 
### HIDDEN EARTH Volume I Maycly

### Book Three "The Queen"

Copyright 2011 by Janet Beasley

Illustrations by Dar Bagby

_HIDDEN EARTH Volume I Maycly Book Three "The Queen"_ is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, events, establishments, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Text copyright 2011 by Janet Beasley.

Illustrations and cover art copyright 2011 by Dar Bagby.

Design, layout, and formatting by Connie M. Thompson: http://www.ridgeroadenter.com • graphicsetc@hughes.net

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, scanning, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the publisher.

ISBN-10: 098488131X

ISBN-13: 978-0-9848813-3-8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

**Part Three** _"The Queen"_

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Other Scribblings by Author Janet Beasley

Map
Prologue

Chapter 36 – • ON EARTH • Iona Grows Up (five years after the dreadful demise)

Chapter 37 – • ON MAYCLY • But I Dinna Ask fer One (eight weeks prior to Iona's eviction notice)

Chapter 38 – The Journey Continues (present day)

Chapter 39 – Iona and Wiskee's Aerial Tour

Chapter 40 – Are You Kidding Me?

Chapter 41 –Wiskee Surprises his Momma

Chapter 42 – A Royal Guest

Chapter 43 – We're Home

Chapter 44 – It's Coming from That Direction

Chapter 45 – Bravery Earns a Ribbon

Chapter 46 – Ashes, Smoke, and Tears

Chapter 47 – A Visit of Importance

Chapter 48 – Is It Really You?

Chapter 49 – Fun Turns to Terror

Chapter 50 – Artie Steps Up

Chapter 51 – The Reunion

Chapter 52 – A Trip to the Gallows

Chapter 53 – Exit...Stage Right

Chapter 54 – Friends Become Family

Chapter 55 – Pleasantries

Chapter 56 – The A.G.W.

Chapter 57 – Warrior of Legend

Chapter 58 – The Amethyst Crystal

Chapter 59 – Surprise Attack

Chapter 60 – Good or Evil...Which Will Prevail?

Chapter 61 – The Great Restoration

Chapter 62 – Humble Dwellings

Chapter 63 – Tuxedos and Gowns and More

Chapter 64 – The Queen of Maycly

EXTRAS

Chukkon Family Tree for Charleo, Keegan, Jobi, and Artie

Recipe: Raspberry White-Chocolate Muffins

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to my husband, Don, who has been and always will be my essence of life. I wish that the wind may catch our sails and carry us to a new sea together where we will float on the waves of achievement, prosperity, and wellness.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you to my husband, my parents, my in-laws, and my outlaws. Thank you to my social network of friends, readers, and fellow authors. Thank you to the Creek '79ers, Picture This Photography & Design, and to author Steve Hamilton, who was my inspiration, and who provided me with my first autographed copy of a book. Thank you to Connie T. for making _Maycly_ come to life in a very professional way. Without the encouragement and support of all of these people, the world would have been deprived of _Maycly._

Other things Janet has written include award-winning poetry, greeting cards, inspirational photo captions, and an autobiography.

Someday she hopes to create a coffee table book combining her talents of inspirational words and her scenic nature photographs.

_HIDDEN EARTH Volume I Maycly_ has been released as three separate ebooks _(Book One "Two Altered Worlds," Book Two "The Battle of Trust and Treachery,"_ and _Book Three "The Queen")_ and as a collector's edition paperback version containing all three parts.

Hidden Earth Series Volumes include: Volume 2 Planet Land ~ The Adventures of Cub and Nash, Volume 3 Planet Water ~ Draugar of the Abyss, Volume 4 Planet Sky ~ Search for the Winged Carrier (releasing 2018), Volume 5 Planet Fire ~ Escape from Fool's Paradise

"... _And when we find ourselves in the place just right,_

'Twill be in the Valley of Love and Delight."

**Simple Gifts,** Shaker Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr. 1848

PROLOGUE

The wagon halted. From the top of the bridge Charleo gasped, and Rascally began to step backwards. "Easy. Easy boy," Charleo spoke softly to his horse. He could not look away from the horror that met his eyes. Screams and cries filled his ears. Chukkons and wightlings ran around chaotically, some with blank stares, some with fright etched on their faces. Animals ran past him, limping, whimpering, terrorized by what they had been through, and now running to nowhere in particular, just away...away from the awful place that had been their safe haven.

Charleo jumped down from the wagon and grabbed a blanket from the back. He climbed up the harness to Rascally's head and wrapped the blanket around the horse's eyes; Rascally immediately calmed down. "There, there me big fella. Tis not nearly so bad if ye canna see what be a-goin' on." He climbed back down, took hold of the chest piece of Rascally's harness, and gently tugged, all the while making soft cooing sounds to his big horse. Rascally no longer hesitated; he willingly followed his master.

Charleo's mouth was dry, his throat was scratchy, and his eyes were watering. He put his handkerchief over his nose and thought to himself, _How can this be a-happenin'? I know twas all prophesied, but how can SUL allow it? Tis far more painful a-seein' it than a-readin' about it._

Eventually he was able to remove Rascally's blindfold and climb back up on the wagon bench. The sights and smells of the aftermath were no less disturbing than the first agonizing images and odors that had reached him on the bridge.

He saw a wightling standing in a daze and went to him.

Chapter 36

• ON EARTH •

Iona Grows Up

(five years after the Dreadful Demise)

Iona loved the house where she grew up. The outside was painted pale yellow. Deep red shutters outlined the windows, and window boxes filled with petunias splashed their colors at the bottom of each. Fir bushes created a border around the house. Tulips and lilies grew with roses by the sidewalk that ran from front to back. The planter on the front porch came alive when the daisies and black-eyed Susans were in bloom.

Like everyone in Bee Creek, Ann and Leonard kept their yard neatly manicured. In the front yard, a bing cherry tree was surrounded by roses and daffodils. A weeping willow sat at the picket fence near the sidewalk, and birch trees grew in a clump opposite the willow. In the backyard maple and sycamore trees had grown tall enough to create a small forest. Cedar trees filled in the gaps. Forsythia bushes dotted the eastern property line. The grass was always soft and felt cool to Iona's bare feet in summer. The big hill in the back yard was perfect for sledding in winter.

There were four bedrooms, one bathroom, and a living room with a fireplace. The kitchen always smelled so good. Iona's favorites were Ann's fresh baked breads, simmering pot roast, chicken and noodles, spaghetti and meat sauce, and desserts. They usually ate in their dinette, only using the dining room on special occasions. The basement held a wood shop for Leonard and a game room to entertain company.

Iona adored her purple bedroom with its large double windows facing the sidewalk. White ruffled curtains brightened the room, and her roll-top desk was tidy. Her closet seemed big to her at age five, but she made certain all of her clothes were hung neatly and her shoes arranged just so. She kept her fish, turtle, and hamster on the "pet shelves" Leonard had built, but Merlin, their big white fluffy dog, slept on the bed with Iona every night.

It was autumn in Bee Creek. Iona had come to enjoy this season the most because of its beautifully colored leaves, festivals, caramel apples, pumpkin pie, and apple cider. It was Saturday, time to rake the leaves. As always, Leonard was wearing his green jumpsuit, flowered gloves, his red cap (two sizes too small), and his rubber boots. Ann wore her red polka-dot sweater, plaid pants, purple scarf, orange beanie, navy-blue mittens, and bright green galoshes. Iona was wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, no hat, scarf, or gloves–she was still too young to realize just how cold it really was.

"Bring me a trash bag. Please." groaned Leonard. Ann motioned to Iona to come with her. They sneaked up behind Leonard and shook the bag open. POP! "What the..." Leonard jumped. Ann tried not to laugh, but Iona's giggle was too contagious. Leonard could not help but chuckle at their scare tactic. Iona grabbed a few leaves she thought would be perfect for the art project she was working on in her kindergarten class and ran to place them on the porch just so.

"Ohhhh, my back is getting older much faster than I am," Leonard fussed as he gathered the crunchy leaves onto the rake. Ann held the bag open for him. He slowly stood up to drop the leaves into the bag. Iona saw it coming.

"HEY! For Maycly's sake! Pay attention!"

When Ann brought her attention back to him she noticed Leonard was staring at her. She looked down. "Oh! Goodness. Look what we've done. The bag crumpled in on itself and we didn't see that."

" _We?"_ questioned Leonard. "Don't you mean _you_?"

"It takes two to tango buster."

"Moonshine! There's a monster after me! We can't let the monster eat me...I'm the princess of the leaf pile!" Iona shouted from the porch then came running.

"Wait! Nooooo!" Leonard could not stop her; she leapt into the leaf pile squealing then laughed as she threw the leaves up and over herself time and again.

"Sunshine, you're as silly as your mommy." Leonard gently poked in the leaves with the rake handle. "Oh no! It's the evil prince, Sir Rakes-a-Lot, and he's got a dull tickling lance." Iona laughed even harder as she tried to escape her tickling doom.

Ann huffed, "All right, Sir Rakes-a-Lot. Let it be known that I'm sorry about the crumpled bag. But that polar bear turned into a turtle."

Leonard stopped mid-action. "What? What are you talking about?"

Ann tried re-opening the bag while pointing up with her elbow. Iona butted in and said, "In the sky...the cloud...see it? It's a frog now."

Leonard gave Ann and Iona a courtesy laugh and began to fill the lawn rake again. Ann glared at him, continuing to hold the bag open. Iona jumped from the leaves and kept her eyes on the clouds. "It's a dragon now. Look." Ann glanced up and agreed.

When Leonard stood back up, he looked at the sky to humor them. "Well I'll be darned. It does look like a..."

"Watch what you're doing!" shouted Ann. Again the leaves dropped and missed the bag, but this time it was Leonard's fault for watching the clouds. Iona jumped in the leaf pile again.

"Dang." Leonard gave up and laughed. Ann followed suit. Iona loved when they all laughed together.

Finally the leaves were raked and bagged. Into the house they went following a fun afternoon. Ann prepared some supper for them; grilled cheese and tomato soup was a Saturday evening favorite while dining on portable TV trays and watching television together.

"OK, time for bed kiddo. Go brush your teeth, then we'll get your jimmie-jammies on." Ann went to Iona's bedroom and put Iona's pajamas over the heater so they would be nice and warm.

Iona stood on her bed while Ann helped her dress. "I just love my warm flannel PJs Mommy. You and Daddy are the best mommy and daddy _any_ princess could ask for." Iona hugged Ann.

"I don't know where you get the idea that you're a princess. You're far from that, because this family sure doesn't have any princess blood flowing through its bloodline." Ann rubbed Iona's nose with hers then buttoned the last few buttons on Iona's pajama top.

"But I feel like a princess, only because I'm not old enough to be a queen yet."

"My goodness, you have it all planned out don't you?" Ann joked with Iona, but Iona was not kidding.

"What's going on in here?" Leonard came to say goodnight and tuck Iona in.

"Mommy doesn't think I'm a princess because of a clogged bloodline. But I don't care. I still know I'm one and I'm going to be a queen someday, but I have to be older to be a queen–they usually look really old in my story books, like they're 20 or 23!" Ann and Leonard smiled at Iona's perception of old.

"You've got this all planned out, don't you Sunshine?"

"That's what Mommy just said. But I _do_ know what's going to happen. Someday I'll be the queen of a land that's filled with good things, you know, with mommies and daddies like you guys, doggies like our Merlin, and candy that grows on trees!" Ann and Leonard had noticed early on that Iona had quite an imagination, and it appeared to be growing with her.

"Well for now, it's beddie-bye time, even for princesses. So up you go!" Leonard scooped up Iona and put her gently down on the bed. He tucked her in, and Ann gave her a kiss. Merlin jumped right up and took his place beside her. Leonard let Merlin know he was a good boy then he gave Iona a kiss too.

"Mommy? Daddy?"

"Yes."

"Why don't the other kids I play with have a birthmark like mine?"

"Most boys and girls have birthmarks Pumpkin. And actually they all look different, and are in different places," answered Ann.

"No that's not what I mean. My friends have shown me theirs on their arms and legs, and theirs aren't made up with a bunch of colors. And theirs don't light up and get warm." Iona rubbed her tiny fingers over her colorful mark.

"That, my dear, is what makes _you_ so special, not only to Daddy and me, but to the whole Earth!" Ann spoke with a kind mother's tone, Iona's favorite. Leonard reached out and messed up Iona's hair.

"Don't Daddy! My hair has to look pretty while I sleep in case a prince shows up!" Iona slid her hands over her hair to smooth it. "Am I really that special to you _and_ the whole Earth?" Iona so wanted it to be true.

"Well it makes you special to Daddy and me for sure, and that's what counts the most. Right?" Ann gave her a big noisy kiss on the cheek.

"I guess so." Iona was let down at not being special to the whole Earth.

"Now you can't be going to sleep with a frown on your face. You'll wake up all wrinkled and ugly." Leonard tickled Iona. He could not resist her giggle, and he usually tickled her until she giggled so hard she could not catch her breath.

"I love you Mommy. I love you Moonshine. "

"We love you too." Ann and Leonard headed toward the door.

"Can you do one last check under my bed for monsters, just in case? I'd do it, but I don't want to mess up my hair crawling on the floor and all. You know."

"There are no monsters...really. Now good night." Ann turned the light off, Leonard closed the door (almost), and they headed back out to the living room.

Iona could see her multicolored birthmark glowing under the sheets. She felt the warmth slowly make its way through her entire body, chasing away the chill of the fall weather. The warmth brought sleepy eyes, so off to dreamland she went.

• • • •

It had been 13 years since Iona had run and jumped in a pile of leaves. She was grown up now and had bigger responsibilities and decisions to deal with other than deciding which caramel apple looked the best in the candy store's showcase. It was a beautiful sunny July day. Cole was relaxed, Iona was a chattering mess. She jerked her communication headset off and let it drop to her neck. She shouted as loud as she could over the noises of the busy stage hands and set builders. "Move the waterfall up center stage! The idea is to have the looping text projecting _on_ the waterfall, giving the effect of the words JOY - ENCHANTMENT - PEACE - LOVE all spilling their way _slowly_ down the waterfall." She added exaggerated body language to further enhance her instructions. "The names should appear in between each of the words. And the tranquil photos should transition smoothly on the screen behind it." Her tone turned sarcastic. "And I believe it's easier to _move_ the waterfall than to _re-install_ the ceiling-mounted projectors and permanently mounted screens, don't you think? Let's get on this!" She put her headset back on, but nobody made an effort to do what she had asked. The set builders either had not heard her over the noise, or they had heard enough and were just ignoring her.

Cole had heard her in his headset. Even though it was around her neck, she had left Cole's channel open. He spoke casually into a talk-back mic to the two helpers working on the stage. "Hey guys." The stage hands jumped when Cole's voice came through the stage monitors. "Would you please move the waterfall to center stage for us so that it's in the projection? Thanks." They turned and nodded at Cole and made their way to move the waterfall.

Iona watched as some of the water sloshed over onto the stage. She noticed the guys stumbling every other step, but to her amazement, they managed to move it, keeping it in one piece, right to where she had pictured it. She let out a sigh and looked at Cole in the sound booth for support. He was always her calm in just such a storm.

Cole had heard and caught her frustration. From the sound booth he smiled at her and blew her a kiss. She returned a half smile–no kiss. He was not put off by her actions; he understood where she took up camp mentally when directing a production.

Iona faced the stage and off came the headset again. She ran her fingers through her hair repeatedly in a habit of frustration. She re-donned her headset, whining to herself through her faux smile and gritting teeth, "Why must I be doing this instead of playing with the fun tech toys? I don't want to do this!"

"I heard that," said Cole.

Iona turned back to face Cole. "This is NOT my favorite part of productions. You know that. Special effects, that's where I rock!"

"Yeah, but you're doing what you do best sweetie, directing and producing." Cole gave her a wink and a blink.

Iona sighed. She knew he was right. She turned her headset off and dropped it to her neck again. She took a moment and admired her engagement ring from Cole to help put her in the right frame of mind. He had chosen all of her favorites; it was a solid 24 carat gold band holding a three-carat emerald-cut diamond surrounded by small diamond-cut pink ice, amethyst, and blue topaz gems. She stepped to a mic and motioned to Cole to turn it on. "May I have your attention please?"

Their friends all thought the same thing: _Now what? An entire set change?_

Instead, Iona eased their nerves as she spoke and applauded. "You're doing a great job everybody!" She continued with humility, making sure she looked at each one individually. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." She sealed the sincerity of the moment by placing her hands over her heart. "Thank you all very much for helping make this happen." Iona truly was sincere, but she was also a favorable actor.

Cole gave her another wink and a blink from the sound booth letting her know she had done the right thing to clear the air of tension. Several exchanged hugs and brought words of encouragement to Iona. Those who worked with them in the theatrical realm could not stand Iona's director-mode of behavior, but they knew she could get the job done right. Iona knew that as well and was trying to overcome the flaw, but that was just one of the things that made Iona, Iona.

By late evening the job was finished. Iona and Cole gathered with their friends to admire all of their work. "It's magnificent," said one of their friends.

"I know." Everyone laughed at Iona's "humble" response. The room was abuzz with congratulations on a job well done.

One of the girls working on the set said to Iona, "SUL couldn't have made a better match on Maycly than He did with you two on Earth." The girl started to cry from the emotional moment, and Iona wiped her tears.

"I can't imagine not trusting SUL to guide me, especially after meeting Cole." Iona's eyes went dreamy. Even though production was as natural to them as breathing, today the task had not manifested itself as an easy one in the process of bringing about this once-in-a-lifetime show. This time Iona and Cole were setting the stage for their own wedding.

• • • •

Dawn broke all too early to Iona's liking after the previous night's decorating extravaganza.

Three hours remained before the big event, and preliminaries were under way. Ann was driving Iona to the church. Iona tried to stay calm, but she could not help chattering. "These things are giving me a headache," referring to the curlers strategically wrapped in her hair. She was just certain she had forgotten something, so she checked her make-up tote for all the needed items. "I don't see my...oh, there it is." Everything was accounted for in the makeup bag.

Upon arriving at the church, Iona felt a little nauseated. "Tell me again this is the right thing to do." Ann thought it seemed like the millionth time Iona had asked for positive reinforcement. Ann took in a deep breath but did not get a chance to answer. "What if _I'm_ not the right one for him? What if _he_ decides not to show up because I'm ugly?"

"Stop that!" snapped Ann as she parked the car. Ann took another deep breath then spoke calmly. "You two have been together...forever. You're kiddie-hood sweethearts. You go together like cake and ice cream. You are _best_ friends. And YOU are NOT UGLY! AAHHGG!" Iona hugged Ann, and they both laughed at her crazy notions.

Readying herself to walk down the aisle Iona whined, "Daddy, I'm going to do it again!" She darted to the restroom for one last time to throw up. She spotted the comforting puke towel and grabbed it on the way to the stall. She lifted her veil and held the towel so as to not soil her magnificent gown. She had already been through this twice that morning. When Iona looked in the mirror after spewing the lung-butter, it was obvious she needed to redo her lipstick one more time. _And before the lipstick, I'd best brush my teeth...again...and chomp another handful of mints...again...to ensure a sweet kiss._

Iona watched the hallway spin slower and slower on her way back as the nausea subsided. Her facial color still showed subtle remnants of feeling queasy when she got back to Leonard.

"There's my trooper, the 'Princess of the Leaf Pile.' Are you going to make it down the aisle?" Leonard pinched her arm.

"Ouch! That hurt! What did you do that for?" Iona was half laughing as she already knew why.

"Well, you forgot about puking didn't you?" Leonard said laughing at his popular trick he had always used on Iona when he wanted her to forget her current troubles and just be happy.

Iona gave Leonard's arm an expected punch. "Oh, I'll make it down the aisle. It's what might come up and join us on the way that I'm wondering about!"

"That's my girl!"

The processional music started, and the wedding party made its debut. As Iona and Leonard walked down the aisle they savored every moment of smiling with, grabbing the hands of, and blowing kisses to those who were attending the gala event. Iona finally got her nerve up and looked forward all the way to the altar and thought to herself, _Cole's there. Thank goodness._

When they reached the altar Leonard leaned to Iona's ear and whispered, "I love you, Sunshine." He kissed her cheek then winked. Iona looked him straight in the eyes and whispered back, "I love you too, Moonshine. Thanks for everything you've ever taught me in life." She kissed his cheek and winked back.

It was a bittersweet situation for Leonard. The sweet part being that his little Sunshine was marrying the man she loved. The bitter portion meant his little Sunshine was all grown up. His stomach sank a bit as his hand released Iona's arm to give her away. She saw a tear fall from Leonard's eye and reached to wipe it away. "Someday, Daddy, we'll live where cute little flying creatures wipe away our tears, and we'll only cry tears of joy."

• • • •

Iona's heart fluttered when she felt her wedding band slide onto her finger. Then she slid Cole's onto his. Iona's band was inscribed on the inside with the words _"Our love brings..."_ and Cole's read _"...the promise of joy."_ They just knew there was nothing that could ever separate them or any situation on Earth that could steal their joy.

"You may now kiss the bride," words Iona and Cole had longed to hear.

Iona's heart started pounding, causing the bust of her already-tightly-fitted gown to shrink in size. The nausea from sheer excitement had now given way to welcomed butterflies flitting about in her belly. Cole looked at her with more love than she could even think possible. She wanted her expression to match his. He lifted her veil and brought his warm gentle hands to meet her cheeks. He wiped the tear of joy from her face with his thumb and paused.

"Ready Teddy?" Cole whispered so only Iona could hear.

Iona whispered the expected response. "I was born ready." She lovingly put her hand to her neck and felt the family heirloom necklace, the one every bride in her family had worn at their weddings over the last 150 years. Then finally, as if in slow motion, Cole pulled her face to his. Their lips met with passion. The wedding kiss. To Iona and Cole, all went silent in the sanctuary. Iona felt Cole's hands hug her face as their velvety lips adhered to one another. A rush of adrenaline shot through her body. She felt warm honey flow through her veins, or so it seemed. She had never experienced this, and they had kissed many times.

Neither of them wanted this scene to end, but they knew it must. Their lips separated and broke into two beautiful smiles. At that moment the sounds of the sanctuary returned to them; their ears were greeted with cheers.

"I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Cole and Iona Snapp."

At last, they were husband and wife.

• • • •

A grand soiree' followed in the churchyard under the established trees by one of the many ponds. A bagpipe accompanied a woodwind and string ensemble that played softly in the background. Every guest felt like royalty when they caught their first glimpse and heard the sounds of the posh display. The feast was a buffet of filet mignon, lobster tails, Italian herbed chicken, garlic Parmesan potatoes, fresh fruits and vegetables, breads of every kind, and there was more than just cake for dessert.

There was the traditional throwing of the bouquet and the retrieving and tossing of the garter. The wedding cake was cut, and Iona and Cole took the liberty of smearing it on each others' faces. Dancing, fellowship, and laughter filled the air the entire evening.

Cole took Iona by the hand and spun her around in a jitterbug move. Iona giggled. Her face met his. "We are married! And I love you...Mrs. Snapp." Cole was being over-dramatic, and Iona felt her face blush. That was the first time she had heard Cole call her by that name.

"And I, Mrs. Snapp, love you too!"

"You two need to get yourselves out of here or no one's going to be left to pelt you with rice and seeds." Ann had a point.

"Is it that late already?" Iona sighed.

Cole spoke overly enthused raising his eyebrows several times. "Late? The night is young!"

"Well then, we'd best make our grand exit."

"After you Mrs. Snapp." Cole bowed with a hand motion toward their car. Iona and Cole made a mad dash through a heavy shower of rice and birdseed. It was so thick they could barely see the path to their decorated car.

Cole opened the door for Iona, but it took some doing to get the dress into the car. "I need some help with this dress," shouted Cole. He was enveloped in a sea of satin and chiffon. All who were still present laughed.

"Hey, she's your problem now," hollered Leonard in jest.

Finally the fabric mound was in her lap and the door shut. Cole made his way around to the driver's side. He scanned the sight of the few remaining guests as he waved. He was humbled by their encouragement.

Iona looked out her window and waved to everyone. She blew a kiss to Ann and Leonard. They blew kisses back, which she "caught" and plastered all over her face. Others threw kisses too, and Iona did her best to catch every one of them. The newlyweds drove off and disappeared over the hill. The curtain on their "one night only" production had closed. They gave themselves a seated standing ovation.

Iona could not help but feel like a queen.

Chapter 37

• ON MAYCLY •

But I Dinna Ask fer One

(eight weeks prior to Iona's eviction notice)

Charleo was tinkering in his wood shop, catching up on the few things he had promised Marlen he would make for her. He enjoyed the whispery sound of the carving tool and the smell of the freshly shaved wood as he chiseled and shaped the new mugs and plates. He held a mug up into the light for a better look. When the light grew brighter behind it, he smiled.

"Good morning my friend."

"And good mornin' ta ye Carbreyghal."

"It is time for you to listen to what SUL asks of you this day."

"Aye. I hope it be nothin' like the last time though. Whew! Twas quite the battle, eh?" Charleo went to set the mug on the work bench but missed. Carbreyghal could not hold back his grin. Charleo blushed and climbed onto the stool at the workbench. "Never ye be a-mindin' me clumsiness, I'll just be a-sittin' right here and a-listenin' fer now."

"SUL requests your presence at the Birthing Waters one hour before twilight."

"The Birthin' Waters?" Charleo's mouth fell open and he blinked several times. "Fergive me, but I be a bit confused. Me two boys have already been delivered, and we havena asked fer any more chukkonettes over the last, oh, say 250 years. Tell me now, did me Marlen put SUL up ta this in secret?" He was almost excited.

Carbreyghal laughed. "No, no. Marlen did not ask for another. But rest assured, what the mermaids bring to the top will put a smile on your face just the same. But you must speak of this to no one."

"Aye. Me apologies. No more questionin'. I'll just be a-trustin' SUL as always."

"SUL thanks you Charleo." Carbreyghal moved forward and kissed Charleo on the head then departed in his normal fashion, disappearing into the sky.

• • • •

"Twas yer best cabbage roll soup n' buttery bread mid-meal yet, me darlin' Marlen." The boys agreed with greasy orange smiles. "I'll be a-goin' ta Pub Pete's a little early this evenin'. Meetin' Artie and Keegan fer a Buttons-n-Blocks tournament. That Keegan, I be a-tellin' ye, he be a master at it." Charleo hoped he had not sounded like he was fibbing.

"A Buttons-n-Blocks tournament? Ye be terrible at that game." Denton and Dittle snickered in agreement.

"Ye two stop yer laughin'." He turned to Marlen. "And I thank ye so much fer yer vote of confidence there me dearest."

"Well then, ye should be home much earlier than usual, eh?"

"Nae. I'll be a-stayin' fer the whole thin' just ta see who wins fer sure."

"Oh ye silly wee fella. I just be a-pullin' yer leg. Ye stay as long as ye like." Marlen kissed Charleo on the forehead. "Why dunna ye take the boys? They love Buttons-n-Blocks, and they'd surely enjoy a-watchin' ye lose...I mean _win_...all those games."

Charleo's face went pale. "Nae. Not this time. Maybe next. I need ta be a-concentratin' this evenin', if ye know what I mean, not a-watchin' after me boys."

"Oh, please let us go with ye Papa," begged Dittle.

"Please?" coaxed Denton.

"Nae. Not this time I said. Maybe next. And _that_ be me final words regardin' the matter." The boys knew by their papa's sharp nod of his head that his answer would not change. Charleo despised having to do things in secret, but he knew if SUL had asked him to, somehow, as always, things would work out.

Marlen was bent on making things easier for Charleo. "Boys, how about spendin' some time in the garden with me a-catchin' snuggerbugs and a-chasin' off the spittin' beetles? Then we'll build a fire in the ring out back and make s'mores. I've got the extra large puffy marshmallows and chocolate-covered graham crackers ready ta go. How be that a-soundin'?"

SPITTING BEETLE

"Aye!" The thought of having s'mores instantly appeased their disappointment.

"Thank ye Marlen."

"Ye be more than welcome." She winked at him.

"All right then, it be off ta the pub fer me. I'll be a-seein' ye in time ta tuck ye both in."

"We'll be here a-waitin', but we canna guarantee there'll be any s'mores left." Denton was telling the truth more than Charleo wanted to believe, because he loved s'mores just as much as the next chukkon.

"Ah, that be all right. Ye can see by me belly I probably dunna need one anyway." He gave each of the boys a punch on the arm and Marlen a kiss. "OK, I'll be a-leavin' now. Here I go. Yep. I be out the door now. Bye-bye." As Charleo shut the door behind him he let out a sigh of relief and whispered, "Whew! Thank Ye SUL fer a-gettin' me outta that one." He climbed up onto Rascally's broad back.

When Charleo arrived at the Birthing Waters he let Rascally roam free to drink and frolic with the raffedaries. He stood anxiously at the water's edge, watching the toucanthiae swim about and the flowering puddle-jumpers coming and going at will.

"Thank you for your trust once again Charleo."

Charleo looked up into the tree and saw SUL's calming glow spilling through the leaves and branches. "Ye be most welcome SUL."

"I have yet another special task for you...and a friend."

Charleo was startled by the sounds of something falling through the branches, with a few audible "ouches" and "oofs." It landed on the ground with a sudden thud.

"And I'm here! I'm not late–at least I don't think I'm late. Am I late?"

Charleo's eyes were fixed on a peculiar fellow who was brushing the debris from his clothing. "Late? I dinna e'en know ye were invited."

"Of course I was invited! Isn't that right SUL? I was invited by You personally."

"Yes, that is correct. Charleo, allow Me to introduce you to The Man Behind The Dumpster. And before you go questioning his odd name, know that it will serve quite the purpose in time."

"Aye. No questionin'. I be a-promisin'."

The Man Behind The Dumpster grabbed Charleo's hand and shook it, and shook it, and shook it. "Soooo glad to meet you! And just think, we're gonna be pals. Oh boy! Oh boy!" He was, without a doubt and to say the least, enthused.

"And, uh, uh, tis nice ta be a-meetin' ye too." Charleo waited until his head and arm stopped bobbing from the ardent handshake. "SUL? What be a-goin' on here?"

"The Man Behind The Dumpster is to be your friend, and you his. I created him for this very time. I awakened him only a few hours ago. He's been hibernating since creation. The Man Behind The Dumpster is one of a kind."

Really, now. I wouldna have guessed.

"Remember, Charleo, I can hear your thoughts."

"Oh, sorry Grand Wizard. He just be so different from anyone else I've e'er met."

"Of course he is. He's part etherealian and part wightling. Though his flying isn't exactly up to par yet, he does have the power of an etherealian to be invisible on Earth, plus the power to appear visibly as a human. I've promised him new wings when all is said and done." The Man Behind The Dumpster was dancing a jig and humming to himself. Then he whirled head-over-heels doing cartwheels. "Oh, and he's a little excitable."

"Ye think?"

SUL smiled as The Man Behind The Dumpster ended his last cartwheel with his elbow resting on Charleo's shoulder. "Now, give Charleo some room. And Charleo, My faithful one, watch for the mermaids." The Man Behind The Dumpster stepped back out of courtesy, and Charleo stepped a little further forward so he could see down into Lake Origin.

The turquoise liquid began to gleam and dance about. Charleo knew what was next. The Man Behind The Dumpster wiggled and waggled with anticipation; this was his first experience with a birth.

"I see 'em a-comin' up, and sure enough, they be a-carryin' a little one ta me. Been a while since I've witnessed such a grand view." The mermaids brought forth the delivery of life. Charleo was taken back at the sight of the baby in their arms. "Tis...tis...a...a puppy?"

"Yes. It's a puppy."

"Woohoo!" The Man Behind The Dumpster did a flip.

"But I dinna ask fer one."

"I know you didn't, Charleo, but I did. Now carry the new puppy to the branches of the Tree of Breathing and Being, call his name as you see fit, then lift him up and dedicate him to Me. Instead of clothing you will find a small black collar with a red satin bow lying by the tree. Place it around his neck; I've created the collar so it will grow with him."

Charleo gently took the wet bundle (all one-and-a-half pounds of him) and fell instantly in love with the little pup. The Tree of Breathing and Being extended its soft willow-leaf branches and created a very tiny cradle. Charleo placed the puppy in the cradle and thought for a long time before he spoke. "Ye be so easy to wisk up in me arms and cuddle, I'll be a-callin' ye Wiskee." At the sound of his name, Wiskee opened his tiny eyes. Charleo could have sworn Wiskee smiled at him. The Man Behind The Dumpster peered over Charleo's shoulder, and Wiskee "smiled" at him as well.

"Come on li'l fella. Let's be a-gettin' ye dedicated ta SUL. Ye must be a mighty special li'l puppy." Charleo lifted Wiskee from the branches and into the air. "I, Charleo, be a-dedicatin' ye, Wiskee, ta SUL. I promise ta love ye, teach ye, and care fer ye. We'll be the best of friends." Charleo did not know what else to say; he had never dedicated a puppy. He proceeded to fetch Wiskee's collar and place it around the puppy's neck. "There. And oh, what a handsome boy ye be in yer new collar." The Man Behind The Dumpster got all misty-eyed and clutched the lapels of his jacket.

"That was wonderful My friend." SUL was well pleased.

Charleo lowered Wiskee and cradled him in his arms like a new chukkonette. When Charleo saw the adorable Wiskee lying on his back with his front paws bent slightly and his back legs spread-eagle, it made Charleo's nose and cheeks go red from joy. When Wiskee wagged his little tail, it brought smiles so big to Charleo and The Man Behind The Dumpster, Wiskee could not help but squint at the glare from their bright white teeth.

"Charleo, I give to you a special key. Hang it from Wiskee's collar. There it will remain until it is needed; Wiskee will know when it is time to use the key." Charleo plucked the small key from the air and clasped it to Wiskee's collar.

SUL addressed The Man Behind The Dumpster. "A different key I give to you. This one is for Iona. I will let you know when it is time to give it to her." The Man Behind The Dumpster plucked the old tarnished key from the air. Without question he put it in his inside vest pocket. He looked at SUL and winked, fully trusting Him.

SUL presented His next instructions. "I need the two of you to care for and raise Wiskee for eight weeks in secret. Charleo, you will train Wiskee in the things I will show you. The Man Behind The Dumpster, I have placed the things you will need to keep Wiskee in your home in the outskirts of Klondelkin."

"I have a home?"

"Yes. And a very special one at that."

"Yeehaw!" The Man Behind The Dumpster jumped into the air and clicked his heels.

SUL continued. "Once Wiskee is eight weeks old, the three of you will journey to Earth, undetected. Charleo, you will deliver Wiskee in a basket with a note attached. Leave his basket and note on Iona's porch and knock on her door. Then return to Maycly immediately after you have knocked.

"The Man Behind The Dumpster, you will remain on Earth and watch over Iona in secret; Iona and Wiskee will experience some hard times. At My promptings you will go to help them, sometimes visible, other times not. But you must remember, Iona can only seal Good for us if she learns how to love once again, resumes her trust in Me, and comes to Maycly by the means I provide. She must never be told on Earth, by any of us, that she is to be our queen. She must accept her duty through her own free will."

The Man Behind The Dumpster removed his hat and scrunched it in his hands. "Begging Your pardon my Creator. I'm not trying to correct You and Your ways, but I do have a question. Why must someone as nice as Iona have to face such dark times on Earth?"

"Iona is hurting, bitter and alone, and has abandoned her love for living things. Above all, she must learn to trust in Me once again." Charleo gasped at the answer. The Man Behind The Dumpster was saddened that anyone would ever stop trusting SUL. He paced, shaking his head, trying to understand.

Charleo was dealing with his own issue. "S'cuse me, SUL, I'd like to say the journey scares me not, but be I worthy ta deliver such a bundle ta one such as Iona?"

"I admire your humility, but rest assured, I would not have called upon you if I had not found you suitable for such a task," answered SUL.

Charleo was greatly honored, and The Man Behind The Dumpster was all a-twitter at being trusted by SUL with such responsibility. Neither of them had ever had a dog before.

"You are free to go," said SUL.

"Woohoo! I'm going to go check out my new cottage. I am just beside myself with things to be done before you bring Wiskee to my place, Charleo." He reached over and patted Wiskee on the head. "And I'll see you later tonight, you little cuddle biscuit." He rubbed noses with Wiskee then rushed off singing and jumping and clicking his heels together about every fourth step. Charleo stared at little Wiskee in his hands, wondering what to do next for sure, when he found himself in Carbreyghal's presence.

"SUL has sent me to show you things." He closed his grand wings and re-opened them. As his enormous wings fanned open, Charleo saw before him a transparent cinematic visual taking place on Maycly. "Look upon Iona and Wiskee. Do you see the pet-bond between them?" asked Carbreyghal.

Charleo began to see the pet-bonding light starting to develop. He was aware pets always produced this illuminated feature on Maycly whenever they were near their masters. He looked at Wiskee and found the same glow starting to shine. Looking back at the visual of Wiskee and Iona, he spoke. "Tis far brighter than any pet-bondin' light I've e'er seen. She really loves him, eh?"

"She will, once you make the delivery."

"Who be the wightlin's with Iona?"

"Her husband Cole, her mother Ann, and her father Leonard. They have been separated for nearly two years now. Iona has been searching for them on Earth since the day they disappeared."

"Oh, me." Charleo's voice dropped with sadness. He cuddled Wiskee as best he knew how.

"I will leave with you four photographs, one each of Iona, Cole, Ann, and Leonard. Show them to Wiskee often. Repeat their names as you show him their photos." Carbreyghal closed then opened his hand, and four photos appeared. They rose slightly into the air. The subjects came off the photo paper and danced around Charleo's head. Each tiny figure introduced himself or herself to Charleo. They waved and blew kisses to Wiskee, still in Charleo's arms, then returned to their individual photos. "That is all you need know for now."

Charleo carefully reviewed in his mind the instructions Carbreyghal had given him and assured the etherealian, "I'll be a-doin' as SUL asks." He was getting the feeling there was more to Wiskee than met his eye.

Charleo made it home in time to tuck in his boys. When he went to his bedroom, he found Marlen sound asleep and a s'more on a plate resting atop his pillow.

• • • •

Fifty-six days had now passed since Wiskee had come from the Birthing Waters. Charleo had done his job with the help of The Man Behind The Dumpster, and both had cherished every moment. Charleo set out in the early morning to The Man Behind The Dumpster's dwelling.

Wiskee came running out to greet him, as did The Man Behind The Dumpster. While all three were playing together a bright light shone, and Carbreyghal appeared. "It is time to deliver Wiskee to Iona on Earth. I've placed Wiskee's basket and note under the sycamore tree to my right." The Man Behind The Dumpster went jig-jogging off to fetch it. "Charleo, SUL has prepared a coach for you." He raised his wing, and a shimmering cloud appeared.

"Funny, it doesna look like a coach."

"It is known as a wispy-coach. There is only one, and it was crafted by SUL Himself. It can only be used at SUL's request, and this is His first request. All you need do is hop into the shimmering cloud, and it will take you to where you need to be on Earth. When you are ready to leave Earth, all you need do is think it into being, hop back into the wispy-coach, and you will find yourself back on Maycly in no time."

"Can we come too? We've never been to Earth either," said a small voice. Charleo looked over his shoulder and saw Jit and Giddy hovering with a few of their tiny friends.

"I dunna see why not. What be SUL a-thinkin' about that Carbreyghal?"

Carbreyghal closed his eyes for a moment to listen for SUL's inward answer. "SUL finds it suitable. Just make absolutely certain you are all in the wispy-coach when it's time to return."

"And what about me?" The Man Behind The Dumpster had returned with the basket and the note.

"You shall fly with me. I will carry you in my arms, and we will travel as etherealians travel to and from Earth. I will take you to where Charleo's wispy-coach will appear. Though you possess the gift of being visible, you must remain invisible on Earth unless SUL orders you to allow yourself to be seen. You will remain on Earth, watching over Iona and Wiskee, until Charleo returns to Earth."

_Return ta Earth? I guess I'll be a-makin' more'n one trip. Huh._ Though he was surprised at that, Charleo did not question the future; he simply trusted SUL.

• • • •

Charleo, the Sprites, and Wiskee arrived on Earth unnoticed.

"Well, that be quite the ride, eh?" Jit, Giddy, and their friends agreed. Wiskee gave a puppy huff from under the fabric covering him in his basket. The wispy-coach poofed out of sight.

"Now, ye li'l flyin' ones, dunna wander off. Please, stay right by me side."

"Aye, aye Gen'rl! We'll be...a-goin' nowhere without... ye!" Jit saluted, and his friends giggled at his stilted chukkon imitation. Charleo considered it a compliment.

"Psst! Psst! Over here!"

"Be that ye, The Man Behind The Dumpster? I canna see ye."

"I know. I have to stay invisible like the etherealians until SUL says its time to take Iona and Wiskee to their new apartment. But I couldn't stand not getting to see Iona in person. This is my first trip to Earth too...wait, it's my first trip anywhere! I'm only eight weeks old, you know!" The Man Behind The Dumpster wheezed a contagious laugh. The Sprites could not hold in their laughter either.

Charleo had no choice but to laugh with them, but he soon recovered his serious side. "Aye. I can understand. Now be a-keepin' still, all of ye. Ye be a-hearin' me?"

"I do. I do. I DO hear you, General Charleo." Charleo just shook his head, rolled his eyes, and sighed at his invisible friend. The Sprites put their hands over their mouths to stifle any further laughter.

The time had come; there could be no more stalling. The Sprites flew ahead and pulled hard on the screen door handle and held it open in case they needed to bolt. Charleo quietly entered Iona's screened-in porch and gently set Wiskee's basket on Iona's doorstep, knocked on the door, and ran. The Sprites shut the door quietly on the porch and immediately joined Charleo.

Charleo "thought" the wispy-coach into being then he and the Sprites jumped in, their heads still peeking out.

"Shh back there! Ye may be invisible, but ye can still be heard, so stop yer hummin'." The Man Behind The Dumpster became silent.

Anticipation was high. They all heard footsteps coming to the door. The door knob jiggled and jiggled and they heard Iona's frustration regarding the matter. Finally the door opened. The Man Behind The Dumpster stood in the bushes, invisible, in awe. No sooner had the others gotten their long-awaited glimpse than they ducked their heads back into the wispy-coach. It POOFED, and they were gone.

The poof of fog just outside the porch's screen door caught Iona's eye as it dissipated. _Must be kids with smoke bombs._ Harassed by the trick, she was about to close the door when she looked down at her feet.

Chapter 38

The Journey Continues

(present day)

Iona tossed the Dream Decanter to her pillow and scooted to the center of the bed, not letting Wiskee out of her tight grasp. She felt him trembling. She had always longed for adventure, but this was not exactly the adventure she had pictured in her mind. Somberly Iona spoke into the darkness, "What have I done?"

• • • •

Another fireball shot up toward Iona's bed, this one clipping the corner of the comforter. "Oh no!" Iona pulled the comforter to her and blew hard to extinguish the flame. "That horrendous smell...it's getting worse. It's like tar and rubber burning together." Iona gagged. She noticed Wiskee had his head buried inside her pajama top. "It looks like more fireballs seem to be heading this way but fizzle out before they get here." She eased to the edge of the bed and peered downward, clutching Wiskee tighter than ever. When she saw what lay below she jerked back. "We must be flying over a...a...field of volcanoes?" She was not certain how far they had gone, where they were, or just exactly how high they had risen. Fear was getting the best of her as she watched the flaming orbs gaining in number, shooting up toward them sporadically from the heated terrain.

Iona could feel Wiskee beginning to shiver in her arms. He struggled, wiggling free and burrowing under the pillows, accidentally knocking the Dream Decanter from the bed. "NOOOO!" Iona twisted and lunged across the bed face down trying to grab the decanter, but all she could do was watch it fall into the darkness.

A strong fireball headed for the bed. Iona threw herself back up in a sitting position. The hot sphere whistled by much louder than the previous ones. At the sound, Wiskee decided it was better in his momma's arms, so back he came; Iona did not argue with his decision. She clenched him tight against her chest. He looked up at her. She had never before seen fear of that level on a dog's face. "Oh little buddy, I'm so sorry." Iona pushed Wiskee's head back inside her pajama top to hide his eyes. He was so scared he crammed his whole body inside her pajama top. Iona let him crawl in and hunker down.

She felt the bed make a few easy banks then slowly begin to sink. The shadowy silhouettes of the land below scared her even worse. A very subtle glow appeared under the bed. It looked to Iona as though the bed was now floating on a cushion of dim light and rising as the brightness grew.

Lucasphair approached his master and bowed. "FAZ, My Lord."

FAZ circled his wretched hand in a harassed manner. "Rise and speak."

"I believe Iona is flying over Targrum."

FAZ grabbed both arms of his throne and started to stand, but paused. "How can you be sure?"

"There is something barely shining in the sky above the far eastern edge of Maycly, and it is heading west. I recognize the glow."

"She's here. Iona is here." FAZ rose and straightened his crippled body. "Then release the Vauhlpeezies to go and stall her."

"As you so desire My Lord." Lucasphair bowed and made his exit.

FAZ floated to a window on the eastern wall of the room. "Bah! She's no match for me."

• • • •

The soft glowing cushion of light grew still brighter under Iona's flying bed. "Wiskee, do you smell that? I keep getting a whiff of cotton candy and sugar waffles over the yucky stuff." Wiskee gave a soft yap. The light began to creep out from under and around the sides of the bed. Iona's eyes grew wide with the light.

"I believe this is yours," said a calm voice.

Iona saw the Dream Decanter in the being's hand. She snatched it instantly without thinking and stuffed it inside the pillowcase along with the family photos. Then she turned her attention back to the radiant being.

"I am Carbreyghal."

In shock, Iona squeezed Wiskee even closer to her body.

"I've been sent by SUL to ensure your safe arrival." When Wiskee heard Carbreyghal's voice the second time, he popped his head out of Iona's pajama top and gave a distinct yap.

Iona's eyes shifted to what was racing through the air toward them behind Carbreyghal. He turned to see what she was looking at. With a firm tone he said, "They're Vauhlpeezies."

Iona gasped and Wiskee tucked his head back inside her pajama top. "They're real? You're real?"

"Yes Iona. We haven't much time. When you see the Vauhlpeezies reddish green eyes, do not look into them, or you shall become victim to their hideous trance."

Even in her frightened state, Iona thought, _If Carbreyghal is a real etherealian, then I should be able to see what I'm wishing for. And that would be for Cole, Mommy, and Daddy still to be alive._ What she saw caught her off guard. Carbreyghal realized what was happening and blinked to erase the vision.

"There is great urgency. Iona, you must stay focused on what I am saying." She quickly closed her eyes. "There are other etherealians under your bed for protection. We bring the cushion of light that you see. SUL requested you enter over Targrum so you could witness the horrible Evil firsthand. But fear not; we will lead you through this dark valley, and we shall all escape on the other side, together. Trust me, and trust the Grand Wizard, who sent me to take you on this journey."

Iona hesitated for a moment. "For some reason, I'm going to say OK to all of that." She did not really know what else she could have said or what was about to happen. She opened her eyes and looked back into Carbreyghal's eyes and saw herself dancing gracefully across a large stage. Again it was just what she was thinking about, attempting to calm her nerves. Carbreyghal smiled warmly at her expression. He turned and fanned his great wings, pulling the bed along. When the wind from his wings raced around Iona, she relived the healing-fog experience, only this time it was intensified. Somehow Iona knew she was now completely healed from head to toe.

"Hang on tight. We're going to pull the bed downward to try and get away from the Vauhlpeezies," shouted Carbreyghal.

The Vauhlpeezies kept pace as the bed speedily descended. The details of Targrum's terrain came into view, and Iona saw a mixture of boiling mud pots, black wax slithering throughout the land, charred rocks, dry gray-brown sand, and hardened cracked clay.

Trying to out-fly the Vauhlpeezies, the etherealians caused the bed to make a sudden burst upward. Then Iona felt as though she, Wiskee, and the bed were free-falling. "We'll not drop you Iona! Don't let go!" The bed leveled out and raced to the west just above ground level.

Iona screamed as they nearly hit several frightful beasts of immeasurable size trudging about the land. She felt the bed bump off of an extremely large hairy pig-like animal standing near a cesspool. The impact knocked the beast over on top of the others wallowing in the sludge, snorting, squealing, and oinking disgustingly. She choked at the sight of something crunching on wightlings that had been tossed to them like hog slop. She heard the wightlings screaming and noticed that the creatures only ate their limbs, leaving the wightlings wishing they could die but knowing they never would. Her eyebrows frowned as they nearly collided with a pack of what appeared to be winged leopard seals bellowing loudly as a warning to other beasts to stay away from their briny grub. Carbreyghal motioned for the others to pull the bed up and out of the hideous menagerie.

Iona cringed as the group of Vauhlpeezies that had been chasing them jutted upward quicker than they had. Several made a ceiling above the bed to keep them from going any higher, and they chanted repeatedly, "We are Evil, your dismay. You shall never pass this way." Other Vauhlpeezies began circling around the bed, snarling, grunting, and snapping their misshapen teeth in her direction, their flaming saliva dripping in strands and balls. She caught sight of their eyes and remembered Carbreyghal's warning. She quickly closed her eyes at their taunting, assuming it was their fiery mucus that made the fireballs that shot through the air soon after their hacking sounds. To Iona it smelled of stale pungent cigars as the sparks from the fallout singed her sheets.

She felt Wiskee frantically jostling inside her pajama top. "Stay in there little buddy. You don't want to see any of this." Wiskee stopped jostling, but Iona could still feel him shivering in fright. She could feel the wind and hear the etherealians' wings continually flapping, pulling the bed faster through the air. She sneaked a quick peek and saw the Vauhlpeezies holding their circle, flying right along with them. She slammed her eyes shut and continued trusting Carbreyghal to get them through this mess.

Iona opened her eyes at a severe drop and saw that the other etherealians under her bed were flapping hard, assisting Carbreyghal in pulling, but the bed was barely moving forward. _I hope this is just turbulence._ Continuing to look down at the ground and not into the eyes of the chanting Vauhlpeezies, Iona saw a mountainous shape drizzled with bright orange melted rock. Large mushroom clouds of sulfuric steam escaped now and then from the gaping hole in the mountain's western wall.

The etherealians continued straining to pull the bed through the thickness, but their forward progress came to an end. In fact, it took all they had to remain stalled in mid air. "This is not turbulence! We've flown into a trap!" shouted Carbreyghal when he realized the Vauhlpeezies had created an invisible shield around the bed, directly above FAZ's lair. Carbreyghal shouted to his fellow etherealians. "Do not stop working your wings! If we give up, I'm not sure what Evil will do with us, but I feel we must keep ourselves airborne and wait for SUL to help us. Keep flying, don't stop. Dig in and keep us steady!"

Iona panicked as the bed jumped up and down and slipped side to side from Carbreyghal's and the other etherealians' mighty wing strokes, but still they did not move forward or backward. This took more strength than Iona, or any human, could have imagined. She heard thunderous wind and sluggish thwomping in the distance. She could not see the flying creature approaching, but the Vauhlpeezies went limp at the booming sound. Those above the bed dropped into place with the others. They all remained in a circle floating around Iona's bed but were now hanging as if boneless, chanting, "FAZ is our ruler. He has come to make all that is Good turn to Evil."

Iona heard the low thwomps getting closer. She knew they were almost upon her. The sounds passed directly behind her. She felt a humid breeze and turned but still saw nothing. Her skin became cold and clammy, and the hair stood up on her arms, neck, and legs.

"Do not look above you. Trust Me." Iona recognized the voice, obeyed the command, and looked down at her legs crossed under her. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a drop of acidic saliva drip onto her bed and smolder like damp firewood. The warm dampness crawled down her body from head to toe. She closed her eyes and waited.

"This? This is the great Iona?" An eerie voice laughed. Wiskee jostled inside Iona's pajamas then froze at the deep gurgling voice. Iona kept her eyes closed. "Why, she's nothing more than a poor, pathetic, homeless, lonely girl. She's a quitter, a failure who has given up–not only on herself but also on those she holds dearest to her heart. Look at her; she clings to a runty mongrel for support." She heard and felt Wiskee growl.

"I AM NOT PATHETIC! AND I HAVE NOT GIVEN UP!" Iona shocked even herself at the courage she had to fire back.

"Oh! And feisty! Let's not forget feisty!" FAZ mocked.

"YOU BETTER BELIEVE I'M FEISTY!" Iona did not realize that her words would give Carbreyghal and his fellow etherealians strength until she felt the bed move ever so slightly forward both times she had spoken. She inwardly checked with SUL, and He confirmed her thought. This gave Iona even more strength.

FAZ swiped his tongue to collect spit. He dredged through the spit with his nails and rolled what he had collected into a nasty ball. He let it drop and smolder beside the other one on the bed.

"I may have lost everything I once had, but I will _not_ lose Wiskee. And furthermore, I _will_ find what has been taken from me!" Iona had never, in her wildest dreams, imagined herself as a confrontational person. The bed inched forward yet again. She could not hold back. "I'm exhausted from depression. I'm weary from searching. And I'm tired of everyone thinking I'm 'The Creepy Daft Darling!' I have a purpose, and it's a _grand_ purpose!" Iona spoke before she had time to think. "SUL, the Grand Wizard, the Creator, has chosen me for such a time as this. Now be gone or YOUR END SHALL COME PREMATURELY!"

Iona was stunned. She had heard herself shout with an authority she did not think would ever come from her, let alone be directed at someone she had never met. She felt SUL's calming presence inside her, swirling like warm honey through her veins. She instantly thought of the wedding kiss. She wanted so badly to look into Carbreyghal's eyes and see her love, Cole, but now was not the time. FAZ was still hovering outside the invisible shield, dumbfounded at Iona's presentation.

Iona encouraged her escorts. "Fly etherealians! Fly!" Carbreyghal and the other etherealians felt the thick air burst. Thrusting forward when the shield exploded, they knew they had freed themselves from the clutches of Targrum. As they sailed away Iona looked back and saw the Vauhlpeezies and FAZ whirling aimlessly in the air following the collapse of the shield.

Iona's first sight of FAZ had intimidated her, and she could not believe he was the one to whom she had shouted. She turned away from the dark sights. Trembling, she looked forward at Carbreyghal and the others flying fast and strong. Still shaken, she whispered to Wiskee, "What was that all about?" She was surprised to find it was his butt she was whispering to, not his head. "Oh for Maycly's sake, get out of there." She pushed Wiskee out of her pajama top, and he squirmed onto the bed right up against Iona's leg.

"That was quite the performance my lady!" shouted Carbreyghal as they fled westward. Iona was humbled at his words.

The etherealians' bright lights began to dim as they approached the glistening snow-covered peaks of the Skygem Alps. Iona grabbed Wiskee's collar as he moved near the edge of the bed to get a better look. His excitement was obvious from the speed of his wagging tail. Iona's stomach did a flip, and Wiskee came off all fours when Carbreyghal bounced the bed off a snowy cap on purpose, for fun. The powdery snow shot into the air, and the flakes took on the light of the Alps. The etherealians made a circle and flew headfirst through the powder still in the air. Then Iona felt the bed descend with ease as they dropped past the ski slopes and outdoor hockey rinks. Iona saw polar bears, seals, penguins, puffins, arctic foxes, snowy owls, and white wolves romping and playing.

The bed flew lower still. Carbreyghal led them over Quenching Rest then rose just above the trees of Timberland Forest South. Through the trees Iona could see stags and bull moose with enormous antlers. Carbreyghal gave the signal, and their speed subsided to a pleasant cruise.

"We've made it! Welcome to Bailiwick! The land of valleys," Carbreyghal shouted with happiness.

"Bailiwick? But isn't Bailiwick on..." When Iona looked at what was above, below, in front of, and behind her, it took her breath. When she saw the three suns in the west, she finished her sentence, "...on Maycly?"

"Yes! You are on Maycly!" The bed rose higher than the top of the Alps so Iona could get a bird's-eye view of the land. "Now how about a grand tour?"

Iona, stunned and still clinging to Wiskee's collar, nodded in agreement. Wiskee let out a big excited yap, and his tail wagged and wagged and wagged.

Carbreyghal asked the other etherealians to come out from under the bed and move to the sides to serve as escorts.

No words came from Iona, for she had no words to describe the gorgeous view all around her.

Chapter 39

Iona and Wiskee's Aerial Tour

Carbreyghal took a hard left over The Vinewall. The bed dropped and banked nicely, and Iona figured they were cruising about 80 feet above the ground. "Welcome to Trote Waters!" shouted Carbreyghal. Iona was mesmerized by Carbreyghal's and the escorting etherealians' smiles. "We're flying over Hämmsterburgh and the lakes of the moons. That one is Lake Gibbous. Coming up next is Waning Lakelet." Carbreyghal slowed the bed and gradually spun it as they passed over the lakelet. The bed slowed even more, and he took it low enough for Wiskee to lap up one quick drink and Iona's toes to drag through the water. A flock of tydyed whodeys took off from the surrounding trees, their brilliant colors flashing before Iona.

"Onward!" shouted Carbreyghal. "In the distance you can see the third lake of the moons, Waxing Lakelet." He gave her and Wiskee another thrill as he rose and dropped rather quickly then flew straight at Trote Waters Crest, following the river called Kayakers' Cut East. He banked hard to the right flying them close beside the mountains. Up they went, banking right again.

Iona had allowed her enthusiasm to erase the scary thoughts of the previous incident. "This land reminds me so much of Bee Creek on Earth!"

One of the escorts nodded. "Yes, it's just like Bee Creek, but it's also full of different and amazing things!"

She picked up Wiskee and held him. "Wiskee, look! Is that another village? What are those giant trees?"

Carbreyghal answered, "That is the village of Ethelwynne. Main Street in every village on Maycly is lined with Trees of the Blue Sleep. They hold shoppes, and the crafters live above their shoppes. The trees themselves sleep every 50 to 100 years. That's when they turn blue and rejuvenate. How about a closer look?"

"All right!" Iona gave Carbreyghal a thumbs-up.

The bed dropped again, and Carbreyghal flew them right down the middle of Main Street where Iona saw the Mayclysians pointing at them. She could hear their excited voices but could not make out what they were saying. She looked closely at the Trees of the Blue Sleep outlining sidewalks made of mulch. "Oh, I see! Wiskee, look at the big trees. There's a food pantry, a clothing shoppe, a shoe shoppe, a bakery, and an art gallery!" She set Wiskee back down on the bed, no longer afraid he would fall. The escorts were mesmerized by Iona's big smile and her trust in them for a safe flight. She laughed at Wiskee's hair laid back in the breeze and his nose in the air as they sailed by the pet shoppe. _This is probably the first bed ride Wiskee's ever taken. Come to think of it, this is the first one I've taken!_

The bed ducked under a couple of rainbows created by the mists of the waterfalls in the high hills on the outskirts of Ethelwynne. Sweeping gracefully back to the left, they flew on to the farmlands of Trote Waters. Iona marveled at the welcoming farmhouses dotted about Trote Waters' countryside, all of them changing color whenever the breeze changed direction. The flower boxes in the windows caught her eye, and she remembered those that had hung on Ann and Leonard's old house.

"Look! There're some horses and cows! And over there're some sheep and goats! And those are...uh...some...some... really big animals! And that one over there, landing on top of that barn...it's so colorful and so huge!"

"Yes it is! That's one of the twelve fiery castle sentinels."

Iona noticed bright red barns with big white double doors on the sides and in the roofs. She watched as another fiery castle sentinel gently landed atop a barn then lowered itself through the large opened barn doors in the roof.

"Some of the farmers tend to the battle-ready animals, while other animal farmers milk their cows and goats, and others gather eggs daily from their chickens, ducks, and geese."

Iona had read about the battle-ready animals in _The Book of Good and Evil_ , but right now she was having too much fun to talk about battles, so she stayed focused on the current sights. "Those orchards! They're brilliant! I've never seen such vivid colors of fruit. I can see apples, pears, cherries, oranges, pomegranates, tangelos and....oh my goodness!" She oohed and ahhed at the new colors and fruit trees she did not recognize.

Just past Punkin Seed South, Iona asked, loaded with excitement, "Are those kayaks I see through the trees?"

"They are!" shouted Carbreyghal. He pulled the bed into the tree canopy lining Kayakers Run South and graced the paddlers with a glimpse of Iona. They waved and she waved back.

They came up through the tree canopy and headed north. Iona saw ground crops of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, rhubarb, and tomatoes. There were several grape arbors and watermelon patches. She sighed contentedly at the sights. She felt so at home, even with the major differences she was observing. Wiskee seemed oblivious to the scenery now; his eyes were squinted closed, his neck was stretched with his nose extended, his ears were flapping, and he was doing that doggie smile that was his specialty.

Carbreyghal continued telling Iona about Trote Waters. "Vegetable farmers grow corn, wheat, flax, oats, peas, carrots, squash, broccoli, onions, turnips, rutabagas, potatoes, and more. A lot of those make for some of the best stews, or so I've heard."

"Yum! I love a good hearty stew," said Iona.

This time the bed did a sweeping bank gracefully back to the left over Lake Hamlet. Off the western tip of Lake Hamlet, Carbreyghal followed the Shady Glide River. Iona was elated at the sight of the unique trees that lined the river's edge. Beyond the trees in the north she could see the tips of Hamlet Bluffs.

They coasted on to the next village. "Oh wow, a fair! I can see a Ferris Wheel, a Scrambler, a Merry-Go-Round, and a Tilt-a-Whirl. And there's the midway. Check out the games and food wagons; that must be where that delicious popcorn smell's coming from." She could not help but think about her childhood days when she had spent so much time at the county fair entering her baked goods and sewing projects in hopes of winning a blue ribbon.

Carbreyghal spoke as the escorts pointed. "That's the outskirts of Snuggerbug Landing. There's always a fair going on with contests to enter. Let's see, there's the most flavorful canned fruits, jams, and jellies contest, best buttery bread contest, and a most creative cookie contest. But I hear it's hard to beat Gramma Hilda's cookies!" Iona thought for a split second to herself about Gramma Hilda then brushed her idea aside. _Nah, it couldn't be._ "There're pig races...and might I add to that, there's really nothing funnier than a chukkon trying to ride a pig bareback. There's also a bluest blueberry contest, and a who-can-grow-the-biggest-vegetable contest...but that's just a few of the friendly competitions."

When Carbreyghal made a pass directly over Snuggerbug Landing's boardwalk, Iona saw beautiful wooden boats, colorful sailboats, and docks trimmed with ropes and flowers. Then it was on to the southeastern edge of Gristmill Lake. Iona could still see the fair from where they were, and she let her sight linger there.

"What's that really fancy-looking farmhouse all lit up on the lake's edge?" asked Iona.

" _That_ is Honky-Tonk Hurley's Farmhouse Tavern." Carbreyghal asked one of the escorts to take the lead. Then he moved to Iona's side and continued to explain. "Honky-Tonk Hurley's is a favorite gathering place in the land of Trote Waters, serving up the best and freshest home-style cooking on Maycly. Patrons can always enjoy a farmer-sized meal and a house-specialty drink–or two." Carbreyghal winked at Iona. "It's also the place for the "Farmhouse Five" who provide nonstop musical entertainment. Honky-Tonk Hurley was knighted as a keeper of the calm to reside in Trote Waters until after the first battle. But when the locals, who loved the place so much, introduced it to Mayclysians from places other than Trote Waters, Honky-Tonk Hurley decided to keep it open for eternity!" As they circled around Gristmill Lake Iona saw the live-in grist mills on the western edge; these housed families who produced flours of many kinds so no one ever lacked for breads, noodles, or crackers.

"Are those otters?" shouted Iona.

"They are! That's Otter Slide Island. Those slippery water weasels sure are fun to watch! Would you like to pause for a moment and get a good laugh?"

"That'd be great!" shouted Iona. Carbreyghal and the other etherealians glided to a stop and kept the bed suspended just above the island so Iona could catch a glimpse of the furred jesters doing their best tricks and crazy slides down the smooth slopes. "They're so cute." She could have sworn a couple of them waved and smiled at her, but she thought that was going too far, even if this was Maycly. Wiskee was running from one end of the bed to the other yapping at the otters.

"OK, time to fly on or we won't make it to the party in time," said Carbreyghal as he tugged on the bed. Distracted, Iona grabbed Wiskee's collar again, this time so he would not jump off–she could tell he sure loved those otters.

It finally registered with Iona what Carbreyghal had said. "Party? What party?" Iona got no answer. She shouted again slowly, "What - par - ty?" but still got no answer.

Wiskee's tail and ears flapped like flags as the bed flew at high speed again. Iona loved the feel of the wind on her face and the general fresh smell of Hamlet Bluffs. They flew over the peaks, and she watched as the mountain bases met with the green grassy land of the Valley of Villages. Carbreyghal made a quick pass over the lake called Hamlet's Hideaway then went east to Skibbergary. He followed the cart paths from the air and took them over Baynooth and Hawthborough, each boasting different shoppes in their blue trees. During the pass over Glider Sound, Iona could see chukkons skiing across the lake, being towed by scale-feathered garrotts. There were sky divers doing stunts and creating patterns, silhouetted against the bluest sky Iona could ever remember seeing. "Why do the sky divers look like they're falling, yet they're not?"

"On Maycly you can ride a scale-feathered garrott high above Glider Sound where you can jump off and sky dive. The air currents over Glider Sound keep you aloft for as long as you like. When you're ready to come down, all you do is whistle, and a garrott will come to meet you and slowly lower you to the shoreline." Iona could hardly wait to try it.

Carbreyghal took them over Meekershade Corners and Cauldyweem then dropped when they approached Holden Springs. The etherealians' robes lightly skimmed across the water's top. The spray was a brilliant hot pink and turquoise filled with silvery glitter. All of the sparkle reminded Iona of Emmie.

"What are those rolling mountains over there?"

"Those are the Balmy Domes. Just on the other side we'll come to the Valley of Serenity." When they reached the valley Iona could see wightlings and chukkons walking together peacefully, holding hands and resting under big shade trees. Carriages, decorated abundantly with sweet-smelling flowers, were being pulled by Maycly's giant Andalusians, their wispy, colorful, feathery manes adding romance to the ride. There were chukkons and wightlings playing croquet and others tossing something that looked like horseshoes. Paths were lined with spring flowers galore poking their way through the pathlight ivy, and moss hung from large oaks. The pathlight ivy became an instant favorite of Iona's.

"I can sure see why this is called the Valley of Serenity."

Several in the valley chased after the bed as it passed by. Those running and waving eventually tuckered out but kept waving as the bed left the valley. Iona gave them a big wave back and even blew them a few kisses. Wiskee yapped a few times as if to offer his own hellos.

A new mountain range came into view. "Next up, Creature Peaks!" shouted Carbreyghal. Iona could feel the bed begin moving faster, not that it had been moving slowly by any means.

At the sight of the Valley of Animals outlined by Creature Peaks, Wiskee's front feet began marching up and down rapidly with excitement, and he almost slipped. SUL said secretly to him, _"Not yet Wiskee. Not yet."_ Wiskee obeyed but had to work really hard at containing his excitement as they flew over all of the animals romping and playing in the valley. Iona scooped him up onto her lap and held him tightly so he would not try to jump.

"What kind of animals are those?"

"Which ones?"

"Any of them...they're all so beautiful!"

The other escorts pointed as Carbreyghal named the animals. "Those are raffedaries, and these over here are towdoceroses." Just then a group of colored somethings spiraled up above the bed and began to do acrobatics. "And those are phydeaux phlyers, the clowns of the sky!" Iona did not know which animals to watch, they were all so fascinating to her.

She felt the bed taking a long easy bend to the right. Carbreyghal held her in his wing while she held Wiskee. The etherealians treated Iona to a glance of the northwestern corners of Maycly. Carbreyghal spoke, "That's Sandy Bottom Lake. It's best known for its white sand beaches, majestic palm trees, big chairs with umbrellas, and swaying hammocks. The dunes roll with waves of fluffy sea oats. The wightlings enjoy playing beach volleyball, and the chukkons like to play Bocce." All of them waved to her; the waves she returned were getting bigger and more energetic with each crowd.

Carbreyghal made a pass over Gertie's Marsh.

"What are those fishermen doing? It looks like they're catching fish and feeding them!"

"They are! It's called skiddering. The fishermen make their own skidders to entice the fish. They cast their lines far into the deepest parts of the streams and rivers. If a fish is lured by a certain skidder, it jumps on, gives the line a tug, then rides the skidder in to the fisherman. The fisherman gives the fish a treat that he or she has prepared then puts the fish back in the water. It makes for a relaxing day away for many, and I'm told Gertie's Marsh is the best place for the sport."

"Whoa! That is just amazing!"

"The funny part is, if a fish takes a liking to your treats, you'll end up skiddering and treating that same fish most of the day!" All of the etherealians and Iona laughed.

The bed turned slowly to the northeast, making another up-and-over maneuver as it crossed above The Vinewall. "Welcome to Chennington Greens!" shouted Carbreyghal. Iona was suffering from an overload of wonderment, but she did not want to miss a thing. She saw several wightlings below riding off-road bicycles. She waved first this time. Carbreyghal took them past Nookery Shallows and Tarry Lake where she could see a few chukkons here and there picnicking along the shores.

"What are those magnificent creatures down there?"

"Those are the impressive mandibleron gryphons. They pull the skyships you've read about in _The Book of Good and Evil_ ," answered Carbreyghal. Iona watched the mandibs drinking and splashing while playing in Mandibleron Lake. Just east of Gordonhooke a flock of colorful crested elbeejays took off and flew alongside Iona and Wiskee until they reached There & Back River and landed in the trees lining the banks.

In the distance another mountain range piqued her curiosity. As they flew closer she could see the unique mountains with their flat tops and the waterfalls that were not falling down, but up.

"This range is known as Mare's Tail Slopes, named after its many watery cascades resembling flowing horse tails. You'll see The Training Village in the valley between those two extra large flat tops over there." Carbreyghal pointed to his right.

"What are the peachy-colored pools on top of each of the flats?"

"Those are gwendelant basins. Hold on!" Carbreyghal made a dive with the bed, pulling it down to a basin where they hovered. An escorting etherealian quickly crafted a frosted mug from the chiller leaves he had gathered from around the edge of the basin. He scooped the mug through the peachy liquid then flew back to Iona and handed her the first gwendelant she had ever seen. "Drink up! Gwendelants are highly favored thirst quenchers throughout Maycly."

Iona took her first sip. "I can see why!" She chattered between satisfying gulps. "This thing tastes like an orange-peach fruity ice-cream bar on Earth. Thanks a whole bunch." She licked her lips and let Wiskee lick the empty mug. She giggled when his head disappeared inside to get every last drop, then he gently tugged on the rim of the mug, pulled it out of her hands, and chewed on the chiller leaves. When there was nothing left of them, he made his way back to the edge of the bed, and Iona scritched his back; his tail came straight up, and he shivered because it tickled.

"I guess he's content. We can go now." Iona grinned. When she saw The Training Village up close she recognized a few things. "And that's Main Street because it's lined with the Trees of the Blue Sleep, right?"

"Right." Carbreyghal finished the tour of Chennington Greens by flying low over Loch Iva and then over Tuttleyworth on the shores of Tuttley Splash. He made a sharp, fast turn so Iona would not have to see Targrum for the second time that day. Wiskee leaned into the turn. When he saw The Vinewall approaching he crouched to steady himself for the up-and-over maneuver he knew was coming.

Iona looked to the east over the tips of the Skygem Alps. "The Maycly moons are beautiful. Their deep burgundies, purples, and reds are unbelievable. And they seem to be coming alive with light from the inside out!"

"They are! If you'll look to the west, you'll see the three suns dimming, giving their gift of light to the moons to bring twilight to Maycly. When morning comes, the moons return the light to the three suns. That's one of my favorite parts in the creation section of _The Book of Good and Evil_." His wings glowed with excitement.

"I've read it too, but I can't believe I'm really watching it happen." Iona asked a few more questions, and Carbreyghal and the other escorting etherealians supplied the answers. They explained that the mountain range on her left was the Rivalry Mountains, and on the other side lay the Valley of Battles.

Iona heard shouting and cheering building in the distance; it was getting louder and louder, and by the time they reached the crowd the noise had escalated to a level that could probably be heard all the way over to Hawthborough and Klondelkin.

Carbreyghal had to shout over the crowd. "Welcome to Tahqrusalom, the paramount village of Maycly!

"What are they cheering about, and why so loud?" But Iona got no answer, just like when she had inquired about the party.

She smiled when the chukkons and wightlings came running out of their shoppes and homes waving to her. The crowd chased after her as the etherealians pulled the bed to the outskirts. The cottages in the suburbs were unlike any homes she had ever seen. She admired the dwellings built right into the sides of the hills. Iona waved to the chasing crowd with a friendly smile, and that caused their shouts of excitement to peak.

The etherealians pulled the bed northward, and Iona saw chukkonettes in Maycly-style strollers. They were almost like Earthly strollers but differed by having wooden twigs across the front where small birds perched and sang their songs to the infants being pushed. Wightlings of all ages carried packs on their backs, and their buggies were being pulled by horses of all sizes, shapes, and colors. She thought for a moment she saw The Man Behind The Dumpster, but whoever it was quickly got swallowed up in the crowd.

"Where are they going?" asked Iona.

"To the party of course." said Carbreyghal.

"What party?" Iona asked hoping to catch him off guard, but did not.

The etherealians pulled the bed to the eastern side of Lake Origin and headed north. Then they banked to the left and circled, flying Iona and Wiskee over the lake and past the Tree of Breathing and Being. Their pace noticeably slowed so Iona could enjoy the sights of the toucanthiae and flowering puddle-jumpers.

"Holy cow!" Iona was elated when the mermaids leapt effortlessly from the lake's bottom and into the air. They blew kisses to her and Wiskee then sliced the water tail first. They pushed their heads back up through the clear turquoise water and waved. Iona, naturally, waved back.

Another valley came into view. "Last stop coming up." shouted Carbreyghal. The bed came to a complete stop in the air above the center of this valley.

Iona could see below her that it was filled with trees dressed in yellow, orange, and red foliage. "What is this place? It's the most impressive valley yet. It looks like autumn down there. Autumn is my favorite season, you know. Is that why you saved this one for last?"

"Not exactly...but this is the Valley of Feasting. It's always autumn here, and there are always celebrations and festivals going on."

"Autumn? Always? How cool is that?" Iona could not take her eyes off the bales of straw stacked with adorable scarecrows and colorful gourds. She could see a big pumpkin patch with yellow and rust-colored mums filling in the gaps. She liked what appeared to be strings of miniature lights with fancy globes strung in a zigzag fashion from one end of the valley to the other. Iona was dazzled by her favorite season's display.

"Do you like the lights?" asked Carbreyghal looking at her face.

"I do. They're so festive and colorful."

"Well then, you might like to know that the globes are filled with Sprite sparkles. Each day the Sprites make passes over the globes to let their sparkles drop in so the lights shine differently during each day and twilight. The light strings are actually pathlight ivy vines."

"Are you kidding me? This place is so amazing!" She watched the familiar sparkles trailing through the air and through the trees while the Sprites played hide and seek as they passed over the lights. Mayclysians were having potato sack races and running with raw eggs on spoons to see who could make it to the finish line without breaking them. She noticed corn stalks tied in bundles and arrangements of multicolored corn dangling from the lower branches of the trees. The tables were filled with food, each with a centerpiece made of fancily carved pumpkins, vines, caramel bits, and candy corn. She saw barrels filled with water and apples for bobbing. Wagons were loaded with passengers going for hayrides. There were balloons and confetti that never landed. She smiled at the metallic streamers and pinwheels that were present by the dozens. Intent on watching the masses of wightlings and chukkons coming into the valley from every direction, she did not see two of the escorting etherealians fly to the ground, lift a visitor to her hovering bed above the valley, and set him by her side.

"Hi. Remember me?" Iona jumped at the sound of the familiar voice.

Chapter 40

Are You Kidding Me?

"Are you kidding me?" blurted Iona with wide eyes. The little man sitting beside her looked familiar.

"I believe that's what ye said the last time we accidentally met." The wee man laughed. Iona recognized the brogue.

"Accidentally met? Wait a minute...you mean you're that litt...shor...wee...sma...man... guy...that was in my apartment...who popped his head out of the cloud and called for, for...uh...Jit?"

"Aye! I've been a-waitin' so long ta introduce meself, and now, well, now that the time be here, me head be a-spinnin' so with excitement I canna think of me own name!" The little man slapped his leg and laughed again. Then he remembered. "Me name be Charleo."

"Are you kidding me?"

Wiskee pulled loose from Iona's grip and leapt onto Charleo's lap, licking his face until it shined. "Hey li'l buddy! It's been awhile since I've held ye in me arms. Ye've certainly grown...and so has yer tongue!"

"A while since...since you've held him in your arms?"

"Aye. Wiskee and me, me and Wiskee...we go way back. Twas I whom SUL called upon ta take him from the Birthin' Waters, raise him here on Maycly, then deliver him ta yer doorstep that day."

Iona could sense just how proud Charleo was of Wiskee. "So Wiskee came from Maycly?"

"Aye. That he did."

"Are you kidding me?"

"Nae! OK. OK...Wiskee. I love ye ta bits, but ye...be a-killin' me with...the spitty-kiss bath." Wiskee got in one last lick. Iona laughed, as she had never seen what it looked like when Wiskee was doing his thing, let alone hearing someone try to talk through it.

Iona had more questions. "So that poof of a cloud was not a smoke bomb from some kids; that was you poofing out of sight and coming back here to Maycly after delivering Wiskee? Are you kidding me?"

Charleo could not help but chuckle.

"Nae, I be not a-kiddin' ye. Tis true, twas me. But I canna take all of the credit. The Man Behind The Dumpster was a huge help."

"The Man Behind The Dumpster? I thought I saw him in Tahqrusalom in the crowd." Iona felt smug at her observation.

"Ye probably did. He should be in the valley very soon, if not already."

"But he didn't die on Earth...did he? What's he doing here? He is a wightling...isn't he?"

"Partly. He be half wightlin' and half etherealian. He'd been a-hibernatin' since creation, and SUL woke him a few hours before I met him the day I took Wiskee from the mermaids' arms at the Birthin' Waters. SUL created The Man Behind The Dumpster so he could be seen on Earth when ye were a-needin' him most, like ta give ye a place ta live and help ye through Emmie's passin'. But he still held the powers of an etherealian ta become invisible when necessary. SUL even gave a few other etherealians the power ta become visible fer the needed moments. Ye know, like the emergency medical folk that showed up at Emmie's–they were etherealians. Emmie had nobody left in her family; ye were her family. The Man Behind The Dumpster became yer personal one-of-a-kind guardian. Pretty keen, eh?" Charleo ran his thumbs up and down his suspenders.

"Are you kidding me?" Charleo scritched Wiskee's belly and laughed again at Iona's enthusiastic response.

"Nae. I _still_ be not a-kiddin' ye." The moment went awkward, and Charleo could not think of a decent lead-in, so he just went straight to the point. "We were a-hopin' ye'd come ta trust SUL again. Because if ye dinna, this welcomin' party fer our queen woulda been a waste of time." Charleo gave a courtesy laugh, but he could not look her in the eye.

"Party... _this_ is the party place? The Valley of Feasting? Where it's autumn all the time? My favorite? What are we celebrating?" asked Iona, who let the queen part slip by.

Charleo answered with animated nervousness when he realized she had not caught on yet. "The mountain range encompassin' this valley be Shindig Lofts. This be the Valley of Feastin'. The celebrations and gatherin's of all kinds that be a-takin' place here–anniversaries, birthdays, ye know, the usual stuff that be a-callin' fer a party–ne'er stop. There always be food and drink ta be had, as everyone who enters brings a big bowl of somethin' ta eat. And the best part...tis always autumn here. Autumn...tis the best time of year fer festivals, dunna ye know?"

"Oh, Charleo, I can't believe I'm here." Iona wrapped her arms around him and gave him a hug. He blushed.

Wiskee had finally settled down and curled up between them to watch the festivities below. Iona stroked Wiskee's little head. She was so glad not to see the fear she had seen in him several hours ago. She called Charleo's bluff. "Now stop stalling. I can tell you're steering the conversation away from my biggest question. What are we celebrating? What's up with you and the etherealians when it comes to this party?"

"Uh-hemmmmmm!" A tiny throat cleared near Charleo's ear.

"Oh! Me apologies. OK wee one. Jit, c'mon around here and be formally a-meetin' Iona." Jit flew from Charleo doing the back stroke in front of Iona's eyes, causing them to cross all too familiarly. "Jit, officially be a-meetin' Iona. Iona, officially be a-meetin' Jit." Jit flew instantly to Iona's hand, grabbed her finger, and flew up and down, greeting her with a Sprite-style handshake.

"I believe we accidentally met as well. If I remember right, Wiskee had you cornered under my trinket box. When you came out, you were kind of soggy." She and Charleo laughed; Jit did not. He was mesmerized shaking Iona's finger. Iona continued, "My goodness but you are strong for a..."

"Sprite!" said another tiny voice. Just then another Sprite flew out of Charleo's beard and shook Iona's finger on her other hand.

"My name's Giddy. I'm Jit's best friend."

Both of Iona's hands were now going up and down. She giggled with astonishment. "Well, glad to meet you both. My name is Iona."

Jit and Giddy looked as though they had just been hit by cupid. "Weeee knooowww."

"Fellas. FELLAS!" Charleo snapped his fingers to bring them back to reality.

"So who's the welcoming party for? Didn't you say it was for your queen?" asked Iona. Wiskee sat up straight, Jit and Giddy flew backwards, and Charleo's eyes bugged. She stared at each of them and chuckled. None of them chuckled with her. They all looked dumbfounded. Her laughter dwindled and there was that awkward pause again. "Why the changes in attitude?" Her mind raced quickly through some of the last events. When their expressions did not change and none of them answered her last question, she asked the unimaginable. "Is this party...for me?"

"Aye...tis a party ta welcome ye. Like I said, tis a party ta welcome our...our queen of Maycly." Charleo bowed his head, Jit and Giddy gave a full body bow from the air, and all three removed their hats.

"What are you saying?" Iona was not falling for it.

Charleo's words trembled. "Tis a party ta greet our queen. Ye know, the queen of Maycly." He was scared she would not accept the duty but trusted SUL all the same. Charleo reasoned to himself. _How could she have been through all of that on Earth and not be able ta handle a-bein' our queen? Surely she'll accept...oh please, oh please, oh please._ He bit his bottom lip in anticipation.

"Queen, huh?" Iona looked at them and lingered in thought. "Are you kidding me?" Charleo busted out laughing at that. Iona could not help but snicker at her own words this time.

"Aye, our queen. There's ta be a battle of..."

Iona cut him off as she paraphrased _The Book of Good and Evil_. "...a battle between Good and Evil." The puzzle pieces in her mind were coming together. "If Good prevails, then a queen will be crowned, and Good will reign on Maycly forever. And I'm that queen." She took in a big gulp of air. "Well then, I guess I've a job to do." She smiled and winked at Charleo.

Charleo's expression was indescribable. Jit and Giddy did a couple of back flips in the air. Wiskee's tail started wagging, and Iona leaned in and accepted a couple of kisses from him. She could not believe she was accepting the role with confidence and peace.

Charleo let out a big sigh of relief. He was barely able to speak, as he was all choked up. His eyes met Iona's. "Tis grand news." Iona reached over to wipe Charleo's tears of joy, but Wiskee, Jit, and Giddy beat her to the punch. She was taken back by the adorable sight. "Fer now, though, ye'll be a princess. Ye know, a queen in trainin'." Iona chuckled at his explanation then nodded her head.

Charleo gave Wiskee a command, and he obeyed. He pawed open Charleo's vest, stuck his head into the inside pocket, and pulled out a tiara. Charleo took it from Wiskee's mouth then stood on the bed. With shaky hands he reached high to place it on Iona's head.

Iona gently stopped his hand. "Wait a minute. You can't put that on me. Look at my hair, it's a mess. I've not tended to it properly for years. And look at the dark circles under my eyes. My teeth are kind of crooked. I look nothing like a princess. I can't accept a tiara looking like this."

Charleo lowered the tiara, his face contorted with confusion. Then he remembered. "Dinna ye feel anythin' when ye said 'I've a job ta do'?"

"Nope. Not a thing."

Charleo reached into his other vest pocket and pulled from it a tiny mirror. He held it in front of Iona.

When she saw her reflection she gasped. She brought her hands to her face and started to chatter. "My face...my skin, it's so smooth. The dark circles are gone. My glasses, where are my glasses? You mean I can see _this_ clearly without them? My brown eyes, they're now the color of lush dark chocolate swirled with the creamiest of white. I'm wearing eye shadow made of...of Sprite sparkles? And my eyelashes are longer and more beautiful than I could ever have made them with mascara. My cheeks, they're blushed perfectly." She parted her plump ruby lips and smiled. In doing so she saw pearly white straight teeth. She then gently ran her fingers through her hair. "And my hair. My hair. MY \- HAIR! It's long, and beautiful, and wavy, and flowing, with braids woven here and there. And there are pink and lavender flowers with baby's breath woven in the braids." She pulled a braid to her nose and inhaled deeply. "Ahhh." She looked down below the view of the mirror and saw her rich dark auburn hair covering her shoulders like it used to, only much better. "When did this happen?"

"When ye accepted ta be our queen. At that moment ye turned ta royalty. And just so ye know...the flowers, those'll ne'er die. So, can I be a-puttin' this tiara on yer head now?"

"Oh, but of course." Iona was humbled by the act.

Two of the escorting etherealians reached inside their robes and pulled from them large golden trumpets. They sounded the horns to get the attention of all below in the valley. Everything stopped. The crowd waited anxiously.

Charleo made the grand announcement. "SHE'S ACCEPTED THE DUTY! SHE'S A-GOIN' TA BE OUR QUEEN! WE MUST WIN THE BATTLE!"

A marching band, playing lively cadences and dressed in band uniforms matching Bee Creek's colors of orange and black, marched with dignity into the valley. Three drum majors strutted with confidence leading the way. A graceful dance troop followed performing choreographed leaps and spins, every other dancer waving either a flag or a streamer.

Iona had thought the crowd in Tahqrusalom was loud, but it was mild in comparison to what she heard now. She waved to the crowd below from her hovering bed, now aware why so many had been astounded at her sight.

Chapter 41

Wiskee Surprises his Momma

Carbreyghal led three escorting etherealians to Iona, still sitting on her hovering bed with Wiskee and Charleo. "Iona, please take my hands." She reached out and willingly put her hands in Carbreyghal's. The warmth and softness of his skin was comforting. She felt her legs uncurl from under her as he pulled her from the floating bed and into the air where she hung, suspended.

Uneasy with the weightless feeling, she looked back at Charleo. "Are you kidding me?" she whispered.

Charleo snickered. "Nae. Ye be a-flyin' with Carbreyghal!"

The three etherealians assisting Carbreyghal stretched out their wings at his nodding and wrapped them around Iona. Carbreyghal let go of Iona's hands and rose from the winged enclosure, leaving Iona hovering on her own. He then extended his wings to their fullest, and they began to glow a shimmery emerald green. He flew in a slow continuous circle around the other three etherealians. Lighted streamers of pink satin ribbon bolted like ticker tape from the ends of the three escorting etherealians' wings. It shot upward then fell and twined itself, like taffy being pulled, around the three etherealians. When it was finished wrapping itself, it turned from satin ribbon to swirling stripes of pastel pink glitter.

Iona was unaware any changes were taking place. She had even forgotten she was hovering high in the air. She was fully engrossed in the lifelike images of her and her family she could see in the eyes of the etherealian in front of her. She felt a warmth on her head that flowed down past her neck and thought it was the etherealian behind her placing his hand on her head. Then she felt something very soft cover her from head to toe. She did not care; all she wanted to do was continue to watch the etherealian's eyes where she could see Cole, Ann, and Leonard.

Rays of golden light shot out and up from where Iona was suspended. Amethysts, diamonds, and pearls formed above the golden rays. The rays became two hands that reached for the gems and pulled them down inside the etherealians' wings engulfing Iona. She felt something appear in her right hand. The vision of her family stopped, and the etherealian asked her to look at her hand. She was holding the Dream Decanter. Iona felt the golden hands grace her neck then pull away. The golden hands returned to the shape of rays, shot upward, and vanished.

Carbreyghal stopped and spread his wings, and the escorting etherealians majestically hovered behind Iona. The light from all of their wings increased with a sparkled mixture of emerald and diamond dust. The pastel pink glitter whirled up, burst into the air, and every flake of glitter became a new pink star in the twilight sky.

Iona was now visible to the crowd below. She was no longer wearing her pajamas. Instead she was wearing a floor-length emerald green velvet dress that complimented her dark auburn hair. The sleeves were pearlescent chiffon dotted with emeralds and diamonds; they wrapped tightly around her upper arms then fell from her elbows to loosely flowing, pearl outlined, pointed cuffs at her wrists. Pure white lace flowers outlined the low-cut square neckline and hem. A wide deep purple satin band wound around her waist and tied in a large bow in the back. The back of the dress fastened with pearl buttons. Her satin slippers were ever so comfortable. She put her hand to her neck, curious as to what the golden hands of light had placed there. At first touch, Iona's heart melted; she recognized the family heirloom necklace.

She looked again at her hand holding the Dream Decanter and was startled at the sight. _The Dream Decanter...it's now a scepter! When did that happen? Amazing_. The scepter's short staff was made of the purest gold she had ever seen, and it reflected everything around it. Spiraling around the top portion of the staff, but not touching it, was a sterling silver cord inlayed with the jewels that had covered the Dream Decanter. On the top of the scepter sat a bouquet of seven crystal tubes, each lit from inside with a different color of the rainbow. On the top of each tube was a rounded tip glowing slightly brighter than the tube itself. A beautifully crafted cage of white gold inlayed with rubies encased the bouquet of lighted tubes. Eleven long, pure silk, pastel-colored ribbons dangled from the bottom, each embroidered with metallic dancing thread patterns of flowers, just like she had seen on Charleo's suspenders. At the bottom of each ribbon was a glass marble inscribed with a silver word: LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, UNDERSTANDING, GENTLENESS, KINDNESS, STRENGTH, COURAGE, WISDOM, and HONOR.

Iona heard a familiar voice behind her. "One silk ribbon and marble appeared each of the eleven times FAZ has rejuvenated Lucasphair thus far; each time he brought his menaces back to life it gave you another power. The marbles tell the powers you hold." Goosebumps rose under her chiffon sleeves, and the hair stood up on the back of her neck. The tangible presence of the voice moved from behind and hovered in front of her. Charleo removed his hat. Wiskee sat motionless. "Welcome to Maycly. I am SUL, the Grand Wizard, your Creator. Please allow Me to lower you, My princess, to set foot for the first time on Maycly." SUL's spirit's presence was more peaceful, and the love in His eyes more astounding, than Iona had ever imagined.

"As you wish Grand Wizard." Iona reached for His hand and found it odd that she could feel it even though He was a spirit.

"You've so many questions, and I've answers for all of them. But those questions and answers will wait until after the celebration and after you have been escorted to your new home." Iona smiled. She felt her face starting to flush. SUL placed His hand on hers, and she felt the flush turn to contentment.

Slowly they began their descent. Overwhelmed with guilt Iona spoke through her tears, "Oh, SUL, I am so sorry. Can You ever forgive me for the span of time I tried so hard to forget You? The numerous times I didn't want to trust You?"

"You are forgiven, and those times are forgotten. Now chin up, and let Me see the smile of a princess." He looked into her eyes, and she responded with her best princess smile.

As they descended, two of the escorting etherealians lowered Charleo to meet up with them. "Tis always a grand way ta travel, dunna ye think?"

"I would have to say yes to that!" Iona gave Charleo a quick wink and he winked right back.

"I'll be a-catchin' up with ye on the ground."

"OK, sounds good to me!" Iona smiled as she watched Charleo's chubby little legs and small feet dangling behind him as the etherealians took him weaving through the air and to the ground in the Valley of Feasting.

"Your little buddy will be down in a minute," said Carbreyghal as he met Iona by her side.

"I trust he'll be just fine in the etherealian's arms?"

"Oh, let's just say he'll be fine even if he's not in the etherealian's arms." She watched Carbreyghal make his way to just above the valley floor where he was greeted by fellow etherealians. She was not too sure about his last remark.

The etherealian who should have been carrying Wiskee glided up to her.

"Where's my little buddy?" Iona tried not to sound too panicky.

"He'll be right here, as soon as he gets his nerve up enough to jump"

Iona lost her cool. "JUMP? That's too far down for him to jump! Why aren't you helping him?"

"It'll be just fine. He'll do great! Besides, it was his idea." In an instant the etherealian sped to join the others.

Iona could not tilt her head back far enough to see the bed any longer above her. She looked to SUL for comfort. He smiled lovingly, but at the moment, even that did not seem like enough to calm her. His eyes shifted past her. He gave a nod. Iona turned to see what SUL was looking at, apparently next to her. There was Wiskee, riding in a pouch similar to the one she had carried him in on Earth, but this one had a parachute attached. He had his tiny front paws on the ropes of the chute to guide himself, and his little back legs were dangling in the breeze.

"Hi Momma!"

Iona's jaw dropped and her eyes bugged. Wiskee blew her a kiss then maneuvered his parachute to do a couple of loop-d-loops before making his spot-on landing in the arms of The Man Behind The Dumpster standing in the valley. Iona did not know which emotion to feel first.

SUL could tell by her expression she was having trouble digesting what had just happened. He answered before she asked. "Yes, Wiskee can talk, but he is the only animal I have given the power to do so. He can understand all animals and will interpret for you should you have need. I thought a princess who's going to become queen deserved such an outstanding pet."

The best Iona could do was squeak a feeble thank you.

SUL and Iona made their landing in the midst of a ring of autumn leaves surrounded by the guests. She looked at the faces of those looking at her and felt more welcomed on Maycly than she had during the entire time she had been abandoned on Earth. SUL's spirit released Iona's hand. Then He took to the air and left the valley. Everyone stopped to bow and show respect to their Grand Wizard as He departed.

"Wiskee, where are you?" Iona shouted above the crowd.

"I'm right here Momma!" She followed his voice and found The Man Behind The Dumpster holding him on the other side of the leafy ring.

"Come see me!"

The Man Behind The Dumpster whispered to Wiskee. "Now be sure and do what we practiced before you left here, OK?"

"You got it!" Wiskee began to wiggle. The Man Behind The Dumpster set him on the ground, and Wiskee took off for his momma. "Cannonball!" Wiskee shouted as he leapt and landed in his momma's arms.

"You really can talk!" Iona could not stop the tears of joy escaping her new eyes.

"I can! I sure can!" He gave her lots of sloppy kisses.

Iona tried to get hold of what she had just heard, and from whom. Carrying Wiskee, she made her way around the ring, shaking hands and hugging Mayclysians. When she made it back to The Man Behind The Dumpster, she struggled to find the words to express how thrilled she was to see him.

• • • •

The festivities went late into the twilight. Iona and Wiskee were busy meeting and greeting family and friends, both old and new. They danced and played games. Pub Pete, Pub Pearl, and Honky-Tonk Hurley had brought a few barrels of their best drinks. Mugs could be heard clanking together making toasts when offered. Iona marveled that the fireworks never ended while she was there.

"Momma, come this way!" shouted Wiskee. Iona followed him to the edge of a hardwood hammock. "Look up in the trees!"

"Lightning bugs!"

"No, no, no." Wiskee giggled the cutest laugh Iona had ever heard. He corrected her. "Here on Maycly we have starlight snuggerbugs!"

Iona caught one. "It's body has little star shapes that have different color gels over them." She let the bug crawl over her fingertip. "Oh! Oh! Oh! Its entire body lights up!"

"Look back up at the leaves Momma."

"Oh wow! Its wings project the star shapes on the leaves!" Iona was beside herself.

A hand touched Iona on the back. "Hello sweet girl." Iona turned and saw Emmie greeting her with a smile. They hugged and reminisced.

As Iona was continually being introduced and enjoying herself immensely, she set Wiskee down; he stayed right by her. The crowd was so vast, she did not get the chance to meet Keegan and his family, nor Artie, but both of them knew they would meet in time.

"Iona, o'er here!" shouted Charleo. Iona and Wiskee went running. "Fer this twilight ye'll be a-sleepin' at me own cottage. So I'd like ta introduce ye ta me wife, Marlen, and me two boys, Denton and Dittle."

"It's such a pleasure to meet you three. Oh, Charleo, you have a wonderful family."

Marlen was always polite. "I be a-thankin' ye. And it surely be a pleasure ta meet ye."

Iona gave her scepter to Wiskee to hold in his mouth while she hugged each one of them and gave them a kiss on the cheek.

"Our wagon'll be a-leavin' shortly. Stay as long as ye like though, because if ye dunna make it on our wagon when we leave, The Man Behind The Dumpster'll bring ye."

"Perfect!" Iona thanked them, grabbed her scepter from Wiskee, and they dashed off together to reunite with more friends and family.

"Iona!" a woman wightling shouted. "I thought you'd never make it around to see us this twilight." Iona could not believe her eyes.

"And did you enjoy those peanut butter and honey treats I sent to you on Earth, Wiskee?"

"Of course I did! Since I was too young to eat treats when I was here, that was a grand surprise! And the note you included–Momma read it to me–was really nice. Thank you Gramma Hilda." Now that Wiskee was allowed to talk, Iona believed he would probably be making up for lost time for a while.

She could not believe she was standing before her Gramma Hilda and Grampa Lawrence. She recognized them from the pictures Ann used to show her. Iona burst into tears and hugged them. They hugged her back tightly.

"So what did Ann and Leonard and Cole think about you and Wiskee flying to Maycly on your bed?" asked Hilda.

"Wait a minute. How did you know about Leonard and Cole? Mommy, well Ann, always told me you guys passed on to Maycly when she was five, and she was raised by a couple of your dear friends."

"They don't call him the Grand Wizard for nothing. He let us peer through the clouds at both weddings, Ann's and yours." Grampa Lawrence winked and smiled at Iona, and her heart felt even warmer.

"Wow. You guys look just like you did in your photos. _You_ are one handsome man, Grampa Lawrence. And you are a stunning lady Gramma Hilda." Iona stared at them in awe. "Anyway, to answer your question Gramma Hilda, the three of them didn't even know we left. I mean, there's no way they could have. They've been missing for over two years. You guys should have seen them when they got here, right? When they never came home that day, I started searching for them and never stopped. Every time the hunt came up empty, Maycly was one of the places on my list I was hoping they'd be. Or maybe they didn't come here, or maybe you guys don't know what happened to them either? They never even got to meet Wiskee." Iona had even confused herself.

Grampa Lawrence spoke up. "I guess we _don't_ know what happened, and no, we haven't seen them here. Every wightling who has entered Maycly since I've gotten here has come to our home first thing. We live in the Ushering Tree, at the request of SUL. I was called by SUL to be the greeter and sorter as well as the reader for the _Book of Decision,_ and Hilda here passed on Earth and came to Maycly shortly after my arrival. As far as we know, Ann, Leonard, and Cole never came through."

"He's right darling. They never came through the tree that we know of, at least since I've been here, and I know Lawrence would have told me if they'd come through earlier. Right?" Gramma Hilda looked a might bothered along with Iona.

"Absolutely I would have told you my love."

"So what you're saying is, they're not on Maycly?"

"Not that we know of dear."

Iona had been hopeful for a moment. Then, as usual, her hopes were dashed. Gramma Hilda pulled Iona in for a hug, and Grampa Lawrence wrapped his arms around the two of them. Gramma Hilda tried to lighten the mood. "Well at least _we're_ all together. And now we have Wiskee." Wiskee could tell his momma was happy and sad all at the same time.

Iona tried to smile. "Well it's getting late. I hate to leave you just after we've met each other for the first time, but I'm to stay at Charleo's place this twilight, and I can see his wagon leaving." Iona tried not to be unmannerly. She was not only very tired, but also let down.

"It's quite all right." Gramma Hilda gave Iona an understanding smile. "You go stay with Charleo and his family. You won't be sorry you did!"

"That's right, you won't be!" added Wiskee.

"I'll see you tomorrow then, right?" Iona rolled her lips in and tried not to cry.

"That's the glory of living on Maycly; we'll see you when we see you, and it won't seem like it's been any longer than a minute," said Grampa Lawrence.

"Now get going. Princess duties are not something to slack on."

"I suppose you're right." Iona hugged and kissed them both again then Gramma Hilda gave her a small push and laughed.

"Hey! Hold that wagon!" shouted Wiskee, scampering just ahead of Iona.

Charleo stopped the wagon, and Iona and Wiskee hopped aboard, both looking forward to the sights on the ride to Charleo's cottage.

Chapter 42

A Royal Guest

Iona and Wiskee had really not wanted to miss a thing on their wagon ride back to Charleo's, but both of them had fallen asleep almost before they exited the Valley of Feasting. Iona's head was resting on Marlen's shoulder, and Denton and Dittle had wrapped Wiskee in a soft throw and cuddled him all the way home.

"Here we be Princess," whispered Marlen in Iona's ear. Iona awakened slowly and gave a stretch and a yawn.

"I guess we missed some of the sights, huh?"

Wiskee wiggled and popped his head out of the throw. "Ah phooey. I wanted to see the bridge over Hullabaloo River."

"It's OK little buddy. I'm sure we'll be here for a while and you'll get the chance sooner or later."

Wiskee's attention span was broken when he saw the cottage. "Cool."

CHUKKON COTTAGE

He wiggled from the throw and hopped up front onto Iona's lap. "Good morning...or should I say good evening?" Wiskee laughed, and Iona joined him when she remembered that those were her exact words when they had reached the bean field on their first night together on Earth.

"Well let's be a-showin' ye ta yer room, shall we?" said Charleo. He climbed down and lent a helping hand to Marlen and Iona. Wiskee waited then jumped into Iona's arms.

"Momma, could we maybe go around and say hello to Rascally?" asked Wiskee.

"Of course we can. Who's Rascally?"

"Their horse. The one pulling the wagon, silly." Iona could not believe she had just been put in her place by a talking dog. She carried Wiskee to the front of the wagon.

Iona gently reached out her hand and gave Rascally a pet on the nose. It felt softer to her than her velvet dress. "Hey big fella, thanks for pulling the wagon home." Rascally straightened up and gave a soothing low grunt. He pushed his nose under her hand for more attention. Iona chuckled and rubbed his nose again.

"It's so good to see you again Rascally," said Wiskee. Rascally nodded his head up and down with a hint of a whinny then shook to tickle Wiskee with his mane. Wiskee giggled, and Iona positioned Wiskee so he could give Rascally a kiss on the cheek.

"Princess, come see your room!" shouted Dittle. "That one be ours, and this one be yours!" Dittle pointed to the family cottage then to the guest cottage. Charleo and his family loved guests, but Dittle was especially fond of having company since he was in charge of keeping the guest cottage neat and tidy.

Iona put Wiskee down, and he went tearing up to the guest cottage. Iona picked up the front of her dress and walked with no pain. She thought Charleo's cottage and guest house were adorable.

At Dittle's prodding Iona's full attention focused toward the smaller, single-story guest cottage. Iona could see candles flickering inside and wisps of smoke rising from the chimney.

"Are you kidding..."

"Dunna be a-sayin' it!" Charleo laughed so hard his sides ached. "I canna take it anymore! Ye be a-killin' me with that line!"

"All right then, how about this...you can't be serious!" Iona laughed with Charleo.

"Be ye a-kiddin' me? Ye still got me a-laughin', and now at meself!" The two of them laughed together at how much Iona had said that phrase (but a brand new land filled with sights heretofore unseen could probably do that to a princess).

"C'mon up Momma! I'll show you around the place!" Wiskee pushed up on the door with his head and it opened.

"I guess that's my cue, huh?" Iona climbed the natural steps, turned, and waved. "Good night guys. And thank you again. We'll see you in the morning."

Charleo, Marlen, Denton, and Dittle all said good night and watched her disappear into the guest cottage. Jit and Giddy flew to Iona's window to make certain all of her lights had just the right amount of Sprite sparkles. They watched Wiskee show her around the home they would occupy for this one twilight. When Iona caught them spying, she winked at them and waved. They waved back then took off to their own beds made of soft moss atop a rock beneath a lavendaria plant in Marlen's garden.

Iona found the guest bed and shook her head in more disbelief at the nightgown of white linen and lace folded neatly on top of the overly puffy comforter. She laid her scepter on the dark purple velvet pillow on the nightstand embroidered with the words _My Scepter's Resting Place._ Taking the nightgown, she stepped into the necessary room to change, wash off the dust from the wagon ride, and brush her teeth. She removed her tiara and placed it on the red velvet pillow embroidered with the words _My Tiara Pillow._ She traded her dress for the nightgown, which fit comfortably loose, and smiled when she discovered in the mirror that her ruby lipstick, blush, and long eye lashes had remained after washing her face.

When she came out she saw Wiskee already on the bed building his pillow nest. "Now be sure and save me one little buddy."

"Oh don't worry, Momma. I saved you the biggest and fluffiest one."

Iona jumped at his words, not one-hundred percent keen to the fact yet that he could talk. She pulled the comforter back and slid her non-aching legs and feet under the covers. With a big flap she tossed the covers up and let them waft and sink slowly over her.

Wiskee jumped to her chest and began licking her face. "I-bb love-bb you-bb Momma," said Wiskee through his spitty kisses. Tears of unimaginable happiness rolled from Iona's eyes. Wiskee lapped them up instantly.

"I love you too little buddy."

Wiskee hopped back onto his pillow nest, sighed once, and went fast asleep.

Iona sleepily gazed out the window into the twilight sky and thought about the day; she had awakened that morning as a sickly pauper, but she was going to sleep as a beautiful princess.

Chapter 43

We're Home

The tantalizing aromas of breakfast wafted through the open window of the guest cottage. Iona stirred, dressed, donned her tiara, and retrieved her scepter. Wiskee, no longer curled up on his pillow nest, was splayed out on his back, nose in the air sniffing the scent of pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and fresh coffee. Iona tickled him on the belly, and he giggled sleepily. He stretched, did a wide-mouthed doggie yawn, and shook his head, ears flapping, ready to start the day. They climbed down the stairs, and Iona knocked on the door of the main cottage.

"Come on in," said Dittle when he opened the door to greet them. "I be a-bettin' ye smelled Momma's pancakes and Papa's cinnamon rolls a-bakin', dinna ye?"

"We did, and who could stay asleep with those wonderful smells coming through the window?" Iona gave Dittle a hug. He was thrilled (and that embarrassed him).

"Good mornin' Princess." Denton's greeting was mumbled from upstairs. He was the late sleeper of the family.

Iona directed her voice toward the top of the stairs. "Good morning sweetie!"

Wiskee had already run into the living room and up onto Charleo's lap, who was sitting in his soft chair waiting for his batch of sweet sticky rolls to bake.

"Well, there she be, our lovely princess."

"I guess that's me, huh?" Iona grinned at Charleo and his lap full of Wiskee. She made her way into the kitchen to see if she could give Marlen a hand.

"Nae, now, a princess is ta be served, not to be a-servin'." Marlen was at the stove flipping golden pancakes.

"All right, you can stop that nonsense right now." Iona put her hands on her hips. "I'm just good ol' Iona. Only I've got the word 'princess' before my name now, but that doesn't mean I can't be of some use around here. How about I set the table? It's been a tremendously long time since I've gotten to help in a kitchen with a 'family' around. So, where are the plates and stuff?"

"Well, if ye be insistin', everythin' ye need fer place settin's be in the roly-poly cabinet o'er there." Marlen nodded her head toward the cabinet Charleo had crafted using a large burl from one of the local trees.

"Are these the plates to use?" Iona held up an off-round wooden flat.

"Nae! Nothin' but the good stuff when our princess be a-feastin' with us." Marlen scurried over, pulled out a step stool, and reached into the top door of the roly-poly cabinet, pulling from the top shelf a beautiful plate. She handed it to Iona. "Here. Be a-usin' these." She was all smiles. She climbed down so Iona could climb up, then she realized Iona was not a chukkon. "Oh. I guess ye dunna be a-needin' this." Marlen folded the step stool and put it back in its place.

Iona admired the plate. The beautiful glaze reflected the suns' light. It was speckled tan, had dark brown edges, and in the middle was a hand-painted bouquet of strawberries tied together with a red bow. Iona counted on her fingers. "Let's see, there's Charleo, Marlen, Denton, Dittle, and me, that makes five."

"Hey! What about me?" Wiskee shouted from Charleo's lap. If there was food to be had, he did not want to be left out.

"Ye be a-havin' a special bowl, me li'l furry friend." Marlen pointed for Iona to take out the one-of-a-kind bowl sitting on the middle shelf.

"This one?"

"Aye."

"Momma, can I sit at the table with everybody...you know, like I used to do with you on Earth?"

"Uh, I'm not sure everyone lets their doggies eat at the..."

"Of course ye can, Wiskee. I'll be a-gettin' the boys' old highchair and ye can sit in that."

"Yippee!"

Iona laughed and thanked Marlen for her kindness then finished setting the table. Marlen was bringing the food to the table when disaster struck.

"Yikes!" shouted Charleo. He jumped from his chair, and Wiskee slid to the floor. Charleo rushed to the kitchen, opened the oven door, and choked. "Ah phooey! The cinnamon rolls! Dang it! Look at 'em!"

Marlen laughed. "Well, we would if we could see 'em through the smoke!"

"Dunna be a-worryin' Papa. They willna go ta waste. We'll be a-takin' 'em up ta the hockey rinks and usin' 'em as pucks next time we go!" Denton's first words of the morning caused everyone to laugh–except Charleo.

Charleo huffed. "That might be funny tomorrow!" Iona was getting her first taste of Charleo's serious side and discovering what everyone else already knew; the madder he got, the funnier it became.

They gathered around the table, and Iona put Wiskee in the highchair. Once seated, they all bowed their heads, even Wiskee, and Charleo thanked SUL for the bounty. Then they feasted until their bellies were swollen to just-past-comfortable.

Denton and Dittle excused themselves and ran outside to practice archery. Charleo returned to the living room. Marlen began to clear the table, and Iona started to help her.

"Nae, not this time Princess. Charleo needs ta be a-talkin' with ye in the livin' room." Iona took her handful of dishes to the sink then headed for the living room and sat in the over-stuffed rocker. Wiskee jumped from Charleo's lap onto hers.

"It appears ye surely enjoyed yer first breakfast on Maycly."

Iona patted her tummy. "That, my friend, is an understatement."

"Well, glad ye liked it. Me Marlen be quite the cook." Charleo lit his pipe and took a big puff. "And how about ye Wiskee? Were those bits of smoked nuts and berries good enough fer ye?"

"They sure were." Wiskee licked his chops.

"And the smell of your pipe smoke is simply dreamy." Iona inhaled deeply.

"Tis sweet ta yer smeller, eh? I was so worried ye'd be a-smellin' it when I blew it onta the Dream Decanter, but ye weren't even there!" Charleo laughed.

"Yeah, that was quite some day. You looked so cute trying to be so stealthy and all."

"What? Ye mean ye saw me a-deliverin' it? But how? I was a-bein' so careful!"

"Yeah, I saw the whole thing. I was spying from the bathroom. Wiskee was barking uncontrollably..."

"Aye!"

"Hey, I was just trying to let Momma know you were there and everything was going to get better really soon! But SUL wouldn't allow me to do anything but bark on Earth."

"Is that why some of your barks sounded so weird? Like the yip-yap-onk-owee stuff you did? You mean you were trying to talk to me?"

"Yep! Or as it came out on Earth...YAP!" Wiskee giggled at his own humor.

"OK then. So anyway, where was I...oh yeah...I wanted to see what Wiskee was barking at, and when I peeked, there you were!"

"Well, ye dunna say. Uh, be a-doin' me a favor and dunna be a-mentionin' ta anyone that ye saw me, especially SUL. I was s'posed ta be not a-gettin' caught." Charleo lowered his head and cleared his throat.

"My lips are sealed." Iona made a zipper motion across her lips.

"Mine too!" Wiskee ran his paw all the way around his mouth.

"That'll be the day," replied Charleo and Iona in unison.

Charleo felt his insides getting a little warm; no one else heard SUL's spirit speak. _"Charleo, I saw the whole thing too. But you're doing a good job, so keep going."_ He wiggled a little uncomfortably in his chair.

"Iona...I mean, Princess...today I'll be a-takin' ye and Wiskee ta yer own dwellin'."

Iona's eyes brightened. "We have our own place? Here? On Maycly?"

"Aye, and a wonderful place it be, too."

"But how can it ever be better than your cottage?"

"I got ta take a sneak peek when SUL was done a-buildin' it, and I can honestly say ye willna be disappointed."

"Wow Wiskee, our own place...on Maycly! Can you believe it?"

"Well, yeah." Wiskee gave her a wrinkled-nosed dog grin.

"Be a-meetin' me out front at the wagon in a few minutes, and we'll be a-headin' that way." Charleo was just as eager to take them as they were to get there.

Iona and Wiskee said a quick toodle-loo to Marlen and the boys then went to meet up with Charleo and Rascally. Iona picked up her scepter on the way out the front door. Charleo was waiting for them on the wagon's bench.

"Hop on up, and we'll be a-gettin' on our way. Our first stop'll be in Samlee's Woodlot."

"That sounds like a nice place."

"I be certain ye'll find it so Princess."

Rascally pulled the wagon into a clearing in Samlee's Woodlot. Iona saw hot air balloons of every size, shape, and color sitting on the ground, all looking ready for takeoff. "Are we going to watch a balloon festival?"

"Festival?" Charleo shook his head. "There be no festival. These be just another way ta get around Maycly. I thought ye might be a-likin' ta try a different mode of transportation." Charleo asked the balloon master for the best, explaining that he would be taking the Princess to her new home.

Charleo motioned to Iona and Wiskee, and they jumped from the wagon, running to the balloon they would be taking.

"It's marvelous! And so colorful! And look inside the balloon basket–there are bench seats around a small table. And a picnic basket." Wiskee's ears perked up.

"Sort of. It be a magic outin' basket stocked with fresh goodies fer the trip. The magical part be, as we be eatin' the goodies, they magically replenish."

They entered the hot air balloon basket, took their seats, and got themselves a snack.

"OK Wiskee. Ye can be a-pullin' the fire cable," said Charleo.

"Aye, aye General!" Wiskee saluted. Iona watched him pull the handle of the cable with his mouth. Fire shot up into the balloon. The balloon-tending chukkons released the tethers at Charleo's request, and the balloon began to rise into the air. Wiskee pulled the handle again, making the balloon rise even higher.

As their balloon lifted, Iona could see that each balloon pad was a crystal-covered waterhole. The water was clear, and fluorescent fish were swimming in the natural aquariums. She could see the water plants swaying and crustaceans swimming in and around them. The bottom of each pond glowed a color of blue that Iona could not describe. "This is just the best!"

"It be Samlee's Woodlot's best kept secret. The forest be situated atop a natural spring that creates the natural aquariums ye be a-seein'. Sometime we'll walk through the Woodlot so ye can be a-walkin' on top of 'em. The fishies give their best performances when ye be a-standin' on top of the crystal." Already Iona was in wonderment overload.

The balloon rose above the treetops, and Charleo called out an order. "Balloon, be a-headin' north." And to Iona's amazement, the hot air balloon did just that. Wiskee stood on the bench with his front paws on the edge of the basket. Charleo gave another command. "Balloon, be a-headin' west inta the forest." Again the balloon obeyed Charleo. Iona could see more tree tops coming into her view; it was the southernmost tip of Timberland Forest North, which butted up against the edge of Lake Origin's northern shoreline.

"Whoa balloon. Whoa!" The balloon eased to a halt and hovered. "Balloon, be a-lowerin' yerself amongst the trees." About halfway down through the trees Charleo commanded the balloon to hold its position. Iona and Wiskee were spellbound by the aerial view of their new home. It was on waterfront property–the only waterfront dwelling on Lake Origin.

IONA'S COTTAGE ON LAKE ORIGIN

In the yard Iona saw a huge maple tree and a bing cherry tree, both like the ones that had grown so tall in her yard in Bee Creek. A clump of birch trees brightened the western side, and a cobblestone path welcomed them to the front door.

Charleo commanded the balloon to lower to the ground, and it landed with a small thump. He threw a long tethering rope, which wrapped around a large rock, to hold the balloon down. "Welcome home Princess...and Wiskee."

"Yippee!" shouted Wiskee. He jumped onto Iona's lap then down to the floor, pawing at the basket's gate. "Let me out, let me out! We're home! We're finally hoooommme!" At the exact same moment Wiskee went to push it open, Charleo unlatched it. Wiskee did a header out of the basket into the grass. Iona and Charleo laughed at him as he unceremoniously spit out grass and dirt.

"Let's see," said Wiskee. "How does that go? That'll be funny tomorrow?"

"After ye...Princess." Charleo cordially removed his hat and bowed.

"Why, thank you...kind sir." Iona stepped out of the basket and walked to the water's edge. "It's more beautiful than I could have ever dreamed it being." She bent down over the water and saw her reflection; again it nearly took her breath away. While admiring the masked waxwing creepers flying over, the wildlife floating on top of the lake, and all the other scenery, the mermaids popped through the water's surface. "Oh! Hello there."

"Hello Princess." Iona shook their hands then smiled at the splash that hit her face when they flipped back under the water.

Charleo enjoyed watching Iona and Wiskee as they discovered their new surroundings. "Well, I'd best be a-goin' back ta me own cottage. There be plenty ta do, now that ye be here. SUL'll be a-stoppin' by ta begin explainin' what all ye need ta be concerned with. He'll be answerin' all the questions I know be a-botherin' ye. Fer now though, just relax and be a-havin' yerself a cool drink. Wiskee, ye can have a Gramma Hilda treat. They be inside in the 'Wiskee' cookie jar that be a-sittin' on a shelf built at just yer height." He winked at Wiskee then added, whispering with his hand by his mouth, "And there be no lid."

"Yippee!" shouted Wiskee. Charleo gave him a nudge to get going and check it out. Wiskee did not hesitate. He took off and dashed through the pet door.

"Thanks again Charleo." Iona gave him a hug.

As Charleo was readying the balloon, there came an odd boom from the far distance. "Tis nothin' ta be a-worryin' about. Must be a couple of fiery castle sentinels a-playin'." He was doing his best to calm Iona's nerves.

"Well let's hope that's all it is." Iona regained her composure.

"Balloon, up and away!"

Iona waved. Wiskee came running back out of the cottage, chomping the last few bits of a Gramma Hilda treat. They watched Charleo disappear through the trees.

Iona was content walking between the rows of pathlight ivy that outlined the cobblestone walkway to the door. Wiskee scampered in front of her. They toured the cottage and discovered the welcoming foyer, the living room with a fireplace, the kitchen, the dinette, and two master-sized bedrooms, each with its own necessary room. Wiskee adored his hand-carved bed frame from Charleo; it held a fleece pillow and had been placed next to the hearth. "OK Wiskee, let's take the rest of the twilight off. Whadda ya say?"

"Sounds great to me Momma." He went to his hearth-side bed, and Iona took a seat in the overstuffed rocker facing the fireplace. Her lips broke into a big smile at her family's photos already arranged on the mantle. Wiskee sighed. Then he and Iona settled in to relax before the crackling fire. Both nodded off.

Iona's eyes flew open and Wiskee jerked his head up when the booming sound came again. "What is that, little buddy?"

"I'm not sure Momma. No matter what Charleo thinks, I don't think it's the sentinels playing."

"Let's go see what we can find."

Chapter 44

It's Coming from That Direction

When Iona initially arrived at the Valley of Feasting and her tiara had been placed upon her head, at that precise moment the ground of Targrum had rumbled. When the etherealians lowered her to the valley and her feet had touched Maycly's soil for the first time, Targrum experienced major tremors. FAZ was keen to what was happening. He wailed a blood curdling scream that echoed throughout his lair. "I want everyone in the feasting room, NOW!" The feasting room soon overflowed.

"I want a seat!" "You're not getting mine!" "There's no music! Where's the music?" "There's no seats; where are they?" "I'll eat standing up if I have to!" "I want first pickings on the meat!" The Evil-mongers were obviously more concerned about getting a seat and feasting than listening to their leader.

"SHUT UP! There's not going to be a feast!" Sounds of disgruntled attendees filled the room at FAZ's words. He slapped his deformed hands on his table. "I SAID SHUT UP!" His wing sockets popped as he over-extended them in anger. His stature was enormous with his wings spread. He breathed in Targrum's foul air through his mouth. The attendees could see that the inside of his mouth resembled burning coals, a sure sign he would breathe fire on them if they did not do as he said. The clambering ceased.

"IONA HAS ARRIVED!" All squealed and grunted at FAZ's news. "She has accepted her duty, and her feet have touched down on Maycly." He turned to the door. "Bring me the failures!" The bewildered mob whispered questions to one another while two Vauhlpeezies entered the feasting room dragging the ones who had failed to keep Iona from reaching Maycly. The failures' wings were clasped together behind them with thick metal rings. Their feet were shackled, and their hands were constrained in roughly hewn cuffs. "What should we do with these who have let us down?" Fire dripped from FAZ's mouth.

"Burn them!" "Poison them!" "Let them rot in acid!"

"Not good enough! And you call yourselves Evil." FAZ paced the stage, glaring with determination into the eyes of his cohorts. "My plan is to feed them to the grotto cobb rollers." The mindless crowd agreed at full volume. FAZ gave a signal, and the two failures were removed from the feasting room. All rushed to the windows that faced the cobb roller pens. They watched as the two evil unfortunates were tossed into the mud and grime. The lair thundered as the cobb rollers charged toward their feast. Disgusting explosive cheers splattered against the wall and echoed back into the feasting room as the gargantuan swine snapped their jowls and tore the losers apart limb from limb.

The sight and sounds of the large gluttonous hogs enjoying their meal of bone and membrane satisfied FAZ. "Now, unless any of the rest of you are interested in facing the same fate, I suggest you do as I say, AND DO NOT FAIL ME!" The crowd ran from the windows back to their places. "I have a plan, and it involves each and every one of you." Gnarly smiles met his eyes as he proceeded to finish explaining his plan.

• • • •

Charleo had landed the balloon beautifully on its crystal-topped aquarium in Samlee's Woodlot. Rascally, glad to see him, perked his ears and gave a whinny. But the closer Charleo got, the more he noticed that Rascally was acting uneasy. "Hey big fella, tis good ta see ye." Rascally whinnied low. The ground shook with the same booming noise he'd heard at Iona's. Rascally's ears went back, and he thumped one of his front hooves on the ground. "It be OK Rascally. Just some sentinels a-playin' and a-wrestlin'. I be certain."

Charleo climbed aboard and gave the click-clack sound. Rascally reluctantly obeyed, hesitantly pulling the cart. Charleo had to continue coaxing him to keep going. "We be almost home now big fella. Keep a-goin'. Ye be a-doin' fine." Charleo gave a loud "h'yah," and Rascally grunted and tugged to pull the wagon to the top of the bridge over the Best River Ever.

"Whoa boy." Charleo pulled on the reins when Tahqrusalom came into view. The wagon halted, and Charleo gasped at Maycly's paramount village in the distance. Rascally began to step backwards.

• • • •

Iona and Wiskee had left their cottage at a walking pace but were now running down the cart path. The ground shook again. They knew they were heading in the right direction, as the booms were getting louder.

"Iona! I mean, Princess!" shouted a desperate voice behind them. They turned and saw a burly chukkon on the back of a large horse.

"Hello." Iona did not recognize him.

"Hey!" shouted Wiskee. "Momma, it's Artie, one of Charleo's best friends."

The chukkon approached them on his horse, and Wiskee gave the cordial introductions. "Iona, meet Artie, Artie, meet...well, I guess you already know who she is. And what's your horse's name?"

"This be Windjammer."

"He's really cool looking...or should I say, splackin'?" asked Wiskee.

"I'm so sorry Artie, but I don't recall meeting you at the festival."

"Nae, Princess, ye dinna officially meet me there, but I got ta meet Wiskee and catch a glimpse of ye durin' the celebration. I was a-hopin' ta meet 'officially' on better terms."

"Well, that's OK. It's still nice to meet you. But I'm not certain what you mean by 'better terms'."

"I be a-havin' a bad feelin' about the ground a-shakin'. Hand Wiskee up ta me, please." His request puzzled Iona.

"It's OK Momma. Artie won't hurt me. We're just going to get to the booming faster if we ride with him."

"That be right Wiskee."

"OK." Iona handed Wiskee up to Artie.

"There ye be li'l fella." Artie placed Wiskee in the empty supply basket that sat just in front of the saddle.

"Now, me princess, be a-givin' me yer hand." Iona still looked a bit unsure.

"He won't hurt you either Momma. Just give him your hand."

Another boom shook the ground and Iona jumped. She reached out and took Artie's hand. "Now be a-givin' a quick hop, and I'll be a-pullin' ye on up here with me and Wiskee." Iona felt herself fly up through the air and land perfectly in the saddle behind Artie. She handed her scepter to Wiskee, who took it in his mouth and placed it safely in the basket with him.

"Ye may be a-wantin' ta wrap yer arms around me waist Princess." Iona did as asked. "H'yah Windjammer!" The horse reared and came down in full stride. Wiskee's ears flew straight back, and Iona felt the wind cut through her hair.

"Where are we heading? I mean besides going to the boom. What village?" asked Iona.

"Tahqrusalom."

"Is everything all right?"

"We can only be a-hopin'. I know of some thin's that most dunna, and I be a-hopin' this be _not_ one of 'em. But I'd rather not be a-takin' any chances."

"Chances on what?" Iona was feeling more and more uneasy about the booming.

"Let's just say that, since ye be on Maycly now, there be some thin's we have ta be a-keepin' an eye out fer."

They came to the hillcrest on the path at the western edge of town. Smoke was rising from where Tahqrusalom should be. Artie's heart sank at the sight.

"What _is_ that?" Iona asked.

Artie's voice held a somber tone. "Tis Tahqrusalom." He paused and continued staring in thought. He knew what he had to do. "Hang on!"

Artie gave Windjammer the command, Iona grabbed Artie's waist, and Wiskee hunkered down in the basket. Windjammer took off at a full-on gallop. Iona shrieked when she saw tall flames leaping up from the ground past the tree tops, and streaks of fire shooting downward from the sky.

Chapter 45

Bravery Earns a Ribbon

Iona, Wiskee, and Artie could not have known that Charleo was on the bridge on the northern path leading into Tahqrusalom and witnessing the same horrific event.

"What's darting and zooming through the smoke and flames?" asked Iona.

"VAUHLPEEZIES!" shouted Artie. "AND EVIL WIGHTLIN'S ON DRAGONS! They be attackin' Tahqrusalom! I can see 'em from here!"

"What do we do?" Iona was beginning to grasp the scope of what they faced.

"I dunna know. I dunna know!" Uncharacteristically, panic had caused Artie to lose his focus.

"We need Carbreyghal!"

"I think he be preoccupied in the village a-fightin' Vauhlpeezies. This be one of those thin's I was a-tellin' ye about–ye know, one of those thin's I knew was a-goin' ta happen, but was a-hopin' wouldna." Artie began to sob as they rode, and Iona could feel his tears sailing through the wind hitting her face.

She held him tighter. "It's going to be all right. I've not known you long, but I think I've known you long enough to realize you're a strong chukkon, ready to fight for what's right." Iona wiped his tears with a hankie she had pulled from her sleeve then continued with firm love in her voice. "Now keep a level head. We both know what has to be done, and we can do this together. We've got to get into Tahqrusalom and help those in need. Charleo could be there on his way back home, and I'm sure there's nobody he'd rather see than you."

Artie sniffed and blew his nose on the hankie and handed it back to Iona.

"That's OK, you can keep it Artie." She looked at Wiskee, scrunched her face, and mouthed the word "ewww." Wiskee stifled a giggle.

"I dunna know if Windjammer'll run inta fire."

Wiskee leaned far forward from the basket and asked Windjammer if he would be too afraid to gallop into the burning village. Windjammer was hesitant but gave his whinnying response to Wiskee.

"We're good to go." shouted Wiskee. "I just talked to Windjammer, and he said he'd do it for the princess."

"Then let's get a-goin'. We've still got a ways ta go before we enter the village. Keep yer eyes open above, below, and ta the sides of us Wiskee. Iona, feel free ta bury yer head in me back."

"No princess of yours is going to bury her head and let you do this on your own." Iona held her head high so she could see over Artie's hat.

Windjammer dug in and continued his heading in the direction of Tahqrusalom.

Iona screamed. "What are those? Who is that? And what is he riding?"

Artie broke a sweat at the sight coming up beside them, but he remembered what to do. "No time ta explain. Take the reins." Iona grasped a rein in each hand, one on each side of Artie, and guided Windjammer as best she could. She could tell through the feel of the reins that Windjammer was spooked. She gave the reins a subtle shake, just enough to break his concentrated terror. Windjammer picked up the pace.

"On the hipposaur, that be Lucasphair. And those critters a-runnin' with him be his grumners and imps. Just keep Windjammer at full pace as long as he can last." Artie reached into his quiver and pulled out an arrow. He untied the rope that held his bow to the basket Wiskee was in. "Give me the reins, Princess, and take this bow and arrow. Shoot it at Lucasphair. Ye must hit him where his heart should be. No questions. Just do as I be a-sayin'" He shoved the bow and arrow at Iona.

Iona had never shot a bow and arrow, but she realized her line of sight on Lucasphair was better than Artie's. She gave a silent plea. _SUL, if You can hear me, please give me strength to pull the bow string, and give me the aim to hit Lucasphair in the right spot._ She pulled the bowstring hard and let the arrow fly. "I'm sorry! I missed! I missed! Now what?"

Artie did not speak. He grabbed another arrow and handed it to her. As she was loading the arrow on the bowstring she felt Windjammer darting right and left. She looked down and saw the imps starting to climb Windjammer's legs, using their needle-like claws to pull themselves up.

"Oh SUL, please help us." Iona shouted. She set another arrow and pulled the bowstring back; the arrow flew. "I missed again. They're coming! They're gonna eat us!" Iona was aghast at the sight of the approaching grumners. The imps had made their way to Windjammer's back and were heading toward Iona.

"Tie this to my collar." With his mouth, Wiskee scooped up the rope that had held Artie's bow and tossed it to Artie, who managed to tie it to Wiskee's collar. Wiskee jumped and landed on Iona's lap. He steadied himself then began to make his way around behind her. An imp snapped at him with its piranha-like teeth. Wiskee snarled and growled then let out a vicious bark Iona had never heard before. Wiskee started swinging his front paws to try and knock the imps from Windjammer's back. Imps went flying through the air squealing, then thudding and rolling along the ground. One imp came up Windjammer's leg so fast Wiskee did not see it, and it latched onto his tail. Wiskee let out a "YIPE" in pain and fell off Windjammer; he was now swinging from the rope that was tied to his collar, the imp still clutched to and swinging from his tail.

Iona saw what was happening and, with a mother's protective instinct, reached back and slapped another imp trying to chew through the rope holding Wiskee. The imp shot into the air and slid face first through the dirt.

Wiskee kept thrashing, his paws now bleeding from the bites of the imps climbing Windjammer's legs. An imp threw a punch and nailed Wiskee on the nose then scratched his nails deep across Wiskee's muzzle. Wiskee's cries were almost more than Iona could bear. She reached to help him back up to her lap, but an imp shredded the back of her hand. Somehow she managed to hold onto the bow when she jerked her hand away from the snapping menace.

"Momma, shoot! Don't worry about me right now."

Against everything she felt deep in her heart for Wiskee, she realized she had to abandon him to save them all. Lucasphair was gaining on them. She took aim once again with the third arrow Artie had handed her. She pulled on the bowstring, took a deep breath then exhaled to steady her aim.

Lucasphair laughed hideously as he closed in on them. The grumners were now nipping at Windjammer's heels. The big horse bucked in full stride throwing Iona and Artie into the air. They held on, and Wiskee swung violently. Windjammer reared hard, jumping on his back legs.

"Nae Windjammer! Nae! Keep a-runnin'!" Artie slapped the reins on Windjammer's neck. Valiantly, Windjammer withstood the pain of the attacking grumners and imps; he dropped to all fours at Artie's command. When his front feet hit the ground they were already moving at full speed, and he took off, Iona and Artie hanging on for dear life.

Wiskee was still dangling and bleeding, but he kept his focus. "Momma! Shoot!"

Iona let go the arrow. It flew straight into Lucasphair's vulnerable spot. Iona startled at the sight of Lucasphair, his grumners, and his imps exploding into dust. She watched as their dusted remains settled in a whirl behind them.

"Great shot Princess!" shouted Artie. "And great stridin' Windjammer! Whoa boy, whoa." Windjammer, his sides heaving, was glad to slow the pace to a trot, then to a walk; Artie noticed the horse's bad limp.

Wiskee's words were faint. "Yippee...and ouch. Momma help me." Iona hoisted him up by the rope and took him in her arms. His eyes rolled back and his head fell forward.

"No, no, NO!" She gently shook his bleeding body.

He slowly raised his head. "It's OK Momma. I'll be all right. But I need some of those healing leaves right away." Iona had no idea what he was talking about.

"I be on it." Artie pulled on the reins. Windjammer made a hard right to the river's edge. Artie jumped from Windjammer and ran to pick some salveleaves. Iona jumped from Windjammer's back as well to give him a rest. She held Wiskee in her arms, trusting SUL would intervene. Artie returned in no time and wrapped Wiskee's wounds. "There. Be a-holdin' these around him till we reach Tahqrusalom."

"Will do. Oh Wiskee, don't leave me. Hang in there little buddy." Iona cuddled him.

"I'm feeling better already Momma. Just keep holding me and let me rest while the leaves do their work." Iona hugged him close to her chest as the ground rumbled beneath her feet.

Artie let Windjammer take a drink from the river and lie down. Then he wrapped the horse's gouges and wounds in the soothing leaves, rubbing him and allowing him to lie still for a while.

"I hate ta seem so inconsiderate, but we _must_ be a-goin'." The ground shook yet another time. He helped Windjammer to his feet. "Hey, me pal. Ye goin' ta be all right?" Windjammer grunted, huffed, then nudged Artie's hand to pet his nose. "There, there. Ye'll be just fine. We really must get a-goin'. Can ye do it fer us me friend?" Windjammer moved his legs up and down, each time a little higher, then looked at Wiskee. Iona thought she saw a tear fall from his eye. She approached the horse and held Wiskee up to his face. Wiskee gave him a very small kiss, but that was enough for Windjammer. He whinnied with pride.

"I think that be a-meanin' he be OK now!" shouted a happy Artie.

Iona reached up and placed Wiskee back in the basket. Artie mounted Windjammer then assisted Iona into the saddle once again, and on they went. As they rode closer to Tahqrusalom, they watched the flames leaping from rooftops and saw smoke spiraling in the updrafts of the fires.

The ground shook every time FAZ spewed his fiery breath onto anything in his path. They all realized this was the quaking they had been experiencing. The Vauhlpeezies were shooting fireballs like bullets from an old Tommy Gun. Windjammer found it hard to keep up his quickened pace, and his breathing turned to a choking wheeze as they approached the village.

At FAZ's first sight of Iona, he belted out a retreat command in fear, and immediately Evil stood down and began to flee, Lucasphair's and his companions' dust chasing after them. The Vauhlpeezies' wings made an eerie whistling sound flapping through the smoke. They continued bumping, crowding, and fighting one another for the space closest to FAZ. Iona and Artie watched all Evil disappear over the Alps into Targrum, out of sight.

"My scepter. Is it still in the basket?"

"Aye. And it be a-glowin'."

"Glowing?"

Artie handed the scepter to Iona. Another ribbon and marble inscribed with the word BRAVERY had appeared.

"Artie? Is that the Evil we must defeat before I'm crowned queen?"

Artie was reluctant to answer but knew he must not hide the truth from her. "Aye."

Iona looked at Wiskee, and her insides twisted into an all-too-familiar knot. "Then we must fight...and win...so Good can reign on Maycly forever."

Chapter 46

Ashes, Smoke, and Tears

By the time Iona, Artie, and Wiskee reached the village limits of Tahqrusalom the major flames were being doused by the twelve fiery castle sentinels. They flew over and dumped water from large barrels they carried in their talons. The sight on the ground was dismal as smoldering clouds of smoke and steam rose and drifted away. They saw ashes, charred things that had not completely burned, and cottages with rooftops so badly burned they had collapsed and destroyed everything within. Tahqrusalom was inundated with the offensive smells of destruction. Iona felt helpless when she saw the number of Trees of the Blue Sleep that had been destroyed.

Mayclysians stood weeping, looking at their demolished homes and shoppes. Tears carved patterns in the black soot that covered the survivors' faces. Iona saw and smelled the charred bodies of chukkons who had met a fiery death in the flames. The injured wightling victims were doing all they could to bring aid to anyone they found in need. Iona could not tune out the gut-wrenching sounds of agony coming from so many as they trudged–most of them in shock–over the ashen debris in the village.

Charleo came in from the north. He saw a wightling covered in ash, standing in a daze before the smoldering pub and went to him. "Pub Pete? Be that ye?"

"It's me Charleo." Pub Pete drew a handkerchief from his pocket and tried to wipe the mess off his face. "Just look at my...our...place. There was nothing I could do to save it. All of the wightlings got out. And we were able to help a few chukkons get out, but there were still so many chukkons left inside when the ceiling gave way. Charleo, I've never seen so many sparks fly into the air or heard so many frightened wails." He burst into tears.

Charleo's heart sank. He jumped from the wagon, charging toward what was left of the pub.

Pub Pete grabbed Charleo's arm and stopped him. "NO! Don't go in there. It's a terrible scene."

"But we be a-needin ta get at 'em. They could still be alive." Charleo was filled with dread.

"Charleo, don't go in there," said Carbreyghal. "Pub Pete is right. It is a terrible scene, one you don't want as a memory. I and some of the other etherealians will gather their bodies and spirits." Charleo wept with Pub Pete.

"Help me. Help me. Somebody please help me." Charleo and Pub Pete heard a somber emotionless voice, far beyond dismayed. They turned to see who would emerge from the rising smoke.

"Help me. Help me. Somebody please help me." The faint monotone voice repeated. It was drawing closer.

"Keegan!" shouted Charleo, and he took off running. "Pub Pete, hop on the wagon there with Rascally and be a-followin' me!"

"Help me."

"I be a-comin'!" Charleo waved as he approached his friend. "Keegan, tis I, yer friend Charleo." He could not believe the sight. Keegan was holding his wife Mitzy in his arms. Her dress was burned, and her bonnet was melted to her hair. Her small shoes were only half there, and her tiny charred feet and toes were exposed. She was limp, not breathing. Tears came to Keegan's hollow eyes. Behind Keegan were Halo and Scepter, Jit and Giddy riding on their heads. The horses were limping, covered in ash and soot, following Keegan, pulling the badly burned wagon. Keegan's two daughters, Maye and Karla, lay singed and lifeless on the wagon's bench.

"I let them come ta Tahqrusalom alone. Tis me own fault. I be the one ta blame...I be ta blame. I heard a terrible boomin' and decided ta head ta the village, but when I got here I...I...this be how I found 'em Charleo." His tears fell on Mitzy's blackened dress. He lifted her mangled face to his and kissed her burnt lips.

Charleo removed his hat and bowed his head. Jit and Giddy flew to him, leaving a trail of cinders mixed with sparkles, and landed on his arm. He was crying so hard, his shoulders shook. He gulped, and a loving hand touched his shoulder. "We're here to help," said Carbreyghal. "Fellow etherealians, take special care of this family. Give them the best graves for their bodies and the best hiding places for their spirits." Carbreyghal then reached for Mitzy. Keegan let her go, reluctantly. Two other etherealians gathered Maye and Karla. Charleo held Keegan as they watched Carbreyghal and his helpers take Keegan's family away. Keegan fell to his knees. When Charleo knelt beside him Jit and Giddy lifted themselves into the air and hovered.

"Twas not yer fault, Keegan. Do ye understand? Twas not yer fault."

"I know. I know. There be no way I coulda known. But that still doesna ease the pain and the guilt. Can ye understand that Charleo?"

There was nothing Charleo could say.

Pub Pete and Rascally arrived with the wagon. Pub Pete jumped down and helped Keegan to his feet and lifted him aboard. Then he assisted Charleo in climbing to the driver's bench. Pub Pete unhitched Halo and Scepter from Keegan's wagon and reassured them they would not be traveling too fast. He walked them gingerly to the back of Charleo's wagon where he tied their leads. Then he climbed up and took his seat beside Keegan. Jit and Giddy tucked themselves deep inside Charleo's beard. Pub Pete shared the grief with his friends. He grabbed Keegan and held him tightly. Charleo wiped the remaining tears from his own face, took the reins, and gave Rascally the click-clack sound. Rascally could not help the bumpy ride over the smoking ruins. Halo and Scepter groaned and squealed when pain shot from the hot coals that met with the puncture wounds in their hooves.

Iona and Artie choked through yet another cloud of grey mist and saw a familiar wagon up ahead. "Charleo!" Charleo turned at the comforting sound of Artie's shout, and Iona waved. Windjammer limped toward Rascally, Halo, and Scepter.

"Oh Iona! Ye be OK. Where be Wiskee? Where be he?"

"Don't panic Charleo. He's here in the basket on Windjammer. He's boogered up, but I think he'll pull through. I'm pretty sure, thanks to Artie, that we got the salveleaves on him in time." Iona was trying to convince herself.

Using Windjammer's harness, Charleo climbed up to get a peek at Wiskee. He leaned over the basket, pulled back the piece of cloth Artie had torn from his own shirt and used to cover him, and stroked Wiskee's head. Wiskee's eyes barely opened. Jit and Giddy poked their wee heads out from Charleo's beard, and the tip of Wiskee's tail wagged ever so slightly.

"Artie, what has happened? I canna get ta me cottage from here. Have ye seen Marlen and me boys?" Charleo was frantic.

"We be here m'dear!" Marlen's cry was music to Charleo's ears. He leapt from Windjammer and raced to meet his soot-covered family.

"Be ye all right? Boys, be ye OK?"

"Aye, but our cottage and guest cottage be no more," said Marlen. "And me garden..." she shook her head "...oh me garden." She had reached her breaking point, and tears flowed. Charleo sunk to a sitting position on the ground nearly passing out. Denton rushed to his aid, and Dittle comforted his momma.

"Papa, there be more, but Momma canna bear ta tell ye. Ye need ta be a-takin' a look in the back of the cart. Twas the best we could do." Denton was solemn, Dittle was shaking. Denton helped Charleo to his feet. "Follow me Papa."

Charleo did not take the time to brush himself off, he just followed his son to the cart.

Denton pointed. "In there Papa."

Charleo's face drained, terrified at what he might see, but he climbed up on the wheel to look into the cart. There, lying peacefully, surrounded by burned flowers from Marlen's garden, lay his dead father and mother, Ensio and Rachana. The sight weakened him, and he slipped off the wheel, but Denton caught him and helped him to the ground. Charleo had never wept harder in his life. Marlen and Dittle climbed down and joined them.

Denton tried to be strong for his family. "Papa, we still have each other, and we salvaged our necklaces." His voice was strong through the lump in his throat. They all held one another. Jit and Giddy flew out of Charleo's beard, landed on his shoulder, removed their wee hats, bowed their heads, and sniffled.

Carbreyghal came to the wagon with several of his fellow etherealians.

"Wait, please, before ye be a-takin' 'em–let me see 'em one more time."

Carbreyghal honored Charleo's request. He could see that Charleo lacked strength, and motioned to two etherealians who gingerly lifted Charleo to the cart. There, Charleo hovered in the etherealians' arms as he looked upon his mother's and father's mutilated bodies.

"Momma, Papa, I know ye'll be fine one day, but tis so hard now." Charleo choked on his sorrowful breath. "Denton and Dittle'll miss a-comin' ta yer place and...and..." Charleo could speak no more.

" _They were My first Charleo; I feel your grief. It is time, however, to let Carbreyghal take their bodies and spirits to their resting places. I have need of you. You must stay strong for Me."_ SUL's powerful words stopped Charleo's tears. The etherealians returned Charleo to Marlen and the boys.

Carbreyghal summoned Reeawn to join him at the cart, and together they took Ensio's and Rachana's bodies and spirits from the wagon.

Artie had recognized his other friends on Charleo's wagon. "Keegan! Pub Pete!" He left his saddle to go to them, and Iona guided the feeble Windjammer to a vacant patch of dampened sand so he was not standing on so much debris. Keegan and Pub Pete proceeded to tell Artie their stories. Artie did not know what to do; then he remembered who was still on Windjammer. "There be someone I'd like fer ye ta meet. I be certain she'll be a-bringin' a smile ta yer faces." Pub Pete and Keegan climbed from the wagon and staggered with exhaustion toward Windjammer.

"Pub Pete, this be Princess Iona."

Iona gathered her strength and spoke. "So nice to meet you."

"And this be Keegan."

The look on Keegan's face did not help Iona maintain the courageous expression she knew they needed to see, but she held it together. "And so nice to meet you too Keegan." Her genuine smile warmed their hearts. She jumped from Windjammer and gave each one of them a hug. At her kind touch, they both broke down again. "It's OK. Grieving is a part of life I understand all too well. I know there are times when words alone can't comfort the pain of loss, but I'm here now, and everything is going to be all right. Trust SUL."

Pub Pete and Keegan lifted their heads and found Iona's sincerity to be the comfort they needed. "We thank you Princess," said Pub Pete. Keegan, still in a daze, nodded his head.

"Now you two get back on Charleo's wagon and wait for him there. I must tend to Wiskee." Pub Pete picked Keegan up and carried him piggyback style.

Iona climbed into Artie's saddle so she could be near Wiskee. "Artie, I know you feel the need to see who else you can help before we leave this place. I won't keep you from doing that."

Artie was gone for a long while, but when he made it back, Iona was happy to hear he had been able to help a few others. He climbed up and sat backwards on Windjammer's neck, facing Iona who was still petting Wiskee. "Be ye all right Princess?"

"I think so Artie. I'm just really worried about Wiskee."

Wiskee slowly brought his head up at the sound of his momma's voice. Around the salveleaves Iona could see his beautiful white fur, now caked with blood and gray-black ash. His eyes were droopy, and his breathing was shallow. "I'm gonna be all right (cough cough) Momma. I can feel (cough cough) the salveleaves working."

"I sure hope so little buddy." Iona stared glumly at him. Wiskee gave her a tiny smile, and that gave her a spark of hope.

"Momma, why don't (cough cough) you have our friends come stay at our cottage (cough cough) until things get better?"

"That's a wonderful idea Wiskee. Artie, spread the news. Wiskee and I will go ahead on Windjammer and begin to make preparations for our guests. Will you please ride with Charleo and his bunch?"

"Aye Princess. We'll be a-seein' ye at yer cottage." Artie climbed down and blew her a kiss. She acted out catching it and plastering it to her cheek, then she bent down and gave him a kiss on the top of his head.

• • • •

The feasting room in FAZ's lair was buzzing with gloating and conceitedness. FAZ banged his fists on the table to gain their attention. "NOW _THAT'S_ WHAT I CALL DELIVERING A MESSAGE! And that was only a taste of what we can do to them. If they're so certain they're going to win, they need to rethink their strategies. Your works of devastation were superb, your tactics spot on. They won't know what to do without their paramount village. And Lucasphair, I know you didn't get her this time, but I trust that you will. The time is coming when all Good will vanish and Evil will prevail. MAYCLY WILL BE OURS!"

Chapter 47

A Visit of Importance

Several weeks following the attack on Tahqrusalom, the smoldering remnants of the paramount village had fully extinguished, and the spitting beetles had done their part in helping the land become green once again. The aerialoceroses and towdoceroses had worked together with Mayclysians around the clock to fill and pull hundreds of large baskets full of debris over the Skygem Alps. They dumped the debris on the most northern edge of Targrum. When they finished clearing the destruction, all that remained were the hardiest of the Trees of The Blue Sleep. The workers re-mulched the sidewalks of Main Street, dedicating them as memorial walking paths. Carved wooden plaques were placed at the bottom of either a remaining giant tree or where one once stood, each with the name of the shoppe and the owner who had occupied that location.

The homeless survivors had moved to other villages throughout Bailiwick, Trote Waters, and Chennington Greens. Pub Pete had taken up residence with Pub Pearl in The Training Village. The two of them had combined their pub expertise and changed the name from Pub Pearl's to Tales & Tall Ones. Honky-Tonk Hurley's Farmhouse Tavern in Snuggerbug Landing had become busier than ever. Charleo and his family now lived in a newly built cottage nestled amongst the trees in the outskirts of Glammiswinde, with Keegan residing in their guest cottage. Artie remained in his original cottage and was glad to have Charleo and his family and Keegan as neighbors.

Iona sat up in her bed, stretched, and pulled the covers down, burying Wiskee on purpose.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Wiskee giggled from under the comforter.

"Wiskee? Where's Wiskee? I don't see him!" Iona laughed.

He stomped on the comforter just right so it pulled it off of his head.

"Oh! There he is!" She took him in her arms and tickled him; she loved to hear him laugh. "Good morning little buddy."

"Good morning Momma." He kissed her face. "I'm so glad things are back to normal. How about you?"

"Absolutely little buddy. Let's go down to the shoreline and say hello to the mermaids before we get our breakfast. Whaddaya say?"

"Yippee!" Wiskee went flying out the pet door of the cottage.

When the mermaid visit was over, as usual Iona and Wiskee prepared some breakfast. Just before they were about to sit down and enjoy warm sweet rolls and hot chocolate, a knock came at their door. "Wait right here, and don't start without me."

"Good morning My princess." Iona smiled at the spirit of SUL standing before her.

"And what did I do to deserve such a guest as Yourself?"

"I need to answer some questions for you, and we need to discuss Maycly's future. May I come in?"

"Where are my manners? Of course You may. Please, come in and join us at our table."

"Thank you. Don't mind if I do. Hello Wiskee. I hear you've had quite a time, haven't you?"

"Yes I have, but Momma trusted You, and You made it all better. You're the Grandest Wizard... _ever!_ Will You get to be SUL again? You know, like...so I can sit on Your lap and stuff and not fall right through, like now, because You're like a ghost?"

SUL smiled at Wiskee and chuckled at his choice of words. "Well it's nice to know I could be of help to you. And yes, hopefully someday you will be able to sit on My lap again without falling through."

"Whew! That's good to know!"

SUL turned to Iona. "Now, Iona. I'm sure you have many questions. Am I correct?"

She felt her heart leap at the direct attention of SUL's spirit. "Yeah, boy do I!"

"Where would you like for Me to start?"

"I have no idea."

"Then I shall start from the beginning. How would that be?"

"I guess that's the best place."

Iona and SUL spent the rest of the morning discussing things of the past, present, and future. Iona was taken back by many of the things SUL's spirit revealed to her, but as time progressed she felt her courage and strength taking root and blossoming. After a few hours their conversation began to wind down. SUL had explained everything to her, just as He had to Charleo long ago. "And that is why it is so important that we win the battle for Good, and that you are crowned queen. Do you have any more questions?"

Iona let out a sigh. She was overwhelmed. Before she could answer, however, Wiskee, who felt he had been quiet long enough, spoke up. "Yeah, I've got a question. Why didn't Momma wave back at the otters on Otter Slide Island when we flew over?"

"Because you didn't tell her to."

"But You hadn't told me I was allowed to talk yet!"

"And there was a good reason for that. Remember, you wanted to surprise your momma by saying hello to her as you dropped by parachute to the ground?"

"Oh...yeah." Wiskee's little nose twitched as he scrunched his mouth in embarrassment. Laughter filled the cottage.

"Well Iona, if you don't have any more questions I shall be on My way."

Iona's stomach did a flip. She was thinking that the next time she saw His spirit would probably be during battle. They rose and walked to the door.

"I'll trust You every minute of every day until we meet again." Iona was not acting; she was sincere. She wanted so badly to hug Him, but it was not possible.

"G'bye!" Wiskee shouted.

"Goodbye little buddy!" SUL's spirit shouted back from the front door.

Iona could hardly put her heartfelt feelings into words. "Thank You SUL. Thanks for taking the time to...to explain so many things. And for waiting for someone like..."

"No need to say what you're going to say." SUL's spirit's voice was so soothing to her.

"I suppose not. Then until we meet again?"

"Until we meet again, My Princess."

Iona watched as SUL's spirit ascended into the branches of the Tree of Breathing and Being, then she returned to the kitchen. "Hey! What are you doing out of your highchair? And that's _my_ sweet roll you little bandit!" Wiskee dashed off the table and out the pet door with the sweet roll still in his mouth. Iona chased after him through the backyard, both of them giggling all the way.

Chapter 48

Is It Really You?

Cole had not eaten for days; he had been starving himself for a purpose. Using a sharp piece of rock that had fallen from the ceiling several weeks ago, he repeatedly hit the restraining chain strapped to his ankle cuff at the same tempo that the unexplained pounding noises from above took place. _Come on, you're almost there._ With one more stroke the link fractured. Only the iron ankle clasp remained.

He removed what was left of his ratty shirt, undershirt, and jeans, leaving him in his boxers. He stuffed his shirt and jeans with dirt and trash from the floor and arranged them so they resembled a body. He put his shoes where his head should be; the bottoms of his feet were already calloused, so he figured he did not need the shoes. He wadded up his undershirt to look like a head and placed it on his shoes. He hoped the makeshift dummy looked real, a facsimile of him actually lying there.

He tiptoed to the bars of the cell door and looked in every direction but saw no one. The all-too-familiar wall that faced him was solid, but he could see the bottom of a stairway far to the left. He was guessing the door he heard squeak twice a day since he had been captured was at the top. He listened for noises of any kind. He had no idea why he had been captured and had no clue where he was. Those who brought his food and water never answered his questions. As best he could figure he had been held in the basement of a warehouse in a big city somewhere near Bee Creek. He could not believe he was finally facing the chance to escape. _Iona, I'm coming for you. I sure hope you haven't given up on me. The memory of your face has been my strength to stay alive. The thoughts of kissing your lips again and holding you in my arms are all I can think about right now. I hope you've managed Baby Doll. I know it's been so hard on you._

He took a deep breath and held it. _I don't hear a sound. Now's my chance._ He exhaled as far as he could then squeezed his frail body through the bars. He crept down the dark hallway toward the stairs, listening for anyone approaching. He did not hear anyone, or anything, so he kept moving. When he approached the stairway, the silence was broken by the creaking door opening at the top of the stairs. "...then she said, _'that's_ why we have to burn them.'" The approaching ones laughed together. Cole recognized the familiar voices of those who delivered food to the cell.

He found a tall wide crack in the wall and slid inside, out of sight. When he heard their footsteps pass, he looked to make certain their backs were turned then bolted up the stairs. _If they're bringing the food, I don't have much time before they discover I'm gone, unless my dummy covers for me. Please SUL, don't let them hurt the others._ Cole waited at the top of the stairs for the deliverers to blurt out their usual harassment.

"Your food's here! Eat up! It's yummy for your tummy! You don't want to starve now do you?" That's when Cole opened and closed the creaking door. He found himself in an empty room, but saw another door. He rushed over and held his ear to the door; it was very warm to the touch, almost hot. _It must be a door to the outside. The sun's probably shining directly on it._ He slowly pushed on the door, and just as he had expected, it opened to the outside. "Now that's an interesting smell." He gagged and ran as fast as he could, not caring in what direction, just so long as it was away from the horrible place in which he had been chained for so long.

Cole had escaped.

• • • •

Iona finally caught Wiskee, the sweet roll still in his mouth, and began to tickle him. This time the equinarchs helped her. Wiskee was laughing so hard Iona thought she had best stop and let him catch his breath.

"Let's go for a walk into Timberland Forest North, how about it Wiskee?"

Wiskee gulped the sweet roll. "I'm never the one to ignore an invitation like that!" So off they went to discover the forest and enjoy a wonderful walk together following the pathlight ivy. Iona hand-fed a few tydyed whodeys, and Wiskee enjoyed playing hide and seek with the Sprites.

"We'd better get back to the cottage Wiskee. I'd like to fix us some lunch and relax before Charleo shows up to take us to Honky-Tonk's. I've never been there, so I can't wait to go."

"OK Momma. See you little 'buzzing-somethings' later." Wiskee had always loved that his momma had called the Sprites that before she knew what they were.

Wiskee trotted into the cottage first, as always, straight to his water bowl and lapped up some cool goodness. Iona had refilled her gwendelant mug before they had gotten home, so she took a seat and finished it before starting lunch. Wiskee jumped up on her lap and begged in the cute way only he could. "Tomato soup and grilled cheese...pleeeeeeease?"

"If we must."

"Yippee!"

"OK. Hop down and I'll get started." Wiskee jumped down and followed her like a shadow to the kitchen. Iona emptied the homemade tomato soup from a Trote Waters farm into the pan and lit the burner. Then she lit the next burner to heat the skillet for the grilled cheese sandwiches. The butter had just started melting when she felt the hair stand on the back of her neck. She turned and froze at the sight.

There in her kitchen stood a man barely dressed. He was so skinny and bruised she did not even recognize him.

"Iona, it's me, Cole."

With her mouth open in disbelief, she stepped closer and looked into his emerald eyes. He brought his withered hand to her face, and she felt the familiar warmth she had tried so hard never to forget. She had no choice but to cry. She threw herself into his arms. "You're here? On Maycly?" Iona kissed him.

"Of course. Where else would I be?" Iona stepped back at his awkward choice of words.

"That doesn't make any sense, Sweetie. What do you mean, 'where else would I be'? You left to run errands and never came home. You didn't die, because Gramma Hilda and Grampa Lawrence never saw you come through the Ushering Tree. Besides, if you died, you certainly wouldn't be dressed like that, here, on Maycly, would you?"

Cole stood and stared. He had no answer.

Iona felt guilty. "Oh Sweetie, I'm so sorry. Look at you–you look like you need some food, and definitely some clothes." Iona gave him another once-over head to toe. Wiskee growled at him and began backing away.

"Stop that. You know Cole. He's your daddy. You know, the one in the pictures you went nuts over on Earth." Wiskee was not agreeing.

"I know I don't look exactly like the pictures, but it's me. I've just been gone a long, long time." He took a seat at the table and invited Wiskee to jump into his lap.

Iona was devastated as Wiskee continued growling. Cole continued to try to warm up to him.

"I'll be back in a minute. Let me go get you a towel to wrap around yourself."

Things between Wiskee and Cole had not changed when she got back. Cole was still coaxing him to come to him, and Wiskee was still snarling.

"Wiskee, stop." Iona was overly apologetic. "Really, he should warm up to you very soon. You probably just caught him off guard, like you did me. He's great with people... well, wightlings and chukkons...and so many other animals." She looked at Wiskee, but he would not talk to her. She realized she was still holding the towel. "Oh, sorry. Here, wrap your lower half in this." Wiskee lunged at him when Iona's hand touched his.

"Wiskee! My goodness! Settle down. There's enough room in my heart for both you _and_ Cole."

Cole smiled at Iona as best he could and held tight to her hand. She was awestruck by his emerald eyes. It had been too long since she had stared into them, and she was trying to make up for lost time. She kissed him again, but he barely returned the favor. Iona frowned when their lips separated. She changed the subject. "Let me finish getting lunch ready, and you can join us. You can tell me everything and I'll tell you everything that has happened since you've been gone. I can't believe I'm actually saying these words to _you,_ and not just into thin air. Are Mommy and Daddy here too?" He gave her a blank stare. The pause made her afraid of the answer he might give. "I'll make us lunch, then we'll talk. OK? Oh, I'm so scatter-brained right now."

Iona was becoming more excited by the minute. Cole would not let go of her hand when she tried to pull it out of his. Instead, he tightened his grasp. She smiled and figured he was just so glad to see her he did not want to let her out of his sight, or touch.

A knock. It came at the most inopportune time for Cole. He released Iona's hand when her head jerked in the direction of the door.

"I'll be right back Sweetie. Wiskee, you behave yourself." Iona shook her head as she could still hear him growling as she went to the door.

She was elated with whom was on the other side. "Why Charleo! I'm so glad it's you. You won't believe who's in my kitchen."

Charleo did not speak. He pushed Iona out of the way, nearly knocking her down, and tore for the kitchen. At the sight of Charleo, Cole jumped to his feet. Iona ran to the kitchen. Charleo set an arrow on his bow and pulled back on the bowstring. Wiskee went nuts barking and growling instead of talking. He was becoming hoarse.

"Wiskee stop it! Charleo, NO! What has gotten into you two? Charleo...that's Cole! That's who I wanted you to meet!" Iona screamed when Charleo released the arrow from point blank range. "NOOOO!"

The arrow hit Cole in the heart.

Iona's best moment turned into her worst nightmare. She fainted, and Charleo caught her. He moved her to the couch and covered her with a blanket. Wiskee brought a cloth to Charleo, who then soaked it with cool water and placed it across Iona's forehead. She was out for several minutes, then she began to stir.

"Can ye hear me? Princess?"

"Momma, Momma! How about me? Can you hear me?"

"Where's Cole? Why did you do that? What happened?" Iona burst into tears.

"A _lot_ happened Princess."

"Momma, I tried to warn you, but you wouldn't listen to me. I didn't want to talk because I didn't want to let him in on my secret."

"Wait. Whoa. Hold on. What do you mean 'your secret'?"

"SUL told me not to let Lucasphair or _any_ of those nasty guys know that I can talk."

"Wait. Lucasphair? But why? When was he here? Where's Cole?"

Charleo filled in some of the details. "Lucasphair, a-bein' the evil changelin' he be, appeared as Cole, probably ta be a-kidnappin' ye. I be a-bettin' twas FAZ's doin'."

"Momma, SUL doesn't want them to know I can talk because during the final battle, since I'm able to hear and understand what their Evil battle animals are saying, that'll help us...the good guys. If the bad guys know, then they'll just lie or not even talk when I'm near them."

"So...you're like a secret battle weapon? Along with me?"

Wiskee stared at her. He did not know what to say.

"Aye, he be. SUL dinna tell ye because He wanted Wiskee ta be a-tellin' ye, but twas s'posed ta be under different circumstances. Twas s'posed ta be when ye were at The Trainin' Village a-layin' out the battle plans." Charleo could see that the gears were beginning to turn in Iona's mind.

She snapped back to the real conversation. "OK. That answers that. So that was Lucasphair and not Cole?"

"Aye."

"EEEWWW! I kissed him!" Iona fainted again.

"Princess...Princess...wake up! C'mon!" Charleo panicked.

"Momma!" Wiskee pounced on her chest and began to lick her face, and her eyes popped open at that.

"Wow–you're much more effective than smelling salts little buddy!" Everyone chuckled. "But I didn't see him turn to dust when you shot him."

"That's because you passed out just before the arrow hit him Momma." Iona's eyebrows lowered at Wiskee's response.

"Aye, twas Lucasphair. He be a sly devilish creature. I was a-doin' me shoppin' in Meekershade Corners when SUL told me ta be a-high-tailin' it ta yer cottage, that ye'd be a-needin' some help with Lucasphair. I've ne'er been without me bow and arrows on me back since FAZ's attack on Tahqrusalom. So I got here as fast as Rascally could run, and it looked like I got here just in the nick of time."

"Oh, Charleo, Wiskee, what would I _ever_ do without you guys? I feel like such a schlep. I _really_ thought that was Cole." Iona looked off into space and frowned. "But then he didn't...he didn't...kiss me right. EEEYYYUUUCK!"

Wiskee and Charleo made the same kind of face.

"And when he wouldn't let go of my hand...and then his attitude...and... Oh, it's all over, no need to dwell on it, right?" She ran her hands through her hair.

"Aye."

Wiskee darted off through the cottage. When he returned, he dropped his momma's scepter onto her lap. "Look Momma. A new marble." Iona picked up the scepter and saw the new marble with the word OVERCOME inscribed in silver.

"Ye rest fer a few minutes more. I need ta be a-checkin' on Rascally and the wagon, then I'll be back in ta get ye. Ye and Wiskee can ride back ta Glammiswinde with me, and we'll head on over to Honky-Tonk's together from my place. That way, ye two dunna have ta be a-spendin' the rest of the afternoon alone."

"I'm in!" shouted Wiskee.

"Me too!" Iona was just as excited. She laid her head back, and her mind raced. With each passing incident she could feel herself becoming stronger in some ways. But now, if she ever actually found Cole or Ann or Leonard, she was unsure if she could trust herself to be certain it was them. She began to doubt just how great she had thought Maycly was.

" _Trust Me, trust yourself. Don't let Evil get the best of you and your thoughts. Mayclysians need you My Princess."_ Iona recognized SUL's voice speaking inwardly to her. It was comforting and gave her strength to carry on.

"Be ye ready Princess?"

"I am. How about you Wiskee? You ready for a wagon ride little buddy?"

"YYIIPPEE!" Wiskee ran out the door. "Cannonball–oof! I forgot the bench was that hard."

Iona smiled at Charleo. "I guess that means yes."

Chapter 49

Fun Turns to Terror

"The suns be a-tradin' light with the moons; that be our cue ta be a-goin'," said Charleo. Marlen was still in the bedroom primping. She had taken a real liking to the tavern and did not even take it as an insult to her own cooking when Charleo commented about how great Honky-Tonk's food was.

"Can we all be a-wearin' our necklaces ta the tavern? I want all of our friends ta see 'em." Dittle had his mind made up, even before he got an answer, and took the necklaces from the mantle, distributing them accordingly. No one complained.

As they walked outside, Keegan came out from the guest cottage. "Well Keegan, look at you all spiffed up for a twilight out on the town." Iona went to him and gave him a big kiss on the top of the head. She just adored his new dark red Lederhosen, billowy tan shirt with brass buttons, and black velvet bow tie.

Iona, Wiskee, Charleo, Marlen, Denton, Dittle, and Keegan all loaded themselves on the wagon. Artie showed up on Windjammer and traveled with them. By full twilight, they had reached Honky-Tonk Hurley's Farmhouse Tavern.

They made their way through the bar doors. "There they be!" shouted Charleo when he saw Gramma Hilda, Grampa Lawrence, and The Man Behind The Dumpster, already seated at a large round wooden picnic table in the far corner, enjoying a round of frothy drinks.

The tavern fell silent when Iona entered carrying Wiskee. At first she thought maybe Wiskee was not allowed to be in there. She smiled and cordially said, "Hello everyone."

"Drinks on the house! Even Wiskee!" Honky-Tonk Hurley's boisterous offer turned the silent tavern into a party. Many jumped to their feet and came running to give Iona and Wiskee a hug.

Iona and Wiskee were last to the table. The quintet known as The Farmhouse Five, consisting of a tin whistle, a fiddle, a bodhran drum, a tambourine, and an uilleann bagpipe, began playing festive songs much to Iona's delight. She was touched by the highchair Honky-Tonk Hurley had prepared for Wiskee at their table. She felt every eye upon her (in a good way) but still was not used to that just yet, as she had spent so much of her first few weeks at her cottage.

"So tell us, what princess-like duties have you been up to between here and Earth?" Gramma Hilda had been waiting all day to hear Iona's story.

"Well, I survived living alone on Earth, but just when I thought I couldn't do it any longer, Wiskee here showed up on my doorstep." She gave him a wink. "And on the trip to Maycly I survived flying over Targrum on my bed with the Vauhlpeezies spitting fire at me. Then there was the attack by...uh...they were...uh..."

"Imps and grumners," answered Charleo.

"Yeah, those things. They chased me and Artie and Wiskee and Windjammer, but we beat 'em! I shot my first bow and arrow, ever. Surprisingly I took out Lucasphair with my third shot!" This time she winked at Artie. "Oh, and I kissed Lucasphair." Everyone at the table said "eeewww." Iona laughed.

"You kissed Lucasphair? WHY?" Grampa Lawrence was sickened by the thought.

"Because he came to me looking like Cole."

Their server approached the table. "So, what will all of you be having to drink?"

"I'll be a-havin' a mug of yer best brew," hollered Artie over the music.

The server looked at him like he was crazy. "Don't you think the princess should order first tonight?"

"Oh, sorry. Just a-bein' meself."

"Well maybe this be not the best time ta be that, ye think?" said the ever-serious Charleo.

Iona snickered. "Bring him your best brew. No problem Artie. You can be yourself any time you want." said Iona enthusiastically. "And I will have...let me look here...so many good sounding drinks...uh...let's make it a Snuggerbug Sassafras."

The server smiled. "You want that with or without a little kick to redden your cheeks?"

"Oh, definitely with!"

Artie leaned toward her and whispered behind his hand. "Ye'll be a-likin' the kick Princess."

The rest ordered their drinks and were served promptly. Next they ordered their dinners. It did not take long for the plates to come from the kitchen. Iona's, served first, was full of Farmhouse Homemade Noodles over Spicy Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, a side of Sugary Fried Corn, and a mix of tomatoes, yellow squash, and onions sprinkled with herbs and spices, all prepared in butter and shredded cheese. On the other plates she saw hand-sized stuffed mushrooms, spaghetti with red sauce and fettuccine with white sauce, grilled muffins topped with fruity sauces, and salads that dwarfed those she was used to on Earth. Artie's onion rings had been dipped in a brew batter and fried to a golden crisp, and Charleo's large bowl of Gazpacho was topped with sour cream and jalapenos with tortillas on the side. Wiskee had managed to get them to make a grilled cheese and bowl of tomato soup especially for him. When Iona saw the size of the grilled cheese sandwich, she wondered how Wiskee was going to eat it all. She could hardly believe the grand buffet that had been brought to their table.

They dined and laughed, and they clapped and sang along with the music. Charleo, Artie, Keegan, and Grampa Lawrence took turns dancing with Iona, Gramma Hilda, and Marlen. Denton and Dittle had gone to the stage and were swinging arm-in-arm with their friends. The Man Behind The Dumpster was dancing a jig with every lady in the tavern. Jit and Giddy met their Sprite friends, and they flitted in and about all of the guests. Iona felt the night could not get any better.

But her delightful thoughts vanished when The Farmhouse Five's music jumped off beat and dwindled in sour tones. The bar doors parted, and holding them open was a wightling no one had ever seen. He was dressed in black trousers and a white collarless shirt which fell in a V at his neck. The entire outfit resembled a renaissance pirate. His boots came to his knees and sported heavy boot straps made of pewter. Iona did not know whether to stay calm, run away, or prepare for a fight.

Honky-Tonk Hurley wanted no trouble, so he spoke with his usual friendly voice. "Hello stranger. C'mon in...drinks are on the house."

The stranger did not move. He just stood there, combing the entire tavern with his eyes. The uneasy patrons' return stares made him feel like a dandelion in a rose garden. When his eyes met Iona's he paused. Iona stared back stiffly. His solemn face broke into a wide smile, and he hesitantly spoke her name. "Iona?"

"Who's asking?" She never-so-much-as blinked.

"It's me. Cole."

It was a moment of truth for Iona. _I want so badly to believe this. At least he's wearing clothes this time. But that's no reason to believe. SUL, help me._ She was extremely leery, along with Charleo, who sat poised with one hand on his bow and the other already reaching for an arrow. Iona remembered SUL's words from earlier that day, and chose not to let her fear stand in her way. Boldness filled her. "I'll give you one chance to run. But if you do, and if Wiskee starts growling, we'll all know you're Lucasphair. And every warrior in this place will hunt you down in order to dust you." All eyes shifted in her direction. The wightling stood his ground.

"Lucasphair? NO! It's me, Cole, Baby Doll."

Iona began to walk toward the stranger who was claiming to be Cole. "If you are my true Cole, prove it to me." She continued her steps, certain Charleo and Artie had her back.

Cole looked at her and gave her a wink and a blink.

"Too easy. Give me more proof."

Cole thought hard. "Ready Teddy?"

"That's great, but what should my answer be?" Iona was almost beside him.

"I was born ready."

Iona bravely moved in front of him, their faces only inches apart. Cole went to hug her. "DON'T lift a hand or touch me until I say so." Iona's teeth were gritting.

Cole dropped his arms. He wanted her to believe it was him, and he did not understand what ailed her.

Iona stared deep into his emerald eyes and whispered. "What parts of a production do I like the least?"

Cole laughed nervously. Charleo and Artie stiffened. Cole whispered his answer. "Baby Doll, that would be directing and producing." The only sounds were patrons adjusting in their seats in case they needed to run.

Charleo slowly loaded the arrow on his bow under the table where no one could see.

"Touch my face," whispered Iona.

Cole reached forward. Just before his hand touched her face, Charleo seized the moment...he stood and shouted, "Tis a trap! I've seen this before!" The crowd gasped. Charleo pulled the arrow back on the bow string.

Wiskee jumped from his highchair and raced toward Iona. Charleo let the arrow fly, but Wiskee had timed it just right, leaping into the air, catching the arrow in his mouth. He landed, sliding across the wooden floor in style. He spit the arrow and shouted, "Daddy Cole! It _is_ you! Momma, this really is him...this is your Cole, the _real_ one in the pictures you showed me."

Iona burst into tears. Cole was more than a little surprised that he was hearing a dog talk, but the presence of his Iona largely overshadowed the event. He enfolded Iona in his arms and hugged her. They kissed a more passionate kiss than they had on their wedding day.

The crowd thundered with glee, applauding, cheering, and whistling. Jit and Giddy flew from Charleo's beard and made a B-line for Iona and Cole, circling around their heads, amping up the Sprite sparkles as they flew.

Iona and Cole hugged again. "I found you, or maybe you found me? I've missed you so much. I love you Sweetie. I'm well. I'm all well." Iona stuttered through her tears of joy. She looked down, and Cole followed her eyes. Wiskee was on the floor wagging his tail, dancing in circles, and singing a song he was making up on the spot. Iona looked back at Cole. "I have so much to tell you."

"I'll bet you do! I love you too and have missed you more than you'll ever know. And you'll definitely have to explain that talking dog that thinks I'm his father." Cole's whispering felt warm and gentle in her ear. She knew Cole was real this time, and she did not want to let him go. She took him by the hand. "May I have your attention please?" The room fell silent at her request. "I would like to introduce to you...my husband, Cole." The crowd noise became a notch louder. The reunited couple's smiles were contagious.

Iona thought she had blacked out from jubilation; Cole thought the same of himself. They both realized they were totally coherent, however, when the crowd's cheering shifted to screams. With intense fear everyone witnessed black hoods being thrown over Iona's and Cole's heads by Vauhlpeezies.

Iona and Cole heard Wiskee growling and thrashing. The crowd saw him as he got snapped up by another Vauhlpeezie and shoved into a burlap bag. Cole fought the creature that was tying his hands behind his back, and Iona was struggling with the same.

The brave crowd members were rushing the evil ones but were being picked up and tossed back into the tavern.

"Iona?" Cole was panicked.

"I'm here! They're tying my hands! What's going on? Cole! Wiskee!" Iona screamed as she was being pulled out of the tavern. The next thing she felt was her feet leaving the ground. Then she was flying through the air, along with Cole and Wiskee.

The crowd listened to Iona's and Cole's cries for help. Wiskee barked and growled. Several warriors rushed out the bar doors in an attempt to stop the abduction.

The helpless images faded into the distance.

Chapter 50

Artie Steps Up

Artie had made it to the front of the mob of warriors. Charleo, Denton, and Dittle caught up to him. Artie set another arrow.

Charleo pushed Artie's bow down. "Tis no use. Save yer arrows."

Keegan had remained inside. He held Gramma Hilda and Marlen, Grampa Lawrence stood in front of them. The Man Behind The Dumpster spread his arms as if to protect the ladies he had been jitter-bugging with on the dance floor. Those inside were staring in disbelief at the tavern's swinging bar doors, wondering the fate of Iona, Cole, and Wiskee.

Murmuring turned to screams when all the warriors except Charleo, Artie, Denton, and Dittle, came barreling back through the doors. Several distorted hands came over the tops of the swinging doors causing them to stop abruptly. Silence fell like lead. The bar door hinges creaked under the weight of the evil beings hanging from them, their crippled Vauhlpeezie hands holding them open.

First Dittle, then Denton, followed by Charleo and Artie, were thrown one at a time, back into the tavern, rolling and slamming into the other patrons. With evident terror on their faces, each hurriedly stood and made his way back to the table with Keegan and the others. The swinging doors closed, and the Vauhlpeezies left.

A blast of wind blew through the doors, holding them open. A shadowy figure approached. There stood Lucasphair. "This time I have succeeded. Iona now belongs to FAZ."

Honky-Tonk Hurley's shout pierced the silence. "You're not welcome here!"

Charleo, Artie, Denton, and Dittle all had their arrows aimed at Lucasphair's vulnerable spot.

"I really don't care to participate in your festivities. My intention was to crash the party to make a statement for Evil, and I've obviously accomplished that, so I'll be going now."

The chukkons let their arrows fly, but not before Lucasphair swung the doors closed. The arrows penetrated the wood. Charleo and Artie ran to the swinging doors and pushed them open. The patrons shivered at the distant sounds of Lucasphair's wicked laughter.

The Man Behind The Dumpster rushed back to the table. Gramma Hilda collapsed in a faint, and Grampa Lawrence made certain she landed on her chair. Honky-Tonk Hurley motioned to The Farmhouse Five to begin playing. Their instruments broke the silence, but no one paid any attention.

Charleo stood with his head in his hands. "I failed. It be me who SUL trusted ta protect the princess at all costs, and I failed. And poor li'l Wiskee...he'll be so scared."

"Ye dinna fail alone." Artie pointed at the bar doors. "There be four arrows a-stickin' in those swingin' doors, so if ye be a-thinkin' ye failed alone, then ye need ta be a-thinkin' again. Besides, tis no time fer a pity party. C'mon, Charleo. They be a-needin' us ta find 'em...and soon."

"I know! But how can we find 'em? Those Vauhlpeezies be a-headin' ta Targrum. Ye know that be the place they be a-takin 'em. I know nothin' of that land, and neither do ye. Nary a one of us at this table has e'er had reason ta be a-goin' inta that wretched land."

Marlen butted in. "The Bridge of Revealin'."

"What?" Artie stared at her with determination.

"The Bridge of Revealin'. Remember? Tis where me and the boys found ourselves when we were rescued by Jit and his friends." Denton and Dittle nodded, and Jit and Giddy confirmed it. "The bridge be a-spannin' the peaks in the southern bits of the Skygem Alps. When ye be on the bridge, ye _can_ see the castle...tis the only place ye can see the castle...and I be a-warnin' ye, tis not a pretty sight. FAZ's lair has ta be near the castle. I be certain of it."

"What be the best route? Anyone?"

Marlen grabbed a napkin from the table and a scribbling stick from her wee purse. "Now pay attention, both of ye." Charleo and Artie snapped to. "Take the southern cart path outta Skibbergary through Baynooth then veer onta the fork toward Hawthborough. From Hawthborough head on ta Klondelkin. Take the forest road east outta Klondelkin, and ye'll come ta a crossroad; go straight. The main cart path'll end, but there'll be enough trace of an old abandoned cart path fer ye ta follow ta the bridge. Got it?"

"Aye." Artie was nodding. "Tis nearly a day's journey from here ta there, but if we leave now, we should be there by late mornin', eh?"

"Aye. Artie be right." Charleo took the map Marlen had scribbled and put it in his pocket. "Keegan, I be a-needin' ye ta take Marlen and me boys home." He saw an ounce of uncertainty come to Keegan's face. "Rascally be a-knowin' the way from here." He winked and Keegan smiled big. "When ye get ta the cottage, be a-stayin' put. I be a-trustin' ye ta protect me family with yer life."

"Aye Gen'rl."

"Jit, Giddy, ye two'll be a-travelin' with me and Artie till we reach Targrum, in case we be a-needin' yer services. But I want ye ta scatter before we get onta the bridge; yer Sprite dust might give us away."

"Aye General." Jit and Giddy ducked into Charleo's beard.

Grampa Lawrence stepped forward. "What can we do to help?"

"Ye need ta be concerned with Gramma Hilda." Artie tenderly stroked her cheek. "Be a-gettin' her back ta the Usherin' Tree as soon as ye can."

"Then if it's all the same, I'd like to go ahead and leave now," said Grampa Lawrence. "There are a few things in Meekershade Corners I need to pick up on the way."

"Sounds good. Just be a-trustin' SUL along with us, and be a-hopin' our plan'll work."

"No worries Artie. We'll trust Him with extra umph!" Grampa Lawrence helped the stumbling Gramma Hilda to her feet, and they headed out the swinging doors.

Rapid footsteps approached. "Hey Artie! What about me?" The Man Behind The Dumpster was eager to do his part.

"Ye need ta keep a-dancin' with the ladies. Let everyone know the happenin' has passed, and they can be a-gettin' back ta their partyin'. No need ta stir a panic here."

"Dance with the ladies?" He tugged on both sides of his bow tie. "I can do that." The Man Behind The Dumpster hopped and jigged back to the dance floor. "Oh ladies...I'm baaaack." They greeted him with kisses on his rosy cheeks.

"Then let's be a-gettin' a move on." Artie was already halfway to the doors.

Charleo kissed Marlen and gave Denton and Dittle a hug. They each held their necklaces in their hands. "I'll be a-returnin' soon, and ye all best be a-waitin' fer me, ye hear?"

"Aye Papa." The boys echoed one another. Marlen nodded her head but knew she was unable to speak without crying.

"Charleo, hurry up! Time surely be not a-waitin' fer us!"

"Aye, I be a-comin." He made certain his bow and arrows were in his possession and took off outside to join Artie, already on Windjammer. "I be proud of ye, Artie. Ye really stepped up back there. I was in no shape ta be a-tryin' ta devise a plan ta rescue the princess. Ta tell ye the truth, I probably be scared-er than Iona, Cole, and Wiskee...well, maybe not Wiskee."

Artie let loose one of his gut busting laughs then gave Charleo a helping hand up onto Windjammer. Artie snapped the reins in the air. "H'yah! Ta Targrum!"

Chapter 51

The Reunion

The haphazard movements of each of the three Vauhlpeezies were far from subtle as they jerked about carrying their prizes. Iona could still hear Wiskee's extreme growls of disapproval despite the fierce wind rushing past the dark hood over her head. She felt the flight pattern rush straight up, then swerve, and end in a wicked descent.

Though Iona could not see through the black hood, she was still keen to her surroundings. "Cole, I know where we are. I recognize that burning rubber...tar...smell." She gagged. Cole did not respond. _Is he here with me?_ Iona felt her feet land harshly on the ground. She heard grunts and jeers behind her.

A Vauhlpeezie heaved an order. "Get moving!" A blunt spear prodded Iona to walk. She had no idea where she was going.

Wiskee, now out of the bag and in the arms of a Vauhlpeezie, was frothing at the mouth from his angered barking. The Vauhlpeezie holding him smacked his head hard, and Wiskee yelped. He tried to bite the assisting Vauhlpeezie who was forcing the muzzle onto his face, but the enemy was too strong. Wiskee breathed hard and continued growling and slobbering while trying to paw the muzzle off.

"Stop your ranting you crazed mongrel!" Another Vauhlpeezie violently lifted him by the scruff of his neck then shoved him into a bucket and secured a lid on top using a heavy rope. Wiskee was wishing his momma could have seen what had just happened; he knew she would have taken care of the situation.

After a long walk, Iona felt the terrain change under her feet. Her face was getting hot inside the black hood. "You'll be sorry you've done what you've done! I am the princess you know!" She got no response from the Vauhlpeezies. "Cole? Are you still with me? Cole?"

"I'm here." Iona could tell by Cole's tone he was defeated. He had heard the feistiness in Iona's voice but was dealing with his own grim reality.

The ground dropped away, and she started to fall. She heard the Vauhlpeezies laughing; then one spoke. "They're stairs you stupid girl." Cole, following behind, felt with his foot so as not to fall down the stairs. He now knew exactly where the three of them were. The scent of waste added to the already nauseating smells when they reached the bottom of the stairs. At that point, evil wightlings took over and prodded them down a long, eerie, quiet hallway.

"Stop here!" grunted a wightling. Iona jumped. She heard the jingling of heavy keys unlocking something. The next thing she knew, she was being shoved forward with a force she was unprepared to resist. When her stumbling ceased she heard a couple of faint gasps. Another evil wightling shoved Cole who came barreling into Iona from behind. The bucket holding Wiskee hit the floor, and he gave a very hoarse bark through the muzzle. The ropes that tied Iona's and Cole's hands were abruptly cut and the hoods yanked from their heads. The heavy cell door behind them slammed shut and was locked. The bang of the door startled them and they turned. The evil wightlings picked up Wiskee's bucket outside the cell, rudely shook it, and dropped it back on the ground.

"Stop that!" Iona was furious.

They laughed and grunted congratulations to each other as they pounded one another on the back in commendatory fashion trudging down the hall and back up the stairs.

A faint voice came from one of the two prisoners silhouetted by the orange light coming through a very high window. "Iona?"

"Mommy?"

The second prisoner spoke. "Sunshine?"

"Moonshine?"

"Hey, it's our baby girl!" said Leonard. Ann was first to cry.

Iona could not hug them both at the same time as they were chained to the floor far apart from each other, so she ran from one to the other.

Leonard motioned for Cole. He kept his voice low. "What's going on? How did you escape? How did you know where Iona was? Where was she? Where've you been? Ann's been worried sick about you..."

Cole put his finger to Leonard's lips and whispered back. "I used a sharp piece of rock that fell from the ceiling one day. I learned the rhythm and duration of that unexplained pounding that drove us all crazy day after day. I'd hit the chain in tempo with the pounding until I finally broke a link. I starved myself so I'd be thin enough to slip through the bars."

Leonard just shook his head.

"I found Iona at Honky-Tonk Hurley's. But _they..."_ Cole thumbed a motion, "...found us."

"Honky-Tonk whosie's?"

"That's irrelevant. The important thing is I know where we are now, and I know who, well what, abducted us that day. It was the Vauhlpeezies.

"Vauhl-whaty's?"

"Again, that's irrelevant. Listen to me. I heard a couple of wightlings talking about us while I was hidden in a crack in the wall when I escaped. They were laughing at how some people were summoned by FAZ to take us to a cemetery. That's where we waited so long. Remember?"

"Yeah, but you mean, _the_ FAZ...the one from _The Book of Good and Evil?_ You're talking about the actual Vauhlpeezies?"

"Yes! Now please, listen to me. I don't know how much time we have before they come back to chain Iona and me to the floor. You know when we felt like we were flying?"

"Yeah."

"Well we were. The Vauhlpeezies were carrying us. We're no longer on Earth, we're on Maycly." Cole could see that Leonard's brain was on tilt.

"What's so special about the three of us that they snagged us but not Iona?"

"That's where it gets interesting. As best as I could gather from the Mayclysians I talked to, Iona will be crowned queen of Maycly if Good overcomes Evil in some upcoming battle. Who knew Iona was the queen being referred to in _The Book of Good and Evil_?" Cole let that sink in with Leonard. "Anyway, we were captured and brought here as bait. They were hoping that Iona would come looking for us when she got here. They're planning to kill her to make sure Evil can take over all of Maycly."

Before Leonard had a chance to respond, the sound of dragging chains stopped directly in front of the cell. Two evil wightlings entered and chained Iona and Cole to the floor opposite each other, apart from Ann and Leonard.

Iona put up a fight when they dragged her from Ann's side. "Let go of me!"

"Baby Doll, don't struggle. Let them do what they came to do." Iona frowned thinking Cole was just giving up, but she saw the look in his emerald eyes that told her he meant what he said. They chained Cole first then pushed Iona to the ground. She was frustrated beyond belief at the sound of the ironclad ankle bracelet when it snapped shut. The evil wightlings taunted Wiskee in the bucket before they made their way back to the stairs. Iona was livid.

Iona, Cole, Leonard, and Ann were too far apart to touch. Iona started to chatter, but Cole shushed her immediately. She gave him a pout-face. Cole whispered. "Wait until you hear the door shut Baby Doll." The four of them listened to the wightlings laughing and wheezing until the door creaked and slammed at the top of the stairs.

"We discovered the dummy you made and hoped you had escaped to go get help. But when you were gone so long, we didn't know what to expect. The guards fell for your dummy for nearly the whole day, but we couldn't reach it to change its position, so they finally figured out something was up. They left in a hurry voicing their plan to find you. We just kept trusting SUL to help you so we could all be together again. I must confess though, we weren't thinking about having the reunion in this smelly cell." Leonard had broken the tension. He gave Cole the once over, more than once. "And by the way...where did you get those spiffy clothes?"

"I stopped at the tailor shoppe in some village, I believe it was called Meekershade Corners, to ask a few questions and..."

"Stop right there! Could one of you please bring me up to speed with the conversation? I've no clue where we are or what you're talking about. Meekershade Corners? I've never heard of that place. Is it even near Bee Creek?" Ann was all amiff.

"Oh, yeah. You haven't heard yet." Cole proceeded to tell Ann what he had told Leonard regarding their whereabouts and how they had gotten there. Ann looked at Iona, who gave a confirming nod.

"I can't believe it. Iona's the queen of Maycly? And Vauhlpeezies are real? Really?"

"Yeah. Seriously, did I ever have a dress like this on Earth?"

"No. I can't say you did."

"Well there you go."

Cole jumped back into the conversation. "The shoppe owner and his family took one look at me in my droopy boxers and stylish ankle cuff and decided I needed something a little nicer to wear. They cut off the ankle cuff and brought me some tan trousers and a flannel shirt. I kept asking questions, but when they found out I was _Princess_ Iona's husband, I found myself in a tub of hot water being bathed and shaved. Then they styled my hair. They went ballistic giving me a 'make-over,' and I ended up in this get-up." Cole was rather elated at his own story.

Leonard was speechless...a very rare moment.

Iona looked at Cole in his Maycly fashions; though extremely thin, his clean-shaven face and thick dark hair had never looked better. Then she looked at Ann and Leonard–their dirty tattered clothes, their grimy faces, dark circles under their eyes, their matted hair–and broke into tears. She was as happy as she was sad. "Are you OK Mommy?"

"Oh, you know me...I can always make something good out of anything."

Iona stopped crying for the time being. "I've been so worried about all of you. When you never came back that day, I went to shambles. No one would tell me anything. They all just kept saying they hadn't seen anything. Everyone in Bee Creek thought I was crazy. They nicknamed me 'The Creepy Daft Darling'." Iona's breathing became a stutter, and she began to cry again. "I just knew you guys still had to be alive, somewhere, and that someday I'd find you. I never stopped looking for you. But one day, feeling so sorry for myself, I temporarily zoned out. When I came to, I was looking in the mirror, and I had a knife at my throat. I was going to end it all." She cried even harder and almost sounded deranged. "Then someone...well now I know it was Charleo...knocked on my door but left before I got there. I was just about to shut the door when I looked down, and there was Wiskee. I was going to lose the house! I'm so sorry Cole. I didn't want the eviction people to take Wiskee from me, and they would have, because they were sending me to a halfway house where pets weren't allowed, so we ran away. Oh Cole! Mommy, Daddy, I never wanted to be homeless. But I was. Then The Man Behind The Dumpster showed up and gave us a home, and then Charleo showed up again, but I didn't know it was him at the time. He left a Dream Decanter on my nightstand and the next thing I knew, Wiskee and I were flying on our bed through the dark, and we came to Maycly. Then Charleo was flown up to my bed, and he told me I'm their princess, to be crowned queen, you know _the_ queen of Maycly, from _The Book of Good and Evil,_ when Good wins the battle."

Dead silence. Her family's facial expressions said it all.

"I know this all sounds crazy...but...but someone has to be the queen to restore Good. These poor chukkons and wightlings and etherealians and animals need their queen. We just didn't know it was me." She broke into hard sobs. Ann, Leonard, and Cole were extremely compassionate, and they hated the fact that they could not hold her and comfort her.

"It's OK, really. Don't try to explain Sunshine. You can tell us the details later. Right now we have to find a way to get out of here." Iona bravely pulled herself together, and Leonard continued softly. "Cole may have gotten out, but it would take months for all of us to make an escape like that, and from what Cole told me, we don't have that kind of time."

"You mean you guys have been trapped in here since the day you never came home? All of you? Together in this cell?"

"Yeah. When they took you and me from Honky-Tonk Hurley's, I recognized the grunting voices and black hood being thrown over my head but had no idea it was the Vauhlpeezies who'd done the same to us on Earth. We never saw the Vauhlpeezies. We figured it was people who knocked us out. We had to have been unconscious during the journey to Maycly. When we woke from being clubbed over our heads, we thought we'd been chained in the basement of a warehouse on Earth. We never saw anyone, or anything, except those two scroungy men who chained you and me to the floor a few moments ago. We figured they were common thugs, yet we couldn't figure out anything we'd done wrong or why no one was demanding a ransom. When you never showed up, Baby Doll, we thought perhaps they'd done something very...very..." Cole could not finish his sentence.

"Oh, don't cry Cole. We're all together now, and I'm certain help is on the way." Cole did not realize just how much he had missed the soothing tone of Iona's voice.

"I guess help _would_ be on the way, since you're their princess, huh?"

Iona blew him a kiss, which he caught and planted on his own lips then gave her a wink and a blink.

Iona thought of a plan. "I know! Wiskee. Maybe he can help us." She leaned back so she could see his bucket.

"Who is this Wiskee you keep talking about? And why is he in a bucket?" Ann thought perhaps she had heard wrong.

"He's Iona's talking dog who thinks I'm his daddy since I'm Iona's husband."

Awkward pause.

"Never mind. We'll explain later."

Iona spoke softly. "Wiskee, are you still in the bucket? It's OK to talk. No evil ones are here, only us."

"Umph, uggh, spthh, ahhh...yes!" Wiskee shout-whispered.

Ann and Leonard looked at the bucket, then at Cole, then at Iona.

Wiskee continued. "They had a muzzle on me, but I just finished chewing through it and got it off. Where are we? I can't see anything!"

"We're in Targrum. I believe we're in FAZ's lair." Iona's voice was still low.

"Oh, YUCK! I thought I recognized that stinky smell from the trip we took on the flying bed. It's dark in this stupid bucket, and this lid seems to be stuck! Ugh! Ugh!" Frustrated, Wiskee pounded on the lid causing the bucket to jump.

"Shh! Someone's coming." Wiskee settled instantly, and Iona sat on the floor with her back against the bars. She saw Cole's, Ann's, and Leonard's eyes widen, all looking behind her and over her head. She felt hot breath down the back of her dress.

"Well, well, well. Isn't this a lovely family reunion?" This was the first time Cole, Ann, and Leonard had seen FAZ.

Iona jumped to her feet, turned, and grabbed the cell bars. She shook them as she boldly spoke, "My friends _will_ come for us!"

"Oh will they now? That could be rather difficult since they don't know where you are, don't you think? Hmmm?"

Iona threw a glance over his shoulder. "They _will_ find us. If I were you, I wouldn't let my guard down."

FAZ looked around quickly. Iona was satisfied at her attempt to trick him into thinking someone was behind him. He gurgled his next words, leaning in close to Iona's face just on the other side of the bars. "I thought perhaps you'd be interested in knowing there's going to be an execution tomorrow morning. Any ideas about whom the stars of the show might be?"

"You?" Using the cell bars, Iona pulled herself as close as she could then spit in his face. FAZ slammed his eyes shut and jerked backward. Two enslaved Sprites rushed to his aid and wiped his face. He uncurled his bony hands and reached out, placing them over Iona's. His touch was gruesomely warm, but she did not flinch.

"Of course it's not me. And you, my dear, need to watch your mouth." Iona held her breath so as not to inhale any of his foulness. "It's the four of ...oh no wait...we have a bonus item right here in this bucket. That would be the FIVE of you." FAZ kicked Wiskee's bucket causing him to growl low and deep. FAZ's voice was filled with mockery. "Oh, are you going to bite me through the bucket? I'm soooooo scared." He kicked it again.

Iona pulled her hands out from under FAZ's. She spoke with distinction through her firmly gritted teeth. "You leave Wiskee alone. And if you so much as lay a finger on him or any of the rest of us in this cell, I guarantee...you'll be sorry you ever crossed my path." Wiskee sealed his momma's statement with a snapping bark.

"Bah! Enjoy your twilight. It will be the last one you ever see." FAZ haughtily flipped around and floated toward the stairwell. When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he turned to look back at Iona. Her glare made him uneasy. Iona could tell he was nervous. She never blinked as she watched him float up the stairs. They all heard the creaking door open and slam shut.

Ann's voice was barely audible. "So, did I hear correctly? We're going to be...executed?"

"FAZ seems to think we are." Iona did not let them know just how terrified she actually was.

Chapter 52

A Trip to the Gallows

Morning had barely broken; the suns and moons were still trading light.

"Psst! Psst!" Wiskee hissed from the bucket.

Iona's eyes opened, and she leaned her face against the bars. She looked in all directions. "You're safe to talk. What is it little buddy?"

"Can you see anything holding this lid on? I can't seem to break free. I've been trying and trying."

"I don't see anything...eeeww...except a rat." Iona gagged. The rat jumped on top of the lid and squeaked a few times.

"Cool. Then get to it." said Wiskee.

"What is going on with the rat? I didn't think you were supposed to talk to the Evil animals." Iona was a bit concerned.

"I'm not. This is my old pal Hoopey. He used to play with me in the fields before I came to Earth."
"How did he know you were here?"

"He heard me growling when we flew over the fields to Targrum and realized that, if he could hear me growling that hard and not talking, there had to be something going on that was not good, so he ran all twilight to get here. He found us by my scent. Us animals are keen to that sort of thing you know."

"I can't believe he could smell anything over these nasty odors, but thank goodness he did." Iona's attitude had done a complete 180. She could not have been happier to see a rat. She held her finger to her lips to let the others know to keep quiet. She nodded toward Wiskee's bucket. Hoopey jumped down, and Wiskee pushed the lid up and off.

"I'm free! Thanks Hoopey." Hoopey gave Wiskee a squeak and a casual salute. "C'mon Hoopey. Let's go for help!" Wiskee turned back. "Oh yeah, and I love you Momma." She heard a hint of fear in his voice.

"I love you too. Now be brave and get going. And bring back help." Iona was counting on her little buddy with every ounce of faith she had.

Cole advised Wiskee, "Take the stairs." He pointed. "Down that way. Push on the creaking door to get into the empty room at the top then run across the room and push on the rickety door. It'll take you outside. Be careful little buddy."

"Got it Pop!" Cole's face turned red; he was not used to hearing himself being called that.

Wiskee and Hoopey scurried off up the stairs. Iona's heart pounded when Wiskee left her sight.

" _That's_ Wiskee," said Cole, "our talking dog." Ann and Leonard sat dumbfounded at what they had just witnessed. "You'll get used to it."

Wiskee pushed open the broken door to the outside. "Yikes!" He was not sure how they were going to make it across the hot terrain.

He heard SUL's spirit's voice speak to him inwardly. _"Take Hoopey in your jaws and carry him. Trust Me."_

"Hoopey, you gotta trust me on this one." Wiskee gently wrapped his mouth around the rat, and Hoopey did not doubt Wiskee's notions in the least. Before Wiskee's feet had time to burn, the ground rushed away from under him. He was now flying through the air with Hoopey dangling from his mouth. All at once they felt themselves being gracefully slung onto some creature's back. Wiskee opened his mouth, and Hoopey crawled up on top of him.

"Hey! Thanks!" Wiskee shouted to the fiery castle sentinel who bellowed and roared as he carried Wiskee and Hoopey away from FAZ's lair. "I need to find Charleo." The sentinel made more noises, all of which Wiskee understood. With his mouth, Wiskee clutched tighter to the sentinel's mane. Hoopey grabbed even tighter to Wiskee's fur, and they hung on for the ride.

The giant flying animal dropped and landed at the southern end of the Bridge of Revealing. The sentinel lowered his wing, and Wiskee said, "This is where you leave us, Hoopey. Thanks for everything." The rat squeaked a "good luck" reply then leapt off and disappeared into the forest.

When the sentinel returned to the air, it had Windjammer in his clutches, Charleo and Artie still on Windjammer's back. "Holy whah!" Artie blurted. Windjammer gyrated and let out a frantic whinny.

Charleo looked up. "It be a sentinel. We be in a sentinel's grasp. We be a-flyin'!"

"Where be he a-takin' us?"

"To Iona!" shouted Wiskee from over their heads.

"Wiskee, be that ye?" hollered Charleo.

"It is. Hang on guys! We're going to save Momma and her family!"

"Iona's family? They be here on Maycly?"

"Yeah. I know where they are. They're in Targrum, and they're scheduled for execution later this morning!" Charleo and Artie were disheartened by the news, but it also piqued their anger, kindling the fire under their warrior spirits.

Another sentinel arrived at their side in the air, and dangling from its talons was a hot air balloon basket (minus the balloon). In it sat The Man Behind The Dumpster, Keegan, and Grampa Lawrence. The Man Behind The Dumpster, more excited than usual, shouted to the others. "Hello fellas, we're here to help!"

Grampa Lawrence chimed in. "SUL asked this sentinel to bring us and help you with the rescue."

"That be good, because Iona and Cole apparently be in Targrum along with Iona's momma and papa."

"Oh my. We felt so helpless when they were abducted from the tavern, we figured they were probably being taken to Targrum. But we had no idea Ann and Leonard were on Maycly...and in Targrum too."

Their first sight of Targrum disgusted them. They could not fathom Iona and her family being trapped somewhere in that barren molten land. They were now thankful none of the others had come along and trusted SUL would tend to their family members and friends left behind.

Wiskee guided the sentinels to land close to the door of the empty room. Everyone disembarked and the sentinels took off, all the while remaining uncharacteristically quiet.

"In here. In here." Wiskee desperately coaxed them all. Artie pulled the shabby door open, and the empty room met them. Wiskee raced to the creaking door on the other side and shout-whispered. "Psst. This way." Artie was the first to reach Wiskee. "Artie, don't open it slow, it creaks really loud. You'll do better if you just yank it open."

"Aye." Artie opened the door without a sound.

"Come on guys. Hurry!" Wiskee went bounding down the staircase.

They all hustled down the stairs, The Man Behind The Dumpster taking two steps at a time. He was the first, behind Wiskee, to reach the cell. The door was standing wide open. "They're not here!"

"Then they're being taken to the execution platform!" Wiskee ran down the hallway in the opposite direction and ducked out of their sight around a corner. The others heard his echo. "Hey guys. There's more stairs over here. I've not been up these though. We know where the other stairs lead, and we didn't see anyone when we came in that way, so come on. Let's see where these take us."

The group ran as fast as they could. Wiskee was already at the top of the staircase when the others got to the bottom. Wiskee held up a paw to halt them. They stopped immediately, slamming into each other in a domino effect. They heard an enormous crowd, and over the crowd noise they heard vendors. "Wiggleboods! Get your wiggleboods!" "Tingletort! Buy some now, NOW I SAY!"

"What be wiggleboods and tingletort?" Keegan questioned.

Grampa Lawrence looked at Keegan with a gross expression. "I don't know, but from the sounds of the vendors, I don't think we want any."

Wiskee was more serious than any of them had seen him. "Shh, I can see Momma and the others. They're being walked up onto the gallows platform. Their hands are strapped behind their backs. What are we gonna to do? We've got to help them." He spun in circles as if he were going mad trying to catch his tail.

Charleo knelt down and spoke softly. "Hey little buddy. C'mere."

Wiskee did not want to take his eyes off his momma, but he had always trusted Charleo, so he went down a couple of steps putting him at eye level with Charleo. He gave a sniffle. "My momma...she means so much to me. I can't let this happen to her." Wiskee sounded desperate.

Charleo could have sworn he felt his heart actually break. "And nothin' be a-goin' ta. We've got the best in the land a-standin' right here in this stairwell with us." He winked at Wiskee.

Wiskee jumped into Charleo's arms and laid his head on Charleo's chest, sighed, and gave another sniffle. Charleo felt him rub his eyes and nose on his shirt. He turned to the group. "Fellas, there be five of us, and all we be a-needin' is four ta shoot the arrows. The fifth'll be the distraction. Dumpster Man, ye'll be the perfect distraction ta buy us some time ta make certain we be set."

"I'm not sure if that's a compliment, but I'll be glad to be the distraction just the same. Where do I meet up with you guys?"

"Under the gallows; we'll be on Windjammer," answered Artie. Charleo and the others frowned.

"All righty...I won't ask, I'll just be under the gallows when you are." The Man Behind The Dumpster looked at Wiskee and winked. Wiskee nervously returned a half smile.

Artie continued. "Charleo, Keegan, Grampa Lawrence...I be a-needin' ye ta take yer places here in the stairwell, each by a crack in the outside wall big enough fer an arrow ta slip through. I'll be a-takin' aim on Ann's noose; Keegan, ye be aimin' on Leonard's; Grampa Lawrence, ye be aimin' fer Cole's; and Charleo, ye'll be a- takin' care of Iona's. If we slice their ropes, they'll fall ta the ground instead of hangin'."

"Will do." The three answered in unison.

"Here fellas, take these extra bows and arrows of mine and Charleo's. Ye only be a-needin' one arrow each; we only be a-havin' one shot at this."

"What about me?"

"Wiskee, I be a-needin' ye ta fetch Windjammer and bring him behind the buildin' right beside the gallows. Both of ye hide there, but be a-keepin' us in yer sight. Windjammer's a-goin' ta be our ticket outta here."

Wiskee was concerned. "But how is he ever going to carry the six of us and the four of them? And how is he going to do it without burning his feet? The sentinels landed him on a big sand patch, but there's not enough big patches in a row for him to travel. I can hop from small sand patch to sand patch, but he can't. There's so many hot coals everywhere. And the only paths between the coals I've seen are too narrow. Besides there aren't even any paths leading to or from where he's at now."

As Artie filled him in, Wiskee gained more and more confidence. "Ye'll see a cloth bundle on the strap wrapped underneath Windjammer's belly. It be a-holdin' his special shoes fer rough terrain; we'll just be a-hopin' they work on heated terrain as well. Get 'em out and carry one shoe to each hoof; he'll know how to slip 'em on. Climb up his harness and get inta me saddle. Ye'll see a brown pack on Windjammer's back near his tail. It be a-holdin' a ground sled–tis the one I use ta bring back me supplies from Meekershade Corners. Take the rope that be a-stickin' outta the pack ta yer basket, but dunna pull it too hard. When ye see us shoot our arrows, ye and Windjammer come a-chargin' under the platform. Once yer under the platform, _then_ pull hard on the rope, and the sled'll unfold and drop ta the ground. Make certain Iona and her family get inta the sled with Keegan and Grampa Lawrence. Got it? I know that be a lot."

"Got it!" Wiskee had forgotten his fear.

Artie finished the plan. "The four of us archers'll take off and run through the mayhem ta meet 'em. Wiskee, ye'll be a-needin' ta untie their hands then have Keegan pass ye up ta me. I'll be a-puttin' ye back in yer basket where ye'd best be a-hunkerin' down. The rest of ye, get Iona and her family inta the sled as fast as ye can. All but Keegan should lay flat and outta sight. Meself, Charleo, and Dumpster Man'll take ta Windjammer's back. Dumpster Man, ye'll be a-takin' the reins. Charleo and I'll be a-shootin', along with Keegan, till we can come clear of Evil. Got it?" Artie was hoping they did, because he did not want to take the time to explain it again.

"Aye." "Got it." "Yep."

Wiskee leaped from Charleo's arms and went to fetch Windjammer. The others searched out the best openings in the wall to take aim. The Man Behind the Dumpster was off to do what he did best–be a distraction.

The drums were beating an eerie cadence as Iona and her family were poked and prodded up the steps and onto the platform. The sight of the hanging ropes was numbing, but Iona had faith in her friends and family, especially since she had neither seen nor heard from Wiskee after his escape.

FAZ, standing on a ledge that overlooked the gallows, leaned back to the czar standing behind him. "Where is that annoying mongrel?"

"They said he wasn't in his bucket when they went to get him this morning, My Lord."

"Just as well. Even if he did escape he wouldn't get too far. The ground would burn him." FAZ laughed and his czar joined in the twisted pleasure.

A foul wightling henchman yelled at Iona and her family. "Move to your places!" Each of them stepped forward to one of the nooses. Iona looked to her right and saw what would have been Wiskee's doom. She was glad he had escaped. He would not have swung, but rather been crammed into the basket hanging from the rope next to her noose and dropped into an acid-filled trough below.

The hangman took pride in placing the loops and tightening them around each of their necks. Iona was handling everything with strength except the sight of Ann, who had become so small and sickly after being in that cell for so long. Knowing Ann was weak and could barely speak was more than Iona could bear to think about.

"I'll bet there's something better on the other side of death. Trust SUL." Again, Iona marveled at her mother's amazing attitude.

"All right men, be a-takin' aim and a-stayin' steady." Charleo and the others held their arrows at point, and the cadence broke into an uninterrupted drum roll.

Grampa Lawrence was annoyed with himself. "I've not shot one of these since I was a boy. And I'm not too steady. My nerves are getting the best of me." His arrow dropped from the string as his hands quivered. Keegan laid his bow and arrow down in order to help Grampa Lawrence get set again. The moment was drawing nigh. Artie was sweating over what was going on in the stairwell.

"Where be our distraction? We need more time." Charleo was now watching Grampa Lawrence and Keegan; Grampa Lawrence was trying to do his best at taking aim without wobbling the arrow off the bow, and Keegan was watching Grampa Lawrence instead of taking aim himself.

"TINGLE-BOOBS and WIGGLE-WORTS! Get 'em here for half the price!" The Man Behind The Dumpster had jumped onto the gallows platform. Iona tried not to show relief at the sight of him.

Charleo hung his head in dismay at the botched names of the products. Keegan spoke in hopes of calming Charleo. "Tis Dumpster Man. He'll be a-gettin' himself out of it...ye watch." Charleo lifted his head.

Boos and hisses came from the crowd. The Man Behind The Dumpster could tell they wanted to see a hanging, not buy his products. Someone yelled from the evil crowd, "What are tingle-boobs?" Another shouted, "And I've no need of a...what did you call it? A wiggle-wort?"

"Ahhh, but that's the glory of it all. You see, you can be the first to own such rare treasures!" The Man Behind The Dumpster followed up on his words, dancing about with a stolen vendor box hanging over his shoulders.

A crowd member climbed onto the platform and grabbed some of the wares from the box. "Hey! These look just like wiggleboods and tingletort!" She turned to the crowd and shook the goods in the air. "I think he's trying to rip us off!"

The drums continued to roll.

Charleo saw FAZ give the command, and his instincts as a general took over. "Steady men. Be a-watchin' the hangman's hand. When he pulls the lever, shoot and snap those hangin' ropes. Dunna miss. Remember, we only get one shot at this."

The hangman's hand rose to the lever. Iona's heart pounded, still confident Wiskee had brought the help they needed.

Chapter 53

Exit...Stage Right

The hangman's hand flinched. The Man Behind The Dumpster lunged forward off the platform, tossing the box's contents onto the crowd.

Iona, Cole, Leonard, and Ann held their breath.

"NO!"

Though Iona could barely hear Charleo's voice shouting over the crowd, she recognized it just before she and the others felt the floor drop from under them.

"WE DID IT MEN! All of our arrows be right on target! Get a-goin'!" Artie was first out the door.

Iona and her family were literally stunned at hitting the ground. As they came to, they found their hands still tied and their faces full of dust and dirt, unable to see what was going on.

Wiskee was right on cue. With no evil ones near, he shouted, "H'YAH Windjammer! Under the platform! Go! Go!" The horse tore from behind the building and through the wicked crowd with no concern, knocking the spectators down and trampling them. Wiskee held on to the basket with his teeth for balance. Windjammer headed directly under the platform and stopped. Wiskee let go the basket then yanked the release cord with his mouth, and the ground sled did exactly what it was supposed to do. He leapt from his basket to Windjammer's back then into the sled and loudly barked.

When Iona heard Wiskee's bark at such close range she shouted, "They're here! They're here!"

Charleo, Artie, Keegan, and Grampa Lawrence came plowing through the havoc, racing toward Wiskee's barking. Finally they could see Windjammer under the platform. The horse's nerves settled when he saw Artie. Charleo and Artie climbed onto his broad back, both facing backwards for better aim. The Man Behind The Dumpster made a grand leap and landed perfectly in Windjammer's saddle, taking the reins. Keegan lost no time getting into the sled with Wiskee.

"Iona! Come quick! Get in! Get in!"

"It's Keegan! We've got to get ourselves up and into that sled!" Iona and Cole put their backs together and stood, then helped Leonard. Leonard poised himself so his legs served as a brace for Ann so she could push herself up from her sitting position on the ground. The four of them ran, Iona in the lead. Leonard dived over the edge of the sled and rolled to a stop. Iona and Cole bent their knees for Ann to step up and over, then they dived over the sled's edge themselves.

"Quick! All of ye lay flat. Stay down and outta sight!"

Iona looked up through the slats of the platform and saw FAZ on the ledge. He did not see her; he was too busy shaking his fist and screaming obscenities at his disorganized cohorts.

Keegan turned to the riders. "We all be in! GO! GO!" The Man Behind The Dumpster gave Windjammer the command, and out they dashed from under the platform. "Iona, Cole, Ann, Leonard, ye need ta be face down so Wiskee can chew off the ropes that be a-bindin' yer hands."

When Ann rolled to her stomach, she could not believe whom she saw next to her in the sled. "Pa? Is that you?"

"It sure is kiddo!" Grampa Lawrence gave her a wink.

In no time Wiskee chewed through the ropes then got Keegan's attention, and Keegan handed him up to Artie. Stumbling over the other two, Wiskee finally made it to his basket, hunkered down, hung on with his teeth, and spoke no more words until they were out of Evil's range.

"Fire at will!" shouted Charleo. Their arrows began to fly. Grampa Lawrence held Keegan's foot solid on his chest to steady him while shooting.

Leonard and Cole held each other down in the sled. Ann, being so small, was vigorously bouncing. She nearly bounced out of the sled, but Iona grabbed her in mid air, pulled her down and held her.

"Stop them! Stop them!" FAZ was furious as he watched Windjammer race away. The escapees' arrows were throttling through the air, almost every one of them making a direct hit on the evil wightlings and Vauhlpeezies.

Charleo saw Lucasphair gaining on them, pushing his way through the crowd. This time it was Keegan who hit Lucasphair's chest, reducing him to dust, along with his imps and grumners, long before they had the chance to reach the ground sled or Windjammer. Charleo, Keegan, and Artie were energized as their plan continued to succeed.

The Man Behind The Dumpster guided Windjammer into the pitch black tunnel in the Alps that led out of Targrum.

"They be a-gainin' on us! Move faster!" Artie was not sure just how fast Windjammer could run. The Man Behind The Dumpster could see the light of Bailiwick at the end of the tunnel. They made their exit but could hear Evil not far behind them. Even the Vauhlpeezies had followed them into the tunnel.

Rocks fell from the sky, covering the tunnel's gaping exit. Artie looked up and saw his icataras, along with a few others, dropping boulders, cutting off Evil's entrance to Bailiwick. "Yee Hoo!" Artie gave his personal icataras a thumbs-up. She returned a very loud meow, and the other big cats joined her then turned north and headed back to their pens in The Training Village.

"We did it!" Keegan was proud that he had stayed in the fight and did not pee his pants.

The Man Behind The Dumpster wanted to give Windjammer a rest. "Whoa boy. Bring it down a couple of notches. You've done well." Windjammer slowed his pace without a fuss; they were just south of Skygem Hot Springs. Ignoring the reins, Artie's big horse led himself to the waters of Glad You Are Here Stream and drank, long and deep.

Iona spoke up. "We can't stop long. Yes, Evil was severely unorganized and whirling like spin-art, but they could still fly over the Alps any minute and find us. I hate to work you this hard Windjammer, but we must keep going. We have to trust SUL to get us to safety." Windjammer's thirst seemed to quench instantly, and his eyes ignited with a new surge of strength.

"Where do we go now Princess?"

"Samlee's Woodlot. We'll be safe there."

"Sounds like a plan." The Man Behind The Dumpster gave Windjammer the giddyup signal, and off across the southern tip of the Valley of Battles they went.

They came to rest again at Merl's Puddle and were surprised when they saw that Jit, Giddy, and a number of Sprites had already prepared some gwendelants for them. "We saw you coming so thought we'd help out." Jit motioned to his tiny friends, and all scurried about delivering gwendelants to everyone.

Artie gulped his down fast and dismounted. "Outstandin' performance Windjammer! Ye be the best horse a chukkon could e'er be a-wantin'." He stroked and patted Windjammer's big body, and the horse whinnied and nodded his head.

The Man Behind The Dumpster jumped down to stretch his legs as he drank. Wiskee decided to curl up in his basket and catch a nap, and Keegan lay down with the others in the sled, all of whom were exhausted from the ride. Charleo kept watch then finally decided that Evil was not following them for the time being. He took in a deep breath, sighed a sigh of relief, and enjoyed his gwendelant.

"Where are you heading?" Jit asked Charleo.

"Samlee's Woodlot. Probably inta the woods just off Mirror Pool."

"Sounds good. We'll keep an eye out for you, but we don't want to fly with you, as our sparkles really light up the twilight, and there's no need to let Evil know where you are."

"We be appreciatin' it Jit."

"You're more than welcome Charleo." Jit gave him an itsy-bitsy high-five. "You'd best get going. Twilight's coming. Be sure to follow the pathlight ivy around the lake. We'll catch up later." Jit saluted and flitted back to the other Sprites.

By late twilight the escapees and their rescuers arrived at Mirror Pool nestled between the trees of Samlee's Woodlot and the Rivalry Mountains. They followed the pathlight ivy around the southern shoreline until they came to the I See You River, where they veered off into the trees to pitch camp. Wiskee dug a fire pit while the others gathered firewood. They had no more than built their campfire when they heard something coming their way. Artie, frustrated, threw dirt on the fire to put it out. All of them were too tired to be frightened, and fighting back was not a pleasant thought, but they had no choice.

The archers were out of arrows, so everyone grabbed some healthy-sized sticks and rocks and scattered to hide. Charleo crouched in a patch of salveleaves. Artie, Keegan, and Grampa Lawrence took to the tree tops. Iona grabbed Ann and gently helped her to the ground near a bed of lavendaria. The Man Behind The Dumpster guided Windjammer off the path and found a large moss-covered rock to hide behind. Leonard bear-hugged Cole and dragged him behind a tree with four thick trunks growing together; Wiskee followed them and lay down between Grampa Leonard's feet.

The sounds came closer. The hidden ones readied themselves for anything.

Chapter 54

Friends Become Family

"Charleooooo?"

"Paaapaaa?"

"Lawrence? Lawrence, where are youuuu?"

Relieved at the sight of his family in the twilight, Charleo answered first. "O'er here!"

Marlen stopped the wagon. Denton and Dittle saw their papa's silhouette emerging from the forest. Charleo ran to greet his family and Rascally. Marlen heard leaves rustling above her and looked up to see Grampa Lawrence climbing down through the branches.

Artie leaned out from behind the leaves. "Keegan and I'll be right down!"

The Man Behind The Dumpster popped up from a bed of ferns. "Marlen! How'd you know where to find us?"

"Let's just say they had a 'little' help." Jit, Giddy, and the other Sprites lined up and took a bow. Jit filled them in. "When you pulled away from Merl's Puddle, we went straight to Gramma Hilda. She talked with SUL, who asked Carbreyghal to fly her to Marlen and the boys. SUL then turned off our sparkles so we could bring them, unnoticed, to this exact place. But the sparkles will only stay off until..." Some sparkles fell from his wings. "...until about now. See ya!" Jit and the others fled the scene.

"We've brought some stew and buttery bread and the makings for s'mores, along with a barrel of frothy brew, a keg of Snuggerbug Sassafras, and plenty of sweetness for breakfast." Gramma Hilda poked her head out of the covered wagon. "All compliments of Honky-Tonk Hurley."

"Hurley. Honky-Tonky Hurley's. I get it. That's what you were talking about in the cell," Leonard said to Cole.

Cole jested with Leonard. "That's good...but could you stop holding me in a bear-hug now?"

"Huh? Oh, right." Leonard quickly released his grasp, and they came out from behind the tree, both acting a little overly manly.

Gramma Hilda began unloading the wagon. "I could use some assistance, if anyone's willing." Grampa Lawrence ran straight to her. She jumped into his arms and he planted a big kiss on her lips. He helped her unload all the goodies, and everyone's face lit up.

Iona smiled at Ann, still face down on the forest floor. "We're safe Mommy, you can get up now." Ann did not move. Iona spoke louder, "Mommy, get up. It's all clear." Ann remained still. Iona reached down, and pulled Ann's fingers out of her ears. "It's OK now. We have company– _good_ company."

Ann sat up and looked around. "Are you sure?"

"Yep."

Iona followed Ann over to the campsite where Grampa Lawrence was unloading a basket. Still in shock over everything, Ann spoke. "Pa, I just can't believe you were riding in the sled with me."

"Well believe it. It was me all right. And that's only the half of it." Lawrence took Ann by the hand. "You won't believe who's over here." He led her around behind the covered wagon. "Take a peek in there."

Ann pulled back the canvas. "MOM!"

"ANN!"

Everyone came running to the back of the wagon. Ann tried with her wobbly frail legs to climb inside.

"You just stay down there, I'll come to you."

The sight of Ann and Gramma Hilda reuniting was precious. "You've grown up so pretty. I can still see your face in my mind when you were only five. And now you're a beautiful lady." Gramma Hilda had a special knack at looking past the outward appearance of others.

"You're too kind Mom." They hugged again.

Artie went sappy. "Dumpster Man, Keegan, if I had ta be a-choosin' me a couple of brothers ta have, twould be ye two." Neither of them said anything, but they saw Artie tearing up when they did a group hug.

All took a seat around the campfire as Charleo was relighting it. Cole took Iona into his arms from behind. She remembered just how warm that used to feel, and now it felt even warmer.

"Before we start on this glorious spread of food, I'd like to introduce everyone." Iona finished the introductions then everyone feasted on Hurley's special gifts, and talked and laughed. "Everyone, you're just the best. From this day forward, I consider us _all_ family now." The others felt the same.

Iona told the condensed version of her story to those wanting to hear. She watched their faces as they went from smiles to fear to sadness and back to smiles again. When the story telling was over, most made one or two s'mores; Charleo made three. Wiskee sat on his Grampa Leonard's lap and was treated to a few yummy bites of marshmallow. He jumped down and ran around the campfire thanking everyone for being his family now. Needless to say, Wiskee's pet-bonding light was the brightest one on Maycly, for he had bonded with all of them.

It was time for sweet slumber. Iona and Cole snuggled together with Wiskee lying across the tops of their heads (after he had made the rounds a second time and had given everyone a kiss). Leonard held Ann, Grampa Lawrence held Gramma Hilda, Charleo held Marlen, and the rest made a circle with their feet touching.

"Momma, I forgot one very important thing." Wiskee ran to Windjammer, who was lying down in the soft ferns. Climbing up into the riding basket, Wiskee pulled something out then ran back to Iona. "Your scepter. Artie had it in my riding basket on Windjammer. I guess you didn't think to take it with you when you left Honky-Tonk Hurley's." Wiskee giggled.

"Shh, silly-willy...you're gonna wake everybody up. But thank you." Iona gave him a hug and pulled her scepter to her. This time she found five new marbles dangling on their ribbons. They read: DAUGHTER, GRANDDAUGHTER, WIFE, MOMMA, and SISTER TO MANY.

The campfire dwindled to embers. Iona was sure she was the last one to fall asleep, but she did not mind. She was happy being kept awake for a while by all of the snoring, because that meant she had finally found her family.

Chapter 55

Pleasantries

Iona awoke the next morning to the aromas of fresh coffee, hot chocolate, and breakfast delights. She walked over to Marlen, who was preparing the feast over the campfire. "I'm so glad you found us out here."

"No way was I a-goin' ta let me Charleo get all the glory." Marlen giggled.

"Good morning Princess."

"Good morning Gramma Hilda." They hugged.

Iona saw Ann and Leonard moving about and did a double-take at the sight of her parents. She was certain SUL had been up to something in the middle of the night. They were standing proud, no longer weak and frail. Their hair was neatly styled, there were no dark circles under their eyes, and their clothing far exceeded Maycly's standards for well dressed wightlings. "What happened to you two? Your clothes match!" Iona approached them.

Ann proudly did a model's spin to show off her new matching outfit. Leonard modeled too.

"Wow! You guys really are fashion geniuses now." Iona smiled.

Cole stretched and yawned. "I'm up. What's for breakfast?" He smacked his lips and rubbed his belly. "Ann? Leonard? You guys sure look different. Your clothes match!" The four of them laughed and hugged. Ann proceeded to explain what SUL had done for them; Iona could relate.

The circle of sleepers finally broke apart as they came moseying over to the campfire for breakfast, one-by-one, each in awe at the appearance of Ann and Leonard.

Grampa Lawrence finished his breakfast and walked over to Wiskee, still asleep, sprawled out on his back. "Let's go for a quick walk. How about it Wiskee?"

It took a couple of seconds, but all at once Wiskee realized what someone was suggesting, and he gyrated to his feet. "A walk?" Wiskee finished with a stretch and a "Yippee!"

"Wait, we'll join you." Iona waved a mug full of half coffee/half hot chocolate under the still sleeping Charleo's nose. "Oh Charleoooo."

"Mmmmmm. What be that wonderful smell?" Charleo was dreaming.

"If you wake up, you can go with us." She continued waving the mug back and forth.

Wiskee jumped on Charleo's chest and, with his nose only inches from Charleo's, shouted, "Yeah, you could go with us."

Charleo jerked awake looking cross-eyed at Wiskee. "Wow! OK. I be awake now. Whew. I was a-doin' much better asleep. I was a-dreamin' of hot chocolate coffee...funny though, I still be a-smellin' it." He shook his head and came to his senses. Wiskee jumped down and sat beside him.

"Here you go, Charleo. You weren't dreaming about it." Iona handed him the mug.

Charleo's eyes widened. "Thank ye." He blew the steam away and took a tiny sip. "Mmmmm. Tis so good. Must be me Marlen's mix."

"It is. I was just wondering if you'd like to go for a walk with Grampa Lawrence and Wiskee and me so you can show us the natural aquariums up close."

He took another sip. "How could I be not acceptin' an invitation like that?" He hopped to his feet, downed the rest of his chocolate coffee, and happily led the way. The sight, the history, and the thrill of standing on the crystal aquarium tops did not disappoint them.

By mid morning all were striking camp. Iona whispered something to Wiskee.

"Hey everybody, Momma's got a great idea."

"Thanks for your tact Wiskee." Everyone laughed. "I'd like to invite all of you to follow us to our cottage where we'll have a big feast this twilight."

"We'd love to Iona!"

"Yippee!" Wiskee nearly wagged himself off his feet; he loved having guests as much as Dittle. Everyone packed up their things and were ready to leave when they heard it coming...

"Cannonball!"

"UGH! What the...?" Leonard looked at the white ball of fur that landed on his lap. Iona cracked up.

Charleo gave Leonard the scoop. "We fergot ta tell ye...that be one of Wiskee's favorite stunts when it be time fer a wagon ride. And it looks like ye be a-havin' the lucky lap today."

"Let's GO-O-O-O!" shouted Wiskee. Charleo shook Rascally's reins, Artie gave Windjammer the signal, and they were off to Iona's cottage. Wiskee enjoyed introducing Cole to his new surroundings as the wagon moved along. Wiskee took care of bringing Ann and Leonard up to speed about Maycly's history. It took most of the day, but the trip was extremely pleasant for all.

When they reached the cottage, everyone disembarked. Leonard went up to Charleo. "Thanks for the ride Charleo. You're quite the chukkon." Then he leaned in a little closer and whispered humbly between Charleo and Marlen. "And thanks guys, for taking care of my Sunshine all this time." He patted their shoulders.

Charleo replied, "It be me pl..." Marlen slapped Charleo's leg, "...I mean _our_ pleasure Leonard."

Marlen gave a sharp nod. "That be more like it." She put her hand up and whispered to Iona. "Ye gotta be a-stayin' on the male folk that way, whether wightlin' or chukkon, if ye know what I be a-meanin'." She let out a giggle then winked at Iona.

Iona picked Wiskee up and headed toward the cottage. "Put me down! Put me down! They're all gonna go in without me! Ann's opening the door!" Wiskee shouted to everyone over his shoulder, "Don't go in without me!" He turned back to his Momma. "I want to show them around the place." He wriggled and Iona let him go. He darted around and between everyone's legs and zipped into the foyer. "Welcome to our cottage."

Cole took Iona's hand and smiled from ear to ear. He could not help but feel a bit of pride at how much she had changed over the past couple of years. And he was actually beginning to enjoy being a daddy, even if his progeny was a four-legged fur face.

"This place is amazing." Ann had stopped right in the doorway.

"Could the rest of us maybe take a peek?" Leonard gently pushed Ann inside. "This really _is_ quite the place you have here."

"Let us see!" Gramma Hilda and Grampa Lawrence were getting impatient and pushed Leonard out of the way. "It's so warm and inviting."

"Excuse me. Excuse me please." They all looked down at Wiskee, who began the grand tour.

Iona and Cole reached the doorway. Cole swept Iona off her feet into his arms and carried her over the threshold, kissing her all the way.

After the tour everyone walked and talked together near the edge of Lake Origin. Wiskee showed them the Tree of Breathing and Being and the exact branches he had lain on when Charleo gave him his name. Iona was sure to point out the toucanthiae and flowering puddle-jumpers. The mermaids came to the top to greet them. Iona gave a special call Charleo had taught her, and the phydeaux phlyers showed up to perform for them above the Birthing Waters. The louder everyone cheered, the better the phlyers' tricks became.

When they returned to the cottage Iona prepared a wonderful meal of fresh foods from her garden. She also baked caramel apple with nuts cupcakes, one of Gramma Hilda's best recipes, and topped them with thick yummy cream cheese icing. Wiskee made a mad dash to the kitchen when he smelled the icing being made. "Don't forget the sugar sprinkles Momma."

"I won't. Now go back in there and keep our company entertained." Wiskee scampered off to do just that.

With full tummies they moved to the living room. The talk eventually dwindled, along with the fire in the fireplace.

"Well, we'd best get going. The Ushering Tree is calling our name." Grampa Lawrence took Gramma Hilda by the arm and helped her to her feet. It was not that she was unable to stand on her own, but she was definitely the last coal glowing and did not seem to be ready to burn out anytime soon.

"Yes, I guess we should be going. Thank you so much for the wonderful meal Princess. May I help you with the dishes?"

"No, I wouldn't think of it. This was my treat to you this twilight."

"Oh...all right. But I know we left a mess for you and I'd be glad..."

"It's fine, really." Iona invited Wiskee into her arms and gave Gramma Hilda a nudge toward Grampa Lawrence at the door. "Besides, you need to get Grampa Lawrence home. He's looking pretty content after that feast, and we wouldn't want him to fall asleep at the reins, now would we?"

"Then we'll be seeing you sometime soon." Gramma Hilda had finally stopped talking and actually headed to the door.

"G'night Gramma Hilda! G'night Grampa Lawrence!" shouted Wiskee.

"Good night Wiskee." They blew him kisses. Iona caught them and plastered them on Wiskee's face. That made them smile.

Artie was next in line. He removed his hat and thanked Iona for the lovely feast. Iona took her sleeve in her hand and wiped some icing from his face then gave him a kiss on his bushy cheek while Wiskee leaned out and licked the other.

Charleo's bunch, including Keegan, made it onto the wagon, but Charleo had stayed behind. "Iona, I'll be a-needin' ta meet with ye and Wiskee early tomorrow mornin'. Be packed and ready ta go...both of ye." Charleo looked straight at Wiskee.

"We'll be ready." Iona forced a nervous smile and her heart skipped a beat knowing where they would be going.

"I'll be a-seein' ye then." Charleo climbed aboard the wagon and all chimed in with their salutations. Iona and Wiskee watched them ride away.

Iona returned to the living room. She set Wiskee down in his bed by the fireplace and, of course, he built a pillow nest.

Iona was glad to have so much clutter left by so many. "I'm going to get all of this cleaned up and head to bed."

"I'll help you," said Ann.

"No, you're not going to help me. This is your first night in a real home for two years, so Wiskee and I consider you and Daddy guests. Why don't you guys go on to bed, and we'll catch up with you in the morning. How about this...the breakfast feast is all yours."

"We'd be glad to make some breakfast for all of us." Contentment was evident in Leonard's voice. He tilted his head toward their bedroom. "C'mon Beautiful. Let's call it a day."

"Wait! Wait!" Wiskee ran to them and leaped up on the couch to give them each a kiss. "I love you guys."

"We love you too Wiskee. Would you like to sleep with us tonight?"

"Really? Can I? Momma, may I?" Iona was charmed at their pet-bonding light gaining in strength and could not resist letting him slumber with his newly found grandparents.

She let out a sigh of contentment then went to the kitchen. Cole joined her at the sink. She swirled her hands to make a few bubbles in the water as it filled the dishpan. "I still can't believe it's really you, and we're standing together, in our cottage, on Maycly." She blinked tightly trying not to cry tears of joy. She was getting tired of crying regardless if she were happy or sad. Cole moved close behind her, and Iona felt his warm loving arms embrace her once again. He gently kissed her neck then whispered in her ear. "So where do you have to go with Charleo in the morning? Can I come?"

Iona pulled her hands from the water and turned to face him. He could see a monumental sense of duty in her expression. "I have to go to The Training Village. Charleo is going to disclose the final battle plans and strategies to me. Wiskee will accompany me. And the answer for you is, 'No, you can't come with us.' You have to stay and protect Mommy and Daddy with your very life. FAZ is not to be trusted. He's afraid of me, but not of you and them. I can't bear the thought of ever losing you three again. Take them to the Ushering Tree and ask Grampa Lawrence to find your names in the _Book of Decision_. Then you'll know whether any of you are to meet me on the battlefield or be keepers of the calm. This is so much bigger than you can imagine Cole. I'm scared, really scared. But I keep hearing you telling me from our old theater days 'if you're scared, then do it afraid.' I want to be...I _have_ to be...strong. Maycly needs me."

Cole looked deep into her dark cocoa eyes. Iona saw tears welling up in his emerald eyes. She begged him, "Please, don't. I'm trusting you to keep them safe. If you need help, trust SUL. He'll help you. I promise."

"I'm not crying because you have to leave me; I'm deeply touched at your unconditional love for so many, and the radiant bravery you possess. You are an amazing girl...Princess...Iona."

Iona kissed Cole with passion. When their lips parted she smiled at him then turned to finish the dishes.

Cole's arms let go of her. He stepped to her side to help with the drying and putting away. "It looks like you can handle this. If you don't mind, I'd like to go and rest. I know you're tired too, but you've got to understand. This has been..."

Iona broke in. "Sweetie, you go and rest all you want. I do understand. You don't need to say another word." She flushed at his kiss on her cheek.

"Thanks Baby Doll."

"Good night Sweetie."

Iona finished the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. She went to the bedroom and closed the door. She smiled at Cole, already asleep. She went into the necessary room just off the bedroom to get ready for bed. She smiled and shook her head when she overheard the sounds of Ann and Leonard playing with Wiskee in their bedroom across the cottage, wondering when Wiskee would let them get some sleep. She had left her nightgown on the chair in the bedroom. She opened the door of the necessary room so as not to disturb Cole, but she found she was not disturbing him at all. She was greeted with flickering candles placed all around the room. Rose petals daintily created a pathway to the bedside and others were scattered atop the white, puffy comforter. She caught the subtlety of the two dark chocolate wafers on her pillow. Her eyes glistened in the flickering light as she followed the rose petal path to Cole, who was lying with the comforter draped over him in a fashion that brought wonderful thoughts to her romantic imagination.

"May I help you with your dress?"

Iona smiled, made a sultry turn, and pulled her hair to the side. As he unbuttoned her dress she felt a slight breeze grace her exposed back.

Iona knew this twilight would be special.

Chapter 56

The A.G.W.

The time had come for the warriors of Maycly to reunite. Charleo, Artie, and Keegan arrived to pick up Iona and Wiskee bright and early. Iona was having a difficult time saying goodbye to her family, but knowing what had to be done, she went out to the wagon and handed Wiskee up to Charleo. "Is there room for all of us up there?"

"Aye." Keegan scooted closer to Artie, Charleo moved closer to Keegan, and Iona made her way up and found plenty of room to sit. Wiskee was determined to stay on somebody's lap. Jit and Giddy greeted Iona from Halo's and Scepter's heads. Artie was leaving Windjammer in Cole's care.

Charleo gave the click-clack sound and everyone, including Jit and Giddy, jerked backwards at the initial tug on the wagon. They were on their way to The Training Village. The trip was not short on scenery. Iona marveled at The Vinewall and how the Sprites made the opening. The view of Chennington Greens from the ground was far different than the one she had experienced from the air. She got a kick out of Wiskee, who barely took breaths between questions. He had never been there before either, and he wanted to know everything about it.

Their arrival at The Training Village spurred a celebration three times the size of the one Charleo, Artie, and Keegan had experienced when they had initially arrived as the warrior leaders. The Mayor welcomed Iona with song while others danced and the band played. Ribbon candy fizzlers were exploding everywhere, and spinning pinwheels glimmered. Iona and Wiskee were escorted by the etherealians to their temporary apartment where they found a few of their favorite similarities they had left on Earth. All of the other warriors, both chukkon and wightling, continually arrived during the celebration.

Charleo, Artie, and Keegan enjoyed introducing Iona and Wiskee to the warriors. They had the privilege of meeting Ron and Lee. They met General Philip Preston Roberts, and he took the liberty to introduce them to a few of his best. Pub Pete and Pub Pearl came to say hello. The festivities lasted long into the twilight, even after Iona and Wiskee excused themselves to get some rest.

Charleo walked them to their apartment and made certain they were comfortable. "Well, I'll be a-leavin' ye two ta get some shut-eye. Me dwellin' be between Artie's and Keegan's, so if ye be a-needin' anythin' just give a knock on me door."

Iona hugged and thanked Charleo then waved and closed the door during a series of yawns. She saw her bed and gladly met it, falling backwards onto it, asleep in mid fall. Wiskee joined her, and the two of them did not move until morning when a gentle knock on their door awakened them.

"Princess. Princess, be ye awake?"

Iona opened the door, scratching her head and yawning. "Oh. Good morning Charleo." Wiskee stretched and jumped from the bed to greet him as well.

"I hated ta bother ye, but we be a-needin' ta get busy."

"OK. But first we need to get something to help wake us up." Iona and Wiskee invited Charleo in, and they all downed a quick breakfast. Then they left for the day so Iona could begin the daunting task of becoming familiar with the battle tactics and strategies. She visited each of the leader's headquarters and was extremely impressed with each.

Late in the afternoon the leaders gathered together and showed her the actual training grounds where the experienced warriors were practicing and honing their skills. They led Iona and Wiskee to the pens and introduced them to the battle animals, their favorite part of the tour. Artie's icataras turned shy and kept burying her head in Artie's back, nearly knocking him over each time and making Iona and Wiskee laugh.

"Wiskee, ye'll be a-needin' ta learn ta ride and guide yer own icataras. We've saved one 'specially fer ye."

"Me? My own icataras? Really?"

"Aye. Let's be a-goin' ta meet yer new battle friend...make that yer _best_ battle friend!" Artie laughed. Wiskee leapt into Artie's arms, and they all headed for the pen. When they got there, it was empty. Artie made a few sounds to call it from inside the barn. Cautiously, a miniature icataras emerged. It stood only four feet tall. Everyone's face lit up.

"He's...he's...he's just my size!" Wiskee was so excited. "Does he come with all the bells and whistles...like yours?"

"Aye, but ye'll have ta go through the motions ta be a-makin' him yers. Do ye know what the motions be?"

"Umm...something about a stone?"

Artie removed his hat and scratched his head. "I give ye credit. Ye be a-knowin' more'n I did when I took me first go at it." Charleo and Keegan had a good laugh at that.

"Yeah...ha ha ha. How be ye a-sayin' that Gen'rl? That'll be funny tomorrow?" Everyone chuckled except Charleo.

"Can I get on his back now?"

"Sure. Be a-takin' yer time. Go nice and gentle, and ye'll have nothin' ta worry about." Artie assisted Wiskee onto the miniature icataras's back, making certain he was strapped tightly in the saddle. Wiskee stroked the mini flying cat with his paw. "Ye be a-needin' ta watch the quills there."

"Be careful little buddy." Iona wore the expression of a mother letting her son have the keys to the car for the first time. She watched as Artie helped Wiskee locate the bonding stone in the saddle. Wiskee pulled it out with his mouth, and Artie took it from him. He held it in front of Wiskee. "Before ye go a-rubbin' it three times, I suggest ye be a-grabbin' a mouthful of hair and a-hangin' on." Charleo's and Keegan's heads bobbed in unison.

Wiskee took as big a clump of hair in his mouth as he could from between the quills. Iona held her breath. Wiskee reached out his paw and rubbed the stone three times. Just as expected, the miniature icataras took off at full speed.

"AAHWWHGG!" Wiskee attempted to scream through his mouthful of hair. The flying cat shot straight up, bounced off a mountain peak, then barrel rolled halfway down. He spread his wings and caught the air, taking them back up, then he performed wide sweeping circles like a glider riding the thermals all the way to the ground. As the cat strode down the landing strip, everyone could hear Wiskee. "YIPPEE!"

Iona rushed to the icataras to make certain Wiskee was intact.

"That was so much fun Momma! Can I do it again?"

"Oh yeah. And I'll bet you're gonna do it again and again and again since you need to train on this creature...am I right Artie?"

"Aye. And the best news of all...Wiskee, ye be a-goin' ta take charge of the battle animals!"

"Woo-H...wait. What?"

"Ye'll be a-takin' charge of all the battle animals."

SUL spoke inwardly to Charleo. _"Charleo, will you do the honors, please?"_

Charleo pulled from his vest's inside pocket a flat charm. He attached it to Wiskee's collar next to the other one. "I now pronounce ye Animal General Wiskee, the A.G.W. Ye be the secret A.G.W. that SUL spoke of in _The Book of Good and Evil_ that'll be a-bringin' freedom ta many." Silence filled the air as this sunk in. Even Wiskee was speechless!

"Wiskee? Wiskee is the A.G.W.?" Iona blinked several times and shook her head. "I always wondered what that stood for. And now that I know, I'm...well...I'm honored to be your momma Wiskee." She curtsied and fondled the charm. "This charm is pure gold, and it's outlined with rubies and diamonds. The engraving is the letters A.G.W." Iona turned the charm over. "And the back is engraved with a full-color flag of Maycly, done with precious gems."

"It's been hard a-keepin' that secret all this time Princess. But we couldna be a-makin' the announcement till SUL wanted it done." Charleo patted Iona on the back.

She graciously smiled at Wiskee. "First you come and teach me to love again, you learned to like grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup as much as me, we flew over Maycly together, I found out you could talk...oh my goodness...this is over the top. My Wiskee, the A.G.W." She did her best to avoid the icatarus's quills as she gave Wiskee a big hug. "OK then little buddy. It looks like you'll be staying here with Artie. I'm going with Charleo and Keegan, and I'll meet up with you two for supper. How's that sound?"

"Sounds great Momma. Where do we meet?"

"Tales and Tall Ones." The three chukkons answered in unison.

Iona spent the rest of the day discussing plans and tactics with Charleo. She made more in-depth observations of those practicing with their weapons and helped Charleo create supply lists. Then she gave the lists to Jit and Giddy to deliver to Keegan. By suppertime Iona was ready for some fancy grub and fellowship. She was _not_ disappointed.

Chapter 57

Warrior of Legend

Iona and Wiskee had not been back to their cottage or seen their family for several weeks, but Jit and Giddy had served as messengers, delivering letters and gifts back and forth. This day started off the same as the previous ones in The Training Village, but during breakfast with the gang at Tales and Tall Ones, an unexpected patron entered the door.

"Cole!" Iona ran to him. "What are you doing here? Where's Mommy and Daddy? Are you guys OK? How did you get here?"

"I took the liberty of riding Windjammer." Cole threw a worried glance at Artie, but much to his relief, Artie looked proud. "We're all fine...for now." Darkness came over his face. "But there have been some terrible things happening. FAZ is raiding more villages. There seems to be neither rhyme nor reason to his actions. We've lost Ethelwynne, Cauldyweem, and Hawthborough. We fear the next to be destroyed may be Klondelkin, but we don't know for certain. The farmlands of Trote Waters are burning, and if we can't get that under control, we're going to lose Snuggerbug Landing and Maycly's fresh food supply."

Iona thought for a moment. "Charleo needs to know."

It was evident by the terror on Cole's face that there was trouble. "Bring Cole a pint!" Artie figured that was the first step in calming Cole's nerves.

Cole felt he needed more than a pint but accepted it graciously. "FAZ and his Evil are destroying Maycly one village at a time. And now the farmlands are burning. By all of the warriors being _here_ , we don't have the wightling power to put out the fires faster than they're being set." Cole sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Oh, Charleo. Whadda we do?"

Charleo lowered his head and tugged on his beard in thought. SUL spoke to him silently. _"It is time. Do not hesitate. Take with you Iona and Cole and travel to Alverta's Woodlot. There you shall retrieve My urn that you buried."_ Charleo lifted his eyes. "Iona, ye and Cole must be a-comin' with me now."

"But what about me?" Wiskee's tail fell, his ears drooped, his mouth turned down in a frown, and his eyes widened with a hint of fear. Iona's heart broke, and she looked to Charleo for an answer. Charleo looked to Artie.

Artie picked up Wiskee from his highchair and held him close to his face. "I'll be a-takin' great care of ye li'l buddy. Ye'll be a-stayin' with me till they return." Wiskee's expression brightened a little, and his tail slightly wagged.

"Thank you Artie. I know Wiskee will be safe with you."

"And I'm here too!" It was The Man Behind The Dumpster. Iona's face gleamed, and she gave him a big hug. As usual, he was mesmerized by her touch. "The fires were getting scary over in Trote Waters, so I bolted. I knew I'd find you guys here. Why wouldn't they be coming here, too, to destroy The Training Village where so many of you are?"

"I'd guess it's because FAZ knows Iona is here, and he's scared of her?" Cole got a nod and a thumbs-up from Keegan.

Charleo pressed the urgency of the situation. "Tis good ta see ye Dumpster Man, but time be not our friend right now." He directed his attention to Iona and Cole. "Meet me at the wagon. I'll be a-goin' ta get Halo and Scepter ready."

Iona felt like she did not have enough kisses to give Wiskee. Cole took her hand and looked at Wiskee. "Be good little buddy. Do just as Artie says, and stay out of trouble. OK?" He kissed Wiskee on the head and winked at Artie. Iona blew one last kiss to Wiskee as she and Cole rushed out the door. They boarded the wagon and, with a snap of the reins and Charleo's click-clack sound, the wagon was moving.

"Where are we going?" Iona questioned.

"Alverta's Woodlot."

"What's in Alverta's Woodlot?"

"I be not at liberty ta say. But ye'll be a-knowin' shortly. Trust SUL. "

They rode to the edge of Lake Origin where the mermaids gathered in great numbers and carried the wagon, along with Halo, Scepter, and the riders, straight across the waters to Alverta's Woodlot, their great muscular tails making short work of the trip.

Charleo veered from the pathlight ivy and made several turns in the near darkness through the thick trees. Iona thought perhaps he was lost, but she said nothing. Cole held Iona tight; he was surprised she was not shaking from fear.

"There it be. I see it." Charleo was pleased with his memory.

Iona and Cole saw a place on the ground lighting up. As they approached it the light became brighter. They all jumped from the wagon, and Charleo began to dig where the light was escaping. They heard his wooden shovel hit something hard. "That be it." Charleo dug the dirt from around the hard object. "Tis the urn of SUL." He pulled it from the ground.

An odd sound came from inside the urn, and instantly Sprites filled the area around it. It began jumping on its own, and at another strange sound, the Sprites flew toward the top of the urn and hovered. A lighted blue fog spilled from under the edge of the top, and from the fog came singing.

"That looks like healing fog." Iona put it together. "SUL's healing Himself. I know it. I just know it. That's the same fog that started healing me on Earth; The same kind of singing fog that seeped from the Dream Decanter."

When the blue healing fog stopped, the Sprites grasped the edges of the flat top and flew upward with all their might. Their strength was just enough to pull the lid from the urn. Bright silvery white light rays gushed upward and outward. Ashes emerged in every color of the rainbow and swirled around the glittering white beams. The aroma of sweet things filled the air.

Iona and Cole began to back up. "Nae! Dunna back away. Tis somethin' ye dunna want ta miss." Charleo's gaze was trained fast on the urn.

The metallic ashes wrapped tightly around the white beams, and the entire brilliant entity shot high above the forest canopy. SUL's voice sang from above the trees. The colorful lighted formation returned to the ground. It was SUL, complete. His spirit had reunited with His body. Charleo, Iona, and Cole bowed before Him.

"Arise! The battle draws nigh. When it is time, fight like you never thought possible. Listen to Me for your each and every move, for I have hidden things that still remain, things created especially for this time. Do not become wearied by Evil's menacing tactics. You and your warriors must trust Me. Now go and prepare to bring your troops. I must seek the treasure I buried at creation. I shall meet you in the Valley of Battles in five days." SUL waved His hands, and a giant Andalusian with painted bunting mane feathers appeared. He mounted the enormous equine and rode swiftly from Alverta's Woodlot.

"Princess. I hate ta be a-placin' so much responsibility on ye. I've had ta deal with the same fear meself, so I be understandin' yer feelin's. But this be our last chance ta bring Good ta Maycly fer e'er. Can ye do it?"

Carbreyghal appeared behind Cole and Charleo, and he put the two of them in a temporary trance. Iona stared into his eyes and saw her own calming thoughts. He reached into his massive sleeve and pulled from it a handful of very special equinarchs. He gently blew the magical creatures toward Iona. A few landed on her arms, and she felt her doubts and fears leave her body. Carbreyghal flew away, and Cole and Charleo awakened without even realizing they had been suspended in time.

Iona answered, "I can."

• • • •

Artie heard Iona and Cole coming up the raise-n-lower machine and brought Wiskee over to greet them. "I couldna get the li'l fella ta wake up. I guess he be tuckered out from all the playin' we did whilst ye were away." Iona took the sleeping Wiskee from Artie and cuddled him. Wiskee never opened his eyes; he just sighed and buried his head in his momma's chest. Iona and Cole thanked Artie and went inside.

Iona set Wiskee down, and he stirred awake. "It's not that I'm ignoring you guys, but I'm pretty sleepy. I'll be in here if you need me." He staggered to the bedroom, hopped up on the bed and barely built his pillow nest before he flopped. With one yawn he went right back to sleep.

Iona turned to Cole. "And yes, no matter what you think, the bed is big enough for the three of us." She pushed Cole's bangs out of his eyes and gave him a kiss. He stopped her before she got to the necessary room. He took her in his arms. His forehead wrinkled as his brows lowered into a V.

"What's that worry I see all over your face?" asked Iona.

"We went to the Ushering Tree." Cole stopped dead.

"I know. I guess I don't need to go there because we all know what I am." She giggled, but got no response from Cole. "I've been thinking, though, about what you guys were to become. I just haven't gotten around to..."

"Ann and Leonard were deemed keepers of the calm, even though they never passed on Earth. I took them back to the Ushering Tree for protection with Grampa Lawrence and Gramma Hilda."

"And you didn't stay...because?"

"I've been called as a warrior."

"Thank goodness! You'll be on the battlefield with me and Wiskee, and..." Cole put his finger to her lips.

"SUL spoke to me at the Ushering Tree. He said I would not need training. He said that what I saw in the Mirror of Maycly was different from any other wightling warrior."

"What are you talking about? What did you see that could have been so different?"

"I was fighting with a mighty sword...a special one...creatures I can't even describe. With that sword I was defeating every evil thing that came at me."

"A special sword? Do you have it now?"

Cole reached for his sheath and pulled from it a sterling silver sword, magnificent in detail, and feather-light. Iona's face brightened.

"Don't you know what that is? Do you know what that means?"

"I do now, but I didn't at first. Do you"?

"Of course I do! That's the Sword of Defeat. You...you, Cole, are the Warrior of Legend spoken about in _The Book of Good and Evil._ One of two on Maycly who shall never taste death." Goosebumps rose on Iona's skin. "And Grampa Lawrence is the other." Cole nodded. Their eyes locked.

A knock came at the door; Iona answered it. "Charleo, what are you doing up so late?"

"I heard a bit of noise and...oh, Cole, good ta see ye. Or, come ta think of it, maybe it be not so good ta see ye. Iona?"

"It's OK Charleo. He came to me with some big news." Iona proceeded to tell Charleo what Cole had been deemed.

"Well I'll be jiggered." When Charleo put it together, he looked at Iona with intensity. "Then ye be a-knowin' how ta decode _The Book of Good and Evil..._ be I right?"

"Yes."

Charleo's confidence built when he realized Iona had accepted SUL's gift of knowing how to decode.

Cole was not shy. "What do you mean, decode?"

"It's a gift from SUL. When I was just a girl, there were many days I'd sit under a big tree in our back yard, and SUL would inwardly teach me how to decode the names and descriptions of the many secrets within the words of _The Book of Good and Evil_. He told me I was not allowed to speak of such until I got to Maycly." She saw the disappointment on his face. "Oh Cole, I'm so sorry. I should have told you earlier."

"It's OK Baby Doll. When would you have had the time? The important thing is, I know now. And as long as you know what to do, it's all good, right?" Iona looked at Charleo, and they both nodded.

"Then ye be the 'secret wightlin' that I decoded. And ye, like me, be a-knowin' about unfamiliar evil beasts that'll be a-hittin' the battle scene. And ye also must be a-knowin' that'll be the time ta summon Cole, the Warrior of Legend."

"I sure do."

"Fer the sword Cole be a-carryin' be the only sword that can take the ne'er-before-seen evil beasts down. And the warriors he be assignin' ta assist him'll temporarily be inheritin' a portion of his power, as long as they be a-fightin' right at his side while he be a-usin' the sword. And that power'll be a-makin' 'em stronger and a-remainin' exempt from harm so they be able to combat the monsters."

"Aye, General, that is true."

"Well then, this'll be a-makin' our job of devisin' a few new strategies a bit easier with us both a-knowin' the secrets of the final battle."

They continued the conversation for a time, then Charleo bid his adieus. Cole saw him to the door and watched him leave. When he closed the door he found himself alone in the living room; Iona had already joined Wiskee on the bed and was sound asleep next to him.

Chapter 58

The Amethyst Crystal

Iona awoke to a pleasant fragrant breeze crossing her face. She awakened Cole and Wiskee to see if they smelled the same thing, and they did. All three rose quietly and followed the scent. They found Carbreyghal standing outside the open window.

"WOW! You look so cool in the twilight." Carbreyghal could not help but smile at Wiskee's remark.

"Well, thank you little one, but I am not here for compliments. SUL has requested the three of you come to His cottage immediately. There are two mandibleron gryphons outside waiting to fly you there. Cole, Wiskee, you needn't bring anything. Iona, bring your scepter. Now go and take your places directly on top of the mandibs; they are not pulling their skyships."

When Cole saw the mandibs Iona could tell he was a little intimidated by their size. She comforted his uneasiness as she led him to one, and the mandib gently lowered its wing. "There, make your way up onto its wing, and it will lift you onto its back. Wiskee and I will join you after you're up there." Iona coaxed Cole, and Wiskee added a small push on his daddy's legs. Cole became more comfortable as the creature lifted its enormous wing strategically to place him on its back. It lowered its wing and gave a low throat noise.

"She said it's OK for us to get on her wing now Momma." Wiskee hopped from Iona's arms onto the wing. Iona had to climb the thick wing with its slippery feathers. In no time they were perched next to Cole. Iona heard the bushes rustle.

"We be a-comin'!"

"Who's there?"

"Tis me...Artie. I be a-bringin' Charleo and Keegan with me. SUL sent Carbreyghal ta summon us ta be a-travelin' with ye. Now, which mandib be ye on? We canna see the top of either of 'em."

"We're on the bronze one. Take the silver one."

Iona, Cole, and Wiskee listened to the three chukkons oofing and umphing as they climbed onto the wing and watched as the silver mandib lifted the three chukkons to its back. Artie gave Iona a thumbs-up when they were in place.

"OK Wiskee, tell the mandibs we're ready."

At Wiskee's words they trotted a few steps and took to the air, their massive wings making hardly a sound during flight. They flew out of The Training Village, over The Vinewall, and above Timberland Forest North. When they reached the Rivalry Mountains they flew low behind the western side of the cliffs so they would not be visible from Targrum. When they reached the southern tip of the range the mandibs landed and strode to the edge of Timberland Forest South where they lowered their wings, and the riders climbed down.

The bronze mandib made some noises, and Wiskee tuned right in. "She says to follow the path in front of us. It'll take us to SUL's cottage." Iona and the others thanked the great flying beasts and watched them take to the sky again.

The travelers were glad to see that the narrow path was lit by pathlight ivy. Charleo led the way, Keegan took the middle to keep close watch on Iona, Cole, and Wiskee, and Artie brought up the rear. They traveled deep into the forest and finally came upon a cottage, at which point the luminescence of the pathlight ivy went out; the only light left was a glow from the windows of SUL's dwelling.

When they reached the door, Charleo gave three quick knocks and two more at a slower pace. The door magically opened. "Come in, come in. We haven't much time." SUL was closing the blinds. "Follow Me." They were stunned at the decor before them. Wiskee's tail wagged non-stop.

Iona's eyes moved back and forth across the walls. She saw holographic 3D pictures with moving subjects of her, her family, and her friends. She saw scribblings in words she could not read, but she recognized their resemblance to the words on the magical envelope from SUL that Charleo had left on her nightstand back on Earth. She was mesmerized by the pewter chairs with deep purple velvet cushions surrounding a table. The table was made of thick, gray driftwood. As if growing out of the driftwood tabletop, a twisted pedestal of branches cradled a large, brilliant, misshapen rock. "What is that?" Iona asked.

SUL spoke. "Take a seat, quickly. Time is running out. Choose any chair. Wiskee, you may sit on the table." SUL's rapid whispering enhanced the urgency. "This is the only one of its kind. It is the Amethyst Crystal of Knowledge. I buried it at creation. I knew the day would come when I would have need of it and felt today was the day. It is a powerful tool, possibly more powerful even than I. FAZ has dug deep into the realm of Evil and released things brought about by dirty magic that even I could not have foreseen, nor even known were possible. This is the only item in all of creation that is capable of withstanding the full presence of both Good and Evil in one place at the same time. It can also reveal such. It shows us the past, present, and future. But it only shows each of them once. As I was looking into it I called forth the past and watched everything that had happened over the last several years. Then, much to My surprise, it jumped to the present without My command. That is when I summoned all of you. We must decipher, together, what it is showing us. I do not know how much time we have before it will begin to show us the future without My command. All of you, come closer. Lean in. Find a smooth place through which you can see deep inside the crystal. Look for clues of anything."

No one hesitated. Iona's mouth dropped open, and she came to her feet. "It's FAZ. And it looks as though he's standing over a map, planning multiple attacks. That looks like the Ushering Tree he's pointing at and laughing. Now he's got his bony finger on Klondelkin, moving it to Meekershade Corners, on to Baynooth, now Skibbergary, and now...now...oh no...Glammiswinde! Mommy, Daddy. Grampa Lawrence and Gramma Hilda. Charleo, Artie, your cottages...NO!" Iona felt the blood drain from her face.

Cole caught her and lowered her into her chair before she fell to the floor. Wiskee ran across the table and gave her kisses. She gasped deeply when her eyes blinked open. She was still ashen, her breathing frantic.

SUL took Iona's arm and spoke softly. "Iona. Princess. We need you." She looked into His eyes and regained her strength. Cole steadied her as she stood, and Wiskee went back to his viewing spot on the table.

Keegan's face contorted. "Look! Above the Usherin' Tree...and villages. There be messages. But they be too small ta read."

Charleo pushed gently on his beard. "Jit! Wee one, come out here." Jit popped out with Giddy clutched to his tiny shirt, sound asleep.

Jit stretched and yawned. "This better be important. I was having the best dream about..." His face went red when he opened his eyes and saw SUL standing next to Charleo. "OK, that's important enough for me." Jit gave a nervous laugh and poked Giddy to wake him up.

"Get down there on that amethyst crystal and be a-tellin' us what the messages be that FAZ has written above each of those villages on the map." They could tell by Charleo's voice he was not in the mood for Sprite games and fun.

Wiskee was directly across from the Sprites gazing into the amethyst. Jit saw Iona's magnified eyes appear above Wiskee's head. Giddy looked to the left and saw Charleo's and Keegan's eyes magnified, and to his right were SUL's, Artie's, and Cole's.

"Hmmm...I think it says..." Jit flew upside down and sideways trying to read the messages.

"Hurry! Time be a-runnin' out and we'll be not a-seein' this again." Charleo's nerves had frazzled, and he was losing his patience. Giddy was now on top of the amethyst looking straight down through a smooth space only big enough for his eyes.

"I'm trying!"

"Me too!"

"It's really scribbly and...OH! I've got it!" Giddy flew to Jit's side as Jit continued. "It says the same thing above every village." Giddy confirmed the report.

"Read it. Aloud." SUL did not mince words.

"' _Neither this day nor tomorrow,_

but on the third twilight they shall see sorrow!'"

Jit backed away, his tiny face ashen and his mouth gaping open. Giddy rushed to comfort his best friend.

Iona looked at SUL. "Then we don't have five days; we've only got three." She hoped SUL would disagree with her, but instead He nodded.

Cole was on the verge of anger. "But You said You'd meet us in _five_ days in the Valley of Battles. Why can't You fix this?"

"Cole, stop!" Iona grabbed him by the arm and spun him around to her face. "Do NOT question the Grand Wizard. He had no idea this was going to happen. Don't you understand? He buried this amethyst crystal at creation to collect FAZ's plans, and He left it buried until these final days were at hand so it could absorb, then reveal, as much of Evil's plans as possible. SUL is filled with too much Good to suspect or understand the darkest ways of Evil. He said He thought the crystal was more powerful than He Himself, and He's right. It's revealing the Evil to Him that He could never imagine. And yes, it also holds the future, but we haven't time to see how this ends. We must believe what we've seen and trust the knowledge we've received from the amethyst crystal!" Iona was amazed at her discernment, but it made SUL even more proud of her.

SUL reached His hand toward Iona. "Give Me your scepter." She immediately handed it to Him. He took it and began to speak words no one could understand. The top of the scepter started glowing, and each marble on a ribbon illuminated from the inside out. He handed the scepter back to Iona. "Your scepter now holds the power to release the special creatures I have kept hidden. When I give you the command, raise your scepter horizontally above your head. Let it rest in both hands and repeat the words _ock toonaum ethereal aprawl dist veeahn._ I have inscribed these words on your scepter. Each word shall engrave itself and fill with sterling silver as you read it aloud."

"What hidden creatures? What'll happen?"

"That is for you to see when it happens."

Cole saw Iona's confusion and comforted her. "Trust SUL. Did you not just remind me that He is the Grand Wizard?"

Iona stared at her scepter then looked at SUL and bowed.

The fire in SUL's fireplace was making the cottage quite warm. Charleo was sweating. "What be our plan?" The Sprites flew to him and blotted his forehead and upper lip with their tiny handkerchiefs.

Artie was already plotting in his mind. "Take 'em by surprise."

SUL approved. "That's it. That's exactly what we shall do. We will take no chances. Upon your immediate return to The Training Village, gather all of the troops and make the announcements. Move them and the battle animals to the Valley of Battles, but keep them all quiet. All warriors–chukkon, wightling, and animal–will need to take their places at the base of the western ridge and wait silently for the battle command. To make certain no Evil taps into our plan, I will speak in silence to you, Iona. When your birthmark warms and glows, that will be the signal from Me to alert Charleo and Philip to rally the troops for the fight. When your birthmark warms and glows the second time, give the hand signal to Charleo and Philip to attack. Are there any questions?"

They all looked at one another and shook their heads.

"Wiskee, you shall fly to and fro listening for any animal chatter, both Good and Evil, then report to Charleo and relay the animal messages of importance."

"You mean like Evil battle tragedies?"

"I think the word you're looking for is strategies...and yes, Evil's battle strategies are exactly what you'll need to be listening for. Our troops need to know what Evil is planning next. Remember, Evil does not know you can talk, so say nothing to them; and believe Me, you _will_ be tempted."

"Yes Sir!" Wiskee saluted SUL.

"I have called the mandibleron gryphons back to the edge of Timberland Forest South. Their landing has lit the pathlight ivy. Now go. Return to The Training Village and deliver the news to your troops. It is imperative that these plans be kept secret."

Iona was last to leave SUL's cottage. She turned back to look upon His face for one more ounce of strength, but He had already shut the door. She saw His silhouette on the window shade. He stood before His fireplace, and that was strength enough for her.

• • • •

Keegan sounded the shell horn to call the troops into town.

The Mayor stepped to the podium. "Hear ye! Hear ye! Please take a seat. There be trouble in the land, and our leaders'll now be a-sharin' with us what must be done. I now turn this meetin' over ta Gen'rl Charleo."

"Thank ye once again fer a-bein' the friends and family ye be ta us here in Chennin'ton Greens and The Trainin' Village. We've revolutionary news from SUL. He reunited His spirit and body and gave us instructions ta follow. I'll now turn the podium over ta Princess Iona." Applause thundered.

"Thank you, each and every one of you, friends and family of Maycly. I realize this is last-minute, and it will come as a great shock to most of you. Please, be seated." Iona waited for everyone to quiet down. "We have received word that FAZ and his cohorts are continuing to raid Bailiwick and Trote Waters, burning more and more villages and our farmlands. We must move our troops, the masters of medicine, and the battle animals quickly, quietly, and efficiently to the Valley of Battles. We are planning a surprise attack. Silence is the key. _No one_ other than us must be allowed to get wind of this." Sounds of scattered concern filled the auditorium. "Quiet, please!" Iona was determined to finish her instructions with haste. "All warriors, you are now excused to don your armor and prepare your weaponry. Those tending the battle animals are to do the same; Wiskee and Artie will be with you to assist you and your creatures. Animal General Wiskee, the A.G.W., will translate what our battle animals and those of Evil are saying. Meet at the south end of Main Street and assemble as you did for the first battle. Cole and I will ride beside Charleo and Keegan."

The sounds of scurrying warriors rushed the silence.

"Non-warriors, you need to stay here. _Do not_ try to travel and warn other non-warriors throughout Maycly. SUL will call no one to view this battle, as we need to keep ourselves in secret until the surprise attack command is given. We needed to inform you, though, so you'll trust SUL along with us, helping make us an even stronger silent force." Iona slid her eyes across the remaining crowd. Terror was written on the non-warriors' faces. "Do not fear. Again, trust in our Grand Wizard. Thank you."

Iona stepped back from the podium. On her way out she hugged and encouraged as many of the non-warriors as she could. Charleo hated to pull her away, but they needed to make the necessary preparations.

Chapter 59

Surprise Attack

"My gazer! What has happened to my holographic machine? YOU!" FAZ pointed at one of his throne attendants. "Come here!"

"Yes My Lord?"

"Fix this thing. Why isn't it working?"

"I'm not certain, My Lord, but I will try."

"Trying isn't good enough. FIXING is what I need!" FAZ backhanded the attendant out of his sight and pointed to another. "YOU! Fix this, NOW!"

Trembling, the second attendant made his way to the gazer. "My Lord, the holographic gazer is not broken. I fear its time has just run out."

"AAAAAGGGGG! Then get me more time."

"You cannot just 'get time' My Lord."

"Then I shall turn you into ousoab slop!" FAZ gave two claps, and two Vauhlpeezies grabbed the evil wightling attendant, dragged him to the ousoabs' pen, and tossed him in with no remorse.

OUSOAB

Saliva and breath slipped through FAZ's gritted teeth. He could no longer observe what was taking place on Maycly.

• • • •

The troops gathered in silence at the southern end of Main Street in The Training Village. Maycly flags were flying high, but there was no revelry as there had been prior to the previous battle. The animals were dressed for combat. Raffedaries were carrying medical supplies and being led by the masters of medicine. Towdies were pulling fully loaded battle carts, and armed aerialoceroses flew above the troops with their riders. New to the lineup were the terrasailians, amphibious flying creatures trained for battle over the last several months, already deployed and waiting in their new permanent home in Sentinel Marsh.

TERRASAILIAN

Artie appeared on his icataras with Wiskee flying on his own mini cat close behind. Artie had dressed Wiskee in the attire SUL had left for him hanging neatly in his headquarters–a weapon resistant tunic, tiny greaves for all four legs, and a small but very sturdy helmet.

Iona had donned her protective chest plate, wrist guards, and boots, and Cole was shining in his special suit of armor from SUL. Both rode giant Andalusians, one shiny black with white great egret feathers for its mane, the other dappled gray with a mane of scarlet macaw feathers. Cole joined Charleo and Keegan beside the commander's wagon at the front of the line. Jit and Giddy, this time wearing helmets, chest plates, and wing guards, were in their usual places on Halo's and Scepter's heads.

Iona rode up and back multiple times, speaking softly to the readied troops. "I am here to fight alongside you, not stay in the distance and watch." The troops instinctively began to shout with approval. Iona immediately raised her hand. "Stop! You must not cheer; you must not make a sound. Store your eagerness for the moment Evil comes over the Skygem Alps. I cannot stress enough that we must be silent during our travels and our assembly in the valley. If you have any questions or concerns, come to me directly." She made one final pass. "Remember you are warriors of Good. Your prophesied queen has arrived to seal Good forever, and I have every intention of doing so, but together we must fight hard and win this battle." Iona rode back to the front.

SUL arrived with Carbreyghal. A gollshish nut appeared in the air before each warrior. The shell of each nut split open, and the nutmeat lifted and hovered. Magically each gollshish nut whispered its instilled power from SUL to its warrior then requested to be eaten. Every warrior did as instructed. A miniature goblet appeared before each warrior, a ghostly living image of SUL's face illuminated on each goblet, whispering the purpose of the gwendelant. It then instructed each warrior to take his small goblet from the air and drink. After doing so, every goblet turned to powder and vanished. SUL made certain to silence the overly zealous fiery castle sentinels. Then He released the army of Good and silently spoke to Iona. _"The etherealians and I shall see you in the valley."_

• • • •

The troops had done well. They had remained unseen and quiet. All took their assigned places and made preparations. Iona, Cole, and the three chukkon leaders were glad to see that the tunnel in the Alps was still blocked by the heavy boulders the icatarases had dropped during their escape from the gallows.

Iona and Cole arrived at their designated place, dismounted their giant Andalusians, and lay on their bellies on the ground far from the other warriors. Iona whispered to Cole. "Did you ever have any idea this is where we'd end up?"

"I'd have to say...no." Cole unsheathed his sword and studied the markings that were so delicately engraved on its blade.

Iona looked at the sword. "I thought I was just kidding when I called you my knight in shining armor."

Cole put his arm across her back. "Are you ready Teddy?

No tears fell; only fire shone in her eyes. "I was born ready."

In late afternoon, the mess troops loaded and led some of the raffedaries to the battlefield where they delivered welcomed nourishment to the hushed warriors. Even by the time the mess troops returned to their post, there was no sign of Evil coming over the Alps on their way to a village raid. The silence was maddening. The time came for the suns to trade their light with the moons and bring about twilight. Warriors were getting weary and fighting sleep, but they encouraged one another, without words, to remain alert.

Iona pulled back the neckline of her dress. Her birthmark was glowing. "Cole, this is it. This is really happening." Her breath stopped for an instant.

"Alert our generals Princess."

Iona motioned to Charleo and Philip, and the two generals began to rally the troops with hand signals.

Cole held Iona. "Let me see bravery, not fear, in your eyes. The same bravery you had the day I appeared at Honky-Tonk Hurley's." He watched Iona's countenance change. "That's what I'm talking about. Now you keep that bravery and don't let me down." He kissed her on the cheek. She felt his arm leave her back. He mounted his giant Andalusian and, standing next to Iona, waited for the next order from General Philip.

Iona's birthmark warmed and glowed again. She looked up at Cole astride his enormous horse and again pulled back the neckline of her dress. He gave her a nod. She motioned hand signals to Charleo and Philip, this time to assume their attack positions. Cole and the rest of the grounds men poised their arrows upward at their generals' silent orders. Iona's hair fluttered in the air stirred by the aerial troops which had risen cautiously and were moving to their positions just above the ground where they would hover until given the go-ahead.

The gentle light of twilight extinguished behind the Alps as a throng of Vauhlpeezies encroached. The warriors and animals grew anxious but trusted their general would deliver perfectly, just as before. Charleo's hand signals (to remain steady and hold) could hardly be seen. The archers' arms were nearing the shaking point from maintaining their aim. The dark cloud crested over the peaks and was now directly overhead.

"FIRE!" Charleo's vocal command was the first to break the silence.

"FIRE!" shouted Philip.

Arrows flew into the blackness. Rays of moonlight broke through voids in the dark cloud as targeted Vauhlpeezies dropped from the air.

"Dunna cease fire till ye be told ta do so, or till ye run outta arrows!" Charleo called the next order to Artie. "Charge ta the air!"

"CHARGE ta the air!" echoed Artie.

Iona's hair stood on end, pulled by the harsh updrafts of the numerous sentinels, aerialoceroses, and icatarases rushing straight upward, following the rising Alp walls with their riders.

Artie ordered Wiskee to wait. "Stay by me till time ta make yer move." Wiskee, not wanting to let go of the hair in his mouth to answer, gave Artie a one paw salute. When all of the aerial troops had charged, Artie and Wiskee took to the sky with a vengeance.

Charleo saw the flaming arrows of the aerial warriors climbing into the air in masses, igniting the Vauhlpeezies, several of which turned tail and retreated to alert FAZ.

FAZ slammed his fists on the table and glared at his messengers. "What do you mean we're under attack?"

"My Lord, they've already dropped a number of Vauhlpeezie raiders. They were hiding at the western base of the Alps and charged us as soon as we flew into their sights. We didn't stand a chance. I fear they have started the final battle with a surprise attack."

"BAAAHHH!" FAZ picked up his nonfunctional gazer. It shattered when it hit the wall across the room. He roared, and fire shot from his mouth, singeing those who did not get out of the way in time. "Inform the troops, and ready the animals. Take to Bailiwick. NOW!"

Chaos broke out. FAZ went to his window. "If the final battle is what they want, then the final battle is what they'll get." Fire again spewed from his sulfuric mouth and out the window in rage. He rammed his scaled fist through the wall around the window and created a bigger opening. He shoved his hand through the enlarged window and slid his pointing finger from side to side, as if taking aim on the Alps. "Beasts of Doom and Despair, I summon you. Birth yourselves from the cliffs, you that have never been seen." The blazing fire that came from his mouth lit up the darkness, and the resonance of his voice shook the lair. Rocks, dirt, and snow avalanched as Targrum's side of the Alps began crawling with evil things.

• • • •

Charleo's heart pounded when he saw enormous silhouettes cresting the peaks in the twilight and beginning to hop and slide down the Bailiwick side of the Alps. He relayed new strategies to Philip. Both generals of Good then ordered formations and called out tactics, some in secret code.

"FIRE the catapults!" shouted Philip. The chukkons on the towdie-drawn carts released the ropes, and boulders flew, smashing select evil beasts and their riders. Other catapult launchers had been given the orders to splinter sections of the Alps. At this, many evil beings lost their footing and plummeted. Their wails and shrieks echoed throughout the valley.

"Ground troops, CHARGE!" hollered Charleo. Philip repeated the order.

The moment Iona had been dreading was at hand. Cole shouted. "That's my command. Fight for me, Iona! Fight for SUL! FIGHT FOR MAYCLY!" She heard Cole's words fade as he left her side, his giant Andalusian carrying him into the midst of battle.

Iona mounted her giant Andalusian and rode toward Charleo and Keegan in their battle wagon. A jarring thunder erupted, and boulders shot toward the center of the valley. Iona saw chukkons and wightlings in the distance being thrust high into the air, disappearing in a cloud of dust.

Charleo saw Ron approaching. "RON! It be cobb rollers!" He pointed. "They've pounded through the sealed tunnel. Organize a squadron and charge the ginormous hogs!"

"Charleo, look. Beyond the tunnel. The northern base of the Alps is exploding!" Iona's giant horse felt her energy and reared.

Charleo shouted and motioned with a vigorous wave at Artie, who was making a pass overhead. Artie U-turned his icataras, and Wiskee's cat followed the maneuver. "Artie! What be a-burstin' from the northern base?" Charleo's face was pale.

"I dunna know. I'll be back. Wiskee, come with me...and be CAREFUL!"

Iona shouted. "H'yah!" Charleo's attempt to stop her failed. He watched as her shiny black Andalusian's flowing mane laid straight back. She and her horse disappeared into the midst of a large ground squadron. She pulled her scepter from her belt and waved it high as she guided her horse with precision, one handed, among the warriors. "Ride! Fight! Destroy them! Shout your battle cries! Release the anxiety you have been holding in!" When the troops saw and heard Iona they filled with valor and broke into their battle yells as they charged deeper into the midst of Evil.

Iona's Andalusian hard-galloped back toward Charleo and Keegan. Their eyes were deadlocked on the Alps, now covered and dripping with evil battle animals, many with riders. The opened tunnel heaved evil ground troops in epic proportions.

Artie and Wiskee returned to Charleo and Keegan. "I dunna know what the beasts be in the north. I've ne'er seen such monstrosities. And there be too many ta count!"

Iona shouted over the noises of the battle. "Describe them to me!"

"As best I could see from the air through the dust, they be big–enormous–dark red giants! Their horns be the color of fiery bones, and I could seem 'em a-smokin' from their heat. And their hooves..." Artie was at a loss for words.

Wiskee jumped in. "Their hooves are as big as a cobb roller's head!"

"Crimson mondobrawns." Iona's face tightened. "One of Evil's hidden beasts from the decoding. FAZ has awakened the Beasts of Doom and Despair!"

"The beasts of what?"

"Artie, were there riders on the mondobrawns?"

CRIMSON MONDOBRAWN

"Aye Princess. They be huge beins'–all muscle–with devilish red horns and eyes of a viper. And their weapons...I be a-tellin' ye, they be deranged!"

Iona mouthed the truth to Charleo. "Myobeasts."

Keegan's voice blared louder than anyone had ever heard. "What kind of beasts?"

Artie was determined they should know. "Aye. Tell us Princess. We can handle it."

"The riders... they're myobeasts."

MYOBEAST WITH POONDER AND NET

Charleo saw his friend's lips begin quivering. "Keegan, go ta the back of the wagon. Ye'll be safe there." Relieved, Keegan went to hide.

Artie and Wiskee took to the sky. Artie whistled and made shrilling noises with his tongue; the sentinels and mandibs collected in front of him. "Wiskee! Tis time ye be a-findin' out what the evil battle animals be up ta. Fly! Go!" Wiskee saluted again then piloted his mini cat in, under, and through the evil battle animals.

Iona's heart skipped a beat when she saw Wiskee appear high above the battlefield on his mini cat. _Hang on little buddy, hang on._ The mini cat made a few barrel rolls then drove straight to the ground. Just before colliding with the dirt the cat pulled up and sped back through the jumbled mass of Evil. _Oh Wiskee, I hope you know what you're doing. OK Iona, stay focused. You have a battle to win. Trust SUL._ Iona cleared her thoughts, shook off her worry, and continued her battle duties.

Wiskee flew to Artie in the middle of the sentinels and mandibs. He persuaded his tiny cat to fly backwards and stay a few inches from Artie's face. "Artie, the evil battle animals, they all talk at the same time. It's nothing but gibberish to me. What do I do?"

"Stay at a safe distance and single out one animal. Concentrate and keep a-listenin' hard ta only that one. Got it?"

"Got it!"

"But first I be a-needin' ye ta direct these aerial battle animals ta take aim on as many mondobrawns and myobeasts as possible." Wiskee turned at Artie's words and barked the command. The sentinels and mandibs raced toward the hoards of evil beasts. Artie waved his thanks, and Wiskee rode off to the north to find an evil battle animal that might unwittingly give up some information.

• • • •

The sounds from the Valley of Battles had echoed early on throughout Maycly. Marlen gathered the boys, readied Rascally and the wagon, and bolted toward the east. She saw the wagon load of her friends just ahead on the cart path and pushed Rascally to catch up. In no time they were right beside Grampa Lawrence's wagon. "Whoa Rascally. Whoa boy." Both wagons came to a halt. Ann, Leonard, Gramma Hilda, and Grampa Lawrence were glad to see them.

Ann shouted over the noise. "What's all the commotion? That thundering. That pounding."

"Tis the final battle, I be sure. But we ne'er got word from SUL ta come and watch. I dunna know why."

"Then where are you guys going?"

Marlen made certain to have their full attention. "Ta the Valley of Battles. Ye do know, dunna ye, that Iona, Cole, and Wiskee'll probably already be there?"

"But Iona just got here. She isn't ready for this. Oh, my little Sunshine." Leonard took Ann in his arms. Grampa Lawrence wrapped an arm around Gramma Hilda.

Denton and Dittle had heard everything from inside the wagon. They jumped from the back, dashed to the front, and climbed aboard with Marlen. Dittle stood behind the driver's bench, and Denton took over the reins. "Ta the Valley of Battles! Follow us! Ride fast! Ride hard!" The others followed.

They reached the southern tip of the Rivalry Mountains. "Stop! Look!" The wagons came to an abrupt halt at Dittle's words. "We be a-needin' ta hide the horses behind the mountains." All dismounted and coaxed the horses to safety then returned to the southern end of the valley. "Climb here. Dunna stay on the battlefield. Follow me. We need ta get up inta the mountains, away from those!" Dittle pointed, and at the sight of the approaching terror, everyone started their climb.

But not fast enough. They had been spotted by evil riders on cryptoderms, charging on all fours toward them. BOOM! The Rivalry Mountains jostled, and they all felt the rocks begin to crumble beneath their feet. The riders had commanded the cryptoderms to bash their armor-plated heads against the mountains just below the team of climbing spectators.

CRYPTODERM

"Climb faster!" shouted Dittle. Time and again the head-bashings rocked the already shaky heights. The evil basket-riders beat the cryptoderms, prompting them to stand on their hind legs so the head-bashing would hit closer to the climbers. When the elephantine creatures reared and stood on their two hind legs, they became an impressive 20 feet tall. The evil riders swung in their riding baskets; some toppled out and were trampled. Those that had kept themselves in the baskets were now at the mercy of the mammoth beasts.

"Naaaeeee!" Denton made a dive to catch Ann's hand when the ground beneath her feet gave way. She was now dangling over a cliff, hanging on with all of her might. Leonard clung to a rock below her. Marlen, Grampa Lawrence, and Gramma Hilda, who had leapt to escape the disappearing rocks, landed on a very narrow flat spot and leaned as far back against the rocky wall as they could to keep their balance.

"Dunna try it, boys!" But Marlen's words were ignored. Denton and Dittle scaled the loosened boulders down toward Iona's parents. But Ann and Leonard lost their grips at the next head bashing of the wicked beasts. Marlen and Gramma Hilda screamed when they saw the two bouncing off the jagged rocks all the way to the ground. Denton and Dittle had been caught in the falling rocks with them but had mercifully slid and landed about three quarters of the way down the mountain, battered and bruised, but alive.

Carbreyghal and a fellow etherealian went instantly to Ann and Leonard, gathered their separated spirits and bodies, and delivered them to their resting places. Ann and Leonard were the only two wightlings who would lie with the deceased chukkons on Maycly until SUL called for the reunion of bodies and spirits.

Denton was proud of his little brother, being brave and fighting through his pain as they climbed on down to the valley floor then turned and waved up to Marlen. "We be a-goin' ta help Papa and the other warriors!"

"Boys, nae! Come back!"

Gramma Hilda consoled Marlen as they watched the young ones darting around the cryptoderms and making their way toward their papa's wagon on the battlefield. Marlen felt herself approaching hysteria, as it was almost too much for her to handle. She wept over the deaths of Ann and Leonard, over Denton and Dittle boasting injuries that needed immediate attention while plowing headfirst into battle, and over Grampa Lawrence trying to carry Gramma Hilda so she would not fall. Marlen froze, but Grampa Lawrence fervently encouraged her to continue. Each bang of the cryptoderms caused the climbers to lose their footing and slide downward. They felt that for every three steps they climbed up, they descended two. But they did not give up. They thought that the higher they could climb, the less effective the cryptoderms' head butts would become. They had guessed correctly, and this gave them the incentive to keep going. It took some time, but eventually they reached a point at which the rocks no longer shuddered or broke away. The cryptoderms and their basket-riders had to admit defeat. The huge animals retreated and thundered across the dirt to continue their head-bashing elsewhere.

• • • •

Iona had steered her Andalusian toward the north where Cole, in the midst of battle, was swinging the empowered blade. She rode right up to him and shouted. "I need you to clear the way to the foot of the Alps!"

Cole nodded. "Men! Ten of you clear a path to the Alps for the princess. The rest of you stay with me." Iona's horse was on edge and backed away. They waited for the wightling warriors to take the lead. Iona stared into Coles eyes, both hers and his filled with love for one another.

"Watch out!" shouted Iona. Cole turned and launched himself to the ground, narrowly escaping the mondobrawn galloping toward him, bent on goring him.

Iona's horse whinnied as it wildly jumped and kicked, nearly throwing her. Even at the disruptive motions, Iona was able to watch Cole as he swung his special sword and cut the tendons on one of the mondobrawn's back legs. Cole rolled to escape being crushed and smothered beneath the monstrous bull. Iona was torn between staying with her love as he fought or leaving him to fend for himself. Knowing that she had a promise to keep, she stiffened, turned, and followed the men, now void of their enhanced power, fighting to clear a path for her.

Cole continued to slice the legs at the knees of more mondobrawns. The heavy bovines dropped, and their chins scudded against the ground. They bellowed in pain. Lightweight riders toppled from their riding baskets mounted on the mondobrawns, but the myobeasts hung on all the way to the ground, becoming partially pinned under the heavy bovines. Cole ran through the fallen myobeasts, cutting their wrists to drain their tar-like blood, incapacitating them.

Iona dropped to the side of her Andalusian, just missing a swing from a myobeast's gruesome weapon–a large club nearly six feet in length with four-to-six ropes tied to one end. At the end of each rope were nooses tightened around the necks of evil wightlings' half-bodies left over from ousoab feasts. Because they were evil wightlings, they lingered in torment and were not dead. They gagged and screamed as they were whirled and slung then thumped into their targets.

The path had been cleared. "I can make it the rest of the way on my own." Iona nodded with appreciation. Compassion was evident on her face as she watched only six of the ten wightling warriors ride off; the other four were left behind to wait for the masters of medicine.

Iona righted herself in the saddle, and her Andalusian vaulted over the slaughtered heaps. The Alps were becoming naked of beasts and other Evil, so her plan was to find an optimal spot to climb to the top of the Alps and see if more Evil was coming from Targrum.

• • • •

"CHARGE TO THE SOUTHWEST! Go the base of the Alps there!" commanded Philip. More Beasts of Doom and Despair, the crested armadillodons, had broken free and were lumbering across the battlefield, snapping their giant teeth, tossing their prey aside with every chomp, and shaking the ground with rancor as they trod.

Cole broke through the field of slashed and oozing mondobrawns and saw the armadillodons in the south. SUL spoke inwardly, _"They too shall fall victim to your sword. Take your men and charge."_

CRESTED ARMADILLODON

"Men! Catch a sky ride and meet me in the south!" Cole's men wasted no time hailing and jumping aboard with other riders on aerialoceroses. Cole started to run to catch his ride, but through the dust appeared another enemy. He butchered the myobeast towering before him. Cole made out Artie's silhouette on his icataras, flying toward him. He scaled the draining myobeast to get higher. He shouted and hailed Artie. Artie made a swooping pass near the downed myobeast, and Cole jumped on. The icataras was none too thrilled about carrying a foreign rider, but Artie kept her under control. Cole shouted, "Head southwest. I can defeat those giant snappers."

Artie hoped Cole knew what he was in for. "Whate'er ye say. But ye be a-needin' ta hold onta me as tight as ye can, just in case she decides ta be a-doin' a barrel roll." Cole's arms reached far enough around Artie he was able to clasp his own forearms in his hands. Artie gave the command, and his icataras shot off like it was injected with a special magic, ascending at breakneck speed to avoid direct hits, and pulling in first one wing, then the other, doing a few half rolls to avoid impending dangers.

Artie slowed the cat at the southwest end. Cole jumped, rolled, and came up swinging. Artie immediately turned his cat and headed back north. The armadillodons began to group, making them nearly unstoppable. Cole trusted SUL to continue to keep the sword's magic blade sharp and his aim keen. He could not wait for the other warriors to come to his aid.

Charleo ordered more ground troops to help Cole, but a unit leader riding by responded to the order. "There be no extras left. They all be on the field already." Charleo frowned. All he could do was watch Cole battle the monsters alone. Cole stood his ground and with every swing carved open the belly of an armadillodon. Stomachs and intestines poured out, much of them onto Cole.

Charleo saw it coming, and there was nothing he could do; evil ground troops began to overtake Cole. Cole could run much faster than the evil ground warriors, so he bolted through the undersides of the armadillodons, disemboweling them as he ran, smothering the pursuing evil warriors with massive amounts of gutted slime. Cole breached the pack and watched the giant beasts collapse like demolished buildings, crushing the evil forces that had followed him.

• • • •

Wiskee had secretly zeroed in on the bellowing of a chameleon grizzly scudder flying at the back of its herd, cruising about fifty feet above the ground. To everyone else it would have sounded like wicked bawling, but Wiskee interpreted the scudder's words with ease. Wiskee turned his mini cat feverishly and sped over the vehement scene to Charleo. He could feel the wind from other winged creatures flying above him in the opposite direction, and he winced at the heat from flaming arrows whizzing by.

A tangled sphere of flying serpentines careened into Wiskee's icataras nearly throwing him to the ground. Though Wiskee now was hanging and swinging like a sock monkey, the strap Artie had used to tie him to the saddle kept him from falling. The squirming reptiles turned and followed him. They lunged, striking and hissing as they taunted the helpless Wiskee, but he understood every word of their scare tactics. "You'd besssssst watch out little pup. It'ssssss obviousssss you're of no ssssssize to be a threat! You're nothing but a ssssssimple runty mongrel."

Wiskee almost fired a comment back at them, but he controlled himself, just as SUL had commanded, and only barked with his upper lip snarled in anger. He felt a pair of hands wrap around him and toss him back aboard his icataras. It was another warrior of Good passing by on an aerialoceros. As soon as the icataras felt Wiskee on his back, he shot forward and away from the aerial snakes. Wiskee watched as his rescuer hacked apart the ball of venomous crawlers until they were nothing but bloodied snake nuggets.

Wiskee pulled up to Charleo and Keegan's wagon. "Where's Momma? She's supposed to be here...at the wagon!"

"Tis a battle Wiskee, and she be a-havin' duties, just as ye do." Wiskee hung his helmeted head at his momentary lack of bravery and trust. Charleo lifted Wiskee's head with his finger. "Did ye find out anythin' fer us from the scudders?"

Wiskee perked back up and talked fast. "Yes! Yes! I heard them say all they had to do was hold us at bay until FAZ comes over the Alps, then he'll begin to destroy all of us with his bad breath fire. Apparently he's in the lair somewhere, inhaling hot molten junk of some kind for some reason–I didn't really understand that part. Anyway, his new fire has intensified. The flames will be hotter and wider so they can take out more of us all at once! But worst of all, FAZ's main focus is Momma. We gotta stop him!"

"Wiskee, ye truly be the A.G.W." Wiskee remained by the wagon, but brave or not, a tear still escaped as his eyes combed the battlefield in search of his missing momma.

"Papa! We be here ta help. We wanna be warriors too."

Charleo jerked at the sound of his boys' voices. "Nae! Dunna ye _dare_ go onta that field. Ye must have yer momma worried sick."

"But Papa, we wanna help."

There wasn't time to fuss; Charleo did some quick thinking. "All right. The way ye two can best be a-helpin' is ta get inta the back of the wagon with Keegan and be a-keepin' him calm. Ye hear me? Go on, both of ye...NOW!" The boys scurried, intent on helping Keegan keep his cool.

Charleo tucked his chin to his chest and covered his ears to tune out the battle's noises, then he called to SUL inwardly for help. SUL did not let him down. _"Charleo, everything is up to Iona now. I shall call upon her to read the words from her scepter when the time is right. Keep your troops fighting."_ Settled by SUL's inward prompting, Charleo breathed deeply.

• • • •

Iona had safely reached the center of the Skygem range and saw what she considered a prime spot to climb. She left her Andalusian, made certain her scepter was tightly fastened to the front of her belt, and began to scale the gigantic wall. No one saw her as she disappeared into the jagged rocks and peaks. As she climbed she could hear the myriad of sounds from the traumas below and above her: the screeching of metal-to-metal from battle axes cutting open armor, the whooshing of tridents being hurled and hitting their targets of living flesh, blood splattering on fallen rocks, shields busting into pieces from the mighty blows of weighted spiked maces, cries of the wounded, horses whinnying in sheer distress, ginormous battle animals sounding their calls, and throngs of Vauhlpeezies fighting amongst themselves in flight as each one tried to be the leader. In the distance she picked out the encouraging faint rhythms of the battle drums of Good.

Lucasphair's sudden appearance frightened her when he rushed over the Alps in his chariot pulled by four wolven gliders. Being the coward he was, he remained high in the sky out of harm's reach. Iona knew the snarling and growling coming closer from the top of the Alps could only mean one thing with Lucasphair on the scene–grumners and imps. She increased her pace, scaling the Alps to a place she hoped would hide her. She was almost at the top of the peak when she felt the imps attack her ankles. She kicked and threw rocks at them. _The grumners can't be far behind._ She kept climbing, bleeding and in pain. She buried herself in a crevice when the grumners toppled over the peaks like lemmings. Several grumners tried to regain their footing as they slid out of control down the Alps. Luckily none saw or smelled Iona as they rushed by.

The waterfall of grumners stopped. Cautiously Iona pulled herself from her hiding place. She maimed two more imps and sent them flying through the air, though several of them still clung to her open wounds as she dragged herself closer to the top of the peak. _I don't know how much more pain I can take from these blasted imps. But I've got to see over into Targrum. SUL, Grand Wizard, please hear me, I need strength._ Still kicking at the chomping menaces, she finally made it and peered into Targrum. The eerie stillness of the dark land bothered her. There were no Vauhlpeezies, no troops, no animals, and no FAZ; only a few ousoabs wrestled in their pens. Her grip loosened from weariness. Though severely weakened, she continued to fight off the imps that were pulling her down.

She heard a heaving noise break the silence of Targrum. She inched her way back up and saw FAZ oozing from his lair, his actions slow and labored. Pain shot through the numbness as the imps again pulled her back down to where she could not see, but she retaliated and hauled herself back up.
It took several minutes for FAZ to fully emerge. He had magnified tremendously in size. This time Iona ducked down of her own accord so only her eyes showed through the peaks. She slid her dagger from its cover strapped to her arm and stabbed at the imps. But they were too fast. In her weakened state she accidentally stabbed her own leg, and the imps laughed. She was exhausted.

Intense heat rushed at her and the imps. The imps backed off and sped down the slopes. She dragged herself up yet again and peered through the cracks. FAZ shot his fiery breath toward the Alps, and Iona felt the heat assault her face from over a mile away. His twisted head-limbs glowed and sparks shot from every tip. When he spread his wings, Iona associated the action with enormous tattered sails being hoisted then hanging from an abandoned ghost ship. His lava-like blood radiated deep red through the scales that covered his skin. He opened his mouth and again breathed fire at the Alps. Iona saw his saber-toothed fangs dripping with flammable acid. His forked tongue uncoiled and snapped like a lizard's as it latched onto an unsuspecting evil aerial beast that had strayed off course and back into Targrum. FAZ's tongue recoiled, and he chewed the beast into nothingness. His strength dwindled with every breath of fire, just as SUL had said.

Iona felt a twinge of intimidation but reminded herself she must be courageous. _Surely SUL will call upon me soon. Those in the valley would never be able to fight FAZ now. SUL has to know this._ She was losing more strength from the loss of so much blood. Ripping the hem off her dress, she made bandages to tie around her ankles to try and stop the bleeding.

• • • •

Before morning broke SUL summoned the etherealians to waken, inform, and carry all non-warriors to the western ridge.

The aerial battle continued. Bodies were dropping as the flying animals were whomping off the sides of the mountain walls and thudding on the ground. The smell of the aerial riders' burning flesh and their beasts' singed hair and charred hide were not for the squeamish. Winged hydrurgas raced over Iona, shrieking, heading for Sentinel Marsh. They flew beyond the marsh, circled around, and skimmed across the surface. Iona saw the spray of the hydrurgas hitting the water causing the terrasailians to burst into the air, now being chased by the crazed flying leopard seals. Panicking, some of the terrasailians ripped through the trees shredding their impressive sails and falling to their deaths.

A fiery castle sentinel rider saw what was happening and called for the other eleven sentinels. Each commanded his gallant beast to fly to the turtles' rescue. "Fire!" The command echoed from rider to rider. The warriors in the sentinel baskets began disabling the hydrurgas, whacking off their wings. The terrasailians who had escaped from the hydrurgas landed safely, and several ground warriors of Good ran to harness them. Off they took into the air joining the sentinels, encouraging Artie with their added presence.

The battle on the ground was no different; it held its own tragedies. The grotto cobb rollers had not settled at daybreak and were still uprooting everything in their paths. Charleo watched the scale-feathered garrotts pulling the masters of medicine to aid the wounded. There were so many with broken bones, open gashes, and spears and daggers piercing their living bodies the masters' trips seemed futile. They returned to the caves of bodily repair with full carts, but their loads did not even put a dent in the number of those requiring treatment.

Marlen, Grampa Lawrence, and Gramma Hilda stood in shock at the view in the valley. The entire scene warped into slow motion before their eyes. Arrows with fiery tips flew north, south, east, and west. Boulders cut through the smoke as they were launched from the catapults. Swords clanged against other swords and shields. Filled helmets shot upward as heads were severed. Hands still holding shields or swords sailed and spun as they were detached. Body parts of chukkons, wightlings, and animals whirled like useless rags through the stench of battle.

Charleo's mouth was frothing with orders and commands. Philip was riding with his warriors and shooting arrows as fast as he could. Cole continued to swing the mighty Sword of Death, exposing blood and muscles of evil creatures. But the battle cries remained vigorous.

Keegan had collapsed inside the wagon; Denton and Dittle were holding him. He was crying so hard he did not feel as though he could catch a breath. Jit and Giddy had squirmed their way under Halo's and Scepter's harnesses. Artie and Ron were shouting commands as their salty sweat burned their eyes. Their faces bled from the grazes of Evil's weapons. Wiskee remained on his Icataras next to Charleo, ready to do anything Charleo asked of him, but he was not giving up on finding his momma.

• • • •

They had battled through the twilight and the day, and now twilight was upon them again. Torches were being lit and carried across the plain by etherealians to aid the good warriors. All that could be seen of Evil were shadows until they came into the torch-light.

Iona's breathing was shallow, but she was thankful the gnawing pains had stopped. She could see FAZ's ominous silhouette approaching the Alps. The sizzling roots protruding from his head glowed even brighter in the twilight. She could see the dull forms of the moons through his eerie scrim-like wings. She lost her depth of field but knew he was getting closer with each passing moment, as she felt the heat intensify around her. She looked below and saw dark figures moving about and fiery arrows racing through the air.

FAZ floated upward and onward. He completely eclipsed the light of the moons, and for the first time, Maycly experienced total darkness. Iona's heart was sinking into the pit of her stomach. She did not know whether to stand her ground or descend and warn the others, and time was running out to make that decision as FAZ was almost to the Alps' peaks.

Iona felt warmth at the sight of her birthmark; she looked down and saw it glowing.

Chapter 60

Good or Evil...Which Will Prevail?

Iona made her decision. She rose to her feet–no easy task with her chewed-up legs. FAZ's heat caused her entire body to sweat. She did not care if he could see her now as she grasped the scepter from her belt and held it high above her head. The first word SUL had inscribed on her scepter was now glowing. She wobbled and nearly fainted, but her courage overshadowed her pain. She looked directly at FAZ. Through her tears of pain and exhaustion she inhaled deeply and loudly enunciated _"OCK."_ She took another breath, and the second word lit up. _"TOONAUM."_ She saw FAZ's face come into the dim light. _"ETHEREAL."_

FAZ turned his full attention to her and crept through the air toward her. She could feel the skin on her legs begin to jitter from her uncontrollable nerves. Her arms grew weaker, but she fought with all her might to keep the scepter raised, waiting for more words to light up. Finally the last three words glowed with a radiating brightness. She boldly shouted them, _"APRAWL DIST VEEAHN!"_ Then she collapsed, certain that FAZ would consume her, but she knew she had done her duty as requested by the Grand Wizard.

The Alps began to quake. Iona's energy was now completely spent. She sobbed profusely from the odd combination of terror and pride of accomplishment. She did not see how she could ever climb back down to the valley floor. The rocks beneath her knees rumbled. She could hear FAZ getting closer. The Alps shook yet again. She tilted her head back and could see FAZ now dragging himself over the peaks, slithering against the sharp terrain. He was close enough now she could not only hear but also feel his hateful scorching breath. She cringed as his acidic saliva dropped on the rocks beside her.

_SUL, please tell Cole I love him._ The fumes from FAZ's slimy spit burned her eyes. She was shaking so hard from fright, she gagged and vomited _. SUL, please tell Mommy and Daddy I did my best and that I'm sorry my best wasn't good enough._ Again the Alps jolted from a massive burst. She knew she needed to move fast, but she could not. She listened for SUL's voice to speak to her inwardly, but there was too much distraction for her to hear Him even if He did speak to her. _SUL, please tell Wiskee I love him. Give him to Charleo when I'm gone. And I know this next move is not the smartest idea I've ever had, but it's my only chance to restore Good to Maycly._

Figuring she had no means of escape, Iona decided to face FAZ head on. His colossal presence loomed before her. He towered over her, nearly 50 feet tall. She looked up at his smoldering dead-root face. His eyes were no more; they had sunken into their sockets, and she saw nothing but the purest of Evil in the hollow spaces. Her worst fear now was that she would not be able to fulfill her destiny, and if this were the case, she wanted to go out fighting. She heard the troops below wailing, calling for their queen. She was willing to give it her best–her very last–to save and protect them.

Again Iona raised her scepter and pointed it directly at FAZ. She bellowed courageously through her fright and tears. "YOU! You shall not destroy Maycly with your Evil!" She was crying so hard, strands of saliva strung between her lips and dropped from her mouth. Her screams were so violent she knew her vocal chords were ripping. "You will NEVER rule my friends or family! For they are of Good, and Good will win this final battle!"

FAZ laughed wickedly, the sound reverberating over the din of the battle. He bent slowly, bringing his mammoth face near Iona's. With her scepter held high, she awaited the sting of death.

FAZ raised his knotted head and turned it to the west. Fire shot from his mouth and nostrils far above her head. Sparks fell and singed her already ruined velvet dress. She turned to see what he was trying to destroy. It was her warriors. FAZ roared with anger. The warriors of Good who evaded the flames began to shoot their arrows at FAZ.

"Charleo...Charleo..." Wiskee could not grasp the magnitude of what he was seeing. The light in the Valley of Battles began to grow. SUL had heard Iona call the words from the inscriptions on her scepter, and that was His cue. He appeared over the ridge of the Rivalry Mountains, riding in a chariot made of one solid pearl, pulled by a team of twelve silvery-blue, winged giant Andalusians with colorful manes resembling golden-headed quetzal tail feathers. In His right hand He held the reins, and in His left He held a purple lightning bolt so bright it lit up the valley as though it were day.

FAZ breathed another breath of fire toward SUL. SUL held the lightning bolt horizontally, redirecting FAZ's racing flames outward and upward. This provoked FAZ even further. He forgot about Iona and worked his way into the valley. His robe, reeking of brimstone, slid over Iona as he passed above her. She crouched and curled into a ball with her hands over her head. She felt the talons on his feet slide over her. When she lifted her head all she could see was the back of FAZ as he floated westward.

SUL's chariot hovered in the air, and the voice of thunder He had used at creation sang from the deepest part of His soul. "Behold! Princess Iona has called the Archaels to come forth from the walls of the Skygem Alps."

At the sound of SUL's voice the warriors ceased their fire. Iona felt her body fill with strength from His words. The Alps shook and trembled again. Boulders and icy shards burst forth. The warriors stood in awe. Giant etherealians–Archaels–that SUL had kept hidden since creation broke from the western side of the Alp walls like the calving of great glaciers.

Iona tried to see what she had called forth, but she could not see past the jagged points and boulders before her. She realized each explosion was coming closer to the center of the Alps. Two of the Archaels rose into the air high enough that Iona could see them. They created a wall, stopping FAZ, dwarfing him in size and valor.

The Archaels were made of spodumene crystalyte, unique to Maycly, able to withstand the pounding of weaponry and extreme heat and cold. Their wings were covered with white feathers encrusted with diamonds, pink coral stones, and sapphires, and they spanned a distance of more than 200 feet. Crowns of white gold inlaid with rubies and emeralds adorned the Archaels' heads. Their fingers and toes were decorated with rings of sterling silver. Their robes were made of the finest silk, and over their robes they wore breast plates made of thick, rich brocade. Wide straps hung from the waists of the breast plates creating an entire tunic. The chest portions of their tunics were engraved with words of gold, the same words Iona had spoken while holding her scepter.

Fire rushed sporadically from FAZ's mouth as he tried to break through the two magnificent creatures before him, but it was to no avail, for their transparent bodies and limbs withstood the intense heat with ease. One Archael pinned FAZ's wings behind him. Another clasped an iron collar around FAZ's neck; dangling chains would serve as leashes. Together the Archaels took hold of his snout and clamped it shut using heavy metal straps with protruding barbs. Two more Archaels held Lucasphair's chariot and awaited their next command.

Another explosion, this time directly below Iona, birthed the twelfth and final Archael. At the jarring, Iona lost her balance and fell forward, catching herself with her hands on the jagged rock edges, cutting her palms to the tendons. She screamed for SUL to help her and waited, but her hands did not heal.

She could hear SUL calling out to all Mayclysians, "Look to the Archaels' tunics. You will see the golden words change into words you recognize." SUL pointed His lightning bolt toward their tunics. Iona kept a watchful eye on the two Archaels she could see, still hoping her hands would stop bleeding. The six words she had spoken, engraved in gold on their tunics, changed to many:

Behold!

Only one was deemed worthy

To call our royal names.

Your queen has summoned us,

The mighty Archaels of Maycly.

We are destroyers of Evil.

Good shall be restored to Maycly.

Long live our queen!

The valley erupted. SUL called for the eight remaining Archaels to begin the gathering of Evil–wightlings, Vauhlpeezies, and animals–and lock them in the restricting cages that had been used to carry the innocent chukkons to Targrum before the first battle and during the raids on the villages.

Iona was hoping SUL would now heal her wounds, but still they bled. She did not want to give up. _Please SUL, send Your healing fog._ In desperation she listened for the singing blue mist.

The rocks beneath her feet gave way. The flash of her scepter caught Wiskee's eye. "MOMMA! Momma's falling from the Alps! I saw her green dress! She disappeared in the tumbling boulders! Charleo help!" Wiskee and his icataras shot toward the rocky avalanche.

"Wiskee, get back here this instant!" Charleo's words were lost in a silent whirl; Wiskee did not look back.

"H'yah!" Charleo snapped the reins. Halo and Scepter swiftly began striding. The wagon bumped and tossed as the horses jumped over the numerous obstacles that now littered the valley floor. Charleo could not see Wiskee through the dust.

The horses leapt over a slew of wounded warriors. Keegan poked his head through the front slit of the canvas. "What be a-goin' on out there?"

"Wiskee be a-thinkin' he saw his momma fallin' from the Alps. He went ta save her. I tried ta stop him, but he wouldna listen. Get back inside and hang on!" Keegan ducked back into the wagon with Denton and Dittle, and they clung to each other to steady their ride.

The horses persevered, rushing through dust and falling rocks. Then the dust began to clear, and Charleo glimpsed Carbreyghal and some of his fellow etherealians flying before them, opening up a path. Charleo steered with anxiety as the etherealians led him closer to the place they believed Iona had fallen. No one else in the valley had seen what had taken place, as their focus was on the Archaels.

"I see her!" shouted Wiskee to no one in particular. He flew another thirty feet then halted his miniature icataras. He chewed through the strap that held him on and leapt from the cat's back, rushing to his momma's side. Much of her was buried. Only her face, one arm, and one leg were partially exposed. The family heirloom necklace hung by a thread, but all of the pearls and stones were still accounted for. Blood ran from her head. The flowers that once wove beautifully through her braids were wilted, and her disheveled hair was matted with blood and dust.

Wiskee saw her scepter lying just out of reach at her side. He retrieved it in his mouth and returned it to her, placing it in her hand as best he could. He nudged it a few times; she did not move.

"Momma?" Wiskee's voice had never sounded so pathetic. He pawed at his helmet to remove it then moved to her face and began to lick her. "Come on Momma. My kisses always wake you up. Come on...please?" He felt tears fill his eyes when she did not move. He had never experienced feelings of such loneliness and failure. "Those stupid old snakes were right. I _am_ just a runty mongrel. I couldn't save you." He slouched down beside her, tilted his head back with his mouth to the sky, and howled his sorrow.

SUL appeared before Iona in a vision and spoke to her as she lay unconscious. "Your performance was far beyond the recognition of a standing ovation. The lightning bolt I hold is the amethyst crystal. The crystal never showed Me the future; instead, it imploded, then it exploded into minute pieces of glittering sand. The particles collected and created the purple bolt you see in My hand. It shall be the tool I use to cast FAZ to his eternal doom. You have restored Good to Maycly. You are a deserving queen." Iona saw SUL bow to her in her vision. He spoke again. "You have proven yourself. Your warriors have fought long and hard. Trust Me, take Me at My word, and you shall live." Iona watched SUL's brilliant light fade in the vision. Then all was darkness. She was dead.

Carbreyghal and the etherealians pulled up into a steep climb. Charleo spied Wiskee's icataras, and they rode to it. Charleo saw Wiskee lying by Iona, one paw on her broken hand. A lump built in his throat. He jumped from the wagon bench, and the other three followed from the back of the wagon. Everything around them went silent. Jit and Giddy braved up and flew to Charleo.

Wiskee sniffled and wiped his little leg across his nose. "Her spirit never came from her body."

"Then, she be dead? Her spirit ne'er left her? But it canna be. She be a wightlin'. She be our queen." Charleo's knees buckled, and he wept over her. Keegan and the boys joined him. Jit and Giddy had their hands full wiping tears, including their own.

Carbreyghal reappeared, floated to Iona, and stroked her bloodied face with his soft hand. "No need for sadness. Iona is special. This is the sign that she is a queen, for a queen's spirit remains with her body when she passes."

Wiskee stuttered every other word trying so hard not to whine like a puppy. "But how...will Momma...ever be our queen...and make...everything Good again...if her spirit...stays with...her body? She can't go through...the separation...and reunion... that brings her...back to life."

"Aye, how can this be? She be a wightlin', and there be only two who'll ne'er taste death and still live for e'er on Maycly. They be the keeper of the Usherin' Tree and the Warrior of Legend– Grampa Lawrence and Cole. _The Book of Good and Evil_ prophesied such. Iona's spirit must rise. Oh please..." Charleo melted into a cry once again, and again Jit and Giddy rushed to console him.

Carbreyghal's voice was extra gentle. "Wiskee."

Wiskee could not answer; he just looked up at Carbreyghal with big sad eyes and drooping ears.

Carbreyghal continued. "Was it not Iona, your momma herself, who asked you, on the day you arrived in your basket on her porch, 'Is that the key to my heart?'" Everyone looked confused.

Then Wiskee's ears perked, and he tilted his head. "The key to Momma's heart. Yes. On my collar. Charleo, take the key from my collar!" Wiskee held still as Charleo's little fingers removed the charm.

"Well, will ye look at that...the key be in the shape of the three suns of Maycly when they once gyrated. But why be it the key ta her heart? It be not a-glowin' or a-gettin' warm or..." Charleo did not get to finish.

Wiskee's eyes lit up. "Glowing. Getting warm. Don't you see? It's her birthmark. Her birthmark is the flag of Maycly. The key fits her birthmark, and her birthmark is right over her heart. The key is in the shape of the three suns on the flag. Am I right?" Wiskee looked at Carbreyghal for confirmation.

"Why don't you give it a try and see?" Carbreyghal's soothing voice brought them all to their feet.

Charleo handed the key to Wiskee. "Why dunna ye take the honors li'l buddy?"

Wiskee gingerly took the key in his mouth and approached his momma. They could all see his little legs trembling. He wanted to believe, but just in case, he tried to prepare himself to accept the worst. He pawed some stones away from the neck of his momma's dress and pulled it back, revealing the birthmark. Then he looked up at each one of his friends and found smiles of encouragement on all of their faces. He lined up the three suns between Iona's birthmark and the key.

Anticipation built as he placed the key on the birthmark. He closed his eyes and winced. Nothing happened. Holding the key steady with his mouth he opened one eye and glanced up at Charleo. Charleo shook his head.

Wiskee realized he had not prepared himself enough for that response. He slumped back and sat, hanging his head with the key in his mouth. The others did not know what to do or say. They heard Wiskee sniffle.

SUL spoke to Wiskee inwardly. Wiskee stood back up and looked at everyone, the key still in his mouth. "All iiitttthhh ddeedd tttoo bloo itthh prettthh the hkey hadder!"

"WHAT?"

"Be a-givin' me that key." Charleo took it from Wiskee. "OK, go ahead. What be ye a-sayin'?"

"SUL...He just spoke to me and told me I need to press the key harder into Momma's skin. You know, like a key in a lock. Now put the key back in my mouth...please."

Charleo returned the key. Everyone held their breath. Wiskee lined up the suns once again between the key and her birthmark, and this time he pressed the key harder. Again, nothing happened, but Wiskee did not give up. He just kept pressing. Finally he felt the key sink in like a marshmallow into hot fudge, and Iona's birthmark glowed. Wiskee let go of the key, and it disappeared into her heart. They all watched as the three suns on her birthmark began to gyrate.

"What'd I miss?" The voice shocked all of them. It was Artie.

"Uh, nothing really." All heads jerked toward Iona.

"Momma! You're alive now!" Wiskee jumped on top of the rocks on her chest and licked her face...and licked and licked and licked...

Artie was still in the dark. "Wait a minute. After a comment like that, ye'd have ta be dead first ta be alive _now_. Seriously, what'd I miss?"

"We don't have time to watch my birthmark glow. Help get these rocks off of me. I'm sure there's plenty we're missing on the battlefield right about now."

The rocks flew as her friends unburied her. When she stood she noticed all of her wounds were healed, even her hands. The flowers had re-grown in her braids. Her dress was fully mended, and the family heirloom necklace was intact and hung perfectly around her neck. She placed her scepter back in her belt.

Artie's icataras gave him a nudge. When he turned, what he saw was not what he was expecting. "Look! The three suns in our sky! They be a-startin' ta gyrate again!" When all looked, they saw the suns, now gyrating, moving into their positions and taking their turns kissing the horizon. After three full gyrations of the suns, the moons gave up their light, and twilight came to an end. The suns had not given Maycly a day so bright since before they had dropped into their straight line years ago.

"My tiara. Where's my tiara?" Iona combed the rocks and debris but could not find it.

"I dunna think ye'll be a-needin' it much longer, so I wouldna be a-worryin' too much about it." Puzzled, Iona looked at Charleo. He winked, and that led her to think he may be in on something with SUL.

She scooped Wiskee up in her arms and gave him a big kiss.

The sounds of the battlefield returned to their ears, but Iona and her band did not hear sounds of grief. Rather, they heard sounds of joy flooding the valley. Two etherealians blasted through the dust carrying Cole. They released him, and he tried to slow his running landing, but Iona and Wiskee were nearly knocked over by his force when he hit them with a hug.

"Sweetie! Wiskee! I've found you! You're both OK! Charleo, Keegan, Artie! And...Denton? Dittle? What are you two doing on the battlefield?" He took Wiskee in his arms and tossed him into the air a couple of times. A trail of sparkles wrapped around Cole's head. "Oh, Jit, Giddy! You guys are OK too. Thank goodness." Iona had never seen her knight in shining armor so happy to see so many. Cole handed Wiskee to Iona as he delivered his news. "You guys have got to see what's going on out there. We've won, thanks to Iona calling out the Archaels!" The nonchalant response from the others was not quite what he expected. "Uh, did I miss something?"

Iona and her friends looked at each other and let Artie answer. "Nae!"

"Good, then come on. Let's go see the grand finale. It's turning out better than any production we ever did Iona!" Everyone perked up when the reality of victory sunk in.

Emerging from the rocks and the dusty, cloudy mess next to the Alps, Cole pointed at the Archaels. High in the sky two of them still had FAZ bound in chains, two still had their grips on Lucasphair and his chariot, and the other Archaels were still gathering and bringing the sandwich cages stuffed full of Evil's beings to the center of the battlefield. Holding them high in the air, the Archaels spoke magic words; at their release the sandwich cages remained suspended.

The gathering of Evil took over an hour. The twelve czars had been collected in one cage. The imps and grumners occupied cages of their own.

SUL turned His attention to Earth and opened the sky. Those who still trusted in Him, the unborn, those who had been born after the onset of Evil, and those who had not been introduced to SUL's prophecies from _The Book of Good and Evil_ were able to see Maycly in its entirety from Earth, and only they could hear SUL's audible command. "Those on Earth who have chosen to turn their backs on Me, the Creator, the Grand Wizard, SUL– **S** orcerer of **U** nequivocal **L** eadership–will not understand what is about to happen. But all of you humans on Earth who can now hear Me shall drop to the ground in sudden painless death. But fear not; the etherealians, the skyships, and the mandibleron gryphons await you and will carry you to Maycly." SUL waved His hand, and those to whom He had spoken suddenly collapsed onto the ground. SUL then called for all animals, fish, and birds to fall asleep; and so they did. Domesticated and wild animals alike lay down and fell into a deep sleep that was impossible to interrupt on Earth.

And just as SUL had prophesied, those who did not trust Him scattered in chaos when so many living things fell lifeless for reasons they were unable to explain. Their minds were plagued by fears of viral epidemics, biological attacks, and random poisonings.

The mandibs circled the entire Earth pulling their skyships. Good etherealians became invisible and gathered the lifeless humans and the sleeping fauna of Good from Earth and escorted their bodies to the skyships. Many who had abandoned SUL clung to the legs and arms of those magically rising into the air, but their strength did not compare to that of the invisible etherealians pulling SUL's trusting ones to the skyships. The etherealians caused those clinging to their friends and loved ones to lose their grip and fall to the ground where they sobbed uncontrollably watching those dear to their hearts disappear into space. When the last being of Good had been brought to the skyships, SUL asked the sky to close. The blue came together and blocked out the pandemonium on Earth, even from Maycly, for the time being.

When the skyships arrived at the western ridge on Maycly, the spirits reunited with their bodies and all became wightlings. The sights and sounds were beyond description. SUL had brought His earthly trusters to witness the grand finale. The skyships carrying the sleeping animals from Earth took them to the fields and rolling meadows of The Training Village.

"Momma! Let me down! Let me down!" Wiskee wriggled and broke free.

"Where are you going?" Iona knew he would not answer.

He ran to Artie. "The other animals. We need to go now."

"Ye be right. Hop on up here li'l buddy."

Wiskee backed up and got a running start. "Cannonball!" PLOP! He landed in Artie's lap on the big icataras. "We'll just take yours, Artie. My little flying cat let me know he was happy to stay in the valley and watch the finale with the others." Off they flew.

"What be that all about?" asked Denton.

"It's Wiskee and Artie–it could be anything." Everyone got a laugh out of Iona's answer...even Charleo.

The familiar rushing wind swept through the valley. Trees bent, tall grasses rippled, and clouds swirled. SUL had inhaled and was ready to sing. "Let the restoration of Maycly's warriors and animals begin! Etherealians, fly to the healing meadows behind The Training Village, and gather as many salveleaves as you can. Bring them back and scatter them over the dead and wounded battle animals of Good." When the etherealians returned with the leaves, the battle animals of Good that had been killed or wounded were instantly healed and brought back to life at the touch of the leaves.

SUL sang again. "Vauhlpeezies who claimed the golden ash at the end of the first battle, your time has come. Be released from your cells and fly to the battlefield." The imprisoned Vauhlpeezies heard SUL's voice. Their cells burst open, and they fled from their confinement in FAZ's evil lair. SUL commanded them to halt in mid air above the Alps. Those of Good received them with thunderous applause. SUL restored them back to their glorious state of Good. Their brittle Vauhlpeezie hide cracked and chaffed and fell from them. Under the disgusting outer shells were beautiful beings.

"I now return your names; you are once again known as etherealians! In addition to the metallic lavendaria petal embroidered on your new robes, bands of gold, each two feet in length, will gather in threes above your heads and braid themselves together." SUL waited.

"Golden braids, form into halos of valor, bring forth a glow, and hover eternally above each etherealian's head. Let these continuous circles of gold remind all Mayclysians that their Grand Wizard never breaks a promise with those who trust Him."

When the restoration was complete, Carbreyghal and all of his fellow etherealians came to the others and officially welcomed them home in etherealian style. Carbreyghal addressed them. "My fellow etherealians, we welcome you back to your original state of service. SUL has requested our presence– _all_ of us–so please fly with us and be a part of the greatness of this day." All good etherealians took to the sky, followed Carbreyghal, and encircled the Archaels holding FAZ and Lucasphair and the cages filled with Evil.

"Carbreyghal, call for your fellow etherealians to gather the fallen chukkons who have served us well in this battle. Bring them to the base of the Rivalry Mountains."

Carbreyghal did as SUL asked.

"Now, My etherealians, release from them their spirits. Do not take them to their hiding place, for I will cause their spirits to hover above the Rivalry Mountains."

Everyone watched in amazement.

SUL continued. "Carbreyghal, regarding those chukkons who tasted death in the prior battle, take a select few etherealians with you and release those chukkons' spirits."

They sped to the hiding places and rolled the stones away from the openings. A bright cloud of spirits came into view from the northwest.

"Etherealians, leave the spirits to linger majestically above the Rivalry Mountains with the others."

SUL issued another order. "Now, My etherealians of Good, retrieve the bodies of those who sleep in death in the bases of the Rivalry Mountains. The Sprites will join you and create doors for you to enter the massive tombs. Find the body to which you were assigned, bring it and place it next to those who tasted death during this battle, then rise to the sky and wait."

The etherealians divided and sped away, half to the north and half to the south. When they returned, they were carrying two wightling bodies along with the chukkons'.

"Mommy! Daddy!" Iona lunged forward.

Cole instantly grabbed one of Iona's hands, Charleo took the other. "Twill be OK. Stay here beside us." They could feel her palms beginning to sweat.

"Spirits above the Rivalry Mountains, lower and hover above your body." SUL paused while the event took place. "Let us celebrate the reunion of bodies and spirits. Behold, I call for all Sprites of Maycly."

The Sprites came, led by Jit and Giddy.

"Sprites, gather and frolic with the spirits."

The Sprites danced about each chukkon spirit, and every spirit illuminated. Some Sprites were throwing lavendaria petals like confetti while others were shooting off ribbon candy fizzlers. Some of the Sprites rode equinarchs, and others were releasing throngs of starlight snuggerbugs from the live-boxes SUL had secretly asked the snuggerbugs to hide in.

Carbreyghal disappeared into the mass of spirits, and Reeawn took off to the north. When both reappeared, Carbreyghal was holding the hand of Levi's spirit, and Reeawn was cradling Levi's remains that had been lying in the shallow grave in Timberland Forest North.

SUL gave a command and the same lavender aura that had engulfed Him and His spirit before he dropped into His urn now encompassed Levi's spirit and remains. Lightning bounced inside the aura and sparkles flew. When Carbreyghal and Reeawn heard Levi gasp for air they engulfed him with their enormous wings, and when they backed away, Levi's body and spirit had reunited. He wore the same embroidered metallic lavendaria petal on his shirt as the etherealians. Carbreyghal and Reeawn lowered Levi to the ground, and he ran to his family. He was the first chukkon to return to Maycly, whole.

"Now spectators, turn your attention to the mass of spirits as they complete the reunions with their bodies!"

The Archaels and all etherealians of Good sang the Maycly anthem. The boisterous music resonated across the land. Every spirit grew brighter and brighter as it drew closer and closer to its body. With each note of the anthem, comets, followed by stars, shot from every spirit's fingertips and toes. The Sprites assisted the spirits hovering on their backs, aligning them with their bodies. The etherealians descended at SUL's beckoning and blended with the Sprites and spirits. The etherealians each melded with their assigned chukkon's spirit and sank into the peaceful body. When the personal etherealian finished connecting the chukkon's spirit and body, the etherealian burst with glittering light from the chukkon and joined the Sprites. All the chukkons gasped for a breath in unison then rose to their feet. The chukkon warriors and spectators ran, hopping and leaping through the air on their way to hold their loved ones.

SUL ordered Ensio's and Rachana's bodies to be delivered to Him in His chariot, as He wanted to watch their reunions firsthand. He was beyond elated when the etherealians burst from Ensio's and Rachana's tiny bodies, once again putting Him in the living presence of His first two chukkon creations.

With Ensio's second breath, he spoke. "Tis so good ta be a-seein' Ye SUL!" Rachana rushed to SUL; she could not hold back a hug. They felt SUL's magical touch just as they had at creation and found themselves floating. SUL gently placed them on the star from where they had watched creation, this time to watch the grand finale. They took a seat, and the stardust tickled Rachana's backside.

Denton invited Keegan onto his shoulders for a better view. Keegan searched and finally spotted Mitzy, Maye, and Karla. He dropped from Denton's back and bolted across the valley.

Iona's eyes were locked on Ann's and Leonard's bodies. She continued to glance around watching for their spirits, but they did not seem to be showing up. She saw SUL whispering to Carbreyghal, who then fled to Ann's and Leonard's bodies. He gently gathered them in his arms, flew them to Iona, and placed them at her feet.

"SUL thought perhaps you should be the first one they see when their spirits return to their bodies and life is restored." Carbreyghal winked (not a common trait found in etherealians, but not the first time Iona had seen him do it–she liked the trait).

Iona could not help but cry. She looked up at SUL and waved her scepter in a thankful gesture. _I knew You wouldn't let me down._ SUL heard her thought and acknowledged it.

Carbreyghal called to Reeawn, and together they flew over the Rivalry Mountains, returning with Ann's and Leonard's spirits. As Ann's and Leonard's bodies hovered on their backs, Jit and Giddy whistled for their buddies to circle around their spirits. There were so many Sprites, sparkles dropped like waterfalls. Jit and Giddy flew to Iona with a ribbon candy fizzler and coaxed her to pull the stem. When she did, the ribbon candy flew. Iona watched as her parents' spirits began to sink toward their bodies. Carbreyghal and Reeawn sang a duet of the Maycly anthem just for Iona. Carbreyghal joined with Ann's spirit and Reeawn with Leonard's. They disappeared into Ann's and Leonard's bodies with the spirits. Cole held Iona tight. She jumped when the two etherealians burst from Ann and Leonard, and her parents gasped their first breaths. Their eyes opened, and they smiled at their first sight.

"Sunshine!"

"Moonshine!"

"Iona, my baby!"

"Mommy!"

"Gramma Ann! Grampa Leonard!" Wiskee's voice approached from the distance. He sprang from Artie's icataras. "Cannonball!" Grampa Leonard was ready this time.

"Momma, look coming from the north!" Wiskee pointed with a paw, and everyone's heart melted at the sight. Flying toward them were numerous aerialoceroses pulling towdie carts that had not gone into battle. Riding on the carts were dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, lizards, turtles, horses, sugar gliders, goats, pot bellied pigs, and so many other pets that had passed on Earth. At their deaths they had been retrieved and delivered to Maycly, waiting for the day they would be reunited with their families.

"Those are all the animals that were living in the secret barn in The Training Village. Being the A.G.W., I was presented with the special key; it was the A.G.W. charm. I was the one holding the charm that could open the door. And the best part is, any of the pets who were abandoned on Earth and never had a family to love and tend to, they get to pick the family they want from the families of wightlings who were denied the privilege of having a pet on Earth. How cool is that?" Wiskee could not have been any more excited at the sight of all the pet-bonding lights coming on and growing brighter by the second.

"OOF!" Pub Pete landed flat on his back. He could not believe his St. Bernard, Meggie, was standing on his chest, drooling on his face. Pub Pearl knelt and gave Meggie a huge kiss and rubbed her ears. Pub Pete reached up, grabbed Pub Pearl's hand, and pulled her down for a kiss of his own.

Something nudged Pub Pearl under the arm. "Hey, what's this?" She looked down; there was her cat, Woody, purring loudly. Pub Pete returned Pub Pearl's kind gesture, giving Woody a kiss. From that day forward Meggie and Woody remained best of friends.

Two fiery castle sentinels landed next to Iona and her family and friends. On their backs were Marlen, Grampa Lawrence, Gramma Hilda, and The Man Behind The Dumpster. SUL's heart was warmed at the reunion. Iona was overwhelmed with the basket of emotions she was carrying inside.

• • • •

SUL's voice rang over the jubilation. "Good has prevailed at the outcome of this battle. The time has come to cast FAZ and his followers into eternal torment." The crowd went silent, and the mass of etherealians took their places around the battlefield.

SUL called out the first command to begin the destruction of Evil. "Archaels, toss the cages to Earth, except those holding the czars and Lucasphair's pets." Eight Archaels worked in teams. Each team pulled back a cage and, with all their might, slung the first round toward Earth.

Iona swore she felt her heart stop for a moment, trying to visualize those on Earth who had been left behind and had turned their backs on SUL. She knew she had been one of them not long ago. The thought humbled her beyond all measure.

The cages blasted through the darkness, past the stars and the Earth's sun and moon. The blue sky created from SUL's tear of joy exploded into vaporous particles and dissipated when the first cages slammed into the Earth's surface. Low booming sounds reached the ears of those on Maycly. Mushroom clouds rolled from where each cage had impacted. The Archaels continued flinging the remaining cages. Mayclysians watched and listened to the gruesome wails with a comforting horror, saddened at the fate of those who had foolishly chosen eternal doom, yet rejoicing in the fact that Evil had been defeated on Maycly.

"Next I call for the twelve czars." SUL motioned, and the Archaels held the cage of useless FAZ-followers in front of their leader's twisted face. The czars lashed out, demanding and/or begging FAZ to release them. Their acidic spit bubbled and frothed as they worked themselves into a frenzy. "Their time has come. Hurl them into the depths of malice." The two Archaels jerked on the chains attached to FAZ's restraining collar, tightening them, making certain his attention could wander nowhere else but the direction of his czars and their end. Four Archaels joined together to toss the cage, making it sail faster than the others.

"Now cast the grumners and the imps to the place of torment!" SUL shouted. He then caused Lucasphair's eyes to remain open, unblinking, so he would have to watch his evil pets being flung to their destiny.

"And now, Lucasphair, I call for you to join your blood-thirsty companions." SUL nodded. The bucking wolven gliders struggled, pawing at their muzzles and harnesses, but they were no match for the Archaels who floated past them. With a flying start the special magical Archaels shoved Lucasphair's chariot and the wolven gliders toward Earth. Lucasphair was near insanity as he tried to change himself into something–anything–that would assure his escape. But his chariot hit the Earth, and all on Maycly heard the sickening cries of the wolven gliders howling as they burned to ashes.

"BRING FAZ TO ME!" SUL's voice rumbled with anger. Again, the Archaels pulled FAZ by the chains on his collar. SUL knew FAZ could not speak because of the barbed metal strap wrapped around his snout. FAZ tried to snort fire, but all that trickled out were green fumes.

SUL experienced more emotions than He cared to, but He did not give in; He adhered, unwavering, to His prophecy. "I created you. Fully aware of the path you would take, I still created you. It was a difficult decision, knowing what your choice would be, but I knew it had to be done, so I kept My promise and gave to you one full drop of free will. It was I who prophesied that, for Good to be truly appreciated, Evil had to reign for a season. I must admit that the Evil you consumed was far beyond My comprehension. It is with tremendous sorrow I deliver the justice due you and your followers. It pains Me deeply, and I have dreaded the day I would have to speak these words to you." SUL hesitated. He saw FAZ's empty eye sockets crying sulfur, trickling down and burning his face. Foam was splattering from the sides of his tightly clamped snout with every breath. "You did such wondrous things in your days of Good. The Sprites were honored to serve you. You brought encouragement and a zeal of life with the music that graciously seeped from your wings and landed on Mayclysians' ears. Your eyes once held vivid details for those who looked into them wanting to watch their greatest joys. All of this you did because you trusted Me. Now I must accept the fact that I am nothing to you. And because I am nothing to you, I say to you, depart from Me, for you no longer belong to Me, but to Evil."

A tear fell from SUL's eye. When it reached the valley floor, the Archaels' grips on FAZ were broken. SUL pointed the purple lightning bolt at him, and lightning shot into him, visible currents of extreme voltage, continually racing through FAZ's enormous reptilian body. SUL twirled the bolt like a baton then thrust the opposite end toward FAZ. The racing electricity stopped, but remaining current still pulsed within him. FAZ turned his face toward SUL and, as if he had been endowed with the ability to see his Creator once again, he stared at SUL for a very long time. SUL gazed back at FAZ, as if He were doing His best to see into FAZ's spirit. But nothing akin to a spirit remained in FAZ's used-up body. Perhaps FAZ longed for the love of life to return to him–only SUL could know–but it was too late.

Carbreyghal appeared by SUL's side, and SUL allowed him to speak to FAZ. "My fellow etherealian, my leader, you were such a beautiful being. I watched so closely as SUL poured His soul into your creation. I heard the first music come from your eye decoration and spread to your wings. Your wondrous aroma as you flew by made my heart sing. Even though etherealians were not created to have a family like chukkons or wightlings, I often found myself secretly wishing that you could have been my brother. My heart breaks for you...brother." Carbreyghal pulled his robe aside revealing his heart through transparent skin. Carbreyghal's heart split in two, and Carbreyghal fell limp. Two Archaels caught him and brought him back to SUL's side. SUL watched the colorful wings of Carbreyghal's butterfly eye decoration, the one He had so delicately hand-painted around Carbreyghal's eye at creation, begin to run with the uncontrollable tears Carbreyghal now cried. SUL reached out and covered Carbreyghal's eye with His hand. When he pulled it away, the butterfly had turned a brilliant aqua-green and was adorned with precious gems, just as Tarnnin's musical notes had been. SUL reached out and touched Carbreyghal's chest, mending his broken heart. Reeawn rushed to Carbreyghal and assisted him in returning amongst his fellow etherealians, who comforted him.

SUL tarried no more. He shouted in His secret language that no one understood. Another bolt shot from the purple lightning rod and sent FAZ reeling toward Earth.

No one could take their eyes off the heinous whirling of the giant being of Evil, sparks and sulfuric fumes trailing behind him. At FAZ's impact Earth's outer surface exploded. Smoke and debris blasted in all directions. Fire began to cover Earth, and its sun and moon turned their backs on the planet. Everyone watched and listened to the desperate wails curling upward until Earth became a cracked, blackened, charred ball. Those on Maycly could see molten lava rushing like rivers through deep cracks and crevices. The painstaking event took hours to complete until, eventually, Earth hung in space, waiting, wondering.

The awful sounds of torment dwindled, and SUL sent Earth deep into space, hidden from sight, to dwell alone in darkness.

Ensio and Rachana consoled SUL from their star as He dealt with agony and grief. SUL knew He had done what had to be done, but it pained Him beyond comprehension to have to destroy such a beautiful portion of His initial creation. His eyes met Iona's. She thought to herself, _This certainly can't be the end of Earth. Earth was one of His prized creations. He made it special and filled it with humans, creatures made in His likeness._

Iona was caught off guard when SUL spoke inwardly to her. _"Only you, Iona, will be privy to what I am about to reveal; it is to remain secret until an appointed time. Unbeknownst to Mayclysians, when FAZ hit Earth I commanded four large pieces of Earth to scatter and hide until I call upon them. Each piece shall evolve into a small planet. I have called each planet's name as one of four elements: Planet Land, Planet Water, Planet Sky, and Planet Fire. A ruler shall emerge for each planet, one who will have dominion over his or her planet's treasured element. That ruler will lead the planet's inhabitants. Each planet shall be rich with life, and the life thereon shall cherish their element and honor their ruler. It will take a great amount of time for each planet to populate and ready itself for what is to come. In the end I shall choose a Mayclysian who will preside over the four elemental rulers. The crown that you will inherit at your coronation holds the future."_ SUL nodded to Iona. She smiled and returned a nod with confidence, understanding everything SUL had just spoken to her in silence.

SUL raised the purple lightning bolt, and His team of Andalusians made a sweeping circle in the air, pulling His chariot to the ground where they landed perfectly in the middle of the valley. The spectators, along with the warriors and their families, rushed to SUL. This was the first time in years they were able to hug Him, hold His hand, and sit on His lap. SUL did not neglect any of them, thanking them for the supreme trust they had placed within Him. He complimented them on their strength, tasks, duties, and fighting abilities over the years. The younger ones jumped into the chariot and onto His lap for a hug, then they leapt from His lap to the back of the giant Andalusians and stroked their wings and noses, causing the giant horses to whinny with joyous pride.

The Man Behind The Dumpster jigged and jived as fast as he could to the chariot, every fifth step a hop with a kick. He removed his hat and honored SUL with a straight legged, dignified bow.

"Come on up here Dumpster Man. I've something special for you." The Man Behind The Dumpster jumped right in. The Grand Wizard patted him on the back and thanked him for all of his service on both Earth and Maycly. The Man Behind The Dumpster hugged SUL with all of his might, backed away, bowed again, then zoomed off to tell all of the ladies everything he had done to help. No one ever accused him of bragging; they knew he was excited and gratified to have been a part of bringing Good back to Maycly.

Jit and Giddy hovered with Charleo and his family, who had joined Keegan, Mitzy, Maye, Karla, and Artie. "All right, all of you get up here in My chariot!" SUL opened his arms, and there was room for every one of them. "You, My friends, have been quite the troop. Without you Iona could not have done what she did." They thanked SUL for the kind words and stepped down from the chariot. They all greeted Ann, Leonard, Gramma Hilda, and Grampa Lawrence, who were next in line.

"Charleo, come back here a minute. I want to give you My personal thanks." SUL reached inside his robe and pulled from the sleeve the empty pewter vial of free will. "If anyone deserves such a gift, it would be you. You, My friend, have proven what free will is all about. When given the opportunity to make a decision, you always trusted Me and chose with wisdom. It is with honor I give you this vial to place on your mantle in your new cottage. Thank you, Charleo."

Charleo took the pewter vial from SUL with tears of joy and humility filling his eyes. "Thank Ye me Creator."

"All right now. Go join your family and friends, and I'll be seeing you at the Gala."

"The Gala? What be the Gala?"

"It's a surprise, and I'm going to be announcing it to everyone very soon." Charleo's demeanor reflected his trust. "There's the trust I'm talking about. I love you, Charleo."

"I be a-lovin' Ye right back." Charleo gave SUL one last hug and jumped from the chariot. He ran to show the pewter vial to the others, who were utterly intrigued at seeing a piece of creation.

Ann, Leonard, Gramma Hilda, and Grampa Lawrence hopped into the chariot next. SUL gave each of them a special hug and a kiss on the top of the head. As He motioned to four etherealians He said, "Ann, Leonard, since you've never been properly introduced to Maycly, I'd like for you to allow My etherealians to give you the grand aerial tour. Grampa Lawrence, Gramma Hilda, I'd like for you to join them so you may have the pleasure of watching your daughter's and son-in-law's faces light up with every new discovery." The four were beside themselves as their feet left the ground. "Etherealians, please be sure and have them in The Training Village at the proper time."

SUL magically lowered Ensio and Rachana from their star to His chariot. He bounced them on His knee like chukkonettes. Their laughter was musical. "You two are something else, you know that?" Rachana blushed. "If you hadn't been the most dedicated chukkon parents on Maycly, there'd be no stories to tell." Again SUL reached into His sleeve. "I thought you might like a family photo for your new cottage." Ensio's and Rachana's faces lit up as SUL unrolled the long, living photo of themselves and all of the chukkonettes they had received from the birthing waters at creation. "I've created a special frame for it. You will find it hanging above your mantle."

"I be a-hopin' our wall be big enough ta hold it!" All three laughed at Ensio's remark. They left the chariot arm in arm. Tiny floating hearts escaped Ensio's and Rachana's hats and popped like small balloons above their heads with their every step.

SUL looked at Iona, Cole, and Wiskee. Among other emotions, they could see love, respect, compassion, and adoration in His eyes. "Please, come on board." They stepped up onto the chariot, and SUL invited them to stay and watch the massive restoration of Maycly with Him.

Chapter 61

The Great Restoration

"Watch, listen, and rejoice in what you witness this day." SUL began the massive restoration of Maycly. "Rain, come to Trote Waters!" He commanded the clouds to form above Him. With a wave of His hand they wisped their way to Trote Waters and extinguished the fires. A multitude of rainbows appeared in the clouds, and from that day forward Trote Waters became known for its colorful rainbows that floated about without rain and lingered as a reminder that Trote Waters would never be destroyed by fire again.

"Bring to Trote Waters new crops!" Sounds of dark rich soil being pushed away, leaves humming popular melodies as they unfurled, and fruits and vegetables ripening to shiny perfection could be heard and seen as the crops grew, their hues reflecting the colors of the rainbows into the sky. "Farmers, when you return to your villages and farms you will find vegetables, herbs, orchards, groves, and fruits that had been destroyed by fire. There will also be new varieties of fresh edibles awaiting your arrival.

"Northern Vinewall, move yourself to the most northern edge of Maycly and combine with The Vinewall on the northern edge of Chennington Greens!" At SUL's words The Vinewall up-rooted itself and gracefully floated to the outer edge of Maycly. The Vinewall Sprites sped to grab onto a root and enjoy the ride. When flowers met with flowers, new species were birthed. When ivy met with grapevines, bunches of succulent plum-sized fruits grew from them. The sap that ran through the combined vines would be used to make new sweet drinks, in addition to gwendelants, for all Mayclysians.

The vacant trench left from the uprooted Vinewall filled with crystal clear water. "I call My new river The Vinewall River North. Waters, flow west to east by daylight and east to west by twilight. Mayclysians, feel free to play and frolic in the continually moving waters."

SUL turned His focus again to Trote Waters. "Boundary of Trote Waters–The Vinewall touching Bailiwick–I ask you to join the southernmost Vinewall. I call forth a fresh covering of flowers for you. New buds, aromas, and colors burst forth with your pleasantries.

"New cart paths, appear as you wish, joining Bailiwick and Trote Waters!" A cart path formed from Skibbergary and made its way up over Hamlet Bluffs where a bridge magically appeared. More paths came into being from Hawthborough and Klondelkin. The cart paths continued over The Vinewall crevice into Trote Waters and connected with the major path from west to east. "May the crevice left behind from The Vinewall be filled with clear waters that shall continually nurture the crops of Trote Waters. Aquatic life, come about in this, My new river, The Vinewall River South."

To Iona, Cole, and Wiskee SUL said, "Hang on!" He guided His flying Andalusians through the air toward the Skygem Alps. Iona clutched Wiskee tightly, and Cole held Iona's waist. Every eye was on SUL's flying chariot. When they reached the highest peak in the center of the Alps, SUL halted the horses, and the chariot hovered.

"Castle, break yourself from FAZ's lair. Release your clutches from the dark volcanic mountain. Shed the colors of invisibility." Harmonious musical tones filled everyone"s ears as the castle threw off the colors that had hidden it, and it reabsorbed its original colors. The extreme cracking sounds of rocks and boulders jolted the land as the castle let go its grip. "Return to your place in the sky." SUL waited until the castle began rising from the volcano. Iona, Cole, and Wiskee were amazed at the spectacular event.

"Those of you in the valley, look to the eastern sky! I return to you your castle!" When it appeared from behind the Alps the crowd's thunderous welcome shook the peaks. SUL's hand made mighty movements, and the castle floated to the west and hovered directly above the Valley of Battles. "Wait for Me there, My castle."

Then SUL spread His arms wide. "Skygem Alps, CONSUME TARGRUM!" All of Maycly shook as the Alps obeyed SUL's command. The entire range began to move eastward. The noise was deafening as the magnificent slopes annihilated Targrum.

"North and south peaks remain. Central peaks move to the east but cease halfway through your consumption of the dark and dreary land so that I may call for the return of My refuge, Spring Meadows, with its wondrous flora and fauna." Icy glaciers broke away from every peak, and snow fell into the valley. "Bridge of Revealing, cast off your darkness; return to the beautiful span you once were." Light rushed into the sky at its renewal.

SUL again spoke to the mighty Alps. "Choose now whether you wish to hold a gem as your summit, or offer pleasure for Mayclysians." Those that chose a gem donned a translucent crystal peak that radiated from the inside. "Now choose your own gem from these: ruby, sapphire, blue ice, emerald, diamond, pink ice, jasper, beryl, topaz, amber, jacinth, or amethyst, and display yourselves as your name suggests–the Skygem Alps." As the lighted crowning points made their choices, symphonic music escaped, building in volume with every illumination. "And may you present a spectacular aurora in both the north and the south every twilight from this day forward." Peaks that had chosen not to become gems created on their faces new ski slopes, bob sled and luge tracks, snowboard runs, cross country ski trails, snowshoe trails, and frozen flats for ice skating. At the top of every Alpine spire appeared a log lodge for its visitors to rest, feast, and tell their stories as they warmed themselves beside ever-burning fireplaces.

"Carbreyghal, come to Me."

"Yes SUL. I am honored to be at Your service." He bowed.

"Gather your etherealians and ask them to take the Mayclysians by air to The Training Village. Assign one etherealian for every chukkon, wightling, and animal. When I give the order, fly with us." Carbreyghal performed the request with glee, and every member of the crowd was hoisted off the ground by an etherealian.

Charleo felt his etherealian's hands wrap around his waist. His feet barely left the ground. The etherealian carrying him tossed him into the air like a newborn chukkonette and spun him around so they were face to face. "Whoa!" shouted Charleo.

"I called dibs on you!"

Charleo's eyes popped. "Dumpster Man! Look at ye. Ye got yer new wings. They be quite sporty."

"Would you expect anything less from the Grand Wizard?" The Man Behind The Dumpster did a half spin and threw a sheepish grin over his shoulder, his eyebrows moving up and down.

"And ye _can_ operate 'em better than the first day we met...right?"

"Of _course_ I can! Get a load of this." The Man Behind The Dumpster took off straight up with Charleo in his grasp. They did a loop-d-loop, then he tossed Charleo and spun him several times, ending with him facing the direction they were flying. Charleo was quite impressed. (He never did understand how The Man Behind The Dumpster could jig and jive in the air better than he could on the ground.)

SUL motioned to the castle. "Follow Me!" The parade of etherealians carrying their passengers trailed after them, followed by the birds and the Sprites to The Training Village and landed safely at the base of Mare's Tail Slopes.

"With tragic loss comes renewing of grandeur. Let our paramount village now be restored at a new site. The Training Village shall become New Tahqrusalom." The crowd froze when The Training Village's Main Street of cobblestone turned to gold right under their feet. Rocks tumbled and new water seeped from the top of Mare's Tail Slopes. "Rootbeer Float Falls, burst forth!" Rich golden brown water rushed from the tallest of the flat-topped slopes. The falling water met with the pool far below, and creamy caramel-colored froth churned into existence. "Now, My golden brown waters, carve new streams, creeks, and brooks in the north, south, east, and west. Let your dark rich color always be a reminder of the day Targrum was swallowed up by Good, and may your sweet taste of sassafras be enjoyed by every living thing on Maycly!"

The castle illuminated itself nearly as bright as the three suns. "Castle, lower yourself to the highest plateau. There you may rest when you wish, but your foundation need not attach itself, for you are free to roam about Maycly as you once did. May life be restored to you. May you live and breathe through the power of those who dwell and visit within your walls."

THE CASTLE RESTING ABOVE ROOTBEER FLOAT FALLS

The sound of the castle lowering itself brought goose bumps to the skin of all Mayclysians. When it felt the ground beneath its foundation, the massive front doors opened, and it let loose a gigantic symphony consisting of every instrument imaginable. The crowd cheered and applauded; their castle was alive.

"Fiery castle sentinels, be the first to take your places." The colorful overseers rose from amongst the other animals and flew through the castle's entrance, straight into the throne room.

"Etherealians and Sprites, I welcome you back to your days of frolicking above the crystal ceiling." Several Sprites doing flips, spins, and dances made their way to the familiar surroundings from long ago, their sparkles lighting up the dome. The etherealians, flying slow and steady, graced the crowd with their robes (a favorite gesture of all Mayclysians) as they flew to the castle.

"Main Street, lengthen and accommodate additional Trees of the Blue Sleep." The street and sidewalk tickled feet with whimsical music that came from underground. Dirt and mulch shot into the air, and new giant trees erupted, growing immediately to their soaring heights. The shoppes and homes that had been destroyed in the fire of Tahqrusalom appeared in the new trees. The crafters' shoppes were fully stocked, and their dwellings above held every necessity.

SUL called for The Mayor and deemed him the mayor of Maycly (after all, "The Mayor" was his name). An etherealian presented him with a huge key to every village on Maycly and pinned a rosette on his lapel. The Mayor was humbled by SUL's recognition and the crowd's warm response. He waved the key in the air, the band played their first march in New Tahqrusalom, and there was immense jubilation.

"All of Maycly belongs to its inhabitants of Good! You are now free to explore your new paramount village!"

• • • •

"Me pipe shoppe!" Jobi ran through the door of his new establishment. Once inside his actions resembled those of a chukkonette in a candy shoppe. He even saw some pipe stuffings he had never seen before. Needless to say, Charleo was his first customer.

• • • •

Pub Pete stood in astonishment. "Pub Pearl, Look! Something's happening to Tales and Tall Ones." They watched their pub expand upward. Windows appeared on brand new third, fourth, and fifth stories. The two of them rushed inside where they found a kitchen stocked with everything they needed to make and serve appetizers and snacks on the first floor, which was mainly for those who were coming to gather and tell their tales. (Artie had frequented this floor when he was in Chennington Greens.) The tables and chairs were exactly what one would expect to see in a pub. The bar was subtle, and new drinking glasses nicknamed "guzzler towers" lined the back wall.

The second level remained Pub Pete's and Pub Pearl's home, but it had been remodeled. In the foyer Pub Pete and Pub Pearl found a single candle that was lit and sitting on a small table. Next to the candle was a deep bed of rose petals, and atop the rose petals were two bands of gold tied together with a silk ribbon. In front of the petals lay a letter:

Pub Pete, place the ring inscribed with

" _Our Love Brings..." on her finger._

Pub Pearl, place the ring inscribed with

" _...The Promise of Joy" on his finger._

The candle shall never extinguish

But shall remain a continual reminder that

You were meant for each other.

• _SUL •_

They thought their ceremony was private, then Pub Pete heard a faint sniffle. "What was that?"

"All right, you. Come on out of there." Pub Pearl rustled the rose petals. About fifty Sprites appeared and congratulated them.

Embroidered drapes outlined the windows instead of curtains. The valances were made of large oak leaves, and the windows' crank handles were made of pewter, each one topped with a different shaped flower, the lavendaria shapes lighting up just like the real thing.

The third level's floor was covered with one-of-a-kind tiles, each dedicated to a specialty drink Pub Pete or Pub Pearl had concocted. Brand new drinking mugs hung with flair above the bar, which was now made of inlaid Buttons-n-Blocks game pieces. The stage for the musicians had grown a wee bit, and the tables held inlaid board games. There were also pool tables, dart boards, and even an indoor horseshoe pit.

The new fourth floor was dedicated to Meggie and had a back entrance all its own. A sign above the door read "Houndstooth Cafe'." Some tables had either one or two highchairs. Other tables were made from one large round flat-topped spool and had wooden benches. In addition to mugs, there were drink-bowls of all sizes. Any pet was welcome to come and dine with or without its owners. Gramma Hilda made certain the Houndstooth Cafe' was kept well stocked with her "Gramma Hilda's Pet Delights." Sprites made daily deliveries of pet treats, as well as sweet delights for chukkons or wightlings. Emmie, who lived on the fifth level–the one above the Houndstooth Cafe'–was happy to prepare cold sandwiches, side dishes, and gwendelants for the wightlings and chukkons; it was certainly a place Wiskee could enjoy 'yapping' with his new friends.

• • • •

Some of the battle animals returned to their barns and pens where they could linger about the meadows and fields behind them. Many made their way toward the Valley of Animals in the shadow of Creature Peaks and met other animals of Maycly. Still others spread throughout Chennington Greens, and some found their way to Trote Waters. They all took their time, stopping by several lakes and streams along the way.

• • • •

SUL's pleasant singing could be heard again. "Wightlings and chukkons, whether your dwelling was destroyed in a raid and you have lived with others, or whether you housed those whose dwellings were destroyed, all of you will find your new cottages nestled in places I have personally chosen for you and your families."

Iona felt the Andalusians give a slight tug on the chariot and heard them whinny.

"They want to take us to _our_ new home, but SUL hasn't told them they could do that just yet." Iona blinked. In all of the hoopla she had forgotten Wiskee could talk.

" _Our_ new home? But we've got the perfect little cottage on..." SUL interrupted with an announcement.

"I invite you, all Mayclysians, to attend a gala this twilight. It will surpass any celebrations prior to Evil's debut. Your personal etherealians shall return to your homes one hour before twilight and bring you back to New Tahqrusalom where you will join Me in the castle for festivities and feasting. And the event we've all been waiting for–the crowning of our queen!" The crowd went wild with enthusiasm.

"Etherealians, take your passengers to their new dwellings."

Cole held Iona in his arms, and she held Wiskee in hers as they flew with SUL.

Chapter 62

Humble Dwellings

When Charleo, Marlen, and their boys returned to Glammiswinde they found their cottage had been remodeled, along with the yard. Jit and Giddy, who had requested to stay with Charleo's family, flew from Charleo's beard and led everyone around back.

"Oh! Me garden! Me garden be back!" Marlen ran through her newest flower beds. She dropped to her knees and gathered a bouquet, her face disappearing in the petals as she took in a deep breath. "And every path be lighted with pathlight ivy. There e'en be a pond with flowerin' puddle-jumpers. Charleo, look! There be wee benches fer the Sprites ta be a-restin' between their games. And the Equinarchs...there must be three of every color!" Jit and Giddy rode past her, Jit on a purple one, Giddy on a green one. Marlen giggled at them trying to hang on to their mini bucking broncos and wave at the same time.

"Papa!" Charleo looked in the direction Denton was pointing. "SUL has built ye a new wood shop." Charleo sped toward the hut-like building just to the side of Marlen's garden. "It be a wood workin' wonder! There be bins of every kind of wood. And me favorite...zebra wood. I'll ne'er be a-runnin' out of projects now."

Denton jogged over to Dittle, who was already checking out the second guest house attached to the other side of the cottage. They looked at each other with their eyebrows raised. "'ADVENTURERS' CAVE?' What be that sign a-meanin'?" They climbed the ladder.

"Maybe tis our own room."

"Ye be a-s'posin'?" Dittle's face was beaming. He pushed on the door, Denton pushed on Dittle, and they burst into the cottage. Their eyes lit up at the sight of new bows and arrows, outdoor games, and camping equipment galore, some of which they did not even know how to use yet. The walls were decorated with giant replicas of Terrain Masters badges and the ceiling was painted to look like the twilight sky.

• • • •

Artie arrived at his remodeled cottage and saw the tree tops rustling in the backyard, so he went to check it out. "Me icataras! Ye've got yer own li'l dwellin' right out here behind mine." He went inside his cottage and found everything arranged the same, but all of the furniture now matched and was sturdy. He went to his bedroom and found a mound of straw covered with blankets next to his bed, along with a trough on the floor. Artie got a little choked up when he read the wood-burned sign above the giant pet door. "'Kitty's Korner.' I dinna know her name was Kitty." The pet door banged open as Kitty pushed her way through. Following at her heels was Wiskee's miniature icataras. Artie reached for the nametag dangling next to a bell on the little one's collar. "Awwww, Spike. Yer name be Spike. Wiskee'll be so surpri...uh, nae. He probably already be a-knowin' yer name, eh?" Artie let the name tag fall from his hand, and he looked at Kitty. "And be ye the momma of Wiskee's li'l icataras?" Kitty purred so loud she shook the walls then rubbed against Artie with affection.

On Artie's bed SUL had left a new bow tie to wear with his flannel shirt and bib overalls for the gala, understanding Artie would not want it any other way.

• • • •

Keegan, Mitzy, Maye, and Karla were dropped off halfway between Artie's and Charleo's. SUL had built them a three-story cottage filled with all kinds of rooms. The third floor had been built just for the ladies. There were three rooms. One was similar to a spa with a tub, candles, and soft music continually playing in the walls. The second room was a tea room. It held a fancy table decorated with color-changing flowers and vines with ropes woven amongst the foliage lit by snuggerbugs. On the walls hung hats of all styles, to be worn during tea parties. Eight flouncy chairs sat around a spindly-legged table. Several teapots and teacups were tucked neatly in sets inside a glass-front burl cabinet. The third room had a wide variety of art and craft supplies. There were enough tables scattered about the room for Mitzy, Maye, and Karla to have their own, leaving plenty of tables for guests at their crafting bees.

Keegan owned the second floor. A carved wooden sign that read "Keegan's Kave" hung above the door. There were two very soft recliners, one facing the fireplace, the other facing a huge glassless window with a thrilling view of the great outdoors. Outside the window SUL had hung several bird feeders so Keegan could enjoy the birds' songs as they dined. The Kave had its own gwendelant basin built right in and a small ever-cool cabinet stocked with fruits and vegetables.

• • • •

The etherealians carried Philip and his family back to the fully restored village of Ethelwynne and landed at their new farmhouse on the outskirts. He held his wife as if he would never let her go. Their children had asked their etherealians to make a couple of extra passes, as they loved flying with the winged creatures. When they landed the kids went inside, and the etherealians moved from window to window to watch as their passengers discovered their new dwelling. The rooms were immaculate and decorated in high-class Victorian style, Philip's wife's favorite.

• • • •

SUL spoke to Iona. "I'll deliver Ensio and Rachana first, then I'll take you, Cole, and Wiskee to the cottage to get ready. I'll be sending Carbreyghal, Reeawn, and three other etherealians to carry the five of you to the engagement."

"When are we gonna get to go to show Momma and Daddy our new place SUL?" Wiskee was so excited he was about to ruin the secret.

"I'm saving the best for last. You're doing great little buddy. You only have to keep the secret a little while longer. They'll get to see the new home this evening." Wiskee's little lips pursed; he was trying so hard not to ruin the surprise.

SUL brought the chariot to a halt deep in Willow Hammock at the far northwest corner of Chennington Greens. Ensio and Rachana rushed to their new log cottage, pathlight ivy showing them the way. A high log-beam ceiling greeted them. In the living room a pot-bellied stove with a warming fire already burning inside was surrounded by a hand-hewn mantle. And above the mantle hung their family portrait from SUL. "Ensio, do ye be a-seein' what I be a-seein'? There on the frame?"

Ensio looked. "Aye. Tis the original frippery feather we used when we made Charleo's clothing on the day he came ta us from the Birthin' Waters."

Fluffy couches and chairs, rocking chairs, and a master bedroom filled with the finest of log furniture made the rooms inviting. The kitchen was splendid, and the pantry was stocked. There were several guest lofts ready to house any of their grown-up chukkonettes and friends.

• • • •

SUL's chariot headed south. "How about we take a quick pass over Snuggerbug Landing?" asked SUL.

"Sounds great!" Cole and Wiskee agreed with Iona.

"Look at the new Honky-Tonk Hurley's Farmhouse Tavern! It's loaded with Sprites–I can see them sparkling from here." Iona could not help her little girl voice.

"The Sprites now help mix and deliver the drinks and condiments. They're the best at wrapping eating utensils too." SUL enjoyed watching His passengers' expressions.

Something large caught Iona's eye, something she did not remember seeing on her initial aerial tour. "That can't be the Ushering...it is! Why is the Ushering Tree in Snuggerbug Landing?" Iona could not help but ask, knowing it once had taken root in the western edge of Timberland Forest South.

"I moved it to Snuggerbug Landing so Grampa Lawrence and Gramma Hilda could be closer to their friends." SUL dipped the chariot and slowed its pace. Iona was mesmerized as they cruised past the tiny windows.

"I not only moved the tree but have nicknamed it 'The Sweet Gifting Tree.' Gramma Hilda will spend all year baking sweet delights for all of Maycly's wightlings, chukkons, and pets. Grampa Lawrence will be crafting small items such as toys, rings, and trinkets. As Gramma Hilda bakes certain batches of sweetness, Grampa Lawrence will hide a gift inside each delight, and those are set aside. From now on, on February 25 Grampa Lawrence and Gramma Hilda will load their gift-treats onto a skyship. They'll ride during twilight while all are sleeping and visit every dwelling in secret. Grampa Lawrence will climb down the chimneys and leave the goodies with the gifts baked in them under each recipient's miniature Ushering Tree that they have decorated in their homes. The next morning the recipients will find their treasure-filled baked goods. This is to remind all Mayclysians of the sweet gift they received on February 26. That sweet gift, of course, being their queen."

Iona was speechless. She clutched Wiskee a little tighter and felt Cole's arms wrap around her waist. The idea that she would be honored every year from now on was more humbling than anything she had ever encountered. She watched the ground as the chariot lifted into the air and blamed her tears on the wind from flying so fast in the chariot.

"Where will Ann and Leonard live?" asked Cole.

"They will inherit your cottage."

"What do you mean?"

"They will inherit your cottage, because you and Iona..." SUL saw Wiskee's eyes cut toward Him and his mouth start to open. "... _and_ Wiskee will dwell in the castle with Me, but not until after the gala this twilight."

"Are You kidding me?" Iona's face glowed.

SUL smiled. He brought the chariot to a stop on the shore of Lake Origin in front of the cottage. Iona saw Ann and Leonard standing outside talking to their etherealians. Cole gave Iona a kiss on the cheek and went to meet up with his family.

"Thank You SUL." Iona nodded her head in reverence.

"You are more than welcome. Don't forget that Carbreyghal, Reeawn, and the other etherealians will be here an hour before the gala, so be sure you and the others are ready." Iona bowed then stepped down from the chariot.

Anticipating the fun, Wiskee gave a front-paw salute from his momma's arms. "See You there Grand Wizard!" Then he wriggled his way out of Iona's arms and took off toward the others.

Iona watched SUL's magnificent chariot make a low sweeping pass over Lake Origin. The mermaids surfaced and blew kisses to the Grand Wizard before He disappeared into the distance.

Iona joined Cole, Ann, and Leonard just as their etherealians were departing. "I have some news for you guys."

"And that news would be?"

"Tell them Wiskee."

"What? Oh yeah, the news. Grampa Leonard, pick me up. Pick me up! Please?" Leonard did not get his arms halfway to the ground before Wiskee jumped into them. "SUL said that you guys get to live here from now on, and us three..." he made a circle with his paw pointing at Iona, Cole, and himself, "...are going to live in the castle with Him after the gala!"

"Welcome home Mommy and Daddy." They hugged; Wiskee was getting squished in the middle, but he did not mind.

"Hey! What about me?" A voice blurted from the top of the Tree of Breathing and Being. Their heads leaned back to look up. A shout came from the highest branches. "Hello my most favorites family...ever!" The Man Behind The Dumpster waved big, and they returned the same. He swung, looped, hopped, and spiraled down through the branches, landing in front of them. Everyone greeted him. "Come on...back around here." Everyone followed. The two curly-horned mardots pushed themselves up with their front legs to stand at attention when Iona came into view.

The Man Behind The Dumpster touched the Tree of Breathing and Being, and the back door opened.

Iona scritched each mardot under the chin before she entered the door. Both gave an odd sounding croak at her touch. "I didn't know mardots could blush?"

"Neither did I Momma. That's funny." The mardots croaked at Wiskee. Wiskee laughed and could not resist the temptation. "I know...that'll be funny tomorrow."

When everyone stepped into the foyer, they caught their first glimpse of the now radiant Creation Block nestled in the center of a grand spiral staircase, the hidden scribblings still inscribed on its top. Above the inlayed hidden scribblings was this:

May these scribblings be a reminder to all who enter here.

Good shall always prevail over Evil.

"Wiskee, come with me. The rest of you will have to take the stairs though. I can't fly all of you."

"Stairs to where?" Iona was not sure what he was up to.

"Cannonball!" Wiskee leapt from Leonard's arms and into The Man Behind The Dumpster's.

"Way to go little buddy. See you guys at the top." The Man Behind The Dumpster flew out the door and up, Wiskee hollering "yippee!" all the way. The Man Behind The Dumpster made another perfect landing, and he and Wiskee went inside.

"I guess we climb here, huh?" Cole stuck his head past Iona then led the way to the top where they found a gold dumpster-shaped knocker on the door. The Man Behind The Dumpster answered the door with Wiskee in his arms.

"Welcome to my new home!" He stepped aside and invited them in with an exaggerated bow and a sweeping wave of his arm. "I was humbled and honored that SUL built me a very special house in the top of the Tree of Breathing and Being." It was a sight to behold. He made certain everyone saw the hand-painted portrait, done by SUL, of him standing at the foot of Iona's bed on Earth the first night Iona and Wiskee had slept in their new apartment, out of the cold.

After their tour Iona and her family excused themselves to return to the cottage and begin getting ready for the gala. Just as they had said their farewells, Wiskee ran back to The Man Behind The Dumpster. "I'll see you there this twilight, right?"

"You bet Wiskee!"

"YIPPEE!"

"You and your yippees." The Man Behind The Dumpster winked at Wiskee who was already running down the staircase, then he gave Iona one last hug and closed the door. Iona waited, listening to him whistling and humming at the same time, something she had not heard him do since their time together on Earth. She laughed to herself then sped down the stairs to meet the others.

Chapter 63

Tuxedos and Gowns and More

Wiskee, of course, led the way into the cottage and dashed to his bed by the fire. He found a tuxedo SUL had left for him, complete with a black velvet bow tie and a top hat. "This is really cool! But I'll need help putting it on because I don't have any thumbs." Everyone laughed as Wiskee was pulling the tiny tux from the bed with his mouth and separating all of the pieces just so.

Ann and Leonard entered their bedroom and found a tuxedo and a gown on their bed. There were also several vases of fresh-cut flowers. Family photos were abundant on the walls, and the new overstuffed chair next to the bed looked inviting.

When Iona entered her bedroom she stepped beside Cole who was already at the bedside checking out his gift from SUL for the evening. He ran his hand over the captain's coat made of posh black and deep burgundy velvet. He moved his fingers gently over the real gold embroidery in patterns of royal designs, and he stopped when one of the buttons of real gold met his fingertips. Iona picked up his new white ruffled shirt and held it to his chest, leaving the ascot and onyx pinkie ring on the bed. Cole reached for the ring and put it on. Iona put the shirt down and admired the black trousers. Cole picked up the thick heeled, knee-high boots. They were adorned with boot straps made of sterling silver and white gold and were studded with diamonds. Iona placed the matching cavalier hat on his head. The hat was embroidered with the same real gold threads and boasted a huge feather gracefully extending from the curved-up side. When the hat was perfectly situated on his head, the feather began to glow green, matching his emerald eyes. Iona could not help but kiss him.

"That must have been under the hat. What is that?" Cole pointed to a piece of paper lying on the bed. Its message had been penned on a moving background of a waterfall spilling the words from their wedding day. Iona picked up the note and held it for several seconds.

"We're on Maycly Baby Doll. You shouldn't be so astonished at the waterfall on the note...should you?" Cole lifted her head with his finger. Tears were welling.

"It's not that I don't believe it, it's just that...when you guys were missing, and I couldn't find you, SUL left a...or I guess it was Charleo...left a note...a note..." Her words fell to a whisper.

Cole wiped her tears. He understood. "Why don't you read _this_ note to me?" Cole winked at her. He could see she would be honored to read it.

"OK, here goes:

A captain never abandons his ship.

Iona is the ship you've chosen.

You have proven to Me

You are a man of dedication and devotion to her.

Wear these clothes of a captain with honor."

When her eyes lifted from the note, Cole was waiting with another kiss.

Cole's eye caught the new sword lying next to its sheath. The blade was engraved on both sides. On one side were the words _Only He Who Has Successfully Fought With The Sword Of Death May Carry The Sword Of Life._ On the other side were the words _This Sword Belongs To The Warrior Of Legend, Cole Snapp. Iona_ did not waste any time helping him put on his new clothes.

"You look amazing...my captain." Iona's eyes were dreamy at Cole's appearance.

"Why thank you Mrs. Snapp." He bowed. "This is really nice and all, but I don't see a new gown for you." Cole appeared puzzled and slightly sad.

"It doesn't matter. I'll be standing next to you, and no one will notice me once they lay eyes on you." Iona finished with a big-cat roar.

Cole shook his head and laughed. "Come here you." He pulled Iona to him and kissed her.

"Well, regardless whether I have a new gown or not, I could at least freshen up and get this blood out of my hair and off of my face. And I've got some ribbon in a drawer that I can use to hide some of the repaired places on my dress...don't you think?"

"I suppose." Cole was genuinely let down at the fact that he looked so nice and his Iona was going to be crowned queen in a frumpy, worn-out dress. On the other hand, he was amazed at how much she had changed. _Iona may not look like a queen should, but she now holds queenly qualities within that I would have never thought possible._ He remembered the days when she would pitch a fit if her shirt had one wrinkle or her lipstick was a shade off.

Iona disappeared into the necessary room. She took off her dress and put it in the tub to soak with hopes of lifting some of the stains. Standing in front of the mirror in a muddied slip and corset, she chuckled. She chattered to herself, a trait that still lingered. "Well, I know no one will be seeing this thing at the gala, so I'll just work on my face and hair while the dress soaks." She filled the sink with warm water and tied her hair back. With every splash on her face, the water that ran from her skin discolored the water in the sink to a reddish brown.

"Baby Doll...you may want to come to the bedroom." Cole's voice sounded peculiar.

She dried her face as she walked. "OK...I'm...here." The towel dropped out of her hands. Her voice fell to a whisper. "Are you kidding me?"

"As Charleo likes to say, 'Nae, I be not a-kiddin' ye.'"

"That...that gown's floating in the air. And...and it's fit for a queen!" Iona thought about what she had just said when she heard Cole laugh out loud. "Did I just say that? Really?"

"Yep. You really did."

Iona rolled her eyes then moved toward the hovering dress. She stopped herself mid reach realizing she was still wearing the tattered slip and corset.

"Why are you hesitating Baby Doll? Put it on."

"My corset and slip are a mess. I'd hate to get their filth on that gown."

Cole cleared his throat and pointed at Iona's mid section, moving his finger up and down. "You may want to take another look."

Iona looked down and saw that her filthy undergarments were now clean; they sparkled brilliant white. "Well then, I guess I'll go ahead and put it on." She reached for it again, but before she could grasp it, equinarchs opened the lush gown from the back and flew it to her. She held out her arms and put them through the sleeves. Bopper led a band of Sprites into her view. Each one bowed before flying behind her. They buttoned all of the buttons down the back, each button big enough that it required three Sprites to fasten it.

Iona stepped to the mirror, and again she was humbled by another of SUL's kind gestures. "It's beautiful." She was looking at herself dressed in a gown made of creamy off-white silk. The bodice was covered with pearly sequins and rhinestones. The dropped waistline was accented with a lavender silken band. The floor-length skirt was overlaid with deep purple chiffon dotted with pink and white rosebuds. She admired the sleeves with their long silken cuffs rising from her wrists almost to her elbows then ballooning into shimmering off-white chiffon. It matched the family heirloom necklace still around her neck.

Before she could step away, Bopper motioned to Cole to fetch a chair. "Please have a seat Princess." She knew she would never grow tired of the tone of a Sprite's voice. She sat down, and all of the Sprites present began to do a number on her hair. When they finished, her hair was styled in an up-do. Long dark auburn ringlets dangled from front to back. Wildflowers were dotted about, and a new tiara fit perfectly between two rows of diamonds.

"WOW! You guys are pretty handy to have around." Iona smiled as the Sprites flew to the sides of her head so she could see better in the mirror.

Cole spoke, "Baby Doll, I've not seen you this happy or this beautiful since our first date."

"Don't be saying things like that. I don't want red eyes for the gala." Iona smiled warmly as Bopper flew in and blotted a tear from her eye just before it fell to her cheek.

"My slippers don't really go with this. What do you think?"

Bopper and the other Sprites began to fly in a circle just above the floor near her feet. Cole knelt and removed the hand-painted lid from the box that appeared from the Sprites' sparkles. Iona's eyes widened. "New slippers." She clutched a hand to her chest and took a slipper from Cole in the other. "It's made from the silk that matches my dress." She held it with both hands and inspected it closer. "And it's covered with blue ice, pink ice, and diamonds. Just look at the bow...strings of amethysts and pearls." Cole placed the other slipper on her foot then took the one she was holding and did the same.

"Thank you Sweetie." Iona pulled her gown up to her knees in the chair then twisted and pivoted her feet, modeling them, mostly for herself.

She saw that the suns and moons were nearing their trade of light. "We'd best get going. I promised SUL we'd all be ready."

"Help! Help!"

Iona jumped and started running. "Wiskee! What's wrong?" Cole, Ann, and Leonard came running too, only to find Wiskee wrapped up somehow in his tuxedo. The tux tails were hanging over his nose, his bow tie was tangled in one ear, and the top hat was on his butt.

"How did you ever get in such a mess?" Iona knelt to help Wiskee.

"I was just trying to get myself ready when all of a sudden Jit and Giddy showed up to help."

Cole saw Jit and Giddy cracking up over in the corner. They gave each other their favored double-knuckles punch then flew out the window and quickly disappeared.

From the front door came the voice of a guest who had just seen Wiskee. "Let's see, how's that go? That'll be funny tomorrow?"

"Charleo!" Iona rose, and Cole came to Wiskee's rescue, rearranging his tuxedo.

"Dunna ye be a-lookin' stunnin'? All of ye!" Jit and Giddy, still snickering, flew out of Charleo's beard. Ann blushed, and Leonard did a comedic model's spin.

"CANNONBALL!" The tux tails flew up and Wiskee landed in Charleo's arms. Jit and Giddy flew back into Charleo's beard, and everyone went outside to wait. They saw the stars collect in the distance, and Carbreyghal appeared with a few of his best. Carbreyghal himself was responsible for Iona's flight to the castle. He flew her with grace, and they arrived in New Tahqrusalom right on time. Iona could not have been happier.

Chapter 64

The Queen of Maycly

The gatherers were stellar in their formal apparel. When they arrived below the castle, wightling chauffeurs met them in a Samlee's Woodlot hot air balloon. As the guests entered the magic balloons they received a caramel apple drizzled with white and dark chocolates and sprinkled with mini marshmallows to enjoy during the ride (compliments of Gramma Hilda). The chauffeurs commanded the balloons to carry the arriving guests up to the beginning of the garden path that wound its way to the castle's doors beneath an aromatic tree canopy twinkling with snuggerbugs. Sprites were dotted throughout the entire canopy making sure it continued to create a light "rain" of lavendaria petals and colorful leaves from the Valley of Feasting to decorate the path. Bouquets of clear balloons, filled with special floating pathlight ivy, were tied together and placed strategically along a portion of the walkway that encircled a pond. Equinarchs frolicked amongst the flowering puddle-jumpers, and the toucanthiae were singing. Tydyed whodeys landed here and there and sang their melodies in hopes of being hand-fed a few nuggets by the passing guests.

When guests stepped into the first foyer of the castle the fiery castle sentinels bellowed with pride from the throne room. When the guests stepped into the second foyer they were graced by Sprites darting in and out, pulling the strings of a huge harp, creating soothing melodies. Starlight snuggerbugs shined their lights up through the plants that gave the third and final foyer a northern woods flair. Many marveled at the designs that appeared on the fabric of their gowns and tuxedos in this foyer's light. Chukkon greeters in this foyer pointed out special miniature stars floating overhead, which SUL had created just for the gala. Each guest was encouraged to wish upon a star for Iona and Cole. When they did, stardust fell, and the star brightened.

The entrance to the grand ballroom was through a very large archway wrapped in woven fronds and berries. Scented candelabras outlined the walls and presented the fresh smell of vanilla and cinnamon. Bubbles floated here and there. Parents watched their children and chukkonettes play. The little ones giggled when they grabbed a bubble and it "magically" disappeared in their tiny hands. Several fountains released a dreamy fog of blue that covered the entire floor and sang or hummed along with a woodwind quintet.

Everyone was anticipating Iona's arrival.

Iona and her family entered the castle and were formally announced from the top of the stairs of the grand ballroom. The singing fog parted, and they made their way down the red carpet. Iona and Cole did not notice that the room had burst into thunderous cheers or that Sprites were doing tricks (but could not match the acrobatics of the phydeaux phlyers that had been invited especially for Iona). Their eyes were locked on the stage where a waterfall looked exactly like the one from their wedding day, complete with cascading words–JOY, ENCHANTMENT, LOVE–with their names appearing between each word. Ann and Leonard took their seats on the front row. Cole and Iona, with Wiskee in her arms, continued up onto the stage where SUL was standing.

SUL raised His hand, but it took several moments for the crowd to quiet as Iona waved her scepter and blew kisses from the stage. As the cheering began to dwindle SUL motioned for the music to stop. "It is My pleasure to welcome and thank all of you for attending the gala." The crowd dealt courteous applause. "The past years have brought trials for all of us, Myself included. And all of us who stand for the Good of Maycly are to be rewarded. Without further ado, I wish to begin this twilight's celebration by recognizing all who have struggled long and hard to restore the Good that once filled this wondrous land of Maycly. And let it be known that, through obedience and solid trust in Me, things far exceed the original Good that was intended."

SUL waited again for the applause to die. "My reward to all Mayclysians is this; it has been too many years since I've had an etherealian at My side to share the Goodness of Maycly with Me. And it has been too many years since you have had an etherealian to grace you with music during flight. It is with great honor I call Carbreyghal to come forward."

With a look of surprise, Carbreyghal flew to the Grand Wizard.

"Carbreyghal, please kneel before Me." SUL took the sword, a memento of remembrance, from Carbreyghal's shield, and with it touched his head, then each shoulder. "I knight you into service as My main etherealian. You shall dwell with Me as Tarnnin did long ago. I bestow upon you all the powers I once entrusted to Tarnnin. May you never misuse the free gifts I have given you this twilight. May you always fly proud and grace Mayclysians with the presence of your musical wings and aromas of sugar waffles and cotton candy." SUL exhaled a visible breath. When the pleasant mist cleared, a small pewter vial was poised in the air. He took it, opened it, and poured its contents, one full drop of free will, onto Carbreyghal. "Now lift your head and rise to your feet." When he stood, Carbreyghal's wings played music for the first time. "Mayclysians, please show your gratitude toward our new Carbreyghal." The crowd cheered with fervor, and Carbreyghal humbly bowed. He remained at SUL's side during the rest of the ceremony.

"Bopper, please come forward." A trail of Sprite sparkles almost instantly appeared as Bopper flew from the back of the room like he had been propelled from a slingshot.

"Yes Grand Wizard?"

"You were mistakenly trapped for eons, yet you held on and remained certain that someone would come for you. But when you realized the truth of what I had hidden, you became frightened, and who could blame you? For you were in the presence of the thief." The crowd gasped. SUL held out His hand. "Please, take a seat in My hand." Bopper did, and SUL lifted him into the air for all to see. "This Sprite has proven that, no matter how small you are in size, your measure of trust in Me is what makes you strong. I made a promise to you the day you escaped. I promised you would be greatly rewarded." The crowd responded with their utmost respect. "It is with honor I deem you, Bopper, Carbreyghal's personal Sprite." SUL lowered His hand, and Bopper flew to Carbreyghal, sat on his shoulder, and wept from being so overwhelmed. All of the Sprites sped to congratulate Bopper; Jit and Giddy dried his tears.

SUL continued with the ceremony. "As always, there are those few who extend themselves beyond the call of duty. It is these few I wish to honor next. The first is your wightling general. Philip Preston Roberts, please come forward." Philip humbly approached SUL from the back of the room. "May we never forget what Philip has done for the Good of Maycly." SUL turned to Philip. "Please kneel before Me." Philip removed his top hat and knelt. Jit and Giddy flew to SUL with a medal of silver. "I give to you, Philip, this medal as a representation of your strong will and determination. May all on Maycly know they can come to you for an uplifting word regarding life on Earth as it was meant to be." The crowd erupted when SUL pinned the medal on Philip's jacket. Philip waved to the crowd and returned to his wife and children who greeted him with open arms.

"Charleo, Keegan, and Artie, come forward." Marlen and Mitzy gave their husbands a nudge; Denton and Dittle gave Artie a shove to get him moving. The three walked the red carpet to the stage. Artie had actually combed his hair!

"Please, kneel before Me." They removed their hats and knelt. Jit and Giddy flew to SUL carrying a medal that was attached to the end of a bright yellow ribbon. Using Carbreyghal's sword of remembrance, SUL touched the blade on Keegan's head, then each shoulder. "I give to you, Keegan, the Medal of Honor and Courage." Keegan's mouth dropped open. "You fought the good fight with a kind of courage which far surpasses any that a warrior displays on the battlefield. You brought peace and compassion to your warriors and their families. With this I am well pleased. I therefore deem you the 'Honorary Provider of Peace' on Maycly. Rise Sir Keegan."

Jit and Giddy flew a second medal to SUL, this one hanging from a scarlet ribbon. "Artie, I present to you the Medal of Burliness. You are the strongest of all chukkons, not only in muscle, but also in heart. You provide a sense of love and security to all who cross your path, be they chukkon, wightling, or animal. For this I deem you the 'Honorary Provider of Strength and Unconditional Love' on Maycly. Rise Sir Artie."

Jit and Giddy flew a third and final medal to SUL. It was bigger than the others and hung stately from a wide satiny purple ribbon embroidered with dancing metallic designs. "Charleo, My dear Charleo. I give to you this medal for your incredible insight and trust. You shall willingly provide answers to all Mayclysians' questions about the past." SUL performed the knighting motions. "Therefore I deem you the trusted 'Honorary Provider of Knowledge and Wisdom'. Rise Sir Charleo." Charleo rose and joined Artie and Keegan. SUL asked the three to turn and face the crowd. "I present to you...your three chukkon leaders!" Music played and two of the chukkon leaders took a bow; Artie was in shock and just stood there holding and staring at his medal. They returned to their seats where they were all met with love and appreciation.

"Wiskee, please come forward." Iona set him down, and he strutted across the stage in his dashing little tux and top hat. Along with everyone else, SUL could not help but smile. SUL picked up Wiskee and raised him above His head. "To Maycly, I dedicate Wiskee, the one who was brave enough to go to Earth and teach his momma, Iona, how to love once again." Wiskee's tail sort of wagged at all the applause, but he knew this was serious and figured he had best hold as still as he could. "Wiskee, the one brave enough to travel over Targrum not once, but twice; once with his momma upon her arrival to Maycly, and the second time to rescue her and her mother Ann, her Father Leonard, and her husband Cole. Wiskee, the one who flew head-on into battle with courage to defend Good, the one who was given the gift of wightling speech and interpretation of all other animals. Wiskee, the one without whom our enemies would not have been destroyed!" SUL waited for the cheering to stop then lowered Wiskee, rubbed noses with him, and set him on a large padded chair that had been crafted especially for him. SUL removed Wiskee's top hat and replaced it with a gold crown inlaid with diamonds in the shape of doggie treats. Then SUL turned again to the crowd. "I present to you...Prince Wiskee." This brought roaring cheers, whistles, and applause.

"PSST! SUL." Wiskee motioned for Him. Speaking directly into SUL's ear so He could hear over the crowd, Wiskee said, "It's not that I don't appreciate it by any means...because I _really_ do...but do I have to wear this crown all the time? 'Cause I mean...it's just that...well, between the helmet, the top hat, and now this crown, I'm not much up on wearing these head things."

"Nah. We'll all know you're the prince even if you're not wearing it. But could you wear it just for tonight? Then you can take it off and leave it in your room."

"Whew! Deal!" Wiskee gave SUL a kiss on the nose. SUL smiled and shook Wiskee's paw.

"Cole, please step forward." Cole kissed Iona on the cheek then moved to the front of the stage to meet SUL. "Please, kneel before Me." Cole did so, and Carbreyghal flew behind him, spread his musical wings, and the feathers began to illuminate and twinkle.

"WOW!" Wiskee could not help himself; it just blurted out.

"I knight you into service to reign with your wife, Iona. May you always possess the burning desire you have for life and the love you have for your wife, your family, and your friends. Never hesitate to share these qualities amongst all on Maycly. Now rise and greet your kingdom." Cole's eyes never left Iona's as he stood. SUL returned the sword of remembrance to Carbreyghal.

Carbreyghal lifted Cole into the air, and SUL spoke. "I present to you the King of Maycly, Iona's true companion, Cole Snapp." Carbreyghal took his time flying Cole throughout the entire ballroom, hovering just above the crowd. The adults were waving and blowing kisses, and the young ones, right on cue, were pulling the stems of the ribbon candy fizzlers they had been given when they entered the ballroom. Cole could see Ann and Leonard sitting on the front row with Grampa Lawrence and Gramma Hilda, their expressions reflecting the grandeur of the moment.

"Carbreyghal, please take Cole to his grand chair." After Cole had been seated, there was only one empty grand chair remaining, Wiskee to the left of it and Cole to the right. "And now, Princess Iona, please step forward." Iona felt her heartbeat flutter, her skin jitter with nerves, and her belly fill with butterflies. She moved forward and stood, staring into SUL's eyes.

The long-lasting applause dwindled. "You were born a girl of dreams. Uncountable things complicated your life on Earth, but you now stand before Me, living your dreams. Your body was stricken with chronic pain and fever. You were devastated at the news that you would never be able to bear children. You suffered the loss of your family, which smothered your love for life and caused you to discard your love for all living things. But I, SUL, your Creator, the Grand Wizard of all that is Good, was with you through it all. I saw, buried deep within you, things that no one else could see–not Cole, not even you–until now. I saw a girl who was willing to fight for her family, a girl unwilling to give up on an endless and tiresome search for them. I saw a girl standing in front of a mirror ready to end it all, but I knew she'd find it within herself to abandon the ideation. I saw a pitiful homeless girl put her trust in someone she'd never met."

Iona saw The Man Behind The Dumpster blush from the third row.

"I saw a girl who longed to love but was afraid that, by doing so, she might end up losing again. I saw inside a girl who once trusted Me but had buried the trust so deeply, she thought she had forfeited her relationship with Me. I saw a girl who would come to Maycly to fight and win a battle for her family, her friends, and her land–a fight she fought to the death!" The crowd was awestruck as SUL went on to explain in detail what had happened to Iona on the battlefield.

"On the day I was executed so brutally by FAZ, I saw, in My death, the birth of the girl whom I had prophesied to be our queen." SUL paused and admired Iona; only sniffles were heard coming from the crowd. SUL pulled from His own sheath the purple lightning bolt. He held it before Iona. "Behold this bolt that shall be your crown." He let go the bolt, and it hovered horizontally in mid air. He made motions with both of His hands, and the lightning bolt rose higher. It rotated slowly, each rotation tilting it more and more until it was spinning vertically. Lightning shot from the top of the bolt, and sparkles jutted upward then fell like fireworks, stopping at the bottom of the bolt where they began to swirl. The bolt turned itself again to the horizontal position and began to take the shape of a circle. As it spun slowly, gems appeared from the sparkles and inlaid themselves within the circling bolt. The ends of the bolt met with a burst when they connected. The sparkles faded, and hovering in the air was Iona's crown, a deep purple headpiece trimmed in gold and silver, adorned with gems.

"Jit, Giddy, if you will." They and fifteen other Sprites flew the crown to Iona, suspending it just above her head. "It is with the most extreme honor, I, SUL, crown you, Princess Iona...Queen of Maycly!" SUL removed her tiara then took the crown from the Sprites and placed the magnificent piece upon her head. Iona turned and waved with gallantry to the crowd, making certain she blew kisses to her family and friends.

"From this moment forward, Good has been restored on Maycly!"

Iona felt her feet leave the ground as Carbreyghal lifted her and carried her around the ballroom. The adults lifted their young ones into the air, and Iona touched every one of their tiny hands as they flew by. Then Carbreyghal brought her back and lowered her to the stage.

SUL spoke. "Please, Queen Iona, take your seat upon the grand chair between Wiskee and Cole."

Iona saw that her throne sat a level above theirs and requested it be lowered, as she could not see fit to put herself above them. The riser magically lowered itself to the level of Wiskee's and Cole's chairs at the Queen's request. Humbled, Queen Iona took her seat, looked up, and watched her favorite, the acrobatic phydeaux phlyers.

Several crowd members came to the bottom of the stage's stairs to greet their new court, but Iona would not stand for that and invited them onto the stage. A long line formed with Iona's family and friends granted "front of the line" privileges by all. Wiskee, loving every minute of making new friends with chukkons, wightlings, and other animals, gave away more kisses than Iona ever thought possible.

Music began to play; some danced, others watched. The Man Behind The Dumpster gladly greeted all the ladies and offered to be their dance partner and/or dinner escort. The fiery castle sentinels could be heard over the hoopla all the way from the throne room, bellowing their approval of their new queen. Jit and Giddy frolicked with the other Sprites. Iona saw etherealians and the Archaels flying high above the crystal ceiling.

When SUL received word from the kitchen, He announced with pleasure, "Let the feasting begin!" He smiled at Iona, Cole, and Wiskee then left the stage to walk with the Mayclysians to the feasting hall.

Wiskee leapt from his royal chair. "Cannonball!" He landed in the arms of Grampa Leonard, who was lingering at the bottom of the stairs with Ann, admiring his little Sunshine. Iona winked and blew her Moonshine a kiss. He returned the actions.

Wiskee was ready to eat. "Momma! Papa! We'll save you a seat!"

Iona and Cole remained seated as everyone made their exits. They could hear Wiskee talking all the way to the feasting hall. They could not help but laugh at The Man Behind The Dumpster when he did his famous barn dance moves as he winged his way toward the exit. Charleo, Keegan, and Artie saluted Iona and Cole from the back of the room. Just before they ducked out of site, Charleo, who was not paying attention when he turned, bumped into Keegan, who bumped into Artie, and they fell like dominoes. Immediately Charleo jumped to his feet and straightened himself, glaring at the other two, who were laughing hilariously.

"Charleo...are you kidding me? That'll be funny tomorrow!" shouted Iona from the stage.

When the last guest exited the ballroom, Iona and Cole enjoyed a quiet moment together, holding hands and staring into each others eyes. Iona leaned toward Cole, not for a kiss, but to whisper to him, "We're going to have a baby."

THE END

EXTRAS

CHUKKON FAMILY TREE

for **Charleo, Keegan, Jobi,** and **Artie**

(if no age is listed next to a name, that chukkon aged to the full 317 years)

**Ensio** _(first male chukkonette brought to SUL from the Birthing Waters on Maycly)_

**Rachana** _(first female chukkonette on Maycly, brought from Ensio's rib, named by Ensio, given as a gift to Ensio from SUL to become Ensio's wife)_

**Charleo** _(first chukkonette brought to Ensio and Rachana from the Birthing Waters on Maycly)_

Marlen: wife of Charleo

Chukkonettes: Denton _(stopped aging at 16)_ and Dittle _(stopped aging at 11)_

**Keegan** _(seventy-ninth chukkonette brought to Ensio and Rachana from the Birthing Waters on Maycly)_

Mitzy: wife of Keegan

Chukkonettes: Karla and Maye

Karla: wife of Frederick - no chukkonettes

Maye: wife of Dellmare

Chukkonettes: Hobber and Utoollie

Hobber: husband of Shasstahe

Chukkonettes: Jabber _(stopped aging at 10)_ and Maundy _(stopped aging at 14)_

Utoollie: wife of Benttlee

Chukkonettes: Nelton and Santie

Nelton _(remained single)_

Santie: wife of Hoover - no chukkonettes

**Jobi** _(one hundredth chukkonette brought to Ensio and Rachana from the Birthing Waters on Maycly)_

Ginger: wife of Jobi

Chukkonettes: Rancher, Normie, Kreet, and Bolgar

Rancher: husband of Miffy

Chukkonettes: Buck, Triker, and Squeakie

Buck: husband of Rafeedae

Chukkonettes: _(twins)_ Peawea and Paulie _(stopped aging at 17)_

Triker: husband of Rafeedae

Chukkonettes: Tusker and Schleggey

Tusker: hasband of Tynee

Chukkonettes: Huzzer _(stopped aging at 10)_

Schleggy: husband of Doraree

Chukkonettes: Oggarell, Vinnee, Yarkle, Ethorpe, Tzirker

Squeakie: wife of Cyndar

Chukkonettes: Buschery, Langmar, and Webbley

Buschery: _(remained single)_

Langmar: _(stopped aging at 5)_

Webbley: husband of Crellmae - no chukkonettes

Normie: husband of Blanche

Chukkonettes: Amadda, Belfort, Granger, and Plumzy

Amadda: wife of Jakely

Chukkonettes: Kylie _(stopped aging at 8),_ Maskette _(stopped aging at 9)_

Belfort: _(remained single)_

Granger: husband of Maeble

Chukkonettes: Scuthers _(stopped aging at 19),_ Corkie _(stopped aging at 6)_

Plumzy: wife of Gordie - no chukkonettes

Kreet: _(remained single)_

Bolgar: husband of Daizee

Chukkonettes: Heppner

Heppner: husband of Aialee

Chukkonettes: Zugger

Zugger: husband of Petals

Chukkonettes: Roopetty, Johann, Pristine, and Grewger

Roopetty: _(remained single)_

Johann: _(stopped aging at 13)_

Pristine: _(stopped aging at 5)_

Grewger: husband to Beety

Chukkonettes: Mallee and Sterling

Mallee: wife to Brettley - no chukkonettes

Sterling: husband to Beffery

Chukkonettes: Quaeggle: _(stopped aging at 9)_

**Artie:** _(last chukkonette brought to Ensio and Rachana from the Birthing Waters on Maycly; remained single)_

BONUS RECIPE

from The Bakery, a restaurant on Maycly

**Raspberry White-Chocolate JUMBO Muffins** **and JUMBO Cupcakes**

4 c Pillsbury® BEST® Unbleached All Purpose Flour

1 small box Sugar-Free Jell-O® Brand Instant Pudding & PieFilling – white chocolate flavor

3 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 c Breakstone's® Sour Cream

2 T raspberry flavoring

1/2 c buttermilk

2 tsp vanilla extract

3 Bakers® Premium White Chocolate Baking Squares (1 oz each), melted

1/2 c Crisco® Butter-Flavor Shortening

1 c Domino® Pure Cane Granulated Sugar _(white Baking Splenda® may be substituted)_

1 c packed Domino® Light Brown Sugar _(brown Baking Splenda® may be substituted)_

4 eggs

1/2 c Nestle® Premier White Morsels

1/2 c dried red raspberries

For **muffins,** _White Sugar Crumb Topping_ (recipe follows)

For **cupcakes,** Pillsbury® Creamy Supreme® Vanilla Frosting

Preheat oven to 375º F.

You will need three separate bowls.

1. In the first bowl whisk by hand the first 5 ingredients to make the DRY MIX.

2. In the second bowl whisk by hand the next 5 ingredients to make the LIQUID MIX.

3. Set an electric mixer with paddle attachment on medium speed, and in the third bowl cream together the shortening and both sugars.

4. Reduce speed to medium-low and alternate adding LIQUID MIX and DRY MIX.

5. Reduce speed to low and add the eggs—one at a time.

6. Fold in the dried red raspberries and white morsels just until mixed. DO NOT OVER MIX.

7. Line the jumbo muffin/cupcake cups with jumbo papers and fill to within 1/2 inch of the top; tap the baking pan on the counter to release air bubbles.

8. For muffins, sprinkle with White Sugar Crumb Topping (see recipe below).

9. Bake one pan at a time on the center rack of the oven for 25-30 minutes (oven temperatures/times may vary). To test if the muffins/cupcakes are done, a toothpick inserted in the center of one near the middle of the pan should come out clean.

10. Remove the pan from the oven. CAUTION—PAN WILL BE HOT!

11. Allow the muffins/cupcakes to stand in the pan for a few minutes, then remove them from the pan and place them on a cooling rack.

For muffins: They may be served warm. If not serving immediately, allow to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze within 4 hours to preserve freshness. About an hour before serving, remove desired number of muffins from the freezer and thaw.

For cupcakes: Allow to cool completely before frosting. If saving them for later, DO NOT frost, but rather wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze within 4 hours to preserve freshness. About an hour before serving, remove desired number of cupcakes from the freezer and thaw. Frost the cupcakes and top with additional dried chopped raspberries just prior to serving. Tip: Peaks of cupcakes may be sliced off to provide a flat surface for decorating. Save the tops to be served separately or use them in other dishes (such as trifles).

White Sugar Crumb Topping

(may be made ahead of time and refrigerated; will keep in the refrigerator for several days)

With pastry blender or fork, combine the following to a crumb consistency:

1 c Domino® Pure Cane Granulated Sugar

2 tsp clear vanilla extract

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, sliced into pats

3/4 c Domino® Confectioners Sugar

1/2 c Pillsbury® BEST® Unbleached All Purpose Flour

This recipe is from the _HIDDEN EARTH Volume I Maycly_ companion cookbook, _More than Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup_ , which contains menus and recipes from five of the restaurants on Maycly, along with each restaurant's history and a multitude of captioned photos and drawings. It is available at http://www.AuthorJanetBeasley.com

Would you like to learn more about the characters, dwellings, flora, and fauna on Maycly? You can find in-depth descriptions and other information in the _HIDDEN EARTH Volume I Maycly_ companion book, _The Chukkons Say, "Ye Need ta Be a-Seein' Maycly."_ The book, in FULL COLOR with FULL-SIZED ILLUSTRATIONS, is available at http://www.AuthorJanetBeasley.com

