll pay for these 4 here," said Jamce as he pointed to everyone and then he reached into his trousers and pulled out a fist full of gold coins and counted out 20 and then said," there is your coin, sir," and then asked," where's the best whiskey?"

" Everywhere, we make our own," said Tomi happily as he smiled.

" Thank you, let's take a walk around shall we," said Jamce as he began to walk thru the people and the room.

There was a large 300 foot wide bar on the right that Jamce saw and went right for. It was square in shape with hundreds of small carved sewn and shrunken heads all over the outside of the bar. The inside had the many hoax spells that wizards had come up with over the years that said things like," flower cake be cooked to death," written on a large parchment behind the bar. There was also every kind of get hung over you could want inside a giant rack. There were seats made out of whiskey barrels with padded brown leather seats backs and armrests and had cup holders. On the bar counter were hundreds of Yamuko games.

Yamuko games were 2 person games where you each entered your wager into the slot then you played for that wager minus one that the bar took. The favorite of these was the game Crossbow battlefield.

Crossbow battlefield involved 2 separate 15 warrior squadrons that hid in different spots in the wooded area on the game board. Then you tried to kill all of your opponent's squadron and when the last of them had perished you had to run to the top of a large mound in the center without being killed by the green Rencoos's hidden in the mound and jump into the king's throne at the top. If you failed the game continued and another wager had to be deposited and you went until someone succeed in getting in the king's throne. Then the mound collapsed and a hole opened up and the coins came out of the hole in a brown burlap sack as a blue light lit up the hole and the song," I only loved her once, forgive me," played by the Arrowless Bows.

Rencoos were creatures that had human heads, a lizard's torso and the legs of a cheetah. They were a race breed, but had been seen many times in the wild. They would destroy anyone who came near.

" Let's grab a seat and get rid of our thirsty bellies," said Dorama as they neared the bar.

" Yeah, it looks inviting," said Jamce as he walked up to the bar and sat down with Dorama on his right as well as Saycha and Krowny.

Then one of the bartenders came over and put out 4 large glasses. The bartender was Lord Pandast himself and then he asked," Is it wine, whiskey, or beer 'cause we've got all 3?"

" All 3 for me," said Krowny quickly as he grinned at Pandast.

" Now there's a man of taste and sophistication. I order the same way myself hi I'm Pandast and this is my place," said Pandast brightly as he smiled.

" Hello there, Pandast, I'm Dorama and this is Jamce, Saycha, and Krowny," said Dorama as she pointed to each of them and smiled when Saycha ducked her finger.

" Well it is a pleasure to meet you all how about I get the rest of you the same as your friend Krowny?" asked Pandast warmly as he put his hands out palms up and raised his eyebrows.

" We'd love it, and maybe you could let us know about the games of chance. Ya know which one is everybody's favorite to play?" asked Jamce as he grinned at Pandast.

" We've got lots of Yamuko games here and the most liked one, I wouldn't really say favorite, because they're all played quite a bit, but that would be Crossbow Battlefield right beside you there," said Pandast as he grabbed the game board and slid it over to Jamce.

" Really, this one here it looks like a fun game. So you apparently try to shoot each other's men until what?" asked Jamce as he messed with the controls.

" Until you take them all down then you race up the hill in the center as you avoid the Rencoos. Then sit in the throne and you win, easy as that. Have you played many of these games?" asked Pandast as he watched Jamce toy with the controls.

" Not really, but I love to gamble after I've got a few drinks in me. It's a good way to spend an evening I say," said Jamce coyly as he looked up at Pandast and nodded and smiled.

" Really, well I could give you a couple pointers if you wanted to play me for a bit of coin," said Pandast slyly as he tried not to let on that he'd never been beaten.

" I would like that, but let's keep the wagers small 'til I get the hang of it," said Jamce implying a question as he reached into his pockets and pulled out a handful of coins and then took out only 2 and put the rest back in his pocket very slowly and then asked as he looked at Pandast," how 'bout we play for 2 coin for starters?"

Pandast smiled and then said quickly," Yeah, we'll try that bet for a while."

" Great, I guess I'm the red side. Let me just get my guys set into place. Alright, I'm ready for certain," said Jamce as he put his squadron in all the dumbest places.

After playing Crossbow Battlefield for most of the night Jamce had won over 100 coin and he had the feeling Pandast was setting him up by letting him win. A cute 5'4" red haired waitress brought over 2 Cory tongues for Jamce and Pandast smiled slightly at her and then she winked back at him and left.

" Thank you for these fine Cory tongues and this bit of sport. I'm starting to feel like I've got a good handle on it," said Jamce in between bites.

" Well then why don't we up the ante say 100 coin," said Pandast slyly as he sipped a beer.

" O.K., but even better would be 150 'cause I've got at least that on me. What do you say?" asked Jamce then he licked his fingers and let out a belch.

" Great, let me grab some coin and then we'll get started," said Pandast then he went over to a wine bottle that had a false bottom and grabbed 2 sacks if 150 coins and came back and tossed them on the counter in front of Jamce and said smoothly," I'm proud to say that I won't be holding anything back this time."

Jamce grinned and then said coldly," I won't either," and then he gave Pandast a cocky look and then said," let's try it out."

They each set up their warriors in the wooded area with Pandast noticing that Jamce had his in different spots than usual. He gave Jamce a stiff glance and Jamce smiled. Then they each deposited 150 coins into the slot and put their hands on their joysticks. Then they each squeezed the start triggers and began firing their crossbows.

Jamce started out with a surprise attack on Pandast's left flank killing off 6 of his warriors quick and Pandast shouted," Where did that attack come from!"

" Right between my ears ain't it stunning," said Jamce slyly as he dodged an attack by Pandast's warriors.

Then Pandast took out 3 of Jamce's warriors shooting the first 2 in the chest and the last in the head and then Pandast said snidely," Get aHEAD of ourselves did we."

Then Jamce laughed and shot 2 of Pandast's warriors as they tried to sneak up behind hitting then right in the throat and groin and then said coldly," War ain't pretty and neither are your squadrons."

" Careful, son, let's not forget ourselves," said Pandast sternly as he began to sweat.

" Whatever you say, papa," said Jamce quickly then his warrior ran and jumped over a bush and shot downward at Pandast's warrior hitting him in the eye.

Then Pandast's warriors came out from behind a large rock face and shot one of Jamce's warriors twice wasting a shot. Jamce saw this and hurried over and blasted one of the warriors as he tried to reload.

" Oh no, you're getting awfully lucky," said Pandast condescendingly as he glared over at Jamce.

" Luck is for wells, all's I know is I've been beating you all night and this is your game we're playing," said Jamce calmly as he maneuvered his warriors out of the way of a Pandast attack.

" Fine, go ahead and play coy, but I suspect somethin's up," said Pandast firmly as he chased after one of Jamce's warriors and then shot him in the back and said," finally."

" You're just a sore loser, but if you've got a problem with me then you do what you feel is best 'cause I'm grown, Pandast," said Jamce sternly then he caught up to a pair of Pandast's warriors and shot one in the butt and one in the leg and then said snidely," either way I'm taking the coin when I win."

" We'll see about that," said Pandast sternly as he maneuvered his last 3 warriors frantically away from Jamce's.

Meanwhile Saycha, Krowny, and Dorama had been exploring the large room and just now returned to see how Jamce was doing. Dorama saw the look on Jamce's face and knew instantly that something was up. She sat down beside him and then looked at Saycha and Krowny wide eyed and then asked," So how are you doing since we left you an hour ago?"

" Well I haven't lost a bit of coin. And it looks like I'm about to take another bit as well," said Jamce then he shot another one of Pandast's warriors this time in the arm causing him then to fold back into the starting position of a ball.

" Nice work, Jamce, I'll let you finish out," said Dorama warmly then she bit her lip.

Then Pandast shot 2 of Jamce's warriors as they crouched behind a stone statue, but Jamce had 2 more hiding behind a patch of bushes. Then they leapt out and shot Pandast's remaining warriors in the chest and head and Jamce didn't shout anything because he knew he still had to get up to the throne.

" Nice match, Jamce, you were the better player," said Pandast softly as he tried to get Jamce to let down his guard and lose the game.

" Not just yet I wasn't finished, there's still the hill," said Jamce as he lined up his remaining warriors at different spots around the base of the mound as he prepared to run them all at the same time to increase his chances.

Then he started running them up the mound at full speed. Then n 2 Rencoos gobbled up 1 of his warriors on the initial slope, but the rest kept running. Then another was grabbed by a Rencoos and Jamce began to sweat. And then as 2 of his warriors jumped over a bush they were snagged again by 2 Rencoos.

" I'm running out of men fast and there's still a bit to go," said Jamce nervously as he tried to keep his eyes on what was ahead.

Then a large black hand reached out of the mound and grabbed 2 more of Jamce's warriors and Pandast smiled as he fought back laughter. Then a trapdoor grabbed up another of his warriors and Jamce began to sweat.

Then Pandast began chewing a Cory tongue very loudly so as to bother Jamce, Jamce didn't flinch he kept his eyes on the obstacles in front of him. As he neared the throne a half dozen saw blades came out of the ground and instinctively Jamce hit the jump button and flew over all of them and his warrior landed right in the throne and everyone cheered except Pandast who spit out the Cory tongue he was chewing onto the floor.

" Way to triumph, Jamce, how did you do that?" asked Saycha as he rubbed Jamce's shoulders.

" Pure skill my brother and god given grit. What can I say, I'm a natural," said Jamce jokingly as he put his hands behind his head and smiled at Pandast.

Then the mound collapsed and the burlap sack filled with the 300 gold coins came out of the blue lighted hole, as the song," I only loved her once, forgive me," played. Jamce quickly grabbed the large sack of coins before Pandast got any ideas and dumped them into his pockets and then gave Pandast a nod and stood up and asked," Who's up for a party?"

" Jamce, it's morning don't you ever sleep?" asked Dorama as she looked at Jamce in disbelief.

" Morning already, wow that went by fast. I guess it's less party and more breakfast then, who's buyin'?

Then they grabbed 3 pies and a large Xstepy and went outside to the wagon. They saw Micavello and Baesar sitting on the front of the wagon drinking coffee and enjoying the warm morning air.

" How'd you make out?" asked Baesar already knowing that Jamce had won because of his bulging pockets filled with coins.

" I won, but how'd you know I even played?" asked Jamce as he climbed up on the wagon.

Baesar smiled and said," Dorama came out hours ago and told us about it before she nodded off."

" You slept?" asked Jamce in disbelief as he grinned.

" Like a Palant, you out partied us all except for Krowny who we found doing drinking games at a different bar when we came back this morning," said Dorama brightly as she sat down beside Micavello.

" Krowny, I knew you were a keeper. So what's the plan of attack?" asked Jamce as he looked around and then saw a small boy eating a chocolate cookie.

" We'll start back thru the tunnel and go see what the main road looks like and maybe we can get lucky, but as you can see the storm is still brewing," said Micavello then he pointed to the thundering clouds in the distance.

Jamce looked at them and said nervously," It just looks so immense from here. It will be a trying journey for certain."

Then they all got situated and Dorama steered the wagon out of the parking spot and drove it back into the tunnel with Micavello sitting next to her to keep her company. Krowny had switched wagons as well and was driving with Dlarm. As they drove thru the tunnel Dorama felt Micavello's hand on her hand and said plainly," Just kiss me already."

Micavello smiled as he looked at her then said boldly," I will already."

Then they kissed passionately and held each other tightly and then released and Dorama said breathlessly," I really wanted to do that for a long time."

" Then let's do it again," said Micavello then he kissed her again passionately twice as long as the first and then said strongly," when all of this trouble is over, Dorama, then and only then can there be us. Do you understand?" asked Micavello softly as he held her tightly and looked into her eyes.

" I do and I can wait, but I won't wait longer than that o.k.?"

" Of course and you won't have to. Now my beautiful, Dorama, how about one more kiss for luck?" asked Micavello smoothly as he grinned.

" Luck is it," said Dorama then she kissed him and rubbed his chest and back.

Just then Jamce came out onto the front of the wagon and said," Oh sorry, didn't mean to interrupt, I'll come back later."

" It's alright, Jamce, but thank you for the sentiment. We should really get our minds back on the task at hand," said Micavello warmly.

" You're right we've got a lot of work to come. So yeah, come sit with us, Jamce," said Dorama as she put her head to Micavello's chest.

" Alrighta, boy this tunnel is the creepiest place on Pabstrum. And after visiting their town it shows me they like to keep to themselves a bit," said Jamce as he looked around at the tunnel walls and saw weird faces painted on them.

" I got the same impression, they seemed distant and not quite at home, but as least they had a weird way about 'em to make up for the rest," said Micavello then he kissed Dorama on top of the head.

" I won a ton of coin off that Pandast so let's hope he doesn't chase us down and try to get it back," said Jamce then he saw a painting of a loaf of bread eating a fork and cringed.

Then they traveled another half mile thru the tunnel and came out the other side and Jamce said," And the past is where we'll leave you for all, but a memory."

" I love that book and that quote," said Dorama warmly as she nodded at Micavello then kissed him on the lips quickly.

" The traveling swordsman my favorite. Penye Hortblash was a great writer. In my mind the best there ever was," said Jamce honestly.

Penye Hortblash was a 201 year old Bountane. The Bountanes had olive skin and purple curly hair on both men and women. Penye was a writer of short stories in his youth that he sold for pennies to buy bread and Xstepys. After he got a little older, 50 years to be exact he began writing his first book the Traveling Swordsman about a fierce warrior called Wainoy who after there were no more wars to be

fought, traveled around selling swords and daggers that he had used in battle. Along the way he fell in love with a female blacksmith, but she refused to marry him until he could guess her middle name. After 30 years of courting her and unable to make the right guess he decided to give up and then turned to her and said," I loved you, I would have always loved you, but never would you marry, goodbye," Then she shouted," You finally guessed it, it's Mary! We can wed now!" To which he replied," Only when you guess my middle name and not until," which she never could because he didn't have one. Penye later went on to become the creator of the 1000 dagger spell which when you shouted," Dagurus beash throp!" A thousand liquid fire daggers would appear and hurl at your attacker. Penye was the owner of Mevoi Vrelee, a 30 mile long and half mile high black marble palace that even in his long life he still had yet to go into every room and all of which were furnished lavishly.

" I love Penye, there's always an undercurrent of humor in all of his work that reaches out to me," said Micavello sincerely as he clutched Dorama.

" Yes, I feel exactly the same way. Well we'll always have that in common. And that is not a small thing," said Dorama warmly as she gazed at Micavello.

" It's an enormity," said Micavello smoothly.

Then they turned onto the main road with the other wagon close behind. They rode for 2 hours and got close enough to the storm that it began to rain slightly as the sun peeked thru every few minutes. Then as they went a bit further the skies opened up with a furious vengeance and green lightning strikes started to hit sporadically in the road a mile ahead.

" This is nowhere and we're getting worse before we get better," said Jamce as the rain soaked him, Dorama, and Micavello.

" Maybe I can give us a bit of cover," said Micavello brightly then he grabbed his staff stood up and shouted," Pena babale of circles!"

Then 4 large golden disks appeared over Micavello's head and shielded him, Dorama, and Jamce from the rain and shone down sunlight on each of them. Then Micavello sat down and smiled and said slyly," Nice weather we're having eh."

" Beautiful, but will it last?" asked Jamce as he wrung out his shirt sleeves.

" As long as we need it too. I just cast a Trulu spell, which is a spell that only stops when a second spell is cast in its place. So it's sunshine and dry clothes 'til we are all tan and beautiful," said Micavello happily then he gave Dorama a quick kiss.

Then in front of the wagon a half mile up there was a fiery reptile flying towards then thru the storm. It had 50 foot wings and a jagged pointy head with 3 legs and snarling teeth as well as a spike sticking out of its forehead. Its eyes were black and its skin blue and spotted with red spots. It had a black wizard riding on it on a black leather harness. Its body was round and bulbous and it had 5 arms with razor sharp talons on each.

" It looks like trouble, but that actually is. Now what, Micavello?" asked Jamce nervously.

" Our sunny day is coming to an end. That's a flying Eeluc. They are very nasty and very difficult to bring down. And with a wizard in tow needless to say we've got problems. Stop the wagon and get Saycha quick," said Micavello sternly as he stared at the Eeluc in disbelief.

" Done," said Jamce quickly then he raced into the wagon and saw no Saycha in the bedroom so he yelled," Saycha, where are you there's trouble!"

Then Saycha came into the bedroom from the living room and asked," What is it, Jamce?"

" Grab your staff, you're gonna need it," said Jamce boldly.

Then Saycha reached up and grabbed it off a rack on the wall and nodded to Jamce. Then they hurried up to the front of the wagon which was now stopped. Micavello turned and saw Saycha and said," Good timing, here's what it will take to knock that Eeluc out of the sky before it has us for dinner. I'll fire a Doopelk spell to stun it and slow it down then we'll need a 3 part spell to destroy it. The only problem is you have to cast the spell in front of it to catch it before it flies somewhere else."

Saycha looked at Micavello and then smiled and asked," Is that all?"

" You've got this little bro, just keep your mind focused," said Jamce as he rubbed Saycha's shoulders.

" Alright then, a bit of magic in the morning. Jamce I think you and Dorama might want to stand behind Micavello and I or you could get injured," said Saycha calmly as he looked at the Eeluc.

" That's a winning idea, excuse me, Micavello," said Dorama s she moved behind Micavello and Jamce got behind Saycha.

" What's all the commotion this early in the morning?" asked Baesar as he yawned and walked out onto the front of the wagon.

" Just an Eeluc, you can go back to bed," said Saycha jokingly then he pointed to the Eeluc.

" You know I'm still a bit tired I'll let you handle this. I'm going back to bed," said Baesar anxiously then he ducked back into the wagon quickly.

Then the Eeluc came flying in at the wagon and as it did Micavello shouted," Seinvor masi now!" and then a pair of spinning stone swords appeared and shot at the Eeluc and as they did Micavello shouted," ceva corture cold!"

Then a pair of fiery Durions and the 2 stone swords melted into one another and became a 40 foot tall black warrior riding on a single large eagle with a red fiery bow and black glowing arrows. As the warrior got close to the Eeluc he fired arrows 2 at a time and pierced the Eeluc's flesh, but the black wizard on its back , who was none other than Valvorder himself, raised his staff and shouted," Bloodless veins huhmac never!"

Then a white pair of 30 foot gargoyles with large axes appeared and started thundering blows onto the black warrior and his eagle and shopped the head off the eagle. Then as they began to fall from the sky the warrior continued firing arrows at the Eeluc, but the gargoyles sliced off his arms just before they all crashed into the ground in a fiery heap.

" Now, Saycha!" shouted Micavello quickly.

" Forshaken souls od dust!" shouted Saycha then a 20 foot high wagon with a dozen red arrows and bows floating on top started driving towards the Eeluc and then Saycha shouted," Balo my dosa!" and then a dozen Canto's appeared on top of the wagon and they grabbed the bows and aimed at the Eeluc and then Saycha shouted," monua forap your blitzed!" and then the arrows turned into green lightning bolts and the Canto's started firing lightning bolts at the Eeluc.

The lightning bolts fired at the Eeluc's skin and blew away large pieces of its flesh. Then half of its head was blown away and then 3 of its arms were blown away and then 3 of its arms were blown to pieces. Valvorder tried in vain to fly the Eeluc to safety, but there was nowhere to go so Valvorder raised his staff and shouted," Travelo jamett for this!"

Just as a dozen of the lightning bolts blew the Eeluc in half a swirling black and red vortex appeared beside it and Valvorder hurled himself into it awkwardly and disappeared instantly. Then the vortex let

out a sonic boom and collapsed into a single blue stone that fell to the ground and quickly turned into a small pile of dust that instantly blew away. Then the Eeluc's corpse fell to the ground in a heap of fiery flesh, bones, and blood and lay there on the side of the road steaming under the downpour of rain.

" Nice work, Saycha, whowee!" yelled Dorama as she hugged Saycha.

" How did you do that?" asked Jamce in between cheers as he jumped up and down.

Saycha just smiled and then said happily," Now that was fun."

Micavello grinned and then said," Saycha, you just pulled off a 3 part spell in actual combat. Thus was just what we needed to prepare you for the war ahead."

" It wasn't that hard, I just did what Baesar had said and focused all of my energy on the spell at hand. The only things that worry me now, are that the rider of the Eeluc was Valvorder and, he escaped so now the black wizards will know where we are and where we are headed," said Micavello sadly as he pursed his lips and looked at Dorama then Jamce and then Saycha and shrugged his shoulders and then raised his staff and shouted " Pena bable of circles!" and then he said as the golden circles appeared above of them," Well, this changes things, but not entirely. We still continue on to Hafitdy, because we can't stop them without the other wizards to help us. The difference is we're probably gonna have to fight our way there. Regardless, they will be very apprehensive about staging an attack on us knowing that you've mastered the 3 part spell."

" If we have to fight them bring it on," said Jamce boldly as he flexed his right bicep.

" Plus, they'd be stupid to try to get me here because we're so close to Hafitdy. I don't see how they could take that risk, but when we leave here I won't be surprised if they have scouts hidden up and down

this road," said Saycha as he sat down and then asked as he stared at the endless storm in front of him," the question is just how much further is it to Hafitdy?"

" We won't know 'til we're right on top of it in this weather," said Dorama then she went into the bedroom.

" That's true, but at our pace we should be nearing the Ralema statues soon," said Micavello as he sat down.

" Ralema statues I've heard of those that should be a sight to behold," said Jamce hopefully as he scanned thru the rain for the statues.

Ralema Morgassi was a humble farmer before one day finding a black stone hammer and chisel on the far end of his property. Then he decided to start breaking down a series of large white and black marble boulders that littered his farmland some as big as 50 feet high. As he started on the first boulder he could see that he was able to make it look like a person. So he continued in and made it into a statue of himself holding a baby. He was so thrilled with the first statue that he decided to make all the boulders into statues. So he carved all 250 boulders into every member of his family and every friend he'd ever known and even his prized Anitong cow Alivac in the largest boulder.

Then as the wagon went a little further Jamce saw a large statue of Drastine, Ralema's 5th wife and mother of his 6 sons, come up on the left side and Jamce said brightly," Something looks a bit out of place, wonderful, but out o' place."

Then Dorama saw the statue and burst out laughing as it bore a strong resemblance to her only a little heavier and many years older and she said," They say when you see someone who looks just like you, you should be worried 'cause god's found a replacement."

" Striking, Dorama, let's hope there's a Jamce twin that we can admire for its handsomeness," said Saycha sarcastically as he grinned at Jamce who rolled his eyes.

" We can only hope," said Jamce then he saw one of a Durion being ridden by a pair of identical small boys and said," if you're right, Dorama, those little scrappers are in a bit of trouble."

Then they rode past 6 large statues of Ralema's brothers, with each exactly 4 feet higher than the previous one and all 6 were holding onto swords and shields. Then came a perfect sphere of black marble that had carved into it all the writings of M.Y. Frasky a beloved adventures writer with passages like," As the sun fell and a larger black sun rose, Heorge sat eating up a day's disappointment and a life's regrets. He wondered if he'd taken enough chances or failed to settle for happiness. Then he heard his son Makob begin to cry and he knew it didn't matter. He was so very heavy with the gifts of family and the rest could wait."

" Think of it, Saycha, we've been places now that only a short while ago were stories we grew up with," said Jamce as he thought of home and realized he didn't miss it.

" Now we've got our own stories and at the very least we can now understand what was out there in Pabstrum. I want to go back to Consey, but I also know that I liked exploring," said Saycha as he watched a statue of Alivac go by.

" Yeah, I agree, but Consey will always be home for me. The rest of Pabstrum is a nice place to tell stories about, but Consey tells me stories and that's more valuable than roaming the world," said Jamce honestly.

Then Saycha nodded his head and then said," Consey's home for me too, but now I can appreciate home in a way I never could have."

Then the wagon drove out of the rain and under thousands of gold discs that were shielding Hafitdy from the rain. Then Dorama said in shock," Now that is a city."

In front of them stood 6 red crystal castles that were in a circle around a huge blue marble castle. The crystal castles were all identical and had the shape of a Sherman tank without the gun barrel. And each of which had a 100 foot statue of Paragon on top of it and another 3 statues of fallen wizards around their base. There was also a wooden bridge that linked each of the 6 as well as a separate bridge from each to the larger castle in the center. They had dozens of staff shaped green windows surrounding each of them as well as a large deck made of black wood that spiraled from the top of each castle to the bottom gently. They also had several hanging spells in the air around them for protection.

Hanging spells were cast as a precaution and could only be activated if the wizard who originally cast the spell shouted," Bverah thus!" Then the small red clouds of smoke and dust would turn into whatever the wizard had intended.

The center castle was a half mile high and was in the shape of the green wizard Der Goher, the first wizard to master the Doopelk spells and the creator of the Compamain crystals. Der in life was 9 feet tall with broad shoulders and narrow hips. He had long wavy black hair with a pair of perfect circles of blonde hair on either side of his head that he was born with. His eyes were bright orange and colder than a gun barrel. His nose was just as wide as long and pierced your memory when you saw it. He always wore his long green robe and white Compamain crystal belt around his abdomen. He had the seven most powerful spells you could cast, known as the Pourmah 7, sewn into his right sleeve in black thread in case he froze up in battle. He also wore dark green knee high boots that had a dagger and an small bottle of wine attached to the sides of each. Around his neck was a green wood necklace with his last hope for Pabstrum carved into it and it read," No one will remember the past long enough to regret it."

There was also a large spiral staircase around the outside of the center castle that went right to the bottom, with several landings and brown wood start shaped doors on every one. There were hundreds of w shaped windows and at the base of it, it was surrounded by a lush garden and green grass lawn with several small pools of green water. There could also be heard several songs by the Arrowless bows playing in the garden. There was a gate at the outside of the small castles with 2 green wizards manning it diligently as the wagons rode up.

" Will they let us in I wonder?" asked Jamce nervously.

" It doesn't really matter much we're already here," said Baesar as he walked out onto the front of the wagon and stood beside Jamce and smiled at Dorama.

They stopped the wagon right in front of the gate and the 2 guards walked over to them. The tall blue haired one was named Rusvela and had on a black cape and black shirt and pants. The green haired shorter one had the same clothes as Rusvela and was named Cax.

" If you have business it had better be of a serious nature or your presence is not welcome here," said Rusvela as he looked at everyone and then his eyes grew wide as he saw Saycha and he asked quickly," are you...is it Havermo?"

" It is, we're here to speak with the Cornstar Guild and there isn't much time to waste," said Saycha implying a question and then he climbed off the wagon and asked," can you help us, please?"

Rusvela looked at him in awe and then said boldly," Yes we can, we will do anything you ask. Follow Cax and I into the main castle there is someone you should meet," said Rusvela then he hurried quickly over to the gate and unlocked the release mechanism and the gate disappeared into the ground.

Then Rusvela and Cax got on a small horseless wagon and Cax shouted," Mathion commence!"

Then a pair of ghostly knights appeared and grabbed hold of the wagon and began pulling it towards the main castle. They rode into an illusion of a wall and into a large cathedral and then stopped with the 2 wagons riding in and stopping behind them.

The cathedral reached skyward 300 feet, with spear like rafters that had Larce birds nesting in the. There were several unfinished spells floating about the room as well as a few green wizards who appeared to be sleeping. There was a large alter with 2 red felt thrones facing each other with a Duness board in between. There were also 400 staffs hovering above the marble floor littered around the room. There were also paintings all over the walls that were half painting and half actual person and were whispering to each other. The room smelled of fresh bread and Palant ribs, but there was no food in sight. Sitting in the 2 thrones were none other than Momeva Pitts and Paragon.

" Momeva Pitts, I can't believe it," said Micavello in disbelief as he looked at Momeva.

" And ,Paragon, this is beyond understanding," said Dlarm as he slowly walked closer to the 2 thrones.

Then Paragon and Momeva looked up from their game of Duness and squinted at the crowd of people and then looked at Rusvela and Rusvela said," We are sorry to interrupt, but we have the great answer to our problems."

" Rusvela, there is no answer accept the situation and be merry," said Paragon plainly then he grimaced.

" But there is and I see him with my very own eyes, Paragon, it is Havermo. Look upon him and see the truth," said Momeva boldly as he stared at Saycha.

" Havermo which...oh this is startling. I see you kind, sir, and I apologize for not recognizing you sooner. What name have you now in life?" asked Paragon as he stood and started walking over to Saycha.

" Saycha, and there need only be an apology from me for not getting here sooner," said Saycha softly as he looked at Paragon.

" Please tell me you are a master wizard or my heart thus break?" asked Paragon sincerely as he gently put his hands on Saycha's shoulders.

" I have full command of every spell there is including a 3 part spell," said Saycha calmly as he put his hands on Paragon's shoulders.

" Thank god for that, Saycha, I must assume that you are here to gather up all the wizards there are to cast the 3 part spell on the black wizards," said Paragon implying a question as he took his hands off Saycha's shoulders.

" Yes, that is correct and as luck would have it they will know very shortly of my presence here. And with a little luck they will flock here and try to destroy me," said Saycha sternly.

" Well then, the tide is turning, I will have all of the wizards alerted to the situation. Then the question will be what scheme are the black wizards hatching, because although they are evil they are also very wise. We need to be prepared for the worst of it, Saycha," said Paragon then he turned to Rusvela and Cax and said sternly," send out word to the rest of the wizard community. We need to have a meeting and all must be in attendance."

" The question now is how safe are we here with all the black wizards coming here in a Durion tail's wag?" asked Jamce as he stepped forward and then said warmly," I'm Jamce, Saycha's brother by the way."

" Jamce, if they tried to attack us here in Colexor castle it would be dumber than eating a Guros from the tip of a razor sharp sword. No, I fear they will wait a safe distance from here and try to coax us out with tricks and schemes," said Momeva as he came up beside Paragon and stood.

" Then how do we go about getting them to be in one perfect place, close enough together for the 3 part spell to work? I would use myself as bait gladly, but if they're going to be waiting outside the Colexor in small groups then why would they ever all be in the same place if it takes only one of them to kill me?" asked Saycha then he walked past Paragon and grabbed a black leather covered staff of Boneah and looked it over.

" Where's he going?" asked Momeva perplexed.

" He likes staffs," said Jamce smoothly.

Paragon looked at Saycha with a furrowed brow and then asked," Well, Saycha, uh...why are you looking at that staff?"

" I had an idea and that idea is this. Since the black wizards will all want to be the one that did me in, they will all come after me as soon as they see me. So I'm proposing that we create a dozen look a likes and have them run away from the black wizards, but have them all running to the same place," said Saycha smoothly as he inspected the Boneah.

" And if they were all put outside the castle at the same time at twelve different locations around the castle the black wizards wouldn't have time to spread the word that they'd seen you because..." said Jamce before being interrupted.

" Because they'd be chasing the fake Saycha's brilliant!" said Paragon happily as he threw up his fist and smiled.

" Then when they finally caught up with the fake me's, I and about a thousand wizards would be waiting for them. And yes we'd have an agreeable gift for them all, the Underworld!" said Saycha slyly as he grinned then twirled the staff of Boneah above his head then gave it a throw high into the air and then caught it when it came down as everyone looked on in glee.

" So now all's we need is a dozen brave wizards who look like Saycha," said Jamce as he jumped and kicked his heels and smiled.

" There are wizardly ways to look like anyone or anything called Fasau spells. So we won't have to look far as you can see," said Paragon slyly and then he shouted," Gimo minat fare be mine!"

Then Paragon's face became slightly liquid and a dozen black arrows started going in and thru his head then in a flash he looked just like Saycha hair and all.

" And things are officially weird," said Dorama as she smiled at Paragon.

" A little too late for my liking," said Jamce as he walked over to Paragon and gave him a good hard look and then said," yeah, that's the hideous brother I remember in the flesh."

Then in came 1000 green and red wizards who were led by Teapark Yessu a green wizard.

Teapark Yessu had dark green thick short hair with a pair of widows peaks. His eyes were lavender and his nose looked like the barrel of a shotgun. He was 6 feet tall and 201 pounds of pure muscle. He had the crest of Ahook Herem, the founder of the Cornstar Guild, seared into his left cheek.

Ahook Herem was the rare man with 3 arms that functioned perfectly with the third slightly smaller and protruding from under his right arm. His eyes were like that of a shark, cold and lifeless, but he was one of the kindest men that had ever lived. He started the Cornstar Guild to keep control of Pabstrum from falling in the wrong hands. He never gave up hope that a peace would wash over the people of Pabstrum regardless of their personal views.

Teapark had on a burgundy cape, as well as burgundy pants and a black silk shirt. His shoes were black leather and had daggers on the sides of each.

Teapark looked at Paragon and then Saycha and asked," Who's the real one, who's Havermo?"

" Exactly," said Paragon with a wide smile as he looked at Teapark.

" And we are officially ready, bring on the black wizards," said Dorama dryly.

On the outskirts of Domway province Valvorder, Cornerme, Lord Mrecton, and Drayne Sectis were discussing the discovery of Saycha in a small black stone castle. They were in the owners art gallery eating Bomelberry pies, which were similar to apple pies only sweeter and harder to chew.

The art gallery had 2 levels in the same room with a small staircase between the 2. On the bottom level there was a collection of small statues of animals wearing clothes, like Canto's in capes and Durions standing upright smoking cigars. On the walls were 3 large 2 sided mirrors that gave the room a feeling of being larger than it was. The owner put them in to eavesdrop and look in on his guests from a secret room next door. The floor was covered in a Larce bird feather rug that engulfed your toes.

The second levels had paintings and poems covering every inch of the walls, ceiling, and floors with 37 easels scattered around the room with self portraits of the castle's owner in the nude. Everyone was standing around the first level with a plate and piece of pie in their hands, with Drayne lying down outside the window and peering into the room.

" Saycha has been found this is the news we needed. We will gather up all of the black wizards and go to Hafitdy and end this once and for all," said Drayne snidely as he peered thru the window and then smiled.

" We shall, but we also must make sure he doesn't have the opportunity to cast the 3 part spell. And what that means is we keep a safe distance between each group of 100 black wizards. If we do that there is no way he could do us any harm. As long as there are black wizards here in Pabstrum we can free the others," said Cornerme sternly as he walked thru and around all the statues.

" Then once he's gone, the rest of the green and red wizards will be outnumbered and done in rightly. Then the world they banished us from so long ago will be ours for the taking. And you, Lord Sectis, will rule over it for all time," said Valvorder then he nodded to Drayne.

" Yes, and then the years of many tortures will start for the lowly rabble that inhabit Pabstrum. I feel I owe that to them to be rightly vicious," said Drayne snidely then he began to laugh so loudly it shook the walls.

Everyone else joined in and then Cornerme said snidely," They'll learn to curse the day they cast us aside. We will even the score and then we'll go ahead like the good friends we are."

" Friends for a world of do gooders run amok, but without a friendly bone," said Drayne snidely then he punched his fist into the ground and left a large crater in its place.

" I will send out word in the morning of our plans. Then we will set our course for Hafitdy and pay old Saycha a well earned visit. We'll sleep one more night as outcasts, but only the one," said Valvorder firmly then he took a bite of his pie.

That night found the forces of evil sleeping soundly as well as the faces of good. Both sides had a plan and only one could actually work so something had to give. In the morning Valvorder sent out word of their plans to every black wizard in Pabstrum. And soon all were on their way to Hafitdy including Valvorder alongside Drayne, Mrecton, and Cornerme.

Meanwhile at Colexor everyone was preparing for their arrival. They had gone over the plan of attack and had settled on a thick glade a quarter mile from Colexor to lure Drayne and the black wizards too. It had thousands of bushes and trees to conceal all the green and red wizards, as well as the real Saycha until the perfect moment. Saycha, as well as everyone except for Jamce and Krowny, had already gone to the glade known as Mehemp before the sun rose and were already and waiting. The fake Saycha's were each at different points inside the 6 outer castles awaiting the signal, which was to be a rider less Durion released in front of the castles by Jamce when he thought it was time as he hid high up in a tree with Krowny with a rope tied to a Durion below that would spike it in the side when he pulled it. As Jamce sat there he saw a host of wagons approaching and said," Almost time for the soirée come a bit closer and we'll throw you a kiss."

" They're startin' to pucker and we haven't even danced yet," said Krowny wryly as he steadied himself on the wooden stool Jamce had nailed to the tree the night before.

The way it looks, Krowny, they got more than dancin' on their minds. The question my dear friend is when will we know that the last of them are here, 'cause I can't see an end to the wagons and it's as clear as day right now?" asked Jamce as he scanned all around and saw wagons coming from every direction.

" I wouldn't worry about it, it can only get worse," said Krowny slyly as he smiled at Jamce.

Jamce laughed and then said," We can only hope dear, Krowny."

At Mehemp Saycha and Micavello were eating Guros as they waited and Saycha said warmly," I hope this is the last of the fighting. I really want to get back to life in Consey."

" If favor shines upon us, all of us will be able to go back to our dreams and lives. The only thing that could stop us would be a snitch, I worry about that because not all of the green wizards can be trusted," said Micavello as he sat on a tree branch with Saycha sitting Indian style on the grass.

" Really, why can't they be trusted? Aren't we all for the same things?" asked Saycha as he stared at his left hand then took another bite.

" Because some of the green wizards were once black wizards and they say that once you've dabbled in black magic, it always calls to you. I hold out hope that they'll do what's right, but be ready if the plan goes array, Saycha, you may need to fight for your life," said Micavello honestly as he finished off his Guros and then wiped off his hands on his shirt.

" If I had too I could. I feel I could use a wide array of spells to get me out of here quick, but then there's everyone else like Baesar, Jamce, Dorama, and even Krowny. Granted Baesar can take care of himself, but I worry the black wizards would overpower Jamce, Dorama, and Krowny," said Saycha softly then he stood up and took a look around.

" I wouldn't worry, if you had to run for it I would take care of their protection. We will all be leaving here today that is for certain," said Micavello sternly then he stood up and asked," what are you looking at?"

" Over there I see our old friend Drayne tearing trees out of the ground. He's much larger than I remember," said Saycha calmly as he watched Drayne randomly rip trees out of the ground and thrown them.

" Why is he doing that you suppose?" asked Micavello as he squinted at Drayne.

" I don't know, but all's I can guess is he's looking for a suitable weapon and he's trying to find the strongest wood. See the way he's bashing the ground with each tree after he grabs it," said Saycha implying a question as he pointed to Drayne.

" Yes, I do see that," said Micavello smoothly as he folded his arms.

" He plans on finding a suitable weapon. And if I had to guess he's looking to use it on me. So maybe we'll have to keep a close eye on him, because with his extra height he could possibly see us hiding here in Mehemp," said Saycha plainly then he saw Drayne take a tree and delimb it with his teeth and said," we need to be careful."

" We need to be lucky, because there's a lot of things that have to go right today, but only one needs to go wrong and we're in an all out war which we can't win. I won't serve you a slice of pie and call it dinner, we need luck, Saycha, more than a plan," said Micavello nervously as he watched Drayne run and jump over a dozen trees.

Then Dorama walked over and looked and saw Drayne and asked," Oh there is a whole lot of death. Do you think we have a chance in this?"

Saycha and Micavello looked at Drayne then each other and said nervously," Maybe."

" That's reassuring, thank you, aren't you the least bit worried he could see us over here?" asked Dorama s she ducked behind a bush.

" That's the problem, but there's nothing we can do about it now. We can only hope none of the wizards panic and try to run for it," said Micavello hopefully as he looked at Drayne then took Dorama's hand.

" That's a good point, if even one of the 1000 wizards in these bushes gets frisky, then we're gonna be fighting a war on this hill in a heartbeat. For which I am mentally prepared, Dorama," said Saycha as he looked over at Dorama and grimaced and let out a sigh.

" Maybe we'll have the luck today. It's been on our side so far, it should still be," said Dorama hopefully as she caressed Micavello's arm and then kissed him on the lips.

" Wizards have a spell for almost anything, but luck isn't one. I pray Jamce gets to pull that rope and I see that Durion running free. That's the key to it all, Dorama," said Micavello honestly as he kissed her hand.

Meanwhile Jamce and Krowny were keeping a close eye on the horde of black wizards that were arriving. Then Jamce turned to grab his bottle of whiskey and saw a pair of black wizards on Durions coming up behind he and Krowny and said quietly," Krowny, 2 black wizards coming our way keep quiet, but remember we can't let them expose us."

" Got it," said Krowny quietly as he turned and saw the black wizards approaching.

Then 2 black wizards were Maghty Cooks and Prance Balieve.

Maghty Cooks was almost as tall as a Durion and weighed half as much. He had perfectly straight thick blonde hair that went to his shoulders. His face was like that of a cow and he had a double clefed chin. He was wearing a seal black robe with a white belt, as well as a pair of brown leather boots. He had a silver necklace around his neck that had a blinding spell cast into the silver that he could unleash with a word and blind anyone looking at him.

Prance was 6'8" 243 pounds of pure quick muscle. He had green curly hair that went up like a tornado. His face looked like a Panda bear's and he had a white beard that followed his chin line. He had on a red robe and black boots of leather, as well as a black belt. He had a rope necklace with explosive in a gold flask dangling from it. He and Maghty each had black staffs with the face of Drayne on the top of each.

As Maghty and Prance rode up Maghty noticed the Durion of Jamce's next to the tree he was in and said slowly," Prance, that Durion over there is unattended let us see who it belongs too."

Then Prance said quickly," Of course it could have gotten away from someone."

Then they rode over to where Jamce and Krowny were with Jamce and Krowny keeping a keen eye on them. Maghty and Prance climbed down off their horses and Maghty inspected the Durion and said," Beautiful animal, I say we take her with us."

" I agree, let's untie her," said Prance quickly as he grabbed hold of the rope.

Jamce and Krowny saw this and grabbed their daggers and jumped down on top of Maghty and Prance, with Jamce on Maghty's back. Jamce sliced open Maghty's throat and the giant man fell to his knees. While Krowny and Prance fell to the ground in a heap. Then Prance punched Krowny in the stomach and Krowny winced in pain. Then Prance went for his blade, but Jamce saw this and threw his dagger at him hitting him in the back of the head and narrowly missing Krowny's head. Prance fell to the ground and died, while Maghty gasped for breath and then died as well.

" Nice work, Krowny, help me hide their bodies and their Durions," said Jamce quickly as he grabbed hold of Prance's legs.

" I'm fine, thanks for asking. Just kidding," said Krowny then he grabbed Prance's arms.

Then they carried Prance's body behind a large bush and dropped him there. Then they hurried over to Maghty and looked at him in disbelief and then Jamce said," He's a big sucka ain't he. I think we'd better roll him, there's no way we're liftin' him."

" You ain't kiddin'," said Krowny as he looked at Maghty.

Then they got on one side of Maghty and began rolling him towards where Prance was. They rolled him for a minute and then pushed him on top of Prance and Jamce said sarcastically," I would have to let him live if I'd known I'd have to roll him over here."

" You are right," said Krowny smoothly as he looked at Maghty.

" Let's hide the other Durions and get back up in the tree," said Jamce sternly then he hurried over to the Durions.

" That's right, we'll need to hurry thou," said Krowny as he hurried over to the Durions and grabbed the reins of one with Jamce grabbing the other.

" Let's tie 'em to that tree over there. It's got good cover from behind," said Jamce then he pulled the Durion over to a large tree that had 10 foot bushes behind it.

Krowny did the same then they climbed back up into the tree and saw 3000 black wizards in wagons surrounding the castle and Jamce said nervously," Look at 'em all, they're everywhere. O.K., Krowny, we'll wait just a bit more to make sure there's no stragglers. Then we'll get things started."

" Oh let 'em straggle I'll serve a plate of my right fist. And for desert a healthy talking too. We'll see if they can take it, cowards!" said Krowny sarcastically then he grinned at Jamce.

Jamce laughed and then said," I can feel their pain, go figure up a batch of talking too's 'cause I see another wagon coming down the main road," said Jamce as he pointed to the large black wagon with his dagger.

" Give me a minute, my best stuff's hidden in my memories of childhood," said Krowny quickly as he then put his hand to the back of his head then slid it from back to front and then said," Ready and wicked, bring on the stragglers."

The large black wagon was 10 stories high and 100 yards long. It looked like a building that had sprung legs as it raced to meet the other wagons. It had a pair of Larce bird and Eeluc statues on the roof of it as well as the words," We are the point of reasonless days," painted in yellow across one side. It was

being drawn by 2 Palant's that were racing towards their deaths as they were going full speed. There was no one steering the wagon, but it kept on the right course.

" That looks like serious trouble, Krowny," said Jamce nervously as his eyes were fixated on the wagon.

" That, is trouble, Jamce," said Krowny slowly as he looked at the wagon.

Then the wagon stopped and suddenly a swirling vortex appeared beneath it and the wagon started to change. It started to fold inward and got smaller and smaller and even smaller still until it started to take the shape of a wizard with a staff. Then a circle of light started at the top of the wizard and fell to the ground over it leaving Drayne's right hand man Catab Bev standing there in a pure white robe and shoes with the long black staff of Penchies in his right hand. He looked at the other black wizards and asked snidely," Where is this child, Saycha? I need a solid neck to break."

The other black wizards let out a shout of," Catab is here! Catab is here!" as he walked over to them. Valvorder, Cornerme, and Drayne walked over to Catab and Drayne asked," Catab are you missing the Underworld yet?"

Catab smiled and then said," I'll never miss it, so what's the orders on who gets to kill new Havermo because I need to get my vengeance?" asked Catab as he looked around at all the black wizards.

" As much as we would all love to kill him we know you have special reasons for wanting that horror, but he is powerful and our best bet is to just let whoever gets close enough do the deed. We can't run the risk of him escaping or it puts us all at risk. So you'll need a bit of luck if it is to be you who slays him," said Valvorder as he looked at Catab.

" Fine, but I'll kill anyone who takes my open blow from me. If he dares to draw near me then by god, I will take his life," said Catab sternly as he tried to control his anger.

" Who is that wizard with Drayne?" asked Saycha as he looked at Catab from Mehemp.

" It appears to be Catab, Drayne's right hand wizard. Best to steer clear of him, Saycha, Havermo is the one that banished him to the Underworld. So he will be seeking vengeance," said Micavello sternly as he gripped his staff.

" Really...Catab that name seems very familiar to me, but yet I've never heard it before now. He looks like a barrel full of anger, odd to me to look at a man so angry," said Saycha plainly as he watched Catab laughing with Drayne and Valvorder.

" Anger is a man like that's crutch for being a menace. He blames the world for his mistakes. It sickens me to look upon him," said Micavello boldly as he glared at Catab.

" That's what he wants, don't give him a seconds mind. They'll all be where they belong in a short while. Which reminds me, how are Jamce and Krowny doing? They should let the Durion free any moment now," asked Saycha then he looked towards where Jamce and Krowny were.

Meanwhile up in the tree Jamce was scanning the horizon in all directions as he looked for any other wagons or Durions and then said," I don't see anyone in any direction, Krowny, but it's safe to wait just a minute or 2 more to be certain."

" I agree, someone could have gotten a late start," said Krowny then he took a large swig from a bottle of whiskey and swallowed hard.

Jamce continued to search frantically and then saw a trio of wagons coming from the south and his heart jumped a beat and then he said nervously," There's 3 more wagons comin. Boy it's lucky I didn't pull that rope just then or the whole plan could have exploded."

The 3 wagons rode up to the rest of the black wizards and then Krowny asked," Well, do we wait or risk it, 'cause I'm drunk either way."

Jamce grinned and then said happily," Well it's nice to see one of us isn't feeling the pressure. I say we hold off for one minute and then I'm pullin' this rope and we'll see what unfolds. Either way, you're stone drunk, Krowny."

Krowny tried not to laugh and then took a drink and waited for the minute and then asked," I think it's rope pullin' time, but just exactly how are we supposed to escape once we do?"

" That's what Durions are for and we can thank those 2 black wizards for helping us escape after each of us forgot to plan one. Here we go, Krowny, time for a show!" said Jamce boldly then he pulled the rope and the Durion tore out towards the castle at full speed.

The few green and red wizards manning the towers in the castle dropped fiery balls down shoots to alert the fake Saycha's to prepare to walk out and cast a spell. The fake Saycha's walked up to the large wooden doors to the outside and grabbed their staffs and then the doors opened and they ran out and shouted," Brackor nenat for blazes!"

Then a searing fireball appeared in front of each of them and started to roll forward thru the black wizards. Most ran out of the way, but others were caught off guard and burst into flames. The fake Saycha's ran full speed behind the fireballs towards Mehemp.

" It's Saycha and he's trying to escape. Every wizard follow after him!" shouted Drayne as he snarled and then started to run after one of the fake Saycha's himself.

Then Valvorder and Catab realized what Drayne had said was true and Catab shouted," Oampo barava carry me!"

Then a dark green Eeluc appeared and Catab jumped onto its back as it flew by and he soured after one of the fake Saycha's. While Valvorder raised his staff and shouted," Blour shall be thrust!"

Then a giant sword and a large scaly red hand appeared and began to fly towards one of the fake Saycha's slicing back and forth at tremendous speed. The hand and sword caught up with him and it tried to chop his head off, but missed. So he shouted as he raised his staff anxiously," Rora fempe now blas!"

Then a giant 600 arrow fiery crossbow appeared and started firing at the hand and blade 50 arrows at a time. The fiery green arrows caused the hand to drop the sword by tearing right thru its flesh until it fell helplessly to the ground.

Meanwhile Jamce and Krowny climbed out of the tree and raced towards the Durions and Jamce yelled," Keep those knees pumpin', Krowny, we've only got one shot at survival!"

" If that," said Krowny quickly as he ran and did a somersault and vaulted himself onto the back of the Durion.

While Jamce grinned and ran and jumped up onto his Durion and said boldly," We get as far away from here as we can for right now. Then we just hope and pray that everyone gets out alive and meets us at Bawksam tower."

" I'm sure they will, now let's make some memories!" shouted Krowny then he kicked the sides of his Durion sand tore off away from Hafitdy with Jamce close behind.

Catab was flying right at one of the fake Saycha's and as he got close he shouted," Braken fado become the ground!"

Then a fiery whip appeared and Catab grabbed the handle and whipped it at the fake Saycha hitting him in the back and setting his robe ablaze. Then he threw the whip around his neck and jerked it quickly and severed his head from his body. Then Catab jumped off his Eeluc and walked over to the dead body and as he looked down at it he said snidely," A boy such as you could never outwit the likes of this grand wizard!"

Then the spell wore off and the severed head changed back to the real wizard and Catab stared at his face in disbelief and then said boldly," What treachery is this! Where are you hiding you worthless child! I will find you today, I swear this truth!"

Then he saw another fake Saycha and did a high pitched whistle and the Eeluc flew back to him and he jumped on. Drayne meanwhile was hot on the heels of one of the fake Saycha's with 500 black wizards cheering and running behind him. Then Drayne tried to grab him and he just missed and the crowd roared. Then he took a large step and blew fire from his mouth and singed the fake Saycha's robe. Then Drayne took one quick step and scooped up the fake Saycha and the crowd of black wizards cheered.

" Hello there my pet, miss your old friend Drayne?" asked Drayne as he grinned at the fake Saycha in his hand and then said snidely," enjoy the Underworld, Saycha, it has a climate you'll die for."

Then he crushed the fake Saycha and hurled his body to the ground and then jumped on top of it with both feet crushing him to death and the crowd of black wizards roared with glee. But then they saw another fake Saycha running up a nearby hill with 50 black wizards 150 yards behind him casting spells that kept nearly missing him.

" What is this, he is not dead! Then dead he will become!" shouted Drayne as he saw the fake Saycha then he started running after him with the rest of the black wizards behind him.

Catab was flying after a fake Saycha who was now on a red blazing carpet being dragged by 3 Larce birds towards Mehemp. Catab raised his staff and shouted," Pru aneta be thine!"

Then a pair of wizard Cyclops's came out of the ground with swords in their hands and began to race after the fake Saycha. They were much faster than the Eeluc and quickly caught up to him, but he saw them and raised his staff and shouted," Sunless sky cry stone!"

Then a black cloud appeared above the Cyclops's and began raining stone faces on top of them. Each stone face that fell slowed then a bit more and in a few seconds they stopped moving and fell to the ground and were pummeled to death.

The real Saycha watched this and said," Well everything is still going to plan. In a few minutes they'll all be here."

" And we'll be ready. It only takes the one spell and this war will cease. Be ready, be liquid my friend," said Micavello boldly as he looked at Saycha sternly and nodded.

" I am and I will, the moments of truth are approaching," said Saycha boldly as he squeezed the staff of Wrom tightly and began thinking of the proper 3 part spell.

Catab continued after the Fake Saycha with hate in his eyes and a ferocity in his heart. Then he shouted," Your blood be trecka now!"

Then 100 vampire bats each of which had a 6 foot wing span appeared out of an explosion behind the fake Saycha and flew at him. He looked over his shoulder and tried in vain to remember a spell, but they were too close and they attacked him. They started to suck the blood from his body until there was none

left and his lifeless body fell over and onto the ground below. Catab flew over to him and jumped off the Eeluc and ran up to the dead body and began kicking it and shouting," You should have never trifled with me you fool! Now you've sealed your fate!"

Then the body rolled over onto its back and Catab saw that it wasn't Saycha and his eyes grew wide and he shouted," Where are you hiding!"

He looked in every direction and then saw Drayne and a horde of black wizards chasing someone and he whistled and his Eeluc came flying in right between his legs and then flipped him onto its back. He raced towards Drayne and the others who now had Valvorder and Cornerme in their midst.

Up on a hill a mile away Jamce and Krowny had stopped to watch things unfold.

" I think we'll be safe enough here, Krowny," said Jamce as he looked around for black wizards from atop his Durion.

" Are you sure?" asked Krowny anxiously as he looked over at Jamce.

" I think so, we can see anyone trying to sneak up on us very easily. So I wouldn't worry, but we should still stay on our Durions just in case," said Jamce then he spit on the ground.

" Good idea, the thing now is what's gonna happen down there when Saycha casts the spell. And it ain't gonna be a small thing like your patience," said Krowny then he grinned at Jamce.

" Well, Krowny, it will be a thing of true beauty if Saycha makes those black wizards disappear. And I'll only shed 1 tear for 'em," said Jamce plainly as he looked at Drayne running after the fake Saycha.

" Why only one?" asked Krowny as his Durion shifted a bit.

" I've got a bit of dust in my eye," said Jamce slyly then he began to fake cry.

" Looks like a boulder from here," said Krowny as he laughed and then offered Jamce a drink off his whiskey bottle.

" Thank you, I'd love a swig before the festivities. I'm gonna need it, thank you," said Jamce as he took the bottle and took a drink and then said wryly," as I am very worried about everyone. I pray we all make it out in one piece, especially Saycha, cause if he makes it Pabstrum makes it and that is what matters."

Back at Mehemp everyone watched anxiously as the fake Saycha's raced towards them, with all of the black wizards and Drayne quick behind. They continued to cast spell after spell at the fake Saycha's and then 2 of them perished by Valvorder shouting," Blade of thrust do severe!"

Then a pair of black steel spinning triangular 10 foot blades chopped off their heads as they tried frantically to cast a spell. The final fake Saycha ran full speed towards Mehemp, with a tornado of fire and knives behind him keeping the black wizards at bay.

All the green and red wizards prepared to cast their spell in unison as Saycha cast the same. They each focused on Saycha's lead because as soon as he raised the Staff of Wrom they knew they had to immediately cast the 3 part spell. As the final fake Saycha ran the last few feet Saycha felt a calm come over him and all worry left his mind. He watched as the fake Saycha darted into Mehemp and stood up strongly and raised the Staff of Wrom and as he did the other wizards stood up as well and then they all shouted," Quocra taketh the wind!"

Then a tornado of green fire encircled all the black wizards and Drayne. Then Saycha shouted," Makus the ground be wide!"

Then the ground beneath the black wizards and Drayne turned to glass and they could see a tunnel forming beneath them that led straight to the Underworld.

Then Saycha gave Catab a smirk and shouted," Hamero of god's anger dus fall!" in unison with all of the green and red wizards.

Then the top of the tornado turned into a giant stone fist and came crashing down on Drayne, Valvorder, Catab, Cornerme, Lord Mrecton, and all of the other black wizards and pushed them thru the glass beneath them. Then they fell at unheard of speed all the way to the Underworld, with them being

hammered into the ground of the Underworld, as the stone hand fell upon them. The hole to the surface filled in with solid steel and they became sealed in the Underworld by a holding spell.

Then all of the green and red wizards began to dance and cheer as Saycha let out a yell and began laughing uncontrollably. Dorama and Micavello embraced Saycha tightly and Dorama said happily," You did it, Saycha, you saved us all! I knew you could do it!"

" You knew it did you, I didn't even know it 'til a few seconds before I cast the spell," said Saycha slyly as he smiled at Dorama and Micavello.

" We had faith in you, Saycha, you saved us all," said Micavello honestly as he put his right arm around Dorama.

" You two look awful comfy, I don't know much, but I can spot love," said Saycha.

" We're in love and if he ever asks me we'll be wed," said Dorama slyly as she started to check her fingers for rings jokingly.

" At least let me get a suitable ring first my love," said Micavello warmly then he kissed Dorama on top of the head.

" Well get crackin' I'm nearing the old maid stage," said Dorama slyly as she pouted her lips and looked up at Micavello.

" Don't worry I will," said Micavello smoothly as he grinned at Saycha and shook his head.

" Don't worry, Micavello, she's only this sassy when she likes someone a lot. You should see her when she doesn't like someone. I seem to remember a severed Canto head in an ex-boyfriend's wagon if memory serves," said Saycha smoothly as he tried not to grin.

" That only happened once and I was much younger then," said Dorama quickly as she gritted her teeth and looked away.

" It's alright, I've been nor perfect or pristine in my brief life. We'll make do with a greater love beyond judgment," said Micavello warmly as he smiled down at Dorama.

" Uh, god I love this man c'mere," said Dorama then she kissed Micavello passionately.

" This is where I exit," said Saycha then he started to walk away and Baesar stopped him and Saycha said," Baesar, I'm glad to see you."

" Saycha, you've saved Pabstrum and vanquished the worst of us to a place where they will rot and fester for all time. What do you plan to do now?" asked Baesar brightly as he crossed his arms and put his index finger to his upper lip.

" I'll go back to Consey with Jamce, Krowny, and Dorama...wait ah minute, where is Jamce and Krowny?" asked Saycha as he looked around.

" They're supposed to meet us at Bawksam tower, remember?" asked Dorama.

" I understand, but they don't have any way to get there. If they went on foot they'd never make it and they didn't have a wagon," said Saycha as he looked at Dorama and Baesar wide eyed.

" You don't think something happened to them. I mean they were able to release the Durion so at the very least they could have left after that," said Baesar implying a question.

" That's true, yeah they must have found transportation Jamce can handle himself I won't worry about it. Now dear Dorama how soon do we leave for Bawksam?" asked Saycha brightly then he grinned.

" Is now soon enough?" asked Dorama slyly as she fought back a smile.

" It is let's make for Bawksam and find Jamce and Krowny. Are you and Dlarm interested in coming?" asked Saycha as he watched Dlarm sneak up beside Baesar.

" Dlarm, oh right and there you are," said Baesar as he was startled by Dlarm standing beside him and then said brightly," I am indeed, but I can't speak for Dlarm."

" I would love to come, Saycha, let's take a couple of the black wizards luxury wagons , as they won't be needing them now, and head for Bawksam," said Dlarm happily as he nodded and smiled warmly.

" Great, I say we take those 2 large white ones and make for the Bawksam tower," said Saycha then he started walking towards the 2 large wagons with everyone right behind him.

Each of the wagons were 7 stories high and 150 feet long with intricate carvings of black wizards of yesteryear casting spells. They each were being drawn by 2 Palants and had a large front carriage with 2 leather chairs on either side, with a large red couch in the center. Everyone climbed onto the 2 wagons and set out for Bawksam.

Meanwhile Jamce and Krowny had left right after they saw the tornado rise up fearing that they could be in danger. They had rode at full speed since leaving and the Durions were starting to tire a bit so Jamce saw this and said," Let's slow down a bit, Krowny, we've still got a full days ride and the Durions will collapse if we're not careful."

" You're right, we'll go half speed," said Krowny as he pulled back on the reins slowing his Durion as did Jamce.

They traveled for the rest of the day and started to get close to Bawksam when the Durions just stopped and Jamce asked," Well we're walkin' from here, Krowny, unless you want to wait an hour for the Durions to rest?"

" Let's foot it, I think we're almost there anyway I can smell the broken hearts and come on lines from here," said Krowny slyly as he climbed down off his Durion and tried to pull it down the road, but it wouldn't move and he said," We've got a bit of a problem, Jamce.

" I see that is looks like I've got the same problem," said Jamce as he tried in vain to move his Durion and then said," Well these are the moments god gave us feet for. Let's hoof it."

Krowny smiled and then said slyly," I agree, these Durions figured out who we really are and they won't live the lie any further."

" Wise of them, very wise. It can't be too far just as long as we can get there before nightfall we'll be fine. We don't want to be out here on this road at night or we might end up Canto burgers," said Jamce as he and Krowny walked along the road.

They walked for 2 hours and the sun was starting to set as a fog rolled in. Jamce and Krowny had their daggers out and kept their eyes on the woods. Then they heard a sound from behind them and they spun around and saw a pair of Canto's walking towards them with snarling faces and Jamce said sternly," When they attack put your dagger right in their fury heads. That's our only chance, Krowny."

" I gotcha, I'm ready," said Krowny calmly as he eyed the Canto's.

Then the Canto on the right leapt at Jamce and knocked him to the ground. Jamce had one hand on its jaw and then with his full might he buried his dagger in its eye and it let out a shriek and ran a few steps then fell dead. Then Jamce ran over to it to get his dagger while Krowny was starring down his Canto.

" Easy, don't be hasty, Canto," said Krowny slowly as he eyed the Canto.

Then it tore at him and he did a front flip and sliced his dagger downward into the top of its head and the 2 fell to the ground with the Canto dead under his blade. Jamce ran over and then saw the dead Canto's and said," It's a shame to waste all this good meat."

Krowny laughed and then said," I got no problem wastin' it, considering we were almost inside it!"

" Well put, let's get out of here before more come smelling the meat," said Jamce.

Then just as they started to walk Jamce saw off to their right the Bawksam tower and Krowny saw it and said happily," That looks like the place, let's run for it."

" Done!" said Jamce quickly.

Then they ran down the side road to Bawksam laughing as they did as coins were falling out of Jamce's pockets. They ran the last few steps to the front doors and went inside and Krowny asked," Should we get a room first or hit the bar and get some dinner?"

" Let's eat, but there's someone I want to say hi to first, follow me," said Jamce then he went over to the booze counter and asked," Would you know of a beautiful woman named Bharose?"

Then Bharose spun around and said happily," Jamce, I can't believe it's you. I didn't know if I'd ever see you again."

" Well I had a bit of world saving to do before I felt I could be good enough for ya," said Jamce slyly as he grinned slightly.

" Well somebody had too or I don't know what. We were getting a little worried because all the black wizards were coming in here and attacking people. Now everything is back to normal. Did you really save us from something bad?" asked Bharose as she smiled at Jamce and rubbed his hand.

" I had a part in a fierce battle, but it's all over now. We're just here waiting for the rest of our friends to show up. And of course I'm here to see you, Bharose. Would you like to grab some dinner?" asked Jamce warmly.

" Yes, I would let me get someone to fill in for me. I'll be right back," said Bharose.

" Take your time," said Jamce smoothly as he grinned slightly and rubbed Bharose's hand.

Bharose giggled then went over to a young brunette and then they returned and Bharose said," Let's eat handsome."

Then Jamce, Bharose, and Krowny went to dinner.

THE END
