 
# The Guardians Book One:

# Formation of the Guardians

# Ali Noel Vyain
Copyright © 2015 by Ali Noel Vyain

Published by Ali Noel Vyain at Smashwords

No part of this book can be reproduced or used without permission.

Elsewhere

eISBN: 9781937050825

alinoelvyain.wordpress.com

## Acknowledgements

The cover artwork is a picture I took while I was exploring Second Life years ago. I modified it slightly to take out my avatar who was struggling with oars in a rowboat.

The Guardians are in a different solar system from ours. As such, I didn't have to research much to base the setting or the characters on anything but my own strange imagination.

## Contents

## Chapter 1 The Stars Beckon

## Chapter 2 The Inventor

## Chapter 3 The Scientist

## Chapter 4 The Wizards and Witches of the Silver Mists

## Chapter 5 The Religious Order

## Chapter 6 Technology

## Chapter 7 The Fanatics Versus the Skeptics

## Chapter 8 Women's Rights

## Chapter 9 Fairies Versus Elves

## Chapter 10 Orcs

## Chapter 11 Merfolks

## Chapter 12 Centaurs

## Chapter 13 Of Unicorns...

## Chapter 14 Dragons!

## Chapter 15 Water, Air, Fire, and Earth Nymphs

## Chapter 16 What Kind of Planet is This?

## Chapter 17 Legends of the Guardians

## Chapter 18 Fact or Fiction?

## Chapter 19 Exploring

## Chapter 20 Expanding

## Chapter 1 The Stars Beckon

Julio, an elf, was worried about his wife, Penelopi. She was pregnant and he feared he wouldn't be able to protect her and their child against raiders. They lived in a castle all alone in the wilderness. He was currently up in the tower with the telescope and other instruments which he used to study the stars. He had already discovered other planets with moons, but he had the nagging suspicion that raiders would be coming. It was just dawn and he was tired after being up all night. There were days he wondered why she even chose him when she could have had a dozen warriors to look after her.

He saw a lone man armed with swords and a bow and arrows. Julio jumped up and looked through his telescope. It was an elf and he was all alone. Well, one person was something he figured he could handle. More would have been a problem. Julio was klutzy with swords. He ran down the tower steps and all the way to the gate to meet the stranger. The stranger was standing near the moat. He saw the drawbridge coming down. He watched carefully. Once the bridge was down he could see another elf standing in front of him.

"Hello, Sir."

"Hello, stranger."

"I wonder if I may come inside? There's a storm brewing and I am weary from long travel."

Julio hesitated. He saw Penelopi. Her eyes asked him why he wasn't giving the young man the okay to come inside. "Yes, you may come in, but please don't attack us."

The stranger bowed. "You have my word that I will harm no one who lives here." He proceeded to walk across the bridge. He saw Penelopi and bowed to her.

"Welcome to our humble home. What brings you to our door?" she asked the stranger.

"I'm a wandering elf. I have no home and I sometimes have to fight just to stay alive. If you give me a place to set my things down, I'd be glad to. I'm tried of fighting and would like to be among folk that aren't violent."

"We have no reason to be violent. My husband is an astronomer."

"An astronomer? What's that?"

"I study the stars and planets at night when it's dark."

"Oh. I see."

"Here, you can put your things here in this closet off to the side. Are you hungry? I was about to fix some breakfast or dinner or whatever meal it is for us."

"Yes, thank you and I am hungry. Are you two the only ones who live here?"

"Yes, with one on the way." Julio patted his wife's stomach.

"Oh. Would you be in need of defense against raiders?"

"Yes, we do need that. I know my husband won't admit it."

"In that case, I'd be happy to help you with that." He held out his hand to Julio.

"Well, okay. We can provide food and shelter without too much trouble." He shook the stranger's hand.

Penelopi went to the kitchen to cook. The two men stood in the main hall.

"My name is Darius. I'll do what I can, but we may need more people to help defend the castle so you can pursue your work."

"I've been thinking that. I'm Julio and my wife is Penelopi."

They went into the kitchen and Julio told her the stranger's name. She continued to cook over the open fire.

Days passed and Darius kept his word. He watched from another tower. He'd watch the stars the stars at night, but not like Julio was doing. Darius just gazed at them. One day he was at his tower post when he saw a small hamlet on fire. He knew it was raiders. They were too close to the castle. He also knew he wouldn't be able to get to them fast enough to do any good. Besides he would be leaving Julio and Penelopi alone. He couldn't do that.

When dawn arrived, Darius could see people approaching the castle. He walked over to Julio's tower via the narrow stone bridge between them. "Julio!"

Julio turned to face Darius. "What is it?"

"A hamlet not far from here was raided last night. I saw it burn. Now there are people approaching castle and we need to know if they are raiders or just survivors headed our way."

Julio looked through his telescope. "I see. They don't have any weapons. There are children!" He pulled himself away from the telescope. "We better go meet them."

The two ran down the stairs. They met Penelopi in the great hall. They quickly told her what had happened. She prepared herself as Julio lowered the drawbridge. Once it was down, all three could see survivors walking towards them. Darius stepped out onto the bridge to meet the small group. There were more children than adults. Some were elves and others were fairies. All looked dirty and frightened. They stopped at the bridge, but couldn't speak.

Penelopi stepped forward. "Welcome. Darius, our guard has told us of your plight. You are welcome to live here. All we ask is that you help out with the work. We have to grow more food, and cook, clean, and make new clothes."

One of the fairy children spoke up. "What if we don't know how to do any of those things?"

"I will teach you what I know."

"Okay." The children walked across the bridge. The adults didn't move.

Darius walked over to them. "Why are you hesitating? Lord Julio and Lady Penelopi are kind and generous."

"Sir, the raiders may come this way."

"I am prepared to deal with that, lady."

"I am not domestic." The elf lowered her eyes.

"Oh? Do you have other talents?"

She raised her eyes. "Yes, I can shoot arrows. But no one wanted to me to fight like the men do."

Darius looked at her. "Why do I get the feeling you're still alive because you did fight last night?"

"I did and saved all these children in the process."

"Well, then you can be a guard with me."

"Really? Will you train me?"

"Yes, of course."

She walked up to him and stood at his side. Two adult fairies, a man and a woman, also walked up to Darius and asked to be trained as well. He agreed to train all three of them. The rest, a few elf women relaxed and went over to Lady Penelopi to begin working with what skills they already possessed.

Lady Penelopi and the other women had their hands full with the children. The children were given chores to help out around the castle, and lessons to learn. However, they were allowed to play and be children as well.

Darius had his hands full training three willing recruits. The elf, Jazmin, was as good as she said with the bows and arrows. The fairies were learning as well. They were able to fly and evade the elves.

## Chapter 2 The Inventor

Greg, a fairy, always got excited whenever he found odds and ends which nobody wanted. He'd take them away and build things. It got to the point the villagers knew they could leave things at his house they no longer wanted. Many items were broken or considered completely worthless.

He was busy putting odds and ends together that he didn't notice a new elf couple enter the village on horseback. They were both armed with swords, daggers, bows and arrows. The villagers weren't sure why the couple didn't attack. Darius and Jazmin weren't interested in fighting with anyone, except perhaps themselves. They greeted and questioned the villagers.

"Excuse me, but we heard there was a strange person who lives here that takes your unwanted odds and ends and makes things out of them. If that is true, will you tells us where he lives?"

"Will you take him away?"

"We could take him off your hands. Certainly."

"Good. His inventions are too scary and useless for us. His house is just down that alley. We try not to go there or anywhere near it, unless we have something to get rid of."

The elf couple thanked them and went down the alley. Once they were out of the main village, they could see all sorts of contraptions in the yard around the house and more through the windows. The fairy continued building and didn't see the couple approach his house. Darius and Jazmin looked around and saw the devices, not sure what they could do or what their purposes were. Darius stopped at the door and knocked.

Greg jumped. No one ever knocked on his door! "Just a minute! I'll be right there!"

Jazmin and Darius looked at each other. Then they looked at the door as it was opening to them.

"Hello, there. I wasn't expecting company, but please come in." He ushered the elves into his small, crowded house.

"Hello, there. We hope we're not intruding. We heard about your inventions."

"Oh, you're not intruding. I, uh, never get any visitors. I, uh..."

"Well, we can see you've been busy with your inventions. Not sure what they all do, but we could use someone with your talent. We're a small group at the moment, but we need someone who can build and fix things. What do you say? Would you like to come with us?"

"Hmm, well, I suppose the villagers would be happy if I was gone. Would I be able to bring my inventions with me?"

The elves looked at each other. "I suppose we could arrange it."

"I think it would be better if we did take the inventions as well. Those villagers are truly afraid of him and what he does," Jazmin spoke for the first time.

"Alright, then how to we take them?"

The fairy flew up to the rafter window. "Ah, it's still there! There's a cart out back. I can help take apart some of the larger inventions." He flew back down to the ground floor and wasted no time in disassembling his works.

Jazmin and Darius offered to help, but they couldn't understand what to do without breaking the parts. Greg just went on and disassembled as quickly as he could. The elves went ahead and loaded up the cart. They were careful with the machinery and whatever items they found around and in Greg's house.

They were able to get everything on the cart. Next they went to get their horses and hitched them to the cart. The elves walked back to the castle while Greg flew the whole way.

Once there, they helped unload the cart. Greg wasted no time in showing everybody what his inventions were and what how they worked. Everyone was amazed.

Julio asked him, "What do you know about telescopes?"

"Telescopes? Oh, most people like to use them for spying on other people. A few people, I hear, use them to gaze at the stars."

"I use my telescope to study the stars and planets. It's broken right now. Can you fix it or build me another one?"

"Hmm, I'd have to look at it first. I'd love to fix it and learn how to build another one. I'm usually quite good at fixing and building things. Show me the way to the telescope."

## Chapter 3 The Scientist

Boe was always curious, even as a child. He would watch animals and sunlight all day if he could. Others thought he needed to learn something more practical for work. He only wanted to know. He wanted to know as much as he could.

As he grew older, he took notes. He learned about the sunlight and how it affected the perception of color. He wished he could have a machine which could measure color. He was poor and couldn't afford to barter for such a machine, even if one existed.

Still others grew weary and wary of Boe. They weren't sure what he was up to. He was approaching adulthood and yet he didn't have a real profession. He couldn't afford to marry anyone in the village.

Boe wasn't interested in learning a practical profession. He just wanted to study all day and all night. He no longer had any family looking after him and time was running short for him.

The villagers were beginning to suspect he was a wizard who would harm them. They would have to stop him before he caused them harm.

Jazmin came in the castle after visiting the nearby village. Many were settling down in the great hall for the evening meal. Jazmin walked over to Julio and sat down next to him.

"Julio, could you use some help with your scientific pursuits?"

"Of course I could, but you are one of the guards and scouts."

"I wasn't thinking of me. I just came back from the nearby village and there is a young elf there named Boe, who is showing a lot of scientific curiosity. They say he takes notes. The villagers are afraid he is a wizard and if we don't get him soon, he may be dead."

Julio stared at Jazmin. "I remember Boe. If I recall, he's getting old enough to think about getting married. Please save him. I know he would prove valuable here as a scientist."

Jazmin nodded. "I'll let Darius know and we'll go get him for you."

"Thank you."

Darius sat down next to Jazmin. "Welcome back."

"Hi. Julio would like us to pick up a young elf named Boe."

"Oh?"

"He's in the nearby village and he's accused of being a wizard. He's actually a scientist who Julio believes will be a great asset to our little community."

"We could go tonight."

"I was hoping you'd say that." She smiled.

Julio looked at both Darius and Jazmin. "Let me know when he gets here. If I'm still up, I could help him adjust."

Darius nodded and smiled. "We'll deliver Boe to you as soon as we can."

Darius and Jazmin finished their meal and then waited near the gate for darkness to fall.

"Jazmin, how do you propose we rescue this young elf?"

"I figured we could sneak into the village after dark and find him at home by himself. We'll go in and politely explain the situation to him and offer him a home and a chance to study science all day long."

Darius smiled at her. "It's so simple. I hope he doesn't freak out."

"I've been watching him. He'll probably be shocked that anyone wants to talk to him especially about his studies."

"Alright, we're try it your way. If it doesn't work, then we may have to kidnap him."

"Darius, I doubt it will come to that."

A pair of fairies flew towards Darius and Jazmin.

"All set boss? We hear you and Jazmin will be leaving tonight and coming back with another elf."

"Yes, it's true. So you two will have to keep watch tonight."

"Why can't you bring in more fairies?"

"We did bring in a fairy. The inventor."

They all laughed. "True enough, but we feel outnumbered."

"I can't make any promises, but if we come across fairies with skills we need, then we'll try to bring them in."

"Fair enough. Have fun!"

Darius smiled. "Time to go, milady."

"Yes it is."

Darius and Jazmin left the castle grounds and made their way to the village. They were careful not to attract the attention of the night watchman. They darted and zigzagged around the village until they found Boe's hut.

Boe was at home. He was up reading a book near the fire. Darius knocked on his door.

Boe jumped. "Who's there?"

"Just a couple of elves who have a proposition for a scientist, such as yourself."

Boe stood up and opened his door to see the strangers. "Isn't it a little late for such discussions?"

"Yes and no. Do you know that the villagers think you're a wizard and are plotting to kill you?"

"Oh?! Then come in." He opened the door wider and quickly closed it. "I see you're a man and a woman. How did you sneak over here?"

"It's a part of our job. We live near the sea and we have an elf named Julio who is an astronomer. He would be glad to have you with us."

"Julio? Didn't he marry Penelopi and they ran off to some castle so he wouldn't be disturbed while he's working?"

"Yep that's the one."

"Oh, well in that case, I better pack my things. I don't have much, so it shouldn't take long." Boe grabbed a bag and packed up his books, paper, and quills and inks. Then he grabbed his clothes and some food.

"Hmm, and you were afraid we'd have to kidnap him."

"We don't have him out of the village, yet."

"We will, don't worry."

"I hope he can be quiet when we're leaving."

"Okay, I think I have everything. Just a moment while I check just to make sure." Boe walked around his little hut and made sure he had everything. "Let's go." He put his bag on his back.

"Good. Now just be very quiet and follow me. She'll keep up with us."

Boe followed Darius out of his hut and around the village. Jazmin kept an eye out to make sure no one was following them. It took time, but eventually they made it back to the castle grounds.

Boe gaped at the castle. He didn't say one word the entire trip and he was still afraid to say anything. He was greeted by a pair of fairy guards. He shook their hands and then walked inside the castle.

Darius and Jazmin took him all the way to the one of the towers, where Julio was working.

"Julio, we have Boe for you. He was eager to come when he heard we lived with you."

Julio stepped away from the telescope and saw Boe. "Ah, yes, I remember. You were always so curious and you did have lots of questions for me when we were younger."

"Hi, Julio. I guess it's safer to be a scientist here than in the village."

"Yes it is. Our guards are helpful as well. A necessity with raiders and the like running around."

"Well, I don't even know where to start, but I brought my books and notes."

"Then let's look at them."

Boe took off his bag and pulled out his notes to show Julio.

Darius and Jazmin nodded to Julio and they left.

"You've done a lot on your own, Boe. Let me show you what I've learned." Julio took out his notes and shared them with Boe.

The two stayed in the tower all night to compare their notes and discuss what they wanted to study.

## Chapter 4 The Wizards and Witches of the Silver Mists

Maegin sat on the bank of the river. It had been over a month since Boe had disappeared. She hoped he was safe in the Silver Mists and wanted to be there with him. Many people in the village had insisted, without proof of course, that there were lots of wizards and witches hiding in the Silver Mists. It was a castle overlooking the sea. The same castle where Maegin knew Julio and Penelopi went to so he could study the stars in peace.

The other villagers were glad he was gone. They figured his last spell must have back fired on him. Maegin knew he wasn't really a wizard. She also was curious, but she learned to hide it. She knew all too well what the villagers would do to her if they thought she was a witch.

She was told her insatiable curiosity was a passing thing and as soon as she reached puberty, everything would change for her. Then she would be able to get married and have children...

She wanted to study and learn as Boe did. She wasn't about to get married and give up her dreams. She spent hours looking towards the sea and the Silver Mists. Could she just pack up her few belongings and leave for the Silver Mists on her own?

She thought about it. If she were to do that, she would have to leave soon. She knew her time as a child was nearly over. She would have to make a decision and fast. Her parents wouldn't be happy, but she would be one less mouth for them to feed everyday.

She missed the talks she and Boe used to have. They would spend hours discussing math equations or making observations. With Boe gone, her life had become boring. She wasn't interested in impressing anyone with her looks. What was left for her to do?

A couple of villagers walked near her and talked about the witches and wizards of the Silver Mists. Maegin perked up and listened. They repeated the same things over again. No new information about what was really going on in the castle by the sea.

"Oh, it's just Maegin. She's probably dreaming of her future husband. With her luck, she'll get married soon."

Maegin gasped and turned to look towards the sea. She decided she would leave tonight. She didn't own much, so it shouldn't be too hard to sneak out after dark and follow the river all the way to the sea.

She went home and helped her mother get dinner ready for everyone. She was quiet all through dinner. She didn't argue when her mother asked her to help clean up. She even helped to put the little ones to bed.

Her mother smiled at her. "I guess you're finally growing up and putting away the silly dreams of childhood."

Maegin said nothing. She stared into the fire and sat down. She was tired, but she had to wait for her parents to go to bed before she could pack and leave.

"Your father and I want to see you marry well. You know we can't let you stay here with us when there are so many eligible men for you to marry."

Maegin looked at her mother, but said nothing.

"You do look tired, dear, why don't you just go to bed. I won't need your help until the morning."

"Okay, mama." Maegin went to her room and closed the door. Her younger sisters were asleep. She checked her bag and her clothes. She quickly packed and listened carefully for her parents.

They were discussing who they might marry her off to. Maegin soon had her clothes in her bag. She found a piece a paper Boe had given her. He had written a silly little poem on it just for her. She smiled and carefully put it in her bag.

Her parents were going to their room. Maegin sat still on the floor. Her sisters were still asleep. She slipped the bag on her back. She was ready, but tired. She wanted to sleep, but she knew if she did, she wouldn't wake up until morning.

A few hours later, Maegin was lucky. She woke up sitting straight up. She heard an owl outside the window. She blinked and listened. Everyone else was asleep in the house. She got up and turned to look out the window. The moon was up. She turned back towards the door and opened it. She carefully stepped out in the hall and closed the door.

She walked as quietly as she could to the front door. She opened it and latched it behind her. She was outside and all alone. She looked all around her. Then she darted towards the river. With the moonlight, she was able to find it quickly in the dark.

She spent hours walking along beside it until finally she was near the sea. The Silver Mists were all around. She stopped and looked about her. She couldn't see very far in front of her.

"Stop! Who are you and why are you here?"

Maegin stopped. She looked but couldn't see anyone. "I can't see you! My name is Maegin and I'm looking for my friend, Boe. Is he here? I would like to be a scientist instead of someone's wife!"

"Oh, it's another elf! Are you still a child or an adolescent?"

"I'm still a child, but I don't know how much longer. I guess any day now for me."

Lady Penelopi came near to the fairy guards. "Maegin, from the village! Well, let her in! I haven't seen her in ages."

They opened the gate and Maegin walked over to Lady Penelopi. "Hi, Penelopi. I hope I'm not intruding."

"No, of course not. It's just late for you and you do look tired. Yes, Boe is here. He and my husband are studying and searching the sky up in the tower. For now, let's get breakfast ready and get you something to eat. I know you've had a long walk."

"Lady Penelopi, will I be able to be a scientist here?"

"I don't see why not. Some of our guards are women."

"Really?"

"Yes, we don't have enough men to defend us."

Maegin let out a loud sigh. "That's a relief. My mother was just telling me last night how I will get a husband soon."

"I take it you're not ready yet?"

"No! Why should I give up my dreams of being a scientist for a man?"

"Well, if you feel that way about it, then don't get married unless he is okay with you being a scientist."

"Oh? Would one be okay with that?"

"Perhaps. Boe is still a child as well, but we both know that could change soon."

"Boe is a good friend of mine."

"I know. I've seen you two together. I seem to recalled you both had lots of questions for my husband."

"Yes, I still do have lots of questions."

"Okay. Then at breakfast we will tell both Julio and Boe about your intentions of becoming a scientist along side them. I'm sure they will be okay with it."

"You think so? I mean we're all from the same village and there may be expectations once I'm no longer a child..."

"Maegin, dear, don't worry about it. We have room here and we also have plenty of orphans to go around. You don't need to get married here. Besides, I'd prefer that you'd be happy. I know what will make you happy and you're going to get it soon."

Maegin yawned. "Okay, what can I do to help out with breakfast?"

Penelopi, Maegin, and the rest of the domestic staff got to work on breakfast. Soon they were serving lots of food in the great hall.

Penelopi and Maegin sat down with Julio and Boe.

"Dear husband, look who's joined us here in our little community."

Julio and Boe looked over to see Penelopi and Maegin. Boe smiled at Maegin.

"How have you been, Maeg?"

"I've been bored since you disappeared. I was hoping you were safe."

"I've become a real scientist. Do you want to become one, too?"

"Yes! More than anything."

Julio smiled. "Good. We could use another scientist around here. Any other plans, Maegin?"

"No."

"Dear, she doesn't want to get married and I doubt she's old enough, yet to even consider it."

"Oh, okay. Boe is still a child as far as I can tell."

Penelopi smiled. "Let's let them be scientists and resume their friendship. If it becomes more, than great. If not, it's no big deal."

Julio nodded. "Good advice. I'd rather not rush anyone and I'd worry about how she would stay a scientist if she got married."

Penelopi looked at her swollen belly. "That might be hard on her, unless we had a form of birth control for her or Boe to use."

"Ah, yes, something to think about. At least the orphans have a good home. Some of them are showing a knack for science."

Penelopi smiled. "Yes, and some are showing a good knack for the domestic arts or the defensive arts."

## Chapter 5 The Religious Order

Boe and Maegin worked hard and didn't notice their childhoods slipping away. Being elves, they were in their twenties when they finally reached adolescence. But they were studying and learning more about scientific facts everyday to notice until dramatic things happened to them.

Through their efforts, Boe and Maegin discovered the four fundamental forces of nature. Julio applauded them and was proud that they didn't give up.

Maegin had a tendency to experiment in the kitchen while the domestic staff was cooking or baking. Her experiments yielded the results of alchemy and chemistry. She discovered the strong and weak nuclear forces. She also learned more about nutrition and that the domestic staff had it right to feed everyone a rainbow of color. They grew a wide variety of plants in different colors in the yard.

Maegin also learned some bacteria was good and others harmful. Her knowledge helped the domestic staff to keep fermented foods around for the good bacteria and also to avoid the bad bacteria so fewer people would get sick.

Boe learned about gravity and electromagnetism or light. Those discoveries were nearly eclipsed by his discovery of how beautiful Maegin was when she was working. He found he couldn't stop watching her play with her alchemy and chemistry sets.

Julio noticed and smiled. "Boe, have you heard there are elves and fairies building a convent or monastery nearby?"

"What? Oh, no I haven't." Boe looked between Julio and Maegin.

"Yes, they are creating a religious order based on the four fundamental forces you and Maegin have discovered, plus they are including a fifth one."

"A fifth one?" Boe watched Maegin as she furled her eyebrows watching her experiment.

"Yes, they are calling it psi. It represents magic and psychic phenomena for them."

"How will they prove the existence of psi force?"

"I don't think they plan to. Perhaps that's what we should do."

"Good idea. Let's ask Maegin what she thinks."

Julio grabbed Boe's arm. "Wait a minute. She's still busy. Her experiment will be done in a few minutes."

"Yeah, perhaps we should wait for that to finish before talking to her."

"You know, you remind me of me when I was your age. I couldn't keep my eyes of Penelopi. I was fairly distracted at times and at others, I couldn't stop looking at the stars."

Boe looked at Julio and blushed. "Well, I guess you know all about it then."

"You two have been going on growth spurts lately. My wife has told me how they are having a hard time keeping with up you and the other children's spurts. At least the younger children don't mind the hand me down clothes."

Boe smiled. "Yeah, I'm trying not to complain, but sometimes the clothes just get too tight and I have to say something."

"Yes, the sleeves and pant legs are getting a bit short on you."

"Same thing happening to Maegin— her dresses were getting a bit high, nearly above her knees."

"Yes, and we know what comes next, right?"

"Uh, I don't know about that—"

"You don't have to get married just yet."

"Oh, good. I don't think she wants to."

"No, probably not if it means she can't be a scientist. My wife and I have been talking about it and we think she should remain a scientist if that's what she wants to be."

"I can agree with that. I wouldn't want her to give that up just to marry me. I couldn't ask her to do a thing like that."

"Good. In the meantime, I hope you at least understand what not to do with her so she doesn't get pregnant."

"Uh?"

"I guess we need to have a little talk about biology. All three of us, plus my wife. She seems good at explaining things like this."

"Okay. I think that would be a good idea. They never let us learn anything like that in the village."

"No. It's a sad thing. They just expect us to get married and figure it out on our own. We'll talk tonight at dinner. Looks like the experiment is done."

Maegin checked the results and recorded them. "There! Another success."

"Maegin, have you heard about the new religious order based on our discovery of the four fundamental forces of nature?"

"No." She cleaned up her table and then looked out the window. "Oh, you mean practically next door to us? Yeah, I heard Jazmin and Darius talking about that last night at dinner."

Julio interjected, "They are claiming a fifth force, which they call psi to account for magic and psychic phenomena."

"Oh, interesting. We haven't researched that force yet. Perhaps we should. I'm sure the religious buffs won't do that."

"I was going to suggest that we all work on it."

"We'll have to come up with some rigid testing or else it won't turn out well for us."

Julio nodded. "If we need ideas, I'm sure we can get some by talking with the religious ones."

"Good idea."

The monks and nuns labored all day and all night to build their new home. They felt it needed to be in the Silver Mists with the Guardians nearby. They felt a kinship and a need to have them near. They vowed to be open minded and worship the five fundamental forces of nature.

They worked with the domestic staff, scientists, and Guardians everyday. They shared meals and what skills they had with growing food and making clothes. They felt accepted and they belonged somewhere away from the main society.

At dinner, Julio sat down with Boe, Maegin, and Penelopi. The Fairy guard pair were nearby.

"Dear, Boe and Maegin need to have a talk about biology as it is affecting them now. I believe they are both adolescents now."

Penelopi smiled. "Yes, indeed, I know they are. We are trying to keep up with the clothes, young ones."

Boe and Maegin smiled.

"Dear Pen, how do we tell them, so they don't end up with an unwanted baby too soon?"

"Oh, we just tell them the truth. Sometimes I wish we knew enough about herbal birth control. That would help the conversation and understanding."

"Would you use some?"

"Perhaps. With all the orphans here, I don't think we need to have lots of children. I don't regret the one I'm carrying."

"Good point."

Maegin looked at Penelopi. "Are you trying to tell me that I could get pregnant if I do certain things with Boe?"

"Yes."

"Oh, dear." Maegin blushed. "I'm in no rush for those things."

"You don't need to be in a rush. Did those pads we made you help out?"

"Yes, they were easy once you explained it to me. I haven't gotten any more blood on my clothes."

"Blood? You were bleeding?" asked Boe.

Penelopi smiled. "Boe, all women bleed about once a month. I haven't been because I'm pregnant. However, after I give birth in several months, I will bleed again."

"Oh! You mean, it's not a bad thing?"

Julio smiled. "No, it's the blood of life. I'm still amazed that she can carry a child inside of her and then give birth to it and feed it later with just her body. I just supplied some material to her and now... Sometimes I still have a hard time believing it myself."

Maegin sighed. "You two make it sound like a good thing. I suppose it could be, but for me right now I don't think I could stand it."

Penelopi smiled. "You can wait. I think Julio is worried about you getting pregnant. It's okay if you and Boe feel differently about each other."

Maegin smiled. "I still have the poem you wrote to me, Boe. It was silly."

Boe blushed. "I remember that. I can't believe you kept it after all this time."

"It simply says, 'friendship with you is a flower which blossoms every spring.'"

Boe shook his head. "What was I thinking?"

Maegin smiled. "You were thinking of me. It's still true, isn't it?"

"Yes."

Penelopi looked at both Boe and Maegin. "Listen, you two won't create a baby doing what you're doing right now. It requires that you both are naked and touching each other."

Boe and Maegin gasped.

"I had to tell you so you'd know when you'd be getting to a dangerous part. You don't have to do that at all."

Boe and Maegin kept staring.

"Dear, I think you scared them."

"Well, they need to know, but I don't think they want to act on those hormones. I'm sorry if I've upset you two, but I felt you need to know before anything bad happens."

Maegin closed her mouth. "Well, actually I'm glad you did. I'm not sure my own mother would have told me any of this before she married me off to someone I probably don't even know very well."

Boe closed his mouth. "Wow. I didn't see that coming. I just find Maegin so beautiful when she's working."

Penelopi smiled. "It's okay. Take your time. There's no need to rush anything."

A few monks and nuns spoke up. "You mean you tell the young ones about where babies come from?"

"Sure. They need to know. I figure it will cause fewer problems if they know what is happening inside their bodies, then if they found out on their own. Too many people have ruined their lives because they had no way out of those sorts of problems."

The monks and nuns nodded. "Makes sense. Some villagers will find it scandalous, but you do have a point. We of the new religious order of the Five Fundamental Forces have all vowed to be celibate. We shouldn't have any children, but would still like to help out with the orphans and the domestic work in exchange for protection from the Guardians."

"Fair enough. We could use all the help we can get with the orphans and the domestic work."

"Thank you, Lady Penelopi."

Boe and Maegin studied the psi force with the monks and nuns. They also studied biology and kept notes of everything. They couldn't stop from blushing when they studied reproduction, but they had to admit it was helping them get through their adolescence.

## Chapter 6 Technology

Over time, microscopes were invented, then improved and non-invasive scanners created. Greg was never happier than when he was creating and building new things for people to use. He just had a knack for seeing things which could help people and building them.

He noticed many of the kids were outgrowing their clothes and the domestic staff was having a hard time catching up. So, he dreamed one night of a sewing machine. He dreamed all the details in his sleep. As soon as he was awake, he grabbed quill, paper, and ink and jotted down everything.

When he was done, he ran down to the great hall with paper in hand. He was so excited that he couldn't eat until he showed Lady Penelopi.

"Wow! You dreamed this up? We could use it. Perhaps it would help us to make clothes faster. Our looms do help us to create the fabric fast enough."

"I can work on this today. I will need help testing it. I don't actually know how to sew. I've watched you enough to get an idea of how to make the machine work."

Lady Penelopi smiled. "That will be great. For now, why don't we eat breakfast. We both have a lot to do today."

After breakfast, Greg went back to his workroom and began building the sewing machine with the plans and the parts he had. It took him all day, but he ended up with a working sewing machine.

He ran downstairs to tell Lady Penelopi. She walked back to his workroom with her sewing bag. She sat down at the machine and they began to work.

It wasn't easy at first. Lady Penelopi was excellent at all sorts of hand sewing, but the machine was different. She had to learn how it moved the needle. Greg had created a treadle sewing machine and she found it awkward to use.

They didn't give up. Just before dinner, they both understood how the machine needed to work. The prototype was to be modified tomorrow. For now, they needed some dinner.

"Milady, I hope you will have time tomorrow after breakfast to test the machine again."

"I will, Greg. It was so shocking. Everything was turned around, but then we got it. I can see how a sewing machine will allow us to make clothes faster. Perhaps we can keep up with the growing children and adolescents."

"I hope so too. Then what will I make?"

Lady Penelopi laughed. "I'm sure you'll come up something. You always seem to. Although usually you just help out the scientists."

Greg nodded. "They are the ones who need gadgets more than anyone else. Maegin did prove that your method of cooking doesn't need to be improved upon. Well, unless the safety is an issue. She did say fire was the best way to cook."

"Yes, it can be dangerous. That's why those who can't prevent the fire from going out of control aren't allowed to cook. They also tend to stay out of the kitchen."

"A wise decision on their part. Can't say I'm much good at cooking. I find it hard to do."

"That's okay. You're great about building machines." She smiled.

The next day, Greg and Penelopi had perfected the machine. Darius and Jazmin carried it down the stairs to the sewing and weaving room. Penelopi wasted no time in teaching some of the best hand sewers how to use it.

Soon members of the domestic staff were making more clothes faster than they could before. The sewers liked the machine so well, that they requested three more machines from Greg. He wasted no time in building them.

Greg laid in his bed, but he couldn't sleep. There was something troubling him. Sometimes people in the castle and monastery would complain about having to take cold showers. He didn't like a cold shower all that much either.

The problem wasn't the plumbing. They used water collectors on the roofs with a gravity fed filter to purify the water for drinking. They could take a hot bath by heating up the water, but a shower was easier for many people to get clean in.

He saw no reason to change the system of using gray water for watering plants and composting or burning their wastes. That part of the plumbing was working out well and besides, Maegin had proven the gray water and compost were all good for the food supply.

It was dark, and Greg thought about the sun. He remembered hot summer days under the sun. He blinked. The sun! Why couldn't he harvest some of that heat to help create hot water on demand?

He got up and went to his desk. He lit a candle, grabbed paper, quill, and ink. He drew up a solar hot water heater. It held a water tank that was to bake in the sun. He knew they would have to add a water line specifically for hot water.

That shouldn't be too hard to do. He could get help from some of the children and adolescents. There always seem to be plenty who were interested in whatever he was making or creating.

Some even had some ideas of machines of their own. He encouraged them and appreciated their help.

Yes, they would add a pipe line just for hot water. Would they want that in the kitchen? Perhaps they would. Really all they had in the kitchen for plumbing was a few sinks. Wait, they did use hot water there to wash the dishes. They would get a hot water line as well.

As soon as he finished the plans, he yawned. He set the plans aside and snuffed out the candle. Then he went back to bed and went to sleep.

The next morning, he meet the helpful workers and told them his new plan for getting hot water throughout the castle and the monastery. They got excited.

Lady Penelopi heard them. "Greg, have you found a way to get us hot water without us having to heat it up with fire?"

"Yes, Milady. We'll be installing a hot water system today and installing hot water pipes throughout the castle and the monastery."

"Wonderful. I hope it won't be too hard for us to use."

"It shouldn't be. It's the installation that I'm more concerned about. But I have plenty of eager workers to help out. We'll probably be busy all day with this project."

Darius smiled. "Wow, that is quite a project. A hot shower would be wonderful after fighting all day."

Other people liked the idea.

Soon Greg and the young workers made pipes and the tank. They wasted no time gathering up the parts and installing them. They made quite a ruckus during the whole installation project. They took a break for lunch and then finished up before dinner.

The hot water line was hotter than the cold water line, but not by much. That was just the first day. The monks and nuns decided to wait and see if there really would be hot water at the castle before they would allow the workers into the monastery.

The next day, the water was getting hot. There wasn't enough to go around for everyone, but it was a start. Greg and his workers expanded the system soon the whole castle could have hot water when they wanted it. Once that was established, they went to the monastery and installed another hot water system.

Something was bothering Greg. He flew around the castle absentmindedly. It was getting dark as the sun was setting. There were people grumbling about the lack of light and how little candlelight helped them to get their work done.

He bumped into the fairy guards.

"Oh, sorry. I guess I'm too busy thinking." He stood on the floor.

"No problem. At least we're not the only fairies around here."

"Oh, there are a few fairy children around. They can be quite helpful when I have big projects to work on, like the hot water one."

"That was a wonderful invention. Do you know how happy people are about that?"

"Yeah, I've heard them. Even the monks and nuns are happy."

"So what's wrong now?"

"People are complaining about the lack of light. I think some are finding it's hard on their eyes."

The fairy guards nodded. "Well, the domestic staff do some pretty fancy embroidery work and all the sewing and weaving. They do a wonderful job on our clothes. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Oh, yes, they do. They have made me some pretty durable ones. I guess I'm not always good about taking care of my pants."

"At least they understand we have wings on our backs and have come up with shirts we can wear." She sported her top with the string ties in the back.

"Yes, or they just let us go shirtless." Greg never bother wearing a shirt. It was too much trouble for him.

"There is that. Sometimes a little fashion is nice to have. Elves really aren't so bad once you get to know them."

The other guard sighed. "We need more fairies. We'll just have to go scouting for them someday."

"Later. For now, Greg has a problem. Perhaps we can help him find the solution."

"Yes, we need light at night when the sun is down. How do we power those lights if they aren't candles?"

"Hmm, not sure. You've stumped me."

"Perhaps we could use the power of the sun and store it for use overnight."

"How would you do that?"

"I don't know yet." Greg floated up toward the ceiling. He bumped his head against the ceiling. "Ow!"

"Careful. I didn't know thinking could be so dangerous."

Greg didn't see stars, he saw blue panels on the roof of the castle. He blinked. He saw the panels attached to storage devices, a series of batteries. Then he saw wires all throughout the castle hooked up to lights hanging from the ceiling where the candles were.

"I think I've got it." He flew to his room and lit a candle. He grabbed paper, quill, and ink. He quickly jotted down everything he saw and used as much detail as he could.

The fairy guards followed him and watched him furiously draw up the plans. "It's truly amazing how he does that, isn't it?"

"Yes, and he comes up with some great inventions. I wonder how this one will come out."

"You know it will keep him and some of the children quite busy for about month or so."

The fairies laughed and went outside to do their guard duty.

Greg finished up his plans and looked them over. There was something to this. He felt it had potential for more than just lights, but he could only think of lights at the moment.

He knew it was only a matter of time before other uses would become apparent. Or perhaps the children could come up with some ideas.

Greg awoke the next morning. He was ready to get to work on the solar electricity project. As he yawned he thought of the non-invasive scanners. They needed an energy source or else the scientists weren't going to be able to use for much of anything.

He got up and reviewed his plans. He found he could add outlets and create plugs to hook into the electricity. There. Now the scanners would probably work without too much trouble. They could have rechargeable batteries as the main system would.

He took the plans down to breakfast to share with everyone.

People were interested. Many were looking forward to having lights on at night when they needed to work. Some people living in the castle just worked better after dark and slept during the day.

After breakfast, Greg and his crew got right to work. It was a long day for them. It took them much of the day just to construct the solar panels. The batteries took another day.

There were accidents. Some people, including Greg were injured. The domestic staff did what they could.

Darius noticed the work and the injuries. "Lady Penelopi, I think we need a healer in this hold."

"Yes, we do. We don't know enough and some of these projects Greg is doing are a bit dangerous. At least Julio, Boe, and Maegin can help figure out what went wrong and give some good ideas on how to prevent more problems."

Darius nodded. "We all need each other. I do know of a healer. He's also a seer as well. He can do some magic, but he is a rather ugly elf."

Lady Penelopi laughed. "We don't care about looks around here. His skills will be valuable. Well, his healer abilities will be. I don't know about the magic and the seeing."

"It's okay, Lady Penelopi, magic isn't an exact science as my friend would say. You can't always rely on it when you need it."

"I think our scientists are finding that out as well. Psi force is supposed to explain magic."

"Yep. As I recall, the healer, Bernard, and I are from the same area. He's probably still around there working for Lord Plaesance. That is if he's still alive."

"If?"

"Lord Plaesance may be handsome, but he's hard to work for. People who disappoint him tend to end up dead."

"Still, if Bernard is alive and his healer skills are good, we need him."

"Alright, I'll make arrangements to go after him. I'm sure he'd like our little community." Darius left to find Jazmin.

Greg and his crew continued to work. Finally after about a month of work, they were able to have lights running at night for those who needed them. He had to work awhile longer to get the scanners running and also made sure the scientists could use them. There were little plug in lights he made that the children could use as night lights.

Greg was so busy he didn't realize what was happening to him. It was something Lady Penelopi noticed right away. Her eyes were keen.

Lady Penelopi smiled at Greg. "Dear, it's alright. It happens to all of us at some point in our lives. How are you feeling?"

"I don't know sometimes. Sometimes I can't even sleep at night. What is wrong with me?"

"Nothing. Your body is changing rapidly and that causes some mood swings. I bet you need another project to keep you busy."

"I can't think of anything more that we need."

"I can think of something that those of us on the domestic staff would greatly appreciate."

"Really? What do you need now?"

"We need a faster, easier way to do laundry. Doing it by hand is hard work and it takes all day. We can't keep up with all the dirty laundry around here anymore."

"Oh. I don't know anything about washing clothes and bedding..."

"Then come with me after breakfast and I'll show you how we do laundry now and explain what each step is."

After breakfast Greg flew after Lady Penelopi. He learned everything he could about doing laundry.

"The clothesline seems to be okay for drying. Sometimes when it rains, we hang things up in the castle."

Greg nodded. "So you need a washer so you can add the soap and get it all through the laundry and then you rinse and then you need a way to spin dry the excess water." He floated up and down. "Well, I think I can come up with a washer. It may be a hand crank or treadle or maybe even one that runs on electricity, provided it doesn't use much."

Lady Penelopi nodded. "I'm sure you'll come up with something."

He did. He came up with the simple hand crank washer. It was good for washing and rinsing. Then he created a hand crank spin dryer to go with it. Next, he came up with a bigger washer that required electricity. It was all one unit for wash, rinse, and spin dry.

He was requested to make several so the domestic staff could keep up with the laundry. In the end they had three electric washers and three medium sized hand crank washers and dryers.

But Greg didn't stop there. He felt they needed some good communication equipment. Of course it could be tested between the castle and the monastery. Yes, now that would be something. A video conferencing between the two without having to go outside.

Okay, maybe it wasn't necessary, but if there were any more outposts, they would need a way to communicate without the slow use of messengers. Granted the solar electricity did go down every now and then, but it wasn't dire.

Communications could change everything. Greg began the plans for the communications. He also drew up designs for a small portable communications device the scouts could take with them. They could have little screens on them as well.

Greg was at it for so long that Lady Penelopi came up to his room with a tray of food.

He jumped when he saw her.

"Dear, you missed lunch and I had a feeling you were up here working on something again."

"Oh, yes, I'm coming up with communication devices we can use with the monastery and little portable ones the scouts can take with them."

She smiled. "Sounds good. How about something to eat?"

"Yes, I am hungry. I just lost track of the time."

She set the tray down at the table.

He devoured all the food within a matter of minutes. "Thank you. I need to get back to work now."

She nodded and took the tray with her. On the way back to the kitchen she saw Darius. "Darius, there you are!"

"Yes, Milady?"

"Greg is busy designing some communication devices he thinks you scouts can use when you're out."

"Oh? So we can communicate with you here?"

"Yes."

"Sounds like a great idea. How far along is he?"

"He's still planning everything. I bet he'll talk soon. Maybe even tonight."

"Good. I've been gathering information and it sounds like Bernard is still alive. I plan to leave soon with Jazmin in charge."

"She's as capable as you are."

"I'm glad you agree. However, she is upset with me."

"Oh?"

"She wants to come with me."

"Why don't you want her to go with you?"

"It's not safe. Where I'm going, women are considered property and not people. The customs are so bad that if they find out Jazmin is a woman, it would be dire indeed. I tried to explain it to her, but she's still upset."

"I understand why you can't allow her to go with you. It just might be hard for her to accept."

"I hope that's all it is."

"Or it could be that she likes working with you and doesn't want to be separated from you?"

"What?"

"Oh, never mind. Just get ready to go and perhaps you'll have the communicator before you leave so you can talk to us. I bet that will help with Jazmin."

"I hope you're right."

At dinner that night, Greg came downstairs with his latest plans. He was feeling awkward, but at least he had something to do. Darius greeted him as soon as he saw him.

"Lady Penelopi says you've been designing communication equipment today."

"Yes, I was hoping you'd help test the portable unit as soon as I get it ready."

"I'd be happy to. I will have a long journey ahead of me soon."

"Ah, then it will be tested very severely."

"Yes."

Greg fumbled with his papers and sat down at the table. "Was it this hard on you when you were an adolescent?"

"Yes, I felt so nervous, I sometimes dropped my weapons. It was quite embarrassing at the time."

"Oh. Lady Penelopi tries to comfort me, but it's still a lot to deal with at once."

"It is. Once it's over, you'll be glad."

"Really?"

"Really. I'm in my 30s now and I feel fine."

"I'm in my 30s now."

"Oh!"

"Yeah, Lady Penelopi told me elves go through adolescence a decade earlier than we fairies do."

"Oh, my then how old are the fairy guards?"

"We're in our 50s! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Other people laughed.

Darius laughed. "That explains a lot. So what will these communicators look like?"

Greg showed Darius and Greg's crew grew interested as well. "We have some of the parts in the workshop, but we will have to make more. It may be a couple of days."

"Or maybe even tomorrow if we all go to work!"

"How about we start tonight?"

Greg smiled. "We could start tonight. I'm certainly willing."

"Don't stay up too late. You do need some sleep as well."

"Oh, is Darius going to make us to go to bed tonight?"

"No, I won't make you go to bed, but I will probably come to check up on you."

Greg smiled. "You're welcome to come check."

Later that night, Greg and his crew were busy working on building the parts and the communicators. Some of the crew got sleepy and found some pillows and put them out of the way on the floor. They were fast asleep when Darius arrived.

"So, how goes it?" Darius looked around and smiled at the sleeping elves and fairies.

Greg looked up. "Well, we're making progress." He yawned. "Although, the assembly of the big screens will happen tomorrow."

"Alright. Oh, is this the portable one here?"

"Yes. I hope it works for you. It probably won't do much until I can get another together or the big screens up."

Darius nodded. "Perhaps it's time for bed. You all look a little tired. Goodnight and see you at breakfast."

"Goodnight, Darius."

The next day, as soon as breakfast was over, Greg and his crew installed the big screen in the scientists's chambers. Then they went to the monastery and installed theirs in the great hall.

Soon the testing was underway. Greg handed Darius a portable communicator and another to Jazmin. The crew turned on the big screens and there were faces on both screens.

It wasn't perfect and sometimes it was hard to hear, especially when more than one person was talking. But the communicators were working. They just needed some tweaking here and there.

Even the two portable ones were working. Jazmin and Darius were quite happy about that. Jazmin still wanted to leave with Darius, but he told her once again he didn't want to risk her life.

She frowned and said nothing as he packed.

## Chapter 7 The Fanatics Versus the Skeptics

Adelaen was a great elvish warrior. She was considered a beautiful woman. There were things going on around her village that she didn't always understand. The village she lived in had an old wise woman, whom many people would consult for any problems they couldn't solve on their own.

Adelaen had a problem she couldn't solve. She had a big crush on Taems, another warrior elf. She couldn't understand it. But she didn't want to become a wife and mother or a domestic slave. Was there a way for her to be with Taems and still be a warrior?

She asked the old woman about it.

The old woman told her, "Go with Taems and the others to deliver the message to Lord Pleasance. It will be dangerous, but if you survive, you will get what you want in the end.''

Adelaen packed up her few belongings and agreed to leave with Taems and the others. Taems smiled at the thought. He was wondering how to get Adelaen to come along. He knew that if he could give Lord Plaesance a beautiful woman to take as a wife or even a mistress, then the village would be safe and Taems could be captain of the guard.

He had consulted the old woman first before Adelaen had. He went back to see the old woman before leaving. "Well, it appears Adelaen will be joining us after all. How did you manage it?''

The old woman smiled. "It was easy. She likes you, but doesn't want to give up her warrior status.''

"Oh, really? Well, then in that case, I may be able to try out the goods first. Then tell Lord Plaesance all about it.''

The old woman continued to smile. "She has no idea of what you're planning.''

"No reason for her to. She will have to grow up someday and become a real woman. She can't be a warrior for the rest of her life.''

"No, she can't and I don't see her becoming a wise woman like myself. No interest.''

"Yes, well, thank you for the information and I'll be on my way.'' Taems left the old woman's house and went to the barracks. He made sure everyone was ready to go. He smiled at Adelaen.

Faedin was a young centaur who was curious. She lived in a remote forest on the planet Platinum. Her coat was brown and soft. Her hair was long and black. She often watched the sun, the moon, and the stars. She had many cosmic thoughts.

Her mother had to watch the child closely. One never knew where they would find the young centaur next. Faedin had a tendency to go too close to the edge of the forest. Her mother worried and was often distracted by the child's father...

Fairies weren't a problem. Some lived in the forests, but never in the same areas as the centaurs did. It was as if the fairies and the centaurs had an unwritten agreement. Neither would violate their settlements, even though the centaurs tended to roam the forests to watch over the plants and the animals.

Unfortunately, it was a just few warrior elves who caused all the problems. There were some, like the famous and infamous Commander Taems, who liked to visit the forests to find centaurs. The only purpose was to prove how valiant and tough he was.

It just made the centaurs dread the elves even more. (Especially Taems.)

Faedin was wandering around the forest watching everything around her. She saw the birds and the insects. She saw the flowers and the trees. Once again she had wandered away from her mother, who was busy paying far too much attention to the child's father.

Taems rushed in and found the couple alone. He drew his sword and attacked. Faedin turned around as she heard her parents screaming. Her mouth gaped open.

Other centaurs ran to the scene.

"Get that child out of here!"

A centaur wrapped an arm around Faedin and led her away. The poor child was crying now as the older centaur tried to comfort her.

Taems was chased out of the forest, but he had gotten what he wanted. Another story about how brave he was. He went back home to boast about his prowess.

But Faedin was melancholy for a long time. The other centaurs kept watching her, but she was withdrawn and wouldn't speak to anyone. They made sure she had food to encourage her to eat. The child would often sleep in the forest by herself.

Over time, the child grew, still sad, but still very curious about the world around her. One night she went to sleep. Soon the child was dreaming. In the dream, a woman who looked like an elf visited Faedin.

"Hello, Faedin."

"How did you know my name?"

"I am the Goddess Stefani. I came because I know you are still grieving your parents."

The young centaur nodded.

"I know how they died."

"It was awful and I couldn't do anything because I'm still so small!" Faedin cried.

"Dear, it's okay. You're still a child and will be for another 50 years at least."

"That's such a long time."

The Goddess Stefani nodded. "It seems so now, but I know you are patient and you will discover wisdom. I'm sure you feel like you're drifting and no one cares about you. However, there are plenty of centaurs who look after you everyday and they are worried."

"Is that why I find food nearby me?"

"Yes, and anything else you may need."

"Oh, like when I needed to bathe and I found soap, a towel, and a clean shirt to wear?"

"Yes, they are watching over you when you sleep as well. Don't be afraid to talk with them. You need them the most now."

"Will they answer my questions?"

"They will answer what they can. Not all centaurs are as curious as you are. You could start by asking them about their ways."

"Oh, the herding and the care taking of forest?"

"Yes. That's the best place to start."

Faedin woke up and sat up. She looked around her and found some nuts and berries nearby. She starting eating and continued to look around for the other centaurs.

Soon she found some close by who were talking and glancing in her direction. She finished eating and stood up. She approached the two adults. They stopped talking and continued to watch her.

"Hello, elders. Will you tell and teach me the ways of our people?"

One of the elders smiled. The other answered her. "We can start today with the teaching, but I'm not sure you will be suited for the caregiving work of the forest."

"I know I'm very curious, but the Goddess Stefani suggested I start with this line of questioning. I guess that means you may not be able to answer all the questions I have."

The smiling elder said to her, "You are a very curious centaur and we will teach you what we know. I wouldn't be surprised if you grow beyond our ways, but I would caution you to be careful outside of our borders."

"I know there are dangerous people outside of the forest. I should learn how to defend myself."

"We will teach you everything we know."

All the centaurs took turns teaching Faedin what they each knew. She learned everything they could teach her, but she was still very curious.

Faedin and the teachers often sat around the circle near a huge tree. Faedin listened to the teachers and absorbed and thought about what they said. For now she just wanted to learn about her people and how they live.

Later she would travel and learn about other people...

It was a long trek for them all. Taems led Adelaen and two others across a desert plain. It was hot, but they had food and water in plenty. Taems assured everyone that he knew the way and they would be fine. There was nothing to worry about.

Adelaen began to have some doubts about the journey and Taems himself. The other two elves didn't seem to notice her and that was fine with her. She was dressed much like the others. She wore leather pants and a leather shirt with her twin blades strapped on her back. The blades were within easy reach when she needed them.

At night, they stopped and set up camp. They started a fire.

One elf spoke up, "Have you heard about the Guardians?''

The other elf said, "Yeah, they're pretty dangerous.''

Taems jumped in. "Those are just rumors. Guardians aren't real.''

"But we've heard too many tales. They keep popping up when you least expect them to.''

Taems frowned. "Even if they are real, they don't stand a chance against me.''

Adelaen said nothing, but looked at the other three elves. Taems was arrogant. The other two looked scared. She looked at the fire and looked around their camp. Something didn't feel right to her. She felt like she was being watched. She thought she saw a shimmer. When she blinked, it was gone.

Lord Plaesance was sitting in the great hall with his healer/seer, Bernard. Lord Plaesance was considered very handsome as Bernard was considered hideously ugly.

"Hideous One, what do you see now? Good? Bad? Neutral?''

"Lord, I see four elves approaching us. They do intend to come here.''

"Ahh, but you didn't answer my question. What are they doing right now?''

"They are sitting around a campfire talking about the rumored Guardians. One isn't speaking.'' That elf knows I can see them! he thought. No one ever knows when I do my farseeing! "The leader doesn't believe in the Guardians and thinks even if they are real, he could best them easily.''

Lord Plaesance chuckled softly. "Sounds like my kind of warrior. Do you know when they will arrive? Why are they coming here?''

Bernard started to sweat. His eyes were still closed. "They are planning to be here within a week. They have enough food and water for that amount of time. However, they might be delayed if the orcs find them first.''

"Orcs?''

"Yes, orcs. I sense orcs nearby. They may be watching the elves right now.'' Actually, they weren't. The orcs were too far away. Sometimes Bernard had to embellish to keep Lord Plaesance amused.

"Well, then why are they coming?''

"The leader is bringing you a gift in exchange of assured safety for their village.''

Lord Plaesance smiled. "I love gifts. I could leave their village alone in exchange for a gift. I hope it's a good one.''

"The leader thinks it's a good one.'' What? One of the warrior elves is really a woman? The one who knows I'm watching? Uh, oh, this isn't good. How do I tell him? "I'm sure when they arrive and bring the gift, you will be most pleased.'' Okay, that's enough. Say no more about the gift.

"Excellent. I look forward to it. You may go, Hideous One!''

Bernard opened his eyes and ran back to his room. He closed and locked the door behind him. He let out a long sigh and went to the water basin. He grabbed a glass and filled it with water. He drank it up fast and then set the glass down.

He slowed his breathing. He filled up the glass with more water and walked over to his bed. He sat down and set the glass on the nightstand. He breathed and closed his eyes. He had to find out more about the she elf.

Taems and the two elves were sleeping. Adelaen was sitting up playing guard for the night. The moon was full and there were a few animals nearby, but none of them would get too close to the elves.

Soon she saw an elf appear out of nowhere. He approached her. He wasn't armed, but he seemed familiar to her. He sat down at the fire near her.

"Hello, my name is Bernard. What's yours?''

Startled she answered him, "I'm Adelaen. You're not a warrior.''

"No, I am a healer and a seer.''

"You were watching us earlier.''

"Yes, that was me. I never had anyone know I was watching.''

"I have had some magical training.''

"Ahh, then you must have some talent.''

"Talent? That's not what the old wise woman told me. She said I'd be better off as a warrior.''

"Hmm.''

"Do you know why we're here?''

He nodded. "You're in danger.''

She shrugged her shoulders. "A warrior doesn't mind danger. She is trained to deal with it.''

"Some of the danger is what you're trained to deal with and some of it isn't.''

"What?''

"There are orcs coming. I hope you can handle them.''

"Yes, I can deal with orcs.''

"It's your leader that poses a serious threat to you.''

"What? Why?''

"He intends for you to be a gift to my Lord.''

Adelaen dropped her jaw. "But, I'm a warrior! Not some whore!''

He shushed her. "Careful, you might wake him.''

She got quiet. "I guess I should have seen it coming.'' She sighed.

Bernard looked at her. "What do you mean?''

"I don't know what's wrong with me. I thought I liked him, but I didn't want to stop being a warrior. He has been smiling at me a lot lately and I feel terrible inside. If what you say is true what he intends to do with me, then... well... I'll never be able to go home again. I'll have no honor even if I don't do anything.'' She covered her face with her hands.

"Milady, be strong. I'll help out how I can. Just keep looking about you. There is a goddess temple not too far from where you are now. Off in that direction. If he has any honor in him, he should let you go into the temple by yourself. Talk to the Goddess Stefani and she should answer you.''

She nodded. "I will do that. I am familiar with Goddess Stefani. I bet she would understand my dilemma.''

"I have to go now, but I hope to talk with you again soon.'' He vanished.

Adelaen stared where he was and wondered how he did it.

Taems stirred. He opened his eyes and looked across the dying fire at her. He looked at the other elves. They were still asleep. He sat up. He smiled and crawled over to her.

She didn't notice him at first. She sighed and took a deep breath. Magic was sometimes strange and scary.

"Adelaen.''

She became rigid. She turned to face him.

"How goes guard duty?''

"Fine. The animals are staying away from us.''

"Good.'' He moved closer to her. "You know, I've been thinking. You work entirely too much. You need to loosen up and have a little fun.'' He was practically breathing on her.

She didn't move, but watched him very closely. He leaned closer and kissed her. Her eyes grew wide. He grabbed her and tried to force her mouth to open to him as he pushed her down to the ground. She struggled and jerked a knee back and got him between his legs.

He let go instantly and writhed in pain. She grabbed her things and stood up. She started to walk away from him. There were tears in her eyes. She wasn't sure she could ever stand for him to touch her after that. Once she wanted his kisses, but now... He was too rough and inconsiderate. She didn't stop walking.

Taems was shocked. Eventually the pain subsided. "But she likes me! Why would she fight me like that! Hey, you two, wake up! We have to catch up to Adelaen!''

The other two elves woke up and weren't happy. Taems yelled at them some more. They got up and packed up their things.

The two elves weren't sure why Taems was so concerned about finding Adelaen. Sometimes elves would wander off and seem to disappear for weeks to return later. They were always fine. Some elves just had urges to be alone to meditate.

Taems urged them on. She was fast he told them, so they had to find her trail immediately. The two elves shrugged, but couldn't see which way she went.

When Adelaen was a safe distance away she said aloud, "Bernard, where is the temple? I need to be in a safe place now!''

Soon she felt a benevolent presence. It wasn't Bernard, but a woman. Adelaen followed the lead the presence gave her. Through the tears she found the temple. She wasted no time walking inside.

There was no one inside, except for her. She walked past the main entry and great hall until she found the inner sanctuary. She went through the door and closed it. She found the altar and set her bag down in front of it. She sat down and cried.

Bernard woke up the next morning. He was a bit groggy and so he laid in bed until he finally woke up. He sat up and reached for his glass of water. It was empty. He got up and went to the sink basin. He filled up his glass and drank his water.

He was worried about Adelaen. He hoped nothing bad had happened. He couldn't tell. He tried to reach out to her, but he was blocked. Puzzled, he tried again by closing his eyes and breathing. He couldn't reach Adelaen or even see where she was.

Instead he saw the Goddess Stefani. "Bernard, she is safe in my temple. I'm sorry, but I cannot allow you to enter here. Be patient. I will deliver her safely to you.''

"I'm glad she's safe. Why would you want to deliver her to me?''

Stefani smiled. "Don't you know who she is? Don't you recognize her?''

"What?''

"Bernard, I shouldn't have to tell you. You have the sight.''

"Now, wait a minute. Adelaen won't like this at all. She wants to remain a warrior. I don't think she should have to give that up to waste her talents on being someone's wife or mistress.''

Stefani smiled. "So, you do see. Good. She won't feel like that. When the time comes, she won't have to choose between love and her vocation. She will have both. I will talk to her. I know she's been set up. I can't protect her from everything, but she will need you once she gets to you.''

Bernard sighed. "I will of course help her out. I am a healer and her friend.''

"You are more than her friend.''

"Alright, if she'll take me. Although I wouldn't blame her for not taking me for being so ugly.''

"She doesn't think you're ugly.''

"Huh?''

Stefani laughed. "She sees you the way you tend to see the world around you. She's seen your soul and you have seen hers." She paused. "You need to get back and tend to your Lord Plaesance.''

Bernard opened his eyes and heard a knock on his door. He went to answer it.

A guard was there. "Lord Plaesance requests your presence in the dining hall.''

"Tell him, I'm on my way.''

"Very good.'' The guard turned and left.

Bernard closed the door and went to bathe and put on clean clothes. He drank another glass of water and left for the dining hall.

Adelaen didn't know how long she had been crying, but finally she stopped. She sat up. She looked around her. She felt safe.

"Goddess Stefani, I'm sure you know me pretty well. What am I to do? I guess I just had a crush on Taems and he was terrible. I don't want to be around him for another minute.''

Stefani appeared in the room. "Adelaen, it's alright. Sometimes you can't help who you find attractive. I know Taems should have treated you better.'' She paused. "Taems is looking for you now, but he will not find you.''

"He won't?''

"Not in here. You are safe. I protect all who come in my temple. No one can reach you here.''

"Not even the seer, Bernard?''

"No, not even him.''

"He's probably the first real friend I ever had.''

Stefani smiled. "What is it that you want for your life?''

"I want to be a warrior and defend the defenseless. And perhaps have a love as well who understands that.''

"You will have both and you won't have to quit being a warrior.''

"Really?''

"Yes, but the path to your love will be a dangerous and difficult one. You may die.''

"I'm not afraid to die.''

"Good.''

"Bernard did say there were orcs coming.''

"Orcs?''

"I think I can handle them. I've been trained well.''

"Yes, that you have. I won't be able to help you with orcs.''

"You mean you can't do everything even if we worship you and believe in you fully.''

"Yes, that is correct. Although at times, I wish I could do more, but...''

"It's better if we learn to take care of ourselves.''

Stefani nodded. "Yes, it is better for all of us.''

"It's time for me to go now, isn't it.''

"Yes, you must be on your way. You may have to rejoin Taems and the others temporarily.''

Adelaen stood up. "What? I'm not sure that's a good idea.''

"The other two are suspicious of him.''

"They are?'' Adelaen picked up her bag.

"Yes, he threw a fit when you left and woke them up. They figured you went off by yourself to do some meditating.''

"It's nice to know not all men are like Taems.''

"No they are not. Now be careful. Orcs are dangerous. They just may test you to your limits.''

Adelaen nodded. "I understand. I will do what I can. Thank you for letting me stay here.'' She left the inner room and the temple.

Taems and the other two elves couldn't find Adelaen. Her trail just seemed to have disappeared into thin air. They didn't find her boot prints.

Taems wasn't happy. He needed her to complete his mission. "What a cold hearted bitch!''

The other two elves stared at him and said nothing. Soon they heard some running in the distance. They looked around.

The orcs were coming. It was night and still they hadn't found Adelaen. The elves drew their weapons. Taems ground his teeth.

Adelaen walked out on the plain. She didn't see the other three elves. The sun was shining, but it was a red dawn. She looked around and saw no one. She saw some smoke in the distance and decided to hike towards it.

She found Taems by himself disposing of the bodies by setting them on fire. The other two elves were dead. She said nothing aloud, but inwardly said a prayer for the two. It was the least she could do for them.

Taems turned his head and saw her. "There you are! Where have you been? I need you!''

"It's none of your business where I've been. What happened here? Why are they dead?''

"We were ambushed by orcs last night. Didn't you see them?''

"No. I just got here.''

He threw a helmet. "Damnit! Don't you understand? Without you my mission will fail!''

"You mean if I don't consent to being a whore, you won't get what you want?''

He glared at her. "You are getting too old to be a warrior. It's time for you to become a real woman and do your duty.''

"No. I will remain a warrior.''

He stood up. "I'm your commanding officer, you will obey me!''

She stared at him. He glared at her with hatred in his eyes. He limped towards her. She saw his gaping wounds. She stepped back. This was not the time to fight.

But she couldn't let him touch her either.

Bernard strolled into the dining hall and sat down next to Lord Plaesance. "Lord, what is it you want of me?''

"After you eat, I want to hear more about the elves who are coming to visit me. Perhaps you can find out more about the gift they are bringing.''

Bernard gasped. "Yes, Lord, I will do some seeing for you after I eat.'' He took his time. Seeing could be hard work.

Taems pulled out a scroll from his pocket. It was blood stained, but still intact. "The least you can do for me now, is to deliver this message to Lord Plaesance. He may or may not be expecting us.'' He held the scroll out to her.

She said nothing, but continued to stare at him.

"Damn it! I'm dying and you just want to stare at me? Here, I just ask one more favor of you. Then you can bury me and leave.''

She took the scroll and he collapsed. She had tears in her eyes, but she couldn't bury him. Nor did she start a fire for him. Instead and unrolled the scroll and read the message.

Dear Lord Plaesance,

I bring you this maiden. I was planning to try her out for you at first as she is very feisty and unruly at times. She has been a warrior, but I'm sure you will find that if she is given womanly clothes and adornments, you will find her very beautiful. Sometimes I think her heart is made of ice, but if I can melt it for you, she will be all yours.

All I ask is that you not harm our village in any way. I also offer you my services as your personal warrior.

If you find that you do not like the maiden, then I will take her and tame her as best as I can.

Yours,

Taems

Adelaen crumpled the scroll and walked over to the funeral fire. She threw paper into it and watched it burn. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. She turned and went to check their packs.

"I'm sorry, guys, but since you're all dead and I'm all alone, I will be taking the last of your food and water. I don't know where I'm going, but I will need whatever I can eat and drink. It's a desert out here, you know.''

She thought Taems might begrudge it, but he couldn't stop her now. The other two would understand.

In the great hall, Lord Plaesance listened to Bernard's description.

"One elf has run off and the other three are looking for him.'' Okay, not wholly accurate, but let's not get picky here. She is in trouble.

"Why would one run off like that?''

"He went to go meditate. Some elves do that. They always return later unharmed.''

"Ahh, I wouldn't have thought that, but then I never meditate.''

"The three elves are still looking in the dark. The orcs have found them.''

"Orcs! How brave are those warriors?''

"They fight well, Lord. The leader is doing better than the other two. He's still alive and the night is almost over. It's bloody battle. The three elves cleared the area of orcs.''

"Well, then the leader will still arrive here with the gift, right?''

"No. He is wounded and dying. Right now he is burning the bodies of the other two fallen elves.''

Lord Plaesance sighed. "Oh, well, I guess I'll get a different gift from someone else. You may go, Hideous One.''

Bernard went back to his room. He sighed and sat down on his bed. Seeing could be exhausting work at times. Sometimes he wished he didn't have to do it on demand for Lord Plaesance. He got up and filled up his glass with water. He walked back to the bed and set the glass down. He sat on the bed and meditated.

I am an elf. I am alone. There were others, but they have long since died. We have been traveling for far too long in the wilderness. I am currently crossing rough terrain. There's no more food and none is growing around here. The water isn't completely safe to drink, but I added some tea to it to allow me to drink it and keep myself hydrated. I still have a long way to go to reach my destination.

I'm looking forward to good food, water, a shower, and sleeping in a comfortable bed. I am armed with twin blades and I do know some magic. I know how to fight with magic, though I would prefer not to. Unfortunately, I don't have complete control over my magic and sometimes bad things happen around me when I lose my temper.

The sun is setting. I can't sleep because of lack of food. I can hear them coming. I know they're coming for me. I turn around. I see orcs coming straight towards me. It will be a long night. I draw my twin blades. I will not go down without a fight.

Now it's time for gymnastics and magic...

Bernard woke up in his bed alone. The dream was so real. It was much like others he had had. He sat up and grabbed his glass of water. He downed it. It was a strange dream. In it, he felt he was a woman. He stopped breathing. It wasn't a dream! Adelaen was in trouble. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

He could see her. She was flying around and thrusting her blades everywhere. Many orcs were dying. Her magic wasn't strong enough. Bernard started using some of his to keep the orcs from reaching her.

It was enough. She was still getting hit, but bruises heal. All the cuts she received were minor and would heal given time. She never saw Bernard. She felt weak, but she had to keep fighting. She didn't quit until all the orcs were dead or dying.

Bernard was sweating. He saw her collapse to her knees. He said a healing spell for her. He knew how hungry she felt. Then he gave her the path she needed to reach the castle. Hopefully, she could make it, as long as she didn't dehydrate, she would make it.

Slowly her breathing returned to normal. The dizziness stopped. She pulled out her flask and finished the last of the tea. The sun was rising with another red dawn. She stood up carefully. She turned around and saw a castle in the distance. She headed towards it feeling weak and worn.

Bernard opened his eyes. He was sweating and shaking. She drank the poisonous water! He knew he had to prepare the correct potion or she would die. He got up and grabbed his glass. He quickly drank more water. Soon he was breathing normally again.

He walked over to his alchemy set and picked the herbs he needed. He wasted no time in preparing the potion. It had only one side effect. Whenever the patient drank it, he or she would babble all sorts of secrets. It wasn't pleasant to listen to and Bernard always denied anything that was said later. He felt it was best not to say anything, especially if the patient didn't remember afterwards.

They typically didn't remember telling him anything.

Bernard finished the potion and set it aside. He then left his room to walk outside. He knew she wasn't far from the castle. He found her lying on the ground. He bent down and checked her pulse. It was still steady. He could see she was breathing.

He motioned to a couple of guards, who came over. "This elf is in need of treatment. Please pick her up and follow me to my quarters."

"Yes, sir!" Both the guards bent over to pick up Adelaen and carried her to Bernard's sick bed in his quarters.

"Please inform the kitchen staff that I will be taking my meals here for the rest of today."

"Will do." They left immediately.

Bernard made sure she was comfortable and shook her gently. She opened her eyes. She saw him and whispered, "Bernard?"

"Yes, I'm here. I need to give you a potion to help you detoxify after drinking that awful water." He stood up and went to his alchemy set. He grabbed the potion and walked back to her. He knelt beside the bed. "Here, I'll lift your head so you can drink it and then I'll let you rest."

"Okay."

He lifted her gently and held the potion to her mouth. She grabbed it with both hands and drank it all down. When she was finished, he laid her back down. She started to shiver. He stood up, put the potion bottle on the alchemy table and then reached for a blanket. He laid it over her.

He pulled up a chair near her bed. He always found the waiting to be the difficult part. This time it was even worse. He wanted to hold her hand, but wasn't sure what she would think of it. He knew she might resent it after the way Taems had treated her.

Before long, there was a knock on his door. Bernard got up and answered it. It was a servant bringing him breakfast. She set the tray down at his table. He thanked her and she bowed to him. She turned and left the room. He closed the door and then went to the table.

He kept an eye on Adelaen as he ate. Her breathing was even and she was starting to mumble. He cringed. It was bad enough that she knew she was considered a ruined woman, but he knew she had defended herself well. He didn't agree she was ruined.

Soon she was babbling about her life in the village. She sounded confused about what was going on around her. She admitted to not being able to learn how to cook, other than setting a whole kitchen on fire accidentally. She was proud she could wield cast iron skillets and defend herself against bullies. She had already been a dancer and a gymnast as a child.

That's when she was able to obtain warrior training with Taems. She was in her teens when her talent was discovered. It was around the same time that she learned she had a knack for magic.

But she didn't know why the wise old woman would never train her. That was something Bernard couldn't understand either, unless there was something wrong with the wise woman.

Bernard remembered well when his talent became apparent. The wise people of his village took him aside when he was still a child and taught them everything they knew. They made sure he knew herb lore and how to treat ailments and sickness. Being a seer and having magical abilities only got one so far, but knowing herbs and potions ensured you could stay alive.

Bernard finished his meal and set the tray outside his door. He sat down next to Adelaen. Now she was sweating. He wiped her brow and then got up to get a bowl of cool water and a washcloth. He took the bowl over to the end table near her bed and sat down. He wrung out the washcloth and wiped her brow.

She was tossing a little bit and complaining about falling for Taems and the way he treated her. She cried for a little while. Then became still and fell asleep.

Bernard let out a sigh. The worse of it was over and she was peaceful. He made a note to himself that he shouldn't tell her how beautiful he found her. Obviously, it could upset her after the way she was treated.

He moved the bowl back to the sink. He looked over at Adelaen and realized she needed a change of clothing. He walked back to the bed. She had no bag with her, but her weapons were still on her back. He didn't want to wake her, so he left her be while he left to visit the seamstress.

The seamstress didn't like to look at Bernard. She scowled at him.

"Milady, I have a patient who needs a change of clothing. Do you think you can make her something today?"

"I can do that, Ugly One. Just show me where she is. I'll need her measurements."

They walked back to his quarters to find Adelaen awake. Bernard helped Adelaen take off her weapons and the seamstress took measurements, which she wrote down on a piece of paper.

"Alright, I'll have something for you to wear in the morning. I'll have it delivered here."

"Thank you," Adelaen said. After the seamstress left, Adelaen sat down on the bed and looked at Bernard. "I guess I told you all about my life." She looked down at the floor.

"It happens. It's a side effect from the potion. You wouldn't believe some of the stories I've heard from the people around here. Trust me, you're a better person than they are."

"Oh?"

"I've heard confessions of infidelity, thievery, murder, etc. Your story wasn't as bad. Actually, most people don't remember saying anything at all."

She blushed. "Now what?"

"I don't know. Lunch hasn't arrived yet. But it will soon and a servant will bring it here."

"For both of us?"

"Yes. That's how it works when I have a patient to tend to."

"Won't it be bad because I'm a woman in your quarters."

"No. My bed is over there and where we're at is the sick room. My only concern would be if Lord Plaesance sees you. He likes to take beautiful women to his room any time of the day." He sighed.

"Oh, I saw the letter Taems was going to give Lord Plaesance. I don't think I'll like him."

Bernard shook his head. "You wouldn't. He calls me the Hideous One and demands that I entertain him with my seeing ability. I have to lie and embellish to keep him entertained."

"Sounds awful."

"It is, but I have no where else to go. I don't even know how to fight. If orcs find me, I could die pretty quickly."

"Wait, won't Lord Plaesance know I'm here and want to see me?"

"Probably. It can't be helped. Two guards carried you in here and the seamstress has seen you. I'm sure the news has gone around the castle."

She grimaced. "Then perhaps we should leave together."

"No, not yet. You're not well enough. You've been starving and you drank bad water. I know you're a trained warrior and quite good, but even you need time to recover from what you've been through first."

She sighed. "Yeah, I do feel a little weak."

"Besides, I know from my friend, Darius, that wandering around isn't the best sort of life. I need a community to belong to. One where my talents for healing will be appreciated."

"I hope a place like that exists where we can both be accepted as we are."

He nodded and smiled. "We can dream, but for now we have to live under Lord Plaesance's rules."

"And they're not pleasant."

"No."

A knock on the door. Bernard went to answer it and it was a servant carrying a tray of food for both him and Adelaen. The servant set it down at the table and left. Bernard picked up the chair near her bed and sat down at the table opposite the other chair.

He uncovered the plates. "Come, milady, and try to eat something."

She stood up and carefully walked over to the table. She sat down and Bernard pushed her chair closer to the table. He sat down opposite of her. Most of their meal was vegetables. She was able to eat everything off her plate.

"How do you feel now?"

"Better. I don't feel so weak, but I don't think I could face orcs again without some more food and sleep."

He smiled. "Good. You are in great shape. I bet all that training has helped."

"I guess so."

Another knock on the door. Bernard got up to answer it.

"Lord Plaesance requests your presence, unless your patient is too ill."

"Oh." Bernard looked back at Adelaen. "Think you will be okay for a little while?"

She nodded.

"Alright, tell him I will be there in a few minutes."

The servant left. Bernard took the tray of dirty dishes and set it outside his door. "Feel free to take a nap or you can read my books or any of the papers around here."

"Okay. I'll probably just read."

He nodded to her, closed the door, and left. It didn't take him long to reach Lord Plaesance in the throne room.

"Ahh, Hideous One. I take it the patient is recovering well?"

"Yes, Lord."

"Good. I hear it's also a woman."

"Yes."

"Well, when can I meet her?"

"Not until after she gets a change of clothing. The seamstress said it won't be ready until tomorrow morning."

"Ah, okay then. So you will be able to escort her to lunch so I can meet her then?"

"Certainly."

"Good. Meeting a new woman always excites me. Is she in good health?"

"Excellent."

"Even better."

"Is she beautiful?"

Bernard hesitated. He opened his mouth.

"Oh, why did I ask that? You wouldn't know. You don't associate with women unless they're patients."

Bernard closed his mouth. "Yes, Lord."

"So, can you see something for me today?"

"I better not, Lord, I have a patient who needs me now. Best to wait until she fully recovers."

"Okay. I'll let you go then. Until tomorrow at lunch."

Bernard nodded and went back to his quarters.

Adelaen was looking over Bernard's notes and recipes. She smiled. His handwriting was very legible and pretty at the same time. She felt safe and special in his quarters. She never felt that way with Taems. Bernard's energy filled his quarters with much light. She knew she could trust him.

He did have the opportunity to take advantage of her, yet he did not. She looked up when he arrived.

"You must be feeling better."

"Yes."

"Well, I have some bad news."

"Lord Plaesance wants to meet me."

"Yes, tomorrow at lunch."

"Great."

"I'm sorry. I wish you didn't have to meet him."

"Well, if I can stay here in your quarters, I should be safe."

"I hope you can stay here as well. Otherwise, I don't know."

She nodded.

The next morning breakfast and a new dress arrived at the same time. The seamstress laid the dress on the patient bed.

Bernard and Adelaen ate breakfast in silence. When they were done, he showed her the shower and then left to give her privacy. She washed off all the dirt and grime and then dried herself off with a towel. She put her new dress on and looked at herself.

She hadn't worn a dress in so long that she wasn't sure what to think. It was before she had her curves. She frowned. She knew she was considered beautiful and attractive. She wasn't looking forward to meeting Lord Plaesance.

She walked out to the main area where Bernard was reading one of his books. She said nothing. She bit her lip and sighed.

He looked up and saw her. "Wow!" He set the book down and stood up. "How long has it been since you wore a dress?"

"Not since I was a child. I guess I was 14 the last time. Lord Plaesance will desire me." She looked down at the floor.

"Yeah, he will, unfortunately. I wish I could do something to help—"

"Bernard, I know. I grew up in a village which is just as bad as this castle. At least I can fight."

He nodded. "Yes, I'm glad you can."

"You never learned how to fight?"

"No. In my village, as soon as it was discovered I was a seer and could do some magic, the wise people took me and trained me as best they could. They also taught me herb lore and how to be a healer."

She nodded. "Then you wouldn't have to had to fight. When we leave, I will defend you."

He smiled. "I'd appreciate that."

When it was time, Bernard led Adelaen to the great hall. They walked side by side. They approached Lord Plaesance and bowed together.

"Ah, this must be the lovely lady you've been treating. What is your name, dear?"

"Adelaen."

"A beautiful name for a beautiful woman." He smiled at her.

She and Bernard sat down opposite of him.

"Where does a lovely creature, such as yourself, come from?"

"From a village quite a ways from here, Lord."

"Oh were you with the group of elves that were headed this way?"

"I don't believe so."

"Oh. It was sad. They were all killed by orcs."

"That is sad. Orcs are very dangerous."

"Of course, a young lady, such as yourself, would need a strong warrior to defend her from such orcs."

Adelaen looked down at her plate. She felt hot. Bernard looked at her.

"I would love to be that warrior for you."

She clenched her teeth. Bernard raised his eyebrows.

"Here comes the food. Do you like meat?"

"No. I prefer vegetables."

"Oh. How sad. Well, eat whatever you wish that the servants bring by."

Adelaen and Bernard ate and said nothing else the rest of the meal.

They left to go back to Bernard's quarters after lunch was over. Neither spoke, but Lord Plaesance watched them leave.

"Guard, spy on them. I wonder what they are up to. She doesn't seem sick at all."

"Yes, Lord."

Adelaen plopped herself down on the patient bed. "Well, that was awful."

"Yes, it was."

"I take it, it's only a matter of time before he expects me to tend to his needs."

"I hope not."

She turned her head towards the wall. "Did you hear something over there?"

"Huh?" He looked in the same direction. His eyes grew wide. He walked over to her. He whispered in her ear, "It's a spy in the wall. We're being watched."

Her eyes widened. "Oh, no."

There was a knock on the door. Bernard went to answer it.

"Lord Plaesance has assigned new quarters for the lady. He doesn't believe she is sick."

Adelaen rose up. "Alright I'll go." She walked next to Bernard and whispered in his ear, "Keep my weapons safe."

Bernard nodded and watched her leave with the servant. He sighed and closed the door.

Adelaen followed the servant to the new quarters.

"If you need anything, milady, don't hesitate to ask."

"Okay."

The servant left. Adelaen sat down on the bed and sighed. She looked all around the room and saw some light coming from a distant wall. She stood up and walked over to the wall. She looked and raised her hands to the wall. She moved her hands and found peep holes. She smiled.

So there were passageways in this castle where people could spy on other people. She kept searching the wall and found a button. She pressed it and the panel slid open. She walked inside the passageway and closed the panel behind her.

She wandered around watching carefully for other people. She listened intently and as she made her way around the inner passages. Soon she heard Lord Plaesance talking. She stopped when she could see him through the peep holes.

He was talking to one of his guards. "Tonight, I will have her. I can't believe the Hideous One would actually think he would have a chance with a woman. It's just unbelievable! I should have made him a eunuch, but I thought with his looks there would be no chance of a competition."

"What do you want me to do for you now?"

"I want you to kill him tonight as he sleeps. That way I know I'll be able to see the woman without his interference."

"Yes, Lord. It will be done after dinner this evening."

"Excellent."

The guard left.

Adelaen moved away from the peephole. She looked around her and walked on. She watched and listened. She knew sooner or later, she would come to Bernard's quarters.

Darius had a long trek by himself. He missed the castle and everyone in it, especially Jazmin. He wasn't sure why he was thinking of her, but it sadden him to see her so sad when he left.

It was getting dark when he approached Lord Plaesance's castle. Darius made sure his communicator was working and was safe from prying eyes. He scanned the castle and saw where the guards were. He watched closely and found an opening to sneak into the castle.

He was in and found himself in the secret passageways. He took his time and checked every peephole he came across. It was a matter of time before he would find his old friend Bernard.

Adelaen found him first. She saw him bending over his notes by candlelight. He was sad and he didn't look like he was concentrating. She searched around the peephole for a latch. She found one and it made a soft clicking noise. The panel slid open.

Bernard looked up and saw Adelaen standing in his quarters. He stood up and stared at her with a gaping mouth. He stopped in front of her.

"Lord Plaesance is sending a guard to kill you tonight after dinner."

"What? Why?"

"Because he's jealous of you. He also plans to take advantage of me."

"Well, that's not good. I guess I need to pack my things."

She nodded and resumed look out.

Bernard grabbed a bag and stuffed his books and papers inside. He grabbed everything important. He couldn't take the alchemy set and he wished he could. Soon he had all his papers and books and the pack was on his back. He grabbed Adelaen's weapons and handled them to her.

"Thank you." She put them on her back with the straps.

Another elf stopped at the open panel and smiled as soon as he saw Bernard. "Well, Bernard, it's been too long since we've seen each other."

"Darius!"

Adelaen looked at both of them.

"Well, it's late and I never thought I'd see someone as ugly as you entertaining a woman alone in your quarters."

"It's not like that."

"He's not ugly."

"Oh and she doesn't find you ugly. That's a plus in your favor." Darius looked at both of them. "Going somewhere? What's happened with Lord Plaesance?"

"He's planning on killing me, so I thought it best to leave with Milady Adelaen before the guard shows up to do me in."

"Oh, milady." Darius nodded towards her.

"Hello. What are you doing here?"

"Oh, I came to recruit Bernard. I live in a small community and we need a healer badly. I just happen to remember my old childhood friend and was hoping he'd come along."

"She has to come with me."

"Alright. Not a problem, except that I don't know how I will defend both of you."

"I'm a warrior."

"Really?"

"Yes, she is. Let's go before we get caught."

"Alright. Milady?"

Adelaen stepped inside the passageway and Bernard followed. Darius led them out of the castle and into the dark. They all sneaked away from the castle as quickly as they could.

Soon they were in the woods. Darius pulled out his communicator. "Jazmin, can you hear me?"

Bernard and Adelaen stared at the communicator as a woman elf appeared on its tiny screen.

"I can hear and see you loud and clear. What's up?"

"I have Bernard, the healer, and a friend of his, Adelaen. We're heading back to you as soon as we can."

"Good. Do you think you can defend yourself and two other people?"

"Both Adelaen and Bernard assure me she's a warrior in her own right."

"Oh? Well, I hope to see you soon. There's nothing happening here at the moment. Other than Greg and his crew tweaking the solar grid and the communication equipment."

"Oh, that sounds fairly normal." He turned off the communicator and put it back in his pocket.

"Okay, we have a long journey ahead of us. I just hope we don't run into any orcs."

"I'd hate to see any orcs."

"Bernard, you have two warriors with you and as I recall, you do know some magic."

"Yes, but to meet them up close would be much worse than when I was helping Adelaen deal with them when she was by herself."

"How many orcs were there?"

"I didn't count them. I just fought them as best as I could."

"I didn't count, either. I was too busy making sure they couldn't injure her seriously. She still got bruised."

"Yeah, those bruises still hurt a bit."

It was days later that Darius learned of Adelaen's skills. They were walking across a plain as the sun was setting.

Bernard and Adelaen both stopped at the same time. "Orcs!"

Darius looked around. "I don't see them."

"They're coming after us!" said Bernard and Adelaen.

The three formed a triangle and looked around them. They couldn't see the orcs yet, but Bernard and Adelaen could sense them coming. Darius drew his sword and she drew her twin blades. Bernard took deep breaths.

"Bernard, just try to relax. Just focus. I'm sure you know some good defensive spells."

"Yeah, I do. I'll use some of those and some protective ones as well. I'd like all three of us to live through this."

"Good."

"Darius?"

"Yeah, Bernard?"

"Adelaen can use magic, too, but she wasn't trained and we don't know why not."

"You're telling me this now?"

"I'm telling you now so you know. She can get dangerous if she loses her temper."

"Great. I'll try not to lose my temper." Adelaen frowned.

"Just focus and fight as you were trained to. That will keep us all alive." Darius looked grim.

"Alright." Adelaen focused on her breathing.

It was completely dark. The three elves heard the orcs running towards them. The orcs screamed and yelled.

The elves fought back. Adelaen flew and jumped in the air. Bernard dodged and sent out light bolts towards the orcs. Darius parried and jumped.

The dawn, when it finally came, was red.

"Darius... Adelaen, we need to burn the bodies now."

They nodded and gathered the bodies. Bernard found some kindling and they set the bodies on fire. As they watched, the three rested nearby.

"How are you, Bernard? That was your first official battle, was it not?"

Bernard nodded. "Yeah, it was my first one if you don't count when I helped out Adelaen. I don't like it. I'm a healer, not a fighter."

"And milady, you fought well. You've have some excellent training."

She smiled. "Thank you."

Darius nodded to her. "You're definitely welcome to join us, Guardians, as a warrior. Jazmin is quite good. She and the other guards may want to test you after you arrive."

"That's fine. I'll take their tests."

"Good. Hopefully, we can get going and there won't be anymore orcs to deal with."

## Chapter 8 Women's Rights

Darius, Bernard, and Adelaen arrived at the castle. There were silver mists all around it. Bernard and Adelaen looked all around at their new home.

"Halt! Who goes there!"

"It's me Darius with another warrior, Adelaen, and a healer, Bernard."

"Oh! More elves! You promised us some fairies and you bring more elves? What were you thinking?"

Darius smiled. "Now, now, Berri, you know we don't know where all the fairies hang out. You haven't even given us some good suggestions on where to find them."

The gate opened. Darius gestured for his companions to go into the courtyard.

"Damn! The elf has a good point," said the other fairy, Elaen.

Darius shook his head. "Really you two. If you keep this us, we'll have to battle it out."

"You're on! Fairies versus elves! Let's do it!"

"Later. Right now we have to get two new people acclimated to our community."

"Oh, fine!"

Darius shook his head. Jazmin was standing next to Lady Penelopi.

"Welcome to our little community of the Silver Mists. There is a monastery nearby complete with monks and nuns. I bet you're all tired and would like hot showers."

"Hot showers? Isn't that a counter diction?"

"No, my dear lady, not here. We have hot water on demand without using any fire to heat it up."

"Oh. Sounds good to me."

"We can offer you separate rooms or the same one if you prefer."

"Separate, please. We're just friends."

Lady Penelopi smiled. "No problem. I didn't want to assume."

Adelaen smiled. "Thank you, milady."

Bernard spoke up, "Milady, I will need an office where I can see patients. I prefer my quarters nearby in case I need to check on anyone at night."

"We can do that without a problem. I'm sure Darius and Jazmin have things to discuss. Right this way."

Lady Penelopi led Bernard and Adelaen away to find quarters for both of them.

Jazmin looked at Darius as he watched the newcomers leave with Lady Penelopi.

"Darius, it's good to see you again. I trust you had no trouble convincing Bernard and Adelaen to join us?"

"It's good to see you, too, Lady Jazmin. No trouble in convincing either one. They were just about ready to leave when I found them."

"Wow. Why?"

"Lord Plaesance got jealous of Bernard and planned to have him killed."

"Oh, I see. What about Adelaen?"

"Oh, her story is tragic. She can't go home ever for the same reason I couldn't take you with me. She was dishonored and expected to play whore to Lord Plaesance."

Jazmin raised her eyebrows. "Oh, it's that bad, then?"

"Yes, it is. You would have fared just as bad. She can fight, though."

"How good is she? Or do you not know?"

"I didn't have to test her. We were attacked by orcs."

"You all seem fine now."

"Yes, she is well trained and Bernard knows some magic. He helped even though he's no warrior."

Jazmin smiled. "The rest of us will want to test her after she's rested and has some decent warrior clothes to wear."

"I warned her about that. She's prepared to take it."

"Good. So, did you see how beautiful she is."

"What?"

Jazmin laughed. "Just checking."

"Look, Bernard loves her and I bet she feels the same way, but she may not be able to admit it because of how she's been treated."

Jazmin nodded. "I can understand that. She did ask for separate rooms and he didn't argue."

"He shouldn't argue."

"Okay, the fairy guards are getting restless."

"I've noticed. I told them we may have to battle them. They're looking forward to having it out against us elves."

Jazmin laughed. "That sounds like fun to me. I'm sure the domestic staff, the scientists, and children will want to watch. Oh, we should tell the monks and nuns. They may want to watch."

Darius smiled. "Yes, they said they need us. Might as well give them a show."

Bernard was happy with his new quarters. He had to start seeing patients right away. A child elf, Hugo, volunteered to help Bernard.

"Well, I could help keep the clinic clean and tend to patients when you're busy. I'll make sure they have their meals and are comfortable."

Bernard smiled at the child. "That's a great idea. We'll call you Nurse Hugo."

Hugo beamed.

"Hugo, how old are you?"

"Uh, nearly 25. Why?"

"Have you reached puberty yet?"

"I don't know. Lady Penelopi has warned me of it. Some of the other children are going through now. Or they have for the past few months."

Bernard nodded. "I see. How much have you grown lately?"

"I'm sprouting fast now."

"Alright. I'll keep that in mind."

"Will I still be able to be a nurse?"

"Of course. I was just curious and Lady Penelopi did tell me she would like birth control to be available so we don't have problems with lots of unwanted children. She isn't sure we can support that many or that we can emotionally handle lots of children."

"Oh."

"It's okay. You don't have to do anything when you become an adolescent. Just be a good nurse and you'll be fine."

Hugo smiled.

Bernard looked outside and saw the garden. He saw some of the domestic staff pulling weeds. He walked out to go talk to them. "Hey, what are you going to do with those plants?"

"Oh, we were going to compost them."

"Don't do that."

"Why not?"

"That's some pretty effective birth control."

Lady Penelopi walked over. "Have we been getting rid of potential birth control?"

"Yes, apparently so. Just harvest some of it and I'll process it a bit so your people can start taking it."

"Oh, okay. Who can take it? Just the women?"

"Anyone. See these plants here? These are good for the women. Those plants over there are better for the men."

Lady Penelopi nodded. "So men can take a form of birth control."

"Yep and it's safer for Julio to take the birth control than you when you're nursing your baby."

"Okay. Thanks, Bernard. We'll give you some of the plants so you can get busy."

"Just keep in mind, the birth control isn't a hundred percent, but it's better than nothing."

"I wouldn't be surprised if our scientists determine how effective it is."

Bernard smiled. I'd like to work with them. I'd like to know more about the science of healing."

"That can be arranged. I'm sure they will be interested."

Lady Penelopi showed Adelaen her quarters, where Adelaen set her weapons down. Then they left for the sewing/weaving room. Lady Penelopi took Adelaen's measurements. They discussed warrior outfits and Lady Penelopi drew some rough sketches.

Adelaen smiled. "Wow. That would be great. I'd like to wear something like that. It's modest, but looks comfortable enough to fight in."

Lady Penelopi smiled. "Would you like one dress for special occasions?"

"Well, I don't know. I've practically ruined this one."

"Dear, you wouldn't wear it every day. Just special days, like weddings or parties."

"Oh!"

"I only say it because you can be a woman and a warrior here."

"You're so sweet. You're like everyone's mother."

Lady Penelopi laughed. "I can't help it. I feel I am a mother already and my baby hasn't come out yet. I've always wanted to be a mother."

"I don't know if I want to be a mother."

"That's okay. We need all the warriors we can get with raiders and orcs running around."

"You don't think all women should just do domestic work and live for their husbands?"

"No. That would be a waste of talent. Rigid sex roles only harms people in the end. My husband would be miserable if he had to be a farmer or something other than studying science. I always wanted him to be happy."

"The Goddess Stefani was right. I just had such a hard time believing it."

"What did she tell you?"

"She told me I could still be warrior even after I get married."

"She is a kind woman. Would you marry Bernard?"

Adelaen blushed. "I don't know. He's a good friend."

"It's okay. There's no rush. Marriage is a serious commitment."

"I couldn't agree more. For now, I need to get used to being treated with respect."

"Oh, dear, that's what we try to teach the children."

"Where I come from, I'm considered a ruined woman." Adelaen stared at the floor.

Lady Penelopi cupped her hand to the other woman's chin and gently raised her head. "You are not a ruined woman. You're a great warrior and you live among friends who care about you."

"Thank you." They hugged.

Darius called a conference with the lady warriors. "I'm glad you came. I want you all to know that I don't care whether any of you get married or have children or both. You can remain warriors for as long as you want."

"Change of heart?" said Elaen.

"No, just a policy Lady Penelopi and I have been working on. We don't want you to waste your talents. We also don't want you to be unhappy."

"If you are so kind and loving, how will you be when you test me?" asked Adelaen.

"Oh, don't worry, we won't go easy on you. We have to know we can rely on you when push comes to shove," answered Jazmin.

"Good. I don't need or want it to be easy."

"Does my word count for anything on Adelaen's fighting abilities?"

"No, Darius. We have to see her in action as well."

"Okay. Have it your way."

Elaen looked around. "Well, if that's all, I think I'll go find Berri."

"What is it with you two?"

Elaen laughed. "Wouldn't you just love to know? We weren't allowed to get married when we were younger and we still haven't bothered trying."

Adelaen smiled. "I bet you could get married here, if you wanted to."

"Huh. Didn't think of that. I'll have to mention it to Berri. Then perhaps Bernard can help us have a child for once."

"What?"

"Oh, come now, we're all adults here. One or both of us is infertile or it's our combination."

Jazmin hit her forehead with her hand.

"I bet Bernard would have some suggestions for you, Elaen," Adelaen offered.

"See you all later." Elaen flew out of the room.

"Darius, I need to talk to you alone."

"Oh?"

"No problem. I bet Lady Penelopi and the other sewers probably have some clothes for me to try on. Bye." Adelaen walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.

"What's up, Jazmin?"

"What's up? Are you blind?"

"What?"

"Darius, how do you feel about me?"

"I..."

"Oh, come on. I think Lady Penelopi knows."

Darius stared at Jazmin with his mouth gaping open. She was beautiful to him in her warrior outfit of pants and shirt. Her arms were bare and muscular. Her hair was long and wavy. She was definitely curvy.

She was also a good fighter and scout. For a moment, Darius couldn't see anything else but her.

He blinked and closed his mouth. "I love you!"

"I love you, too! But I don't want to get pregnant."

"Okay, let's go see Bernard. I bet he has got some birth control ready."

"That will help."

Darius stood up. He and Jazmin left the room to seek Bernard in the clinic.

Later that night, Darius and Jazmin laid in bed cuddling. They weren't tired yet, though it was late.

"Well, why did we wait?" wondered Darius

"It wasn't safe before this."

"Obviously, no one will care what we do now."

"As long as we respect them."

"Even Bernard didn't care."

"Bernard is probably used to people asking for birth control."

They laughed.

Out in the hallway, Bernard was strolling. He heard them and smiled. He said through the door, "It's good to hear my old friend so happy."

"Bernard! What would know about this kind of happiness?"

"Oh, I wouldn't know anything."

Adelaen walked by.

"Hey, Lady Adelaen, why are you still up? Don't your trials start tomorrow?"

"I can't sleep and yes, I will be tested tomorrow."

"Hey, Ugly One, go and wear her out so she'll sleep well tonight!"

"Darius!"

Adelaen gaped. "Oh, is Jazmin in there with him?"

"Yes, I am!"

"Okay." Adelaen grabbed Bernard's arm. "Let's go and leave them be."

"Don't do anything with her I wouldn't with Jazmin!"

Bernard shook his head. "I'll go anywhere with you, milady."

They walked off in the dim light.

"Bernard, I'm a bit nervous about tomorrow."

"But you're a great warrior."

"I know. It's not that."

"Then what?"

"I'm afraid I'll use magic tomorrow."

"Oh."

"I don't know how to control it. Do you think I could learn?"

"Sure. I'd be willing to teach you what I know."

"Would you? That would help."

"Sure. We could start after your testing tomorrow."

"I bet we could work something out between our schedules."

"Good. Did something happen today?"

"Well—"

"Adelaen, I hope it didn't turn out badly."

"Lady Penelopi has a great temper."

"I know. Oh, what happened?"

"I was in the kitchen with her and we were talking about what it's like to be a woman and the expectations our villages had of us."

"I would have loved to listen to you two."

"I bet you would. I got a little excited and pointed my finger, like so. And bam! Some dishes on the counter exploded. I apologized and Lady Penelopi did her best to calm everyone down. There was broken pots and food everywhere."

"Yikes. Yes, be careful where you point your fingers. Perhaps it would be better for you to stay out of the kitchen."

"Yeah. I should do that. I certainly wouldn't want to set the whole kitchen on fire."

"Oh, right..."

"Yeah, I don't want to do that again."

They stopped walking when they reached Adelaen's quarters.

She let go of Bernard's arm. "Thanks for listening. I should try to get some sleep now. Testing starts right after breakfast. I'm sure everyone will be watching."

"Goodnight, milady. Have pleasant dreams." He bowed and went to his quarters.

Adelaen went inside her room with a big smile on her face. She got ready for bed and laid down. Soon she was asleep.

The next day, Adelaen was ready. Darius stood next to Bernard. Members of the domestic staff, children, and the scientists were standing around ready to watch Adelaen get tested.

Berri floated nearby Darius. He decided to sit out the test. He figured Jazmin and Elaen could handle Adelaen without his interference.

Adelaen stood looking at the other two women. They stared at her. The children were getting excited and couldn't keep quiet.

Finally Jazmin moved. "Alright, elf. What kind of weapons do you fight with?"

Adelaen drew her twin blades. "These. Care to dance?"

"You're on!" Jazmin drew her sword and ran towards Adelaen.

Adelaen evaded and thrusted with her blades. Jazmin parried and defended herself. Sometimes Adelaen would flip over. Jazmin stood still.

Elaen frowned.

Adelaen ended the fight by knocking Jazmin flat on her back. Adelaen raised her eyebrows at the other woman. Jazmin picked herself up and stood next to Darius.

Elaen flew over to Adelaen. "I haven't seen an elf do that. It's almost like you can fly!"

"Sometimes it feels like I do fly. Ready to dance, fairy?"

"Yes!"

Elaen flew at Adelaen and they flew and parried and thrusted. It was a real dance. Soon it was over as a draw.

"Well, ladies? Do you think Adelaen has what it takes to be a Guardian?"

"Yes, she does. I've no complaints. She's an elf who can fly like a fairy," chimed in Elaen.

"I wish she would share her training with the rest of us," added Jazmin.

Adelaen smiled. "I'd be happy to."

## Chapter 9 Fairies Versus Elves

Everyone was in the great hall. Lady Penelopi stood up. "Attention, everyone. We have two events coming up. Tomorrow, our fairy guards, Elaen and Berri will be getting married. All day we will be celebrating their union, which I understand has been going on for quite a while."

People smiled and starting laughing. The fairy pair beamed.

Lady Penelopi smiled. "We will be eating outside in the courtyard, weather permitting. The day after that, our guards will hold a mock battle between the fairies and the elves. Everyone is welcome to watch them in the courtyard."

"We'll cream the elves!"

"You're dreaming!"

There was lots of laughter.

"If anyone needs special occasion clothing, please see us on the domestic staff today. We'd like to make sure everyone has something nice to wear." Lady Penelopi sat down and the feast began.

Many people were excited.

Darius turned to Lady Penelopi. "Milady, did you tell the monks and nuns about our events?"

"Yes, I contacted them via the communication equipment prior to breakfast. They said they will come and one of them will perform the wedding ceremony."

"Ah, very good."

Adelaen sat quietly and ate. She was sitting next to Bernard as usual. She thought about what Lady Penelopi had told her about it being okay to be a woman and a warrior.

"Darius, ever think you'll marry Jazmin?"

"I don't know, Bernard. I didn't think I'd ever be so happy with any woman. You know, we both used to think they were aliens."

Bernard smiled. "Yeah, I remember. My looks didn't help me. But you're a warrior."

Darius shook his head. "Nope. Being a warrior doesn't mean you have women wanting to take you to bed."

Adelaen smiled. "I thought boys were trouble."

Darius and Bernard looked at her.

"After I managed to set the whole kitchen on fire when I was 14 and then the bullies came to tame me. I just grabbed a skillet and fought back. They were all down in a matter of minutes."

Bernard raised his eyebrows. "Yes, I can see why you'd think boys were trouble."

"I'm glad that's not a problem here."

Darius smiled. "No wonder you're so good at fighting. Our community is a great place, but there are still raiders and orcs."

Adelaen nodded. "Yes, that's why we're here— to defend those who can't defend themselves."

"It's a living."

Bernard smiled. "It certainly helps when one can do what one loves for work."

"I'll drink to that." Darius raised his glass.

Bernard and Adelaen raised theirs and clinked all three together.

As silvery mists were rolling in from the sea,the domestic staff set up tables for food. The scientists didn't think it would rain, so the domestic staff frantically got the courtyard ready.

Many were busy arranging furniture outside. Others were working in the kitchen.

Adelaen ran to find Lady Penelopi. "There you are! Uh, I guess it's too late for me to wear a dress for today..."

"No, it isn't. I already made you one."

"What?"

"I had a feeling you'd want to wear one. Let's go get it."

The two women went to the weaving/sewing room. Hanging up was a dress and a matching pants, shirt, and vest outfit near one of the sewing machines.

"Here's your dress, Lady Adelaen."

"Wow. It's beautiful. Who's the other outfit for?"

Lady Penelopi smiled. "It's for Bernard. He asked for it yesterday."

Adelaen looked at Lady Penelopi. "Well, you are certainly perceptive."

Lady Penelopi laughed. "Just so you know, I'm in no hurry for you two to get together. I know you need time to adjust to our community. Of course our little community is changing everyday."

Adelaen smiled. "I love it here. I couldn't ask for a better place to live."

Bernard walked in. "Ah, miladies. Is the outfit ready, Lady Penelopi?"

"Yes, it's right here. You both can change in the booths over there." Lady Penelopi pointed to two booths across the room.

Bernard smiled at Adelaen. "Good morning. I see Lady Penelopi made us matching outfits."

"Yes, she did. Do you know how to dance?"

"Yes, a little. I won't step on your feet."

"Good."

They grabbed their outfits and went inside the changing booths. Other people were running around trying to mend up special outfits or just trying to clean up the room.

Bernard and Adelaen stepped out and smiled at each other. They carried their everyday outfits back to their respective quarters. They met in the great hall. He offered her his arm. She took it and they walked out to the courtyard.

Jazmin and Darius were already out there wearing matching outfits and holding hands. Both were wearing pants.

"Well, well. Whose idea was it that you two would be wearing matching outfits?" asked Darius.

"It was Lady Penelopi's," answered Adelaen.

"She doesn't miss anything, does she?" said Jazmin.

They all smiled.

The fairy children were flying and zipping around everyone. They laughed and sang.

"We have to put up with that tomorrow?" wondered Darius.

"Those fairies can be tricksy," said Jazmin.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow," commented Adelaen.

"I'll be there. If it gets out of hand, I'll have to ask you all to stop."

"Yes, Bernard," all three warriors answered him.

Soon everyone was gathered around. A nun walked up to the wedding arch and stood silent. The fairy couple flew while holding their hands. They landed in front of the nun.

Everyone else got quiet and faced the couple. They exchanged their vows with the nun. Then they kissed.

People clapped or yelled or hollered. Some cried. Others laughed. Then they feasted and danced most of the rest of the day. The fairies danced in the air or flew around and teased the elves.

Jazmin and Darius danced together.

"Ready for another round tonight, milady?"

Jazmin smiled. "Certainly, milord."

Bernard and Adelaen danced together. He didn't step on her feet at all.

"Bernard, are you going to kiss her or just keep pretending you're just friends?"

"Darius, I love you, too, but I leave the touching up to Adelaen."

Adelaen smiled.

"At least she's happy." Jazmin smiled.

Berri and Elaen flew over. They hovered in mid air near the elves.

"Are you worried about tomorrow, elves?"

"No."

"You should be."

"Really?"

"Yeah, we're going to win!"

"You're still dreaming!"

The next day, everyone was waiting for the battle between the fairies and the elves to begin. The domestic staff wasn't running around in a frenzy as they were the day before. They set up a roped area for the battle.

The fairies flew to the courtyard to the roped area as the elves walked to it. They faced each other. No one said a word. Lady Penelopi and Julio stood side by side outside of the roped area. Boe and Maegin stood next to them.

Bernard and Hugo walked out to the courtyard. Children were running around, laughing, and singing. Hugo smiled at them all.

Greg flew out to the courtyard. His crew walked or flew if they had wings. He had his new and improved portable non-invasive scanner. He was hoping there would be a chance to test it out today.

Everyone was ready. The fairies, Elaen and Berri, stared down the elves, Darius, Jazmin, and Adelaen.

"What are they waiting for?"

Bernard smiled.

Darius spoke up, "Okay, Berri and Elaen you demanded this battle."

"There aren't enough fairies here! Too many darn elves!"

People laughed. Some of the fairy children crossed the rope boundary.

Bernard cleared his throat. "Anyone who is not participating in the battle needs to stay outside of the roped area at all times. I don't care if you can fly! Out!"

The fairy children pouted and flew outside of the boundary. No one else crossed the boundaries. Hugo tried to comfort the children for getting yelled at.

The fairies and elves drew their weapons. Then they stared at each other for several more minutes. They practiced making mean faces at each other.

Spectators laughed. Bernard smiled. So far, no injuries.

The elves and fairies did tricks with their weapons. They stood their ground.

The spectators liked the tricks.

"Is that all you elves can do?"

"They can't fly!"

"Adelaen can and does fly!" shouted Bernard.

"Enough comments from the peanut gallery," interjected Elaen.

"He can overrule the mock battle if things get out of hand." Darius raised his eyebrows.

"No way— damn, yes he can. Okay, sorry, Bernard..." Berri frowned.

Adelaen continued performing her tricks. She added her gymnastics to the tricks. It was quite a sight.

Jazmin smiled. "Scared, fairies?"

"We won't stand for this." Berri flew up and did gymnastics in mid air. Elaen joined him.

Adelaen continued to jump and twirl her blades. The spectators enjoyed the stunts.

Darius and Jazmin looked at each other.

Darius spoke, "This has gone on long enough. Let's battle!"

He and Jazmin poised and were ready to pounce. The fairies and Adelaen stopped their tricks and froze in place.

All of them growled and screamed then ran or flew toward each other. They hit. They parried. They dodged. They jumped. They flew. They all danced and awed the spectators.

It was hard to tell who would win. They were evenly matched. Then the fairies tried to use a little magic that they knew.

That was when the trouble began. Adelaen fought back with some of her own magic. It was all over in a minute.

Adelaen and Elaen fell down unconscious on the ground.

People screamed and shouted.

Bernard yelled the loudest. "This battle is over!"

Everyone got quiet. Bernard, Hugo, Maegin, and Greg ran to the fallen warriors. Greg pulled out his scanner and held it over both the women and noted the results.

Bernard checked for pulses and listened for their breathing.

"Bernard, are they going to be alright?"

"Darius, they're just unconscious. I wouldn't be surprised if they're bruised. The rest of you are probably bruised as well, but what is that thing you're using, Greg?"

"It's a non-invasive scanner. I'm using to check their vitals. So far it matches what you're able to determine."

"Oh."

Maegin chimed in, "Greg is our resident inventor. The scanner is telling us some more things, which can be hard to determine without taking a blood sample."

"Like what?"

"Like their energy readings. Both women do register some high level of psi force, which not everyone has."

"Psi force?"

Greg scanned Bernard. "You have high levels of psi energy."

"What?"

"You're a seer and a healer. You use magic. Psi force or psi energy is what we can measure which indicates magical abilities."

"Oh, yes, they were using magic, but I know Adelaen hasn't learned to control hers, yet. I've been trying to teach her what I know to help her."

Maegin nodded. "The nuns and monks know about psi energy. Some of them use it. Not all of them actually have it. Greg and I are still trying to figure out what the readings mean. He's been working on those scanners for months."

"Ah, I see. A scanner like that could be useful in treating people."

"We could use your input, especially since you know about psi from the point of view of one who can use it."

"I will do what I can to help out. In the meantime, I have two patients to wake up." Bernard placed one hand on Adelaen's forehead and his other hand on Elaen's forehead. He closed his eyes and recited a spell.

Everyone else was quiet and waited. No one could move. It was getting hard for some to breathe.

Finally both women opened their eyes. Bernard opened his eyes and removed his hands. Greg smiled as his scanner recorded some new data.

Elaen spoke first. "Wow, that was pretty hard, Adelaen. I never knew you had it in you."

Adelaen grimaced. "I didn't do it on purpose. I didn't even know what I was doing."

Elaen smiled. "You're quite an elf. You can fly like a fairy and you are magical. Any raider who thinks he could have his way with you is a fool." Elaen sat up and stretched. "I'm glad we're on the same team." She flew to her husband.

Adelaen sat up slowly. "I take it no one won today."

Bernard shook his head. "Nope and the battle is over now."

"I really need to work harder with the magic."

"You just need to focus and think. Ever tried meditation?"

"No."

"I know some of monks and nuns meditate. I'm sure they would be happy to teach you how."

"Okay, I'll go ask them."

Bernard helped her stand up. She wobbled a little on her feet. She held his arm until she could walk normally.

That evening, Adelaen began lessons on meditation. The nuns and monks started her with some simple breathing exercises. She did calm down, but she had a long way to go.

Sometimes when Adelaen was meditating, Maegin would scan her and record the readings. Whenever Adelaen meditated, her psi energy would calm down and wouldn't go wild. She certainly felt better when she did meditate.

Maegin shared the results with Bernard. He encouraged Adelaen to keep meditating. He did help her learn to project the energy under control.

Adelaen had just finished meditating and was on her way to see Bernard, when an orc snuck up on her and slammed her against a wall. He breathed heavily and called her by name.

She kneed him in the groin and shoved him off of her. Bernard walked by and saw them. He raised a hand and pointed at the orc, who suddenly stopped moving.

"Adelaen?"

"It's Taems."

Bernard walked closer to her. "He's an orc."

"I know. There are more coming."

He nodded. "Hey, Darius and Jazmin, come quick! We've got an orc to burn in the courtyard."

Darius and Jazmin ran to Bernard. They picked up the orc and carried him out to the courtyard. They set him down on a stone altar in the courtyard and grabbed some kindling and a torch from the kitchen.

Bernard and Adelaen followed to the altar. Darius lit the body and all four stood around to watch it burn.

"Darius, there are more orcs coming. We need to be prepared for them," Adelaen said.

"Shit."

"I'm glad the other two elves I was fighting with were burned after they died."

"What about Taems?"

"I didn't do anything for him. I couldn't."

Bernard raised his eyebrows. "Oh, no, not good, but I understand why you didn't." He put his arm around her shoulders.

"Taems?"

"He was my commander who expected me to play whore to Lord Plaesance. If Lord Plaesance didn't want me, then Taems would have claimed me."

Jazmin grimaced. "He deserves death then. We're not whores."

"No, women aren't whores," said Darius.

Bernard added, "I couldn't agree more. Women are special and precious."

## Chapter 10 Orcs

Merlaen ran as fast she could. The orcs were attacking the village and no one had a chance. Her hair was gray and she had some wrinkles. She of all the people of the village had no reason left to live. Yet, she had visions of the Silver Mists and the Goddess Stefani told her to leave.

It was amazing. She was breathing hard. She left as soon as she saw the Goddess Stefani. As a wise woman, she knew about women's health issues as well as how to mend broken bones and how to deal with minor wounds. Her life had been long and she could no longer have children of her own.

None of that mattered now. Stefani had told her the Guardians needed her and she would become one of them. Merlaen heard the screams, the fire, and the orcs. She could do nothing for them. She was no fighter. She was a peaceful healer.

She ran all night. By dawn, she had reached the Silver Mists. She collapsed at the gate. She laid on the ground and just breathed. She didn't care that she was hungry or tired.

"Halt! Who goes there!"

Merlaen looked up. She tried to speak, but she was out of breath.

"Berri, I think the elf can't speak. I'll check it out. Cover me." Elaen flew over the gate and looked over the elf. "Wow, it's an old woman. Are you alright, Lady Elf?"

"No. I ran all night. The Goddess Stefani told me to leave my village. It was attacked by orcs last night and I couldn't help them. Stefani told me to join the Guardians to help you."

"Oh! Here, do you need help getting up?"

"Yes. Ow!"

"Uh, oh, that arm doesn't look good. Careful. I'll help you get to our healer, Bernard." Elaen gently lifted the elf.

Berri opened the gate. Elaen and the old elf walked through it. Elaen delivered her safely to Bernard and quickly left.

"Ah, milady, this is not a good break. What happened?"

"I'm not sure. The Goddess Stefani told me to come here to help you Guardians out. I'm old. I have no reason to stay alive. I should have died with the other villagers when the orcs attacked."

"Orcs. Oh, dear, we know they are on their way to us. We're trying to prepare everyone. You seem fine other than the broken arm. Are you ready? I need to set it."

"Oh, go ahead. I've mended plenty of broken bones in my time."

Bernard pulled her arm straight.

"Ow!"

Hugo came over and wrapped it up to keep it stiff while it healed.

"Sorry."

"It's okay, Bernard. I knew it would hurt."

"You have some healing skills?"

"Yes. I also helped women give birth or not get pregnant."

"Good. Hugo and I could use help. Lady Penelopi could give birth any time now."

"Oh? You have a pregnant woman here?"

"Yes. I have helped deliver babies before, but I think some women prefer to have another woman helping them."

Merlaen smiled. "They do. My name is Merlaen."

"Pleased to meet you. Hugo is the nurse and very helpful."

Hugo smiled and nodded to Merlaen. "We can go to the great hall now and get some lunch."

"Good idea. After you, Lady Merlaen."

The trio went to the great hall. Bernard was looking around. Lady Penelopi had just made the announcement at breakfast to warn everyone about the orcs. People were showing signs of stress.

"Hugo, Lady Merlaen, I think we better prepare and distribute birth control to as many people as possible. We can skip Lady Penelopi and her husband Julio, and of course all the children."

"That will be a lot of birth control," said Merlaen.

"I know, but we can't handle a baby boom here. We may not have enough food and there are too many young people here."

"I've never heard of a community who cared about such matters."

"Ours is small and many women are doing important work. We tend to do what we prefer and what matches our skills without regard to gender."

"That explains a lot. Why do I get the feeling that many of you would be considered oddballs in most places?"

Bernard smiled. "We are. I think that's why we all get along." He paused. "Hugo, I need you to make sure all the adolescents get birth control. Can I trust you to do that?"

"Uh, sure. I guess it would be safer to just give it to them if I suspect or should I just go by age?"

"Do both."

"Okay."

"Bernard, who is the new person?" asked Lady Penelopi.

"She is Merlaen, a healer."

Merlaen nodded to Lady Penelopi.

Lady Penelopi nodded to Merlaen. "Welcome to our little community."

"Lady Penelopi, the orcs may be here tonight. Lady Merlaen ran from them all night."

"Oh, dear. We are trying to prepare. We on the domestic staff are considering using our skillets the way Adelaen has."

"Good idea. I will use my magic."

"Good. I know the guards are preparing strategy now."

"Very good. They are the most prepared of all of us."

"Milady, we will be distributing birth control to as many people as we can."

"Hugo, why would you do that? We don't need to encourage that sort of behavior."

"Milady, it isn't encouragement. It's realism. I've seen what happens when many people have to face death together. The consequences are not pleasant for many people. I don't want anyone to ask me for abortions anymore."

"Bernard!"

"Birth control is a better option."

"Yes, it is." Lady Penelopi looked around. "I see what you mean. Very well, do what you think is right."

Bernard nodded and sat down to eat.

Everyone was busy. Even the children were quiet as they watched everyone else running around. The domestic staff practiced swinging skillets around. Even Lady Penelopi swung a skillet around.

The scientists, Greg, and his crew were experimenting with some weapons they could use that would send out electric shocks. Then they charged up the weapons.

The guards were watching for the orcs. They also watched the other people and tried to reassure anyone who was nervous.

Berri and Elaen sighed as they watched over the castle. Then they turned to look at each other and kissed. Darius and Jazmin were standing nearby and they were also making out.

Adelaen saw the four of them and shook her head. She smiled and continued watching. Then she closed her eyes and breathed. She meditated for a few minutes as they waited for nightfall and the orcs.

Merlaen, Hugo, and Bernard were busy distributing birth control to everyone they could.

When they regrouped later, Hugo told Bernard, "We couldn't get to Adelaen. She was too busy, but we got everyone else. I even took some."

"You did? Hugo, are you an adolescent now?"

"Uh, yes..."

Bernard smiled. "Well, that explains your recent behavior and the growth spurts. If you don't stop growing, you'll be taller than I am."

Hugo blushed. "Well, Bernard, did you take some birth control?"

"No, I'm celibate."

"But what if Adelaen sees you later and wants to—"

Bernard said nothing as he reached for a pill from Hugo's basket and swallowed it. Merlaen smiled.

The sun was going down and everyone was quiet. Many of the children found some good hiding places and remained as quiet as they could. Hugo was looking after many of them in the clinic. He did what he could to keep them calm. Merlaen was with him. She was nervous.

Bernard was nearby. He sat still and closed his eyes. He could see everyone in and around the castle. He saw the nuns and monks in their monastery. Some were chanting. Others were praying. Some were using what magic they could as he was to defend themselves.

The domestic staff hung out in the kitchen and the weaving/sewing room. Many were holding skillets and waiting.

Soon the guards could hear the running of lots of feet. They could hear the howling and screaming of orcs. Everyone remained quiet.

"There they are!" said Darius. "Steady, archers! They'll probably taunt us for a few minutes. Get ready, everyone!"

The guards drew their weapons and stood still. The orcs stopped at the gate and howled and hissed at them.

Then suddenly the orcs were everywhere at once. The guards fought off as many as they could. The archers shot lots of arrows. Yet despite how fast the guards were, they couldn't kill all the orcs.

Some orcs got into the castle and the domestic staff fought as well they could with their skillets. Many people screamed or cried. They ran and tried to get away.

Adelaen followed the orcs to the kitchen. There, Lady Penelopi was screaming. She fell to the floor clutching her belly. Adelaen ran over to her and slashed up several orcs.

"Get Lady Penelopi out of here! Now!" shouted Adelaen.

A few people grabbed Lady Penelopi and carried her to the clinic. Adelaen saw them and aimed her blades toward the orcs who followed. The orcs fell down dead. Adelaen took a deep breath and turned around and fought off more orcs.

It was a long night for everyone. Lady Penelopi was carried safely to the clinic. Merlaen and Hugo helped her. Many of the children were crying, but some were helping with towels and water. Bernard remained still with his eyes closed. No orcs were able to get into the clinic. Whenever the orcs tried, they would fall down dead.

By the time the sun was rising, the orcs were all dead. The guards gathered the bodies and burned them in the courtyard.

Bernard opened his eyes. He yawned and looked around him. Lady Penelopi was still in labor. She was uncomfortable and in trouble.

"Bernard, come quick! The baby is not coming out head first," Merlaen called to him.

He got up and ran. "Okay, lean back, Lady Penelopi!" He carefully pushed the baby back inside and turned him. Bernard let go and the baby slid out.

The child screamed. Bernard picked him up and set him on Lady Penelopi's belly. "Alright, that's the baby boy. Just relax. You're going to give birth to the placenta next."

"What?" Lady Penelopi gasped.

"You and the baby are still connected. It shouldn't be too much longer."

And it wasn't. Hugo and some of the children helped clean Lady Penelopi, the baby, and the clinic. Bernard drank some water and looked outside. The funeral pyre was huge. Mostly orcs were burning, but there were some elves and fairies.

He could see Darius and Jazmin throwing more bodies on the fire. He also saw Adelaen and another guard carrying bodies. He let out a sigh.

Berri and Elaen flew into the clinic. "Hey, Bernard, we need some treatment."

Bernard turned to look at them. "What's wrong?"

They lifted their legs, which were bent at odd angles.

Bernard set his mug down on the desk. "Alright, this will hurt when I set the bones. Hugo!"

Hugo ran over and grabbed some bandages. Bernard pulled one leg at a time and held it still as Hugo wrapped them up stiffly. The fairies hovered in the air and clenched their teeth. They didn't scream.

When it was over, Bernard grabbed a portable scanner and ran it over the fairies. "Well, interesting. Your bones are hollow, like birds'."

"Really?"

"Yeah, that must be how you can fly."

"Are we barred from our duties?"

"No, just stay off those legs for awhile. You can still fly. No running or even walking for six weeks and here's a potion to drink in the meantime to help those bones to heal."

"Thanks." They left the clinic.

"Bernard, do you have a minute?"

"Sure, Hugo."

"I have a question for you."

"Well, what is it?"

"I'm afraid something is wrong with me."

"Why?"

"I'm not finding women attractive."

Bernard looked at Hugo.

"Men look good to me. I'm afraid there's something wrong with my hormones."

Bernard said nothing as he ran the scanner around Hugo's groin. "Hugo, there's nothing wrong with you. You're definitely male as I am."

"But—"

"No, buts. There is nothing wrong with you. You're not the first person to tell me this. I just hope you won't find me attractive."

"I don't and I know you're off limits. Adelaen is the only one who has a chance with you."

Bernard smiled. "Yes, that is true. Now we should probably check on other people who couldn't make it to the clinic." Bernard gathered some supplies. "Oh, and next time we all have to face death, you don't need to take any birth control, Hugo."

"No?"

"If you don't find women attractive, you have nothing to worry about in that department."

"Thanks. So, you're okay with me?"

"Yes. You're a great nurse and I can't do it all by myself."

Hugo beamed. "Is Merlaen coming with us?"

"Oh, I don't know. Merlaen, Hugo and I are going to check on everyone else to make sure they're alight. Do you want to come or stay here?"

"Perhaps I better stay here. I want to make sure Lady Penelopi and her baby are okay. Besides, someone should stay with these children. They're still frightened."

Bernard nodded. "Good point. We'll be back."

Merlaen smiled. She resumed singing to the children as Lady Penelopi slept. Her baby was asleep in a makeshift cradle next to her. Some of the children were asleep on the floor.

Bernard and Hugo went out into the courtyard and checked on people. Some had minor wounds, which they cleaned and bandaged. Some had broken bones. They mended those.

Eventually they found the scientists. Boe and Maegin were dirty and they were sitting near Julio, who was looking pale. He was laying on the ground.

"What's wrong with Julio?"

Julio opened his eyes. "My left leg is broken."

Bernard and Hugo knelt beside him. Bernard checked the leg with his scanner first. "Okay, this will hurt, but it will help with the healing." Bernard pulled the leg and held it still as Hugo wrapped bandages and attached sticks to keep it straight.

"I heard about my wife. Is she alright?"

"She was asleep when we left. You've got a son. Merlaen is looking after them and many of the children who hid in the clinic."

Julio smiled. "I'd like to see them."

"Okay, but you need to stay off your leg for six weeks. Or least as much as you can."

"I'll try."

"Okay, he can be moved to the clinic. Just be careful with him."

Boe and Maegin lifted Julio and carried him to the clinic. Once there, Merlaen helped them put him in a bed next to his wife.

In the courtyard, the funeral pyre was still burning. Bernard checked the guards last. Many of the rest of the people were recovering. Those of the domestic staff who weren't injured went to the kitchen to cook. Others were crying and stayed out in the courtyard.

"Bernard! You made it!"

"Hi, Darius. How are the guards?"

"Not bad. We've had some broken bones and lots of bruises."

"I know. I set Elaen's and Berri's legs."

Darius nodded. "Yeah, they're lucky they're fairies. They're quite happy that you told them they could still work."

Bernard smiled. "Yes, well, they can't stand for six weeks and they need to be careful until their legs heal."

"Adelaen was great. I think she's got the hang of her magic."

"Oh? What did she do?"

"She killed orcs just by aiming her blades at them. Lots of them. She didn't touch every orc with her blades. And she flew all over the place as if she was a fairy."

Bernard beamed. "Well, she has been practicing a lot lately. Where is she?"

"Oh, she's still gathering bodies. Some of the children died."

Bernard stopped smiling. "Figures. I can see you've had to burn their bodies as well."

"Did you hand out birth control to everyone yesterday?"

"Yeah. The last thing we need is a baby boom."

Darius laughed. "You missed Adelaen."

"I took some just in case."

"Good for you. It looks like it will be a long day for all of us."

"Yes, that it will be."

Adelaen and another guard carried another orc body and threw it on the fire. She turned and saw Bernard.

She ran to him. She leaned over and kissed him on the lips. "I'm good now. See you later, Bernard." She ran off.

Bernard blinked and blushed.

Darius clapped him on the back. "Way to go! Perhaps now you'll know what Jazmin and I have." Darius laughed and he and Jazmin went to gather more bodies.

Hugo smiled at Bernard. "Well, that was great. We should keep working. I see Greg and his crew over there and they look rather pitiful. Let's see what we can do to make them better."

Bernard looked at Hugo and smiled. "Yes, let's do." They walked over to Greg and his crew.

"How is everyone this morning?"

"Terrible. I don't like electrocuting people." He looked at Hugo and tried to smile at the friendly elf.

"You are a little burnt. Hugo, I think you can handle him."

Hugo jumped and cleaned up the burns. Soon he was cleaning up the crew as well.

Bernard yawned. The domestic staff set food out on tables out in the courtyard. Many people grabbed plates and served themselves. People sat on the ground to eat.

"Bernard, we should eat. I think we got everyone. Or at least all that had major problems."

"Good idea."

Hugo and Bernard ate on the ground. Greg and some of his crew joined them nearby. Greg kept looking at Hugo, wondering if something was wrong with himself. He would have to ask Bernard later on. Now, everyone was just pulling themselves back together.

Bernard finished eating and sat still. He closed his eyes. Soon he saw the Goddess Stefani smiling at him.

"Bernard! Good. I was hoping I could reach you. I need to talk to everyone that's still alive at your castle and in the monastery."

"How will you do that?"

"Via the communications equipment Greg designed. He should be able to figure out how to reach me. I may be on a special channel you haven't used yet."

"I don't understand."

"I don't understand everything. I may have to became an elf or a fairy or something else before I will understand. All I know is that I care what happens to you and others. I feel I should be helping, but I can't do everything."

"Interesting. How will Greg know which channel you're on?"

"It has something to do with psi energy. That's all I can tell you."

Hugo looked at Bernard as his plate slipped off his lap. Hugo shook him. "Bernard! Wake up! Please don't fall over!"

Bernard opened his eyes. "Oh! Where's Greg?"

"I'm right here. What's wrong?"

"The Goddess Stefani wants to talk to everyone via the communications equipment. She said she was on a channel that has something to do with psi energy."

Greg pulled out his portable communication device and his scanner. He scooted closer to Bernard and Hugo. He held the scanner to Bernard and tried to turn on the communicator. "Oh, Hugo, here please hold the scanner for me."

"Certainly. What do you need to know from Bernard?"

"I need Bernard to think about talking with the Goddess Stefani and Hugo see what the scanner says about the psi energy."

Bernard thought about talking with Stefani and Hugo held the scanner near Bernard's brain. "Greg, the scanner is registering something, but I don't understand it."

Greg looked at the reading. "Ah." He adjusted his communicator. The image was fuzzy at first, but eventually, a clear picture of woman elf was seen. "Goddess Stefani?"

"Hello, Greg. I can see and hear you well. You are such a genius."

"Well, I don't know about that."

"And quite modest to boot."

Bernard looked at her. "What are you?"

"Oh, that's a good question. I'm not sure I have a comprehensible answer for you."

"You look like an elf."

She nodded. "Some of the others, where I live, look like fairies. But we're not fairies or elves. We're not in the same realm as you are. We live somewhere else. Some of us have the ability to cross the gap and communicate with you."

"You're right. That answer doesn't make much sense. But I can see why many of us consider your people gods and goddesses."

Stefani smiled. "Yes, that's why I try to be kind and understanding."

Hugo stared at her.

"Hello, Hugo. I'm glad you're accepting yourself. Bernard is right; there isn't anything wrong with you. I do know that you're going to have a great love with someone special."

Hugo blushed. "If you say so."

Greg tried to smile at Hugo. "And of what of me, Stefani. I believe you wanted to talk to everyone here."

"Greg, yes, I hope this registers as a specific channel on your end. That way I and others can communicate with everyone."

Greg checked his communicator. "It is a specific channel."

"Hey, Bernard and Hugo, we need some first aid!"

"Coming! Let's go, Hugo."

Hugo and Bernard left to help more people.

Greg watched them go.

"Greg, I was talking about you earlier when I told Hugo about his great love."

Greg looked at her. "What?"

She smiled at him. "Greg, you've fallen and it's okay. It's actually sweet. You should tell him."

"I don't know. There's probably something wrong with me."

"No, there isn't. If you don't believe that, then go ask Bernard. He knows enough to know that you're fine the way you are."

"I was thinking of doing that. But there's still too many others who need his help."

"I understand, but don't put it off too long. In the meantime, I need to talk to all of you."

"Of course." He stood up and flew to the great hall.

There were others running around cleaning up the mess. Others were walking slowly and carefully. Greg sat down in front of the communicator. He set it to Stefani's special channel.

Soon her image was on the screen. "Looks like you've done it. Now, how do we talk to the monks and nuns?"

"Oh, just a sec, while I spilt the screen and call them." Greg contacted the monastery.

"Greg, how is everyone over there?"

"We're recovering. How are you?"

"We've suffered some casualties and some injuries."

"Bernard and Hugo are working to help everyone, but I think they are pretty tired."

The monk nodded. "That's understandable. We are doing what we can, but we may need them to visit."

"I'll let them know. For now, the Goddess Stefani wants to talk to everyone. If you can split your screen and set the other channel to 45, you should be able to get her."

"Goddess Stefani? It most irregular to talk to her like this."

"It's possible. Just do it."

"Okay." The monk made the adjustments as some nuns and monk came in. Soon Stefani appeared on one side of the screen. "Oh, wow, do you recognize her?"

"It's the Goddess Stefani!"

"Hello."

Some of the domestic staff noticed Greg at the split screen and walked over. "Greg, who is that?"

"It's the Goddess Stefani."

"Oh!" Some of them bowed.

"Now, that's not necessary. Please stand up. I'm not worthy of your submission."

The people stood up and sat down.

"That's better. I don't really like to be worshipped. I'd prefer to speak to you all as equals."

"As you wish, Goddess Stefani."

"'Goddess' is a title. Please don't take it literally."

"Yes, milady."

"Okay, Greg, can you record us?"

"Yes. Just a minute. There. Now we're recording."

"Good. I know not everyone will be able to listen right now. They can listen later when they have time." She paused. "First of all, I'd like to say how proud of you I am to see how well you handled those orcs. Working together as you did, your causalities were light. Unfortunately, there were still some, but that can't be helped. My people will look after their souls. We have them now. Some are still children. We will send them back to you when they are ready to return.

"Now there are stories about the Guardians of the Silver Mists. Some are true. Some are completely false. People think you're witches and wizards and are afraid to come near you. My people and I know who you are. We know you will be joined by others. Your community will grow.

"You should use the name of Guardians. You will have a great responsibility. You will have to keep an eye on others. Try to respect their culture and their beliefs unless they conflict with the treatment of anyone. In time your reputation will grow and people will respect you. However, you must allow the outsiders to grow on their own in their own time. It may take them longer, but you must be patient with them.

"You must also be careful where you show your technology. Many outsiders will consider it magic and may fear it. Even those you take in, can have trouble with some of the technology. They tend to be more open minded, but they may have trouble at first. It's best to keep the technology hidden. The way Greg has designed much of it will make that easy. Many items can be hidden behind false walls or won't be too strange for many people because of how they look. For example, the sewing machines and washers.

"There are other kinds of people on your world and you will meet them. If you show them respect and offer them friendship, they will respond in kind. They seem hidden for now, but soon you will meet them all. They may or may not join you.

"Finally, I want you all to know, that as long as I'm here in my realm, you can contact me on this channel. Others who live here can also be reached on this channel. So don't be surprised if you try contacting me later and you see someone else. Like you, I can't be available all day. We need to rest as you do." She smiled.

Greg was checking the communications. "I'll make a note of that, Stefani. Is that all you wanted?"

"For now. I will sign off. You are welcome to contact me later." Her image winked out.

The domestic staff blinked. "We're important as well?"

Greg looked at them. "Why wouldn't you be? I wouldn't be able to function if someone else didn't cook or clean or do laundry."

"You mean that?"

"Yes. My place was a mess before I came to live here. I'm even clean."

Someone laughed. "You don't smell bad anymore!"

Greg smiled. "Good. I'd hate to offend you with my stink."

"We better get back to work. It's amazing the Goddess Stefani talked to us!"

Greg watched them go. He turned back to the screen. The monks and nuns were still thinking about what Stefani had said. "I've got it recorded and I'm sending it over to you now."

"Thank you, Greg. Like the domestic staff, we need to get back to work cleaning up over here."

"I should see what needs to be done around here. I might be able to help you out later on."

It was getting late and the sun was setting. The castle and monastery were in better shape. The fire was still burning in the courtyard, but there were no more bodies to add to it. Jazmin and Darius cuddled near the fire. Elaen and Berri floated nearby holding hands.

Adelaen was sitting nearby. She was watching the fire. She had never felt so exhausted in her life. She wondered where Bernard was, but said nothing to the others. Greg flew over to the fire. He nodded to the guards. They nodded to him.

Bernard and Hugo were tired as they were walking from the monastery to the clinic. They arrived when Lady Penelopi was nursing her baby.

"How are you, Lady Penelopi?" asked Bernard.

She looked at him. "Sad."

"Oh, that's understandable." He grabbed a chair and sat near her.

"I feel like crying. How did we do?"

"We could have done worse. A few of our people died. From what I can tell, the domestic staff has cleaned up. They are still working even though some of them are injured."

"I was afraid they would need me."

Bernard smiled. "They are doing what they can. Some of them have broken bones and they require more medicine. We'll be busy for a few days. Your baby looks good. Have you named him?"

"Yes. He's Luka."

"Good name." Bernard pulled out his scanner and ran it near Lady Penelopi. "Oh, not good. I'll have to prepare a potion for you."

"What's wrong?"

"You need a tonic. You've got an imbalance due to the stress and giving birth. Sometimes this happens. Just a minute while I make it for you."

"Is that why I feel so sad?"

"Yes." He quickly grabbed the ingredients and put it together. He gave the potion to Lady Penelopi, who drank it all. "Now, just rest. If you want, Hugo and I can move your bed and husband's bed closer together."

"I would like that."

Bernard motioned to Hugo. They moved Julio's bed next to his wife's. Lady Penelopi laid her son in his cradle and laid down. She cuddled next to her sleeping husband.

Greg sat down and stared at the fire and looked around. He saw Bernard and Hugo walk into the clinic. "Hey, Bernard and Hugo look as tired as I feel."

Adelaen perked up and looked towards the clinic. "We're all tired, but it's hard to sleep right now."

Greg nodded. "I wonder if I should go talk to Bernard now or wait till tomorrow."

"You need some help?"

"Well, I have a question for Bernard, but it can wait if he's still busy."

Adelaen blinked. "Greg, go ask Bernard. I'm sure he can answer you. Then you should try to get some sleep, if you can."

"Okay." He flew to the clinic.

"You need some sleep, too, Adelaen," said Darius.

"I know, but I can't just yet."

"What's wrong?" asked Jazmin.

"I don't know."

"Maybe she needs Bernard," put in Elaen.

Adelaen blushed and sighed.

Darius smiled. "Well, let's wait and see when Greg comes out. Then we'll send Adelaen in."

Jazmin smiled. "Great idea."

The four guards watched and waited for Greg to come out. Adelaen stared at the fire.

Hugo was straightening up the clinic and tucking children into bed. He made sure Merlaen was okay. She was fast asleep near the children. He smiled at them all and picked up little items.

Greg flew in and landed in front of Bernard. "Do you have a minute?"

"Yeah, what's up?"

"I think there may be something wrong with me, but Stefani said there wasn't and that I could talk to you about it."

"Oh? What's the problem?"

"I, uh, love Hugo. I thought I was supposed to find women attractive."

"You're not attracted to women?"

Greg shook his head.

"Oh, well there's nothing wrong with that. Like Hugo, you won't need birth control ever again."

"Is that what you gave us earlier?"

"Yes." Bernard picked up his scanner and used it near Greg's groin. "That's what I thought. You're fine."

"Wait, Hugo is attracted to men?"

"Yes, he is. You should go talk to him."

"I don't know. I—"

"You don't have to touch him. Just be a friend and get to know him. You can go as slow as you'd like. What's the rush?"

"That's how you are with Adelaen."

"Yes. It's call respect. I love her so much and I want her to feel safe and comfortable with me."

"Oh. I understand that."

"So, just start with talking. I think you will find you have some things in common."

"Alright."

Hugo finished up and walked over to Bernard and Greg. "I'm all done for the night, Bernard."

"Good. Why don't you go enjoy the fire with Greg and try to get some sleep."

"Okay. You get some sleep, too, Bernard. See you later." Hugo smiled at Greg. "Let's go watch the fire. We can watch the stars, too."

Greg nodded and flew out the clinic with Hugo walking beside him. They approached the fire to see a pair of fairies and elves get excited.

"Go on, Adelaen. Greg has left the clinic with Hugo. You'll have Bernard all to yourself."

Adelaen felt sick and tired, but she stood up and walked to the clinic. She felt like she was floating all the way there. She walked inside to see Bernard at his desk.

He looked up at her. He was exhausted. He smiled. "Adelaen, you need to sleep."

She nodded. "So do you."

He stood up. "This has been hard on all of us."

"Yes, it has."

He approached her. She didn't move. He reached out for her and she wrapped her arms around him. They remained that way for several minutes.

Merlaen woke up and saw them. She sat up and smiled at Bernard. He saw Merlaen when he opened his eyes. He let go of Adelaen.

"Uh, we better go somewhere else, Adelaen."

Adelaen let go of him and they clasped hands.

"Merlaen, I trust you will keep an eye on things tonight?"

"Certainly, Bernard, go get some sleep."

He smiled at her as he and Adelaen walked passed her and into his room. He closed the door. They walked to the bed and climbed in and under the covers.

They cuddled and soon were fast asleep.

## Chapter 11 Merfolks

The next morning, Bernard awoke up with a bit of a start. He opened his eyes and then smiled. He was tangled up with Adelaen and they were still fully clothed. She opened her eyes and smiled at him.

"Morning. You can stay here. I should probably get up and check on patients."

"Okay, I'll stay. I'm still sleepy."

They disentangled themselves and he sat up. Soon he was standing up and left the room. He closed the door and checked on Julio and Lady Penelopi. Merlaen was still up.

"Good morning, Bernard. I trust you slept well."

Bernard smiled at Merlaen. "Good morning, Merlaen. Yes, I did. How are the patients? I see the children are gone."

"The children are playing in the courtyard and doing great. It's so good to see them so happy again."

"Yes, I see them. Children can be fairly resilient."

She nodded. "Lady Penelopi is feeling better this morning. She was smiling and nursing her baby."

"Good. And Julio?"

"His fever is gone and he's resting peacefully. He may wake up soon. I did request that food be brought for all us this morning."

"Good idea. Have you seen Hugo, yet?"

"No. Is he usually here by now?"

"Well, no, but we do have patients. Hmm, maybe he got distracted last night."

Merlaen raised her eyebrows. "By whom?"

"Greg."

"The inventor, I've heard so much about?"

"Yep, that one."

She smiled and shook her head. "I'm a bit old for romance, but the rest of you can enjoy yourselves."

Bernard laughed. "I wasn't expecting any. Before this, I wouldn't even admit to myself how miserable I was living under Lord Plaesance's rules. Then I met Adelaen and things changed completely. Lord Plaesance actually got jealous of me and plotted to kill me. I had to leave with her. I'm lucky she's a warrior. I'd never made it here without her or my old friend, Darius."

"I'm happy for you. I'm glad you took the birth control when Hugo mentioned it to you."

"So am I, even though it wasn't needed."

She laughed. "Well, maybe next time."

"Well, perhaps. I wish she were my wife."

"Then tell her."

Bernard looked at Merlaen. "I said something like that to Greg last night."

She laughed. "It's good advice. You deserve to be happy, Bernard. She looked pretty happy with you."

He nodded. "Alright, I'll tell her."

Hugo walked into the clinic. "Am I needed before breakfast?"

"Good morning, Hugo. Of course, you are needed. Ah, it looks like our patients are all awake." Bernard, Merlaen, and Hugo went to Julio, Penelopi, and Luka.

Julio blinked. Lady Penelopi smiled as she held Luka.

"Good morning, Bernard and Hugo. Bernard, is Adelaen in your room?"

"Yes, Lady Penelopi. She's sleeping."

"I'd protest, but I wouldn't be surprised if you wanted to marry her regardless of what you did or didn't do with her last night."

Bernard smiled. "I'd happily marry her. No worries there. I don't know if she wants to get married."

"She knows she can still be a warrior, so that won't be a barrier."

"I certainly don't have a problem with her being a warrior. Now how are you feeling this morning?"

"Much better. I needed that pick me up you gave me last night."

"If you need more, don't hesitate to ask."

"Okay, I won't."

A few of the domestic staff arrived with some food for everyone. Hugo went to them and served the patients. He helped Julio sit up.

"Julio, how do you feel this morning?" asked Bernard.

"Better. It still hurts. Am I allowed to do any work?"

"Certainly, as long as it doesn't involve standing or walking. You need to stay off the leg as much as possible."

"Good." Julio smiled and ate his breakfast.

Merlaen found a spare sheet and looked at Bernard. "Is it alright to use this as a baby sling?"

"Sure."

Merlaen went to Lady Penelopi and helped arranged it so she could hold Luka without her arms. Lady Penelopi then ate her breakfast.

"That's a good idea," Hugo said.

Merlaen nodded. "I bet Lady Penelopi will want to leave soon and check on everyone. She's quite the mother to everyone around here."

"That she is." Bernard went to the food and served two plates. He set them on a tray and went to his room.

Hugo and Merlaen served themselves and ate at the table.

"I take it, I'll be allowed to resume my duties after breakfast," said Lady Penelopi between bites.

"Sure. Just don't overdo it. You've just given birth. Just take it slow. The rest of the staff is recovering as well."

Lady Penelopi nodded. "I'll be careful. Luka will need plenty of diapers right away. I do like this sling for him. He's asleep again. Thanks, Merlaen."

"No problem."

Bernard set the tray down on the table and sat down on the bed next to Adelaen. "Hey, sleepyhead, breakfast is here."

She opened her eyes and sat up. "I'm hungry."

"Good." He got up and handed her plate to her. He went back and grabbed his plate and sat back down next to her.

"Bernard, did you really hand out birth control to many people and then take some yourself?"

"Yeah. Lady Penelopi was shocked, but she understood the need. I really don't like to perform abortions."

"You've done that!"

"Yeah, it was either do that or watch the young women suffer. Many of them weren't able to take good care of themselves, let alone a baby."

"I see."

"I'd keep taking birth control, if you want me to."

"I can't believe how much Darius, Jazmin, Berri, and Elaen encouraged me to see you after Greg left the clinic. I was so exhausted that I didn't argue. I probably should have."

"Why? Nothing happened. I slept well. Did you?"

"Yeah, but we're not married."

"I'd love to marry you. It was wonderful to wake up and see you first thing."

Adelaen smiled and looked at her plate. "Then let's get married."

"Really?"

"Yes!"

They kissed. They finished their breakfast and Bernard took the dirty dishes on the tray back to the table with the other ones. Adelaen followed him out.

Everyone looked at them. They noticed.

"Alright, we might as well tell them, Adelaen."

"We're getting married."

Hugo clasped his hands and laughed. Lady Penelopi and Julio smiled.

Merlaen smiled. "Congratulations. When will the wedding be?"

"Oh, I don't know. We haven't set a date." Bernard smiled.

"How about tomorrow? We need a big party after what we've all been through." Adelaen smiled.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Bernard."

Lady Penelopi smiled at them. "Good, I'll announce it at lunch today. People will love it." She stood up. "I'd like to resume my duties now." She hugged Adelaen and then Bernard. Then Lady Penelopi left the clinic.

Julio looked at everyone else. "I'd like to work, too. Can you call Maegin and Boe?"

Hugo answered, "I'll call them." He ran to the communication screen and punched in Boe and Maegin's personal codes. They answered immediately.

"Julio would like you two to come down to the clinic. He wants to work, but he's not allowed to be on his broken leg very long. Otherwise, he can do whatever needs to be done."

Boe and Maegin nodded.

Maegin said, "Not a problem. There's plenty he can do right there in the clinic. We'll be there in a few minutes."

The screen went blank. Hugo turned to Bernard and Adelaen. "I'm so happy for both of you."

Adelaen smiled. "You seem happier today. How long did you hang out with Greg last night?"

Hugo laughed. "Wouldn't you just love to know."

"Hugo?"

"What? We talked last night in front of the fire and watched the stars together. It was fun. Darius seemed drunk last night, but I know we don't have alcohol around here. He was probably exhausted after all the fighting and disposing of dead bodies."

Adelaen laughed. "He was pretty bad last night."

Maegin and Boe arrived with papers, scanners, quills, and ink. They walked straight to Julio.

"Hey, can we use the table?" asked Boe.

"Sure, go ahead." Bernard and Hugo cleared the dirty dishes and set them on the floor.

Hugo and Boe moved the table to Julio's bed. Adelaen grabbed the chairs and set them down next to the table. Boe and Maegin put their things on the table. They got to work with Julio.

At lunch, Lady Penelopi made the announcement of Bernard and Adelaen's engagement. She also told everyone about the Goddess Stefani's message. Greg played it for everyone while they ate.

People were stunned, but they felt more united than ever. They began talking about it. The domestic staff felt respected and loved to be led by Lady Penelopi.

Many wondered what other kinds of people lived on the same planet with them. What would they look like? People weren't sure.

Darius sat at a table with Jazmin, Bernard, and Adelaen. Hugo sat with Greg and his crew.

"Well, Bernard, I'm shocked!" Darius told Bernard.

"I am, too. I'm very happy at the same time."

"Wait a minute, you took birth control like most everyone else. You don't have to marry her."

"No, but I want to."

Adelaen beamed. "Bernard, keep taking the birth control. At least for now."

"Okay. I'll take some as soon as I get back to the clinic."

Jazmin smiled. "Wow, I don't know if I could go and get married that fast."

"Well, we don't need to." Darius ate some more food. "Unless you want to..."

Jazmin looked at Darius. "Let's not rush it. I like the way things are going for us right now."

"Okay."

Bernard looked over at Hugo and Greg. He smiled. Greg and Hugo were talking and it looked like they were getting along. Hugo looked over at Bernard. Bernard raised his glass to Hugo and nodded. Hugo raised his glass and nodded back. Hugo was beaming as much as Bernard was.

The next day, the wedding arch was set up again. The domestic staff was busy setting up tables and chairs. A nun walked over and stood at the wedding arch.

People were gathering around, waiting for the couple to show up. Life was returning back to its routine and people were adjusting. Bernard was getting more requests for birth control. He handed it out without asking any questions.

Soon everyone was ready and waiting. Bernard and Adelaen meet in the courtyard. They smiled at each other and reached for each other's hand. They walked to the arch together.

They faced one another and held hands. They exchanged their vows with the nun. They exchanged a kiss. People cried. People smiled. People laughed.

Hugo and Greg stood next to each other and smiled at the couple and then at themselves. Darius yelled. Jazmin laughed. Elaen and Berri flew around the wedding arch and laughed. Bernard and Adelaen laughed.

People ate food and danced the rest of the day. Adelaen moved into Bernard's room in the clinic.

Darius, Jazmin, Elaen, Berri, and Adelaen were practically near the cliff. Adelaen was showing them how to do gymnastics while holding their weapons.

It took time for Darius and Jazmin to get the hang of it. Elaen and Berri didn't have any problems, even with their broken legs.

They were laughing and have a great time, until Adelaen slipped and fell off the cliff.

Darius was stunned. "Bernard is going to kill us."

As he and Jazmin watched, Berri and Elaen dove after Adelaen. Adelaen took a deep breath just before she went under the water. She was still going down pretty fast.

Then she saw them. They looked like they were half elf and half fish. Her eyes grew round. A few of them swam towards her. There were men and women. They tried to talk to her, but she couldn't understand them. She couldn't talk.

A young mermaid, Raelon, was still just a child when she first saw the elf Adelaen under the water. Before that, Raelon had no idea there were people living on the land without fish tails. However, she was grateful to learn other people existed on Platinum.

For the young mermaid, the great adventure of her life was just beginning...

Adelaen tried to think hello to them. They seemed to understand. She started to float upwards until she broke the surface of the water. She was gasping for air when the fairies found her.

"Adelaen! Here we are!" Each fairy grabbed one of her arms and they flew up to the cliff where Darius and Jazmin were waiting.

Jazmin looked at Adelaen. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, there are people in the water."

"What?"

"They look like elves from the waist up. From the waist down, they are fish."

"I think that fall has damaged your head."

Adelaen laughed. "I don't think so. They tried to talk to me. I couldn't talk, so I thought to them a, 'hello'. They seemed to understand me."

Darius laughed. "Okay, I know Stefani said we would meet other people who live on this planet with us. But do you know how crazy this sounds?"

Adelaen smiled. "We are Guardians. We deal with the crazy and oddballs all the time."

Everyone laughed.

"Let's go find Greg. He can think of way for us to communicate with them."

They went to the castle courtyard asking and looking around for Greg. Berri and Elaen found him in his workshop. They flew to the window and right into the room. Darius, Jazmin, and Adelaen, ran into the castle and up the stairs to the workshop.

Elaen flew right up to Greg. "Hey, Greg, we need your help."

"What's up?"

"Adelaen fell into the sea and met some strange people. They tried to talk to her, but we can't stay under the water long enough to understand their language."

"Oh. Maegin says there's oxygen in the water, but we can't breathe it as we can the oxygen in the air."

"Okay. So what does that mean? We can't stay under the water long enough to even try communicating with those people?"

"No. It means you need gills."

"Gills?"

"That's what fish use to breathe oxygen from water. So, I need to make you gills so you can breathe under water. I can't guarantee that you'll be able to talk."

"Talking under water probably isn't a good idea."

"No, you don't want water in your lungs." Greg floated to the ceiling. He came back down to his desk and turned on the communicator. He punched the code for Maegin.

She appeared immediately. "Oh, it's Greg."

"Maegin, the guards are requesting that I make gills for them so they can breathe under water. Do you understand how gills work so I can make them some?"

"Oh. Gills filter the oxygen out of the water, so you would need to have a filter, but there must be a way to keep the water out of their lungs. I'm not sure how you could do that part. The filter just needs to free the oxygen from the water, then they could breathe normally."

"Okay, I think I got it then. Thanks." They shut the communicators off.

The guards looked expectantly at Greg.

Greg looked at them. Then he grabbed some paper, a quill, and some ink. He began sketching a filter with a membrane to keep water out. It took some time, but he was able to get the idea down. "Alright, so the filter just needs to allow you to breathe oxygen. So, the water will go through it and you should be able to breathe normally. You'll hold the gills between your teeth. The water should just flow freely."

The guards blinked.

"I'll make one and then we can test it out." Greg stood up and looked around at the spare parts. It didn't take him long to find what he wanted. He worked fast and soon he had a set of gills to test out. "Let's go to the water."

The guards and Greg went down to the shore. Greg put the gills between his teeth. They stuck out, but he didn't care what he looked like.

"Greg, shouldn't you take your communicator out of your pocket? Won't the water damage it?" asked Jazmin.

Greg took the gills out. "Oh? That's probably a good idea." He pulled out the communicator and handed it to Jazmin. He put the gills back in his mouth and walked out into the ocean.

The five guards stood and watched. Greg went under the water for several minutes. The guards tensed and waited.

Greg came up out of the water. He walked back to them and took out the gills. "Wow! It works. Anyone else want to try them?"

"Uh, could you make us some of our own? I'd rather not put those in my mouth after you used them."

"Oh, sorry. Yeah, I'll make some more. Let's go back to the workshop."

An hour later the five guards were about to go into the ocean, when Bernard strolled over to them.

"What's this I hear that you five are going into the ocean? How will you breathe?"

Adelaen smiled at him. "Honey, Greg made us gills." She showed him her set.

"Oh! I should have realized. I'm sorry. I heard you fell in the ocean today and I just panicked."

"I'm fine now. If you want to come, just ask Greg to make you set a of gills."

"I will." Bernard ran back to the castle to see Greg immediately. He came running back shortly. The guards were waiting for him.

"Okay, is everyone ready? At least we have some people with us who can talk with their thoughts. That should help with these people." Darius put his gills between his teeth.

The others all put their gills in. Then they walked into the ocean. Soon they were all under the water and breathing normally. They looked around, but no one saw the other people.

They kept walking. Soon the fish people saw them and approached. Bernard and Adelaen thought to the people, 'hello, we're here to meet you and learn about you and tell you about us.'

The people called themselves merfolks. They weren't speaking the same language as the elves and fairies, but between Adelaen and Bernard with some of the merfolks, they were able to communicate.

It was slow, but eventually they had established an alliance. The guards knew the merfolks would need some communicators. They made a mental note to tell Greg once they were done.

The guards got hungry, so they told the merfolks bye for now and left to eat in the great hall with everyone else. As soon as they were out of the water, they took their gills out and put them in their pockets. They arrived just in time for dinner, dripping wet.

Everyone watched them. They sat down together. Lady Penelopi, Hugo, and Greg joined them.

"Why are you all so wet?"

"Lady Penelopi, we were in the ocean talking with the merfolks," answered Darius.

"Merfolks?"

Adelaen smiled. "Yes, they live in the ocean. From the waist up, they look like us elves, and from the waist down they have fish tails."

"Oh!"

"They are friendly. Greg, can you make water proof communicators? We think the merfolks could use them," put in Bernard.

"Yeah, that shouldn't be a problem. I'll make you all some water proof ones as well. I'll work on it tonight."

"I thought we were going to watch the moon rise tonight."

"Oh, right, Hugo. Sorry, we can still do that. I don't think it will take me long to figure out how to make them. Then the crew can take over."

Hugo smiled.

"You may have to come with me to remind me when it's time to watch the moon."

"I'll do that."

"How have you been communicating with them?" asked Lady Penelopi.

"Adelaen and I thought to them. We can't talk with the gills in our mouths."

Lady Penelopi nodded. She made an adjustment to her sling to nurse Luka. "I'm not sure how you do that, but that's okay. I'm glad you established communications."

Jazmin spoke up, "They don't speak the same language as we do, so we will have to learn each other's languages to be able to fully talk with them."

"Ah, that's not surprising. Sometimes we have trouble with that around here even though the language is fairly similar."

After dinner, Greg and Hugo went to Greg's workshop. He was right, it didn't take him long to make a water proof communicator. Soon the rest of the crew was making more water proof communicators, large and small, and they also made gills for themselves.

They would eventually go into the ocean and assemble the communication equipment for the merfolks.

Greg and Hugo left to sit in the courtyard to watch the moon. They sat down on a bench and cuddled and held hands. The moon was full and bright. It shined down on them. Neither spoke for some time. It was a quiet time before they went to sleep.

For them, it was a great way to end a day. Sometimes they would fall asleep and wake up later. They hugged and kissed goodbye and then would go to their respective quarters.

The next day, Darius, Jazmin, Adelaen, Bernard, Berri, and Elaen were given water proof communicators. They went to the ocean with Greg and his crew, who all had gills and water proof communicators. The crew also carried large and small communication equipment to give the merfolks.

It wasn't long before the group found the merfolks. Greg and his crew worked with some of the merfolks to set up the communication equipment. Darius, Jazmin, Berri, Elaen, Adelaen, and Bernard showed many merfolks how to use their own personal communicators.

It was a long day for everyone, but soon the equipment was set up and they tuned into the hold and the monastery. The merfolks were amazed. Some thought it was magic, but they worked with the Guardians to develop a common language they could all speak.

It took a long time, but when once they created the language, everyone was happy to share their culture and ideas. The merfolks didn't hesitate to join the Guardians.

Many merfolks were scientists in their own right. They could share with the land Guardians all about the sea and sea life. Other merfolks were interested in the technology and they would spend hours working with Greg and his crew to learn new things. The merfolks were able to exchange ideas, which later helped everyone improve the technology they already had and to create new forms. Raelon became a scientist and was given her very own portable communicator.

## Chapter 12 Centaurs

Berri and Elaen went to the clinic to get their casts removed from their legs. Hugo and Bernard worked as fast as they could while the fairies floated above them.

"There. Now you should be able to walk." Bernard disposed of the bandages.

Berri and Elaen stood up and tried walking. They were a bit wobbly at first, but were soon walking as they used to. They walked around the clinic for several minutes.

Elaen stopped in front of Bernard. "Adelaen said you may of some fertility increasing herbs Berri and I can use to have a baby."

"I do. There's some growing in the courtyard and I have told the domestic staff to leave the plants alone."

"Wonderful. How much will we have to eat?"

"I'd recommend that you both eat it for the best results. Shouldn't be hard. It's a fruit you can eat raw. In fact, the raw form will help you out more than the cooked version."

"That would be easy." Elaen smiled at Berri and he smiled back.

"Come out in the courtyard and I'll show you the fruit." Bernard led the fairies outside and straight to the fruit tree. "There may be more growing wild in the forest nearby. I haven't looked."

The fairies nodded and gathered plenty of fruit in their bags. Darius, Jazmin, and Adelaen were nearby. The fairies flew to them.

"Well, Elaen and I will be going to the forest for a little while. Bernard showed us where the fertility fruit grows and we both have plenty for now."

Darius smiled. "Don't be gone too long. You know we'll all miss you."

Jazmin shook her head. Adelaen smiled.

Elaen smiled back. "We need some alone time for now. We will be back to prove you elves aren't better than us fairies."

Adelaen laughed. "Good luck."

"Thanks." The fairies flew off to the forest.

Jazmin turned to Adelaen. "Are you and Bernard planning on having children?"

"Not yet. I'm not sure how we could take care of a baby. We both agree that I should nurse. But if there was a way to take care of the baby and still give him or her my milk when I was some other place than the baby, then it would be an entirely different story."

"That sounds like a job for Greg."

"Perhaps."

"He's talking to Hugo again, right over there."

Adelaen smiled. "They make such a good couple."

"They do."

Greg and Hugo walked near Adelaen, Jazmin, and Darius. Bernard followed closely behind.

Greg stopped in front of the women. "How will you do without the fairy guards?"

Adelaen laughed. "We'll be fine. It's not like orcs or raiders are coming to pay us a visit while they are gone."

"Did I hear you say you'd like a way to give a baby your milk when you aren't together?"

"Something like that. I don't know how it could possible."

"Some people milk cows and goats for food. I'd say it's more than possible. You'd more than likely wouldn't let someone milk you, but perhaps a little device to milk your breasts may work out."

Jazmin raised her eyebrows. "Greg, you may have just done it again. You create that device and some of the women here will be able to take care of their babies and still work."

Greg nodded. "You women are doing important work and it seems that only those on the domestic staff are able to take care of their own babies easily. The rest will have some trouble. Your work can be dangerous to a baby. You'll probably need someone else to take care of them."

Adelaen smiled. "I think you got it, Greg. Let me know when it's ready."

Bernard smiled at Adelaen. "I'll be able to take care of our baby while you're working, milady."

Elaen and Berri flew to the edge of the forest holding hands. It had been a long time since they had lived in the heart of any forest. They had left when they were adolescents because they weren't allowed to marry each other.

They didn't stop at the entrance, but flew further in until they were completely alone. There were animals in the forest, but they ignored the fairies as they sat down on the ground and ate fruit until they were full.

It was after that they wrapped their arms around each other and kissed. They paid no attention to the time and just enjoyed themselves.

It was completely dark and they were hungry. They ate more of the fruit and went at it again. They didn't bother sleeping that night.

The next morning, they finished the last of their fruit. They were kissing when the centaurs walked by.

"It's been a long time since we've seen fairies!"

Elaen and Berri stopped kissing and turned to look at the centaurs. They gaped at the humanoid horse combos.

"Hi, we were just trying to get some alone time..." Elaen stumbled over her words.

"So you were what we heard last night! I didn't get much sleep because of your howling!"

"Sorry," both fairies said.

"Are you littering our forest? I swear no one respects us and they think it's good sport to hunt us down. We're tired of dealing with the elves and fairies. We'd prefer to be alone in the forest."

The fairies blinked. They quickly picked up their things.

"That's better. Which way did you come from?"

The fairies pointed.

"Oh, we didn't know there was a settlement there. We've heard some rumors from the other direction about the witches and wizards of the Silver Mists."

"We live in the Silver Mists."

"Oh! But you can't be a witch or wizard with those weapons."

"No, we're warriors. We're guards who protect those who live there."

"You survived the orcs?"

"Yes, many of us did. It wasn't easy. There were lots of them."

"Yes, we know. We fought them, too."

"Then we thank you for the causalities you caused them before they reached us."

"You would thank us?"

"Sure, why not?"

"That's not how others treat us."

"Oh. Well, we're just a couple of oddballs who live in the Silver Mists with other oddballs. Many of us left our homes because we weren't allowed to be ourselves."

"That sounds too good to be true."

"Would you like to meet some of the others? We aren't just fairies and elves— we are also the merfolks of the sea."

"Merfolks?"

"Yeah, they look like elves from the waist up, and fish from the waist down."

"Oh."

"We would love for you to join us and remain as you are."

The centaurs raised their eyebrows. "That's quite an offer, but we've had other offers, which have all gone sour."

"That's terrible and sounds too familiar." Elaen paused and looked at Berri. "I'll tell you what, we'll go and let our companions know you're here in the forest. We will probably come back and start negotiations with you. We will listen to all of your grievances. We don't like to be treat that way any more than you do."

The centaurs nodded to the fairies, who turned and flew out of the forest. Soon the fairy guards were back home. They wasted no time finding Darius, Jazmin, and Adelaen.

Adelaen smiled at them. "I didn't expect you back so soon."

"We ran into some centaurs."

"Centaurs? I've heard they're very dangerous. Taems bragged he killed several of them, but I never believed him."

"He may have told you the truth. They aren't happy with the way many elves and fairies treated them."

Adelaen nodded. "We are a sorry lot at times. So, are we going back to talk with them?"

"Yeah, they are wary of us, but we thought it'd best to come back and give them some time to think about joining our oddball group."

Adelaen laughed. "We are a bunch of oddballs. Even Bernard will admit that."

Elaen and Berri smiled. Darius and Jazmin walked closer.

Darius looked around at everyone. "Then we will have to be cautious about approaching them. I don't want to get into fights with them."

Jazmin spoke up, "They aren't friendly most of the time I've seen them. I have no grievances with them. So, I always steered clear of them. They would watch me, but they never approached me."

Darius nodded his head. "I've experience them watching me, but I never went near them. I've seen what they can do when you get too close and make them mad. It's not pretty. They have every right to be wary of us."

Adelaen nodded. "So when do we want to go and talk with them? Later on today or tomorrow?"

"Let's wait until tomorrow. For now, I want more of that fruit and perhaps some sleep."

Jazmin shook her head. Adelaen smiled.

The next afternoon, Adelaen, Darius, Jazmin, Berri, and Elaen went to the forest. They wore their weapons just in case, but hoped they wouldn't need them.

It didn't take long to find the centaurs, who were waiting. They stared at the elves and fairies and said nothing for a long time.

Finally, Adelaen spoke up, "You haven't had any problems with us in the past, have you?"

"Not from the direction you came from, no. The other directions, yes, we've had trouble. Some seem to think it's good sport to hunt us down."

"Yeah, I heard my former commander brag about killing some of your people. I thought he was just boasting."

"What was your former commander's name?"

"Taems."

The centaurs grumbled and growled.

"Oh, you've heard of him. He turned into an orc and we had to kill him and burn his body."

"Wonderful! Perhaps we can be friends."

Adelaen raised her eyebrows. "Really? That would be great."

"Well, we are willing to give you a chance. Do you call yourselves something other than witches and wizards of the Silver Mists?"

"We are Guardians at the request of the Goddess Stefani."

"Ah, you know her?"

"Yes, we have a way of communicating with her so that everyone can talk to her."

"That sounds a lot like magic."

"It's advanced technology, which seems like magic to anyone who isn't familiar with it."

The centaurs nodded. "That makes sense. Will we be able to talk with the Goddess Stefani as you do?"

Darius stepped forward. "Yes, when you become a part of the Guardians, we will give you your own communicators and you can use those to talk with her or others who live in the same realm."

"Sounds good. We've seen you and the other elf, who hasn't spoken yet today."

Darius nodded. "Neither one of us saw any reason to annoy you and thought it best to stay away. I've seen what you can do when you're angry."

"Ah, being overly cautious. Yet, we felt you both were more respectful than others have been in the past. I'd say you've all earned a chance to become allies, even though the fairies were too loud the other night."

Elaen and Berri blushed. Adelaen put her hand over her mouth and laughed. Darius and Jazmin smiled.

Darius pulled out his communicator. "Okay, I'll contact Greg so he and his crew will make you some communicators. We'll bring them to you once they are built and teach you how to use them."

The centaurs nodded and smiled.

"Greg, we need some portable communicators built for the centaurs living in the forest."

"No problem, Darius. How many do they need?"

"Oh, good question." Darius looked to the centaurs. "How many do you need?"

"How about 20 to start with? There are more of us, but many don't want to come out of hiding at the moment."

"Okay, did you get that?"

"Yeah, 20. They should be ready by tomorrow morning without any problems."

"Thanks." Darius put his communicator away.

"That looks a bit like magic, but you said it was just technology."

"Yeah, Greg knows what he's doing. We've had quite a few improvements with him. I know the domestic staff is quite happy with what he's done so far."

Adelaen nodded. "He's not done either. He keeps coming up with new ideas on his own and he also listens to others when they have problems they can't solve on their own."

"Sounds like someone we'd like to talk to."

"I'm sure he will listen to you. He'll ask questions to make sure he understands what your problem is before he comes up with a solution."

"Even better. Some of us are inventors and scientists as well, but we don't tend to use much in the way of technology. As you can see, we don't have much use for it."

"We only use what we need. Beyond that, it seems like too much of a waste."

"Yes, it certainly can be wasteful. Would it be too much if we followed you to the Silver Mists?"

"No. You're welcome to visit us."

"Won't others be shocked by our appearance?"

"They might, but they won't complain. We're all the people who don't fit and you'll fit in without any trouble with us."

The elves, fairies, and centaurs walked out of the forest and back to the Silver Mists. People stared at the centaurs, but relaxed when they saw they were relaxed.

The nuns and monks nodded to the guards and the centaurs as they walked past. The guards and centaurs nodded back.

Lady Penelopi greeted the group with Luka. "Welcome to the Silver Mists. I had no idea we had such neighbors living in the forest. I'm surprised there aren't any fairies."

Berri and Elaen flew around Lady Penelopi and Luka. "Lady Penelopi, we were there a few days ago."

Lady Penelopi smiled at the fairies. "I'm sure everyone has heard about that. I hope it was worth it."

"We can't tell, yet. We're still trying."

"Lady Penelopi, I can't say we have been around so many elves and fairies before and not harmed at the same time."

"You are welcome here as is everyone else as long as you respect us."

"Yes, of course. This is a strange and new experience for us all."

"We welcome you as a part of the Guardians."

The next morning, the 20 portable communicators were ready as promised. The centaurs met Greg and his crew in the courtyard. It took hours, but the centaurs learned how to use their communicators. They learned to call individual Guardians and the Goddess Stefani.

It was a fun day for the Guardians. The centaurs smiled and laughed. Even young Faedin learned more than she had hoped. She now had her own communicator and had more people she could learn from as she was growing up.

Over time, they kept watch in the forest. They listened to travelers and let some pass who were oddballs looking for the Guardians. Others they stopped and had to fight. They were able to listen for rumors and watch the village that were nearby to their forest. They informed the other Guardians.

What fascinated them the most were the merfolks. The centaurs couldn't understand how they were able to live in the sea.

A young centaur woke up from a pleasant dream. She, Faedin, knew she would have to go on a journey through the forests of the planet Platinum to fully understand what her dream meant. She was a scientist and knew the Guardians well. She kept her portable communicator in her bag at all times, unless she was using it. Her bag also contained paper, quills, and ink. She herself was also considered one of the Guardians— like many of the centaurs, she wasn't sure about the alliance with the elves and the fairies. However, the Guardians had proven they were respectful and never had they burdened the centaurs. All the Guardians believed everyone in the alliance were free to leave and go on their own.

She was thoughtful as she munched on her breakfast looking up at the sky. There were silver clouds overhead. Faedin smiled. She knew it would be a long, but beneficial journey ahead. She left watching the gossamer left by the spiders nearby to where she ate her breakfast. Her thoughts were on what it means to be a Guardian and how that meaning would affect her work as a scientist. She was still a child, but she had learned all that the other centaurs could teach her. It was time for her to go out into the world and learn what she could from observations and the other Guardians.

## Chapter 13 Of Unicorns...

Berri and Elaen flew into the clinic. Bernard was sitting at his desk taking notes.

"Hey, Bernard! I think the fruit helped. I feel pregnant."

Bernard looked up at the fairy couple and smiled. "Good. I hope that means the complaints about your noise will decrease."

The fairies laughed.

Bernard stood up and picked up his scanner. He waved it in front of Elaen's belly. "Ah, it definitely worked. You're carrying twins."

"Twins?"

"Yeah, and they're fine. Although, I'd recommend that you keep eating the fruit, Elaen. Your fertility is still a bit low, but the fruit should make up for it."

"It's good, so that's not a problem."

"Oh, and do eat other foods as well. You can't just eat the fertility fruit all the time."

Elaen laughed. "Okay, I'll eat the regular meals as well."

The fairies laughed as they flew out of the clinic.

Hugo straightened the beds and then walked over to Bernard. "Wow, they're going to have twins?"

"Yes, they will have their hands full, especially if the kids turn out to be anything like them."

Bernard and Hugo laughed.

In the forest, the centaurs were monitoring the animals. Several different kinds of horses were running through the forest. The centaurs checked their borders and listened for rumors.

It wasn't long before they found out why the horses were running into the forest. Apparently some of the elves were trying to catch and tame the horses.

Faedin pulled out the portable communicator from her bag. "Attention fellow Guardians, you will probably have wild horses traveling into your area. We just found out they are running away from the settlements because there are elves who are trying to tame them."

"Acknowledged. Are the horses one variety or several?"

"There are several. They all have horns, but not the same number on their heads."

"Oh, I thought those horses were scared and we weren't to touch them."

"Yes, an old superstitious belief that our neighbors no longer believe. We're not sure why they changed. It could be that something happened and they are desperate in some way."

"More than likely something did happen. Well, we won't molest any of the horses. They're free to roam the Silver Mists."

Days went by and more horses ran through the forest. Many found the monastery and the Guardian hold and stopped. The horses were cautious of the people milling about. The Guardians, monks, and nuns didn't approach the horses. Many smiled whenever the horses appeared. Some commented to others when unicorns or duacorns or even tricorns were spotted in the area.

Eventually, the horses stopped running and settled in the forest near the Guardian hold. There was plenty for the horses to eat and the Centaurs mainly looked after them. The horses didn't mind the Guardian once they realized no one would harm them.

Sometimes the fairies would fly close the horses and sprinkle fairy dust on them to help keep them calm. The horses tended to neigh when the fairies came near them.

By the time the horses settled down in their new home, Elaen was ready to give birth. She screamed at Berri, who looked petrified. He grabbed her hand and they flew to the clinic.

"Bernard, where are you? Elaen's going to give birth!"

Merlaen stepped out from the bathroom. "Bernard isn't up, yet, but I can help."

"Oh, good. I don't know what to do with her."

Merlaen smiled. "It's okay, she's just in a lot of pain. May I look to see how much you have dilated, Elaen?"

"Oh, sure."

"Oh, yes, you'll be going any time now. When did your pain start?"

"A few hours ago, but it didn't last and now the pain comes closer and closer." Elaen screamed again.

Bernard and Adelaen woke up. She reached for her blades. She walked out into the clinic before Bernard.

"Oh, stand down, milady, Lady Elaen is in labor."

"Oh, dear. Elaen, I had no idea it could be so painful."

"Oh, it's awful. Wait, did one of the twins just move?"

"Probably," said both Merlaen and Bernard.

"Lady Merlaen, do you have her? I'll go get towels and some hot water."

"I'll look after her. Go on, Bernard."

Berri looked glum. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Keep holding her hand and encourage her to breathe rhythmically."

Berri did what he was told. Elaen calmed down a bit, but was still in quite a bit of pain. Soon Bernard was back with water and towels. One of the twins was starting to come out.

"That's it, Elaen, you're doing fine. Just relax and we'll catch the twins one at a time." Merlaen poised herself under the fairy and watched and waited for the first baby.

The first one slid out and Merlaen caught him. She and Bernard cleaned him up and were careful with his tiny wings.

Elaen panted for a few minutes. "Okay, that's one. Is the second one going to be as hard?"

Merlaen looked up. "No, dear, here comes the second now!" Merlaen caught the girl and cleaned her up.

Bernard was still holding the boy. "So what are you going to name them. The first one is a boy and the second is a girl."

Berri and Elaen looked at each other. "We decided on a few names. How about Evan for the boy and Faeth for the girl?"

"Okay, that will work for us. They're your children. Interestingly enough, they have their wings, but can't fly."

"They're too young. Just wait until they start walking as Luka is, then they will also start to learn to fly."

Adelaen smiled. "Then it's all over for you and the rest of us." She laughed and the other joined her.

In the meadow, Faedin wandered and looked all around her. She was at peace. She saw the other Guardians in the main hold and knew many of them had found happiness. She could also smell food cooking from the nearby village. Her journey wasn't over at all.

Faedin was looking for the meaning of divinity. She had conversed with the Goddess Stefani many times and still, the centaur had no clear cut answer.

It wasn't good enough for her. Nor would it ever be until she could know and understand.

Faedin would have to wait for Stefani to be born into the same realm and then seek her out before the centaur would ever get the answer. Fortunately, centaurs tend to live for hundreds of years. Faedin could wait for her answer.

She knew she would find Stefani as an elf or perhaps as a different sort of creature all together, yet similar. Either way, Faedin was patient enough to find the real answer.

For now, she watched the forests and other people. She found comfort in the fact that the unicorns, duacorns, and tricorns were content and at peace.

## Chapter 14 Dragons!

High in the mountains not far from the Silver Mists, a dragon with silvery scales was born. She opened her eyes and looked about her to see a clear sky with some clouds forming. She stretched her wings and breathed out a little fire.

The little dragon was all alone. The other eggs in the nest were destroyed and her egg was buried under the dead dragons. She saw the destruction. The nest wasn't safe, but she didn't know it just yet.

The little dragon climbed out from the dead and looked down. She saw a castle and a smaller monastery with little people on the ground. She stared in wonder.

She roared, but no one on the ground responded. She was sad. She was alone and getting hungry. Still no response. They couldn't hear her tiny roar.

A lonely mother dragon flew in the sky. She had lost her eggs to nasty little elves and fairies. She roared as she was flying. Then off in the distance, she heard the tiny roar of a newborn dragon.

The mother dragon got quiet and listened closely. There the tiny roar again! The mother dragon flew in the direction of the sound and found a tiny silvery dragon by herself.

"Oh, little one! I'm so glad to see you. I've lost my babies. It looks like you lost your mother and siblings. Here let me take care of you for now." The mother dragon cradle the little dragon.

The little dragon got quiet for a moment and then she spoke again. "Rooooar!"

"Oh, you're hungry? Well, come, let's go hunt." The mother dragon took the little one and they found some wild game.

Soon the little dragon was eating.

The mother dragon smiled. "You need a name, little one. How about Silver Scales? I've never seen a dragon with scales the color of silver before."

The little dragon burped. She looked up at the mother dragon and smiled.

"Then your name is Silver Scales."

It wasn't long after that Silver Scales learned to talk. "Mother Dragon, who are those people who live down there?"

"Oh, they're nasty little creatures who like to kill our kind."

"But, they are different kinds of people. Sometimes they talk to people who live in the sea."

"What? People live in the sea!"

"Yes, I've seen them. Those people have fish tails. Some of the people down there look like horses for their bottom half."

"Silver Scales, how can you look at them all the time?"

"They are fascinating creatures. I wish to get a closer look and meet them once I'm able to fly."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"Why? Because you think they are dangerous. They don't act dangerous."

The mother dragon sighed. "Perhaps, I should introduce you to the Dragon Council and they can explain it better to you. I am getting sick as it is and I don't know how much longer I can take care of you."

"Mother Dragon, please don't die."

"It can't be helped, my dear. We all die someday."

"I would like to meet the Dragon Council."

"Then let's go."

The mother dragon picked up Silver Scales and they flew to the Dragon Council headquarters.

It was snowing when they arrived. They landed and walked in to the reception area.

"Welcome to the Dragon Council headquarters. Are you here to introduce a new dragon to us?"

"Yes, I am. I lost all my eggs to the nasty little elves and fairies, but then found this little one all by herself. I'd say her mother and siblings were murdered the way my children were."

The dragon at the desk nodded. "It's a common story."

"But there are elves and fairies that aren't like that!"

"Not now, Silver Scales. You can tell the Council when they see us."

"Okay." Silver Scales looked around her as they waited.

Soon an elder dragon greeted Mother Dragon and Silver Scales. "Right this way to the chambers."

Silver Scales had to look up at all the dragons that surrounded her. They were large and different colors. Some were male and some were female.

The mother dragon stood next to Silver Scales. "Please welcome, Silver Scales, a foundling I found while I was mourning the loss of my first and only set of eggs." The mother dragon started coughing.

Silver Scales stared at her with wide eyes. "Mother Dragon, what's wrong now?"

The mother dragon finally stopped coughing. "I'm dying as I told you. I was attacked and I've been slowly dying. I'm afraid I won't be around when you learn how to fly."

The other dragons gasped.

"No wonder you brought her here now. Technically she is too young to be here, but in this case, it's better that she is here now."

"Can you hunt, Silver Scales?"

"When I'm on the ground where the game is, yes."

"Good. That's at least something. We'll have someone examines your wings after we find out how bad off your adoptive mother is."

Silver Scales nodded. She whispered to her mother, "Please don't go just yet."

"I've told you before, we all have to die someday."

"Silver Scales, are we to understand from our receptionist, that you are curious about elves, fairies, and other people who live on this planet with us?"

"Yes, very much so. Where I live, there is a group of them who live together and they don't fight as I've heard that they do. Sometimes they talk to the people who live in the sea and those who live in the forest. They all look so different, yet they get along and work together."

"Interesting, sometimes we hear stories about the Silver Mists."

"The Silver Mists?"

"That's where your from, Silver Scales. That may also be why your scales are silver."

"Well, her family, the Silver Dragons, are famous for living in peace with others. Perhaps she can't help but to be curious. It is sad to hear she is the only one left."

There were murmurs around the room about the loss of dragons.

"We will send some scouts to the Silver Mists and see what we can learn. For now, we ask Silver Scales and her mother to remain here with us."

The other dragons were checking the mother dragon's health as Silver Scales stood by and watched. It wasn't good. The mother dragon was dying and all they could do was make her comfortable.

Silver Scales wouldn't leave her side. "It's not fair!"

"No one ever said life would be fair. I'm not in any pain anymore and I have my child with me."

Silver Scales sighed. "I'm glad you found me and took care of me. I just wish I could fly before you go."

"I know. I wish I could watch you fly, but your wings aren't ready yet. Just be patient. The scouts have already left and will be back soon."

"Well, that's something to look forward to."

"Yes, it is. Now don't you worry and let's enjoy the sunshine for now."

The scouts flew around the Silver Mists. When the mists were present it was hard to see what was going on down on the ground. But they soon cleared and the dragons were able to see what Silver Scales saw.

They gaped at the sight. The centaurs were working with the elves and the fairies and even with the people of the sea. It was quite the sight.

They were spotted, but no one approached them.

Adelaen looked up once the mists cleared and saw two big dragons. One was green and the other red. "Darius, I hope those two aren't trouble for us."

Darius looked up. "I hope not either. I don't get it. They're just watching us."

"And we're watching them."

Bernard came out of the clinic to see what the fuss was about. He walked over to Adelaen and Darius who were standing in the courtyard. "Oh, my, no wonder people are nervous today. How long have they been there?"

"Don't know, the mists just cleared up an hour ago. They could have been up there before that."

Bernard nodded. "It's like they are curious about us."

Darius smiled. "They heard you were here among us, Bernard."

Bernard smiled. "Very funny, old friend. I wish we could just talk to them as we do with the merfolks and centaurs."

Adelaen smiled. "Perhaps there's a way. Let's ask the centaurs." She pulled out her communicator. "Hey, Elder, we've got a couple of dragons watching us."

"Dragons? They can be more dangerous than we are."

"Yes, I know. Look." Adelaen turned her communicator to face the dragons.

"Oh, they're big alright. Odd that they're just staring. They act like a couple of scouts."

"That's what we're thinking they may be. So, how do we talk to them?"

"Talk to them? Or you crazy?"

"Yeah, talk to them, like we talk to you and the merfolks. If that makes me crazy, then I'm all for it."

Bernard and Darius laughed.

Jazmin walked over to them. "I take it now we need to talk to those dragons who are watching us?"

"Yes, Milady Jazmin. We're trying to figure out how," answered Darius.

"Good luck. I don't think we speak the same language."

"Not yet, but we learned to speak a common language with the merfolks."

Jazmin smiled. "True enough."

The scouts continued to watch the Guardians. They were puzzled by the lack of aggression.

"Perhaps we should just go back to the Council and inform them what happened."

"That maybe wise. I think Silver Scales knows what she's talking about. They are peaceful. They are watching us, but not attacking. Perhaps Silver Scales can find a way of communicating with them."

"She probably will if we let her come back home. You know it's just a matter of time before she tries to talk to them."

The green dragon nodded. "Then let's get back and suggest she be allowed to go home, regardless of whether she can fly or not."

They flew back to the Dragon Council Headquarters and wasted no time in reporting what had happened.

"So you think we should just let Silver Scales go back to the Silver Mists by herself?"

"She can take care of herself even if she still can't fly. Besides she is curious about them and they did act curious about us."

"They didn't try to launch an attack on you?"

"No, not at all. They kept on working together. We both think Silver Scales will try to communicate with them on her own. She is smaller and younger and she could succeed where we cannot."

"True enough. We will ask her after the funeral."

The red and green dragons nodded and left the chambers.

At the funeral, the dragons laid Mother Dragon's body on a funeral pyre and stepped back. Silver Scales was nearby and crying. The older dragons blew fire on the body and watched it burn.

Silver Scales stayed by herself. She still couldn't fly and wasn't sure where she would live. Eventually, she was tired, so she laid down on the grass and went to sleep.

The next morning, Silver Scales woke up to see the sun rising. She blinked and raised her head. Mother Dragon's body was gone, but there were some charred remains.

Silver Scales stretched her wings and tried to flap them. She remained on the ground. She sighed and noticed a dragon walking towards her.

"Silver Scales, it is my duty to give you an assignment."

"An assignment?"

"Yes, the Dragon Council wants you to go back to the Silver Mists and try to talk with the people who live there."

"Really? I'd love to meet them!"

The dragon smiled. "We figured you would. Your curiosity and youth will help you. Be forewarned, you will probably have to learn a new language to be able to communicate well with them."

"If that's what it takes."

The dragon nodded at her. "I'll be the one to drop you off. No need to strain your wings until they are ready."

"Thank you. Oh, this is going to be so much fun!"

He picked her up and he flew straight to the Silver Mists. He ignored her chattering so he could watch out for dangerous elves and fairies along the way.

Finally, they arrived. He set her gently down on the ground not too far from the Guardians. "I'll have to leave soon, but I'll be back periodically to check on your progress."

"Oh, okay. You mean, I can just go over to them right now and say, 'hi?' "

"Yeah, why not?" He watched her leave. "Ah, the impatience of youth!"

Silver Scales walked slowly and looked all around her. She saw plenty of elves and fairies running or flying around. They were all busy. Some noticed her and stopped in their tracks.

Being small helped out a lot. So did her smile.

Adelaen watched the small, silver dragon approach the courtyard. She smiled back. She was joined by Darius, Jazmin, and Bernard.

Silver Scales stopped in front of the four elves. "Hi! I'm so happy to meet you!"

The four elves heard some light roaring and shook their heads.

"Oh, you can't understand me? I need to learn your language."

Again, the four elves heard some roaring, but Adelaen and Bernard looked at each other and nodded.

Adelaen spoke first, "I think you were just trying to say hello us, but it just sounds like roaring to our ears."

Silver Scales blinked. The words weren't entirely clear, but the meaning behind them was. She closed her mouth and spoke with her mind. "That's what I meant. The Dragon Council asked me to communicate with you because you're different from the other elves and fairies."

Adelaen nodded. "Yes, we try to work with each other and live in peace. Learning a new language can take some time."

"I don't care how long it takes— I want to be friends with you."

"We'd like to be friends with you, too. We also don't want to fight the dragons."

"Oh, I've learned that some dragons just can't be reasoned with and you may have to fight them. I think the purpose of the Dragon Council is to protect ourselves from dangerous people, regardless of whether they are dragons, elves, or fairies, who would otherwise try to kill us."

Bernard nodded. "We don't like to kill. I take it the other two dragons that were watching us were scouts?"

"Yes."

"Okay, then the dragons are curious about us as we are about them."

"Yes, and I'm so young that I can't fly, yet."

"You can't. That's so much like fairies."

Berri and Elaen flew by chasing their twins. The four elves laughed.

Silver Scales clasped her hands. "Oh, the little babies are so cute!"

"Yes, they certainly are and they are handful for our fairies guards," said Bernard.

"Oh, can you see the dragon who dropped me off? He should be back there. Oh, there he is." Silver Scales waved at him.

He waved back.

"Why don't we go meet him?"

"Okay, this way." Silver Scales led the four elves to the messenger dragon.

He looked shocked to see four elves trailing behind Silver Scales. "I take it things are going well?"

"Yes, I'm learning their language, but a couple of them can understand me when I don't use my mouth. They just hear us roaring when we talk."

"I'm not surprised. I can't understand them at all."

"Oh, I'll learn and then I'll teach you and the other dragons."

"Great. Well, I should probably go for now. I'll let the Council know that you will be fine with your assignment. Good luck, Silver Scales."

"Thank you." She and the elves watched the dragon fly away.

It took a long time, but Silver Scales learned the common language of the Guardians. Soon she was considered a Guardian. She was given her own portable communicator, which was larger than what most people had, to accommodate her hands.

Just after she learned the language, the messenger dragon came back to check on her progress. True to her word, she taught him the language. It did sound harsh when the the dragons spoke it, but they were understandable.

Soon Greg and his crew were making the larger communicators for the dragons. The messenger dragon learned to use his. When he saw the larger communicators inside the hall, he asked if the dragons could have one in their chambers.

Greg and his crew didn't see why they couldn't have it. They just had to make the screen and the controls bigger for the dragons. They got to work right away on the new equipment.

In the meantime, the messenger dragon went back to the Dragon Council Headquarters and gave them the news.

"She is an amazing dragon. I'm glad we sent her over there."

"Just to think, not all the elves and fairies are dangerous."

"Yes, they can be our allies as well!"

"They are working to build more communicators. I can teach you how to use them and how to contact Silver Scales. They also are currently building a larger communicator for this very hall."

There were murmurs around the room.

"Wonderful. Does that mean we will be able to talk with the merfolks and centaurs as well?"

"Yes, it does as well as the Goddess Stefani and others living in her realm. We will all be connected."

"That is amazing."

Greg contacted the messenger dragon when the equipment was ready. The messenger dragon and others went to pick up the equipment and the crew.

To Greg and his crew, the Dragon Council Headquarters was huge and vast. They quickly got to work and had the communicator equipment all installed and in working order.

Soon the dragons were talking with everyone else. They had lots to discuss with the other people of the planet Platinum.

Greg and his crew learned to build things that wouldn't break down easily.

## Chapter 15 Water, Air, Fire, and Earth Nymphs

Boe and Maegin were going over the recent data. They were receiving messages from members of the domestic staff about seeing people shapeshifting out of fires or out of water or out of the ground or even out of the air in the mists.

It was confusing, but Boe and Maegin knew many of the people to be so down to earth that it would be odd for any of them to make up a story that fantastic. One thing the scientist pair did was consult the merfolks first.

Raelon answered. "Oh, yeah, the people forming out of water are just water nymphs. It's no big deal. It's not surprising they are curious about the Guardians. We've seen them off and on for years."

Maegin and Boe looked at each other. "Really? It sounds strange."

"Well, we thought you land creatures were just a myth."

Maegin and Boe laughed. "We thought the same about you."

"We're sending you all the information we have on the water nymphs."

"Thanks."

Maegin and Boe read the information and were amazed.

"This definitely sounds like what the members of the domestic staff are seeing."

Boe smiled at her. "Let's talk to the centaurs now."

"Good idea."

Faedin answered. "Oh, yeah, we've seen earth nymphs. In their humanoid form, they have green skin. No elf or fairy has green skin."

"Wow. The merfolks told us about water nymphs and now you're telling us about earth nymphs."

"I suppose water nymphs shouldn't be too much of a surprise. I take it they travel as water when they're not in their humanoid form."

"Yes, that's correct."

"Well, we never know when earth nymphs are watching us unless we have the ability to communicate without speaking out loud."

Maegin nodded. "I take it the earth nymphs blend in with plants and soil."

"Yes, they do. Sometimes it can be a shock when they do appear as humanoids. We don't usually have trouble with them."

"Oh, what happens when you do have trouble."

"They can get very angry when the planet is treated badly. However, I doubt you'll have problems with them. Your environmental practices are sound as far as we can tell."

"We do our best. We keep learning that some of the old practices are best to grow our food as an example."

The centaur smiled. "Of course. It's things like that that can cause the most problems, but we haven't seen anything remiss with you growing your food."

"I guess we Guardians are just attracting attention from everyone anymore."

"Of course. How could we not? We are a motley crew of different people and we are doing well together."

Maegin and Boe smiled.

After lunch, Maegin and Boe were walking back to the laboratory.

"Hey, Maegin, what do you think of getting married?"

"Oh, I don't know. Lady Penelopi and Julio are doing well. I hear they may consider having another child once Luka is a little bit older."

"True and there's Elaen and Berri."

Maegin laughed. "They are having trouble working because they are busy chasing their twins all over the place."

"Then there's Bernard and Adelaen. They're doing well."

"Yes, they are." She looked at Boe. "Are you trying to tell me something?"

"Well, uh, I..."

"Boe! We're not children anymore, but we're still friends."

"Yes. All true."

"It's okay, I've been thinking I may like to marry you someday, but I don't think I'm ready yet."

"Oh, okay..."

They received a message from the Dragon Council. It contained information on air and fire nymphs.

"Boe, check this out, even the dragons know about air and fire nymphs."

"Yeah, amazing. How could we have missed them all these years?"

"Perhaps it's because they didn't want to risk exposure to any elvish towns."

"Or to the fairies."

"Yeah. Look how we tend to treat ourselves and outsiders, regardless of their ethnicity."

"That must be it. Now if we could just scan for them."

"We need to know about their biosignatures as we know them for elves, fairies, dragons, centaurs, and merfolks."

"Working on that. I bet they are similar in biology, except that they can shapeshift."

Maegin nodded.

It took them hours, but they didn't give up. Soon they were tracking the nymphs with their portable scanners. Maegin and Boe sent their data to the merfolks, centaurs, and the dragons. With everyone working, they were able to detect whenever a nymph was hiding nearby.

Maegin and Boe were scanning in the courtyard. It was another misty day. Silver Scales was nearby and she was scanning as well. They had no warning, but a cloud starting moving towards Maegin. Soon it formed into a young man with yellow skin, wings, and no shirt.

Maegin jumped. "Oh! An air nymph!"

"Yes, fair damsel."

Boe smiled. "Welcome. I'm Boe, this is Maegin and you are?"

"Lex."

"Welcome, Lex to our humble hold."

"So you are the Guardians I've been hearing about?"

"Yes. Maegin and I are scientists."

"You don't impose a strict labor division between the sexes."

"No, we feel it's a waste of talent to force people to do work they aren't good at or even feel inclined not to do."

"Ah, that's different from what other elves and fairies do."

Maegin smiled. "I ran away because I knew my parents were going to marry me off as soon as I became an adolescent."

"Oh, that's terrible."

"I'm much happier here."

"My people are curious about you Guardians. We may want to join you."

"You're very welcome to."

Silver Scales saw water moving uphill. She pointed her scanner in the water's direction. "Oh! I found a water nymph!"

Everyone in the courtyard turned to look and soon a humanoid with blue skin formed before everyone. She was beautiful, of course, and not wearing much.

"Hello, Guardians!"

"Hello," everyone said back.

Lex nodded to the water nymph. "I see the water nymphs are interested in the Guardians as well."

"Of course. You'd think we'd want to stay away from them after all we've heard about them?"

"No, they're too fascinating. We air nymphs want to join them."

"So do we water nymphs."

Silver Scales caught a glimpse of a fire traveling towards her. She raised her scanner. "Wow! A fire nymph!"

The fire stopped in front of the dragon and became a woman with red skin. "I see I'm not the only nymph around to meet the Guardians."

The other two nymphs smiled at her.

Soon a small green plant was moving in the courtyard towards the three nymphs. It formed into a man with green skin. "I hope I'm not too late for this party!"

Silver Scales looked at the nymphs. "No, you're not too late. Welcome, we are the Guardians."

"Good, there are plenty of us who want to join you and explore this planet and possibly the other planets in this solar system."

From that day on, the four different kinds of nymphs joined the Guardians and made their own contributions. They challenged Greg and his crew to make communicators the nymphs could carry with them.

## Chapter 16 What Kind of Planet is This?

The Guardians assembled in their various locations. The dragons in their council chambers. The elves, fairies, and nymphs at the main hold. The monks and nuns at their monastery. The centaurs in their forest. The merfolks in the sea.

Everyone was excited. Mostly they all got along. There were arguments and games and teasing to help relieve the pressure. Old habits do indeed die hard. Prejudice never goes away overnight. It take years. The Guardians had the rest of their lives and the lives of their descendants. The rest of the world may not lose its preconceived notions about different kinds of people or even the differences between men and women.

Dealing with the outside world was always delicate at best. The Guardians could not impose their beliefs on others, unless someone was being discriminated against. Oftentimes, people in those kinds of situations would just leave and search for the Guardians, especially if they knew they would be dead otherwise.

Maegin started the session. "As many of you know, we get earthquakes and sometimes severe weather around the planet. Greg and his crew have been working on a project, which will allow us to monitor the weather and earthquakes from space. They plan on launching satellites that will surround our planet."

An elder dragon nodded. "We would like to help out with that project."

Maegin smiled. "Certainly. We would love the help."

"We are in this together on this planet."

"Yes, we are."

The merfolk queen spoke up, "Will we get any benefit from this project?"

"Yes, the satellites will monitor the oceans. Of course we may be able to see everything and everyone one on the planet as well. We are aware that could create a huge problem."

Many people murmured. A beep was heard. Greg reached over and pressed a button. Soon the Goddess Stefani's face appeared on everyone's screens.

"Hello, Guardians. We know what you're planning and we think it's a good idea. However, you may have to launch the satellites at night when most people are sleeping. Or else, they may freak out."

Greg smiled. "We can work overnight without any problem."

"Good."

"We will need transportation to launch all the satellites all over the world."

"We dragons will be happy to help with that part. Just please make sure everything is packed well."

"We will do that."

Stefani continued, "Keep in mind that the local time will be different for each different place on the planet."

"Okay. I'm making a note about that." Greg wrote down some notes on his paper. "We'll need a couple of scouts/warriors to help out."

Jazmin smiled. "Darius and I will be happy to accompany you on the trip."

"Good. With the dragons, it should be enough just in case we get attacked."

Berri nodded. "Elaen and I would love to help, but I think we better stay and take care of the twins."

The twins were currently sleeping. Both Berri and Elaen each had one cuddled to themselves.

Lady Penelopi smiled. Luka was asleep on her lap. "It's not as easy as it looks, is it?"

Berri and Elaen shook their heads and everyone else laughed.

"We nymphs will also offer you protection and warning when and where we can."

Darius looked puzzled. "You can communicate that to the nymphs all around the world?"

"Certainly. We can travel anywhere, so it shouldn't be such a surprise. When in elemental form, time doesn't pass the same and it's easy to pass on any information with the others."

"Oh. We will welcome all the help we can get."

Stefani smiled. "Sounds like it's settled. I hope we will all have access to the information."

Greg looked up. "Yes, we will. The satellites will have a special channel any of us can check at any time. I also thought we may end up expanding and building more Guardian holds around the planet. Currently we are building the satellites and globes we will place in our various locations. That way we can view the planet on the globes and we're all know what's going on."

They finished their plans and went to work on them right away. It was one of the biggest projects Greg and his crew had ever attempted.

Months of work went into building the satellites and globes. The crew would have to deliver the globes to the various Guardians holds. Greg was so busy, he almost didn't have time to see Hugo.

But Greg did see Hugo whenever he could. Hugo also didn't let him forget. Greg needed the breaks even though he wouldn't admit it.

Over the course of the project, Greg was thinking he wanted to marry Hugo, but was afraid to say anything knowing he would have to leave to set up the satellites into space. That alone would take months, if not years to get it all done.

Greg thought perhaps he could wait until he returned to the main hold to ask the big questions.

Hugo, for his part, was quite happy with Greg and his work. He was needed and appreciated for who he was and no one criticized him unless he made a serious error. When those rare events happened, Hugo would learn his lesson and not keep making those same mistakes over again.

Hugo secretly thought about marriage, but saw how distracted Greg was with his work. Hugo knew how important the work was and thought it best not to bring it up.

Greg and his crew did a practice run at the Silver Mists and it went well. It was late at night when the nearby towns were all asleep. Many people in the Guardian hold and monastery were also sleeping at the time.

Soon it was time to start setting up the satellites into space. Greg and his crew were busy packing everything and securing all the items so the dragons could carry the equipment without a problem.

Hugo walked over to Greg in the courtyard. "Hi, Greg."

"Hi, Hugo."

"I understand how important this is, but I will miss you."

Greg stopped packing. "I'll miss you, too."

They stared at each for several minutes. Then they grabbed each other and wrapped their arms around each other. They made out for several minutes.

Darius, Jazmin, and Adelaen were smiling at the Greg and Hugo.

Darius turned to Adelaen. "Adelaen, you will be in charge with both Jazmin and I gone and Berri and Elaen busy with their twins."

Adelaen giggled. "Alright. I'll do my best, but I'll miss both of you, too."

Jazmin gave Adelaen a hug. "We'll miss you, too. But we will be in contact."

Darius and Adelaen hugged and the whole group took off to start setting up the satellites. Greg and Hugo let go of each other and smiled.

The group ran into a problem right away. There were no complete maps of the world of Platinum. They soon found they had to create a master map so they could find their way home. They recorded as much information as they could and took notes. It was tedious, but they had to avoid the notice of any towns or villages. Stefani gave advice when she could. She did, after all, know some of the people who lived all around the world.

They had to stop every night to rest and to send up the satellites. With every satellite that was sent, the globes at the various places were picking up information.

The group was weary and almost couldn't find the main Guardian hold. Finally, they all saw the Silver Mists. Silver Scale spotted them first and greeted them in the air. She had finally just learned how to fly.

The dragons were excited to see her flying. They all roared. Soon all the dragons landed in the courtyard. The elves, nymphs, and fairies climbed down and took all the remaining equipment and supplies off the dragons.

Hugo was in the clinic. "Bernard, do you mind if I go and meet Greg?"

Bernard smiled at Hugo. "Go on. Merlaen is here and I'm sure we can handle everything until you get back."

Hugo beamed and ran to the courtyard and right into Greg. Soon they were hugging and kissing again.

"Hugo, it's been too long!"

"Yes, it has!"

"Let's get married!"

"Yes!"

They danced around the courtyard as others looked on and laughed. Lady Penelopi walked out to the courtyard to greet the those who had returned. She was followed closely by Luka, who was laughing at Hugo and Greg.

"Welcome home, Guardians. I see we will have another marriage."

"Today!" Hugo and Greg yelled.

"Alright, boys, that may not be easy. Or maybe it will be." She motioned to other members of the domestic staff. They quickly set up tables and the wedding arch. A monk came over to preside over the ceremony.

People ran around to get in their special occasion clothes. It was late afternoon when everyone was assembled. The dragons sat down on the edge of the courtyard to give everyone else room.

Soon Greg and Hugo were skipping hand in hand to the wedding arch. They exchanged their vows with the monk. People laughed. People cried.

Soon people were eating, drinking, and dancing. The happy couple were laughing and dancing around the courtyard. Who needed alcohol with that much happiness?

## Chapter 17 Legends of the Guardians

Everyone was assembled in their respective holds. Maegin and Boe had just pointed out on the globe where the next earthquake was about to occur. Unfortunately, there were people living in the area who had no idea.

"Well, in that case, we should warn them," said Forni.

Merlaen smiled. "Perhaps you should warn them."

"I'd be happy to, milady."

Darius looked around the room. "It's fine with me if you go. I'd recommend that a dragon drop you nearby to save time."

Greg looked down at the table wondering if there was another way to travel. He didn't mind the dragons, but the ride was quite bumpy. He started taking some notes.

Hugo noticed and smiled at Greg.

Jazmin frowned. "I wish I could go scouting again with Darius."

Darius looked at her. "From what we have observed of these people, I don't think they will take too kindly to seeing a woman warrior."

Jazmin sighed. Adelaen patted her arm and smiled at her. Jazmin tried to smile back.

Merlaen addressed everyone. "It's a good thing we added some beacons to work with the satellites. Else we wouldn't have spotted this potential earthquake. It looks like it will be bad. If we don't warn those people in time, they may not survive."

Many people were nodded their heads in agreement.

Greg was silent and absorbed in his drawing and his notes. Everyone was looking at him.

Hugo was grinning. "He's designing something new. We won't be able to get a word out of him until he's done with his notes."

Minutes later, Greg finished and looked up to find everyone smiling at him. "Oh, did I miss something?"

Some people laughed.

Merlaen smiled at Greg. "Dear, we were just discussing where a potential deadly earthquake will happen. I was complimenting you and the others who added the beacons to the satellites."

"Oh, I figured it was the right thing to do. We are Guardians and we must look out for others who share the planet with us."

"What are you going to design now?" asked Darius.

"Oh, a flying machine, so we don't have to always ask the dragons to take us places."

"Oh!" People were excited.

"Knowing you and your crew, I doubt there will be enough time to build one and test it before I go. I'll take the dragon."

A dragon volunteered to drop Forni off.

"Milady Merlaen, I take my leave of you now." Forni kissed her hand.

"You flatter an old woman."

Forni smiled. "Milady, you are the first person I have ever seen with gray hair and winkles. I think you are lovely."

She shook her head. "You need a young woman closer to your own age."

"Perhaps you're right. But I do feel safe flirting with you."

Merlaen laughed.

"I know you don't expect anything from me and that's a relief. I hope you're still here when I get back."

Merlaen hugged the young elf. Forni smiled and got on the dragon's back. Soon they were gone in the sky. It took days for the dragon to get close enough to the village to drop Forni off.

Forni looked around.

"I think I better take off. You'll be okay by yourself?"

"Yes. I should be fine."

"There are centaurs approaching."

"Centaurs are Guardians."

"These may not be."

"We have heard of the Guardians," said one of the centaurs.

"Ah, I hope it was all good," answered Forni.

"Yes, it was. We centaurs have been passing around the portable communicators and we can't complain about how you have treated us. So you are welcome here in our forest, Guardians." The centaurs nodded.

The dragon and Forni nodded back.

"I'll take my leave then."

"See you. Thanks for the ride." Forni smiled at the centaurs. "I'm here to warn the nearby village about an impeding earthquake."

"Oh?"

"It looks like it will be bad. I take it, you will look after yourselves and the animals around here."

"Yes, as we always do. The animals have been acting funny lately and now we know why."

"Yes, I have heard animals can act funny before an earthquake. What can you tell me about the people who live in the village?"

"They are very sexist compared to you Guardians. Women are chosen by men, but the women here are reputed to be excellent at sewing and embroidery. When a woman makes elaborate clothing for a man, it means she has accepted him as her lord."

"Interesting."

"Yes, indeed. You will probably be welcome as you are a warrior. We could help you by spreading rumors about your prowess."

"That could always help."

"Okay, we'll spread rumors that you've killed few of us."

"Now, I don't like the sound of that..."

"They will be just rumors. It will help you out and we don't mind helping you out." The centaur smiled at Forni.

"As long as I don't have to kill any of you."

"You won't. We can stage things here in the forest to make it look like you are a great and formidable warrior. Besides, we would like to have some mock combat with you. We'll try not to bruise you."

Forni smiled. "Now you're talking. We can do that."

When it was dark, the centaurs and Forni went to the edge of the forest. In the distance they could see the fires burning in the village. Forni raised his sword and had a mock battle with the centaurs. They were testing him and he knew it.

Still they didn't try to kill him and he didn't try to kill them. They all had fun. The villagers saw the fight and wondered who the warrior was.

One knight watched in awe and a wicked smile grew on his face. He finally found someone who could match his skill. He looked forward to challenging the new elf to a duel. Pol, the fierce knight, had claimed the most artistic sewer in the village. She was called Melodi because she sang when she worked.

But she was unhappy with Pol. After he claimed her and forced her to live with him, she wouldn't sing or sew at all. Pol couldn't understand why she wouldn't sew for him. Her clothes had tears in them that she wouldn't mend.

The next morning Forni walked into the village. Many of the villagers bowed to him when he walked passed them. He smiled at them.

"Tell me, villagers, who is in charge here?"

"Oh, that's our Lord in that building over there. I'm sure he will be very glad to meet you."

"Ah, thank you." Forni walked into the building that was just pointed out to him. He found himself in a great hall. The Lord was sitting on a raised dais and eating.

Forni nodded and bowed towards the Lord.

The Lord nodded to him. "Ah, you must be the warrior I heard about. How many centaurs against you and yet you were victorious in the end?"

"Too many to count, milord. They were quite fierce."

"You are welcome to eat at my table."

Forni sat down across from the Lord. "Thank you, milord."

"Have you traveled far?"

"Yes and I have come to give your people a warning."

"A warning? You have something against us?"

"No not that kind of warning. I just came to let your people know there will be a great earthquake soon. It's time to prepare so your people will survive."

"Oh, well, that is a different kind of warning. We've had earthquakes before. What makes this one so special?"

"Many people could die. You may have to leave the village."

"Oh? How soon will the earthquake occur?"

"Within a week."

The Lord stopped eating and called for his guards. "Get prepared now! We need to save the villagers."

The guards got to work.

"Thanks for the warning. Hopefully, we can save ourselves. Will you be staying?"

"Yes for now. I need to make sure you survive this earthquake."

The Lord nodded to Forni.

Forni helped the villagers leave the village. He saw Pol drag Melodi behind him.

"Excuse me, sir, but why are you treating the lady that way?"

"What business is it of yours?"

"Women are precious and should be treated with the utmost respect."

"She's mine and I'll treat him however I want to."

Melodi looked at Forni with big round eyes.

"You can't own a woman. They own themselves."

"Nonsense. She's my property and she needs to show me respect."

"How can she when you don't show her any?"

"Enough! I challenge you to a duel. If you win, she's yours."

"I accept."

Melodi cried. She stepped back out of the way as Pol and Forni drew their weapons. Some of the villagers stopped to watch the fight.

"Oh, the new warrior must be one of those Guardians."

"That's why he warned us about the earthquake."

"If he wins, Melodi will have a better man to take care of her."

"No one is better than the Knight Pol."

Pol and Forni kept fighting. The ground started to shake. The villagers ran off in all directions. Melodi didn't move as she was still watching the fight through her tears.

Finally Forni saw an opening and gave Pol a death blow. Pol fell down to his knees. He growled and hissed at Forni. The ground shook even more. A split was forming nearing the trio.

Forni looked at Pol, who fell into the crack. Then Forni looked to Melodi, who was still crying. "Milady, we need to leave."

She said nothing. He grabbed her arm and they ran into the forest. The centaurs were running and herding the animals. Everyone was in a panic. Forni didn't let go of Melodi.

The ground stopped moving, but everyone was still running. It took hours for everyone to calm down and stop running. The village was destroyed, but many of its former inhabitants were still alive.

Forni and Melodi stopped running and were surrounded by centaurs. He let go of her arm. Her tears had dried. She was looking around her.

"Milady, are you okay now?"

"I guess so. Why aren't the centaurs attacking us?"

"We have no reason to, milady."

"I am not noble born. Why do you use that title with me?"

Forni took a deep breath. "It's a Guardian tradition. The men use it as a term of respect with all the women. The women don't typically call us, 'milord,' unless they are married to us or otherwise involved with us."

"You're a Guardian? I thought you were a myth or just some legend."

"Oh, no, we're real and there are many more of us than you could know about."

"Are you all just elves?"

"No, we centaurs are also Guardians."

"We are many people."

"Forni, the beacon in this area has been destroyed."

"Oh, I hope that isn't a bad thing. The satellites are still safe."

"Nevertheless, I'm calling."

"Okay."

The centaur talked to the Guardians in the holds. No one wanted to worry about a dead beacon when there were going to be aftershocks soon.

"Oh, dear. Milady, are you hungry or thirsty?"

"My name is Melodi, although I haven't sang since Knight Pol took me."

"Lady Melodi, do you require anything before we may have to take off again?"

"I don't want anything right now."

Forni shrugged his shoulders.

The centaurs watched the animals. "Looks like the aftershocks will be happening any minute. Prepare to run with the rest of us."

Melodi stared at the centaurs. The ground shook again and they all ran away from the splits and the cracks which formed near them.

In the main Guardian hold, Jazmin was feeling queasy again. Darius was in the bathroom taking a shower. She got up and walked to the clinic. There she found Bernard alone at his desk.

"Bernard?"

He looked up. "Ah, Lady Jazmin, what is it?"

"I think I'm pregnant."

"Oh?" He stood up and grabbed the portable scanner. He held it over her belly. "You are."

Jazmin cried. "I thought this wouldn't happen."

"Milady, birth control isn't foolproof. It does fail sometimes."

"It's not fair! You men don't have to deal with this!"

"Uh, we do in different ways. What do you want to do about it?"

"I don't know. I think I need to talk to Darius first."

"Good idea."

She turned to leave, then turned back to Bernard. "How would you take it if Adelaen were pregnant?"

"I'd be worried sick about her. I'd probably scream and pass out."

"Oh? You mean you'd care if she was."

"Yes. I'd hate for her to die."

Tears were streaming down Jazmin's face. "Then what would Darius do?"

"Probably panic. But then he'll get over it and do whatever he could to make you feel better."

"He won't abandon me?"

"No, he may want to marry you."

"I'll go tell him now."

"Good. Let me know what you decide."

She nodded to Bernard and left the clinic. Once back to their quarters, Jazmin sat down. She was still crying.

Darius came out of the bathroom. "What's wrong, milady?"

"I'm pregnant."

"What?" Darius fell to the floor unconscious.

Jazmin sighed. Darius opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Is that why you're crying?"

"Yes. I didn't want to be pregnant. Bernard told me birth control fails sometimes."

"I didn't know that." He picked himself up and walked over to her. He knelt down in front of her and held her hands. "What do you want me to do? I'll marry you, if you'd like. I'll help raise the child."

"Bernard said you'd try to marry me."

"Well, he does know me pretty well. What do you want to do, Milady Jazmin?"

"I don't know right now. I don't think I want to kill the child, but I'm scared. I'm afraid I won't be able to work anymore."

"Oh, is that what the problem is? You're afraid you'll become a domestic slave and that isn't the kind of work you want to do."

"Yes, that's it exactly. It's not easy from what I've seen from the Berri and Elaen."

Darius chuckled. "No, but I bet Greg will have something which will help. I remember him discussing it with Adelaen. We just might be able to get a babysitter here among the domestic staff to help out."

"That would help. Oh, I remember now. Adelaen still wanted her child to get her milk. We need to talk to Greg."

He let go of her hands and pulled out his communicator. "Greg, have you made any progress on the breast pump?"

"Darius, yes I have. I have a prototype here, but no one wants to try it out."

"That's good news."

"Oh? Is there someone who will use it?"

Jazmin spoke up, "I will need it before long."

Greg signed off. Hugo looked at him. "Wow, Jazmin and Darius are going to have a baby?"

"It sounds that way."

"I bet she will need a babysitter so she can work."

Greg smiled at Hugo. "I bet you're going to volunteer."

"Of course. How's flying machine coming along?"

"Oh, we're building a prototype now. We should be testing it out once it's done."

"We may need to be careful where it goes. If people outside of the Guardians see it, it could be bad."

"I know. We're all trying to think of safe places to fly it. The dragons are trying to give us good suggestions."

"Cool. I'd love to go up in the machine with you."

"I'd be happy if you came with me."

## Chapter 18 Fact or Fiction?

Forni and Melodi were sitting near the fire. Forni was cooking up a meal for the two of them. She stared at the fire. It was dark and the centaurs were not too close by tending to the animals.

"Lady Melodi, here's some dinner. Please eat." Forni handed her a plateful of food.

She accepted it and ate as he ate his share.

His communicator beeped. He pulled it out of his pocket. "Forni here."

"Ah, you're alive! We were a bit worried. The centaurs told us the villagers are mostly safe, but building a new home for themselves." Maegin was smiling.

"Lady Maegin, I did warn them and helped them prepare. I'm glad to hear they are doing alright now. Sad that they lost the old village."

Melodi looked at Forni. "The village was destroyed?"

"Yes."

"You're not alone?"

"No, I've acquired responsibility for a young woman who was not treated well by a knight. He challenged me when I complained to him about how he was treating her."

Maegin grinned. "I take it you won and she was supposed to be the prize."

"Yeah, but I don't know what to do with her."

Maegin laughed. "Greg has successfully designed and tested a flying machine. We're currently trying to plan a route to pick you up. We can pick up the lady as well."

"Sounds good to me. I'm not sure how she'd take to riding a dragon."

"A dragon? Aren't they dangerous monsters?"

"Not all of them."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. In fact where I live, there are elves, fairies, four different kinds of nymphs, centaurs, merfolks, and dragons who all work together."

Melodi's eyes widened.

"I know it sounds outlandish and unreal, but we do get along."

Maegin cut in. "When she gets here, she will begin to understand. I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up happy to live with us. She doesn't have to get married if she doesn't want to. She can just find some work she likes to do and is good at and spend her time that way."

Melodi stared at Forni. "Is that true? I would like to embroider again. I was the best in my village."

Forni smiled. "Then you'll need to talk with Lady Penelopi once we're there."

Maegin added, "Forni, we'll have to contact you later. We still have more planning to do. You can stay put in the meantime."

"No problem. There is plenty of food around here." He turned off the communicator and put it back in his pocket.

After dinner, Forni laid down. Melodi watched him.

"Aren't you going to do something to me?"

"What?"

"You won me in the duel."

"So what? I'm tired and it's time for sleeping."

"But you own me now that you killed Knight Pol."

"I don't own you. You own yourself." He closed his eyes.

She watched him and the dying firelight. She sighed and laid down to go to sleep.

There were two bandits in the forest. They at least knew enough to avoid the centaurs. They saw Melodi and wanted her. But how to get her away from her male companion?

Forni was leading Melodi out of the forest so he could scout the area. He was still waiting to hear when and where to expect the flying machine.

Melodi was looking all around her. She wasn't sure about the Guardians. After what she had heard and meeting Forni, she had her doubts. The Guardians were strange to her. She once had a place in her village, now destroyed. That was before Knight Pol had claimed her.

Then he had challenged a Guardian to a duel and lost. The Guardian didn't seem too interested in her and she was confused. She wondered if Forni had reached puberty. Perhaps he was still a child elf?

Forni stopped at the edge of the forest to speak with the centaurs. Melodi took off running. Forni and the centaurs saw her go.

"Are you going after her, Forni?"

"I don't know. Perhaps she just needs to be alone."

"We'll grant her safe passage and inform the others."

"Good idea." Forni's communicator beeped. He pulled it out of his pocket. "Forni here. Goddess Stefani? To what to I owe this honor?"

"Forni, you need to follow Melodi. She can't defend herself and you know there are raiders and bandits and possible orcs. You need to protect her."

"Okay, I can do that. I think she's afraid of me."

Stefani smiled. "She'll get over it. Just keep treating her as you have. She needs time. She is confused that you haven't touched her."

"I think I missed something."

"You did. She assumed you would treat her as Knight Pol did."

"He was mean to her and disrespectful."

Stefani nodded. "Just give her time and follow after her to keep her safe. The others will be able to get to you and pick you up. They just need to make sure the flying machine won't be seen by anyone else."

"Understood. Forni out." He turned off the communicator and put it back in his pocket. "Looks like I need to go after her. Wish me luck."

"Good luck. You should be able to catch up to her soon."

Forni ran after Melodi. He stayed some distance behind her so not to scare her more. He watched closely. The centaurs were around, but none went near her. She was getting safe passage.

The bandits were also watching Melodi run. They followed and didn't care if anyone was following them. The centaurs watched the bandits.

Forni saw the bandits approach Melodi. She had stopped running. He could see the bandits talking to her. He drew an arrow and set it up on his bow.

When Forni saw the bandits grabbed Melodi, he fired two arrows in rapid succession. They both fell down to the ground. Melodi stood speechless. She looked around and saw a young female centaur approach her. It was Faedin, who was still on her quest.

"Lady Melodi, do you require assistance? I can bring you food and water."

"I'm not noble born, but I am hungry and thirsty."

"Come this way." The centaur lead Melodi into the forest, where the centaurs had gathered some vegetables and nuts.

Soon Melodi was sitting on the bank of a river and eating. Forni was standing back watching her. Another centaur returned his arrows to him.

"The Goddess Stefani doesn't kid around when she tells us anything."

The centaur smiled. "No, she doesn't. She was pretty firm with you earlier."

"Yeah, she was. But no matter. Lady Melodi is safe. I think it helped that a female centaur is helping now."

"It was her idea. She thought she would have better chances reaching out than any of the rest would. Any word yet on when the ship arrives?"

"No, they're still planning the route so they won't be seen."

"I bet the nymphs are helping with the route. They have been known to distract elves and fairies alike."

Forni smiled. "Yes, they do that. I wouldn't be surprised if there were some around that we just don't see at the moment."

The centaur laughed. "They are always around even when you can't see them."

Darius and Jazmin sat down at the same table as Bernard and Adelaen. They all nodded to each other.

"Bernard, we're keeping the child, but we want a babysitter."

Bernard smiled. "Hugo wants to babysit."

Jazmin perked up. "Good. He's welcome to. His husband made a breast pump and I've tried it out."

Adelaen raised her eyebrows.

"It works. I didn't get much, but I'm not that far along either."

"I should ask Greg to make another one."

Bernard stopped eating. "Milady, do you want a child?"

"Yes, with you milord."

"Okay, I'll stop taking the birth control for now."

Adelaen smiled.

"Old buddy, you have a child? I hope it won't be ugly!"

"Darius!" exclaimed Adelaen.

Bernard shook his head as Darius laughed.

Maegin ran to Greg. "Greg, I think we've figured out the route to get to Forni and his lady companion."

Greg looked up. "I thought we were just picking up Forni."

"He freed a lady fighting a duel, so she'll be coming with him. Although she's not too close to him at the moment, but the centaurs are looking after her."

"Oh, okay."

"We can leave any time."

"Good."

"Greg dear, do you know how long it will take?"

"No, not really. I guess at least a day to get there and back."

"Oh, then that's not so bad."

"You'll be staying here while I'm off?"

"Yes, I'm needed in the clinic."

Maegin smiled. "Boe and I want to go. It may help to get us all back sooner. We can take turns piloting the ship."

"Good idea. Let's get ready after the meal."

"Wonderful. I'll let Boe know."

## Chapter 19 Exploring

Maegin, Boe, and Greg were busy loading the flying ship. Many of the other Guardians were standing by and watching them. People held their breathe once the trio was ready to take off.

The ship lifted off vertically from the launch pad. Slowly, it rose into the sky. On board, the trio was calculating their approach. Greg was piloting the ship.

Maegin called Forni to let him know they were on their way. Forni nodded and made sure they could locate him. He also kept an eye on Melodi.

It would be a matter of hours before the ship arrived. In the meantime, Maegin and Boe took lots of notes. They were working with the ship's computer and the satellites. They were able to look out the windows and see what the readings meant.

They were excited, even though their route would keep them away from any settlements. The two laughed as they worked.

Greg was quiet and focused on flying. He had to maintain a balance between not being too high in the sky and not being too low to hit any trees or mountains.

It wasn't easy, but the ship was doing well as he was. He heard Maegin and Boe, but remained quiet. They reminded him of how he and Hugo were when they were together. Greg wondered when they would get around to getting married.

Forni sighed. He wasn't sure what had happened to him, but the world was different. It seemed to have something to do with Melodi. She was still sad, but she had made a friend with a centaur.

It looked as if she would be at home with the other Guardians. But when would she smile again? Forni shook his head. He wanted to talk to Merlaen as soon as he was back home. If anyone would know what was wrong, it would be her.

Until then, he was busy looking after Melodi and waiting for the flying ship. He wasn't sure what to expect for the ship, but it was probably another good invention from Greg.

Forni had grown up with lots of new inventions from Greg, who was now a legend among the Guardians. No one could guess what he would design next. But whatever it was, it would always be something good.

Forni smiled. He didn't remember his parents, but he did remember Jazmin saving him that night long ago. He was scared and there were other orphans. She was quite a sight even when he was still just a child.

Perhaps she was the reason he became a guard and a scout. In some ways, he was glad the bandits did come that night. Not only was he able to grow up and became what he wanted to be, but she and the others were also free to choose their own paths.

Many Guardians were happier than the villagers were. Some joined because they were simply too unhappy where they once were. Still it wasn't a perfect system, but no system is perfect for everyone.

Forni was lost in thought when he finally heard the flying machine. The centaurs warned him and Melodi as it was landing. Greg landed the ship just outside of the forest.

Maegin and Boe walked off the ship and greeted Forni. Forni greeted them back. Melodi stared at the flying ship.

It was unlike anything she had ever seen in her life.

"It's time for us to leave, Melodi."

"In that thing?"

"Yes, in that machine. It should be fine. It was already tested before they came here."

"Oh."

"It's okay. Guardians have a lot of technology that most people would never ever dream of. It can take some time to get used to it."

"You centaurs don't seem to have much technology." Melodi noted.

Faedin smiled. "We do use some. Most centaurs prefer to live in the forests and take care of the animals and plants that are here."

"Oh, you do have those portable communicators. What else would you have?"

"Other than portable scanners, that's about it for us. We don't care for the other things. We are pretty simple for most Guardians."

"I'll miss you."

"You can reach me on channel 5."

"What?"

"You'll get your own communicator once you get to the main hold."

"Oh. Then I'll be able to talk to you after I'm there?"

"Yes."

They hugged and Melodi followed Forni onto the ship. She looked around. Maegin took over the ship controls. Greg moved to the co-pilot position. Boe went back to his seat. Melodi and Forni sat in the back.

Soon they were taking off. Melodi gasped.

Forni looked to her. "This is my first time in this flying ship."

Melodi tried to smiled.

Maegin smiled. "It will be a few hours before we get back. It will probably be dark. We'll probably miss dinner, but don't worry, we'll still be able to get something to eat."

"How is that possible?" asked Melodi.

"Some of the domestic staff works overnight and everyone knows we're out. It shouldn't be a big deal."

"I heard that I would be able to sew and embroider again."

"Yes, of course you can. We need people on the domestic staff to do that sort of work."

"What kind of work do you do?"

"I'm a scientist."

"Really? I thought only men could do that."

"We Guardians believe we shouldn't waste our talents by using a rigid division of labor based on sex. Some members of the domestic staff are men."

"Oh, that's different. You sound happy as a scientist."

"I always was happy with this sort of work."

"Are some of the guards women?"

"Yep and they're quite talented as guards."

"It sounds like you Guardians wouldn't necessary fit in well in a regular village."

Maegin laughed. "I left my village because my parents wanted to marry me off once I reached puberty. I had heard the rumors about what had happened to my friend, Boe and I decided it was time to leave. I am glad I did leave. I've been much happier since then."

"So not everyone leaves the hold? Some prefer to just stay there."

"Yes, they do. That's fine too. Many members of the domestic staff are quite happy to stay put. Without them, we would be lost. They grow and cook our food. They make our clothes and they clean. Many are happy to do so and we appreciate them for it."

Melodi thought. "Then I guess I'll be alright with your people. I wasn't sure at first, but if it's the way you say it is, then I'll be happy to live there."

"I bet you will be happy."

It was dark once they landed. All five got out and were greeted by Lady Penelopi. She made sure they all had food. Lady Penelopi served them and sat down with them.

Melodi was tired and hungry. "Lady Penelopi, I am told you head the domestic staff and I want to join it."

Lady Penelopi smiled. "Oh? What skills do you have?"

"I can sew and I was the best at embroidery in my village."

"I take it you're talking about all hand sewing?"

"Yes."

"Are you willing to learn how to use a sewing machine?"

"You have sewing machines?"

"Oh, yes. I'd be happy to teach you how to use one."

"I'm willing. Is it hard to learn?"

"No. It works in a similar way to hand sewing."

"I can start tomorrow morning."

"Wonderful. We can start after breakfast."

The next morning, Lady Penelopi sought out Melodi. Melodi was feeling a bit nauseous and dizzy, but didn't say anything as she followed Lady Penelopi to the sewing room.

It had been a while since Melodi had done any sewing, but she was still able to do all her stitches. The machine wasn't so hard to learn. She was doing well for sometime.

Then she collapsed. When she came to, several people were watching her.

Lady Penelopi was holding her hand. "My dear, what happened? Why didn't you tell me you were sick?"

Melodi looked up at Lady Penelopi. "I'm not sure what's wrong with me. I feel nauseous and couldn't eat much at breakfast this morning."

"Can you stand? We need to get you to the clinic. Our healers can help you."

"You have healers?"

"Yes, my dear. There are enough of us here who can carry you, if need be."

Melodi tried to sit up. She put her hand to her head. "I still feel dizzy."

"Okay, let's just carry her to the clinic." Lady Penelopi made some motions and several people picked up Melodi.

They were gentle as they carried Melodi to the clinic. They set her down on an empty bed. Bernard was sitting at his desk. He stood up and walked over with his portable scanner.

Lady Penelopi said, "Bernard, we're not sure what's wrong. Lady Melodi says she dizzy and nauseous. She passed out when she was trying to work."

Bernard nodded. He held the scanner over Melodi. "Ah, Lady Melodi is pregnant and is experiencing morning sickness."

Melodi's eyes widened. "No! I don't want to be pregnant."

"I can help you with that, if that is what you really want."

Several people gasped.

"Really? You know how to stop a pregnancy?"

"Yes, I've done it before. I will have to stick instruments inside you, right between your legs."

Melodi nodded.

"No, Bernard, you shouldn't give her an abortion."

"It's her decision and hers alone."

"Wait, what if it's Forni's child?"

Melodi shook her head. "No, it's not Forni's. It's the Knight Pol's, whom Forni killed in a duel. I don't want to have Pol's child. He was awful."

"My dear are you sure?"

Melodi nodded at Lady Penelopi. "Forni didn't do anything to me. He never touched me like Pol did. Forni didn't even try to kiss me. I think he's still a child."

Bernard smiled. "Actually, he's an adolescent and probably has no idea what he was supposed to do with you."

Melodi dropped her jaw. "You mean, he's just innocent?"

Bernard nodded. "Yes. I know he flirted with Lady Merlaen and she was flattered by it, but he hasn't done anything else. He never asks for birth control."

"You have birth control here?"

"Yes, we have it for both men and women."

"You Guardians have a lot of things."

Merlaen walked in. "I heard all the noise. Am I to understand you will be performing an abortion, Bernard?"

"Yes, Lady Merlaen, unless Lady Melodi has changed her mind."

"No, I still want to end this pregnancy."

"Okay, Lady Merlaen, please prepare the patient by examining her. I'd hate to start only to have to be careful of any injury."

Merlaen nodded and approached Melodi. Melodi sat up and went with the older woman to the bathroom.

"Okay, everyone else, except for Hugo, please leave. The patient needs some privacy."

The domestic staff nodded and went back to work.

Hugo walked over to Bernard and looked down. "What do you need me to do?"

"Just stand by in case of complications. We need to sterilize the instruments." Bernard and Hugo prepared the instruments and scrubbed up.

Merlaen and Melodi came out. Merlaen helped the young woman lay down and get comfortable.

"She fine now. You shouldn't have problems." Merlaen held Melodi's hand.

"Alright. This Nurse Hugo. He's married to Greg, who you met yesterday."

"Oh, yeah, the fairy."

Hugo smiled.

"Let's begin. After this is over, you will probably bleed more than you usually do."

"I don't have anything to deal with that."

"Don't worry, Melodi, I just ordered some supplies from the domestic staff. They should be here by the time the operation is over." Merlaen smiled at the young woman.

"Thanks. Okay, guys, do what you need to do." Melodi had tears in her eyes. She squeezed Merlaen's hand. It was uncomfortable. She stared at the ceiling.

Melodi recovered without a problem. She was relieved even though she learned she could have taken care of the child and no one would have looked at her in disgust. She was also working again. People loved her work. She was smiling and eventually she sang while she worked. Forni would pause and sigh whenever he heard her when he was practicing.

He couldn't take it anymore and went to talk to Merlaen. "Milady, do you have a moment?"

"Yes, of course, Forni."

"I'm not sure what's wrong with me."

She smiled at him. "You're not flirting with me anymore?"

"Oh, I can kiss your hand, if you like."

"It's Melodi, isn't it?"

"Yes."

Merlaen grasped his hand. "My dear, things are different for you. I am happy for you. She has had a hard time, but given time, she is doing better now."

"It's hard to concentrate when she sings. She is happier now. For that, I am glad."

Merlaen laughed. "Forni, you've fallen in love with her. I see you are also growing out of your clothes again. I bet your special occasion outfit doesn't fit anymore. You should go ask for a new one to have in time for Maegin and Boe's wedding."

"Oh, yes, that would be a good idea. But what do I do about Melodi?"

"Be patient. You should go and ask for the outfit now before you get back to work."

"Okay, I will. Thanks for listening, milady."

"Anytime." She let go of his hand.

Forni went straight to the sewing room and approached Lady Penelopi. "Milady, I need a new special occasion outfit."

"You look like you need a new work outfit as well."

"Well, yeah, that too."

"Let me take your measurements." Lady Penelopi took all the measurements and wrote them down. "Your special outfit will be ready in time for the wedding. Your other clothes may not be ready quite that fast, but it doesn't look like you care about that."

Forni smiled. "Yeah, I'm a little distracted. I better get back to work. I have guard duty tonight." He nodded to her and left.

Lady Penelopi smiled.

Melodi walked over to Lady Penelopi. "Milady, I'd like to make his outfits."

Lady Penelopi turned to Melodi. "Oh, okay. Here are his measurements." She smiled at the younger woman.

Melodi looked at the paper and looked back at Lady Penelopi. Melodi smiled. "I'll get started right now."

The day of the wedding arrived. Forni rushed to the sewing room. Lady Penelopi was there as was Melodi.

"Milady, is the outfit ready?"

Lady Penelopi smiled at him. "It's right here, Forni."

"Ah! Wow, I didn't expect such details. It's beautiful."

Lady Penelopi whispered to him, "Melodi made it. She's making the rest of your outfits."

"Oh! That means... Lady Penelopi I need to make sure she and I have a home together."

"Do you need a small house by yourselves?"

"Yes, I think that would be best."

"That can be arranged. I'll let Greg and his crew know."

"Thank you." Forni took the outfit and went back to his quarters to put it back on. Minutes later he was out in the courtyard waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Melodi walked over to him and curtsied. She was wearing a matching outfit to his. Forni bowed and smiled at her.

"Thanks for making my outfit. I love it."

She smiled at him.

"I hope you will dance with me today."

"I will."

After the ceremony Forni and Melodi danced. They were quiet, but happy as was everyone else.

Lady Penelopi told Greg about the small house request. He and his crew built it and presented it to both Forni and Melodi. Melodi hugged Forni. She was so happy she almost couldn't believe her dreams had finally came true.

## Chapter 20 Expanding

Maegin walked into the clinic. "Hey, Bernard, are you busy?"

"No." Bernard was sitting at his desk.

"Well, I've come up with something that may help Jazmin."

"Oh, what?"

"Here just look." She had him her tablet computer with her notes and diagrams.

Bernard studied it a few minutes. "Ah, yes, I see it. Either Jazmin or Darius gets the surgery and they won't have any more children."

Maegin nodded. "Boe and I were coming up with ideas last night and finally this morning we both got it."

"Jazmin isn't ready to give birth yet, so it's doubtful she will want to have any kind of surgery. However, I bet Darius will be willing to get this kind of surgery." He grabbed his portable communicator. "Darius, Maegin and Boe have come up with solution that will prevent you and Jazmin from having more children."

"Really? What no more sex?"

Bernard smiled. "No, I will to perform an operation on one of you."

"Oh? I don't think that would be good for her to do. But if it will work, I'm game."

"Good. That was pretty much what I thought. If you can stop by the clinic now, Maegin and I can show you what needs to be done."

"I'll be there in five minutes."

Bernard turned off the communicator and looked up at Maegin. She looked to the door when Darius walked in.

"Okay, so what do you need to do to me to help me keep Jazmin happy?"

Maegin handed him her tablet. He studied the pictures and the notes.

"Well, I think it should be okay with Bernard performing the surgery."

"When do you want to do it?"

"I could do it now. I don't have guard duty tonight."

"Then Hugo and I will need a few minutes to prepare. Did you tell Jazmin?"

"Well, no, not yet. I was going to surprise her."

Bernard smiled. "She will be surprised."

Maegin's communicator beeped. "Maegin here."

"Lady Maegin, we have elves and fairies who want to start up another Guardian hold out here. Is it possible?"

"Of course it's possible. They're talking to you?"

Faedin nodded. "Yes, they have been respectful. They have heard some of the stories and they are following the same code you do."

"Okay, we'll have to have a meeting and make arrangements. We can start right now. I'll call you back in a few minutes." Maegin walked out of the clinic.

Darius watched Hugo and Bernard get ready. "I'd hate to miss that."

"Don't worry, we'll be missing it, too. Would you like to be knocked out or just numb the area we will be working on?"

"How about you just knock me out. I think I'd rather wake up later and not have to worry about what you actually did."

Bernard smiled. "Okay, no problem." He gave Darius a shot. Darius went right to sleep.

Maegin soon had some of the Guardians assembled in the great hall around the table. The globe was in the center of the room. She called Faedin back.

The centaur answered immediately. "I have the elves and fairies right here with us." She showed the elves and fairies sitting or floating nearby.

Lady Penelopi smiled. "So you want your own hold, but still be a part of us?"

"Yes. We think there should be Guardians in this part of the world. Many of us have had similar problems to you in the main hold."

"In that case, we can have Greg and his crew set you up with the equipment."

Greg nodded. "It will take us some time, but if you already have your hold, we can install the communicators and provide you with any of the rest of the technology you may need."

"How will you get it to us? Will the dragons have to come?"

"They don't have to. We have a flying ship."

"Wow! Can we have one of those?"

"Certainly, but it will take us time to build another one."

Darius opened his eyes and found Jazmin sitting next to his bed. She looked a little pale and her eyes were closed.

"Milady, I didn't expect to see you here after my operation."

She opened her eyes. "When I didn't see you at the meeting, I knew something was up. Of course, Bernard and Hugo weren't present, but Lady Merlaen was. I asked her and she said you had an operation to help keep me happy."

Darius smiled. "She didn't tell you what kind of surgery it was?"

"No, she wasn't sure what Bernard and Hugo were doing this time."

"Oh, I'm fixed."

"What?"

"I'll be shooting blanks from now on."

She raised her eyebrows.

"Milady, we don't need birth control and you shouldn't get pregnant ever again."

"Oh!"

"Yes." He sat up. "Where is Bernard? I have some questions for him."

Bernard walked out of his room into the clinic. "I'm right here, old friend. What are you questions?"

"Can I go back to work?"

Bernard grabbed his scanner from his desk and walked over to Darius. Bernard scanned Darius. "You're healing up. Although you might have a little trouble walking for a while. I'd recommend light duty and hope we don't get any raiders or orcs until after you've healed up completely."

"Oh, it's like that, huh?" Darius stood up and walked around the clinic.

Jazmin laughed.

Darius smiled at her. "At least you're amused. This is a bit uncomfortable and I will do light duty for now."

Bernard smiled. "I hope I don't need to mention that sex is not a good idea until after you heal up."

"Well... okay, I'm sure Jazmin will be okay until after I heal up."

Jazmin covered her mouth and tried to stifle her laughter.

Bernard laughed. "You can leave. There's no need for you stay in the clinic. See you later, you two."

Darius took Jazmin's hand and they left the clinic.
